EP0899022B1 - Method for controlling the exhaust system of an electrostatic powder coating installation and electrostatic powder coating installation - Google Patents

Method for controlling the exhaust system of an electrostatic powder coating installation and electrostatic powder coating installation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0899022B1
EP0899022B1 EP98113601A EP98113601A EP0899022B1 EP 0899022 B1 EP0899022 B1 EP 0899022B1 EP 98113601 A EP98113601 A EP 98113601A EP 98113601 A EP98113601 A EP 98113601A EP 0899022 B1 EP0899022 B1 EP 0899022B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coating
powder
mass flow
workpiece
suction system
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP98113601A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0899022A1 (en
Inventor
Kurt Seitz
Markus Hasler
Horst Dr. Adams
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Wagner International AG
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Wagner International AG
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05BSPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B14/00Arrangements for collecting, re-using or eliminating excess spraying material
    • B05B14/40Arrangements for collecting, re-using or eliminating excess spraying material for use in spray booths
    • B05B14/48Arrangements for collecting, re-using or eliminating excess spraying material for use in spray booths specially adapted for particulate material

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for operating a electrostatic powder coating system according to the generic term of claim 1 and an electrostatic powder coating installation, who can work according to this procedure the preamble of claim 6.
  • a method and a corresponding device is known from US 3870375.
  • Coating booth with vertical slots in the side wall are provided. Coating guns spray through these slots the coating medium on the workpiece.
  • the workpieces to be coated can have different shapes and have sizes, e.g. B. narrow bridges, large closed areas, cavities, undercuts etc. Um the efficiency when applying the coating medium optimize, i.e. to as little coating powder as possible spraying past the workpiece, the cloud shape of a coating gun dispensed coating powder can be varied. Nevertheless, depending on the shape of the workpiece more or less coating powder not on the Impact the workpiece surface or do not stick there. The excess coating powder is a powder cloud in the coating booth, a part collects on Floor and walls of the cabin.
  • the Coating cabins usually have an extraction system.
  • the invention has for its object a method for Operate a powder coating system and a powder coating system specify where the extraction system with optimal efficiency works.
  • the invention is based on the knowledge that in modern Powder coating systems admit the powder cloud to the Shape and size of the workpiece can be adjusted, but that always a certain percentage of the coating powder will not get onto the workpiece surface or there does not stick. Starting from the whole, from everyone The amount of powder delivered to coating equipment can be the proportion of the excess powder based on experience can be estimated, and the performance of the suction system adapted to the amount of powder expected to be extracted. When it detects that powder dispensing has stopped or stopped the suction system can still be used during a continue to run for a certain delay and it then switches automatically.
  • the method according to the invention ensures that that the suction system always with the necessary suction power works to accumulate the excess Prevent coating powder in the coating booth; on the other hand, the energy requirements of the extraction system, which can be quite significant in large coating booths can, reduced to the minimum necessary because the Extraction system automatically switched off during the spray breaks will, and because they always only with the performance just necessary is working.
  • the powder coating system according to the invention has a measuring device for the powder mass flow in the or each coating device and an actuating device for the suction system.
  • the measuring device is preferably in the coating device integrated or arranged close to this.
  • facilities for measuring a powder mass flow which are suitable for the purposes of the present invention are in the DE-A-4 406 046 and DE-A-195 50 112 described on the Reference is made.
  • FIG. 1 shows an electrostatic powder coating system, in which the method according to the invention are implemented can.
  • This powder coating system is more detailed in the German patent application "control system of a coating system" the same applicant with the same filing date described. To the disclosure of this patent application and in particular the explanation of the network structure becomes a reference taken.
  • Fig. 1 there are several (five) coating modules each a digital control device 60, an injector actuator 64 and a spray gun 66 shown are connected via a gun bus 62. These coating modules form self-regulating functional units, which their respective control signals from the digital control device 60 received. Information necessary for the regulation about the control unit receives the operating state of the coating system 60 via an internal bus 80.
  • the multiple coating modules are via the internal bus 80 with each other, with a central control unit 82 and connected to other components of the system.
  • modules that can be connected to the internal bus are e.g. a hatch control module 86, a powder level control module 88, a position control module 90 and a motion control module 92.
  • the central control unit 82 supplies the powder coating system with electrical power and compressed air. Further can the entire system in this control unit Emergency shutdown.
  • the gap control module 86 is used to switch off the spray guns in the gaps between workpieces 200 or workpiece parts.
  • the powder level control module 88 monitors the Level in a powder storage container.
  • the position control module 90 controls the position of the spray guns in the z direction, i.e. the distance from spray gun 66 to workpiece 200.
  • the motion control module 92 controls vertical stroke and Speed of up and down movement of the spray guns 66 depending on the height and speed of the coating Workpiece 200.
