Operating method and application device for checking whether an add-on component is correctly, incorrectly or not mounted

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating method for an application device (3) for applying an application medium to a part (100), preferably a motor vehicle body part and / or an add-on part for same, wherein an add-on component (5) can be mounted on an interface (20) of the application device (3). The operating method comprises in particular the step of checking, in particular automatically checking, whether the add-on component (5) is correctly, incorrectly or not mounted on the interface (20). The invention also relates to a corresponding application device.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Operating procedure and application device for checking whether an attachment component is correctly, incorrectly or not mounted.

[0003] The invention relates to an operating method for an application device, preferably an atomizer (e.g., a rotary atomizer), for applying an application agent (e.g., a coating agent such as, in particular, paint) to a component, for example, a motor vehicle body component and / or an attachment thereto, wherein an attachment component can be mounted at an interface of the application device. The invention also relates to a corresponding application device.

[0004] WO 2023 020819 Al discloses an operating method for an atomizer for painting components (e.g. motor vehicle body components) with a paint, comprising the steps: robot-assisted painting using the atomizer, wherein an electrode arrangement (e.g. an external charging ring) is mounted on the atomizer, and replacement of the electrode arrangement with another electrode arrangement.

[0005] Due to the exchange of the electrode assemblies, it is possible that an electrode assembly is incorrectly mounted on the atomizer (e.g., not securely and / or with incorrect orientation, especially crooked) or that the assembly fails completely, so that the electrode assembly is not mounted on the atomizer at all.

[0006] A particular disadvantage is that errors relating to the electrode arrangement are usually detected relatively late, namely only after a robot carrying the atomizer has already become active and / or after the high voltage of the electrode arrangement has already been switched on. Furthermore, the detection of an error usually does not allow for immediate conclusions as to what exactly caused the error, so that it cannot always be unequivocally concluded that it was an assembly error with regard to an incorrectly mounted electrode arrangement. Another disadvantage is that an assembly error is likely to result in increased self-contamination in the interface area. An object of the invention is to provide an operating method and an application device in which operational and / or production interruptions caused by replaceable, especially incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all (e.g.,The time required can be reduced if (missing) attachment components are found on an application device.

[0007] This task can be solved using the features of independent claims.

[0008] The invention relates to an operating method for an application device (e.g. an applicator) for applying an application agent to a component, preferably a motor vehicle body component and / or an attachment part therefor, wherein an attachment component can be mounted on an interface of the application device.

[0009] The application device is preferably an atomizer, for example a rotary atomizer.

[0010] The attachment component can preferably be mounted at the interface by means of at least one of the following: a pneumatic clamping device, a magnetic contact, wherein optionally the high voltage (e.g. for external charging of the application medium and / or for at least one high-voltage electrode) is also supplied via the magnetic contact, a plug-and-turn connection, a clip connection, a plug connection, optionally in combination with a pneumatic clamping device and / or with unlocking by pneumatic support, and / or a thread.

[0011] The application medium is preferably paint or, more generally, a coating medium.

[0012] The operating procedure includes, in particular, the step of checking and preferably determining whether the attachment component is correctly mounted at the interface, or incorrectly mounted (e.g., not securely and / or not correctly aligned, e.g., crooked), or not mounted at all (in particular, missing). This check and determination is preferably performed automatically. If, for example, it is determined that the attachment component is not mounted at the interface and is therefore missing, the mounting process for the attachment component has failed completely.

[0013] A particular advantage of this is that the inspection and appropriate determination can be carried out, for example, during the assembly process and / or immediately after the assembly of the add-on component. The inspection and appropriate determination can thus preferably be performed at an early stage, thereby shortening any potential operational and / or production interruption that would be caused by an incorrectly assembled or not assembled (especially missing) add-on component. Alternatively or additionally, a particular advantage is that the inspection and appropriate determination allows, for example, a direct conclusion to be drawn regarding an incorrectly assembled or not assembled (especially missing) add-on component.

[0014] It is possible that the component (e.g., by a robot) is placed in a storage station and that camera monitoring is provided. This camera monitoring is configured to check whether the component is correctly or incorrectly (e.g., at an angle) placed in the storage station. For example, if the component is incorrectly (e.g., at an angle) placed, a collision could occur if a robot attempts to pick it up from the storage station.

[0015] It is possible that the attachment component is an external charging ring for externally charging the application medium. The external charging ring can preferably have at least one high-voltage electrode, particularly for externally charging the application medium.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the attachment component can be, for example, a protective cover for the interface or a handling tool for handling a motor vehicle body component and / or an attachment for it.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the replacement of one component, preferably an automated replacement (e.g., robot-assisted), with another component (e.g., of the same or different type) can be carried out. For example, a component can be automatically placed (e.g., in a storage station) and / or automatically picked up (e.g., from the storage station). For example, one external charging ring can be replaced with another. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for an external charging ring to be expediently replaced by a protective cover and / or a handling tool, or vice versa.

[0018] The inspection can, for example, be a pneumatic inspection. This allows for particularly straightforward compliance with explosion protection regulations.

[0019] The verification can, for example, be based on at least one pneumatic signal.

[0020] The at least one pneumatic signal can preferably include pneumatic pressure (e.g., dynamic pressure) and / or pneumatic pressure change (e.g., of the dynamic pressure).

[0021] At least one pneumatic signal can, for example, generate a measurable pressure, in particular a dynamic pressure. The dynamic pressure can preferably be generated at a pressure measuring device and / or the interface. At least one measurement and / or verification value from the pressure measuring device can be used to check and / or determine whether the attached component is correctly, incorrectly, or not mounted at all at the interface.

[0022] In the context of the invention, the feature "pneumatic" preferably includes air, in particular compressed air. However, in the context of the invention, the feature "pneumatic" can also include, for example, a gas other than air (e.g., compressed gas).

[0023] The at least one pneumatic signal can be detected and appropriately measured, in particular by means of a pressure measuring device.

[0024] The pressure measuring device is preferably configured to detect the at least one pneumatic signal and to provide at least one measurement and / or verification value (e.g., at least one pressure value), wherein the at least one measurement and / or verification value can be used to check and / or determine whether the attachment component is correctly mounted at the interface, incorrectly mounted, or not mounted at all.

[0025] The pressure measuring device can, for example, be a pressure monitoring device and / or preferably a pressure sensor, or at least comprise a pressure sensor. The pressure measuring device can, for example, be located outside the application device, on a robot, or outside a paint booth.

[0026] It is possible that (especially by means of the pressure measuring device) a substantially constant pressure (especially dynamic pressure) is detected when the attachment component is correctly mounted, and / or (especially by means of the pressure measuring device) a reduced pressure (e.g. a pressure drop, especially of dynamic pressure) is detected when the attachment component is incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all.

[0027] The at least one pneumatic signal can, for example, be accumulated by means of the attachment component (preferably at the interface) and preferably generate a back pressure, for example between the attachment component and the pressure measuring device.

[0028] For example, it is possible that the interface for the at least one pneumatic signal (e.g., the pressure, in particular the dynamic pressure) is essentially pneumatically sealed if the add-on component is correctly mounted. In this case, the at least one pneumatic signal can preferably be pressurized at the interface by means of the add-on component.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the interface for the at least one pneumatic signal (e.g., the pressure, in particular the dynamic pressure) can be essentially pneumatically leaky if the attachment component is incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all, so that, for example, the at least one pneumatic signal (e.g., the pressure, in particular the dynamic pressure) can escape at least partially to the outside via the interface and / or can only be present and / or measured to a reduced extent (e.g., in terms of its pressure and / or quantity) at the pressure measuring device.

[0030] It is possible that at least one pneumatic signal (e.g., pressure, especially back pressure) will only be present and / or measurable to a substantially full extent (e.g., in terms of its pressure and / or quantity) at the pressure measuring device if the attached component is correctly mounted. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that at least one pneumatic signal (e.g., pressure, especially back pressure) may escape at least partially via the interface if the attached component is incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all, so that, for example, at least one pneumatic signal will only be present and / or measurable to a reduced extent (e.g., in terms of its pressure and / or quantity) at the pressure measuring device.

[0031] The application device may preferably include a (particularly pneumatic) conduit system for at least one pneumatic signal.

[0032] The at least one pneumatic signal can preferably be routed to the interface via the piping system, wherein the pressure measuring device can expediently be connected to the piping system, in particular pneumatically.

[0033] The cable system can, for example, comprise a first channel and / or a second channel, with the first channel and / or the second channel potentially terminating at the interface. The cable system can optionally also have more than two channels, for example, at least three or at least four channels.

