Coating device for coating bodies, in particular metallic bodies such as wound materials, and method for operating at least one coating device

The coating device ensures continuous power supply to components during transfer between processing stages, addressing reliability issues and enhancing efficiency through automated handling and parallel processing, thus improving the quality and speed of the coating process.

DE102019112366B4Active Publication Date: 2025-12-31VAF
View PDF 4 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE102019112366
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-03-22
Filing Date
2019-05-11
Publication Date
2025-12-31
Estimated Expiration
2039-05-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing coating devices require repeated disconnection and reconnection of components to power sources during different processing stages, leading to data loss, unreliable process control, variations in coating thickness, and potential damage or arcing, which compromises the reliability and efficiency of the coating process.

Method used

A coating device with a lifting/lowering device and transfer device using a rotary axis allows continuous and uninterrupted connection to an electric heating unit, enabling parallel processing and automated handling of components through multiple working areas without power interruptions, ensuring stable and reliable coating.

Benefits of technology

This solution prevents data loss, reduces the risk of arcing, and enhances process control, allowing for efficient, high-quality coating with reduced downtime and increased productivity in a compact design.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Coating device (2) for coating bodies (4), in particular metallic bodies (4), such as wound materials, with at least one holding device having at least one holding means (6) on which a body (4) can be fixed, with at least one first working area (8) in which at least the body (4) can be fixed on the holding means (6) and in which the body (4) can be released from the holding means (6), with at least one second working area (10) in which at least one first coating unit (12) is arranged, by which a coating agent can be applied at least partially to the body (4) and arranged on the body (4), with at least one transfer device (14) by which the holding means (6) can be transferred from the first working area (8) to the second working area (10) and back, and with at least one electric heating unit (16) comprising at least one contact means (18) fixed in or on the holding means (6),the body (4) can be connected manually or automatically to at least one phase connection of the body (4) in the arrangement of the holding means (6), which can be continuously and without interruption connected to a power supply of the electric heating unit (16) when the holding means (6) is transferred from the first working area (8) to the second working area (10), and by which the body (4) can be continuously and without interruption electrically heated in the first working area (8) and in the second working area (10), wherein the transfer device (14) comprises at least one bearing unit (24) comprising a rotation axis, wherein the transfer of the at least one holding means (6) from one working area to another working area and vice versa comprises a rotational or oscillating movement about the rotation axis of the bearing unit (24), characterized by at least one lifting / lowering device (26),comprising at least one first lifting / lowering means (28) in the first working area (8) by which the body (4) is movable, in particular liftable, along a first direction of movement (30) onto the holding means (6), comprising at least one second lifting / lowering means (32) in the second working area (10) by which the first coating unit (12) is movable, in particular liftable, along a second direction of movement (34) onto the body (4), and the body (4) is arrangable in the first coating unit (12), wherein the first direction of movement (30) and the second direction of movement (34) are parallel to the axis of rotation of the bearing unit (24).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a coating device for coating bodies, in particular metallic bodies such as wound materials, with at least one holding device comprising at least one holding means on which a body can be fixed, with at least one first working area in which at least the body can be fixed on the holding means and in which the body can be detached from the holding means again, with at least one second working area in which at least one first coating unit is arranged by which a coating agent can be applied to and arranged on the body at least partially, with at least one transfer device by which the holding means can be transferred from the first working area to the second working area and back, and with at least one electric heating unit comprising at least one contact means fixed in or on the holding means.which, in the arrangement of the body fixed on the holding device, can be connected manually or automatically to at least one phase connection of the body, which, during the transfer of the holding device from the first working area to the second working area, can be continuously and without interruption connected to a power supply of the electric heating unit, and by which the body can be electrically heated continuously and without interruption in the first working area and in the second working area, wherein the transfer device comprises at least one bearing unit comprising a rotary axis, wherein the transfer of the at least one holding device from one working area to another working area and vice versa comprises a rotary or oscillating movement about the rotary axis of the bearing unit, and a method for operating at least one coating device.

[0002] It is known to coat components, particularly wound components for electrical machines such as laminated cores, to reduce the movement of individual conductors that occurs during operation. Furthermore, metal surfaces can be coated with a plastic or resin to protect them from contamination or corrosion. In known coating devices, the component, especially the wound component, is coated in a coating unit. To improve the coating result, the component is preheated or heated to a desired temperature before and / or during the coating process.

[0003] Coating increases corrosion resistance and / or strengthens and bonds the individual components of the wound materials, especially the insulation. This allows the windings to better withstand the high mechanical forces generated during operation.

[0004] Furthermore, this protects the windings against the ingress of moisture, dust, and corrosive and chemical substances. Finally, the thermal conductivity is improved so that the heat from the conductors is transferred to the laminated core without excessive temperature differences.