  • a powder center is via an external bus 100 102 with a powder storage container 104, a layer thickness measuring and control device 107, 108 and a suction control 109 for an extraction system 114 for a powder recovery system 110, a parts recognition and identification device 111, a conveyor clock 112, a control device 106 for cabin cleaning and an associated one Cleaning device 116 connected.
  • the suction control 109 contains a fan control, at which the speed of a suction fan in the Extraction system 114 and thus the performance of the extraction system can be adjusted.
  • the suction control 109 receives over the buses 100, 80 from the digital control units 60 necessary information about the from the coating equipment 66 emitted powder mass flows to the suction line adjust accordingly or activate the suction system and disable.
  • the individual components configured as LON nodes are able to register themselves in the system, other system components recognize, adjust to them and with them communicate. You can see the information about each Operating conditions of the coating system they received via bus 80 or 100, evaluated automatically and use.
  • FIG. 2 shows schematically an embodiment of a coating device 66 with integrated quantity sensor 50, integrated Speed sensor 52 and integrated high-voltage cascade 58.
  • a delivery line 10 Via a delivery line 10 is the coating device 66 a set, metered powder-air flow supplied with a nozzle 46 with a baffle 48 is issued.
  • a high voltage generator which is shown schematically as a high-voltage cascade 58, a high voltage is generated and via a line 56 and an electrode (not shown) in the powder-air flow, to electrically charge the powder particles.
  • a ground line 54 for grounding the Coating device 66 shown.
  • the quantity sensor 50 and the speed sensor 52 serve to determine the powder density or powder speed in the conveyor line 10. They are below with reference to Figures 3 and 4 explained in more detail.
  • FIGS. 3a and 3b show an embodiment of a microwave resonator 36 of the powder quantity sensor for determination the amount of powder per unit volume in the delivery line 10.
  • the delivery line is not electrically conductive, it will from the powder-air flow in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 3a flows through.
  • the resonator 36 has shielding against interference fields a metal cylinder 38 to which an RF input 40 and a RF output 42 for coupling microwaves or for taking off the resonator voltage are provided.
  • the resonator 44 is in the form of a Helix or coil, which is wound around the delivery line 10 is. This resonator takes up very little space, so that it can be integrated directly into the spray gun 66 can. With the helical resonator, a very precisely defined resonance and thus achieve a high quality.
  • the helix resonator can e.g. as a thin film metal layer 44 are evaporated onto the delivery line 10, or a wire helix can be used.
  • the resonance frequency of the resonator is measured and his goodness. These sizes are from the dielectric constant and the absorption (the loss factor) in the Resonance range dependent. The changes in the dielectric constant and the absorption are proportional to the change the amount of powder in the resonance range or resonance volume. It follows that a change in the amount of powder in Resonance volume for a shift in the resonance frequency and leads to a change in goodness. By measuring the Resonance frequency or the quality, can thus directly on the Powder quantity in the resonance volume can be inferred. The Method for determining the powder mass in the resonance volume is with further details in DE-A-44 06 046 and DE-A-196 50 112.
  • Figure 4 shows schematically the structure of the speed measuring device.
  • On the delivery line 10 are at a distance D two measuring electrodes 12, 14 attached, which over Signal lines 16, 18 and an amplifier 20 connected are.
  • the outputs 22, 24 of the amplifier 20 are with a Measured value evaluation device 26 connected.
  • the measuring electrodes consist of 12, 14 of copper rings around the delivery line 10 are laid around.
  • the signal line 16, 18 and the amplifier 20 are grounded Shields 30, 32 and 34 respectively.
  • the powder particles of the transported through the plastic line 10 Powder-air flow is charged by friction electrostatically with the plastic tubing. These charges influence, or induce, in the measuring electrodes 12, 14 voltages applied to the measuring amplifier 20 be directed.
  • the speed measurement method is in more detail described in DE-A-44 06 046.
  • the amount sensor 50 and the Speed sensor 52 can thus the amount of powder and the powder speed can be determined to the total powder mass flow to determine who is at any time from is delivered to all coating equipment.
  • the method according to the invention proceeds as follows.
  • a Workpiece 200 passes through the coating booth 120 and the Coating guns 66 coating powder to the workpiece release, the powder mass flow of each coating device continuously captures and this information is via the respective control units 60 on the bus 80 other modules of the system.
  • the information over the whole of all coating equipment dispensed powder mass flow is therefore at the entrance at any time the suction control 109 is available so that this Set the suction power of the suction system 114 accordingly can.
  • the suction control also use this information to control the Extraction system to the expected amount of excess Adjust powder.
  • the suction control 109 switches the suction system 114 does not stop immediately, but leaves it still during an adjustable run-on time to continue working around the powder cloud, which is formed in the coating booth 21 has to aspirate as completely as possible.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer elektrostatischen Pulverbeschichtungsanlage gemäß dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1 und eine elektrostatische Pulverbeschichtungsanlage, die nach diesem Verfahren arbeiten kann gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 6. Ein derartiges Verfahren und eine entsprechende Vorrichtung ist aus US 3870375 bekannt.The invention relates to a method for operating a electrostatic powder coating system according to the generic term of claim 1 and an electrostatic powder coating installation, who can work according to this procedure the preamble of claim 6. Such a method and a corresponding device is known from US 3870375.