[0034] It is possible that the first channel and the second channel branch off from a common channel, so that preferably the at least one pneumatic signal can be conveniently split into the first channel and the second channel.

[0035] The pressure measuring device can, for example, be connected to the common channel. Alternatively or additionally, the common channel can preferably be connected to a pressure generating device for generating network pressure and / or at least one pneumatic signal. For example, the pressure generated by the pressure generating device can be regulated and / or stabilized by means of a throttle.

[0036] It is possible that the first channel and / or the second channel each terminates in the interface via at least one opening. It is possible that the at least one opening can be closed by an attachment component, particularly one that is correctly installed, so that preferably the at least one pneumatic signal cannot escape.

[0037] At least one of the mouth openings can therefore preferably serve as a measuring point.

[0038] A correctly installed component can thus preferably serve as a seal for the at least one outlet opening and / or for the at least one pneumatic signal. The piping system, the first channel and / or the second channel can preferably terminate at the interface and can, for example, be pneumatically connected to the interface. The piping system, the first channel and / or the second channel can preferably extend within the application device.

[0039] In the context of the invention, a dynamic pressure can preferably be generated by means of at least one pneumatic signal (in particular at the pressure measuring device and / or at the interface), the pressure drop of which is essentially zero when the attachment component is correctly mounted and / or does not exceed a (predefinitely predefined) threshold value when the attachment component is correctly mounted, and / or exceeds a (predefinitely predefined) threshold value when the attachment component is incorrectly mounted or not mounted.

[0040] This implies, for example: A very low pressure drop and / or essentially no pressure drop may correspond in particular to a correctly mounted attachment component and / or a high pressure drop may correspond in particular to an incorrectly mounted or not mounted (e.g. missing) attachment component.

[0041] The network and / or test pressure can be, for example, between 1 and 8 bar, preferably at least 6 bar and / or a maximum of 8 bar.

[0042] The application device can, for example, be subjected to pneumatic network pressure (e.g., total pressure), and at least one pneumatic signal can be conveniently generated by the network pressure.

[0043] To generate at least one pneumatic signal and / or the network pressure, a pressure generating device (e.g. a compressor) can be conveniently provided.

[0044] The network pressure can also be used, for example, to drive a turbine of the application device, to switch valves of the application device and / or the robot, to generate air jets for a cleaning device and / or to create a guided air flow to shape the application agent.

[0045] It is possible that the verification and appropriate determination are based on at least one measured and / or verified value from at least one sensor. The at least one sensor can, for example, be mounted on the application device, preferably opposite the interface, in particular to detect the attached component (preferably indirectly and / or directly). However, the at least one sensor can also be located, for example, outside and / or at a distance from the application device, mounted on a robot, and / or located outside a paint booth (e.g., in a material supply area).

[0046] The at least one sensor can preferably be mounted at least partially or completely in the application device.

[0047] The at least one sensor can, for example, include at least one electrical, mechanical and / or magnetic-inductive sensor.

[0048] The verification and appropriate determination of whether the attachment component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface, or is not mounted at all, can preferably be based on at least one measurement and / or verification value from a measuring device (e.g., the pressure measuring device and / or the at least one sensor).

[0049] It is possible that the verification and / or determination of whether the attachment component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface, or is not mounted at all, takes place before an application process using the application device and / or before activation of the attachment component (in particular, at least one high-voltage electrode of the external charging ring).

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the application process using the application device and / or the activation of the attachment component can only be carried out, for example, if a correctly mounted attachment component is confirmed by means of the inspection.

[0051] It is possible that a control device, particularly an electronic one (preferably with or without feedback), is provided.

[0052] The control device can preferably be a control device for controlling the application device, for controlling the attachment component, and / or for controlling a robot carrying the application device. Control can be performed, for example, with or without feedback. The control device can, in particular, be configured to control the operating procedure as discussed herein (advantageously with or without feedback).

[0053] The control device can, for example, be connected to a measuring device (e.g., the pressure measuring device and / or the at least one sensor) and be configured to check and / or determine, based on at least one measurement and / or verification value from the measuring device, whether the attached component is correctly mounted, incorrectly mounted, or not mounted at the interface.

[0054] Preferably, the control device can be configured to appropriately control the application device, the attachment component and / or a robot carrying the application device, depending on whether the attachment component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface or is not mounted at all.

[0055] The control device can, for example, also be set up to perform the check in time before an application process using the application device and / or in time before activation of the attachment component, and / or to only perform an application process using the application device and / or an activation of the attachment component (e.g. the high-voltage electrode of the external charging ring) if a correctly mounted attachment component is detected by means of the check.

[0056] In the context of the invention, it is possible, for example, for the control device to be configured to evaluate at least one measurement and / or verification value from the measuring device (e.g., the pressure measuring device and / or the at least one sensor) (e.g., to compare it with at least one stored value) and to expediently check and / or determine whether the add-on component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface, or not mounted at all. Thus, it is possible, for example, for the control device to first evaluate the at least one measurement and / or verification value and, based on this, to check and / or determine whether the add-on component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface, or not mounted at all. This can be done, for example, by the control device acquiring the at least one pneumatic signal in the form of a dynamic pressure and comparing it with a setpoint deviation.Alternatively or additionally, in the context of the invention, it is possible, for example, that the control device is provided with at least one measurement and / or verification value by means of the measuring device (e.g., the pressure measuring device and / or the at least one sensor), wherein the at least one measurement and / or verification value already indicates whether the attached component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface, or not mounted at all. The at least one measurement and / or verification value can thus already indicate, as a result of the investigation, whether the attached component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface, or not mounted at all.Thus, for example, it is possible for the control device to check and / or determine, based solely on a determination result already available by means of at least one measurement and / or verification value, whether the attachment component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface or is not mounted at all.

[0057] The verification and / or determination of whether the attachment component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface or not mounted at all can, in the context of the invention, for example (advantageously directly) be carried out by means of the measuring device (e.g. by means of the pressure measuring device and / or by means of at least one sensor) and / or (advantageously indirectly) by means of the control device.

[0058] The control device can be configured in particular to control the application device, the attachment component and / or a robot carrying the application device, in particular depending on at least one measured and / or verified value and / or depending on whether the attachment component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface or is not mounted at all.

[0059] The control device can, for example, be configured to continue or start a work process for applying an application agent to the component when the attachment component is correctly mounted at the interface. For example, the attachment component can be activated (e.g., a high-voltage electrode of the external charging ring can be activated), the application of the application agent can be started using the application device, and / or a robot carrying the application device can be set in motion for the work process of applying the application agent to the component.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can, for example, be set up to interrupt a work process for applying an application agent to the component and / or to control the disassembly of the attachment component and the reassembly of the attachment component or another (e.g. identical or different) attachment component at the interface if the attachment component is incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all at the interface.

[0061] The invention also relates to an application device, in particular for carrying out an operating method as disclosed herein.

[0062] The application device can be, for example, a coating system.

[0063] The application device comprises an application unit (e.g. an atomizer, in particular a rotary atomizer) for applying an application agent (e.g. paint) to a component, preferably a motor vehicle body component and / or an attachment therefor.

[0064] The application device has an interface for mounting an attachment component.

[0065] As already mentioned, the attachment component can preferably be mounted at the interface by means of at least one of the following: a pneumatic clamping device, a magnetic contact, optionally also supplying the high voltage via the magnetic contact, a plug-and-turn connection, a clip connection, a plug connection, optionally in combination with a pneumatic clamping device and / or with unlocking by pneumatic support, and / or a thread.

[0066] The application device may include, for example, an electronic control device, in particular for controlling the operating process as disclosed herein.

[0067] The application device is characterized in particular by the fact that the control device is configured to check and / or determine, based on at least one measured and / or verified value (e.g., a pressure value) from a measuring device (e.g., the pressure measuring device and / or the at least one sensor), whether the attached component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface, or is not mounted at all (especially missing). The check and determination are preferably performed automatically.

[0068] For example, if it is determined that the attachment component is not mounted at the interface and is therefore missing, then the assembly process of the attachment component has failed completely.

[0069] The attachment component can, for example, be an external charging ring for externally charging the application medium, wherein the external charging ring can preferably have at least one high-voltage electrode.

[0070] The control device can be configured, for example, to control the replacement, preferably an automated, in particular robot-assisted replacement, of one attachment component by another (e.g. identical or different) attachment component.

