Spray gun unit for coating

Abstract

To provide spray gun units which can be reduced in weight so that more spray gun units can be mounted and therefore can be produced more, in a coating apparatus that can eliminate necessity for cleaning a spray gun and a coating hose when switching coating materials and further can easily perform work in a short time.SOLUTION: A spray gun unit, which is mounted on a ceiling-suspended type coating robot, is provided with: a base plate 2; a rotating body 3 whose tip is turnably attached to the base plate through the base plate; a gun manifold 4, connected to the tip of the rotating body, which comprises a plurality of lengthy spray gun support arms to which the spray gun is attached; and a main body case which has a rotary actuator 8 for turning the rotating body attached to the base plate, an air supply device 11 for supplying various air to the spray gun 31, a magnetic sensor that is used for stopping turning of the rotating body when the rotating body turns at a predetermined angle, and a join part 20 that is connected to the coating robot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spray gun unit for painting, and more particularly to a spray gun unit for painting that enables easy color change of paint during painting.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a painting apparatus, there has been a spray gun for injecting paint onto an object to be painted (hereinafter referred to as a "work"), and a paint supply means for supplying paint to the spray gun via a paint hose. While supplying paint from the paint supply means to the spray gun, the supplied paint is injected from the spray gun toward the work. However, when changing the color of the paint in the painting of the work, a method has been adopted in which, without changing the spray gun, only one spray gun supplies paint while changing the color of the supplied paint.

[0003] For example, FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a conventional paint color change method. In the figure, 51 is a spray gun, 53 is a manifold, and 52 is a paint hose for supplying paint to the spray gun 51. In FIG. 12, paints of different colors are used as a supply system to the spray gun 51 via the manifold 53. That is, in FIG. 12, 54a is a tank for paint A, 54b is a tank for paint B, and 54c is a tank for a cleaning agent. In these tanks 54a, 54b, 54c, the base ends of a supply path 55a for paint A, a supply path 55b for paint B, and a supply path 55c for the cleaning agent are arranged, respectively. The tips of the supply path 55a for paint A, the supply path 55b for paint B, and the supply path 55c for the cleaning agent are each connected to the paint hose 52 within the manifold 53. Further, pumps 56a, 56b, 56c and on-off valves 57a, 57b, 57c are interposed in the paths of the supply path 55a for paint A, the supply path 55b for paint B, and the supply path 55c for the cleaning agent, respectively.

[0004] When painting with Paint A, close the on-off valves 57b of the supply path 55b for Paint B and the on-off valves 57c of the supply path 55c for the cleaning agent, open the on-off valve 57a of the supply path 55a for Paint A, and drive the pump 56a of the supply path 55a for Paint A. Then, Paint A in the tank 54a for Paint A is supplied to the spray gun 51, and thus the work can be painted with Paint A.

[0005] Next, after the painting with Paint A is completed, when painting with Paint B, first close the on-off valve 57a of the supply path 55a for Paint A and the on-off valve 57b of the supply path 55b for Paint B, open the on-off valve 57c of the supply path 55c for the cleaning agent, and drive the pump 56c of the supply path 55c for the cleaning agent. Then, the cleaning agent is supplied to the spray gun 51, and the paint hose 52 and the inside of the spray gun 51 are cleaned.

[0006] After that, close the on-off valve 57a of the supply path 55a for Paint A and the on-off valve 57c of the supply path 55c for the cleaning agent, open the on-off valve 57b of the supply path 55b for Paint B, and drive the pump 56b of the supply path 55b for Paint B. Then, Paint B in the tank 54b for Paint B is supplied to the spray gun 51, and the work can be painted with Paint B. Therefore, according to this method, paints of multiple colors can be supplied to the spray gun 51, and it is possible to perform painting with multiple paints using a single spray gun.

[0007] However, when such a method is adopted, every time the paint color is changed, the spray gun and the paint hose must be cleaned, which is troublesome and cannot withstand the annoyance, and also causes a decrease in work efficiency.

[0008] In addition, when the spray gun and the paint hose are cleaned every time the paint color is changed, the paint remaining in the hose is wasted and a cleaning solvent such as thinner is required, resulting in a lot of waste. In particular, in recent years, the number of multi-variety and small-lot production workpieces has been increasing. Therefore, with the conventional method, the reduction in work efficiency due to such cleaning work, the waste of remaining paint, and the use of cleaning solvents have led to an increase in costs.

[0009] In this regard, when changing the paint color, a method of removing and replacing the spray gun from the painting machine is also conceivable. According to this method, it is not necessary to clean the spray gun and the paint hose every time the paint color is changed. However, with this method, there is a problem that the attachment and detachment work of the spray gun is difficult and the work efficiency is poor.

[0010] Therefore, as a method for solving such conventional problems, a method has been proposed in which a spray gun unit equipped with a plurality of spray guns is rotatably attached to the robot arm of a painting robot, and the spray gun unit is rotated when changing the color to replace the spray gun to be used.

[0011] Figs. 13 and 14 are explanatory images for explaining such a painting robot. In the figures, reference numeral 61 denotes a robot arm that is movably connected in the longitudinal direction of a rail provided in a painting booth. That is, the painting robot shown in Figs. 13 and 14 is an overhead-type painting robot. In this painting robot, a long support shaft 62 is connected to the tip of the robot arm 61, and spray gun units 63 are rotatably attached to both ends of the support shaft 62 in the horizontal direction.

