Atomizer comprising air supply skirt and method of mounting skirt on body of such atomizer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nebulizer comprising an air supply skirt and a method of mounting the skirt on the body of such a nebulizer. A coated product atomizer (2) comprises a body (4), an air supply skirt (6) attached to the body, and a magnetic suction device between a magnet and the air supply skirt. The nebulizer comprises a magnetic pneumatic or magnetic hydraulic system (100) comprising a magnetic device (100A) for hooking the air supply skirt (6) to the body (4) and a pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism (100B) for locking and clamping the air supply skirt to the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coating product atomizer equipped with an air supply skirt that allows air flow to be distributed near a spray member of the atomizer for directing or shaping a cloud of coating product droplets leaving the spray member. The spray member may be a rotating bowl or a magnetic spray head. Background Art

[0002] It is known that the air supply skirt is mounted on the atomizer body by screwing. This technology requires the arrangement of threaded notches on the outside of the air supply skirt, allowing tools to apply the tightening or loosening torque. These notches are potential accumulation areas for coating products, resulting in the risk of soiling the atomizer or the coating surface. In addition, the speed of tightening the skirt onto the atomizer body is relatively slow, and tools such as dynamometers are needed to check whether the torque applied is sufficient to ensure an airtight seal between the air supply skirt and the rest of the atomizer. Finally, the tightening usually has to be performed manually, so that the method of automating the replacement of the air supply skirt has proved to be very complicated in practice.

[0003] Some of these problems have been solved by the atomizers described in EP3222360A1 and US2017 / 266672A1, both of which disclose a coated product atomizer equipped with a magnetic attraction means between the air supply skirt and the fixed member. This solution is generally satisfactory. However, the force required to mount the air supply skirt on the atomizer body to make it seal is considerable, especially when compressing the seal arranged at the interface between the air supply skirt and the main atomizer body. Therefore, strong magnets must be used, and the force applied is very strong, so there is potential danger, especially in the case where the user's fingers or tools carried by the user are trapped. In addition, due to the high strength of the magnetic force, in actual operation, during maintenance operations, specific tools must be used to remove the air supply skirt. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention is particularly intended to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a new atomizer for coated products in which the mounting of the air supply skirt to the body is easier and safer for the operator, this mounting being largely automated.

[0005] To this end, the object of the present invention is an atomizer for coated products, comprising a body, an air supply skirt attached to the body and a magnetic attraction device between the magnet and the air supply skirt, characterized in that the atomizer comprises a magneto-pneumatic or magneto-hydraulic system, which comprises

[0006] -Magnetic means for hooking the air supply skirt to the body; and

[0007] - Pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism for locking and clamping the air supply skirt to the body.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the magnetopneumatic or magnetohydraulic system of the atomizer allows, in a first phase, to apply a magnetic force to hook the air supply skirt to the body, and then, in a second phase, to apply a mechanical force to clamp the air supply skirt to the body, which in particular allows the seal arranged between the skirt and the body to be compressed. This two-stage operation means that the magnetic force applied by the magnetic device is relatively low, making it less dangerous for the user to manipulate the air supply skirt mounted on the body. The fact that this magnetic force is relatively low makes it easier to remove the air supply skirt relative to the body. Moreover, this relatively low magnetic force and the automatable nature of the magnetopneumatic or magnetohydraulic system make the atomizer compatible with a method for mounting or dismounting the air supply skirt on the atomizer body with the help of a robot.

[0009] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such an atomizer may comprise one or more of the following features, according to any technically permissible combination:

[0010] -The magnetic hooking device is configured to apply an axial magnetic force with a first strength parallel to the longitudinal axis of the atomizer between the air supply skirt and the main body, and the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism is configured to apply an axial mechanical force with a second strength parallel to the longitudinal axis of the atomizer between the air supply skirt and the main body, and the second strength is strictly greater than the first strength.

[0011] The atomizer comprises a seal disposed between the air supply skirt and the body, the seal compressed by a mechanical force applied by a pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism isolating the shaping gas flow duct arranged in the body and in the body of the air supply skirt from the outside of the atomizer.

[0012] The air supply skirt comprises a sleeve made of ferromagnetic material, centred on the longitudinal axis of the atomizer in the configuration in which the air supply skirt is mounted on the body and equipped with at least one external relief for cooperating with a pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism.

[0013] The magnetic hooking means comprise a permanent magnet mounted on a support movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the atomizer, and the permanent magnet or the support is configured to receive in the base the end of the sleeve opposite the skirt.

[0014] The pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism comprises a piston movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the atomizer, located in a chamber selectively supplied with a pressurized fluid, the piston being equipped with an engagement member engaging with the external relief of the sleeve.

[0015] - the engaging member is a ball, the piston comprises a cam surface inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the atomizer, when the air supply skirt is hooked to the body by the magnetic hooking device, and when the piston is displaced towards the end of the sleeve opposite to the body of the air supply skirt, the cam surface exerts an engaging force on the ball in an external relief of the sleeve, which force is centric relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] The atomizer comprises at least one elastic member for returning the piston to a position in which the engagement member is unloaded from the exterior of the sleeve.

