EP1521642A1 - Device for the application of a fluid - Google Patents

Device for the application of a fluid

Info

Publication number
EP1521642A1
EP1521642A1 EP03738853A EP03738853A EP1521642A1 EP 1521642 A1 EP1521642 A1 EP 1521642A1 EP 03738853 A EP03738853 A EP 03738853A EP 03738853 A EP03738853 A EP 03738853A EP 1521642 A1 EP1521642 A1 EP 1521642A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve
fluid
nozzle
nozzle head
product
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP03738853A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1521642B1 (en
Inventor
Anders Nyander
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.)
EFTEC Europe Holding AG
Original Assignee
EFTEC Europe Holding AG
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=20288499&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1521642(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by EFTEC Europe Holding AG filed Critical EFTEC Europe Holding AG
Publication of EP1521642A1 publication Critical patent/EP1521642A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1521642B1 publication Critical patent/EP1521642B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Revoked legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/30—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
    • B05B1/3013—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the controlling element being a lift valve
    • B05B1/302—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the controlling element being a lift valve with a ball-shaped valve member
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B05B1/16—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets
    • B05B1/169—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively- effective outlets having three or more selectively effective outlets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/30—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
    • B05B1/3013—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the controlling element being a lift valve
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
    • B05B12/02—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery
    • B05B12/04—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery for sequential operation or multiple outlets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/60—Arrangements for mounting, supporting or holding spraying apparatus
    • B05B15/65—Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits
    • B05B15/652—Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits whereby the jet can be oriented
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
    • B05B12/14—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for supplying a selected one of a plurality of liquids or other fluent materials or several in selected proportions to a spray apparatus, e.g. to a single spray outlet
    • B05B12/1472—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for supplying a selected one of a plurality of liquids or other fluent materials or several in selected proportions to a spray apparatus, e.g. to a single spray outlet separate supply lines supplying different materials to separate outlets of the spraying apparatus
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B13/00—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00
    • B05B13/02—Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work
    • B05B13/04—Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work the spray heads being moved during spraying operation
    • B05B13/0431—Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work the spray heads being moved during spraying operation with spray heads moved by robots or articulated arms, e.g. for applying liquid or other fluent material to 3D-surfaces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/60—Arrangements for mounting, supporting or holding spraying apparatus
    • B05B15/68—Arrangements for adjusting the position of spray heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/16—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas incorporating means for heating or cooling the material to be sprayed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
    • B05B7/26—Apparatus in which liquids or other fluent materials from different sources are brought together before entering the discharge device
    • B05B7/28—Apparatus in which liquids or other fluent materials from different sources are brought together before entering the discharge device in which one liquid or other fluent material is fed or drawn through an orifice into a stream of a carrying fluid
    • B05B7/32—Apparatus in which liquids or other fluent materials from different sources are brought together before entering the discharge device in which one liquid or other fluent material is fed or drawn through an orifice into a stream of a carrying fluid the fed liquid or other fluent material being under pressure

