Device for coating an object with a silicone coating

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for coating an object (2) with a silicone coating (3), the device comprising: at least one processing station (4) having a processing region (5) for receiving the object (2); at least one silicone spray nozzle (6) for applying the silicone (9) to at least one surface region (7) of the object (2) in order to result in a silicone coating (3); at least one optical sensor (8) for monitoring the quality of the silicone coating (3) by identifying silicone (9), wherein the optical sensor (8) has an identification region (10) aligned with the processing region (5), in which identification region the sensor (8) can identify silicone (9); and at least one compressed air nozzle (11), which is aligned with the identification region (10) of the at least one optical sensor (8), for flushing the identification region (10) with compressed air.

Description

[0001] Device for coating an object with a silicone coating

[0002] The invention relates to a device for coating an object with a silicone coating. Objects to be coated with a silicone coating include, for example, cartridges or syringes for pharmaceuticals. Silicone coatings are applied in particular to the inner surfaces of such cartridges. Silicone coatings serve, in particular, the purpose of ensuring that a plunger or piston slides smoothly and fluid-tightly over the inner surface of the cartridge or syringe. In general, the quality of the silicone coating, and in particular its completeness, is an important parameter; monitoring this during coating production is desirable or, depending on the product requirements, even necessary.

[0003] To monitor the quality of the silicone coating, it is advantageous to detect silicone during the coating process. Silicone is typically applied in the form of a spray, which preferably consists of a silicone emulsion and also contains aqueous components. Monitoring the quality of the silicone coating can be done indirectly by monitoring the spray that is created during the coating application. If the spray appears correctly during the coating process, it can be assumed that the coating is of sufficient quality.

[0004] Camera-based systems that could detect silicone spray are conceivable. However, camera-based systems require the analysis of camera images to detect the spray. This is technically quite complex and often not cost-effective to implement on a large scale for the parallel production of a large number of coated objects.

[0005] It is also possible to optically detect a spray mist using an optical sensor, based on the spray mist's adsorption effect for light of a specific wavelength. For example, light can be emitted from a sensor's signal source and received by a sensor's signal receiver. When a spray mist forms, the light is fully or partially adsorbed. This type of optical detection has the advantage that the sensor signal can be evaluated much more efficiently than with a camera-based system. Only the detection or non-detection of an amount of light above a threshold value is required to determine whether the spray mist was present correctly for applying the coating.

[0006] The optical detection of a spray mist of silicone in the interior of a carpule for the purpose of monitoring the quality of a silicone coating is known, for example, from EP 2 198 974 B1.

[0007] In principle, all methods for detecting spray mist are sensitive to interference, for example, contamination on camera lenses, signal receivers, signal sources, etc.

[0008] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a particularly advantageous device for coating an object with a silicone coating is to be described, which enables the detection of the formation of a silicone coating particularly reliably.

[0009] This object is achieved by the invention according to the features of the independent patent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims, as well as in the description and, in particular, in the description of the figures. It should be noted that the person skilled in the art can combine the individual features in a technologically expedient manner and thus arrive at further embodiments of the invention.The invention relates to a device for coating an object with a silicone coating, comprising at least one processing station with a processing area for receiving the object, at least one silicone spray nozzle for applying the silicone to at least one surface area of ​​the object so that a silicone coating is created, at least one optical sensor for monitoring the quality of the silicone coating by detecting silicone, wherein the optical sensor has a detection area aligned with the processing area, in which the sensor can detect silicone, and at least one compressed air nozzle aligned with the detection area of ​​the at least one optical sensor in order to flush the detection area with compressed air.

[0010] The device is preferably part of a larger / superordinate device for producing or processing such coated objects. The processing station is preferably one of a plurality of processing stations at which various steps in the production of such objects take place sequentially and / or in parallel. The term "processing area" preferably describes spatial areas within the processing station in which the object is located at least temporarily during processing (here, the application of the coating). The term "detection area" preferably refers to spatial areas that are monitored with the optical sensor or spatial areas in which optical changes (e.g., the presence of the object, the presence of silicone, and / or the presence of water or contaminants) lead to changes that can be registered with the optical sensor.Preferably, the detection area and the processing area overlap at least in sections, so that the formation of the silicone coating takes place both in the processing area and in the detection area and is detected by the optical sensors.

