Rotary nebulizer comprising rotary bowl and magnetic connection device, and method of assembling and / or disassembling such nebulizer

Abstract

Comprising a rotating bowl and a magnetic connection device, and a method of assembling and / or disassembling such a nebulizer. The invention relates to a rotary atomizer (2) for a coating product, comprising a body (4) and a bowl (8) driven by a rotating member (10) to rotate about an axis of rotation (A2) defined by the body. The bowl is provided with a first magnetic connection means (82) capable of cooperating with a mating second magnetic connection means (14) fixed to a non-rotating part (6) of the atomizer (2). The first and second connection means can exert an at least partially axial force with respect to the axis of rotation (A2) of the bowl (8), which force causes the bowl to be rotationally connected to the rotary member. The second magnetic connection means (14) are supported by an air supply skirt (6) mounted directly on the main body (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rotary atomizer for a paint product, the atomizer comprising a body and a bowl rotating about a rotation axis defined by the body. The invention also relates to a method for assembling and / or disassembling such an atomizer. Background Art

[0002] From document WO 2005 / 082542 A1 it is known to mount a bowl on a rotary atomizer by associating first and second magnetic connection means fixed respectively to the bowl and to a non-rotating part of the atomizer, which allows the application of an integral axial force in order to produce a rotational connection between the bowl and a driving member, such as a rotor of a turbine or a shaft driven by such a rotor. Such a device is generally satisfactory.

[0003] On the other hand, it is known to equip a rotary atomizer with an air supply skirt which distributes an air flow in the vicinity of the bowl in order to guide or shape the cloud of droplets of the coating product leaving the edge of the bowl. The second magnetic connection means is then usually arranged on the central part of the atomizer body, facing the central opening of the air supply skirt, in which the bowl is engaged to cooperate with the rotary means. In this case, before the bowl is put in place, the air supply skirt should be mounted on the body and the bowl must be accurately positioned by hand relative to the second magnetic connection means. On the other hand, during maintenance operations, the bowl must be separated from the body and then the skirt must be separated from the body in two consecutive manual operations, which are difficult to carry out in environments that are not very conducive to handling, such as spray booths.

[0004] Furthermore, in some applications the bowl is relatively small in size, making it difficult to grip, resulting in the risk of the bowl falling when handled. In particular, when disassembling the bowl and the air supply skirt, if the operator acts on the skirt before removing the bowl, he / she is likely to drop the bowl and the rim of the bowl may be damaged.

[0005] Using such equipment, assembly and disassembly of the bowl and air supply skirt are complex operations that are difficult to automate. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is against these drawbacks that the present invention more particularly seeks to remedy by proposing a new rotary atomizer for coating products in which the mounting of the air supply skirt and the bowl on the body is facilitated and this mounting can be automated to a large extent.

[0007] To this end, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a rotary atomizer for a paint product, the atomizer comprising a main body and a bowl, the bowl being driven by a rotating component to rotate around a rotation axis defined by the main body, the bowl being provided with a first magnetic connection device, the first magnetic connection device being capable of cooperating with a matching second magnetic connection device fixed to a non-rotating part of the rotary atomizer for the paint product, the first magnetic connection device and the second magnetic connection device being capable of applying at least a partially axial force relative to the rotation axis of the bowl, the force causing the bowl to be rotationally connected to the rotating component, and characterised in that the second magnetic connection device is supported by an air supply skirt directly mounted on the main body.

[0008] By means of the present invention, the first and second magnetic connection means allow the air supply skirt and the bowl to be assembled in the form of a subassembly which can be handled as a unit during installation on or removal from the body. The subassembly is larger in size than the bowl alone and is therefore easier to grip. It is also less likely to fall. Furthermore, since the first and second magnetic connection means position the bowl correctly relative to the air supply skirt, correctly mounting the skirt on the body ensures that the bowl is correctly positioned relative to the body and thus relative to the rotating member that rotates the bowl.

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

[0010] The second magnetic connection means are mounted on or formed by an inner annular flange of the air supply skirt resting on the front face of the body.

[0011] - The first magnetic connection means are formed by a ferromagnetic portion of the bowl and the second magnetic connection means are formed by at least one permanent magnet.

[0012] - the first magnetic connection means are formed by at least one permanent magnet and the second magnetic connection means are formed by a ferromagnetic portion of the air supply skirt.

[0013] - the atomizer comprises a magneto-pneumatic or magneto-hydraulic system, said magneto-pneumatic or magneto-hydraulic system comprising

[0014] • Magnetic attachment means for attaching the air supply skirt to the body; and

[0015] • Pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism to lock and clamp the air supply skirt to the body.

[0016] -The magnetic adsorption 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, while the pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism for clamping 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.

[0017] The atomizer comprises a seal arranged between the air supply skirt and the body, and said seal, compressed by the axial mechanical force exerted by said pneumatic or hydraulic means for clamping, isolates the shaping air circulation duct from the outside of the atomizer.

[0018] - The air supply skirt is provided with reliefs for screwing onto matching reliefs provided on the body.