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for the application of a fluid.
  • a current device for the application of a fluid is in practice implemented as a rotatable spray gun which has a number of spray nozzles and is designed to be mounted on a robotic control device.
  • Spray guns are used when fluids, such as gases, liquids or plastic materials, are to be sprayed or extruded onto a surface.
  • fluids such as gases, liquids or plastic materials
  • spray guns are used when fluids, such as gases, liquids or plastic materials, are to be sprayed or extruded onto a surface.
  • One example of a field of application of such a spray gun is in the automobile industry, when bodies are to be surface treated or joints are to be sealed. Other fields of application are, of course, also possible.
  • a device for the application of fluid is known from WO97/02901. The principle is shown in figure 1.
  • the old gun had a swivel 2' consisting of three different material channels between the product valves 4' and the nozzles.
  • the three valves were fed by one common inlet channel.
  • the valves 4' were opened by actuators 20' put on a pneumatic valve block on the robotic arm. All this resulted in slow reaction times between the actuators 20' and valves 4' and in long distances e.g. 20 - 30 centimetres between valves 4' and nozzles. Circulation was only possible up to the common product inlet.
  • a main feature is that the product valve means are arranged in the rotatable nozzle head, close to the nozzles.
  • the distance between valves and nozzles may be reduced to 10 - 50 millimetres.
  • This means that channels in the swivel may be used for inlet and return channels enabling circulation up to the product valves located close to the nozzles.
  • the feature also allows the channels in the swivel to be used for separate fluids enabling application of different fluids or mixing at the nozzle head for two- component application of fluids.
  • the gun has a swivel consisting of one material inlet channel and one return channel which leads to the product valves situated at the very end of the nozzle lance.
  • the valves are opened by solenoid controlled actuators, also put on the rotating part of the gun. This results in very fast reaction times between solenoids, actuators and valves as they are mounted close together. The distance is put to a minimum between product valves and nozzles. This solution makes it possible to circulate the material almost all the way up to the nozzles, resulting in a minimum need to purge.
  • the actuators are powered by compressed air fed through the swivel in one channel and the electrical signals pass through a slip-ring device. By keeping the valves close to the nozzles, snuff-back effects become more effective and dripping due to pulsation in the material channels is avoided.
  • the present invention provides a device for the application of fluid and intended to be mounted as a tool on a holder which is adjustable between different positions and directions.
  • the device comprises at least one nozzle, preferably at least two, for discharge of said fluid, one product valve means associated with each nozzle for control of the supply of fluid to each nozzle, and a swivel means connecting the holder to a rotatable nozzle head carrying said nozzles.
  • At least one channel, preferably at least two, channels are arranged through said swivel means for establishing fluid communication between the holder and the rotatable nozzle head. Said channels have the capability to rotate freely relative to the holder.
  • the product valve means are arranged in the rotatable nozzle head.
  • one channel in the swivel is an inlet channel for supplying fluid to the nozzle head, and another channel in the swivel is a return channel for returning fluid from the nozzle head.
  • a first channel in the swivel is an inlet channel for a first fluid to the nozzle head, and a second channel in the swivel is an inlet channel for a second fluid to the nozzle head.
  • a pneumatic channel is arranged through said swivel means for establishing pneumatic communication between the holder and the rotatable nozzle head, and the product valve means are actuated by means of pneumatic control.
  • electrical lines may be arranged through said swivel means for establishing electrical communication between the holder and the rotatable nozzle head, and electrical valve actuators, suitably solenoids, are arranged in the nozzle head for controlling the pneumatic actuation of the product valve means.
  • Fig 1 is a schematic view illustrating the principles of a robotic gun according to the prior art
  • Fig 2 is a schematic view illustrating the principles of a robotic gun according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig 3 is a schematic view illustrating the principles of a robotic gun according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention mounted on a holder;
  • Fig 5 is a cross-section view of the base module one embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig 6 is an exploded view of the valve actuators
  • Fig 7A is a perspective view of a first nozzle configuration
  • Fig 7B is a perspective view of a second nozzle configuration
  • Fig 7C is a perspective view of a third nozzle configuration
  • Figs. 8 A and 8B are cross-section views of the snuff action valve in a closed and open position, respectively.
  • Figs 9A and 9B are perspective views of the high-precision configuration needle and high-flow configuration needle, respectively.
  • the principles of the device according to the invention are shown in figure 2.
  • the device comprises a non-rotating part or adapter 1 to be connected to a holder on a robotic arm and a rotating part carrying nozzles for application of a fluid.
  • a swivel means 2 provides rotary connections for air, fluid and electric signals.
  • Product valves 4 are located close to the nozzles 12 in the rotating nozzle head.
  • the product valves 4 are pneumatic valves powered by air and controlled by valve actuators 20 in turn controlled by electric signals by means of electric actuators, e.g. solenoids
  • the fluid to be applied from the nozzles is circulated through the swivel 2 and up to the product valves 4.
  • the device for application of a fluid is designed as a gun-shaped tool which comprises five main components, namely an adapter 1 which serves to connect the gun with a robotic arm, a swivel means 2, which is capable of transmitting a rotary movement, a connection 3 to a feeder means for a fluid, such as a gas, a liquid or a plastic material, a positioning lance 5 and a head 6 having a number of spray or extrusion nozzles 12.
  • a fluid such as a gas, a liquid or a plastic material
  • a positioning lance 5 and a head 6 having a number of spray or extrusion nozzles 12.
  • the adapter 1 is designed to be mounted on a robotic arm of any known type, either directly or by means of an intermediate adapter.
  • a robotic arm can usually perform movements in six degrees of freedom, i.e. motion in three directions, rotation about first and second axes, which are perpendicular to each other and which are at a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the robotic arm, and rotation about a ttrird axis which extends in the longitadinal direction of the robotic arm.
  • the adapter 1 transmits the rotary motion about this longitudinal axis either because the adapter is rigidly rotated or because a shaft located in the adapter is rotated with respect to the adapter.
  • the shaft located in the adapter is connected to a shaft 8 (Fig. 5) rotatably held in the swivel means 2. This shaft can be an integral continuation of the adapter shaft.
  • the swivel means 2 is outwardly limited by a housing 10, which has an outer mantle surface 11 and an inner cylindrical wall and two end surfaces.
  • the mantle surface of the housing is substantially cylindrical, but other shapes of the mantle surface of the housing are of course also possible.
  • the gun can be mounted on basically any kind of robot. It is just a question of adapting the mechanical adapter and the swivel-locking device.
  • the spray gun has in the simplest form one, and in the example shown in the drawing three, spray or extrusion nozzles 12 (see also Figs 7 A, 7B and 7C).
  • each of the nozzles has a channel between the product valve and the nozzle. This results in that each nozzle can be opened and closed independently of the others. For this reason, it is possible to open one or more nozzles at the same time.
  • Figures 7 A and 7B show nozzle configurations with three nozzles 12 pointing in different directions.
  • a first nozzle is pointing straight forward
  • a second nozzle is pointing to one side at a right angle
  • a third nozzle is pointing at an angle of 45° to the forward direction at a right angle to the plane formed by the first two nozzles.
  • all nozzles are pointing at an angle of 45° to the forward direction and symmetrically spaced by 120° around the circumference.