[0071] The measuring device may, for example, include a pressure measuring device, in particular for checking and / or measuring at least one pneumatic signal.

[0072] It is possible that the interface, suitable for the at least one pneumatic signal, is essentially pneumatically sealed if the add-on component is correctly mounted. Preferably, the at least one pneumatic signal can be stored at the interface by means of the add-on component.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the interface, suitable for at least one pneumatic signal, is pneumatically leaky if the add-on component is incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all.

[0074] It is possible that at least one pneumatic signal can be accumulated by means of the attachment component and can preferably generate a back pressure, preferably between the attachment component and the pressure measuring device.

[0075] For example, a substantially constant pressure (e.g., dynamic pressure) can be conveniently detected using the pressure measuring device when the attachment component is correctly mounted, and / or a reduced pressure (e.g., a pressure drop, preferably of dynamic pressure) can be detected when the attachment component is incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all. The application device can preferably include a (particularly pneumatic) piping system for the at least one pneumatic signal.

[0076] The piping system can be set up, for example, to direct at least one pneumatic signal to the interface, whereby the pressure measuring device can be expediently connected to the piping system, in particular pneumatically.

[0077] The conduit system can, for example, comprise a first channel and / or a second channel, with the first channel and / or the second channel potentially terminating at the interface. The conduit system can optionally also comprise more than two such channels.

[0078] It is possible that the first channel and the second channel branch off from a common channel, so that preferably the at least one pneumatic signal can be conveniently split into the first channel and the second channel.

[0079] The pressure measuring device can, for example, be connected to the common channel, whereby alternatively or additionally the common channel can be connected to a pressure generating device for generating at least one pneumatic signal and / or for generating a network pressure.

[0080] It is possible that the first channel and / or the second channel each terminates in the interface via at least one opening. For example, the at least one opening can be closed by an attachment component, particularly one that is correctly mounted, so that preferably the at least one pneumatic signal cannot escape.

[0081] A correctly installed attachment component can therefore preferably serve as a seal for the at least one mouth opening and / or for the at least one pneumatic signal.

[0082] The at least one pneumatic signal (preferably a dynamic pressure signal) can preferably only be present and / or measured to a substantially full extent at the pressure measuring device if the attachment component is correctly mounted. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one pneumatic signal can escape at least partially via the interface if the attachment component is incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all. The application device can, for example, include a pressure generating device (e.g., a compressor or a pump) to supply the application device with pneumatic pressure (e.g., mains pressure) and / or to generate the at least one pneumatic signal.

[0083] The pressure generating device is preferably connected to the piping system, preferably to the common channel.

[0084] It is possible that the measuring device includes at least one sensor, for example to detect the attachment component (preferably indirectly and / or directly), e.g. by means of at least one signal (preferably via the interface).

[0085] The at least one sensor can be mounted, for example, on or at least partially or completely inside the application device, preferably opposite the interface.

[0086] The sensor, at least one of which can be located outside and / or at a distance from the application device, mounted on a robot and / or located outside a paint booth (e.g. in a material supply area).

[0087] The at least one sensor can, in particular, comprise at least one electrical, mechanical and / or magnetic-inductive sensor.

[0088] In the context of the invention, in particular a check and / or determination is carried out (advantageously by the control device and / or the measuring device (e.g. the pressure measuring device and / or the at least one sensor)) as to whether the attachment component is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface or is not mounted.

[0089] The operating method can include the step of electrostatically charging the coating material, wherein a high-voltage electrode is charged to a high-voltage level and a corresponding charging current flows through the high-voltage electrode. The charging voltage and / or the charging current of the high-voltage charge are measured. The high-voltage electrode is preferably part of the mounting component, in which case the mounting component can particularly be an external charging ring.

[0090] In the context of the operating procedure, it is possible to determine a state variable (e.g., degree of pollution) of the high-voltage electrode or the application device (e.g., rotary atomizer) from the measured values ​​of charging voltage and / or charging current. This can preferably be automated using artificial intelligence, so that monitoring of the application process (e.g., painting process) by the operating personnel is not absolutely necessary.

[0091] The most important technical and physical insight is that, in the context of the invention, the measured values ​​for charging voltage and charging current of the electrostatic paint charging contain information about a state variable (e.g., degree of contamination) of the high-voltage electrode or the application device (e.g., rotary atomizer) and can preferably be evaluated automatically with the help of artificial intelligence without observation of the application and / or painting process by the operating personnel.

[0092] The terms charging current and / or charging voltage used in the context of the invention preferably refer to actual values ​​of the current and / or voltage of the electrostatic application agent charging (e.g., coating agent charging). These terms are therefore preferably not limited to the charging voltage and / or charging current during the start-up of the electrostatic application agent charging. Rather, these terms preferably also include the current and / or voltage of the electrostatic application agent charging during application operation (e.g., coating operation), i.e., in the started-up state of the electrostatic application agent charging.

[0093] The application agent is preferably a coating agent, in particular a varnish.

[0094] Furthermore, it should be noted that the state variable of interest (e.g., pollution degree) of the high-voltage electrode or the application device (e.g., rotary atomizer) does not necessarily have to be derived directly from the measured values ​​of the charging voltage and / or charging current within the context of the invention. Rather, it is also possible for the state variable of interest (e.g., pollution degree) to be determined from a value derived from the charging current and / or charging voltage. For example, within the context of the invention, it is possible to first calculate the time derivative of the charging voltage and / or charging current, and then determine the state variable of interest (e.g., pollution degree) as a function of this time derivative. Thus, the state variable of interest (e.g., pollution degree) can also be derived indirectly from the measured values ​​of the charging voltage and / or charging current.

[0095] It should be noted that the operating method is preferably used in a paint shop for painting motor vehicle body components and / or attachments with a paint, whereby a rotary atomizer can preferably be used as the application device. However, the invention is not limited to motor vehicle body components and / or attachments with regard to the components to be coated, but can also be implemented in principle for coating other types of components. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to paint with regard to the application / coating agent to be applied, but can also be implemented in principle with other types of application / coating agents. Finally, the invention is not limited to rotary atomizers with regard to the application device to be used, but can also be implemented in principle with other types of applicators (e.g.,Air atomizers, airless, airmix and ultrasonic devices) are feasible.

[0096] It has already been mentioned above that, in the context of the invention, a state variable of the high-voltage electrode or the application device is determined from the measured values ​​of charging voltage and / or charging current of the electrostatic application medium charging.

[0097] This state variable can, for example, be a degree of contamination, which indicates the extent to which the high-voltage electrode or the application device is contaminated by application agent residues ("overspray").

[0098] Alternatively, the determined state variable could be a degree of wetness, indicating how moist the surface of the application device or high-voltage electrode is due to adhering liquid application medium.

[0099] Furthermore, the determined state variable can also be a type identifier that reflects the component type of the high-voltage electrode, in particular to distinguish a mounted external charging ring from a dummy.

[0100] Furthermore, in the context of the invention, it is possible that the determined state variable indicates whether one or more high-voltage electrodes are impaired in their function due to contamination.

[0101] Furthermore, in the context of the invention, it is also possible that the determined state variable indicates how many of several high-voltage electrodes have failed due to contamination, or whether (e.g., many) high-voltage electrodes have failed due to contamination. The above-described possibilities of various state variables that can be derived from the measured values ​​of charging voltage and / or charging current can also be combined with one another; that is, different state variables can be derived from the measured values ​​of charging voltage and / or charging current.

[0102] Furthermore, it should be noted that the determined state variable can be either quantitative or qualitative. For example, the degree of contamination, as a quantitative state variable, can take a value from 0 (completely clean) to 100 (completely contaminated). As a qualitative state variable, however, the degree of contamination can indicate whether the contamination leads to a functional impairment (error flag is set) or not (error flag is not set).

[0103] As mentioned above, the degree of contamination of the high-voltage electrode or the application device (e.g., rotary atomizer) can be derived from the measured values ​​of charging voltage and / or charging current as state variables. The determined degree of contamination can then be compared with a limit value, and a warning signal can be displayed if the determined degree of contamination exceeds the limit value. Furthermore, if the limit value is exceeded, a (preferably automated) cleaning process can be initiated, which can be carried out mechanically or manually. For mechanical cleaning of the application device and / or the high-voltage electrode, the application device can, for example, be inserted into a cleaning device ("cleaner") by a robot, particularly a painting robot, and then cleaned within the cleaning device.Such cleaning devices are known from the prior art and therefore do not need to be described in detail (see EP 3 140 042 Bl, EP 2 643 096 Bl). Before initiating a cleaning process of the application device, the charging voltage is preferably switched off to allow subsequent cleaning in a de-energized state.

