Supply device for sprayer, modules for such supply device, and application facility of coating product comprising such supply device

Abstract

To provide a supply device for a sprayer, modules for the supply device, and an application facility of a coating product comprising the supply device.SOLUTION: A device for feeding coating agents and / or cleaning agents to a sprayer has an annular structure and includes an annular plate 110, a plurality of connection modules 120, a plurality of function modules 140, and a plurality of inlet modules 150. Each connection module is removably mounted against one side 110B of the annular plate. Each function module is removably mounted on an outer face of a connection module. Each function module is fluidically coupled to the connection module. Each inlet module is removably mounted on an inlet face of a connection module. Each inlet module carries fluidic coupling elements accessible to a face of the inlet module, oriented opposite the connection module on the inlet face on which the same is mounted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying a sprayer with a coating product and / or a cleaning product. Further, the present invention relates to a module forming a spare part for such a supply apparatus, and to an installation for applying a coating product, the installation comprising a robot, preferably a multi-axis robot, and a sprayer attached to the arm of the robot and supplied with a coating product and / or a cleaning product by the supply apparatus.

[0002] The technical field of the present invention is, in particular, the technical field of the application of a coating product by an electrostatic sprayer to an object, such as an automobile body, a vehicle or a household appliance component, more generally any object receiving a layer of a coating product.

Background Art

[0003] In the art, from European Patent Application Publication No. 1543883, a way of using a valve system for supplying a sprayer with a two-component product is known, the valve system being attached near the sprayer.

[0004] From Japanese Patent No. 6246200, it is also known to incorporate, upstream of the sprayer, a set of paint valves arranged in one or more rows, supplying a multi-way pipe to which an air valve and a solvent valve are attached. The set of paint valves is large in volume in that the set needs to be arranged at an intermediate position of a suction pump and at a distance from the sprayer. As a result, when changing the color of the paint to be sprayed, a significant loss of paint and solvent occurs.

[0005] On the other hand, European Patent Application Publication No. 1502658 describes the mounting of a valve set and sprayer at the end of a robotic arm. The color-changing valves are arranged in a juxtaposed unit, opening into a linear, central collection channel, with the valves distributed around the channel in adjacent planes. Such a structure is difficult to implement, particularly when it involves accommodating the number or nature of the coating product to be administered, e.g., one-component or two-component. The installation or removal of one valve unit affects the position of other valve units. Furthermore, when the valve set is incorporated into the end of a robotic arm, the set may obstruct the passage of a pilot air hose or power supply electrical cable for the sprayer.

[0006] Known equipment is equipped with application-specific valve blocks, and these application-specific valve blocks are sometimes designed according to the end-user's requirements for application equipment, particularly those incorporating associated sprayers and feeders. Therefore, it is necessary to design and manufacture many application-specific blocks, which is disadvantageous, especially in terms of cost and inventory management. Furthermore, such different application-specific blocks require dedicated maintenance operations, which is economically disadvantageous.

[0007] On the other hand, during the operational life of the application equipment, the device that supplies sprayers with coating and / or cleaning products sometimes needs to be modified to accommodate the application of the painting method being carried out. With known equipment, such improvements are difficult and time-consuming.

[0008] More specifically, the present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a novel apparatus for supplying sprayers with coating products and / or cleaning products, which has improved modularity to the extent that the apparatus can be easily configured from standardized elements to suit the conditions of use of the apparatus.

[0009] For this purpose, the present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying a sprayer with a coating product and / or a cleaning product, the apparatus comprising at least one control valve, a supply conduit for transporting the product to the valve, and at least one conduit for supplying the sprayer from the valve. According to the present invention, The supply device has an annular structure, Ring-shaped plate, Multiple connection modules, Multiple functional modules, and Multiple entrance modules Equipped with; The plate has through holes; Each connection module is made contact by a contact plate and is detachably mounted on one side of the annular plate; Each connection module is equipped with at least one conduit for supplying product to at least one pilot-operated valve; Each functional module is detachably mounted on the outer surface of a connection module, distinct from the contact surface with the annular plate; Each functional module is fluidly connected to the supply conduit of the connecting module on the outer surface on which it is mounted; Each functional module comprises either a portion of a conduit intended to be grounded, or at least one pilot-operated valve and at least one conduit; Each inlet module is detachably attached to the inlet surface of the connecting module opposite the contact surface; Each inlet module has a fluid coupling element accessible to the surface of the inlet module, which is oriented opposite to the connecting module on the inlet surface to which it is mounted.

[0010] The present invention provides a plate that gives the supply device an overall annular shape and supports different types of modules. The connecting module is used to create a supply circuit from the inlet module, valves and / or conduits belonging to the functional module. The inlet module can be used for easy connection of the supply device to a supply pipe for carrying coating or cleaning products. The removable mounting of different modules facilitates maintenance operations and adapting the supply device to its operating conditions.

