Drainage recovery device

Abstract

The wastewater recovery device 10 in the painting system 100 makes it possible to suppress the scattering of wastewater. [Solution] The wastewater recovery device 10 is a device for recovering wastewater generated by cleaning a painting nozzle 3 that is attached to a robot 1 and moves, and comprises the following housing 11, conical part 15, surrounding part 16, and suction part 17. First, the housing 11 demarcates a wastewater recovery area 22 formed below the insertion area 21 into which the nozzle 3 is inserted. Next, the conical part 15 is assembled in the recovery area 22 such that its tip protrudes upward. The surrounding part 16 has a primary baffle 11d that is assembled in the recovery area 22 such that it forms a gap between itself and the surface of the conical part 15 and surrounds the central axis α of the conical part 15. Furthermore, the suction part 17 sucks air from the recovery area 22 from the outer circumference of the surrounding part 16.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drainage recovery device for recovering drainage generated by cleaning a nozzle for painting, and particularly relates to a mode in which the nozzle is mounted on a robot and moves.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, in the process of painting an automobile body, a painting system in which a nozzle is mounted on a robot and moved to perform painting is well-known. That is, in this well-known painting system, a nozzle for injecting paint is mounted on a robot, and painting is performed by controlling the operation of the robot to freely move the nozzle.

[0003] In such a painting system, when switching the paint, it is necessary to clean the paint supply path including the inside of the nozzle. Therefore, a cleaning liquid is introduced into the supply path and discharged from the nozzle to wash out the paint remaining in the supply path. Therefore, the painting system is provided with a drainage recovery device for recovering drainage containing residual paint and cleaning liquid. And, in order to enhance the drainage recovery effect in such a drainage recovery device, various studies have been conducted.

[0004] For example, the cleaning liquid recovery device of Patent Document 1 is a device used when cleaning the nozzle of a painting machine with a cleaning liquid, and includes the following upper hopper, lower hopper, mesh body, and airflow forming means. Here, the upper hopper has a cylindrical shape with an insertion port into which the nozzle is inserted on the upper side, and the lower hopper is connected below the upper hopper and collects the cleaning liquid. The mesh body is disposed between the upper hopper and the lower hopper and has a plurality of through holes for changing the sprayed cleaning liquid into a water droplet state. Further, the airflow forming means forms an airflow flowing from the upper hopper to the lower hopper.

[0005] With this configuration, the cleaning liquid recovery device described in Patent Document 1 is said to be able to obtain the following effects. Specifically, the cleaning liquid that becomes atomized as a result of cleaning the nozzle is effectively guided to the mesh by the airflow, and remains on the mesh due to wettability, capillary action, etc., upon contact with the mesh. Furthermore, the cleaning liquid remaining on the mesh is attracted to each other by surface tension and becomes water droplets, which are then dripped into the lower hopper by gravity and the airflow from the airflow forming means. In this way, the atomized cleaning liquid can be converted into water droplets by the mesh and effectively recovered into the lower hopper.

[0006] Furthermore, the waste liquid separation device described in Patent Document 2 is used to clean a rotary atomizing paint spraying machine that atomizes and sprays paint by centrifugal force generated by rotating a rotary atomizing head, and is a device for separating and recovering cleaning waste liquid, comprising the following fluid receiving section, fluid recovery section, fluid discharge section, and first fluid guide channel.

[0007] First, the fluid receiving section is located at the top of the cylindrical main body of the device and receives multiple types of fluids, including paint and cleaning liquid, discharged from the rotating atomizing head. Next, the fluid recovery section is located on the inner surface of the side wall of the main body of the device and recovers the first fluid. The fluid discharge section is located at the bottom of the main body of the device and directly below the fluid receiving section and discharges a second fluid, which is different from the first fluid. Furthermore, the first fluid guide channel has the following first fluid guide wall: the first fluid guide wall separates the fluid recovery section from the fluid discharge section and guides the second fluid to the fluid discharge section. The diameter of the first fluid guide wall decreases as it goes downwards.

[0008] With this configuration, the wastewater separation device of Patent Document 2 is thought to be able to select either to recover the wastewater in the fluid recovery section or to discharge it from the fluid discharge section by introducing air in the fluid receiving section in accordance with the fluid receiving, and appropriately selecting the direction of air introduction. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-104685 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-034635 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] However, the cleaning solution recovery devices described in the above-mentioned conventional literature have the following problems. In other words, with a drainage recovery device, the nozzle, including the nozzle tip, is inserted into an insertion area set within the device. The drainage is then collected as it is carried downwards by the airflow. However, the drainage is not just a solid liquid, but a gas-liquid mixture containing relatively large droplets or atomized mist. As a result, droplets and mist are not sufficiently carried by the airflow, and a phenomenon of leakage from the nozzle insertion point to the outside of the device is likely to occur (hereinafter, this phenomenon of droplets and mist leaking from the nozzle insertion point to the outside of the device may be referred to as "drifting").

