Color Change System for Powder Coating

Abstract

To provide a color change system for a powder coating facility.SOLUTION: A color change system for a powder coating facility comprises a plurality of containers 24a to 24e each containing powder of a different color; a conduit for conveying powder from one of the containers 24a to 24e to a coating applicator; a suction unit 18 connected to the conduit, the suction unit 18 having a distal end portion having a powder-drawing inlet opening; a cleaning unit 34; a translation mechanism for moving the distal end portion; and a controller. The containers 24a to 24e and the cleaning unit 34 each have an opening 25 for receiving the distal end portion. The controller enables change of powder color by controlling the translation mechanism to extract the distal end portion from the first container 24d, to move it to the cleaning unit 34, and after cleaning to move the distal end portion to the second container 24e. The system allows automated cleaning for each color change, thereby reducing operating downtime.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a color change system for powder coatings. Powder coating colors suitable for use with manual or robotic coating applicators Concerning systems for change. [Background technology]

[0002] Powder coatings are used to coat many of the components in a wide range of industries, such as vehicle manufacturing. It is widely used for coating metal components. The colored powder is delivered through a suitable conduit to an applicator such as a Reagan. Coating is increasingly being done in automated manufacturing facilities, for example using robotically controlled applicators. When coatings of different colors are required, traditionally many different It was necessary to use one applicator for each different color. Changing the color using Jet requires time-consuming cleaning procedures. Using different applicators and conduits for the robotic motion process reduces the amount of coating This significantly increases the complexity and cost of the processing equipment.

[0003] US Patent No. 5,399,633 discloses a color-changing powder system for use in powder coatings. The powder supply unit includes a powder tank and a powder supply unit detachably connected to the powder tank. and an apparatus.

[0004] The present invention has been devised in light of the above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,928,423 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a color change system for a powder coating facility. This involves multiple coating powders, each of which holds one of several different colored coating powders. A powder container and a control for delivering powder from one of the powder containers to a coating applicator. a conduit and a suction unit connected to the conduit, the suction unit being adapted to draw in the coating powder; a suction unit having a distal end with an inlet opening into which the conduit is inserted; a cleaning unit; The powder containers include a translation mechanism for moving the end of the powder container, and a controller. Each has one or more openings in its upper surface through which the distal end of the suction unit can be inserted. The conduit has an opening for receiving the distal end of the suction unit. Pull the end out of the first powder container and run the end of the conduit to the cleaning unit. However, after cleaning, the end is moved to a second, different powder container and the end is placed in the second container. and controlling the translation mechanism to effect a change in powder color by inserting the translation mechanism into the will be done.

[0007] Advantageously, the translation mechanism allows for movement and cleaning of the powder spray delivery device for each color change. , which results in a significant reduction in plant operation downtime.

[0008] The translation mechanism may be a mechanism that provides vertical or y-direction translation of the end portion, or a first water-transfer mechanism that provides translation of the end portion. The mechanism may include mechanisms that provide translation in the horizontal or x direction. The y and x movements are controlled by the controller. The translation mechanism can be controlled independently by the third or z-axis controller at the distal end. a second horizontal movement, or a third horizontal movement, causing the end portion to move toward the powder container; Movement out of alignment with the top opening. The y, x, and z movements are The translation mechanism includes at least one It may include an air actuated cylinder.

[0009] The cleaning mechanism includes a vertically oriented chamber that receives a distal end of the suction unit through a top opening; A first air blower arrangement for cleaning the outer surface of the conduit, a suction unit and an inner surface of the conduit. and a second air blower arrangement for cleaning the side of the cleaning device. one or more nozzles that blow air into the chamber via the exterior surface of the suction unit and an air outlet for removing removed air and powder from an exterior surface of the conduit. One or more nozzles may be positioned adjacent the top opening, and the air outlet is The second air blower arrangement is positioned adjacent to the bottom of the chamber. The second air blow arrangement may include an air inlet that blows air into the inlet opening of the paint applicator ( You can blow air hard enough to blow it through the paint applicator. The second air blower arrangement is capable of cleaning the feed passage from the end of the suction unit. It is activated by contact and opens, blowing air into the inlet of the suction unit. The means for providing suction may include a spring valve configured to allow the air to flow through the air outlet. This may be continued.