[0104] As mentioned above, the application device can be cleaned mechanically in a cleaning unit if testing reveals that the measured degree of contamination exceeds a limit. After mechanical cleaning, the degree of contamination can then be determined again by evaluating the charging voltage and / or charging voltage to check whether the degree of contamination still exceeds the limit. If so, manual cleaning can then be requested, for example, to remove any remaining contamination after mechanical cleaning. Optionally, an evaluation of the quality of the automatic cleaning and / or the manual cleaning can be performed.

[0105] The planned measurement and evaluation of the charging voltage and / or charging current of the electrostatic application agent also enables the optimization of the position and / or orientation of the application device relative to the component to be coated. For example, when coating complex component contours with difficult access, strong voltage spikes or dips often occur, which is undesirable. Minor adjustments to the orientation and / or position of the application device can remedy this and avoid the unwanted voltage spikes and / or dips.In the context of the invention, it is therefore also possible that, when detecting a disruptive voltage spike or dip, the position and / or orientation of the application device relative to the component to be coated is slightly modified in order to prevent voltage spikes or dips in the charging voltage of the high-voltage electrode. This slight adjustment of the position and / or orientation of the application device can, for example, be carried out using artificial intelligence, wherein an artificial intelligence algorithm determines which change in the position and / or orientation of the application device leads to the desired result, namely the avoidance of the disruptive voltage spikes and / or dips.

[0106] As mentioned above, the pollution degree of the application device or components of the electrostatic application agent charging system can be determined from the measured values ​​of charging voltage and / or charging current. This can be done using a machine learning algorithm that estimates the pollution degree based on the measured values ​​of charging voltage and / or charging current. The machine learning algorithm can be trained using supervised learning by receiving the actual pollution degree as input information. This actual pollution degree can be specified, for example, by user input or by evaluating a camera image of the application device and / or the high-voltage electrode.The machine learning algorithm receives as input information the measured values ​​of charging current and / or charging voltage, as well as the actual degree of contamination. This allows the algorithm to be trained to learn the relationship between the measured values ​​of charging current and / or charging voltage and the corresponding degree of contamination. Optionally, values ​​regarding the contamination susceptibility of specific components and application agents (e.g., coating agents) can be manually entered.

[0107] In the context of the invention, the evaluation of charging current and / or charging voltage also enables the detection and differentiation of various operating states of the application device (e.g., coating system). For example, the following operating states of the application device can be detected and distinguished from one another:

[0108] • Flawless application / coating operation,

[0109] • Contamination of the high-voltage electrode due to the deposition of application agent residues ("overspray") on the high-voltage electrode,

[0110] • Contamination of the steering air ring due to the deposition of application agent residues ("overspray") on the steering air ring,

[0111] • Contamination of the application device (e.g. rotary atomizer) due to the deposition of application agent residues ("overspray") on the application device, and / or

[0112] • Contact fault between the high-voltage electrode and a high-voltage generator supplying the high-voltage electrode.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, all of the aforementioned different operating states can be detected and distinguished from one another. However, within the context of the invention, it is also possible that only some of the aforementioned operating states are detected and distinguished from one another.

[0114] The aforementioned various operating states can be detected within the context of the invention by evaluating the measured values ​​of charging current and / or charging voltage. Thus, error-free application / coating operation is preferably detected when the following conditions are met:

[0115] • The charging current is essentially equal to a predetermined target value and

[0116] • The charging voltage varies within a permissible voltage range between a predetermined maximum value and a predetermined minimum value.

[0117] Excessive soiling of the high-voltage electrode, on the other hand, is preferably recognized as an operating condition when one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0118] • The charging voltage rises to a predetermined maximum value,

[0119] • The charging current drops from a predetermined target value, and / or the time derivative of the charging voltage and / or the charging current exceeds a limit value.

[0120] Excessive contamination of the steering air ring, on the other hand, is preferably recognized as an operating condition when one or more of the following conditions are met:

[0121] • The charging voltage drops from or below the specified maximum value, in particular down to a specified minimum value,

[0122] • The charging current is essentially equal to the specified target value, and / or

[0123] • The time derivative of the charging voltage and / or the charging current exceeds a limit value.

[0124] In contrast, a contact fault of the high-voltage electrode is preferably recognized as an operating condition when the following conditions are met:

[0125] • The charging voltage is at the specified maximum value and

[0126] • The charging current is below a predetermined target value and also below a predetermined minimum value, especially zero.

[0127] Furthermore, the invention preferably also enables the detection and differentiation of various contact defects of the high-voltage electrode by evaluating the measured values ​​of charging voltage and charging current. For example, the following contact defects can be detected and distinguished from one another:

[0128] • Missing connector of a high-voltage cable at the high-voltage generator,

[0129] • missing connector of the high-voltage cable at the high-voltage electrode, and / or

[0130] • Partially existing plug connection of the high-voltage cable, especially if an electrical contact exists, but the high-voltage cable is not fully plugged in.

[0131] The missing connector of the high-voltage cable at the high-voltage generator can be detected, for example, if the following conditions are met:

[0132] • The charging voltage is at the specified maximum value and

[0133] • The charging current is zero.

[0134] The missing plug connection of the high-voltage cable to the high-voltage electrode can, however, be recognized in the context of the invention if the following conditions are met:

[0135] • The charging voltage is at the specified maximum value and • the charging current is smaller than the specified target value of the charging current, in particular more than 5% smaller.

[0136] However, a partially existing connection of the high-voltage cable (e.g., if there is an electrical contact, but the high-voltage cable is not fully plugged in) can be detected if the following conditions are met:

[0137] • The charging voltage is at the specified maximum value and

[0138] • The charging current is lower than the specified target value.

[0139] The above outlines how charging voltage and charging current can be evaluated, with one evaluation criterion being that a measured value (e.g., charging voltage) is "essentially" equal to a given reference value. A mathematically exact match between the measured value and the reference value is not required. Rather, a match is preferably assumed even if the deviation between the measured value and the reference value is relatively small, with deviations of 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, or even 20% being acceptable.

[0140] It should also be mentioned in general that the state variable of interest (e.g. pollution degree) in the context of the invention is preferably not derived from instantaneous measured values ​​of charging voltage and / or charging current, but rather from the time course of the measured values ​​of charging current and / or charging voltage.

[0141] Furthermore, it should be noted that the invention can be used for both external charging and contact charging (direct charging) of the application medium. In external charging, the electrostatic charging of the applied application medium is achieved by means of an external charging electrode, which electrostatically charges the spray jet of the application medium through ionization. In direct charging (especially contact charging), on the other hand, a contact electrode (e.g., in the form of a bell-shaped disc) is provided, which electrostatically charges the application medium through direct contact.

[0142] As already mentioned several times, the application agent is preferably a coating agent, in particular paint.

[0143] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the measured values ​​of charging voltage and / or charging current in the context of the invention can not only be used to determine the state variable of interest (e.g., pollution degree). Rather, the measured values ​​of charging current and / or charging voltage in the context of the invention are preferably also used for the high-voltage regulation, which is known per se.

[0144] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the high-voltage electrode and / or an external charging ring containing the high-voltage electrode may contain an RFID transponder (RFID: radio-frequency identification). The RFID transponder can then be programmed with an error signal if the determined condition indicates a malfunction or impairment of the high-voltage electrode and / or the external charging ring, and / or if the component is incorrectly mounted at the interface.

[0145] It is possible that the add-on component has an RFID transponder that is described with an identifier of the add-on component, so that it can be read at a reading station which add-on component is mounted at the interface and / or that the add-on component is an add-on component that is or was incorrectly or not mounted at the interface.

[0146] The attachment component, in particular the external charging ring, can advantageously have one or more high-voltage electrodes to electrostatically charge the application agent. For this purpose, an external charging ring containing one or more external electrodes can be advantageously arranged on the application device (e.g., rotary atomizer) to electrostatically charge the sprayed application agent by ionization.

[0147] The application device is preferably guided by a robot, as is known from the prior art. The robot is preferably a multi-axis application robot.

[0148] Furthermore, the application device can include a high-voltage generator for supplying a charging voltage to the high-voltage electrode.

[0149] Furthermore, the control device may preferably include an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit preferably serves to record the charging voltage and / or the charging current. The control device and the evaluation unit may, for example, be expediently connected to each other. The evaluation unit may, for example, be functionally and / or spatially integrated into the control device or be functionally and / or spatially separated from the control device.

