EP1970126B1 - Device and method for data storage - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system for data management of a thermal spray device, in particular a thermal spray device with a spray gun, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for data management of a thermal spray device, in particular a thermal spray device with a spray gun, according to the preamble of claim.

Thermal coating equipment, such as thermal spray equipment, is used today in many areas of industrial manufacturing to coat substrates. Typical substrates include, for example, workpieces with curved surfaces such as cylinder liners of internal combustion engines, a variety of semi-finished products such as components on which corrosion protection is applied prior to further thermal spray surface treatment, but also substantially planar substrates such as wafers and films the one coating is sprayed or steamed. In addition, a variety of other applications is known in the art. Common thermal sprayers include, for example, plasma spraying equipment, high velocity flame spraying (HVOF), flame spraying and arc spraying. The thermal spray devices have in common that they each comprise a separate injection device with a burner, which is referred to below as a spray gun. In English, the spray gun is usually referred to as a gun. The term spray gun refers primarily to the function and not to the actual shape, which may differ from the shape of a gun.

The process size monitoring in conventional thermal sprayers, if any such monitoring is provided, is limited to a few sizes such as the electric current, the electric voltage or the electric power in plasma and arc torches or the pressure of a gas supply, each at the corresponding power - or gas supply are recorded. There are also versions in which measuring lines are provided for the measurement of the electrical voltage at the burner, wherein the conversion and evaluation of the voltage in another part of the thermal spraying device take place at a safe distance from the spray gun.

From document EP 0 508 482 A2 For example, a plasma cutting torch is known having a resistor network disposed therein to identify the cutting torch.

In document EP-A-1 635 623 a plasma spray gun is described in which an operating condition is monitored by means of a pressure sensor. The described plasma spraying device comprises a plasma spray gun, which is supplied with spray powder during the spraying by means of a delivery gas. The pressure sensor is arranged in a conveying gas line or in the line, which serves for supplying the spray powder, and serves to detect erroneous operating conditions such as blockages in the spray powder feeder.

Further process monitoring was previously not provided for in thermal spraying equipment. So far, for example, lacked a monitoring in which the detection and storage of process variables and / or operating conditions and / or took place in the spray gun. Due to the need for thermal spraying burner, the environmental conditions appear on or in the spray gun little suitable for the use of electronic circuits for the detection and storage of process variables and operating conditions. Thus, depending on the type of burner used in the spray guns high voltages, high currents and / or high fields occur. In addition, the temperatures generated by the burners and the other environmental conditions in the industrial use of spray guns pose a potential threat to In addition, current spray guns of thermal spray guns are constructed as compact as possible so that there is little room for process size detection and storage therein.

The object of the invention is to provide a system and a method for data retention of a thermal spray device, in particular a thermal spray device with a spray gun, which allow identification and monitoring of the thermal spray device and / or one or more components thereof.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the system defined in claim 1 and the method defined in claim 7.

The inventive system for data retention of a thermal spray device, in particular a thermal spray device with a spray gun, comprises at least one decentralized device each having a memory to store data of the thermal spray device and / or one or more components thereof, wherein the data identification and operating data of the thermal spray device or the components and the device additionally comprises a bus interface for transmitting the data, for example, for transmitting the data to an evaluation unit. Among the components from which data can be decentrally recorded include, for example, the spray gun and / or a container for spray powder, which may be provided with a decentralized and / or local device for storing the data of the filled spray powder. The stored data of the spray powder may include data such as type and / or production lot or temperature and / or moisture. In an advantageous embodiment, the device can be supplied with power via the bus interface. In a further advantageous embodiment variant, the bus interface comprises one or more data lines, and in a further advantageous embodiment variant the memory is designed as a non-volatile memory, for example as Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM).

If required, the system may additionally comprise at least one sensor connected to the device in order to detect process variables and / or operating states on the thermal spray device or on the components, for example a sensor for a sensor electrical voltage and / or temperature and / or pressure and / or flow and / or the presence of a flame.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device is surrounded by a housing or housing part, which in and / or, in particular directly to the thermal sprayer or one of the components such as the spray gun can be mounted, so that the mounted device even when changing the location of the thermal spray device or the component permanently connected to the thermal spray device or the component remains.