[0010] The suction unit has an inducer at its distal end adjacent the inlet opening of the suction unit. The inducer may include an air nozzle and a venturi section. The inducer may be positioned at one end of a tube that is connected to the conduit, and the suction unit may be It also includes a passageway that allows compressed air to be provided to the nozzle of the inducer. The inlet of the inducer may include multiple inlet channels leading from the exterior of the distal end of the inducer. The suction unit further includes an air intake unit that provides air to fluidize the powder adjacent the inlet opening. It may include a duct.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for changing color in a powder coating facility. The method includes applying a plurality of coating powders, each of which holds one of a plurality of different colored coating powders. and a controller for delivering powder from one of the powder containers to a coating applicator. a conduit and a suction unit connected to the conduit, through which the coating powder is drawn. a suction unit having a distal end with an inlet opening into which the suction unit is inserted; and a translation mechanism for moving the distal end of the jet. Further, the distal end of the suction unit is pulled out from the first powder container, and the suction unit to a cleaning unit and cleaning the suction unit and the conduit; moving the suction unit to a second, different powder container after cleaning; and inserting an end of the nozzle into the second container.

[0012] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a color change system for a powder coating facility. The system uses a number of different color coating powders, each of which holds one of several different color coating powders. A plurality of powder containers and a method for delivering powder from one of the powder containers to a coating applicator. a conduit for discharging the coating powder and a suction unit connected to the conduit, a suction unit having an end with an inlet opening through which the conduit is drawn; and a translation mechanism configured to move the end portion from one container to the other. The suction unit has an inducer at its distal end adjacent the inlet opening of the suction unit. include. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an illustration of a powder coating facility using a color change system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows details of the color change system of the powder coating facility of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the color change system of FIG. 2. [Figure 4a-4b] Figure 4a depicts a cleaning unit forming part of the colour change unit of Figure 2. Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning unit of Figure 4a. [Figure 5a-5b] 1A and 1B show elevation and cross-sectional views of a conventional powder suction unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an improved powder suction unit suitable for use in several embodiments of the powder color changing system of the present invention. [Figure 7a-7b] 7 shows an elevational view and a cross-sectional view of the receiving piece of the powder suction unit and cleaning unit of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, a powder coating facility having a coating booth 10 is shown. Inside the coating booth 10, there is a robot that applies the coating to the component 14. A fast action powder spray applicator 12 is provided. The component 14 is, for example, the body of a vehicle. The suction unit 18 may be a conduit (not shown) from the powder unit 16. Powder is supplied to the applicator 12 via the powder unit 16 and the suction unit 18. 1 to 4. Accordingly, the controller 20 controls the operation of the powder coating facility.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a powder unit 16 and a suction unit 18 forming a color change system embodiment. The frame 22 holds a number of powder containers 2 in the form of a row of boxes filled with powder. Each container 24 contains a different colored powder (such containers are shown in FIG. 2, five are shown, but you can add more such containers depending on the number of different colors to be sprayed. It is understood that any number may be used. The frame 22 includes a plate having a vibration dampener 38. The structure is a steel structure with multiple containers 24 mounted on it. A separate air supply is provided to the container 24 to prevent compaction of the powder. The powder may be fluidized in a container that supplies the powder to the applicator 12. The tena is called a fluid box to distinguish it from standard boxes that are not provided with separate fluidization. The plurality of containers 24 may each have a single container adapted to receive an inlet end of the suction unit 18. The suction unit 18 has one or more openings 25. The suction unit 18 is connected to a powder delivery conduit 40. Examples of suction units are detailed below with reference to Figures 5a, 5b and 6.