Bei den üblichen elektrostatischen Pulverbeschichtungsanlagen läuft ein Werkstück in horizontaler Richtung durch eine Beschichtungskabine, in deren Seitenwand vertikale Schlitze vorgesehen sind. Durch diese Schlitze sprühen Beschichtungspistolen das Beschichtungsmedium auf das Werkstück.With the usual electrostatic powder coating systems runs a workpiece in a horizontal direction Coating booth with vertical slots in the side wall are provided. Coating guns spray through these slots the coating medium on the workpiece.

Die zu beschichtenden Werkstücke können verschiedene Formen und Größen haben, sie haben z. B. schmale Stege, große geschlossene Flächen, Hohlräumen, Hinterschneidungen etc. Um den Wirkungsgrad beim Auftragen des Beschichtungsmediums zu optimieren, d.h. um möglichst wenig Beschichtungspulver an dem Werkstück vorbeizusprühen, kann die Wolkenform des von einer Beschichtungspistole abgegebenen Beschichtungspulvers variiert werden. Gleichwohl wird je nach Gestalt des Werkstückes mehr oder weniger Beschichtungspulver nicht auf die Werkstückoberfläche auftreffen bzw. nicht dort haften bleiben. Das überschüssige Beschichtungspulver steht als Pulverwolke in der Beschichtunskabine, ein Teil sammelt sich am Boden und den Wänden der Kabine an.The workpieces to be coated can have different shapes and have sizes, e.g. B. narrow bridges, large closed areas, cavities, undercuts etc. Um the efficiency when applying the coating medium optimize, i.e. to as little coating powder as possible spraying past the workpiece, the cloud shape of a coating gun dispensed coating powder can be varied. Nevertheless, depending on the shape of the workpiece more or less coating powder not on the Impact the workpiece surface or do not stick there. The excess coating powder is a powder cloud in the coating booth, a part collects on Floor and walls of the cabin.

Um das überschüssige Beschichtungspulver zu entfernen und die Pulveransammlung weitgehend zu vermeiden, weisen die Beschichtungskabinen üblicherweise eine Absauganlage auf.To remove the excess coating powder and avoid the powder accumulation largely, the Coating cabins usually have an extraction system.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Pulverbeschichtungsanlage und eine Pulverbeschichtungsanlage anzugeben, bei denen die Absauganlage mit optimalem Wirkungsgrad arbeitet.The invention has for its object a method for Operate a powder coating system and a powder coating system specify where the extraction system with optimal efficiency works.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen von Anspruch 1 sowie eine Pulverbeschichtungsanlage mit den Merkmalen von Anspruch 6 gelöst.This task is accomplished by a method with the characteristics of Claim 1 and a powder coating system with the Features of claim 6 solved.

Der Erfindung liegt die Erkenntnis zugrunde, daß bei modernen Pulverbeschichtungsanlagen die Pulverwolke zwar an die Form und Größe des Werkstücks angepaßt werden kann, daß aber immer ein gewissen Prozentsatz des Beschichtungspulvers nicht auf die Werkstückoberfläche gelangen wird bzw. dort nicht haften bleibt. Ausgehend von der gesamten, von allen Beschichtungsgeräten abgegebenen Pulvermenge kann der Anteil des überschüssigen Pulvers aufgrund von Erfahrungswerten abgeschätzt werden, und die Leistung der Absauganlage wird an die voraussichtlich abzusaugende Pulvermenge angepaßt. Wenn erkannt wird, daß die Pulverabgabe beendet oder unterbrochen wurde, kann die Absauganlage noch während einer gewissen Nachlaufzeit weiter laufen und sie schaltet danach automatisch ab.The invention is based on the knowledge that in modern Powder coating systems admit the powder cloud to the Shape and size of the workpiece can be adjusted, but that always a certain percentage of the coating powder will not get onto the workpiece surface or there does not stick. Starting from the whole, from everyone The amount of powder delivered to coating equipment can be the proportion of the excess powder based on experience can be estimated, and the performance of the suction system adapted to the amount of powder expected to be extracted. When it detects that powder dispensing has stopped or stopped the suction system can still be used during a continue to run for a certain delay and it then switches automatically.

Durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wird einerseits sichergestellt, daß die Absauganlage immer mit der nötigen Saugleistung arbeitet, um eine Ansammlung des überschüssigen Beschichtungspulvers in der Beschichtungskabine zu verhindern; andererseits wird der Energiebedarf der Absauganlage, der bei großen Beschichtungskabinen ganz erheblich sein kann, auf das minimal notwendige Maß reduziert, weil die Absauganlage in den Sprühpausen automatisch abgeschaltet wird, und weil sie immer nur mit der gerade notwendigen Leistung arbeitet.On the one hand, the method according to the invention ensures that that the suction system always with the necessary suction power works to accumulate the excess Prevent coating powder in the coating booth; on the other hand, the energy requirements of the extraction system, which can be quite significant in large coating booths can, reduced to the minimum necessary because the Extraction system automatically switched off during the spray breaks will, and because they always only with the performance just necessary is working.

Die Pulverbeschichtungsanlage gemäß der Erfindung weist eine Meßeinrichtung für dem Pulvermassenstrom in dem oder jedem Beschichtungsgerät und eine Stelleinrichtung für die Absauganlage auf.The powder coating system according to the invention has a measuring device for the powder mass flow in the or each coating device and an actuating device for the suction system.

Die Meßeinrichtung ist vorzugsweise in das Beschichtungsgerät integriert oder nahe bei diesem angeordnet. Einrichtungen zum Messen eines Pulvermassenstroms, die sich für die Zwecke der vorliegenden Erfindung eignen, sind in der DE-A-4 406 046 und der DE-A-195 50 112 beschrieben, auf die Bezug genommen wird.The measuring device is preferably in the coating device integrated or arranged close to this. facilities for measuring a powder mass flow, which are suitable for the purposes of the present invention are in the DE-A-4 406 046 and DE-A-195 50 112 described on the Reference is made.

Die Erfindung ist im folgenden anhand eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels mit Bezug auf die Zeichnungen näher erläutert. In den Figuren zeigt:

Figur 1
eine elektrostatische Pulverbeschichtungsanlagemäß der Erfindung;
Figur 2
zeigt ein Beschichtungsgerät mit integriertem Mengensensor und Geschwindigkeitssensor für die Pulverbeschichtungsanlage der Figur 1;
Figuren 3a und 3b
zeigen eine Außenansicht bzw. eine schematische Teilschnittdarstellung eines Mikrowellenresonators des Mengensensors der Figur 2;
Figur 4
zeigt eine detailiertere Darstellung des Geschwindigkeitssensors der Figur 2;
The invention is explained below with reference to a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. The figures show:
Figure 1
an electrostatic powder coating system according to the invention;
Figure 2
shows a coating device with integrated quantity sensor and speed sensor for the powder coating system of Figure 1;
Figures 3a and 3b
show an external view and a schematic partial sectional view of a microwave resonator of the quantity sensor of Figure 2;
Figure 4
shows a more detailed representation of the speed sensor of Figure 2;

Figur 1 zeigt eine elektrostatische Pulverbeschichtungsanlage, bei der das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren umgesetzt werden kann. Diese Pulverbeschichtungsanlage ist ausführlicher in der deutschen Patentanmeldung "Steuersystem einer Beschichtungsanlage" derselben Anmelderin mit demselben Anmeldetag beschrieben. Auf die Offenbarung dieser Patentanmeldung und insbesondere die Erläuterung der Netzwerkstruktur wird Bezug genommen.FIG. 1 shows an electrostatic powder coating system, in which the method according to the invention are implemented can. This powder coating system is more detailed in the German patent application "control system of a coating system" the same applicant with the same filing date described. To the disclosure of this patent application and in particular the explanation of the network structure becomes a reference taken.

In Fig. 1 sind mehrere (fünf) Beschichtungsmodule aus jeweils einem digitalen Steuergerät 60, einer Injektor-Stelleinrichtung 64 und einer Sprühpistole 66 dargestellt, die über eine Pistolenbus 62 verbunden sind. Diese Beschichtungsmodule bilden selbstregelnde Funktionseinheiten, welche ihre jeweiligen Steuersignale von dem digitalen Steuergerät 60 erhalten. Für die Regelung notwendige Informationen über den Betriebszustand der Beschichtungsanlage erhält das Steuergerät 60 über einen internen Bus 80.In Fig. 1 there are several (five) coating modules each a digital control device 60, an injector actuator 64 and a spray gun 66 shown are connected via a gun bus 62. These coating modules form self-regulating functional units, which their respective control signals from the digital control device 60 received. Information necessary for the regulation about the control unit receives the operating state of the coating system 60 via an internal bus 80.

Über den internen Bus 80 sind die mehreren Beschichtungsmodule miteinander, mit einer zentralen Steuereinheit 82 sowie mit weiteren Komponenten des Systems verbunden. Zusätzliche, an den internen Bus anschließbaren Module sind z.B. ein Lükkensteuermodul 86, ein Pulverpegelsteuermodul 88, ein Positionssteuermodul 90 und ein Bewegungssteuermodul 92.The multiple coating modules are via the internal bus 80 with each other, with a central control unit 82 and connected to other components of the system. additional, modules that can be connected to the internal bus are e.g. a hatch control module 86, a powder level control module 88, a position control module 90 and a motion control module 92.

