Cleaning device for a painting device

Abstract

Even if a coating head with which the usable cleaning liquid is limited can ensure the washability. A cleaning device that cleans a coating device with an inkjet-type coating head has a paint circulation path that has a supply flow path, a return flow path, and a coating head; a first head switching valve and a second head switching valve that connect a head section that includes the coating head and a head-out section that does not include the coating head; a first cleaning liquid supply section that supplies a first cleaning liquid to the head section; a second cleaning liquid supply section that supplies a second cleaning liquid to the head-out section; and a cleaning control section that controls the first head switching valve, the second head switching valve, the first cleaning liquid, and the second cleaning liquid, the cleaning control section cuts off the connection of the head section and the head-out section, and performs at least one of cleaning the head section by supplying the first cleaning liquid and cleaning the head-out section by supplying the second cleaning liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cleaning device for a coating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a coating apparatus with a coating head, which divides a coating circulation path consisting of a supply flow path that supplies coating to the coating head and a return flow path that returns the coating from the coating head to the upstream side of the supply flow path into multiple intervals, and performs cleaning and coating filling sequentially for each interval. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7483116 Summary of the Invention

[0004] If the above technology is applied to inkjet coating equipment, the paint circulation path can be divided into multiple sections, and each section can be cleaned independently. However, for inkjet coating equipment, the cleaning fluid that can be used in the coating head is limited to low-irritant solutions. Therefore, if the cleaning fluid is selected only for the section containing the coating head, there is a possibility that other sections may not be adequately cleaned.

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above, and its object is to provide a cleaning device for a coating apparatus that ensures the cleanliness of other parts even if the inkjet coating apparatus has a coating head with limited available cleaning fluid.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a cleaning device for a painting apparatus, the cleaning device cleaning the painting apparatus having an inkjet-type painting head having a plurality of nozzles arranged to spray paint onto a painting area of ​​a vehicle, the cleaning device comprising: a paint circulation path having a supply flow path for supplying paint toward the painting head, a return flow path connected to the paint discharge side of the painting head and recovering paint not sprayed from the nozzles, and the painting head; a head switching valve inserted into the paint circulation path connecting a head section including the painting head and an external head section adjacent to the head section. Above; a first cleaning fluid supply unit that supplies a first cleaning fluid to the head section; a second cleaning fluid supply unit that supplies a second cleaning fluid different from the first cleaning fluid to the outer head section; and a cleaning control unit that controls the switching state of the head switching valve, the supply state of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid. When the paint circulation path is being cleaned, the cleaning control unit cuts off the connection between the head section and the outer head section by switching the head switching valve, and performs cleaning by supplying the first cleaning fluid to clean the head section and supplying the second cleaning fluid to clean the outer head section at least one of these. Invention Effects

[0007] According to the present invention, a cleaning device for a coating apparatus can be provided that ensures the cleanliness of other parts even if the inkjet coating apparatus has a coating head with limited available cleaning fluid. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the painting robot of the cleaning device of the painting apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram showing the paint circulation path and the flow of cleaning fluid in the cleaning device of the coating apparatus of the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram showing the paint circulation path and the flow of cleaning fluid in the cleaning device of the coating apparatus of the second embodiment. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10. Painting equipment 30 Cleaning device 31 Painting Head 32 Supply Flow Path 33 Return Flow Path 34. Coating circulation path 35 First head switching valve (head switching valve) 36. Second head switching valve (head switching valve) 37 Head cleaning fluid tank (Cleaning fluid supply unit 1) 37P Head Cleaning Fluid Pump (Pressure Unit) 38a First cleaning fluid tank (Second cleaning fluid supply unit, separate cleaning fluid supply unit) 38aP First Cleaning Fluid Pump (Pressure Unit) 38b Second Cleaning Fluid Tank (Second Cleaning Fluid Supply Unit, Differentiated Cleaning Fluid Supply Unit) 38bP Second Cleaning Fluid Pump (Pressure Unit) 38c Fourth Cleaning Fluid Tank (Second Cleaning Fluid Supply Unit, Differentiated Cleaning Fluid Supply Unit) 38cP Fourth Cleaning Fluid Pump (Pressure Unit) 39. Cleaning Control Department 40E Vacuum Ejector (Suction Section) 42. First Distinguishing Switching Valve (Distinguishing Switching Valve) 44. Second Distinguishing Switching Valve (Distinguishing Switching Valve) 52 nozzles HS head range NS extracorporeal region Detailed Implementation

[0009] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the cleaning device 30 of the coating apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram of the painting robot 11 within the cleaning device 30 of the painting apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The painting robot 11 is positioned near the painting production line in an automobile manufacturing plant and paints the vehicle body FR that is conveyed along the painting production line. In this embodiment, the vehicle body FR is exemplified as the object to be painted, but it can also be any object other than the vehicle body FR.