[0005] Coating devices for coating bodies are known from the prior art, in which the bodies pass through individual, spatially separated processing stations. Here, the bodies are first preheated together at or in a heating station, which may include an oven in which the bodies can be heated by conduction, radiation, and / or induction.

[0006] From WO 2018 / 059 731 A1, a method for impregnating bodies is known in which the bodies are first preheated together to a desired temperature at a heating station by means of inductive heating. Subsequently, the bodies are transported to an impregnation station that operates with electrical heating and are further heated there by means of electrical heating. Following this, the bodies are simultaneously impregnated and, after impregnation, transported away from the impregnation station.

[0007] After this, the impregnated bodies can undergo further coating steps, such as fluidized bed sintering and / or gel coating.

[0008] From US 2 442 183 A an impregnation device is known in which bodies to be impregnated, which are suspended above a dipping basin, are moved into the dipping basin by means of a pivoting movement about a horizontally extending axis.

[0009] From DE 196 31 474 C1 an impregnation device is known in which bodies to be impregnated, which are moved on a rail above a dipping tank in a translational direction, are moved by raising the dipping tank and lowering the body to be impregnated.

[0010] In known processes, a disadvantage has been found to be that the workpieces must be disconnected from a power source when moving from one station to the next, for example, from a heating station to an impregnation station. This necessitates reconnecting to the power source in a subsequent process step. This can lead to data loss, unreliable process control, variations in the fill factor and coating thickness, and / or damage or destruction of the coating. Furthermore, arcs can occur at individual processing stations, which can compromise the process and reduce the service life of the processing station.

[0011] One object of an embodiment of the invention is to propose a coating device and a method for operating at least one coating device in which the coating of bodies is improved.

[0012] This problem is solved in a coating device mentioned above by at least one lifting / lowering device comprising at least one first lifting / lowering means in the first working area, by which the body can be moved, in particular lifted, along a first direction of movement onto the holding means, comprising at least one second lifting / lowering means in the second working area, by which the first coating unit can be moved, in particular lifted, along a second direction of movement onto the body, and the body can be arranged in the first coating unit, wherein the first direction of movement and the second direction of movement run parallel to the axis of rotation of the bearing unit.

[0013] Because the body is continuously and uninterruptedly connected to the heating unit's power supply while in the position fixed to the holding device, the body, and especially the wound material, can be electrically heated continuously and without interruption. This has the advantage that the body only needs to be connected to the heating unit once, and repeated disconnection and reconnection when moving from one work area to the next is avoided. This prevents data loss and avoids damage or destruction of the coating. Furthermore, the risk of arcing due to reconnection is reduced. The sum of these advantages increases the reliability of the process control with the coating device described above.

[0014] The component in question can be a wound part, in particular a rotor or stator of an electrical machine. The area of ​​the component onto which the coating agent can be applied can, for example, include a winding of the component or a contact point, such as I-pins or hairpins.

[0015] To transfer the holding element from one work area to the next, the transfer device can, in principle, move it in any desired direction. This can, for example, involve a linear or curved movement in a plane. By designing the transfer device using a bearing unit with a rotary axis, the coating device can be designed simply and cost-effectively.

[0016] In such a case, the transfer device can, for example, perform a 90°, 135°, or 180° rotation, with the transfer device oscillating from the first working area to the second working area by these 90°, 135°, or 180°. The same applies to a rotation from the second working area to the third working area. This allows the power supply to the electrical heating unit to be provided, for example, via a cable, thereby further increasing process reliability and secure contact. Furthermore, other angular ranges are conceivable, which can be adapted to the positioning of the working areas and / or are defined by the positioning of the working areas.

[0017] The lifting / lowering device allows at least one body to be automatically secured to at least one holding element as soon as the body is positioned in the coating device. Furthermore, the coating process can also be automated by providing a second lifting / lowering element.

[0018] Because the lifting / lowering device comprises the first lifting / lowering element and the second lifting / lowering element, the holding element can be guided by the transfer device in a horizontal plane without requiring the holding element to be moved along the first and / or second direction of movement. This allows for a simple design of the holding elements.

[0019] The first direction of movement and the second direction of movement can run parallel to each other.

[0020] In order to detect or determine the optimal current strength of the power supply, it proves advantageous if the coating device has at least one control unit comprising at least one sensor means, by which an electrical resistance of the body can be detected or determined when arranged on the holding means and / or when connected to the at least one contact means of the electrical heating unit, in particular a winding resistance, such as the R20 value, of the body can be detected or determined, and by which a current strength of the power supply can be adjusted on the basis of the detected electrical resistance.

