EP1060795B1 - Control for an electrostatic spray coating apparatus - Google Patents

Control for an electrostatic spray coating apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1060795B1
EP1060795B1 EP00110032A EP00110032A EP1060795B1 EP 1060795 B1 EP1060795 B1 EP 1060795B1 EP 00110032 A EP00110032 A EP 00110032A EP 00110032 A EP00110032 A EP 00110032A EP 1060795 B1 EP1060795 B1 EP 1060795B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
voltage
spray
current
value
coating apparatus
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00110032A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1060795A2 (en
EP1060795A3 (en
Inventor
Felix Mauchle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gema Switzerland GmbH
Original Assignee
Gema Switzerland GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gema Switzerland GmbH filed Critical Gema Switzerland GmbH
Publication of EP1060795A2 publication Critical patent/EP1060795A2/en
Publication of EP1060795A3 publication Critical patent/EP1060795A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1060795B1 publication Critical patent/EP1060795B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B5/00—Electrostatic spraying apparatus; Spraying apparatus with means for charging the spray electrically; Apparatus for spraying liquids or other fluent materials by other electric means
    • B05B5/08—Plant for applying liquids or other fluent materials to objects
    • B05B5/10—Arrangements for supplying power, e.g. charging power

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a spray coating device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a spray coating device of this kind is known from EP 0 734 778 A2 known.
  • a spray coating device in which an operator can enter via a keyboard a desired voltage value and a desired current value, which should be kept constant by a control device.
  • a threshold value is provided for the distance between the spray device and the object to be coated. If the distance is greater than the threshold value, then the high voltage at the high voltage electrode of the spraying device is kept constant independently of the object distance, whereby the spraying current of the high voltage electrode increases with increasing object distance becomes smaller or with decreasing object distance. If the distance is less than the threshold, then the spray current is kept constant independent of changes in distance by counteracting a current increase by a corresponding voltage reduction. Immediately before the object touches the spray device, the high voltage breaks down completely (contact protection).
  • Spray current from the electrode to the object to be coated is indirectly measured by measuring the electric current flowing through a primary winding of a transformer to the secondary winding of which a high voltage cascade circuit with rectifiers and capacitors is connected, which generates the high voltage DC voltage for the electrode.
  • a spray coating device in which an increase in the spray flow when an object to be coated approaches the spray device is counteracted by a corresponding reduction of the high voltage in order to keep the spray flow constant.
  • the spray current is measured indirectly by measuring the current flowing in the secondary winding between the transformer and a high voltage cascade circuit.
  • a spray coating device is known, in which also the input voltage of a high voltage generator is changed inversely to the spraying current, wherein the spraying current is measured indirectly at an electrical resistance upstream of the high voltage electrode by measuring a voltage drop.
  • the invention enables the problem to be solved to avoid the dangers of excessive electrical voltage to the high voltage electrode at a large distance of an electrically conductive object or too high a current or short-circuit current in close proximity of an object to the high voltage electrode, wherein the object be coated object or an operator or other object, and at the same time form the spray coating device such that optimum coating results are achieved with minimal electrical energy expenditure.
  • the invention is particularly advantageous in connection with a counter electrode which is connected to a potential which has a high electrical voltage difference to the high voltage potential of the high voltage electrode, e.g. B. is connected to ground potential to dissipate free electric particles, in particular ions and electrons, which emanate from the Hochspannunselektrode, but freely herumavagundieren, instead of with the spray coating material from the sprayer to the flying object.
  • Counter electrodes are z. B. from the EP 0 756 899 A2 known.
  • the spray coating device shown schematically in Fig. 1 comprises a spraying device 2 for spraying coating material 4 in the form of liquid or preferably powder on an object to be coated 6. It is assumed that the objects to be coated consist of electrically conductive material and connected to ground potential 8 are.
  • the objects 6 are transported in the case of automatic systems through a conveying device, not shown, past the spraying device 2 and thereby reach the spray jet of the coating material 4 schematically represented by an arrow.
  • the spray device 2 is provided with at least one high voltage electrode 10 for electrostatically charging the coating material 4, which is supplied by a high voltage DC voltage source 12 in the range between 1 kV and 150 kV, preferably one therebetween lying value, is supplied.
  • the high voltage generator may include, in a known manner, a transformer for stepping up a low AC voltage to a higher AC voltage and a cascade circuit which in a known manner contains a plurality of rectifiers and capacitors and converts the AC voltage to the DC high voltage.
  • the low alternating voltage is generated by an oscillator 14 in response to a control voltage U-ST, which is a manipulated variable for the high voltage of the high voltage electrode 10.
  • the oscillator 14 may be a part of the high voltage generator 12 and be integrated as such in the spray device 2, or according to FIG. 1 integrated into a control unit, which forms a total of a control device 16.
  • the control device 16 includes an operating parameter memory 18, which via a data transfer path 19 from a data input station, such as a higher-level computer or manually, z. B. via a keyboard, variably adjustable at least one high-voltage limiting value HV-BG and at least one Sprühstrombegrenzungswert I-BG each for the maximum achievable value at the high voltage electrode can be entered and stored therein.
  • a data input station such as a higher-level computer or manually, z. B. via a keyboard
  • variably adjustable at least one high-voltage limiting value HV-BG and at least one Sprühstrombegrenzungswert I-BG each for the maximum achievable value at the high voltage electrode can be entered and stored therein.
  • a plurality of such values can be stored for different operating situations, in particular for different objects to be coated and different spray coating materials.
  • the stored values may be non-settable fixed values in another embodiment.
  • the high voltage limit value HV-BG is input from the operating parameter memory 18 into a high voltage limiting circuit 20.
  • the spray current limit value I-BG is input from the operating parameter memory 18 to a spray current controller 22.
  • the spraying current of the high-voltage electrode 10 flowing from an object 6 to be coated to earth is measured by a spray current circuit 24 on the side of the objects 6 connected to ground 8 and also input into the spray current regulator as the actual spray current value I-S.
  • the spray current controller 22 compares the actual spray current value 1-S- with the spray current limit value I-BG and, in response thereto, generates a high-voltage regulator quantity U-RG which is given by the spray current regulator 22 to the high voltage limit circuit 20.
  • the spray current controller 22 is preferably a P-I controller (proportional-integral controller).
  • the high voltage limiting circuit 20 generates depending on the Hochgêtsbegrenzungswert HV-BG and the high-voltage regulator size U-RG the control voltage U-ST, which is supplied to the oscillator 14 in the form of a DC input voltage and the manipulated variable for the high voltage of the high voltage electrode 10.
  • FIG. 2 shows the spray current in ⁇ A on the horizontal axis and the corresponding high voltage in kV on the vertical axis.
  • the top characteristic 26 with filled squares is a standard characteristic. It shows how in known devices with decreasing distance between the high voltage electrode 10 and an object to be coated 6, the spray current of the high voltage electrode 10 increases and at the same time the high voltage drops.
  • the high voltage has its maximum value at the greatest possible distance or infinitely large distance of the object 6 to be coated or another electrically conductive object from the high-voltage electrode 10.
  • the middle curve 27 with the non-filled squares relates to an embodiment in which the maximum DC high voltage of the high voltage electrode 10 is limited to a maximum value HV-BG of 80 kV, but no current limiting I-BG was made.
  • the spraying device 2 is shown in somewhat more detail. It shows that one or more high voltage electrodes 10 may be disposed outside or within a coating material channel 30. He is coating material, for. As coating powder, via a line 31, z. B. a hose supplied.
  • the spray device 2 with a reference potential, z. Ground potential, connected counterelectrodes 32 (arrester electrodes) may be provided, which absorb free electric charges (ions, electrons), which are discharged from the electrodes 10, and divert them to earth potential. It has been found that substantially less free electrical particles are formed by the invention, in particular free ions, and thus also a lower power loss.
  • the oscillator 14 is connected via an electrical cable 36 to the high voltage generator 12, which is integrated into the spray device 2, but also separated from it, z. B. in the control device 16 could be arranged.