[0011] [Painting Robot] The painting robot 11 paints the vehicle body FR, which is transported from the upstream side of the painting production line. The painting process can be performed while the painting production line is in motion, or the painting process can be performed by stopping the flow of the production line at a designated location. The vehicle body FR, which has been painted by the painting robot 11, is then transported downstream of the painting production line.

[0012] In this embodiment, a painting robot 11 is exemplified as a device for painting the vehicle body FR, but any device with a paint circulation path 34 described later (see reference) is acceptable. Figure 2 The device used may not necessarily be the painting robot 11. Furthermore, the painting head unit 24, exemplified by the painting robot 11, is capable of rotating in directions centered on three axes: the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. However, the painting head unit 24 may also rotate centered on one of the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis, or even on two of the axes. Additionally, the painting robot 11 may be configured to move along a guide member such as a track.

[0013] The purpose of coating is to form a film on the surface of the object to be coated, providing protection and aesthetics. Coating processes can include not only coating with only a specific color or a specific function of paint, but also coating with multiple colors or specific functions in sequence, layering them on top of each other.

[0014] As an example of a painting robot 11, a multi-jointed robot is cited, but any robot capable of painting can also be a SCARA robot (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm). Figure 1 As shown, the painting robot 11 has a base 20, legs 21, a rotary drive unit 22, a robot arm 23, and a painting head unit 24.

[0015] The base 20 is a fixed component that supports the painting robot 11 by fixing it to the ground of the painting production line. The base 20 can also be moved on the ground of the painting production line.

[0016] The lower part of the leg 21 is fixed to the base 20, and the upper part is connected to the rotary drive unit 22, extending to a vertical height suitable for painting performed by the painting robot 11.

[0017] The rotary drive unit 22 is connected to the upper end of the leg 21 and has a rotary shaft 25 and a rotary arm 26. The rotary shaft 25, via a motor (not shown), causes the rotary arm 26 to rotate in a direction parallel to the ground. Figure 1 The rotating arm 26 rotates around the center (in the X-axis direction shown). The rotating arm 26 causes the robot arm 23, connected to the rotating arm 26, to rotate along a straight line orthogonal to the rotation center of the rotating shaft 25 (…). Figure 1 It rotates with the Z-axis direction (as shown) as the center of rotation.

[0018] The robot arm 23 has a first rotating arm 27 and a second rotating arm 28. One end of the first rotating arm 27 is connected to the rotating arm 26, and the other end is connected to the second rotating arm 28. The first rotating arm 27 is driven by a motor (not shown) mounted on the rotating arm 26. Figure 1 The rotation is centered on the Z-axis. One end of the second rotating arm 28 is connected to the first rotating arm 27, and the other end has a wrist 29, which will be described later. The second rotating arm 28 is driven by a motor (not shown) to... Figure 1 The rotation is centered on the Z-axis direction.

[0019] The painting head unit 24 is positioned at the foremost end of the painting robot 11 and sprays paint onto the FR of the car body. A wrist 29 is held between the painting head unit 24 and the second rotating arm 28. The wrist 29 enables the painting head unit 24 to... Figure 1 The rotation is centered on at least one of the three axes shown (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis).

[0020] The coating head unit 24 is supplied via a paint circulation path 32 (see reference 32) for spraying paint from the coating head. Figure 2 The paint is supplied so that the paint is sprayed at the appropriate time relative to the FR of the car body flowing on the painting production line.

[0021] Next, while referring to Figure 2 circuit Figure 1 The cleaning device 30 of the coating apparatus 10 in the first embodiment will be described. When the coating apparatus 10 is operated for coating, dirt gradually accumulates on the paint flow path and switching valve. Therefore, the cleaning device 30 cleans by periodically flowing the cleaning fluid along the paint flow path.

[0022] [Paint circulation path 34] The cleaning device 30 of the coating apparatus 10 includes: a paint circulation path 34 having a coating head 31, a supply flow path 32 and a return flow path 33; a first head switching valve 35 as a head switching valve; a second head switching valve 36 as a head switching valve; a head cleaning fluid tank 37 as a first cleaning fluid supply unit; a first cleaning fluid tank 38a as a second cleaning fluid supply unit and a separate cleaning fluid supply unit; a second cleaning fluid tank 38b as a second cleaning fluid supply unit; a fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c as a second cleaning fluid supply unit; a cleaning control unit 39; and a drain tank 40.

[0023] In addition, a head cleaning fluid pump 37P, a first cleaning fluid pump 38aP, a second cleaning fluid pump 38bP, and a fourth cleaning fluid pump 38cP are arranged close to the head cleaning fluid tank 37, the first cleaning fluid tank 38a, the second cleaning fluid tank 38b, and the fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c, which are pressurizing units that pressurize the cleaning fluid in each tank toward the paint circulation path 34.

