Powder coating system

Abstract

Powder coating system (1) which comprises: • - at least one container body (2) adapted to contain at least one powder paint (3) for painting artifacts; • - at least one draught station (5) provided with draught means (6) at least partly insertable within the container body (2) to extract the paint (3) and with at least one pumping line (7) associated with the draught means (6) and adapted to convey the paint (3) extracted from the latter towards dispensing means of the paint itself for painting the artifacts; • - movement means (11) of the container body (2) between at least one work position, wherein it is placed where the draught station (5) is located, occupying it, and at least one intermediate position, wherein it is moved away from the draught station (5), releasing it; • - displacement means (13) of the draught means (6) between at least one draught position, wherein they are at least partly inserted within the container body (2) arranged in the work position, and at least one extracted position, wherein they are arranged outside of the container body (2).

Description

[0001] POWDER COATING SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a powder coating system.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] A wide variety of coating systems are known to be employed to draw powder paint contained within special container bodies and then to convey it into a booth used for coating artifacts.

[0006] For this purpose, known systems make use of special draught means that are fitted within the container body to extract the paint therefrom.

[0007] The paint, once extracted, is conveyed along a special pumping line towards one or more dispensing guns which allow one or more artifacts housed within the spraying booth to be coated.

[0008] It frequently happens, however, that it is necessary to replace the paint, for example, with another of a different color, depending on the coating needs.

[0009] Therefore, known systems employ movable draught means which can be quickly extracted from one container body to be inserted within a different container body, e.g. containing a paint of a different color.

[0010] Thus, this type of devices allows the paint used during coating operations to be changed.

[0011] However, the new container must be specially prepared and loaded before it can receive the draught means.

[0012] Such operations require long lead times and are very complex, resulting in long periods of downtime when coating stops while waiting for the container change to take place, i.e., the so-called “color change”.

[0013] To overcome this problem, some systems make use of two loading stations, each pre-loaded with a corresponding container.

[0014] In this way, the color change takes place by shifting the draught means between the two loading stations.

[0015] In addition, while a container is being used for coating, one or more skilled operators can take care of the preparation and loading of the replacement container which, in this way, is already preloaded and ready for use if a color change is required.

[0016] However, even this solution has some drawbacks.

[0017] In particular, the movement of the draught means is very complex.

[0018] In fact, such movement involves vertical movement to extract the draught means from a first container, horizontal movement to bring the draught means to a second container and further vertical movement to move the draught means within the second container.

[0019] Such movement is further complicated if the system requires pumping means, e.g. Venturi pumps, mounted directly on the draught means, thus increasing their overall dimensions and weight.

[0020] In fact, in this case, it is complex, risky and energy demanding to move non- negligible masses and volumes, such as those of the draught means, in confined spaces.

[0021] In addition, the systems of known type do have limited functionality.

[0022] In fact, known systems only allow for the automation of the processes aimed at color change, thus requiring one or more skilled operators to take care of other operations necessary for the proper operation of the system, such as e.g. preparing and loading the replacement container.

[0023] This drawback is particularly felt in applications requiring frequent and fast color changes, where preparation and preloading of the replacement container must be equally rapid to ensure reduced downtime.

[0024] Therefore, these drawbacks significantly limit the functionality of the systems of known type and make them unsuitable for performing color change operations quickly.

[0025] Description of the Invention

[0026] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a powder coating system that allows the paint used for coating operations to be changed easily, simply and quickly.

[0027] A further object of the present invention is to devise a powder coating system with increased functionality compared to the systems of known type.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to devise a powder coating system which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0029] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this system having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0030] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this process having the characteristics of claim 10.

[0031] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive embodiment of a powder coating system, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example in the accompanying tables of drawings wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 is a front schematic view of the system according to the invention;

[0033] Figures 2-5 are front schematic views of some parts of the system in different configurations according to the invention;

[0034] Figure 6 is an axonometric schematic view of a possible, but not exclusive embodiment of the system according to the invention.

[0035] Embodiments of the Invention

[0036] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a powder coating system.

[0037] The powder coating system 1 comprises at least one container body 2 adapted to contain at least one powder paint 3 for coating artifacts.

[0038] Advantageously, the container body 2 defines at least one access opening 4 facing, in use, upwards and adapted to provide access to the contents of the container body 2.

