Coating device, cartridge, coating gun body, and mixed liquid spraying method
The coating device addresses liquid loss and cleaning inefficiencies by mixing liquids within the gun and shortening flow paths, improving operational efficiency and reducing waste through easy cartridge replacement.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021068467
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-04-14
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-04-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing coating devices suffer from significant loss of processing liquids due to inefficient mixing and long flow paths, leading to increased cleaning steps and time for stability after cartridge replacement.
A coating device with a detachable cartridge system that mixes first and second coating liquids within the coating gun, reducing the flow path length of the first liquid and allowing easy cartridge replacement, thereby minimizing cleaning areas and liquid loss.
The solution effectively reduces the number of cleaning steps, time for stability, and loss of coating liquid by shortening the flow path and mixing within the gun, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing waste.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for mixing and spraying a plurality of treatment liquids. [Background technology]
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a coating device in which paint supplied from a plurality of fuel tanks is mixed in a paint mixing section provided within a paint gun, and the mixed paint is sprayed from the paint gun. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-153184 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In a coating apparatus such as that described in Patent Document 1, it is required to reduce loss of coating fluid, taking into consideration the object to be coated and the type of coating fluid used.
[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce loss of treatment liquid in an apparatus that mixes and sprays a plurality of treatment liquids. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] This coating device comprises a coating gun including a coating gun body having an injection nozzle, and a cartridge that is detachably attached to the coating gun body and contains a first coating liquid, a transport body to which the coating gun is attached and which moves the coating gun to a predetermined coating position, and a relay pipe that is attached to the transport body and connects the coating gun to a coating liquid supply source located at a position away from the coating gun, and through which a second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source can flow, wherein the cartridge has an outlet pipe that discharges the contained first coating liquid, and the coating gun has a mixing space formed downstream of the relay pipe and the outlet pipe to mix the first coating liquid contained in the cartridge and the second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source.
[0007] According to this coating device, cartridges containing different coating liquids are prepared, and then the mixed coating liquid sprayed from the coating gun body can be easily changed according to the coating condition by replacing the cartridge. In addition, by shortening the path length through which the first coating liquid flows and mixing the liquids in the coating gun, when replacing the cartridge, the area through which the first coating liquid flowed before replacement can be reduced, and the area to be washed of the first coating liquid before replacement can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the number of washing steps and the time it takes for the mixed paint to stabilize in quality after cartridge replacement. It also makes it possible to reduce loss of coating liquid.
[0008] In addition, the cartridge, which is removably attached to a paint gun body provided with an injection nozzle, comprises a container body that contains a first coating liquid, and an outlet pipe that discharges the first coating liquid from within the container body, and the cartridge is formed with a mixing space that mixes the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid, and a flow path for a second coating liquid that guides the second coating liquid supplied from outside the cartridge toward the mixing space, and the outlet pipe guides the first coating liquid from the container body toward the mixing space.
[0009] According to this cartridge, by preparing cartridges containing different coating liquids and then replacing the cartridges to be fitted to the paint gun body, the mixed coating liquid sprayed from the paint gun body can be easily changed according to the coating condition. In addition, by shortening the path length through which the first coating liquid flows and mixing the liquids in the paint gun, when replacing the cartridge, the area through which the first coating liquid flowed before replacement can be reduced, and the area to be cleaned of the first coating liquid before replacement can be reduced when replacing the cartridge. This makes it possible to reduce the number of cleaning steps and the time it takes for the mixed paint to stabilize in quality after cartridge replacement. It also makes it possible to reduce loss of coating liquid.
[0010] The paint gun body also includes an injection section in which an injection nozzle for the paint liquid is formed, a cartridge mounting section to which a cartridge containing a first paint liquid can be detachably attached, and a relay pipe connection section to which a relay pipe for supplying a second paint liquid from outside is connected.
[0011] With this paint gun body, cartridges containing different paint liquids are prepared, and then the cartridges are replaced, so that the components of the mixed paint liquid sprayed from the paint gun body can be easily changed. Also, by shortening the length of the path through which the first paint liquid flows, the area through which the first paint liquid flowed before the cartridge replacement can be reduced when replacing the cartridge, and the area that needs to be washed for the first paint liquid before the cartridge replacement can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the number of washing steps and the time it takes for the mixed paint to stabilize in quality after the cartridge replacement. It is also possible to reduce loss of paint liquid.
[0012] The method for spraying a mixed liquid is a method for spraying a mixed liquid in a treatment liquid spraying system including a spray gun body provided with an injection port, a spray gun including a cartridge that is detachably attached to the spray gun body and contains a first treatment liquid, and a treatment liquid supply source that is arranged at a position away from the spray gun and supplies a second treatment liquid to the spray gun body, in which a mixed liquid obtained by mixing the first treatment liquid and the second treatment liquid supplied from the treatment liquid supply source is sprayed downstream of an outlet pipe that discharges the first treatment liquid contained in the cartridge.
[0013] According to this method for spraying a mixed liquid, cartridges containing different first processing liquids are prepared, and then the cartridges are replaced, so that the mixed liquid sprayed from the spray gun body can be easily changed. In addition, of the two liquids to be mixed, the first processing liquid contained in the cartridge can be supplied from the cartridge to the spray gun body, and the length of the path through which the first processing liquid flows can be shortened. In addition, the first processing liquid in the cartridge is mixed with the second processing liquid downstream of the outlet tube and sprayed from the nozzle. Since the length of the path through which the first processing liquid flows is short and the liquids are mixed downstream of the outlet tube, when replacing the cartridge, the area through which the first processing liquid flowed before replacement can be reduced, and the cleaning area of the first processing liquid before replacement associated with cartridge replacement can be reduced. This can reduce the number of cleaning steps and the time until the mixed liquid after cartridge replacement becomes qualitatively stable can be reduced. In addition, loss of processing liquid can be reduced. Effect of the Invention
[0014] In an apparatus that mixes and sprays a plurality of processing liquids, loss of processing liquid can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a coating device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a paint gun body according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a paint gun according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a paint gun according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] {First embodiment} Hereinafter, a coating apparatus according to a first embodiment will be described. FIG 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a coating apparatus 20.
[0017] The coating device 20 is a device for coating the object 10 by spraying a mixed liquid of a first coating liquid and a second coating liquid onto the object 10. The object 10 includes a coating gun 30, a conveying body 80, and a relay pipe 90. The coating gun 30 mixes the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid, and sprays the mixed liquid as a coating liquid. For example, the coating state of the object 10 may be frequently changed depending on the order volume or production plan for objects with various coating states. The coating device 10 is an example of a device that coats the object 10 in response to changes in the order volume or production plan, etc., to produce a coated object according to the requested coating state.
[0018] The carrier 80 is a device that moves the coating device 20 so that the coating device 20 faces the coating area on the object 10 to be coated. The carrier 80 is, for example, a manipulator in which a plurality of arms are connected via joints, or an articulated robot including a manipulator. A coating gun 30 is attached to the tip of the arm. By driving the carrier 80, the coating gun 30 is moved toward a coating position that is predetermined according to the coating area on the object 10 to be coated. Thus, the coating gun 30 can function as an end effector attached to the tip 1 of the manipulator.