[0021] The resistance value of R20 can be determined by an initial measurement of current and voltage when cold.

[0022] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the coating device, the control unit includes an automatic or manually operated input device with which at least one temperature of the body can be set. In this case, it can be ensured that the body is not overheated and that a sufficiently high temperature is reached to achieve a high-quality coating process.

[0023] Furthermore, this allows the body's temperature to be adjusted to the specific coating process. For example, the control unit can store different temperatures for impregnation, fluidized bed sintering, and gel coating processes. This ensures the body is always at the optimal temperature for each coating process.

[0024] To connect the contact element fixed to the holding device to at least one phase terminal of the body for continuous and uninterrupted connection to the power supply of the electric heating unit, the contact can be made, for example, by screwing, clamping with spring force and / or by means of an eccentric or toggle clamp. This can be done automatically or manually.

[0025] For example, it is conceivable that when the body is fixed to the holding device, the contact medium and the phase connection of the body are simultaneously and automatically connected to each other.

[0026] Furthermore, contacting can include pneumatic, hydraulic and / or electrical clamping.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the coating device, it proves advantageous if the coating device comprises at least a third working area in which at least one second coating unit can be arranged, by which a coating agent can be applied to and positioned on the body, at least in certain areas. The second coating unit can, in principle, be identical in design to the first coating unit, thereby reducing the process time during operation of the coating device. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first and second coating units are designed differently, and that the coating of a first area of ​​the body by the coating agent via the first coating unit differs from the coating of a second area of ​​the body by the second coating unit.

[0028] The axis of rotation can, for example, involve transferring the holding device in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0029] In other words, rotation about the axis of rotation by the bearing unit can involve transferring the holding element from the first working area to the second working area and back. Furthermore, rotation about the axis of rotation by the bearing unit can involve transferring the holding element from the second working area to the third working area and back. It is also conceivable that by rotating about the axis of rotation of the bearing unit, the holding element can be positioned in the first working area, in the second working area, or in the third working area and back.

[0030] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the coating device, the transfer device includes at least one translation means by which the at least one holding means can be moved and fixed transversely to the axis of rotation.

[0031] In such a case, the holding element can be moved not only by rotation around the axis of rotation, but also by translation perpendicular to the axis of rotation. This further increases the degrees of freedom for moving the holding element.

[0032] In a further development of the latter embodiment, it proves advantageous if the at least one holding means can be arranged in a first working position, in which the at least one holding means can be arranged in the first working area or in the second working area by rotating about the axis of rotation of the bearing unit, and if the at least one holding means can be transferred to a second working position and arranged therein by the translation means, in which the at least one holding means can be arranged in the second working area or in the third working area by rotating about the axis of rotation of the bearing unit.

[0033] In this case, both the first and second working areas can be accessed in the first working position by rotating the bearing unit around its axis of rotation. By moving the holding device from the first working position to the second working position, both the second and third working areas can be accessed by rotating the bearing unit around its axis of rotation.

[0034] The coating unit can, in principle, comprise any coating unit, provided it fulfills the technical function of applying a coating agent to at least some areas of the body. Embodiments of the coating device are preferred in which the first coating unit and / or the second coating unit includes an impregnation unit for at least partially impregnating the body with a coating agent comprising an impregnating fluid, a sintering unit, in particular a fluidized bed sintering unit, for at least partially coating the body with a powdered coating agent, and / or at least one coating unit for applying a coating agent comprising a hard lacquer (gel coating).

[0035] In principle, it is conceivable that the body can be fixed to the holding device in any way. It proves advantageous if the lifting / lowering device includes at least a third lifting / lowering element in the third working area, by which the second coating unit can be moved, in particular lifted, onto the body along a third direction of movement, and the body can be arranged in the second coating unit.

[0036] In such a case, the at least one body can be automatically fixed to the at least one holding device as soon as the body is positioned in the coating device. Furthermore, the coating of the body can also be automated by providing the third lifting / lowering device.

[0037] Because the lifting / lowering device comprises the first lifting / lowering element, the second lifting / lowering element, and the third lifting / lowering element, the holding element can be guided by the transfer device in a horizontal plane without requiring the holding element to be moved along the first, second, and / or third direction of movement. This allows for a simple design of the holding elements.

[0038] The first, second, and third directions of movement can be parallel to each other. Furthermore, the first, second, and third directions of movement can be parallel to a vertical axis. In one embodiment of the coating device, the first, second, and third directions of movement are parallel to each other and parallel to the axis of rotation of the bearing unit.