[0012] In addition, the spray gun unit 63 has four spray guns 64 radially, and paint hoses for supplying paints of different colors are connected to the respective spray guns 64 (not shown). After the painting of one color is completed, the spray gun unit 63 is rotated to replace the spray gun to be used, thereby enabling easy color change of the paint.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document

[0013]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] However, in such a conventional painting apparatus, as a method of rotating the spray gun unit, a motor and a belt are used, the motor is arranged on the robot arm side, the motor and the spray gun unit side are connected by a belt, and the spray gun unit is rotated by driving the motor. Therefore, the mechanism for rotating the spray gun unit has become complicated. For this reason, problems have been pointed out that the support shaft 62 and the spray gun unit 63 become heavy and the number of spray gun units cannot be increased. Furthermore, since it is necessary to make the motor explosion-proof, the cost has been high.

[0015] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a spray gun unit that has a spray gun unit including a plurality of spray guns, eliminates the need to clean the spray gun and the paint hose during color change of the paint during painting, enables the color change operation to be performed in a short time, simplifies the rotation mechanism of the spray gun unit, lightens the weight, facilitates increasing the number of spray gun units, and enables an increase in the production volume.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0016] The spray gun unit for painting of the present invention is a connecting portion movably connected in the longitudinal direction of a rail to a rail provided above in a painting booth, a robot arm rotatably connected to the connecting portion in the vertical direction, and a long support shaft connected to a tip portion of the robot arm, and is a spray gun unit mounted at any plurality of positions of the support shaft in a painting robot including the above, a base plate, a rotating body rotatably attached to the base plate in an arrangement where a tip portion penetrates the base plate, a plurality of long spray gun support arms to which spray guns are respectively attached during painting of a workpiece, which are connected to each other at their base ends and are radially arranged toward the outer peripheral side, and a gun manifold connected to a tip portion of the rotating body and rotating coaxially with the rotating body as the rotating body rotates, a rotary actuator attached to the base plate and connected to the rotating body by a transmission means and used to rotate the rotating body, an air supply device attached to the base plate and supplying atomizing air, pattern air, and needle operation air to the spray gun, a magnetic sensor used to monitor the rotation of the rotating body and stop the rotation of the rotating body by stopping the rotary actuator when the rotating body rotates by a predetermined angle, a main body case having a joint portion connected to the base plate and connected to a support shaft connected to the robot arm, the same number of paint supply paths for supplying paint to each of the spray guns are formed in the rotating body, and in each of the spray gun support arms, a tip portion is connected to a paint supply path of the spray gun mounted on the spray gun support arm during painting of the workpiece, and a paint supply path communicating with any of the paint supply paths formed in the rotating body is formed at a base end portion, A connecting portion is formed on the gamma manifold. Inside the spray gun support arm, there are respectively formed an atomizing air supply path for supplying atomizing air to the spray gun, a pattern air supply path for supplying pattern air to the spray gun, and a needle operating air supply path for supplying needle operating air to the spray gun. The respective atomizing air supply path, pattern air supply path, and needle operating air supply path are connected at the tip to the air supply path in the spray gun attached to the spray gun support arm during painting of the workpiece, and the end on the side opposite to the anti-spray gun is opened on the side wall of the spray gun support arm. The rotary actuator is an air rotary actuator that can be rotated one by one by an air-driven stepping motor. The air supply device comprises a device body attached to the base plate and a movable part provided on the device body so as to be able to move forward and backward. The movable part has a supply device side atomizing air supply path, a supply device side pattern air supply path, and a supply device side needle operating air supply path whose tip communicates with the atomizing air supply path, pattern air supply path, and needle operating air supply path formed in the spray gun support arm, and also has a supply device side connecting portion connected to the connecting portion formed on the gamma manifold. When any one of the spray gun support arms is at a predetermined position where the end openings on the side opposite to the spray gun of the atomizing air supply path, pattern air supply path, and needle operating air supply path of the spray gun support arm face the tips of the supply device side atomizing air supply path, supply device side pattern air supply path, and supply device side needle operating air supply path, by moving the movable part toward the spray gun support arm side, the supply device side atomizing air supply path, supply device side pattern air supply path, and supply device side needle operating air supply path of the movable part communicate with the end openings of the opposing atomizing air supply path, pattern air supply path, and needle operating air supply path, and the supply device side connecting portion is connected to the connecting portion formed on the gamma manifold.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] The spray gun unit for painting of the present invention is rotatably attached to a base plate, and a gun manifold is connected to the tip portion of a rotating body. A plurality of long spray gun support arms to which spray guns are attached during painting of a workpiece are connected to each other at their base portions, and are arranged radially outward. As the rotating body rotates, they are configured to rotate coaxially with the rotating body. Therefore, by making the paint supplied to the spray guns attached to the spray gun support arms different colors, it is possible to change the color of the paint by simply rotating the rotating body to exchange the spray guns used. Thus, it is possible to easily perform color change in a short time, and since there is no need to clean the spray guns and paint hoses every time the paint color is changed, waste of paint and cleaning solvents such as thinner is eliminated. Also, when performing multiple coats in which different paints are applied in layers on one workpiece, by making the paints supplied to the spray guns attached to the spray gun support arms different types, it is possible to change the type of paint by simply rotating the rotating body to exchange the spray guns used. Also in this case, since there is no need to clean the spray guns and paint hoses every time the paint type is changed, waste of paint and cleaning solvents such as thinner is eliminated.

