EP3551342B1 - Device for uninterrupted coating of can bodies and operating method - Google Patents

Device for uninterrupted coating of can bodies and operating method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3551342B1
EP3551342B1 EP18711807.0A EP18711807A EP3551342B1 EP 3551342 B1 EP3551342 B1 EP 3551342B1 EP 18711807 A EP18711807 A EP 18711807A EP 3551342 B1 EP3551342 B1 EP 3551342B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
coating liquid
filling level
intermediary
pressure
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EP18711807.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3551342A1 (en
Inventor
Peter Taiana
Pascal GAUCH
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Soudronic AG
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Soudronic AG
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
    • B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
    • B05B9/04—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B13/00—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05D—PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05D1/00—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials
    • B05D1/02—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials performed by spraying
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C5/00—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work
    • B05C5/02—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work
    • B05C5/0245—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work for applying liquid or other fluent material to a moving work of indefinite length, e.g. to a moving web
    • B05C5/025—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work for applying liquid or other fluent material to a moving work of indefinite length, e.g. to a moving web only at particular part of the work

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for uninterrupted coating of a series of can bodies and a method for uninterrupted operation of the device according to the respective independent claim.
  • Devices for coating can bodies are known. These are, in particular, paint spray systems for the outer seam of can bodies. These systems are used to coat the weld seam of can bodies so that they are protected against corrosion. Such a system is typically arranged in a production line for cans downstream of a welding machine which welds sheet metal shaped as cylinders to form can bodies. Further processing stations can be provided downstream of the paint spray system. In existing systems, the can bodies that come out of the welding machine at high rates are coated in such a way that paint is conveyed from a paint container under pressure to an application nozzle, which sprays the paint in a thin layer onto the surface of the respective can body to be coated.
  • a disadvantage of this solution is that as soon as the paint container is empty, it has to be replaced, which is accompanied by an undesirable interruption in production. If, on the other hand, production is not interrupted, air gets into the conveyor system in the time until a new paint container is ready, which leads to defective coatings on a number of can bodies on the output side. Consequently, in this case there would also be an undesirable output of these can bodies.
  • a method for coating metal parts is disclosed in EP2698445 called.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a device for the uninterrupted coating of can bodies and an operating method which increases the efficiency in the production of can bodies or cans.
  • an intermediate container is provided in the device, which is connected on the input side to the input container by means of the input line and on the output side is connected to the application nozzle by means of an output line.
  • the device further comprises a control unit for controlling the delivery pressure and monitoring a nominal fill level of the intermediate container and for controlling the application pressure.
  • the intermediate container is filled from the input container by means of compressed air from the compressed air source with a delivery pressure up to a target level with coating liquid.
  • a vent valve of the intermediate container is configured in such a way that during the filling process of the intermediate container with coating liquid, air can simultaneously escape from the intermediate container through the vent valve.
  • the application of the coating liquid to the can bodies is started by conveying the coating liquid from the intermediate container to the application nozzle and from there it is applied to the respective can body.
  • a target level of the coating liquid in the intermediate container is monitored in a continuous step by means of at least one level sensor.
  • the coating liquid is conveyed out of the intermediate container to the application nozzle by delivering compressed air from the compressed air source through a compressed air line into the intermediate container.
  • the empty input container is replaced by at least one new input container exchanged while the coating liquid is further conveyed from the intermediate container to the application nozzle.
  • a sixth step the process of filling the intermediate container with coating liquid from the at least one new input container is only continued after it has been established that the new input container is properly connected to the input line.
  • the application of the coating liquid to the can bodies is not interrupted during this.
  • the processes from the third step are repeated until another action requires the process to be stopped, e.g. as soon as all can bodies of a batch have been coated or the device has to be serviced or cleaned.
  • the production of can bodies is made more efficient, since the coating does not have to be interrupted while the input container is being exchanged.
  • this is due in particular to the fact that the coating can be continued during the unavoidable exchange of the input container, in that the coating liquid is provided from the intermediate container for this period. This prevents the device from having to be switched off for the replacement time, which means an interruption in the coating. If the device continues to be operated during the exchange, air is sucked in as with conventional solutions, but it only reaches the intermediate container (buffer container) and not directly to the application nozzle.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a device according to the invention for the uninterrupted coating of can bodies.
  • coating liquid includes all liquids that are suitable for a coating, in particular metal coating, in particular clear and colored coating lacquers, in particular solvent-based or water-based lacquers with a viscosity between 12 and 18 s according to DIN 4.
  • lacquers in particular solvent-based or water-based lacquers with a viscosity between 12 and 18 s according to DIN 4.
  • lacquer is used in a non-limiting manner below.
  • application encompasses all possibilities for wetting a surface to be coated, with spraying of the surface being preferred.
  • delivery pressure is to be understood as that pressure which is built up by a corresponding pressure-generating device for conveying the paint at the inlet of the device according to the invention (on the inlet side).
  • An “application pressure” is that pressure which is used at the outlet of the device according to the invention (on the outlet side) to apply the lacquer.
  • nominal pressure The pressure actually prevailing in the device between inlet and outlet can deviate from these two pressure values and is referred to as "nominal pressure”.
  • maximum fill level relates to an upper threshold value for the maximum permissible fill level of the paint in an intermediate container that has yet to be defined.
  • minimum level relates to a lower threshold value for the minimum permissible level of the paint in the intermediate container.
  • target fill level relates to a fill level of the paint in the intermediate container that is desired during normal operation of the device according to the invention.
  • nominal fill level relates to a fill level of the paint in the intermediate container that actually prevails at a measurement time.
  • intended operation relates to that operating state of the device according to the invention in which the nominal fill level of the paint essentially corresponds to the target fill level during the coating.
  • pressure is understood in the present context as a pressure which is higher than atmospheric pressure.
  • the thicker lines indicate the paint-transporting lines. Lines that transport compressed air are not highlighted.
  • the figure shows a schematic view of a device 1 according to the invention for the uninterrupted coating of can bodies, in particular a series of can bodies, with a lacquer.
  • the device 1 can be used to coat a single can body, but a series or endless series of can bodies is assumed for the following exemplary embodiment of the device to explain the advantages of the device 1.
  • the device 1 comprises an input container 2 for the provision of the paint to be applied. It however, several input containers 2 can also be provided (cf. input container shown in dashed lines), which can be filled either with the same paint or with different components of a paint to be mixed.
  • the input container 2 is connected to an intermediate container 5 by means of an input line 8a.
  • a first valve 2a (for example a solenoid valve), by means of which the delivery of paint from the input container 2 can be switched on or off, is arranged in the input line 8a of the input container.
  • the first valve 2a is completely open in normal operation and completely closed during the exchange of input containers 2, which will be explained in more detail below.
  • the device 1 further comprises a compressed air source 3 for supplying compressed air.
  • the compressed air source 3 has several tasks.
  • a first task of the compressed air source 3 is to convey the paint from the input container 2 through the input line 8a into the intermediate container 5.
  • the compressed air source 3 is connected to the input container 2 by means of a line 8d.
  • compressed air flows into the input container 2, e.g. with a delivery pressure of 4 bar, preferably adjustable by means of an input pressure regulator 3b, and the paint is pressed into the input line 8a.
  • the entire device 1 preferably does not include any pumps and the entire conveyance of the paint is carried out by means of compressed air.
  • Another suitable gas can also be used instead of air, but air is preferred for reasons of cost.
  • pumps can also be used instead of or in addition to conveying by means of compressed air, but this is not preferred.
  • a second task of the compressed air source 3 is to support the maintenance of the transport of the paint from the intermediate container 5 to the application nozzle 9 while an empty input container 2 is exchanged for a new input container 2 (cf. fourth step of the method according to the invention).
  • the compressed air source 3 is connected to the intermediate container 5 by means of a compressed air line 8c.
  • a second valve 3a is provided in the compressed air line 8c, by means of which the compressed air supply to the intermediate container 5 can be switched on or off. If it was found that the input container 2 is empty, the valve 2a is closed and the valve 3a is opened. The supply of paint to the intermediate container 5 is thus interrupted and compressed air is pumped into the intermediate container 5. The empty input container 2 can then be exchanged. The determination that the input container 2 is empty can be communicated to the user, for example by means of an acoustic and / or optical signal.
  • the compressed air source 3 is preferably designed in such a way that it maintains an essentially constant delivery pressure during the intended operation of the device.
  • the delivery pressure is selected to be higher than the application pressure, which will be explained in more detail in connection with the application nozzle to be described below. It should be noted that regardless of the fact that the delivery pressure is kept as constant as possible, pressure fluctuations can certainly arise in the further course of the paint-transporting delivery flow, which can arise, for example, due to line losses or ventilation taking place.
  • the compressed air source 3 is designed in such a way that it can compensate for such pressure fluctuations. In other words, in one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the delivery pressure can be adapted on the basis of such circumstances.
  • a filter 4 is preferably connected in the intermediate container 5 or in the input line 8a, which filters any dirt particles that may be present from the paint.
  • the inlet line 8a opens into the intermediate container 5.
  • the opening of the inlet line 8a is arranged in the upper area of the intermediate container 5, the upper area being assumed to be a quarter of the total height of the intermediate container.
  • a vent valve 5a is provided, by means of which air can be let out of the intermediate container 5.
  • a safety distance is maintained between the above-mentioned opening of the inlet line 8a in the intermediate container 5 and the vent valve 5a so that no paint can escape through the vent valve 5a during the venting. This safety distance can be ensured, for example, if, as shown in the figure, the mouth is arranged on the side of the intermediate container 5 and the vent valve 5a is arranged on top of the intermediate container 5.
  • An outlet valve 5b is provided on the underside of the intermediate container 5, which is used to empty the intermediate container 5, which is carried out, for example, in the event that the intermediate container 5 is to be cleaned.
  • the intermediate container 5 is a pressure container which is designed for at least the maximum possible pressure in the device 1.
  • fill level sensors 6a, 6b, 6c e.g. infrared light barrier-based sensors
  • a first fill level sensor 6a is used to detect a maximum level of the paint in the intermediate container 5.
  • a second fill level sensor 6b is used to detect a target fill level of the paint in the intermediate container 5. With others In words, the second fill level sensor 6b detects whether the nominal fill level is above or equal to the target fill level or is below it.
  • a third fill level sensor 6c serves to detect a minimum level of the paint in the intermediate container 5. The task of the individual fill level sensors is explained in more detail below in connection with the operating method according to the invention.
  • a measuring column 6 is provided, which is connected to the intermediate container 5 in a liquid-transporting manner and on or in which the level sensors 6a, 6b, 6c are arranged.
  • the measuring column typically has a diameter many times smaller than the intermediate container 5. The use of the measuring column has the advantage that more buffer time is gained, since it is known earlier when the input container 2 is empty.
  • the intermediate container 5 is connected on the output side to an application nozzle 9 by means of an output line 8b.
  • the application nozzle 9 is used for applying, in particular spraying, the paint with an application pressure of, for example, 2 bar or 2.5 bar onto the can body 1a.
  • the outlet line 8b preferably begins in the lower area of the intermediate container 5, preferably in the lower quarter of the total height of the intermediate container 5, in particular below the minimum fill level of the paint in the intermediate container 5, which ensures that no air can get into the outlet line 8b.
  • the arrangement of the mouth of the input line 8a in the upper area of the intermediate container 5 and the inlet of the output line 8b in the lower area of the intermediate container 5 improves the decoupling of the output line 8b from the input line 8a with regard to the action of air that occurs when the input container 2 is changed can get into the input line. Accordingly, this air is indeed transported through the inlet line 8a into the intermediate container 5, but it remains in the upper region of the intermediate container 5 and can be removed in a simple manner by means of the vent valve 5a be disposed of without it being able to get into the output line 8b.
  • a manually or automatically operable pressure regulator 7 for regulating the application pressure for spraying the paint by means of the application nozzle 9 is provided in the output line 8b.
  • the delivery pressure is selected to be higher than the application pressure, in this example 4 bar or 2 or 2.5 bar. This ensures that, seen from the input side of the device 1, sufficient pressure is built up to ensure the required spray effect of the application nozzle 9, since the pure hydrostatic pressure caused by the paint column in the intermediate container 5 does not meet the requirements for the coating of the Can body 1a is sufficient.
  • the pressure in the intermediate container 5 essentially corresponds to the delivery pressure, here e.g. 4 bar. For reasons of simplification, any pressure losses in the inlet line, etc., are not discussed in this context.
  • One advantage of these pressure ratios is that the application pressure is made controllable from the input side of the device 1, even if, for example, the pressure regulator 7 is not present.
  • an output valve 13 is provided in the output line 8b, by means of which the paint supply to the application nozzle 9 can be switched on or off.
  • the valve 13 typically remains closed until the can bodies 1a arrive for coating, after which the paint supply is switched on.
  • valves 2a, 3a, 5b and the pressure regulator 7 can also be controlled manually.
  • This step can be carried out at any time, preferably periodically at predetermined time intervals, and can therefore overlap with step 1 and / or 2.
  • the target fill level of the paint in the intermediate container 5 is monitored by means of the second fill level sensor 6b.
  • Step 3 Using the continuous step above, determining that the nominal level has fallen below the target level. This can be done by querying the second paint sensor 6b by means of the control unit 11. This determination always takes place at least when the input container 2 is empty. In this case, the paint level in the intermediate container 5 sinks, since paint is still being removed for coating on the output side, but no more paint is supplied to the intermediate container 5 on the input side.
  • the determination that the input container 2 is empty is preferably acknowledged as valid if either the paint does not reach the target fill level during a certain period of time or if the nominal fill level has fallen below the target fill level by a certain factor. If this determination has been acknowledged, then, as already mentioned, an acoustic and / or visual signal can preferably be output.
  • a detection unit can also be provided, by means of which air bubbles in the input line can be detected.
  • Step 4 Maintaining the conveyance of the coating liquid from the intermediate container 5 to the application nozzle 9 by conveying compressed air from the compressed air source 3 through the compressed air line 8c into the intermediate container 5. This is done by opening the second valve 3a. Only then is the first valve 2a closed and the empty inlet container 2 uncoupled.
  • step 4 the delivery pressure in the intermediate container 5 is accordingly maintained. In this way it is ensured that the application nozzle 9, which is still in use while the input container 2 is being exchanged, continues to have sufficient pressure for spraying.
  • Step 5 Replacing the empty input container 2 with at least one new input container 2, while the paint continues to be conveyed from the intermediate container 5 to the application nozzle 9. If several input containers 2 are connected, the exchange can take place in such a way that a switch is made from an empty first input container 2 to a second input container 2. The fill level of the second input container 2 is checked in advance to ensure that it is full. If all input containers 2 are empty, they are exchanged or refilled.
  • Step 6 Continuation of the supply of the intermediate container 5 with coating liquid from the at least one new input container 2. This only takes place after it has been established that the new input container 2 is properly connected to the input line 8a. During this, the application of the coating liquid to the can bodies 1a is not interrupted. The supply of paint to the intermediate container 5 is resumed by opening the first valve 2a again after the second valve 3a has been closed.
  • the application pressure can preferably be set by means of the pressure regulator 7 of the device 1 in such a way that it is lower than the delivery pressure by a prescribed factor.
  • This factor is preferably chosen in the range from 1.5 to 2.
  • the conveyance of the paint from the input container 2 is preferably stopped until the nominal level is reached falls below the maximum level again (close the first valve 2a).
  • This state can be reported to the control unit 11 by the first fill level sensor 6a.
  • the vent valve 5a is open.
  • the air in the intermediate container 5 which ensures that the liquid level cannot rise above a certain level when the device is operated as intended, can escape and be displaced by the rising nominal level of the paint.
  • the vent valve 5a can for example be opened during operation when air bubbles are contained in the paint flowing into the intermediate container 5 and these have to be evacuated from the intermediate container 5.
  • the increase in the nominal level can be limited by closing the vent valve 5a.
  • compressed air can be conveyed from the compressed air source 3 through the compressed air line 8c into the intermediate container 5.
  • a maximum permissible duration of this state of exceeding the maximum fill level can be defined, after which the device is switched off. If the nominal fill level falls below the maximum fill level again during this time, then the transport of paint from the input container 2 can be resumed.
  • the device is preferably switched off when the fill level of the paint in the intermediate container 5 falls below a minimum. In this case, too, a period of time can optionally be defined after which the shutdown is carried out.
  • the present invention enables the interposition of the intermediate container in the conveying line of the paint in a device for coating can bodies that there is no interruption of the coating when the input container is replaced and thus the coating of the can bodies can be carried out more efficiently. Accordingly, the method according to the invention allows the can bodies to be coated continuously without interrupting production every time an input container has to be replaced. This saves costs and makes production more efficient.