[0039] In principle, it is conceivable that only one body is processed by the coating device. To reduce the processing time of a coating device, it proves advantageous if the coating device comprises at least two holding means, at least one transfer device, and at least two contact means, wherein each contact means is assigned to a holding means, and wherein at least one holding means can be arranged in one working area and the at least one further holding means in another working area, and wherein transferring one of the at least two holding means from the one working area to the other working area includes transferring the at least one further holding means from the other working area to the first working area.

[0040] By processing the processes in parallel, the required number of coating units is halved. Furthermore, the body in the first working area can be electrically preheated while the body in the second or third working area is being coated.

[0041] Because the body is continuously and uninterruptedly connected to the electrical heating unit, high process stability and data security are ensured even during parallel processing. In particular, data transfer from the first work area to the second work area and the subsequent plausibility check are eliminated.

[0042] Furthermore, embodiments of the coating device are conceivable in which the number of holding elements and the number of contact elements are multiples of two. For example, coating devices with two, four, six, eight, or more holding elements and contact elements, as well as electrical heating units, can be provided. In such cases, it proves particularly advantageous if all holding elements and contact elements are assigned a common transfer device. In this case, the coating device is designed in a carousel-like configuration between the first and second working areas, as well as between the second and third working areas. In the first holding area, the bodies can then be fixed and released by the holding elements and electrically heated, and coated in the second and / or third working areas.

[0043] This allows for more compact processing compared to conventional coating devices and reduces the space or surface area required for the coating system. In this way, productivity can be increased or at least maintained at the same level on the same or a reduced footprint.

[0044] An advantageous embodiment of the coating device comprises at least four holding means, a transfer device and at least four contact means, wherein each contact means is assigned to a holding means and wherein at least two holding means can be arranged in the first working area, at least two holding means can be arranged in the second working area and wherein the transfer of the at least two holding means from the first working area to the second working area comprises a transfer of the at least two further holding means from the second working area to the first working area.

[0045] The coating units can, in principle, be designed in any way desired. If, for example, they include a container, such as an impregnation container, sintering container, or gel-coating container, the container's design can be optimized for space efficiency. In such a case, it proves advantageous if the container has a minimum size that allows the at least one component to be arranged within it.

[0046] It proves advantageous if, in the second working area and / or in the third working area, each body can be assigned or is assigned a container which, viewed transversely to the direction of movement of the second lifting / lowering device or third lifting / lowering device, has a width of at least 1.1 to 5 times, in particular 1.3 to 2 times, the width of the body viewed transversely to the direction of movement of the second lifting / lowering device or third lifting / lowering device, or if, in the second working area and / or in the third working area, all bodies can be assigned or are assigned a common container which, viewed transversely to the direction of movement of the second lifting / lowering device or third lifting / lowering device, has a width of at least 1.1 to 5 times, in particular 1.3 to 2 times, the sum of the widths of the bodies viewed transversely to the direction of movement of the second lifting / lowering device, added to the distance between each pair of bodies. Bodies spaced apart from each other are included.

[0047] This allows for a compact container design. Furthermore, it enables a homogeneous distribution of the coating agent, and in particular a homogeneous temperature distribution. Compared to known coating devices, this reduces the number of containers or immersion sites required.

[0048] In one embodiment of the coating device, it is advantageous if the coating device comprises at least one protective housing in which at least one of the at least one first working area, at least one of the at least one second working area and / or at least one of the at least one third working area is arranged, and which includes at least one first access means, such as a door, through which the first working area is accessible from the outside, at least one second access means, such as a door, through which the second working area is accessible from the outside, and at least one third access means, such as a door, through which the second working area is accessible from the outside.

[0049] This makes the first work area, the second work area, and the third work area easily accessible from the outside.

[0050] Due to the accessibility of the first work area, the second work area and the third work area via the first access means, the second access means and the third access means respectively, one work area can be serviced or inspected at a time, while processing can continue in at least one other work area, in particular in the two other work areas.

[0051] In such a case, even if a malfunction occurs, only the affected work area can be serviced, while the other work areas continue to operate.

[0052] In further developments of the latter training methods, the coating device can comprise at least one piping and pumping system through which the coating agent can be supplied to and removed from the first or second coating unit. The piping and pumping system can be arranged inside or outside the protective housing.

[0053] In principle, it is conceivable that the body is coated exclusively in the second and / or third working area. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the body can be cleaned after coating in the second and / or third working area. In such a case, one embodiment of the coating device provides at least one cleaning unit that can be arranged, or is arranged, in the second and / or third working area and that includes at least one cleaning device by which at least one of the bodies can be cleaned after being placed in the first or second coating unit.

[0054] In such a case, the workpiece can be cleaned above the coating unit. Providing a cleaning unit in the second and / or third working area can further improve the production of a coated workpiece. In particular, if at least two holding devices are provided, with at least one holding device in the first working area and at least one holding device in the second working area, or at least one holding device in the second working area and at least one holding device in the third working area, then a workpiece can be coated and cleaned in the second working area while, in the first working area, the workpiece is electrically preheated to a predetermined temperature. This reduces unused dwell times of the workpiece.

