ES2697073T3 - Device for galvanically separating a lacquering head of a lacquering robot from a lacquer feeding device - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for galvanic separation of a lacquer exit opening (102) of a lacquering head (101) of a lacquering robot of a lacquer feeding device, the device comprising at least one joining means (301), at least an intermediate lacquer accumulator (200), at least a first lacquer pipe (303) for supplying the lacquer from the lacquer feed device to the joining means (301) and at least a second lacquer pipe (304) for supplying the lacquer from the joining means (301) to the lacquer exit opening (102), wherein the joining means (301) is designed to join the first lacquer pipe (303) with the intermediate accumulator in a first position. of lacquer (200) and in a second position joining the intermediate lacquer store (200) with the second lacquer pipe (304), wherein in the first position the joining means (301) is galvanically separated from the second lath pipe. lacquer (304) and / or in the second The position is galvanically isolated from the first lacquer pipe (303), the device being able to be placed in the lacquering head (101), characterized in that the connection means can move between both positions independent of the intermediate lacquer accumulator.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Device for galvanically separating a lacquering head of a lacquering robot from a lacquer feeding device

The present invention relates to a device for galvanically separating a lacquer exit opening of a lacquer head of a lacquering robot from a lacquer feeding device.

This type of device is known from the state of the art, for example, document EP2581136 A1. During an electrostatic lacquering process with a water-based lacquer or a conductive coating medium, a voltage of up to 100 kV is usually present between the earth potential, on which the lacquer feed device usually rests, and the outlet opening of lacquer. For safety reasons, a galvanic separation must be ensured between the lacquer feed device and the lacquer exit opening. The lacquer feed device may comprise, for example, several lacquer containers and furthermore be designed to supply lacquer from the lacquer deposits to the lacquer head.

EP 1726367 A1 discloses a first and a second reservoir with a connection device with an inlet opening, an outlet opening, a first reservoir port and a second reservoir port. The connection device is located in a third reservoir and is designed to move between a first position and a second position. A third reservoir comprises a fluid medium which is not electrically conductive, in which at least a part of the connection device is submerged.

Against all this the invention is based on the mission to create a device for the galvanic separation of the lacquer exit opening of the lacquer feed opening, which is especially safe and easier to manufacture. In addition, a system with a device of this type must be created.

This mission will be solved by a device with the features of claim 1 as well as by a system with the features of claim 15. Embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

The invention comprises at least one attachment means, at least one intermediate lacquer accumulator, at least one first lacquer line for supplying the lacquer from the lacquer feed device to the joining means and at least one second lacquer line for supplying the lacquer from the feed medium to the lacquer exit opening.

In the context of this description and for the purpose of better reading and visibility, with the concept "lacquer", a conductive coating means is generally considered. This can also be a low resistance coating medium that does not have to be based on water. It can also be a conductive adhesive medium. Corresponding to this, the concepts "lacquer exit opening", "lacquer head", "lacquer feed device", "lacquer intermediate storage" and "lacquer pipe" should generally refer to a conductive coating means and they are not limited to a water-based lacquer.

The intermediate lacquer store can be differentiated from a lacquer pipe because in the lacquer intermediate store, per unit length, substantially more lacquer can be accumulated. For example, more than half a liter of lacquer can be stored in the intermediate lacquer storage tank. The intermediate lacquer store can be constructed, for example, as a tank. The intermediate lacquer store can be specially designed to accumulate enough lacquer for a lacquering process.

In the context of this description, a lacquer pipe can be understood, in particular, as a hose-type pipe which serves to make possible a flow of lacquer from a first component to another component. As opposed to the intermediate lacquer storage tank, the main purpose of a lacquer pipe is not lacquer storage but to make a lacquer transport possible.

The connecting means is designed in a first position to join the first lacquer pipe with the intermediate lacquer store and in a second position to join the intermediate lacquer store with the second lacquer pipe. In the first position the joining means can be galvanically separated from the second lacquer pipe. This increases the safety since it is ensured that despite the fact that the lacquer exit opening is at high voltage, the connection means and the intermediate lacquer accumulator do not have this potential. In the first position the connecting means can be connected to the first lacquer pipe without the danger of the lacquer feeding device being placed under high tension.