  • the nozzle configurations are selected on the basis of their intended application.
  • the nozzles are preferably used one at a time with the same or (two) different materials.
  • Figure 7C shows a nozzle configuration with three nozzles 12 pointing in the same direction.
  • the nozzles may be used simultaneously with the same material in order to form a broader bead or sheet of material. Since the product valves may be controlled individually, it is possible to activate one through three of the nozzles as a way of selecting the width of the bead.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-section view through the base module.
  • the gun has swivelling functions for electrical signals, compressed air and product.
  • the media enter (or exit, depending on the application) the gun through holes 13 and 14 in the housing and are transferred to the rotating shaft 8.
  • In the shaft are made channels for air, material and the electrical cables to the solenoid valves.
  • the shaft with the channels may be rotated freely relative to the adapter 1 and holder with uiihindered communication through the channels for electrical signals, compressed air and product.
  • the swivel is also furnished with an electrical slipring device 15.
  • the slipring device has been located next to the coupling in the rear part of the module.
  • the cables to the solenoid valves runs in a hole drilled through the shaft.
  • the cables equipped with a contact for the solenoid valves, may be soldered to the shaft part of the slipring device.
  • the hole 7 in Fig 5 is the inlet for compressed air to the valves.
  • the pneumatic supply hose is connected with a standard threaded quick-connection. The same air supply is preferably used to power all the pneumatic valve actuators.
  • the holes 13 and 14 are inlets/outlets for the fluid material to be applied. The design allows inlet and return of one material for circulation or inlet of two different materials into the non-rotating part. This makes it possible to adapt the gun for application of two different materials and 2-component materials. As will be appreciated, it is possible to design the device with more inlets/outlets for fluid material.
  • a device according to the invention may be provided with two different types of product valves, one high-flow type and one type based on the so-called snuff-back valve.
  • the snuff-back type is referred to as the high- precision configuration.
  • the product valves 4 are actuated by valve actuators 20.
  • the arrangement of the valve actuators is shown in Fig 6.
  • To open the product valves in the gun each valve is manoeuvred by a rod 21 connected to an air-controlled piston 22. Letting in compressed air in to its cylinder 23 moves this piston 22 in its turn.
  • This air inlet is activated and depressurised by a solenoid valve, one for each valve.
  • the same parts are mainly used for both high-precision and high- flow configuration.
  • One difference is that the rods are moved backwards to open the valves in the high-flow gun and forward to do the same in the high-precision version. Modifying an adapter plate for the solenoid valves creates this difference.
  • solenoid valves standard valves may be used, which should preferably be fast and very small. These valves are controlled by DC signals passing through the electrical slipring device.
  • the air connection from the solenoid valves to the gun may be made by a plastic air block 18 (Fig 4), manufactured by a laser sinter. This will reduce the dimensions of the mid-section of the gun. By forming different channels in this air block the actuators are configured for the high-flow or high- precision configuration.
  • the sinter manufacturing method gives a large freedom in designing the air channels through the block 18.
  • the actuators are supplied with compressed air for the forward and backward motion by the solenoid valves.
  • a spring will be mounted in the actuator cylinder (not shown) in order to close the product valve in case of lost supply of compressed air or malfunction in the solenoid.
  • the high-precision configuration is focused on sharp starts and stops and constant bead widths.
  • the high-precision configuration does not allow as high material flow as the high-flow gun.
  • the design of the high-precision nozzle head is made to allow snuff-back and to give as distinctive starts and stops of the beads as possible. Suitable applications are sealing and other bead application where the cosmetic appearance is of high importance.
  • the high-precision configuration is normally used together with slit nozzles.
  • the function of the high-precision valve is illustrated in Figs. 8A and 8B, Fig
  • the high- flow type of valve is shown in Fig. 5.
  • the design of the high-flow configuration valve is made to allow maximum material flow.
  • a needle 24B opens the valve when it is pulled backwards by the actuator from the seat 26B.
  • the design does not contain any ball to close the valve, but the needle 24B closes directly against the valve seat 26B.
  • the design provides for high flow rates but no snuff- back is obtained as the piston moves forward to close the valve.
  • Fig. 5 the valve is shown in closed position.
  • the lance 5 (e.g. Fig. 5) is used to get different lengths of the gun. This is a parameter, which can be desired to be changed depending on workspace and robot positioning.
  • the design has been done with a stainless steel tube manufactured in different lengths, with alumimum flanges in both ends. Inside the lance the fluid material pipes and piston rods for the valves are located.
  • Suitable applications are vibration dampening, under body coating and other coating applications, normally applied by flat-stream, extrusion or spray extrusion nozzles.
  • the details for the piston rods 21 are common between high-precision and high-flow configuration except for the needles.
  • the high-precision configuration uses a similar design to the ones used in the product valve for prior art device. As is shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the needle 24A for the high-precision configuration has a flat front end suitable for hitting the ball 25, while the needle 24B for the high- flow configuration has a rounded front end which closes the valve by abutting against the valve seat 26B.
  • the high-precision and high- flow configurations only differ in a few parts of the nozzle head and it is easy to modify a gun from one configuration to another.
  • the high-flow configuration primary was intended for high-flow applications, but tests have shown that this configuration gives excellent results also for sealing applications.
  • the device according to the invention may be adapted for 2-component material application.
  • Fig. 3 shows the principle.
  • Most of the components of the gun are the same as for a conventional 1 -component gun.
  • the gun has however to be adapted to be able to mount a mixer 9, e.g. a static mixer, in the front.
  • the base module (non-rotating part) of the gun is prepared to be able to feed two different materials.
  • the two materials will be able to circulate separated in the base module as it is possible to mount two inlet and two outlet pipes to the gun.
  • two of the valve actuators 20 A and 20B will open each of the two material channels to the mixer 9 having one common outlet for the mixed components.
  • a separate valve 4C can be provided at the common outlet and the third valve actuator 20C could be used to open the flow of mixed material to the nozzle 12C.
  • the product valves 4A and 4B each open directly to a separate nozzle enabling application of two different fluid materials.
  • the material can be circulated almost all the way to the nozzles. This provides for good control of material temperature and viscosity and the need for purge operations will be very limited. If two different materials are used for different nozzles of the gun, or if a 2-component material is used, it still will be possible to circulate both materials in the gun. In those cases the circulation is limited to the base module of the gun.
  • the circulation is controlled by an external circulation valve 28 (Fig 2), which opens the return hose.
  • the circulation valve may be integrated with the gun, e.g. located together with the product valves. If available, even one of the product valves could be used. Between the hose and the gun is installed a non-return valve 29 to eliminate the negative effect of the accumulated pressure in the return hose.
  • the gun can be equipped with two different temperature sensors: one to measure the product temperature and the other to measure the temperature of the heated body of the gun.
  • Heating elements and temperature sensors may be integrated in the body of the device.
  • Material sensors may be integrated in the connection plate where the material tubes are connected to the body.