Abstract

The spray coating device has a HV generator (12) for supplying at least one HV electrode (10) of a coating spray (2), with regulation of the electric current carried by the coating material between the coating spray and the coated object, using a regulator (16) with current and voltage limitation functions, supplied with the measured current value by a measuring circuit (24) connected in a feedback path between the coated object and the regulator.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Sprühbeschichtungseinrichtung gemäß dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1.The invention relates to a spray coating device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Eine Sprühbeschichtungseinrichtung dieser Art ist aus der EP 0 734 778 A2 bekannt.A spray coating device of this kind is known from EP 0 734 778 A2 known.

Ferner ist aus der EP 0 160 179 B1 eine Sprühbeschichtungseinrichtung bekannt, bei welcher eine Bedienungsperson über eine Tastatur einen gewünschten Spannungswert und einen gewünschten Stromwert eingeben kann, welche von einer Regeleinrichtung konstant gehalten werden sollen. Dabei ist für den Abstand zwischen der Sprühvorrichtung und dem zu beschichtenden Objekt ein Schwellenwert vorgesehen. Wenn der Abstand größer als der Schwellenwert ist, dann wird die Hochspannung an der Hochspannungselektrode der Sprühvorrichtung unabhängig vom Objektabstand konstant gehalten, wobei der Sprühstrom der Hochspannungselektrode mit zunehmendem Objektabstand kleiner bzw. mit kleiner werdendem Objektabstand größer wird. Wenn der Abstand kleiner als der Schwellenwert ist, dann wird der Sprühstrom unabhängig von Abstandsänderungen konstant gehalten, indem einem Stromanstieg durch eine entsprechende Spannungsreduzierung entgegengewirkt wird. Unmittelbar bevor das Objekt die Sprühvorrichtung berührt, bricht die Hochspannung völlig zusammen (Kontaktschutz). Der Sprühstrom von der Elektrode zu dem zu beschichtenden Objekt wird indirekt gemessen durch Messung des elektrischen Stromes, welcher durch eine Primärwicklung eines Transformators fließt, an dessen Sekundärwicklung eine Hochspannungs-Kaskadenschaltung mit Gleichrichtern und Kondensatoren angschlossen ist, welche die Hochspannungs-Gleichspannung für die Elektrode erzeugt.Furthermore, from the EP 0 160 179 B1 a spray coating device is known in which an operator can enter via a keyboard a desired voltage value and a desired current value, which should be kept constant by a control device. In this case, a threshold value is provided for the distance between the spray device and the object to be coated. If the distance is greater than the threshold value, then the high voltage at the high voltage electrode of the spraying device is kept constant independently of the object distance, whereby the spraying current of the high voltage electrode increases with increasing object distance becomes smaller or with decreasing object distance. If the distance is less than the threshold, then the spray current is kept constant independent of changes in distance by counteracting a current increase by a corresponding voltage reduction. Immediately before the object touches the spray device, the high voltage breaks down completely (contact protection). Of the Spray current from the electrode to the object to be coated is indirectly measured by measuring the electric current flowing through a primary winding of a transformer to the secondary winding of which a high voltage cascade circuit with rectifiers and capacitors is connected, which generates the high voltage DC voltage for the electrode.

