JP5140970B2 - Pig position detection device and pig position detection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pig position detection device and a pig position detection method used in a paint supply system of an automobile painting line.

  The paint supply equipment used in automobile painting lines, etc., paint tanks loaded with paints of each paint color, pumps that pump these paints, and paint from the paint tanks to the painting machines (actually color change valve units) The paint tank is led, and the paint tank, the pump, and the paint pipe are installed in the number corresponding to the number of paint colors. And the paint of the coating color according to a vehicle specification is sprayed by switching the color change valve unit provided in the upstream of the coating machine.

  By the way, a common circulation pipe is provided for a plurality of paint colors, and the paint is supplied by passing a movable member (free piston) called a pig through the paint pipe, or the forecolor paint remaining in the paint pipe It has also been proposed to collect (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a paint supply system using a pig, paint supply control and paint recovery control are executed by detecting the current position of the pig, but as a conventional pig position detection device, a magnetic substance is embedded in the pig, Proposals have been made to detect the passage of a pig by providing a magnetic sensor at a specific position of the paint pipe.

  However, this type of position detection device has a problem that the structure of the pig itself is complicated and expensive because a magnetic material is embedded in the pig. In addition, since the magnetic material is embedded in the pig, the weight of the pig is increased, and the pig is easily deformed due to a collision with the end of the paint pipe at the time of stopping, resulting in a short life of the pig.

JP 2002-126608 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a pig position detection device and a pig position detection method that can simplify the structure of a pig without using a magnetic material.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in a paint supply apparatus having a paint pipe in which a pig reciprocates, the apparatus detects the position of the pig, and the paint pipe is provided at at least two places of the paint pipe. Detecting means for detecting the internal state of the paint substantially simultaneously, and determining means for determining the position of the pig in the paint pipe based on the detection result by the detecting means, the detecting means comprising: There is provided a pig position detection device for detecting a state inside the paint pipe based on the presence or absence of liquid in the paint pipe .

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting the position of the pig in a paint supply apparatus having a paint pipe on which the pig reciprocates, and detecting means at at least two places on the paint pipe. comprising a detection step of detecting substantially simultaneously internal state of the paint pipe, and a determination step of determining by the determining device the position of the pig in the coating material in the pipe on the basis of the detection result in the detecting step by In the detection step, there is provided a pig position detection method for detecting the internal state of the paint pipe based on the presence or absence of liquid in the paint pipe .

  In the present invention, the internal state of the paint pipe is detected in at least two places of the paint pipe, and the position of the pig in the paint pipe is determined based on the detection result. This makes it possible to detect the position of the pig without embedding a magnetic material in the pig, thereby simplifying the structure of the pig. In addition, since the weight of the pig itself is reduced, the life can be extended.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a paint supply device using a pig position detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is applied to a paint supply device 10 for supplying paint to a paint gun 2. This is an applied example. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion II in FIG. 1, FIG. 3A is a front view showing a stopper used in each pig station of the paint supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is along the line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the coating system in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paint supply device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a main unit for selecting a paint to be supplied to a coating apparatus having a paint gun 2 and a paint pump 3 from among various types of paints. A color change valve unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as main CCV 11) is provided, and the paint supplied from the main CCV 11 is guided to the paint gun 2 via the paint pump 3.

  The main CCV 11 is configured by providing a plurality of (six in the figure) switching valves 112 a to 112 f on the manifold 111. Paint is supplied to each of the switching valves 112a to 112f, and the paint is supplied into the manifold 111 by selecting any one of the switching valves 112a to 112f. To be supplied. Each of the switching valves 112a to 112f is provided with a dump valve for discharging waste liquid outside in addition to a valve for supplying paint to the manifold 111. For example, the cleaning liquid can be discharged to the outside during cleaning. Yes. Each of the switching valves 112a to 112f can be opened and closed based on a control signal from a control device (not shown).

  As a representative of the switching valves 112a to 112f to which paint is supplied, FIG. 1 shows a detailed structure of the switching valve 112f. The switching valves 112a to 112e other than the switching valve 112f can be configured in the same manner as the switching valve 112f. Alternatively, the main supply pipe from the paint tank is directly connected to the switching valves 112a to 112e. Also good.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the representative switching valve 112f is connected to the sub-passage 131d of the first pig station 13A via the first paint hose 15A. One end of the main passage 131a of the first pig station 13A is connected to the cleaning valve unit 12 via the second paint hose 15B. The other end of the main passage 131a of the first pig station 13A is connected to one end of the third paint hose 15C. The other end of the third paint hose 15C is connected to one end of the main passage 141a of the second pig station 14A. The other end of the main passage 141a of the second pig station 14A is connected to a sub color change valve unit 17 (hereinafter referred to as a sub CCV 17) via a fourth paint hose 15D. In the present embodiment, the pig 16 is inserted into the third paint hose 15C so as to be able to reciprocate between the first pig station 13A and the second pig station 14A.