[0011] The described device is characterized by the fact that the detection area is flushed with compressed air. This improves the detection accuracy of silicone. The term "detection accuracy" here refers to the accuracy or reliability with which a correct / desired formation of a silicone coating can be distinguished from an incorrect (e.g., incomplete) formation of a silicone layer. The compressed air serves the purpose of flushing or removing contaminants, and in particular water that is not part of the silicone coating or the silicone spray, from the detection area. This can prevent contaminants, and in particular the presence of water, from causing incorrect detection of silicone. By flushing the detection area with compressed air, the detection of silicone can be significantly improved.

[0012] Water can, for example, originate from previous processing steps of the object and remain on the object. For example, a station for cleaning / rinsing the object with water can be located upstream of the device. Water from this cleaning process can remain on the object. In general, the device described is particularly suitable for applications in humid environments. By flushing the detection area with compressed air, the detection and monitoring of the silicone coating is improved, even in humid environments.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the silicone spray nozzle is arranged on a base of the processing station and is directed upwards so that silicone can be sprayed into the processing area from below using the silicone spray nozzle, wherein the processing station has guide means for the relative movement of the processing station and the object such that the silicone spray nozzle can be inserted through an open end into a cylindrical body of the object in order to coat an inner surface of the object with silicone.

[0014] The object is, in particular, a cartridge or syringe with a cylindrical body and an open end, wherein the device serves to coat the inner surface of the syringe or cartridge with silicone. The silicone is preferably provided in the form of an emulsion via the silicone spray nozzle, which preferably contains water and, together with air, optionally forms an aerosol. A spray or mist of silicone or silicone emulsion particularly preferably emerges from the silicone spray nozzle.

[0015] The silicone coating on the inner surface of a carpule is intended in particular to improve the sliding friction for a piston or a stamp in the carpule and, if necessary, also to contribute to the sealing between the inner surface of the carpule and the piston or stamp.

[0016] Carpules or syringes as objects to be coated can, for example, have volumes between 1 mg [milligram] and 100 mg [milligram]. In principle, however, the described method can be used for coating and monitoring the coating process on objects of various sizes. Opposite the open end, the carpule preferably has a closed end, which is preferably not completely closed; there it has an outlet for the fluid contained in the carpule (in particular pharmaceuticals), the diameter of which is much smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical body. The open end is preferably surrounded by a collar which, starting from the cylindrical body, extends outwards around the open end and to which the carpule can be held or clamped if necessary.

[0017] The guide means can be designed to guide the processing station or the base to the object from below and / or to guide the object to the processing station or the base from above.

[0018] It is also advantageous if guide means for introducing the object into the processing station are designed to effect a guide movement of the object through the processing area, in which a distance of the object from a base of the processing station is continuously changed during a spraying process of silicone with the silicone spray nozzle in order to effect a uniform application of the silicone coating on the at least one surface area of ​​the object.

[0019] Preferably, the device or processing station is configured such that the relative position of the object and the detection zone changes during a guiding movement. Thus, different sections or regions of the silicone coating can be monitored with the sensor in the detection zone during the guiding movement. Preferably, the relative position of the object to the at least one compressed air nozzle also changes during the guiding movement. Preferably, the at least one compressed air nozzle is stationary relative to the sensor or the detection zone, such that the at least one compressed air nozzle is moved together with the detection zone relative to the object during the guiding movement.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one optical sensor is arranged above a base of the processing station laterally of the processing area and the detection area is at least partially aligned horizontally in order to detect silicone in the processing area.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the at least one optical sensor is designed in two parts, with a sensor transmitter and a sensor receiver, wherein the processing area is arranged between the sensor transmitter and the sensor receiver and the detection area is designed in a line from the sensor transmitter to the sensor receiver and extends through the processing area.

[0022] The detection area can preferably be understood as an (imaginary) channel or measuring section from the sensor transmitter to the sensor receiver. The diameter of the detection area is preferably greater than 1 mm [millimeter] and less than 5 mm, for example, approximately 2 mm. The diameter of the detection area is thus smaller than the object. Preferably, only one area of ​​the object is monitored with the sensor to detect the correct formation of the silicone coating. This area is preferably representative of the formation of the silicone coating on the object as a whole.