Aus der US 4 000 443 ist eine Sprühbeschichtungseinrichtung bekannt, bei welcher einem Anstieg des Sprühstroms, wenn ein zu beschichtendes Objekt sich der Sprühvorrichtung nähert, durch eine entsprechende Reduzierung der Hochspannung entgegengewirkt wird, um den Sprühstrom konstant zu halten. Der Sprühstrom wird indirekt durch Messen des in der Sekundärwicklung zwischen dem Transformator und einer Hochspannungs-Kaskadenschaltung fließenden Stromes gemessen. Aus der EP 0 626 208 B1 ist eine Sprühbeschichtungeinrichtung bekannt, bei welcher ebenfalls die Eingangsspannung eines Hochspannungserzeugers umgekehrt zum Sprühstrom verändert wird, wobei der Sprühstrom an einem der Hochspannungselektrode vorgeschalteten elektrischen Widerstand indirekt gemessen wird, indem ein Spannungsabfall gemessen wird. Aus der GB 2 077 006 A ist es bekannt, einem Stromanstieg des Elektroden-Sprühstromes durch eine entsprechende Spannungsreduzierung der Hochspannung innerhalb eines vorbestimmten Betriebsfensters (operational window) entgegenzuwirken. Aus der US 4 187 527 ist es bekannt, in kurzen Zeitabständen nacheinander gemessene Sprühstrom-Messwerte miteinander zu vergleichen und im Falle eines schnellen Stromanstieges, welcher auf einen Kurzschluß hindeutet, die elektrische Stromversorgung abzuschalten.From the US 4 000 443 A spray coating device is known in which an increase in the spray flow when an object to be coated approaches the spray device is counteracted by a corresponding reduction of the high voltage in order to keep the spray flow constant. The spray current is measured indirectly by measuring the current flowing in the secondary winding between the transformer and a high voltage cascade circuit. From the EP 0 626 208 B1 a spray coating device is known, in which also the input voltage of a high voltage generator is changed inversely to the spraying current, wherein the spraying current is measured indirectly at an electrical resistance upstream of the high voltage electrode by measuring a voltage drop. From the GB 2 077 006 A It is known to counteract a current increase of the electrode spray current by a corresponding voltage reduction of the high voltage within a predetermined operating window. From the US 4,187,527 For example, it is known to compare spray current measured values measured one after the other at short intervals, and to switch off the electrical power supply in the event of a rapid increase in current, which indicates a short circuit.

Aus der EP 0 559 608 B1 ist es bekannt, den elektrischen Sprühstrom, welcher von der Hochspannungselektrode auf das zu beschichtende Objekt fließt, durch ein Strommessgerät zu messen, welches auf einem elektrischen Stromweg zwischen dem zu beschichtenden Objekt und Erdpotential angeordnet ist.From the EP 0 559 608 B1 It is known that the electrical spray current, which flows from the high voltage electrode to the object to be coated, by to measure a current measuring device, which is arranged on an electrical current path between the object to be coated and ground potential.

Durch die Erfindung soll die Aufgabe gelöst werden, die Gefahren einer zu hohen elektrischen Spannung an der Hochspannungselektrode bei einem großen Abstand eines elektrisch leitenden Objektes oder einen zu hohen Strom oder Kurzschlußstrom bei zu naher Annäherung eines Objektes an die Hochspannungselektrode zu vermeiden, wobei das Objekt ein zu beschichtender Gegenstand oder eine Bedienungsperson oder ein anderer Gegenstand sein kann, und gleichzeitig die Sprühbeschichtungseinrichtung derart auszubilden, daß mit geringstem elektrischem Energieaufwand optimale Beschichtungsergebnisse erzielt werden.The invention enables the problem to be solved to avoid the dangers of excessive electrical voltage to the high voltage electrode at a large distance of an electrically conductive object or too high a current or short-circuit current in close proximity of an object to the high voltage electrode, wherein the object be coated object or an operator or other object, and at the same time form the spray coating device such that optimum coating results are achieved with minimal electrical energy expenditure.

Diese Aufgabe wird gemäß der Erfindung durch die Kombination der Merkmale von Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved according to the invention by the combination of the features of claim 1.

Durch das kennzeichnende Merkmal von Anspruch 1, einer direkten Messung des Sprühstromes, erhält man unverfälschte Messergebnisse und eine schnelle Reaktion der Regeleinrichtung auf Abweichungen von Istwerten von Sollwerten.By the characterizing feature of claim 1, a direct measurement of the spray stream, one obtains unadulterated measurement results and a fast response of the control device to deviations from actual values of setpoints.

Weitere Merkmale der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen enthalten.Further features of the invention are contained in the subclaims.

Die Erfindung ist besonders vorteilhaft in Verbindung mit einer Gegenelektrode, welche an ein Potential angeschlossen ist, das zum Hochspannungspotential der Hochspannungselektrode eine große elektrische Spannungsdifferenz hat, z. B. an Erdpotential angeschlossen ist, um freie elektrische Teilchen, insbesondere Ionen und Elektronen, abzuleiten, welche von der Hochspannunselektrode ausströmen, jedoch frei herumvagabundieren, anstatt mit dem Sprühbeschichtungsmaterial von der Sprühvorrichtung auf das zu beschichtende Objekt zu fliegen. Gegenelektroden sind z. B. aus der EP 0 756 899 A2 bekannt.The invention is particularly advantageous in connection with a counter electrode which is connected to a potential which has a high electrical voltage difference to the high voltage potential of the high voltage electrode, e.g. B. is connected to ground potential to dissipate free electric particles, in particular ions and electrons, which emanate from the Hochspannunselektrode, but freely herumavagundieren, instead of with the spray coating material from the sprayer to the flying object. Counter electrodes are z. B. from the EP 0 756 899 A2 known.