Landscapes

  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Polarising Elements (AREA)
  • Spray Control Apparatus (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Electric Cables (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the application of a fluid. The device is intended to be mounted as a tool on a holder which is adjustable between different positions and directions. The device comprises preferably at least two nozzles (12) for discharge of said fluid, one product valve means (4) associated with each nozzle for control of the supply of fluid to each nozzle, a swivel means (2) which connects the holder to a rotatable nozzle head carrying said nozzles. Two channels are preferably arranged through said swivel means (2) for establishing fluid communication between the holder and the rotatable nozzle head. According to the invention the product valve means (4) are arranged in the rotatable nozzle head. This means that channels in the swivel (2) may be used for inlet and return channels enabling circulation up to the product valves (4) located close to the nozzles (12). The feature also allows the channels in the swivel to be used for separate fluids enabling mixing at the nozzle head for two-component application of fluids or enabling application of two different fluid materials.

Description

DEVICE FOR THE APPLICATION OF A FLUID
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a device for the application of a fluid.
Background of the invention
A current device for the application of a fluid is in practice implemented as a rotatable spray gun which has a number of spray nozzles and is designed to be mounted on a robotic control device.
Spray guns are used when fluids, such as gases, liquids or plastic materials, are to be sprayed or extruded onto a surface. One example of a field of application of such a spray gun is in the automobile industry, when bodies are to be surface treated or joints are to be sealed. Other fields of application are, of course, also possible.
State of the art
A device for the application of fluid is known from WO97/02901. The principle is shown in figure 1. The old gun had a swivel 2' consisting of three different material channels between the product valves 4' and the nozzles. The three valves were fed by one common inlet channel. The valves 4' were opened by actuators 20' put on a pneumatic valve block on the robotic arm. All this resulted in slow reaction times between the actuators 20' and valves 4' and in long distances e.g. 20 - 30 centimetres between valves 4' and nozzles. Circulation was only possible up to the common product inlet. The fact that the material was swivelled after the different valves 4' resulted in pulsation between the seals of the feed ring inside the swivel 2' when changing nozzle. This pulsation resulted many times in that drops of material did leave the other nozzles when a valve was opened.
The present invention seeks to solve the above mentioned problems. A main feature is that the product valve means are arranged in the rotatable nozzle head, close to the nozzles. The distance between valves and nozzles may be reduced to 10 - 50 millimetres. This means that channels in the swivel may be used for inlet and return channels enabling circulation up to the product valves located close to the nozzles. The feature also allows the channels in the swivel to be used for separate fluids enabling application of different fluids or mixing at the nozzle head for two- component application of fluids. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention the gun has a swivel consisting of one material inlet channel and one return channel which leads to the product valves situated at the very end of the nozzle lance. The valves are opened by solenoid controlled actuators, also put on the rotating part of the gun. This results in very fast reaction times between solenoids, actuators and valves as they are mounted close together. The distance is put to a minimum between product valves and nozzles. This solution makes it possible to circulate the material almost all the way up to the nozzles, resulting in a minimum need to purge. The actuators are powered by compressed air fed through the swivel in one channel and the electrical signals pass through a slip-ring device. By keeping the valves close to the nozzles, snuff-back effects become more effective and dripping due to pulsation in the material channels is avoided.
Summary of the invention
The present invention provides a device for the application of fluid and intended to be mounted as a tool on a holder which is adjustable between different positions and directions. The device comprises at least one nozzle, preferably at least two, for discharge of said fluid, one product valve means associated with each nozzle for control of the supply of fluid to each nozzle, and a swivel means connecting the holder to a rotatable nozzle head carrying said nozzles. At least one channel, preferably at least two, channels are arranged through said swivel means for establishing fluid communication between the holder and the rotatable nozzle head. Said channels have the capability to rotate freely relative to the holder. According to the invention the product valve means are arranged in the rotatable nozzle head.
In one embodiment one channel in the swivel is an inlet channel for supplying fluid to the nozzle head, and another channel in the swivel is a return channel for returning fluid from the nozzle head. In another embodiment a first channel in the swivel is an inlet channel for a first fluid to the nozzle head, and a second channel in the swivel is an inlet channel for a second fluid to the nozzle head.
Preferably, a pneumatic channel is arranged through said swivel means for establishing pneumatic communication between the holder and the rotatable nozzle head, and the product valve means are actuated by means of pneumatic control. Also, electrical lines may be arranged through said swivel means for establishing electrical communication between the holder and the rotatable nozzle head, and electrical valve actuators, suitably solenoids, are arranged in the nozzle head for controlling the pneumatic actuation of the product valve means. The invention is defined in claim 1 while preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.
Brief description of the drawings
The invention will be described in greater detail in the following detailed description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which
Fig 1 is a schematic view illustrating the principles of a robotic gun according to the prior art;
Fig 2 is a schematic view illustrating the principles of a robotic gun according to one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig 3 is a schematic view illustrating the principles of a robotic gun according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Fig 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention mounted on a holder; Fig 5 is a cross-section view of the base module one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig 6 is an exploded view of the valve actuators;
Fig 7A is a perspective view of a first nozzle configuration;
Fig 7B is a perspective view of a second nozzle configuration; Fig 7C is a perspective view of a third nozzle configuration;
Figs. 8 A and 8B are cross-section views of the snuff action valve in a closed and open position, respectively; and
Figs 9A and 9B are perspective views of the high-precision configuration needle and high-flow configuration needle, respectively.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments
The principles of the device according to the invention are shown in figure 2. The device comprises a non-rotating part or adapter 1 to be connected to a holder on a robotic arm and a rotating part carrying nozzles for application of a fluid. A swivel means 2 provides rotary connections for air, fluid and electric signals. Product valves 4 are located close to the nozzles 12 in the rotating nozzle head. The product valves 4 are pneumatic valves powered by air and controlled by valve actuators 20 in turn controlled by electric signals by means of electric actuators, e.g. solenoids
19. The fluid to be applied from the nozzles is circulated through the swivel 2 and up to the product valves 4.
As is evident from the non-schematic drawings, see e.g. Fig 4, the device for application of a fluid is designed as a gun-shaped tool which comprises five main components, namely an adapter 1 which serves to connect the gun with a robotic arm, a swivel means 2, which is capable of transmitting a rotary movement, a connection 3 to a feeder means for a fluid, such as a gas, a liquid or a plastic material, a positioning lance 5 and a head 6 having a number of spray or extrusion nozzles 12. The construction and respective function of these different primary components will be described below.