[0039] According to the invention, the system 1 comprises at least one draught station 5 provided with draught means 6 at least partly insertable within the container body 2 to extract the paint 3 and with at least one pumping line 7 associated with the draught means 6 and adapted to convey the paint 3 extracted from the latter towards dispensing means of the paint itself for coating the artifacts. It cannot be ruled out that the system 1 may comprise dispensing means, not shown in the figures, connected to the pumping line 7.

[0040] Specifically, the draught means 6 are configured to extract the paint 3 contained within the container body 2 and to convey it along the pumping line 7.

[0041] In more detail, the system 1 comprises at least one pumping assembly 8, operationally connected to the draught means 6 and configured to extract the paint 3 from the container body 2 and to convey it along the pumping line 7.

[0042] In other words, the pumping assembly 8 is configured to suck the paint 3 contained within the container 2 and to convey it towards the paint dispensing means for coating the artifacts.

[0043] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the draught means 6 may be configured to blow pressurized air outside them, e.g. by means of the pumping assembly 8.

[0044] In fact, it cannot be ruled out that the pumping assembly 8 may be configured to reverse its operation so as to blow air out of the draught means 6.

[0045] Preferably, the pumping assembly 8 comprises at least one or more Venturi-type pumps.

[0046] Conveniently, the draught means 6 comprise at least one closure body 9 adapted to close, preferably hermetically, the container body 2.

[0047] In addition, the draught means 6 comprise one or more draught bodies 10 associated with the closure body 9 and adapted, in use, to convey the paint outside the latter.

[0048] Preferably, the draught body 10 protrudes cantilevered from the closure body 9, so as to extend, in use, within the container body 2.

[0049] Advantageously, the draught means 6 comprises the pumping assembly 8. Specifically, the pumping assembly 8 is mounted on the closure body 9. Preferably, the pumping assembly 8 is arranged, in use, outside the container body 2.

[0050] Further embodiments of the system 1 cannot, however, be ruled out, wherein the draught means 6 do not comprise the pumping assembly 8 and wherein the latter is of the dense phase type and is arranged, preferably in a fixed position, along the pumping line 7. According to the invention, the system 1 comprises movement means 11 for moving the container body 2 between at least one work position, wherein it is placed where the draught station 5 is located, thus occupying it, and at least one intermediate position, wherein it is moved away from the draught station 5, thus releasing it.

[0051] In particular, the movement means 11 comprise at least one guiding assembly 12 along which the container body 2 is coupled, preferably in a removable maimer. In more detail, the movement means 11 comprise at least one actuator assembly, not shown in the figures, configured to move the container body 2 along the guiding assembly 12.

[0052] Preferably, the guiding assembly 12 comprises one or more rails along which the container body 2 is movable.

[0053] According to the invention, the system 1 comprises displacement means 13 of the draught means 6 between at least one draught position, wherein they are at least partly inserted within the container body 2 arranged at the work position, and at least one extracted position, wherein they are arranged outside the container body 2.

[0054] Specifically, at the draught position, the closure body 9 closes the access opening 4 and the draught body 10 is arranged within the container body 2.

[0055] Conveniently, the system 1 comprises cleaning means 14 coupleable to the draught means 6 in a removable manner in order to clean them of the residual paint 3 within them.

[0056] In addition, the displacement means 13 are configured to move the draught means 6 between the draught position and at least one extracted cleaning position, wherein they are moved close to the cleaning means 14, coupling thereto.

[0057] Specifically, at the external cleaning position, the cleaning means 14 are configured to blow pressurized air within the draught means 6 and / or the pumping line 7 in order to remove any residual paint 3 therefrom.

[0058] Further embodiments of the system 1 cannot however be ruled out, wherein the cleaning means 14 may be configured to receive the paint coming from the draught means 6. For example, it cannot be ruled out that the cleaning means 14 may comprise a container to receive the paint.

[0059] Specifically, in this case, at the external cleaning position, the draught means 6 are configured to blow within the cleaning means 14 the residual powder inside the draught means themselves and / or inside the pumping line 7.

[0060] Preferably, in this embodiment, the pumping assembly 8 is of the dense phase type.

[0061] Conveniently, the displacement means 13 are configured to move the draught means 6 between the draught position and an elevated external position, wherein they are moved superiorly away from the container body 2 and extracted outside the latter.

[0062] In other words, the displacement means 13 are configured to lower the draught means 6 inside the container body 2 to the draught position and to lift the draught means 6 outside the container body 2 to the extracted overhead position.

[0063] Specifically, the container body 2 is moved between the work position and the intermediate position when the draught means 6 are at the extracted overhead position.