Die Erfindung wird im folgenden mit Bezug auf die Zeichnungen anhand von einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform als Beispiel beschrieben. In den Zeichnungen zeigen:

Fig. 1
schematisch eine Sprühbeschichtungseinrichtung nach der Erfindung,
Fig. 2
ein Hochspannungs-Sprühstrom-Diagramm der Sprühbeschichtungseinrichtung von Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
schematisch eine Sprühvorrichtung der Sprühbeschichtungseinrichtung von Fig. 1.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings of a preferred embodiment. In the drawings show:
Fig. 1
schematically a spray coating device according to the invention,
Fig. 2
a high-voltage spray current diagram of the spray coating device of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
1 schematically shows a spray device of the spray coating device of FIG. 1.

Die in Fig. 1 schematisch gezeigte Sprühbeschichtungseinrichtung enthält eine Sprühvorrichtung 2 zum Besprühen von Beschichtungsmaterial 4 in Form von Flüssigkeit oder vorzugweise Pulver auf ein zu beschichtendes Objekt 6. Dabei wird angenommen, daß die zu beschichtenden Objekte aus elektrisch leitendem Material bestehen und an Erdpotential 8 angeschlossen sind. Die Objekte 6 werden bei automatischen Anlagen durch eine, nicht gezeigte, Fördervorrichtung an der Sprühvorrichtung 2 vorbei transportiert und gelangen dadurch in deren durch einen Pfeil schematisch dargestellten Sprühstrahl des Beschichtungsmaterials 4.The spray coating device shown schematically in Fig. 1 comprises a spraying device 2 for spraying coating material 4 in the form of liquid or preferably powder on an object to be coated 6. It is assumed that the objects to be coated consist of electrically conductive material and connected to ground potential 8 are. The objects 6 are transported in the case of automatic systems through a conveying device, not shown, past the spraying device 2 and thereby reach the spray jet of the coating material 4 schematically represented by an arrow.

Die Sprühvorrichtung 2 ist mit mindestens einer Hochspannungselektrode 10 zur elektrostatischen Aufladung des Beschichtungsmaterials 4 versehen, welche von einem Hochspannungserzeuger 12 mit Gleichstrom-Hochspannung im Bereich zwischen 1 kV und 150 kV, vorzugsweise einem dazwischen liegenden Wert, versorgt wird. Der Hochspannungserzeuger kann in bekannter Weise einen Transformator zur Hochtransformierung einer niedrigen Wechselspannung in eine höhere Wechselspannung und eine Kaskadenschaltung enthalten, welche in bekannter Weise eine Vielzahl von Gleichrichtern und Kondensatoren enthält und die Wechselspannung in die Gleichstrom-Hochspannung umwandelt.The spray device 2 is provided with at least one high voltage electrode 10 for electrostatically charging the coating material 4, which is supplied by a high voltage DC voltage source 12 in the range between 1 kV and 150 kV, preferably one therebetween lying value, is supplied. The high voltage generator may include, in a known manner, a transformer for stepping up a low AC voltage to a higher AC voltage and a cascade circuit which in a known manner contains a plurality of rectifiers and capacitors and converts the AC voltage to the DC high voltage.

Die niedrige Wechselspannung wird von einem Oszillator 14 in Abhängigkeit von einer Steuerspannung U-ST erzeugt, welche eine Stellgröße für die Hochspannung der Hochspannungselektrode 10 ist.The low alternating voltage is generated by an oscillator 14 in response to a control voltage U-ST, which is a manipulated variable for the high voltage of the high voltage electrode 10.

Der Oszillator 14 kann ein Teil des Hochspannungserzeugers 12 sein und als solcher in die Sprühvorrichtung 2 integriert sein, oder entsprechend Fig. 1 in ein Steuergerät integriert sein, welches insgesamt eine Regeleinrichtung 16 bildet.The oscillator 14 may be a part of the high voltage generator 12 and be integrated as such in the spray device 2, or according to FIG. 1 integrated into a control unit, which forms a total of a control device 16.

Die Regeleinrichtung 16 enthält einen Betriebsparameter-Speicher 18, welchem über einen Datentransferweg 19 von einer Dateneingabestation, beispielsweise einem übergeordneten Rechner oder manuell, z. B. über eine Tastatur, variabel einstellbar mindestens ein Hochspannungsbegrenzungswert HV-BG und mindestens ein Sprühstrombegrenzungswert I-BG je für den maximal erreichbaren Wert an der Hochspannungselektrode eingebbar und darin speicherbar sind. Vorzugsweise sind mehrere solcher Werte für verschiedene Betriebssituationen, insbesondere für verschiedene zu beschichtende Objekte und verschiedene Sprühbeschichtungsmaterialien speicherbar. Die gespeicherten Werte können bei einer anderen Ausführungsform nicht versellbare Festwerte sein.The control device 16 includes an operating parameter memory 18, which via a data transfer path 19 from a data input station, such as a higher-level computer or manually, z. B. via a keyboard, variably adjustable at least one high-voltage limiting value HV-BG and at least one Sprühstrombegrenzungswert I-BG each for the maximum achievable value at the high voltage electrode can be entered and stored therein. Preferably, a plurality of such values can be stored for different operating situations, in particular for different objects to be coated and different spray coating materials. The stored values may be non-settable fixed values in another embodiment.