[0018] Further, in the spray gun unit of the present invention, since it is provided with a rotary actuator for rotating the rotating body, different from the conventional method of providing a motor on the robot arm side and connecting the motor and the spray gun unit by a belt to rotate the spray gun unit, the rotation mechanism of the spray gun unit can be simplified. Thereby, the weight of the spray gun unit can be reduced, and it becomes possible to increase the production volume by increasing the number of spray gun units.

[0019] And at that time, in the present invention, as a rotary actuator, an air-driven stepping motor is used, and an air rotary actuator capable of rotating one by one is adopted. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating body can be finely stopped, so that even when the number of spray gun support arms increases, it can be handled. In addition, since the air rotary actuator used in the present invention is driven by air, explosion-proof measures are not required.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The spray gun unit of the present invention is a spray gun unit mounted on a painting robot movably connected in the longitudinal direction of a rail to a rail provided in an upper part within a painting booth. A plurality of the spray gun units are attached to and used on a long support shaft connected to the tip of a robot arm of the painting robot.

[0022] And, the spray gun unit of the present invention has a base plate, and a rotating body is rotatably attached to the base plate in such an arrangement that the tip portion penetrates the base plate.

[0023] Also, a gamma manifold that rotates coaxially with the rotating body as the rotating body rotates is connected to the tip portion of the rotating body. This gamma manifold has a plurality of long spray gun support arms. And, these spray gun support arms are arranged radially outward by being connected to each other at their base portions, and spray guns are respectively mounted on the spray gun support arms when painting a workpiece.

[0024] Also, a rotary actuator is attached to the base plate, and this rotary actuator is connected to the rotating body by a transmission means such as a belt and is used to rotate the rotating body.

[0025] Furthermore, an air supply device for supplying atomizing air, pattern air, and air for needle operation to the spray gun mounted on the spray gun support arm is attached to the base plate.

[0026] In addition, the spray gun unit of the present invention has a magnetic sensor for monitoring the rotation of a rotating body. This magnetic sensor monitors the rotation of the rotating body, and when the rotating body rotates driven by a rotary actuator and rotates by a predetermined angle, it is used to stop the rotary actuator and stop the rotation of the rotating body.

[0027] Next, the spray gun unit of the present invention has a main body case. This main body case is connected to a base plate and has a joint portion that is connected to a support shaft connected to a robot arm. By connecting this joint portion to the support shaft of the robot arm, it is possible to attach the spray gun unit of the present invention to a painting robot.

[0028] Next, the same number of paint supply paths for supplying paint to each spray gun are formed in the rotating body as the number of spray gun support arms. Inside each of the spray gun support arms, a paint supply path whose tip is connected to the paint supply path of the spray gun attached to the spray gun support arm during the painting of the workpiece and whose base end is connected to any of the paint supply paths formed in the rotating body is formed. Thus, when paint is supplied to the rotating body, the supplied paint is supplied to the spray gun through the inside of the rotating body and the inside of the spray gun support arm.

[0029] Next, a connecting portion is formed in the gun manifold. Further, inside each of the spray gun support arms, an atomizing air supply path for supplying atomizing air to the spray gun, a pattern air supply path for supplying pattern air to the spray gun, and a needle operating air supply path for supplying needle operating air to the spray gun are formed. And each of the atomizing air supply path, the pattern air supply path, and the needle operating air supply path has its tip connected to the air supply path in the spray gun attached to the spray gun support arm during the painting of the workpiece, and the end on the anti-spray gun side is opened on the side wall of the spray gun support arm.

[0030] In the present invention, the rotary actuator is rotated by a stepping motor driven by air, and an air rotary actuator that can rotate one by one is used.

[0031] Next, the air supply device includes a device main body attached to the base plate and a movable part provided on the device main body so as to be able to move forward and backward. The movable part has a supply device side atomizing air supply path, a supply device side pattern air supply path, and a supply device side needle operation air supply path that communicate with the atomizing air supply path, the pattern air supply path, and the needle operation air supply path formed in the spray gun support arm, respectively, and also has a supply device side connection part connected to the connection part formed in the gun manifold.

[0032] When any one of the spray gun support arms is at a predetermined position where the end openings on the anti-spray gun side of the atomizing air supply path, the pattern air supply path, and the needle operation air supply path formed inside the spray gun support arm face the tip ends of the supply device side atomizing air supply path, the supply device side pattern air supply path, and the supply device side needle operation air supply path, by moving the movable part forward toward the spray gun support arm side, the supply device side atomizing air supply path, the supply device side pattern air supply path, and the supply device side needle operation air supply path of the movable part communicate with the end openings of the opposing atomizing air supply path, pattern air supply path, and needle operation air supply path, and the supply device side connection part is connected to the connection part formed in the gun manifold.