[0011] According to an advantageous but not essential aspect of the present invention, such a supply device may incorporate one or more of the following features individually or in any technically acceptable combination: The bodies of all inlet modules equipped with fluid connection elements are identical to one another. At least one inlet module, preferably each inlet module, is provided with a label having an identification mark for the fluid coupling component, preferably the label is affixed to one surface of the inlet module extending the outer surface of the connecting module, and the inlet module is attached to the inlet surface. At least one functional module, preferably each functional module and / or plate, is provided with a label for identifying a valve, conduit, or connector, and the label is removably attached to a fixed portion of the functional module or plate. Each connection module has at least one functional module on its outer surface and a single inlet module attached to its inlet surface. The connection module defines either an annular structure or a ring substructure, and within this, control circuits extend through each connection module. The device comprises parallel bars, the parallel bars supporting annular plates, and each connecting module and / or each inlet module is supported by a pair of two adjacent parallel bars. An annular plate is made of an electrically conductive material, and each connection module has at least one threaded insert made of an electrically conductive material, each threaded insert is configured to receive a screw for attaching the connection module to the annular plate and / or adjacent connection modules, a functional module to a connection module, or an inlet module to a connection module, and the screw and threaded insert together form equipotential tracks between the connection modules, functional modules, inlet modules, and the annular plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a module for forming spare parts for the above-mentioned supply device.

[0013] Such a module may be a connecting module comprising a contact surface intended to be in a removable manner opposite to one side of an annular plate, an outer surface, different from the contact surface, intended to be in a removable manner to receive at least one functional module, and an inlet surface, opposite to the contact surface, intended to be in a removable manner to support an inlet module.

[0014] Such a module may be a functional module comprising at least one pilot-operated valve, at least one internal conduit, and means for detachably attaching it to the outer surface of a connecting module.

[0015] Such a module may be an inlet module comprising, in a removable manner, a first surface intended to face the inlet surface of a connecting module, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, through which the inlet of a fluid coupling element of the inlet module can be accessed.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an equipment for applying a coating product, comprising a robot, preferably a multi-axis robot, and a sprayer attached to the arm of the robot and supplied with a coating product and / or a cleaning product by a supply device such as the above.

[0017] The advantages of such equipment result from the advantages of its supply device for the coating product and / or the cleaning product.

[0018] Advantageously, a conduit for supplying control air for a pneumatic valve, a connector for supplying high voltage to the sprayer and / or an electrical cable passes through or is accommodated in the central region of the supply device defined by an annular plate.

[0019] The present invention is better understood and the other advantages of the present invention become clearer in light of the following description of two embodiments of a supply device and an application equipment according to the principles of the present invention, which are given for illustration purposes only and are made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the principle of an equipment for applying a coating product according to the present invention incorporating a supply device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 23 is a view at an enlarged scale of detail II shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 26 shows the same part of the equipment, in perspective arrangement and in perspective and cross-section respectively, at two angles different from the angle of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a supply device according to the present invention belonging to the equipment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3; in FIG. 4, the inset A) corresponds to a partial view along plane A. [Figure 5] FIG. 32 is a view along plane P5 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 35 is a perspective view along plane P6 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view of detail VII in Figure 2, cut along plane P7. [Figure 8] Figures 4-6 show two perspective views of the inlet module belonging to the supply device, from two different angles. [Figure 9] Figures 4-6 show three perspective views of the functional modules belonging to the supply device, with each functional module viewed from two different angles. [Figure 10] On a smaller scale, Figures 4-6 show three connection modules that can be used in the supply device, each connection module shown in perspective views from two different angles. [Figure 11] Figure 10, on the same scale, shows two other connection modules that can be used in the supply device shown in Figures 4-6, each connection module shown in perspective views from two different angles. [Figure 12] These are partially exploded perspective views of the apparatus shown in Figures 4-6 above. [Figure 13] This is one of the disassembled perspective views of the supply device shown in Figures 4-6 and 12, in a different disassembly than that shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] A second embodiment of the supply device and equipment according to the present invention is shown by a perspective view corresponding to Figure 2 and a perspective view of a part of the supply device.

[0021] The apparatus 2 shown in Figure 1 is according to the present invention and is used to apply a coating product, such as paint or varnish, to the body C of an automobile that is moved by a conveyor 4 along a transport axis A4. The apparatus 2 comprises several robots, of which only one is shown in Figure 1, denoted by reference numeral 6. The arm 61 of each robot 6 has a sprayer 8 for the coating product.

[0022] In practice, and according to aspects of the present invention not shown, the robots 6 are positioned on both sides of the conveyor 4, along the transport axis A4.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, robot 6 is a multi-axis robot. In one variation, the robot may be of a different type, particularly a reciprocator type.

[0024] In Figure 1, the objects are not shown at their exact scale. The scales of robot 6 and sprayer 8 are enlarged compared to the scale of body C.

[0025] The sprayer 8 is rotary and comprises a body 82 defining a longitudinal axis A8, and a bowl 84 mounted to rotate around axis A8 and rotated by a turbine (not shown), preferably an air turbine.

[0026] In this example, the sprayer 8 is electrostatic and is accompanied by a high-voltage unit 9 that applies a DC voltage of approximately -60kV to the sprayer, which charges the coating product to be sprayed by a bowl 84 that rotates around axis A8.