The adapter 1 is designed to be mounted on a robotic arm of any known type, either directly or by means of an intermediate adapter. A robotic arm can usually perform movements in six degrees of freedom, i.e. motion in three directions, rotation about first and second axes, which are perpendicular to each other and which are at a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the robotic arm, and rotation about a ttrird axis which extends in the longitadinal direction of the robotic arm. The adapter 1 transmits the rotary motion about this longitudinal axis either because the adapter is rigidly rotated or because a shaft located in the adapter is rotated with respect to the adapter. The shaft located in the adapter is connected to a shaft 8 (Fig. 5) rotatably held in the swivel means 2. This shaft can be an integral continuation of the adapter shaft.
With reference to figure 5, the swivel means 2 is outwardly limited by a housing 10, which has an outer mantle surface 11 and an inner cylindrical wall and two end surfaces. The mantle surface of the housing is substantially cylindrical, but other shapes of the mantle surface of the housing are of course also possible. The gun can be mounted on basically any kind of robot. It is just a question of adapting the mechanical adapter and the swivel-locking device.
The spray gun has in the simplest form one, and in the example shown in the drawing three, spray or extrusion nozzles 12 (see also Figs 7 A, 7B and 7C). To ensure the functioning of the gun, each of the nozzles has a channel between the product valve and the nozzle. This results in that each nozzle can be opened and closed independently of the others. For this reason, it is possible to open one or more nozzles at the same time.
Figures 7 A and 7B show nozzle configurations with three nozzles 12 pointing in different directions. In figure 7 A one nozzle is pointing straight forward, a second nozzle is pointing to one side at a right angle, and a third nozzle is pointing at an angle of 45° to the forward direction at a right angle to the plane formed by the first two nozzles. In figure 7B all nozzles are pointing at an angle of 45° to the forward direction and symmetrically spaced by 120° around the circumference. The nozzle configurations are selected on the basis of their intended application. The nozzles are preferably used one at a time with the same or (two) different materials. Figure 7C shows a nozzle configuration with three nozzles 12 pointing in the same direction. The nozzles may be used simultaneously with the same material in order to form a broader bead or sheet of material. Since the product valves may be controlled individually, it is possible to activate one through three of the nozzles as a way of selecting the width of the bead.
Figure 5 is a cross-section view through the base module. The gun has swivelling functions for electrical signals, compressed air and product. The media enter (or exit, depending on the application) the gun through holes 13 and 14 in the housing and are transferred to the rotating shaft 8. In the shaft are made channels for air, material and the electrical cables to the solenoid valves. The shaft with the channels may be rotated freely relative to the adapter 1 and holder with uiihindered communication through the channels for electrical signals, compressed air and product. The swivel is also furnished with an electrical slipring device 15. The slipring device has been located next to the coupling in the rear part of the module. The cables to the solenoid valves runs in a hole drilled through the shaft. The cables, equipped with a contact for the solenoid valves, may be soldered to the shaft part of the slipring device. The hole 7 in Fig 5 is the inlet for compressed air to the valves. The pneumatic supply hose is connected with a standard threaded quick-connection. The same air supply is preferably used to power all the pneumatic valve actuators. The holes 13 and 14 are inlets/outlets for the fluid material to be applied. The design allows inlet and return of one material for circulation or inlet of two different materials into the non-rotating part. This makes it possible to adapt the gun for application of two different materials and 2-component materials. As will be appreciated, it is possible to design the device with more inlets/outlets for fluid material.
A device according to the invention may be provided with two different types of product valves, one high-flow type and one type based on the so-called snuff-back valve. In this application, the snuff-back type is referred to as the high- precision configuration.
The product valves 4 are actuated by valve actuators 20. The arrangement of the valve actuators is shown in Fig 6. To open the product valves in the gun each valve is manoeuvred by a rod 21 connected to an air-controlled piston 22. Letting in compressed air in to its cylinder 23 moves this piston 22 in its turn. This air inlet is activated and depressurised by a solenoid valve, one for each valve. The same parts are mainly used for both high-precision and high- flow configuration. One difference is that the rods are moved backwards to open the valves in the high-flow gun and forward to do the same in the high-precision version. Modifying an adapter plate for the solenoid valves creates this difference.
As solenoid valves standard valves may be used, which should preferably be fast and very small. These valves are controlled by DC signals passing through the electrical slipring device. The air connection from the solenoid valves to the gun may be made by a plastic air block 18 (Fig 4), manufactured by a laser sinter. This will reduce the dimensions of the mid-section of the gun. By forming different channels in this air block the actuators are configured for the high-flow or high- precision configuration. The sinter manufacturing method gives a large freedom in designing the air channels through the block 18. As is shown in Fig 6, a design with three pneumatic cylinders located longitudinally after each other, angularly spaced 120 degrees from each other was made to obtain a small diameter of the gun within a mήiimum of space and weight. The actuators are supplied with compressed air for the forward and backward motion by the solenoid valves. On the high-flow configuration a spring will be mounted in the actuator cylinder (not shown) in order to close the product valve in case of lost supply of compressed air or malfunction in the solenoid.
As mentioned earlier the high-precision configuration is focused on sharp starts and stops and constant bead widths. The high-precision configuration does not allow as high material flow as the high-flow gun. The design of the high-precision nozzle head is made to allow snuff-back and to give as distinctive starts and stops of the beads as possible. Suitable applications are sealing and other bead application where the cosmetic appearance is of high importance. The high-precision configuration is normally used together with slit nozzles. The function of the high-precision valve is illustrated in Figs. 8A and 8B, Fig
8A showing the closed position and Fig 8B showing the open position. When the needle is in its rear position there is a distance between the needle 24A and the ball 25, the ball 25 closing the valve seat 26A (see fig. 8A). The valves in the high- precision nozzle head are opened by pulling the piston rod forward, which hits the ball 25 pushing the ball 25 forwards from the seat 26A. The philosophy is that the needle 24A should gain speed before reaching the ball 25 and then hit the ball, with an almost instantaneous opening from closed to fully open valve obtaining a full flow as a result. This distance however increases the reaction time from sent signal until the valve is open. When the needle is pulled back to the position, shown in figure 8A, it creates a snuff-back force to the material in the nozzle channel. This function has been used in the prior art product valves and has been useful when the valve was located in front of the swivel with different lengths of lances before the nozzle. The ball 25 is pushed towards the valve seat by a return spring 27 to close the flow. The high- flow type of valve is shown in Fig. 5. The design of the high-flow configuration valve is made to allow maximum material flow. A needle 24B opens the valve when it is pulled backwards by the actuator from the seat 26B. The design does not contain any ball to close the valve, but the needle 24B closes directly against the valve seat 26B. The design provides for high flow rates but no snuff- back is obtained as the piston moves forward to close the valve. In Fig. 5 the valve is shown in closed position.
The lance 5 (e.g. Fig. 5) is used to get different lengths of the gun. This is a parameter, which can be desired to be changed depending on workspace and robot positioning. The design has been done with a stainless steel tube manufactured in different lengths, with alumimum flanges in both ends. Inside the lance the fluid material pipes and piston rods for the valves are located.
By putting a high-flow configuration nozzle head on the gun it is possible to apply materials with very high material flows. The flow rates are depending on material and nozzle type but flows over 100 ml/s are no problems to achieve.
Suitable applications are vibration dampening, under body coating and other coating applications, normally applied by flat-stream, extrusion or spray extrusion nozzles.
