Method, control system, apparatus, and robotic system for determining fluid properties - Patents.com

Abstract

1. A method for determining a characteristic of a fluid in an apparatus (14a, 14b) for applying a coating medium (16) to an object (18), the apparatus comprising a fluid line (24), an outlet (20), a first coating medium source (28), a second coating medium source (30), a cleaning medium source (32), and a valve mechanism (22) configured to independently communicate each of the first coating medium source, the second coating medium source, and the cleaning medium source with the outlet through the fluid line, the method comprising directing a fluid through the fluid line, the fluid comprising a first coating medium, a second coating medium, and / or a cleaning medium, sending ultrasonic waves to the fluid in the fluid line, sensing echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves, converting the echo signals to electronic response data (54), and determining a parameter value of at least one parameter of the fluid in the fluid line based on the electronic response data.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to determining the properties of a fluid in a coating apparatus. In particular, a method for determining the properties of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, a control system for determining the properties of a fluid in an apparatus, an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, and a robotic system comprising an industrial robot are provided. [Background technology]

[0002] A painting robot may be equipped with 20-30 different colors of paint. In such a painting robot, a solvent may be directed through the fluid lines to clean the fluid lines from residues from a first color of paint prior to directing a second color of paint through the fluid lines. The challenge is to consume as little solvent as possible while at the same time ensuring that the fluid lines are clean enough so that the second color of paint is not contaminated by the first color of paint.

[0003] In some prior art painting equipment, the volume of solvent required to clean the fluid lines is determined in laboratory experiments based on a worst case cleaning scenario. Such a worst case cleaning scenario may be, for example, when changing color from black to white. The volume of solvent required to handle the worst case cleaning scenario is then used during operation for all cleaning scenarios. This ensures that the fluid lines are clean, but an excess amount of solvent is often used to clean paints with "easier" colors. In addition, the time to clean the fluid lines is unnecessarily long.

[0004] US 2009 / 134241 A1 discloses a sprayer having a spray head for painting an object and a pump for conveying paint from a paint container to the spray head through a supply line and back to the paint container through a return line, the supply line and the return line being connected to a solvent container with a solvent for flushing the sprayer. The supply line and the return line are connected to a waste container for disposing of the paint and solvent residues and at their respective container ends are connected to first and second controllable multi-way valves for switching the supply line and the return line to the paint container, the solvent container or the waste container. The sprayer has a control device for controlling the multi-way valves such that the execution of the following successive operations is automated: disposing of paint, filling with solvent, flushing the sprayer, disposing of solvent, refilling with paint and further conveying of paint. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 09-285748 discloses a color change device for a painting robot. The color change device includes a paint hose, a painting gun, a paint supply hose, a thinner supply hose, a color change valve unit, an ultrasonic transmitter, and an ultrasonic receiver. When liquid is sprayed from the painting gun, the concentration of the waste liquid sprayed from the painting gun is detected based on the time difference between the time when the ultrasonic transmitter transmits ultrasonic waves and the time when the ultrasonic receiver receives ultrasonic waves. The concentration detection means including the ultrasonic transmitter and ultrasonic receiver can be provided in the painting gun. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide an effective method for determining the properties of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object.

[0006] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a method for accurately determining the properties of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object.

[0007] It is yet a further object of the present disclosure to provide a method for determining the properties of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, which allows for reduced consumption of cleaning medium and faster switching between different coating media.

[0008] It is yet a further object of the present disclosure to provide a method for determining the characteristics of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, which effectively avoids contamination of a subsequently applied second coating medium by a previously applied first coating medium.

[0009] It is yet a further object of the present disclosure to provide a method for determining the properties of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, the method being capable of being implemented in existing apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object.

[0010] It is yet a further object of the present disclosure to provide a method for determining the properties of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, the method solving any or all of the aforementioned objects in combination.

[0011] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a control system for determining the characteristics of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, which apparatus solves one, several, or all of the aforementioned objects.

[0012] It is yet a further object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, the apparatus solving one, several or all of the aforementioned objects.

[0013] It is yet a further object of the present disclosure to provide a robotic system that solves one, some, or all of the aforementioned objects.

