Coating apparatus and methods for coating compressor or vacuum pump housings

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coating apparatus for coating a compressor or vacuum pump housing (2), the compressor or vacuum pump housing comprising a first semi-cylindrical structure and a second semi-cylindrical structure adjacent to each other, the coating apparatus (1) comprising: a dispersing head (3) comprising a stationary part (5) and a rotating part (4) having a bell-shaped structure; a paint reservoir (6) connected to the stationary part (5) via a conduit; a support structure (8) comprising a fixing device; wherein the coating apparatus (1) further comprises a controller (7) for controlling the rotation speed of the rotating part (4), the controller (7) being provided with a device for controlling the rotation direction of the rotating part (4), controlling the first semi-cylindrical structure of the compressor or vacuum pump housing (2) to rotate clockwise, and changing the rotation direction to rotate counterclockwise for coating the second semi-cylindrical structure of the compressor or vacuum pump housing (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for coating a compressor or vacuum pump housing, the apparatus comprising a first semi-cylindrical structure and a second semi-cylindrical structure adjacent to each other, the apparatus comprising:

[0002] A dispersion head for dispersing paint droplets, comprising a stationary component and a rotating component having a bell-shaped structure;

[0003] Paint reservoir, connected to stationary components via conduits;

[0004] Support structure, including fixing devices, is adapted to receive the compressor or vacuum pump housing in a fixed manner. Background Technology

[0005] Known devices for coating various surfaces include a dispersing head for dispersing paint, the dispersing head including a rotating bell-shaped structure for guiding paint from the dispersing head onto the surface to be coated.

[0006] A rotating clock rotates at a certain speed around its axis, as can be found, for example, in US2010 / 193,602.

[0007] The apparatus and method described in this U.S. application are designed for coating surfaces such as motor vehicle bodies. However, such an apparatus is not suitable for coating the inner surfaces of the housings of screw, Roots, or gear compressors or vacuum pumps, which include two interconnected vanes or semi-cylindrical structures.

[0008] Tests show that, due to the curvature of the inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing, if this device is used to coat such a surface, a thicker coating layer will form in certain areas.

[0009] In fact, due to the trajectory of the paint droplets and the inflection point surface present at the height of the inner surface of such compressor or vacuum pump housing, a thicker paint layer will form on the inner surface immediately following or adjacent to the junction of two blades or on the inner surface immediately adjacent to the inflection point surface generated by the blades.

[0010] This is highly undesirable because the coating layer covering the inner surface of the housing needs to be of uniform thickness and have a predetermined thickness. Typically, the gap between the rotor and the housing is very small, disallowing for such a thick layer.

[0011] Another undesirable consequence is that such errors in the coating thickness can damage the coating covering the rotor mounted inside the housing, or even damage the rotor during operation.

[0012] In practice, because the rotor may come into direct contact with the casing surface immediately following the junction of the two blades or the inflection point surface created by the blades during operation, the paint covering the rotor, the paint covering the inner surface of the casing, and even the edges of the rotor can be damaged. This translates into a higher risk of leakage along these surfaces and even a greater risk of these surfaces rusting.

[0013] Furthermore, the formation of this thick coating layer introduces errors when installing the rotor within the housing, resulting in axial displacement. This error is highly undesirable as it affects the overall operation of the compressor or vacuum pump, potentially generating greater forces on the bearings supporting the rotor, which could reduce the efficiency and lifespan of the compressor or vacuum pump components.

[0014] Furthermore, excessive coating of the inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing means considerable material loss and a considerably long drying time, which translates into additional manufacturing costs and delays on the production line. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In view of the above-mentioned disadvantages, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for coating compressor or vacuum pump housings to achieve a uniform coating layer on the inner surface of the housing.

[0016] Another objective of this invention is to eliminate the risk of over-coating the inner surface and to eliminate the risk of installation errors when the rotor is installed in a coated housing.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for coating a compressor or vacuum pump housing that is time-saving and cost-effective.