[0017] - the atomizer comprises a tool for disassembling the air supply skirt, which comprises a hook-unloading device on the air supply skirt and is configured to exert a force on the air supply skirt parallel to the longitudinal axis of the atomizer and opposite to the magnetic force exerted on the air supply skirt by the magnetic hook-unloading device.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the subject of the invention is a method for mounting an air supply skirt on a body of an atomizer for a coated product as described above, characterised in that the method comprises at least the following successive steps:

[0019] a) introducing the sleeve of the air supply skirt into the central housing of the main body until the magnetic hooking device exerts a magnetic hooking force on the air supply skirt on the main body; and

[0020] b) Supplying pressurized fluid to the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism until the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism applies mechanical force to clamp the air supply skirt to the body.

[0021] Advantageously, the atomizer is such that, in step b), the piston displaces the ball towards the bottom of the central housing, the drive sleeve engaging with the ball in an external relief. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will become more apparent on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a partially exploded longitudinal section of an atomizer according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 Belongs to Figure 1 An exploded perspective longitudinal section of the magneto-pneumatic system of the atomizer;

[0025] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 atomizer, in both illustrations A) and B), Figure 1 Atomizer in the first step of mounting the air supply skirt to the body, illustration B) is a larger scale view of detail B on illustration A);

[0026] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3's view, in the second step of the installation method;

[0027] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 3 's view, in the third step of the installation method;

[0028] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 3 's view, in the fourth step of the installation method;

[0029] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the atomizer with the skirt mounted on the body, and a skirt removal tool;

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective axial section of the atomizer shown in the previous figure, with the skirt now removed;

[0031] Fig. 9 is similar to Figure 1 , for an atomizer according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[0032] Fig.10 is similar to Figure 1 , for an atomizer according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figures 1 to 8 The illustrated coating product atomizer 2 comprises a body 4 assembled from an outer part 42 , an inner part 44 and a base 46 .

[0034] For example, a coating product is a liquid paint, primer or clearcoat applied to an automobile body or component.

[0035] Screws 48 fix the parts 42, 44 and 46 of the body. These screws 48 protrude relative to the front face 428 of the outer part 42.

[0036] The atomizer 2 is of an internally charged electrostatic type, and includes a not-shown high voltage unit configured to raise the coating product sprayed from the atomizer 2 to a given potential.

[0037] The longitudinal axis of the atomizer 2 is marked A2.

[0038] The front side of the atomizer 2 or its components is defined as the side that turns toward the part to be coated when the atomizer 2 is in use, and the rear side is defined as the side away from the front side. In the figure, the front side of the atomizer 2 is turned up and the rear side is turned down.

[0039] In the assembled configuration of the atomizer 2, an air supply skirt 6 is mounted on the body 4. The air supply skirt 6 comprises a skirt body 62 and a sleeve 64 screwed onto the skirt body 62.

[0040] Alternatively, the skirt 62 and sleeve may be secured together by crimping, welding, and / or bonding.

[0041] The secure connection between the skirt 62 and the sleeve 64 is made at the front end 641 of the sleeve.

[0042] The sleeve 64 is made of a ferromagnetic material, such as steel.

[0043] The spray bowl 8 also belongs to the atomizer 2 and is intended to be driven in rotation about the longitudinal axis A2 by a turbine, the rotor of which is referenced 10. The stator of the turbine is constituted by the inner part 44 of the body 4 and carries the end pieces 12 equipped with annular permanent magnets 14.

[0044] In the configuration in which the bowl 8 is mounted on the turbine rotor 10 , the annular surface 82 of the bowl 8 made of ferromagnetic material faces the permanent magnets 14 and functions to form a magnetic bearing between the bowl 8 and the permanent magnets 14 when the air flow is directed between the permanent magnets 22 and the annular surface 82 .

[0045] Alternatively, only a portion of the bowl 8 defining the annular surface 82 is made of ferromagnetic material.

[0046] The atomizer 2 also comprises a coating product injector 16 , the downstream end 162 of which penetrates into the central hole 84 of the bowl 8 in the configuration in which the bowl is mounted on the rotor of the turbine 10 .

[0047] A cover 18 is mounted around the body 4 to protect the body from the sprayed coating product.

[0048] The skirt 62 is provided with a plurality of channels 622 passing right through it, according to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, in a configuration in which the air supply skirt 6 is mounted on the body 4, and each feeds an outlet hole 624 through which the air jet can be directed towards the cloud of coating product leaving the edge 86 of the bowl 8, thereby shaping the jet of coating product and / or directing it towards the object to be coated. The outlet holes 624 are arranged on a circular front face 626 of the skirt 62.

[0049] The skirt 62 defines a recessed housing 628 in which a front portion of the outer member 42 of the body 4 is received in a configuration in which the air supply skirt 6 is mounted on the body 4. The recessed housing 628 is located at the rear of the skirt 62.