The details for the piston rods 21 are common between high-precision and high-flow configuration except for the needles. The high-precision configuration uses a similar design to the ones used in the product valve for prior art device. As is shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the needle 24A for the high-precision configuration has a flat front end suitable for hitting the ball 25, while the needle 24B for the high- flow configuration has a rounded front end which closes the valve by abutting against the valve seat 26B. The high-precision and high- flow configurations only differ in a few parts of the nozzle head and it is easy to modify a gun from one configuration to another. The high-flow configuration primary was intended for high-flow applications, but tests have shown that this configuration gives excellent results also for sealing applications. The device according to the invention may be adapted for 2-component material application. Fig. 3 shows the principle. Most of the components of the gun are the same as for a conventional 1 -component gun. The gun has however to be adapted to be able to mount a mixer 9, e.g. a static mixer, in the front. The base module (non-rotating part) of the gun is prepared to be able to feed two different materials. The two materials will be able to circulate separated in the base module as it is possible to mount two inlet and two outlet pipes to the gun. There is no circulation in the rotating part. In the rotating part two of the valve actuators 20 A and 20B will open each of the two material channels to the mixer 9 having one common outlet for the mixed components. If necessary, a separate valve 4C can be provided at the common outlet and the third valve actuator 20C could be used to open the flow of mixed material to the nozzle 12C.
In another embodiment, the product valves 4A and 4B each open directly to a separate nozzle enabling application of two different fluid materials.
In the gun according to the invention the material can be circulated almost all the way to the nozzles. This provides for good control of material temperature and viscosity and the need for purge operations will be very limited. If two different materials are used for different nozzles of the gun, or if a 2-component material is used, it still will be possible to circulate both materials in the gun. In those cases the circulation is limited to the base module of the gun. The circulation is controlled by an external circulation valve 28 (Fig 2), which opens the return hose. As an alternative, the circulation valve may be integrated with the gun, e.g. located together with the product valves. If available, even one of the product valves could be used. Between the hose and the gun is installed a non-return valve 29 to eliminate the negative effect of the accumulated pressure in the return hose.
The gun can be equipped with two different temperature sensors: one to measure the product temperature and the other to measure the temperature of the heated body of the gun. Heating elements and temperature sensors may be integrated in the body of the device. Material sensors may be integrated in the connection plate where the material tubes are connected to the body.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for the application of fluid and intended to be mounted as a tool on a holder which is adjustable between different positions and directions, the device comprising at least one nozzle (12) for discharge of said fluid, one product valve means (4) associated with each nozzle (12) for control of the supply of fluid to each nozzle, and a swivel means (2) connecting the holder (1) to a rotatable nozzle head (6) carrying said nozzle (12), wherein at least one channel is arranged through said swivel means (2) for establishing fluid communication between the holder and the rotatable nozzle head (6), said channel having the capability to rotate freely relative to the holder, characterised in that the product valve means (4) are arranged in the rotatable nozzle head (6).
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that two channels are arranged through said swivel means (2), wherein one channel in the swivel means (2) is an inlet channel for supplying fluid to the nozzle head (6), and another channel in the swivel means (2) is a return channel for returning fluid from the nozzle head (6).
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the channels are associated with one product valve means (4) each, which may be controlled to discharge the fluids from a respective nozzle (12).
4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fluid is arranged to be circulated up to the product valves (4), the circulation being controlled by a circulation valve (28), which is arranged to open a return hose.
5. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that a non-return valve (29) is installed between the return hose and the holder.
6. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that two channels are arranged through said swivel means (2), wherein a first channel in the swivel means is an inlet channel for a first fluid to the nozzle head, and a second channel in the swivel means is an inlet channel for a second fluid to the nozzle head.
7. A device according to claim 6, characterised in that the first and second channels are associated with first and second product valve means (4A, 4B) which may be controlled to discharge the first and second fluids into a mixing • chamber (9) to discharge mixed fluids from a common nozzle.
8. A device according to claim 7, characterised in that and in that the mixing chamber (9) is associated with a third product valve means (4C) which may be controlled to discharge the mixed fluids from the common nozzle.
9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the distance between said product valve means (4) and nozzle (12) is in the range of 10 - 50 millimetres.
10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a pneumatic channel is arranged through said swivel means (2) for establishing pneumatic communication between the holder and the rotatable nozzle head (6), and in that the product valve means (4) are actuated by means of pneumatic control.
11. A device according to claim 10, characterised in that the same pneumatic channel is used to control all the product valve means (4).
12. A device according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the air connection from the swivel means (2) to the rotatable nozzle head (6) is made through a plastic air block (18) manufactured by a laser sinter method.
13. A device according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterised in that electrical lines are arranged through said swivel means (2) for establishing electrical communication between the holder and the rotatable nozzle head (6), and in that electrical valve actuators (19) are arranged in the nozzle head (6) for controlling the pneumatic actuation of the product valve means (4).
14. A device according to claim 13, characterised in that said swivel means (2) is furnished with an electrical slipring device (15).
15. A device according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the electrical valve actuators are solenoids (19).
16. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a valve actuator (20) is associated with each product valve (4), said valve actuator comprising a rod (21) connected to an air controlled piston (22) arranged in a cylinder (23), the cylinder (23) having an air inlet which is activated and depressurised by a solenoid valve, one for each product valve (4).
17. A device according to claim 16, characterised in that the air cylinders (23) of different valve actuators (20) are located longitudinally after each other, and angularly spaced 120 degrees from each other.
18. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the product valve comprises a needle (24A), a ball (25), and a valve seat (26A), wherein there is a distance between the needle (24A) and the ball (25) when the product valve is in its closed position, the ball (25) closing the valve seat (26A) and the product valve is arranged to be opened by pulling the piston rod (21) forward, which hits the ball (25) pushing the ball (25) forwards from the seat (26A).
19. A device according to claim 18, characterised in that the needle (24A) has a flat front end for hitting the ball (25).
20. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the product valve comprises a needle (24B), and a valve seat (26B), wherein the needle (24B) is arranged to close directly against the valve seat (26B), and the needle (24B) is arranged to open the valve when it is pulled backwards by the actuator from the seat (26B).
21. A device according to claim 20, characterised in that the needle (24B) has a rounded front end for sealing against the valve seat (26B).
EP03738853A 2002-07-10 2003-07-08 Device for the application of a fluid Revoked EP1521642B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0202165A SE525422E (en) 2002-07-10 2002-07-10 Device for applying a fluid
SE0202165 2002-07-10
PCT/SE2003/001194 WO2004007089A1 (en) 2002-07-10 2003-07-08 Device for the application of a fluid