[0024] In the following description, regarding the supply direction of the paint in the supply flow path 32, the paint tank side (not shown) will be referred to as the upstream side, and the coating head 31 side will be referred to as the downstream side. Additionally, in the return flow path 33, the coating head 31 side will be referred to as the upstream side, and the paint tank side will be referred to as the downstream side.

[0025] The paint head 31 is an inkjet paint head with a plurality of nozzles 52 arranged to spray paint onto the painting areas of the vehicle. The paint head 31 has a nozzle forming surface 48 with a plurality of nozzles 52 arranged thereon, from which paint supplied via a supply flow path 32 is sprayed, thereby forming a coating film on the surface of the vehicle body FR. A nozzle array (not shown in the figure) is formed by a predetermined number of nozzles 52.

[0026] The supply flow path 32 is a flow path that supplies paint stored in a paint tank (not shown) toward the coating head 31. The supply flow path 32 is divided into flow paths 32a to 32h by multiple components inserted into the supply flow path 32. The paint in the supply flow path 32 is pumped by a first gear pump 41 inserted in the middle of the supply flow path 32.

[0027] On the supply flow path 32, from the upstream side, there are a first differentiation switching valve 42 as a differentiation switching valve, a filter 43, a second differentiation switching valve 44 as a differentiation switching valve, a first gear pump 41, a pressure gauge PS, a degassing module 45, a first head switching valve 35, and a first three-way valve 46.

[0028] Return path 33 is a path that returns paint not used by the coating head 31 to a paint tank (not shown). Return path 33 will be described in detail below.

[0029] Paint circulation path 34 is a loop that, when painting the vehicle body FR, supplies paint stored in the paint tank to the painting head 31 via the supply flow path 32 and returns paint not used by the painting head 31 to the paint tank via the return flow path 33. Additionally, when the vehicle body FR is not being painted, paint circulation path 34 also functions as a loop that returns paint stored in the paint tank from the supply flow path 32 via the bypass flow path 47 (described later) and the return flow path 33 back to the paint tank.

[0030] A first head switching valve 35 is inserted into the paint circulation path 34 (between flow path 32f and flow path 32g) connecting the head section HS including the coating head 31 and the supply flow path 32 adjacent to the head section HS. A second head switching valve 36 is inserted into the paint circulation path 34 (between return flow path 33b and return flow path 33c) connecting the head section HS including the coating head 31 and the return flow path 33 adjacent to the head section HS.

[0031] The head cleaning fluid tank 37 supplies head cleaning fluid to the head section HS, including the coating head 31, during cleaning. In the inkjet coating apparatus 10, the coating head 31 is relatively resistant to the irritation of the cleaning fluid; therefore, head cleaning fluid is pre-stored in the head cleaning fluid tank 37 to compensate for the irritation resistance of the coating head 31. Furthermore, the relatively low irritation of the coating head 31 to the cleaning fluid means that, although the coating head 31 is composed of thin substrate layers bonded together by adhesive, the adhesive is easily damaged when the coating head 31 is cleaned with a cleaning fluid containing, for example, organic solvents.

[0032] When cleaning the external section NS adjacent to the head section HS, the first cleaning fluid tank 38a, the second cleaning fluid tank 38b, and the fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c pump first cleaning fluid, second cleaning fluid, and fourth cleaning fluid respectively, according to the number of the flow path connected to the valve, for the external section NS. The coating head 31, which is less irritating to the cleaning fluid, is not included in the external section NS. Therefore, to improve cleaning performance, cleaning fluids with higher cleaning performance than the head cleaning fluid are pre-stored in the first cleaning fluid tank 38a, the second cleaning fluid tank 38b, and the fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c. The first cleaning fluid, the second cleaning fluid, and the fourth cleaning fluid can be the same, or they can be different types of cleaning fluids depending on the section to which the cleaning fluid is used.

[0033] The drain tank 40 discharges the cleaning fluid discharged from the paint circulation path 34 via various switching valves into a storage container. The drain tank 40 has a vacuum jet 40E that serves as a suction unit to draw the discharged cleaning fluid from the paint circulation path 34.

[0034] The cleaning control unit 39 synchronizes the operation of components inserted in the paint circulation path 34 from the supply flow path 32 through the coating head 31 to the return flow path 33, thereby cleaning the paint circulation path 34. The cleaning control unit 39 will be described next.

[0035] also, Figure 2 Although the circuit of the paint circulation path 34 during coating is shown, this embodiment is the cleaning device 30 of the coating apparatus 10. Therefore, the flow of the cleaning fluid when cleaning is performed by flowing cleaning fluid in this circuit will be described below. In particular, in this embodiment, the following point will be explained in detail: when cleaning the coating apparatus 10 which has an inkjet coating head 31 that is not very resistant to the irritation of the cleaning fluid, the area including the coating head 31 is separated from other areas and cleaned with different cleaning fluids.

