Automated system and automated method for supplying and treating a cleaning solution

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated system for supplying and processing cleaning solution on a car production line and a corresponding automated method. The automated system is configured for an automatic cleaning system of a spraying robot for spraying a sprayable sound-deadening material to a body-in-white on a car production line. A cleaning solution supply assembly is provided, comprising a raw material container, a buffer container and a waste container. A cleaning solution processing assembly is provided, which is assigned to a cleaning solution tank of a corresponding spraying robot, comprising a third pneumatic pump and a filter. The buffer container is connected in a circulation loop with the cleaning solution tank, the output of the buffer container being assigned a controlled second pneumatic pump. The automated system is operable in a circulation mode, alternately carrying out an emptying operation and a filling operation of the cleaning solution tank. By this, an automated filling of the cleaning solution tank is enabled, increasing the production efficiency, reducing the consumption of cleaning solution and reducing the amount of waste liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle manufacturing technology, and more specifically, to an automated system and a corresponding automated method for supplying and processing cleaning solutions for painting robots on an automobile production line. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in automotive technology and increasing user demands for vehicle performance, painting robots are widely used on automotive production lines, especially in dedicated paint shops. These robots are configured to apply sprayable sound-damping materials to the car body, resulting in vehicles with excellent sound insulation performance. Sprayable sound-damping materials are abbreviated as SSD, also known as liquid sprayable sound-damping coatings, abbreviated as LASD. The spray nozzles of the painting robots need to be regularly cleaned with a cleaning solution during the automotive production line process to ensure the required spray quality. For this purpose, painting robots are typically equipped with a cleaning system. Typically, the cleaning solution may consist primarily of water, with additives such as surfactants added to the water. Cleaning solutions suitable for painting robots are commercially available.

[0003] In production practice, painting robots, along with their associated cleaning systems, typically operate automatically. These automated cleaning systems contain cleaning solution tanks. Typically, these tanks are manually emptied and refilled after a predetermined operating time. On the one hand, manually emptying and refilling the cleaning solution tanks can cause the painting robot to stop, thus halting the automotive production line. On the other hand, manually emptying the tanks results in a large amount of waste liquid awaiting treatment, which is environmentally unfriendly, related to high cleaning solution consumption and high waste liquid treatment costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide an automated system and a corresponding automated method for supplying and processing cleaning solutions on an automotive production line, thereby enabling automated filling of the cleaning solution tank in the automatic cleaning system of a painting robot, improving production efficiency, reducing cleaning solution consumption, reducing waste liquid volume, and corresponding waste liquid treatment costs.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to an automated system for supplying and handling cleaning solutions on an automotive production line. This automated system is configured with an automatic cleaning system for a painting robot used to spray paintable sound-damping material onto a car body-in-white on the production line. The automatic cleaning system is used to automatically clean the spray nozzles of the painting robot, wherein...

[0006] The automated system includes a cleaning solution supply assembly comprising a raw material container for containing fresh cleaning solution, a buffer container for containing waste cleaning solution, and a waste container for containing waste cleaning solution. The buffer container is automatically replenished with fresh cleaning solution from the raw material container via a controlled first pneumatic pump.

[0007] At least one cleaning solution treatment assembly, each cleaning solution treatment assembly being configured with a cleaning solution tank of an automated cleaning system for a corresponding spraying robot, the cleaning solution treatment assembly including a third pneumatic pump and a filter;

[0008] The buffer container is connected to the cleaning solution tank to form a circulation loop. The circulation loop includes an inlet pipe from the output end of the buffer container to the cleaning solution tank and a return pipe from the cleaning solution tank through the cleaning solution processing assembly to the input end of the buffer container. The output end of the buffer container is equipped with a controlled second pneumatic pump.

[0009] The automated system can operate in a cyclic mode, in which the emptying and filling operations of the cleaning solution tank are performed alternately. In the emptying operation, the third pneumatic pump is activated and the second pneumatic pump is deactivated, so that the contaminated cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank is conveyed to the buffer container after being filtered by the filter. In the filling operation, the third pneumatic pump is deactivated and the second pneumatic pump is activated, so that the cleaning solution in the buffer container is conveyed to the cleaning solution tank.

[0010] In the automated system according to the invention, the emptying and filling of the cleaning solution tank can be automated, replacing manual emptying and filling, thereby improving production efficiency. Furthermore, the used cleaning solution can be recycled after filtration, which reduces the consumption of cleaning solution, the amount of waste liquid, and the corresponding waste liquid treatment costs, thus lowering production costs.