[0011] In contrast, the aforementioned conventional literature focuses on the efficient recovery of wastewater and does not disclose sufficient measures to prevent it from becoming airborne. The object of the present invention is to provide a wastewater recovery device for a painting system that can suppress the scattering of wastewater. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The wastewater recovery device according to the first invention is a device for recovering wastewater generated by cleaning a painting nozzle that is attached to a robot and moves, and comprises the following housing, conical part, surrounding part, and suction part. First, the housing partitions the wastewater recovery area formed below the insertion area into which the nozzle is inserted. Next, the conical part is assembled so that its tip protrudes upward in the recovery area. The surrounding part is also assembled in the recovery area, Below the apex of the cone-shaped part Between the surface of the cone-shaped part Axial direction It has a baffle that is assembled to form a gap and surround the central axis of the conical portion. Furthermore, the suction portion sucks air from the recovery area from the outer circumference of the surrounding portion.

[0013] This allows for the introduction of a gas-liquid mixed wastewater into the recovery area from above and downwards, and the separation of gas and liquid by impacting it near the top of the conical section. Furthermore, the gaseous portion can be actively drawn in through the gap between the surface of the conical section and the baffle. As a result, the separated liquid portion can be guided downwards along the surface of the conical section, and the separated gaseous portion can be guided to the outer periphery of the surrounding section. Therefore, a wastewater recovery device is provided that can suppress the scattering of wastewater (hereinafter, the baffle that forms a gap between the conical section and the baffle may be referred to as the primary baffle).

[0014] The drainage recovery device according to the second invention is the drainage recovery device according to the first invention, wherein the surrounding portion has the following lower baffle. That is, the lower baffle is arranged to surround the primary baffle and form a radial gap between it and the primary baffle, and also forms an axial gap between it and the wall that partitions the upper part of the recovery area. This allows the flow passing through the gap between the surface of the conical section and the primary baffle towards the suction section to collide with the lower baffle, thereby promoting the separation of liquids accompanying the flow towards the suction section. As a result, liquid suction by the suction section can be suppressed.

[0015] The drainage recovery device according to the third invention is the drainage recovery device according to the second invention, wherein the upper end of the lower baffle is curved to protrude toward the inner circumference. This allows the flow passing through the radial gap between the primary baffle and the lower baffle to collide with the portion of the lower baffle that protrudes inward, further promoting the separation of liquid accompanying the flow toward the suction section. As a result, liquid suction by the suction section can be suppressed even more effectively.

[0016] The drainage recovery device according to the fourth invention is the drainage recovery device according to the second invention, wherein the surrounding portion has the following upper baffle. That is, the upper baffle is arranged to surround the lower baffle and forms a radial gap between it and the lower baffle, and forms an axial gap between it and the wall that partitions the lower side of the recovery area. This allows the flow passing through the gap between the lower baffle and the wall partitioning the upper part of the collection area to collide with the upper baffle, further promoting the separation of liquids accompanying the flow toward the suction section. As a result, liquid suction by the suction section can be suppressed even further.

[0017] The drainage recovery device according to the fifth invention is the drainage recovery device according to the fourth invention, wherein the lower end of the upper baffle is curved to protrude toward the inner circumference. This allows the flow passing through the radial gap between the lower and upper baffles to collide with the portion of the upper baffle that protrudes inward, thereby further promoting the separation of liquids accompanying the flow toward the suction section.

[0018] Therefore, liquid suction by the suction section can be further suppressed (hereinafter, the lower baffle that is positioned to surround the primary baffle and forms a radial gap between it and the primary baffle may be referred to as the lower secondary baffle. Also, the upper baffle that is positioned to surround the lower secondary baffle and forms a radial gap between it and the lower secondary baffle may be referred to as the upper secondary baffle).

[0019] The drain liquid recovery device according to the sixth invention is the drain liquid recovery device according to the fourth invention, and the surrounding portion has the following separate lower baffle and separate upper baffle. that is, the separate lower baffle is arranged so as to surround the upper secondary baffle and forms a radial gap therebetween, and forms an axial gap with the wall partitioning the upper side of the recovery region. Further, the separate upper baffle is arranged so as to surround the separate lower baffle and forms a radial gap therebetween, and forms an axial gap with the wall partitioning the lower side of the recovery region.

[0020] Thereby, the flow passing through the gap between the upper secondary baffle and the wall partitioning the lower side of the recovery region can be made to collide with the separate lower baffle, and subsequently, the flow passing through the gap between the separate lower baffle and the wall partitioning the upper side of the recovery region can be made to collide with the separate upper baffle, so that the separation of the liquid entrained in the flow toward the suction portion can be further promoted. For this reason, the liquid suction by the suction portion can be further suppressed.

[0021] The drain liquid recovery device according to the seventh invention is the drain liquid recovery device according to the sixth invention, and the upper end portion of the separate lower baffle is bent so as to protrude toward the inner peripheral side. Thereby, the flow passing through the radial gap between the upper secondary baffle and the separate lower baffle can be made to collide with the portion protruding toward the inner peripheral side in the separate lower baffle, so that the separation of the liquid entrained in the flow toward the suction portion can be further promoted. For this reason, the liquid suction by the suction portion can be further suppressed.