[0150] In the context of the invention, the evaluation unit can, for example, be part of the control device.

[0151] It is possible that, for example, at least one, several or all functions of the evaluation unit can be implemented by the control device.

[0152] The control device, in particular the evaluation unit, may preferably be configured to record and / or evaluate the charging voltage and / or the charging current.

[0153] The control device, for example the evaluation unit, can execute the operating procedure as disclosed herein during operation. For this purpose, a control program can be stored in the control device, for example in the evaluation unit, which, when executed on a computer of the control device, executes the operating procedure as disclosed herein.

[0154] Furthermore, the application device can include a camera to capture an image of the application device and / or the high-voltage electrode, from which the degree of pollution can then be derived. This enables the aforementioned training of the machine learning algorithm, which can then derive the degree of pollution from the measured values ​​of charging voltage and / or charging current.

[0155] Furthermore, the application device may include a cleaning device to clean the application device and / or the external charging ring or the high-voltage electrode.

[0156] Furthermore, the application device may also have a display to indicate the degree of contamination.

[0157] It should be mentioned that, in the context of the invention, the verification and / or determination of whether the attachment component is correctly mounted, incorrectly mounted, or not mounted at all at the interface is expediently carried out by the control device and / or the measuring device (e.g., the control unit).

[0158] B. pressure measuring device and / or at least one sensor). An unmounted component is equivalent to a missing component.

[0159] The disclosure regarding the operating procedure applies accordingly to the application device and vice versa.

[0160] The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be advantageously combined. Other advantageous developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims or will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0161] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of an application device according to an embodiment of the invention, in particular a painting system for painting motor vehicle body components and / or attachments therefor.

[0162] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a camera cabin for recording a camera image of an application device to determine the actual degree of contamination.

[0163] Figure 3 shows an illustration of an application device with an external charging ring to demonstrate the different levels of soiling of the external electrodes.

[0164] Figure 4A shows the time course of charging voltage and charging current during fault-free operation.

[0165] Figure 4B shows a flowchart for detecting fault-free operation by evaluating charging current and charging voltage.

[0166] Figure 5A shows the time course of charging voltage and charging current during rapid electrode fouling.

[0167] Figure 5B shows a flowchart illustrating the evaluation of charging current and charging voltage for detecting rapid electron contamination. Figure 6A shows the time course of charging voltage and charging current during progressive electrode contamination.

[0168] Figure 6B shows a flowchart to illustrate the evaluation of charging current and charging voltage in the case of progressive electrode contamination.

[0169] Figure 7A shows the time course of charging voltage and charging current with increasing tube contamination.

[0170] Figure 7B shows a flowchart to illustrate the evaluation of charging current and charging voltage for the detection of increasing tube contamination.

[0171] Figure 8A shows the time course of charging current and charging voltage during progressive tube contamination.

[0172] Figure 8B shows a flowchart to illustrate the evaluation of charging voltage and charging current for the detection of progressive tube contamination.

[0173] Figure 9A shows the time course of charging voltage and charging current in the event of a contact fault of the high voltage cable.

[0174] Figure 9B shows a flowchart to illustrate the evaluation of charging current and charging voltage for the detection of the contact fault of the high voltage cable.

[0175] Figure 10 shows a flowchart to illustrate the training of the machine learning algorithm using a camera image to improve the estimates of the pollution level.

[0176] Figure 11 shows a flowchart to illustrate how the machine learning algorithm estimates the degree of pollution.

[0177] Figure 12 shows a flowchart illustrating machine and manual cleaning depending on the determined degree of soiling. Figure 13 schematically shows an application device for an operating method according to an embodiment of the invention, with the correctly mounted attachment component.

[0178] Figure 14 schematically shows the application device of Figure 13, with an incorrectly mounted attachment component.

[0179] Figure 15 schematically shows an application device for an operating method according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0180] Figure 16 shows a flowchart according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0181] The following section describes an exemplary embodiment of an application device according to Figure 1. The application device is implemented as a painting system and will also be referred to as such below. It should be noted, however, that the application device does not necessarily have to be a painting / coating system with all the devices shown in Figure 1. The embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 12 can be expediently combined with the embodiments described with reference to Figures 13 to 16.

[0182] The paint shop has a control device 1, which is primarily electronic, that controls the operation of the paint shop. The control device 1 is shown here as a single component for illustrative purposes. In practice, however, the control tasks can be distributed across various control components, which are assigned to the individual components of the paint shop, as described below. An evaluation unit 7, for example, can be part of the control device 1.

[0183] The painting system further comprises a robot 2 (e.g., a painting robot) which is arranged in a paint booth and carries, for example, a rotary atomizer as an application device 3, as is known in the prior art. The rotary atomizer 3 serves to apply an application agent to a component 100 (e.g., Figure 13). The application agent is preferably a coating agent, in particular paint. For the sake of simplicity, only the robot 2 with the application device 3 is shown in Figure 1. In practice, however, several such robots 2, each with an application device 3, can be located in the paint booth. In addition, the painting system has a mechanical cleaning device 4, which is also referred to as a "cleaner" and can, for example, be arranged inside the paint booth.For a machine cleaning process, the robot 2 then introduces the application device 3 into the cleaning device 4, where the application device 3 can then be cleaned.

[0184] The application device 3 has an attachment component 5, wherein the attachment component 5 is detachably mounted on an interface 20 of the application device 3 (e.g. Figure 2). The attachment component 5 can preferably be automatically, robotically mounted to the interface 20 and automatically, robotically dismounted from the interface 20.

[0185] The attachment component 5 is exemplified as an external charging ring for electrostatic paint charging. For example, the external charging ring 5 can have one or more, preferably finger-shaped, external electrodes that expediently project from the external charging ring 5 in a finger-like manner in order to electrostatically charge the spray jet of the paint dispensed by the application device 3.

[0186] The charging voltage for charging the outer electrodes of the external charging ring 5 is provided by a high-voltage generator 6.

[0187] Furthermore, the paint system has an evaluation unit 7 that determines the charging voltage and / or charging current of the electrostatic paint charging and uses a machine learning algorithm to estimate the degree of contamination of the application device 3 and the external charging ring 5. In addition, the machine learning algorithm can also recognize and differentiate between various operating states of the paint system by evaluating the charging voltage and charging current, as will be described in detail later.

[0188] In the context of the invention, the evaluation unit 7 can expediently be part of the control device 1, so that preferably one, several or all functions of the evaluation unit 7 can also be realized by the control device 1.

[0189] Furthermore, the paint system has a camera 8 that can capture a camera image of the application device 3 and the external charging ring 5 in order to derive the degree of contamination. The actual degree of contamination determined in this way can then be fed to the evaluation unit 7 so that the machine learning algorithm can be trained accordingly to improve the estimation of the degree of contamination from the measured values ​​of charging voltage and charging current.

[0190] Finally, the painting system has a display 9 to show, for example, the operating status of the painting system and the degree of contamination of the application device 3 and / or the external charging ring 5.

[0191] Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic representation of a camera cabin 10 for capturing the camera image of the application device 3 using the camera 8. Such cabins ("cubicles") are also described, for example, in WO 2023 / 110511 Al, so that the content of this earlier patent application is fully applicable to the present description with regard to the design of the camera cabin 10. To capture a camera image, the robot 2 inserts the application device 3 through an insertion opening 11 into the camera cabin 10, specifically into the field of view of the camera 8. The camera 8 is directed at the application device 3 and then captures a camera image of the application device 3 with the external charging ring 5 in order to determine the degree of contamination.

[0192] The drawing also shows that the external charging ring 5 has several finger-shaped external electrodes, in particular high-voltage electrodes, 12, which are arranged distributed around the circumference of the external charging ring 5 and can, for example, protrude forward in a finger-like shape.

[0193] Furthermore, the drawing shows that the application device 3 carries a bell-shaped plate 13 which rotates around a rotational axis 14 during operation, with the rotational axis 14 coinciding with the jet axis of the spray jet emitted by the application device 3.

[0194] Figure 3 shows an image of the contaminated application device 3 as captured by camera 8. The varying degrees of contamination on the external electrodes 12 are represented by differently shaded hatching. Camera 8 can detect these varying degrees of contamination on the external electrodes 12, which allows for the training of the machine learning algorithm to improve the estimation of the degree of contamination from the measured values ​​of charging voltage and charging current.