[0055] In principle, it is conceivable that the coating device, in particular the first working area, is loaded and unloaded manually. It proves advantageous if the coating device includes at least one manual or automatic loading and unloading unit by which the first working area can be loaded and / or unloaded with at least one body.

[0056] The manual loading and unloading unit can, for example, include a manual lifting device, a crane, or a lever hoist. The automatic loading and unloading unit can include a workpiece turner / pallet system, which may additionally or alternatively include a roller, chain, belt, or conveyor belt. In known coating devices, the workpieces undergo the same treatment in batches. For example, eight workpieces are heated and then impregnated simultaneously. This results in time losses during the loading and unloading of the coating device. By providing the loading and unloading unit, the coating device can be loaded and unloaded while at least one workpiece is undergoing a processing step, such as coating. This reduces the overall processing time of the coating device.

[0057] Finally, the problem is solved by a method for operating at least one coating device according to at least one of the aforementioned claims comprising the following steps: a. Securing at least one body to a holding means and connecting the at least one phase connection of the body to the contact means of the electrical heating unit secured to the holding means in the first working area; b. Determining or measuring the electric current and voltage to determine the electrical resistance of the body when arranging it on the holding device and / or when connecting it to the at least one contact means of the electric heating unit, in particular a winding resistance, such as the R20 value, of the body, by the control unit and setting a current strength of the power supply; c. Continuous and uninterrupted electrical heating of the body by the electric heating unit; d. Transfer of the holding agent from the first working area to the second working area by the transfer device and coating of the body by the first coating unit; e. If necessary, transfer the holding agent from the second working area to the third working area by the transfer device and coating the body by the second coating unit; f. Transferring the holding means from the second working area or from the third working area to the first working area by the transfer device and releasing the body from the holding means and the phase connection of the body from the contact means of the electrical heating unit fixed on the holding means.

[0058] Step a., namely securing the at least one body to a holding device and connecting the phase terminal of the body to the contact means of the electrical heating unit fixed to the holding device, may be preceded by arranging the body in the coating device. In such a case, a body can be introduced into the coating device and moved onto the holding device and secured there by means of a first lifting / lowering device along the first direction of movement.

[0059] The continuous and uninterrupted electrical heating of the body by the electric heating unit can, for example, include preheating the body in the first working area.

[0060] Analogous to step a., step f. may include releasing the body from the holding device by means of the first lifting / lowering device of the lifting / lowering unit.

[0061] Coating the body may include moving a second lifting / lowering element of the lifting / lowering unit towards the body. Furthermore, coating the body may include moving the lifting / lowering element of the lifting / lowering unit in the third working area towards the body.

[0062] Step e. may be performed if necessary. This is the case if the coating device comprises three working areas. If the coating device comprises only a first working area and a second working area, performing step e. is not necessary.

[0063] The following describes the inventive method as well as further possible process steps of the aforementioned method in other words: The first lifting / lowering element transfers the body vertically upwards to the holding element of the clamping device. Upon contact of the body with the holding element, the holding element closes automatically and secures the body. Simultaneously, contact is established by connecting the body's phase terminal to the contact element of the electrical heating unit, which is fixed to the holding element. During this process, the control unit performs a plausibility check, in particular determining a so-called R20 value (development resistance) and comparing it to the contacted bodies.

[0064] The body is then heated by means of electrical preheating.

[0065] In a subsequent step, the holding element is transferred from the first working area to the second working area by the transfer device. In the second working area, the coating unit is moved towards the workpiece by a second lifting / lowering device, thereby bringing the workpiece into contact with the coating medium. During the subsequent lowering of the first coating unit by the lifting / lowering device, the workpiece is cleaned by the cleaning unit's cleaning device. Afterwards, the holding element is transferred back from the second working area to the first working area by the transfer device. Alternatively, if the coating device includes a third working area, the workpiece can be transferred from the second working area to the third working area and coated there by the second coating unit.

[0066] In the second work area, for example, the sheet metal core of the body can be impregnated. In the third work area, the I-pins or hairpins of the body can be sintered or coated with resin using gel coating.

[0067] The transfer from the first working area to the second working area, or vice versa, preferably involves a 180° rotation. During this process, the holding element pivots from the first working area to the second working area. The same applies to a transfer from the second working area to the third working area and back.

[0068] Once the holding device is repositioned in the first working area, the body is picked up by the first lifting / lowering element of the lifting / lowering device and moved away from the holding device for removal from the coating unit. At the same time, the contact between the electric heating unit and the body is interrupted. Until shortly before the contact is interrupted, the body can be continuously and uninterruptedly heated by the electric heating unit.