[0050] The outer part 42 of the body 40 comprises ducts 422 for conveying air to the air supply skirt 6. These ducts 422 are supplied with air by ducts 442 which extend substantially in different planes, such as Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6 of the planes shown in , of which only the downstream end is visible in these figures.

[0051] The bottom 628a of the concave shell 628 is provided with two annular grooves 628c and 628d, which act as distributors to feed the two sets of pipes 622 from the outlet 424 of the pipes 422. To ensure the sealing between the pipes 422 and the grooves 628c, 628d, O-rings 20 are arranged in the annular grooves 426 of the front face 428 of the external part 42 of the body 4, that is, in the interface area between the body 4 and the skirt 6. These O-rings 20 are intended to abut against the bottom 628a of the concave shell 628 and be compressed.

[0052] In the example in the figures, the O-ring 20 and the annular groove 426 are concentric and the number is 3. In an alternative solution not shown, the number and / or shape of the O-ring 20 and the annular groove 426 are different.

[0053] The sleeve 64 is provided to engage with a central housing L2 of the atomizer 2 , which is defined radially along the longitudinal axis A2 between the outer part 42 and the inner part 44 of the body 4 .

[0054] The rear edge of the sleeve 64 is marked 642, in other words, the edge of the sleeve opposite 62. The end of the sleeve 64 closest to the rear edge 642 is marked 644. The rear edge 642 defines a rear end 644 opposite the skirt 62. The rear end 644 is opposite the front end 641 of the sleeve 64.

[0055] The outer radial surface of the sleeve 64 is marked as S64. The outer radial surface is provided with a peripheral groove 646, which forms a concave shell outside the sleeve 64. The rear edge of the peripheral groove 646 is marked as 646a, that is, the edge of the groove closest to the end 644 of the sleeve 64.

[0056] An outer peripheral rib on the sleeve 64 is referenced 647, which separates the peripheral groove 646 from the end 644. The trailing edge of the rib is referenced 647a, in other words, the edge of the rib closest to the end 644 of the sleeve 64.

[0057] In the central housing L2 a magneto-pneumatic system 100 is provided to ensure the hooking of the skirt 6 to the body 4 and to clamp it thereon. The magneto-pneumatic system 100 comprises a magnetic hooking device 100A and a pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B for clamping the air supply skirt 6 to the body 4.

[0058] The hooking obtained by the magnetic hooking means 100A ensures that the air supply skirt 6 remains in place on the body 4 even when the body is moved by a multi-axis robot or reciprocator on which the atomizer is mounted. The displacement of the atomizer causes accelerations on the air supply skirt 6, which may have the effect of pushing the sleeve 64 out of the central housing L2. The magnetic hooking force is designed to resist these accelerations.

[0059] The clamping force allows the air supply skirt 6 to be finally positioned on the body 4 and compresses the O-ring 20, thus ensuring the sealing of the circuit that will supply air to the outlet orifices 624 to form the cloud of coating product.

[0060] In the configuration in which the magneto-pneumatic system 100 is installed in the atomizer 2 , the magneto-pneumatic system 100 extends along a longitudinal axis A100 coinciding with the longitudinal axis A2 of the atomizer 2 .

[0061] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 comprises a cover 102 which is fixed to the body 4 by screws which pass through one or more lugs 102a provided on the outside of the cover 102. One of these screws is located at Figure 2 It is indicated by its axis 103.

[0062] The cover 102 defines an annular volume V102 centered on the longitudinal axis A100 and bounded by an inner radial wall 102b and an outer radial wall 102c.

[0063] The channel 102d is arranged in the thickness of the outer radial wall 102c and allows a duct 446 arranged in the inner part 44 of the body 4 to be fluidically connected with the volume V102.

[0064] On the other hand, the inner wall 102 b of the cover 102 ends with a chamfered edge 102 e that converges towards the longitudinal axis A100 , turning in the direction of the volume V102 and opposite the bottom 102 f of the volume V102 , ie, towards the rear of the cover 102 .

[0065] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 also comprises a cup 104 placed at the rear bottom of the central housing L2 . In the example shown in the figures, the bottom of the central housing L2 is opposite to its front opening and is defined by the inner part 44 .

[0066] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 further comprises an annular piston 106 equipped with two sealing segments 107a and 107b. In the example, the sealing segments are formed by two O-rings, which are respectively located in two peripheral grooves 106a and 106b on the outside and inside of the piston 106. The O-rings 107a and 107b are not Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the grooves 106a and 106b can be more clearly seen.

[0067] Alternatively, the sealing segments are formed by lip seals. According to another alternative, they are mounted on the wall of the cover 102 facing the piston 106 .