  The cleaning valve unit 12 connected to the first pig station 13A via the second paint hose 15B includes an air supply valve 12b capable of supplying cleaning air to the manifold 12a, and a cleaning liquid capable of supplying cleaning liquid. A supply valve 12c and a drain valve 12d for draining liquid outside are provided. Each of the valves 12b to 12d can be opened and closed by a control signal from a control device (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first pig station 13A includes a station main body 131 in which a main passage 131a is formed, a cap 132 for fixing the third paint hose 15C to the station main body 131, and a third paint. And a stopper 133 for capturing the pig 16 moving in the hose 15C. 2 shows only a part of the first paint station 13A on the side of the third paint hose 15C, and actually has a substantially T-shaped outer diameter shape as shown in FIG. A sub-passage 131d branches from the main passage 131a.

  In the present embodiment, the inner diameter D1 of the main passage 131a is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the pig 16 (D1> D2), so that the sides of the pig 16 captured by the stopper 133 are coated with paint, cleaning liquid, and air. Can pass through. In the present embodiment, the inner diameter D4 of the third paint hose 15C is substantially the same as the outer diameter D2 of the pig 16 (D4 = D2). Thereby, when the pig 16 exists in the paint hose 15 </ b> C, the paint, the cleaning liquid, and the air cannot pass downstream from the pig 16.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the stopper 133 is a disk-shaped member in which a punched hole 133a is formed at the top and bottom, and is fixed in the main passage 131a. The stopper 133 allows the cleaning liquid and air to pass through each of the holes 133a, and also allows the pig 16 to be captured in the main passage 131a by closing a part of the main passage 131a. It has become.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first pig station 13A includes a first electrostatic sensor 134 that detects the presence or absence of liquid in the main passage 131a based on the dielectric constant in the main passage 131a. As shown in FIG. 2, the station main body 131 is formed with a through hole 131b penetrating into the main passage 131a from the outside. The first electrostatic sensor 134 is mounted on the station main body 131 so that the sensor sensitive portion 134a faces the main passage 131a through the through hole 131b. The first electrostatic sensor 134 determines whether the dielectric constant in the main passage 131a is a dielectric constant peculiar to liquids such as paint and cleaning liquid, so that the paint and cleaning liquid exist in the main passage 131a. It is detected whether it is doing. In addition, since the contact portion between the station main body 131 and the first electrostatic sensor 134 is sealed, the paint, the cleaning liquid, or the like does not leak to the outside through the through hole 131b.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first electrostatic sensor 134 is connected to the determination device 137 via a cable so that the detection result can be transmitted. The determination device 137 including a CPU or the like Based on the detection results by the sensors 134 and 144, the position of the pig 16 in the third paint hose 15C is determined. A specific determination method by the determination device 137 will be described in detail later.

  The position of the pig 16 determined by the determination device 137 is displayed on the notification device 138. In addition, the notification device 138 also notifies information on a problem that the position of the pig 16 does not exist at a predetermined position.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the second pig station 14A connected to the other end of the third paint hose 15C includes a station main body 141 having a cylindrical shape, and the third paint hose 15C connected to the end of the station main body 141. And a stopper 143 for capturing the pig 16 moving in the third paint hose 15C in the main passage 141a.

  The station main body 141 has a main passage 141a formed therein. In this embodiment, the inner diameter D3 of the main passage 141a is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the pig 16 (D3> D2), and the paint, air, or the like passes through the side of the pig 16 captured by the stopper 143. Is possible.

  The stopper 143 has the same shape as the stopper 133 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B used in the first pig station 13A, and allows paint, air, and cleaning liquid to pass through the punched hole, The pig 16 can be captured in the main passage 141a by closing a part of the main passage 141a.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the second electrostatic sensor 144 is also provided in the second pig station 14A. As shown in FIG. 2, the station main body 141 is formed with a through hole 141b penetrating into the main passage 141a from the outside, and the sensor sensitive portion 144a faces the main passage 141a through the through hole 141b. The second electrostatic sensor 144 is attached to the station main body 141. The second electrostatic sensor 144 determines whether the dielectric constant in the main passage 141a is a dielectric constant peculiar to liquids such as paint and cleaning liquid, so that the paint and cleaning liquid exist in the main passage 141a. It is detected whether it is doing. In addition, since the contact portion between the station main body 141a and the second electrostatic sensor 144 is sealed, the paint and the cleaning liquid do not leak through the through hole 141b. The second electrostatic sensor 144 is also connected to the determination device 137 so that the detection result can be sent out.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the sub CCV 17 connected to the other end of the fourth paint hose 15D is a color change valve unit similar to the main CCV 11, and includes a plurality of (five in FIG. 1) switching valves 172a. To 172e are provided. The paint is supplied to the switching valves 172a and 172b. By selecting one of the switching valves 172a and 17sb, the paint is supplied into the manifold 171 and supplied to the switching valve 112f of the main CCV 11 via the paint hose. The The paint supplied to each switching valve 172a, 172b is accommodated in each of the sealed paint tanks 18, 19, and the paint in the tanks 18, 19 is switched by pressurizing the tanks 18, 19 with air. It can be pumped to the valves 172a and 172b. The switching valve 172c is supplied with cleaning air and is used as an air supply valve. The switching valve 172d is supplied with a cleaning liquid and is used as a cleaning liquid supply valve. The switching valve 172e is used as a drain valve for performing waste liquid outside. The switching valves 172a to 172e of the sub CCV 17 can be opened and closed by a control signal from a control device (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the coating material supply apparatus 10 configured as described above is provided for each of a plurality of painting robots 4 provided in, for example, the painting booth B to constitute a painting system. A coating gun 2 is provided as an end effector at the tip of the coating robot 4, and each color paint can be supplied to the paint gun 2 from the paint supply device 10.