[0027] As can be seen in the lower part of Figure 3, the high-voltage unit 9 is housed in part 86 of the sprayer 8, which is positioned opposite the bowl 84 relative to the body 82.

[0028] The device 10 for supplying the sprayer 8 with coating and cleaning products is inserted between the sprayer 8 and the wrist 62 of the robot 6, which forms the end of the arm 61. The supply device 10 provides a mechanical interface between the wrist 62 and the sprayer 8, supplying the sprayer with coating and cleaning products.

[0029] In particular, the supply device 10 supports the sprayer 8 from List 62.

[0030] 10A indicates the front side of the supply device 10, oriented toward the sprayer 8, in a configuration in which the sprayer 8 is attached to the device 10. 10B indicates the rear side of the device 10, oriented toward the robot's wrist 62, in a configuration in which the device 10 is attached to the robot 6. Similarly, in a configuration in which the sprayer 8 is attached to the device 10, the side or front surface of a component of the supply device 10 oriented toward the sprayer 8 has the same reference numeral as the aforementioned component plus A, while in a configuration in which the device 10 is attached to the robot 6, the side or rear surface of such a component oriented toward the robot's wrist 62 has the same reference numeral as the aforementioned component plus B.

[0031] The supply device 10 is provided with a flange 102 on its rear side 10B, which is intended to be secured to the robot 6's wrist 62 by any suitable means, in particular by internal threads or screws (not shown).

[0032] The flange is circular and is centered on axis A10, which is the longitudinal axis of the supply device 10.

[0033] In the example shown in the figure, axes A8 and A10 are not parallel but intersect, which is due to the shape of body 82.

[0034] In one variation of the present invention (not shown), axes A8 and A10 are parallel.

[0035] Six tie bolts 104 extend from the flange 102 parallel to the axis A10 and in the reverse direction of the listing 62, each having a threaded end 106.

[0036] The feeder 10 further comprises an annular plate 110 made of an electrically conductive material, such as aluminum, which forms a frame for the feeder 10. The plate 110 is provided with six through ports 112, each configured to receive one end 106 of a tie bolt 104. Nuts 114 can be used to fasten the plate 110 to the tie bolt 104 and are screwed onto the end 106. There are six nuts 114, four of which are fitted with collars 116, which can be used to fasten tapped rings 118 to the plate 110. The rings 118 can be used to fasten threaded end pieces 88, which are inversely to the body 82 and form the end of a section 86 of the sprayer 8.

[0037] In practice, when it is necessary to attach the sprayer 8 to the robot 6 equipped with the supply device 10, the threaded end piece 88 is aligned with axis A10 and brought close to the flange ring 102, and then the threaded hole ring 118, which forms a nut with a larger diameter, begins to rotate in the direction of arrow F1 shown in Figure 7 until the sprayer 8 is secured so that it is screwed onto the threaded end piece 88. On the other hand, when it is necessary to remove the sprayer 8, the ring 118 begins to rotate along axis A10 in the direction of arrow F2 in Figure 7 so as to unscrew the ring from the threaded end piece 88 before separating the sprayer 8 from the supply device 10.

[0038] To clarify the diagram, the nut 114 and ring 118 are not shown in Figure 12. However, they are visible in Figures 1-3, 7, and 13.

[0039] The supply device 10 further comprises six connection modules 120. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 13, the six connection modules 120 together form an annular structure that extends around the entire axis A10.

[0040] Each connection module 120 extends across an annular region, and its apex angle α120 is equal to 60°.

[0041] Each connecting module 120 has a cylindrical shape with a trapezoidal base as a whole, and comprises an inner surface 122 oriented toward axis A10 when the module is attached to the plate 110, an outer surface 124 oriented opposite to axis A10 when the module is attached to the plate 110, and two lateral surfaces 126 and 128 that extend radially with respect to axis A10 when the module is attached to the plate 110. Two adjacent modules 120 attached to the plate 110 are in contact via the lateral surface 126 of one module and the lateral surface 128 of the other module.

[0042] Each module 120 has two notches 130 and 132 defined in the connection between its internal surface 122 and its lateral surfaces 126 and 128.

[0043] The notches 130 and 132 interlock portions of the module 120 that define the inner surface 122 of the module 120 between two adjacent tie bolts 104, thereby allowing the connecting module 120 to be positioned facing the two adjacent tie bolts 104 from the outside, along the direction of axis A10, and radially with respect to axis A10, until the notches 130 and 132 partially cover the two tie bolts 104.

[0044] Next, each module 120 can be slid toward the rear side 110B of the plate 110.

[0045] Each connection module 120 has a front surface 120A and a rear surface 120B opposite to the front surface.

[0046] Advantageously, the front surface 120A and the rear surface 120B of the connection module 120 are parallel.

[0047] Advantageously, the front surface 120A of the connection module is perpendicular to its internal surface 122, external surface 124, and lateral surfaces 126, 118.

[0048] Advantageously, in the assembled configuration of the supply device 10, the surfaces 122, 124, 126, and 128 of the connection module 120 are parallel to the longitudinal axis A10, and the front surface 120A and the rear surface 120B extend in a radial plane relative to the axis A10, respectively.