[0033] Here, it is preferable that the support shaft of the painting robot is a pipe made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Thereby, the weight of the robot arm can be reduced, and the number of spray gun units attached to the support shaft can be increased.

[0034] In addition, the robot arm of the painting robot to which the spray gun unit of the present invention is attached preferably has a configuration including a first arm rotatably connected in the vertical direction to a connecting portion connected to a rail, a second arm rotatably connected in the vertical direction to the first arm, and a third arm rotatably connected in the vertical direction to the second arm. Thereby, it becomes possible to set the position of the spray gun at various angles.

Embodiment

[0035] An embodiment of the spray gun unit for painting of the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "spray gun unit") will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views for explaining the spray gun unit of this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a view seen from the front side, and FIG. 2 is a view seen from the back side. FIGS. 3 to 5 are partial exploded views for explaining the internal structure of the spray gun unit of this embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a partially omitted view for explaining the internal structure of the spray gun unit of this embodiment.

[0036] In the figure, 1 is the spray gun unit of this embodiment, and the spray gun unit 1 of this embodiment is assumed to be attached to a ceiling-mounted painting robot.

[0037] Here, the painting robot to which the spray gun unit 1 of this embodiment is attached will be briefly described. FIG. 10 is a view for explaining the painting robot to which the spray gun unit 1 of this embodiment is attached, showing a state seen from the front side. In the figure, 41 is a long rail installed horizontally in the upper part of the painting booth. A connecting portion 42 is connected to the rail 41 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the rail 41.

[0038] A robot arm 47 is connected to one connecting part 42, and a support shaft 46 is connected to the tip of this robot arm 47. The robot arm 47 has a first arm 43 that is rotatably connected to the connecting part 42 in the vertical direction. A second arm 44 is rotatably connected to the first arm 43 in the vertical direction, and further, a third arm 45 is rotatably connected to the second arm 44 in the vertical direction. A long support shaft 46 is connected to the tip of the third arm 45, and a plurality of locations on this support shaft 46, in this embodiment, four locations, the spray gun unit 1 of this embodiment is attached. Note that in this embodiment, the support shaft 46 is a pipe made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, thereby reducing the weight of the robot arm and enabling an increase in the number of spray gun units attached to the support shaft 46.

[0039] Next, the spray gun unit 1 will be described. The spray gun unit 1 of this embodiment has a base plate. In FIGS. 3 to 6, 2 is the base plate, and a rotating body 3 is rotatably attached to this base plate 2. This rotating body 4 is cylindrical, and the tip portion 3a penetrates the base plate 2 and protrudes to the front side of the base plate 2.

[0040] A gun manifold is connected to the tip portion 3a of the rotating body 3, and this gun manifold is configured to rotate coaxially with the rotating body 3 as the rotating body 3 rotates.

[0041] Here, the gun manifold will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In the figure, 4 is the gun manifold. In this embodiment, the gun manifold 4 has four long spray gun support arms 5. These spray gun support arms 5 are connected to each other at their base portions, and thereby, the spray gun support arms 5 are radially arranged toward the outer peripheral side with the connected base end portions as the center. When painting a workpiece, spray guns 31 are respectively attached to the tip portions of the spray gun support arms 5.

[0042] Therefore, in this embodiment, by enabling the supply of paints of different colors to each of the spray guns 31, color change can be easily performed. Further, by enabling the supply of different paints to each of the spray guns 31, it is also possible to perform multi-coat painting in which a plurality of types of paints are applied to one workpiece to perform multi-layer painting with one spray gun unit.

[0043] Here, referring to FIG. 11, the structure of the spray gun 31 used in this embodiment will be briefly described. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the spray gun 31. The spray gun 31 used in this embodiment is the same as a generally used atomizing spray gun for painting, and a paint supply passage 32 is formed inside. The paint supply passage 32 has a paint inlet 32a for receiving paint and a paint outlet 32b for injecting the received paint toward the workpiece. The paint outlet 32b is configured to be opened and closed by advancing and retracting the needle 33 by the air for advancing and retracting the needle supplied by the air supply passage 36 for advancing and retracting the needle.

[0044] Further, in the spray gun 31 used in this embodiment, an atomizing air supply passage 34 for atomizing the paint discharged from the paint outlet 32b and injecting it toward the workpiece is formed. The tip of this atomizing air supply passage 34 is opened at an arbitrary position around the paint outlet 32b, and the base end side is connected to an atomizing air supply means (not shown). When air is supplied, atomizing air is supplied around the paint outlet 32b through the atomizing air supply passage 34, enabling the paint discharged from the paint outlet 32b to be atomized.

[0045] Furthermore, the spray gun 31 used in this embodiment is formed with a pattern air supply passage 35 for changing the ejection pattern of the paint atomized by the atomizing air into an arbitrary pattern. The tip of the pattern air supply passage 35 is opened outside the tip opening of the atomizing air supply passage 34. The base end side is connected to a pattern air supply means (not shown). When air is supplied, the pattern air is supplied through the pattern air supply passage 35 around the tip opening of the atomizing air supply passage 34, making it possible to change the ejection pattern of the paint atomized by the atomizing air.