[0023] Preferably, the sensor transmitter is a light source, in particular a light source for laser light or a special light-emitting diode (LED). Preferably, the sensor receiver is a photosensitive cell for receiving the light or laser light.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one optical sensor is configured to detect light with a wavelength in a range between 400 nanometers and 800 nanometers.

[0025] It is also advantageous if the at least one optical sensor is designed to detect water content in silicone.

[0026] Water can be reliably detected using light in this wavelength range. When water is present, light in this wavelength range is adsorbed, and the sensor's receiver receives less of the light emitted by the sensor's transmitter.

[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the at least one compressed air nozzle is arranged above a base of the processing station to the side of the processing area and is aligned with the detection area of ​​the at least one optical sensor.

[0028] By aligning at least one compressed air nozzle in this way, the detection area can be specifically freed of contaminants (especially water). The compressed air from the compressed air nozzle flushes water, in particular, out of the detection area, so that the optical sensor detects water in the silicone or silicone emulsion, and this detection is not interfered with by other water components (which are present in the detection area independently of the silicone). The result of the evaluation of the signals from the optical sensor therefore allows for better conclusions regarding the correct formation of the silicone layer.

[0029] The device is further advantageous if at least one compressed air nozzle is aligned with at least one sensor component of the optical sensor.

[0030] This can also help in particular with cleaning the surfaces of the optical sensor.

[0031] It is also advantageous if at least two mutually opposing sensor components are arranged above a base of the processing station laterally of the processing area, wherein the processing area is arranged between the sensor components and the device has at least two compressed air nozzles, wherein in each case one compressed air nozzle is fastened to a holder of one of the sensor components and is aligned with another of the sensor components.

[0032] Preferably, one sensor component is the previously described sensor transmitter, and the other sensor component is the previously described sensor receiver. However, other sensor components can also be used, for example, sensors that operate independently of one another.

[0033] By designing the compressed air nozzles aligned with sensor components arranged on other holders, the compressed air nozzles each rinse the sensor components on the other holder. In particular, water deposits (water droplets) on a sensor component can be removed with compressed air. A detection area between two sensor components of an optical sensor can thus be completely freed of contaminants (especially water). The holders can, for example, be made of a continuous material, such as plastic. Channels for compressed air to supply the compressed air nozzles are preferably integrated into the holder. The compressed air nozzles are preferably designed as outlet openings. Preferably, several compressed air nozzles are supplied with compressed air via a common compressed air source. The compressed air source is preferably connected to the compressed air nozzles via channels.

[0034] Also to be described here is a method for operating the previously described device, comprising the following steps: a) cleaning the at least one optical sensor with compressed air from the compressed air nozzle; b) introducing an object into the processing area; c) cleaning the object with compressed air from the compressed air nozzle; d) applying the silicone coating to at least one surface area of ​​the object, wherein silicone is provided to the silicone coating with the at least one silicone spray nozzle. e) monitoring the quality of the silicone coating with the at least one optical sensor by detecting silicone during and / or after step d).

[0035] It should be noted that the particular advantages and design features described in connection with the device described above are also applicable and transferable to the method described below.

[0036] This is particularly advantageous if, in step a) and step c), water on the optical sensor and on the object is removed with the compressed air from the compressed air nozzles and, in step e), the optical sensor detects water content in the silicone.

[0037] The device and the method are preferably designed for a permanent supply of compressed air from the compressed air nozzles. Compressed air flows continuously from the compressed air nozzles. Steps a) and c) are therefore preferably implemented by a constant (uninterrupted) compressed air outlet from the compressed air nozzles. As long as the object has not yet been introduced into the processing area (in step a)), the compressed air preferably hits the optical sensor or its components and removes contaminants (in particular water) from the sensor or the sensor components. As soon as the object has been introduced into the processing area (after step b)), the compressed air hits the surfaces of the object and removes contaminants (in particular water) from these surfaces. The monitoring of the quality of the silicone coating (step e)) preferably takes place at least partially in parallel with the formation of the silicone coating according to step d).This is preferably achieved by detecting the formation of the silicone spray during step e), which is provided with the silicone spray nozzle for applying the silicone coating. Preferably, the object is removed from the processing area after steps d) and e) (step f)). Preferably, a further execution of the described method steps then begins with another object to be coated with silicone.