[0019] The carrier 80 need only be a device capable of moving the paint gun 30, and does not need to be an articulated robot. In this embodiment, the surface to be painted, such as a fuel tank, is a curved surface. In this case, it is preferable that the carrier is configured to be able to move the paint gun on an orthogonal three-dimensional coordinate system, and to be able to change the attitude of the paint gun about three axes. For example, the carrier 80 may be an orthogonal robot. Also, for example, the carrier 80 may be a device that moves the paint gun 30 only about one axis or in one axial direction. An existing manipulator may be used as the carrier.
[0020] The coating gun 30 includes a cartridge 50 that contains a first coating liquid, and the first coating liquid is supplied from the cartridge 50. The first coating liquid can be supplied from the cartridge 50, for example, by pushing out the first coating liquid contained in the container body 52 with a fluid supplied from the outside. A configuration example in which the cartridge 50 supplies the first coating liquid will be described later in more detail. A coating liquid supply source 60 that contains a second coating liquid is disposed at a fixed position away from the coating gun 30. The coating liquid supply source 60 includes a tank 62 that contains the second coating liquid, and a pump that delivers the second coating liquid in the tank 62. The relay pipe 90 is connected to a supply port of the second coating liquid in the coating liquid supply source 60 and the relay pipe connection portion 34a in the coating gun 30. As a result, the relay pipe 90 connects the coating liquid supply source 60 and the coating gun 30. The second coating liquid contained in the tank 62 is pressure-fed to the relay pipe 90 by the pump. This second coating liquid flows through the relay pipe 90 and is supplied to the coating gun 30. The amount of liquid contained in the cartridge 20 may be set to be smaller than the amount of liquid contained in the tank.
[0021] The relay pipe 90 is provided on the carrier 80. For example, the intermediate portion of the relay pipe 90 is provided on the carrier 80 by being supported along the arm portion of the carrier 80. The relay pipe 90 is attached, for example, to the outside of the arm portion via a pipe attachment portion 98. The pipe attachment portion 98 may have a structure including, for example, a holding portion that holds the relay pipe 90 and an attachment portion that is attached to the arm portion by a screw fastening, fitting structure, or the like. The relay pipe 90 may be passed through the exterior of the arm portion. The relay pipe 90 moves together with the arm portion in accordance with the movement of the paint gun 30. When the carrier 80 and the coating liquid supply source 60 are separated from each other, the relay pipe 90 is disposed along the space between them. The relay pipe 90 is, for example, a resin or metal pipe. The length of the relay pipe 90 is set according to the distance between the paint gun 30 and the coating liquid supply source 60, and is, for example, 10 m or more and 20 m or less.
[0022] The first coating liquid supplied from the coating gun 30 and the second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source 60 via the relay pipe 90 are mixed in the coating gun 30 and sprayed toward the object 10. In this way, the mixed liquid is coated on the object 10.
[0023] The cartridge 50 in the coating gun 30 is detachably attached to the coating gun body 32. Therefore, when it is desired to change the type of the first coating liquid to be mixed into the mixed liquid, the attached cartridge 50 can be replaced with a cartridge 50 containing the first coating liquid to be changed, and this can be done. On the other hand, the coating liquid supply source 60 is disposed at a position away from the coating gun 30. Therefore, the coating liquid supply source 60 is less subject to restrictions due to being attached to the coating gun body 32, such as restrictions on size or weight. For example, the coating liquid supply source 60 is less subject to restrictions on the volume of the second coating liquid contained therein. As a result, the second coating liquid can be continuously supplied without running out of liquid, even without frequent refilling.
[0024] The configuration of each part will now be described in more detail.
[0025] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the spray gun body 32. FIG.
[0026] The paint gun 30 includes a paint gun body 32 and a cartridge 50 .
[0027] An injection port 44h is provided in the coating gun body 32. A mixing space 40S for mixing the first coating liquid La and the second coating liquid Lb is also formed in the coating gun body 32. The mixing space 40S is provided downstream of the relay pipe 90 in the flow path of the second coating liquid Lb.
[0028] The cartridge 50 is detachably attached to the coating gun body 32. The cartridge 50 has an outlet pipe 56 that discharges the contained first coating liquid La to the outside of the cartridge 50. The mixing space 40S is provided downstream of the outlet pipe 56 in the flow path of the first coating liquid. The first coating liquid La and the second coating liquid Lb are mixed in the mixing space 40S downstream of the relay pipe 90 and the outlet pipe 56, and the mixed liquid obtained thereby is sprayed from the spray nozzle 44h. Note that the cartridge 50 is preferably provided with a valve that prevents leakage of the coating liquid from the outlet pipe 56 when the cartridge 50 is attached to the coating gun body 32.
[0029] The first coating liquid La may be any liquid. An example of the first coating liquid La is a liquid that corresponds to the change in the coating state of the coated object 10, for example, a liquid called a base liquid. Since the change in the coating state can be grasped by the appearance of the coated object, the first coating liquid La may be considered to be a liquid that is a factor that affects the appearance of the coated object 10. More specifically, the first coating liquid is, for example, a liquid containing a pigment or dye for coloring the surface, a liquid containing a glittering material that reflects light in the coating film such as aluminum flakes or glass agents, a color clear coating liquid containing a colorant, or a matting agent for matting the surface. The first coating liquid may be a liquid that affects the function (ultraviolet light absorption, durability, etc.) of the surface of the coated object. The first coating liquid may be appropriately replaced depending on the color (brightness, saturation) to be applied to the surface of the coated object 10, the special effect of light reflection of the gloss level, the desired special function such as ultraviolet light absorption and durability, etc.
[0030] The second coating liquid Lb may be any liquid. An example of the second coating liquid Lb is a liquid that is used more commonly than the first coating liquid La even if the coating state of the coating object 10 changes, for example, a liquid called a hardener. The hardener may be considered to be a factor that hardens the mixed liquid when mixed with the main agent. Such a hardener has a function of mixing with the main agent and fixing the main agent to the surface of the coating object 10. Therefore, even if the main agent is replaced, the hardener can continue to function of mixing with the replaced main agent and fixing the replaced main agent to the surface of the coating object 10. Therefore, regardless of whether the main agent is replaced or not, the hardener is not replaced and can be used as it is. It is not intended to deny the replacement of the second coating liquid Lb, and the second coating liquid Lb may be replaced, for example, when the first coating liquid La is replaced or the coating object 10 is changed. It is preferable to select a liquid that is replaced less frequently than the first coating liquid as the second coating liquid. The second coating liquid may be set to a liquid that is used commonly for a plurality of coatings.
[0031] To explain the coating gun body 32 in more detail, the coating gun body 32 includes a main body portion 34 , a second coating liquid pipe 38 , a mixing portion 40 , and a spray portion 44 .
[0032] The main body 34 is formed, for example, in a shape that is long in one direction, for example, in a cylindrical shape. An attachment portion that protrudes from a part of the outer periphery of the main body 34 is attached to the carrier 80.