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1521642A1 true EP1521642A1 (en) 2005-04-13
EP1521642B1 EP1521642B1 (en) 2007-05-02

Family

ID=20288499

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03738853A Revoked EP1521642B1 (en) 2002-07-10 2003-07-08 Device for the application of a fluid

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1521642B1 (en)
CN (1) CN100395038C (en)
AT (1) ATE361152T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003245224A1 (en)
DE (2) DE60313614T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2287493T3 (en)
PT (1) PT1521642E (en)
SE (1) SE525422E (en)
WO (1) WO2004007089A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102007053073A1 (en) 2007-11-07 2009-06-04 Dürr Systems GmbH application system
DE102010056071A1 (en) 2010-12-23 2012-06-28 Dürr Systems GmbH Application device for applying a coating agent to a component
EP3081314A1 (en) 2015-04-16 2016-10-19 Eftec Europe Holding AG Device for applying fluids
EP2566628B1 (en) 2010-05-07 2017-09-06 Dürr Systems AG Atomizer with a lattice mixer

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5262999B2 (en) * 2009-05-28 2013-08-14 ブラザー工業株式会社 Cloth bonding equipment
FR2972651B1 (en) * 2011-03-18 2014-01-31 Faurecia Bloc Avant PAINT SPRAY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING SUCH A DEVICE.
ITVI20110163A1 (en) * 2011-06-21 2012-12-22 Spraytech Srl PERFECT FLOW SWITCHING VALVE AND SPRAYING SYSTEM USING THE ABOVE PERFECT SWITCHING VALVE
ITVI20120216A1 (en) * 2012-09-04 2014-03-05 Spraytech Srl SWITCHING VALVE - FLOW INTERCEPTOR AND SPRAYING SYSTEM USING THE ABOVE VALVE
DE102012017538A1 (en) * 2012-09-05 2014-03-06 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Process for imaging and / or varnishing the surface of objects
CN103521385A (en) * 2013-10-21 2014-01-22 芜湖鼎恒材料技术有限公司 Control device capable of carrying out classified quantitative control
DE102014003931B3 (en) * 2014-03-18 2015-09-24 Dürr Systems GmbH Robot arrangement with paired application device with intermediate flange and corresponding mounting method
JP6422109B2 (en) * 2014-03-26 2018-11-14 株式会社ウレタンメンテナンスサービス Liquid supply monitoring device and spraying method

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3570725A (en) * 1968-11-15 1971-03-16 Nordson Corp Applicator having a fixed module with static parts and a removable module with moving parts
DE3421008A1 (en) * 1984-06-06 1985-12-12 Hermann Behr & Sohn Gmbh & Co, 7121 Ingersheim Industrial robot or telemanipulator
CN2157831Y (en) * 1993-01-20 1994-03-02 王立全 Multi-function paint spray gun
SE9502566L (en) * 1995-07-12 1996-08-05 Volvo Ab Spraying tool adjustable in different directions and with at least two nozzles
US5941463A (en) * 1997-03-21 1999-08-24 Nordson Coporation Spray gun with rotatably adjustable nozzle
US5887800A (en) * 1997-09-03 1999-03-30 Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc. Robot wrist and spray applicator
CN2399112Y (en) * 1999-08-25 2000-10-04 但维强 Combination multipurpose water jetting gun
US6325302B1 (en) * 1999-11-29 2001-12-04 Fanuc Robotics North America, Inc. Airless spray tool