[0038] Preferably, during steps d) and e), the guiding movement already described in connection with the device takes place, which changes the relative position of the object to the detection area, the sensors and the compressed air nozzles, so that the formation of the silicone coating takes place over a predetermined surface area of ​​the object and can be monitored.

[0039] Prior to carrying out method steps a) to e), the sensor is preferably also calibrated using objects to be coated, wherein the sensor and / or a control unit configured to evaluate the sensor signals are calibrated using objects. Calibration is preferably carried out using coated objects whose coating was assessed as suitable or acceptable in a separate test. Particularly preferably, the calibration comprises determining a plurality of measured values ​​using the sensors (for example, on a plurality of different objects). During calibration, at least one average value, which represents a reference value, is preferably calculated from a plurality of measured values ​​from the sensors. Particularly preferably, a plurality of measured values ​​are also recorded during step e) or during step d).

[0040] Preferably, the measured values ​​acquired during step e) are evaluated by comparing them with a reference value. In alternative embodiments, this comparison can be performed by subtracting the measured values ​​acquired during step e) from the mean value.

[0041] Particularly preferably, the method and the control unit of the device are also designed to carry out evaluation routines which extend over a number of coating processes of a number of objects.

[0042] For example, an evaluation of the amount of silicone processed can be carried out by adding together the measured values ​​recorded during several coating processes.

[0043] In preferred embodiments, the calibration additionally includes reference measurements with different compressed air volume flows emerging from the compressed air nozzles. Preferably, a compressed air volume flow is determined that ensures sufficient flushing of the detection area, so that the quality of the silicone coating can be monitored with the at least one optical sensor, while simultaneously setting an acceptable compressed air consumption. For this purpose, the device preferably has compressed air flow adjustment means with which the compressed air flow can be adjusted. The invention and the technical environment of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show preferred embodiments to which the invention is not limited. It should be noted in particular that the figures, and in particular the proportions shown in the figures, are only schematic. They show:

[0044] Fig. 1 : a described device in a state before the introduction of an object to be coated;

[0045] Fig. 2: a described device during the introduction of an object to be coated;

[0046] Fig. 3: a described device during a coating process;

[0047] Fig. 4: a described device in a state after a coating process has been completed;

[0048] Fig. 5: a representation of a described device in a view from above; and

[0049] Fig. 6: a flowchart of the described method.

[0050] 1 to 4 show the device 1 described here in various states, and these figures are described together here. The device 1 is shown for applying a silicone coating 3 to an object 2. The object 2 is preferably a carpule or a syringe with a cylindrical body 13, an interior space, an open end 14, through which the interior is accessible, and a closed end 24, at which an outlet 26 is preferably also located. The open end 14 is preferably also surrounded by a collar 25. The silicone coating 3 is to be applied to an inner surface 16 of the object 2 and serves the purpose of ensuring that a piston (not shown here) and / or a stamp attached to the piston can move easily within the object 2. The inner surface 16 thus forms a surface region 7 of the object 2 on which the silicone coating 3 is to be formed.The surface area 7 to be coated may not form the complete inner surface 16 of the object 2 to be coated. In preferred embodiments, (only) those areas of the inner surface 15 are provided with the silicone coating 3 on which the piston or stamp (not shown here) is intended to slide easily.

[0051] The device 1 has a processing station 4 in which the application of the silicone coating 3 takes place. For this purpose, the object 2 must be introduced into a processing area 5 of the processing station 4. The processing station 4 preferably has a base 12 on which a silicone spray nozzle 6 is located, which is designed to spray silicone 9, for example in the form of an emulsion, onto a surface area 7 of the object 2 in order to form the silicone coating 3. The silicone spray nozzle 6 is preferably oriented such that the silicone 9 is sprayed upwards. The object 2 is introduced into the processing station 4 from above in such a way that an open end 14 of the object 2 is oriented downwards and the silicone spray nozzle 6 sprays the silicone 9 through the open end 14 onto an inner surface 16 of the object 2 in order to form the silicone coating 3 there.