[0033] A through hole is formed in the main body 34 and extends along the central axis of the main body 34. One longitudinal end of the through hole is larger than a longitudinal middle portion of the through hole. The other longitudinal end of the through hole is narrower than the longitudinal middle portion of the through hole.
[0034] The support tube portion 35 is attached to the middle portion of the through hole in the longitudinal direction. One end of the support tube portion 35 extends toward one end side of the through hole in the longitudinal direction. A gap is provided between one end of the support tube portion 35 and the inner circumferential surface on the one end side of the through hole in the longitudinal direction. A rotation drive unit 47 is provided in this gap. The rotation drive unit 47 is, for example, an air motor or an electric motor, and is attached to one end of the support tube portion 35 or the main body portion 34 in a state where it is stopped from rotating. The rotation drive unit 47 supports the spray unit 44 on one end side of the main body portion 34 so that it can be rotatably driven.
[0035] The ejection portion 44 is a portion in which an ejection port 44h of the mixed liquid is formed. In this embodiment, an example in which the ejection portion 44 is a bell cup is described. The bell cup 44 forms a retention space in which the mixed liquid is retained, and ejects the mixed liquid retained in the retention space radially outward by centrifugal force due to rotation. More specifically, the bell cup 44 includes a cup portion 45 and an ejection wall portion 46. The cup portion 45 has an inner circumferential surface that gradually widens from the bottom toward the opening edge. A through hole is formed in the bottom of the cup portion 45. The ejection wall portion 46 is a plate-shaped member provided at a position that closes the opening of the cup portion 45. An ejection port 44h is formed in the annular connecting portion between the cup portion 45 and the ejection wall portion 46. For example, a plurality of ejection ports 44h are formed so as to be arranged at intervals along the annular connecting portion. The bell cup 44 is supported by the rotation drive portion 47 so as to be rotatably driven outside the tip side of the support tube portion 35 and within one end portion of the main body portion 34. In this state, the opening at the bottom of the cup portion 45 is connected to the space at the axially middle portion within the main body portion 34 .
[0036] The second coating liquid pipe 38 guides the second coating liquid Lb, which is supplied from the coating liquid supply source 60 via the relay pipe 90, toward the mixing space 40S in the mixer 40. In this embodiment, the second coating liquid pipe 38 is formed in a tubular (cylindrical) shape. The second coating liquid pipe 38 is provided so as to extend from the center of the bottom of the main body 34 toward the opening of the bottom of the cup portion 45. The tip of the second coating liquid pipe 38 is located closer to the axial center of the main body 34 than the opening of the bottom of the cup portion 45. A second coating liquid flow path 38R is formed in the second coating liquid pipe 38. The mixer 40 is provided at the tip of the second coating liquid pipe 38.
[0037] The main body 34 is provided with a relay pipe connection part 34a to which one end of the relay pipe 90 is connected. The relay pipe connection part 34a is, for example, a pipe joint. The main body 34 is formed with a flow path 34b that extends from the relay pipe connection part 34a to the inside of the second coating liquid pipe 38. The flow path 34b may be a pipe routed inside the main body 34, or may be formed by forming a hole in the main body 34. The second coating liquid Lb supplied from the coating liquid supply source 60 is guided into the second coating liquid flow path 38R in the second coating liquid pipe 38 via the relay pipe 90, the relay pipe connection part 34a, and the flow path 34b. The second coating liquid Lb is guided toward the mixing part 40 by the second coating liquid flow path 38R.
[0038] In this embodiment, the cartridge 50 is provided with an outlet pipe 56. The other end of the through hole of the main body 34 is formed to a size that allows the outlet pipe 56 to be inserted. A seal part (e.g., a rubber ring) to prevent liquid leakage may be provided between the inner peripheral surface of the other end of the through hole of the main body 34 and the outer peripheral surface of the outlet pipe 56. The outlet pipe 56 passes through the second coating liquid pipe 38 and reaches the tip side of the second coating liquid pipe 38. In this state, the second coating liquid pipe 38 surrounds the outlet pipe 56 with a gap therebetween. In this embodiment, the tip of the outlet pipe 56 protrudes beyond the tip side of the second coating liquid pipe 38, but this is not essential. The second coating liquid Lb is led to the tip side of the second coating liquid pipe 38 through a cylindrical space between the inner peripheral surface of the second coating liquid pipe 38 and the outlet pipe 56.
[0039] The mixing section 40 is a portion that forms a mixing space 40S in which the first coating liquid La and the second coating liquid Lb are mixed. In this embodiment, the mixing section 40 is connected to the tip of the second coating liquid pipe 38. The mixing section 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both axial ends open. The base end of the mixing section 40 is formed in an annular shape that can be fitted onto the tip of the second coating liquid pipe 38. The tip opening of the second coating liquid pipe 38 and the tip opening of the outlet pipe 56 are located within the mixing space 40S in the mixing section 40. The tip of the mixing section 40 extends from the tip of the second coating liquid pipe 38 outward in the axial direction. Therefore, the mixing section 40 surrounds the outer periphery on the extension of the tip opening of the second coating liquid pipe 38 and the tip opening of the outlet pipe 56. The first coating liquid La that has passed through the outlet pipe 56 and the second coating liquid Lb that has passed through the second coating liquid pipe 38 join together in the mixing space 40S in the mixer 40 and are mixed.
[0040] The mixing section 40 also has a tapered portion that gradually narrows toward the tip side (downstream side in the flow direction of the coating liquid). An outlet portion is provided at the tip of this tapered portion, which is continuous with a portion of the same thickness. The opening area of the outlet portion is preferably smaller than the total opening area of the flow paths (the flow paths in the outlet pipe 56 and the second coating liquid flow path 38R) through which the fluids to be mixed flow.
[0041] In this way, by using a coating liquid mixing device including a supply pipe section (outlet pipe 56 and second coating liquid pipe 38) having a plurality of flow paths (flow paths in outlet pipe 56 and second coating liquid flow path 38R) through which the coating liquids La and Lb flow, respectively, and the supply pipe section (outlet pipe 56 and second coating liquid pipe 38) in which the flow paths open at the tip side, and a mixing section 40 connected to the outlet part of the supply pipe section so that the coating liquids La and Lb flowing through the plurality of flow paths are supplied to the internal space, and having a reduced diameter part in which the internal space narrows as it advances toward the outlet side so that the opening area is smaller than the total opening area of the plurality of flow paths, the coating liquids La and Lb are guided in a direction in which they mix with each other while increasing their flow speed in the internal space of the mixing section 470. By deflecting each of the coating liquids La and Lb in this way, it is possible to mix a plurality of types of coating liquids La and Lb. By deflecting and mixing the coating liquids flowing in the mixing section 40 in this way, it is possible to prevent a region in which the flow speed of the coating liquids La and Lb becomes extremely small, compared to the case in which a baffle plate for stirring is provided. This makes it possible to prevent clogging of the coating liquids La and Lv in the mixing section 40. In addition, mixing section 40 can be brought closer to bell cup 44, which is an example of a spray section, and the number of locations through which the mixed liquid flows can be reduced. This simplifies the configuration of mixing section 40 and makes it easier to clean.