[0016] The suction unit 18 is mounted on the translation mechanism. As shown, the suction unit 18 is The pull unit 18 is attached to a vertical or Y-axis linear translator 30 which moves the pull unit 18 up and down vertically. The suction unit 18 is attached to a conduit 40 that moves up and down together with the suction unit 18. The inlet end (not shown) of the suction unit 18 passes through an opening 25 into the container 24. The suction unit 18 is lowered into the container 24. The conduit 40 has an opening at one end through which powder can be withdrawn. from the spray applicator 1 in the coating booth 10 via a flexible hose (not shown). 2. The Y-axis translator 30 is connected to the attached suction unit 18 and conduit 40. and can be moved horizontally using a horizontal or X-axis translator 28. The pump 28 moves the suction unit 18 horizontally along the line of the container 24. A third or Z-axis translator 32 is attached to the Y-axis translator 30 to allow the suction unit to be moved. The container 18 is moved in a third direction out of alignment with the opening 25 on the container 24 .

[0017] The Y-axis translator 30 may include an air-actuated cylinder that effects linear motion in the up and down directions. Alternatively, the Y-axis translator may comprise any other suitable type of controllable linear actuator. Similarly, the Z-axis translator 32 may include a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder. However, moving the end of the suction unit 18 as described may be accomplished with other types of actuators. It will be appreciated that this may be achieved by means of a actuator, for example a rotary actuator. The X-axis translator 28 may also use a pneumatic cylinder to provide linear motion. In particular, when a large number of different colors and associated containers 24 are provided, the X-axis actuator It will be appreciated that the distance of movement required for the X-axis translator may be significantly greater. may use a motor drive mechanism such as a belt or chain.

[0018] FIG. 2 also illustrates a flushing system for cleaning the suction unit 18 and conduit 40 between color changes. Unit 34 is shown. The cleaning unit also cleans the paint passages of one or more applicator guns. For details of the washing unit and its operation, see Figures 4a and 4b. This is described below.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the main components of the powder unit 16. The components have the same reference numbers as shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 4 are each assigned a unique reference number 24a-24e. In this way, the suction unit 18, the Y-axis translator 30 and the Z-axis translator 32 are arranged to move in two different X-axis directions. One position is shown in solid line and the other position is shown in dashed line. In the above, the Y-axis translator aligns the suction unit exactly with the top opening 25 of the container 24d. In this position, the end of the suction unit is aligned with the Y-axis translator. The nozzle 24 is lowered vertically into the aperture 25. The Y-axis translator is disposed between the opening 25 of the container 24d and the opening 25 of the container 24e. In this position, the Z-axis translator aligns the end of the suction unit 18 with the It is moved to extend beyond the top opening 25 .

[0020] 4a and 4b depict a washing unit 34 including a vertical duct 50 having an open top 52. The open top 52 may be provided with a gasket. The gasket prevents air from entering the opening. The first compressed air inlet 5 is configured to contain powder overspray that may occur due to 4 is provided near the top 52. Along the bottom of one side of the duct 50 is an extraction duct 56 The conduit is attached to connect to a suction device and filter (not shown). A nozzle receiving piece 58 is attached to the bottom end of the duct 50 and is shown in FIG. The conduit receiving piece 58 is shaped to receive the end of the conduit 40 that has been compressed in the second compression. It is connected to the air inlet 60 .

[0021] 5a and 5b show a conventional suction unit 70, which, as shown, is generally vertical and lowered into a container of coating powder. The compressor includes a central vertical tube 71 surrounded by an annular air passage 72. Air from a compressed air source is supplied to the three connectors 73a, 73b and 73c. The air is delivered to the nozzle 74 of the inducer 75. The powder enters the throat of the immersion section 76 and flows upward in the central vertical tube 71. The venturi section 76 provides suction through a conduit (not shown). The conduit has an outlet end 77 that enters the conduit along which powder is delivered. The air supply also enters the conduit as an additional flow for delivering the powder. The air supplied to the connection portion 73c passes down the annular passage 72 and enters the air outlet end protrusion 73b. This air reaches lug 78 in the container into which suction unit 70 is lowered. End plugs 78 are distributed around the bottom end of the suction unit 70. The powder is introduced through the inlets 79a, 79b, and 79c. It is pulled up into the central tube 71 .