[0068] The piston 106 is movable parallel to the coincident axes A2 and A100 and is partially engaged in the volume V102 of the cover 102. Due to the partial engagement of the piston 106 in the volume V102 and the bearing of the sealing segments 107a and 107b on the walls 102c and 102b, a sealed chamber C100 of variable volume is defined between the elements 102 and 106. This chamber C100 of variable volume is supplied with pressurized air by the duct 446 through the channel 102d. Devices not shown, such as a pressurized air source, a proportional valve and an exhaust valve, can supply pressurized air to the chamber C100 of variable volume or exhaust it to the atmosphere, depending on the order of installation or removal of the skirt 6 on the body 4. The air pressure present in the duct 446 is controlled independently of the air pressure driving the rotor 10 and the skirt air pressure in the duct 442.

[0069] Alternatively, a portion of the air driving the rotor 10 can be diverted to the duct 446. In this case, the variable volume chamber C100 can provide pressurized air as long as the turbine is running. According to another alternative, the duct 446 can be supplied with pressurized air from the air used for another function in the atomizer 2, for example from the skirt air circulating in the duct 442.

[0070] The piston 106 also defines a volume V106 for receiving a ball 108 , which constitutes a means for engaging the piston 106 with the outer peripheral groove 646 of the sleeve 64 .

[0071] Advantageously, a ball 108 is mounted in each volume V106 .

[0072] Each ball 108 is received in a volume V106 and may or may not protrude from an opening O106 constituting the outlet of each volume V106 onto the inner peripheral surface S106 of the piston 106 .

[0073] Each volume V106 is defined on the side opposite to its opening O106 by a surface S106 which converges forward in the direction of the longitudinal axis A100 and is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis at a non-zero angle α, preferably between 15° and 60°, more preferably between 30° and 50°.

[0074] The surface S106 of each volume V106 constitutes a cam surface for guiding the ball 108 .

[0075] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 also comprises a support 110 of the same annular shape centered on the longitudinal axis A100, which is formed by a solid body 110a and a profile 110b made of ferromagnetic material. The parts 110a and 110b of the support 110 are firmly fixed together by any suitable method, in particular by bonding, crimping and / or welding.

[0076] Alternatively, the support member 110 may be formed in one piece.

[0077] The support 110 is provided with a pin 110 c for marking a position relative to the piston 106 about the longitudinal axis A100 .

[0078] The support 100 is also equipped with a stop 110d intended to engage into the volume V106 from behind the piston 106 in order to keep the balls 108 in position in these volumes.

[0079] The support 100 carries an annular permanent magnet 112, which is arranged radially inside the support 100. In this example, the permanent magnet is firmly attached to the profile 110b, for example by adhesive bonding.

[0080] On the other hand, the support member 100 , particularly the body 110 a thereof, defines a first inner conical surface S110 centered on the longitudinal axis A100 and converging toward the piston 106 , and a second inner conical surface S′110 centered on the longitudinal axis A100 and diverging toward the piston 106 .

[0081] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 further comprises a flat spring 114 forming an elastic member for returning the piston 106 and preferably the support 110 to the front.

[0082] The flat spring 114 is formed from a steel leaf. The use of the flat spring shown in the figures has the advantage of allowing a relatively large axial travel of the piston 106 while the axial space requirement of the spring 114 is minimal.

[0083] Alternatively, the flat spring 114 may be replaced by another elastic member, in particular a piece of elastomer or a helical spring.

[0084] The method of mounting the skirt 6 on the main body will now be explained.

[0085] This is achieved by a translational axial movement of the skirt 62 parallel to the longitudinal axis A2. This axial movement in translation is Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6 The arrow T in FIG. 6 indicates that the air supply skirt 6 is mounted on the main body 4 without any other movements.

[0086] The mounting of the air supply skirt 6 on the body 4 is therefore entirely caused by the relative translation movement between these parts of the atomizer 2 .

[0087] exist Figure 1 In the preliminary step shown, the air supply skirt 6 is aligned with the axis A2 and brought closer to the body 4 to achieve Figure 3 The position shown in FIG. 1 is the first step of the installation method. In this step, the rear end 644 of the sleeve 64 engages with the central housing L2 without contacting the components of the magneto-pneumatic system 100.

[0088] The skirt 6 is further mounted on the main body 4 so that the sleeve 64 reaches Figure 4 In the step shown, the rear end 644 of the sleeve 64 abuts against the permanent magnet 112 via its edge 642 , while the edge 647 a abuts against the surface S′ 110 , thereby avoiding plastic deformation of the end 644 at the end of the stroke.

[0089] In this step, a closed magnetic flux FM is established through the rear end 644 of the sleeve 64, through the parts 110a and 110b of the support 110 and through the magnets 112 which have the effect of fastening the air supply skirt 6 to the support 110 by means of an axial magnetic attraction force, which is maintained in position in the central housing L2 since it is limited to movement between the cover 102 and the cup 104. The axial magnetic attraction force between the parts 12 and 64 is parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, preferably centered on this axis, and causes the air supply skirt to hook on the body. This force is therefore the hooking force of these parts together.

[0090] The permanent magnets 112 are selected to exert a magnetic hook force on the sleeve 64 of sufficient strength to keep the air supply skirt 6 in position on the main body 4 even if the latter deviates, for example when it is mounted on the arm wrist or reciprocating mechanism of a multi-axis robot, thereby exerting an acceleration on the air supply skirt that may be pointed in the direction of withdrawal of the sleeve 64 relative to the central housing L2.