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  • Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)

Description

Hinweis auf verwandte DokumenteReference to related documents

Dieses Dokument beansprucht die Priorität der Schweizerischen Patentanmeldung Nr. 0813/17, eingereicht am 21. Juni 2017 .This document claims the priority of Swiss patent application no. 0813/17, filed June 21, 2017 .

Gebiet der ErfindungField of invention

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur unterbruchlosen Beschichtung einer Serie von Dosenzargen und ein Verfahren zum unterbruchlosen Betrieb der Vorrichtung gemäss dem jeweiligen unabhängigen Anspruch.The invention relates to a device for uninterrupted coating of a series of can bodies and a method for uninterrupted operation of the device according to the respective independent claim.

Hintergrundbackground

Vorrichtungen zur Beschichtung von Dosenzargen sind bekannt. Dabei handelt es sich insbesondere um Lackspruhsysteme für die Aussennaht von Dosenzargen. Diese Systeme kommen zum Einsatz um die Schweissnaht von Dosenzargen zu beschichten, so dass diese gegen Korrosion geschützt ist. Typischerweise ist ein solches System in einer Produktionslinie für Dosen stromabwärts einer Schweissmaschine, die als Zylinder geformte Bleche zu Dosenzargen schweisst, angeordnet. Stromabwärts des Lacksprühsystems können weitere Bearbeitungsstationen vorgesehen sein. In bestehenden Systemen erfolgt die Beschichtung der Dosenzargen, die mit hoher Kadenz aus der Schweissmaschine kommen, derart, dass Lack aus einem Lackbehälter unter Druck zu einer Applikationsdüse gefördert wird, welche den Lack in dünner Schicht auf die zu beschichtende Oberfläche der jeweiligen Dosenzarge aufsprüht. Ein Nachteil dieser Lösung ist darin zu sehen, dass sobald der Lackbehälter leer ist, dieser ausgetauscht werden muss, was mit einem unerwünschten Unterbruch der Produktion einhergeht. Wird andererseits die Produktion nicht unterbrochen, so gelangt in der Zeit bis ein neuer Lackbehälter bereit ist Luft in das Fördersystem, was ausgangsseitig zu fehlerhaften Beschichtungen einer Anzahl von Dosenzargen führt. Folglich gäbe es in diesem Fall einen ebenfalls nicht wünschenswerten Ausstoss dieser Dosenzargen. Ein Verfahren zum Beschichten von Metallteilen wird in EP2698445 genannt.Devices for coating can bodies are known. These are, in particular, paint spray systems for the outer seam of can bodies. These systems are used to coat the weld seam of can bodies so that they are protected against corrosion. Such a system is typically arranged in a production line for cans downstream of a welding machine which welds sheet metal shaped as cylinders to form can bodies. Further processing stations can be provided downstream of the paint spray system. In existing systems, the can bodies that come out of the welding machine at high rates are coated in such a way that paint is conveyed from a paint container under pressure to an application nozzle, which sprays the paint in a thin layer onto the surface of the respective can body to be coated. A disadvantage of this solution is that as soon as the paint container is empty, it has to be replaced, which is accompanied by an undesirable interruption in production. If, on the other hand, production is not interrupted, air gets into the conveyor system in the time until a new paint container is ready, which leads to defective coatings on a number of can bodies on the output side. Consequently, in this case there would also be an undesirable output of these can bodies. A method for coating metal parts is disclosed in EP2698445 called.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zur unterbruchlosen Beschichtung von Dosenzargen und ein Betriebsverfahren bereitzustellen, welche die Effizienz bei der Produktion von Dosenzargen bzw. Dosen steigert.The object of the invention is to provide a device for the uninterrupted coating of can bodies and an operating method which increases the efficiency in the production of can bodies or cans.

