EP2566627B1 - Coating device with jets of coating medium which are broken down into drops - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a coating device for coating components with a coating agent, in particular for painting motor vehicle body components and / or their attachments (for example, bumpers, mirror housings, bumpers, etc.) with a paint. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding coating method.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view through a conventional paint shop for painting automotive body components. Here, the vehicle body components to be painted are transported on a conveyor 1 at right angles to the plane through a painting booth 2, in which the vehicle body components are then painted by painting robots 3, 4 in a conventional manner. The painting robots 3, 4 have a plurality of pivotable robot arms and each lead via a multi-axis robot hand axis an application device, such as a rotary atomizer, an air atomizer or a so-called airless device.

A disadvantage of these known application devices or application method is the non-optimal order efficiency, so that a designated as overspray part of the sprayed paint does not land on the vehicle body part to be painted and with the cabin air from the spray booth 2 must be removed. Therefore, a so-called plenum 5, is introduced from the air through a ceiling 6 of the spray booth 2 down in the direction of arrow in the paint booth 2 above the spray booth 2. The cabin air then passes with the overspray contained therein down from the spray booth 2 in a leaching below the spray booth 2 7, in which the overspray is removed again from the cabin air and is bound to water.

This wastewater with the overspray contained therein must then be re-processed in a complex process, the resulting paint sludge is a hazardous waste and must be disposed of consuming.

In addition, the Luftsinkgeschwindigkeit in the spray booth 2 at least in the range of about 0.2-0.5 m / s, in order to quickly remove the resulting during painting overspray from the spray booth 2.

New developments aim to replace the leaching with water against a dry separation. In this case, the contaminated air is passed, for example, by whirling stone powder and sucked through filters. This process also generates large amounts of waste.

Further, the resulting when painting overspray can temporarily and locally create a potentially explosive atmosphere, so that the relevant legal ATEX product policies (ATEX: At phere ex plosible) must be observed.

On the one hand cause the known application devices so high investment costs due to their unsatisfactory order efficiency and the resulting overspray for the required leaching and the necessary explosion protection.

On the other hand, the known application devices are also associated with high operating costs due to the paint losses and the disposal costs for disposal of the overspray due to the resulting in operation overspray. Furthermore, a high paint application also means a high load or endangerment of the environment.

From the US 2005/0136190 A1 For example, a rotary atomizer for atomizing a coating composition is known. The rotary atomizer also has a supersonic funnel. The supersonic funnel serves to provide atomized paint droplets of a uniform size.

The prior art is also to be pointed to the DE 911 109 B , DE-Zeitschrift: mo 51 (1997) Issue 1, Oversprayarme Spritzlackiertechnik, p. 43 to 45, DE 200 05 997 U1 . DE 10 2008 015 258 A1 . DE 103 27 431 A1 , DE Sch 30 3573 AZ, WO 2010/046064 A1 . DE 198 09 152 A1 . DE 37 13 156 A1 . DE 103 17 919 A1 and DE 10 2006 058562 A1 ,

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there is a need to solve or overcome the above-described problems or disadvantages. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs that will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

The objects resulting from the above can be achieved with the features of the independent claims. However, the invention is not limited to embodiments, eliminate all the above-mentioned problems or disadvantages of the prior art.

According to the invention, a coating device is provided for coating components with a coating agent, namely for painting motor vehicle body components and / or attachments of motor vehicles (for example bumpers, mirror housings, bumpers etc.) but also other vehicles or vehicle parts with a paint. The coating device comprises at least one application device which is configured and arranged to dispense the coating agent from coating agent nozzles or coating agent openings (for example, to eject it, etc.).

The application device is configured and arranged to impart vibration and / or instability to the coating agent and / or coating agent radiation to produce coating agent drops or to disintegrate the coating agent and / or the coating agent radiation into drops. In the context of the invention, it is possible that the coating agent jets are produced in a wide variety of forms.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the application device may be configured and arranged to impart vibration and / or instability to the coating agent and / or at least one preferably continuous coating agent jet to produce coating agent drops or (particularly from the coating agent nozzle and / or the application device) and / or a (in particular from the coating agent nozzle and / or the application device) spent, preferably contiguous or continuous coating agent jet decay into drops. Thus, it is possible that the coating agent jet at and / or prior to the issue of the Beschichtungsmitteldüse or the application device is contiguous and on the way to the component (especially downstream of the Beschichtungsmitteldüse or the application device) disintegrates into drops.

The application device can therefore be preferably configured and arranged to dispense at least one in particular continuous or contiguous coating agent jet which disintegrates into droplets. In particular, the contiguous coating agent jet between the application device, in particular the at least one coating agent nozzle, and the component may disintegrate or drip.

Preferably, the application device comprises a vibration and / or instability and / or vibration generator (hereinafter referred to as vibration generator). Furthermore, the application device may comprise a slit and / or hollow cylinder nozzle or a conical nozzle or a carrier element (e.g., a coating agent nozzle plate) comprising a plurality of coating agent nozzles (preferably in one plane). Preferably, the application device is configured and arranged to have one or more coating agent columns behind or upstream of the at least one coating agent nozzle.

The vibration generator is in particular provided to generate the vibration and / or the instability or to couple the vibration and / or instability into the coating agent and / or the coating agent jet in order to produce coating agent drops and / or the coating agent or the preferably contiguous coating agent jet to disintegrate into drops. It is possible for the coating agent and / or the coating agent jet to be exposed directly and / or indirectly to the vibration and / or the instability. In a preferred embodiment of the vibrator is provided, the application device (eg, the housing of the application device, the at least one Beschichtungsmitteldüse having carrier element or other parts of the application device) at least partially applied to a vibration and / or instability or coupled into it. In particular, the coating of the coating agent with the vibration and / or the instability may take place before the coating agent is dispensed from and / or at the coating agent nozzle, while preferably the dropping-out can take place after the coating agent has been dispensed from the coating agent nozzle.

The application device is, as already mentioned, in particular configured and arranged in order to disintegrate the coating agent and / or the preferably contiguous coating jet in drops, preferably based on the so-called "Rayleigh Instability" or the so-called "Rayleigh decay ". The structure, principle and / or mode of action of such droplet generation is known per se, in particular from the field of internal combustion engines, where fuel is used to form a fuel-air mixture, e.g. subjected to a vibration and can be excited to a monodisperse decay. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, it was found that hereby also increased application efficiency can be achieved in the painting of motor vehicle body components.

Advantageously, the application device can produce droplets of substantially the same size (eg, substantially the same diameter) or a substantially discrete or substantially homogeneous droplet distribution. Likewise, it may be advantageous to generate a droplet size distribution of specific (discrete) drop sizes, in particular predefined. It is possible that the shares of each Drop sizes in the mixture are different in a predefined manner (eg 50% 30μm, 25% each 20μm and 40μm). Advantageously, the application device is capable of generating a predefined drop size and / or a predefined drop or drop size distribution.

In the known Rotationszerstäubern the paint is sprayed due to shear forces on the bell plate edge, the air atomizer due to the kinetic energy of the air. The airless principle is based on the atomization of the paint by the material pressure. The paint is pressurized and atomized at a nozzle. Conventional atomizers for coating motor vehicle body components thus usually produce a broad distribution of different droplet sizes. Most of these range from a few μm up to 150μm. The mean value (d50) is generally 10-40 μm. Smaller droplets are more easily carried by the cabin air into the deposit. Larger drops degrade the appearance (such as gradient, metallic effect, flop) and may even lead to surface defects (specks, craters, etc.). Drops with 20-40μm diameter are also better electrostatically charged, as smaller or larger drops.

By means of the coating device according to the invention, it is possible, for example, to create a painting installation, preferably for automobile and / or motor vehicle body part series painting, which preferably works without leaching and with a reduced supply air system. By targeted production of certain droplet diameter of the order efficiency can be increased, ie it is possible that no or very little overspray is generated, which also can be selectively influenced on the color, gloss, effects. By means of the coating device according to the invention, it is advantageous possible that the supply air system can be dimensioned much smaller. The low amount of paint to be discharged requires a smaller air exchange in the spray booth or it can be a very large amount of air in circulation (low fresh air content), whereby the heating or conditioning of the intake fresh air requires much less energy. Furthermore, in the best case, the leaching completely eliminated, but the invention is not limited to systems that have no leaching at all, but also includes systems with smaller sized leaching.

For the separation of the small overspray simple, inexpensive filters can be used. The system technology is much easier and the maintenance costs are reduced. In addition, this can be saved large quantities of paint.

Depending on the paints / coating materials used (water-based, solvent-based, etc.), the application of the ATEX directive can be dispensed with. This leads to a substantial relief in terms of the selection of the components used and thus to a significant cost advantage over the conventional methods.

Furthermore, the coating device according to the invention advantageously leads to a lower (manual) cleaning requirement being required for the paint booths, conveyors, skids, disks, etc. Furthermore, lower or no amounts of air are required to discharge overspray from the paint booth and / or to mold the spray jet in the mentioned methods (eg rotary atomizers, air atomizers) and to operate the air turbine of the rotary atomizer.

Color matching with rotary atomizers on air templates is mainly done by the targeted change of the resulting droplet spectrum by, for example, speed change. These changes usually have a negative effect on the order efficiency, which leads to more overspray than actually being required, which can also be avoided with the coating agent device according to the invention.

The application device is configured and arranged to dispense coating agents, in particular a preferably coherent coating agent jet. The coating agent, preferably the coating agent jet, in particular the dispensed coating agent jet, may be e.g. a solid or solid cylinder jet, a flat jet, a fan beam, a layer jet, a substantially triangular jet, a hollow cone or full cone jet, a hollow cylinder jet, a coating agent sheet and / or a coating medium lamella act. It is also possible for the application device to generate a spray pattern that is substantially rectangular or pyramidal in cross section. The coating agent, in particular the coating agent jet, can therefore be used e.g. essentially one-dimensional as well as essentially flat.