[0091] In practice, the intensity I1 of the magnetic hooking force exerted by the permanent magnet on the sleeve is between 10 and 20 daN, preferably of the order of 15 daN, which allows the air supply skirt 6 to be effectively hooked to the body 4. On the other hand, this relatively moderate value of the intensity I1 of the magnetic hooking force limits the risk of injuries to the operator due to squeezing when presenting the air supply skirt 6 and engaging the sleeve 64 in the central housing L2.

[0092] exist Figure 4 In the step shown, the air supply skirt 6 is hooked to the body 4 due to the magnetic force, but the bottom 628a of the concave shell 628 is kept at a non-zero axial distance d8, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, from the front face 428 of the outer part 42. In particular, in this step, the seal 20 is not compressed and the seal between the air circuits formed by the ducts 422 and 622 and the grooves 628c and 628d is not guaranteed facing the outside.

[0093] exist Figure 1 , 3 and 4, the spring 114 exerts a force on the support 110, causing it to move relative to the cup 104, which has the effect of engaging the stops 110d in the various volumes V106 at the points where these stops 110d bear against the balls 108, which in turn bear against the cam surface S106 of the piston 106, which has the effect of pushing the latter towards the bottom 102f of the volume V102. The variable volume chamber C100 then has a minimum volume, in particular at Figure 3 This can be seen in the inset B).

[0094] In this position, each ball 108 abuts against a chamfered edge 102e of the cover 102, keeping it in position in the corresponding volume V106, radially to the longitudinal axis A100 and centrifugally, without protruding radially from the wall 102b. Under these conditions, the balls 108 do not hinder the sliding of the sleeve 64 in the central housing L2, in particular Figure 1 , 3 In the sequence of steps shown in and 4. In particular, Figure 4 In the step shown, the ball 108 is not engaged with the outer peripheral groove 646.

[0095] from Figure 4 At the beginning of the step, channel 102d is provided with pressurized air. Figures 4 to 6 Indicated by arrow A. By comparison Figure 4 and Figure 5 It can be seen that this produces a pressurizing effect on the variable volume chamber C100, causing it to expand, in other words, to expand in the direction of the cup 104. The axial expansion of the chamber C100 is caused by the axial displacement of the piston 106 in the direction of the cup 104, parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 This displacement is due to the difference between the pressure within the variable volume chamber C100 and the external atmospheric pressure, as indicated by arrow D in FIG.

[0096] The effect of the displacement D of the piston 106 is to displace each ball 108 in the direction of the cup 104 and thus in the direction of the bottom of the central housing L2, which is then offset relative to the chamfered edge 102e of the wall 102b, which edge is then no longer relative to the centripetal radial movement of the balls 108 through the opening O106. However, taking into account the inclined nature of the cam surfaces S106 of the different volumes V106, the displacement of the piston 106 in the direction of the cup 104 exerts on the different balls 108 a centripetal force relative to the longitudinal axis A2, given by Figure 5 , and points to the outer peripheral groove 646. Thus, the supply of gas to the chamber C100 causes the various balls 108 to tighten around the sleeve 64, causing them to mesh, in other words, causing them to penetrate at least partially into the outer peripheral groove 646. The balls 108 thus constitute means for the piston 106 to mesh with the outer relief of the sleeve 64 constituted by the peripheral groove 646.

[0097] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the sequence of steps, the ball 108 pushes the support 110 in the direction of the cup 104 against the elastic force exerted by the spring 114, which acts to axially separate the spring 112 and the end 644 of the sleeve 64. In other words, in Figure 5In the step of , the rear edge 642 of the sleeve 64 no longer abuts the magnet 112 and the edge 647a no longer abuts the surface S'110. This is not a problem because the ball 108 engaged with the outer peripheral groove 646 effectively retains the sleeve 64 in the central housing L2.

[0098] exist Figure 5 At the end of the step, the value of distance d8 is relative to Figure 4 The value in the step decreases somewhat, but is still non-zero.

[0099] The variable volume chamber C100 is continuously supplied with pressurized air through the passage 102d, which causes the piston 106 to continue to move against the elastic force applied by the spring 114. Figure 6 6, and is displaced in the direction of the cup 104 in the direction of the arrow D in FIG. 6. During this displacement, the ball 108 comes to bear against the rear edge 646a of the outer peripheral groove 646 and transmits the displacement force to which it is subjected due to the movement of the piston 106 in the direction of the arrow D to the sleeve 64. Therefore, the sleeve 64 is displaced simultaneously and in the same stroke of the piston 106 in the direction of the bottom of the central housing L2, which is in the direction of the bottom of the central housing L2. Figure 6 Indicated by the displacement arrow D'.

