EP3017873A1 - Coating system for coating objects - Google Patents

Abstract

In a coating system for coating objects, coating material can be dispensed by means of an electrostatically operating application device (12) with a dispensing device (16, 18). There is at least one reservoir (30) for coating material which is connected via an inlet line (48) to an inlet valve device (22) and via a supply line (36) to the dispensing device (16, 18). There is also an isolation device (60) which defines a portion of the inlet duct (48) as an isolation channel (62), a reaming body (64) and a mechanical drive device (72) with a drive element by means of which the reaming body (64) in the isolation channel (62) is movable at least from a parking position into an isolation position, wherein the Räumköper (64) in this insulating movement, the inner circumferential surface (62a) of the isolation channel (62) freed of material, whereby between the storage container (32) and the input valve means (22) an electrical insulation path (88) can be formed.

Description

1. a) eine elektrostatisch arbeitende Applikationsvorrichtung mit einer Abgabeeinrichtung, mittels welcher ein Beschichtungsmaterial abgebbar ist;
2. b) wenigstens einen Vorlagebehälter für Beschichtungsmaterial, der über eine Einlassleitung mit einer Eingangs-Ventileinrichtung und über eine Versorgungsleitung mit der Abgabeeinrichtung verbunden ist.

The invention relates to a coating system for coating objects, comprising

1. a) an electrostatically operating application device with a dispensing device, by means of which a coating material can be dispensed;
2. b) at least one reservoir for coating material, which is connected via an inlet line with an input valve device and via a supply line to the dispenser.

With such coating systems, for example, in the automotive industry, articles such as vehicle bodies or body parts are coated with the aid of the electrostatically operating application device. The coating material, e.g. a paint, is thereby discharged from the dispenser and exposed to an electric field in which the dispensed coating material is ionized and transported due to electrostatic forces to the object, which, for this purpose, e.g. is at ground potential. Such an application device may be, for example, a high-rotation atomizer, in which the delivery device comprises a rotating bell cup, from which smallest droplets of paint are thrown off, so that a paint mist is formed.

An input valve device is in practice a so-called color changer, which is fed in a conventional manner from ring lines with different media. If an object with a different color is to be painted than the previously coated object, a must Color changes are performed. In order for a color change to take place as quickly as possible and without loss of time, a coating system of the type initially mentioned often comprises two supply lines, so that alternating operation can take place. In practice, this means that the application device is fed from one supply line with a first coating material, while the other supply line is prepared using another coating material, so that a color change can be carried out in a short time.

In electrostatically operating systems, the lines in the direction of the application device away during the coating process build an insulation distance and this be clean and dry at least over a sufficiently long section. The lines are made accordingly from an electrically insulating material.

For this purpose, in systems known from the market a line section is cleaned with detergent and then blown dry with compressed air, whereby an electrical insulation route is established.

It is an object of the invention to provide a coating system of the type mentioned, in which the production of such an insulation gap is effectively supported.

• c) eine mechanische Isolationseinrichtung vorhanden ist, welche
  • ca) einen Abschnitt der Einlassleitung als Isolationskanal definiert;
  • cb) einen Räumkörper umfasst;
  • cc) eine mechanische Antriebseinrichtung mit einem Antriebselement umfasst, mittels welchem der Räumkörper in dem Isolationskanal zumindest von einer Parkposition in eine Isolationsposition bewegbar ist, wobei der Räumkörper bei dieser Isolationsbewegung die Innenmantelfläche des Isolationskanals von Material befreit, wodurch zwischen dem Vorlagebehälter und der Eingangs-Ventileinrichtung eine elektrische Isolationsstrecke ausbildbar ist.

This object is achieved in a coating system of the type mentioned in that

• c) a mechanical isolation device is present, which
  • ca) a portion of the inlet conduit as an isolation channel Are defined;
  • cb) comprises a clearing body;
  • cc) comprises a mechanical drive device with a drive element, by means of which the reaming body is movable in the isolation channel at least from a parking position to an isolation position, wherein the reaming body frees the inner circumferential surface of the isolation channel of material in this isolation movement, whereby between the storage container and the input valve means an electrical isolation path can be formed.