[0046] In the above description, the case where there are four spray gun support arms 5 has been described. However, the number of spray gun support arms 5 is not necessarily limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more.

[0047] Next, inside the rotating body 3, the same number of paint supply passages as the spray gun support arms 5, that is, four in this embodiment, are formed for supplying paint to each of the spray guns 31. The tip of this paint supply passage is opened at the end face of the tip portion 3a of the rotating body 3, and the base end portion is connected to a paint supply hose or the like through a joint means at the base end face of the rotating body 3.

[0048] On the other hand, inside each of the spray gun support arms 5, a paint supply passage for supplying paint to the spray gun 31 attached to the tip of the spray gun support arm 5 during workpiece painting is formed. The tip of this paint supply passage is connected to the paint supply passage 32 of the spray gun 31, and the base end portion communicates with the opening at the tip of any one of the paint supply passages formed in the rotating body 3.

[0049] Inside the spray gun support arm 5, there are respectively formed an atomizing air supply passage for supplying atomizing air to the spray gun 31, a pattern air supply passage for supplying pattern air, and a needle advancing / retreating air supply passage for supplying needle advancing / retreating air. The respective atomizing air supply passage, pattern air supply passage, and needle advancing / retreating air supply passage are connected at the tip to the atomizing air supply passage 34, pattern air supply passage 35, and needle advancing / retreating air supply passage 36 in the spray gun 31 attached to the arm 5 during the painting of the workpiece, and the ends on the anti-spray gun side are openings on the side wall of the spray gun support arm 5.

[0050] In FIGS. 3 and 7, reference numeral 6 denotes a connecting plate. That is, in the present embodiment, the gun manifold 4 has the connecting plate 6, and the gun manifold 4 is constituted by the spray gun support arm 5 and the connecting plate 6. The connecting plate 6 is in the shape of a disk and is continuously provided on the side facing the rotating body 3 at the proximal end portion of the spray gun support arm 5. The connecting plate 6 is connected to the rotating body 3, whereby the rotating body 3 and the gun manifold 4 are connected.

[0051] Further, on the connecting plate 6, four paint supply holes are formed that are continuous with the paint supply passages formed inside the respective spray gun support arms 5. The paint supply passages formed inside the respective spray gun support arms 5 and the paint supply passages formed in the rotating body 3 communicate with each other through the paint supply holes formed in the connecting plate 6.

[0052] Furthermore, on the connecting plate 6, three air supply holes 7a, 7b, and 7c are formed that are respectively continuous with the openings at the ends on the anti-spray gun side in the atomizing air supply passage, pattern air supply passage, and needle advancing / retreating air supply passage formed inside the respective spray gun support arms 5. The number of these air supply holes 7a, 7b, and 7c is the same as the number of spray gun support arms 5, that is, four sets are formed.

[0053] Next, in the figure, 8 is an air rotary actuator. That is, in the spray gun unit 1 of this embodiment, an air rotary actuator 8 is disposed above the rotating body 3, and this air rotary actuator 8 is attached to the base plate 2.

[0054] And, the rotating part 8a of the air rotary actuator 8 penetrates the base plate 2 and protrudes to the front side of the base plate 2. Further, a pulley 9 as a connecting means is attached to the portion of the rotating body 3 protruding from the base plate 2, and the tip 8a of the air rotary actuator 8 and the tip 3a of the rotating body 3 are connected via a belt 10. And thereby, by driving the air rotary actuator 8, the rotating body 3 rotates via the belt 10, and at the same time, the gun manifold 4 also rotates.

[0055] Here, the air rotary actuator 8 used in this embodiment will be described. The air rotary actuator 8 used in this embodiment is a rotary actuator constituted by a stepping motor driven by air, and thereby enables rotation one by one.

[0056] In a conventional rotary actuator, the rotation axis cannot be fixed at an arbitrary position, and there are only two stop positions. Therefore, only two spray gun support arms can be attached to the rotating body, and a large number of color changes cannot be performed. Further, when a rotary actuator is provided inside the unit, in a conventional electric rotary actuator, it is necessary to make it explosion-proof.

[0057] On the other hand, in the air rotary actuator 8 used in this embodiment, as described above, a stepping motor driven by air is used, and since rotation one by one is enabled, it is possible to mount three or more spray gun units. Further, there is no need to make it explosion-proof, and the cost can also be suppressed.

[0058] Next, in FIGS. 3 and 6, reference numeral 11 denotes an air cylinder as an air supply means. That is, in the spray gun unit 1 of the present embodiment, the air cylinder 11 is attached to the base plate 2 in a position below the rotating body 3, and by this air cylinder 11, air is supplied to the atomizing air supply passage 34, the pattern air supply passage 35, and the needle advancing / retreating air supply passage 36 in the spray gun 31.

[0059] Here, the air cylinder 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 8, and 9. FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views showing the air cylinder 11. FIG. 8 shows the air cylinder 11 from the lower front side, and FIG. 9 shows the air cylinder 11 from the lower back side. The air cylinder 11 of the present embodiment has a device main body 12 attached to the base plate 2, and a movable part 13 is provided on the device main body 12 so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the device main body 12.