Der Hochspannungsbegrenzungswert HV-BG wird von dem Betriebsparameter-Speicher 18 in eine Hochspannungsbegrenzungsschaltung 20 eingegeben. Der Sprühstrombegrenzungswert I-BG wird von dem Betriebsparameter-Speicher 18 in einen Sprühstromregler 22 eingegeben.The high voltage limit value HV-BG is input from the operating parameter memory 18 into a high voltage limiting circuit 20. The spray current limit value I-BG is input from the operating parameter memory 18 to a spray current controller 22.

Der von einem zu beschichtenden Objekt 6 auf Erde fließende Sprühstrom der Hochspannungselektrode 10 wird von einer Sprühstrommesschaltung 24 auf der mit Erde 8 verbundenen Seite der Objekte 6 gemessen und als Sprühstrom-Istwert I-S ebenfalls in den Sprühstromregler eingegeben.The spraying current of the high-voltage electrode 10 flowing from an object 6 to be coated to earth is measured by a spray current circuit 24 on the side of the objects 6 connected to ground 8 and also input into the spray current regulator as the actual spray current value I-S.

Der Sprühstromregler 22 vergleicht den Sprühstrom-Istwert 1-S- mit dem Sprühstrombegrenzungswert I-BG und erzeugt in Abhängigkeit hiervon eine Hochspannungs-Reglergrößen U-RG, welcher von dem Sprühstromregler 22 an die Hochspannungsbegrenzungsschaltung 20 gegeben wird. Der Sprühstromregler 22 ist vorzugsweise ein P-I-Regler (proportional-integral-Regler).The spray current controller 22 compares the actual spray current value 1-S- with the spray current limit value I-BG and, in response thereto, generates a high-voltage regulator quantity U-RG which is given by the spray current regulator 22 to the high voltage limit circuit 20. The spray current controller 22 is preferably a P-I controller (proportional-integral controller).

Die Hochspannungsbegrenzungsschaltung 20 erzeugt in Abhängigkeit von dem Hochgspannungsbegrenzungswert HV-BG und der Hochspannungs-Reglergröße U-RG die Steuerspannung U-ST, welche in Form einer Gleichstrom-Eingangsspannung dem Oszillator 14 zugeführt wird und die Stellgröße für die Hochspannung der Hochspannungselektrode 10 ist.The high voltage limiting circuit 20 generates depending on the Hochgspannungsbegrenzungswert HV-BG and the high-voltage regulator size U-RG the control voltage U-ST, which is supplied to the oscillator 14 in the form of a DC input voltage and the manipulated variable for the high voltage of the high voltage electrode 10.

Die Hochspannungsbegrenzungsschaltung 20 bewirkt, daß für den Fall, daß die Hochspannungs-Reglergröße U-RG größer oder gleich dem Hochspannungsbegrenzungswert HV-BG ist, der Gleichspannungswert der Steuerspannung U-ST gleich dem Hochspannungsbegrenzungswert HV-BG ist. Ferner bewirkt die Hochspannungsbegrenzungsschaltung 20, daß in allen den Fällen, wo die Hochspannungs-Reglergröße U-RG kleiner als der Hochspannungsbegrenzungswert HV-BG ist, daß die Steuerspannung U-ST gleich der Hochspannungs-Reglergröße U-RG ist. Dies läßt sich wie folgt darstellen: Wenn U-RG ≥ HV-BG, dann ist U-ST = HV-BG, sonst U-ST = U-RG. The high-voltage limiting circuit 20 causes that in the event that the high-voltage regulator size U-RG is greater than or equal to the high-voltage limiting value HV-BG, the DC voltage value of the control voltage U-ST is equal to the high-voltage limiting value HV-BG. Further, the high-voltage limiting circuit 20 causes the control voltage U-ST to be equal to the high-voltage regulator quantity U-RG in all the cases where the high-voltage regulator quantity U-RG is smaller than the high-voltage limit value HV-BG. This can be represented as follows: If U-RG ≥ HV-BG, then U-ST = HV-BG, otherwise U-ST = U-RG.

Fig. 2 zeigt auf der horizontalen Achse den Sprühstrom in µA und auf der vertikalen Achse die korrespondierende Hochspannung in kV. Die oberste Kennlinie 26 mit ausgefüllten Quadraten ist eine Standard-Kennlinie. Sie zeigt, wie bei bekannten Einrichtungen mit kleiner werdendem Abstand zwischen der Hochspannungselektrode 10 und einem zu beschichtenden Objekt 6 der Sprühstrom der Hochspannungselektrode 10 ansteigt und gleichzeitig die Hochspannung abfällt. Die Hochspannung hat ihren Maximalwert bei größtmöglichem Abstand bzw. unendlich großem Abstand des zu beschichtenden Objektes 6 oder einens anderen elektrisch leitenden Gegenstandes von der Hochspannungselektrode 10.FIG. 2 shows the spray current in μA on the horizontal axis and the corresponding high voltage in kV on the vertical axis. The top characteristic 26 with filled squares is a standard characteristic. It shows how in known devices with decreasing distance between the high voltage electrode 10 and an object to be coated 6, the spray current of the high voltage electrode 10 increases and at the same time the high voltage drops. The high voltage has its maximum value at the greatest possible distance or infinitely large distance of the object 6 to be coated or another electrically conductive object from the high-voltage electrode 10.