The application device can be configured and arranged to dispense at least one essentially flat contiguous coating agent beam, which initially disintegrates between the coating agent nozzle or application device and the component in substantially one-dimensional, preferably contiguous coating agent jets. These one-dimensional, preferably contiguous coating agent jets can then likewise be between the coating agent nozzle or application device and component disintegrate into drops.

The application device may be configured and arranged to indirectly couple the vibration and / or instability to the coating agent and / or the coating agent jet, e.g. via the housing of the application device and / or via the carrier element containing the coating agent nozzle and / or via the coating agent nozzle. For this purpose, e.g. a vibrator, oscillator, etc. are preferably externally connected to the housing of the application device and / or the carrier element containing the coating agent nozzle or attached thereto. Thus, it is preferably possible for the oscillation and / or the instability to propagate from the vibration generator via other parts of the application device to the coating agent and / or the coating agent jet during the indirect application. It is also possible that the applied vibration and / or instability propagates axially and / or radially along the application device.

But it is also possible that the application device is configured and arranged to couple the vibration and / or instability substantially directly into the coating agent and / or the coating agent beam, for example by means of sound, ultrasound, a piezo element, direct mechanical or physical admission, eg physical contacting of the coating agent and / or the coating agent jet. For this purpose, the application device may include, for example, a sonic / ultrasonic generator, a piezo element arrangement, a mechanical coating agent application device, etc.

In particular, the coating agent and / or the coating agent stream may preferably be predominantly continuously (preferably "predominantly" because, for example, the main needle occasionally closes) conveyed through the coating agent nozzles and / or dispensed from the coating agent nozzles. The coating agent and / or the coating agent jet is preferably conveyed by means of pressure or a dosing system.

Preferably, the application device is configured and arranged to generate droplets of substantially the same size and / or substantially equal diameter and to produce a substantially discrete or substantially homogeneous droplet distribution. In particular, droplets with droplet diameters of greater than approximately 10 μm, 30 μm, 50 μm, 70 μm, 90 μm, 110 μm, 130 μm or 150 μm and / or less than approximately 20 μm, 40 μm, 60 μm, 80 μm can be produced , 100 μm, 120 μm, 140 μm or 160 μm.

It is possible for the coating agent nozzles to be essentially circular (for example a round nozzle), elliptical, slot-shaped and / or substantially circular-slot-shaped. The coating agent nozzles may comprise flat jet, hollow cone, full cone or full jet nozzles or cone nozzles.

According to the invention, the application device has a multiplicity of coating agent nozzles which can be identical or different, for example with regard to the diameter, the slot width, the shape or design of the nozzles, etc. Preferably, the coating agent nozzle has a diameter and / or a slot width of between approximately 5 μm to 300 μm, between about 10 μm to 150 μm or between about 10 μm to 80 μm.

The different sized coating agent nozzles may e.g. be evenly distributed or grouped in specific areas or shapes.

The application device may comprise at least one coating agent nozzle arrangement (or a nozzle field, nozzle row, etc.) on which a multiplicity of coating agent nozzles are arranged. It is possible that a coating agent nozzle arrangement has coating agent nozzles with the same or different configurations.

But it is also possible that the application device comprises at least two coating agent nozzle arrangements, each with a plurality of coating agent nozzles. At least two coating agent nozzle arrangements are preferably provided which can be controlled independently of one another and / or supplied with, for example, different coating compositions or generally different media or fluids independently of one another. Thus, preferably, one coating agent nozzle arrangement can be supplied, for example, with a specific color, a specific coating or in general a specific coating agent, whereas the other coating agent nozzle arrangement can be supplied, for example, with a different color, a different coating or in general with a different coating agent. Furthermore, at least two coating agent nozzle arrangements can be provided in different planes, which can be arranged, for example, parallel or intersecting. It is possible that at least two coating agent nozzle assemblies have a shape substantially complementary to the component to allow the component to be coated without reorienting the application device. Furthermore, the at least two coating agent nozzle arrangements can be relative to each other be pivotable in at least one or more axes, which advantageously leads to greater flexibility. It is also possible for the application device to comprise at least two coating agent nozzle arrangements which can be controlled independently of one another and / or supplied with coating agent depending on one another, wherein it is likewise possible to provide at least two coating agent nozzle arrangements which are controlled as a function of one another and / or independently with coating agent can be supplied.

The application device may further comprise at least two, preferably at least three independently controllable or adjustable (eg controllable) coating agent nozzle arrangements, wherein, for example, the outer coating agent nozzle assemblies are configured and arranged to produce an overlap-optimized coating thickness distribution and the inner coating agent nozzle assembly to produce a substantially homogeneous coating thickness distribution is configured and arranged, for example, in that the outer coating agent nozzles deliver less coating agent than the inner coating agent nozzles, which leads to a corresponding layer thickness distribution transversely to the web direction. It is also possible for the coating agent nozzles of at least one coating agent nozzle arrangement to be arranged (for example substantially Gaussian or distributed over the area under the Gaussian curve, trapezoidal, rectangular and / or triangular) such that a desired layer thickness distribution is achieved, for example the outer coating agent nozzles are configured and arranged to produce an overlap-optimized layer thickness distribution (eg triangular) and the inner coating agent nozzles (eg rectangular) to produce a substantially homogeneous Layer thickness distribution are configured and arranged, which is advantageously and easily allows the outer coating agent nozzles give less coating agent than the inner coating agent nozzles. There is the possibility that the layer thickness distribution has a Gaussian normal distribution. Alternatively, there is the possibility that the amount of coating agent dispensed from the individual coating agent nozzles is selected so that the layer thickness distribution has a trapezoidal distribution. Such a trapezoidal layer thickness distribution is advantageous because the adjacent coating center webs can overlap one another such that the superimposition of the trapezoidal layer thickness distributions of the adjacent coating center webs leads to a constant layer thickness. Furthermore, it is possible that, for example, one or more coating agent nozzle arrangements, in particular an outer coating agent nozzle arrangement, can be switched on and / or off, for example in order to enable edge-sharp coating. It is also possible to supply less coating agent to a preferably outer coating agent nozzle arrangement than to another coating agent nozzle arrangement.

Advantageously, the application device can thus switch off both one of the preferably outer fields and paint edge sharp, as well as overlap on a large area with the previous and the following paint web.

It is possible for the coating agent pressure and / or the metering pressure with which the coating agent is supplied to the application device and / or the component to be adjustable (for example controllable or controllable), as a result of which, for example, the size of the coating agent drops can be influenced.

This can be used specifically to achieve certain properties of the paint film (e.g., appearance, moisture content). The paint pressure can be changed and regulated by suitable associated components. The change may be dependent on the coating agent applied (e.g., different paints or shades). But it can also be different on the same component in different places. As a result, for example, "wet" or "dry" can be painted.

Preferably, at least one of the following parameters can be adjustable (eg controllable or controllable): ejection or dispensing rate of the coating agent, coating distance between coating agent nozzle and component, coating agent pressure and / or metering pressure, extent or strength of the vibration and / or instability, in particular amplitude of the Vibration and / or instability, frequency of vibration and / or instability, eg to control or regulate the droplet size and / or the drop formation or the droplet distribution. Thereby, an improved Appearance, an improved color, improved effects and / or improved performance (gloss, wavelength, etc.) can be achieved, since coating agent-specific and / or component-specific preferably the drop size can be optimally varied to the requirement. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the droplet size and / or the droplet distribution can be controlled or regulated, although each individual coating agent nozzle has a constant diameter.

The application device is preferably configured and arranged such that the coating agent drops of a coating agent jet do not intercommunicate with one another on the way to the component or between the coating agent nozzle and the component combine. Furthermore, it is possible that, on the way to the component, the coating agent (or the coating agent drops) from one coating agent nozzle does not combine with the coating agent (or the coating agent drop) from another coating agent nozzle or the coating agent drops from a first coating agent jet do not combine with the coating agent drops Combine coating agent drops from a second coating agent jet. This can be achieved, for example, by matching the ejection speed of the coating agent drops, the size of the coating agent drops, the distance of the coating agent nozzles from one another and / or the painting distance between coating agent nozzle and component. In particular, it is possible for a liquid sheet or a liquid lamella (for example formed by a slot nozzle or hollow cylinder nozzle) to decompose into coating agent drops under the influence of the vibration, whereby the coating agent drops do not combine on the way to the component.

The coating agent nozzle and / or the coating agent nozzle arrangement is preferably arranged on a carrier element (for example a coating agent nozzle plate) or an applicator head. The carrier element is preferably fastened interchangeably to the application device by means of a quick-change device. This makes it possible, for example, to use within a "cycle" a support element for smaller paint surfaces (eg door entrances) as well as a support element for larger Lackierflächen, which is particularly advantageous if the coating device is used in a system according to the box concept. The carrier element can be designed in different ways per se. Preferably, however, the carrier element is configured and arranged such that the vibration and / or the instability are transmitted substantially uniformly to the carrier element can. The support member may be formed, for example, plate and / or aperture-like, but also have other embodiments.

It is possible that the vibration and / or the instability in the form of a standing wave from the vibrator to the support member is running.

In one embodiment, the application device is configured and arranged to produce different oscillations and / or instabilities adjustable (e.g., controllable or controllable). It is therefore possible that e.g. depending on the respective component or depending on different sections of the component to be coated correspondingly adapted different vibrations and / or instabilities are generated.