[0019] - The air supply skirt is clamped to the main body by means of a magnetic force exerted between a portion of the main body and a portion of the air supply skirt.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the subject of the invention is a method for assembling and / or disassembling an atomizer for a coating product as described above, wherein:

[0021] -When assembling the atomizer,

[0022] • in a first assembly step, the air supply skirt and the bowl are assembled and held together by a magnetic force between the first magnetic connection means and the second magnetic connection means;

[0023] • in a second assembly step, the subassembly formed by the air supply skirt and the bowl is mounted directly to the body in one go;

[0024] -When disassembling the atomizer,

[0025] • in a first disassembly step, the subassembly formed by the air supply skirt and the bowl is separated from the body at one time; and

[0026] • In a second disassembly step, the air supply skirt and the bowl are separated from each other by overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnetic connection means and the second magnetic connection means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention will become more apparent on reading the following description, which is given by way of example only and not by way of limitation, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] - Figure 1 is a partially exploded longitudinal sectional view of an atomizer according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] - Figure 2 Belongs to Figure 1 A perspective exploded longitudinal section of the magnetic-pneumatic system of the atomizer shown in;

[0030] - Figure 3 The two sub-figures A) and B) show the first sub-step of mounting the sub-assembly comprising the air supply skirt and the bowl on the body. Figure 1 The atomizer shown, sub-figure B) is an enlarged view of detail B on sub-figure A);

[0031] - Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 , but during the second sub-step of the assembly method;

[0032] - Figure 5 is similar to Figure 3 , but during the third sub-step of the assembly method;

[0033] - Figure 6 is similar to Figure 3 , but during the fourth sub-step of the assembly method;

[0034] - Figure 7 is similar to the atomizer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 sectional view of

[0035] - Figure 8 is a similar atomizer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of

[0036] - Fig. 9 is a similar atomizer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figures 1 to 6 The illustrated atomizer 2 for paint products includes a body 4 assembled from an outer member 42 , an inner member 44 and a base 46 .

[0038] For example, a coating product is a liquid paint, primer or clearcoat that is intended to be sprayed onto the body or components of a motor vehicle.

[0039] The screw 48 fixes the parts 42, 44 and 46 of the main body. The screw 48 protrudes from the front surface 428 of the outer part 42.

[0040] The atomizer 2 is an internally charged electrostatic atomizer, and includes a high voltage unit (not shown) configured to bring the paint product atomized by the atomizer 2 to a given potential.

[0041] A2 denotes the longitudinal axis of the atomizer 2 .

[0042] The front side of the atomizer part or atomizer 2 is defined as the side facing the workpiece to be sprayed during use of the atomizer 2, and the rear side is defined as the side facing the opposite direction to the front side. In the figure, the front of the atomizer 2 faces upwards and the rear faces downwards.

[0043] In the assembled configuration of the atomizer 2, the air supply skirt 6 is mounted on the body 4. The air supply skirt 6 comprises a skirt 62 and a sleeve 64 screwed onto the skirt 62.

[0044] In a variation, the skirt 62 and the sleeve are rigidly attached by crimping, welding and / or gluing.

[0045] The connection between the skirt 62 and the sleeve 64 occurs at the front end 641 of the sleeve.

[0046] The sleeve 64 is made of a ferromagnetic material, such as steel.

[0047] An atomizer bowl 8 also belongs to the atomizer 2 and is intended to be rotated about the longitudinal axis A2 by a turbine, the rotor 10 of which is indicated by 10 . The stator of the turbine is composed of an inner part 44 of the body 4 .

[0048] The bowl 8 defines a rearwardly converging male frustoconical surface 88 , while the rotor 10 defines a forwardly diverging female frustoconical surface 108 that integrally mates with the male frustoconical surface 88 .

[0049] An annular magnet 14 is supported by the radially inner annular flange 649 of the air supply skirt 6. More precisely, the magnet 14 is arranged in a groove 650 provided in the radially inner annular flange 649, towards the front of the air supply skirt 6.

[0050] In the mounted configuration in which the bowl 8 is mounted on the air supply skirt 6, the annular surface 82 of the bowl 8, which is made of ferromagnetic material, is opposed to the permanent magnet 14 before the air supply skirt is mounted on the body 4, thereby having the effect of rigidly attaching the parts 6 and 8 together, thus forming a unit-like subassembly 22 that is easy to manipulate when it is set in place on the atomizer 2 or when it is removed.

[0051] In a variant, as shown for the third embodiment, only the portion of the bowl 8 defining the annular surface 82 is made of ferromagnetic material, for example in the form of a steel ring mounted directly on the bowl 8 , which is then made of aluminium for example.

[0052] The ferromagnetic portion of the bowl defining said surface 82 forms a first magnetic connection means. The magnet 14 forms a second magnetic connection means. When the air supply skirt 6 equipped with the bowl 8 is mounted and fixed on the body 4, the first and second magnetic connection means 82, 22 cooperate to press the surface 88 of the bowl 8 against the surface 108 of the rotor 10, thus ensuring that the bowl and the rotor are fixed in rotation about the axis of rotation A2.