[0042] The outlet portion passes through an opening at the bottom of cup portion 45 of bell cup 44 and reaches the retention space in bell cup 44. Therefore, the liquid mixed in mixing space 40S is sprayed from the tip opening of mixing portion 40 into the retention space in bell cup 44. The mixed liquid sprayed from mixing portion 40 collides with the inner surface of spray wall portion 46 located downstream in the spray direction in the retention space in bell cup 44. As bell cup 44 rotates at high speed, the mixed liquid in the retention space that adheres to the inner surface of bell cup 44 moves radially outward by centrifugal force while rotating together with bell cup 44. The mixed liquid travels along the inner surface of bell cup 44 and is sprayed out of bell cup 44 from spray port 44h by centrifugal force.
[0043] The paint gun body 32 is provided with a cartridge mounting section 48 to which the cartridge 50 can be detachably mounted. The cartridge mounting section 48 includes, for example, a recess 48a into which the cartridge 50 can be fitted. The cartridge mounting section 48 may have a locking structure that prevents the cartridge 50 from falling off. The locking structure may be configured such that, for example, a displaceable locking section is provided on the paint gun body 32, and a lock receiving section on which the locking section can be hooked is provided on the cartridge 50, and when the cartridge 50 is mounted on the cartridge mounting section 48, the locking section is displaced to hook onto the lock receiving section. The locking section may be provided on the cartridge 50, and the lock receiving section may be provided on the paint gun body. Also, the cartridge 50 may be kept attached to the paint gun 30 by a screw.
[0044] The cartridge 50 includes a container body 52 and an outlet tube 56 .
[0045] A space capable of accommodating the first coating liquid La is formed within the container body 52. The cartridge 50 is moved by the carrier 80 while attached to the coating gun body 32, and therefore may be subject to greater restrictions in size and weight than the coating liquid supply source 60. For this reason, for example, the amount of liquid that can be accommodated in the cartridge 50 is set to be smaller than the amount of liquid that can be accommodated in the tank 62 of the coating liquid supply source 60. An outlet pipe 56 protrudes from one end of the container body 52. A flow path that guides the first coating liquid La to the outside is formed within the outlet pipe 56. The base end opening of the outlet pipe 56 is connected to the space within the container body 52. For this reason, the first coating liquid La within the container body 52 can be guided to the outside through the outlet pipe 56.
[0046] The first coating liquid La in the container body 52 is discharged to the outside through the outlet pipe 56. As a configuration for discharging the first coating liquid La, for example, the following configuration is incorporated in the container body 52. A piston-like member 54 is provided in the container body 52 and is capable of reciprocating within the container body 52 while dividing the space within the container body 52.
[0047] The first coating liquid La is contained in one side of the space within the container body 52, which is partitioned by the piston-like member 54. A fluid path 55 is formed in the container body 52, which reaches the other side of the space within the container body 52, which is partitioned by the piston-like member 54. One side opening of the fluid path 55 faces the coating gun body 32, and the other side opening of the fluid path 55 faces the space within the container body 52. The coating gun body 32 is provided with an external fluid connection portion 34c. In addition, an external fluid flow path 34d is formed in the coating gun body 32, which runs from the external fluid connection portion 34c to a portion facing the one side opening of the fluid path 55.
[0048] Air or liquid is used as the external fluid for delivering the first coating liquid La. An external fluid supply source (not shown) includes an external fluid storage tank, a pump, etc., and an external fluid pipe extending from the external fluid supply source is connected to the external fluid connecting portion 34c. The external fluid supplied from the external fluid supply source is delivered to the other space in the container body 52 partitioned by the piston-like member 54 via the external fluid pipe, the external fluid connecting portion 34c, the external fluid flow path 34d, and the fluid path 55. By delivering the external fluid from the external fluid supply source into the container body 52, the piston-like member 54 is pushed and moved, and as a result, the piston-like member 54 can deliver the first coating liquid La in the container body 52 to the outside via the outlet pipe 56.
[0049] The configuration for delivering the first coating liquid La in the container body 52 is not limited to the above example. For example, a gas may be sealed in a compressed state inside the container body 52, and the first coating liquid La may be delivered to the outside through the outlet pipe 56 by the pressure of the gas.
[0050] According to the coating device 20 and the coating gun body 32, a plurality of cartridges 50 containing different first coating liquids La are prepared for coating. Then, the cartridge 50 corresponding to the coating state of the object 10 is attached to the coating gun body 32. In this state, the first coating liquid La supplied from the cartridge 50 and the second coating liquid Lb supplied from the coating liquid supply source 60 are mixed in the mixing space 40S in the coating gun body 32. The mixed liquid (mixed coating liquid) is sprayed from the nozzle 44h of the bell cup 44. As a result, the mixed coating liquid is supplied to the surface of the object 10 to perform the coating process. When the coating state of the object 10 is to be changed, the attached cartridge 50 is replaced with another cartridge 50 corresponding to the changed coating state. Then, the first coating liquid La supplied from the replaced cartridge 50 and the second coating liquid Lb supplied from the coating liquid supply source 60 are mixed in the mixing space 40S in the coating gun body 32, and the coating process can be performed in the same manner as described above. In this way, by replacing the cartridge 50, the mixed coating liquid sprayed from the coating gun body 32 can be easily changed according to the coating mode.
[0051] In addition, the first coating liquid La contained in the cartridge 50 can be supplied to the coating gun body 32 without passing through the relay pipe 90, so that the path length through which the first coating liquid La flows can be shortened. The first coating liquid La in the cartridge 50 is mixed with the second coating liquid Lb in the mixing space 40S provided in the coating gun 30 and is sprayed from the spray nozzle 44h. Therefore, the path length through which the mixed coating liquid flows can also be shortened. In this way, the short path length through which the first coating liquid La flows, combined with the fact that the first coating liquid La and the second coating liquid Lb are mixed in the coating gun 30, reduces the area through which the first coating liquid La flowed before the cartridge 50 is replaced when the cartridge 50 is replaced. This reduces the cleaning area of the first coating liquid La before the cartridge 50 is replaced. This reduces the number of cleaning steps when the cartridge 50 is replaced, and reduces the time until the mixed coating liquid becomes qualitatively stable after the cartridge 50 is replaced. In addition, the loss of the first coating liquid La can also be reduced.
[0052] For example, assume that the first and second coating fluids are mixed at a location separate from the coating gun and then supplied to the coating gun. In this case, the tank of the external mixed coating fluid supply source must be replaced or cleaned, the relay hose must be cleaned, etc., every time the first coating fluid La is replaced, which increases the amount of work required and the consumption of fluid for cleaning. In the present coating device 20, it is not necessary to replace or clean the tank 62 or clean the relay pipe 90 when replacing the cartridge 50.
[0053] Also, for example, assume that a mixed coating liquid of the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid is stored in a cartridge attached to the paint gun body, and the mixed coating liquid is supplied from the cartridge. In this case, the mixed coating liquid may be more likely to solidify in the cartridge than the first coating liquid La. For this reason, in the case of the above-mentioned cartridge 50 as an example, the piston-like member 54 may become stuck in the cartridge 50. In addition, the cartridge attached to the paint gun body is subject to size and weight restrictions, and therefore the amount of mixed coating liquid that can be stored in the cartridge is also subject to restrictions. For this reason, when the mixed coating liquid is supplied from the cartridge, the liquid may easily run out.