[0022] This conventional suction unit 70 is used in conjunction with the color change system described with reference to FIGS. However, there are certain drawbacks to this suction unit design. The inducer 75 must provide enough suction for the powder to rise the full height of the unit. This reduces efficiency because a large amount of energy is required to compress the air. Unit 70 has additional flow channels to assist in drawing powder around inlets 79a / b / c. The amount of suction at the inlets 79a / b / c is limited by the capacity of the inducer. Because it can be done.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional elevational view of an improved suction unit 80. This suction unit 80 includes: It is particularly suitable for use with the color change system described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The unit 80 is surrounded by a narrow air passage 82 and a further air duct 83. The central vertical tube 81 is connected to two connectors 84a and 84b. Air from a compressed air source is supplied to the two connectors 84a and 84b. The air supplied to the connection part 84a is introduced into the nozzle of the inducer 86 via the air duct 83. The inducer 86 is positioned near the bottom end of the suction unit 80. Air supplied to nozzle 85 enters the throat of venturi section 87. The inducer 86 draws the powder into the venturi section by providing suction. The powder that is sucked in and blown up in the central tube 81 is sucked up to the bottom section 89 of the suction unit 80. The powder is drawn into the suction unit 80 through the through opening 88 formed therein. The air is blown upward through the central tube 81 to an outlet end 90 and flows into a conduit (not shown). Powder is delivered along this conduit. Air also enters the conduit as an additional flow to deliver the powder. Also shown are screws 84c provided to hold the central vertical tube 81 in place.

[0024] 7a and 7b are schematic diagrams of the powder section unit 80 of FIG. 6 and the cleaning unit 80 of FIG. 4a and 4b. FIG. 3 is an elevational view and a cross-sectional view of a receiving piece 100 of a cleaning unit such as receiving piece 58 of unit 34. The receiving piece 100 has a connection 101 for a cleaning fluid, such as compressed air, and an internal The valve member 102 is biased by a spring 103 such that The valve member 102 is urged into a closed position by the valve seat 104. The receiving piece 100 also includes The valve member 1 includes a top opening 105 into a bore 106 that receives the bottom end of the suction unit 80. 102 has one end 104 which extends upwardly into bore 106 when valve member 102 is in the closed position. 07. The suction unit 80 is moved (for example, by the translation mechanism of the color change system described above). 10, the nozzle 104 is inserted through the opening 105 into the bore 106 (by lowering the nozzle 104 into the cleaning unit). When inserted, the bottom end of the suction unit 80 contacts one end 107 of the valve member 102 and the spring Push down one end 107 against the action of 103. The valve opens, and Thus, the cleaning fluid is blown into the suction unit 80 through the opening 88. The inside of the suction unit and the duct leading to the powder spray applicator can be cleaned. do.

[0025] In use, a powder coating applicator 12 (see FIG. 1) applies a coating of a given color. When the coating is performed, the bottom end of the conduit 40 is aligned with the conduit 40 in FIG. The correct color container, such as container 24d, is shown in solid line position on Z-axis translator 30 and Z-axis translator 32. The container 24 is then lowered into the container 24. The container 24 is subjected to vibration by a transducer 26. In addition, In some embodiments, air is supplied to the container 24d to fluidize the powder therein. The suction unit 18 (see FIG. 2) draws powder through its open end into a conduit 40. Upon retraction, the powder is delivered along conduit 40 to applicator 12 .