Der interne Bus 80 ist ebenso wie der Pistolenbus 62 vorzugsweise ein LON-Bus, die digitale Steuereinheiten 62 und die Module sind als LON-Netzwerkknoten konfiguriert und besitzen eine LON-Schnittstelle für die Verbindung mit dem LON-Bus (LON = local area network).Internal bus 80, like gun bus 62, is preferred a LON bus, the digital control units 62 and the modules are configured as LON network nodes and have a LON interface for connection to the LON bus (LON = local area network).

Die zentrale Steuereinheit 82 versorgt die Pulverbeschichtungsanlage mit elektrischer Leistung und Druckluft. Ferner läßt sich über diese Steuereinheit die gesamte Anlage im Störfalle notabschalten.The central control unit 82 supplies the powder coating system with electrical power and compressed air. Further can the entire system in this control unit Emergency shutdown.

Das Lückensteuermodul 86 dient zum Ausschalten der Sprühpistolen in den Lücken zwischen Werkstücken 200 oder Werkstückteilen. Das Pulverpegelsteuermodul 88 überwacht den Pegelstand in einem Pulvervorratsbehälter. Das Positionssteuermodul 90 steuert die Position der Sprühpistolen in z-Richtung, d.h. den Abstand von Sprühpistole 66 zu Werkstück 200. Das Bewegungssteuermodul 92 steuert Vertikalhub und Geschwindigkeit der Auf- und Abwärtsbewegung der Sprühpistolen 66 abhängig von der Höhe und Geschwindigkeit des zu beschichtenden Werkstücks 200.The gap control module 86 is used to switch off the spray guns in the gaps between workpieces 200 or workpiece parts. The powder level control module 88 monitors the Level in a powder storage container. The position control module 90 controls the position of the spray guns in the z direction, i.e. the distance from spray gun 66 to workpiece 200. The motion control module 92 controls vertical stroke and Speed of up and down movement of the spray guns 66 depending on the height and speed of the coating Workpiece 200.

Weiterhin sind über einen externen Bus 100 ein Pulverzentrum 102 mit einem Pulvervorratsbehälter 104, eine Schichtdickenmeß- und Regeleinrichtung 107, 108 und eine Absaugsteuerung 109 für eine Absauganlage 114 für ein Pulverrückgewinnungssystem 110, eine Teileerkennungs- und Identifikationseinrichtung 111, ein Fördertaktgeber 112, eine Steuereinrichtung 106 für die Kabinenreinigung und eine zugehörige Reinigungseinrichtung 116 angeschlossen.Furthermore, a powder center is via an external bus 100 102 with a powder storage container 104, a layer thickness measuring and control device 107, 108 and a suction control 109 for an extraction system 114 for a powder recovery system 110, a parts recognition and identification device 111, a conveyor clock 112, a control device 106 for cabin cleaning and an associated one Cleaning device 116 connected.

Die Absaugsteuerung 109 enthält eine Ventilatoransteuerung, mit der die Geschwindigkeit eines Absaugventilators in der Absauganlage 114 und somit die Leistung der Absauganlage eingestellt werden kann. Die Absaugsteuerung 109 erhält über die Busse 100, 80 von den digitalen Steuergeräten 60 die notwendige Information über die von den Beschichtungsgeräten 66 abgegebenen Pulvermassenströme, um die Absaugleitung entsprechend einzustellen bzw. die Absauganlage zu aktivieren und zu deaktivieren.The suction control 109 contains a fan control, at which the speed of a suction fan in the Extraction system 114 and thus the performance of the extraction system can be adjusted. The suction control 109 receives over the buses 100, 80 from the digital control units 60 necessary information about the from the coating equipment 66 emitted powder mass flows to the suction line adjust accordingly or activate the suction system and disable.

Die einzelnen Komponenten, die als LON-Knoten konfiguriert sind, können sich im System selbst anmelden, andere Systemkomponenten erkennen, sich auf diese einstellen und mit diesen kommunizieren. Sie können die Information über die jeweiligen Betriebszustände der Beschichtungsanlage, die sie über den Bus 80 oder 100 erhalten, selbsttätig auswerten und nutzen.The individual components configured as LON nodes are able to register themselves in the system, other system components recognize, adjust to them and with them communicate. You can see the information about each Operating conditions of the coating system they received via bus 80 or 100, evaluated automatically and use.