According to the invention, the insulation section is thus constructed at least mechanically supported. It has been recognized that this is more effective and faster compared to cleaning and drying a fluid only line. In particular, the clearing body is not driven by a fluid medium in its isolation movement, but moved mechanically. This guarantees a clearly defined position of the clearing body.

It is favorable if the isolation duct comprises a parking space for the reaming body, wherein, viewed in the direction of the storage container, a line section of the inlet duct radially faces the parking space and separates the isolation duct from the isolation duct. Thus remains between the isolation channel and the storage tank a line section, which may still be filled with conductive material even with built-insulation distance, without affecting the reliability negatively.

An advantageous drive concept is implemented, if that Drive element of the drive device is a thrust element which is connected to a thrust shaft or a push rod. A push shaft can be flexed flexibly in contrast to a push rod. The pusher increases in particular the contact surface of the reaming body when it is pushed.

Alternatively, the drive element of the drive device may be a push shaft or a push rod, which is immovably connected to the broaching body.

It is structurally favorable if the thrust shaft or the push rod is guided through a passage opening in an end wall of the parking space into a drive space which is arranged next to the parking space where the thrust shaft or the push rod is coupled to a drive unit.

If the thrust shaft is provided, it is advantageous if the drive unit is a winding device, by means of which the thrust shaft from the drive space in the insulation channel can be unwound and wound out of the insulation channel into the drive space.

When the push rod is provided, it is advantageous if the drive unit is a cylinder device in which the drive space forms a cylinder space and through which the push rod is movable into or out of the isolation channel. Alternatively, the push rod can also be moved via an electrically acting linear unit.

Preferably, the isolation channel, the drive space and the drive unit are accommodated in an insulation housing. This allows the components optionally as Assembly are inserted into a line, in which case the necessary connection options are available.

With regard to the cleaning of the inlet line, it is advantageous if this comprises a pig pipe which extends between a starting pig station and a destination pig station.

It is favorable if the insulation section is established as close as possible to the storage container. Therefore, it is advantageous if the inlet duct defines a connection portion connecting the target pig station and the receiver tank, the isolation duct being a portion of the connection portion.

With regard to the supply of the system with paint and / or other media, the input valve device is preferably a color changer.

Figur 1

schematisch ein Beschichtungssystem mit einer Isolationseinrichtung;

Figur 2

das Beschichtungssystem nach Figur 1, wobei die Isolationseinrichtung in einer Isolationskonfiguration gezeigt ist;

Figur 3

schematisch das Beschichtungssystem mit einer Isolationseinrichtung gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Figur 4

das Beschichtungssystem nach Figur 3, wobei die Isolationseinrichtung in einer Isolationskonfiguration gezeigt ist.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. In this show

FIG. 1

schematically a coating system with an insulation device;

FIG. 2

the coating system after FIG. 1 wherein the isolation device is shown in an isolation configuration;

FIG. 3

schematically the coating system with an insulation device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4

the coating system after FIG. 3 wherein the isolation device is in an isolation configuration is shown.

First, it will open FIG. 1 Referenced. There, 10 denotes a total of a coating system for coating objects, such as vehicle bodies or their attachments, which are not specifically shown.

The coating system 10 comprises an electrostatically operating application device 12 shown only schematically, which in the present exemplary embodiment is a high-rotation atomizer 14 with a rotating bell cup 16.

The application device 12 comprises a dispensing line 18, via which coating material can be dispensed onto an article. In the present embodiment, the discharge line 18 leads to the bell cup 16 of the high-rotation atomizer 14. The bell cup 16 and the discharge line 18 thus form a delivery device.

The application device 12 can optionally be supplied with material from two supply lines 20, the first supply line being denoted by 20.1 and the second supply line by 20.2 in the figures. The second supply line 20.2 is only indicated and not shown in detail. The first and the second supply line 20.1 and 20.2 are identical in the present embodiment.

The two supply lines 20 each extend between an input valve device 22 and an output valve device 24.