  In the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the coating system as described above. For example, one paint supply device 10 may be assigned to a plurality of painting robots 4 or all of the paint booths B may be assigned. One paint supply device 10 may be assigned to the painting robot 4.

  Below, the pig position detection method which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated according to the color change procedure of the coating material supply apparatus 10. FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the color changing procedure of the paint supply apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 6 to 11 are block diagrams showing the state of each step.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6, the state (step S10 in FIG. 5) in which the coating material supply apparatus 10 is supplying the coating material of the previous color (A color in FIG. 6) will be described. When the A color paint in the paint tank 18 is pumped by the pressurized air, the switching valve 172a of the sub CCV 17 → the manifold 171 → the fourth paint hose 15D → the second pig station 14A → the third paint hose 15C → the first paint hose. 1 pig station 13A → first paint hose 15A → main CCV11 switching valve 112f. When the paint pump 3 is operated here, the A color paint is further sent in the order of the manifold 111 → the paint pump 3 → the paint gun 2 and discharged toward the object to be coated. In this state, all the switching valves 172b to 172e of the sub CCV 117 other than the switching valve 172a are controlled to be closed. Also in the main CCV 11, all the valves 112a to 112e other than the switching valve 112f are controlled to be closed. In the cleaning valve unit 12, all the valves 12b to 12d are controlled to be closed.

  In the previous color painting step S10, the first electrostatic sensor 134 detects that the main passage 131a of the first pig station 13A is filled with the paint, and the second electrostatic sensor 144 is also the second electrostatic sensor 144. If it is detected that the main passage 141a of the pig station 14B is filled with the paint, the determination device 137 detects that the pig 16 is captured by the stopper 133 in the main passage 131a of the first pig station 13A, and the color A Judge that the paint is properly supplied.

  On the other hand, when the predetermined time has passed without the electrostatic sensors 134 and 144 detecting the paint although the A color paint is being pumped from the paint tank 18, the determination device 137 determines that the pig 16 Has not reached the first pig station 13A, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and the occurrence of the abnormality is urged. For example, the second electrostatic sensor 144 detects the presence of paint, but if the first electrostatic sensor 134 does not detect paint and a predetermined time has elapsed, the pig 16 stagnates in the paint hose 15C. In this case, the determination device 137 alerts the occurrence of an abnormality.

  When the application of the A color paint as described above is completed and the next color is other than A color, the color changing operation is performed according to the following procedure.

  First, as shown in step S20 of FIG. 5, the A color paint is collected. As shown in FIG. 7, the pressurization in the coating tank 18 in which the A color paint is accommodated is stopped based on a signal indicating that the A color paint has been applied. Then, the switching valve 112f of the main CCV 11 is closed and the air supply valve 12b of the cleaning valve unit 12 is opened to supply air. Due to the pressure of the air, the pig 16 accommodated in the first pig station 13A moves in the third paint hose 15C, and pushes the A-color paint filled in the hose 15C back to the paint tank 18.

  In this step S20, while the first electrostatic sensor 134 does not detect the presence of the paint and the second electrostatic sensor 144 detects the paint, the determination device 137 determines that the pig 16 has the third paint. It is determined that it is moving in the hose 15C and the paint is being collected. When none of the electrostatic sensors 134 and 144 detect the paint, the determination device 137 detects that the pig 16 is captured by the stopper 143 in the main passage 141a of the second pig station 14A, and the A color paint is collected. Judge that completed.

  On the other hand, for example, when a predetermined time elapses while the electrostatic sensors 134 and 144 detect the paint even though the air is supplied from the air supply valve 12b, the determination device 137 Judge that an abnormality has occurred and call out the occurrence of the abnormality.

  When the determination device 137 determines that the A color paint has been collected, the paint hose is washed (reversely washed) from the main CCV 11 side toward the sub CCV 17 side as shown in step S30 of FIG.

  In this step S30, first, as shown in FIG. 8, the dump valve provided in the switching valve 112f of the main CCV 11 is opened, and the air supply valve 12b and the cleaning liquid supply valve 12c of the cleaning valve unit 12 are alternately opened and closed. To do. As a result, the path from the manifold 12a of the cleaning valve unit 12 to the second paint hose 15B → the main passage 131a of the first pig station 13A → the auxiliary passage 131d → the first paint hose 15A → the switching valve 112f of the main CCV 11 Is cleaned with air and a cleaning solution.