[0011] In some embodiments, the automated system may be configured to perform filling from the raw material container to the buffer container in relation to the liquid level of the buffer container, wherein a first pneumatic pump is activated when a predetermined low liquid level is reached in the buffer container to fill the buffer container with fresh cleaning solution from the raw material container, and the first pneumatic pump is deactivated when a predetermined high liquid level is reached in the buffer container to end the filling of the buffer container with fresh cleaning solution from the raw material container to the buffer container.

[0012] In some embodiments, the buffer container may have a level sensor and a level limit switch, the level sensor being configured to sense the level of the buffer container, and the level limit switch being configured to determine the maximum level of the buffer container, and a first pneumatic pump being controlled based on the signals from the level sensor and the level limit switch.

[0013] In some embodiments, the emptying and filling operations of the cleaning solution tank can be performed alternately in the circulation mode, wherein the emptying operation is performed until a predetermined low level of the cleaning solution tank is reached, and the filling operation is performed until a predetermined high level of the cleaning solution tank is reached.

[0014] In some embodiments, the automated system is configured to terminate the cycle when a predetermined cycle duration is reached, and to finally fill the cleaning solution tank from the buffer container to a predetermined high level. For example, the predetermined cycle duration can be 5 to 15 minutes, such as 8 to 12 minutes, or approximately 10 minutes.

[0015] In some implementations, the automated system is configured to eventually fill the cleaning solution tank to a predetermined high level after a predetermined number of cycles, thus ending the cycle. For example, the predetermined cycle duration can be 2 to 5 cycles, such as 3 or 4 cycles.

[0016] In some implementations, the predetermined low level of the cleaning solution tank may correspond to less than 10% of the total volume of the cleaning solution tank, for example, about 5%.

[0017] In some implementations, the predetermined high level of the cleaning solution tank may correspond to more than 90% of the total volume of the cleaning solution tank, for example, about 95%.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution tank container may have a level sensor for sensing the liquid level in the cleaning solution tank and a level limit switch for determining the maximum liquid level in the cleaning solution tank, and the second pneumatic pump and the third pneumatic pump can be controlled according to the signals from the level sensor and the level limit switch of the cleaning solution tank.

[0019] In some implementations, at least one pneumatic pump, and especially all of the pneumatic pumps, may be a diaphragm pump driven by compressed air.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution supply assembly may include a base, a raw material container, a buffer container, and a waste container disposed on the base.

[0021] In some embodiments, the buffer container may be centrally positioned on the base.

[0022] In some embodiments, the base may have roller sets on both sides of the buffer container, the raw material container may be replaceably mounted on one roller set on one side of the buffer container, and the waste container may be replaceably mounted on another roller set on the other side of the buffer container.

[0023] In some embodiments, the base may be configured such that two raw material containers may be disposed on one roller group and two waste containers may be disposed on the other roller group.

[0024] In some implementations, the support can extend vertically upward from the base, on which components of the cleaning solution supply assembly can be mounted.

[0025] In some embodiments, a compressed air control unit and / or a mechanical structural unit for supplying compressed air to at least one pneumatic pump and / or a pipe section for the solution may be mounted on the bracket.

[0026] In some implementations, the mechanical structural unit for compressed air may have an interface for an external compressed air source.

[0027] In some embodiments, the pipe segment may integrate an interface for the input end of the buffer container and / or an interface for the output end and / or an interface with the first pipe and / or an interface with the second pipe.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution supply assembly may include a solution collection tank disposed at the bottom of the base.

[0029] In some embodiments, the waste container may have a level sensor and a level limit switch, the level sensor being configured to sense the level of the waste container, and the level limit switch being configured to determine the maximum level of the waste container, wherein filling of the waste container can be prohibited by a signal from the level limit switch.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution supply assembly can be configured for multiple (e.g., two, three, or four) painting robots, with the buffer container connected to the cleaning solution tank of each painting robot's respective automated cleaning system in a circulation loop. These circulation loops can be connected in parallel.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution treatment assembly may include an assembly frame, a third pneumatic pump, a second compressed air control unit, and a filter, the third pneumatic pump, the second compressed air control unit, and the filter being mounted to the assembly frame, the second compressed air control unit being configured to control the operation of the third pneumatic pump.

[0032] In some embodiments, the third pneumatic pump can be fixedly mounted to the assembly frame via a pump bracket.

[0033] In some embodiments, the second compressed air control unit may be mounted to the top of the assembly frame via a top bracket, and / or the cleaning solution treatment assembly may also include a pressure regulator disposed on the top bracket for adjusting the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the third pneumatic pump.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution treatment assembly may include a solution collection tank disposed at the bottom of the assembly frame.