The input valve device 22 is in the present embodiment as per se known color changer 26 formed, which can be fed from ring lines 28 with different media. In addition, the input valve device 22 is connected to a working line 30. On the one hand, the input valve device 22 via the working line 30, a working fluid such as compressed air or a detergent can be supplied. On the other hand, the working line 30 can serve as a so-called dump to lead material out of the system.

For this purpose, the working line 30 is in turn connected in a manner known per se with a valve device not shown separately, which can connect the working line 30 with a compressed air source, a detergent source and an outlet. If subsequently other lines are referred to as working lines, they fulfill the same purpose and are connected to a corresponding valve device and material sources and an outlet.

In a modification not specifically shown, each of the supply strands 20 may be connected to a separate input valve device 26.

Each supply line 20 comprises a storage container 32 in the form of a piston meter 34, from which the application device 12 can be fed via a supply line 36. The piston dispenser 34 illustrates only one example of a reservoir 32 for coating material.

In order to connect the dispensing device 16, 18 of the application device 12 with the supply lines 20 and in the present embodiment concretely with their piston dispensers 34, the discharge line 18 is connected to the output valve device 24, in which the respective supply line 36 of each supply line 20 opens. The Output valve means 24 is also connected to a working line 38 for compressed air / detergent / dump.

The piston dispenser 34 includes a cylinder 40 in which a piston 42 can be moved by means of a piston drive not specifically shown. The piston 42 defines with the cylinder 40 a working space 44, which is connected to the supply line 36 via a metering valve unit 46. In addition, the working space 44 is connected to an inlet line 48 via the metering valve unit 46. Further, a working line 50 for compressed air / detergent / dump opens into the metering valve unit 46th

The inlet line 48 extends between the color changer 26 and the piston dispenser 34 and comprises as a piggable line section a pig pipe 52 which extends between a first pig station 54 and a second pig station 56. For the sake of simplicity, the first pig station 54 will be referred to below as the start pig station and the second pig station 56 as the target pig station.

The start pig station 54 and the destination pig station 56 are connected in a manner known per se to a respective working line 54a or 56a for compressed air / rinsing agent / dump.

The inlet conduit 48 defines a connecting portion 58 which interconnects the target pig station 56 and the reservoir 32, in the present embodiment, its metering valve unit 4.

In order to build up the insulation gap described above between the color changer 26 and the application device 12, a mechanical isolation device 60 is provided, which in the present embodiment in the connecting portion 58 is integrated. The isolation device 60 defines a portion of the inlet conduit 48, in the present embodiment, a portion of the connection portion 58, as an isolation channel 62 with an inner circumferential surface 62 a. The isolation device 60 comprises a broaching body 64 which can be moved in the isolation channel 62 and is complementary to the internal cross section of the isolation channel 62.

The isolation channel 62 is connected via a first end region 66a to a line section 58a of the connection section 58, which leads to the destination pig station 56. At its opposite second end portion 66 b of the isolation channel 62 is formed as a parking space 68 for the Räumkörper 64, which ends in an end wall 70. At the open end of the parking space 68, i. in the direction of the storage container 32 to be considered in front of the parking space 68, a short line section 58b of the connecting portion 58 is radially from the isolation channel 62, which leads to the metering valve unit 46. Generally speaking, the conduit section 58 is a conduit section of the inlet conduit 48 which connects the isolation conduit 62 to the receiver vessel 32.

The broaching body 64 can be displaced in the isolation channel 62 between a parking position and an isolation position. In the in FIG. 1 parking position to be detected is the clearing body 64 in the parking space 68, so that material can flow freely through from the connecting portion 58 therethrough. In the in FIG. 2 to be recognized insulation position, the broaching body 64 is in the first end portion 66a and the isolation device 60 is in an isolation configuration.

So that the broaching body 64 can be moved from the parking position into the isolation position, the isolation device comprises 60 has a mechanical drive device 72. This has as a drive element on a thrust element 74, which is arranged in the isolation channel 62 between the end wall 70 and the reaming body 64. The thrust element 74 is connected on its side remote from the reaming body 64 with a thrust shaft 76, which is guided through a complementary passage opening 78 in the end wall 70 into a drive space 80 which is disposed adjacent to the parking space 68. There, the thrust shaft 76 is coupled to a drive unit 82, which may be, for example, an electric motor or a pneumatic or hydraulic drive.