[0060] Also, inside the air cylinder 11, a supply device side atomizing air supply passage, a supply device side pattern air supply passage, and a supply device side needle operating air supply passage are formed. The tips of these supply device side atomizing air supply passage, supply device side pattern air supply passage, and supply device side needle operating air supply passage are air supply joints 14a, 14b, and 14c. And these air supply joints 14a, 14b, and 14c can be connected to the air supply holes 7a, 7b, and 7c formed in the connection plate 6 by advancing the movable part 13. By this connection, air can be supplied to the atomizing air supply passage 34, the pattern air supply passage 35, and the needle advancing / retreating air supply passage 36 in the spray gun 31 through the atomizing air supply passage, the pattern air supply passage, and the needle advancing / retreating air supply passage formed inside the spray gun support arm 5.

[0061] That is, in this embodiment, the means for supplying air to the atomizing air supply passage 34, the pattern air supply passage 35, and the needle advancing / retracting air supply passage 36 in the spray gun 31 is shared by the supply device side atomizing air supply passage, the supply device side pattern air supply passage, and the supply device side needle operating air supply passage formed inside the air cylinder 11. Therefore, by the supply device side atomizing air supply passage, the supply device side pattern air supply passage, and the supply device side needle operating air supply passage formed inside the air cylinder 11, air is to be supplied to the atomizing air supply passage 34, the pattern air supply passage 35, and the needle advancing / retracting air supply passage 36 in all the spray guns 31. For this purpose, even when the number of spray guns increases, it is not necessary to increase the supply passages for supplying atomizing air, pattern air, and needle advancing / retracting air to the spray gun 31, and it is possible to prevent the entire spray gun unit from becoming large-sized. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a large number of spray gun support arms in one spray gun unit.

[0062] Further, a connecting pin 15 as a supply device side connecting portion is formed on the movable portion 13. On the other hand, a connecting hole 16 as a connecting portion to which the connecting pin 15 formed on the movable portion 13 is connected is formed in the connecting plate 6. By advancing the movable portion 13, the connecting pin 15 can be connected to the connecting hole 16 of the connecting plate 6, thereby making it possible to fix the position of the gun manifold 4.

[0063] That is, the air rotary actuator 6 used in this embodiment is different from the conventional rotary actuator having two stop positions. Since it cannot detect the position for stopping one by one, if air leaks, it will be in a free state and the position of the gun manifold 4 cannot be fixed. Therefore, in this embodiment, by advancing the movable portion 13, the connecting pin 15 is connected to the connecting hole 16 of the connecting plate 6, thereby fixing the position of the gun manifold 4.

[0064] Note that the number of connection holes 16 formed in the connection plate 6 is the same as the number of spray gun support arms 5. As shown in FIG. 7, one connection hole is formed for each of the three air supply holes 7a, 7b, and 7c. The connection pin 15 is arranged to connect to the connection hole 16 of the connection plate 6 when the movable part 13 moves forward and any of the air supply joints 14a, 14b, and 14c for air supply is connected to any of the air supply holes 7a, 7b, and 7c formed in the connection plate 6.

[0065] Next, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the rotating body 3 and the gun manifold 4. In the figure, reference numeral 17 denotes a magnetic sensor. That is, in the present embodiment, the magnetic sensor 17 is installed on the base plate 2, a shielding plate 18 is attached to the rotating body 3, the position of the spray gun support arm 5 is monitored by monitoring the rotation of the rotating body 3, and when the rotating body 3 rotates and the shielding plate 18 approaches the magnetic sensor 17, it is determined that the spray gun support arm 5 has reached a predetermined position, and the air rotary actuator 6 is stopped to fix the position of the spray gun support arm 5.

[0066] That is, in the present embodiment, when the movable part 13 moves forward and any of the air supply joints 14a, 14b, and 14c for air supply is connected to any of the air supply holes 7a, 7b, and 7c formed in the connection plate 6, and further, when the connection pin 15 is connected to the connection hole 16 of the connection plate 6, the atomizing air supply path, the pattern air supply path, and the needle advancing / retreating air supply path that are continuous with the air supply holes 7a, 7b, and 7c connected to the air supply joints 14a, 14b, and 14c are used to set the position of the spray gun support arm 5 to a predetermined position. Then, when the rotating body 3 rotates by a predetermined angle and any of the spray gun support arms 5 reaches a predetermined position, the magnetic sensor 17 and the shielding plate 18 are arranged so that any of the shielding plates 18 approaches any of the magnetic sensors 17, whereby the rotating body 3 is stopped when the spray gun support arm 5 reaches a predetermined position.

[0067] Therefore, unlike the conventional rotary actuator with two stop positions, the aero rotary actuator 6 used in this embodiment cannot detect that the spray gun support arm has reached a predetermined position because it stops one by one. However, due to the action of the magnetic sensor 17, it is possible to stop the rotating body 3 when the spray gun support arm 5 reaches a predetermined position. In this embodiment, since the magnetic sensor 17 uses a reed switch type proximity sensor manufactured by Nippon Aref Co., Ltd., which is commercially available, the description of its detailed configuration and the like is omitted.