[0036] (Supply path 32) The following describes the multiple components inserted into the paint circulation path 34. Furthermore, in the following description, arrows numbered 1 to 4, connecting the head cleaning fluid tank 37, first cleaning fluid tank 38a, second cleaning fluid tank 38b, and fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c to the corresponding switching valves, indicate the flow path of the cleaning fluid supplied from the head cleaning fluid tank 37, first cleaning fluid tank 38a, second cleaning fluid tank 38b, and fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c to the corresponding switching valves. Additionally, arrows numbered "5", connecting the switching valves to the drain tank 40, indicate the flow path of the cleaning fluid from the switching valves to the drain tank 40. Furthermore, the head cleaning fluid tank 37, first cleaning fluid tank 38a, second cleaning fluid tank 38b, and fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c may also contain different types of cleaning fluid depending on each number.

[0037] The first separation switching valve 42, which is inserted on the upstream side of the paint circulation path 34, has four valve sections 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d.

[0038] Valve 42a is connected to flow path 32a, and valve 42b is connected to flow path 32b. Therefore, when the paint circulation path 34 is being cleaned, the cleaning control unit 39 sets valves 42a and 42b to the open state, and the cleaning fluid from flow path 32a flows toward flow path 32c.

[0039] The filter 43 is connected to the downstream end of the flow path 32b, which is connected to the valve section 42b of the first separation switching valve 42. The filter 43 is installed in a location such as the leg 21 of the painting robot 11 or the floor of the painting production line, where the movement of the painting robot 11 will not affect the removal performance of the filter 43.

[0040] In addition to removing large-sized foreign objects and pigment agglomerates contained in the paint flowing within the supply path 32, the filter 43 also removes air bubbles exceeding a specified size from the air bubbles contained in the paint. The filter 43 can be a mesh-like material such as a metal mesh or resin-based mesh, a porous material, or a metal plate with tiny through-holes. For example, a mesh-like material can be a metal mesh filter, a structure obtained by forming metal fibers, SUS (Steel Use Stainless) or other metal wires into a felt-like form, a sintered metal filter formed by compression sintering, an electroformed metal filter, an electron beam processed metal filter, or a laser beam processed metal filter.

[0041] The second separation switching valve 44 is connected to the downstream end of the flow path 32c, which is connected to the downstream side of the filter 43. The second separation switching valve 44, like the first separation switching valve 42, has four valve sections 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d.

[0042] Valve 44a is connected to flow path 32c, and valve 44b is connected to flow path 32d. Therefore, when the paint circulation path 34 is being cleaned, the cleaning control unit 39 sets valves 44a and 44b to the open state, and the cleaning fluid from flow path 32c flows toward flow path 32d.

[0043] Based on instructions from the cleaning control unit 39, the first gear pump 41 introduces the cleaning fluid into the flow path 32d and pressurizes the introduced cleaning fluid toward the coating head 31. Therefore, the pressure inside the flow path 32d on the upstream side of the first gear pump 41 becomes negative, and after being introduced into this flow path, the cleaning fluid is pressurized from the flow path 32d connected to the upstream side of the first gear pump 41 to the flow path 32e connected to the downstream side of the first gear pump 41.

[0044] The pressure gauge PS is connected to the flow path 32e, which is downstream of the first gear pump 41. The pressure gauge PS measures the pressure of the cleaning fluid pumped by the first gear pump 41 within the flow path 32e. The first gear pump 41 is driven and controlled in a manner that keeps the pressure detected by the pressure gauge PS constant. Furthermore, while the pressure gauge PS is configured in the flow path 32e upstream of the degassing module 45, it can also be configured in the flow path 32f downstream of the degassing module 45, or in both flow paths 32e and 32f. Additionally, the pressure gauge PS can also be configured in at least one of the flow paths 32b upstream of the removal filter 43 and 32c downstream of it.

[0045] The degassing module 45 is connected to the downstream end of the flow path 32e, which is connected to the downstream side of the first gear pump 41. The degassing module 45 is provided for removing dissolved gases and bubbles contained in the coating (degassing). The degassing module 45 can be, for example, a hollow fiber membrane bundle consisting of multiple hollow fiber membranes bundled together.

[0046] The first head switching valve 35 is connected to the downstream end of the flow path 32f, which is connected to the downstream side of the degassing module 45. The first head switching valve 35 has six valve sections 35a, 35b, 35c1, 35c2, 35d1, and 35d2.