[0018] The present invention solves at least one of the above and / or other problems through the following means. The present invention provides a coating apparatus for coating a compressor or vacuum pump housing, the compressor or vacuum pump housing comprising a first semi-cylindrical structure and a second semi-cylindrical structure adjacent to each other, the coating apparatus comprising:

[0019] A dispersion head for dispersing paint droplets, comprising a stationary component and a rotating component having a bell-shaped structure;

[0020] Paint reservoir, connected to stationary components via conduits;

[0021] The support structure, including fixing devices, is capable of receiving the compressor or vacuum pump housing in a fixed manner;

[0022] The coating device also includes a controller for controlling the rotation speed of the rotating component. The controller is equipped with a device for controlling the rotation direction of the rotating component, controlling the first semi-cylindrical structure of the housing to be coated in a clockwise direction, and changing the rotation direction to the second semi-cylindrical structure of the housing to be coated in a counterclockwise direction.

[0023] Because the controller is equipped with a device to control the rotation direction of the rotating components, controlling the first semi-cylindrical structure used for coating the housing in a clockwise direction and the second semi-cylindrical structure used for coating the housing in a counterclockwise direction, a uniform coating layer is achieved on the entire inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing. Correspondingly, over-coating is not encountered at the inflection point where the two semi-cylindrical structures meet.

[0024] In fact, because the controller has such a device, the direction of the paint droplets leaving the bell-shaped structure and reaching the inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing will be different when the first semi-cylindrical structure is coated compared to when the second semi-cylindrical structure is coated.

[0025] Therefore, when the first semi-cylindrical structure is coated, the paint droplets leaving the bell-shaped structure will not reach the surface of the second semi-cylindrical structure, and when the second semi-cylindrical structure is coated, the paint droplets leaving the bell-shaped structure will not reach the surface of the first semi-cylindrical structure.

[0026] Therefore, not only is the coating process very easy to control, but the coating thickness is also very easy and precise to control over the entire inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing.

[0027] In addition, the total manufacturing time of the compressor or vacuum pump housing is reduced, while material loss is significantly reduced and more reliable results are achieved.

[0028] Preferably, the compressor or vacuum pump housing is a screw, Roots, or gear compressor or vacuum pump.

[0029] However, it should not be ruled out that the housing of a vane compressor or vacuum pump can also be coated using the device according to the invention.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the coating apparatus further includes a movable arm on which the dispersing head is mounted.

[0031] Therefore, the coating process for compressor or vacuum pump housings is fully automated, thereby reducing manufacturing time and improving the accuracy of the results achieved.

[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, the controller enables the movable arm to move along both the vertical and horizontal axes, enhancing the arm's mobility and flexibility and allowing for high-standard coating of the entire inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing.

[0033] In another embodiment of the invention, the controller is capable of automatically changing the rotation direction of the rotating component.

[0034] By employing such features, the entire coating process for compressor or vacuum pump housings can be automated, eliminating any potential human error and ensuring optimal results.

[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, the coating apparatus further includes a feeding system, which includes a regulating device capable of adjusting the volumetric flow rate of the coating material reaching the dispersing head.

[0036] By adjusting the volumetric flow rate of the coating material reaching the dispersing head, the coating device controls the thickness of the final coating layer covering the inner surface of the housing with very high precision.

[0037] Volumetric flow rate should be understood as the volume of fluid passing through a given cross-sectional area per unit time.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a method for coating a compressor or vacuum pump housing, the compressor or vacuum pump housing comprising a first semi-cylindrical structure and a second semi-cylindrical structure adjacent to each other, the method comprising the following steps:

[0039] Secure the compressor or vacuum pump housing to the support structure of the coating device;

[0040] The paint reservoir is connected to the stationary part of the dispersing head of the coating device via a conduit;

[0041] The method further includes the following steps:

[0042] The dispersion head, which has a rotating part and a stationary part, is connected to the controller, and the controller controls the rotation speed of the rotating part;

[0043] The rotation direction of the rotating component is controlled to be clockwise to coat the first semi-cylindrical structure of the compressor or vacuum pump housing, and the rotation direction is changed to counterclockwise to coat the second semi-cylindrical structure of the compressor or vacuum pump housing.