[0014] According to one aspect, there is provided a method of determining a characteristic of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, the apparatus comprising a fluid line, an outlet, a first coating medium source including a first coating medium, a second coating medium source including a second coating medium, a cleaning medium source including a cleaning medium, and a valve mechanism configured to independently communicate each of the first coating medium source, the second coating medium source, and the cleaning medium source with the outlet through the fluid line, the method comprising directing a fluid through the fluid line, the fluid comprising the first coating medium, the second coating medium, and / or the cleaning medium, sending ultrasonic waves to the fluid in the fluid line, sensing echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves, converting the echo signals to electronic response data, and determining a parameter value of at least one parameter of the fluid in the fluid line based on the electronic response data.

[0015] A wide range of characteristics of the fluid in the fluid line can be accurately and effectively provided by at least one parameter value determined based on ultrasonic waves interacting with the fluid, each parameter may represent a property of the fluid, for example, a parameter in the form of sound speed may represent a chemical composition of the fluid.

[0016] Throughout the disclosure, the fluid properties may be properties related to the cleanliness of the fluid, i.e. the absence of coating medium. The method thereby allows cleaning with a cleaning medium to be carried out for only the required time. From this, the method allows an optimized use of time and cleaning medium when cleaning each type of coating medium. As a result, the amount of cleaning medium can be reduced, and the downtime between the application of a first coating medium to an object and the subsequent application of a second coating medium to the object can be reduced.

[0017] The method can also be implemented in existing equipment for applying coating media to objects, for example by adding an ultrasonic device and control system as disclosed herein to the existing equipment. For example, the fluid lines do not need to be transparent to expose the fluid to ultrasonic waves. The method thus allows for effective retrofitting of prior art coating equipment.

[0018] The coating medium may be a paint. Thus, the first coating medium may be a paint of a first type or color and the second coating medium may be a paint of a second type or color. Alternatively or additionally, the coating medium may be a varnish.

[0019] The cleaning medium may be a solvent. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise multiple cleaning medium sources, each containing a unique cleaning medium.

[0020] The valve mechanism may include a valve associated with each of the first coating medium source, the second medium source, and the cleaning medium source. Each valve may be, for example, a 2 / 2 valve. The method may use any type of apparatus as described herein.

[0021] The method may further comprise controlling the valve mechanism based on the at least one parameter value. In this manner, the method provides closed loop control of the valve mechanism.

[0022] The at least one parameter value may be determined in real time. In this manner, one or more properties of the fluid inside the fluid line may be continuously monitored. This allows for dynamic control of the device based on the at least one parameter.

[0023] For example, instead of executing a predetermined cleaning sequence based on a worst case cleaning scenario, the cleanliness of the fluid lines can be monitored in real time during the cleaning operation. Once the required cleanliness in the fluid lines is achieved, the cleaning operation can be stopped immediately, saving both valuable time and solvent.

[0024] Determining the at least one parameter value in real time may comprise repeatedly processing the electronic response data to determine the at least one parameter value within less than 0.1 seconds, such as within less than 0.01 seconds.

[0025] The at least one parameter may comprise solids content, air bubble content, viscosity, chemical composition, and / or sound speed. The sound speed of a fluid, for example, is closely related to the chemical composition of the fluid. An example of a solid is a particle, such as a metal flake.

[0026] By means of ultrasound, the method provides for the determination of a wide range of different parameters, which allows for a more accurate identification of the properties of the fluid in the fluid line.

[0027] Additionally, some solvents and paints may have the same light transmission or may not be transparent at all, however, analyzing the speed of sound through such solvents and paints can reveal their different chemical compositions and provide a more accurate knowledge of the composition of the fluid inside the fluid line.

[0028] The method may comprise directing the cleaning medium through the fluid line, where the method may further comprise ceasing to direct the cleaning medium when the at least one parameter value reaches a threshold value associated with the parameter, the threshold value being, for example, a value representative of a required cleanliness of the fluid line.

[0029] The method may further comprise providing a first characteristic value of the first coating medium, a second characteristic value of the second coating medium and / or a third characteristic value of the cleaning medium. In this case, the threshold value may be determined based on the first characteristic value, the second characteristic value and / or the third characteristic value. In an example where the threshold value is a value representative of a required cleanliness of the fluid line, the required cleanliness can thus be controlled in dependence on the first characteristic value, the second characteristic value and / or the third characteristic value.