[0064] In more detail, at least where the draught station 5 is located, the movement means 11 are configured to move the container body 2 transversely, preferably horizontally, from the direction of insertion of the draught means 6 within the container body 2.

[0065] Therefore, at the draught position, the draught means 6 block the movement of the container body 2.

[0066] Preferably, the movement means 11 move the container body substantially horizontally.

[0067] Advantageously, the displacement means 13 are configured to move the draught means 6 forward and backward along a vertical direction of displacement A between the draught position and the external position.

[0068] Preferably, the displacement means 13 are configured to move the draught means 6 vertically along the straight direction of displacement A in a rectilinear maimer. Specifically, the container body 2, at the work position, and the cleaning means 14 are arranged along the direction of displacement A. In addition, the draught means 6 are arranged at the external cleaning position when the container body 2 is at the intermediate position.

[0069] Specifically, the draught means 6 are movable between the external overhead position and the external cleaning position when the container body 2 is at the intermediate position.

[0070] In fact, at the work position, the container body 2 overhangs the cleaning means 14 and blocks the vertical path of the draught means 6, along the direction of displacement A, to reach the cleaning means 14 to the external cleaning position. In other words, the cleaning means 14 are arranged below the draught means 6, along the direction of displacement A.

[0071] Preferably, the displacement means 13 are configured to move the draught means 6 vertically only.

[0072] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises at least one discharge station 18 configured to discharge any residual paint 3 within the container body 2.

[0073] In addition, the movement means 11 are configured to move the container body 2 between the work position and at least one intermediate discharge position, where they are arranged where the discharge station 18 is located, thus occupying it.

[0074] Specifically, the discharge station 18 is configured to discharge the container body 2 in an automated maimer.

[0075] In more detail, the discharge station 18 comprises a discharge container 19 and is configured to convey the residual powder 3 within the container body 2 into the discharge container 19.

[0076] Conveniently, the system 1 comprises at least one cleaning station 15 configured to clean the container body 2 from the residual paint 3 within it.

[0077] In addition, the movement means 11 are configured to move the container body 2 between the work position and at least one intermediate cleaning position, wherein they are arranged where the cleaning station 15 is located, thus occupying it.

[0078] In particular, the cleaning station 15 is configured to clean the container body in an automated manner. In more detail, the cleaning station 15 comprises a cleaning assembly 17 e.g. insertable within the container body 2 in a movable maimer and / or coupleable to the container body 2 in a removable manner to clean it of the residual paint 3 within them.

[0079] Preferably, the cleaning assembly is configured to blow pressurized air within the container body 2 in order to remove any residual paint 3 therefrom.

[0080] Preferably, the cleaning station 15 comprises a cleaning chamber, not shown in the figures, housing, in use, the container body 2 to be cleaned.

[0081] Specifically, the cleaning chamber is provided with opening and closure means configured to open the chamber itself, so as to allow the entry and exit of the container body 2 from the latter, and to close the chamber itself, so as to prevent any residual paint 3 from being released outside the chamber, e.g. during the cleaning operations of the container body 2.

[0082] In more detail, the cleaning station 15 comprises intake means, not shown in the figures, configured to suck in the paint 3, e.g. during the cleaning operations of the container body 2.

[0083] Appropriately, the intake means are arranged within and / or in the proximity of the cleaning chamber.

[0084] In addition, it cannot be ruled out that the cleaning assembly 17 and the intake means may be arranged within and / or in the proximity of the cleaning chamber. Advantageously, the system 1 comprises at least one replenishment station 16 configured to replenish the container body 2 with the paint 3.

[0085] In addition, the movement means 11 are configured to move the container body 2 between the work position and at least one intermediate replenishment position, wherein they are arranged where the replenishment station 16 is located, thus occupying it.

[0086] Specifically, the replenishment station 16 is configured to replenish the container body 2 with the paint 3 in an automated manner.

[0087] In more detail, the replenishment station 16 comprises a replenishment container 20 containing the paint 3 to be conveyed within the container body 2 and is configured to convey the paint 3 from the replenishment container 20 within the container body 2.

[0088] Preferably, the replenishment body is coupleable to the container body 2 in a removable maimer to place the paint 3 therein.

[0089] It cannot be ruled out that at least one of the discharge station 18, the cleaning station 15 or the replenishment station 16 comprises at least one plug body, not shown in the figures, configured to open and close, preferably hermetically, the access opening 4 so as to open and close the container body 2.