[0044] It should be understood that the benefits proposed for coating apparatus used to coat compressor or vacuum pump housings also apply to this method. Attached Figure Description

[0045] To better illustrate the features of the present invention, some preferred configurations according to the present invention are described below by way of non-limiting examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically;

[0047] Figure 3 Two top rotating views of a compressor or vacuum pump housing that can be painted using the device according to the invention are schematically shown. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figure 1 An apparatus 1 for coating a compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 is shown.

[0049] It should be understood that within the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, the compression or vacuuming process is carried out by rotors, typically by two rotors.

[0050] The type of compressor or vacuum pump is selected from a group including Roots, vane, gear compressors or vacuum pumps, etc.

[0051] It should be understood that the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface faces the rotor, which is installed inside the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, and the outer surface faces the outside of the compression chamber or vacuum chamber.

[0052] The device 1 includes a dispersion head 3 for generating and dispersing paint droplets, the dispersion head 3 including a stationary part 5 and a rotating part 4 having a bell-shaped structure.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the dispersing head 3 is connected to the paint reservoir 6 via a conduit that allows paint to flow from the paint reservoir 6 to the dispersing head 3.

[0054] Preferably, but not limited to, the paint is not allowed to flow from the dispersing head 3 to the paint reservoir 6 in the opposite direction, for example by installing a check valve or similar device on the conduit.

[0055] The dispersing head 3 preferably includes a bell-shaped structure connected to the rotating component 4 via a rotating shaft and a stationary component 5 disposed at the center of the bell-shaped structure.

[0056] The stationary component 5 includes a small orifice or nozzle through which the paint flows and reaches the bell-shaped structure.

[0057] The nozzle should be understood as a small opening, with a diameter chosen between, for example, 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm. The diameter is usually selected based on the properties of the paint and the desired paint layer thickness after surface coating.

[0058] For coating the inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, nozzles are typically selected with a diameter of 0.5, 0.8, 1, or 1.2 mm.

[0059] However, other values ​​for the nozzle diameter should not be excluded; the values ​​included above should be considered as examples only.

[0060] The device 1 also includes a controller 7 for controlling the rotation speed of the rotating component 4.

[0061] Because the controller 7 controls the rotation speed of the rotating component 4, it controls the droplet diameter and thus the final coating thickness.

[0062] Controller 7 should be understood as a component of device 1, capable of receiving data, performing analysis and calculations, and sending data to various components of device 1. It should not be excluded that controller 7 can also remotely send data to external controllers or computers that are not part of device 1.

[0063] As will be further explained, the data should be understood as measurements performed on the device or on the compressor or vacuum pump housing, or analyses or calculations performed by the controller 7.

[0064] Accordingly, the controller 7 includes a communication module (not shown) for receiving and sending data, a processing module (not shown) for performing analysis and calculation, and a memory module for storing data (such as received data, performed analysis and calculation, etc.).

[0065] To achieve good control of the injection mechanism, the device 1 also includes a support structure 8, which includes fixing devices (not shown). This support structure 8 receives the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 and also allows the compressor or vacuum pump housing to be fixed thereto.

[0066] By adopting such an arrangement, the device 1 can control the flow of the coating and the orientation of the dispersing head 3 according to the shape and orientation of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2.

[0067] The positioning of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 is performed in a predetermined manner, or the support structure 8 may include sensors that transmit information about the position and orientation of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 to the controller 7.

[0068] The controller 7 is equipped with a device for controlling the rotation direction of the rotating part 4. The rotation direction, whether clockwise or counterclockwise, depends on which of the two semi-cylindrical structures of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 is coated.

[0069] Preferably, but not limited to, the device for controlling the rotation direction generates an electrical signal on the first communication line 9 between the controller 7 and the dispersing head 3, and the electrical signal changes the rotation direction of the rotating component 4.

[0070] It should not be ruled out that the first communication line 9 allows for bidirectional communication between the controller 7 and the distributed head 3.

[0071] The first communication line 9 is a wired or wireless communication line. In the case of a wired communication line, an electrical conductor is provided, each end of which has two adapters and allows electrical signals to be transmitted thereon.

[0072] In the case of a wireless communication line, the controller 7 and the scatter head 3 will include a transmitter and / or receiver that allow communication, or each of these two components may include a transceiver to allow bidirectional communication between the two components.