[0068] Next, in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, reference numeral 19 denotes a main body case. That is, in this embodiment, the main body case is attached to the base plate 2 in an arrangement that houses the rotating body 3 and the aero rotary actuator 6. This main body case 19 has a pair of side walls 21 and a rear wall 22 that connects the rear ends of the side walls 21. A connecting joint portion 20 for connecting the spray gun unit 1 to the support shaft 36 in the painting robot is formed on the rear wall 22.

[0069] In the figure, reference numeral 23 denotes a main body cover. The main body cover 23 is used to cover the front, side, rear, and bottom surfaces of the spray gun unit 1 in this embodiment, excluding the gun manifold 4 and the connecting joint portion 20, and includes an upper cover 23a, a front cover 23b, side covers 23c, and a rear cover 23d.

[0070] The operation of the spray gun unit 1 of this embodiment configured as described above will be described. As described above, the spray gun unit 1 of this embodiment is connected to the tip portion of a robot arm 37 that is rotatably connected in the vertical direction to a connecting portion 32 that is movably connected in the longitudinal direction of a rail 31 provided above in a painting booth, and is used by being connected to a long support shaft 36.

[0071] When painting the workpiece, a paint supply hose is connected to the proximal end portion of the paint supply passage in the rotating body 3 via joint means so that paint can be supplied to the spray gun. Further, air supply means such as an air hose is connected to the proximal ends of the atomizing air supply passage, the pattern air supply passage, and the needle operation air supply passage on the supply device side in the air cylinder 11 so that various types of air can be supplied to the spray gun. At this time, the paint supplied to the spray gun is made different in color and type for each spray gun, thereby enabling color change and multiple coats with one spray gun unit.

[0072] Next, with the spray gun support arm 5 having a spray gun 31 capable of spraying the paint to be first applied to the workpiece in a predetermined position, the movable part 13 of the air cylinder 11 is advanced. Thereby, the air supply joints 14a, 14b, 14c in the movable part 13 are connected to the air supply holes 7a, 7b, 7c formed in the connecting plate 6, and the connecting pin 15 is connected to the connecting hole 16 of the connecting plate 6 to fix the position of the gun manifold 4 and fix the spray gun support arm 5 in a predetermined position. Then, thereafter, in that state, by supplying paint and air to the spray gun, the workpiece is painted.

[0073] When changing the color or type of the paint, the movable part 13 of the air cylinder 11 is first retracted to release the connection between the air supply joints 14a, 14b, 14c in the movable part 13 and the air supply holes 7a, 7b, 7c formed in the connecting plate 6, and the connection between the connecting hole 16 of the connecting plate 6 and the connecting pin 15.

[0074] Next, the air rotary actuator 6 is actuated to rotate the rotating body 3. Then, due to the action of the magnetic sensor 17, when the spray gun support arm 5 having the spray gun 31 capable of spraying the paint to be applied next reaches a predetermined position, the air rotary actuator 6 is stopped to stop the rotation of the rotating body 3. In this state, the movable part 13 of the air cylinder 11 is advanced, and the air supply joints 14a, 14b, and 14c in the movable part 13 are connected to the air supply holes 7a, 7b, and 7c formed in the connection plate 6. At the same time, the connection pin 15 is connected to the connection hole 16 of the connection plate 6 to fix the position of the gun manifold 4 and fix the spray gun support arm 5 at a predetermined position. Then, after that, in this state, by supplying paint and air to the spray gun, the workpiece is painted, and this operation is repeated until the painting of the workpiece is completed.

[0075] Therefore, according to the spray gun unit of this embodiment, by making the paint supplied to the spray gun mounted on the spray gun support arm different colors or different types, it is possible to replace the spray gun used only by rotating the rotating body, and perform color change of the paint or multiple coats. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform color change and type change in a short time, and there is no need to clean the spray gun and the paint hose every time the paint color or type is changed, and the waste of paint and cleaning solvents such as thinner is eliminated.

[0076] And at this time, in the spray gun unit of this embodiment, an air rotary actuator 6 constituted by a stepping motor driven by air is used as means for rotating the rotating body. Thus, since each rotation is possible, unlike the case of using a conventional rotary actuator in which the rotation axis cannot be fixed at an arbitrary position with only two stop positions, it is possible to mount three or more spray gun units. Furthermore, there is no need for explosion protection, and the cost can be suppressed.

[0077] In addition, since the air supply means for supplying air to the atomizing air supply passage 34, the pattern air supply passage 35, and the needle advancing / retreating air supply passage 36 in the spray gun 31 is shared by the supply device side atomizing air supply passage, the supply device side pattern air supply passage, and the supply device side needle operating air supply passage formed inside the air cylinder 11, even when the number of spray guns increases, it is possible to prevent the entire spray gun unit from becoming large-sized. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide a large number of spray gun support arms in one spray gun unit.

[0078] Furthermore, by advancing the movable part 13 of the air cylinder, the connecting pin 15 can be connected to the connecting hole 16 of the connecting plate 6, thereby making it possible to fix the position of the gun manifold 4.

[0079] Also, since the rotation of the rotating body is monitored by a magnetic sensor, it is possible to reliably stop the rotating body 3 when the spray gun support arm 5 reaches a predetermined position.