[0035] In some embodiments, a one-way valve may be provided in the piping between the third pneumatic pump and the filter, the one-way valve being configured to allow only unidirectional flow from the third pneumatic pump to the filter.

[0036] In some embodiments, a first pressure gauge and / or a first shut-off valve may be installed downstream of the check valve and upstream of the filter, and / or a second pressure gauge and / or a second shut-off valve may be installed downstream of the filter. Preferably, the shut-off valve is a ball valve.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution treatment assembly may include a first piping assembly extending vertically downstream of a third pneumatic pump, a second piping assembly extending horizontally immediately following the first piping assembly, and a third piping assembly extending vertically immediately following the second piping assembly, wherein a filter is disposed in the second piping assembly, the filter being vertically oriented and extending downward from the second piping assembly.

[0038] A second aspect of the invention relates to an automation method for operating the automation system of the invention, wherein,

[0039] The automated method includes automated filling from a raw material container to a buffer container, the automated filling comprising the steps of:

[0040] - Determine the predetermined low liquid level in the buffer container;

[0041] -Activate the controlled first pneumatic pump to fill the buffer container with fresh cleaning solution from the raw material container;

[0042] - Determine the predetermined high liquid level in the buffer container;

[0043] -Activate the first pneumatic pump to finish filling the buffer container with fresh cleaning solution from the raw material container;

[0044] The automation method further includes a cyclic operation, which includes: alternately performing an emptying operation and a filling operation of the cleaning solution tank, wherein in the emptying operation, a third pneumatic pump is activated and a second pneumatic pump is deactivated, so that the contaminated cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank is conveyed to a buffer container after being filtered by a filter until a predetermined low level of the cleaning solution tank is reached; and in the filling operation, the third pneumatic pump is deactivated and the second pneumatic pump is activated, so that the cleaning solution in the buffer container is conveyed to the cleaning solution tank until a predetermined high level of the cleaning solution tank is reached.

[0045] Specifically, when the predetermined cycle duration is reached, the cycle ends, and the cleaning solution tank is finally filled to the predetermined high level from the buffer container; or when the predetermined number of cycles is reached, the cleaning solution tank is finally filled to the predetermined high level, and the cycle ends.

[0046] In some implementations, the automation method may further include:

[0047] - Receive instructions to directly empty the cleaning solution tank;

[0048] - Switching the associated control valve and the associated pneumatic pump allows the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank to be directly discharged into the waste container.

[0049] In some implementations, the automation method may further include:

[0050] - Receive instructions to directly empty the buffer container;

[0051] - Switching the associated control valve and the associated pneumatic pump allows the cleaning solution in the buffer container to be directly discharged into the waste container.

[0052] In some implementations, the cyclic operation is activated at regular intervals. For example, the cyclic operation may be activated at a certain time in the morning (e.g., 9:30 am) and a certain time in the afternoon (e.g., 1:00 pm) on each production day.

[0053] The technical features mentioned above, those to be mentioned below, and those shown individually in the accompanying drawings can be combined arbitrarily, provided that the combined technical features are not contradictory. All feasible combinations of features are the technical content explicitly described herein. Any one of the multiple sub-features contained in the same statement can be applied independently, without necessarily being applied together with other sub-features. Attached Figure Description

[0054] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0055] Figure 1 This is a partial plan view of an exemplary automobile production line, in which an exemplary automated system according to the present invention is arranged.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a greatly simplified circuit diagram of the automation system according to the present invention.

[0057] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a cleaning solution supply assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Side view of the cleaning solution supply assembly.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a cleaning solution treatment assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of the automated filling of a buffer container.

[0061] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of automated replacement of cleaning solution in a cleaning solution tank. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Several exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that elements not essential for understanding the invention may be omitted from the drawings for ease of illustration and understanding. In the drawings, the same reference numerals may denote the same parts or parts that function identically. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific parts and devices, are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that not all of these specific details are necessary. The exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting.