The application device may also be preferably configured and arranged such that e.g. for a different number of coating agent nozzles or to different product parameters (flow rate, flow rate, viscosity, surface tension) can be adjusted.

It is possible that a preferably multi-axis coating robot (eg comprising a hand axis), a roofing machine and / or a side machine is configured and arranged to move the application device relative to the component. It is also possible for a preferably multi-axis handling robot (eg comprising a manual axis) and / or a conveying path to be configured and arranged in order to move the component relative to the application device. It is also possible that both the component, for example by means of the handling robot and the application device, for example by means of of the coating robot during the coating operation are moved relative to each other. It is thus possible that the application device is rotatably mounted about one or more axes of rotation and can rotate about one or more axes of rotation during coating or between successive coating operations.

The coating device may comprise at least one of the following parts and / or the application device may be operatively connected or operatively connected to at least one of the following parts: at least one metering pump, at least one piston dispenser, at least one color changer (eg a docking color changer) and / or at least a mixer for two- or multi-component paints (paint and hardener component or generally different coating agents). The at least one color changer can be accommodated in the application device (for example as integrated color changer) or upstream upstream of the application device as a preferably separate part.

Preferably, at least one sheath flow nozzle can be provided, which is provided to deliver an enveloping flow of air or another gas with which the dispensed coating agent can be enveloped. It is also possible to provide at least one steering flow nozzle which is provided to deliver a steering flow of air or other gas to form the dispensed coating agent. Furthermore, at least one functional opening or functional nozzle can be provided, which is provided to deliver an air or fluid stream or another medium, for example in order to influence, preferably to dry and / or to heat the dispensed coating agent. But it is also possible that the output from the envelope or Lenkstromdüse gas is used for heating and / or drying.

The application device can e.g. a plurality of sheath flow / function and / or shaping air flow nozzles, which can extend along at least one, preferably all sides of the one or more coating agent nozzle or coating agent nozzle arrangements, in order to influence the dispensed coating agent. In this case, the enveloping flow / function and / or shaping air flow nozzles can be aligned substantially rectilinearly. In particular, the application device may comprise a plurality of enveloping flow / function and / or shaping airflow nozzles arranged in one or more rings or partial rings around the one or more coating agent nozzles or coating agent nozzle arrangements. The rings or partial rings may have different or substantially equal diameters.

It is possible to form and / or arrange and / or operate the enveloping / functional and / or shaping airflow nozzles on the application device according to the invention in particular as disclosed in the documents DE 10 2007 006 547 . EP 1 331 037 A2 . WO 2008/061584 A1 . EP 1 764 157 A2 . WO 2008/068005 A1 . WO 2008/095657 A1 and or WO 2009/149950 A1 ,

It is possible that the application device comprises a plurality of vibration generators, eg a first vibration generator configured and arranged to act on the coating agent for at least one coating agent nozzle and / or coating nozzle arrangement, and another second vibration generator configured and arranged around the Apply coating agent for at least one other Beschichtungsmitteldüse and / or coating agent nozzle assembly. For example, this may be required be if a paint base and metallic flakes to be coated. For this purpose, the paint base can be separated, for example, from the metallic flakes in the application device by means of a gap filter. The paint base without flakes is preferably applied over smaller diameter coating nozzles and the metallic flakes are applied over coating nozzles of larger diameter (dimensioned such that the metallic flakes pass through), but this is not absolutely necessary since in particular it should only be ensured that the flake concentration in the topcoat is higher. The application parameters are chosen in a known manner and thus preferably so that the flakes are predominantly aligned parallel to the surface and / or produce a good flop.

Preferably, the diameter of the coating agent nozzle, which is intended for the application of flakes or other solid paint particles, is dimensioned such that the flakes or the other solid paint particles can be conducted safely or functionally through the coating agent nozzle. Preferably, the diameter of the coating agent nozzle is at least as large as the maximum flake diameter of a metallic basecoat, in particular twice or even three times as large as the maximum flake diameter or the maximum diameter of the solid paint particles.

The coating composition may be a paint, in particular a basecoat, clearcoat, an effect paint, a mica paint, a metallic paint, a water-based paint, a solvent-based paint and / or a two-component or multi-component paint. For example, the coating agent is a paint which is liquid and contains solid paint particles, in particular pigments, metallic flakes or metal particles. In particular, it is necessary that the coating agent nozzle be so dimensioned is that paint can be applied in particular with the solid paint particles contained therein. The solid paint particles may have a particle size greater than about 4 microns, 5 microns or 6 microns.

The application device may have a surface coating power of at least 1m ² / min, 2m ² / min, 3m ² / min or 4m ² / min or 5m ² / min and / or preferably a coating agent layer thickness of at least 3μm, 8μm, 15μm, 25 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, 100 μm or more (base coat and primer are applied with up to about 25 μm, for example, whereas clear coat is usually applied up to about 50 μm).

Furthermore, it is possible for the application device to have a coating agent output of at least 50 ml / min, 100 ml / min, 150 ml / min, 200 ml / min, 300 ml / min, 400 ml / min or 500 ml / min up to 1000 ml / min, to 1500 ml / min or even beyond.

At least one color changer (or a plurality of color changers) can be assigned to the application device, which is connected on the output side to the application device and supplied with various coating agents on the input side, so that the color changer can select one of the coating agents and feed the application device with the selected coating agent. Furthermore, it is possible that the color changer is supplied on the input side with various special coatings or coating agents. It is also possible that the color changer is connected on the input side to a mixer in order to be supplied by the latter with coating agent (eg two-component or multi-component paints). Between the color changer and the application device, a return line can branch off. It is also possible that the color changer is connected on the output side to a mixer.

The application device can have a plurality of coating agent nozzles which are arranged in one or more nozzle rows, in particular in matrix form in rows and columns. Furthermore, it is possible that the coating agent nozzles of the various rows of nozzles are fed together by a color changer, wherein e.g. the color changer is connected on the input side to a plurality of coating agent feed lines (for example special color feed lines), by means of which coating agents (for example special paints) are supplied to the color changer. Furthermore, the color changer can be connected on the input side to a mixer, which can be fed with various coating agents (for example two-component or multi-component paint). The color changer may preferably optionally select one of the coating agents from one of the coating agent feed lines or the coating agent mixed by the mixer and feed it to the coating agent nozzles.

The application device may preferably have a plurality of (identical or different) coating agent nozzles which may be arranged in at least one, preferably a plurality of nozzle rows, in particular in matrix form in rows and columns, wherein each nozzle row may comprise a plurality of coating agent nozzles. The coating agent nozzles or the nozzle rows can be arranged, for example, "in a gap" or offset from one another, so that the coating agent drops on the component preferably uniformly overlap. It is possible that the coating agent nozzles of the various nozzle rows are connected together with a coating agent supply line, via which the coating agent to be applied can be supplied. Furthermore, it is possible that the common coating agent supply line is fed by a color changer and docking color changer (rotary or linear) and / or a mixer.

An application device can be provided which can be fed directly from a color changer and directly from a plurality of coating agent supply lines. It is also possible to provide a plurality of application devices which can be fed directly together by a plurality of coating agent supply lines and / or can be fed together by a color changer. It is also possible that a plurality of application devices and / or coating agent nozzle arrangements are provided, which can be fed by a plurality of separate coating agent supply lines, each of which is assigned a color changer. Furthermore, an application device and / or a coating agent nozzle arrangement can be provided which can be fed by a plurality of separate coating agent supply lines, each of which has a color changer associated therewith. Furthermore, it is possible for at least one application device and / or a coating agent nozzle arrangement to be able to be directly fed by at least one, preferably a multiplicity of coating agent supply lines, to which preferably a respective metering device (for example a metering pump) is assigned. Furthermore, the application device may comprise an integrated switching device in order to set from which of the plurality of coating agent supply lines and / or which of the plurality of color changers the coating agent is dispensed.

It is possible that provided with the coating agent coming into contact surface regions, in particular the inner surface areas of the application device and / or the coating agent nozzles at least partially with a wear-reducing, preferably abrasion-resistant coating, in particular with a DLC coating (DLC: D iamond- l ike C arbon), a diamond coating, a carbide or a material combination of a hard and a soft material, with a PVD coating (PVD: P hysical V apour D eposition), with an easy-to-clean coating, and / or with a streamlined structure, in particular a shark skin structure or a Riplet or golf ball structure.

The coating device may e.g. a system for electrostatic coating agent charging, preferably with high voltage, in particular for external charging by means of one or more external electrodes (eg a plurality of finger electrodes or an electrode ring comprising a plurality of electrodes, wherein the electrodes are preferably arranged uniformly around the application device) and / or for direct or Internal charging by means of one or more contact or internal electrodes. The electrodes are preferably high voltage electrodes. External charging and charging are known in the prior art rotary atomizers. The coating agent charging system is configured and arranged to achieve improved deposition and / or coating agent yield and / or improved application efficiency.

Further, compressed air assistance may be provided to improve the application efficiency of the application device, which may be adjustable (e.g., controllable or controllable).

The coating agent nozzles may be of different sizes and / or shapes, for example cylindrical or circular or rectangular, tapering and / or widening, (eg conical) tapering with substantially constant outlet (eg cylindrical outlet), (eg conical) widening with Substantial constant inlet (eg cylindrical inlet) and / or as Laval or Venturi nozzle. Furthermore, the coating agent nozzle may comprise one or more bulges or chambers which are connected to each other are connected. It can be provided round nozzles or slot nozzles.