Diese Aufgabe wird mittels einer Vorrichtung zur unterbruchlosen Beschichtung von Dosenzargen und einem entsprechenden Betriebsverfahren gemäss den unabhängigen Ansprüchen gelöst..This object is achieved by means of a device for the uninterrupted coating of can bodies and a corresponding operating method according to the independent claims.

Demgemäss wird in einem ersten Aspekt der Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zur unterbruchlosen Beschichtung von Dosenzargen mit einer Beschichtungsflüssigkeit bereitgestellt. Die Vorrichtung umfasst

  • mindestens einen Eingangsbehälter für die Bereitstellung der aufzutragenden Beschichtungsflüssigkeit,
  • mindestens eine Druckluftquelle für Druckluftzufuhr, welche derart ausgestaltet ist, dass sie Druckluft mit einem Förderdruck in den Eingangsbehälter fördert, um Beschichtungsflüssigkeit aus dem Eingangsbehälter durch eine Eingangsleitung zu transportieren, und
  • mindestens eine Applikationsdüse zum Auftragen, insbesondere Aufsprühen, der Beschichtungsflüssigkeit mit einem Applikationsdruck auf die Dosenzarge.
Accordingly, in a first aspect of the invention, a device for the uninterrupted coating of can bodies with a coating liquid is provided. The device comprises
  • at least one input container for the provision of the coating liquid to be applied,
  • at least one compressed air source for compressed air supply, which is designed such that it conveys compressed air with a delivery pressure into the input container in order to transport coating liquid from the input container through an input line, and
  • at least one application nozzle for applying, in particular spraying, the coating liquid with an application pressure onto the can body.

Weiter ist in der Vorrichtung ein Zwischenbehälter vorgesehen, der eingangsseitig mittels der Eingangsleitung mit dem Eingangsbehälter verbunden ist und ausgangsseitig mittels einer Ausgangsleitung mit der Applikationsdüse verbunden ist.Furthermore, an intermediate container is provided in the device, which is connected on the input side to the input container by means of the input line and on the output side is connected to the application nozzle by means of an output line.

Die Vorrichtung umfasst weiter eine Steuereinheit zur Steuerung des Förderdrucks und Überwachung eines Nominalfüllstands des Zwischenbehälters und zur Steuerung des Applikationsdrucks.The device further comprises a control unit for controlling the delivery pressure and monitoring a nominal fill level of the intermediate container and for controlling the application pressure.

In einem zweiten Aspekt der Erfindung wird ein Verfahren zum unterbruchlosen Betrieb der oben genannten Vorrichtung bereitgestellt.In a second aspect of the invention, a method for uninterrupted operation of the above-mentioned device is provided.

In einem ersten Schritt wird der Zwischenbehälter aus dem Eingangsbehälter mittels Druckluft aus der Druckluftquelle mit einem Förderdruck bis zu einem Sollfüllstand mit Beschichtungsflüssigkeit gefüllt. Ein Entlüftungsventil des Zwischenbehälters wird derart konfiguriert, dass während des Füllvorgangs des Zwischenbehälters mit Beschichtungsflüssigkeit gleichzeitig Luft durch das Entlüftungsventil aus dem Zwischenbehälter austreten kann.In a first step, the intermediate container is filled from the input container by means of compressed air from the compressed air source with a delivery pressure up to a target level with coating liquid. A vent valve of the intermediate container is configured in such a way that during the filling process of the intermediate container with coating liquid, air can simultaneously escape from the intermediate container through the vent valve.

In einem zweiten Schritt wird das Auftragen der Beschichtungsflüssigkeit auf die Dosenzargen gestartet, indem Beschichtungsflüssigkeit aus dem Zwischenbehälter zur Applikationsdüse gefördert und von dieser auf die jeweilige Dosenzarge aufgetragen wird.In a second step, the application of the coating liquid to the can bodies is started by conveying the coating liquid from the intermediate container to the application nozzle and from there it is applied to the respective can body.

Während des Auftragens der Beschichtungsflüssigkeit im bestimmungsgemässen Betrieb der Vorrichtung wird in einem kontinuierlichen Schritt ein Sollfüllstand der Beschichtungsflüssigkeit im Zwischenbehälter mittels mindestens eines Füllstandsensors überwacht.During the application of the coating liquid in the intended operation of the device, a target level of the coating liquid in the intermediate container is monitored in a continuous step by means of at least one level sensor.

Sobald mittels des mindestens einen Füllstandsensors in einem dritten Schritt festgestellt wird, dass der Nominalfüllstand unter dem Sollfüllstand fällt und somit der Eingangsbehälter leer ist, werden die nachfolgenden Vorgänge durchgeführt.As soon as it is determined by means of the at least one fill level sensor in a third step that the nominal fill level falls below the target fill level and thus the input container is empty, the following processes are carried out.

Zunächst wird in einem vierten Schritt die Beförderung der Beschichtungsflüssigkeit aus dem Zwischenbehälter zur Applikationsdüse aufrechterhalten, indem Druckluft aus der Druckluftquelle durch eine Druckluftleitung in den Zwischenbehälter gefördert wird.First, in a fourth step, the coating liquid is conveyed out of the intermediate container to the application nozzle by delivering compressed air from the compressed air source through a compressed air line into the intermediate container.

Anschliessend wird in einem fünften Schritt der leere Eingangsbehälter durch mindestens einen neuen Eingangsbehälter ausgetauscht, während die Beschichtungsflüssigkeit weiter aus dem Zwischenbehälter an die Applikationsdüse gefördert wird.Then, in a fifth step, the empty input container is replaced by at least one new input container exchanged while the coating liquid is further conveyed from the intermediate container to the application nozzle.

In einem sechsten Schritt wird der Füllvorgang des Zwischenbehälters mit Beschichtungsflüssigkeit aus dem mindestens einen neuen Eingangsbehälter erst nach Feststellung eines bestimmungsgemässen Anschlusses des neuen Eingangsbehälters an die Eingangsleitung fortgesetzt. Dabei wird das Auftragen der Beschichtungsflüssigkeit auf die Dosenzargen währenddessen nicht unterbrochen.In a sixth step, the process of filling the intermediate container with coating liquid from the at least one new input container is only continued after it has been established that the new input container is properly connected to the input line. The application of the coating liquid to the can bodies is not interrupted during this.

Die Vorgänge ab dem dritten Schritt werden wiederholt bis eine andere Aktion ein Anhalten des Verfahrens erfordert, z.B. sobald alle Dosenzargen einer Charge beschichtet worden sind oder die Vorrichtung gewartet oder gereinigt werden muss.The processes from the third step are repeated until another action requires the process to be stopped, e.g. as soon as all can bodies of a batch have been coated or the device has to be serviced or cleaned.

Mittels der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung und des zugehörigen Betriebsverfahrens wird die Produktion von Dosenzargen effizienter gestaltet, da die Beschichtung nicht unterbrochen werden muss, während der Eingangsbehälter ausgetauscht wird. Dies ist bei der Vorrichtung insbesondere darauf zurückzuführen, dass während des unvermeidlichen Austausches des Eingangsbehälters die Beschichtung fortgeführt werden kann, indem die Beschichtungsflüssigkeit für diese Periode aus dem Zwischenbehälter bereitgestellt wird. Dadurch wird also verhindert dass die Vorrichtung für die Austauschzeit abgeschaltet werden muss, was ein Unterbruch der Beschichtung bedeutet. Wird die Vorrichtung während des Austausches weiter betrieben, so wird auch wie bei herkömmlichen Lösungen Luft eingesogen, jedoch gelangt diese lediglich in den Zwischenbehälter (Pufferbehälter) und nicht unmittelbar an die Applikationsdüse. Im Gegensatz dazu hat bei bekannten Lösungen der Eintritt von Luft in den Förderstrang für die Beschichtungsflüssigkeit eine, unsachgemässe Beschichtung als Folge, da die Applikationsdüse während der Austauschzeit des Eingangsbehälters Luft anstatt Beschichtungsflüssigkeit ausströmt, was de facto auch in diesem Fall ein Unterbruch der Beschichtung bedeutet.By means of the device according to the invention and the associated operating method, the production of can bodies is made more efficient, since the coating does not have to be interrupted while the input container is being exchanged. In the case of the device, this is due in particular to the fact that the coating can be continued during the unavoidable exchange of the input container, in that the coating liquid is provided from the intermediate container for this period. This prevents the device from having to be switched off for the replacement time, which means an interruption in the coating. If the device continues to be operated during the exchange, air is sucked in as with conventional solutions, but it only reaches the intermediate container (buffer container) and not directly to the application nozzle. In contrast to this, in known solutions, the entry of air into the conveying line for the coating liquid results in improper coating, since the application nozzle is during the replacement time of the inlet container, air flows out instead of coating liquid, which de facto also means an interruption of the coating in this case.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings

Weitere Ausgestaltungen, Vorteile und Anwendungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Ansprüchen und aus der nun folgenden Beschreibung anhand der Figur. Dabei zeigt die Figur eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung zur unterbruchlosen Beschichtung von Dosenzargen.Further refinements, advantages and applications of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and from the description that follows with reference to the figure. The figure shows a schematic view of a device according to the invention for the uninterrupted coating of can bodies.