As an alternative or additionally, in the second position the joining means can be galvanically separated from the first lacquer pipe. In this case, the intermediate lacquer accumulator is at the same electrical potential as the lacquer exit opening. By means of the galvanic separation of the connecting means of the first lacquer pipe, it is ensured that in this case too the lacquer feeding device does not represent any risk to safety due to the high voltage.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting means can be designed in the first position to galvanically separate the second lacquer pipe from the lacquer intermediate storage tank and in the second position to galvanically separate the lacquer intermediate storage tank from the first lacquer pipe. . With this it is ensured that the lacquer feed device is not subjected to high voltage.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the joining means can be moved in a straight line from the first position to the second position. By means of the possibility of moving in a straight line, it is ensured that there is a sufficient distance between the first lacquer pipe and the connecting means or between the second lacquer pipe and the connecting means to guarantee a galvanic separation. In the case of a movement of the joining means from the first position to the second position or vice versa, at least one of both distances can be large enough for a galvanic separation. Therefore, the high voltage must not be disconnected during the entire service.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the joining means can be moved hydraulically. Under a possibility of moving hydraulically it can be understood in particular that the joining means is supported between two chambers, each of which is in circulation connection with a reservoir of fluid. A hydraulic fluid can be placed in the fluid reservoir which can be pumped to the two chambers or can be absorbed therefrom. By means of pressure differences between these two chambers, the connecting means can be displaced from one side to the other between the first position and the second position. In other words, the joining means moves in a straight line like a piston in a cylinder.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic fluid for the movement of the connecting means can be pumped into a circuit. The circuit may comprise a filter medium through which the hydraulic fluid is filtered during a pumping process.

According to the invention, the device can be located in the coating head. In this way the device can be constructed in such a compact manner that it can be placed in the coating head despite the limited space.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the connecting means may comprise a first and a second connection medium pipe. In the first position the first lacquer pipe can be connected to the intermediate lacquer storage tank by means of the first connecting medium pipe. In the second position the intermediate lacquer storage tank can be connected to the second lacquer pipe via the second connection medium pipe.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second connection medium pipes can be connected to the intermediate lacquer storage tank independently of the position of the connection means. The first and second connection medium pipes can also be connected to the intermediate lacquer storage tank both in the first and in the second position. It is also possible that, in the case of a movement of the connecting means from the first position to the second position and vice versa, the first and second connection medium pipes are connected to the intermediate lacquer accumulator. This is particularly advantageous in order to achieve a reliable connection between the connecting means and the intermediate lacquer accumulator. The connection between the two connection medium pipes and the intermediate lacquer storage tank can be realized, for example, by hose-type pipes.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is possible that the first and second connecting means pipe do not intersect on a surface of longitudinal section of the joining means. This can mean that when considering the longitudinal sectional surface both joining pipes do not cross each other.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting means can be designed to galvanically separate the intermediate lacquer tank from the first lacquer pipe in the second position and in the first position to galvanically separate the lacquer intermediate tank from the second lacquer pipe. when the potential difference between the intermediate lacquer store with the first lacquer pipe or with the second lacquer pipe is greater than 50 kV, preferably greater than 80 kV. By means of a galvanic separation designed in this way, the device is especially well suited for coating systems in which high voltages of this type are used.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a spacing between the joining means in the first position and the second lacquer pipe can be at least 60 mm, preferably at least 70 mm. A distance as long as this is especially good for reliable galvanic separation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a spacing between the joining means in the second position and the first lacquer pipe can be at least 60 mm, at least especially 70 mm. A distance as long as this is especially good for a separation reliable galvanic

According to an embodiment of the invention, the device may comprise another intermediate lacquer accumulator, another joining means, a third lacquer pipe for supplying the lacquer from the lacquer feed device to the other joining means and a fourth lacquer pipe. to supply the lacquer from the joining means to the opening of Lacquer output. The other connecting means can then be designed to join the third lacquer pipe with the other intermediate lacquer tank in a first position and in a second position to join the other lacquer intermediate storage tank with the fourth lacquer pipe. In the first position the other joining means can be galvanically separated from the fourth lacquer pipe. Additionally or alternatively, in the second position the other joining means can be galvanically separated from the third lacquer pipe.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous for being able to carry out various coating processes or coating processes in a relatively short time. Since there are two intermediate lacquer accumulators with galvanic separation, during a lacquering process in which one of the intermediate lacquer accumulators is used, the other of the lacquer intermediate accumulators will be precisely filled with lacquer so that the lacquer can be made following lacquering process very soon after finishing the previous lacquering process.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the device may comprise a washing attachment means, an intermediate storage medium for washing means, a first line of washing medium for supplying the washing medium from a device for supplying washing medium to the medium of washing attachment and a second washing medium pipe for supplying the washing medium from a washing attachment means to the coating head. The washing attachment means can be designed in a first position to join the first washing medium line with the intermediate washing medium accumulator and in a second position to connect the intermediate washing medium accumulator with the second medium medium line. washed. In the first position, the washing attachment means can be galvanically separated from the second washing medium pipe. As an alternative or additionally, the washing attachment means can be galvanically separated from the first washing medium pipe in the second position.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be clear on the basis of the following description of a preferred embodiment and by reference to the appended figures. There, for identical or similar components and for components with the same or similar functions, the same identification symbols are used. They show:

Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a robot for lacquering with a lacquer head and an embodiment of the invention located in the washing head,

FIG. 2 a schematic perspective view of an extract of the washing head according to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 a schematic view in longitudinal section of a joining means according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 4a an extract of a lacquer flow diagram with a joining means according to an embodiment of the invention in a first position,

Fig. 4b an extract of the lacquer flow diagram of Fig. 4a with the joining means in a second position. In FIG. 1, a lacquering robot 100 is shown with a lacquer head 101 and a lacquer exit opening 102. The lacquering robot 100 can be used, for example, for lacquering components. Then, the lacquer robot 100 can be connected to a lacquer feed device from which the lacquer can be sent to the lacquer robot.