[0047] Valve 35a is connected to flow path 32f, and valve 35b is connected to flow path 32g. Valve 35d2 is connected to valves 35a and 35c2, as well as the drain tank 40. The flow path of valve 35d2 is not connected to valves 35b, 35c1, or 35d1, but is connected to valves 35a and 35c2. Therefore, during cleaning, the cleaning control unit 39 opens valves 35a and 35d2, allowing the paint drain liquid in flow path 32f to flow through valves 35a and 35d2 into the drain tank 40.

[0048] In addition, valve 35c1 is connected to head cleaning fluid tank 37. Therefore, during cleaning, cleaning control unit 39 opens valve 35c1 and valve 35b, and head cleaning fluid from head cleaning fluid tank 37 flows from valve 35c1 through valve 35b to flow path 32g.

[0049] In addition, valve 35c2 is connected to the fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c. Therefore, when the cleaning control unit 39 opens valve 35c2 and valve 35d2, the fourth cleaning fluid flows from the fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c through valve 35c2 and valve 35d2 to the drain trough 40, thereby cleaning the internal flow path of the first head switching valve 35.

[0050] The first three-way valve 46 is connected to the downstream end of the flow path 32g, which is connected to the valve portion 35b of the first head switching valve 35. During cleaning of the coating head 31, the first three-way valve 46 maintains communication between the flow path 32g and the flow path 32h connected to the coating head 31 downstream. When the coating head 31 is not being cleaned, the first three-way valve 46 can switch to communication between the flow path 32g and the first bypass flow path 47 (described later).

[0051] The coating head 31 is connected to the downstream end of the supply flow path 32h and the upstream end of the return flow path 33a. That is, the coating head 31 is positioned between the downstream end of the supply flow path 32 and the upstream end of the return flow path 33. The cleaning fluid supplied by the coating head 31 for cleaning flows back to the paint tank via the return flow path 33.

[0052] When the first bypass flow path 47 connects the first three-way valve 46 and the second three-way valve 49 (described later) and prevents the cleaning fluid from flowing to the coating head 31, the cleaning fluid supplied from the supply flow path 32 flows around the coating head 31 and back to the return flow path 33.

[0053] (Return to flow path 33) The return flow path 33 is a flow path that allows paint not used by the coating head 31, or paint circulating within the paint circulation path 34, to flow downstream of the return flow path 33, located upstream of the supply flow path 32, and return to the paint tank. The return flow path 33 is divided into flow paths 33a to 33d by multiple components inserted into it. A second gear pump 51, described later, inserted midway through the return flow path 33, pumps cleaning fluid into the return flow path 33.

[0054] On the return flow path 33, a second three-way valve 49, a second head switching valve 36 and a second gear pump 51 are arranged sequentially from the upstream side.

[0055] The second three-way valve 49 is connected to the downstream end of flow path 33a. During cleaning of the coating head 31, the second three-way valve 49 remains in a state that connects flow path 33a and flow path 33b, which is connected to the valve portion 36a of the second head switching valve 36 described later on the downstream side. Furthermore, when the coating head 31 is not being cleaned, the second three-way valve 49 switches to a state that connects the first bypass flow path 47 and flow path 33b.

[0056] The second head switching valve 36 is connected to the downstream end of the flow path 33b, which is connected to the downstream side of the second three-way valve 49. The second head switching valve 36 has six valve sections 36a, 36b, 36c1, 36c2, 36d1, and 36d2.

[0057] Valve 36a is connected to flow path 33b, and valve 36b is connected to flow path 33c. Additionally, valve 36d1 is connected to drain tank 40. Therefore, during cleaning, cleaning control unit 39 opens valves 36a and 36d1, allowing cleaning fluid from flow path 33b to flow into drain tank 40 via valves 36a and 36d1.

[0058] Furthermore, valve 36c2 is connected to the fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c. The flow path of valve 36c2 is not connected to valves 36a, 36c1, or 36d1, but only to valves 36b and 36d2. Therefore, the cleaning control unit 39 opens valves 36c2 and 36b, allowing the fourth cleaning fluid supplied from the fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c to flow through the open valve 36b into the flow path 33c.

[0059] Furthermore, when the cleaning control unit 39 opens valves 36c2 and 36d2, the fourth cleaning fluid flows from the fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c through valves 36c2 and 36d2 to the drain tank 40, thereby cleaning the internal flow path of the second head switching valve 36.

[0060] The second gear pump 51 is connected to the downstream end of the flow path 33c. The second gear pump 51 introduces the cleaning fluid flowing in the flow path 33c and pumps it into the flow path 33d connected to the downstream side of the second gear pump 51.