  Further, in step S30, as shown in FIG. 9, the switching valve 112f of the main CCV 11 is closed and the switching valve 172e of the sub CCV 17 is opened. Thereby, the manifold 12a of the cleaning valve unit 12 → the second paint hose 15B → the first pig station 13A → the third paint hose 15C → the second pig station 14A → the fourth paint hose 15D → the sub CCV 17 The path from the manifold 171 to the switching valve 172e is cleaned with air and cleaning liquid. At this time, the pig 16 is captured in the second pig station 14A, but the inner diameter D3 of the main passage 141 is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the pig 16 (D3> D2). It is possible to pass by the side of the pig 16. In addition, this back washing | cleaning step S30 is not an essential process, and when the front color paint collection | recovery step S20 is complete | finished, you may transfer to this washing | cleaning step S40 demonstrated below, without performing this back washing | cleaning step S30.

  Next, as shown in step S40 in FIG. 5, the paint hose is washed (mainly washed) from the sub CCV 17 side toward the main CCV 11 side. In step S40, as shown in FIG. 10, the switching valve 172e of the sub CCV 17 is closed and the switching valves 172c and 172d are alternately opened and closed. In the cleaning valve unit 12, the air supply valve 12b and the cleaning liquid supply valve 12c are closed and the drain valve 12d is opened. Further, the dump valve provided in the switching valve 112f in the main CCV 11 is opened. Thereby, the manifold 171 of the sub CCV 17 → the fourth paint hose 15D → the second pig station 14A → the third paint hose 15C → the first pig station 13A → the second paint hose 15B → the cleaning valve unit 12 The path from the manifold 12a to the drain valve 12d is cleaned by air and cleaning liquid, and the path from the first pig station 13A to the switching valve 112f of the first paint hose 15A to the main CCV 11 is air and cleaning liquid. It is washed by. At this time, the pig 16 captured by the second pig station 14A is fired and moved in the third paint hose 15C by the pressure of the air and the cleaning liquid supplied alternately from the switching valves 172c and 172d of the sub CCV7. And captured by the first pig station 13A. By the movement of the pig 16, the adhering material such as the paint and the cleaning liquid adhered in the third paint hose 15 </ b> C is scraped off and removed. When cleaning of the paint hose with the air and the cleaning liquid is completed, the inside of the piping system is purged with air supplied from the switching valve 172c of the sub CCV 17.

  If the electrostatic sensors 134 and 144 do not detect the cleaning liquid after the completion of step S40, the determination device 137 causes the pig 16 to be captured by the stopper 133 in the main passage 131a of the first pig station 13A. It is judged that the main cleaning has been completed.

  On the other hand, when the electrostatic sensors 134 and 144 detect the cleaning liquid in the main passages 131a and 141a, the determination device 137 determines that the cleaning is not completed because some abnormality has occurred, and the abnormality is detected. Arouse occurrence.

  When the determination device 137 determines that the main cleaning has been completed, the paint of the next color (B color in FIG. 11) is filled. As shown in FIG. 11, in the sub CCV 17, the switching valves 172c and 172d are closed and the switching valve 172b is opened. Further, the dump valve 12d is closed in the cleaning valve unit 12, and the valve following the manifold 111 of the switching valve 112f is opened in the main CCV11. When the B color paint in the paint tank 19 is pumped by the pressurized air, the switching valve 172b of the sub CCV 17 → the manifold 171 → the fourth paint hose 15D → the second pig station 14A → the third paint hose 15C. → The first pig station 13A → the first paint hose 15A → the main CCV 11 switching valve 112f. Then, by operating the paint pump 3, the B color paint is further sent in the order of the manifold 111 → the paint pump 3 → the paint gun 2, discharged toward the object to be coated, and the color change operation is completed.

  In this step S50, while the first electrostatic sensor 134 does not detect the paint and the second electrostatic sensor 144 detects the paint, the determination device 137 determines that the pig 16 has the third paint hose 15C. It is determined that the B color paint is being filled in the third paint hose 15C while moving in the interior. When any of the electrostatic sensors 134 and 144 detects the presence of the B-color paint, the determination device 137 captures the pig 16 in the first pig station 13A and puts the B-color paint into the third paint hose 15C. Judge that filling is complete.