[0053] The atomizer 2 also comprises a paint product injector 16 , the downstream end 162 of which enters the central orifice 84 of the bowl 8 , in the mounting configuration in which the bowl is mounted on the rotor 10 of the turbine.

[0054] The protective cover 18 is installed around the main body 4 to protect the main body from splashing of the paint product.

[0055] The skirt 62 is provided with a plurality of channels 622 which, in the mounted configuration in which the air supply skirt 6 is mounted on the body 4, extend all the way through in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 and each of which supplies an outlet opening 624 through which the air jet can be directed towards the coating product cloud leaving the edge 86 of the bowl 8 in order to shape the coating product jet and / or direct it towards the object to be sprayed. The outlet openings 624 are formed on a circular front surface 626 of the skirt 62.

[0056] The skirt 62 defines a recessed seat 628 in which the front portion of the outer member 42 of the body 4 is received in the mounted configuration in which the air supply skirt 6 is mounted on the body 4. The recessed seat 628 is provided at the rear of the skirt 62.

[0057] The outer part 42 of the body 40 comprises ducts 422 for conveying air towards the air supply skirt 6. These ducts 422 are supplied with air by channels 442 which are substantially arranged at different Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6 The ?eld extends within the plane of the plane of the ?eld and only its downstream end is visible in these figures.

[0058] The bottom 628a of the recessed seat 628 is provided with two annular grooves 628c and 628d, which serve as distributors for supplying the two sets of guides 622 from the outlet 424 of the guide 422. To ensure sealing to prevent the passage of air between the guide 422 and the annular grooves 628c, 628d, the O-ring 20 is arranged in the annular groove 426 formed on the front surface 428 of the outer part 42 of the body 4, that is, in the interface area between the body 4 and the skirt 6. The O-ring 20 is intended to abut against the bottom 628a of the recessed seat 628 and be compressed.

[0059] In the example shown in the figure, the O-ring 20 and the annular groove 426 are concentric and there are three of them. In a variant (not shown), the number and / or shape of the O-ring 20 and the annular groove 426 are different.

[0060] The sleeve 64 is designed to engage in a central seat L2 of the atomizer 2 , defined radially with respect to the longitudinal axis A2 between the outer part 42 and the inner part 44 of the body 4 .

[0061] Reference numeral 642 denotes the rear edge of the sleeve 64, that is, the sleeve edge opposite to the skirt 62. Reference numeral 644 denotes the sleeve end closest to the rear edge 642. The rear edge 642 defines a rear end 644 opposite to the skirt 62. The rear end 644 is opposite to the front end 641 of the sleeve 64.

[0062] The outer radial surface of the sleeve 64 is indicated by S64. The outer radial surface is provided with an outer peripheral groove 646, which forms a recessed seat groove on the outer side of the sleeve 64. Reference numeral 646a indicates the rear edge of the outer peripheral groove 646, that is, the groove edge closest to the rear end 644 of the sleeve 64.

[0063] Reference numeral 647 denotes a peripheral rib of the sleeve 64, which separates the peripheral groove 646 from the rear end 644. Reference numeral 647a denotes a rear edge of the rib, that is, an edge of the rib closest to the rear end 644 of the sleeve 64.

[0064] The magnetic-pneumatic system 100 is arranged in the central seat groove L2 to ensure that the subassembly 22 is attracted to the body 4 and the skirt 6 is clamped to the body. The magnetic-pneumatic system 100 comprises a magnetic attraction device 100A and a pneumatic mechanism 100B for clamping the air supply skirt 6 to the body 4.

[0065] The attraction obtained by the magnetic attraction device 100A ensures that the air supply skirt 6 equipped with the bowl 8 remains in place on the body 4 even when the body is moved by a multi-axis robot or reciprocator equipped with an atomizer. The movement of the atomizer causes acceleration on the air supply skirt 6 and the bowl 8, which may have the effect of forcing the sleeve 64 to leave the central seat groove L2. The magnetic attraction force is determined to resist this acceleration.

[0066] 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 outlet orifice 624 of the circuit supplying shaping air for the cloud of paint product.

[0067] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 extends along a longitudinal axis A100 , which coincides with the longitudinal axis A2 of the atomizer 2 in an installed configuration in which the magneto-pneumatic system 100 is installed in the atomizer 2 .

[0068] The magnetic-pneumatic system 100 comprises a housing 102 fixed to the body 4 by screws extending through one or more tabs 102a provided on the outside of the housing 102. One of the screws is Figure 2 The center line 103 is represented in FIG.

[0069] The sleeve 102 defines an annular space V102 centered on the longitudinal axis A100 and delimited by an inner radial wall 102b and an outer radial wall 102c.

[0070] A channel 102d is provided in the thickness of the outer radial wall 102c for fluidically connecting a conduit 446 provided in the inner part 44 of the body 4 with the space V102.

[0071] On the other hand, the inner wall 102b of the jacket 102 ends in a chamfered edge 102e which is oriented toward the space V102 and converges toward the longitudinal axis A100 in the direction opposite to the bottom 102f of the space V102 , ie toward the rear of the jacket 102 .