[0030] According to a further aspect, there is provided a control system for determining a characteristic of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, the apparatus comprising a fluid line, an outlet, a first coating medium source including a first coating medium, a second coating medium source including a second coating medium, a cleaning medium source including a cleaning medium, and a valve mechanism configured to independently communicate each of the first coating medium source, the second coating medium source, and the cleaning medium source with the outlet through the fluid line. The control system comprises at least one data processing device and at least one memory having a computer program stored therein, the computer program comprising program code which, when executed by the at least one data processing device, causes the at least one data processing device to perform the steps of instructing a fluid to be guided through a fluid line, the fluid comprising a first coating medium, a second coating medium, and / or a cleaning medium, instructing an ultrasonic device to send ultrasonic waves to the fluid in the fluid line, receiving electronic response data from the ultrasonic device, the electronic response data being converted from echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves, and determining at least one parameter of the fluid in the fluid line based on the electronic response data.

[0031] The step of commanding that fluid be directed through the fluid line may comprise, for example, sending a corresponding command signal to a valve mechanism. The computer program may further comprise program code that, when executed by the at least one data processing device, causes the at least one data processing device to perform or command the performance of various steps as described herein.

[0032] According to a further aspect, there is provided an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, the apparatus comprising a fluid line, an outlet, a first coating medium source including a first coating medium, a second coating medium source including a second coating medium, a cleaning medium source including a cleaning medium, a valve mechanism, and a control system according to the present disclosure. The apparatus can be of any type as disclosed herein. The outlet can be, for example, a sprayer or other type of spray nozzle.

[0033] The apparatus may further comprise a flow metering device disposed on the fluid line between the valve mechanism and the outlet. Examples of flow metering devices are flow control valves and pumps. The step of commanding that fluid be directed through the fluid line may then optionally comprise sending a corresponding command signal to the flow metering device.

[0034] The apparatus may further comprise an ultrasonic device configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the fluid in the fluid line, to sense echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves, and to convert the echo signals into electronic response data. The ultrasonic device may be positioned between the valve mechanism and the outlet.

[0035] The ultrasonic device may comprise a first ultrasonic transmitter configured to send ultrasonic waves to a fluid in a fluid line in a first direction, a second ultrasonic transmitter spaced away from the first ultrasonic transmitter and configured to send ultrasonic waves to a fluid in the fluid line in a second direction substantially opposite or opposite to the first direction, a first ultrasonic receiver configured to sense echo signals induced in the fluid by ultrasonic waves from the second ultrasonic transmitter, and a second ultrasonic receiver spaced away from the first ultrasonic receiver and configured to sense echo signals induced in the fluid by ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic transmitter. The first direction may be substantially parallel or may be parallel to a flow direction in the fluid line through the ultrasonic device.

[0036] The device may include a first ultrasonic transducer comprising a first ultrasonic transmitter and a first ultrasonic receiver, and a second ultrasonic transducer comprising a second ultrasonic transmitter and a second ultrasonic receiver.

[0037] The ultrasonic device may be disposed outside the fluid line. For example, the first ultrasonic transmitter, the first ultrasonic receiver, the second ultrasonic transmitter, and the second ultrasonic receiver may be disposed outside the fluid line. In this manner, the ultrasonic device does not interfere with the flow of fluid through the fluid line. This, in turn, allows for a more accurate determination of the at least one parameter value.

[0038] The ultrasonic device may include a tube that forms part of the fluid line. The tube may be straight and / or rigid.

[0039] According to a further aspect, there is provided a robotic system comprising a control system according to the present disclosure or an apparatus according to the present disclosure and an industrial robot. The robotic system may be of any type as described herein.

[0040] The industrial robot may, for example, comprise a manipulator that is independently programmable to move in three or more axes. The apparatus may be partially or entirely disposed in the manipulator. According to one example, the ultrasonic device and at least a portion of the fluid line are disposed in the manipulator.