[0054] In contrast, in the present coating device 20, for example, the first coating liquid La, which is difficult to solidify, can be stored in the cartridge 50, and the second coating liquid Lb, which is easy to solidify, can be supplied from the coating liquid supply source 60, thereby suppressing solidification of the first coating liquid La in the cartridge 50. In addition, since the coating liquid supply source 60 is disposed at a position away from the coating gun 30, there are few restrictions on the amount of the second coating liquid Lb that can be stored. In addition, since the first coating liquid La supplied from the cartridge 50 and the second coating liquid Lb supplied from the coating liquid supply source 60 are mixed and sprayed by the coating gun 30, the first coating liquid La and the second coating liquid Lb are less likely to run out of liquid compared to the case where the mixed coating liquid is supplied from the cartridge. As a result, a coating operation in which a plurality of mixed coating liquids in which the first coating liquid La is changed can be efficiently performed.
[0055] From this point of view, it is preferable that the first coating liquid La corresponding to the change in the coating state of the object 10 to be coated is stored in the cartridge 50, and the second coating liquid Lb that is used in common even if the coating state of the object 10 to be coated changes is supplied via the relay pipe 90. This reduces the number of times the cartridge 50 needs to be replaced compared to when the second coating liquid Lb or a mixed coating liquid is stored in the cartridge 50. Also, the second coating liquid Lb that is used in common even if the coating state of the object 10 to be coated changes is supplied via the relay pipe 90, and therefore it is not necessary to replace the cleaning liquid for the relay pipe 90.
[0056] For example, assume a painting job involving frequent color change operations. In this case, by storing the base agent in the cartridge 50 and the hardener in the coating liquid supply source 60, the cartridge 50 that stores the base agent is replaced every time a color change operation is performed, and the coating liquid supply source 60 that stores the hardener can be used continuously regardless of the color change operation. As a result, even if a color change operation occurs, the base agent remaining in the cartridge 50 is wasted to an extent, and the amount of residual liquid of the base agent can be reduced compared to the case where a mixed coating liquid is supplied from the coating liquid supply source. In addition, the labor other than the replacement of the cartridge 50 for the color change operation, for example, the replacement of the coating liquid supply source 60 due to the hardener running out or the hardener refill operation can be reduced as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in the amount of residual liquid of the base agent and a reduction in the labor required for the hardener supply operation.
[0057] The spray gun body 32 is also provided with a mixing space 40S and a second coating liquid flow path 38R. This allows the first coating liquid La and the second coating liquid Lb to be mixed near the injection port 44h. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of unused mixed coating liquid to be discarded, compared to a case in which the two coating liquids are mixed in advance and then supplied to the coating device. In addition, the cartridge structure can be simplified, compared to a case in which the cartridge is provided with a mixing space and a second coating liquid flow path.
[0058] The cartridge 50 is also provided with an outlet pipe 56 that introduces the first coating liquid La toward the mixing space 40S. Therefore, by replacing the cartridge 50, the container body 52 that contains the first coating liquid La and the outlet pipe 56 that introduces the first coating liquid La are replaced. This facilitates the cleaning operation of the coating gun body 32 when replacing the cartridge 50.
[0059] Furthermore, since the spray portion 44 is a bell cup 44, the mixed coating liquid can be atomized and sprayed by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the bell cup 44 even without air for atomization.
[0060] The first coating liquid La may be a first treatment liquid instead of a liquid for coating. The second coating liquid Lb may be a second treatment liquid instead of a liquid for coating. In this case, the coating gun body 32 may be understood as the spray gun body 32, the coating gun 30 as the spray gun 30, the cartridge 50 as the cartridge 50 containing the first treatment liquid, and the coating liquid supply source 60 as the treatment liquid supply source 60 containing the second treatment liquid. Also, a system including the spray gun body 32, the spray gun 30, the cartridge 50, and the treatment liquid supply source 60 may be understood as a treatment liquid injection system. In this treatment liquid injection system, a mixed liquid injection method can be performed in which a mixed liquid obtained by mixing the first treatment liquid La and the second treatment liquid Lb supplied from the treatment liquid supply source 60 is injected downstream of the outlet pipe 56 that outputs the first treatment liquid La contained in the cartridge 50.
[0061] In this method of spraying the mixed liquid, similarly to the above, it is possible to reduce the number of cleaning steps and shorten the time required for the mixed liquid to become qualitatively stable after replacing the cartridge 50. It is also possible to reduce loss of the processing liquid.
[0062] {Second embodiment} A coating device according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a coating gun 130 according to the second embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0063] In the coating gun 130 according to the second embodiment, a configuration for causing a cleaning liquid to flow is added to the coating gun 30 according to the first embodiment.
[0064] The coating gun 130 includes a cleaning liquid pipe 138. A cleaning liquid flow path 138R is formed in the cleaning liquid pipe 138, through which the cleaning liquid flows. The cleaning liquid Lc flowing through the cleaning liquid flow path 138R cleans at least a part of the flow path through which the first coating liquid La flows. Here, the first coating liquid La passes through the outlet pipe 56, passes through the space in the mixer 140 and the space in the bell cup 44, and is sprayed to the outside. The space in the mixer 140 and the space in the bell cup 44 are examples of the flow path through which the first coating liquid La flows. The cleaning liquid Lc passes from the cleaning liquid flow path 138R in the cleaning liquid pipe 138, through the space in the mixer 140 and the space in the bell cup 44, and cleans their inner surfaces.
[0065] More specifically, the cleaning liquid pipe 138 is formed in a tubular (cylindrical) shape. The cleaning liquid pipe 138 extends from a portion closer to the center than the base end of the second coating liquid pipe 38 toward the tip of the second coating liquid pipe 38, while surrounding the outer periphery of the second coating liquid pipe 38 with a gap therebetween. Here, the position of the tip opening of the cleaning liquid pipe 138 coincides with the position of the tip opening of the second coating liquid pipe 38. A cleaning liquid flow path 138R is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cleaning liquid pipe 138 and the outer peripheral surface of the second coating liquid pipe 38.
[0066] The base end of the mixing section 140 corresponding to the mixing section 40 has a larger opening than the base end of the mixing section 40. This base end and a reduced diameter portion of the mixing section 140 are connected via a step. The tip end of the cleaning liquid pipe 138 is fitted into the base end of the mixing section 140. Recesses 38g may be formed intermittently in the circumferential direction at the opening of the second coating liquid pipe 38.
[0067] The cleaning liquid flow path 138R in the cleaning liquid pipe 138 passes between the tip of the second coating liquid pipe 38 and the step of the mixing section 140, and is supplied into the reduced diameter part and the tip of the mixing section 140. At this time, the cleaning liquid passes through the recess 38g at the opening of the second coating liquid pipe 38, so that the cleaning liquid is deflected radially inward of the mixing section 140, effectively cleaning the inner circumferential surface of the mixing section 140. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the mixing section 140 into the bell cup 44, cleans the inner surface of the bell cup 44, and is discharged to the outside.