  On the other hand, when the B color paint is being pumped from the paint tank 19 and the electrostatic sensors 134 and 144 do not detect the paint and a predetermined time has elapsed, the determination device 137 determines that an abnormality has occurred. Aware of the occurrence of an abnormality.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the electrostatic sensors 134 and 144 are used to determine whether or not there is paint or cleaning liquid in the pig stations 13A and 14A provided at both ends of the third paint hose 15C. The state in the hose 15C is directly detected, and the determination device 137 determines the position of the pig 16 in the third paint hose 15C based on the result. This makes it possible to detect the position of the pig 16 without embedding a magnetic body in the pig 16, thereby simplifying the structure of the pig 16. Further, since the weight of the pig 16 itself can be reduced, the life can be extended.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a pig position detection apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the pig position detection apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same basic configuration as that of the first embodiment, and is a means for detecting the internal state of the main passages 131a and 141a. The only difference from the first embodiment is that pressure sensors 135 and 145 are used instead of the electrostatic sensors.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the first pig station 13B includes a first pressure sensor 135 that detects the pressure in the main passage 131a. As shown in the figure, the station main body 131 is formed with a through hole 131b penetrating into the main passage 131a from the outside. The first pressure sensor 135 is attached to the station main body 131 so that the sensor sensitive portion 135a faces the main passage 131a through the through hole 131b. In addition, since the contact portion between the station main body 131 and the first pressure sensor 135 is sealed, no paint, cleaning liquid, or the like leaks to the outside through the through hole 131b.

  Similarly, in the second pig station 14B, a second pressure sensor 145 is mounted on the station main body 141 so that the sensitive portion 145a faces the main passage 141a through the through hole 141b. The pressure can be detected. By determining whether or not there is a difference (differential pressure) between the pressure values detected by the first and second pressure sensors 135 and 145, there is paint or cleaning liquid in the main passages 131a and 141a. It is to detect whether or not.

  The first and second pressure sensors 135 and 145 are connected to the determination device 137 via a cable so that detection results can be transmitted. The determination device 137 is based on the detection results of the pressure sensors 135 and 145. Thus, the position of the pig 16 in the third paint hose 15C is determined.

  A specific pig position detection method in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in the front color painting step S10 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the detection result by the first pressure sensor 135 (that is, the pressure P1 in the main passage 131a of the first pig station 13B) and the second pressure sensor 145. The determination device 137 determines that the detection result of Pb 16 is the same as the detection result of Pb 16 (ie, the pressure P2 in the main passage 141a of the second pig station 14B) (P1 = P2, no differential pressure between the two). Is captured by the stopper 133 in the main passage 131a of the first pig station 13B, and it is determined that the A color paint is appropriately supplied.

  On the other hand, although the A color paint is pumped from the paint tank 18 (see FIG. 1), the detection results of the pressure sensors 135 and 145 are not the same (P1 ≠ P2), and a predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, the determination device 137 determines that the pig 15 has not reached the first pig station 13A and some abnormality has occurred, and alerts the abnormality. For example, when P1 <P2, the pig 16 is stagnating in the paint hose 15C on the way from the second pig station 14B to the first pig station 13B, and the determination device 137 alerts the occurrence of an abnormality.

  5 and 7, while the detection result P1 by the first pressure sensor 135 is larger than the detection result P2 by the second pressure sensor 145 (P1> P2, between the two). The determination device 137 determines that the pig 16 is moving in the third paint hose 15C and is collecting the paint. When the detection results of the pressure sensors 135 and 145 are substantially the same (P1 = P2), the determination device 137 causes the pig 16 to be captured by the stopper 143 in the main passage 141a of the second pig station 14B. It is determined that the collection of the A color paint has been completed.

  On the other hand, for example, the detection results of the pressure sensors 135 and 145 remain non-identical (P1 ≠ P2) even though air is supplied from the air supply valve 12b (see FIG. 1), and the predetermined time has passed. When the time has elapsed, the determination device 137 determines that some abnormality has occurred, and alerts the occurrence of the abnormality. For example, in the case of P1> P2, the pig 16 is stagnating in the paint hose 15C on the way from the first pig station 13B to the second pig station 14B, and the determination device 137 alerts the occurrence of an abnormality.

  Next, when the reverse cleaning step S30 shown in FIGS. 5, 8, and 9 and the main cleaning step S40 shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 are completed, the detection results of the pressure sensors 135 and 145 are substantially the same. In the case (P1 = P2), the determination device 137 determines that the main cleaning is completed because the pig 16 is captured by the stopper 133 in the main passage 131a of the first pig station 13B.

  On the other hand, when the detection results of the pressure sensors 135 and 145 are not the same (P1 ≠ P2), the determination device 137 determines that the cleaning is not completed because some abnormality has occurred, and the abnormality has occurred. Arouse. For example, when P1 <P2, the pig 16 is stagnating in the paint hose 15C on the way from the second pig station 14B to the first pig station 13B, and the determination device 137 alerts the occurrence of an abnormality.