[0041] Further details, advantages, and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic representation of a robot system comprising an industrial robot and a device for applying a coating medium to an object. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic representation of the device. [Figure 3a] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an ultrasound device of the present apparatus. [Figure 3b] 1A and 1B show schematic cross-sectional side views of an ultrasonic device. [Figure 4] 13 illustrates diagrammatically an apparatus according to a further example; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] In the following, a method for determining the properties of a fluid in an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, a control system for determining the properties of a fluid in an apparatus, an apparatus for applying a coating medium to an object, and a robotic system comprising an industrial robot are described, in which the same or similar reference numbers are used to denote the same or similar structural features.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a robotic system 10. The robotic system 10 comprises an industrial robot 12 and an apparatus 14a. The industrial robot 12 comprises a manipulator movable in at least three axes, such as six or seven axes. The apparatus 14a is configured to apply paint 16 to an object 18, as shown in Fig. 1. The paint 16 is an example of a coating medium as described herein. The object 18 may be, for example, a body part of a vehicle.

[0045] 1 shows that the device 14a includes a sprayer 20. The sprayer 20 is one example of an outlet as described herein. The sprayer 20 is here positioned at the distal end of a manipulator.

[0046] 2 is a schematic representation of the apparatus 14a. In addition to the sprayer 20, the apparatus 14a further comprises a valve mechanism 22, a fluid line 24, and an ultrasonic device 26. The fluid line 24 is arranged to direct fluid from the valve mechanism 22 to the sprayer 20. The ultrasonic device 26 is positioned on the fluid line 24. The apparatus 14a may be disposed wholly or partially in a manipulator.

[0047] The example apparatus 14a further includes a first paint source 28 including a first color of paint, a second paint source 30 including a second color of paint, a solvent source 32 including a solvent, and a compressor 34 for providing compressed air. The first paint source 28, the second paint source 30, and the solvent source 32 are thus examples of a first coating media source, a second coating media source, and a cleaning media source, respectively, according to the present disclosure. Although only two paint sources 28 and 30 are illustrated, the apparatus 14a may include at least 10 different paint sources, such as 20-30 different paint sources.

[0048] The apparatus 14a further includes a flow control valve 36. The flow control valve 36 is an example of a flow measurement device according to the present disclosure. The flow control valve 36 allows the flow rate through the fluid line 24 to be controlled and monitored. In this example, the flow control valve 36 is positioned downstream of the ultrasonic device 26, i.e., between the ultrasonic device 26 and the sprayer 20. The flow control valve 36 may form part of the valve mechanism 22.

[0049] The valve mechanism 22 in this example includes a first paint valve 38 associated with the first paint source 28, a second paint valve 40 associated with the second paint source 30, a solvent valve 42 associated with the solvent source 32, and a compressor valve 44 associated with the compressor 34. Each of the first paint valve 38, second paint valve 40, solvent valve 42, and compressor valve 44 are illustrated here as 2 / 2 valves. The valve mechanism 22 functions here as a color converter.

[0050] The valve mechanism 22 of this example further comprises a junction 46. The fluid line 24 extends from the junction 46 to the sprayer 20.

[0051] The first paint source 28 is connected to the junction 46 via a unique line with the first paint valve 38. When the first paint valve 38 and the flow control valve 36 are open, the first paint flows from the valve mechanism 22, through the fluid line 24, through the flow control valve 36, and through the sprayer 20.

[0052] The second paint source 30 is connected to the junction 46 via a unique line with a second paint valve 40. When the second paint valve 40 and the flow control valve 36 are open, the second paint flows from the valve mechanism 22, through the fluid line 24, through the flow control valve 36, and through the sprayer 20.

[0053] Solvent source 32 is connected to junction 46 via a unique line with solvent valve 42. When solvent valve 42 and flow control valve 36 are open, solvent flows from valve mechanism 22, through fluid line 24, through flow control valve 36, and through sprayer 20.

[0054] The compressor 34 is connected to a junction 46 via a unique line with a compressor valve 44. When the compressor valve 44 and the flow control valve 36 are open, air flows from the valve mechanism 22, through the fluid line 24, through the flow control valve 36, and through the atomizer 20.

[0055] The valve mechanism 22 is thus configured to independently fluidly connect each of the first paint source 28, the second paint source 30, the solvent source 32, and the compressor 34 to the sprayer 20 through the fluid line 24. The valve mechanism 22 and the ultrasonic device 26 may be provided on a third arm of the industrial robot 12, for example.

[0056] The apparatus 14a further comprises a control system 48. The control system 48 comprises a data processing device 50 and a memory 52 having a computer program stored therein. The computer program comprises program code that, when executed by the data processing device 50, causes the data processing device 50 to perform and / or command the performance of various steps as described herein. The control system 48 is in signal communication with the valve mechanism 22. In this example, the control system 48 is in signal communication with each of the first paint valve 38, the second paint valve 40, the solvent valve 42, and the compressor valve 44 to command the opening and closing of each of them.