[0072] The magnetic-pneumatic system 100 also comprises a cup-shaped piece 104 arranged on the rear bottom of the central housing L2. In the example of the figures, the bottom of the central housing L2 is opposite to its front mouth and is defined by the inner piece 44.

[0073] The magnetic-pneumatic system 100 also comprises an annular piston 106 equipped with two sealing rings 107a and 107b. In this example, these sealing rings are formed by two O-rings housed in two peripheral grooves, an outer peripheral groove 106a and an inner peripheral groove 106b, respectively, formed on the piston 106. Figure 1 O-rings 107a and 107b are not shown in FIG. 1 , which allows grooves 106a and 106b to be better seen.

[0074] In a variant, the sealing ring is formed by a lip seal. According to another variant, the sealing ring is mounted on the wall of the housing 102 opposite the piston 106 .

[0075] The piston 106 is movable parallel to the coincident axes A2 and A100, partially engaging in the space V102 of the sleeve 102. Due to the partial engagement of the piston 106 in the space V102 and due to the seals 107a and 107b against the walls 102c and 102b, a sealed variable volume chamber C100 is defined between the elements 102 and 106. The variable volume chamber C100 is supplied with pressurized air from the duct 446 through the channel 102d. According to the assembly or disassembly sequence of the skirt 2 on the body 4, devices (not shown) such as a pressurized air source, a proportional valve and a bleed valve are used to supply pressurized air to the variable volume chamber C100 or to open it. The pressure of the air present in the duct 446 is controlled independently of the pressure of the air driving the rotor 10 and the pressure of the skirt air in the duct 442.

[0076] In a variant, part of the air driving the rotor 10 can be diverted to the duct 446. In this case, once the turbine is in operation, the variable volume chamber C100 can be supplied with pressurized air. According to another variant, the duct 446 can be supplied with pressurized air from air used for another function in the atomizer 2, for example from the skirt air circulating in the duct 442.

[0077] The piston 106 also defines a space V106 for receiving a ball 108 , which forms a member for engaging the piston 106 with the peripheral groove 646 of the sleeve 64 .

[0078] Advantageously, a ball 108 is installed in each space V106.

[0079] Each ball 108 is accommodated in a space V106 . The ball 108 may or may not protrude from the space V106 through the opening O106 . The opening O106 forms an outlet of each space V106 on the inner circumferential surface S106 of the piston 106 .

[0080] Each space V106 is defined by a surface S106 on the side opposite to its opening O106, which surface converges forward toward the longitudinal axis A100 and is inclined at an angle α relative to the longitudinal axis, which angle α is not zero, preferably between 15° and 60°, and more preferably between 30° and 50°.

[0081] The surfaces S106 of the different spaces V106 form cam surfaces for guiding the balls 108 .

[0082] The magnetic-pneumatic system 100 also comprises a support 110, which is also annular in shape with the longitudinal axis A100 as the center, and is formed by a solid body 110a and a profiled piece 110b, both of which are made of ferromagnetic material. The parts 110a and 110b of the support 110 are fixed together by any suitable means, in particular by bonding, crimping and / or welding.

[0083] In a variant, the support 110 is in one piece.

[0084] The support member 110 is provided with a pin 110 c for positioning the piston 106 about the longitudinal axis A100 .

[0085] The support 100 is also provided with a stopper 110d intended to engage in the space V106 from the rear of the piston 106 so as to hold the ball 108 in place in said space.

[0086] The support 100 carries an annular permanent magnet 112 arranged on the inner radial side of the support 100. In this example, the annular permanent magnet is fixed to the profile 110b, for example by gluing.

[0087] On the other hand, the support 100 , and more specifically its solid body 110 a , defines a first frustoconical inner surface S110 centered on the longitudinal axis A100 and converging toward the piston 106 , and a second frustoconical inner surface S′110 centered on the longitudinal axis A100 and diverging toward the piston 106 .

[0088] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 further comprises a leaf spring 114 which forms an elastic member for returning the piston 106 , preferably the support 110 , towards the front.

[0089] The leaf spring 114 is formed of a steel sheet. Using a leaf spring such as the one shown in the figure has the advantage of allowing a relatively large axial travel of the piston 106 while the axial dimension of the leaf spring 114 is minimized.

[0090] In a variant, the leaf spring 114 may be replaced by another elastic member, in particular an elastomer block or a helical spring.

[0091] The method of assembling the atomizer 2 will now be explained.

[0092] In a first assembly step, the subassembly 22 is formed by engaging the bowl 8 in the central opening O6 of the air supply skirt 6 until the magnets 14 and the surface 82 provide a magnetic clamping between the elements 6 and 8. This step can be performed in a workshop, in an environment conducive to precision work.

[0093] Then, in a second assembly step, the subassembly 22 is mounted on the body 4, ie directly on the body in one go, as described below. Said step can be carried out at the location where the atomizer 2 is used, for example in a paint booth.

[0094] This assembly is accomplished by axial translation of the subassembly 22 parallel to the longitudinal axis A2. Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6 Indicated by the arrow T in . No further movement of the air supply skirt 6 is required, and therefore no further movement of the subassembly 22 is required to mount the subassembly on the body 4.