[0049] In the assembled configuration of the supply device 10, each connection module 120 faces the rear side 110B of the plate 110 via its front surface 120A. Thus, the front surface 120A of the module 120 forms a contact surface with the annular plate 110.

[0050] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the connection modules 120 may be of different types. Each connection module 120 comprises a body 121 which may generally be made of a synthetic material, such as a copolymer such as polyoxymethylene plastic, preferably POMC, or in specific cases, a metal, particularly stainless steel. Each connection module 120 defines one or more circulation conduits for fluids. Such conduits may be conduits for the circulation of coating products, conduits for the circulation of cleaning products, or conduits for the circulation of control air. These various conduits are arranged to be fluidically connected to components for fluids, such as valves belonging to a functional module 140, thereby enabling the functional module 140 to control the distribution of coating products, cleaning products, or control air. Different conduits of the connection module 120 can be further used to make an air control circuit C138.

[0051] The supply device 10 comprises a plurality of functional modules 140, each attached to the outer surface 124 of the connection module 120.

[0052] Advantageously, the functional module 140 is positioned to form a circuit that minimizes dead zones, i.e., portions of pipe connected to the product circulation circuit but located outside the flow. Such dead zones, also called glove fingers, need to be filled with product when the system is being supplied and flushed out when the system is being discharged, which means loss of coating product. Therefore, the valves of the functional module 140 are positioned and controlled to limit the presence of dead zones in the circuit.

[0053] In this way, the balance of materials can be optimized in terms of the quantity and time of product consumption, thereby optimizing product loss between product changes and improving performance during rinsing.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the body 121 of each connection module 120 is equipped with one or more circulation conduits 134 for coating or cleaning products. The shape and position of the ducts 134 vary from one type of connection module 120 to another, depending on the type of functional module attached to the outer surface 124 of the connection module 120. In other words, the shape of the body 121 of different connection modules 120 varies depending on the type of connection module and the type of functional module associated with it.

[0055] Figure 9 shows three types of functional modules.

[0056] The first type of functional module 140 shown at the top of Figure 9 is a functional module that includes four air valves 142 which enable the supply of four different coating products, for example, four paints of different colors, to a distribution coating product conduit 143 that forms a common collector, as seen in Figure 5.

[0057] The functional module 140 comprises a body 141, generally made of a synthetic material, such as a copolymer of polyoxymethylene plastic, preferably POMC, or a metal, particularly stainless steel in certain cases. A valve 142 is received in the body 141, which defines a conduit 143. Four threads 146 run traversing the entire body 141 and are intended to be threaded into corresponding tapped inserts 136, which open in the outer surface 124 of a connecting module 120 suitable for receiving the functional module 140. The tapped inserts 136 are made of an electrically conductive material, such as steel or brass.

[0058] The second type of functional module 140 shown in the middle of Figure 9 comprises two valves 142 attached to its body 141, the body 141 defining an internal conduit 143 and configured to be attached to the connection module 120 by two screws 146 which are screwed into the corresponding tapped insert 136 of the connection module 120.

[0059] The third type of functional module 140, shown at the bottom of Figure 9, comprises three valves 142 attached to a body 141, the body 141 defining an internal conduit 143, and two mounting screws 146 reaching the outer surface 124 of the connecting module 120, the outer surface having a tapped insert 136 suitable for receiving the screws 146.

[0060] In one variation, the functional module 140 may be provided with a plurality of internal ducts 143.

[0061] Other functional modules having different numbers and / or shapes of valves can also be found. For example, a functional module having a single conduit can be used in place of one of the modules shown in Figure 9. In such cases, it is advantageous that the body of the functional module is electrically conductive, which allows the defined conduit to be brought to a predetermined potential, such as ground potential, by connecting the body to an object of a predetermined potential.

[0062] The shape of the body 141 of the different functional modules 140 is variable according to the type of each functional module.

[0063] The screw 146 is made of metal and is therefore electrically conductive. The screw can be used to secure the functional module 140 to the connecting module 120, more preferably to its outer surface 124, in a reversible manner. The electrically conductive properties of the threaded insert 136 and the screw 146 provide electrical continuity between the connecting module 120 and the functional module 149.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, the two screws 146 used to removably fasten the functional block 140 to the associated connecting block 120 are of the same length but have different embedment depths. This ensures that each end block 140 is positioned on the connecting block 120 on the outer surface 124 to which it is attached.

[0065] As can be seen in Figures 2-6, two functional modules 140 of the type shown in the middle of Figure 9 can be mounted adjacent to each other on the outer surface 124 of the same connection module 120.

[0066] As seen in the upper right quadrant of Figure 4 and the lower right quadrant of Figure 5, one or more connection modules 120 may also be fitted to the outer surface 124 of their respective types, including a first functional module 140 of the type shown in the middle of Figure 9, and a second functional module 140' which allows the fluid flowing through the robot 6's list 62 toward the sprayer to be raised to a given potential, i.e., the potential of the annular plate 10. If the first functional module 140 does not have a free hose, the second functional module 140' can be used to connect a hose to an inlet module 150 attached to the same connection module 120. The second functional module 140' may also be a module for cleaning a specific component of the sprayer 8, such as a bowl 84, which allows the injection of a flow of air and solvent, as well as dry air, into that component. In such a case, the second functional module 140' allows the cleaning and drying of the rear portion formed by the supply device 10 to be separated from the cleaning and drying of the front portion formed by the sprayer 8. Thus, the cleaning and drying operations can be performed in parallel, which saves time.