  Next, in the next color paint filling step S50 shown in FIG. 5, while the detection result P1 of the first pressure sensor 135 is smaller than the detection result P2 of the second pressure sensor 145 (P1 <P2), the determination device 137 , It is determined that the pig 16 is moving in the third paint hose 15C and the B-color paint is being filled in the third paint hose 15C. When the detection results of the pressure sensors 135 and 145 become substantially the same (P1 = P2), the determination device 137 causes the pig 16 to be captured by the first pig station 13B and into the third paint hose 15C. It is determined that the filling of the B color paint is completed. On the other hand, the detection results of the pressure sensors 135 and 145 remain the same (P1 ≠ P2) even though the B color paint is being pumped from the paint tank 18 (see FIG. 1), and a predetermined time has elapsed. In such a case, the determination device 137 determines that some abnormality has occurred, and alerts the occurrence of the abnormality. For example, when P1 <P2, the pig 16 is stagnating in the paint hose 15C on the way from the second pig station 14B to the first pig station 13B, and the determination device 137 alerts the occurrence of an abnormality.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the pressure sensors 135 and 145 directly detect and determine the states inside the pig stations 13B and 14B provided at both ends of the third paint hose 15C. The device 137 determines the position of the pig 16 in the third paint hose 15C based on the result. This makes it possible to detect the position of the pig 16 without embedding a magnetic body in the pig 16, thereby simplifying the structure of the pig 16. Further, since the weight of the pig 16 itself can be reduced, the life can be extended.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a pig position detection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the basic structure of the pig position detection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, and means for detecting the internal state of the main passages 131a and 141a. The only difference from the first embodiment is that optical sensors 136 and 146 are used instead of the electrostatic sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the first pig station 13 </ b> C includes an optical sensor 136 that detects light transmission and light shielding in the main passage 131 a. As shown in the figure, the station main body 131a is formed with a first through hole 131b penetrating from the outside into the main passage 131a, and at the position facing the first through hole 131b. A second through hole 131c penetrating from the main passage 131a to the main passage 131a is formed. The first light so that the light projecting portion 136a faces the main passage 131a through the first through hole 131b and the light receiving portion 136b faces the main passage 131a through the second through hole 131c. A sensor 136 is attached to the station main body 131. Since the through holes 131b and 131c into which the light projecting unit 136a and the light receiving unit 146a are inserted are covered with the cover on the wall surface of the main passage 131a, the paint and the cleaning liquid leak to the outside through the through holes 131b and 13c. Never do.

  The optical sensor 136 emits light from the light projecting unit 136a, and detects whether paint or liquid is present in the main passage 131a based on whether the light receiving unit 136 receives the light. In other words, the light sensor 136 is shielded by the liquid when light is projected into the main passage 131a in the presence of a liquid such as paint or cleaning liquid, and the liquid is not present in the main passage 131a. Based on the principle that when the light is projected, the light is transmitted to the light receiving portion 136b, the presence or absence of liquid in the main passage 131a is detected.

  Similarly, in the second pig station 14C, the second optical sensor 146 is attached to the station main body 141 so that the light projecting unit 146a and the light receiving unit 146b face each other through the through holes 141b and 141c that are formed to face each other. ing.

  The first and second optical sensors 136 and 146 are connected to the determination device 137 via a cable so that the detection result can be transmitted. The determination device 137 is based on the detection results of the optical sensors 136 and 146. Thus, the position of the pig 16 in the third paint hose 15C is determined.

  A specific pig position detection method in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, when any of the optical sensors 136 and 146 detects paint in the main passages 131a and 141a in the front color coating step S10 of FIG. 5, the determination device 137 determines that the pig 16 is the main passage 131a of the first pig station 13C. It is captured by the stopper 133 and the A color paint is determined to be properly supplied.

  On the other hand, when the predetermined time has passed without the optical sensors 136 and 146 detecting the paint, although the A color paint is being pumped from the paint tank 18, the determination device 137 causes the pig 16 to The first pig station 13C has not been reached, and it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, and the occurrence of the abnormality is alerted.

  Next, in the front color paint recovery step S20 of FIG. 5, while the first optical sensor 136 does not detect the paint and the second optical sensor 146 detects the paint, the determination device 137 determines that the pig is the first. 3 is moving in the paint hose 15C and it is determined that the paint is being collected. When none of the optical sensors 136 and 146 detect paint, the determination device 137 detects that the pig 16 is captured by the stopper 143 in the main passage 141a of the second pig station 14C, and the recovery of the A color paint is completed. Judge that it was done.

  On the other hand, when a predetermined time has passed with the optical sensors 136 and 146 detecting the paint despite the supply of air from the air supply valve 12b, the determination device 137 has some abnormality. It is judged that it has been done and the occurrence of the abnormality is aroused.

  Next, when the reverse cleaning step S30 and the main cleaning step S40 shown in FIG. 5 are completed, if the optical sensors 136 and 146 do not detect the cleaning liquid, the determination device 137 determines that the pig 16 is the first pig station. It is captured by the stopper 133 in the 13C main passage 131a, and it is determined that the main cleaning has been completed.

  On the other hand, when the optical sensors 136 and 146 detect the cleaning liquid in the main passages 131a and 141a, the determination device 137 determines that the cleaning has not been completed because some abnormality has occurred, and the abnormality has occurred. Arouse.

  Next, in the next color paint filling step S50 shown in FIG. 5, while the first optical sensor 136 does not detect the paint and the second optical sensor 146 detects the paint, the determination device 137 detects the pig 16. Is moving in the third paint hose 15C, and it is determined that the B color paint is being filled in the third paint hose 15C. When any of the optical sensors 136 and 146 detects the B color paint, the determination device 137 detects that the pig 16 is captured by the first pig station 13A, and the third paint hose 15C is filled with the B color paint. Judge that completed.