It is possible for the color changer and / or the application device, in particular the parts leading to or containing the coating agent (for example lines), to be treated with rinsing / solvent and / or pulse air for cleaning purposes. For this purpose, the coating device may comprise a flushing / Lösemittelleitungssystem and / or a pulse air duct system with corresponding valves.

The coating agent contacting areas and / or the corresponding surfaces are preferably designed such that e.g. a fast color change or medium change can be performed, e.g. small volumes, smooth surfaces, no undercuts, easy flushing, etc. are to ensure.

The filling and rinsing can be accelerated by a bypass (vent, return). In addition, a vacuum source can be connected to this opening. It is thus possible that the rinsing / solvent and / or the pulse air (preferably together with dirt paint) is ejected from the coating agent nozzle, or can be disposed of via a return line via another outlet or both, and preferably first, the main amount of Solvents with solvent via the return, then for coating agent cleaning solvent / pulse air also via the coating agent nozzles.

The application device can be linked to a multiplicity, preferably with all components known and used in the coating sector, such as metering pumps, piston dispensers, color changers, docking color changers, static printers Mixers (eg for two-component or multi-component systems or general coating agents), steering or Hüllgassystemen, 1-circuit and 2-circuit systems with reversing valves and preferably controllable via separate controllers, robots, etc ..

Furthermore, it is possible to provide a potential separation or an insulation for the application device, in particular the vibration generator.

Furthermore, it is possible that the coating device comprises a tempering device for tempering the coating agent and / or the rinsing / solvent or else the steering and / or sheath flow.

Finally, the invention also includes a coating method for coating components with a coating agent, namely for painting automotive body components and / or their attachments (eg bumpers, mirror housings, bumpers, etc.) but also other vehicles or vehicle parts with a paint, preferably with a coating device such as described herein, wherein at least one application device dispenses the coating agent from coating agent nozzles (eg expels, applied, etc.).

In particular, the application device can act on the coating agent and / or coating agent jets with a vibration and / or instability to produce coating agent drops or to disintegrate the coating agent jets in drops.

Preferably, the application device, the coating agent and / or at least one preferably continuous or contiguous coating agent jet with a vibration and / or instability to produce coating agent droplets or dispense dispensed coating agent and / or a dispensed, preferably continuous or continuous coating agent jet in drops.

Further method steps result directly from the present disclosure of the coating device, in particular from the functionality of the coating device.

It is possible that the vibration and / or the instability is generated, for example, with a device as in DE 10 2006 012 389 A1 described, in particular therefore by means of a concentric arrangement of at least two annular gap parts, between which at least one annular gap is formed and a drive means, with the at least one annular gap at least one circumferential constriction can be generated. In this case, the drive device may comprise, for example, a vibration source with which a gap vibration can be generated on at least one of the annular gap parts in such a way that the constriction circulates on the at least one annular gap. It is possible that a first annular gap is provided, which is delimited by a first and a second annular gap part, wherein the oscillation source is provided for exciting the gap oscillation of at least one of the first and second annular gap parts. Preferably, a second annular gap may be provided, which is bounded by the second annular gap part and a third annular gap part, which surrounds the second annular gap part, wherein the vibration source is provided for exciting the gap vibration of the second annular gap part. It is also possible that the second annular gap part has a channel in which the first annular gap part is arranged. Furthermore, it is possible that the vibration and / or the instability generated, for example is using a device like in DE 44 41 553 C2 described. DE 44 41 553 C2 discloses an apparatus for clogging a liquid having a sonic velocity c (preferably paint in the present invention) under pre-pressure with a housing (preferably the housing of the applicator in the present invention) through which the liquid is passable from a liquid inlet to a liquid outlet and into the liquid can be acted upon by suitable oscillation excitation at a frequency greater than a minimum frequency fMIN, wherein the oscillation of the liquid controls a droplet of the liquid at at least one outlet opening for the droplets located at the liquid outlet and wherein for vibration excitation a vibrator is arranged outside the liquid Vibrations preferably at a distance greater than c / (2fMIN) from the at least one outlet opening via the housing between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet into the liquid can be coupled, and further wherein the interior of the housing is designed so that a laminar flow guidance occurs and transverse vibration modes of the liquid are prevented. In the present invention, however, these techniques are used for coating, especially painting of vehicles, preferably motor vehicle bodies.

The coating device may comprise a plurality of application devices.

Figur 1

eine Querschnittsansicht durch eine herkömmliche Lackieranlage zur Lackierung von Kraftfahrzeugkarosseriebauteilen,

Figur 2

eine Querschnittsansicht durch eine erfindungsgemäße Lackieranlage zur Lackierung von Kraftfahrzeugkarosseriebauteilen mit erfindungsgemäßen Applikationsgeräten,

Figur 3A

ein Applikationsgerät mit einem Farbwechsler und der zugehörigen Beschichtungsmittelversorgung,

Figur 3B

ein Applikationsgerät mit zumindest zwei oder mehr direkten Beschichtungsmittelzuleitungen und separatem Farbwechsler,

Figur 4A

eine Düsenreihe (Teil eines Trägerelements bzw. einer Düsenplatte) mit mehreren Beschichtungsmitteldüsen und einem zugeordneten Farbwechsler,

Figur 4B

eine Gruppe von mehreren, beispielsweise vier Applikationsgeräten mit zumindest zwei oder mehr, beispielsweise vier direkten Beschichtungsmittelzuleitungen und separatem Farbwechsler,

Figur 5

mehrere Düsenreihen des Applikationsgeräts, die gemeinsam über einen Mischer mit angeschlossenem Farbwechsler und Zuleitungen für ein Zwei- oder Mehr-KomponentenBeschichtungsmittel mit dem zu applizierenden Beschichtungsmittel versorgt werden,

Figur 6

mehrere Düsenreihen des Applikationsgeräts, die gemeinsam über eine einzige Beschichtungsmittelzuleitung versorgt werden, der ein Mischer mit Zuleitungen für ein Zweioder Mehr-Komponenten-Beschichtungsmittel zugeordnet ist,

Figur 7

eine Düsenanordnung in einem Applikationsgerät,

Figur 8

eine alternative Düsenanordnung in dem Applikationsgerät mit kleineren Beschichtungsmitteldüsen,

Figur 9

eine alternative Anordnung der Beschichtungsmitteldüsen in dem Applikationsgerät, wobei die Beschichtungsmitteldüsen unterschiedliche Düsengrößen aufweisen,

Figur 10

eine Abwandlung von Figur 9, wobei die Düsenreihen mit den größeren Beschichtungsmitteldüsen versetzt zueinander angeordnet sind,

Figur 11

eine Applikationsgeräteanordnung mit mehreren, frei beweg- und/oder verschwenkbaren Applikationsgeräten zur Anpassung an gekrümmte Bauteiloberflächen,

Figur 12

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Beschichtungseinrichtung mit einem mehrachsigen Roboter, der ein Applikationsgerät und einen Sensor führt, um das Applikationsgerät zu positionieren,

Figur 13

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Beschichtungseinrichtung, bei der mehrere Komponenten zu einem Gemisch zusammengemischt werden, wobei das Applikationsgerät dann das Gemisch appliziert,

Figur 14

eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Applikationsgeräts mit einer Hüllstromdüse,

Figur 15

eine schematische Darstellung eines Applikationsgeräts, das eine trapezförmige Schichtdickenverteilung erzeugt,

Figur 16

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Beschichtungseinrichtung, bei der zahlreiche Applikationsgeräte an einem Portal angebracht sind,

Figur 17 und

18 Abwandlungen der Figuren 9 und 10 mit einer maximalen Packungsdichte der einzelnen Düsen,

Figuren 19A bis 19E

verschiedene Ausbildungen von Längsschnitten von Beschichtungsmitteldüsen,

Figur 20A

eine schematische Darstellung einer Düsenanordnung eines Applikationsgeräts,

Figur 20B

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schichtdickenverteilung, erzeugt durch die Düsenanordnung gemäß Figur 20A,

Figur 20C

eine schematische Darstellung einer anderen Düsenanordnung eines Applikationsgeräts,

Figur 21A

eine schematische Darstellung einer wiederum anderen Düsenanordnung eines Applikationsgeräts,

Figur 21B

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schichtdickenverteilung, erzeugt durch die Düsenanordnung gemäß Figur 21A,

Figur 21C

drei sich überlappende trapezförmige Schichtdickenverteilungen mit resultierender Gesamtschichtdickenverteilung ähnlich Figur 15,

Figur 21D

eine randscharfe Schichtdickenverteilung, erzeugt mittels mindestens einem abgeschalteten Applikator bzw. abgeschalteter Beschichtungsmitteldüsenanordnung,

Figur 22A

eine schematische Darstellung eines Tropfenzerfalls eines zunächst zusammenhängenden Beschichtungsmittelstrahls, ausgegeben durch ein Applikationsgerät,

Figur 22B

eine schematische Darstellung einer Zerstäubung gemäß Stand der Technik,

Figur 22C

zeigt eine stark vereinfachte Darstellung eines Tropfenzerfalls eines zunächst zusammenhängenden Beschichtungsmittelstrahls, ausgegeben durch ein Applikationsgerät;

Figuren 23A bis 23E

schematische Darstellungen unterschiedlicher zusammenhängender Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen mit jeweiligem Sprühstrahlquerschnitt,

Figuren 24A, 25A, 26A

schematische Darstellungen verschiedener Applikationsgeräte mit nicht beaufschlagtem Beschichtungsmittel,

Figuren 24B, 25B, 26B

schematische Darstellungen verschiedener Applikationsgeräte mit beaufschlagtem Beschichtungsmittel,

Figuren 27A, 27B, 27C

schematische Darstellungen von Querschnitten verschiedener Applikationsgeräte, insbesondere im Bereich des Trägerelements bzw. der Düsenplatte,

Figur 28

ein stark vereinfachtes Applikationsgerät,

Figur 29

mehrere, beispielsweise drei Applikationsgeräte mit zwei voneinander getrennten Beschichtungsmittelzuleitungen mit jeweiligem Farbwechsler,

Figur 30

ein Applikationsgerät mit zwei voneinander getrennten Beschichtungsmittelzuleitungen mit jeweiligem Farbwechsler,

Figur 31

ein Applikationsgerät mit zwei Beschichtungsmittelzuleitungen und integrierter Umschaltung.