When in the FIGS. 1 and 2 In the embodiment shown, the drive unit 82 forms a winding device 84, by means of which the thrust shaft 76 can be unwound out of the drive space 80 into the isolation channel 62 and wound out of the isolation channel 62 into the drive space 80, for which purpose the thrust shaft 76 is suitably flexible. In any case, in the axial direction, the thrust shaft 76 is so rigid that it can generate the required pressure on the broaching body 64.

The isolation channel 62 and the drive space 80 with the drive unit 82 are accommodated in an insulation housing 86.

• Ausgehend von einer Ausgangskonfiguration, in der alle Leitungen und Kanäle materialfrei und gesäubert sind, wird zunächst der Kolbendosierer 34 mit einem ausgewählten Lack aus einer bestimmten Ringleitung 28 gefüllt. Die Schubwelle 76 ist derart im Antriebsraum 80 aufgewickelt, dass sich das Schubelement 74 neben der Stirnwand 70 des Parkraumes 68 befindet.

The coating system 10 with the isolation device 60 now works as follows, the operation being explained only using the example of the first supply line 20.1:

• Starting from an initial configuration, in which all lines and channels are material-free and cleaned, first the piston dispenser 34 is filled with a selected lacquer from a specific ring line 28. The thrust shaft 76 is wound in the drive space 80 such that the thrust element 74 is located next to the end wall 70 of the parking space 68.

From the color changer 26, the paint first passes into the starting pig station 54, where a pig, not specifically shown, is introduced into the pig line 52 in front of the paint volume, which is then pushed by the paint to the destination pig station 56. The paint then flows through the connecting portion 58 and the metering valve unit 46 into the piston dispenser 34. In this case, the reaming body 64 of the isolation device 60 is in its parking position in the parking space 68. If the reaming body 64 is initially outside the parking space 68 in the isolation channel 62, it is pushed by the paint in its parking position.

When the piston dispenser 34 has received the desired paint volume to be applied, the paint delivery from the color changer 26 is terminated. The target pig station 56 and the metering valve unit 46 are switched to a configuration in which the working lines 50 and 56a are connected to the connecting portion 58, respectively.

Now, the connecting portion 58 is purged by flushing detergent through the working line 50 of the metering valve unit 46 to the target pig station 56 and out of its working line 56a.

Then the broaching 64 is pushed from its parking position to its isolation position by the thrust shaft 76 is wound into the isolation channel 62 into it. In this isolation movement of the broaching body 64 frees the inner circumferential surface 62 a of the insulation channel 62 of still adhering material.

FIG. 2 shows the situation when the reamer 64 has reached its isolation position. The thus de-materialized portion of the isolation channel 62 then forms an electrical isolation route 88 between the piston dispenser 34 and the target pig station 56. Generally speaking, the isolation route 88 is then formed between the receiver tank 32 and the input valve device 22.

Optionally, it is also possible to dispense with a previous rinsing process and the broaching body 64 carry out its insulating movement against the paint located in the insulating channel 62.

A sufficient isolation distance usually has a minimum length of about 300 mm. It goes without saying that all the components involved must be made of electrically insulating material, for which in particular plastics come into question.

Due to the mechanical drive, the broaching body 64 can be moved exactly and by a defined distance independently of the material in the isolation channel 62. Position sensors for the clearing body 64 may be present for monitoring the distance covered. In principle, however, its isolation movement can be tracked via the drive unit 82, since the movement path of the thrust shaft 76 can be monitored simply and in a manner known per se.

In the case of purely fluidic propulsion, as is the case in pigging technology, the actual distance traveled by the pig may deviate from the required path for the construction of the insulation section, since this is influenced by different viscosities with different materials in the pipeline and by dimensional tolerances.