[0052] The process of applying the silicone coating 3 to the surface areas 7 of the object 2 is monitored by optical sensors 8 arranged at the processing station 4. The optical sensors 8 shown in the figures are each designed in two parts with two sensor components 21, namely a sensor transmitter 19 and a sensor receiver 20. The sensor transmitter 19 and the sensor receiver 20 are arranged such that the processing area 5 is located between the sensor transmitter 19 and the sensor receiver 20. A detection area 10, in which the optical sensor 8 designed in this way detects silicone 9, is an area between the sensor transmitter 19 and the sensor receiver 20. The sensor transmitter 19 emits signals (preferably light with a defined wavelength or a defined wavelength range), which are received by the sensor receiver 20.The presence of silicone 9 in the detection zone 10 influences the signals emitted by the sensor transmitter 19. This influence can be detected by a control unit 27, which is connected to the sensor transmitter 19 and the sensor receiver 20 via data lines 28 and signal lines, respectively. For this purpose, the control unit 27 may have calibration data previously determined with the optical sensor 8 during calibration measurements.

[0053] Compressed air nozzles 11 are preferably also arranged at the processing station 4. The compressed air nozzles 11 are aligned with the detection area 10 of the optical sensors 8. The detection area 10 is flushed with compressed air exiting the compressed air nozzles 11. This cleans the detection area 10 and the components arranged in the detection area 10. In particular, flushing with compressed air removes water residues from the detection area 10. The detection of silicone 9 with the optical sensor 8 preferably occurs by the optical sensor 8 detecting water components in the silicone 9. For this reason, water residues in the detection area 10 that are not water components of the silicone 9 interfere with the measurement of silicone 9 with the optical sensor 8.The removal of such water residues by means of flushing with compressed air improves the detection accuracy of the silicone 9 with the optical sensor 8.

[0054] In the embodiment of the device 1 according to Figures 1 to 4, the sensor components 21 of the optical sensor 8 (the sensor transmitter 19 and the sensor receiver 20) are each attached to holders 22 which extend upwards from the base 12 with the silicone spray nozzle 6 to the side of the processing area 5, so that the processing area 5 is arranged between the sensor components 21 and a detection area 10 of the optical sensor 5 extends through the processing area 5. At least one compressed air nozzle 11 is arranged on each of the holders 22, which is directed into the detection area 10 and the processing area 5 as well as onto the respective other holder 22 or the respective other sensor component 21 and the respective other compressed air nozzle 11 on the other holder 22.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a situation before the object 2 is introduced into the processing area 5. Silicone 9 is not yet being provided with the silicone spray nozzle 6. However, flushing with compressed air from the compressed air nozzles 11 is already taking place. The compressed air flowing from the compressed air nozzles 11 now strikes the opposite sensor component 21 of the optical sensor 8. For this reason, the compressed air flushes away any water residue on the respective sensor component 21.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a situation in which the object 2 is moved into the processing area 5 and which takes place after the situation in Fig. 1. For this purpose, the distance 18 between the processing station 4 and the base 12 of the processing station 4 is reduced. This can be achieved by a guiding movement 17 of the object 2 towards the processing station 4 and / or a guiding movement 17 of the processing station 4 towards the object 2. Guiding means 15, which can, for example, comprise a drive for moving the processing station 4, are shown schematically in Figs. 1 to 4. During the guiding movement 17, the object 2 reaches the processing area 5 and also the detection area 10. The compressed air exiting the compressed air nozzles 11 strikes an outer surface 29 of the object 2 and thus rinses away water residues on the outer surface 29 of the object 2. Therefore, water residues on the sensor components 21 and (according to Fig. 1) are preferred.2) Water residues on the outer surface 29 of the object 2 are removed. For this reason, the optical sensor 8 can detect water content in the silicone 9 that is applied to the inner surface 16 of the object 2 much more effectively. Fig. 3 shows a situation in which the object 2 is located in the processing area 5, which takes place after the situation in Fig. 2 and in which the provision of silicone 9 takes place with the silicone spray nozzle 6. The silicone 9 is injected through the open end 14 into the cylindrical body 13 of the object 2 in order to form the silicone coating 3 on the inner surface 16. Preferably, a guiding movement 17 takes place during this time, which effects an even distribution of the silicone 9 on the inner surface 16. In the situation shown in Fig. 3, the optical sensor 8 can detect the provided silicone 9.The sensor components 21 of the optical sensor 8 and the outer surface 29 of the object 2 were previously cleaned, or any water residues present there were removed. Therefore, the detection of the silicone 9 by the optical sensor 8 is no longer distorted by such water residues. The application of the silicone coating 3 made of the silicone 9 can be precisely monitored.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a situation that occurs chronologically after the situation depicted in Fig. 3. Here, the object 2 is moved out of the processing area 5 of the processing station 4. The silicone coating 3 made of silicone 9 has been applied to a surface area 7 of the inner surface 16 of the object 2.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the device 1 from above. The device 1 corresponds to the device 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 4. The processing station 4 with the processing area 5, in which the object 2 is schematically indicated, can be seen. Fig. 5 also shows the silicone spray nozzle 6 on the base 12 of the processing station 4 from above. The optical sensors 8 or the sensor components 21 of the optical sensor 8 are located on holders 22 to the sides of the processing station 4. The processing area 5 is located between the optical sensors 8 or sensor components 21. One sensor component 21 of the optical sensor 8 is a sensor transmitter 19. Another sensor component 21 of the optical sensor 8 is a sensor receiver 20.Between the sensor transmitter 19 and the sensor receiver 20 is a detection zone 10, which forms an (approximately) linear connection between the sensor transmitter 19 and the sensor receiver 20 and which extends through the processing zone 5. Silicone 9 applied to the object 2 can be detected by the optical sensor 8.