Other advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are explained in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to FIGS. Show it:

FIG. 1

a cross-sectional view through a conventional paint shop for painting automotive body components,

FIG. 2

a cross-sectional view through a painting system according to the invention for painting motor vehicle body components with application devices according to the invention,

FIG. 3A

an application device with a color changer and the associated coating agent supply,

FIG. 3B

an application device with at least two or more direct coating agent feed lines and separate color changer,

FIG. 4A

a nozzle row (part of a carrier element or a nozzle plate) with a plurality of coating agent nozzles and an associated color changer,

FIG. 4B

a group of several, for example four application devices with at least two or more, for example four direct coating agent supply lines and separate color changer,

FIG. 5

a plurality of rows of nozzles of the application device, which are supplied together with the paint to be applied via a mixer with connected color changer and leads for a two-component or multi-component coating agent,

FIG. 6

a plurality of nozzle rows of the application device, which are supplied together via a single coating agent feed line, which is assigned a mixer with feed lines for a two-component or multi-component coating agent,

FIG. 7

a nozzle arrangement in an application device,

FIG. 8

an alternative nozzle arrangement in the application device with smaller coating agent nozzles,

FIG. 9

an alternative arrangement of the coating agent nozzles in the application device, wherein the coating agent nozzles have different nozzle sizes,

FIG. 10

a modification of FIG. 9 , wherein the rows of nozzles are arranged offset with the larger coating agent nozzles,

FIG. 11

an application device arrangement with a plurality of freely movable and / or pivotable application devices for adaptation to curved component surfaces,

FIG. 12

a schematic representation of a coating device according to the invention with a multi-axis robot, the application device and a sensor leads to position the application device,

FIG. 13

2 a schematic representation of a coating device according to the invention, in which a plurality of components are mixed together to form a mixture, wherein the application device then applies the mixture,

FIG. 14

a schematic representation of an application device according to the invention with a jacket nozzle,

FIG. 15

a schematic representation of an application device that generates a trapezoidal layer thickness distribution,

FIG. 16

a schematic representation of a coating device according to the invention, in which numerous application devices are mounted on a portal,

FIG. 17 and FIG

18 modifications of the Figures 9 and 10 with a maximum packing density of the individual nozzles,

FIGS. 19A to 19E

various embodiments of longitudinal sections of coating agent nozzles,

Figure 20A

a schematic representation of a nozzle arrangement of an application device,

Figure 20B

a schematic representation of a layer thickness distribution, generated by the nozzle assembly according to Figure 20A .

Figure 20C

a schematic representation of another nozzle arrangement of an application device,

Figure 21A

a schematic representation of yet another nozzle arrangement of an application device,

FIG. 21B

a schematic representation of a layer thickness distribution, generated by the nozzle assembly according to Figure 21A .

Figure 21C

three overlapping trapezoidal layer thickness distributions with resulting total layer thickness distribution similar FIG. 15 .

Figure 21D

an edge-sharp layer thickness distribution, generated by means of at least one switched-off applicator or switched-off coating agent nozzle arrangement,

Figure 22A

a schematic representation of a drop in drip of a first contiguous coating agent jet, issued by an application device,

Figure 22B

a schematic representation of a sputtering according to the prior art,

Figure 22C

shows a greatly simplified representation of a drop in a first contiguous Coating agent jet dispensed by an application device;

FIGS. 23A to 23E

schematic representations of different contiguous coating agent jets with respective spray jet cross section,

Figures 24A, 25A, 26A

schematic representations of different application devices with unimpregnated coating agent,

Figures 24B, 25B, 26B

schematic representations of different application devices with applied coating agent,

Figures 27A, 27B, 27C

schematic representations of cross sections of various application devices, in particular in the region of the carrier element or the nozzle plate,

FIG. 28

a greatly simplified application device,

FIG. 29

several, for example, three application devices with two separate coating agent supply lines with respective color changer,

FIG. 30

an application device with two separate coating agent supply lines with respective color changer,

FIG. 31

An application device with two coating agent supply lines and integrated switching.

The cross-sectional view in FIG. 2 shows a painting according to the invention, which partially with the initially described and in FIG. 1 In order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description, the same reference numerals being used for corresponding details.

A special feature of the painting system according to the invention consists firstly in that the painting robots 3, 4 do not carry rotary atomizers as application devices, but application devices 8, 9 which each comprise a vibration generator SE and can be referred to as drop generator or application head. The respective application device 8, 9 has a compared to rotary atomizers much larger order efficiency of more than 90%. As a result, it is possible that less overspray is generated since the application devices 8, 9 are capable of producing coating agent drops, in particular paint drops of essentially the same size and essentially discrete or homogeneous droplet distribution. It is preferred that the application devices 8, 9 apply or output the coating agent substantially continuously during a coating operation.

The application devices 8, 9 with the vibration generators SE act on the coating agent with a vibration and / or an instability to produce coating agent drops and / or to let the coating agent disintegrate into droplets. In particular, first of all continuous or coherent coating agent jets are dispensed from the coating agent nozzles or the application devices 8, 9, which then travel on the way to the component or between them Application devices 8, 9 or the coating agent nozzles and the component disintegrate into drops.

The application or the generation of drops of substantially the same size and / or a substantially homogeneous droplet distribution on the one hand offers the advantage that in accordance with the in the conventional paint shop according to FIG. 1 existing leaching 7 can be dispensed with.

Instead, located in the paint shop according to the invention according to FIG. 2 below the paint booth 2, an air exhaust 10, which sucks the cabin air through a filter cover 11 down from the spray booth 2. The filter cover 11 filters out the excess air in the cabin air overspray out without the leaching 7 is required as in the conventional painting. As filter elements can eg cartridge filter, nonwovens, filter mats, cardboard filters, ect. Be used.

FIG. 3A shows an application device 8 (9), which is supplied by a color changer 13 with the coating agent to be applied. On the input side, the color changer 13 is connected to a plurality of, for example, seven coating agent supply lines (color 1 to color 7), of which the color changer 13 can select one for coating agent supply of the application device 8 (9).

FIG. 3B shows an application device 8 (9), which is supplied directly from at least two, for example, three coating agent supply lines (color 5 to color 7) with the coating agent to be applied (so-called "high-runner") and a separate color changer 13th

On the input side, the color changer 13 can be connected to a plurality of, for example, four coating agent supply lines (color 1 to color 4), of which the color changer 13 can select one for coating agent supply of the application device 8.

Preferably, the coating agent supply lines for directly supplying the application device 8 are connected directly to the application device 8, wherein e.g. Each coating agent can be assigned a separate metering device (for example a metering pump), which advantageously does not have to be flushed.

FIG. 4A shows a group of coating agent nozzles 16.1-16.5, which are connected together with the output of a color changer 17 and therefore apply the same coating agent in operation.

The color changer 17 is connected on the input side to a plurality of, for example, seven coating agent supply lines. The illustrated five coating agent nozzles are exemplary of an arrangement of many coating agent nozzles.

FIG. 4B shows a modification of the embodiments according to FIGS. 3B and 4A In order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description, wherein the same reference numerals are used for corresponding details.

FIG. 4B shows in particular a group of (two or more, in particular four) application devices 8 with two or more, in particular four direct coating agent supply lines (color 5 to color 8) and separate color changer 17.

Preferably, the respective application devices 8 are connected together with the output of the color changer 17 and / or the preferably four coating agent supply lines (for so-called "high-runner) and therefore apply the same coating agent during operation.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a nozzle assembly in the application devices 8, 9, wherein here several, for example, four nozzle rows 28.1-28.4 are shown, each having numerous coating agent nozzles 29. All coating agent nozzles 29 and all coating agent rows 28.1-28.4 are in this case jointly supplied by a mixer 31 and a color changer 30 with the same coating agent.

On the input side, the color changer 30 is connected to a plurality of coating agents (for example, paints or special paints S1 to S3) or a plurality of coating agent feeders and the mixer 31. The mixer 31 is connected on the input side to a plurality of coating agents, in particular at least two components (K1, K2) for a two-component or multi-component paint (for example stock paint and hardener).

The embodiment according to FIG. 6 partly in agreement with the one described above and in FIG. 5 illustrated embodiment, so reference is made to avoid repetition of the above description, wherein the same reference numerals are used for corresponding details.

A special feature of this embodiment is that all coating agent nozzles 29 in all nozzle rows 28.1-28.4 to a common coating agent supply line 31 are connected, via which the same coating agent is supplied and a mixer with leads (not shown in FIG FIG. 6 ) are assigned for a first component and at least one second component (for example base lacquer and hardener).

FIG. 7 shows a nozzle assembly 34 for the application devices 8, 9 of the painting system according to the invention, wherein the arrow indicates the feed direction of the application devices 8, 9, ie the printing direction.

It can be seen from the drawing that the nozzle arrangement 34 has a plurality of nozzle rows 35.1-35.7, each of which comprises a plurality of coating agent nozzles 36.

The coating agent nozzles 36 in this case have a uniformly large nozzle opening within the entire nozzle arrangement 34.