The coating head 101 is movable so that the component to be coated can be lacquered on all sides. During the lacquering process, the lacquer leaves the lacquer exit opening 102 which is also mobile so as to be able to lacquer the component on all sides.

During a lacquering process, the lacquer exit opening 102 is at high voltage potential. For reasons of safety and to be able to reach the high voltage in the coating head 101 with a comparatively small power, a galvanic separation to the lacquer feed device must then be ensured.

On the basis of FIG. 2, the construction of the coating head 101 will now be described. Two lacquer storage tanks 200 are located in the coating head for storing lacquer. Both intermediate lacquer accumulators 200 can be filled with lacquer from the lacquer dispensing device and from them lacquer can be delivered to the lacquer exit opening 102. Both the lacquer coating to the lacquer intermediate accumulators 200 as well as the lacquer Delivery of lacquer to the lacquer exit opening 102 is then carried out by means of a device for galvanic separation 300.

In Figure 3 the device 300 is represented in longitudinal section. It comprises a connecting means 301 that can slide in a straight line inside a cylinder 302. The cylinder 302 can be made, for example, of plastic and / or glass. The cylinder 302 can be filled with an insulating fluid to achieve a reliable galvanic separation. In FIG. 3, the connecting means 301 is shown in a first position.

The device 300 further comprises a first lacquer pipe 303 for supplying the lacquer from the feed device to the joining means 301, a second lacquer pipe 304 for supplying the lacquer from the joining means 301 to the lacquer exit opening. 102, a first connecting means pipe 305 and a second connecting means pipe 306.

In service, the lacquer is first pumped through the first lacquering pipe 303 through the joining means 301 by the first pipe of joining means 305 to one of the lacquer intermediate accumulators 200. Now the joining means 301 is it is in the first position shown in FIG. 3. With this, the connecting means 301 is connected to both the first lacquer pipe 303 and also to the first connecting medium pipe 305.

When the lacquer intermediate accumulator 200 is sufficiently full, the connecting means 301 is moved to a second position. This can occur, for example, by a change in pressure in one of the two chambers of the cylinder 302 which are separated from each other by means of the connecting means 301. Then the connecting means 301 moves in a straight line like a piston in the inside the cylinder 302 to the second position. In the second position the connecting means 301 is connected to the second lacquer pipe 304 so that lacquer can be pumped from the lacquer intermediate accumulator 200 through the second connection medium pipe 306 and the second lacquer pipe 304 towards the lacquer exit opening 102.

Both when the intermediate lacquer store 200 is filled and also during the lacquering process the first lacquer pipe 303 is galvanically separated from the second lacquer pipe 304. This results in a galvanic separation between the lacquer exit opening 102. attached to the second lacquer pipe 304 and the lacquer feed device attached to the first lacquer pipe 303. The galvanic separation is achieved by the fact that in the first position the connecting means 301 is located sufficiently far from the second lacquer pipe. 304 and in the second position is located sufficiently far from the first lacquer tubing 303. Furthermore, it must be taken into account that the connection means 301, both in the first position and in the second position, is connected to the lacquer intermediate accumulator 200. through the first connecting means pipe 305 and the second connecting means pipe 306. With this a uni Stable with the intermediate lacquer accumulator 200 that must not be released and attached.

The connection of the first lacquer pipe 303 with the first connecting medium pipe 305 and the joining of the second lacquer pipe 304 with the second connecting medium pipe 306 occurs through automatic closing nozzles so that a entrainment of the insulating fluid from the cylinder 302 to the lacquer pipes 303 and 304 and from the lacquer from the lacquer pipes 303 and 304 to the cylinder 302 does not occur or only in a very small amount.

For the lacquer supply of the other lacquer intermediate accumulator 200 and for the delivery of the lacquer to the lacquer exit opening 102, a construction device similar or similar to that described above can be provided. In the schematic lacquer flow diagram of FIG. 4a, two connecting means 301 are shown each in the first position, in which each of them connects a first supply line 400 with an intermediate lacquer accumulator 200. In this way, the connecting means 301 and thus also the intermediate lacquer accumulator are galvanically separated from a second supply pipe 401 which is connected to the lacquer exit opening 102.