[0090] In this way, the plug body closes the access opening 4, e.g., when discharging, cleaning or replenishing the container body 2 to reduce any possible spillage of the paint 3 into the environment.

[0091] Conveniently, the movement means 11 are configured to move the container body 2 along a movement path B which is closed in a loop.

[0092] In this way, the movement means 11 move the container body 2 in a circle along the movement path B.

[0093] Specifically, the draught station 5 is arranged along the movement path B.

[0094] Preferably, the cleaning station 15, the replenishment station 16 and / or the discharge station 18 are arranged along the movement path B.

[0095] In this way, the movement means 11 move the container body 2 in a sequence between one or more stations 5, 15, 16, 18.

[0096] Preferably, the movement means 11 are configured to move the container body 2 along the direction of movement in a way of forward movement.

[0097] Specifically, one of either the cleaning station 15 or the replenishment station 16 is arranged subsequently to the draught station 5 in the way of forward movement. In more detail, the replenishment station 16 is arranged subsequently to the cleaning station 15 in the way of forward movement.

[0098] Appropriately, the cleaning station 15 is arranged subsequently to the discharge station 18.

[0099] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the movement means 11 may be configured to move the container body 2 along a backward direction, which is substantially opposite and contrary to the direction of forward movement.

[0100] It cannot also be ruled out that the system 1 may comprise a plurality of cleaning stations 15, replenishment stations 16 and / or discharge stations 18, e.g. arranged along one or more of the movement paths B.

[0101] Conveniently, the system 1 comprises a plurality of container bodies 2 movable, alternating with each other, between the work position and the intermediate position by means of the movement means 11.

[0102] In addition, the draught means 6 are movable between a plurality of different draught configurations, in each of which a different container body 2 is at the work position.

[0103] In other words, one or more container bodies 2, one at a time, are moved cyclically to the work position.

[0104] Specifically, at least one of either the container bodies 2 is at the work position with the draught means 6 at the draught position or at the external cleaning position while another of the container bodies 2 is either at the intermediate discharge position, at the intermediate cleaning position or at the intermediate replenishment position.

[0105] In other words, while one container body 2 is at the work position to supply the pumping line 7 with the paint 3 needed to coat an artifact or while the draught means 6 are at the external cleaning position to be cleaned, another container body 2 is at the intermediate discharge position, at the intermediate cleaning position or at the intermediate replenishment position to be discharged, cleaned and replenished with the paint 3, respectively.

[0106] Further embodiments of the system 1 cannot be ruled out, such as the one shown in Figure 6, wherein the movement means 11 may be configured to move the container bodies 2 along different movement paths B, preferably two.

[0107] In addition, it cannot be ruled out that the system 1 comprises a draught station 6 that receives one or more container bodies 2, in an alternating manner, moved along each movement path B.

[0108] In addition, the system 1 comprises, arranged along each movement path B, at least one discharge station 18, one cleaning station 15 and / or one replenishment station 16.

[0109] In this way, several container bodies 2 are simultaneously movable along different movement paths B between different intermediate positions.

[0110] Preferably, in this embodiment, the movement means 11 move, in an alternating manner, the container bodies 2 movable along different movement paths B at the work position.

[0111] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a coating process comprising at least the phases of: providing at least one system 1; coating comprising at least one step of movement of the container body 2 to the work position and at least one step of displacement of the draught means 6 to the draught position; displacement of the draught means 6 to the external position; movement of the container body 2 to the intermediate position.

[0112] Preferably, one or more of the technical characteristics of the system 1 described above are also meant to apply to the system 1 described with reference to the process.

[0113] Preferably, the phases and steps of the process are carried out in an automated or semi-automated way through the system 1.

[0114] Specifically, the phases and steps of displacement are carried out by means of the displacement means 13 and the phases and steps of movement are carried out through the movement means.

[0115] Advantageously, the process comprises a cleaning phase of the draught means 6 that comprises a step of displacement of the draught means to the external cleaning position, preferably as a result of the execution of the coating phase.

[0116] Specifically, the cleaning phase of the draught means 6 comprises at least one step of displacement of the draught means 6 from the external overhead position to the external cleaning position.

[0117] In more detail, the switch between the coating phase and the cleaning phase of the draught means 6 comprises a step of displacement of the draught means 6 from the draught position to the external overhead position.

[0118] Advantageously, the process comprises at least one phase of discharging the container body 2 comprising at least one step of moving the container body 2 to the intermediate discharge position.