[0069] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the attached patent claims, the graphic representation and the following description of preferred embodiments of the coating device and the method.

[0070] The drawing shows: Fig. 1 A cutaway side view of a first embodiment of the coating device with a first working area and a second working area as well as a first coating unit designed as a painting unit; Fig. 2 A cutaway side view of a second embodiment of the coating device with a first working area and a second working area as well as a first coating unit designed as a sintering unit; Fig. 3 A cutaway side view of a third embodiment of the coating device with an additional third working area and with a second coating unit designed as an impregnation unit arranged in the third working area, in which the body is arranged in a first working position; Fig. 4 A cutaway side view of the third embodiment of the coating device with an additional third working area and with the second coating unit designed as an impregnation unit arranged in the third working area, in which the body is arranged in a second working position; Fig. 5 A sectional top view of a coating device according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4; Fig. 6 A schematic flowchart of the method according to the invention.

[0071] The figures show exemplary embodiments of a coating device, designated overall by reference numeral 2, for coating bodies 4, in particular metallic bodies such as wound components. In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the coating device 2 comprises several holding means 6, to each of which a body 4 can be fixed. The coating devices 2 each comprise a first working area 8 in which at least the body 4 can be fixed to the holding means 6 and in which the body 4 can again be detached from the holding means 6. Furthermore, the coating device 2 each comprises at least a second working area 10 in which at least one first coating unit 12 can be arranged. A coating agent is applied and / or impregnated at least partially onto the body 4 by the first coating unit 12 and can be arranged on the body 4.To transfer the body 4 from the first working area 8 to the second working area 10, the coating device 2 comprises a transfer device 14 by which the holding means 6 can be transferred from the first working area 8 to the second working area 10 and back.

[0072] For heating the bodies 4, the coating device 2 comprises an electric heating unit 16, which includes at least one contact element 18 fixed in or on the holding means 6 and which can be manually or automatically connected to at least one phase connection of the body 4 in the arrangement of the body 4 fixed on the holding means 6. Through the contact element 18 of the electric heating unit 16, the body 4 can be continuously and uninterruptedly connected to the power supply of the electric heating unit 16 when the holding means 6 is moved from the first working area 8 to the second working area 10, and the body 4 can be electrically heated continuously and uninterrupted in the first working area 8 and in the second working area 10.

[0073] To facilitate the automated process, the embodiments of the coating device 2 shown in the figures include a control unit 22 comprising at least one sensor 20, which detects or determines the electrical resistance of the body 4 when it is positioned on the holding element 6 and / or when it is connected to the at least one contact element 18 of the electrical heating unit 16. Based on the detected current and voltage, the control unit 22 can then determine the electrical resistance, adjust the current supply, and thereby predetermine the temperature of the body 4.

[0074] In the embodiment of the coating device 2 shown in the figures, the transfer device 14 comprises at least one bearing unit 24 comprising a pivot axis, by which the holding means 6 can be transferred from the first working area 8 to the second working area 10 and back.

[0075] In order to easily position the body 4 on the holding means 6, or to easily move the first coating unit 12 towards the body 4, the following features are used in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the two exemplary embodiments shown, a lifting / lowering device 26 is provided, comprising a first lifting / lowering means 28 arranged in the first working area 8, by which the body 4 can be moved, in particular lifted, along a first direction of movement 30 onto the holding means 6, and which comprises a second lifting / lowering means 32 in the second working area 10, by which the first coating unit 12 can be moved, in particular lifted, along a second direction of movement 34 onto the body 4.

[0076] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the coating device 2, in which the first coating unit 12 comprises a painting unit.

[0077] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the coating device 2, in which the coating unit 12 comprises a sintering unit.

[0078] The Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the coating device 2, in which the coating device 2 comprises a third working area 36 in which a second coating unit 38 can be arranged, by which a coating agent can be applied to the body 4 at least in certain areas and arranged on the body 4.

[0079] To position the body 4, or the holding means 6, in the third working area 36, ​​the transfer device 14 of the coating device 2 comprises a translation means 40 by which the at least one holding means 6 can be moved transversely to the axis of rotation of the bearing unit 24. This places the holding means 6 of the coating device 2 in a first working position ( Fig. 3) can be arranged in such a way that the holding means 6 can be arranged from the first working area 8 to the second working area 10 by rotating it about the axis of rotation of the bearing unit 24. By means of the translation means 40, the holding means 5 can be moved into a second working position ( Fig. 4) transferable, in which the at least one holding means 6 can be transferred from the second working area 10 to the third working area 36 by rotating about the axis of rotation of the bearing unit 24.