  On the other hand, in the case where the predetermined time has passed without the optical sensors 136 and 146 detecting the paint although the B color paint is being pumped from the paint tank 19, the determination device 137 has some abnormality. Judge that it has occurred and alert the occurrence of the abnormality.

  As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the optical sensor 136, 146 is used to determine the hose based on the presence or absence of paint or cleaning liquid in the pig stations 13C, 14C provided at both ends of the third paint hose 15C. The state in 15C is directly detected, and the determination device 137 determines the position of the pig 16 in the third paint hose 15C based on the result. This makes it possible to detect the position of the pig 16 without embedding a magnetic body in the pig 16, thereby simplifying the structure of the pig 16. Further, since the weight of the pig 16 itself can be reduced, the life can be extended.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a pig position detection apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the pig position detection device according to the present embodiment is the same in that pressure sensors 135 and 145 are used as the internal state detection means of the main passages 131a and 141a as compared with the second embodiment. As seen from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1), the first pressure sensor 135 is installed downstream of the stopper 133 provided in the first pig station 13D, and further provided in the second pig station 14D. Another difference is that a second pressure sensor 145 is installed upstream of the stopper 143. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the first pressure sensor 135 in the second embodiment is installed on the upstream side of the stopper 133 provided in the first pig station 13B when viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1). However, as shown in FIG. 14, the first pressure sensor 135 in the present embodiment is installed on the downstream side of the stopper 133 when viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1). Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the second pressure sensor 145 in the second embodiment is installed on the downstream side of the stopper 143 provided in the second pig station 14B, as viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1). However, as shown in FIG. 14, the second pressure sensor 145 in this embodiment is installed on the upstream side of the stopper 143 when viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1).

  Thus, the effect which is the same as that of 2nd Embodiment mentioned above can be show | played also by the structure which concerns on this embodiment.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a pig position detection apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the pig position detection device according to the present embodiment uses pressure sensors 135 and 145 as internal state detection means of the main passages 131a and 141a as compared with the second embodiment, and the sub CCV 17 As seen from (see FIG. 1), the same is true in that the first pressure sensor 135 is installed on the upstream side of the stopper 133 provided in the first pig station 13E, but from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1). The difference is that a second pressure sensor 145 is installed upstream of a stopper 143 provided in the second pig station 14E. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the second pressure sensor 145 in the second embodiment is installed on the downstream side of the stopper 143 provided in the second pig station 14B when viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1). However, as shown in FIG. 15, the second pressure sensor 145 in the present embodiment is installed on the upstream side of the stopper 143 when viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1).

  Thus, the effect which is the same as that of 2nd Embodiment mentioned above can be show | played also by the structure which concerns on this embodiment.

  The embodiment described above is described for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not described for limiting the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, regarding the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, as viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1), the first electrostatic sensor 134 is installed on the downstream side of the stopper 133 provided in the first pig station 13A. In addition, the second electrostatic sensor 144 may be installed on the upstream side of the stopper 143 provided in the second pig station 14A (not shown). Alternatively, as viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1), the first electrostatic sensor 134 is installed on the upstream side of the stopper 133 (see FIG. 2), and the second electrostatic sensor 144 is installed on the upstream side of the stopper 143. (Not shown). Alternatively, as viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1), the first electrostatic sensor 134 is installed on the downstream side of the stopper 133 (not shown), and the second electrostatic sensor 144 is installed on the downstream side of the stopper 143. (See FIG. 2). That is, the installation positions of the electrostatic sensors 134 and 144 are not particularly limited as long as the dielectric constants in the main passages 131a and 141a can be detected, and may be on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stoppers 133 and 143.

  Further, regarding the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, as viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1), the first optical sensor 136 is installed on the downstream side of the stopper 133 provided in the first pig station 13C. At the same time (not shown), the second optical sensor 146 may be installed on the upstream side of the stopper 143 provided in the second pig station 14C (not shown). Alternatively, when viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1), the first optical sensor 136 is installed on the upstream side of the stopper 133 (see FIG. 13), and the second optical sensor 146 is installed on the upstream side of the stopper 143. Good (not shown). Alternatively, as viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1), the first optical sensor 136 may be installed on the downstream side of the stopper 133 (not shown), and the second optical sensor 146 may be installed on the downstream side of the stopper 143. (See FIG. 13). That is, the installation positions of the optical sensors 136 and 146 are not particularly limited as long as the presence or absence of liquid in the main passages 131a and 141a can be detected, and may be on the upstream side or the downstream side of the stoppers 133 and 143.