[0063] Figure 1This is a partial plan view of an exemplary automotive production line, in which a body-in-white (not shown) to be painted can be conveyed along the automotive production line, more specifically, along the painting production line in the painting workshop. A cleaning solution supply assembly 100 is located on one side of the automotive production line, and a total of three painting robots 200 are located on both sides of the automotive production line. These robots are used to spray paintable sound damping material (SSD) onto the body-in-white on the automotive production line. The cleaning solution supply assembly 100 and the three painting robots 200 can be interconnected both fluidly and in terms of control technology. Each painting robot 200 can perform the painting automatically. Each painting robot 200 can be equipped with an automated cleaning system, or an automatic cleaning system. The painting robots 200, along with their associated automatic cleaning systems, are known and can be provided by suppliers of industrial robots. The automatic cleaning system can have a cleaning solution tank 50 (which contains...) Figure 2 (Illustrative representation) The cleaning solution tank 50 can store cleaning solution. The cleaning solution tank 50 may have a level sensor 51 for sensing the liquid level in the tank and a level limit switch 52 for determining the maximum liquid level in the tank. The automatic cleaning system can periodically apply cleaning solution to the spray nozzles of the painting robot 200 to clean the nozzles, maintaining their required working capacity and thus ensuring the painting quality of the body-in-white. During continuous painting operations, the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank 50 is consumed and becomes contaminated. For example, the volume of the cleaning solution tank 50 may be 10–30 L, preferably 12–20 L, for example, approximately 15 L. The cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank 50 can be periodically replaced to ensure the required quality of the cleaning solution in the tank. For example, in production practice, the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank 50 needs to be replaced 2–4 times daily. In the prior art, such replacements are typically performed manually by the operator, for which each of the spraying robots 200 stops working and the production process is suspended. Typically, when the cleaning solution is manually replaced, the contaminated cleaning solution remaining in the cleaning solution tank 50 is directly emptied.

[0064] Embodiments of the present invention provide an automated system for supplying and processing cleaning solutions on an automotive production line, thereby replacing the manual replacement of cleaning solutions in cleaning solution tanks and achieving automated replacement and recycling of cleaning solutions.

[0065] An exemplary automated system includes a cleaning solution supply assembly 100 and three cleaning solution processing assemblies 300, each of which is equipped with a cleaning solution tank 50 of an automated cleaning system for a corresponding spraying robot 200.

[0066] Figure 2This is a greatly simplified circuit diagram of the automated system according to the present invention, wherein only the circulation loop of the cleaning solution tank 50 and the cleaning solution supply assembly 100 of one painting robot 200 is described. The circulation loops of the cleaning solution tank 50 and the cleaning solution supply assembly 100 of the other two painting robots 200 can be configured in the same or similar manner.

[0067] Now, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 This describes an exemplary implementation of the cleaning solution supply assembly 100. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the cleaning solution supply assembly 100, and Figure 4 This is a side view of the cleaning solution supply assembly 100.

[0068] The cleaning solution supply assembly 100 includes a base 20, on which a buffer container 10, a raw material container 20, and a waste container 40 are mounted. A solution collection tank 1 is located at the bottom of the base 20. The solution collector 1 reliably prevents uncontrolled flow of solution onto the floor of the automotive production line under various operating conditions.

[0069] The buffer container 10 can typically have a volume of several hundred liters, for example, approximately 500 L. The buffer container 10 is centrally positioned on a base 20. The base 20 has roller sets 2 on both sides of the buffer container 10, each roller set 2 comprising a row of parallel, freely rotatable rollers. At least one raw material container 30 is removably mounted on one roller set 2 on one side of the buffer container 10, and at least one waste container 40 is removably mounted on another roller set 2 on the other side of the buffer container 10. Figure 1 Two raw material containers 30 and two waste containers 40 are schematically depicted using dashed cylinders. Each roller assembly 2 facilitates the movement of a full raw material container 30 onto the base 20 and the removal of a full waste container 40 from the base 20. In an exemplary embodiment, a single raw material container 30 and a single waste container 40 may have a volume approximately half that of the buffer container 10, for example, 200–300 L. Each roller assembly 2 may be equipped with a movable extension 22, which is supported on the ground by legs and is pivotable relative to the base 20. When the legs are retracted, the extension 22 forms a ramp from the base 20 to the ground. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The extension 22 of the described activity is in a horizontal position, with the supporting legs standing on the ground. From Figure 1 and Figure 2 Starting from the horizontal position shown, the extension 22 can pivot approximately 90 degrees and thus stand upright on the base 20.

[0070] The buffer container 10 can be connected to the raw material container 30 via a first conduit and can be replenished with cleaning solution from the raw material container 30. For this purpose, a first pneumatic pump 15 can be installed in the first conduit to deliver fresh cleaning solution from the raw material container 30 to the buffer container 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the first conduit, as a piping system, may include a siphon tube 14 and a hose 13. The siphon tube 14 can be inserted into the raw material container 30 through the raw material container connector 11. When the first pneumatic pump 15 is activated, fresh cleaning solution can be extracted from the raw material container 30 through the siphon tube 14 and filled into the buffer container 10. When the raw material container 30 is depleted, the siphon tube 14 can be removed from the raw material container 30 through the raw material container connector 11, and the depleted raw material container can be replaced with a new one. The first pneumatic pump 15 may be equipped with a pressure sensor 12 to detect the solution pressure at the outlet side of the first pneumatic pump 15, in order to prevent the first pneumatic pump 15 from running dry and thus easily damaged. When the first pneumatic pump 15 is activated, if the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 12 is lower than a predetermined threshold, it can be inferred that the first air pump 15 is running idle and the raw material container 30 has been consumed.