[0073] Therefore, the dispersing head 3 can send one or more of the following possible measurements (e.g., current operating characteristics), such as: the pressure and / or temperature and / or viscosity of the coating entering the dispersing head 3, the pressure and / or temperature and / or viscosity of the coating reaching the stationary part 5, the volumetric flow rate of the coating flowing through the dispersing head 3, the position of the dispersing head 3 relative to the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, and / or other parameters related to the device 1 or the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2.

[0074] The current operating characteristics can be understood as any one or more of the following: the current state of the dispersing head 3, such as whether the dispersing head 3 is in use or in standby mode; if it is in use: the rotation direction and speed of the rotating component 4.

[0075] The controller 7 can control the orientation of the dispersing head 3 relative to the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2.

[0076] Preferably, but not limited to, the controller 7 positions the dispersing head 3 so that its central axis X-X' is parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A' of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0077] In another embodiment of the invention, but not limited thereto, the dispersing head 3 is centrally positioned in each of the two semi-cylindrical structures and moves vertically parallel to the axis X-X'. However, it should not be excluded that the dispersing head 3 may also be positioned closer to or further away from the sidewall of the respective semi-cylindrical structure.

[0078] In embodiments of the invention, but not limited to them, the dispersing head 3 may include one or more sensors for determining the accurate positioning and orientation of the dispersing head 3 relative to the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, for example: distance relative to the support structure 8, positioning relative to the center of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, or even distance relative to each wall of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2. The dispersing head 3 sends such data to the controller 7.

[0079] It should not be ruled out that the operator controls the position of the dispersing head 3 based on a visual interpretation of the coating process.

[0080] What's also good is that the operator can manually adjust the rotation speed of the rotating part 4.

[0081] In another embodiment of the invention, the dispersion head 3 may include one or more sensors for allowing the controller 7 to generate a three-dimensional representation of the walls of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 for a more precise and automated coating process.

[0082] Because the dispersing head 3 includes a rotating component 4 with a bell-shaped structure, the paint flowing from the stationary component 5 reaches the bell-shaped structure and slides towards its edge onto the bell-shaped structure. Furthermore, the paint droplets leave the edge tangentially, and under the influence of centrifugal force, most of the paint droplets reach the surface of the shell.

[0083] Therefore, the direction of rotation of the bell-shaped structure will affect the trajectory of the paint droplets.

[0084] Now look at the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 and observe the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 positioned on the support structure 8. One positioning method is to position the gas inlet further away from the surface of the support structure 8, so that the gas outlet is positioned closest to the surface of the support structure 8 relative to the position of the gas inlet.

[0085] The compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 includes two interconnected semi-cylindrical structures: a left semi-cylindrical structure 2a is connected to a right semi-cylindrical structure 2b, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown. By interconnecting the two semi-cylindrical structures, an inflection point surface 10 is created across the entire height of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 due to the shape of the semi-cylindrical structures.

[0086] Existing devices for coating compressor or vacuum pump housings employ a rotating component 4 in one direction of rotation from the start to the end of the coating process. For example, a clockwise rotation direction is used, so whenever the coating process is in progress, it moves from left to right and rotates continuously around the central axis X-X'.

[0087] If this process is applied to both the right semi-cylindrical structure 2b and the left semi-cylindrical structure 2a, over-coating will occur on the surface immediately following the inflection point of one of the two semi-cylindrical structures, such as... Figure 3 There is a thick line on the left semi-cylindrical structure 2a shown in Figure a.

[0088] For example, if a clockwise rotation direction is chosen for coating the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, and the gas inlet of the housing 2 is positioned further away from the support structure 8, while the gas outlet is positioned closest to the support structure 8 relative to the gas inlet, then, viewed from above, the surface immediately following the inflection point of the left semi-cylindrical structure 2a will exhibit over-coating. Figure 3 As shown in a.

[0089] However, if the counterclockwise direction is chosen, over-coating will occur on the surface immediately following the inflection point of the right semi-cylindrical structure 2b (not shown).

[0090] In embodiments of the invention, but not limited to, the support structure 8 may be table-shaped or simply interconnected metal rods to allow access to the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 from all directions, or the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 may be supported by a set of chains.