[0061] (Control Department) During the cleaning of the paint circulation path 34, the cleaning control unit 39 switches the first separation switching valve 42, the second separation switching valve 44, the first head switching valve 35, and the second head switching valve 36, thereby controlling the supply of cleaning fluid from the head cleaning fluid tank 37 and the first cleaning fluid tank 38a, the second cleaning fluid tank 38b, and the fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c, and the discharge of cleaning fluid to the drain tank 40. At this time, the cleaning control unit 39 controls the pumps 37P, 38aP, 38bP, and 38cP, which are installed for each cleaning fluid, to pressurize the cleaning fluid into each flow path. In addition, the cleaning control unit 39 controls the vacuum ejector 40E to draw in the cleaning fluid and discharge it into the drain tank 40.

[0062] Furthermore, the cleaning control unit 39 switches the control by switching the first three-way valve 46 and the second three-way valve 49 to allow the cleaning fluid in the head section HS to flow towards the coating head 31 or around the coating head 31. Additionally, the cleaning control unit 39 controls the rotational speed of the first gear pump 41 and the second gear pump 51 to pressurize and deliver the cleaning fluid to the supply flow path 32 or the return flow path 33.

[0063] As described above, when the paint circulation path 34 is cleaned, and the cleaning fluid flows from the upstream side of the supply flow path 32 through the coating head 31 to the downstream side of the return flow path 33, the paint circulation path 34 is separated into a head section HS and an external section NS by the first head switching valve 35 and the second head switching valve 36. That is, the cleaning control unit 39 switches the control of the first head switching valve 35 and the second head switching valve 36 to divide the flow so that the cleaning fluid flows to either the head section HS containing the coating head 31 or the external section NS not containing the coating head 31. The cleaning fluid in the supply flow path 32 is pumped from the upstream side to the first head switching valve 35 by the first gear pump 41, and the cleaning fluid in the return flow path is pumped from the second head switching valve 36 to the downstream side by the second gear pump 51.

[0064] <Second Implementation> Next, while referring to Figure 3 circuit Figure 1The cleaning device 30 of the coating apparatus 10 in the second embodiment will be described separately. Furthermore, for configurations identical to those in the first and second embodiments, the same reference numerals will be used and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0065] [Paint circulation path 34] In this embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that when cleaning the outer section NS that does not include the coating head 31, the outer section NS is divided into multiple sections and cleaned with different cleaning solutions. Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram showing the flow of cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid circulation path 34 of the cleaning device 30 of the coating apparatus 10 in this embodiment.

[0066] (Supply path 32-S1) In the second separation switching valve 44, valve section 44c is connected to the second cleaning fluid tank 38b. Therefore, during cleaning, the cleaning control unit 39 opens valve sections 44b and 44c, and the cleaning fluid supplied from the second cleaning fluid tank 38b flows through the open valve section 44c into the flow path 32d connected to the valve section 44b. The cleaning fluid flowing in this way flows downstream along the supply flow path 32 and, as shown in the first embodiment, is discharged from valve section 35d2 into the drain tank 40 via valve section 35a connected to the flow path 32f of the supply flow path 32.

[0067] Therefore, the area between the second switching valve 44 and the first head switching valve 35 is divided into the first interval S1, which can centrally clean the flow path, the first gear pump 41, the degassing module 45, etc. in the first interval S1.

[0068] (Supply path 32-S2) In the first separation switching valve 42, valve section 42c is connected to the first cleaning fluid tank 38a. Therefore, the cleaning control unit 39 opens valve sections 42b and 42c, allowing the cleaning fluid supplied from the first cleaning fluid tank 38a to flow through the open valve section 42c into the flow path 32b connected to valve section 42b. The cleaning fluid flowing in this way then flows through the removal filter 43 into the flow path 32c.

[0069] In the second separation switching valve 44, valve section 44d is connected to the drain tank 40. Therefore, the cleaning control unit 39 opens valve section 44a and valve section 44d, and the cleaning fluid flowing in the flow path 32c connected to the open valve section 44a is discharged to the drain tank 40 via valve section 44d.

[0070] Therefore, the first separation switching valve 42 and the second separation switching valve 44 are divided into the second interval S2, which can centrally clean the flow paths 32b and 32c between the first separation switching valve 42 and the second separation switching valve 44 and remove the filter 43, etc.

[0071] (Supply path 32-S3) In the first separation switching valve 42, valve part 42d is connected to the drain tank 40. Therefore, if the cleaning control unit 39 opens valve parts 42a and 42d, the cleaning fluid flowing in the flow path 32a connected to the open valve part 42a is discharged to the drain tank 40 via valve part 42d.

[0072] Therefore, by using the first separation switching valve 42, the upstream section is divided into the third section S3, which can concentrate the cleaning of the section up to the paint tank.

[0073] [Variation Example] In the above embodiment, when cleaning the head section HS, the cleaning fluid flows towards the coating head 31. However, it is also possible to appropriately direct the cleaning fluid towards the bypass passage 47 that bypasses the coating head 31. This allows the bypass passage 47 to be cleaned.