[0071] The buffer container 10 may have an output end at its bottom, which is equipped with a second pneumatic pump 18. This output end can be connected downstream of the second pneumatic pump 18 via a second conduit to the waste container 40. Advantageously, in this invention, any pneumatic pump can be configured as a diaphragm pump. The second conduit, as a piping system, may include a siphon tube 3 and a flexible hose 4. The siphon tube 3 can be inserted into an empty waste container 40 through a waste container connector. When the empty waste container 40 is filled, the siphon tube 3 can be pulled out from the filled waste container 40 through the waste container connector. Then, the filled waste container 40 can be removed from the base 20 and replaced with an empty waste container. For this purpose, the waste container 40 may have a level gauge 5 and a level limit switch 6. The level gauge 5 can display the current level of the waste container 40. The level limit switch 6 can determine a predetermined maximum level of the waste container 40. When the predetermined maximum liquid level of the waste container 40 is reached, filling of the waste container 40 can be prohibited, for example, by cutting off the supply of compressed air to the second pneumatic pump 18.

[0072] A bracket 21 extends vertically upward from the base 20 at its edge facing the automotive production line. At least one component of the cleaning solution supply assembly 100 can be arranged on this bracket 21. In the illustrated embodiment, a mechanical unit 8 for supplying compressed air to the pneumatic pumps, particularly the first pneumatic pump 15 and the second pneumatic pump 18, and perhaps other pneumatic pumps, is arranged on the bracket 21. The compressed air supply can be controlled by a compressed air control unit 9. Each pneumatic pump is activated when supplied with compressed air as a power source and is deactivated when the compressed air supply is cut off. The drive power of the corresponding pneumatic pump can be adjusted by regulating the supply pressure and / or flow rate of the compressed air. The mechanical unit 8 for compressed air may have an interface for connecting to an external compressed air source. Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the cleaning solution supply assembly 100 may integrate its own compressed air source, such as a compressor.

[0073] The buffer container 10 may have a level limit switch 16 and a level sensor 17 on its top. The level sensor 17 is configured to sense the level of the cleaning solution in the buffer container 10. The level limit switch 16 is configured to determine the maximum level of the buffer container 10. Upon receiving a signal from the level limit switch 16 indicating the maximum level, the compressed air control unit 9 can disable the operation of the first pneumatic pump 15, for example, by cutting off the compressed air supplied to the first pneumatic pump 15, based on the signal from the level limit switch 16.

[0074] The buffer container 10 may have an inlet at its top through which filtered cleaning solution from the cleaning solution reservoir 50 can be received. Advantageously, a pipe section 7 with the interface of the inlet can be provided on the support 21. Alternatively, the pipe section 7 may have the interface of the outlet. Different piping systems can be configured separately. Alternatively, different piping systems may share a common pipe section and / or a common pneumatic pump, for which associated control valves may be provided.

[0075] The buffer container 10 and a cleaning solution reservoir 50 for each spraying robot 200 can be connected to form a loop. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three such loops connected in parallel. Figure 2The diagram below only describes a simplified circuit diagram of one of the circulation loops. Each circulation loop includes an inlet line from the output of a common buffer container 10 to a corresponding cleaning solution tank 50 and a return line from the corresponding cleaning solution tank 50 to the input of the common buffer container 10. A cleaning solution treatment assembly 300, comprising a third pneumatic pump 103 and a filter 112, can be installed in the return line. The third pneumatic pump 103 drives contaminated or used cleaning solution from the cleaning solution tank 50 through the filter 112 and ultimately into the buffer container 10 via the input (specifically, the inlet port on pipe segment 7). The cleaning solution treatment assembly 300 will be described in more detail below.

[0076] Next, refer to Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of the cleaning solution treatment assembly 300 according to the present invention is described below. The cleaning solution treatment assembly 300 includes an assembly frame 101, which may be fixedly or movably disposed on the side of the automotive production line, adjacent to an associated painting robot 200. A third pneumatic pump 103 driven by compressed air may be, in particular, a diaphragm pump. The third pneumatic pump 103 can be fixedly mounted to the assembly frame 101 via a pump bracket 102. A solution collection tank 118 is provided at the bottom of the assembly frame 101. The solution collector 118 reliably prevents uncontrolled flow of solution onto the floor of the automotive production line under various operating conditions.