[0022] The drain liquid recovery device according to the eighth invention is the drain liquid recovery device according to the sixth invention, and the lower end portion of the separate upper baffle is bent so as to protrude toward the inner peripheral side. Thereby, the flow passing through the radial gap between the separate lower baffle and the separate upper baffle can be made to collide with the portion protruding toward the inner peripheral side in the separate upper baffle, so that the separation of the liquid entrained in the flow toward the suction portion can be further promoted.

[0023] Therefore, the liquid suction by the suction part can be further suppressed. (Hereinafter, another lower baffle that is arranged so as to surround the upper secondary baffle and forms a radial gap with the upper secondary baffle may be referred to as a lower tertiary baffle. Also, another upper baffle that is arranged so as to surround the lower tertiary baffle and forms a radial gap with the lower tertiary baffle may be referred to as an upper tertiary baffle.).

[0024] The liquid discharge recovery device according to the ninth invention is the liquid discharge recovery device according to the first invention, and further includes the following air blowing part. That is, the air blowing part is provided in an annular part that forms an insertion region, and blows out air from a plurality of directions toward the inner peripheral side of the annular part. Thereby, an air curtain can be formed to directly prevent the upward movement of the discharged liquid from the insertion port of the nozzle, and when the nozzle is pulled up from the insertion region, the discharged liquid adhering to the surface of the nozzle can be removed.

[0025] The liquid discharge recovery device according to the tenth invention is the liquid discharge recovery device according to the ninth invention, and the air blowing part blows out air in a direction inclined downward by 20° or more from the horizontal direction toward the inner peripheral side of the annular part. Thereby, the effect of preventing the upward movement of the discharged liquid can be enhanced.

[0026] The liquid discharge recovery device according to the eleventh invention is the liquid discharge recovery device according to the first invention, and further includes the following cleaning liquid injection part. That is, the cleaning liquid injection part is provided in an annular part that forms an insertion region, and injects the cleaning liquid from a plurality of directions toward the inner peripheral side of the annular part. Thereby, the outer surface of the nozzle can be cleaned inside the device. The effect that the outer surface of the nozzle can be cleaned inside the device can be remarkably obtained in a so-called bell-shaped nozzle.

[0027] The drainage recovery device according to the twelfth invention is the drainage recovery device according to the first invention, further comprising the following cleaning fluid spraying unit. That is, the cleaning fluid spraying unit is provided on the inner circumference side of the annular portion that forms the lower side of the insertion area, and sprays cleaning fluid upward. This allows the inner circumference of the nozzle's spray opening to be cleaned within the device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the wastewater recovery device of the present invention, wastewater is introduced into the recovery area from above and downwards, and gas and liquid can be separated by causing it to collide near the top of the conical section. Furthermore, the gaseous portion can be actively sucked in through the gap between the surface of the conical section and the baffle, thereby suppressing the scattering of wastewater. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the configuration of a painting system including a wastewater recovery device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Front view showing the inside of the wastewater recovery device of the present invention. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the inside of the wastewater recovery device of the present invention. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the nozzle inserted into the insertion area of ​​the wastewater recovery device of the present invention. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the air blowing section of the wastewater recovery device of the present invention. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the operation steps of the wastewater recovery device of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] A wastewater recovery device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In this embodiment, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the applicant provides the accompanying drawings and the following explanation so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the present invention, and not intends to limit the subject matter described in the claims by means of these.

[0031] (1) Configuration of the painting system 100 including the drainage recovery device 10 The wastewater recovery device 10 according to this embodiment constitutes, for example, a painting system 100 for painting the body of an automobile (see Figure 1). Therefore, the outline of the painting system 100 will be described first. The painting system 100 is composed of the wastewater recovery device 10, a robot 1, and a control unit 2.

[0032] Robot 1 is, for example, a multi-joint robot, and has a nozzle 3 for spraying paint attached to its end. The nozzle 3 can freely change its position and orientation in response to motion control of Robot 1. The control unit 2 controls the painting process by instructing various actuators in the wastewater recovery device 10 and motors attached to the joints of Robot 1 to operate, and also controls the cleaning of the nozzle 3 and wastewater recovery in the event of paint changes, etc. The body to be painted is transported to the vicinity of Robot 1, for example, by a belt conveyor (not shown).

[0033] Here, the tip of the nozzle 3 is a bell cup 3a that widens towards the tip. In such a nozzle 3, a paint supply passage opens in the center of the inner circumference of the bell cup 3a, forming a paint spray nozzle. When the bell cup 3a is rotated at high speed, the paint supplied from the center is dispersed by centrifugal force along the inner circumference of the bell cup 3a towards the periphery, and is sprayed out from the periphery as fine particles. This makes it possible to apply a wide, uniform, and high-quality coating to the car body.