Industrial Applicability

[0080] The spray gun unit for painting of the present invention can perform the replacement of the spray gun only by rotating the gun manifold that supports the spray gun, and thus is applicable to the entire painting apparatus that enables the change of the paint color or type with one device.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0081] 1 Spray gun unit for painting 2 Base plate 3 Rotating body 4 Gun manifold 5 Spray gun support arm 6 Connecting plate 7 Hole for air supply 8 Air rotary actuator 9 Pulley 10 Belt 11 Air supply device (air cylinder) 12 Device body 13 Movable part 14 Air supply joint 15 Connecting pin 16 Connecting part 17 Magnetic sensor 18 Masking plate 19 Main body case 20 Connecting joint part 21 Side wall 22 Rear wall 23 Cover 24 Paint supply path joint part 25 Paint hose 26 Air hose 31 Spray gun 32 Paint supply path 33 Needle 34 Atomizing air supply path 35 Pattern air supply path 36 Air supply path for needle advancement and retraction 41 Rail 42 Connecting part 43 First arm 44 Second arm 45 Third arm 46 Support shaft 47 Robot arm

Claims

1. A spray gun unit (1) mounted at any plurality of locations on a support shaft (46) in a painting robot, the painting robot comprising: a rail (41) provided above in a painting booth; a connecting portion (42) movably connected to the rail (41) in the longitudinal direction of the rail (41); a robot arm (47) rotatably connected to the connecting portion (42) in the vertical direction; and a long support shaft (46) connected to the tip of the robot arm (47). A base plate (2); A rotating body (3) rotatably attached to the base plate (2) with the tip portion penetrating the base plate (2); A plurality of long spray gun support arms (5) to which spray guns are attached respectively during painting of a workpiece, the spray gun support arms (5) being connected at their base ends to each other so as to be radially arranged toward the outer peripheral side, and a gun manifold (4) connected to the tip of the rotating body (3) and rotating coaxially with the rotating body (3) as the rotating body (3) rotates; A rotary actuator (8) attached to the base plate (2) and connected to the rotating body (3) by a transmission means (10) and used to rotate the rotating body (3); An air supply device (11) attached to the base plate (2) for supplying atomizing air, pattern air, and needle operating air to a spray gun (31); A magnetic sensor (17) for monitoring the rotation of the rotating body (3) and stopping the rotary actuator (8) to stop the rotation of the rotating body (3) when the rotating body (3) rotates by a predetermined angle; A main body case (19) having a joint portion (20) connected to the base plate (2) and also connected to a support shaft (46) connected to the robot arm (47); On the rotating body (3), the same number of paint supply paths for supplying paint to each of the spray guns (31) are formed as the number of spray gun support arms (5). Inside each of the spray gun support arms (5), a paint supply path is formed such that the tip portion is connected to the paint supply path of the spray gun mounted on the spray gun support arm (5) during painting of the workpiece, and the base end portion communicates with any one of the paint supply paths formed on the rotating body (3). A connecting portion (16) is formed on the gun manifold (4). Inside the spray gun support arm (5), there are respectively formed an atomizing air supply passage for supplying atomizing air to the spray gun (31), a pattern air supply passage for supplying pattern air, and a needle operating air supply passage for supplying needle operating air. The respective atomizing air supply passage, pattern air supply passage, and needle operating air supply passage are connected at their tip ends to the air supply passage in the spray gun mounted on the spray gun support arm (5) during painting of the workpiece, and the ends on the anti-spray gun side are opened on the side wall side of the spray gun support arm (5). The rotary actuator (8) is an air rotary actuator that can be rotated one by one by an air-driven stepping motor. The air supply device (11) comprises a device body (12) attached to the base plate (2), and a movable part (13) provided on the device body (12) so as to be able to move forward and backward. The movable part (13) has a supply device side atomizing air supply passage, a supply device side pattern air supply passage, and a supply device side needle operating air supply passage whose tip ends communicate with the atomizing air supply passage, pattern air supply passage, and needle operating air supply passage formed inside the spray gun support arm (5), and also has a supply device side connecting means (15) connected to the connecting part (16) formed on the gun manifold (4). When any one of the spray gun support arms (5) is at a predetermined position where the end openings on the anti-spray gun side of the atomizing air supply passage, pattern air supply passage, and needle operating air supply passage formed inside the spray gun support arm (5) face the tip ends of the supply device side atomizing air supply passage, supply device side pattern air supply passage, and supply device side needle operating air supply passage, by advancing the movable part (13) toward the spray gun support arm (5), the supply device side atomizing air supply passage, supply device side pattern air supply passage, and supply device side needle operating air supply passage that the movable part (13) has communicate with the end openings of the opposing atomizing air supply passage, pattern air supply passage, and needle operating air supply passage, and the supply device side connecting means (15) is connected to the connecting part (16) formed on the gun manifold (4). The spray gun unit is characterized by this.

2. The coating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support shaft (46) is a pipe made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

3. The spray gun unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the robot arm (47) includes a first arm (43) rotatably connected to the connecting portion (42) in the vertical direction, a second arm (44) rotatably connected to the first arm (43) in the vertical direction, and a third arm (45) rotatably connected to the second arm (44) in the vertical direction.

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