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2004007089A1 *

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102007053073A1 (en) 2007-11-07 2009-06-04 Dürr Systems GmbH application system
EP2566628B1 (en) 2010-05-07 2017-09-06 Dürr Systems AG Atomizer with a lattice mixer
DE102010056071A1 (en) 2010-12-23 2012-06-28 Dürr Systems GmbH Application device for applying a coating agent to a component
WO2012084238A1 (en) 2010-12-23 2012-06-28 Dürr Systems GmbH Application apparatus for applying an application medium to a component
EP3081314A1 (en) 2015-04-16 2016-10-19 Eftec Europe Holding AG Device for applying fluids
WO2016166333A1 (en) 2015-04-16 2016-10-20 Eftec Europe Holding Ag Device for applying fluids
EP3283230B1 (en) * 2015-04-16 2021-08-18 Eftec Europe Holding AG Device for applying fluids

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2287493T3 (en) 2007-12-16
PT1521642E (en) 2007-08-06
SE525422E (en) 2010-07-06
CN1665603A (en) 2005-09-07
DE60313614T2 (en) 2007-12-27
DE03738853T1 (en) 2005-11-10
ATE361152T1 (en) 2007-05-15
EP1521642B1 (en) 2007-05-02
DE60313614D1 (en) 2007-06-14
SE0202165L (en) 2004-01-11
WO2004007089A1 (en) 2004-01-22
SE525422C2 (en) 2005-02-15
CN100395038C (en) 2008-06-18
SE0202165D0 (en) 2002-07-10
AU2003245224A1 (en) 2004-02-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1521642B1 (en) Device for the application of a fluid
US4613082A (en) Electrostatic spraying apparatus for robot mounting
US7059545B2 (en) Automatic air-assisted manifold mounted gun
CA1147140A (en) Air-operated spray device
US5080285A (en) Automatic paint spray gun
US6691932B1 (en) Orbital applicator tool with static mixer tip seal valve
US6705537B2 (en) Orbital applicator tool with self-centering dispersing head
US4669661A (en) Process and device for the spraying of hot melt glue
CA2004257C (en) Spray gun having a fanning air turbine mechanism
JPH08243438A (en) Electrostatic coating device equipped with spray gun for conductive paint
JP2007090221A (en) Spray nozzle and spray system
US7140559B2 (en) Spraying device for serial spraying of work pieces
CA2081866A1 (en) Wire thermal spray gun and method
JP2007190552A (en) Device for application of fluid
KR101649161B1 (en) Valve for spraying coating product and spraygun comprising such a valve
EP1180064B1 (en) Dispensing head comprising nozzle insert with o-ring seal on a nozzle extension
EP0395790A2 (en) Rotating head assembly
JPH10192744A (en) Spray coating applicator
CN216988156U (en) Manual two-component spray gun
JP2816620B2 (en) Material transfer device that can change the transfer direction and adjust the transfer amount
JPH049103B2 (en)
JPH062761Y2 (en) Viscous liquid atomizer
JPS61196068A (en) Spray apparatus
JPH0528445U (en) Water injection hole adjustment type spray nozzle
JPH0194960A (en) Spray gun

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20050208

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
DET De: translation of patent claims
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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 BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

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: 20070502

Ref country code: LI

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: 20070502

Ref country code: CH

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: 20070502

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60313614

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20070614

Kind code of ref document: P

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

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20070619

Year of fee payment: 5

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

Effective date: 20070725

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2287493

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

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

Ref country code: BG

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: 20070802

Ref country code: DK

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: 20070502

Ref country code: SI

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: 20070502

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: ECCO FINISHING AB

Effective date: 20080130

Opponent name: ABB PATENT GMBH

Effective date: 20080129

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: DUERR SYSTEMS GMBH

Effective date: 20080204

Opponent name: ECCO FINISHING AB

Effective date: 20080130

Opponent name: ABB PATENT GMBH

Effective date: 20080129

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20070802

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: 20070803

Ref country code: MC

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

Effective date: 20070731

NLR1 Nl: opposition has been filed with the epo

Opponent name: ABB PATENT GMBH

Opponent name: ECCO FINISHING AB

Opponent name: DUERR SYSTEMS GMBH

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

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

Ref country code: SK

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

Effective date: 20070708

Ref country code: RO

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: 20070502

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070709

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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070802

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

Ref country code: EE

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: 20070502

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: S28

Free format text: APPLICATION FILED

PGRI Patent reinstated in contracting state [announced from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Effective date: 20090325

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: S28

Free format text: RESTORATION ALLOWED

Effective date: 20090527

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: 20070502

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: 20070708

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

Ref country code: HU

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: 20071103

Ref country code: TR

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: 20070502

PLCK Communication despatched that opposition was rejected

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREJ1

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APAW Appeal reference deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDREFNO

APAY Date of receipt of notice of appeal deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDNOA2O

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APBQ Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O

PLBP Opposition withdrawn

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009264

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

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

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20130710

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: SK

Payment date: 20130708

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: CZ

Payment date: 20130703

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20130703

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20130628

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20130626

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20130711

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20130712

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20130108

Year of fee payment: 11

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20130724

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20130703

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R064

Ref document number: 60313614

Country of ref document: DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R103

Ref document number: 60313614

Country of ref document: DE

APBU Appeal procedure closed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9O

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

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20130719

Year of fee payment: 11

RDAF Communication despatched that patent is revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREV1

RDAG Patent revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009271

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

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT REVOKED

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MP4A

Effective date: 20140319

27W Patent revoked

Effective date: 20131219

GBPR Gb: patent revoked under art. 102 of the ep convention designating the uk as contracting state

Effective date: 20131219

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R107

Ref document number: 60313614

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140508

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MA03

Ref document number: 361152

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20131219

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SK

Ref legal event code: MC4A

Ref document number: E2511

Country of ref document: SK

Effective date: 20131219

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: ECNC