[0034] For such nozzles 3, the wastewater recovery device 10 performs tasks such as recovering wastewater discharged when washing out residual paint in the supply path during paint switching, cleaning the surface of the nozzle 3 including the inner and outer surfaces of the bell cup 3a, and recovering wastewater generated during the cleaning of the nozzle 3 surface. The type of cleaning solution used depends on the paint type; if the paint is oil-based, paint thinner is used; if the paint is water-based, water or a dedicated water-based cleaning solution is used. The drainage recovery device 10 will be described in detail below.

[0035] (2) Configuration of the drainage recovery device 10 The drainage recovery device 10 comprises the following: a housing 11, two cleaning fluid spraying sections 12 and 13, an air blowing section 14, a conical section 15, a surrounding section 16, and a suction section 17 (see Figures 2 to 5). The drainage recovery device 10 is mounted on a predetermined stand 18, and the drainage recovered by the drainage recovery device 10 is discharged from an outlet 19 provided at the bottom of the housing 11 and collected in a recovery container (not shown). The following describes the various parts of the drainage recovery device 10.

[0036] First, the housing 11 defines a drainage recovery area 22 formed below the insertion area 21 into which the nozzle 3 is inserted. Here, the recovery area 22 is a space into which various actions are performed to recover the drainage. The housing 11 has a cylindrical portion 11a with an axis oriented in the vertical direction, an annular upper wall portion 11b that defines the upper side of the cylindrical portion 11a, and an elliptical lower wall portion 11c that defines the lower side of the cylindrical portion 11a. Here, the lower wall portion 11c is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and the discharge port 19 is provided so as to be located at the lowest part of the lower wall portion 11c.

[0037] Furthermore, a cylindrical portion 11d, which has a smaller diameter than the cylindrical portion 11a, is inserted into the central hole of the upper wall portion 11b, in close contact with the inner periphery of the hole. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 11d forms a continuous space below the insertion region 21, preventing wastewater generated in the insertion region 21 and wastewater discharged from the nozzle 3 from scattering to the outside, while guiding the wastewater to the collection region 22. Also, the cylindrical portions 11a and 11d are coaxial.

[0038] Next, the cleaning fluid spraying section 12 is provided as an annular section that forms the insertion region 21, and is a cleaning ring that sprays cleaning fluid from multiple directions toward the inner circumference of the annular section (hereinafter, the annular section that makes up the cleaning fluid spraying section 12 may be referred to as the annular section 12). Here, the insertion region 21 is the space into which the nozzle 3 is inserted as described above, and is the space on the inner circumference side of the annular section 12. The annular section 12 is provided, for example, by overlapping two annular metal bodies 12a and 12b and fastening them with screws. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the annular section 12 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical section 11d, and it is fastened to the upper side of the cylindrical section 11d so as to be coaxial with the cylindrical section 11d.

[0039] Furthermore, each of the spray nozzles 12c constituting the cleaning ring is assembled on the upper metal body 12a such that the spray axis of the cleaning fluid is directed 20° downward from the central axis α of the cylindrical portion 11d. Ten spray nozzles 12c are assembled at equal angular intervals around the central axis α. In addition, the upper and lower metal bodies 12a and 12b are machined so that when they are superimposed, supply passages for supplying cleaning fluid to each of the spray nozzles 12c are formed.

[0040] Furthermore, the cleaning fluid spray unit 13 is provided on the upper inner circumference side of the cylindrical portion 11d and sprays cleaning fluid upward. Here, the spray nozzle 13a of the cleaning fluid spray unit 13 protrudes from the upper part of the cylindrical portion 11d into the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 11d and is positioned along the central axis α so that the cleaning fluid is ejected upward.

[0041] Furthermore, the air outlet 14 is provided as an annular portion that forms an insertion region 21 above the cleaning fluid spraying portion 12, and blows air from multiple directions toward the inner circumference of the annular portion to form an air curtain (hereinafter, the annular portion that makes up the air outlet 14 may be referred to as the annular portion 14). The annular portion 14 is provided, for example, by overlapping two annular metal bodies 14a and 14b and fastening them with screws. Furthermore, the inner circumference of the annular portion 14 is conical in shape, with the lower part becoming smaller in diameter towards the upper part, and the upper part is cylindrical with a smaller diameter than the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 11d.

[0042] Furthermore, the air outlet 14c is positioned so that the air outlet axis is directed 20° downward from the central axis α. In addition, the number of outlets 14c is provided at equal angular intervals around the central axis α, and is more than five times the number of injection nozzles 12c. Moreover, the upper and lower metal bodies 14a and 14b are processed so that when they are superimposed, supply passages 14d for supplying air to their respective outlets 14c are formed. In the following explanation, the direction pointing towards the central axis α may be referred to as the axial direction. The direction moving around the central axis α may be referred to as the circumferential direction, and the direction moving towards or away from the central axis α may be referred to as the radial direction.