[0095] The mounting of the subassembly 22 on the body 4 is therefore entirely caused by the relative translation movement between the said elements of the atomizer 2 .

[0096] exist Figure 3 The first sub-step of the second assembly step is shown, aligning the subassembly 22 on the axis A2 and bringing it closer to the body 4 . In said step, the rear end 644 of the sleeve 64 is engaged in the central housing L2 , but is not in contact with the components of the magnetic-pneumatic system 100 .

[0097] Continuing the installation of the subassembly 22 on the body 4, the sleeve 64 is brought to Figure 4 The sub-step shown, in which the rear end 644 of the sleeve 64 abuts against the permanent magnet 112 by its edge 642, while the edge 647a abuts against the surface S'110, prevents the rear end 644 from plastic deformation at the end of the stroke.

[0098] In said sub-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 has the effect of coupling the air supply skirt 6 to the support 110 by an axial magnetic attraction, which is held in place in the central housing L2, since its movement between the sleeve 102 and the cup 104 is restricted. Thus, the entire subassembly 22 is fixed to the support 110. The axial magnetic attraction between the parts 112 and 64 is parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, preferably centered on this axis, causing the air supply skirt 6 and therefore the subassembly 22 to be attracted to the body. This force is therefore a force that attracts the parts together.

[0099] The permanent magnet 112 is selected to exert a magnetic attraction force on the sleeve 64 of sufficient strength to hold the subassembly 22 in place on the body 4, including when the body is moved, such as when it is mounted on the wrist of a multi-axis robotic arm or on a reciprocator, which may subject the subassembly 22 to accelerations that may be oriented in the direction of removal of the sleeve 64 relative to the central seat slot L2.

[0100] In practice, the magnetic attraction force exerted by the permanent magnet on the sleeve has an intensity I1 comprised between 10 and 20 daN, preferably of the order of 15 daN, which allows the air supply skirt 6 and therefore the subassembly 22 to be effectively attracted to the body 4. On the other hand, the relatively moderate value of the intensity I1 of the magnetic attraction force also limits the risk of possible pinching of the operator when he holds the subassembly 22 and engages the sleeve 64 in the central housing L2.

[0101] exist Figure 4 In the sub-step shown, the subassembly 22 is magnetically attracted to the body 4, but the bottom 628a of the recessed seat 628 remains separated from the front face 428 of the outer part 42 by a non-zero axial distance D8, measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2. In particular, in said sub-step, the seal 20 is not compressed and the sealing of the air circuit formed by the channels 422 and 622 and the grooves 628c and 628d with respect to the outside is not ensured.

[0102] exist Figure 1 , 3 In the steps and sub-steps shown in 4, the spring 114 exerts a force on the support 110 that moves it away from the cup 104, which has the effect of engaging the stopper 110d in the different space V106 until the stopper 110d abuts against the ball 108, which also abuts against the cam surface S106 of the piston 106, which has the effect of pushing the piston towards the bottom 102f of the space V102. The variable volume chamber C100 then has a minimum volume, which is particularly Figure 3 This can be seen in subfigure B).

[0103] In this position, each ball 108 abuts against the chamfered edge 102e of the sleeve 102, so that the ball is held in place in the corresponding space V106 without protruding radially from the wall 102b in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis A100 and in a direction toward the center. In this case, the ball 108 does not hinder the sliding of the sleeve 64 in the central seat groove L2, especially Figure 1 , 3 More specifically, during the series of steps shown in FIG. Figure 4 In the sub-step shown, the ball 108 is not engaged in the peripheral groove 646.

[0104] from Figure 4 At the beginning of the sub-step, channel 102d is supplied with pressurized air, which Figures 4 to 6 This has the effect of pressurizing the variable volume chamber C100, which then expands, i.e. expands, toward the cup-shaped member 104, as shown from Figure 4 and Figure 5 The axial expansion of chamber C100 is caused by the axial movement of piston 106 toward cup-shaped member 104 parallel to longitudinal axis A2 (such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 The movement is caused by the difference between the pressure inside the variable volume chamber C100 and the external atmospheric pressure.

[0105] The movement D of the piston 106 has the effect of moving the different balls 108 towards the cup 104 and therefore towards the bottom of the central housing L2, which are then offset relative to the chamfered edge 102e of the wall 102b, which no longer prevents the centripetal radial movement of the balls 108 through the opening O106. However, since the cam surfaces S106 of the different spaces V106 are inclined, the movement of the piston 106 towards the cup 104 has the effect of exerting on the different balls 108 a centripetal force relative to the longitudinal axis A2, which is given by Figure 5 , pointing to the peripheral groove 646. Thus, supplying air to the chamber C100 allows the different balls 108 to be fastened around the sleeve 64, engaging with it, even if the balls are at least partially inserted into the peripheral groove 646. Thus, the balls 108 form means for engaging the piston 106 with the outer recess of the sleeve 64 formed by the peripheral groove 646.