The adjacent rows of nozzles 35.1-35.7 are arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction by half a nozzle width, which enables a maximum packing density of the coating agent nozzles 36 within the nozzle arrangement 34.

FIG. 8 shows a modified nozzle assembly 34, which is largely with the above-described and in FIG. 7 the nozzle arrangement shown matches, so that reference is made to avoid repetition of the above description.

A special feature of this embodiment is first that the individual nozzles 36 have a much smaller nozzle size.

Another special feature of this embodiment is that the adjacent rows of nozzles are not arranged offset from one another.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of a nozzle assembly 37 with five parallel nozzle rows 38.1-38.5 with relatively large nozzle openings and four nozzle rows 39.1-39.4 with relatively small nozzle openings.

The embodiment according to FIG. 10 is largely consistent with the embodiment described above FIG. 9 to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description, wherein like reference numerals are used for corresponding details.

A special feature of this embodiment is that the nozzle rows are 38.1-38.5 offset with the larger nozzle openings in the longitudinal direction to each other and that by half a nozzle width.

Finally shows FIG. 11 an application device arrangement 46 with a total of four application devices 47-50, which are pivotable relative to each other or aligned according to the surface of a curved component, for example, to allow better adaptation to the surface of a curved component 51, for example.

FIG. 12 shows in greatly simplified form a coating device according to the invention with a multi-axis robot 58, which moves an application device 59 along predetermined coating middle paths over a component surface 60, wherein the robot 58 is controlled by a robot controller 61 and may have a hand axis. The robot controller In this case, the robot 58 controls the robot 58 in such a way that the application device 59 is guided over the component surface 60 in each case along predetermined coating medium paths, the coating middle paths lying next to one another in a meandering manner.

A special feature here is that an optical sensor 62 is additionally attached to the application device 59, which detects the position and the course of the preceding coating middle web in operation so that the current coating middle web can be aligned exactly on the preceding coating middle web.

FIG. 13 shows in greatly simplified form a variant of a coating device according to the invention with several, preferably three separate coating agent supply 63-65, each supplying a component of the coating agent to be applied.

The coating agent feeds 63-65 are connected on the output side to a mixer 66, which mixes the individual components together to form a coating agent mixture, which is then supplied to an application device 67. The mixture of the various components of the coating agent is thus carried out before application by the application device 67. The in FIG. 13 shown component 3 is optional.

FIG. 14 shows in schematic form an application device 69, the coating agent or a coherent coating agent jet 70 'applied to a vibration. From the coating agent nozzle 72, the coating agent or a coherent coating agent jet 70 'is output, which disintegrates between the coating agent nozzle 72 and the component surface 71 in droplets 70. The arrows F show schematically that the coating agent or the coating agent jet 70 'at the coating agent nozzle 72 or by means of the coating agent nozzle 72 having support element with the vibration, frequency and / or instability is applied.

In addition, the application device 69 at least one, preferably a plurality of Hüllstromdüsen 73 which surround the coating agent nozzle 72 or a plurality of coating agent nozzles, for example annularly and emit an annular sheath flow surrounding the individual coating agent drops 70.

On the one hand, this serves to delimit the individual coating agent drops 70 and to protect the dispensed coating agent and / or the dispensed coating agent drops 70.

On the other hand, the sheath flow delivered by the sheath flow nozzle 73 can direct the coating agent drops 70 in the direction of the component surface 71 and thereby advantageously improve the application efficiency.

In a similar manner, one or more steering jet nozzles, in particular shaping air nozzles, may be provided, the shaping air of which is provided to protect or mold and / or direct the dispensed coating agent and / or the dispensed coating agent drops. Also, more functional nozzles for dispensing certain media can be provided.

FIG. 15 shows in greatly simplified form an application device 74 in the application of two adjacent coating paths, wherein the position of the application device 74 in the current Lackierbahn is designated without apostrophe, whereas the position of the application device 74 'is marked in the previous paint path with an apostrophe.

The application device 74 has a plurality of coating agent nozzles 75, which are arranged side by side transversely to the web direction, with less coating agent being dispensed in the outer region of the application device 74 than in the inner region. As a result, the application device 74 generates a trapezoidal layer thickness distribution 76 on the component surface. This is advantageous because the trapezoidal layer thickness distribution 76 then overlaps the likewise trapezoidal layer thickness distribution 76 'of the preceding coating path, which leads to a constant layer thickness. FIGS. 20A and 21A show possible embodiments of a coating agent nozzle assembly or the coating agent nozzles exhibiting carrier element (nozzle plate) to achieve the principle of the layer thickness distribution.

FIG. 16 shows in simplified form a coating device according to the invention, in which the components to be coated 77 are transported along a linear conveying path 78 through a paint booth, which is known per se from the prior art and therefore need not be described in detail.

The conveying path 78 is in this case spanned by a portal 79, wherein numerous application devices 80 are attached to the portal, which are directed to the components 77 on the conveying path 78 and coat them with a coating agent.

FIG. 17 shows a modification of FIG. 10 , so as to avoid repetition on the above description is referenced, with the same reference numerals are used for corresponding details.

A special feature of this embodiment is the significantly greater packing density of the individual coating agent nozzles.

FIG. 18 shows a modification of FIG. 17 In order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description, wherein the same reference numerals are used for corresponding details.

Again, the peculiarity is that the packing density of the individual coating agent nozzles is much larger.

FIGS. 19A to 19E show various longitudinal sectional shapes of coating agent nozzles. In the in the FIGS. 19A to 19E shown longitudinal sections may be round or slot nozzles.

Figure 19A shows a cylindrical nozzle shape and a constant nozzle shape.

FIG. 19B shows a preferably at least twice widening and rejuvenating nozzle shape, in particular with at least two bulges 81 and at least one constriction 82, which is arranged between the at least two bulges 81, and preferably a constant or cylindrical inlet and a constant or cylindrical outlet.

Figure 19C shows a nozzle shape with tapered inlet and cylindrical or constant outlet.

Figure 19D shows a nozzle shape with a cylindrical or constant inlet and preferably conically expanding outlet.

Figure 19E shows a venturi or laval nozzle.

The cross sections of the in the FIGS. 19A to 19E The nozzle shapes shown are preferably circular (round nozzles), but may also be formed rectangular (slit nozzles). By constant nozzle shape or constant inlet and / or outlet is meant a substantially constant cross section in the longitudinal direction of the coating agent nozzle.

The number and arrangement of the nozzles of the application devices 8, 9 should preferably be designed so that the surfaces to be coated are uniformly, opaque and homogeneously coated. For this purpose, the respective application device 8, 9 can be equipped both with nozzles of a size and nozzle shape, as well as with nozzles of different sizes or different nozzle shapes. The different sized nozzles may be evenly distributed or grouped in specific areas or shapes. By appropriate arrangement of the nozzles of an application device 8, 9, for example, an ideal layer thickness distribution can be generated during the coating process.

Figure 20A schematically shows a coating agent nozzle assembly BA, which comprises a plurality of coating agent nozzles (shown schematically by means of the black dots). The coating agent nozzle arrangement BA is provided in such a way that a layer thickness distribution with a substantially Gaussian normal distribution is formed. In particular, the coating agent nozzle arrangement BA is provided such that its coating agent nozzles form an outline U in accordance with essentially a Gaussian normal distribution curve and are preferably distributed over the region U '(area under the Gaussian curve) which is enclosed by the outline U. Any other nozzle arrangement suitable for overlapping (eg trapezoidal or triangular shape) can be generated. The in Figure 20A Arrow shown indicates the feed direction of the application device 8.

Figure 20B schematically shows a cross-section through the layer thickness distribution, which passes through a coating agent nozzle assembly BA Figure 20A is produced. The cross-section is delimited by a substantially Gaussian normal distribution curve, which essentially corresponds to the outline U Figure 20A equivalent.

Figure 20C schematically shows another coating agent nozzle assembly BA, which also includes a plurality of coating agent nozzles (shown schematically by means of the black dots). The coating agent nozzles form a rectangular outline U and are preferably distributed over the area U '(rectangular area), which is enclosed by the outline U, for example in matrix form. Such an arrangement is advantageous in order to be able to coat edge-to-edge.

Furthermore, a coating agent arrangement (not shown) is possible in which the coating agent nozzles form a circular outline and are distributed over a circular area. Furthermore, other arrangements are possible.

Figure 21A schematically shows three coating agent nozzle assemblies BA1, BA2 and BA3, which are independently controllable or adjustable (eg controllable or controllable). Each of the coating agent nozzle assemblies BA1, BA2 and BA3 has a plurality of coating agent nozzles (shown schematically by the black dots). The outer coating agent nozzle assembly BA1 is provided so that its coating agent nozzles form a triangular outline and are preferably distributed over the area enclosed by the triangular outline. The central coating agent nozzle arrangement BA2 is provided so that its coating agent nozzles form a rectangular outline and are preferably distributed over the area which is enclosed by the rectangular outline. The other outer coating agent nozzle assembly BA3 is provided so that its coating agent nozzles form a triangular outline and are preferably distributed over the area enclosed by the triangular outline. The three coating agent nozzle arrangements BA1, BA2 and BA3 are provided so that their coating agent nozzles as a whole form a trapezoidal outline. The central coating agent nozzle arrangement BA2 is provided essentially for surface coating, wherein the two outer coating agent nozzle arrangements BA1, BA3 are provided essentially for overlap coating. The outer coating agent nozzle arrangements BA1, BA3 can also have any other overlap-adapted nozzle distribution.