[0057] The control system 48 is also in signal communication with the flow control valve 36 to control the flow rate through the fluid line 24. The opening commanded to the flow control valve 36 can be used as a measure of the flow rate through the fluid line 24.

[0058] The ultrasonic device 26 is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves into the fluid in the fluid line 24, sense echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves, and convert the echo signals into electronic response data 54. The ultrasonic device 26 in this example comprises a first ultrasonic transducer 56 and a second ultrasonic transducer 58, here located downstream from the first ultrasonic transducer 56. The control system 48 is configured to control the ultrasonic device 26 and to receive the electronic response data 54 from each of the first ultrasonic transducer 56 and the second ultrasonic transducer 58.

[0059] FIG. 3a is a schematic perspective view of the ultrasonic device 26, and FIG. 3b is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the ultrasonic device 26. With joint reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the ultrasonic device 26 comprises a tube 60. The tube 60 is here straight and rigid. The tube 60 may be made of, for example, plastic or metal. In this implementation, the tube 60 constitutes part of the fluid line 24. An upstream hose may be connected between the junction 46 and the tube 60, and a downstream hose may be connected between the tube 60 and the sprayer 20.

[0060] Each of the first ultrasonic transducer 56 and the second ultrasonic transducer 58 surrounds the fluid line 24 and is positioned completely outside the fluid line 24. Fluid flowing through the fluid line 24 is thereby unimpeded. The straight pipe 60 and the positioning of the ultrasonic device 26 outside the fluid line 24 thus provide an unobstructed flow path for the fluid.

[0061] The first ultrasonic transducer 56 comprises a first ultrasonic transmitter and a first ultrasonic receiver (not shown). The second ultrasonic transducer 58 comprises a second ultrasonic transmitter and a second ultrasonic receiver (not shown). The first ultrasonic transmitter is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves in a first direction 62. Echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves in the first direction 62 are sensed by the second ultrasonic receiver. The second ultrasonic transmitter is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves in a second direction 64 opposite the first direction 62. Echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves in the second direction 64 are sensed by the first ultrasonic receiver. Each ultrasonic transducer 56 and 58 may be configured to determine, for example, the time of flight of ultrasonic waves between them. The time of flight may be communicated to the control system 48 as electronic response data 54.

[0062] 2, 3a, and 3b collectively, a method of determining the characteristics of a fluid passing through fluid line 24 will be described. When application of a first paint from first paint source 28 to object 18 is terminated and application of a second paint from second paint source 30 to object 18 is initiated, a cleaning procedure is performed to avoid the first paint contaminating the second paint. The cleaning procedure may comprise alternately directing solvent from solvent source 32 and air from compressor 34 through fluid line 24 to remove the first paint therefrom.

[0063] The properties of each paint can vary significantly. Examples of such properties are solids content, air bubble content, viscosity, chemical composition, and / or sound speed. Some or all of these properties can affect the washability of the paint, which in turn affects the time and volume of solvent required to clean the fluid line 24.

[0064] During the cleaning procedure, the ultrasonic device 26 continuously exposes the fluid in the fluid line 24 to ultrasonic pulses and provides corresponding electronic response data 54. The control system 48 determines in real time one or more parameter values ​​of the fluid based on the electronic response data 54 from the ultrasonic device 26. In this example, the speed of sound through the fluid in the fluid line 24 and between the ultrasonic transducers 56 and 58 is used as the parameter of the fluid.

[0065] A characteristic value may be determined for each color in the device 14a. A characteristic value may also be determined for the solvent. Since in this example the speed of sound is used as a parameter, the speed of sound is also used here as the characteristic value. That is, the first speed of sound through the pure first paint, the second speed of sound through the pure second paint, and the third speed of sound through the pure solvent may be pre-determined, for example, based on experiments, calculations, and / or supplier data.