Figur 2 zeigt schematisch eine Ausführungsform eines Beschichtungsgerätes 66 mit integriertem Mengensensor 50, integriertem Geschwindigkeitssensor 52 und integrierter Hochspannungskaskade 58. Über eine Förderleitung 10 wird dem Beschichtungsgerät 66 ein eingestellter, dosierter Pulver-Luft-Strom zugeführt, der bei einer Düse 46 mit einem Prallkörper 48 ausgegeben wird. In einem Hochspannungserzeuger, der schematisch als Hochspannungskaskade 58 dargestellt ist, wird eine Hochspannung erzeugt und über eine Leitung 56 und eine Elektrode (nicht gezeigt) in den Pulver-Luft-Strom geführt, um die Pulverteilchen elektrisch aufzuladen. Ebenfalls in Figur 2 ist eine Masseleitung 54 für die Erdung des Beschichtungsgerätes 66 gezeigt.Figure 2 shows schematically an embodiment of a coating device 66 with integrated quantity sensor 50, integrated Speed sensor 52 and integrated high-voltage cascade 58. Via a delivery line 10 is the coating device 66 a set, metered powder-air flow supplied with a nozzle 46 with a baffle 48 is issued. In a high voltage generator, which is shown schematically as a high-voltage cascade 58, a high voltage is generated and via a line 56 and an electrode (not shown) in the powder-air flow, to electrically charge the powder particles. Likewise in Figure 2 is a ground line 54 for grounding the Coating device 66 shown.

Der Mengensensor 50 und der Geschwindigkeitssensor 52 dienen zur Bestimmung der Pulverdichte bzw. der Pulvergeschwindigkeit in der Förderleitung 10. Sie sind unten mit Bezug auf die Figuren 3 und 4 näher erläutert.The quantity sensor 50 and the speed sensor 52 serve to determine the powder density or powder speed in the conveyor line 10. They are below with reference to Figures 3 and 4 explained in more detail.

Die Figuren 3a und 3b zeigen eine Ausführungsform eines Mikrowellenresonators 36 des Pulvermengensensors zur Bestimmung der Pulvermenge pro Volumeneinheit in der Förderleitung 10. Die Förderleitung ist elektrisch nicht leitend, sie wird von dem Pulver-Luft-Strom in Richtung der Pfeile in Figur 3a durchströmt.FIGS. 3a and 3b show an embodiment of a microwave resonator 36 of the powder quantity sensor for determination the amount of powder per unit volume in the delivery line 10. The delivery line is not electrically conductive, it will from the powder-air flow in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 3a flows through.

Der Resonator 36 hat für die Abschirmung gegen Störfelder einen Metallzylinder 38, an dem ein HF-Eingang 40 und ein HF-Ausgang 42 zur Einkopplung von Mikrowellen bzw. zum Abnehmen der Resonatorspannung vorgesehen sind. Im Inneren des Abschirmzylinders 38 liegt der Resonator 44 in Form einer Helix oder Spule, welche um die Förderleitung 10 gewickelt ist. Dieser Resonator hat einen sehr geringen Platzbedarf, so daß er direkt in die Sprühpistole 66 integriert werden kann. Mit dem helixförmigen Resonator läßt sich eine sehr genau abgegrenzte Resonanz und somit eine hohe Güte erzielen. Der Helix-Resonator kann z.B. als Dünnfilm-Metallschicht 44 auf die Förderleitung 10 aufgedampft werden, oder es kann eine Drahthelix verwendet werden.The resonator 36 has shielding against interference fields a metal cylinder 38 to which an RF input 40 and a RF output 42 for coupling microwaves or for taking off the resonator voltage are provided. Inside the Shielding cylinder 38, the resonator 44 is in the form of a Helix or coil, which is wound around the delivery line 10 is. This resonator takes up very little space, so that it can be integrated directly into the spray gun 66 can. With the helical resonator, a very precisely defined resonance and thus achieve a high quality. The helix resonator can e.g. as a thin film metal layer 44 are evaporated onto the delivery line 10, or a wire helix can be used.

Ein Teil des vom Resonator erzeugten Mikrowellenfeldes dringt durch die Wand der Förderleitung 10 in das Pulver-Luft-Gemisch. Gemessen werden die Resonanzfrequenz des Resonators und seine Güte. Diese Größen sind von der Dielektrizitätskonstante und der Absorption (dem Verlustfaktor) im Resonanzbereich abhängig. Die Änderungen der Dielekrizitätskonstante und der Absorption sind proportional zur Änderung der Pulvermenge im Resonanzbereich oder Resonanzvolumen. Daraus ergibt sich, daß eine Änderung der Pulvermenge im Resonanzvolumen zur einer Verschiebung der Resonanzfrequenz und zu einer Veränderung der Güte führt. Durch Messen der Resonanzfrequenz bzw. der Güte, kann somit direkt auf die Pulvermenge im Resonanzvolumen zurückgeschlossen werden. Das Verfahren zum Bestimmen der Pulvermasse im Resonanzvolumen ist mit weiteren Einzelheiten in der DE-A-44 06 046 und der DE-A-196 50 112 beschrieben.Part of the microwave field generated by the resonator penetrates through the wall of the delivery line 10 into the powder-air mixture. The resonance frequency of the resonator is measured and his goodness. These sizes are from the dielectric constant and the absorption (the loss factor) in the Resonance range dependent. The changes in the dielectric constant and the absorption are proportional to the change the amount of powder in the resonance range or resonance volume. It follows that a change in the amount of powder in Resonance volume for a shift in the resonance frequency and leads to a change in goodness. By measuring the Resonance frequency or the quality, can thus directly on the Powder quantity in the resonance volume can be inferred. The Method for determining the powder mass in the resonance volume is with further details in DE-A-44 06 046 and DE-A-196 50 112.