Weg(e) zur Ausführung der ErfindungWay (s) for carrying out the invention Definitionen und Anmerkungen:Definitions and Notes:

Im vorliegenden Zusammenhang umfasst der Begriff "Beschichtungsflüssigkeit" alle Flüssigkeiten die für eine Beschichtung, insbesondere Metallbeschichtung, in Frage kommen, insbesondere klare und farbige Beschichtungslacke, insbesondere Lösungsmittel-bäsierte oder Wasser-basierte Lacke mit einer Viskosität zwischen 12 und 18 s gemäss DIN 4. Im Folgenden wird der Einfachheit halber nicht limitierend der Begriff "Lack" verwendet.In the present context, the term "coating liquid" includes all liquids that are suitable for a coating, in particular metal coating, in particular clear and colored coating lacquers, in particular solvent-based or water-based lacquers with a viscosity between 12 and 18 s according to DIN 4. For the sake of simplicity, the term “lacquer” is used in a non-limiting manner below.

Der Begriff "Auftragen" umfasst alle Möglichkeiten der Benetzung einer zu beschichtenden Oberfläche, wobei das Besprühen der Oberfläche bevorzugt ist.The term “application” encompasses all possibilities for wetting a surface to be coated, with spraying of the surface being preferred.

Der Begriff "Förderdruck" ist als derjenige Druck zu verstehen, der von einer entsprechenden Druckerzeugenden Vorrichtung zur Beförderung des Lacks am Eingang der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung (eingangsseitig) aufgebaut wird. Ein "Applikationsdruck" ist derjenige Druck, welcher am Ausgang der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung (ausgangsseitig) zum Auftragen des Lacks verwendet wird. Der tatsächlich in der Vorrichtung zwischen Eingang und Ausgang herrschende Druck kann von diesen zwei Druckwerten abweichen und wird als "Nominaidruck" bezeichnet.The term "delivery pressure" is to be understood as that pressure which is built up by a corresponding pressure-generating device for conveying the paint at the inlet of the device according to the invention (on the inlet side). An "application pressure" is that pressure which is used at the outlet of the device according to the invention (on the outlet side) to apply the lacquer. The pressure actually prevailing in the device between inlet and outlet can deviate from these two pressure values and is referred to as "nominal pressure".

Der Begriff "Maximalfüllstand" bezieht sich auf einen oberen Schwellenwert für den maximal zulässigen Füllstand des Lacks in einem noch zu definierenden Zwischenbehälter.The term “maximum fill level” relates to an upper threshold value for the maximum permissible fill level of the paint in an intermediate container that has yet to be defined.

Entsprechend bezieht sich der Begriff "Minimalfüllstand" auf einen unteren Schwellenwert für den minimal zulässigen Füllstand des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter.Correspondingly, the term “minimum level” relates to a lower threshold value for the minimum permissible level of the paint in the intermediate container.

Der Begriff "Sollfüllständ" bezieht sich auf einen im bestimmungsgemässen Betrieb der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung erwünschten Füllstand des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter.The term “target fill level” relates to a fill level of the paint in the intermediate container that is desired during normal operation of the device according to the invention.

Schliesslich bezieht sich der Begriff "Nominalfüllstand" auf einen tatsächlich zu einem Messzeitpunkt herrschenden Füllstand des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter.Finally, the term “nominal fill level” relates to a fill level of the paint in the intermediate container that actually prevails at a measurement time.

Der Begriff "bestimmungsgemässer Betrieb" bezieht sich auf denjenigen Betriebszustand der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung, bei dem während der Beschichtung der Nominalfüllstand des Lacks in Wesentlichen dem Sollfüllstand entspricht.The term “intended operation” relates to that operating state of the device according to the invention in which the nominal fill level of the paint essentially corresponds to the target fill level during the coating.

Der Begriff "Druck" wird im vorliegenden Kontext als ein Druck verstanden, der höher als der atmosphärische Druck ist.The term “pressure” is understood in the present context as a pressure which is higher than atmospheric pressure.

In der Figur kennzeichnen die dickeren Linien die Lack-transportierenden Leitungen. Leitungen die Druckluft transportieren sind nicht hervorgehoben.In the figure, the thicker lines indicate the paint-transporting lines. Lines that transport compressed air are not highlighted.

Die Figur zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung 1 zur unterbruchlosen Beschichtung von Dosenzargen, insbesondere einer Serie von Dosenzargen, mit einem Lack. Selbstverständlich kann die Vorrichtung 1 zur Beschichtung einer einzelnen Dosenzarge verwendet werden, jedoch wird für die nachfolgende beispielhafte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung zur Erläuterung der Vorteile der Vorrichtung 1 eine Serie, bzw. Endlosserie von Dosenzargen angenommen.The figure shows a schematic view of a device 1 according to the invention for the uninterrupted coating of can bodies, in particular a series of can bodies, with a lacquer. Of course, the device 1 can be used to coat a single can body, but a series or endless series of can bodies is assumed for the following exemplary embodiment of the device to explain the advantages of the device 1.

Die Vorrichtung 1 umfasst einen Eingangsbehälter 2 für die Bereitstellung des aufzubringenden Lacks. Es können aber auch mehrere Eingangsbehälter 2 vorgesehen sein (vgl. gestrichelt dargestellten Eingangsbehälter), die entweder mit dem gleichen Lack oder mit verschiedenen Komponenten eines zu mischenden Lacks gefüllt sein können. Der Eingangsbehälter 2 ist mittels einer Eingangsleitung 8a mit einem Zwischenbehälter 5 verbunden. Am Eingangsbehälter ist in der Eingangsleitung 8a ein erstes Ventil 2a (z.B. ein Magnetventil) angeordnet, mittels welchem die Abgabe von Lack aus dem Eingangsbehälter 2 zu- oder abgeschaltet werden kann. Typischerweise ist das erste Ventil 2a im bestimmungsgemässen Betrieb vollständig geöffnet und während des Austausches von Eingangsbehältern 2 vollständig geschlossen, was weiter unten näher erläutert wird.The device 1 comprises an input container 2 for the provision of the paint to be applied. It however, several input containers 2 can also be provided (cf. input container shown in dashed lines), which can be filled either with the same paint or with different components of a paint to be mixed. The input container 2 is connected to an intermediate container 5 by means of an input line 8a. A first valve 2a (for example a solenoid valve), by means of which the delivery of paint from the input container 2 can be switched on or off, is arranged in the input line 8a of the input container. Typically, the first valve 2a is completely open in normal operation and completely closed during the exchange of input containers 2, which will be explained in more detail below.

Ferner umfasst die Vorrichtung 1 eine Druckluftquelle 3 für Druckluftzufuhr. Die Druckluftquelle 3 hat mehrere Aufgaben.The device 1 further comprises a compressed air source 3 for supplying compressed air. The compressed air source 3 has several tasks.

Eine erste Aufgabe der Druckluftquelle 3 ist die Beförderung des Lacks aus dem Eingangsbehälter 2 durch die Eingangsleitung 8a in den Zwischenbehälter 5. Zu diesem Zweck ist die Druckluftquelle 3 mittels einer Leitung 8d mit dem Eingangsbehälter 2 verbunden. Zur Beförderung der Beschichtungsflüssigkeit in den Zwischentank 5 strömt Druckluft in den Eingangsbehälter 2, z.B. mit einem Förderdruck von 4 bar, vorzugsweise einstellbar mittels eines Eingangsdruckreglers 3b, und der Lack wird in die Eingangsleitung 8a gedrückt. In diesem Zusammenhang wird angemerkt dass die gesamte Vorrichtung 1 bevorzugt keine Pumpen umfasst und die gesamte Beförderung des Lacks mittels Druckluft erfolgt. Ein anderes geeignetes Gas kann aber auch anstelle von Luft verwendet werden, jedoch ist Luft aus Kostengründen bevorzugt. In einer hier nicht gezeigten Ausführungsform können aber anstatt der oder zusätzlich zur Beförderung mittels Druckluft auch Pumpen verwendet werden, was jedoch nicht bevorzugt ist.A first task of the compressed air source 3 is to convey the paint from the input container 2 through the input line 8a into the intermediate container 5. For this purpose, the compressed air source 3 is connected to the input container 2 by means of a line 8d. To convey the coating liquid into the intermediate tank 5, compressed air flows into the input container 2, e.g. with a delivery pressure of 4 bar, preferably adjustable by means of an input pressure regulator 3b, and the paint is pressed into the input line 8a. In this context, it is noted that the entire device 1 preferably does not include any pumps and the entire conveyance of the paint is carried out by means of compressed air. Another suitable gas can also be used instead of air, but air is preferred for reasons of cost. In an embodiment not shown here, pumps can also be used instead of or in addition to conveying by means of compressed air, but this is not preferred.

Eine zweite Aufgabe der Druckluftquelle 3 ist die Unterstützung der Aufrechterhaltung der Beförderung des Lacks aus dem Zwischenbehälter 5 zur Applikationsdüse 9 während ein leerer Eingangsbehälter 2 mit einem neuen Eingangsbehälter 2 ausgetauscht wird (vgl. vierten Schritt des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens). Dazu ist die Druckluftquelle 3 mit dem Zwischenbehälter 5 mittels einer Druckluftleitung 8c verbunden. In der Druckluftleitung 8c ist ein zweites Ventil 3a vorgesehen, mittels welchem die Druckluftzufuhr zum Zwischenbehälter 5 ein- oder ausgeschaltet werden kann. Wurde festgestellt dass der Eingangsbehälter 2 leer ist, so wird das Ventil 2a geschlossen und das Ventil 3a geöffnet. Damit wird also die Lackzufuhr in den Zwischenbehälter 5 unterbrochen und Druckluft in den Zwischenbehälter 5 gepumpt. Anschliessend kann der leere Eingangsbehälter 2 ausgetauscht werden. Die Feststellung dass der Eingangsbehälter 2 leer ist kann dem Benutzer z.B. mittels eines akustischen und/oder optischen Signals mitgeteilt werden.A second task of the compressed air source 3 is to support the maintenance of the transport of the paint from the intermediate container 5 to the application nozzle 9 while an empty input container 2 is exchanged for a new input container 2 (cf. fourth step of the method according to the invention). For this purpose, the compressed air source 3 is connected to the intermediate container 5 by means of a compressed air line 8c. A second valve 3a is provided in the compressed air line 8c, by means of which the compressed air supply to the intermediate container 5 can be switched on or off. If it was found that the input container 2 is empty, the valve 2a is closed and the valve 3a is opened. The supply of paint to the intermediate container 5 is thus interrupted and compressed air is pumped into the intermediate container 5. The empty input container 2 can then be exchanged. The determination that the input container 2 is empty can be communicated to the user, for example by means of an acoustic and / or optical signal.