[0119] Conveniently, the process comprises at least one phase of cleaning the container body 2 comprising at least one step of moving the container body 2 to the intermediate cleaning position.

[0120] Conveniently, the process comprises at least one phase of replenishment of the container body 2 comprising at least one step of moving the container body 2 to the intermediate replenishment position.

[0121] In addition, the replenishment phase comprises a step of replenishing the container body 2 with a paint 3.

[0122] In particular, the switch between the coating phase and the discharge phase, the cleaning phase or the replenishment phase comprises a step of displacement of the draught means 6 from the draught position to the external overhead position. Conveniently, the discharge phase, the cleaning phase or the replenishment phase is carried out as a result of the coating phase.

[0123] Preferably, the discharge phase is carried out prior to the cleaning phase. Preferably, the replenishment phase is carried out following the cleaning phase. Conveniently, the process involves carrying out a plurality of coating phases, where, e.g., one or more of these phases are carried out with different container bodies 2.

[0124] Preferably, the process involves carrying out a discharge phase and / or a cleaning phase of the draught means 6 between the execution of two successive coating phases, e.g. when such coating phases involve the use of paints 3 with different colors.

[0125] Advantageously, the coating phase with a container body 2 or the cleaning phase of the draught means 6 is carried out in conjunction with the execution of a discharge phase of an additional container body 2, a cleaning phase of another container body 2 and / or a replenishment phase of an additional container body 2. It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0126] In particular, the fact is emphasized that the movement means of the container body and the displacement means of the draught means allow for quickly changing the paint used for the coating operations.

[0127] In addition, the movement means of the container body and the displacement means of the draught means allow for significantly increased system functionalities compared to the systems of known type.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Powder coating system (1), comprising: at least one container body (2) adapted to contain at least one powder paint (3) for painting artifacts; at least one draught station (5) provided with draught means (6) at least partly insertable within said container body (2) to extract the paint (3) and with at least one pumping line (7) associated with said draught means (6) and adapted to convey the paint (3) extracted from the latter towards dispensing means of the paint itself for painting the artifacts; characterized by the fact that it comprises: movement means (11) of said container body (2) between at least one work position, wherein it is placed where said draught station (5) is located, occupying it, and at least one intermediate position, wherein it is moved away from said draught station (5), releasing it; displacement means (13) of said draught means (6) between at least one draught position, wherein they are at least partly inserted within said container body (2) arranged in said work position, and at least one extracted position, wherein they are arranged outside of said container body (2).2) System (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises cleaning means (14), coupleable to said draught means (6) in a removable maimer to clean them of the residual paint (3) within them and by the fact that said displacement means (13) are configured to move said draught means (6) between said draught position and at least one extracted cleaning position, wherein they are moved close to said cleaning means (14), coupling to the same.3) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said displacement means (13) are configured to move said draught means (6) forward and backward along a vertical direction of displacement (A) between said draught position and said external position.4) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said container body (2), in said work position, and said cleaning means (14) are arranged along said direction of displacement (A) and by the factthat said draught means (6) are in said external cleaning position when said container body (2) is in said intermediate position.5) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one cleaning station (15) configured to clean said container body (2) from the residual paint (3) within it and by the fact that said movement means (11) are configured to move said container body (2) between said work position and at least one intermediate cleaning position, wherein they are arranged where said cleaning station (15) is located, occupying it.6) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one replenishment station (16) configured to replenish said container body (2) with the paint (3) and by the fact that said movement means (11) are configured to move said container body (2) between said work position and at least one intermediate replenishment position, wherein they are arranged where said replenishment station (16) is located, occupying it.7) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said movement means (11) are configured to move said container body (2) along a movement path (B) which is closed in a loop.8) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of container bodies (2) movable, alternating with each other, between said work position and said intermediate position by means of said movement means (11) and by the fact that said draught means (6) are movable between a plurality of different draught configurations, in each of which a different container body (2) is in said work position.9) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of either said container bodies (2) is in said work position with said draught means (6) in said draught position or said draught means (6) are in said external cleaning position while another of said container bodies (2) is either in said intermediate replenishment position or in said intermediate cleaning position.10) Painting process comprising at least the phases of: providing at least one system (1) according to one or more of the precedingclaims; painting comprising at least one step of movement of said container body (2) to said work position and at least one step of displacement of said draught means (6) to said draught position; displacement of said draught means (6) to said external position; movement of said container body (2) to said intermediate position.

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