Die mittlere Kurve 27 mit den nicht-ausgefüllten Quadraten betrifft eine Ausführungsform, bei welcher die maxiamale Gleichstrom-Hochspannung der Hochspannungselektrode 10 auf einen Maximalwert HV-BG von 80 kV begrenzt ist, jedoch keine Strombegrenzung I-BG vorgenommen wurde.The middle curve 27 with the non-filled squares relates to an embodiment in which the maximum DC high voltage of the high voltage electrode 10 is limited to a maximum value HV-BG of 80 kV, but no current limiting I-BG was made.

Die unterste Kurve 28 mit den schwarz ausgefüllten Dreiecken ergibt sich mit der vorstehend beschriebenen Schaltung nach der Erfindung, bei welcher. sowohl der Sprühstrom als auch die Hochspannung je auf einen Maxiamalwert begrenzt sind. In Fig. 2 wurde angenommen, daß der Hochspannungsbegrenzungswert HV-BG 50 kV und der Sprühstrombegrenzungswert I-BG 20 µA (20 x 10-6 A) ist.The lowermost curve 28 with the black-filled triangles results from the above-described circuit according to the invention, in which. both the spray current and the high voltage are each limited to a maximum value. In Fig. 2, it has been assumed that the high voltage limit value HV-BG is 50 kV and the spray current limit value I-BG is 20 μA (20 × 10 -6 A).

In Fig. 3 ist die Sprühvorrichtung 2 etwas detailierter dargestellt. Sie zeigt, daß eine oder mehrere Hochspannungselektroden 10 außerhalb oder innerhalb eines Beschichtungsmaterialkanals 30 angeordnet sein können. Ihm wird Beschichtungsmaterial, z. B. Beschichtungspulver, über eine Leitung 31, z. B. ein Schlauch, zugeführt.In Fig. 3, the spraying device 2 is shown in somewhat more detail. It shows that one or more high voltage electrodes 10 may be disposed outside or within a coating material channel 30. He is coating material, for. As coating powder, via a line 31, z. B. a hose supplied.

Gemäß Fig. 3 kann die Sprühvorrichtung 2 mit an ein Bezugspotential, z. B. Erdpotential, angschlossenen Gegenelektroden 32 (Ableiterelektroden) versehen sein, welche freie elektrische Ladungen (Ionen, Elektronen), welche von den Elektroden 10 abgegeben werden, auffangen und auf Erdpotential ableiten. Es hat sich gezeigt, daß durch die Erfindung wesentlich weniger freie elektrische Teilchen entstehen, insbesondere freie Ionen, und damit auch ein geringerer Stromverlust.According to Fig. 3, the spray device 2 with a reference potential, z. Ground potential, connected counterelectrodes 32 (arrester electrodes) may be provided, which absorb free electric charges (ions, electrons), which are discharged from the electrodes 10, and divert them to earth potential. It has been found that substantially less free electrical particles are formed by the invention, in particular free ions, and thus also a lower power loss.

In Fig. 3 ist der Oszillator 14 über ein elektrisches Kabel 36 an den Hochspannungserzeuger 12 angeschlossen, welcher in die Sprühvorrichtung 2 integriert ist, jedoch auch getrennt von ihr, z. B. in der Regeleinrichtung 16 angeordnet werden könnte.In Fig. 3, the oscillator 14 is connected via an electrical cable 36 to the high voltage generator 12, which is integrated into the spray device 2, but also separated from it, z. B. in the control device 16 could be arranged.

Claims (6)

  1. Spray-coating apparatus for spraying coating material onto articles to be coated by means of a spray device (2), which device has at least one high-voltage electrode (10) for the electrical charging of the coating material by means of the high-voltage of a high-voltage generator (12); wherein the spray coating apparatus has the following: a regulating means (16) for regulating an electrical spray current which flows, together with the coating material, from the high-voltage electrode (10) to an object (6) to be coated, a spray-current measuring circuit (24) in the electrical return current path from the object (6) to be coated back into the regulating means (16), in order to measure the spray current automatically in the return current path and in order in dependence thereon to counteract a current rise by a voltage reduction by means of the regulating device, means (18, 20, 22) for current limitation and for high-voltage limitation to a predetermined value in each case, characterized in that the means (18, 20, 22) have a spray-current regulator (22) and a high-voltage limitation circuit (20), of which the spray-current regulator (22) compares the spray-current actual value I-S with a spray-current limiting value I-BG prescribed to it and, in dependence on the result of the comparison, issues a high-voltage regulator variable U-RG to the high-voltage limitation circuit (20), and of which the high-voltage limitation circuit (20) generates a control voltage U-ST in dependence on the high-voltage regulator variable U-RG and in dependence on a high-voltage limitation value HV-BG prescribed to it, which control voltage is a manipulated variable for the high voltage of the high-voltage electrode (10), wherein the high-voltage limitation circuit (20) is formed in such a way that it has the effect that, in the event that the high-voltage regulator variable U-RG is greater than or equal to the high-voltage limitation value HV-BG, the voltage value of the control voltage U-ST is equal to the high-voltage limitation value HV-BG, and also has the effect that, in all the cases in which the high-voltage regulator variable U-RG is less than the high-voltage limitation value HV-BG, the control voltage U-ST is equal to the high-voltage regulator variable U-RG.
  2. Spray-coating apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the return current path is connected to earth potential (8).
  3. Spray-coating apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the current limiting value and/or the high-voltage limiting value can be variably adjusted.
  4. Spray-coating apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a memory (18) is provided for storing in each case at least one current limiting value (I-BG) and one high-voltage limiting value (HV-BG), the value being variably adjustable.
  5. Spray-coating apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an oscillator (14) is provided and, in dependence on the control voltage U-ST, generates a low alternating voltage, from which the high-voltage generator (12) generates the high voltage.
  6. Spray-coating apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one counterelectrode (32), which is connected to a potential differing sharply from the electrical potential of the high-voltage electrode (10), is provided on the spray device (2) at a distance from the high-voltage electrode (10), outside the stream of coating material, for the diversion of free ions and free electrons which are generated by the high-voltage electrode (10), but do not fly, together with the coating material, onto the object to be coated.
EP00110032A 1999-06-14 2000-05-12 Control for an electrostatic spray coating apparatus Expired - Lifetime EP1060795B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19926926 1999-06-14
DE19926926A DE19926926A1 (en) 1999-06-14 1999-06-14 Spray coating device