Figur 4 zeigt schematisch den Aufbau der Geschwindigkeitsmeßvorrichtung. An der Förderleitung 10 sind mit einem Abstand D zwei Meßelektroden 12, 14 angebracht, welche über Signalleitungen 16, 18 und einen Verstärker 20 verbunden sind. Die Ausgänge 22, 24 des Verstärkers 20 sind mit einer Meßwert-Auswertungsvorrichtung 26 verbunden. Die Meßelektroden bestehen 12, 14 aus Kupferringen, die um die Förderleitung 10 herumgelegt sind. Ferner ist im Meßbereich eine geerdete Abschirmung 48 um die Förderleitung 10 gelegt. Auch die Signalleitung 16, 18 und der Verstärker 20 weisen geerdete Abschirmungen 30, 32 bzw. 34 auf. Figure 4 shows schematically the structure of the speed measuring device. On the delivery line 10 are at a distance D two measuring electrodes 12, 14 attached, which over Signal lines 16, 18 and an amplifier 20 connected are. The outputs 22, 24 of the amplifier 20 are with a Measured value evaluation device 26 connected. The measuring electrodes consist of 12, 14 of copper rings around the delivery line 10 are laid around. There is also a grounded one in the measuring range Shield 48 placed around the conveyor line 10. Also the signal line 16, 18 and the amplifier 20 are grounded Shields 30, 32 and 34 respectively.

Die Pulverpartikel des durch die Kunststoffleitung 10 transportierten Pulver-Luft-Stromes laden sich durch die Reibung mit dem Kunststoff-Schlauchmaterial elektrostatisch auf. Diese Ladungen influenzieren, oder induzieren, in den Meßelektroden 12, 14 Spannungen, die an den Meßverstärker 20 geleitet werden. Der Verstärker mißt und verstärkt die bei den beiden Elektroden 12, 14 erzeugten Influenzspannungen. Der Verlauf dieser zwei Signale stimmt weitgehend überein (Korrelation). Da die Signalverläufe weitgehend übereinstimmen, ist eine eindeutige Bestimmung der Zeitspannen zwischen zwei entsprechenden Signalspitzen möglich, so daß aus der zeitlichen Verzögerung Δt zwischen zwei Signalspitzen und dem Abstand D zwischen den Meßelektroden die Geschwindigkeit v der Pulverpartikel in der Förderleitung 10 berechenbar ist: v = D/Δt.The powder particles of the transported through the plastic line 10 Powder-air flow is charged by friction electrostatically with the plastic tubing. These charges influence, or induce, in the measuring electrodes 12, 14 voltages applied to the measuring amplifier 20 be directed. The amplifier measures and amplifies them the two electrodes 12, 14 generated influenza voltages. The course of these two signals largely coincides (Correlation). Since the waveforms largely match, is a clear determination of the time between two corresponding signal peaks possible, so that from the time delay Δt between two signal peaks and the distance D between the measuring electrodes is the speed v the powder particles in the delivery line 10 can be calculated is: v = D / Δt.

Das Geschwindigkeitsmeßverfahren ist mit weiteren Einzelheiten in der DE-A-44 06 046 beschrieben.The speed measurement method is in more detail described in DE-A-44 06 046.