[0074] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the external section NS is further divided into three sections, with each section being cleaned independently. However, it is also possible to divide the sections without switching all the switching valves, merging adjacent sections separated by switching valves into one section. Thus, sections using the same type of cleaning fluid become one section, allowing the cleaning fluid to flow into the parts passing through the switching valves during paint circulation, thereby improving cleaning effectiveness.

[0075] In addition, in the above embodiment, in the paint circulation path 34, the supply flow path 32 is cleaned from the upstream side, the coating head 31 is cleaned from the supply flow path 32 side towards the return flow path 33 side, and the return flow path 33 is cleaned from the downstream side, thus performing forward cleaning. However, reverse cleaning, in which the direction of the cleaning fluid flow is completely reversed, can also be performed. In this case, the cleaning control unit 39 changes the combination of valves that open each switching valve.

[0076] In addition, in the above embodiment, when cleaning the head section HS, the coating head 31 remains open, but the surface can also be sealed by installing a cap on the nozzle forming surface 48 (nozzle 52). This reduces the dripping of cleaning fluid from the nozzle 52 during cleaning of the head section HS. Furthermore, by sealing the nozzle forming surface 48 with the cap, the internal flow path of the coating head 31 can be pressurized, improving cleaning performance.

[0077] [Supplementary Explanation of Implementation Methods] The above embodiments represent preferred examples of the present invention. The numerical values, constituent elements, arrangement positions of constituent elements, and order of connection shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the figures are not necessarily precise illustrations.

[0078] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the above embodiments are merely examples of applicable examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0079] The aforementioned series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In the case where the series of processes are executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed from a program recording medium onto a computer that is either a computer with dedicated hardware or a general-purpose computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs.

[0080] In addition, the program executed by the computer can be a program that is executed sequentially in the order described in this specification, or alternatively, a program that is executed periodically as needed, such as when a so-called call is made.

[0081] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the substance used for cleaning is described as a cleaning liquid, but in addition to a cleaning liquid, cleaning air may also be used. Moreover, the cleaning liquid and cleaning air may be interpreted together as "cleaning liquid".

[0082] [Postscript] The contents described in the above-described embodiments are as follows.

[0083] (1) Different cleaning solutions A cleaning device 30 for a painting apparatus 10, the cleaning device 30 cleaning the painting apparatus 10 having an inkjet painting head 31, the painting head 31 having a plurality of nozzles 52 arranged to spray paint onto the painting areas of the vehicle, wherein... The cleaning device 30 has: The paint circulation path 34 has a supply flow path 32 that supplies paint to the coating head 31, a return flow path 33 that connects to the paint discharge side of the coating head 31 and recovers paint that is not sprayed from the nozzle 52, and the coating head 31. The first head switching valve 35 and the second head switching valve 36 are inserted into the paint circulation path 34 that connects the head section HS, which includes the coating head 31, and the head external section NS adjacent to the head section HS. Head cleaning fluid tank 37, which supplies the first cleaning fluid to the head section HS; The first cleaning fluid tank 38a, the second cleaning fluid tank 38b, and the fourth cleaning fluid tank 38c supply a second cleaning fluid, different from the first cleaning fluid, to the external head region NS; and The cleaning control unit 39 controls the switching states of the first head switching valve 35 and the second head switching valve 36, as well as the supply states of the first cleaning fluid and the second cleaning fluid. When the paint circulation path 34 is being cleaned, the cleaning control unit 39 disconnects the head section HS from the head section NS by switching the first head switching valve 35 and the second head switching valve 36, and performs cleaning by supplying the first cleaning fluid to clean the head section HS and supplying the second cleaning fluid to clean the head section NS.

[0084] Therefore, when cleaning the inkjet coating apparatus 10, the cleaning process can be divided into two parts: the head section HS, which includes the coating head 31 (which has low irritation resistance), and the outer section NS, which includes other flow paths. This allows for the use of a less irritating cleaning solution on the head section HS containing the coating head 31, while a more irritating cleaning solution is used on the other outer sections NS. Consequently, insufficient cleaning power is avoided by using a low-irritation cleaning solution in conjunction with the coating head 31 to clean all sections, improving the overall cleaning performance of the coating apparatus 10 and shortening the cleaning time.

[0085] (2) External region In addition, the cleaning device includes: one or more first differentiation switching valves 42 and second differentiation switching valves 44, which are inserted into the paint circulation path 34 in the head external section NS to divide the paint circulation path 34 into multiple specified areas; and first cleaning fluid tanks 38a, second cleaning fluid tanks 38b, and fourth cleaning fluid tanks 38c, which supply different differentiation cleaning fluids for each specified area as second cleaning fluids. When cleaning the paint circulation path 34, the cleaning control unit 39 switches the first differentiation switching valves 42 and second differentiation switching valves 44, thereby dividing a portion of the paint circulation path 34 into specified areas and supplying differentiation cleaning fluids to the divided specified areas through the first cleaning fluid tanks 38a, second cleaning fluid tanks 38b, and fourth cleaning fluid tanks 38c for cleaning.