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1060795A2 EP1060795A2 (en) 2000-12-20
EP1060795A3 EP1060795A3 (en) 2003-05-21
EP1060795B1 true EP1060795B1 (en) 2007-11-07

Family

ID=7911088

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00110032A Expired - Lifetime EP1060795B1 (en) 1999-06-14 2000-05-12 Control for an electrostatic spray coating apparatus

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (2) US6537378B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1060795B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4638976B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE377453T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2311210C (en)
DE (2) DE19926926A1 (en)
DK (1) DK1060795T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2294985T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE602004020352D1 (en) * 2003-07-24 2009-05-14 Ransburg Ind Finishing Kk ELECTROSTATIC PAINTING DEVICE
US20060102075A1 (en) * 2004-11-18 2006-05-18 Saylor Austin A Fluid flow control
JP5140243B2 (en) 2005-08-29 2013-02-06 バブコック日立株式会社 Catalyst base material, catalyst, and production method thereof
KR101452349B1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2014-10-21 듀르 시스템스 게엠베하 Electrostatic sprayer arrangement
GB0625583D0 (en) * 2006-12-21 2007-01-31 Itw Ltd Paint spray apparatus
CN100450632C (en) * 2007-04-28 2009-01-14 武汉科技大学 Liquid super-fine atomization apparatus by using high voltage static electricity
JP2009072717A (en) * 2007-09-21 2009-04-09 Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd Electrostatic atomizer and hot air blower having the same
US8096264B2 (en) * 2007-11-30 2012-01-17 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Repulsion ring
DE102009013561A1 (en) * 2009-03-17 2010-10-07 Dürr Systems GmbH Monitoring method and monitoring device for an electrostatic coating system
CN108816542B (en) * 2018-06-11 2021-01-15 佛山市优正涂装科技有限公司 Automatic regional power control method for electrostatic powder spray gun system

Family Cites Families (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH542663A (en) * 1972-03-22 1973-10-15 Gema Ag App Bau Arrangement on a device for the electrostatic coating of earthed objects, for measuring the earth resistance of the same
GB1454395A (en) * 1973-07-26 1976-11-03 Volstatic Coatings Ltd Power supply voltage control circuit
US3893006A (en) * 1974-01-14 1975-07-01 Nordson Corp High voltage power supply with overcurrent protection
US3875892A (en) * 1974-01-14 1975-04-08 Ransburg Corp Apparatus for avoiding sparks in an electrostatic coating system
US3851618A (en) * 1974-01-14 1974-12-03 Ransburg Corp Electrostatic coating apparatus
US4075677A (en) 1976-08-09 1978-02-21 Ransburg Corporation Electrostatic coating system
US4187527A (en) * 1976-08-09 1980-02-05 Ransburg Corporation Electrostatic coating system
US4266262A (en) * 1979-06-29 1981-05-05 Binks Manufacturing Company Voltage controlled power supply for electrostatic coating apparatus
JPS5712848A (en) * 1980-05-29 1982-01-22 Ransburg Corp Regulating system for high voltage in electrostatic painting device
DE3134261A1 (en) 1981-08-29 1983-03-10 William Prym-Werke Kg, 5190 Stolberg PUSH BUTTON CONNECTION, ESPECIALLY FOR KNITTED OR CROCHETED CLOTHING
US4485427A (en) * 1982-04-19 1984-11-27 Ransburg Corporation Fold-back power supply
DE3416093A1 (en) * 1984-04-30 1985-10-31 J. Wagner AG, Altstätten ELECTRONIC HIGH VOLTAGE GENERATOR FOR ELECTROSTATIC SPRAYERS
DE3445946A1 (en) 1984-12-17 1986-06-19 Hermann Behr & Sohn Gmbh & Co, 7121 Ingersheim METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE OPERATION OF AN ELECTROSTATIC COATING SYSTEM
JPH04312437A (en) 1991-04-12 1992-11-04 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Pipe cleaning device
DE59301228D1 (en) * 1992-03-06 1996-02-08 Frei Siegfried Method and device for monitoring the spray flow in a powder coating system
JPH0630899A (en) 1992-07-20 1994-02-08 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Endoscope washing device
EP0626208B2 (en) * 1993-04-08 2004-09-29 Nordson Corporation Power supply for an electrostatic spray gun
DE4312262A1 (en) 1993-04-15 1994-10-20 Gema Volstatic Ag Electrostatic spray device
DE19511255A1 (en) * 1995-03-27 1996-10-02 Gema Volstatic Ag Electrostatic spray coating device
DE19511254A1 (en) * 1995-03-27 1996-10-02 Gema Volstatic Ag Electrostatic spray coating device
JPH08275917A (en) 1995-04-04 1996-10-22 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Cleaning brush automatic inserting device of endoscope
DE19528398A1 (en) * 1995-08-02 1997-02-06 Gema Volstatic Ag Electrostatic spraying device for coating material
DE19738142C1 (en) * 1997-09-01 1999-05-20 Wagner Int Electrostatic coating system and method for detecting and coating workpieces in an electrostatic coating system
US5972417A (en) * 1997-11-14 1999-10-26 Nordson Corporation Spray gun power supply monitor
US6047431A (en) 1997-11-21 2000-04-11 Olympus America Inc. Methods and apparatus for cleaning channels