[0106] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 During the series of sub-steps shown in , the ball 108 overcomes the elastic force exerted by the spring 114 and pushes the support 110 towards the cup 104, which has the effect of axially separating the spring 112 and the rear end 644 of the sleeve 64. In other words, during Figure 5In the sub-step shown, the rear edge 642 of the sleeve 64 no longer abuts the magnet 112, nor does the edge 647a abut the surface S'110. This is not a problem, since the ball 108 engaged in the peripheral groove 646 now effectively holds the sleeve 64 in the central seat L2.

[0107] exist Figure 5 At the end of the sub-step, the value of distance D8 is relative to Figure 4 The distance values ​​in the sub-steps shown are reduced, but the values ​​remain non-zero.

[0108] The variable volume chamber C100 is continuously supplied with pressurized air through the passage 102d, causing the piston 106 to overcome the elastic force applied by the spring 114 and move toward the Figure 6 The arrow D in the figure continues to move toward the cup-shaped member 104. During this movement, the ball 108 abuts against the rear edge 646a of the peripheral groove 646, and transmits the movement force of the ball due to the movement of the piston 106 toward the arrow D to the sleeve 64. Therefore, the sleeve 64 moves toward the bottom of the central seat groove L2 at the same time and on the same stroke as the piston 106, which is caused by Figure 6 The movement arrow D' in is represented.

[0109] The movement D' of the sleeve 64 in the central seat L2 has the effect of firmly pressing the bottom 628a of the recessed seat 628 against the front surface 428 of the outer part 42 of the body 4, thereby compressing the seal 20, thereby isolating the channels 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 through the ball 108, which firmly presses the bottom 628a of the recessed seat 628 of the air supply skirt 6 against the front surface 428.

[0110] Therefore, the positioning and fixing of the subassembly 22 on the main body 4 is performed in two stages by the magnetic-pneumatic system 100. Therefore, the pneumatic mechanism 100B is also a mechanism for locking the subassembly 22 on the main body 4.

[0111] At the end of the setting in position, the bowl 8, rigidly attached to the air supply skirt 6 due to the interaction of the first and second connecting means 82 and 14, is pressed against the rotor 10 by the magnetic force E1 exerted by the connecting means parallel to the axis of rotation A2, until the friction between the surfaces 88 and 108 fixes the bowl and the rotor in rotation about the axis of rotation A2.

[0112] Here, the force E1 is purely axial relative to the rotation axis A2. In a variant of the invention (not shown), the force E1 is partially axial relative to the rotation axis, ie oblique relative to the rotation axis, as envisaged in document WO 2005 / 082542A.

[0113] Since the bowl 8 is correctly positioned on the air supply skirt 6 due to the cooperation of the magnetic connecting means 82 and 14, the subassembly 22 is brought to Figure 6 The position shown ensures that, in said position, the bowl is correctly positioned relative to the rotor 10, in particular at the interface between the surfaces 88 and 108. The bowl 8 is then ready to be driven by the rotor 10.

[0114] According to the teaching of document WO 2005 / 082542 A1, when the turbine is running, i.e. when the rotor 10 rotates about the rotation axis A2, an air bearing is created between the surface 82 and the magnet 14 by injecting an air flow between these components. The rotor 10 can thus rotate the bowl 8 about the rotation axis A2.

[0115] The mechanical suction device 100A including elements 110 and 112 is used to hold the subassembly 22 in place on the body 4, and then the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B including elements 102, 106, 108 and 110 is used to supply pressurized air to the variable volume chamber C100 to effectively clamp the air supply skirt 6 and thus the subassembly 22 in place on the body 4, more specifically compressing the seal 20. The cup 104 and the spring 114 are accessories to the mechanical suction device 100A and the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B within the magnetic-pneumatic system 100.

[0116] The mechanical clamping force obtained by the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B has an intensity I2 strictly greater than the intensity of the magnetic force mentioned above.

[0117] For example, the mechanical force obtained with the pneumatic fastening mechanism 100B may have a strength between 80 and 200 daN, preferably between 100 and 150 daN, more preferably in the order of 120 daN.

[0118] When it is appropriate to remove the subassembly 22 from the body 4, the supply of pressurized air to the variable volume chamber C100 is stopped and the passage 102d is emptied. Then, the spring 114 pushes the support 110, the ball 108 and the piston 106 toward the bottom 102f of the space V102, thereby reducing the volume of the variable volume chamber C100.

[0119] The ball 108 then abuts against the chamfered edge 102e of the wall 102b, which has the effect of returning the ball toward the interior of the space V106, causing it to escape from the peripheral groove 646. In other words, the ball 108 is no longer engaged with the peripheral groove 646. Therefore, the elastic force exerted by the spring 114 tends to return the piston to a position where the ball 108 can escape from the peripheral groove 646 of the sleeve 64.

[0120] By being pushed back by the spring 114, the support 110 brings the magnet 112 along with it, and the magnet 112 then comes into contact with the rear edge 642 of the sleeve 64, which has the effect of reactivating the magnetic attraction between the sleeve 64 and the magnet 112. The magnetic-pneumatic system 100 is then in a state similar to Figure 4 In the configuration, the seal 20 is no longer compressed and the subassembly 22 is held attracted to the body 4 by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic flux FM indicated by the arrow F. The subassembly 22 is securely held to the body 4 for the reasons described above.