Paint can now be pressed out of the piston dispenser 34 via the supply line 36 to the outlet valve device 24 and into the dispensing line 18, so that paint can be applied by the application device 12 to a non-specifically shown object. In the case of Hochrotationszerstäubers this is at high voltage potential. An electrical flashover to the electrically conductive materials in the first supply strand 20.1 is prevented by the insulation gap 88.

During the application process via the first supply line 20.1, a color change is prepared in a manner known per se. For this purpose, the existing in the second supply line piston feeder is filled and constructed a corresponding isolation distance in a corresponding manner.

The Figures 3 and 4 show a coating system 10 with an isolation device 60, which has a modified drive unit 82. Instead of a winding device 84 there is a cylinder device 90 is provided, in which the thrust element 74 is connected to a push rod 92 which carries a piston 94 at the other end, as it is known per se. The piston 94 runs in the drive space 80, which forms the cylinder space here. By means of the cylinder device 90, the push rod 92 can be moved into the isolation channel 62 or out of the isolation channel 62.

Otherwise, the above applies to the coating system 10 after the FIGS. 1 and 2 Said accordingly accordingly.

The thrust element 74 may also be defined only by the respective free end of the thrust shaft 76 or the push rod 92.

In not specifically shown variations of the Räumköper 64 may also be immovably coupled to the thrust shaft 76 or the push rod 92 so that the reamer 64 follows the movements of the thrust shaft 76 or the push rod 92 in both directions. In this case, the thrust shaft 76 or the push rod 92 forms the drive element.

Claims (11)

Coating system for coating objects, comprising a) an electrostatically operating application device (12) with a dispensing device (16, 18), by means of which a coating material can be dispensed; b) at least one reservoir (30) for coating material, which is connected via an inlet line (48) with an input valve device (22) and via a supply line (36) with the discharge device (16, 18),
characterized in that c) an isolation device (60) is present, which ca) defines a portion of the inlet conduit (48) as an isolation channel (62); cb) comprises a broaching body (64); cc) comprises a mechanical drive device (72) with a drive element, by means of which the reaming body (64) is movable in the isolation channel (62) at least from a parking position into an isolation position, wherein the reaming body (64) during this isolation movement the inner lateral surface (62a) of the isolation channel (62) freed of material, whereby between the supply container (32) and the input valve means (22) an electrical insulation path (88) can be formed is. Coating system according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulation channel (62) comprises a parking space (68) for the clearing body (64), wherein in the direction of the storage container (32) viewed in front of the parking space (68) radially a line section ( 58b) of the inlet line (48) from the isolation channel (62), which connects the isolation channel (62) with the storage container (32). Coating system according to claim 2, characterized in that the drive element of the drive means (72) is a pusher member (74) connected to a thrust shaft (76) or a push rod (92). Coating system according to claim 2, characterized in that the drive element of the drive device (72) is a push shaft (76) or a push rod (92), which is immovably connected to the reaming body (64). Coating system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the thrust shaft (76) or the push rod (92) is guided through a passage opening (78) in an end wall (70) of the parking space (68) into a drive space (80) is arranged next to the parking space (68), where the thrust shaft (76) or the push rod (92) with a drive unit (82) is coupled. Coating system according to claim 5, characterized in that the thrust shaft (76) is provided and the drive unit (82) has a winding device (84). is, by which the thrust shaft (76) from the drive space (80) in the insulation channel (62) into unwindable and from the insulation channel (62) out in the drive space (80) can be wound. Coating system according to claim 5, characterized in that the push rod (92) is provided and the drive unit (82) is a cylinder device (90), wherein the drive space (80) forms a cylinder space and through which the push rod (92) in the isolation channel (62) is movable into or out of the isolation channel (62), or the drive unit (82) is an electrically acting linear unit. Coating system according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the insulation channel (62), the drive space (80) and the drive unit (82) are accommodated in an insulation housing (86). Coating system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inlet duct (48) comprises a pig pipe (52) extending between a starting pig station (54) and a destination pig station (56). A coating system according to claim 9, characterized in that the inlet conduit (48) defines a connection portion (58) connecting the target pig station (56) and the receiver tank (32), the isolation channel (62) being a portion of the connection portion (58). Coating system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the input valve device (22) is a color changer (26).

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