Bevorzugt ist die Druckluftquelle 3 derart ausgestaltet, dass sie während des bestimmungsgemässen Betriebs der Vorrichtung einen im Wesentlichen konstanten Förderdruck aufrechterhält. Der Förderdruck ist höher als der Applikationsdruck gewählt, was im Zusammenhang mit der noch zu beschreibenden Applikationsdüse näher erläutert wird. Es wird angemerkt dass unabhängig davon, dass der Förderdruck möglichst konstant gehalten wird, durchaus Druckschwankungen im weiteren Verlauf des Lack-transportierenden Förderstroms entstehen können, welche z.B. aufgrund von Leitungsverlusten oder einer stattfindenden Entlüftung entstehen können. Die Druckluftquelle 3 ist derart ausgestaltet, dass sie solche Druckschwankungen kompensieren kann. Mit anderen Worten kann der Förderdruck in einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung aufgrund derartiger Umstände angepasst werden.The compressed air source 3 is preferably designed in such a way that it maintains an essentially constant delivery pressure during the intended operation of the device. The delivery pressure is selected to be higher than the application pressure, which will be explained in more detail in connection with the application nozzle to be described below. It should be noted that regardless of the fact that the delivery pressure is kept as constant as possible, pressure fluctuations can certainly arise in the further course of the paint-transporting delivery flow, which can arise, for example, due to line losses or ventilation taking place. The compressed air source 3 is designed in such a way that it can compensate for such pressure fluctuations. In other words, in one embodiment of the device according to the invention, the delivery pressure can be adapted on the basis of such circumstances.

Im Zwischenbehälter 5 oder in der Eingangsleitung 8a ist vorzugsweise ein Filter 4 geschaltet, der allenfalls vorhandene Schmutzpartikel aus dem Lack filtert.A filter 4 is preferably connected in the intermediate container 5 or in the input line 8a, which filters any dirt particles that may be present from the paint.

Wie bereits erwähnt, mündet die Eingangsleitung 8a im Zwischenbehälter 5. Insbesondere ist es erwünscht dass die Mündung der Eingangsleitung 8a im oberen Bereich des Zwischenbehälters, 5 angeordnet ist, wobei der obere Bereich als ein Viertel der Gesamthöhe des Zwischenbehälters angenommen wird.As already mentioned, the inlet line 8a opens into the intermediate container 5. In particular, it is desirable that the opening of the inlet line 8a is arranged in the upper area of the intermediate container 5, the upper area being assumed to be a quarter of the total height of the intermediate container.

Auch in diesem oberen Bereich, vorzugsweise auf der Oberseite des Zwischenbehälters 5, ist ein Entlüftungsventil 5a vorgesehen, mittels welchem Luft aus dem Zwischenbehälter 5 ausgelassen werden kann. In diesem Zusammenhang ist es bevorzugt, wenn zwischen der oben genannten Mündung der Eingangsleitung 8a im Zwischenbehälter 5 und dem Entlüftungsventil 5a ein Sicherheitsabstand eingehalten wird, damit während der Entlüftung kein Lack durch das Entlüftungsventil 5a entweichen kann. Dieser Sicherheitsabstand kann z.B. gewährleistet sein, wenn, wie in der Figur dargestellt, die Mündung seitlich am Zwischenbehälter 5 und das Entlüftungsventil 5a oben auf dem Zwischenbehälter 5 angeordnet sind.Also in this upper area, preferably on the upper side of the intermediate container 5, a vent valve 5a is provided, by means of which air can be let out of the intermediate container 5. In this context, it is preferred if a safety distance is maintained between the above-mentioned opening of the inlet line 8a in the intermediate container 5 and the vent valve 5a so that no paint can escape through the vent valve 5a during the venting. This safety distance can be ensured, for example, if, as shown in the figure, the mouth is arranged on the side of the intermediate container 5 and the vent valve 5a is arranged on top of the intermediate container 5.

An der Unterseite des Zwischenbehälters 5 ist ein Auslassventil 5b vorgesehen, welches zum Entleeren des Zwischenbehälters 5 dient, was z.B. im Falle einer anstehenden Reinigung des Zwischenbehälters 5 durchgeführt wird.An outlet valve 5b is provided on the underside of the intermediate container 5, which is used to empty the intermediate container 5, which is carried out, for example, in the event that the intermediate container 5 is to be cleaned.

Der Zwischenbehälter 5 ist ein Druckbehälter der für mindestens den maximal möglichen Druck in der Vorrichtung 1 ausgelegt ist. Am Zwischenbehälter 5 sind, vorzugsweise drei, Füllstandsensoren 6a, 6b, 6c (z.B. Infrarot-Lichtschranken-basierte Sensoren) zur Detektion eines Füllstands des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter 5 vorgesehen, wobei in anderen Ausführungsformen auch ein einzelner Füllstandsensor oder zwei Füllstandsensoren vorgesehen sein können. Ein erster Füllstandsensor 6a dient zur Detektion eines Maximalstands des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter 5. Ein zweiter Füllstandsensor 6b dient zur Detektion eines Sollfüllstands des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter 5. Mit anderen Worten detektiert der zweite Füllstandsensor 6b ob der Nominalfüllstand über bzw. gleich dem Sollfüllstand ist oder darunter liegt. Ein dritter Füllstandsensor 6c dient zur Detektion eines Minimalstands des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter 5. Die Aufgabe der einzelnen Füllstandsensoren wird weiter unten in Zusammenhang mit dem erfindungsgemässen Betriebsverfahren näher erläutert.The intermediate container 5 is a pressure container which is designed for at least the maximum possible pressure in the device 1. On the intermediate container 5, preferably three, fill level sensors 6a, 6b, 6c (e.g. infrared light barrier-based sensors) are provided for detecting a fill level of the paint in the intermediate container 5, whereby in other embodiments a single fill level sensor or two fill level sensors can also be provided. A first fill level sensor 6a is used to detect a maximum level of the paint in the intermediate container 5. A second fill level sensor 6b is used to detect a target fill level of the paint in the intermediate container 5. With others In words, the second fill level sensor 6b detects whether the nominal fill level is above or equal to the target fill level or is below it. A third fill level sensor 6c serves to detect a minimum level of the paint in the intermediate container 5. The task of the individual fill level sensors is explained in more detail below in connection with the operating method according to the invention.

Ausserhalb, d.h. an der Seite des Zwischenbehälters 5, ist eine Messsäule 6 vorgesehen, weiche mit dem Zwischenbehälter 5 in flüssigkeitstransportierender Weise verbunden ist und an oder in der die Füllstandsensoren 6a, 6b, 6c angeordnet sind. Die Messsäule hat typischerweise einen um ein Vielfaches kleineren Durchmesser als der Zwischenbehälter 5. Die Verwendung der Messsäule bringt den Vorteil mit sich, dass mehr Pufferzeit gewonnen wird, da früher bekannt wird, wann der Eingangsbehälter 2 leer ist.Outside, i.e. on the side of the intermediate container 5, a measuring column 6 is provided, which is connected to the intermediate container 5 in a liquid-transporting manner and on or in which the level sensors 6a, 6b, 6c are arranged. The measuring column typically has a diameter many times smaller than the intermediate container 5. The use of the measuring column has the advantage that more buffer time is gained, since it is known earlier when the input container 2 is empty.

Der Zwischenbehälter 5 ist ausgangsseitig mittels einer Ausgangsleitung 8b mit einer Applikationsdüse 9 verbunden. Die Applikationsdüse 9 dient zum Auftragen, insbesondere Aufsprühen, des Lacks mit einem Applikationsdruck von z.B. 2 bar oder 2.5 bar auf die Dosenzarge 1a. Die Ausgangsleitung 8b beginnt bevorzugt im unteren Bereich des Zwischenbehälters 5, bevorzugt im unteren Viertel der Gesamthöhe des Zwischenbehälters 5, insbesondere unterhalb des Minimalfüllstands des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter 5, womit sichergestellt wird, dass keine Luft in die Ausgangsleitung 8b gelangen kann. Die Anordnung der Mündung der Eingangsleitung 8a im oberen Bereich des Zwischenbehälters 5 und des Einlasses der Ausgangsleitung 8b im unteren Bereich des Zwischenbehälters 5 verbessert die Entkopplung der Ausgangsleitung 8b von der Eingangsleitung 8a im Hinblick auf die Einwirkung von Luft, die bei einem Wechsel des Eingangsbehälters 2 in die Eingangsleitung gelangen kann. Demgemäss wird diese Luft zwar durch die Eingangsleitung 8a in den Zwischenbehälter 5 transportiert, jedoch bleibt sie im oberen Bereich des Zwischenbehälters 5 und kann auf einfache Weise mittels des Entlüftungsventils 5a entsorgt werden, ohne dass sie in die Ausgangsleitung 8b gelangen kann.The intermediate container 5 is connected on the output side to an application nozzle 9 by means of an output line 8b. The application nozzle 9 is used for applying, in particular spraying, the paint with an application pressure of, for example, 2 bar or 2.5 bar onto the can body 1a. The outlet line 8b preferably begins in the lower area of the intermediate container 5, preferably in the lower quarter of the total height of the intermediate container 5, in particular below the minimum fill level of the paint in the intermediate container 5, which ensures that no air can get into the outlet line 8b. The arrangement of the mouth of the input line 8a in the upper area of the intermediate container 5 and the inlet of the output line 8b in the lower area of the intermediate container 5 improves the decoupling of the output line 8b from the input line 8a with regard to the action of air that occurs when the input container 2 is changed can get into the input line. Accordingly, this air is indeed transported through the inlet line 8a into the intermediate container 5, but it remains in the upper region of the intermediate container 5 and can be removed in a simple manner by means of the vent valve 5a be disposed of without it being able to get into the output line 8b.