[0080] The second coating unit 38 comprises, in the Fig. 3 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, an impregnation unit is shown. In order to move the second coating unit 38 along a third direction of movement 35 onto the holding means 6, the lifting / lowering device 26 comprises a third lifting / lowering means 33 arranged in the second working area 10.

[0081] Furthermore, in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 4, the coating device 2 comprises at least one protective housing 42 in which at least the first working area 8, the second working area 10, and the third working area 36 can be arranged. To make the first working area 8 accessible, the protective housing 42 comprises a first access means 44, such as a door; to make the second working area 10 accessible, a second access means 46, such as a door; and to make the third working area 36 accessible from the outside, a third access means 48, such as a door.

[0082] Furthermore, the embodiments of the coating device 2 shown in the figures each include a cleaning unit 50, which comprises at least one cleaning device 52 arranged in the second working area 10 and / or in the second working area 36. The cleaning device 52 of the cleaning unit 50 allows the body 4 to be cleaned after coating.

[0083] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention. Using the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Section 5 below describes the inventive method: In a first step 100, at least one body 4 is fixed to a holding means 6 and the phase connection of the body 4 is connected to the contact means 18 of the electrical heating unit 6 fixed to the holding means 6 in the first working area 8.

[0084] In a subsequent step 101, the electrical resistance of the winding of a body 4 is determined by measuring the current and voltage when arranged on the holding means 6 and / or when connected to the at least one contact means 18 of the electrical heating unit 16, and the current and voltage are set by the control unit 22.

[0085] In a subsequent step 102, the body 4 is heated electrically without interruption and continuously by the electric heating unit 16.

[0086] In a subsequent step 103, the holding agent 6 is transferred from the first working area 8 to the second working area 10 by the transfer device 14 and the body 4 is coated by the first coating unit 12.

[0087] In a subsequent step 104, which may be carried out, the holding agent 6 can be transferred from the second working area 10 to the third working area 36 by the transfer device 14 and coated there by the second coating unit 38.

[0088] In a final step 105, the holding means 6 is transferred from the second working area 10 or from the third working area 36 to the first working area 8 by the transfer device 14 and the body 4 is released from the holding means 6 and the phase connection of the body 4 from the contact means 18 of the electrical heating unit 16 fixed to the holding means 6.

[0089] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the claims and in the drawing can be essential in the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. Reference symbol list 2 Coating device 4 bodies 6 Holding devices 8 first work area 10 second work area 12 first coating unit 14 Transfer facility 16 electric heating units 18 Contact agents 20 sensor devices 22 Control unit 24 storage units 26 Lifting / lowering device 28 first lifting / lowering device 30 first direction of movement 32 second lifting / lowering device 33 third lifting / lowering device 34 second direction of movement 35 third direction of movement 36 third work area 38 second coating unit 40 translation tools 42 protective housings 44 first means of access 46 second means of access 48 third means of access 50 cleaning units 52 Cleaning device