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2311210A1 (en) 2000-12-14
US6656536B2 (en) 2003-12-02
ES2294985T3 (en) 2008-04-16
DK1060795T3 (en) 2008-02-11
ATE377453T1 (en) 2007-11-15
JP4638976B2 (en) 2011-02-23
US6537378B1 (en) 2003-03-25
EP1060795A2 (en) 2000-12-20
DE19926926A1 (en) 2000-12-21
JP2001025688A (en) 2001-01-30
EP1060795A3 (en) 2003-05-21
DE50014755D1 (en) 2007-12-20
CA2311210C (en) 2005-08-09
US20030064167A1 (en) 2003-04-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE69414756T3 (en) Power supply for an electrostatic spray gun
EP0252954B1 (en) Electrostatic device for powder spraying with triboelectric powder charging
DE2615360C2 (en) Device for the electrostatic application of coating material in the form of a liquid
EP0620045B1 (en) Electrostatic spray device
EP1060795B1 (en) Control for an electrostatic spray coating apparatus
DE2059594A1 (en) Method and device for the electrostatic scattering of dyes, powder material, fibrous materials and the like.
EP0283936B1 (en) Process for controlling an electrostatic coating installation
EP0185311B1 (en) Method and apparatus for controlling an electrostatic coating system
DE2438856C3 (en) Device for coating objects with electrostatically charged particles
EP0899020B1 (en) Method for detecting the presence of a workpiece in an electrostatic coating installation and electrostatic coating installation
CH650701A5 (en) ELECTROSTATIC SPRAY GUN.
EP0734778A2 (en) Electrostatic spray coating device
EP3335288A1 (en) Control circuit for protecting against spark discharge
DE4240328C2 (en) Electrostatic spray coating device for electrically conductive, non-flammable coating liquid
EP0978319B1 (en) Powder spray device with external and internal charging
DE3113526A1 (en) Method and device for producing (generating) static electricity
EP0125589B1 (en) Electrostatic sputtering or spraying of electrically conductive fluids, e.g. plant treating agents
DE3340010A1 (en) METHOD FOR HIGH VOLTAGE SUPPLY AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING IT OUT
EP0158202A1 (en) Apparatus for the generation of positive and/or negative ions
DE2144202A1 (en) PROCEDURE AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT THE FORMATION OF OVERLAP IN SYSTEMS WITH HIGH VOLTAGE FIELDS, IN PARTICULAR PAINT SPRAYING SYSTEMS AND POWDER SPRAYING SYSTEMS
DE4341157A1 (en) Electrostatic coating appts for objects - has non-conducting frame with wires stretched across it at high potential relative to objects within frame
DE3508968C2 (en)
DE1402626C3 (en) Device for the electrostatic deposition of coating material on an object
DD242353A1 (en) DEVICE FOR ELECTROSTATIC COATING OF OBJECTS IN A TUB
DE3444703A1 (en) Method and device for the electrostatic coating of workpieces

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20010331

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: 7B 05B 5/10 A

Ipc: 7B 05B 5/053 B

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: CONTROL FOR AN ELECTROSTATIC SPRAY COATING APPARATUS

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 50014755

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20071220

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20080117

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2294985

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080407

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20080808

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071107

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080208

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071107

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071107

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080512

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PFA

Owner name: ITW GEMA GMBH

Free format text: ITW GEMA AG#MOEVENSTRASSE 17#9015 ST. GALLEN (CH) -TRANSFER TO- ITW GEMA GMBH#MOEVENSTRASSE 17#9015 ST. GALLEN (CH)

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: TD

Effective date: 20120403

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: SD

Effective date: 20120403

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

Owner name: ITW GEMA GMBH

Effective date: 20120425

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

Owner name: ITW GEMA GMBH

Effective date: 20120529

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 50014755

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: GEMA SWITZERLAND GMBH, CH

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: ITW GEMA GMBH, ST. GALLEN, CH

Effective date: 20121213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: PC

Ref document number: 377453

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Owner name: GEMA SWITZERLAND GMBH, CH

Effective date: 20130211

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PFA

Owner name: GEMA SWITZERLAND GMBH, CH

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: ITW GEMA GMBH, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

Owner name: GEMA SWITZERLAND GMBH

Effective date: 20131223

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CD

Owner name: GEMA SWITZERLAND GMBH

Effective date: 20140106

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: TD

Effective date: 20140127

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20140423

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20140526

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20140526

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20140530

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20140602

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20140530

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

Effective date: 20150531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 377453

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150512

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20150601

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150512

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150513

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150601

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 17

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20160630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150513

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 18

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 19

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20190530

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20190523

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20190527

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20190604

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20190528

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 50014755

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20200511

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20200511