[0195] Figure 4A shows the time course of charging voltage U and charging current I during fault-free operation. The charging current I, shown with a dashed line, rises to a predefined setpoint ISOL and then remains at this setpoint ISOL. The charging voltage U also rises and then fluctuates within a permissible voltage range between a predefined maximum value UMAX and a predefined minimum value UMIN.

[0196] Figure 4B shows a flowchart illustrating the detection of fault-free operation as depicted in Figure 4A. Fault-free operation is detected when the charging current I is essentially constant and equal to the specified setpoint ISOL, while the charging voltage U fluctuates between the specified maximum value U AX and the specified minimum value UMIN.

[0197] Figure 5A shows the time course of charging voltage U and charging current I during rapid electrode fouling. Initially, the charging current I rises back to the specified setpoint ISOL, while the charging voltage U remains within the permissible voltage range between the specified maximum value UMAX and the specified minimum value UMIN. However, the charging current I then drops from the specified setpoint ISOL, while the charging voltage U rises to the specified maximum value UMAX.

[0198] Figure 5B shows a flowchart for detecting the rapid electrode fouling depicted in Figure 5A. Rapid electrode fouling is detected when the charging current I is initially essentially equal to the specified setpoint ISOL and the charging voltage U rises within the permissible voltage range. Furthermore, the time derivative of the charging voltage U and / or the charging current I exceeding a predefined limit can also be considered as a criterion for detecting rapid electrode fouling.

[0199] Figure 6A shows the time course of charging current I and charging voltage U during progressive electrode fouling. The charging current I does not rise to the specified target value ISOL, but instead drops again after exceeding a specified minimum value IMIN. Meanwhile, the charging voltage U remains constant at the specified maximum value UMAX.

[0200] Figure 6B shows a flowchart for detecting the progressive electrode contamination shown in Figure 6A. Progressive electrode contamination is assumed when the charging voltage U is essentially equal to the predefined maximum value UMAX, while the charging current I is less than the predefined ISOL and is decreasing. Furthermore, the time derivative of the charging voltage U and / or the charging current I exceeding a predefined limit can also be considered as a criterion for detecting progressive electrode contamination.

[0201] Figure 7A shows the time course of charging current I and charging voltage with increasing tube contamination, i.e., with increasing contamination of the tube (front housing section) of the application device.3 The increasing tube contamination is characterized by the fact that the charging voltage U initially rises to or below the specified maximum value UMAX, while the charging current I initially only exceeds the specified minimum value IMIN, but does not reach or does not reach the specified target value ISOL. Then, however, the charging voltage U drops from or below the specified maximum value UAX.

[0202] Figure 7B shows a flowchart illustrating the detection of increasing tube contamination according to Figure 7A. Increasing tube contamination is assumed when the charging voltage U is initially essentially equal to or below the specified maximum value UMAX, while the charging current I is smaller than the specified target value ISOLL but is increasing. In the case of pure tube contamination, the voltage U then drops. Furthermore, the time derivative of the charging voltage U and / or the charging current I exceeding a specified limit can also be considered as a criterion for detecting increasing tube contamination.

[0203] Figure 8A shows the time course of charging voltage U and charging current I during progressive tube fouling. The charging current I rises to the specified target value ISOL and then remains relatively constant at this value. The charging voltage U initially exceeds the specified minimum value UMIN, but then falls relatively linearly back to the specified minimum value UMIN.

[0204] Figure 8B shows a flowchart illustrating the detection of progressive tube contamination as depicted in Figure 8A. Progressive tube contamination is assumed to be the operating state when the charging voltage U is within the permissible voltage range but decreasing, while the charging current I remains relatively constant at the specified target value ISOL. Furthermore, the time derivative of the charging voltage U and / or the charging current I exceeding a predefined limit can also be considered as a criterion for detecting progressive tube contamination.

[0205] Figure 9A shows the time course of charging voltage U and charging current I in the event of a contact fault in the high-voltage cable that supplies the external charging ring 5 with high voltage. Here, the charging voltage U rises to the specified maximum value UMAX, while the charging current I remains almost at zero.

[0206] Figure 9B shows a flowchart to illustrate the detection of the contact fault shown in Figure 9A. A contact fault of the high-voltage cable is assumed when the charging voltage U is essentially at the specified maximum value UAX, while the charging current I remains essentially at zero.

[0207] Figure 10 shows a flowchart to illustrate the training of the machine learning algorithm.

[0208] In a first step, S1 first measures the charging current I and charging voltage U.

[0209] In addition, in step S2 a camera image of the application device with the external charging ring is taken in order to be able to derive the degree of contamination.

[0210] In the next step S3, the machine learning algorithm is then trained using the camera image and the measured values ​​of charging current and charging voltage.

[0211] Figure 11 shows a flowchart illustrating the estimation of the pollution degree of the application device and the external charging ring by evaluating the charging current I and charging voltage U. In a first step S1, the charging current I and the charging voltage U are measured. In the next step S2, the previously trained machine learning algorithm then estimates the pollution degree based on the measured values ​​of charging current I and charging voltage U.

[0212] Figure 12 shows a flowchart to illustrate the cleaning process depending on the degree of soiling.

[0213] In the first step S1, the charging current and charging voltage are measured again.

[0214] In the next step S2, the machine learning algorithm then estimates the degree of pollution based on the measured values ​​of charging current and charging voltage.

[0215] In the next step, S3, it is checked whether the degree of contamination is too high. If this is not the case, normal painting operations continue. Otherwise, in step S4, the application device 3 is cleaned mechanically in a cleaning device, as is known from the prior art.

[0216] After the application device has been cleaned mechanically in the cleaning device, the charging current I and charging voltage U are measured again.

[0217] In the next step S6, the machine learning algorithm then estimates the degree of pollution again based on the measured values ​​of charging current and charging voltage.

[0218] In the next step, S7, it is checked again whether the level of contamination is too high despite the previous machine cleaning. If the machine cleaning has reduced the level of contamination sufficiently, normal painting operations continue.

[0219] Otherwise, in step S8, the application device is manually cleaned.

[0220] Advantages include in particular:

[0221] In an application / painting system, errors can be prevented and damage avoided that could be caused by operator errors.

[0222] Furthermore, the painting time can be extended by delaying cleaning. By analyzing the high-voltage data, it can be ensured that production interruptions for cleaning only occur when absolutely necessary.

[0223] Furthermore, efficient painting can be enabled, which increases the economic efficiency, sustainability and service life of the painting system and all components.

[0224] Finally, saving on cleaning products can improve sustainability and reduce costs.

[0225] Figure 13 schematically shows an application device according to an embodiment of the invention. The application device comprises an application unit 3 for applying an application agent (e.g., a coating agent, in particular paint) to a component 100. The component 100 is preferably a motor vehicle body component and / or an attachment therefor. The application unit 3 is, for example, a rotary atomizer, which can be constructed as described above.

[0226] The application device 3 comprises an interface 20 to which an attachment component 5 can be mounted. The attachment component 5 is preferably an external charging ring, which can be constructed as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment component 5 can be replaced, preferably automatically, for example by a robot, by another (e.g. identical or different) attachment component.

[0227] In Figure 13, the mounting component 5 is correctly installed at interface 20. In Figure 14, the mounting component 5 is incorrectly installed at interface 20. In Figure 14, the mounting component 5 is shown only very schematically as a dashed line.

[0228] A special feature is that the control device 1 is set up to automatically check and / or determine, based on at least one measurement and / or verification value from a measuring device 30, whether the attachment component 5 is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface 20 (e.g., not tight and / or in the wrong orientation, especially crooked) or is not mounted at all and is therefore, in particular, missing.

[0229] The control device 1 is configured to perform the check and / or detection before an application process using the application device 3 and / or before the activation of the attachment component 5, i.e., in particular, before the high voltage of the high-voltage electrode 12 is switched on. Advantageously, the application process and / or the activation of the attachment component 5 is only carried out if a correctly mounted attachment component 5 is detected. An incorrectly mounted or missing attachment component 5 can advantageously be detected early. Potential operational and / or production interruptions that would be caused by an incorrectly mounted or missing attachment component 5 can thus be advantageously shortened. A further advantage is that the check and / or detection allows for a direct conclusion to be drawn regarding an incorrectly mounted or missing attachment component 5.In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, the measuring device 30 is a pressure measuring device for checking and / or measuring at least one pneumatic signal S, where the pneumatic signal S is only schematically indicated. The pneumatic signal S comprises a pneumatic pressure (e.g., dynamic pressure) and / or a pneumatic pressure change (e.g., of the dynamic pressure), wherein the pneumatic signal S, and thus the pneumatic pressure and / or the pneumatic pressure change, can be checked and / or measured by means of the pressure measuring device 30.