[0091] When the support structure 8 is in the shape of a table or interconnected metal rods, the support structure 8 is suitable for positioning on the base plate in the chamber where the painting process is carried out.

[0092] In another embodiment of the invention, but not limited thereto, the device 1 also includes a vacuum source (not shown) located above or below the housing, preferably centrally positioned on the housing, for extracting excess paint droplets.

[0093] Preferably, but not limited to, the dispersing head 3 includes an air receiving port 11 to allow airflow to reach the paint flow and help achieve the desired density and diameter of the paint droplets leaving the bell-shaped structure.

[0094] Preferably, but not limited to, the airflow is compressed air generated by a compressor or vacuum pump 12 or a compressed air source.

[0095] The compressor or vacuum pump 12 or the compressed air source is connected to the receiving port 11 via an air duct or pipe 13.

[0096] In an embodiment of the invention, the device 1 further includes a movable arm 14 on which the dispersing head 3 is mounted.

[0097] Preferably, but not limited to, the controller 7 is adapted to move the movable arm 14 on the vertical axis and the horizontal axis.

[0098] By including the movable arm 14, the movement of the dispersing head 3 on the horizontal and vertical axes is ensured, the coating process can be fully automated and the entire inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 can be coated.

[0099] The movable arm 14 may be a robotic arm, which includes at least joints that allow movement on horizontal and vertical axes and also allow rotational movement about the arm axis.

[0100] In another embodiment of the invention, in order to achieve the best results, the controller 7 is adapted to automatically change the rotation direction of the rotating component 4 based on the position of the dispersing head 3 relative to the left semi-cylindrical structure and the right semi-cylindrical structures 2a and 2b.

[0101] In addition, in order to better regulate the volume of the coating and thus achieve more precise coating thickness and uniformity, the device 1 may also include a feeding system, which includes a regulating device suitable for regulating the volumetric flow rate of the coating reaching the dispersing head 3.

[0102] The regulating device is selected from a group including pumps, compressors, flow meters, etc.

[0103] It should not be ruled out that controller 7 can adjust the volumetric flow rate of the coating through an algorithm.

[0104] This algorithm coordinates the volumetric flow rate of the coating with the rotational speed of the rotating component 4 and with the desired coating thickness on the inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2.

[0105] The controller 7 may also associate these parameters with one or more of the following: the pressure value in the pipe or conduit section of the device 1, the diameter of the conduit or pipe through which the paint flows, the properties of the paint (e.g., viscosity and temperature), the diameter of the nozzle section of the stationary part 5, or the shape and / or diameter of the rotating part.

[0106] In another embodiment of the invention, the volumetric flow rate can be manually controlled by the operator.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, but not limited thereto, the device 1 further includes a paint pump 16, which is mounted on a conduit connecting the paint reservoir 6 and the dispersing head 3.

[0108] Preferably, but not limited to, in order to increase the volume of paint extracted from paint reservoir 6, paint pump 16 may be a diaphragm pump.

[0109] In order to precisely control the flow rate of the paint reaching the dispersing head 3, the device 1 may also include a second paint pump 17 located downstream of the paint pump 16 and upstream of the dispersing head 3.

[0110] Preferably, but not limited to, the second paint pump 17 is selected as a gear pump. By including such a gear pump, the paint flow rate can be controlled more precisely regardless of the paint viscosity and temperature.

[0111] Accordingly, the controller 7 may include devices for regulating the pressure of the paint pump 16, and may also regulate the rotational speed of the second paint pump 17. In this case, the paint pump 16 and / or the second paint pump 17 may include communication lines (not shown) leading to the controller 7.

[0112] In another embodiment of the invention, the controller 7 can correlate various parameters, such as volumetric flow rate, pressure at the paint reservoir 6 or pressure vessel, with the final paint layer thickness and with one or more of the following: pressure at the diaphragm pump, rotational speed of the bell structure, speed of the gear pump, distance between the bell structure and the inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, nozzle diameter, diameter of the pipe or conduit between the paint reservoir 6 or pressure vessel and the dispersing head 3, and paint temperature and viscosity.