[0067] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, a portion of the conduit 138 is provided on different connection blocks 120 and together forms an air circulation circuit C138 for air, which is used to ensure proper tightening and proper placement of the different connection blocks 120 relative to each other. The circuit C138 comprises a closed loop 138A, which passes through each connection module 120 and consists of a portion of the conduit 138 extending between the lateral surfaces 126 and 128 of the connection module 120. The circuit C138 further comprises a branch 138B formed by a portion of the conduit 138, which connects the loop 138A to a different functional module 140 and opens on the outer surface 124 of the connection module 120. The outlets of the conduit portions 138 on the outer surface and sides 124, 126 and 128 are surrounded by seals 139. The seals 139 isolate the circuit C138 from the outside. This allows the circuit C138 to be pressurized to detect any leaks corresponding to at least one incomplete connection between the connection module 120 or the function module 140 when the connection module 120 is attached to the plate 110 and the function module 140 is attached to the connection module. On the other hand, if no leaks are detected, it is presumed that the connection module 120 and the function module 140 are properly attached to each other.

[0068] The different connection blocks 120 are secured to the annular plate 110 by metal screws 147, which cut across the plate 110 between the front side 110A and the rear side 110B of the plate 110 and are screwed into tapped holes 137 that open on the front surface 120A of each connection module 120. Thus, the attachment of the connection modules 120 to the plate 110 is reversible or removable; that is, the connection modules can be removed from the plate if necessary.

[0069] In particular, as shown in Figure 7, the tapped holes 137 are formed by metal inserts that traverse each module 120, from the front surface 120A of each module 120 to the rear surface 120B of each module 120. Thus, the tapped holes 137 open to the rear surface 120B of the connecting module 120.

[0070] Considering the electrical conductivity characteristics of the plate 110, the screws 147 and the inserts 137, mounting the connection module 120 to the plate 110 provides electrical continuity with respect to these elements, and in particular, allows the connection module 120 to be at ground potential when the plate 110 itself is grounded.

[0071] The supply device 10 further comprises an inlet module 150, one of which is shown in two perspective views from different angles in Figure 8.

[0072] Each inlet module 150 comprises a body 151, generally made of a synthetic material, such as polyoxymethylene plastic, preferably a copolymer such as POMC, or of metal, particularly stainless steel in specific cases. Each inlet module has a cylindrical shape with an overall trapezoidal base having a cross-section similar to that of the connecting module 120. Each inlet module 150 is defined between an inner surface 152, an outer surface 154, and two lateral surfaces 156 and 158. Notches 160 and 162 are defined in a manner similar to the notches 130 and 132 of the connecting module 120, allowing each inlet module 150 to be attached to the tie bolt 104, as described above with respect to the connecting module 120.

[0073] The bodies 151 of all inlet modules 150 of the supply device 10 are identical, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing and maintenance. In other words, each module 150 remains the same basic structure, regardless of the cooperating connection module 120.

[0074] The body 151 of each inlet module 150 is equipped with a fluid coupling element 164, the inlet 166 of which is located on the rear surface 150B of the corresponding inlet module. Thus, each fluid coupling element 164 is accessible from the rear surface 150B of the inlet module 150 to which it is mounted.

[0075] Viewed from the rear side 10B of the supply device 10, the different inlet modules 150 have the same shape as the port 168, some of which are filled by the inlet 166 of the fluid coupling element 164.

[0076] The inlet module 150 shown in Figure 8 is provided with the maximum number of fluid coupling elements 164 that its body 151 can support. However, this is not essential, and the upper part of Figure 3, in particular, allows for the distinction between ports 168 not occupied by coupling elements 164 and other ports occupied by those elements, in the inlet module 150 attached to a connecting module 120 to which a functional module 140 having three valves 142 of the type of functional module shown in the lower part of Figure 9 is attached.

[0077] The connecting element 164 may be of different types and, in particular, may have different diameters, depending on the properties of the fluid flowing through it (these fluids may be coating products, cleaning products, or air).

[0078] The metal screws 170 are provided to secure the inlet module 150 in a reversible manner, and each faces the rear surface 120B of the connecting module 120 by its front surface 150A. Thus, the surface 120B of the connecting module is the inlet surface into which the fluid enters the module.

[0079] The rear surface 150B of the entrance module 150 is the opposite of its front surface 150A.

[0080] The screw 170 is screwed into a tapped hole 137 along its side, which opens on the rear surface 120B of the connection module 120.

[0081] As can be seen at the top of Figure 8, each connecting element 164 protrudes from the front surface 150A of the entrance module 150 to which it is attached.