[0026] When it is necessary to change the color of the coating in the applicator 12, a suction unit 18, The fluidizing air supplied to the transducer 26 and the container 24d is switched. The vessel 30 is activated, raising the conduit 40 out of the container 24d. The Z-axis translator is activated to move the end of the conduit 40 to the top of the container 24. The X-axis translator then moves the Y-axis translator 30 and Together with the Z-axis translator 32, the conduit 40 is moved along the cleaning unit 34. During this movement, the end of the conduit is moved across and through the container 24e. The antenna 24e is moved above the conduit 40, the end of which is already attached to the Z-axis translator. Therefore, it is not above the opening 25 and is not spilled or removed from the conduit 40. Any powder that falls will pass through the opening 25 into a different container 24e. There is none.

[0027] When the movement of the conduit 40 to the cleaning unit 34 is completed, the Y-axis translator The conduit 40 is lowered into the washing unit 34 through the open top 52 and the The extraction duct 56 is then lowered until it is located in the receiving piece 58. Suction is applied to the extraction duct 56 and the first Compressed air is provided to the compressed air inlet 54 to clean the exterior surface of the conduit 40. Air is drawn downward and out through extraction duct 56. The compressed air is also An air inlet 60 is also provided into the conduit receiving piece 58. The nozzle 58 is shaped to direct the compressed air into the inside of the conduit 40. The liquid is sprayed along the entire length of the conduit 40 and passes through the applicator 12, so that the liquid is sprayed along the entire length of the conduit 40 and the applicator 12. The inside surfaces of both vessels 12 are cleaned.

[0028] Once cleaning is completed, the air supplied to the first and second compressed air inlets is is turned off and the Y-axis translator raises the conduit 40 out of the cleaning unit 34. and a Z-axis translator moves one end of the conduit out of alignment with the opening 25; The X-axis translator steers the conduit (along with the Y-axis and Z-axis translators) to the next color to be used. During this movement, the conduit is moved to the next container 24 (e.g., container 24b). One end is connected across containers 24e, 24d and 24c and and 24c, the end of the conduit 40 having already been moved by the Z-axis translator. Since the container is moved by the force of the wire, it is not above the opening 25 and is not likely to spill or fall out of the conduit 40. Any powder that falls will enter these different colored containers through their openings 25. The Z-axis translator then moves the conduit 40 so that its end is in the open position of the container 24b. The Y-axis translator moves the conduit 40 through the opening 25. The containers 24 are then lowered into the containers 24. The vibration of the containers 24 by the transducers 26 is then resumed. and fluidizing air is provided to container 24b. The suction unit 18 is activated to spray the powder. can be started.

[0029] The above examples describe systems and methods for inserting one end into an opening in a powder container. It should be noted that the system may include any number of suction units, e.g., one, two or more suction For example, a multi-gun system may include two or more suction units. Each powder container of a selected color is simultaneously pumped by each suction unit of the multi-gun system. It may include a corresponding number of openings so that it can be refilled.

Claims

1. 1. A color change system for a powder coating facility, comprising: a plurality of powder containers, each container holding one of a plurality of different color coating powders; a conduit for delivering powder from one of said powder containers to a coating applicator; a suction unit connected to the conduit, the suction unit having an end with an inlet opening through which coating powder is drawn; A cleaning unit; A translation mechanism for moving the distal end; Controller and Including, each of the plurality of powder containers has one or more openings in a top surface into which the distal end of the suction unit can be inserted; the irrigation unit has a top opening for receiving the distal end of the suction unit; the translation mechanism includes a mechanism for providing vertical translation of the distal end and horizontal translation of the distal end; the controller is configured to effect a change in powder color by controlling the translation mechanism to withdraw the distal end from a first powder container, move the distal end to the cleaning unit, and after cleaning, move the distal end to a second powder container and insert the distal end into the second powder container; the suction unit includes an inducer at the distal end adjacent an inlet opening of the suction unit; the inducer includes an air nozzle and a venturi section; The cleaning unit comprises: a first air blower arrangement for cleaning an exterior surface of the conduit; a second air blower arrangement for cleaning the inside of the suction unit and the conduit; Including, The second air blow arrangement is an air inlet for blowing air into an inlet opening of the suction unit; a spring valve configured to be activated by contact from the distal end of the suction unit to allow air to be blown into the inlet of the suction unit; Includes a color changing system.