[0121] Then, during a first disassembly step, by moving towards Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6 The subassembly 22 can be removed by applying an axial force in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow T.

[0122] In this regard, a disassembly tool (not shown) may be used for the above-mentioned purpose.

[0123] Then, during a second disassembly step, the bowl 8 is separated from the air supply skirt 6 by overcoming the magnetic force between the magnet 14 and the surface 82. Like the first step of the assembly method, the second step of the disassembly method can be performed in a workshop, in an environment conducive to precision work.

[0124] The structure of the subassembly 22 and the magnetic-pneumatic system 100 of the present invention is compatible with the robotic placement of the subassembly 22 on the body 4 and its removal from the body. Thus, according to a particular aspect, the present invention enables the assembly of the air supply skirt and bowl on the atomizer body and their removal from the body to be automated.

[0125] In a variant, the variable volume chamber C100 of the magneto-pneumatic system 100 may be supplied with a pressurized gas other than air.

[0126] According to a variant of the invention (not shown), the variable volume chamber C100 of the system 100 can be supplied with a liquid, in particular water, to control the movement D of the piston 106. In this case, the system 100 is a magneto-hydraulic system.

[0127] According to another variant, in Figure 4 During the sub-step shown, the edge 642 of the sleeve 64 abuts against the support 110, rather than against the magnet 112. Thus, a Figure 4 The closed magnetic flux FM shown is a closed magnetic flux.

[0128] The magnetic-pneumatic system 100 can be used automatically by controlling the supply of pressurized air to the variable volume chamber C100 or its discharge by using the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet 112 and by a valve controlled by an electronic control unit (not shown). Therefore, during the assembly or disassembly of the subassembly 22, the operation of the magnetic-pneumatic system 100 can be automated, thereby reducing the burden on the operator working near the atomizer 2 and making his / her work less dangerous.

[0129] In a variant of the invention (not shown), the O-ring 20 is mounted in a groove formed in the bottom 628a of the recessed seat groove 628, and / or grooves equivalent to the grooves 628c and 628d are provided on the front surface 428 of the outer part 42 of the body 4.

[0130] exist Figures 7 to 9 In the second, third and fourth embodiments of the present invention shown, elements similar to those of the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. Figures 7 to 9 If a component is shown in one of the figures, or is shown in one of these figures but not mentioned in the description, the reference numeral refers to the same element as the element having the same reference numeral in the first embodiment.

[0131] In the second, third and fourth embodiments, no magnetic-pneumatic or magnetic-hydraulic system of the type of system 100 of the first embodiment is provided.

[0132] In the second embodiment, the permanent magnet 14 is mounted on the bowl 8, while in the mounted configuration of the subassembly 22 as defined in the first embodiment, the annular front surface 682 of the annular flange 649 made of ferromagnetic material is arranged opposite the magnet 14. The magnet 14 and the surface 682 of the annular flange 649 form the first and second magnetic connection means between the parts 6 and 8.

[0133] The sleeve S64 of the air supply skirt 6 is provided with an external thread 650 on its outer radial surface 64, while the outer part 42 of the body 4 is provided with an internal thread 421 in the seat groove L2 that matches the external thread 650. Therefore, once the subassembly is formed, during the installation of the air supply skirt 6 and the bowl 8 on the atomizer 2, the subassembly 22 can be tightened to the body 4 using the external thread 650 and the internal thread 421 until the rear edge of the sleeve is brought close to the bottom 423 of the seat groove L2 or the bottom 628a of the recessed seat groove 628 is brought close to the front surface 428.

[0134] During disassembly, on the other hand, the subassembly 22 is removed by unscrewing.

[0135] In the third embodiment, permanent magnets 14 are positioned as in the first embodiment on annular flange 649. Surface 82 is formed by a ring 83 made of ferromagnetic material mounted directly on bowl 8, which is not necessarily made of ferromagnetic material, for example of aluminium.

[0136] Here, the sleeve 64 of the air supply skirt 6 mainly includes an annular flange 649, but has no portion extending into the recessed seat groove 628. The skirt 651 surrounding the recessed seat groove 628 is provided with an internal thread 653 on its inner radial surface, and the outer part 42 of the main body 4 is provided with a thread 423 on the outer radial surface. Therefore, once the subassembly is formed, during the installation of the air supply skirt 6 and the bowl 8 on the atomizer 2, the subassembly 22 can be tightened to the main body 4 using the external thread 423 and the internal thread 653 until the bottom 628a of the recessed seat groove 628 abuts against the front surface 428.

[0137] On the other hand, during disassembly, the subassembly 22 is removed by unscrewing.

[0138] In the fourth embodiment, said surface 82 of the bowl 8 is integral with the rest of the bowl, the permanent magnets 14 being positioned on annular flange 649 as in the first embodiment.

[0139] Here, the permanent magnet 441 is housed in the bottom of the housing L2 , cooperating with the rear edge 642 of the sleeve 64 to exert its magnetic clamping force on the body 4 on the subassembly 22 as defined in the first embodiment.

[0140] In a variant of the fourth embodiment, the magnet 441 may be mounted on the rear part of the sleeve 64 , cooperating with the rotor, which is then at least partially made of ferromagnetic material.