[0082] Accordingly, taking into account the number and distribution of the connecting elements 164 of the associated inlet module 150, each connecting module 120 is provided with one or more counterbores 135 on its rear side 120B that surround a port 133 for receiving the male end pieces 163 of the connecting elements 164.

[0083] The number and distribution of connecting elements 164 in each inlet module 150 is determined according to the number, shape, and distribution of the internal conduits, particularly the receiving ports 133, of the connection module 120. Thus, different inlet modules 150 are formed by attaching connecting elements 164, starting from the same body 151, depending on the different connection modules 120 of the supply device 10. In other words, the number and distribution of fluid connecting elements 164, and therefore the inlets 166, vary from one inlet module 150 to another, and in particular depends on the connection module to which it is attached.

[0084] When the inlet module 150 faces the rear surface 120B of the connection module 120 via its front surface 150A, and the functional module 140 faces the outer surface 124 of the same connection module 120, the connection module connects the inlet module 150 and the functional module 140 by its one or more conduits 134, i.e., fluidly connects them.

[0085] The supply device 10 is modular in that it has a number of connection modules 120 and inlet modules 150 required to mechanically support the functional module 140 and to fluidly supply it, which is useful for the correct operation of the sprayer 8.

[0086] In the examples shown in Figures 1-13, this number is equal to 6, but it can be smaller, as explained below.

[0087] Advantageously, each inlet module 150 is provided with a label 180 having a code 182 for identifying the operational inlet 166 of the connecting element 164 on its outer surface 154, which extends the outer surface 124 of the module 120 to which it is mounted. Since the labels 180 are located outside the annular structure formed by the different inlet modules 150, they are easily accessible to the operator to identify the path to which each inlet module 150 must be connected to the fluid supply pipe of the supply device 10, which is represented only by its axial line CA in Figure 3 and conventionally consists of a flexible composite tube extending along the direction of the supply device 10 from List 62.

[0088] In one variation, only one or some of the inlet modules 150 have labels 180.

[0089] Furthermore, as simplified and shown only in the lower part of Figure 9, each of the valves 142 of the functional module 140 can be identified by a segmented identification ring 190, which has a mark 192 that identifies the valve and is mounted in a groove 194 provided in the body of the functional module 140, surrounding the valve 142 in question. In the example shown in the lower part of Figure 9, the three valves 142 are identified by the identification rings 190 by their air valve number, or by "PV", i.e., PV33, PV45, and PV46. The identification ring 190 for air valve PV45 is shown in an exploded view relative to the corresponding groove 194, and the other two identification rings 190 are shown positioned on the body 141 of the functional module 140. The rings 190 each form an identification label for the valve 142 or conduit 143.

[0090] Naturally, the use of the identification ring can be applied to other functional modules 140, particularly the modules shown in the upper and middle parts of Figure 9.

[0091] In particular, as shown in Figure 4, the annular plate 110 is provided with 12 through ports 113, each surrounded by a sleeve 119 that is integrated with the rest of the plate 110. Each connection module 120 is positioned facing one pair of two through ports 113. Depending on the type of connection module 120, the front surface 120A may or may not have an outlet port for a conduit 123 for supplying coating or cleaning products to the sprayer 8. The coating or cleaning product reaching such an outlet port flows inside the conduit 123 that is located within the connection module 120 and comes from a functional module 140 attached to that connection module.

[0092] The connectors 115 are secured by threaded rings 117 to each through-port 113 located facing the outer port of the supply conduit 123 of the connection module 120. Thus, each connector 115 is supplied by a coating product and / or cleaning product.

[0093] Therefore, in accordance with the operating sequence provided for the sprayer 8, it is possible to connect the complementary connectors belonging to the sprayer 8 to the connectors 115 that fit the annular plate 110 in order to supply the sprayer 8 with coating products and / or cleaning products.

[0094] Therefore, at least some of the connection modules 120 have a connection function, that is, they fluidly connect the functional module 140 to the plate 110, and more specifically to one or more connectors 115 of the plate 110, via their supply conduits 123. Thus, the plate 110 forms the outlet or downstream portion of the supply device 10.

[0095] As shown in Figure 12, multiple connection modules 120 are provided with supply conduits 123. Therefore, the supply device 10 comprises multiple supply conduits 123 and the same number of connectors 115.

[0096] Since the coated product inevitably passes through the grounded and conductive plate 110, the coated product is also grounded to the same level.

[0097] To facilitate the identification of the connectors 115, as shown only in Figure 4 and inset A), a segmented identification ring 190 having a mark 192 for identifying the connector 115 is mounted in a groove 194 on the outside of the sleeve 119 surrounding the through port 113 to which the connector 115 is attached. Here, in example R1, the identification mark is the number of connectors 115. Each segmented ring 190 surrounds the connector 115 it identifies. The identification rings 190 are mounted around each sleeve 119 surrounding the through port 113 to which the connector 115 is fixed. Each ring 190 forms an identification label for the connector 115.

[0098] The identification ring 190 is attached to the functional module 140 and the annular plate 110 during the manufacture of the supply device 10 by a removable method, by snap-fitting inside the groove 194. Depending on possible modifications to such a device, the ring may be moved, removed, or repositioned.