[0113] In yet another embodiment of the invention, but not limited thereto, the device may also include a means for covering at least a portion of the inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2. Such a means may be, for example, a removable accessory or cover that operates automatically or manually, and provides additional protection to eliminate the risk of over-coating the inner surface portion.

[0114] In another embodiment of the invention, device 1 may include a pressure vessel (not shown), in which case device 1 includes one or more pressure sensors at the dispersing head 3.

[0115] Based on pressure measurement, controller 7 can further influence the coating pressure value at the pressure vessel.

[0116] For example, regulation can be achieved via an air pipe that includes a pressure regulator positioned above the paint level within the pressure vessel. By adjusting the airflow through this air pipe, the paint pressure within the pressure vessel can be regulated.

[0117] In another embodiment of the invention, such an air pipe and pressure regulator may be provided within the reservoir 6. This arrangement allows for more precise control of the paint flow, and thus more precise control of the final paint layer thickness on the inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2.

[0118] In another embodiment of the invention, in order to determine the pressure of the paint through the piping system of device 1, device 1 may include one or more pressure sensors located at one or more locations selected from the group consisting of: between paint reservoir 6 and paint pump 16, between paint pump 16 and second paint pump 17, between second paint pump 17 and dispersing head 3, at the paint inlet of dispersing head 3, in the paint flow path before the rotating component 4 at the dispersing head 3, etc.

[0119] The method for coating a compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 comprising a first semi-cylindrical structure and a second semi-cylindrical structure adjacent to each other, according to the present invention, is very simple and is described below.

[0120] The compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 is fixed to the support structure 8, and the inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2 is coated using the device 1 according to the present invention.

[0121] Accordingly, when coating the first semi-cylindrical structure of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, the controller 7 controls the rotation direction of the rotating component 4 to be clockwise, and when coating the second semi-cylindrical structure of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, the rotation direction is changed to counterclockwise.

[0122] Preferably, but not limited to, the controller 7 automatically controls the rotation direction of the rotating component 4.

[0123] In one embodiment of the invention, once the controller 7 detects that the dispersing head 3 is at a different position in the horizontal direction, indicating that the dispersing head 3 has completed the coating of the first semi-cylindrical structure, the controller 7 generates an electrical signal to the dispersing head 3 to change the rotation direction of the bell-shaped structure.

[0124] In another embodiment of the invention, once the controller 7 detects that the dispersing head has completed coating the first semi-cylindrical structure, it generates an electrical signal to stop the paint flow until the dispersing head 3 reaches the position for coating the second semi-cylindrical structure. Additionally, the controller 7 generates an electrical signal to change the rotation direction of the bell-shaped structure; once the dispersing head 3 is in position, the controller 7 generates an electrical signal to initiate paint flow and allow the paint to disperse onto the second semi-cylindrical structure.

[0125] In another embodiment of the invention, the operator can visually detect when the dispersing head 3 has finished coating the first semi-cylindrical structure, and can push the actuator to send a signal to the controller 7 to change the rotation direction of the bell-shaped structure.

[0126] In another embodiment of the invention, in order to improve the automation of the coating process, the dispersing head 3 is mounted on the movable arm 14.

[0127] More preferably, but not limited to, the controller 7 controls the movable arm 14 to move on the vertical axis A-A' and the horizontal axis B-B'.

[0128] In another embodiment of the invention, the controller 7 regulates the volumetric flow rate of the coating material reaching the dispersing head 3.

[0129] Preferably, but not limited to, the controller 7 positions the dispersing head 3 downward toward the support structure 8, or in other words, orients it toward the ground.

[0130] In another embodiment of the invention, but not limited thereto, the controller 7 causes the dispersing head 3 to move from one end to the other along the longitudinal axis A-A' of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2.

[0131] In another embodiment of the invention, in order to maintain a uniform paint mixture and prevent deposition at the bottom of the paint reservoir 6, the device 1 mixes the paint. To achieve this, the device 1 may use a pneumatic agitator 19.

[0132] Preferably, but not limited to, the mixing of the coatings is carried out continuously.

[0133] The pneumatic mixer 19 can be controlled by the controller 7, remotely controlled by an external computer, or manually controlled by the operator.

[0134] In addition, to prevent paint from depositing on the piping system of device 1 when no coating process is being performed, controller 7 can activate valve 15 to allow paint to flow continuously through device 1.