[0230] The application device 3 comprises a line system CO, Cl, C2 for the at least one pneumatic signal S, wherein the pneumatic signal S is routed to the interface 20 via the line system CO, Cl, C2. The pressure measuring device 30 is connected to the line system CO, Cl, C2, in particular pneumatically.

[0231] The CO, Cl, C2 conduit system has a first channel CI and at least one further second channel C2, wherein the first channel CI and the second channel C2 or, more generally, the CO, Cl, C2 conduit system terminate at interface 20.

[0232] Preferably, the first channel CI and the second channel C2 open into the interface 20 via at least one opening 01, 02, wherein the openings 01, 02 can be closed by an attachment component 5, in particular a correctly mounted one, so that the at least one pneumatic signal S cannot escape from the openings 01, 02.

[0233] A correctly installed attachment component 5 can therefore serve as a seal for the openings 01, 02 and / or for the pneumatic signal S.

[0234] The first channel CI and the second channel C2 branch off from a common channel CO, so that the pneumatic signal S can be split into the first channel CI and the second channel C2.

[0235] The pressure measuring device 30 is preferably connected to the common channel CO.

[0236] A pressure generating device 40 (e.g., a compressor) can also preferably be connected to the common channel CO. The pressure generating device 40 serves in particular to generate network pressure, to supply the application device with compressed air (e.g., for switching valves and / or for generating a steering air flow), and / or to generate at least one pneumatic signal S.

[0237] The pneumatic signal S can be stored by means of the attachment component 5 and preferably generate a back pressure. The back pressure can be generated in the CO, Cl, C2 line system, in particular between the attachment component 5 and the pressure measuring device 30 and / or the pressure generating device 40.

[0238] The pneumatic signal S (in particular the dynamic pressure) can preferably only be applied to the pressure measuring device 30 to a substantially full extent and be appropriately measured if the attachment component 5 is correctly mounted, whereby the pneumatic signal S can escape at least partially via the interface 20 if the attachment component 5 is incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all.

[0239] The interface 20 is thus essentially pneumatically sealed for the pneumatic signal S by means of the attachment component 5, if the attachment component 5 is correctly mounted (Figure 13).

[0240] However, interface 20 is pneumatically leaky for the pneumatic signal S if the attachment component 5 is incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all, so that at least one pneumatic signal S can escape to the outside at least partially via interface 20 (Figure 14).

[0241] Thus, by means of the pressure measuring device 30, an essentially constant pressure (especially dynamic pressure) can be detected when the attachment component 5 is correctly mounted, and a reduced pressure (e.g. a pressure drop) can be detected when the attachment component 5 is incorrectly mounted or not mounted at all.

[0242] It follows that, in one embodiment of the invention, at least one pneumatic signal S (e.g., gas, particularly air) can be routed via the CO, Cl, C2 line system to interface 20. A dynamic pressure can be generated at interface 20, which can be measured and / or checked by means of the pressure measuring device 30. The dynamic pressure drop is very small or essentially zero if the attachment component 5 is correctly installed. However, the dynamic pressure drop is high if the attachment component 5 is incorrectly installed or not installed at all. This signal can preferably be interrogated in the control device 1. The test pressure is, for example, between 1 and 8 bar, and preferably corresponds to the existing network pressure.

[0243] If the attachment component 5 is not mounted, the pneumatic signal S is emitted into the open air (which can be conveniently switched off).

[0244] With correctly installed component 5, a back pressure can build up, signaling the presence of component 5. Even when a main valve is switched off (e.g., emergency stop), a normally open valve preferably maintains the signal status for the control system, which can be advantageous for a restart. The normally open valve can, for example, be configured so that there is always pressure at interface 20 and preferably feedback from a pressure sensor. If, for example, the application device 3 is removed, the normally open valve can preferably be manually actuated to prevent it from blowing out of a flange plate.

[0245] Figure 15 schematically shows an application device according to another embodiment of the invention. In Figure 15, an attachment component 5 is correctly mounted on the interface 20 of the application device 3.

[0246] A special feature is that the measuring device XI, X2 includes, by way of example, two sensors XI and X2, whereby in the context of the invention more or fewer than two sensors are also possible.

[0247] The sensors XI, X2 can be mounted on or at least partially within the application device 3 and, in particular, configured to detect the attachment component 5 (preferably indirectly or directly). Preferably, the sensors XI, X2 are arranged opposite the interface 20. The sensors XI, X2 can comprise at least one electrical, mechanical, and / or magnetic-inductive sensor. For example, the sensors XI, X2 can also be arranged outside the application device 3, e.g., on a robot or outside a paint booth.

[0248] The control device 1 can be expediently connected to the measuring device 30, XI, X2.

[0249] Figure 16 shows a flowchart according to an embodiment of the invention. In step S10, an attachment component 5 is mounted to an interface 20 of an application device 3.

[0250] In step Sil, a check and / or determination is performed as to whether the attachment component 5 is correctly mounted, incorrectly mounted, or not mounted at all at the interface 20. For this purpose, at least one measurement and / or verification value from the measuring device 30, XI, X2 can be expediently queried, evaluated, and / or further processed by the control device 1. The check and / or determination as to whether the attachment component 5 is correctly mounted, incorrectly mounted, or not mounted at all at the interface 20 can expediently be carried out by the control device 1 and / or the measuring device 30, XI, X2 within the context of the invention.

[0251] If it is determined that the mounting component 5 is correctly installed, the control device 1 can continue the work process for applying the application agent to the component 100 in step S12 as desired. For example, the mounting component 5, which is preferably an external charging ring, can be activated and / or an application process can be initiated using the application device 3. Alternatively or additionally, a robot 2 carrying the application device 3 can be set in motion.

[0252] If it is determined that the mounting component 5 is incorrectly mounted, the work process for applying the application agent to component 100 is interrupted in step S13. Specifically, the mounting component 5 is disassembled and remounted, either with the same component or with a different (identical or dissimilar) component, at interface 20. The procedure can then be carried out as previously described. If it is determined that the mounting component 5 is not mounted at all, and therefore, in particular, missing, the mounting process for the mounting component 5 has failed completely. In this case, a new mounting attempt can preferably be started, e.g., with the same mounting component 5 or with a different, preferably identical, mounting component.

[0253] The embodiments described with reference to Figures 13 to 16 can expediently be combined with the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. The control device 1 can be configured to evaluate at least one measurement and / or verification value from the measuring device 30, XI, X2 (e.g., to compare it with stored values) and expediently to check and / or determine whether the attachment component 5 is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface 20, or not mounted at all. Thus, for example, it is possible for the control device 1 to first evaluate at least one measurement and / or verification value and, based on this, to check and / or determine whether the attachment component 5 is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface 20, or not mounted at all.

[0254] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 1 can be provided with at least one measurement and / or verification value by means of the measuring device 30, XI, X2, which already indicates as a result of the determination whether the attachment component 5 is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface 20, or not mounted at all. Thus, for example, it is possible for the control device 1 to check and / or determine, based solely on an existing result of the determination, whether the attachment component 5 is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface 20, or not mounted at all.

[0255] In the context of the invention, in particular an automatic check and / or determination is carried out (preferably by the control device 1 and / or the measuring device 30, XI, X2) as to whether the attachment component 5 is correctly or incorrectly mounted at the interface 20 or is not mounted (e.g. missing).

[0256] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, irrespective of the respective referenced claims. The invention thus comprises various aspects of the invention that enjoy independent protection. List of reference numerals

[0257] 1 Control device

[0258] 2 robots, preferably painting robots

[0259] 3. Application device, preferably rotary atomizer

[0260] 4 Cleaning device (“Cleaner”)

[0261] 5 Mounting component, preferably external charging ring

[0262] 6 High-voltage generator

[0263] 7 Evaluation unit, preferably part of the control device

[0264] 8 Camera

[0265] 9 ads

[0266] 10 camera booths (“Cubicle”)

[0267] 11 Camera cabin entry opening

[0268] 12 At least one high-voltage electrode, preferably at least one external electrode

[0269] 13 bell plates

[0270] 14 Rotation axis of the bell plate

[0271] UMAX maximum value of the charging voltage

[0272] U M Minimum value of the charging voltage

[0273] ISOL setpoint of the charging current

[0274] I IN Minimum value of the charging current t Time

[0275] 20 interface

[0276] 30 Measuring device, preferably pressure measuring device

[0277] CO common channel, preferably compressed air channel

[0278] CI first channel, preferably compressed air channel

[0279] C2 second channel, preferably compressed air channel

[0280] 01 Mouth opening, preferably at interface

[0281] 02 Mouth opening, preferably at interface

[0282] S at least a pneumatic signal

[0283] XI Measuring device, preferably sensor

[0284] X2 Measuring device, preferably sensor

[0285] 40 Pressure generating device, preferably for generating at least one pneumatic signal

[0286] 100 components, preferably motor vehicle body components and / or attachments thereof

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Operating method for an application device (3) for applying an application agent to a component (100), preferably a motor vehicle body component and / or an attachment part therefor, wherein an attachment component (5) can be mounted on an interface (20) of the application device (3), wherein the operating method comprises the following step: Verification, in particular automatic verification, of whether the attachment component (5) is correctly mounted, incorrectly mounted or not mounted at the interface (20).