FIG. 21B schematically shows a cross section through the layer thickness distribution, which by the three coating agent nozzle assemblies BA1, BA2, BA3 according to Figure 21A is generated when all three coating agent nozzle assemblies BA1, BA2, BA3 apply. The cross section of the layer thickness distribution is trapezoidal.

Figure 21C shows similar to the FIG. 15 three adjacent paint paths, each having a trapezoidal layer thickness distribution 76 ', 76 "and 76"' have. This is advantageous because the trapezoidal layer thickness distributions can overlap correspondingly, which leads to a substantially constant layer thickness. The line indicated by reference numeral 83 shows the resulting layer thickness. As mentioned, the trapezoidal design is merely exemplary and may be any other overlap-adapted distribution.

Next advantageous is the in Figure 21A coating agent nozzle arrangements shown BA1, BA2 and BA3 that in particular the outer coating agent nozzle assemblies BA1 and BA3 can be controlled, for example, can be switched on and off. This will, as in Figure 21D as shown by the edge marked with reference numeral 84. Figure 21D shows a cross-section of a layer thickness distribution, which of the central coating agent nozzle assembly BA2 and the in Figure 21A is shown on the right outer coating agent nozzle assembly BA3, wherein the in Figure 21A The coating agent arrangement BA1 shown on the left is switched off and thus no coating agent is applied.

However, it is also possible for an application device to "feel" along a "line" produced by individual nozzles on the surface to be coated, or to move over a surface to be coated during the application of a line, so that no overlaps are necessary.

A preferred drop-break is schematically shown in FIG Figure 22A shown. Figure 22A shows one from a coating agent nozzle the contiguous, dispensed coating agent jet 70 'due to the coupled vibration and / or instability in drops 70 crumbles and preferably based on the so-called "Rayleigh Instability" or the so-called "Rayleigh instability" of the application device 8 (9). Rayleigh disintegration ". Applicator 8 (9) applies drops 70 that are substantially the same size, thereby achieving substantially discrete or homogeneous drop annealing, as in US Pat Figure 22A you can see. The arrows F show schematically that the coating agent or the coating agent jet 70 'is acted on by the coating agent nozzle or by means of the carrier element containing the coating agent nozzle with the oscillation, frequency and / or instability.

Another preferred dropper drop is in a greatly simplified form in FIG Figure 22C shown. Figure 22C 9 shows a coherent substantially flat coating agent jet emerging from a coating agent nozzle of the application device 8 (9) (for example a coating agent blade or a coating agent lamella, also provided with the reference numeral 70 'for simplicity), which due to the coupled oscillation and / or instability in drops (FIG. for simplicity also provided with the reference numeral 70) decays.

The continuous sheet-like coating agent jet 70 'disintegrates into a plurality of grafting (substantially one-dimensional) coating agent jets. Also in Figure 22C The arrows F schematically show that the coating agent or the coating agent jet 70 'at the coating agent nozzle or by means of the coating agent nozzle having carrier element with the vibration, frequency and / or instability is applied.

Figure 22B on the other hand shows a schematic sputtering of coating compositions according to the prior art. Evident are the differently sized coating agent droplets (also provided with the reference numeral 70 for the sake of simplicity) and the non-homogeneous droplet distribution, which contributes to an increased overspray.

The structure, the principle and / or the mode of action of exemplary drop generators is for example from DE 44 41 553 C2 , of the DE 10 2006 012 389 A1 and the publications " Atomization and Sprays, vol. 7, pp. 43-75, 1997, "METHODS AND TOOLS FOR ADVANCED FUEL SPRAY PRODUCTION AND INVESTIGATION", G. Brenn, F. Durst, D. Trimis, and M. Weclas " and " Atomization and Sprays, vol. 15, pp. 661-685, 2005, "CONTROL OF SPRAY FORMATION BY VIBRATIONAL EXCITATION OF FLAT-FAN AND CONICAL LIQUID SHEETS", Günter Brenn, Zeljiko Prebeg and Dirk Rensink, Alexander L. Yar in, the disclosures of which are fully attributable to the present disclosure.

It is possible that the respective vibration generator SE preferably couples the vibration and / or the instability into the coating agent via the housing of the application device 8 (9). For this purpose, the vibrator SE can be arranged, for example, as a quartz oscillator on the outside of the respective housing of the application devices 8, 9 or at least provided to act on this area, which is described in US Pat FIG. 28 is shown in a greatly simplified form. However, it is alternatively or additionally possible that the vibration generator in the respective application device 8, 9 is integrated on the inside and the coating agent, for example by means of sound, mechanically by means of physical contact or impinged by a piezoelectric element with the vibration and / or instability to cause the droplets, which in FIG. 28 in a greatly simplified form by means of the dashed rectangle marked SE '.

The cohesive or continuous coating agent jet to be sprayed can be provided in different ways. The FIGS. 23A to 23E show schematically various coating agent jets (all for simplicity also provided with the reference numeral 70 '), which consist of a coating agent nozzle (not shown in FIG FIGS. 23A to 23E ), and respective spray beam cross sections 70 ".

Figure 23A shows a (substantially one-dimensional) solid jet, which according to the invention can be acted upon so that it disintegrates into drops.

FIG. 23B shows a substantially planar beam (for example, a coating agent sheet or a coating agent lamella) in the form of a flat and / or layered beam or a triangular beam, which can be acted upon according to the invention so that it decomposes into drops and / or in a plurality in drops disintegrating (preferably substantially one-dimensional) coating agent jets disintegrate.

Figure 23C shows a hollow cone jet, Figure 23D a full cone jet and Figure 23E a hollow cylinder jet, which can also be acted upon according to the invention so that they disintegrate into droplets and / or disintegrate into a plurality of drop-forming (preferably substantially one-dimensional) coating agent jets.

It is also possible to produce not only circular but also substantially rectangular spray jet cross-sections.

The Figures 24A and 24B show in greatly simplified form in each case an application device 8 (9). Each application device 8 (9) has a plurality of coating agent nozzles in a plane.

The Figures 25A and 25B show in greatly simplified form each other application device 8 (9). Each application device 8 (9) has a split or slot nozzle.

Figures 26A and 26B show in greatly simplified form in each case another application device 8 (9). Each application device 8 (9) has a circular or conical nozzle.

In the in the Figures 24A, 25A and 26A Application equipment shown no impingement of the coating agent or the coating agent jet 85 takes place with a vibration and / or instability, which is why the coating agent jets 85 do not disintegrate into drops.

At the in Figures 24B, 25B and 26B On the other hand, application devices shown are subjected to an impact of the coating agent or of the coating agent jet 86 with a vibration and / or instability, for which reason the coating agent jets 86 disintegrate into drops. In FIGS. 25B and 26B In fact, significantly more droplet jets 86 would have to be imaged, but this was not considered, because then they would no longer be recognizable.

The Figs. 27A, 27B and 27C show schematic representations of cross sections of various application devices, in particular in the region of a support member for a nozzle plate and / or multiple coating agent nozzles. In particular, a carrier element 89 and a coating agent supply 87 can be seen, which opens into the carrier element 89. Preferably, the coating agent supply 87 widens in the flow direction of the coating agent (see arrow in FIG Figure 27A ) or to the at least one coating agent nozzle in order to be able to supply one or more coating agent nozzles with coating agent.

The application device can have at least one degassing connection and / or one return line connection or a degassing opening 88, as in FIGS Figures 27B and 27C shown. In Figure 27B the degassing connection or the return line connection 88 is arranged on the coating agent supply 87 or at least adjacent thereto, whereas in FIG Figure 27C the degassing nozzle or the return line connection 88 adjacent to the coating agent nozzles, may be arranged adjacent to the carrier element or on the carrier element.

FIG. 28 9, which produces a multiplicity of initially coherent coating agent jets 70 ', which decay into droplets 70 due to the vibration generated by the vibrator SE or SE' and / or the instability. This in FIG. 28 Applicator 8 shown further comprises a system for high voltage electrostatic coating agent charging, preferably an electrostatic coating agent charging system for external charging AA of the (dispensed) coating agent. The coating agent charging system AA may include a plurality of finger electrodes or an electrode ring in which a plurality of electrodes are embedded. The finger electrodes, the electrode ring and / or the electrodes E are preferably arranged outside the housing of the application device 8, wherein in particular the electrodes E are positioned uniformly around the application device 8 in order to charge the coating agent dispensed from the at least one coating agent nozzle.

It is also possible to provide an electrostatic coating agent charging system for direct charging DA of the (not yet issued) coating agent, which is disclosed in US Pat FIG. 28 is indicated by the dotted rectangle indicated by the reference numeral DA. In this case, the coating agent, which has not yet been dispensed, passes by at least one electrode integrated in the interior of the application device 8 in order to be charged. The coating agent charging system AA, DA is configured and arranged to achieve improved deposition, improved coating agent yield, and / or improved application efficiency.

FIG. 29 shows several, preferably three application devices 8 with several, preferably two completely separate coating agent supply lines with respective color changer A, B, so while a color changer or a coating agent supply the coating agent leads to the application devices 8, the other color changer or the other coating agent supply line prepared can be. It is thus applied either via the first color changer A or via the second color changer B. To the coating agent supply lines between the application devices 8 and the respective color changers A, B, in each case a return line RFA, RFB can be connected.

FIG. 30 shows an application device 8 with two completely separate coating agent supply lines with respective color changer A, B, so while a color changer or a coating agent supply the coating agent to the application devices 8, the other color changer or the other coating agent supply line can be prepared. In each case a return line RFA, RFB can be connected to the coating agent supply lines between the application device 8 and the respective color changer A, B. Again, either via the first color changer A or via the second color changer B is applied.