[0100] This displacement D' of the sleeve 64 in the central housing L2 has the effect of firmly pressing the bottom 628a of the concave shell 628 against the front face 428 of the outer part 42 of the body 4, compressing the seal 20, thereby isolating the ducts 422 and 622 and the grooves 628c and 628d from the external fluid. In other words, the pneumatic mechanism 100B exerts an axial mechanical clamping force parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 on the sleeve 64 and through the ball 108, so that the bottom 628a of the concave shell 328 of the air supply skirt 6 is firmly pressed against the front face 428.

[0101] Therefore, the placement and fixing of the air supply skirt 6 on the body 4 is carried out in two stages, thanks to the magneto-pneumatic system 100. The pneumatic mechanism 100B is therefore also the mechanism for locking the air supply skirt 6 to the body 4.

[0102] The mechanical hitch 100A, including the elements 110 and 112, allows the air supply skirt 6 to be fixed to the body 2 before the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B, including the elements 102, 106, 108 and 110, effectively clamping the air supply skirt 6 to the body 4 by providing pressurized air to the variable volume chamber C100, in particular by compressing the seal 20. The cup 104 and the spring 114 are accessories to the mechanical hitch 100A and the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B in the magneto-pneumatic system 100.

[0103] The strength I2 of the mechanical clamping force obtained by means of the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B is strictly greater than the strength of the magnetic force mentioned above.

[0104] For example, the strength of the mechanical force obtained by the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B may be between 80 and 200 daN, preferably between 100 and 150 daN, and more preferably in the order of 120 daN.

[0105] A method of installing the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4 includes two main steps, namely

[0106] - The fact that the insertion of the sleeve 64 into the central housing L2 until the rear edge 642 comes into contact with the permanent element 112 causes the magnetic hooking means 100A to exert the hooking force necessary to attach the air supply skirt 6 to the body 4, producing Figure 4 The magnetic flux FM shown;

[0107] - the fact that the variable volume chamber C100 of the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B is supplied with pressurized air, as indicated by arrow A, which has the effect of causing the piston 106 and the sleeve 64 to press Figure 6 The air supply skirt 6 is moved in the direction of the arrows D and D′ and is clamped onto the body 4 , in particular, the seal 20 is compressed.

[0108] When the skirt 6 is disassembled relative to the body 4, the supply of pressurized air to the variable volume chamber C100 is stopped and the passage 102d is ventilated. The spring 114 then pushes the support 110, the ball 108 and the piston 106 towards the bottom 102f of the volume V102, thereby reducing the volume of the variable volume chamber C100.

[0109] The balls 108 then abut against the chamfered edge 102e of the wall 102b, which has the effect of returning them to the interior of the volume V106, extracting them from the outer peripheral groove 646. In other words, the balls 108 are no longer engaged with the outer peripheral groove 646. The elastic force exerted by the spring 114 therefore tends to return the piston to a position in which the balls 108 can be disengaged from the outer peripheral groove 646 of the sleeve 64.

[0110] By being pushed backwards by the spring 114, the support 110 drives the magnet 112, which contacts the rear edge 642 of the sleeve 64, which has the effect of reactivating the magnetic hooking force between the sleeve 64 and the magnet 112. The magneto-pneumatic system 100 is then in contact with the rear edge 642 of the sleeve 64. Figure 4 In a similar configuration, wherein the seal 20 is no longer compressed, the air supply skirt 6 is still hooked to the body 4 by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic flux FM indicated by the arrow F, and the air supply skirt 6 is securely retained on the body 4 for the reasons described above.

[0111] Then you can apply Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6 The air supply skirt 6 is pulled away by an axial force in the opposite direction of the middle arrow T.

[0112] In this regard, you can use Figure 7 and Figure 8 , which constitutes part of the atomizer 2 because it is included in the supply of the atomizer when the atomizer is installed at the application site of the coated product, and which has teeth 202 for hooking on the internal relief 648 of the front end 641 of the sleeve 64. The relief 648 is inclined at a non-zero angle β relative to the longitudinal axis A64 of the sleeve 64, for example between 45° and 70°. The longitudinal axes A2, A64, A100 coincide in the installation configuration of the air supply skirt on the body 4.

[0113] The removal tool 200 also includes a handle 204 that allows manual handling. Therefore, the removal tool 200 is a manual removal tool.

[0114] When the air supply skirt 6 is to be removed, the tool 200 is partially introduced into the sleeve 64 and Figure 7 The tool is then rotated about the longitudinal axis A2 along the direction of the arrow T'. Figure 7 The tool 200 is rotated in the direction of arrow R to engage the relief 202 and 648. The relief 648 then abuts against the end piece 12 and the permanent magnet 14. Given the inclined nature of the relief 648, the rotation of the tool 200 in the direction of arrow R applies an axial separation force to the relief 648 and the end piece 12, thereby inducing the rear edge 642 of the sleeve 64 to move relative to the permanent magnet 112. The strength of the magnetic hooking force is thus greatly reduced or even eliminated. The tool 200 can then be moved on the handle 204 of the tool 200. Figure 8 An axial force is applied in the direction of the arrow T" which is opposite to the direction of the arrow T', so that the air supply skirt 6 can be pulled out when the magnetic force applied by the magnet 112 is reduced or even in the absence of such force.