[0077] In a compact arrangement, a bend 104 is provided on the outlet side of the third pneumatic pump 103. A vertically extending first piping assembly is connected to the end of the bend 104 opposite to the third pneumatic pump 103. This first piping assembly includes a one-way valve 105 adjacent to the bend 104, a connector 106 adjacent to the one-way valve, and a tee connector 107 connected to the connector 106. A first shut-off valve 108 and a first pressure gauge 109 are provided in the first piping assembly via the tee connector 107. The first shut-off valve 108 is connected to one interface of the tee connector 107, and the first pressure gauge 109 is connected to the other interface of the tee connector 107. The one-way valve 105 allows only unidirectional flow from the third pneumatic pump 103 to the filter 112. A first shut-off valve 108 can release or shut off the first piping assembly, and a first pressure gauge 109 can measure the pressure in the first piping assembly, by which it can be inferred whether the third pneumatic pump 103 is running dry. The first piping assembly is converted to a horizontally extending second piping assembly via another bend 110, in which a filter 112 is disposed. The filter 112 is again converted to a vertically extending third piping assembly via a bend on its output side, which includes a second pressure gauge 119, a second shut-off valve 113, a connector 114, and an output connector 115. The pressure at the second pressure gauge 119 determines the filtration capacity of the filter 112. The pressure drop caused by the filter 112 can be significant after prolonged operation. A piping system (not shown) leading to the buffer container 10 can be connected to the output connector 115.

[0078] Particularly advantageously, the longitudinal midplane of the third pneumatic pump 103 and the central axis of the filter 112 can extend substantially parallel, having a first distance D1, for example, 100-200 mm, preferably about 150 mm. The filter 112 and the third piping assembly can extend substantially parallel, having a second distance D2, for example, 100-200 mm, preferably about 150 mm. The horizontally extending pipe section on the outlet side of the third pneumatic pump 103 has a distance D3 in the height direction from the bottom of the assembly frame 101, and the horizontally extending pipe section and the second piping assembly have a distance D4 in the height direction. The distance D3 can be, for example, 300-400 mm, and the distance D4 can be, for example, 200-300 mm. Advantageously, the distance D4 can be approximately equivalent to the length dimension of the filter 112.

[0079] A top bracket 117 is provided on the top of the assembly frame 101, on which a compressed air control unit 116 and a pressure regulator 111 for adjusting the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the pneumatic pump 103 are mounted. The compressed air supply can be controlled by the compressed air control unit 116. The third pneumatic pump 103 is activated when supplied with compressed air as a power source and is stopped when the compressed air supply is cut off. The drive power of the third pneumatic pump 103 can be adjusted by regulating the compressed air supply pressure via the pressure regulator 111.

[0080] A particularly advantageous feature is that replacing the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank 50 can be achieved as follows: First, the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank 50 is pumped into the buffer container 10 after being filtered by the filter 112 via the third pneumatic pump 103, until a predetermined low level, such as a substantially empty level, is reached in the cleaning solution tank 50. Then, the cleaning solution is refilled from the buffer container 10 into the cleaning solution tank 50 until a predetermined high level, such as a near-full level determined by the level limit switch 52, is reached. The above-described emptying and refilling operations of the cleaning solution tank 50 are repeated until a predetermined duration or a predetermined number of cycles is reached. In the final state, the cleaning solution tank 50 is filled to a predetermined final level, particularly a substantially full high level, such as the level determined by the level limit switch.

[0081] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of the automated filling of buffer container 10. The automated filling is activated when the level of the cleaning solution in buffer container 10 reaches a predetermined low level. Therefore, a first pneumatic pump 15 is activated to deliver fresh cleaning solution from raw material container 30 to buffer container 10. During this period, the signal from pressure sensor 12, which is coupled to the first pneumatic pump 15, determines whether the first pneumatic pump 15 is idling, and thus whether the raw material container 30 is depleted. Once the raw material container 30 is depleted, the automated filling is interrupted, the raw material container 30 is replaced, and then automated filling continues until a predetermined high level is reached in buffer container 10. The low level corresponds, for example, to 10% or less of the total volume of the entire buffer container, and the high level may correspond, for example, to 90% or more of the total volume of the entire buffer container. Once the predetermined high level is reached, the automated filling ends.