2. Operating method according to claim 1, wherein the attachment component (5) is an external charging ring for externally charging the application medium, wherein the external charging ring preferably has at least one high-voltage electrode (12).

3. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step: replacement, preferably automated, in particular robot-assisted replacement, of an attachment component (5) by another attachment component.

4. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the verification is a pneumatic verification and / or is based on at least one pneumatic signal (S), wherein preferably the at least one pneumatic signal (S) comprises a pneumatic pressure, preferably a dynamic pressure, and / or a pneumatic pressure change, preferably of the dynamic pressure.

5. Operating method according to claim 4, wherein the at least one pneumatic signal (S) is detected by means of a pressure measuring device (30).

6. Operating method according to one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the interface (20) for the at least one pneumatic signal (S) is substantially pneumatically sealed when the attachment component (5) is correctly mounted, and the interface (20) for the at least one pneumatic signal (S) is pneumatically leaky when the attachment component (5) is incorrectly or not mounted, and / or a substantially constant pressure, preferably dynamic pressure, is detected by means of the pressure measuring device (30) when the attachment component (5) is correctly mounted. and / or a reduced pressure, preferably back pressure, is detected when the attachment component (5) is incorrectly or not installed.

7. Operating method according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the at least one pneumatic signal (S) can be stored by means of the attachment component (5), and / or the at least one pneumatic signal (S) is only present and / or measured to a substantially full extent at the pressure measuring device (30) if the attachment component (5) is correctly mounted, and / or the at least one pneumatic signal (S) can escape at least partially via the interface (20) if the attachment component (5) is incorrectly or not mounted.

8. Operating method according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the application device (3) comprises a line system (CO, Cl, C2) for the at least one pneumatic signal (S), wherein the at least one pneumatic signal (S) is routed to the interface (20) via the line system (CO Cl, C2), wherein the pressure measuring device (30) is connected to the line system (CO, CI, C2).

9. Operating method according to claim 8, wherein the piping system (CO, Cl, C2) comprises a first channel (CI) and a second channel (C2), wherein the first channel (CI) and the second channel (C2) terminate in the interface (20) and branch off from a common channel (CO), wherein preferably the pressure measuring device (30) is connected to the common channel (CO) and / or the common channel (CO) is connected to a pressure generating device (40) for generating a pneumatic network pressure and / or the at least one pneumatic signal (S).

10. Operating method according to claim 9, wherein the first channel (CI) and the second channel (C2) open into the interface (20) via at least one outlet opening (01, 02), wherein the outlet openings (01, 02) can be closed by the attachment component (5).

11. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: charging a high-voltage electrode (12) of the attachment component (5), wherein a charging voltage (U) at high voltage level is applied to the high-voltage electrode (12) and a charging current (I) flows through the high-voltage electrode (12), Measuring the charging voltage (U) and / or charging current (I) of the high-voltage electrode (12), and Determining a state variable of the high-voltage electrode (12) or the application device (3) from the measured charging voltage (U) and / or from the measured charging current (I).

12. Operating method according to claim 11, wherein a) the determined state variable is a degree of contamination indicating the extent to which the high-voltage electrode (12) or the application device (3) is contaminated by application agent residues, and / or b) the determined state variable is a degree of wetness indicating how moist the surface of the application device (3) or the high-voltage electrode (12) is due to adhering liquid application agent, and / or c) the determined state variable is a type identifier indicating the component type of the high-voltage electrode (12), in particular for distinguishing an attachment component (5), especially an external charging ring (5), from a dummy, and / or d) the determined state variable indicates whether one or more high-voltage electrodes (12) are impaired in their function due to contamination, and / or e) the determined state variable indicateswhether one of several high-voltage electrodes (12) has failed due to pollution, and / or f) that the determined state variable indicates how many of several high-voltage electrodes (12) have failed due to pollution, and / or g) the determined state variable indicates whether a specific number of high-voltage electrodes (12) have failed due to pollution, and / or h) the determined state variable indicates the number of high-voltage electrodes (12) that have failed due to pollution.

13. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a) the high-voltage electrode (12) or an external charging ring containing the high-voltage electrode (12) contains an RFID transponder, and b) the RFID transponder is written with an error signal when the determined state variable indicates a malfunction of the high-voltage electrode (12) or the external charging ring, and / or c) the attachment component (5) has an RFID transponder which is written with a marking of the attachment component (5) such that it can be read at a reading station which that the attachment component (5) is mounted at the interface (20) and / or that the attachment component (5) is an attachment component (5) that is or was incorrectly or not mounted at the interface (20).

14. Application device, preferably for carrying out an operating method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an application device (3) for applying an application means to a component (100), preferably a motor vehicle body component and / or an attachment therefor, wherein the application device (3) comprises an interface (20) for mounting an attachment component (5), and a control device (1, 7) which is configured to check and / or determine, based on at least one measurement and / or verification value of a measuring device (30, XI, X2), whether the attachment component (5) is correctly mounted, incorrectly mounted or not mounted at the interface (20).

15. Application device according to claim 14, wherein the attachment component (5) is an external charging ring for externally charging the application means, wherein the external charging ring preferably has at least one high-voltage electrode (12).

16. Application device according to one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the control device (1, 7) is configured to control an exchange, preferably automated, in particular robot-assisted exchange, of an attachment component (5) by another attachment component.

17. Application device according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the measuring device (30, XI, X2) comprises a pressure measuring device (30), in particular for checking and / or measuring at least one pneumatic signal (S).

18. Application device according to claim 17, wherein the interface (20) for the at least one pneumatic signal (S) is substantially pneumatically sealed when the attachment component (5) is correctly mounted, and the interface (20) for the at least one pneumatic signal (S) is pneumatically leaky when the attachment component (5) is incorrectly or not mounted, and / or a substantially constant pressure, preferably a dynamic pressure, is detected by means of the pressure measuring device (30) when the attachment component (5) is correctly mounted is, and / or a reduced pressure, preferably a reduced back pressure, is detected when the attachment component (5) is incorrectly or not mounted.

19. Application device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the application device (3) comprises a conduit system (CO, Cl, C2) for the at least one pneumatic signal (S), wherein the conduit system (CO, Cl, C2) is configured to transmit the at least one pneumatic signal (S) to the interface (20), wherein the pressure measuring device (30) is connected to the conduit system (CO, Cl, C2), and preferably the conduit system (CO, Cl, C2) comprises a first channel (CI) and a second channel (C2), wherein the first channel (CI) and the second channel (C2) terminate in the interface (20) and branch off from a common channel (CO), wherein preferably the pressure measuring device (30) is connected to the common channel (CO) and / or the common channel (CO) is connected to a pressure generating device (40) for generating a pneumatic network pressure and / or the at least one pneumatic signal (S) is connected.

20. Application device according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the at least one pneumatic signal (S) can be stored by means of the attachment component (5), and / or the at least one pneumatic signal (S) is only present and / or can be measured to a substantially full extent at the pressure measuring device (30) if the attachment component (5) is correctly mounted, and / or the at least one pneumatic signal (S) can escape at least partially via the interface (20) if the attachment component (5) is incorrectly or not mounted.

21. Application device according to one of claims 14 to 20, comprising: a) a camera (8) for taking an image of the application device (3) and / or the high-voltage electrode (12) for determining the contamination of the application device (3) and / or the high-voltage electrode (12), and / or b) a cleaning device (4) for cleaning at least a part of the application device (3) and / or the high-voltage electrode (12), and / or c) a display (9) for displaying an indication of the contamination of the application device (3) and / or the high-voltage electrode (12), and / or d) a robot (2) for moving the application device (3).

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