In the first position the intermediate lacquer accumulators 200 can be filled with lacquer. Next, at least one of the joining means 301 is moved to the second position. This is represented in Figure 4b. In the second position the connecting means 301 is connected to the second supply line 401 and the lacquer can be pumped towards the lacquer exit opening. The mobility of the joining means 301 is represented by a double arrow.

In the second position, the connecting means 301 is separated from the first supply line 400 so that both the connecting means 301 and the intermediate lacquer accumulator 200 are actually at the high voltage potential. It is also true that all the other components of the coating system are galvanically separated from this high voltage potential.

A special advantage of the device is that it is ensured that a galvanic separation between the lacquer outlet opening 102 and the lacquer feed device is always ensured. The connecting means 301 also can not, due to incorrect handling, be brought into a position so that the lacquer exit opening 102 is not galvanically separated from the lacquer feed device.

Claims (14)

Device for galvanically isolating a lacquer exit opening (102) of a lacquering head (101) of a lacquering robot of a lacquer feeding device, the device comprising at least one joining means (301), at least one lacquer intermediate accumulator (200), at least one first lacquer pipe (303) for supplying the lacquer from the lacquer feed device to the joining means (301) and at least one second lacquer pipe (304) for supplying the lacquer from the joining means (301) to the lacquer exit opening (102), wherein the joining means (301) is designed to in a first position join the first lacquer pipe (303) with the lacquer (303). lacquer intermediate accumulator (200) and in a second position join the lacquer intermediate accumulator (200) with the second lacquer pipe (304), where in the first position the joining means (301) is galvanically separated from the second one. Lacquer pipe (304) and / or in the sec A position is galvanically separated from the first lacquer pipe (303), the device being able to be placed in the lacquering head (101), characterized in that the connection means can move between both positions independent of the intermediate lacquer accumulator. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting means (301) is designed in the first position to galvanically separate the second lacquer pipe (304) from the lacquer intermediate tank (200) and in the second position galvanically separate the lacquer intermediate accumulator (200) of the first lacquer pipe (303). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means (301) can be moved in a straight line from the first position to the second position. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection means (301) can be moved hydraulically. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a hydraulic fluid can be pumped into the interior of a circuit to move the joining means (301), wherein the circuit comprises a filter medium through which the hydraulic fluid is filtered during a pumping process. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means (301) comprises a first connecting medium pipe (305) and a second connecting medium pipe (306), wherein in the first position the first lacquer pipe (303) is connected to the intermediate lacquer storage tank (200) by the first connecting medium pipe (305), and where in the second position the lacquer intermediate accumulator (200) is connected to the second lacquer pipe (304) by the second pipe of joining means (306). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connection medium pipe (305) and the second connection medium pipe (306) are connected to the intermediate lacquer storage tank (200) regardless of the position of the joining means (301). Device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that on a longitudinal section surface of the connecting means (301) the first connecting medium pipe (305) and the second connecting medium pipe (306) do not cross . Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means (301) is designed to galvanically separate the intermediate lacquer storage tank (200) from the first lacquer pipe (303) and in the second position in the second position. the first position galvanically separates the lacquer intermediate accumulator (200) from the second lacquer pipe (304) when the potential difference between the lacquer intermediate accumulator (200) and the first lacquer pipe (303) or the second lacquer pipeline (304). lacquer (304) is greater than 50 kV, preferably more than 80 kV. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distance between the connecting means (301) in the first position and the second paint pipe (304) is at least 60 mm, preferably at least 70 mm. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distance between the connecting means (301) in the second position and the first lacquer pipe (303) is at least 60 mm, preferably at least 70 mm. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises another intermediate lacquer accumulator (200), another connection means (301), a third lacquer line for supplying the lacquer from the lacquer feed device. lacquer to the other joining means (301) and a fourth lacquer pipe to supply the lacquer from the other joining means (301) to the lacquer exit opening (102), wherein the other joining means (301) is designed in a first position to join the third lacquer pipe with the other lacquer intermediate accumulator (200) and in a second position to join the other accumulator intermediate lacquer (200) with the fourth lacquer pipe, where the other joining means (301) in the first position is galvanically separated from the fourth lacquer pipe. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a connection means for washing, an intermediate accumulator of washing medium, a first line of washing medium for supplying the washing medium from a device for washing. supply of washing medium to the washing attachment means and a second washing medium line to supply the washing medium from the washing attachment means to the coating head, wherein the washing attachment means is designed for a first position joining the first washing medium tubing to the intermediate washing medium accumulator and in a second position joining the intermediate washing medium accumulator to the second washing medium tubing, wherein in the first position the connecting means of washing medium is galvanically separated from the second pipe of washing medium. System comprising a device according to at least one of the preceding claims, a lacquer head and a lacquer feed device.