[0141] In the second, third and fourth embodiments, the atomizer 2 is assembled in two stages as in the first embodiment. In the first assembly step, the air supply skirt 6 and the bowl 8 are assembled and held together by the magnetic force between the magnet 14 and the surface 82 or 682 to form the subassembly 22. In the second assembly step, the subassembly 22 is directly mounted to the body 4 at one time. During disassembly, in the first step, the subassembly 22 is separated from the body at one time. Then, in the second disassembly step, the air supply skirt 6 and the bowl 8 are separated from each other by overcoming the magnetic force between the magnet 14 and the surface 82 or 682.

[0142] In a variant, whatever the embodiment, the atomizer 2 is an externally charged electrostatic atomizer comprising a high voltage unit and a charging electrode (not shown) configured to bring the paint product atomized by the atomizer 2 to a given potential.

[0143] According to another variant, applicable to all embodiments, the atomizer is not an electrostatic atomizer.

[0144] In a variant, instead of a single annular permanent magnet 14 , a plurality of permanent magnets distributed around the axis of rotation may be used as magnetic connection means.

[0145] In a variant, the surface 108 is not formed directly on the rotor 10 , but on another rotating member, for example a hollow shaft driven by the rotor.

[0146] The invention has been described above in the framework of its use in spraying liquid coating products. The invention also applies to the spraying of powder coating products.

[0147] The above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as long as technically feasible.

Claims

1. A coating product rotary atomizer (2), comprising a main body (4) and a bowl (8), wherein the bowl is driven by a rotating member (10) to rotate around a rotation axis (A2) defined by the main body, the bowl being provided with a first magnetic connection device (82; 14), the first magnetic connection device being capable of cooperating with a matching second magnetic connection device (14; 682) fixed to a non-rotating portion (6) of the coating product rotary atomizer (2), the first magnetic connection device and the second magnetic connection device being capable of applying at least a partially axial force (E1) relative to the rotation axis (A2) of the bowl (8), the force causing the bowl (8) to be rotationally connected to the rotating member, characterized in that: The second magnetic connection means (14; 682) is supported by an air supply skirt (6) mounted directly on the body (4).

2. The coating product rotary atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second magnetic connection means (14; 682) is mounted on or formed by an inner annular flange (649) of the air supply skirt (6), which rests on the front surface (428) of the body (4).

3. The coating product rotary atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first magnetic connection means (82) is formed by a ferromagnetic portion (82; 83) of the bowl and the second magnetic connection means is formed by at least one permanent magnet (14).

4. The coating product rotary atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first magnetic connection means is formed by at least one permanent magnet (14) and the second magnetic connection means is formed by a ferromagnetic portion (682) of the air supply skirt (6).

5. A rotary atomizer for coating products according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The coating product rotary atomizer comprises a magnetic-pneumatic or magnetic-hydraulic system (100), wherein the magnetic-pneumatic or magnetic-hydraulic system comprises: - a magnetic adsorption device (100A) for adsorbing the air supply skirt (6) onto the main body (4); and - Pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism (100B) for locking and clamping the air supply skirt to the body.

6. The coating product rotary atomizer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The magnetic adsorption device (100A) is configured to apply an axial magnetic force with a first strength (I1) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the paint product rotary atomizer between the air supply skirt (6) and the main body (4); the pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism (100B) for clamping is configured to apply an axial mechanical force with a second strength (I2) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the paint product rotary atomizer between the air supply skirt and the main body; Furthermore, the second strength is strictly greater than the first strength.

7. The coating product rotary atomizer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The paint product rotary atomizer comprises a seal (20) arranged between an air supply skirt (6) and a main body (4); and the seal, which is compressed by an axial mechanical force applied by the pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism (100B) for clamping, isolates the guides (422, 622) for shaping air circulation provided in the main body (4) and in the skirt (62) of the air supply skirt (6) from the outside of the paint product rotary atomizer (2).

8. The coating product rotary atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The air supply skirt (6) is provided with concave and convex portions (650, 653) for being screwed onto matching concave and convex portions (421, 423) formed on the main body (4).

9. The coating product rotary atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The air supply skirt (6) is clamped to the body by a magnetic force exerted between a portion (441) of the body (44) and a portion (642) of the air supply skirt.

10. A method for assembling and / or disassembling a rotary atomizer for a coating product according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: -When assembling the rotary atomizer for coating products, In a first assembly step, the air supply skirt (6) and the bowl (8) are assembled and held together by the magnetic force between the first magnetic connection device (14, 82) and the second magnetic connection device (14, 682); In a second assembly step, the subassembly (22) formed by the air supply skirt (6) and the bowl (8) is directly mounted on the body (4) at one time; -When disassembling the rotary atomizer for coating products, In a first disassembly step, the subassembly (22) formed by the air supply skirt (6) and the bowl (8) is separated from the body at once; and In the second disassembly step, the magnetic force between the first magnetic connection device (14, 82) and the second magnetic connection device (14, 682) is overcome to separate the air supply skirt (6) and the bowl (8) from each other.

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