[0066] A threshold value related to the cleanliness required for the cleaning procedure can then be determined based on one or more of the attribute values. One or several such threshold values ​​can be predefined in the control system 48. The cleanliness required depends on the attributes of the previous and next colors. For example, if the first color is black and the second color is white, a high cleanliness of the fluid line 24 is required before applying the white color to avoid contamination with the black color. In this case, the threshold value can be set close to the speed of sound through a pure solvent. From this, the speed of sound through the fluid line 24 including the black color before cleaning the fluid line 24 corresponds substantially to the speed of sound through the black color. As the solvent is introduced into the fluid line 24, the measured sound speed gradually changes and approaches the threshold value more. When the fluid line 24 is completely cleaned by the solvent, there is no black color in the fluid line 24. The speed of sound through the fluid line 24 including only the solvent therefore corresponds substantially to the speed of sound through the solvent. Thereby, the cleanliness requirement is met.

[0067] As a further example, if a first color is a light green and a second color is a slightly darker green, some of the light green may remain in the fluid line 24 before commencing application of the subsequent darker green color without visibly affecting the finish of the object 18. In this case, the threshold may be set, for example, to the average between the sonic speed of the dark green color and the sonic speed of the solvent. In this manner, optimized cleaning performance may be provided for each color by the ultrasonic device 26.

[0068] Electronic response data 54, including information indicative of the current level of cleanliness in the fluid lines 24, is continuously fed back to the control system 48, which stops the cleaning procedure as soon as the required cleanliness is achieved. From this, after determining that the parameter value has reached a threshold, the control system 48 commands the solvent valve 42 to close and the second paint valve 40 to open. The user of the robotic system 10 thus saves both costs and time associated with solvent consumption.

[0069] During the cleaning procedure, the fluid may be drained into a waste container. Alternatively, the fluid may be recirculated within the device 14a.

[0070] Once the cleanliness criteria have been met and the cleaning process has been stopped, a second coat of paint can be applied to the object 18. The ultrasonic device 26 may, however, also monitor the fluid at times other than during a cleaning operation, for example to detect the occurrence of air bubbles in the applied paint. The occurrence of air bubbles may have different origins, for example a leak or a chemical process occurring in the recently mixed paint. The appearance of air bubbles in the paint flow may reduce the coating quality.

[0071] 4 is a schematic diagram of a further example of an apparatus 14b. The apparatus 14b differs from the apparatus 14a in that the apparatus 14b includes a gear pump 66 instead of the flow control valve 36. The gear pump 66 is provided on the fluid line 24 between the valve mechanism 22 and the ultrasonic device 26. The gear pump 66 is a further example of a flow metering device according to the present disclosure. The gear pump 66 can propel the fluid in the fluid line 24 toward the sprayer 20.

[0072] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it will be appreciated that the dimensions of parts may be altered as necessary. It is therefore intended that the present invention be limited only by the scope of the claims appended hereto. The following is a summary of the claims as originally filed: [1] A method for determining a characteristic of a fluid in an apparatus (14a, 14b) for applying a coating medium (16) to an object (18), the apparatus (14a, 14b) comprising: - a fluid line (24); an outlet (20); a first coating medium source (28) containing a first coating medium; a second coating medium source (30) containing a second coating medium; a cleaning medium source (32) containing a cleaning medium; a valve mechanism (22) configured to independently connect each of the first coating medium source (28), the second coating medium source (30), and the cleaning medium source (32) to the outlet (20) through the fluid line (24); The method comprises: - directing a fluid through said fluid line (24), wherein said fluid comprises said first coating medium, said second coating medium, and / or said cleaning medium; - transmitting ultrasound waves to the fluid in the fluid line (24); - sensing an echo signal induced in the fluid by the ultrasound; - converting said echo signals into electronic response data (54); - determining a parameter value for at least one parameter of the fluid in the fluid line (24) based on the electronic response data (54); A method comprising: [2] The method of [1], further comprising controlling the valve mechanism (22) based on at least one of the parameter values. [3] The method of [1] or [2], wherein at least one of the parameter values ​​is determined in real time. [4] The method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein at least one of the parameters comprises solid content, bubble content, viscosity, chemical composition, and / or sound speed. [5] The method according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the method comprises directing the cleaning medium through the fluid line (24). [6] The method of [5], further comprising ceasing the directing of the cleaning medium when at least one parameter value reaches a threshold associated with the parameter. [7] The method of [6], further comprising providing a first characteristic value of the first coating medium, a second characteristic value of the second coating medium, and / or a third characteristic value of the cleaning medium, wherein the threshold value is determined based on the first characteristic value, the second characteristic value, and / or the third characteristic value. [8] A control system (48) for determining a characteristic of a fluid in an apparatus (14a, 14b) for applying a coating medium (16) to an object (18), the apparatus (14a, 14b) comprising: - a fluid line (24); an outlet (20); a first coating medium source (28) containing a first coating medium; a second coating medium source (30) containing a second coating medium; a cleaning medium source (32) containing a cleaning medium; a valve mechanism (22) configured to independently connect each of the first coating medium source (28), the second coating medium source (30), and the cleaning medium source (32) to the outlet (20) through the fluid line (24); the control system (48) comprises at least one data processing device (50) and at least one memory (52) storing a computer program, the computer program comprising program code that, when executed by the at least one data processing device (50), causes the at least one data processing device (50) to: - commanding fluids to be conducted through said fluid lines (24), where said fluids include said first coating medium, said second coating medium, and / or said cleaning medium; - instructing an ultrasonic device (26) to transmit ultrasonic waves to the fluid in the fluid line (24); - receiving electronic response data (54) from the ultrasonic device (26), where the electronic response data (54) is converted from echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves; - determining a parameter value for at least one parameter of the fluid in the fluid line (24) based on the electronic response data (54); a control system (48) for executing the above steps. [9] An apparatus (14a, 14b) for applying a coating medium (16) to an object (18), said apparatus (14a, 14b) comprising: - a fluid line (24); an outlet (20); a first coating medium source (28) containing a first coating medium; a second coating medium source (30) containing a second coating medium; a cleaning medium source (32) containing a cleaning medium; a valve mechanism (22), - a control system (48) according to [8]; The apparatus (14a, 14b) comprises:

[10] - transmitting ultrasonic waves to the fluid in the fluid line (24); - sensing an echo signal induced in the fluid by the ultrasound; - converting said echo signals into electronic response data (54); The apparatus (14a, 14b) according to [9], further comprising an ultrasonic device (26) configured to perform.

[11] The ultrasonic device (26) a first ultrasonic transmitter (56) configured to transmit ultrasonic waves into the fluid in the fluid line (24) in a first direction (62); a second ultrasonic transmitter (58) spaced apart from the first ultrasonic transmitter (56) and configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the fluid in the fluid line (24) in a second direction (64) substantially opposite to the first direction (62); a first ultrasonic receiver (56) configured to sense echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves from the second ultrasonic transmitter (58); a second ultrasonic receiver (58) spaced apart from the first ultrasonic receiver (56) and configured to sense echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic transmitter (56); The apparatus (14a, 14b) according to

[10] , comprising:

[12] The device (14a, 14b) of

[11] further comprising a first ultrasonic transducer having the first ultrasonic transmitter (56) and the first ultrasonic receiver (56), and a second ultrasonic transducer having the second ultrasonic transmitter (58) and the second ultrasonic receiver (58).

[13] The apparatus (14a, 14b) according to any one of

[10] to

[12] , wherein the ultrasonic device (26) is positioned outside the fluid line (24).

[14] The apparatus (14a, 14b) described in any one of

[10] to

[13] , wherein the ultrasonic device (26) is provided with a tube (60) that constitutes part of the fluid line (24).

[15] A robot system (10) comprising: a control system (48) according to [8] or an apparatus (14a, 14b) according to any one of [9] to

[14] ; and an industrial robot (12).

Claims

1. 1. A method for determining a characteristic of a fluid in an apparatus (14a, 14b) for applying a coating medium (16) to an object (18), the apparatus (14a, 14b) comprising: - a fluid line (24), an outlet (20), a first coating medium source (28) containing a first coating medium, a second coating medium source (30) containing a second coating medium, a cleaning medium source (32) containing a cleaning medium, a valve mechanism (22) configured to independently connect each of said first coating medium source (28), said second coating medium source (30) and said cleaning medium source (32) to said outlet (20) through said fluid line (24); The method comprises: - directing a fluid through said fluid line (24), wherein said fluid comprises said first coating medium, said second coating medium and / or said cleaning medium; - sending ultrasound waves to said fluid in said fluid line (24); - sensing echo signals induced in said fluid by said ultrasound; - converting said echo signals into electronic response data (54); - determining a parameter value of at least one parameter of said fluid in said fluid line (24) based on said electronic response data (54); - directing said cleaning medium through said fluid line (24); - stopping the directing of said cleaning medium when the value of at least one parameter reaches a threshold value associated with said parameter; providing a first characteristic value of the first coating medium, a second characteristic value of the second coating medium and / or a third characteristic value of the cleaning medium, wherein the threshold value is determined based on the first characteristic value, the second characteristic value and / or the third characteristic value. A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling the valve mechanism (22) based on at least one of the parameter values.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the value of at least one parameter is determined in real time.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one parameter comprises solids content, air bubble content, viscosity, chemical composition and / or sound speed.