The inventive method for data retention of a thermal spray device, in particular a thermal spray device with one or more components such as a spray gun is characterized in that data of the thermal spray device and / or one or more components thereof provided in a memory of a decentralized device and be stored, that the data contain identification and operating data of the thermal spray device or the components, and that the data is transmitted via a bus interface of the device, for example, to an evaluation unit. In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the power supply of the device takes place via the bus interface.

In a further advantageous embodiment, process variables and / or operating states are detected by means of at least one pickup on the thermal spray device or on one or more of the components and fed to the device and stored there in the memory. In this case, for example, an electrical voltage and / or a temperature and / or a pressure and / or a flow and / or the presence of a flame on the thermal spray device or on the spray gun can be detected.

In a further advantageous embodiment variant, the thermal spraying device comprises a spray gun with a burner, for example a plasma or HVOF or flame spraying or arc spraying torch.

The invention further comprises a thermal spray device comprising a spray gun and a system according to one or more of the variants described above, wherein the spray gun may include a burner, for example a plasma or HVOF or flame spray or arc spray burner.

The system and method according to the present invention have the advantage that identification data of the spray gun, operating data such as service life of the spray gun or parts thereof or process variables can be stored in or on the spray gun. Thanks to the stored identification data, each spray gun can be automatically identified, regardless of the place of use, which makes it easier to replace the spray guns as well as to ensure quality. For example, the operating time stored in or on the spray gun may be used to indicate upcoming maintenance, for example, to service or replace wearing parts such as nozzles or electrodes. Thanks to the bus interface provided in the system and method, the stored data can also be transmitted over longer cable lengths of 10 m and more. In addition, the storage of process variables along with their detection in or on the spray gun allows better monitoring of the thermal spray process as compared to the prior art.

The above description of embodiments and variants is merely an example. Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the drawings. In addition, in the context of the present invention, individual features of the described or shown embodiments and variants can be combined with each other to form new embodiments.

Fig. 1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Systems zur Datenhaltung eines thermischen Spritzgerätes gemäss vorliegender Erfindung,

Fig. 2

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines Systems zur Datenhaltung eines thermischen Spritzgerätes gemäss vorliegender Erfindung, und

Fig. 3

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Systems zur Datenhaltung eines thermischen Spritzgerätes gemäss vorliegender Erfindung.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments and with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

An embodiment of a system for data storage of a thermal spray device according to the present invention,

Fig. 2

A second embodiment of a system for data storage of a thermal spray device according to the present invention, and

Fig. 3

A third embodiment of a system for data storage of a thermal spray device according to the present invention.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a system for data storage of a thermal spray device according to the present invention and in particular for data management of a spray gun 2 of a thermal spray device. The system comprises a decentralized device 1 with a memory 4 to store data of the thermal spray device or the spray gun, wherein the data contain identification and operating data of the thermal spray device or the spray gun, and wherein the device 1 additionally a bus interface 6 for transmission includes the data. The system may additionally, as in Fig. 1 shown, an evaluation unit 8, which is connected via the bus interface 6 to the device 1. The spray gun can, as in Fig. 1 shown, include a burner 2a, such as a burner for plasma spraying, high-velocity flame spraying (HVOF), flame spraying, or arc spraying. Next, the spray gun 2, as in Fig. 1 shown to be connected to leads 9, which serve the process supply. Depending on the spraying method used, supply lines for the power supply, the gas supply and / or for the supply of spray powder and / or wires may be provided.