[0068] The main body 34 is provided with a relay pipe connection part 134e to which one end of the cleaning liquid supply relay pipe 190 is connected. The relay pipe connection part 134e is, for example, a pipe joint. The main body 34 is provided with a flow path 134f extending from the relay pipe connection part 134e to the inside of the cleaning liquid pipe 138. The flow path 134f may be a pipe routed inside the main body 34, or may be formed by forming a hole in the main body 34. A cleaning liquid supply source 160 having a tank for storing cleaning liquid and a pump for delivering cleaning liquid, etc., is provided at a location away from the coating gun 130. The cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source 160 is guided into the cleaning liquid flow path 138R in the cleaning liquid pipe 138 via the cleaning liquid supply relay pipe 190, the relay pipe connection part 134e, and the flow path 134f.
[0069] According to this embodiment, when replacing the cartridge 50, the first coating liquid La before replacement is attached to the inside of the mixing section 140 and the inside of the bell cup 44. The cleaning liquid supplied via the cleaning liquid flow path 138R cleans the inside of the mixing section 140 and the inside of the bell cup 44, and can remove the first coating liquid La before replacement. The outlet pipe 56 that guided the first coating liquid La before replacement into the mixing section 140 can be replaced together with the cartridge 50. Therefore, the operation of cleaning the paint gun body 32 can be easily performed when replacing the cartridge 50.
[0070] In this embodiment, cleaning liquid flow path 138R may be open toward the inside of bell cup 44. In this case, the cleaning liquid can mainly clean bell cup 44.
[0071] Furthermore, it is not essential that the cleaning liquid be supplied from an external cleaning liquid supply source 160, and the cleaning liquid may be supplied from a cleaning liquid cartridge attached to the paint gun.
[0072] {Third embodiment} A coating device according to a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a coating gun 230 according to the first embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
[0073] In the coating gun 230 of the third embodiment, in the coating gun 30 of the first embodiment, the second coating liquid pipe 238 and the mixing section 40 are provided in the cartridge 250 rather than in the coating gun body 232.
[0074] That is, in the paint gun body 232 corresponding to the paint gun body 32, a through hole is formed in the body portion 234 corresponding to the body portion 34. One longitudinal end of the through hole is larger than the longitudinal middle portion of the through hole. The longitudinal middle portion and the other end of the through hole are larger than the longitudinal one end of the through hole. In the body portion 234, the second coating liquid pipe 38 is omitted.
[0075] In the main body 234, the opening of the flow passage 34b for flowing the second coating liquid Lb on the opposite side to the relay pipe connection portion 34a opens to the cartridge 250 side.
[0076] A cartridge 250 corresponding to the cartridge 50 is provided with a second coating liquid pipe 238 corresponding to the second coating liquid pipe 38. The second coating liquid pipe 238 surrounds the outlet pipe 56 with a gap therebetween. A second coating liquid flow path 238R is formed between the second coating liquid pipe 238 and the outlet pipe 56. The base end of the second coating liquid pipe 238 is embedded in the container body 52 and is supported by the container body 52. Here, the tip opening of the outlet pipe 56 protrudes beyond the tip opening of the second coating liquid pipe 238, but this is not essential.
[0077] An internal relay passage 255 is formed in the container body 52, extending from a position facing the cartridge 250-side opening of the flow passage 34b to the second coating liquid flow passage 238R in the second coating liquid pipe 238. When the cartridge 250 is attached to the coating gun body 232, the flow passage 34b and the internal relay passage 255 are connected via a pipe joint or the like. The second coating liquid Lb supplied from the coating liquid supply source 60 via the relay pipe 90 is supplied into the second coating liquid flow passage 238R via the flow passage 34b and the internal relay passage 255.
[0078] The mixing section 40 is connected to the tip of the second coating liquid pipe 238. The configuration of the mixing section 40 itself may be the same as that described in the first embodiment. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the first coating liquid La that has passed through the outlet pipe 56 and the second coating liquid Lb that has passed through the second coating liquid pipe 238 join together and are mixed in the mixing space 40S in the mixing section 40.
[0079] With cartridge 250 attached to coating gun body 232, the tip of mixer 40 is inserted into the opening at the bottom of bell cup 44. As a result, liquids La and Lb mixed in mixer 40 are supplied to nozzle 44h via bell cup 44.
[0080] According to the third embodiment, when the cartridge 250 is removed from the paint gun body 232, the mixer 40 is also removed together with the cartridge 250. Then, another cartridge 250 can be attached to the paint gun body 232 to perform the next painting job. This improves workability.
[0081] As in the first embodiment, the mixing section 40 provided in the removed cartridge 250 is exposed to the outside more than the mixing section 40 incorporated in the paint gun body 32. This makes it easy to clean the mixing section 40.
[0082] {Variation} In each of the above embodiments, the bell cup 44 and the rotary drive unit 47 may be omitted. In other words, the coating device, cartridge, and coating gun body described in the present embodiment may be used in a two-liquid mixing coating device other than electrostatic coating. In this case, the tip of the mixing unit 40 may be exposed at one end side of the main body 34. In this case, the liquid mixed in the mixing unit 40 may be sprayed using the tip side opening of the mixing unit 40 as an injection port. Also, the liquid mixed in the mixing unit 40 may be sprayed by another nozzle having an injection port.
[0083] In each embodiment, the liquid mixed by the mixing unit 40 does not need to be introduced directly into the bell cup 44. For example, the liquid mixed by the mixing unit may be introduced into the bell cup via another pipe. Also, it is not essential that the mixing unit 40 has the above-mentioned configuration. For example, the mixing unit may be a static mixer having blades or the like that stir the fluid flowing in the flow path. Also, for example, the above-mentioned mixing unit 40 may be omitted, and the first coating liquid La and the second coating liquid Lb from the outlet pipe 56 and the second coating liquid pipe 38 may be supplied into the bell cup 44 and mixed in the space within the bell cup 44. In this case, the space within the bell cup 44 is the mixing space.
[0084] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which only one cartridge is attached to the gun body, but multiple cartridges may be removably attached to the gun body, and multiple first coating liquids supplied from the multiple cartridges and a second coating liquid supplied from the outside may be mixed in the coating gun.
[0085] In each of the above embodiments, the cartridge replacement operation for the gun body may be performed manually. Alternatively, a plurality of cartridges 50 containing different first coating liquids La may be set near the carrier 80, and the cartridges 50 may be replaced using a configuration similar to that of a tool replacement system in a robot. The supply of liquid from the cartridge does not need to be performed by a configuration in which the liquid is pushed out by a cylinder. For example, the liquid in the cartridge may be supplied by a pump built into the gun body or the cartridge.
[0086] Furthermore, the coating apparatus described in the second and third embodiments above can also be used as a treatment liquid spraying system, as described in the first embodiment, and a spraying method utilizing the treatment liquid spraying system can be realized.
[0087] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.
[0088] The above description is illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0089] The present specification and drawings disclose the following aspects.