[0099] In one variation, other types of labels may be used to identify the valve 142, conduit 123, or connector 115. Its removable attachment to the body 141 or plate 110 may also be done by means other than snap fastening.

[0100] In the mounted configuration of the supply device 10, the central region Z10 of the supply device 10, defined by plate 110 and extending along axis A10 to the extent of modules 120 and 150, is left open due to the annular structure of the supply device 10. The central region Z10 can be used to pass through a conduit that supplies fluid, particularly control air, to the sprayer 8, or a connector or power cable for the sprayer 8. The conduit and power cable are represented only in Figure 3 by axis lines CA and CB, respectively.

[0101] In the example shown in the figure, where the sprayer 8 is equipped with a high-voltage unit 9, the connector 200 can be mounted in region Z10, as can be seen in Figure 3, where only the outer shell of the connector 200 is shown.

[0102] In one variation (not shown), if the sprayer 8 does not have a high-voltage unit, one or more of the sprayer's high-voltage power cables may be routed through a central region Z10 passing through a portion 86 of the sprayer 8 so as to be directly connected to the body 82.

[0103] As seen in Figures 6 and 12, the screw 148 is inserted into the connection module 120 and protrudes from at least one of its lateral faces, screwing into the adjacent connection module 120. A metal insert 149 is provided in the different connection modules 120 to receive the screw 148 of the adjacent connection module, which provides, on the one hand, good mechanical fastening of the connection modules, to each other, and around axis A10, i.e., a long-lasting assembly between two adjacent connection modules, and on the other hand, provides electrical continuity between the connection modules 120. Such electrical continuity is also achieved by a functional module 140, as seen in Figure 6, whose screw 146 extends into the insert 149.

[0104] As a result, screws 146, 147, 148, and 170 and inserts 136, 137, and 149 together form equipotential tracks made of conductive material between the connection module 120, the functional module 140, the inlet module 150, and the annular plate 110. Thus, the grounding of the annular plate is also transferred to modules 120, 140, and 150.

[0105] In the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 14, elements similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. Unless otherwise specified herein, where reference numerals are used in Figure 14, they correspond to articles having the same reference numerals in the first embodiment. Conversely, where reference numerals are described herein but not shown in Figure 14, they correspond to articles having the same reference numerals in the first embodiment. The following description will mainly focus on what distinguishes the second embodiment from the first embodiment.

[0106] In the second embodiment, the supply device 10 comprises only two connection modules 120, only two function modules 140, and only two inlet modules 150, which are adjacent to each other and removably attached by screws 147 to the rear side 110B of the annular plate 110.

[0107] In the second embodiment, the structure formed by modules 120, 140, and 150 does not extend over 360° around axis A10 as in the first embodiment, but extends over an angle β equal to approximately 120°. In the example illustrated in Figure 14, the two connecting modules 120 are identical, each having a plug 127, the plug 127 corresponding to the configuration of module 120 shown at the bottom of Figure 11.

[0108] As shown in Figure 1, each plug 127 is removably secured to the corresponding connection module 120 by a screw 129 inserted into an insert 149, instead of one of the screws 148 described in relation to the first embodiment.

[0109] In the second embodiment, a single connection module 120 is provided with a supply conduit 123. Thus, the supply device 10 comprises a single supply conduit 123 and a single connector 115 attached to the plate 110.

[0110] In one variation, the number of connection modules 120 may be 3 to 5, depending on the number of function modules 140 required for the operation of the sprayer 8. In such a case, the number of inlet modules 150 is matched to the number of connection modules 120.

[0111] In any embodiment, and according to aspects of the present invention not shown, a cover surrounds the supply device 10 between the listing 62 and the sprayer body 82 to protect the sprayer from contamination by paint backflow, sometimes referred to as "overspray," during the application of the coating product.

[0112] As described above, some of the bodies 121, 141, and 151, particularly the body 141 of the functional module 140, may be made of an electrically conductive material, especially aluminum or stainless steel, or an electrically insulating material. The advantage of the body 141 of the functional module 140 being made of a conductive material is its ability to transmit the potential of equipotential tracks formed by screws 146, 147, 148, and 170 and inserts 136, 137, and 149 connected to the plate 110 to each of the conductive components of the functional module 140, such as fluid components.

[0113] If the body 141 of the functional module 140 is made of a synthetic material, such as a plastic material, it advantageously comprises a metal insert arranged to form equipotential paths between the fluid elements of the functional module 140, and a screw 146 arranged to be attached to the insert 149.

[0114] In summary, it is the plate 110 that makes it possible to bring all the fluids supplying the sprayer 8 to the same potential, in this case, the ground potential. The bodies 121, 141, and 151 of modules 120, 140, and 150 may be made of electrically conductive or electrically insulating materials, particularly metallic materials. If such materials are electrically insulating, the inserts make it possible to bring all the metallic parts to the same potential with respect to each other and with respect to the plate 10, which prevents the mounting screws from being at a floating potential. If such materials are electrically conductive, they are brought to the same potential without the use of inserts. The choice of material for bodies 121, 141, and 151 depends on the properties of the one or more fluids being transported, for example, if the product includes a coating of two components, and / or on the acceptable complexity of installing inserts in the case of electrically insulating materials.