FIG. 31 shows an application device 8 with two separate coating agent supply lines and integrated switching to set from which of the plurality of coating agent supply lines and / or which of the plurality of color changers A, B, the coating agent is output. The two coating agent supply lines are completely separated from each other, open in the application device 8 and each have a color changer A, B on. Similar to the embodiments according to FIGS. 29 and 30 Return lines RFA, RFB between the respective color changer A, B and the application device 8 can also be provided here, wherein here too, either via the first color changer A or via the second color changer B is applied.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a variety of variants and modifications is possible, which also make use of the inventive concept defined by the claims and therefore fall within the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

promoter

2

spray booth

3

Painting robots

4

Painting robots

5

plenum

6

blanket

7

washout

8th

applicator

9

applicator

10

air extraction

11

filter ceiling

13

color changers

16.1-16.6

Coating agent nozzles

17

color changers

28.1-28.4

nozzle rows

29

Coating agent nozzles

30

color changers

31

Mixer / coating agent feed line

34

nozzle assembly

35.1-35.7

nozzle rows

36

Coating agent nozzles

37

nozzle assembly

38.1-38.5

nozzle rows

39.1-39.4

nozzle rows

46

Application equipment arrangement

47-50

application equipment

51

component

58

robot

59

applicator

60

component surface

61

robot control

62

sensor

63

Coating agent feed

66

mixer

67

applicator

69

applicator

70

Coating agent drops

70 '

Coating midstream

70 "

Cross section through coating agent jet

71

component surface

72

Beschichtungsmitteldüse

73

Hüllstromdüse

74, 74 '

applicator

75, 75 '

Coating agent nozzles

76, 76 ',

76 "layer thickness distribution

77

components

78

promoter

79

portal

80

application equipment

81

bulge

82

constriction

83

layer thickness

84

edge-sharp coating edge

85

non-gelling coating agent jet

86

grafting coating agent jet

87

Coating agent feed

88

Degassing / vent / recycle

89

support element

BA

Coating nozzle means

U

outline

U '

area enclosed by outline

RFA, RFB

Repatriation / return lines

SE, SE '

vibrator

Claims (33)

1. A coating device for coating components with a coating agent, namely for painting motor vehicle body components and/or motor vehicle attachment components with a paint, comprising at least one application apparatus (8, 9), characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) is designed to discharge the coating agent out of coating agent nozzles (16.1-16.6; 29; 36), and is provided to apply an oscillation to coating agent jets in order to allow the coating agent jets (70') to break up into droplets (70).
2. The coating device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) is provided to discharge coherent coating agent jets (70') which break up into droplets (70) between the coating agent nozzles and the component.
3. The coating device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coating agent jets are essentially one-dimensional jets or liquid sheets.
4. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) is attached on the input side to a mixer (31).
5. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) comprises an oscillation generator (SE, SE') which is provided to apply an oscillation to the coating agent and/or the coating agent jets (70'), in particular

   - via the housing of the application apparatus (8, 9); and/or

   - via the carrier element having the coating agent nozzles and/or via the coating agent nozzles.
6. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the oscillation is generatable by means of a piezo element.
7. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) is provided

   - to generate droplets (70) which are essentially of the same diameter; or

   - to generate a defined mixture of certain droplet sizes.
8. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating agent nozzles are essentially circular or slit-shaped and have a diameter or a slit width of between approximately 5 µm to 300 µm.
9. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) has a plurality of coating agent nozzles (29) which are arranged in a plurality of nozzle rows (28.1-28.4), in particular in the form of a matrix in lines and columns.
10. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

    - a multi-axis coating robot is provided in order to move the application apparatus (8, 9) relative to the component; and/or

    - a multi-axis handling robot is provided in order to move the component relative to the application apparatus (8, 9).
11. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) comprises

    - a plurality of coating agent nozzle arrangements (BA1, BA2, BA3) each with a plurality of coating agent nozzles; and

    - at least two coating agent nozzle arrangements (BA1, BA2, BA3) which can be actuated independently of one another and which can be supplied with coating agent independently of one another.
12. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

    - at least three coating agent nozzle arrangements (BA1, BA2, BA3), which can be actuated independently of one another, are provided, wherein the outer coating agent nozzle arrangements (BA1, BA3) are provided to generate an overlapping-optimized layer thickness distribution and the inner coating agent nozzle arrangement is provided to generate an essentially homogeneous layer thickness distribution; and/or

    - at least one outer coating agent nozzle arrangement (BA1, BA3) can be switched off in order to allow sharp-edged coating.
13. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating agent pressure and/or the dosing pressure with which the coating agent is fed to the application apparatus (8, 9) and/or to the component is controllable.
14. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following parameters is adjustable:

    - discharge speed of the coating agent;

    - amplitude of the oscillation;

    - frequency of the oscillation.
15. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized

    - in that the coating agent droplets from a coating agent jet do not coalesce on their way to the component; or

    - in that the coating agent droplets from a first coating agent jet do not coalesce with coating agent droplets from another second coating agent jet.
16. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating agent nozzle and/or the coating agent nozzle arrangement (BA1, BA2, BA3) is arranged on a carrier element and that, preferably, the carrier element is replacably fixed to the application apparatus (8, 9) by means of a quick-change device.
17. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) is operatively connectable to at least one dosing device.
18. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) is operatively connectable to at least one colour changer.
19. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) is operatively connectable to at least one mixer for two or multi-component paints or different coating agents.
20. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9)

    - has at least one cladding flow nozzle which is provided to discharge a cladding flow consisting of air or another gas with which the discharged coating agent can be cladded; and/or

    - has at least one guiding air flow nozzle which is provided to discharge a guiding air flow consisting of air or another gas with which the discharged coating agent jets can be influenced; and/or

    - has a plurality of cladding flow nozzles and/or guiding air flow nozzles which are arranged in one or more rings or part rings around the coating agent nozzles and/or coating agent nozzle arrangement; and/or

    - has a plurality of cladding flow nozzles and/or guiding air flow nozzles which extend in an essentially straight-line arrangement along at least one or all sides of the coating agent nozzle arrangement.
21. The coating device according to any one of claims 5 to 20, characterized in that

    - a first oscillation generator (SE, SE') is provided for application to the coating agent for at least a first coating agent nozzle and/or coating agent nozzle arrangement; and

    - another second oscillation generator (SE, SE') is provided for application to the coating agent for at least one other coating agent nozzle and/or another coating agent nozzle arrangement.
22. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating agent is an automobile paint, a basic paint, a clear paint, an effect paint, a mica paint, a metallic paint, a water-based paint or a solvent-based paint and preferably the solid paint particles have a particle size of greater than about 4 µm, 5 µm or 6 µm.
23. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

    - the application apparatus (8, 9) achieves a surface coating performance of at least 1m²/min, 2m²/min, 3m²/min, 4m²/min or 5m²/min; and/or

    - the application apparatus (8, 9) achieves a surface coating discharge of at least 50 ml/min, 100 ml/min, 150 ml/min, 200 ml/min, 300 ml/min, 400 ml/min or 500 ml/min.
24. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized

    - in that to the application apparatus (8, 9) is assigned at least one colour changer (13) which, on the output side, is connected to the application apparatus (8, 9) and, on the input side, can be supplied with various coating agents so that the colour changer (13) can select one of the coating agents and can supply the application apparatus (8, 9) with the selected coating agent and/or

    - in that the colour changer (13) has a flushing/solvent connection and/or a pulsed air connection in order to be able to clean the application apparatus (8, 9) by means of the flushing agent/solvent and/or the pulsed air; and/or

    - the colour changer is a docking colour changer which can be docked via a linear or rotational movement to the respective coating agent feed line.
25. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating agent nozzles (29) of the various nozzle rows (28.1-28.4) and/or the application apparatus (8, 9) are commonly fed by a colour changer (30).
26. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized

    - in that the coating agent nozzles (29) of the various nozzle rows (28.1-28.4) are commonly connected to a coating agent supply line (31) via which the coating agent to be applied can be supplied, and/or

    - in that the common coating agent supply line (31) can be supplied by a colour changer and/or a mixer.
27. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized

    - in that at least one application apparatus is provided which can be supplied by a plurality of separated coating agent feed lines to which is each assigned a colour changer or a dosing device; and/or

    - in that at least one application apparatus comprises an integrated changeover module in order to set from which of the plurality of coating agent feed lines and/or from which of the plurality of colour changers the coating agent is delivered.
28. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an electrostatic coating agent charging system is provided for increasing the application efficiency and/or the coating agent yield, in particular an external charging system (AA) and/or a direct charging system (DA), wherein preferably the external charging system (AA) comprises a plurality of outer electrodes (E), and/or the direct charging system (DA) comprises one or more internal electrodes.
29. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating agent nozzles

    - are conically tapering with a cylindrical outlet; or

    - are conically widening with a cylindrical inlet; or

    - are Laval or Venturi nozzles.
30. The coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application apparatus (8, 9) comprises at least one return line for coating agent, pulsed air and/or flushing/cleaning agent, preferably a degassing opening and/or a return line for coating agent, pulsed air and/or flushing/cleaning agent is arranged in the coating agent feed for the coating agent nozzle and/or the carrier element.
31. A painting cabin, comprising a coating device according to any one of the preceding claims.
32. The painting cabin according to Claim 31, characterized in that the painting cabin does not have a wash-out system.
33. A coating method for coating components with a coating agent, namely for painting motor vehicle body components and/or motor vehicle attachment components with a paint, preferably with a coating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one application apparatus (8, 9) discharges the coating agent from coating agent nozzles (16.1-16.6; 29; 36) and applies an oscillation to coating agent jets in order to allow the coating agent jets (70') to break up into droplets (70).

Images