[0090] A coating device according to a first aspect includes a coating gun including a coating gun body having an injection nozzle and a cartridge that is detachably attached to the coating gun body and contains a first coating liquid; a transport body to which the coating gun is attached and which moves the coating gun to a predetermined coating position; and a relay pipe that is attached to the transport body and connects the coating gun to a coating liquid supply source located at a position away from the coating gun, and through which a second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source can flow, wherein the cartridge has an outlet pipe for discharging the contained first coating liquid, and a mixing space is formed in the coating gun downstream of the relay pipe and the outlet pipe for mixing the first coating liquid contained in the cartridge and the second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source.
[0091] According to this coating device, cartridges containing different coating liquids are prepared, and then the mixed coating liquid sprayed from the coating gun body can be easily changed according to the coating mode by replacing the cartridge. In addition, of the two liquids to be mixed, the first coating liquid contained in the cartridge can be supplied to the coating gun body without passing through a relay pipe, and the length of the path through which the first coating liquid flows can be shortened. In addition, the first coating liquid in the cartridge is mixed with the second coating liquid in a mixing space provided in the coating gun and sprayed from the nozzle. Since the length of the path through which the first coating liquid flows is short and the liquids are mixed in the coating gun, when replacing the cartridge, the area through which the first coating liquid flowed before replacement can be reduced, and the area to be washed of the first coating liquid before replacement due to cartridge replacement can be reduced. This can reduce the number of washing steps and the time until the mixed paint becomes qualitatively stable after cartridge replacement. In addition, loss of coating liquid can be reduced.
[0092] A second aspect is a coating device according to the first aspect, wherein the cartridge contains the first coating liquid corresponding to changes in the coating condition of the object to be coated, and a second coating liquid that is commonly used even if the coating condition of the object to be coated changes is supplied via the relay pipe.
[0093] In this case, the cartridge contains not the mixed coating liquid to be sprayed, but a first coating liquid, which is a part of the mixed coating liquid. Therefore, the number of times the cartridge needs to be replaced can be reduced compared to when the mixed coating liquid is contained in the cartridge. In addition, even if the coating condition of the coating object changes, the second coating liquid, which is commonly used, is supplied through the relay pipe, so cleaning of the relay pipe and replacement of the liquid in the relay pipe are not required.
[0094] A third aspect is a coating device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the cartridge contains a base material as the first coating liquid, and a hardener is supplied as the second coating liquid via the relay pipe.
[0095] Here, assuming that painting work involves frequent color changes, the cartridge containing the base agent is replaced every time a color change occurs, while the coating liquid supply source containing the hardener is used continuously regardless of the color change. This makes it possible to reduce the labor involved other than the cartridge replacement required for color changes, such as the replacement of the coating liquid supply source due to a hardener shortage or the hardener refilling work. This makes it possible to reduce both the amount of residual base agent and the labor involved in supplying the hardener.
[0096] A fourth aspect is a coating device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the coating gun body is provided with the mixing space and a second coating liquid flow path that guides the second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source via the relay pipe toward the mixing space.
[0097] In this case, the amount of unused coating liquid that is discarded can be reduced compared to when the two coating liquids are mixed in advance and then supplied to the coating device.
[0098] A fifth aspect is a coating device relating to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the cartridge has a container body that contains the first coating liquid, and when the cartridge is attached to the coating gun body, the outlet pipe guides the first coating liquid in the container body toward the mixing space.
[0099] This allows the outlet tube to be replaced together with the container body of the cartridge, facilitating the cleaning operation of the spray gun body when replacing the cartridge.
[0100] A sixth aspect is a coating device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the coating gun body is formed with a cleaning liquid flow path through which a cleaning liquid flows to clean at least a portion of the flow path through which the first coating liquid flows.
[0101] When a cleaning fluid flow path is formed in the paint gun body in this manner, the operation of cleaning the paint gun is simplified.
[0102] In addition, a coating device according to a seventh aspect is a coating device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the cartridge includes a container body for containing the first coating liquid, the cartridge is formed with a mixing space for mixing the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid, and a flow path for a second coating liquid for guiding the second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source through the relay pipe toward the mixing space, and the outlet pipe guides the first coating liquid in the container body toward the mixing space, and when the cartridge is attached to the coating gun body, the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid mixed in the mixing space are supplied to the nozzle.
[0103] This allows the part that forms the mixing space to be removed together with the cartridge when it is removed from the spray gun body, improving workability.
[0104] An eighth aspect is the coating device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the coating gun includes a bell cup in which the spray nozzle is formed.
[0105] This allows the mixed coating liquid to be atomized and sprayed by the bell cup.
[0106] A ninth aspect is a cartridge that is removably attached to a paint gun body provided with a spray nozzle, and comprises a container body that contains a first coating liquid, and an outlet pipe that discharges the first coating liquid from within the container body, wherein the cartridge is formed with a mixing space that mixes the first coating liquid and a second coating liquid, and a flow path for a second coating liquid that guides the second coating liquid supplied from outside the cartridge toward the mixing space, and the outlet pipe guides the first coating liquid from the container body toward the mixing space.
[0107] According to this cartridge, by preparing cartridges containing different coating liquids and then replacing the cartridges, the mixed coating liquid sprayed from the paint gun body can be easily changed. In addition, of the two liquids to be mixed, the first coating liquid contained in the cartridge can be supplied to the paint gun body without passing through a relay pipe, and the path length through which the first coating liquid flows can be shortened. In addition, the first coating liquid in the cartridge is mixed with the second coating liquid in a mixing space provided in the cartridge and is supplied to the paint gun body. Since the path length through which the first coating liquid flows is short and the liquids are mixed in the paint gun, when replacing the cartridge, the area through which the first coating liquid flowed before replacement can be reduced, and the cleaning area of the first coating liquid before replacement associated with cartridge replacement can be reduced. This can reduce the cleaning process and the time until the mixed paint becomes qualitatively stable after cartridge replacement. In addition, loss of coating liquid can be reduced.
[0108] The paint gun body of the tenth aspect includes an injection portion having an injection port for the paint liquid, a cartridge mounting portion into which a cartridge containing a first paint liquid can be detachably mounted, and a relay pipe connection portion to which a relay pipe for supplying a second paint liquid from outside is connected.
[0109] According to this paint gun body, by preparing cartridges containing different paint liquids and then replacing the cartridges, the mixed paint liquid sprayed from the paint gun body can be easily changed. In addition, of the two liquids to be mixed, the first paint liquid contained in the cartridge can be supplied to the paint gun body without passing through a relay pipe, and the length of the path through which the first paint liquid flows can be shortened. In addition, the first paint liquid in the cartridge is mixed with the second paint liquid and sprayed from the spray nozzle. Since the length of the path through which the first paint liquid flows is short and the liquids are mixed in the paint gun, when replacing the cartridge, the area through which the first paint liquid flowed before replacement can be reduced, and the area to be washed of the first paint liquid before replacement due to cartridge replacement can be reduced. This can reduce the number of cleaning steps and the time until the mixed paint becomes qualitatively stable after cartridge replacement. In addition, loss of paint liquid can be reduced.