The device 1 may, as in Fig. 1 shown, arranged in the spray gun 2 and, if necessary, be connected to one or more sensors 3, by means of which physical quantities can be detected in the spray gun, for example, temperatures in or on or in the spray gun or an electrical or in or on the spray gun Voltage such as a supply voltage of the burner or a voltage at a sensor, in particular at a flame sensor. Advantageously, in the device 1 for the temperature measurement, the analog to digital conversion and for the data storage integrated circuits with a high resistance to interference voltages and electrostatic Discharges (ESD) selected. If required, additional ESD protection may be provided in the device, eg when the device is to be used in conjunction with a plasma spray gun in which the ignition voltage of the plasma torch may be up to 9 kV and more.

In an advantageous embodiment variant, the device can be supplied with power via the bus interface. In a further advantageous embodiment variant, the bus interface optionally comprises one, two, three or more than three data lines. A particularly simple bus interface can be constructed using a single data line, since two wires or wires are sufficient for data transmission. In addition, the two wires can occasionally be used for the power supply of the device 1, whereby the effort for the connection of the device can be reduced. For example, in a typical setup, the device uses low power integrated circuits and a bus interface with a comparatively slow rate in the range of 10 to 100 kbits / s. In a further advantageous embodiment variant, the memory is designed as a nonvolatile memory, for example as Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM).

Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a system for data storage of a thermal spray device according to the present invention and in particular for data management of a spray gun 2 of a thermal spray device. The inventive system comprises a decentralized device 1, wherein the second embodiment only in the arrangement of the device 1 of the in Fig. 1 differs shown first embodiment. The second embodiment will therefore be described only briefly below while reference is made to the above description of the first embodiment with respect to the embodiments and details. The device 1 contains a memory 4 to store data of the thermal spray device or the spray gun, wherein the data contain identification and operating data of the thermal spray device or the spray gun, and wherein the device 1 additionally comprises a bus interface 6 for transmitting the data. The system can in addition, as in Fig. 2 shown, an evaluation unit 8, which is connected via the bus interface 6 to the device 1. In addition, the spray gun can, as in Fig. 2 shown to include a burner 2a.

In the second embodiment, the device 1, as in Fig. 2 shown, is arranged on or near or directly on the spray gun 2 and can be connected to one or more sensors 3, if necessary, by means of which physical quantities in the region of the spray gun can be detected, for example temperatures and / or electrical voltages on or in the spray gun. In an advantageous embodiment, the device 1 is surrounded by a housing 5, which can be mounted in or on or directly on the spray gun 2, so that the mounted device remains permanently connected to the spray gun even when changing the location of the thermal spray gun or the spray gun ,

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a system for data storage of a thermal spray device according to the present invention and in particular for data storage of a thermal spray device with a spray gun 2. The inventive system comprises a decentralized device 1 with a memory 4 to store data of the thermal spray device or the spray gun , wherein the data contain identification and operating data of the thermal spray device or the spray gun, and wherein the device 1 additionally comprises a bus interface 6.1, 6.2 for transmitting the data. The system may additionally, as in Fig. 3 shown, an evaluation unit 8 include, which is connected via the bus interface 6.1, 6.2 with the device 1.

In the third exemplary embodiment, fastening elements are provided in the region of the device 1 in order to fasten the device to one or more supply lines 9, which are connected to the spray gun 2 in order to ensure the supply of the process. If required, the device can be connected to one or more sensors 3.1, 3.2, by means of which physical variables in the area of the supply lines and the spray gun can be detected, for example temperatures and / or electrical voltages and / or pressures. In an advantageous embodiment, the device 1 is surrounded by a housing 5, which can be fastened by means of fasteners to one or more of the leads 9, so that the device remains permanently connected to the same even when changing the location of the spray gun.

If required, a bus converter 7 can be provided in the bus interface independently of the specific embodiment. This makes it possible to provide in a first section 6.1 of the bus interface, for example, a bus with only one data line, for example using a simple two-wire line and in a second section, for example, a serial interface connection according to RS 232 specification. This facilitates the connection of the bus interface to the evaluation unit 8, which can be implemented, for example, in a computer or personal computer.

Further embodiments and details of the third embodiment can be taken from the description of the first and second embodiments.