Mit Hilfe des oben beschriebenen Mengensensors 50 und des Geschwindigkeitssensors 52 können somit die Pulvermenge und die Pulvergeschwindigkeit bestimmt werden, um den Gesamt-Pulvermassenstrom zu ermittlen, der zu jedem Zeitpunkt von allen Beschichtungsgeräten abgegeben wird.With the help of the amount sensor 50 and the Speed sensor 52 can thus the amount of powder and the powder speed can be determined to the total powder mass flow to determine who is at any time from is delivered to all coating equipment.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren läuft wie folgt ab. Wenn ein Werkstück 200 die Beschichtungskabine 120 durchläuft und die Beschichtungspistolen 66 Beschichtungspulver an das Werkstück abgeben, wird der Pulvermassenstrom jedes Beschichtungsgerätes kontinuierliche erfaßt, und diese Information wird über die jeweiligen Steuergeräte 60 auf dem Bus 80 den übrigen Modulen des Systems zur Verfügung gestellt. Die Information über den gesamten von allen Beschichtungsgeräten abgegebenen Pulvermassenstrom steht somit jederzeit am Eingang der Absaugsteuerung 109 zur Verfügung, so daß diese die Absaugleistung der Absauganlage 114 entsprechend einstellen kann. Da bei einem vollautomatisierten System, bei dem die vorliegende Erfindung vorzugsweise eingesetzt wird, auch zu jeder Zeit die Größe und Gestalt des zu beschichtenden Werkstücks 200 sowie die Fördergeschwindigkeit bekannt ist, kann die Absaugsteuerung auch diese Informationen nutzen, um die Absauganlage auf die zu erwartende Menge des überschüssigen Pulvers einzustellen. Wenn nun in Werkstücklücken oder am Ende eines Beschichtungsvorgangs kein Pulvermassenstrom mehr erfaßt wird, schaltet die Absaugsteuerung 109 die Absauganlage 114 nicht sofort ab, sondern läßt diese noch während einer einstellbaren Nachlaufzeit weiterarbeiten, um die Pulverwolke, welche sich in der Beschichtungskabine 21 gebildet hat, möglichst vollständig abzusaugen.The method according to the invention proceeds as follows. When a Workpiece 200 passes through the coating booth 120 and the Coating guns 66 coating powder to the workpiece release, the powder mass flow of each coating device continuously captures and this information is via the respective control units 60 on the bus 80 other modules of the system. The information over the whole of all coating equipment dispensed powder mass flow is therefore at the entrance at any time the suction control 109 is available so that this Set the suction power of the suction system 114 accordingly can. Because with a fully automated system, in which the present invention is preferably used, too the size and shape of the workpiece to be coated at any time 200 as well as the conveying speed is known the suction control also use this information to control the Extraction system to the expected amount of excess Adjust powder. If now in workpiece gaps or on No more powder mass flow at the end of a coating process is detected, the suction control 109 switches the suction system 114 does not stop immediately, but leaves it still during an adjustable run-on time to continue working around the powder cloud, which is formed in the coating booth 21 has to aspirate as completely as possible.

Die in der vorstehenden Beschreibung, den Ansprüchen und der Zeichnung offenbarten Merkmale können sowohl einzeln als auch in beliebiger Kombination für die Realisierung der Erfindung in ihren verschiedenen Ausgestaltungen von Bedeutung sein.The in the above description, the claims and the Features disclosed can be drawn individually as well also in any combination for the implementation of the invention of importance in their various configurations his.

Claims (11)

  1. A method of operating an electrostatic powder coating system comprising at least one coating device (66), a coating compartment (120) and one suction system (109, 114) in the coating compartment, in which a workpiece (200) is passed through the coating compartment, coating powder is delivered by the coating device (66) to the workpiece and excess coating powder is sucked off from the coating compartment (120), characterized in that the powder mass flow of the coating powder delivered by each of the at least one coating device (66) is detected and the suction system (109, 114) is controlled in response to the powder mass flow.
  2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the velocity and the density of the coating powder delivered are measured in each of the at least one coating device (66) and the total powder mass flow is calculated therefrom.
  3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the power of the suction system (109, 114) is adapted to the quantity of the total powder mass flow of the coating device(s) (66).
  4. A method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction system (109, 114) is activated when it is detected that the coating device(s) (66) deliver(s) coating powder, and is deactivated when no coating powder is delivered.
  5. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the suction system (109, 114) is deactivated after a delay time.
  6. An electrostatic powder coating system comprising at least one coating device (66) for delivering an electrostatically charged coating powder to a workpiece (200), a coating compartment (120) through which the workpiece is fed, and a suction system (109, 114) for sucking off excess coating powder from the coating compartment, characterized by a measuring means (50, 52) for determining the powder mass flow of the coating powder delivered by each of the at least one coating device, and an actuator means (109) for setting the suction system in response to the powder mass flow.
  7. A powder coating system according to claim 6, characterized in that the measuring means comprises a velocity measuring device (52) and a mass measuring device (50) in the coating device or each of the at least one coating device.
  8. A powder coating system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the actuator means sets the power of the suction system (109, 114) as a function of the total powder mass flow of the coating device(s) (66).
  9. A powder coating system according to claim 6, characterized in that a plurality of coating devices (66) are provided which are connected to their associated digital control device (60) via a gun bus (62) and form a network node, and that the digital control devices (60) are connected to further components of the coating system via a coating bus (80).
  10. A powder coating system according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuator means is provided as a network node.
  11. A powder coating system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the network nodes are LON nodes.
EP98113601A 1997-09-01 1998-07-21 Method for controlling the exhaust system of an electrostatic powder coating installation and electrostatic powder coating installation Expired - Lifetime EP0899022B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE19738097A DE19738097C2 (en) 1997-09-01 1997-09-01 Method for operating an electrostatic powder coating system and electrostatic powder coating system
DE19738097 1997-09-01

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EP0899022B1 true EP0899022B1 (en) 2003-09-24

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DE19738097C2 (en) 2000-01-27
US6071348A (en) 2000-06-06
EP0899022A1 (en) 1999-03-03
DE19738097A1 (en) 1999-03-04
DE59809700D1 (en) 2003-10-30

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