[0115] According to an alternative solution of the invention (not represented), the manual disassembly tool 200 can be replaced by an automatic disassembly tool, which is mounted at the end of the robot arm and performs the movements according to the arrows T', R and T", as described above.

[0116] Whether using a manual disassembly tool or an automatic disassembly tool, the method of disassembling the air supply skirt 6 from the main body 4 includes the following consecutive steps:

[0117] - fixing the removal tool 200 to the sleeve 64 , in particular by a rotational fit;

[0118] - Applying an axial force T" to the removal tool causes the sleeve 64 to separate relative to the magnetic hooking device 100A.

[0119] Furthermore, the structure of the magneto-pneumatic system 100 of the invention is compatible with the robotic mounting of the air supply skirt 6 on the body 4. Thus, according to a particular aspect, the invention allows the automatic mounting and dismounting of the air supply skirt on the atomizer body.

[0120] Bowl 8 in Figures 3 to 8 It is located in the central opening O6 of the air supply skirt 6, which is hooked and clamped on the main body 4. Figure 6 At the end of the steps shown, the magnetic force between the magnet 14 and the ferromagnetic body of the bowl is utilized. The bowl 8 is removed before the tool 200 is used.

[0121] exist Fig. 9 and 10 In the second and third embodiments of the present invention shown, similar elements to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A reference numeral not mentioned in one of the figures, or if a reference numeral not mentioned in the description is mentioned in one of the figures, it relates to the same element having the same reference numeral in the first embodiment.

[0122] In the second embodiment, the atomizer 2 is of the pneumatic type, without a rotating bowl comparable to the rotating bowl 8 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the spray head 9 is mounted on an air supply skirt 6, which comprises a skirt 62 and a sleeve 64, which are comparable to those of the first embodiment. The body 4 of the atomizer 2 defines a duct 422 connected only to a duct 622 provided in the skirt 62. A magneto-pneumatic system 100 similar to the first embodiment is provided for hooking the air supply skirt 6, already equipped with the spray head 9, on the body 4, and then applying a clamping force by means of an engagement member 108 engaging with a relief 646 of the sleeve 64, which clamping force in particular allows the O-ring 20 to be compressed.

[0123] In an alternative not shown, the air supply skirt 6 is mounted and clamped on the body 4 before the spray heads 9 are mounted on the air supply skirt. According to another alternative, the spray heads 9 are mounted on the body 4 before the air supply skirt 6 is mounted and clamped on the body 4.

[0124] Fig. 9 The shape of the body 4 shown is not limited. In particular, the body 4 does not necessarily include a rotor and a fixed part forming a stator.

[0125] In the third embodiment, the annular permanent magnet 14 is carried at its front end 641 by the air supply skirt 6, more specifically by the sleeve 64. In particular, the bowl 8 is carried on an inner radial collar 649 of the sleeve 64, in which the magnet 14 is integrated.

[0126] Thus, the subassembly consisting of the air supply skirt 6 and the bowl 8 can be installed or removed relative to the main body 4 as a unit.

[0127] The atomizer 2 of the third embodiment is equipped with a magneto-pneumatic system 100 similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0128] Alternatively, in the third embodiment, the air supply skirt 6 may be put in place in a first step, hooked and clamped on the body 4, and the bowl 8 may be attached to the air supply skirt in a second step.

[0129] In this regard, in the first embodiment, it is also alternatively possible to hook and clamp the air supply skirt 6 onto the body 4 when the bowl 8 has been engaged with the central opening O6 of the air supply skirt.

[0130] Alternatively, whatever the embodiment, the atomizer 2 is of an externally charged electrostatic type and comprises a high voltage unit and a charging electrode (not shown) configured to raise the coating product sprayed by the atomizer 2 to a given potential.

[0131] In an alternative that is not shown, when the atomizer 2 comprises a spray bowl 8, it can be securely connected to the rotor 10 by non-magnetic means, for example by screwing.

[0132] According to another alternative, applicable to all embodiments, the atomizer is not of the electrostatic type.

[0133] According to another alternative applicable to all embodiments, Figure 4 In the step of , the edge 642 of the sleeve 64 abuts against the support 110 instead of against the magnet 112. This also allows the creation of Figure 4 The enclosed flux FM type enclosed flux shown.

[0134] Regardless of the design adopted, the magneto-pneumatic system 100 can be used automatically, using the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet 114 to control the supply of pressurized air to the variable volume chamber C100 or its exhaustion by means of a valve controlled by an electronic control unit. Therefore, during the installation or removal of the air supply skirt 6, the operation of the magneto-pneumatic system 100 can be automated, thereby reducing the burden on the operator working near the atomizer 2 and making his work less dangerous.

[0135] Regardless of the embodiment, the variable volume chamber C100 of the magneto-pneumatic system 100 may alternatively provide a pressurized gas other than air.

[0136] According to another alternative of the invention, not shown, the variable volume chamber C100 of the system 100 can be supplied with a liquid, in particular water, in order to control the displacement D of the piston 106. In this case, the system 100 is a magnetohydraulic system.