[0043] Next, the conical portion 15 is assembled in the collection area 22 such that its tip protrudes upward. More specifically, the conical portion 15 includes a conical portion 15a that protrudes upward, and a cylindrical portion 15b that has the same diameter as the lower end of the conical portion 15a and extends downward from the lower end of the conical portion 15a. Furthermore, the conical portion 15a and the cylindrical portion 15b are coaxial with the cylindrical portions 11a and 11d, and the cylindrical portion 1b has a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 11d and a smaller diameter than the lower secondary baffle 16a, which will be described later.

[0044] The conical portion 15 is assembled to form the following gaps. Specifically, the conical portion 15a protrudes from the lower side of the cylindrical portion 11d into the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 11d, forming axial and radial gaps between it and the lower end of the cylindrical portion 11d. In addition, the cylindrical portion 15b forms a radial gap between it and the lower secondary baffle 16a, which will be described later, and also forms an axial gap between it and the lower wall portion 11c. Furthermore, the portion of the cylindrical part 11d that protrudes into the recovery region 22 and forms a gap between it and the conical part 15a forms the primary baffle, which will be described later (hereinafter, the cylindrical part 11d may be referred to as the primary baffle 11d).

[0045] Furthermore, the surrounding section 16 is composed of multiple concentric baffles that surround the conical section 15 in the recovery region 22. Here, the multiple baffles are multiple cylindrical sections coaxial with the conical section 15 and the cylindrical sections 11a and 11d, and consist of five baffles: the primary baffle 11d, the lower and upper secondary baffles 16a and 16b, and the lower and upper tertiary baffles 16c and 16d (hereinafter, the cylindrical sections that make up the lower and upper secondary baffles 16a and 16b and the lower and upper tertiary baffles 16c and 16d may be referred to as cylindrical sections 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d).

[0046] The following describes these baffles in order. First, as described above, the primary baffle 11d protrudes from the hole in the upper wall portion 11b into the recovery region 22, forming a radial gap and an axial gap between it and the surface of the conical portion 15.

[0047] Next, the lower secondary baffle 16a is positioned to surround the primary baffle 11d, forming a radial gap between it and the primary baffle 11d, and an axial gap between it and the upper wall portion 11b. Here, the lower edge of the lower secondary baffle 16a, that is, the portion connected to the lower wall portion 11c, is elliptical and inclined in the same way as the lower wall portion 11c. An opening 16a1 is provided that connects the inner and outer circumferences of the lower secondary baffle 16a in the same direction as the direction in which the exhaust port 19 is located, that is, in the direction in which the cylindrical portion 16a extends furthest downward.

[0048] Furthermore, the upper end portion 16a2 of the lower secondary baffle 16a is bent at a 90° angle so as to protrude inward. The radial gap between the lower secondary baffle 16a and the primary baffle 11d is approximately the same as the radial gap between the primary baffle 11d and the surface of the conical portion 15. Also, as described above, the lower cylindrical portion of the conical portion 15 is screw-fastened to the cylindrical portion 16a.

[0049] Furthermore, the upper secondary baffle 16b is positioned to surround the lower secondary baffle 16a, forming a radial gap between it and the lower secondary baffle 16a, and an axial gap between it and the lower wall portion 11c. Here, the lower end portion 16b1 of the upper secondary baffle 16b is bent at 90° so as to protrude toward the inner circumference. The radial gap between the upper secondary baffle 16b and the lower secondary baffle 16a is approximately the same as the radial gap between the lower secondary baffle 16a and the primary baffle 11d.

[0050] Furthermore, the lower tertiary baffle 16c is positioned to surround the upper secondary baffle 16b, forming a radial gap between it and the upper secondary baffle 16b, and an axial gap between it and the upper wall portion 11b. Here, the lower edge of the lower tertiary baffle 16c, that is, the portion connected to the lower wall portion 11c, is elliptical and inclined in the same way as the lower wall portion 11c. An opening 16c1 is provided that connects the inner and outer circumferences of the lower tertiary baffle 16c in the same direction as the direction in which the exhaust port 19 is located, that is, in the direction in which the cylindrical portion 16c extends furthest downward.

[0051] Furthermore, the upper end portion 16c2 of the lower tertiary baffle 16c is bent at a 90° angle so as to protrude inward. The radial gap between the lower tertiary baffle 16c and the upper secondary baffle 16b is approximately the same as the radial gap between the upper secondary baffle 16b and the lower secondary baffle 16a.

[0052] Furthermore, the upper tertiary baffle 16d is positioned to surround the lower tertiary baffle 16c, forming a radial gap between it and the lower tertiary baffle 16c, as well as an axial gap between it and the lower wall portion 11c. Here, the lower end portion 16d1 of the upper tertiary baffle 16d is bent at 90° so as to protrude toward the inner circumference. The radial gap between the upper tertiary baffle 16d and the lower tertiary baffle 16c is approximately the same as the radial gap between the lower tertiary baffle 16c and the upper tertiary baffle 16b. Moreover, the radial gap between the upper tertiary baffle 16d and the lower tertiary baffle 16c is approximately the same as the radial gap between the cylindrical portion 11a and the upper tertiary baffle 16d.