An embodiment of the inventive method for data storage of a thermal spray device, in particular a thermal spray device with a spray gun 2 is described below with reference to the FIGS. 1 to 3 described. In the method, data of the thermal spray device or the spray gun are provided and stored in a memory 4 of a decentralized device 1, the data containing identification and operating data of the thermal spray device or the spray gun, and wherein the data via a bus interface 6, 6.1, 6.2 of the device 1 are transmitted, for example, to an evaluation unit 8. In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the power supply of the device takes place via the bus interface. The data stored in the device 1 may, for example, comprise one or more of the following data: a serial number, a device identification which can be set if necessary, information on the thermal spraying device and / or to the spray gun, measurements of physical quantities in the supply lines 9 and the spray gun 2 such as electrical voltages in the spray gun, temperatures in the device 1 and / or in the area of the spray gun and the supply lines, pressures and flow in the spray gun and the supply lines 9, minimum and maximum measurement values, calibration information for the measurement of physical quantities, operating state information, such as state of the flame in the burner, operating time of the spray gun and parts thereof, or maintenance information.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the power supply of the device 1 via the bus interface 6, 6.1, 6.2. In a further advantageous embodiment, physical quantities and / or operating states in the region of the supply lines and the spray gun are detected by means of at least one pickup 3, 3.1, 3.2 and fed to the device and stored there in the memory. In this case, for example, an electrical voltage and / or a temperature and / or a pressure and / or a flow and / or the presence of a flame can be detected on or in the spray gun.

Furthermore, the invention comprises a thermal spray device with a spray gun and a system according to one or more of the variants described above, wherein the spray gun includes a burner, for example a plasma or HVOF or flame spray or arc spray burner.

The system and the method described above facilitate the quality assurance thanks to the data storage in or on the spray gun and allow better monitoring of the spraying process compared with the prior art.

Claims (10)

1. A system for the data management of a thermal spraying apparatus with a spray gun (2), characterised in that the system includes at least one device (1) with a memory (4) arranged decentrally in or at the spray gun or at a supply of the spray gun, to store data of the thermal spraying apparatus, in that the data contain identification data and operating data of the thermal spraying apparatus and in that the device (1) additionally includes a bus interface (6) for the transmitting of the data.
2. A system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the device (1) can be supplied with power via the bus interface (6).
3. A system in accordance with one of the claims 1 or 2 wherein the bus interface (6) includes one or more data lines.
4. A system in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the memory (4) is formed as a non volatile memory.
5. A system in accordance with any one of the previous claims additionally including at least one pick-up sensor (7), (8), connected to the device (1) for the detection of process parameters and/or operating conditions at the thermal spraying apparatus or at the spray gun (2), in particular a measuring sensor for an electrical voltage and/or a temperature and/or a pressure and/or a through flow and/or the presence of a flame.
6. A system in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the device (1) is surrounded by a housing (5), which can be mounted in and/or at, in particular directly on the thermal spraying apparatus or the spray gun (2), so that the mounted device remains permanently connected to the thermal spraying apparatus and/or to the spray gun even during a change of the place of use.
7. A method for the data management of a thermal spraying apparatus with a spray gun (2), characterised in that data of the thermal spraying apparatus is made available and stored in a memory (4) of a device (1) arranged decentrally in or at the spray gun or at a supply of the spray gun, in that the data contains identification and operating data of the thermal spraying apparatus and in that the data is transmitted over a bus interface (6) of the device (1).
8. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein the power supply of the device (1) takes place via the bus interface (6).
9. A method in accordance with any one of the claims 7 or 8, wherein process parameters and/or operating conditions are detected by means of at least one pick-up at the thermal spraying apparatus or at the spray gun (2) and are conveyed to the device (1) and stored there in the memory (4) and wherein in particular an electrical voltage and/or a temperature and/or a pressure and/or a through flow and/or the presence of a flame at the apparatus are detected.
10. A thermal spraying apparatus including a spray gun and a system in accordance with any one of the claims 1 to 6, in particular a spray gun with a torch, for example a plasma torch or a HVOF torch or a flame spraying torch or an arc spraying torch.

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