2. the translation mechanism includes a mechanism for imparting vertical or y-direction translation of the end portion, a mechanism for imparting a first horizontal or x-direction translation of the end portion, and a mechanism for imparting a third or z-direction movement of the end portion; 10. The color change system of claim 1, wherein movement in the third direction moves the end portion out of alignment with the opening in the top surface of the powder container.

3. 3. The color changing system of claim 2, wherein the y-, x-, and z-directional movements are independently controllable by the controller.

4. The color changing system of claim 1 , wherein the translation mechanism includes at least one air-actuated cylinder.

5. The cleaning unit further includes a vertically oriented chamber that receives the suction unit and the conduit through the top opening; The first air blow arrangement is one or more nozzles through which air is blown into the vertically oriented chamber via an exterior surface of the suction unit; an air outlet for removing removed air and powder from an exterior surface of the conduit; The color changing system of claim 1 , comprising:

6. the one or more nozzles are positioned adjacent the top opening; 6. The color changing system of claim 5, wherein said air outlet is positioned adjacent a bottom of said vertically oriented chamber.

7. 7. The color changing system of claim 5 or 6, wherein said air outlet is connected to a means for providing suction.

8. The inducer is positioned at one end of a tube that is connected to the conduit; 8. The color change system of claim 1, wherein the suction unit further comprises a passageway that allows compressed air to be provided to the inducer nozzle.

9. The color change system of claim 1 , wherein the inlet of the suction unit includes a plurality of inlet channels leading from the exterior of the end portion to the inducer.

10. 10. The color changing system of claim 1, wherein the suction unit further comprises an air duct for providing air to fluidize powder proximate the inlet opening.

11. 1. A method of changing color in a powder coating facility, comprising: A color changing device is provided, the color changing device comprising: a plurality of powder containers, each container holding one of a plurality of different color coating powders; a conduit for delivering powder from one of said powder containers to a coating applicator; a suction unit connected to the conduit, the suction unit having an end with an inlet opening through which coating powder is drawn; A cleaning unit; a translation mechanism for moving the distal end; and withdrawing the distal end of the suction unit from a first powder container; moving the suction unit to the washing unit; Cleaning the suction unit and the conduit; moving the suction unit to a second powder container after cleaning; inserting the distal end of the suction unit into the second powder container; Including, the suction unit includes an inducer at the distal end adjacent an inlet opening of the suction unit; the inducer includes an air nozzle and a venturi section; The cleaning unit comprises: a first air blower arrangement for cleaning an exterior surface of the conduit; a second air blower arrangement for cleaning the inside of the suction unit and the conduit; Including, The second air blow arrangement is an air inlet for blowing air into an inlet opening of the suction unit; a spring valve configured to be activated by contact from the distal end of the suction unit to allow air to be blown into the inlet of the suction unit; A method comprising:

12. 1. A color change system for a powder coating facility, comprising: a plurality of powder containers, each container holding one of a plurality of different color coating powders; a conduit for delivering powder from one of said powder containers to a coating applicator; a suction unit connected to the conduit, the suction unit having an end with an inlet opening through which coating powder is drawn; A cleaning unit; a translation mechanism configured to move the distal end from one container to another; Including, the suction unit includes an inducer at the distal end adjacent an inlet opening of the suction unit; the inducer includes an air nozzle and a venturi section; The cleaning unit comprises: a first air blower arrangement for cleaning an exterior surface of the conduit; a second air blower arrangement for cleaning the inside of the suction unit and the conduit; Including, The second air blow arrangement is an air inlet for blowing air into an inlet opening of the suction unit; a spring valve configured to be activated by contact from the distal end of the suction unit to allow air to be blown into the inlet of the suction unit; Includes a color changing system.

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