[0059] A compressed air nozzle 11 is also attached to each of the holders 22. Compressed air can exit from the compressed air nozzle 11. The compressed air nozzle 11 is designed such that a flushing area 23 extends from it, in which the compressed air exiting the compressed air nozzle 11 flushes away contaminants (or, in particular, water residues). The flushing area 23 is shown here as conical. Preferably, the detection area 10 of the optical sensor 8 lies entirely within the flushing area 23, so that contaminants (or, in particular, water residues) in the detection area 10 that could interfere with the detection of silicone 9 can be effectively removed with the compressed air from the compressed air nozzles 11.Preferably, the rinsing areas 23 of the compressed air nozzles 11 also extend to the respective opposite holders 22, compressed air nozzles 11 and optical sensor components 21, so that the compressed air from the compressed air nozzles 11 also cleans / rinses the opposite sensor components 21 when no object 2 to be coated is arranged in the processing area 5.

[0060] The sequence of the described method, which is carried out with the described device 1, is shown roughly schematically in Fig. 6. The individual steps of the method are schematically plotted along a time axis. The compressed air supply 30 with the compressed air nozzles 11 preferably occurs continuously throughout the entire implementation of the described method. Step a) essentially corresponds to the situation shown in Fig. 1. Here, the compressed air strikes the sensor components 21 of the optical sensor 8, which are located opposite the compressed air nozzles 11. These sensor components 21 are cleaned here, or water residues are removed from these sensor components 21. In step b), the object 2 is then introduced into the processing area 5. During the introduction of the object 2 into the processing area 5, the compressed air also strikes the outer surface 29 of the object 2.The outer surface 29 of object 2 is thus cleaned with compressed air, or rather, freed of water residues. This takes place in step c). Step b) and step c) partially overlap because step c) starts automatically upon introduction of object 2 into the processing area 5. The situation during steps b) and c) is essentially shown in Fig. 2.

[0061] In step d), silicone 9 is then provided with the silicone spray nozzle 6 to produce the silicone coating 3 on the inner surface 16 of the object 2. Simultaneously with the provision, the quality of the silicone coating 3 is monitored in step e).

[0062] Preferably, step d) is followed by a step f), in which the object 2 is completely removed from the processing area 5 and the device 1 is preferably placed in the situation to carry out steps a) to e) with another object 2 in order to also coat this object 2. Steps a) to f) represent a work cycle of the device 1 for coating an object 2 with a silicone coating 3.