[0082] Figure 7This is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of the automated replacement of cleaning solution in cleaning solution tank 50. Typically, this automated replacement is activated on a timer. Once a predetermined activation time is reached, the automated emptying and filling of cleaning solution tank 50, or the automated replacement of cleaning solution in cleaning solution tank 50, is initiated. First, an emptying operation is performed, for which a third pneumatic pump 103 is activated until a predetermined low level is reached in cleaning solution tank 50, and then the third pneumatic pump 103 is deactivated. Next, a filling operation is performed, for which a second pneumatic pump 18 is activated until a predetermined high level is reached in cleaning solution tank 50, and then the second pneumatic pump 18 is deactivated. The emptying and filling operations are repeated as long as the timer has not ended. At the end of the automated replacement, cleaning solution tank 50 is filled to the predetermined high level. The low level, for example, corresponds to 10% or less of the total volume of the entire cleaning solution tank, and the high level, for example, may correspond to 90% or more of the total volume of the entire cleaning solution tank.

[0083] In one alternative implementation, the duration of the automated replacement is determined by a predetermined number of cycles, such as three sequential cycles of evacuation and refilling. In another alternative implementation, the duration of the automated replacement is timed. Once the predetermined duration has elapsed, the cycle of evacuation and refilling immediately ends, and the cleaning solution tank is then filled to a predetermined high level.

[0084] Under certain predetermined conditions, such as Figure 2 As schematically indicated by dashed line 19, buffer container 10 and / or cleaning solution tank 50 can be emptied directly into waste container 40 and / or solution collector 1, 118, for example, during routine equipment maintenance, or in the event of equipment failure, or when the cleaning solution in cleaning solution tank 50 is so contaminated that recycling is not advisable.

[0085] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the one” as used herein should include the plural forms unless the context explicitly states otherwise. It is understood that the terms “comprising” and “including,” and other similar terms, when used in the application documents, specifically describe the presence of the stated operation, element, and / or component, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The term “and / or” as used herein includes all arbitrary combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals always denote similar elements.

[0086] The thickness of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. It is also understood that if an element is described as being on, coupled to, or connected to another element, then the element may be directly formed on, coupled to, or connected to the other element, or there may be one or more intermediate elements between them. Conversely, if the expressions "directly on," "directly coupled to," and "directly connected to" are used herein, it indicates that there is no intermediate element. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly, such as "between" and "directly between," "attached" and "directly attached," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.

[0087] Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “over,” “under,” etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region relative to another element, layer, or region, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these terms should also encompass other orientations of the device in addition to those described in the accompanying drawings.

[0088] It is understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept.

[0089] It can also be considered that all the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely for understanding the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, modifications can be made based on the above embodiments, and these modifications do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated system for supplying and handling cleaning solutions on an automotive production line, the automated system being configured with an automated cleaning system for a spraying robot used to spray paintable sound-damping material onto a car body-in-white on the automotive production line, the automated cleaning system being used to automatically clean the spray nozzles of the spraying robot, characterized in that, The automated system includes a cleaning solution supply assembly (100) comprising a raw material container (30) for holding fresh cleaning solution, a buffer container (10) for holding waste cleaning solution, and a waste container (40) for holding waste cleaning solution. The buffer container is automatically replenished with fresh cleaning solution from the raw material container by a controlled first pneumatic pump (15). At least one cleaning solution treatment assembly (300), each cleaning solution treatment assembly being provided with a cleaning solution tank (50) of an automatic cleaning system for a corresponding spraying robot, the cleaning solution treatment assembly including a third pneumatic pump (103) and a filter (112). The buffer container is connected to the cleaning solution tank to form a circulation loop. The circulation loop includes an inlet pipe from the output end of the buffer container to the cleaning solution tank and a return pipe from the cleaning solution tank through the cleaning solution processing assembly to the input end of the buffer container. The output end of the buffer container is equipped with a controlled second pneumatic pump (18). The automated system can operate in a cyclic mode, in which the emptying and filling operations of the cleaning solution tank are performed alternately. In the emptying operation, the third pneumatic pump is activated and the second pneumatic pump is deactivated, so that the contaminated cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank is conveyed to the buffer container after being filtered by the filter. In the filling operation, the third pneumatic pump is deactivated and the second pneumatic pump is activated, so that the cleaning solution in the buffer container is conveyed to the cleaning solution tank.

2. The automation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automated system is configured to perform filling from the raw material container to the buffer container in relation to the liquid level of the buffer container, wherein when a predetermined low liquid level is reached in the buffer container, a first pneumatic pump is activated to fill the buffer container with fresh cleaning solution from the raw material container, and when a predetermined high liquid level is reached in the buffer container, the first pneumatic pump is deactivated to end the filling of the buffer container with fresh cleaning solution from the raw material container to the buffer container.

3. The automation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The buffer container has a level limit switch and a level sensor. The level sensor is configured to sense the level of the buffer container, and the level limit switch is configured to determine the maximum level of the buffer container. The first pneumatic pump can be controlled according to the signals from the level sensor and the level limit switch.