[0053] Furthermore, the suction unit 17 sucks air from the recovery area 22 from the outer periphery of the surrounding unit 16. Here, the piping 17a connecting the suction unit 17 and the recovery area 22 opens to the recovery area 22 near the upper end of the cylindrical unit 11a. The suction unit 17 is, for example, an ejector. The following describes the operating steps of the drainage recovery device 10.

[0054] (3) Operation steps of the drainage recovery device 10 The operation steps of the wastewater recovery device 10 mainly involve cleaning the nozzle 3 and recovering the wastewater (see Figure 6), and are performed by the control unit 2. First, in step S1, the nozzle 3 is inserted into the insertion area 21. In step S1, the robot 1's movement is controlled to insert the nozzle 3 into the insertion area 21 so that the axis of the supply passage opening in the center of the bell cup 3a and the central axis α are approximately aligned. At this time, the nozzle 3 is inserted until the tip of the bell cup 3a protrudes slightly below the cleaning fluid spray section 12. Also, the opening of the supply passage in the center of the bell cup 3a, that is, the paint spray port, faces the spray port of the spray nozzle 13a in the axial direction.

[0055] Next, in step S2, an air curtain is formed. That is, an air supply source (not shown) is activated to supply air to the air outlet 14 and blow it out from the outlet 14c, forming an air curtain above the insertion region 21. Next, in step S3, the suction unit 17 is activated to start suction from the recovery area 22.

[0056] Next, in step S4, washing and cleaning are initiated. Specifically, a cleaning fluid supply source (not shown) is activated to start supplying cleaning fluid to the paint supply passage, including the inside of nozzle 3, and to the cleaning fluid spraying sections 12 and 13. As a result, the cleaning fluid containing any remaining paint in the supply passage is discharged from the paint spray nozzle. In addition, cleaning fluid is sprayed from the respective spray nozzles of cleaning fluid spraying sections 12 and 13 and sprayed onto the surface of nozzle 3, including the bell cup 3a, and the cleaning fluid containing paint adhering to the surface of nozzle 3 flows down the surface of nozzle 3.

[0057] Furthermore, the wastewater generated as described above flows into the recovery area 22 in a gas-liquid mixture state, and collides with the area near the top of the cone portion 15a, where the gas and liquid are separated. The gas portion is then sucked in by the suction portion 17 and flows from the gap between the surface of the cone portion 15a and the primary baffle 11d into the gap between the primary baffle 11d and the lower secondary baffle 16a, and subsequently flows from the gap above the lower secondary baffle 16a into the gap between the lower secondary baffle 16a and the upper secondary baffle.

[0058] Subsequently, the fluid flows from the gap below the upper secondary baffle into the gap between the upper secondary baffle and the lower tertiary baffle, and then continues to flow from the gap above the lower tertiary baffle into the gap between the lower tertiary baffle and the upper tertiary baffle. Finally, it flows from the gap below the upper tertiary baffle into the gap between the upper tertiary baffle and the cylindrical part 11a, and is extracted from the recovery area 22 through the piping 17a.

[0059] During this time, the liquid accompanying the flow formed by the gaseous portion collides with the cylindrical portions of the primary baffle 11d, the lower and upper secondary baffles 16a and 16b, and the lower and upper tertiary baffles 16c and 16d, as well as the upper ends 16a2 and 16c2, the lower ends 16b1 and 16d1, etc., and is separated from the flow. The separated liquid then flows downward along each baffle and is discharged from the outlet 19 via the openings 16a1 and 16c1. Meanwhile, the portion of liquid that collides with the conical portion 15a and is separated flows downward along the surfaces of the conical portion 15a and the cylindrical portion 15b, merges with the flow that has traveled through each baffle, and is discharged from the outlet 19 via the openings 16a1 and 16c1.

[0060] Subsequently, in step S5, the operation of the cleaning fluid supply source is stopped to complete the washing and cleaning process, and in step S6, the nozzle 3 is pulled out of the insertion area 21. This allows the air curtain to remove any wastewater adhering to the surface of the nozzle 3. Subsequently, in step S7, the operation of the suction unit 17 is stopped to stop suction, and in step S8, the operation of the air supply source is stopped to stop the air curtain.

[0061] <Key Features> The wastewater recovery device 10 of this embodiment is a device for recovering wastewater generated by cleaning a painting nozzle 3 that is attached to and moved by a robot 1, and comprises the following housing 11, conical portion 15, surrounding portion 16, and suction portion 17. First, the housing 11 demarcates a wastewater recovery area 22 formed below the insertion area 21 into which the nozzle 3 is inserted. Next, the conical portion 15 is assembled in the recovery area 22 such that its tip protrudes upward. The surrounding portion 16 has a primary baffle 11d that is assembled in the recovery area 22 such that it forms a gap between itself and the surface of the conical portion 15 and surrounds the central axis α of the conical portion 15. Furthermore, the suction portion 17 sucks air from the recovery area 22 from the outer circumference of the surrounding portion 16.