[0086] Therefore, the area different from the area containing the coating head 31 can be further divided into multiple areas, and thus, cleaning solutions with different irritants can be used for each of the multiple areas. Therefore, cleaning solutions with the best irritant properties can be used based on the different irritant resistance of each area, thereby improving the cleanability and shortening the cleaning time for each area. As a result, the overall cleanability of the coating apparatus 10 can also be improved and the cleaning time can be shortened.

[0087] (3) Vacuum ejector Additionally, the cleaning apparatus may include: a head cleaning fluid pump 37P, a first cleaning fluid pump 38aP, a second cleaning fluid pump 38bP, and a fourth cleaning fluid pump 38cP that pressurize the cleaning fluid supplied to the paint circulation path 34; and a vacuum ejector 40E that draws the cleaning fluid supplied by the head cleaning fluid pump 37P, the first cleaning fluid pump 38aP, the second cleaning fluid pump 38bP, and the fourth cleaning fluid pump 38cP from the paint circulation path 34 and discharges it.

[0088] Therefore, the cleaning fluid pumped from each cleaning fluid tank to the paint circulation path 34 by pumps 37P, 38aP, 38bP, and 38cP, after cleaning the flow path, returns to the discharge tank 40 under the pressure of supply. Furthermore, the vacuum ejector 40E is activated to draw in the cleaning fluid, improving the discharge performance of the cleaning fluid. Thus, even with a long return flow path 33 and supply flow path 32, the reduction in the cleanliness of the paint circulation path 34 and the increase in cleaning time can be suppressed.

[0089] (4) Alternate washing In addition, forward cleaning and reverse cleaning can be performed alternately. Forward cleaning is when at least one of the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid flows from the supply flow path 32 to the return flow path 33 in the paint circulation path 34. Reverse cleaning is when at least one of the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid flows from the return flow path 33 to the supply flow path 32 in the paint circulation path 34.

[0090] Therefore, even if dirt adheres to the paint circulation path 34 and cannot be removed by the flow of cleaning fluid in one direction alone, it is possible to remove it by the reverse flow of cleaning fluid. Thus, by alternating between forward and reverse cleaning, the cleanability of the paint circulation path 34 can be improved.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for a painting apparatus, the cleaning device cleaning the painting apparatus having an inkjet-type painting head, the painting head having a plurality of nozzles arranged to spray paint onto the painting areas of a vehicle. The cleaning device is characterized by having: A paint circulation path having a supply flow path that supplies paint to the coating head, a return flow path that connects to the paint discharge side of the coating head and recovers paint that has not been sprayed from the nozzle, and the coating head; A head switching valve is inserted into the paint circulation path that connects the head section including the coating head and the head outer section adjacent to the head section. The first cleaning fluid supply unit supplies the first cleaning fluid to the head region; A second cleaning fluid supply unit supplies a second cleaning fluid, different from the first cleaning fluid, to the external head region; and The cleaning control unit controls the switching state of the head switching valve and the supply state of the first and second cleaning solutions. When the paint circulation path is being cleaned, the cleaning control unit disconnects the head section from the head section by switching the head switching valve, and performs cleaning by supplying the first cleaning fluid to clean the head section and supplying the second cleaning fluid to clean the head section at least one of the following:

2. The cleaning device of the coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: One or more distinguishing switching valves are inserted into the paint circulation path within the head external section and divide the paint circulation path into multiple defined areas; and The cleaning fluid supply unit differentiates the cleaning fluid for each of the multiple defined areas, supplying a different cleaning fluid for each of the defined areas as the second cleaning fluid. During the cleaning of the paint circulation path, the cleaning control unit divides a portion of the paint circulation path into the specified area by switching the differentiation switching valve, and the differentiation cleaning fluid supply unit supplies the differentiation cleaning fluid to the specified area for cleaning.

3. The cleaning device of the coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: A pressurization unit that pressurizes the cleaning fluid supplied to the coating circulation path; and The suction unit draws the cleaning fluid supplied by the pressurization unit from the coating circulation path and discharges it.

4. The cleaning device of the coating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Alternate between forward and reverse cleaning. The forward cleaning process involves at least one of the first cleaning solution and the second cleaning solution flowing from the supply flow path to the return flow path in the paint circulation path. The reverse cleaning is defined as at least one of the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid flowing from the return flow path to the supply flow path in the coating circulation path.

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