In der Ausgangsleitung 8b ist ein manuell oder automatisch betätigbarer Druckregler 7 zur Regulierung des Applikationsdrucks für das Aufsprühen des Lacks mittels der Applikationsdüse 9 vorgesehen. Wie oben erwähnt ist der Förderdruck höher als der Applikationsdruck gewählt, in diesem Beispiel 4 bar bzw. 2 oder 2.5 bar. Damit wird sichergestellt dass von der Eingangsseite der Vorrichtung 1 gesehen genügend Druck aufgebaut wird, um die erforderliche Sprühwirkung der Applikationsdüse 9 zu gewährleisten, da der reine hydrostatische Druck, der von der Lacksäule im Zwischenbehälter 5 verursacht wird, nicht für die Anforderungen an der Beschichtung der Dosenzargen 1a ausreicht. Dabei entspricht der Druck im Zwischenbehälter 5 im Wesentlichen dem Förderdruck, hier also z.B. 4 bar. Aus Vereinfachungsgründen wird in diesem Zusammenhang auf etwaige Druckverluste in der Eingangsleitung, etc. nicht eingegangen. Ein Vorteil dieser Druckverhältnisse liegt darin, dass der Applikationsdruck von der Eingangsseite der Vorrichtung 1 steuerbar gemacht wird, auch wenn z.B. der Druckregler 7 nicht vorhanden ist.A manually or automatically operable pressure regulator 7 for regulating the application pressure for spraying the paint by means of the application nozzle 9 is provided in the output line 8b. As mentioned above, the delivery pressure is selected to be higher than the application pressure, in this example 4 bar or 2 or 2.5 bar. This ensures that, seen from the input side of the device 1, sufficient pressure is built up to ensure the required spray effect of the application nozzle 9, since the pure hydrostatic pressure caused by the paint column in the intermediate container 5 does not meet the requirements for the coating of the Can body 1a is sufficient. The pressure in the intermediate container 5 essentially corresponds to the delivery pressure, here e.g. 4 bar. For reasons of simplification, any pressure losses in the inlet line, etc., are not discussed in this context. One advantage of these pressure ratios is that the application pressure is made controllable from the input side of the device 1, even if, for example, the pressure regulator 7 is not present.

Weiter ist in der Ausgangsleitung 8b ein Ausgangsventil 13 vorgesehen, mittels welchem die Lackzufuhr zur Applikationsdüse 9 ein- oder ausgeschaltet werden kann. Im bestimmungsgemässen Betrieb der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung bleibt das Ventil 13 typischerweise geschlossen, bis Dosenzargen 1a zur Beschichtung ankommen, wonach die Lackzufuhr eingeschaltet wird.Furthermore, an output valve 13 is provided in the output line 8b, by means of which the paint supply to the application nozzle 9 can be switched on or off. When the device according to the invention is operated as intended, the valve 13 typically remains closed until the can bodies 1a arrive for coating, after which the paint supply is switched on.

Die erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung umfasst vorzugsweise eine Steuereinheit 11. Die Steuereinheit 11 ist in der Figur mit dem im gestrichelten Rechteck eingeschlossenen Ensemble von Elementen der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung 1 verbunden. Sie kann selbstverständlich auch mit weiteren Elementen der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung 1 verbunden sein, z.B. mit dem Druckregler 7 oder mit dem Eingangsdruckregler 3b. Die Steuereinheit 11 kann verschiedene der folgenden Aufgaben einzeln oder in Kombination erfüllen:

  • Steuerung des ersten Ventils 2a und des zweiten Ventils 3a,
  • Überwachung des Nominalfüllstands des Zwischenbehälters 5, insbesondere durch Abfrage des zweiten Füllstandsensors 6b,
  • Steuerung des Applikationsdrucks, insbesondere Steuerung des Druckreglers 7, insbesondere Abfrage des Drucksensors 10,
  • Steuerung des Auslassventils 5b,
  • Steuerung des Entlüftungsventils 5a,
  • Steuerung des Ausgangsventils 13,
  • Überwachung des Zustands des Filters 4,
  • Bereitstellung einer Benutzeroberfläche für Ein- und Ausgaben von Daten, und
  • automatische Umschaltung von einem leeren Eingangsbehälter zu einem vollen Eingangsbehälter, sofern die Vorrichtung mehrere Eingangsbehälter 2 mit entsprechender Umschaltungsmöglichkeiten umfasst. Jedoch wird diese Aufgabe normalerweise manuell durchgeführt.
The device according to the invention preferably comprises a control unit 11. In the figure, the control unit 11 is connected to the ensemble of elements of the device 1 according to the invention enclosed in the dashed rectangle. It can of course also be connected to other elements of the device 1 according to the invention, for example to the pressure regulator 7 or to the Inlet pressure regulator 3b. The control unit 11 can fulfill various of the following tasks individually or in combination:
  • Control of the first valve 2a and the second valve 3a,
  • Monitoring of the nominal level of the intermediate container 5, in particular by querying the second level sensor 6b,
  • Control of the application pressure, in particular control of the pressure regulator 7, in particular interrogation of the pressure sensor 10,
  • Control of the outlet valve 5b,
  • Control of the vent valve 5a,
  • Control of the outlet valve 13,
  • Monitoring the condition of the filter 4,
  • Provision of a user interface for input and output of data, and
  • automatic switchover from an empty input container to a full input container, provided the device comprises several input containers 2 with corresponding switchover options. However, this task is usually performed manually.

Auch die Ventile 2a, 3a, 5b und der Druckregler 7 können auch manuell gesteuert werden.The valves 2a, 3a, 5b and the pressure regulator 7 can also be controlled manually.

Im Folgenden wird ein erfindungsgemässes Betriebsverfahren beschrieben, mittels welchem die erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung betrieben wird.An operating method according to the invention is described below, by means of which the device according to the invention is operated.

Das Verfahren zum unterbruchlosen Betrieb der Vorrichtung umfasst die folgenden, bereits genannten Schritte:

  • Schritt 1: Befüllen des Zwischenbehälters 5 mit Lack aus dem Eingangsbehälter 2 mittels Druckluft aus der Druckluftquelle 3 mit einem Förderdruck bis zu einem Sollfüllstand. Dieser Schritt kann auch als Vorbereitungsschritt angesehen werden und muss nur einmal am Anfang eines Beschichtungsprozesses ausgeführt werden. Als Bestandteil dieser Phase wird auch der Druckaufbau im Förderstrang des Lacks bis zum Druckregler 7 angenommen. Wenn ein Probelauf vorgesehen ist, kann der Applikationsdruck stromabwärts des Druckreglers 7 während des Besprühens von Testzargen mit dem Druckregler 7 manuell oder automatisch angepasst bzw. eingestellt werden. Anderenfalls kann die Einstellung des Applikationsdrucks mit dem Druckregler 7 einmalig beim Anfahren der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung geschehen. Bei diesem ersten Schritt wird das Entlüftungsventil 5a des Zwischenbehälters 5 derart konfiguriert, dass während des Füllvorgangs des Zwischenbehälters 5 mit Beschichtungsflüssigkeit gleichzeitig Luft, welche vom in den Zwischenbehälter 5 einströmendem Lack verdrängt wird, durch das Entlüftungsventil 5a aus dem Zwischenbehälter 5 austreten kann. Dazu kann das Entlüftungsventil 5a mittels Zustand des Füllstandsensors 6b und der Steuereinheit 11 angesteuert werden.
  • Schritt 2: Starten des Besprühens des Lacks auf die Dosenzargen 1a, insbesondere auf der Aussennaht der Dosenzargen 1a, indem Lack mit dem Applikationsdruck (ab dem Druckregler 7) aus dem Zwischenbehälter 5 zur Applikationsdüse 9 gefördert wird, welche diesen auf die jeweilige Dosenzarge aufsprüht. Dies geschieht indirekt durch den Förderdruck der Druckluftquelle 3. Die Applikationsdüse 9 wird entsprechend so dimensioniert, dass der Beschichtungsstrahl an die Breite des zu beschichtenden Abschnitts angepasst werden kann.
The method for uninterrupted operation of the device comprises the following, already mentioned steps:
  • Step 1: Filling the intermediate container 5 with paint from the input container 2 by means of compressed air from the compressed air source 3 with a delivery pressure up to a target level. This step can also be seen as a preparatory step and only needs to be done once at the beginning a coating process can be carried out. The pressure build-up in the delivery line of the paint up to the pressure regulator 7 is also assumed to be part of this phase. If a test run is planned, the application pressure downstream of the pressure regulator 7 can be adjusted or set manually or automatically while the test frames are being sprayed with the pressure regulator 7. Otherwise, the application pressure can be set with the pressure regulator 7 once when the device according to the invention is started up. In this first step, the vent valve 5a of the intermediate container 5 is configured in such a way that during the filling process of the intermediate container 5 with coating liquid, air, which is displaced by the paint flowing into the intermediate container 5, can exit the intermediate container 5 through the vent valve 5a. For this purpose, the vent valve 5a can be activated by means of the state of the fill level sensor 6b and the control unit 11.
  • Step 2: Starting the spraying of the paint onto the can bodies 1a, in particular on the outer seam of the can bodies 1a, by conveying paint with the application pressure (from the pressure regulator 7) from the intermediate container 5 to the application nozzle 9, which sprays it onto the respective can body. This takes place indirectly through the delivery pressure of the compressed air source 3. The application nozzle 9 is dimensioned accordingly so that the coating jet can be adapted to the width of the section to be coated.

Kontinuierlicher Schritt: Dieser Schritt kann jederzeit, vorzugsweise periodisch in vorbestimmten Zeitintervallen, durchgeführt werden und kann sich daher mit Schritt 1 und/oder 2 überlappen. Dabei wird während des Aufsprühens des Lacks im bestimmungsgemässen Betrieb der Vorrichtung 1 der Sollfüilstand des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter 5 mittels des zweiten Füllstandsensors 6b überwacht.Continuous step: This step can be carried out at any time, preferably periodically at predetermined time intervals, and can therefore overlap with step 1 and / or 2. During the spraying of the paint in the intended operation of the device 1, the target fill level of the paint in the intermediate container 5 is monitored by means of the second fill level sensor 6b.