5. A control system (48) for determining a characteristic of a fluid in an apparatus (14a, 14b) for applying a coating medium (16) to an object (18), the apparatus (14a, 14b) comprising: - a fluid line (24), an outlet (20), a first coating medium source (28) containing a first coating medium, a second coating medium source (30) containing a second coating medium, a cleaning medium source (32) containing a cleaning medium; a valve mechanism (22) configured to independently connect each of said first coating medium source (28), said second coating medium source (30) and said cleaning medium source (32) to said outlet (20) through said fluid line (24); Equipped with The control system (48) comprises at least one data processing device (50) and at least one memory (52) storing a computer program, the computer program comprising program code which, when executed by the at least one data processing device (50), causes the at least one data processing device (50) to: - commanding that fluids are conducted through said fluid lines (24), where said fluids comprise said first coating medium, said second coating medium and / or said cleaning medium, - commanding an ultrasonic device (26) to transmit ultrasonic waves to said fluid in said fluid line (24); - receiving electronic response data (54) from said ultrasonic device (26), said electronic response data (54) being converted from echo signals induced in said fluid by said ultrasonic waves; - determining a parameter value of at least one parameter of said fluid in said fluid line (24) based on said electronic response data (54); - commanding the guiding of said cleaning medium through said fluid line (24); - commanding the guiding of said cleaning medium to stop when the value of at least one parameter reaches a threshold value associated with said parameter; providing a first characteristic value of the first coating medium, a second characteristic value of the second coating medium and / or a third characteristic value of the cleaning medium, wherein the threshold value is determined based on the first characteristic value, the second characteristic value and / or the third characteristic value. A control system (48).

6. An apparatus (14a, 14b) for applying a coating medium (16) to an object (18), said apparatus (14a, 14b) comprising: - a fluid line (24), an outlet (20), a first coating medium source (28) containing a first coating medium, a second coating medium source (30) containing a second coating medium, a cleaning medium source (32) containing a cleaning medium, a valve mechanism (22), - a control system (48) according to claim 5, An apparatus (14a, 14b) comprising:

7. - sending ultrasound waves to said fluid in said fluid line (24); - sensing echo signals induced in said fluid by said ultrasound; - converting said echo signals into electronic response data (54); The apparatus (14a, 14b) of claim 6, further comprising an ultrasonic device (26) configured to perform:

8. The ultrasonic device (26) a first ultrasonic transmitter (56) configured to transmit ultrasonic waves into said fluid in said fluid line (24) in a first direction (62); a second ultrasonic transmitter (58) spaced apart from the first ultrasonic transmitter (56) and configured to transmit ultrasonic waves into the fluid in the fluid line (24) in a second direction (64) substantially opposite to the first direction (62); a first ultrasonic receiver (56) configured to sense echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves from the second ultrasonic transmitter (58); a second ultrasonic receiver (58) spaced apart from the first ultrasonic receiver (56) and adapted to sense echo signals induced in the fluid by the ultrasonic waves from the first ultrasonic transmitter (56); The device (14a, 14b) according to claim 7, comprising:

9. 9. The apparatus (14a, 14b) of claim 8, comprising a first ultrasonic transducer comprising the first ultrasonic transmitter (56) and the first ultrasonic receiver (56), and a second ultrasonic transducer comprising the second ultrasonic transmitter (58) and the second ultrasonic receiver (58).

10. The apparatus (14a, 14b) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the ultrasonic device (26) is arranged outside the fluid line (24).

11. The apparatus (14a, 14b) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the ultrasonic device (26) comprises a tube (60) forming part of the fluid line (24).

12. A control system (48) according to claim 5 or A robot system (10) comprising an apparatus (14a, 14b) according to any one of claims 6 to 11 and an industrial robot (12).

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