  Further, regarding the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the first pressure sensor 135 is installed on the downstream side of the stopper 133 provided in the first pig station 13 </ b> E when viewed from the sub CCV 17 (see FIG. 1). At the same time (not shown), the second pressure sensor 145 may be installed on the downstream side of the stopper 143 provided in the second pig station 14E (not shown). That is, the installation positions of the pressure sensors 135 and 145 are not particularly limited as long as the pressures in the main passages 131a and 141a can be detected, and may be upstream or downstream of the stoppers 133 and 143.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a paint supply apparatus using a pig position detection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the pig position detection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion II in FIG. FIG. 3A is a front view showing a stopper used in each pig station of the paint supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the coating system in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a color change procedure of the paint supply apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a state in which the front color paint is applied (front color coating step). FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a state in which the previous color paint is collected (front color paint collection step). FIG. 8 is a block diagram (No. 1) showing a state of cleaning from the main CCV side toward the sub CCV side (back cleaning step). FIG. 9 is a block diagram (No. 2) showing a state of cleaning from the main CCV side toward the sub CCV side (back cleaning step). FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a state of cleaning from the sub CCV side toward the main CCV side (main cleaning step). FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a state (next color paint filling step) in which the next color paint is filled. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a pig position detection apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a pig position detection apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a pig position detection apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a pig position detection apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Paint supply device 11 ... Main CCV
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Valve unit for washing | cleaning 13A-13E ... 1st pig station 131 ... Station main body 131a ... Main passage 131b, 131c ... Through-hole 131d ... Sub-passage 132 ... Cap 133 ... Stopper 133a ... Opening hole 134 ... First electrostatic Sensor 134a ... Sensor sensitive unit 135 ... First pressure sensor 135a ... Sensor sensitive unit 136 ... First optical sensor 136a ... Light projecting unit 137b ... Light receiving unit 137 ... Judgment device 138 ... Notification devices 14A-14E ... Second pig Station 141 ... Station main body 141a ... Passage 141b, 141c ... Through hole 142 ... Cap 143 ... Stopper 144 ... Second electrostatic sensor 144a ... Sensor sensitive part 145 ... Second pressure sensor 145a ... Sensor sensitive part 146 ... Second Optical sensor 146a ... Projection unit 146b ... Light unit 15A-15D ... first to fourth paint hose 16 ... pig 17 ... sub CCV
18, 19 ... Paint tank

Claims (8)

An apparatus for detecting the position of the pig in a paint supply apparatus having a paint pipe in which the pig reciprocates,
Detecting means for substantially simultaneously detecting the internal state of the paint pipe in at least two places of the paint pipe;
Determination means for determining the position of the pig in the paint pipe based on the detection result by the detection means,
The said detection means is a pig position detection apparatus which detects the state inside the said paint piping based on the presence or absence of the liquid in the said paint piping. It said detecting means, pig position detecting device of claim 1 further comprising a capacitive sensor for detecting the presence or absence of liquid in the paint in the pipe based on the dielectric constant in the paint pipe. It said detecting means, pig position detecting device of claim 1 further comprising a light sensor for detecting the presence or absence of liquid in the paint in the pipe based on the light passing properties in the paint pipe. An apparatus for detecting the position of the pig in a paint supply apparatus having a paint pipe in which the pig reciprocates,
A pressure sensor that detects pressure at substantially two locations in the paint pipe at substantially the same time;
Judging means for judging the position of the pig in the paint pipe based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor;
The determination means includes
When the first pressure detected by the pressure sensor at the first position in the paint pipe is different from the second pressure detected by the pressure sensor at the second position in the paint pipe. Determining that the pig is positioned between the first position and the second position in the paint pipe;
When the first pressure and the second pressure are substantially the same, the pig is not located between the first position and the second position in the paint pipe. Pig position detection device to judge. A method of detecting the position of the pig in a paint supply apparatus having a paint pipe in which the pig reciprocates,
A detection step of detecting the internal state of the paint pipe at substantially two locations at least two locations of the paint pipe substantially simultaneously;
A determination step of determining, by a determination device, the position of the pig in the paint piping based on the detection result in the detection step;
A pig position detection method for detecting an internal state of the paint pipe based on the presence or absence of liquid in the paint pipe in the detection step. 6. The pig position detecting method according to claim 5 , wherein in the detecting step, presence / absence of liquid in the paint pipe is detected based on a dielectric constant in the paint pipe. 6. The pig position detection method according to claim 5 , wherein, in the detection step, presence / absence of a liquid in the paint pipe is detected based on a light transmission property in the paint pipe. A method of detecting the position of the pig in a paint supply apparatus having a paint pipe in which the pig reciprocates,
A detection step of detecting pressure at substantially two locations in the paint pipe substantially simultaneously by a pressure sensor;
A determination step of determining, by a determination device, the position of the pig in the paint pipe based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor;
In the detecting step, a first and a pressure detected by the pressure sensor at a first position within the paint pipe, a second pressure detected by the pressure sensor at a second position within the paint pipe , In the determination step, it is determined that the pig is located between the first position and the second position in the paint pipe,
In the detection step, when the first pressure and the second pressure are substantially the same, in the determination step, the pig is placed in the paint pipe with the first position and the second pressure . Pig position detection method for determining that the position is not between the positions.

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