Schritt 3: Feststellung bei Anwendung des obigen kontinuierlichen Schritts dass der Nominalfüllstand unter dem Sollfüllstand gefallen ist. Dies kann durch Abfrage des zweiten Lacksensors 6b mittels der Steuereinheit 11 geschehen. Diese Feststellung findet mindestens immer dann statt, wenn der Eingangsbehälter 2 leer ist. In diesem Fall sinkt der Lackspiegel im Zwischenbehälter 5, da ausgangsseitig zwar immer noch Lack zur Beschichtung entnommen wird, jedoch eingangsseitig kein Lack mehr in den Zwischenbehälter 5 geliefert wird. Vorzugsweise wird die Feststellung dass der Eingangsbehälter 2 leer ist dann als gültig quittiert, wenn entweder der Lack den Sollfüllstand während einer bestimmten Zeitspanne nicht erreicht oder wenn der Nominalfüllstand um einen bestimmten Faktor unter dem Sollfüllstand gefallen ist. Ist diese Feststellung quittiert worden, so kann vorzugsweise, wie bereits erwähnt, ein akustisches und/oder visuelles Signal ausgegeben werden.Step 3: Using the continuous step above, determining that the nominal level has fallen below the target level. This can be done by querying the second paint sensor 6b by means of the control unit 11. This determination always takes place at least when the input container 2 is empty. In this case, the paint level in the intermediate container 5 sinks, since paint is still being removed for coating on the output side, but no more paint is supplied to the intermediate container 5 on the input side. The determination that the input container 2 is empty is preferably acknowledged as valid if either the paint does not reach the target fill level during a certain period of time or if the nominal fill level has fallen below the target fill level by a certain factor. If this determination has been acknowledged, then, as already mentioned, an acoustic and / or visual signal can preferably be output.

Es ist bevorzugt eine Toleranzschwelle für kleine Schwankungen des Nominalfüllstands des Lacks vorzusehen. Wenn der Nominalfüllstand um den Sollfüllstand herum schwankt, würde bei jedem Unterschreiten des Sollfüllstands angenommen werden, dass der Eingangsbehälter 2 leer sei und somit fälschicherweise die akustische oder optische Benachrichtigung ausgegeben werden. Diese in der Steuereinheit 11 programmierte Toleranzschwelle vermeidet diesen Fall auf die oben beschriebene Weise.It is preferable to provide a tolerance threshold for small fluctuations in the nominal fill level of the paint. If the nominal fill level fluctuates around the target fill level, it would be assumed that the input container 2 is empty every time the fill level falls below the target fill level and the acoustic or optical notification is thus falsely output. This tolerance threshold programmed in the control unit 11 avoids this case in the manner described above.

Zusätzlich oder alternativ zu dieser Art der Erkennung dass ein Eingangsbehälter leer ist, kann auch eine Erkennungseinheit vorgesehen sein, mittels welcher Luftblasen in der Eingangsleitung erkannt werden.In addition or as an alternative to this type of detection that an input container is empty, a detection unit can also be provided, by means of which air bubbles in the input line can be detected.

Schritt 4: Aufrechterhaltung der Beförderung der Beschichtungsflüssigkeit aus dem Zwischenbehälter 5 zur Applikationsdüse 9, indem Druckluft aus der Druckluftquelle 3 durch die Druckluftleitung 8c in den Zwischenbehälter 5 gefördert wird. Dies geschieht indem das zweite Ventil 3a geöffnet wird. Erst dann wird das erste Ventil 2a geschlossen und der leere Eingangsbehälter 2 abgekoppelt.Step 4: Maintaining the conveyance of the coating liquid from the intermediate container 5 to the application nozzle 9 by conveying compressed air from the compressed air source 3 through the compressed air line 8c into the intermediate container 5. This is done by opening the second valve 3a. Only then is the first valve 2a closed and the empty inlet container 2 uncoupled.

Im Schritt 4 wird demgemäss der Förderdruck im Zwischenbehälter 5 aufrechterhalten. Auf diese Weise wird sichergestellt dass an der Applikationsdüse 9, welche während des Austausches des Eingangsbehälters 2 immer noch im Einsatz ist, weiter genügend Druck für das Besprühen anliegt.In step 4, the delivery pressure in the intermediate container 5 is accordingly maintained. In this way it is ensured that the application nozzle 9, which is still in use while the input container 2 is being exchanged, continues to have sufficient pressure for spraying.

Schritt 5: Austauschen des leeren Eingangsbehälters 2 durch mindestens einen neuen Eingangsbehälter 2, während das Lack weiter aus dem Zwischenbehälter 5 an die Applikationsdüse 9 gefördert wird. Sind mehrere Eingangsbehälter 2 angeschlossen, so kann der Austausch derart erfolgen, dass von einem leeren ersten Eingangsbehälter 2 auf einen zweiten Eingangsbehälter 2 geschaltet wird. Dabei wird im Vorfeld der Füllzustand des zweiten Eingangsbehälters 2 überprüft, um sicherzustellen dass er voll ist. Sind alle Eingangsbehälter 2 leer, so werden sie ausgetauscht bzw. neu befüllt.Step 5: Replacing the empty input container 2 with at least one new input container 2, while the paint continues to be conveyed from the intermediate container 5 to the application nozzle 9. If several input containers 2 are connected, the exchange can take place in such a way that a switch is made from an empty first input container 2 to a second input container 2. The fill level of the second input container 2 is checked in advance to ensure that it is full. If all input containers 2 are empty, they are exchanged or refilled.

Schritt 6: Fortsetzung der Versorgung des Zwischenbehälters 5 mit Beschichtungsflüssigkeit aus dem mindestens einen neuen Eingangsbehälter 2. Dies geschieht erst nach Feststellung eines bestimmungsgemässen Anschlusses des neuen Eingangsbehälters 2 an die Eingangsleitung 8a. Dabei wird das Auftragen der Beschichtungsflüssigkeit auf die Dosenzargen 1a währenddessen nicht unterbrochen. Die Versorgung des Zwischenbehälters 5 mit Lack wird wieder aufgenommen, indem das erste Ventil 2a wieder geöffnet wird, nachdem das zweite Ventil 3a geschlossen wurde.Step 6: Continuation of the supply of the intermediate container 5 with coating liquid from the at least one new input container 2. This only takes place after it has been established that the new input container 2 is properly connected to the input line 8a. During this, the application of the coating liquid to the can bodies 1a is not interrupted. The supply of paint to the intermediate container 5 is resumed by opening the first valve 2a again after the second valve 3a has been closed.

Wie schon erwähnt kann der Applikationsdruck vorzugsweise derart mittels des Druckreglers 7 der Vorrichtung 1 eingestellt werden, dass er um einen vorgeschriebenen Faktor niedriger als der Förderdruck ist. Dieser Faktor wird vorzugsweise im Bereich von 1.5 bis 2 gewählt .As already mentioned, the application pressure can preferably be set by means of the pressure regulator 7 of the device 1 in such a way that it is lower than the delivery pressure by a prescribed factor. This factor is preferably chosen in the range from 1.5 to 2.

Bevorzugt wird bei Erreichen eines Maximalstands des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter 5 die Beförderung des Lacks aus dem Eingangsbehälter 2 angehalten, bis der Nominalfüllstand wieder unter dem Maximalstand fällt (schliessen des ersten Ventils 2a). Dieser Zustand kann vom ersten Füllstandsensor 6a an die Steuereinheit 11 gemeldet werden. Jedoch kann ein solcher Fall nur auftreten wenn das Entlüftungsventil 5a geöffnet ist. In diesem Fall kann die Luft im Zwischenbehälter 5, die im bestimmungsgemässen Betrieb der Vorrichtung dafür sorgt, dass der Flüssigkeitsstand aufgrund des vorherrschenden Überdrucks nicht über ein bestimmtes Mass steigen kann, entweichen und vom steigenden Nominalfüllstand des Lacks verdrängt werden. Das Entlüftungsventil 5a kann beispielsweise im Betrieb dann geöffnet werden, wenn Luftblasen im in den Zwischenbehälter 5 einströmenden Lack enthalten sind und diese aus dem Zwischenbehälter 5 evakuiert werden müssen. Würde diese überschüssige Luft nicht evakuiert werden, so würde sich im Zwischenbehälter 5 unter Umständen zu viel Luft befinden und der Sollfüllstand des Lacks könnte wegen des vorherrschenden Drucks nicht erreicht werden, was zu vermeiden ist. Daher kann das Ansteigen des Nominalfüllstands dadurch begrenzt werden, dass das Entlüftungsventil 5a geschlossen wird. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann Druckluft aus der Druckluftquelle 3 durch die Druckluftleitung 8c in den Zwischenbehälter 5 gefördert werden. Ferner kann eine maximal zulässige Dauer dieses Zustands der Überschreitung des Maximalfüllstands definiert werden, nach welcher die Vorrichtung abgeschaltet wird. Fällt der Nominalfüllstand wieder unter dem Maximalfüllstand während dieser Zeit, so kann die Lackbeförderung aus dem Eingangsbehälter 2 wieder aufgenommen werden. In diesem Zusammenhang wird angemerkt, dass der Maximalzustand normalerweise nicht überschritten werden kann, wenn das Entlüftungsventil 5a geschlossen ist, denn aufgrund des Überdrucks im Versorgungsstrang bis zum Druckregler 7 entsteht ein "natürliches" Gleichgewicht. Das heisst dass ab einem bestimmten Pegel kein Lack mehr in den Zwischenbehälter fliessen kann.When a maximum level of the paint is reached in the intermediate container 5, the conveyance of the paint from the input container 2 is preferably stopped until the nominal level is reached falls below the maximum level again (close the first valve 2a). This state can be reported to the control unit 11 by the first fill level sensor 6a. However, such a case can only occur when the vent valve 5a is open. In this case, the air in the intermediate container 5, which ensures that the liquid level cannot rise above a certain level when the device is operated as intended, can escape and be displaced by the rising nominal level of the paint. The vent valve 5a can for example be opened during operation when air bubbles are contained in the paint flowing into the intermediate container 5 and these have to be evacuated from the intermediate container 5. If this excess air were not evacuated, there would possibly be too much air in the intermediate container 5 and the target fill level of the paint could not be reached because of the prevailing pressure, which should be avoided. Therefore, the increase in the nominal level can be limited by closing the vent valve 5a. Alternatively or additionally, compressed air can be conveyed from the compressed air source 3 through the compressed air line 8c into the intermediate container 5. Furthermore, a maximum permissible duration of this state of exceeding the maximum fill level can be defined, after which the device is switched off. If the nominal fill level falls below the maximum fill level again during this time, then the transport of paint from the input container 2 can be resumed. In this context, it should be noted that the maximum state cannot normally be exceeded when the vent valve 5a is closed, because a “natural” equilibrium arises due to the overpressure in the supply line up to the pressure regulator 7. This means that above a certain level, no more paint can flow into the intermediate container.