[0063] List of reference symbols

[0064] 1 Warning

[0065] 2 objects

[0066] 3 Silicone coating

[0067] 4 processing stations

[0068] 5 Editing area

[0069] 6 silicone spray nozzle

[0070] 7 Surface area

[0071] 8 optical sensor

[0072] 9 Silicone

[0073] 10 Detection area

[0074] 11 Compressed air nozzle

[0075] 12 Base

[0076] 13 cylindrical body

[0077] 14 open ending

[0078] 15 leadership tools

[0079] 16 inner surface

[0080] 17 Leadership Movement

[0081] 18 distance

[0082] 19 sensor transmitters

[0083] 20 sensor receivers

[0084] 21 sensor components

[0085] 22 holders

[0086] 23 Washing area

[0087] 24 closed end

[0088] 25 collars

[0089] 26 Outlet

[0090] 27 Control unit

[0091] 28 data line

[0092] 29 outer surface

[0093] 30 Compressed air supply

Claims

Claims: Device (1) for coating an object (2) with a silicone coating (3) comprising at least one processing station (4) with a processing area (5) for receiving the object (2), at least one silicone spray nozzle (6) for applying the silicone (9) to at least one surface area (7) of the object (2) so that a silicone coating (3) is formed, at least one optical sensor (8) for monitoring the quality of the silicone coating (3) by detecting silicone (9), wherein the optical sensor (8) has a detection area (10) directed towards the processing area (5) in which the optical sensor (8) can detect silicone (9), and at least one compressed air nozzle (11) which is directed towards the detection area (10) of the at least one optical sensor (8) in order to flush the detection area (10) with compressed air.Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the silicone spray nozzle (6) is arranged on a base (12) of the processing station (4) and is oriented upwards, so that silicone (9) can be sprayed from below into the processing area (5) with the silicone spray nozzle (6), wherein the processing station (4) has guide means (15) for the relative movement of the processing station (4) and the object (2), which are arranged such that the silicone spray nozzle (6) can be inserted through an open end (14) into a cylindrical body (13) of the object (2) in order to coat an inner surface (16) of the object (2) with silicone (9).Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein guide means (15) for introducing the object (2) into the processing station (4) are configured to effect a guide movement (17) of the object (2) through the processing area (5), in which a distance (18) of the object (2) from a base (12) of the processing station (4) is continuously changed during a spraying process of silicone (9) with the silicone spray nozzle (6). The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims is used to ensure a uniform application of the silicone coating (3) to the at least one surface area (7) of the object (2), wherein the at least one optical sensor (8) is arranged above a base (12) of the processing station (4) laterally to the processing area (5), and the detection area (10) is at least partially horizontally oriented to detect silicone (9) in the processing area (5). The device (1) according to claim 4 is further described, wherein the at least one optical sensor (8) is designed in two parts, comprising a sensor transmitter (19) and a sensor receiver (20), wherein the processing area (5) is arranged between the sensor transmitter (19) and the sensor receiver (20), and the detection area (10) is formed as a line from the sensor transmitter (19) to the sensor receiver (20) and extends through the processing area (5).Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one optical sensor (8) is configured to detect light with a wavelength in a range between 400 nanometers and 800 nanometers. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one optical sensor (8) is configured to detect water content in silicone (9). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one compressed air nozzle (11) is arranged above a base (12) of the processing station (4) laterally to the processing area (5) and is directed towards the detection area (10) of the at least one optical sensor (8). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one compressed air nozzle (11) is directed towards at least one sensor component (21) of the optical sensor (8). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two opposing sensor components (21) are arranged above a base (12) of the processing station (4) laterally to the processing area (5), wherein the processing area (5) is arranged between the sensor components (21) and the device (1) has at least two compressed air nozzles (11), each compressed air nozzle (11) being attached to a holder (22) of one of the sensor components (21) and directed towards another of the sensor components (21).A method for operating a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) cleaning the at least one optical sensor (8) with compressed air from the compressed air nozzle (11); b) introducing an object (2) into the processing area (5); c) cleaning the object (2) with compressed air from the compressed air nozzle (11); d) applying the silicone coating (3) to at least one surface area (7) of the object (2), wherein the silicone (9) of the silicone coating (3) is supplied by the at least one silicone spray nozzle (6); e) monitoring the quality of the silicone coating (3) with the at least one optical sensor (8) by detecting silicone (9) during and / or after step d).Method according to claim 11, wherein in step a) and step c) water is removed from the optical sensor (8) and from the object (2) using compressed air from the compressed air nozzles (11), and wherein in step e) the optical sensor (8) detects water content in the silicone (9).

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