[0135] In this respect, the paint flow is directed to bypass the dispersing head 3 and continue flowing through the piping system to the paint reservoir.

[0136] The controller 7 can control the volumetric flow rate of the paint by the speed of the paint pump 16 and the speed of the second paint pump 17.

[0137] If sufficient paint flow can be achieved by simply controlling paint pump 16, controller 7 can stop second paint pump 17 and guide paint flow through bypass pipe 18 to dispersing head 3.

[0138] In order to clean the piping system of the cleaning device 1, the controller activates the outlet valve 20, and the paint flow is directed outside the device 1 and into the barrel or storage tank 21.

[0139] When the painting process is not in progress or during the cleaning process, the second paint pump 17 can be stopped and the paint flow can be directed through the bypass pipe 18.

[0140] Preferably, in order to avoid deposition at the second paint pump 17, the second paint pump 17 can be turned on periodically.

[0141] "Regularly" should be understood as after a selected time interval, such as, but not limited to: every 5 minutes, every 10 minutes, every 15 minutes, every 20 minutes, every half hour, or other time intervals.

[0142] Depending on the design of device 1, device 1 may include some or even all of the technical features listed herein in any combination without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0143] The aforementioned "technical features" at least refer to: the support structure 8 including fixing devices; control of paint flow; control of the orientation of the dispersing head 3, including sensors for determining the position and orientation of the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, including a wired or wireless first communication line 9; orientation control of the dispersing head 3 relative to the compressor or vacuum pump housing 2, including one or more sensors for determining the position and orientation of the dispersing head 3; manual or automatic control of the position of the dispersing head 3 and / or the rotational speed of the rotating component 4 and / or the volumetric flow rate of the paint, including a vacuum source, an air receiver 11, a compressor or vacuum pump 12, an air duct or... Pipeline 13, movable arm 14, automatically changing the rotation direction of rotating component 4, feeding system including regulating device, paint pump 16, second paint pump 17, communication line to paint pump 16 and / or second paint pump 17, controller 7 can control the pressure of paint in paint reservoir 6 or pressure vessel, automatically or manually change the rotation direction of bell structure, controller 7 can correlate the final paint layer thickness with various parameters, including pneumatic agitator 19, including valve 15, including bypass pipe 18, including tank or storage tank 21, periodically opening and closing second paint pump 17, including outlet valve 20.

[0144] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described by way of example and shown in the accompanying drawings, but such a device 1 can be implemented in various variations without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A coating apparatus for coating a compressor or vacuum pump housing (2), the compressor or vacuum pump housing comprising a first semi-cylindrical structure and a second semi-cylindrical structure adjacent to each other, wherein the two semi-cylindrical structures are interconnected, and due to the shape of the two semi-cylindrical structures, an inflection surface is created over the entire height of the compressor or vacuum pump housing, the inflection surface being located in the upper inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing when viewed from a top view, the coating apparatus (1) comprising: A dispersing head (3) for dispersing paint droplets, comprising a stationary part (5) and a rotating part (4) having a bell-shaped structure; Paint reservoir (6) is connected to stationary component (5) via conduit; The support structure (8) includes a fixing device that can accommodate the compressor or vacuum pump housing (2) in a fixed manner. The coating apparatus (1) is characterized in that it further includes a controller (7) for controlling the rotation speed of the rotating component (4). The controller (7) is provided with a device for controlling the rotation direction of the rotating component (4), controlling the first semi-cylindrical structure for coating the compressor or vacuum pump housing (2) in a clockwise direction, and changing the rotation direction to the second semi-cylindrical structure for coating the compressor or vacuum pump housing (2) in a counterclockwise direction. In the top view, the first semi-cylindrical structure is on the right side of the inflection point surface, and the second semi-cylindrical structure is on the left side of the inflection point surface. The coating apparatus (1) includes a paint pump (16) configured to be mounted on a conduit; The coating apparatus (1) includes a second paint pump (17), which is a gear pump and is configured to be positioned downstream of the paint pump (16) and upstream of the dispersing head (3); The coating device (1) also includes a movable arm (14), on which the dispersing head (3) is mounted; The coating apparatus (1) includes a valve (15) configured to be activated by a controller (7) and to allow paint to flow continuously through the coating apparatus (1); The controller includes a communication module for receiving and sending data, a processing module for performing analysis and calculations, and a memory module for storing data; The device used to control the rotation direction generates an electrical signal on the first communication line between the controller and the dispersing head, and the electrical signal changes the rotation direction of the rotating component. The paint pump and / or the second paint pump mounted on the conduit includes a second communication line to the controller; The coating equipment controls the flow of paint and the orientation of the dispersing head based on the shape and orientation of the compressor or vacuum pump housing; The coating apparatus (1) also includes a feeding system, which includes a regulating device that can adjust the volumetric flow rate of the coating material reaching the dispersing head (3); the controller (7) adjusts the volumetric flow rate of the coating material through an algorithm.

2. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (7) enables the movable arm (14) to move on the vertical and horizontal axes.

3. The coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regulating device is selected from the group consisting of pumps, compressors, or flow meters.

4. The coating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The diffuser (3) includes an air receiver (11).

5. The coating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The coating apparatus (1) includes a bypass pipe (18) configured to bypass the second paint pump (17).

6. The coating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The controller (7) includes devices for adjusting the pressure at the paint pump (16) and / or the rotational speed of the second paint pump (17).

7. The coating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The coating apparatus (1) includes a pressure vessel and one or more pressure sensors at the dispersing head (3).

8. The coating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The paint reservoir (6) includes a pneumatic agitator (19).

9. A method for coating a compressor or vacuum pump housing (2), the compressor or vacuum pump housing comprising a first semi-cylindrical structure and a second semi-cylindrical structure adjacent to each other, wherein by interconnecting the two semi-cylindrical structures, an inflection surface is created over the entire height of the compressor or vacuum pump housing due to the shape of the two semi-cylindrical structures, the inflection surface being located in the upper inner surface of the compressor or vacuum pump housing as viewed from a top view, the method comprising the steps of: The compressor or vacuum pump housing (2) is fixed to the support structure (8) of the coating device (1); A stationary component (5) of the dispersing head (3) of the coating apparatus (1) is connected to a paint reservoir (6) via a conduit, wherein the coating apparatus (1) includes a paint pump (16) configured to be mounted on the conduit; the coating apparatus (1) includes a second paint pump (17), which is a gear pump, configured to be positioned downstream of the paint pump (16) and upstream of the dispersing head (3); the coating apparatus (1) includes a valve (15) configured to be activated by a controller (7) and to allow paint to flow continuously through the coating apparatus (1). The method is characterized by further comprising the following steps: The dispersing head (3) having a rotating part (4) and a stationary part (5) is connected to the controller (7), the controller (7) controls the rotation speed of the rotating part (4), and the controller (7) is provided with a device for controlling the rotation direction of the rotating part (4); The rotation direction of the control rotating component (4) is clockwise and the first semi-cylindrical structure of the compressor or vacuum pump housing (2) is coated. The rotation direction is changed to counterclockwise and the second semi-cylindrical structure of the compressor or vacuum pump housing (2) is coated. In the top view, the first semi-cylindrical structure is on the right side of the inflection point surface and the second semi-cylindrical structure is on the left side of the inflection point surface. Install the dispersing head (3) onto the movable arm (14); The controller includes a communication module for receiving and sending data, a processing module for performing analysis and calculations, and a memory module for storing data; The device used to control the rotation direction generates an electrical signal on the first communication line between the controller and the dispersing head, and the electrical signal changes the rotation direction of the rotating component. The paint pump and / or the second paint pump mounted on the conduit includes a second communication line to the controller; The coating equipment controls the flow of paint and the orientation of the dispersing head based on the shape and orientation of the compressor or vacuum pump housing; The controller (7) uses an algorithm to adjust the volumetric flow rate of the coating reaching the dispersing head (3).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The controller (7) controls the movable arm (14) on the vertical and horizontal axes.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The controller (7) positions the dispersing head (3) facing the support structure (8).

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The controller (7) moves the dispersing head (3) from one end to the other along the longitudinal axis of the compressor or vacuum pump housing (2).

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