[0115] The present invention is applicable to electrostatic sprayers or non-electrostatic sprayers, with or without a rotating bowl.

[0116] The present invention is shown in the figure in which each connection module 120 and each inlet module 150 extends over a region of a certain angle, where the vertex angle α120 is equal to 60° when taken around axis A10. In one variation, the angle may be different, for example, equal to 45°, in which case the maximum number of connection modules 120 is 8. The vertex angle and number of connection modules may also be other values.

[0117] The present invention is shown in the figure when the sprayer 8 is used to apply a coating product to the body C of an automobile. The present invention is also applicable when the sprayer is used to apply a coating product to components of a vehicle, such as bumpers or rims, to the housing of household goods, or to any other article to be coated.

[0118] The above embodiments and variations can be combined to create new embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A feeding device (10) for feeding a sprayer (8) with a coating product and / or a cleaning product, said feeding device comprising at least one pilot-operated valve (142), a conduit (134) for conveying the product to said valve, and at least one conduit (123) for feeding said sprayer from said valve, The supply device has an annular structure, an annular plate (110); a plurality of connection modules (120); a plurality of functional modules (140); A plurality of inlet modules (150) To have; said plate (110) being provided with through-ports (113); each connection module (120) being removably mounted on one side (110B) of said annular plate, contacting it by a contact surface (120A); each connection module (120) comprising at least one conduit (134) for conveying product to at least one pilot-operated valve (142); Each functional module (140) is removably attached to an outer surface (124) of the connection module (120) that is different from the contact surface with the annular plate; each functional module (140) being fluidly connected to the inlet conduit (134) of the connection module at the outer surface to which it is attached; each functional module comprising either a portion of a conduit intended to be earthed or at least one pilot-operated valve (142) and at least one conduit (143); Each inlet module (150) is removably attached to an inlet face (120B) of the connection module (120) opposite said contact face (120A); and Each inlet module (150) has a fluid connection element (164) accessible on the face (150B) of the inlet module oriented opposite the connection module (120) on the inlet face (120B) to which it is attached. A supply device comprising:

2. 2. A supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bodies (151) of all the inlet modules (150) provided in the fluid connection element (164) are identical to one another.

3. 3. The supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one inlet module (150) is provided with a label (180) having a mark (182) for identifying said fluid connection element (164).

4. 4. The supply device of claim 3, wherein the label is attached to one face (154) of the inlet module extending from the outer face (124) of the connection module (120), and the inlet module is attached to the inlet face (120B).

5. 3. The supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one functional module (140) and / or said plate (110) has a label (190) for identifying a valve (142), a conduit (123) or a connector (115), said label being removably attached to a fixed part (141, 119) of said functional module or said plate.

6. 3. A supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each connection module (120) has at least one functional module (140, 140') on its outer face (124) and a single inlet module (150) on its inlet face (120B).

7. 3. The supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection modules (120) together define an annular structure or a ring substructure in which a control circuit (C138) extends through each connection module.

8. 3. The feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the feeding device comprises parallel bars (104), which support the annular plate (110), and each connection module (120) and / or each inlet module (150) is supported on two adjacent sets of parallel bars.

9. the annular plate (110) is made of an electrically conductive material; each connection module (120) comprises at least one threaded insert (136, 137, 149) made of an electrically conductive material, each threaded insert configured to receive a screw (146, 147, 148, 170) for attaching the connection module to the annular plate and / or an adjacent connection module, the functional module (140) to the connection module, or the inlet module (150) to the connection module; and The screws (146, 147, 148, 170) and the tapped inserts (136, 137, 149) together form an equipotential path between the connection module (120), the functional module (140), the inlet module (150), and the annular plate (110).

3. The supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

10. A spare part connection module (120) for a supply device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a contact surface (120A) intended to face one side (110B) of the annular plate (110) in a removable manner; an outer surface (124) different from said contact surface for removably receiving at least one functional module (140); an inlet face (120B) opposite said contact face, intended to removably receive an inlet module (150); A spare part connection module comprising:

11. A functional module (140) forming a spare part for a feeding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: at least one pilot operated valve (142); at least one internal conduit (143); means (146) for removably attaching to the outer surface (124) of said connection module; A functional module comprising:

12. An inlet module (150) forming a spare part for a feeding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a first face (150A) intended to face the inlet face (120B) of the connection module (120) in a removable manner; a second face (150B) opposite the first face, through which the inlet (166) of the fluid connection element (164) of the inlet module is accessible; An inlet module comprising:

13. 1. An application installation (2) for applying a coating product, comprising a robot (6) and a sprayer (8) attached to the arm (61) of the robot and supplied with a coating product and / or a cleaning product by a supply device (10) according to claim 1 or 2.

14. 14. The application installation according to claim 13, characterized in that air supply lines (CA) for controlling pneumatic valves, connectors (200) for supplying high voltage to the sprayer (8) and / or power cables (CB) pass through or are housed in a central area (Z10) of the supply device (10), which is defined by the annular plate (110).

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