[0062] This allows the gas-liquid mixed wastewater to be introduced into the recovery area 22 from above and downward, and the gas-liquid can be separated by impacting it near the top of the conical section 15. Furthermore, the gaseous portion can be actively sucked out through the gap between the surface of the conical section 15 and the primary baffle 11d. As a result, the separated liquid portion can be guided downward along the surface of the conical section 15, and the separated gaseous portion can be guided to the outer circumference of the surrounding section 16. Therefore, a wastewater recovery device 10 can be provided that suppresses the scattering of wastewater.

[0063] [Other embodiments] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. (A) In the drainage recovery device 10 of the above embodiment, the surrounding section 16 was composed of five baffles: a primary baffle 11d, lower and upper secondary baffles 16a and 16b, and lower and upper tertiary baffles 16c and 16d. However, the configuration of the surrounding section 16 is not limited to this configuration.

[0064] For example, the surrounding section 16 may be composed of only the primary baffle 11d, or it may be composed of the primary baffle 11d and the lower and upper secondary baffles 16a and 16b. Furthermore, the surrounding section 16 may be composed of a combination of baffles similar to the lower and upper tertiary baffles 16c and 16d arranged on the outer circumference of the upper tertiary baffle 16d, and there may be multiple combinations of baffles arranged on the outer circumference of the upper tertiary baffle 16d.

[0065] (B) In the drainage recovery device 10 of the above embodiment, the air blowing section 14 was configured to blow air in a direction inclined 20° downward from the horizontal towards its inner circumference. However, the direction in which the air is blown is not limited to this direction, and the air may be blown in a direction inclined downward by 20° or more.

[0066] (C) In the drainage recovery device 10 of the above embodiment, the upper ends 16a2 and 16c2 of the lower secondary baffle 16a and the lower tertiary baffle 16c, respectively, and the lower ends 16b1 and 16d1 of the upper secondary baffle 16b and the upper tertiary baffle 16d, respectively, were all bent at 90° so as to protrude inward. However, the bending angle is not limited to 90°, and may be bent at an angle of less than 90° from the vertical.

[0067] (D) In the drainage recovery device 10 of the above embodiment, the suction unit 17 was an ejector, but the suction unit 17 is not limited to an ejector, and for example, a suction pump may be used as the suction unit 17.

[0068] <Note> The drainage recovery device according to the first invention is: A wastewater recovery device for collecting wastewater generated by cleaning a painting nozzle that is attached to a robot and moves, A housing that demarcates a drainage collection area formed below the insertion area into which the nozzle is inserted, In the aforementioned recovery area, a cone-shaped portion is assembled such that its tip protrudes upward, In the aforementioned recovery area, Below the top of the conical portion Between the surface of the conical portion and Axial direction A surrounding portion having a baffle assembled to form a gap and surround the central axis of the conical portion, A suction unit that sucks air from the outer periphery of the surrounding portion into the recovery area, It is equipped with.

[0069] The drainage recovery device according to the second invention is the drainage recovery device according to the first invention, The surrounding portion has a lower baffle that is positioned to surround the baffle and form a radial gap between itself and the baffle, and also forms an axial gap between itself and the wall that partitions the upper part of the recovery area.

[0070] The drainage recovery device according to the third invention is the drainage recovery device according to the second invention, The upper end of the lower baffle is curved so as to protrude inward.

[0071] The drainage recovery device according to the fourth invention is a drainage recovery device according to the second or third invention, The surrounding portion has an upper baffle that is positioned to surround the lower baffle and forms a radial gap between it and the lower baffle, and also forms an axial gap between it and the wall that partitions the lower side of the recovery area.

[0072] The wastewater recovery device according to the fifth invention is the wastewater recovery device according to the fourth invention, The lower end of the upper baffle is curved so as to protrude inward.

[0073] The wastewater recovery device according to the sixth invention is a wastewater recovery device according to the fourth or fifth invention, The aforementioned encircling portion is, Another lower baffle is positioned to surround the upper baffle, forming a radial gap between it and the upper baffle, and forming an axial gap between it and the wall that partitions the upper part of the recovery area, and Another upper baffle is positioned to surround the other lower baffle, forming a radial gap between it and the other lower baffle, and forming an axial gap between it and the wall that partitions the lower side of the recovery area. It has.

[0074] The drainage recovery device according to the seventh invention is the drainage recovery device according to the sixth invention, The upper end of the aforementioned lower baffle is curved so as to protrude inward.

[0075] The wastewater recovery device according to the eighth invention is a wastewater recovery device according to the sixth or seventh invention, The lower end of the aforementioned upper baffle is curved so as to protrude inward.

[0076] The wastewater recovery device according to the ninth invention is a wastewater recovery device according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, An air outlet is provided in the annular portion that forms the insertion region, and blows air from multiple directions toward the inner circumference of the annular portion. It also has the following features.