[0137] As an alternative applicable to all embodiments, the O-ring 20 is mounted in a groove arranged on the bottom 628a of the recessed housing 628 and / or in grooves corresponding to the grooves 628c and 628d provided on the front face 428 of the outer part 42 of the body 4.

[0138] The present invention has been described above in the context of its application to the spraying of liquid coating products. The present invention is also applicable to the spraying of powdered coating materials.

[0139] Where technically possible, the above-described embodiments and alternatives may be used in combination.

Claims

1. A coating product atomizer (2), comprising a main body (4), an air supply skirt (6) attached to the main body, and a magnetic attraction device (112) between a magnet and the air supply skirt, characterized in that: The atomizer comprises a magneto-pneumatic or magneto-hydraulic system (100), the system comprising: Magnetic means (100A) for hooking the air supply skirt (6) to the body (4); and A pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism (100B) for locking and clamping the air supply skirt to the body.

2. The coating product atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetic hooking device (100A) is configured to apply an axial magnetic force with a first strength (I1) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the atomizer between the air supply skirt (6) and the main body (4), wherein the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) is configured to apply an axial mechanical force with a second strength (I2) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the atomizer between the air supply skirt and the main body; And the second strength is strictly greater than the first strength.

3. The coating product atomizer according to claim 2, characterized in that: It includes a seal (20) arranged between the air supply skirt (6) and the main body (4), and the seal is compressed by the mechanical force applied by the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) to isolate the air flow ducts (422, 622) arranged in the main body (4) and the skirt (62) of the air supply skirt (6) from the outside of the atomizer (2).

4. The coating product atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air supply skirt (6) comprises a sleeve (64) made of ferromagnetic material, centered on the longitudinal axis (A2) of the atomizer (2) in the configuration in which the air supply skirt is mounted on the body (4), and equipped with at least one external relief (646) cooperating with the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B).

5. The coating product atomizer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The magnetic hooking device (100A) comprises a permanent magnet (112) mounted on a support (110) movable parallel to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the atomizer (2), the permanent magnet or the support being configured to receive in a base an end (644) of the sleeve opposite to the skirt (62).

6. The coating product atomizer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) comprises a piston (106) which is movable parallel to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the atomizer (2), is located in a chamber (C100) for selectively supplying a pressurized fluid, and is provided with an engaging member (108) for engaging with the external relief (646) of the sleeve (64).

7. The coating product atomizer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The engaging member is a ball (108), the piston includes a cam surface (S106) inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the atomizer (2), and when the air supply skirt (6) is hooked to the main body (4) by a magnetic hooking device (100A) and when the piston (106) is displaced (D) toward the end (644) of the sleeve opposite to the skirt body (62) of the air supply skirt (6), the cam surface applies an engaging force (F) to the ball in the external unloading (646) of the sleeve, which force is centric relative to the longitudinal axis.

8. The coating product atomizer according to claim 6, characterized in that: At least one resilient member (114) is included for returning the piston (106) to a position disengaged from the external relief (646) of the sleeve (64).

9. A coating product atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that It includes a tool (200) for disassembling the air supply skirt (6), the disassembly tool includes a load-relief device (202) for hooking onto the air supply skirt, and is configured to apply a force (T") on the air supply skirt that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the atomizer (2), and the force is opposite to the magnetic force applied to the air supply skirt by the magnetic hooking device (100A).

10. A method for mounting an air supply skirt (6) on a body (4) for a coating product atomizer (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method comprises at least the following consecutive steps: a) introducing the sleeve (64) of the air supply skirt (6) into the central housing (L2) of the main body (4) until the magnetic hooking device (100A) exerts a magnetic hooking force on the air supply skirt on the main body; and b) supplying (A) pressurized fluid to a pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) until the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) applies a mechanical force to clamp the air supply skirt to the body.

11. An assembly method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The air supply skirt (6) of the coated product atomizer (2) comprises a sleeve (64) made of ferromagnetic material, centered on the longitudinal axis (A2) of the atomizer (2) in the configuration in which the air supply skirt is mounted on the body (4), and equipped with at least one external relief (646) cooperating with the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B); The pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) comprises a piston (106) which is movable parallel to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the atomizer (2) and is located in a chamber (C100) selectively supplied with a pressurized fluid; The piston is provided with an engagement member (108) for engaging with the external relief (646) of the sleeve (64); The engagement member is a ball (108); The piston comprises a cam surface (S106) inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the atomizer (2); When the air supply skirt (6) is hooked to the body (4) by the magnetic hooking device (100A), and when the piston (106) is displaced (D) to the end (644) of the sleeve opposite to the skirt (62) of the air supply skirt (6), the cam surface exerts an engagement force (F) on the ball in the external relief (646) of the sleeve, the force being centered relative to the longitudinal axis; as well as During step b), the piston (106) displaces the ball (108) towards the bottom of the central housing (L2), driving the sleeve (64) into engagement with the ball (108) in the external relief (646).

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