Vorzugsweise wird bei Unterschreiten eines Minimalfüllstands des Lacks im Zwischenbehälter 5 die Vorrichtung abgeschaltet. Optional kann auch in diesem Fall eine Zeitdauer definiert werden, nach der die Abschaltung durchgeführt wird.The device is preferably switched off when the fill level of the paint in the intermediate container 5 falls below a minimum. In this case, too, a period of time can optionally be defined after which the shutdown is carried out.

Die vorliegende Erfindung ermöglicht durch die Zwischenschaltung des Zwischenbehälters in den Förderstrang des Lacks bei einer Vorrichtung zur Beschichtung von Dosenzargen dass kein Unterbruch der Beschichtung beim Austausch des Eingangsbehälters stattfindet und somit die Beschichtung der Dosenzargen, effizienter durchgeführt werden kann. Entsprechend erlaubt das erfindungsgemässe Verfahren eine kontinuierliche Beschichtung der Dosenzargen, ohne jedes Mal wenn ein Eingangsbehälter ausgetauscht werden muss die Produktion zu unterbrechen. Dadurch werden also Kosten gespart und die Produktion effizienter gestaltet.The present invention enables the interposition of the intermediate container in the conveying line of the paint in a device for coating can bodies that there is no interruption of the coating when the input container is replaced and thus the coating of the can bodies can be carried out more efficiently. Accordingly, the method according to the invention allows the can bodies to be coated continuously without interrupting production every time an input container has to be replaced. This saves costs and makes production more efficient.

Während in der vorliegenden Anmeldung bevorzugte Ausführungen der Erfindung beschrieben sind, ist klar darauf hinzuweisen, dass die Erfindung nicht auf diese beschränkt ist und in auch anderer Weise innerhalb des Umfangs der folgenden Ansprüche ausgeführt werden kann. Insbesondere sind Begriffe wie "vorteilhaft" und "vorzugsweise" lediglich mit beispielhaften Ausführungsformen verknüpft und haben keine einschränkende Wirkung auf den Umfang der Erfindung.While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the present application, it should be clearly pointed out that the invention is not restricted to these and can also be carried out in other ways within the scope of the following claims. In particular, terms such as “advantageous” and “preferably” are only linked to exemplary embodiments and have no restrictive effect on the scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

  1. Device (1) for interruption-free coating of can bodies with a coating liquid, comprising
    - at least an inlet container (2) for providing the coating liquid to be applied,
    - at least a pressurized air source (3) for supplying pressurized air, which is adapted to transport pressurized air with a transport pressure into the inlet container (2) in order to transport coating liquid out of the inlet container (2) through an inlet pipe (8a),
    - at least an application nozzle (9) for applying, particularly spraying, the coating liquid with an application pressure onto the container body,
    wherein an intermediary container (5) is provided, which is connected on the inlet side to the inlet container (2) by means of the inlet pipe (8a) and which is connected on the outlet side to the application nozzle (9) by means of an outlet pipe (8b),
    characterized in that the device further comprises a control unit (11) for controlling the transport pressure and monitoring a nominal filling level of the intermediary container (5) and for controlling the application pressure.
  2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the pressurized air source (3) is connected to the intermediary container (5) by means of a pressurized air pipe (8c).
  3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a pressure regulator (7) for regulating the application pressure for applying the coating liquid by means of the application nozzle (9) is provided in the outlet pipe (8b) .
  4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a filling level sensor (6a, 6b, 6c) for detecting a filling level of the coating liquid is provided at the intermediary container (5), particularly wherein three filling level sensors (6a, 6b, 6c) are provided, wherein a first filling level sensor (6a) is provided in the intermediary container (5) for detecting a maximum filling level of the coating liquid, a second filling level sensor (6b) is provided in the intermediary container (5) for detecting a target filling level of the coating liquid and a third filling level sensor (6c) is provided for detecting a minimum filling level of the coating liquid in the intermediary container (5) .
  5. Device according to claim 4, wherein a gauging cylinder is provided outside the intermediary container (5), which is connected to the intermediary container (5) in a liquid transporting way and at which or inside which the at least one filling level sensor (6a, 6b, 6c) is arranged.
  6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediary container (5) is a pressure tank, wherein an aeration valve (5a) is provided at the upper side of the intermediary container (5) and an outlet valve (5b) is provided at the bottom side of the intermediary container.
  7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressurized air source (3) is adapted to maintain a substantially constant transport pressure during an operation as intended of the device (1), which transport pressure is equal to the application pressure or is higher than the application pressure.
  8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet container (2) has a first valve (2a) and the pressurized air source (3) has a second valve (3a), which valves (2a; 3a) are switchable between an opened state and a closed state for regulating the fluid quantity exiting the inlet container (2) or the pressurized air source (3), respectively.
  9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet pipe (8b) is connected to the intermediary container (5) at the bottom of the same.
  10. Method for an interruption-free operation of a device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein
    - in a first step the intermediary container (5) is filled up to a target filling level with coating liquid out of the inlet container (2) by means of pressurized air from the pressurized air source (3) with a transport pressure, wherein an aeration valve (5a) of the intermediary container (5) is configured in such a way that during the filling process of the intermediary container (5) with coating liquid air can simultaneously escape from the intermediary container (5) through the aeration valve (5a),
    - in a second step the application of the coating liquid on the can bodies is initiated by transporting coating liquid out of the intermediary container (5) to the application nozzle (9) and applying it onto the respective can body by the latter,
    - wherein in operation as intended of the device (1) in a continuous step a target filling level of the coating liquid in the intermediary container (5) is monitored by at least one filling level sensor (6b) during the application, particularly spraying, of the coating liquid,
    wherein, as soon as in a third step it is determined by means of the at least one filling level sensor (6b) that the nominal filling level falls below the target filling level and thus the inlet container (2) is empty,
    - firstly in a fourth step the transport of the coating liquid out of the intermediary container (5) to the application nozzle (9) is maintained by transporting air from the pressurized air source (3) through a pressurized air pipe (8c) into the intermediary container (5),
    - subsequently in a fifth step the empty inlet container (2) is replaced by at least a new inlet container (2), while the coating liquid is still transported to the application nozzle (9) out of the intermediary container (5), and
    - in a sixth step the supply of the intermediary container (5) with coating liquid out of the at least one new inlet container (2) is continued only after determining that the new inlet container (2) is connected to the inlet pipe (8a) as intended, wherein the application of the coating liquid onto the can bodies is not interrupted during this time.
  11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the application pressure is adjusted by means of a pressure regulator (7) of the device (1) in such a way that it is lower than the transport pressure by a prescribed factor.
  12. Method according to one of the claims 10 to 11, wherein the transport of the coating liquid from the inlet container (2) is halted when a maximum filling level of the coating liquid in the intermediary container (5) is reached, until the nominal filling level falls again below the maximum filling level, and/or the aeration valve (5a) is closed and/or pressurized air is transported from the pressurized air source (3) through the pressurized air pipe (8c) into the intermediary container (5).
  13. Method according to one of the claims 10 to 12, wherein the device (1) is stopped when the filling level falls below a minimum filling level of the coating liquid in the intermediary container (5).
  14. Method according to one of the claims 10 to 13, wherein after the third step a query is issued by the control unit (11), if the inlet container (2) is really empty, and only in this case the fourth step is initiated, wherein otherwise the second step is continued.
EP18711807.0A 2017-06-21 2018-02-28 Device for uninterrupted coating of can bodies and operating method Active EP3551342B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH00813/17A CH713909A1 (en) 2017-06-21 2017-06-21 Apparatus for the continuous coating of can bodies and operating methods.
PCT/CH2018/000005 WO2018232535A1 (en) 2017-06-21 2018-02-28 Device for uninterrupted coating of can bodies and operating method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3551342A1 EP3551342A1 (en) 2019-10-16
EP3551342B1 true EP3551342B1 (en) 2021-07-07

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EP18711807.0A Active EP3551342B1 (en) 2017-06-21 2018-02-28 Device for uninterrupted coating of can bodies and operating method

Country Status (8)

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US (1) US11628457B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3551342B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110382121B (en)
CH (1) CH713909A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2882164T3 (en)
PT (1) PT3551342T (en)
TW (1) TWI755500B (en)
WO (1) WO2018232535A1 (en)

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BR112019028052A2 (en) 2017-06-29 2020-07-07 Matthews International Corporation fluid supply system and method.
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US11628457B2 (en) 2023-04-18
PT3551342T (en) 2021-08-11
CN110382121B (en) 2022-03-08
TW201904671A (en) 2019-02-01
US20200114380A1 (en) 2020-04-16
ES2882164T3 (en) 2021-12-01
WO2018232535A1 (en) 2018-12-27
TWI755500B (en) 2022-02-21
CN110382121A (en) 2019-10-25
CH713909A1 (en) 2018-12-28
EP3551342A1 (en) 2019-10-16

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