[0077] The drainage recovery device according to the 10th invention is a drainage recovery device according to the 9th invention, The air outlet blows air from the horizontal towards the inner circumference of the annular portion, in a direction inclined downward by 20° or more.

[0078] The drainage recovery device according to the 11th invention is a drainage recovery device according to any one of the first to tenth inventions, A cleaning fluid spray unit is provided in the annular portion forming the insertion area, and sprays cleaning fluid from multiple directions toward the inner circumference of the annular portion. It also has the following features.

[0079] The drainage recovery device according to the twelfth invention is a drainage recovery device according to any one of the first to eleventh inventions, A cleaning fluid spraying unit is provided on the inner circumference of the annular portion that forms the lower part of the insertion area, and sprays cleaning fluid toward the upper part. It also has the following features. [Industrial applicability]

[0080] The wastewater recovery device of the present invention introduces wastewater into the recovery area from above and downwards, separates gas and liquid by causing it to collide near the top of the conical section, and further actively sucks in the gas portion through the gap between the surface of the conical section and the baffle, thereby suppressing the scattering of wastewater. As a result, it can be widely applied not only to the painting of automobile bodies but also to the painting of other automobile parts, aircraft, home appliances, building materials, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 100 Painting Systems 1 Robot 2 Control Unit 3 nozzles 3a Bell Cup 10. Drainage recovery device 11 cabinets 11a Cylindrical section 11b Upper wall 11c Lower wall 11d Cylindrical section, primary baffle 12 Cleaning fluid spray section, annular section 12a Metal body 12b Metal body 12c spray nozzle 13 Cleaning fluid spray unit 13a Spray nozzle 14 Air outlet, annular section 14a Metal body 14b Metal body 14c air outlet 14d Supply route 15 Cone 15a Conical section 15b Cylindrical section 16. Encirclement 16a Lower secondary baffle, cylindrical section 16a1 opening 16a2 Upper end 16b Upper secondary baffle, cylindrical section 16b1 Lower end 16c Lower tertiary baffle, cylindrical section 16c1 opening 16c2 Upper end 16d Upper tertiary baffle, cylindrical section 16d1 Lower end 17 Suction part 17a Piping 18 mounting bases 19 Outlet 21 Insertion area 22 Recovery Area α center axis

Claims

1. A wastewater recovery device for collecting wastewater generated by cleaning a painting nozzle that is attached to a robot and moves, A housing that demarcates a drainage collection area formed below the insertion area into which the nozzle is inserted, In the aforementioned recovery area, a cone-shaped portion is assembled such that its tip protrudes upward, In the recovery region, a baffle is assembled to surround the central axis of the conical portion, forming an axial gap between the surface of the conical portion and below the top of the conical portion, A suction unit that sucks air from the outer periphery of the surrounding portion into the recovery area, A drainage recovery device equipped with the following features.

2. The surrounding portion has a lower baffle that is positioned to surround the baffle and form a radial gap between itself and the baffle, and also forms an axial gap between itself and the wall that partitions the upper part of the recovery area. The drainage recovery device according to claim 1.

3. The upper end of the lower baffle is curved so as to protrude inward. The drainage recovery device according to claim 2.

4. The surrounding portion has an upper baffle that is positioned to surround the lower baffle, forming a radial gap between it and the lower baffle, and forming an axial gap between it and the wall that partitions the lower side of the recovery area. The drainage recovery device according to claim 2.

5. The lower end of the upper baffle is curved so as to protrude inward. The drainage recovery device according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned encircling portion is, Another lower baffle is positioned to surround the upper baffle, forming a radial gap between it and the upper baffle, and forming an axial gap between it and the wall that partitions the upper part of the recovery area, and Another upper baffle is positioned to surround the other lower baffle, forming a radial gap between it and the other lower baffle, and forming an axial gap between it and the wall that partitions the lower side of the recovery area. has The drainage recovery device according to claim 4.

7. The upper end of the aforementioned lower baffle is curved so as to protrude inward. The drainage recovery device according to claim 6.

8. The lower end of the aforementioned upper baffle is curved so as to protrude inward. The drainage recovery device according to claim 6.

9. An air outlet is provided in the annular portion that forms the insertion region, and blows air from multiple directions toward the inner circumference of the annular portion. It also has, The drainage recovery device according to claim 1.

10. The air outlet blows air toward the inner circumference of the annular portion in a direction that is tilted downward by 20° or more from the horizontal direction. The drainage recovery device according to claim 9.

11. A cleaning fluid spray unit is provided in the annular portion forming the insertion area, and sprays cleaning fluid from multiple directions toward the inner circumference of the annular portion. It also has, The drainage recovery device according to claim 1.

12. A cleaning fluid spraying unit is provided on the inner circumference of the annular portion that forms the lower part of the insertion area, and sprays cleaning fluid toward the upper part. It also has, The drainage recovery device according to claim 1.

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