[0110] An eleventh aspect is a method for spraying a mixed liquid in a treatment liquid spraying system including a spray gun body provided with an injection port, a spray gun including a cartridge removably attached to the spray gun body and containing a first treatment liquid, and a treatment liquid supply source arranged at a position away from the spray gun and supplying a second treatment liquid to the spray gun body, in which a mixed liquid obtained by mixing the first treatment liquid with the second treatment liquid supplied from the treatment liquid supply source is sprayed downstream of an outlet pipe that discharges the first treatment liquid contained in the cartridge.
[0111] According to this method for spraying a mixed liquid, cartridges containing different first processing liquids are prepared, and then the cartridges are replaced, so that the mixed liquid sprayed from the spray gun body can be easily changed. In addition, of the two liquids to be mixed, the first processing liquid contained in the cartridge can be supplied from the cartridge to the spray gun body, and the length of the path through which the first processing liquid flows can be shortened. In addition, the first processing liquid in the cartridge is mixed with the second processing liquid downstream of the outlet tube and sprayed from the nozzle. Since the length of the path through which the first processing liquid flows is short and the liquids are mixed downstream of the outlet tube, when replacing the cartridge, the area through which the first processing liquid flowed before replacement can be reduced, and the cleaning area of the first processing liquid before replacement associated with cartridge replacement can be reduced. This can reduce the number of cleaning steps and the time until the mixed liquid after cartridge replacement becomes qualitatively stable can be reduced. In addition, loss of processing liquid can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]
[0112] 20 Painting equipment 30, 130, 230 Paint gun (spray gun) 32, 232 Paint gun body (spray gun body) 38, 238 Second coating fluid pipe 38R, 238E Second coating fluid flow path 40, 40B, 140 mixed section 40S mixed space 44 Bell cup (injection part) 44h injection port 48 Cartridge mounting section 50, 250 cartridges 52 Container body 56 Outlet pipe 60 Coating fluid supply source (treatment fluid supply source) 80 Carrier 90 Relay Tube 138 Cleaning solution tube 138R Cleaning fluid flow path La 1st coating liquid (1st treatment liquid) Lb 2nd coating liquid (2nd treatment liquid) Lc cleaning solution
Claims
1. a coating gun including a coating gun body provided with an injection port and a cartridge detachably attached to the coating gun body and containing a first coating liquid; a carrier to which the paint gun is attached and which moves the paint gun to a predetermined painting position; a relay pipe provided on the conveying body, connecting the coating gun to a coating liquid supply source disposed at a position distant from the coating gun, and through which a second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source can flow; Equipped with the cartridge has an outlet pipe for outletting the first coating liquid contained therein, a mixing space is formed in the coating gun downstream of the relay pipe and the discharge pipe, for mixing the first coating liquid contained in the cartridge and the second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source; The cartridge contains the first coating liquid according to the change in the coating state of the object to be coated, The second coating liquid, which is commonly used even if the coating state of the coating object changes, is supplied through the relay pipe.
2. a coating gun including a coating gun body provided with an injection port and a cartridge detachably attached to the coating gun body and containing a first coating liquid; a carrier to which the paint gun is attached and which moves the paint gun to a predetermined painting position; a relay pipe provided on the conveying body, connecting the coating gun to a coating liquid supply source disposed at a position distant from the coating gun, and through which a second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source can flow; Equipped with the cartridge has an outlet pipe for outletting the first coating liquid contained therein, a mixing space is formed in the coating gun downstream of the relay pipe and the discharge pipe, for mixing the first coating liquid contained in the cartridge and the second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source; The cartridge contains a base material as the first coating liquid, A hardener is supplied as the second coating liquid through the relay pipe, The base agent includes a liquid containing a pigment or dye for coloring the surface of the object to be painted, The curing agent hardens the mixed liquid in a mixed state with the base agent.
3. The coating device according to claim 1 or 2, The coating gun is provided with an external fluid connection portion through which an external fluid is supplied for delivering the first coating liquid to the outside of the cartridge.
4. A coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The paint gun body, The mixing space; a second coating liquid flow path that guides the second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source through the relay pipe toward the mixing space; The coating device is provided with:
5. A coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The cartridge comprises: A container body for containing the first coating liquid, A coating device, wherein when the cartridge is attached to the coating gun body, the outlet pipe guides the first coating liquid in the container body toward the mixing space.
6. A coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The coating device has a cleaning fluid flow path formed in the coating gun body through which a cleaning fluid flows for cleaning at least a portion of the flow path through which the first coating fluid flows.
7. a coating gun including a coating gun body provided with an injection port and a cartridge detachably attached to the coating gun body and containing a first coating liquid; a carrier to which the paint gun is attached and which moves the paint gun to a predetermined painting position; a relay pipe provided on the conveying body, connecting the coating gun to a coating liquid supply source disposed at a position distant from the coating gun, and through which a second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source can flow; Equipped with the cartridge has an outlet pipe for outletting the first coating liquid contained therein, a mixing space is formed in the coating gun downstream of the relay pipe and the discharge pipe, for mixing the first coating liquid contained in the cartridge and the second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source; The cartridge comprises: A container body that contains the first coating liquid, The cartridge includes: a mixing space for mixing the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid; a second coating liquid flow path for guiding the second coating liquid supplied from the coating liquid supply source through the relay pipe toward the mixing space, The outlet pipe guides the first coating liquid in the container body toward the mixing space, a coating device in which, with the cartridge attached to the coating gun body, the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid mixed in the mixing space are supplied to the spray nozzle.
8. A coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The coating gun is provided with a bell cup in which the spray nozzle is formed.
9. A cartridge that is detachably attached to a paint gun body having a spray nozzle, A container body that contains a first coating liquid; an outlet pipe for outletting the first coating liquid from within the container body; Equipped with The cartridge includes: a mixing space for mixing the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid; a second coating liquid flow path for guiding the second coating liquid supplied from the outside of the cartridge toward the mixing space, The outlet pipe guides the first coating liquid in the container body toward the mixing space.
10. an injection part having an injection port for the coating liquid; a cartridge mounting portion to which a cartridge containing a first coating liquid can be detachably mounted; a relay pipe connection portion to which a relay pipe for supplying a second coating liquid from an outside is connected; an external fluid connection portion to which an external fluid is supplied for delivering the first coating liquid to the outside of the cartridge; A paint gun body equipped with
11. A method for spraying a mixed liquid in a treatment liquid spray system including: a spray gun body provided with a spray nozzle; a spray gun including a cartridge detachably attached to the spray gun body and containing a first treatment liquid; a treatment liquid supply source disposed at a position away from the spray gun and supplying a second treatment liquid to the spray gun body; and a relay pipe connecting the treatment liquid supply source and the spray gun and allowing the second treatment liquid supplied from the treatment liquid supply source to flow, the method comprising the steps of: a mixed liquid obtained by mixing the first processing liquid and the second processing liquid supplied from the processing liquid supply source is sprayed on a downstream side of an outlet pipe for outlet of the first processing liquid contained in the cartridge; The cartridge contains the first treatment liquid according to the change in the coating state of the coating object, The second treatment liquid, which is commonly used even if the coating state of the coating object changes, is supplied through the relay pipe.
Citation Information
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