Claims

[1] Coating device (2) for coating bodies (4), in particular metallic bodies (4), such as wound materials, comprising at least one holding device, which has at least one holding means (6) on which a body (4) can be fixed, with at least one first working area (8) in which at least the body (4) can be fixed on the holding means (6) and in which the body (4) can be released from the holding means (6), with at least one second working area (10) in which at least one first coating unit (12) is arranged, by which a coating agent can be applied at least partially to the body (4) and arranged on the body (4), with at least one transfer device (14) by which the holding means (6) can be transferred from the first working area (8) to the second working area (10) and back, and with at least one electric heating unit (16) comprising at least one contact means (18) fixed in or on the holding means (6),the body (4) can be manually or automatically connected or connected in the arrangement of the body (4) fixed on the holding means (6) with at least one phase connection of the body (4), which can be continuously and without interruption connected or connected to a power supply of the electric heating unit (16) when the holding means (6) is transferred from the first working area (8) to the second working area (10), and by which the body (4) can be electrically heated continuously and without interruption in the first working area (8) and in the second working area (10), wherein the transfer device (14) comprises at least one bearing unit (24) comprising a rotation axis, wherein the transfer of the at least one holding means (6) from one working area to another working area and vice versa comprises a rotational or oscillating movement about the rotation axis of the bearing unit (24), , characterized byat least one lifting / lowering device (26) comprising at least one first lifting / lowering means (28) in the first working area (8) by which the body (4) is movable, in particular liftable, along a first direction of movement (30) onto the holding means (6), comprising at least one second lifting / lowering means (32) in the second working area (10) by which the first coating unit (12) is movable, in particular liftable, along a second direction of movement (34) onto the body (4), and the body (4) is arrangable in the first coating unit (12), wherein the first direction of movement (30) and the second direction of movement (34) are parallel to the axis of rotation of the bearing unit (24). [2] Coating device (2) according to claim 1, characterized byat least one control unit (22) comprising at least one sensor means (20) for the electric current and / or for the electric voltage, by which an electrical resistance of the body (4) can be detected or determined when arranged on the holding means (6) and / or when connected to the at least one contact means (18) of the electric heating unit (16), in particular a winding resistance, such as the R20 value, of the body (4) can be detected, and by which a current strength of the current supply can be adjusted on the basis of the detected electrical resistance. [3] Coating device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least a third working area (36) in which at least a second coating unit (38) can be arranged, by which a coating agent can be applied to the body (4) at least in certain areas and arranged on the body (4). [4] Coating device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the transfer device (14) comprises at least one translation means (40) by which the at least one holding means (6) can be moved and fixed transversely to the axis of rotation. [5] Coating device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one holding means (6) can be arranged in a first working position, in which the at least one holding means (6) can be arranged in the first working area (8) or in the second working area (10) by rotating about the axis of rotation of the bearing unit (24), and that the at least one holding means (6) can be transferred to a second working position and arranged therein by the translation means (40), in which the at least one holding means (6) can be arranged in the second working area (10) or in the third working area (36) by rotating about the axis of rotation of the bearing unit (24). [6] Coating device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first coating unit (12) and / or the second coating unit (38) comprises an impregnation unit for at least partially impregnating the body (4) with a coating agent comprising an impregnating fluid, a sintering unit, in particular a fluidized bed sintering unit, for at least partially coating the body (4) with a powdered coating agent, and / or at least a coating unit for applying a coating agent comprising a hard coating, such as gelcoat. [7] Coating device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lifting / lowering device (26) comprises at least a third lifting / lowering means (33) in the third working area (36) by which the second coating unit (38) can be moved, in particular lifted, onto the body (4) along a third direction of movement (35), and the body (4) can be arranged in the second coating unit (38). [8] Coating device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least two holding means (6), by a transfer device (14) and by at least two contact means (18), wherein one contact means (18) is assigned to each holding means (6) and wherein at least one holding means (6) can be arranged in a working area and the at least one further holding means (6) can be arranged in a further working area and wherein transferring one of the at least two holding means (6) from the one working area to the further working area includes transferring the at least one further holding means (6) from the further working area to the one working area. [9] Coating device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one protective enclosure (42) in which at least one of the at least one first working area (8), at least one of the at least one second working area (10) and / or at least one of the at least one third working area (36) is arranged and which includes at least one first access means (44), such as a door, through which the first working area (8) is accessible from the outside, which includes at least one second access means (46), such as a door, through which the second working area (10) is accessible from the outside, and which includes at least one third access means (48), such as a door, through which the second working area (10) is accessible from the outside. [10] Coating device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one cleaning unit (50) which can be arranged or is arranged in the second working area (10) and / or in the third working area (36) and which includes at least one cleaning device (52) by which at least one of the at least one body (4) can be cleaned after being arranged in the first coating unit (12) or in the second coating unit (38). [11] Coating device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one manual or automatic loading and unloading unit through which the first working area (8) can be loaded and / or unloaded with at least one body (4). [12] Method for operating at least one coating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising the steps: a. Fixing at least one body (4) to a holding means (6) and connecting the phase connection of the body (4) to the contact means (18) of the electrothermal unit (16) fixed to the holding means (6) in the first working area (8), b. Determining or measuring the electric current and voltage to determine the electrical resistance of the body (4) when arranging it on the holding means (6) and / or when connecting it to the at least one contact means (18) of the electric heating unit (16) by the control unit (22) and setting a current strength of the current supply; c. Continuous and uninterrupted electrical heating of the body by the electric heating unit (16); d. Transfer of the holding medium (6) from the first working area (8) to the second working area (10) by the transfer device (14) and coating of the body (4) by the first coating unit (12); e. If necessary, transfer the holding medium (6) from the second working area (10) to the third working area (36) by the transfer device (14) and coat the body (4) by the second coating unit (38); f. Transferring the holding means (6) from the second working area (10) or from the third working area (36) to the first working area (8) by the transfer device (14) and releasing the body (4) from the holding means (6) and the phase connection of the body (4) from the contact means (18) of the electrothermal unit (16) fixed to the holding means (6).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Process for impregnating single-phase and multi-phase stator windings and device for carrying out the process

    DE1212204B

  • Device for impregnating electric machine windings e.g. impregnating stator or rotor windings with liquid resin

    DE19631474C1

  • Means for impregnating electric coils

    US2442183A

  • Automatic immersion apparatus

    US2869508A