4. The automation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the cycle mode, the emptying and filling operations of the cleaning solution tank are performed alternately, wherein the emptying operation is performed until the cleaning solution tank reaches a predetermined low level, and the filling operation is performed until the cleaning solution tank reaches a predetermined high level. Specifically, when the predetermined cycle duration is reached, the cycle ends, and the cleaning solution tank is finally filled to the predetermined high level from the buffer container; or when the predetermined number of cycles is reached, the cleaning solution tank is finally filled to the predetermined high level, and the cycle ends.

5. The automation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cleaning solution storage tank container has a level sensor for sensing the liquid level in the cleaning solution storage tank and a level limit switch for determining the maximum liquid level in the cleaning solution storage tank. The second pneumatic pump and the third pneumatic pump can be controlled according to the signals from the level sensor and the level limit switch of the cleaning solution storage tank.

6. The automation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cleaning solution supply assembly includes a base (20), a raw material container, a buffer container and a waste container disposed on the base, and a first solution collection tank (1) is provided at the bottom of the base. The buffer container and the raw material container are connected in a flow-guiding manner through a first pipeline. A first pneumatic pump (15) and a pressure sensor (12) are disposed in the first pipeline. The cleaning solution supply assembly also includes a first compressed air control unit (9). The first compressed air control unit is configured to control the operation of the first pneumatic pump. The signal from the pressure sensor can be used to infer whether the first pneumatic pump is running dry and / or whether the raw material container is exhausted. The buffer container is centrally located on the base, and the base has roller groups (2) on both sides of the buffer container. The raw material container is replaceably located on one roller group on one side of the buffer container, and the waste container is replaceably located on another roller group on the other side of the buffer container. At least one of the following components is mounted on a support (21) extending vertically upward from the base: a first compressed air control unit (9), a mechanical structure unit (8) for connecting to an external compressed air source, and a pipe section (7) for the solution, wherein the pipe section integrates the interface of the input end and / or the interface of the output end.

7. The automation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The waste container has a liquid level sensor and a liquid level limit switch. The liquid level sensor is configured to sense the liquid level in the waste container, and the liquid level limit switch is configured to determine the maximum liquid level in the waste container. Filling of the waste container can be prohibited by the signal from the liquid level limit switch.

8. The automation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cleaning solution treatment assembly (300) includes an assembly frame (101), a third pneumatic pump (103), a second compressed air control unit (116), and a filter (112). The third pneumatic pump, the second compressed air control unit, and the filter are mounted to the assembly frame. The second compressed air control unit is configured to control the operation of the third pneumatic pump. A second solution collection tank (118) is provided at the bottom of the assembly frame. The cleaning solution treatment assembly also includes a one-way valve (105) disposed in the pipeline between the third pneumatic pump and the filter, the one-way valve being configured to allow only unidirectional flow from the third pneumatic pump to the filter; A first pressure gauge and / or a first shut-off valve are installed downstream of the check valve and upstream of the filter, and a second pressure gauge and / or a second shut-off valve are installed downstream of the filter.

9. The automation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the automation system is configured for multiple painting robots, and a common buffer container is connected to the cleaning solution tank of each painting robot to form a circulation loop.

10. An automation method for operating an automation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The automated method includes automated filling from a raw material container to a buffer container, the automated filling comprising the steps of: - Determine the predetermined low liquid level in the buffer container; - Activate the controlled first pneumatic pump to fill the buffer container with fresh cleaning solution from the raw material container; - Determine the predetermined high liquid level in the buffer container; and The first pneumatic pump is activated, and fresh cleaning solution is then transferred from the raw material container to the buffer container. The automation method further includes a cyclic operation, which includes: alternately performing an emptying operation and a filling operation of the cleaning solution tank, wherein in the emptying operation, a third pneumatic pump is activated and a second pneumatic pump is deactivated, so that the contaminated cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank is conveyed to a buffer container after being filtered by a filter until a predetermined low level of the cleaning solution tank is reached; and in the filling operation, the third pneumatic pump is deactivated and the second pneumatic pump is activated, so that the cleaning solution in the buffer container is conveyed to the cleaning solution tank until a predetermined high level of the cleaning solution tank is reached. Specifically, when the predetermined cycle duration is reached, the cycle ends, and the cleaning solution tank is finally filled to the predetermined high level from the buffer container; or when the predetermined number of cycles is reached, the cleaning solution tank is finally filled to the predetermined high level, and the cycle ends.

11. The automation method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The automation method also includes: - Receive instructions to directly empty the cleaning solution tank and / or buffer container; - Switch the associated control valve and associated pneumatic pump to allow the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution tank and / or buffer container to be discharged directly into the waste container.

12. The automation method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The cycle is activated periodically.

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