Watertight process surveillance camera

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for recording films in a pretreatment line during an ongoing pretreatment process, wherein the device comprises a frame device (1), at least one camera (2) with an adjustable timestamp, at least one illumination device (3) and at least one sensor (4) with an adjustable timestamp, wherein the at least one camera (2), the at least one illumination device (3) and the at least one sensor (4) are detachably attached on the frame device (1) and wherein the timestamp of the at least one sensor (4) is synchronized with the timestamp of the at least one camera (2), to a process for recording films in a pretreatment line during an ongoing pretreatment process and to a use of the above-mentioned device and of the above-mentioned process in a pretreatment line for workpieces.

Description

[0001] WATERTIGHT PROCESS SURVEILLANCE CAMERA

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for recording films in a pretreatment line, especially in a metal pretreatment line during an ongoing pretreatment process, to a process for recording films in a pretreatment line during an ongoing pretreatment process, to a use of the above-mentioned device and to a use of the above- mentioned process in a pretreatment line for workpieces.

[0003] Background of the invention

[0004] Metal pretreatment plays a vital role in manufacturing processes. It provides longterm corrosion protection and ensures optimal paint adhesion. For many years, phosphating and chromating processes have been the technology of choice. They are robust processes and have proved their effectiveness over many years. Over time, the technologies have been developed or improved to meet ever increasing market demands. Factors such as being environmentally sustainable, rising energy costs, as well as the ever more varied metal combinations used in applications are now becoming considerably more relevant and present a challenge to traditional conversion coating processes.

[0005] Nickel, boron, phosphates - in recent years heightened attention has been paid to the protection of human health and the environment. This has lead to limits, sometimes even bans, being placed on the use of certain chemicals. In 2007, REACH came into force and the regulation on chemicals makes great demands on manufacturers, importers and users of chemicals. In addition to these regulations there are also further regional or local market restrictions in existence, such as the ban placed by some countries on the use of phosphate-containing processes because of the eutrophication of rivers and lakes.

[0006] Chemetall was the first company which has introduced a multi-metal thin-film technology on the market. Nowadays, Oxsilan® represents a mature alternative - comparable in terms of quality to zinc-phosphating or chromating processes. With a view to their technical and economic profile, the thinfilm technologies clearly show advancements in terms of higher productivity and multi-metal capability, resulting inconsiderably lower process costs.

[0007] Independent from the processes used however, the baths still require regular checks. After all, the bath conditions are subject to constant change due to metal dissolution, carry-over and the actual substrate consumption. Further there is a need to verify, that the technical specifications are met and whether the mechanical devices are working properly.

[0008] In long treatment processes in a pretreatment line there are often errors like clogged nozzles, incorrectly adjusted pressure, spray pattern not adjusted and the like, that occur in areas that are not easily visible, often in very dark areas. Further it is also difficult to check, whether the technical specifications such as mechanical handling of the workpiece, temperature, dwell times, transfer times and the like are being met.

[0009] Thus, there is a need in long treatment processes in a pretreatment line to provide a device with which errors like clogged nozzles, incorrectly adjusted pressure, spray pattern not adjusted and the like, that occur in areas that are not easily visible, often in very dark areas can be revealed wherein with the device one can further check whether technical specifications such as mechanical handling of the workpiece, temperature, dwell times, transfer times and the like are being met.

[0010] Problem

[0011] It has been therefore an objective underlying the present invention to provide a device with which errors like clogged nozzles, incorrectly adjusted pressure, spray pattern not adjusted and the like, that occur in areas that are not easily visible, often in very dark areas can be revealed wherein with the device one can further check whether technical specifications such as mechanical handling of the workpiece, temperature, dwell times, transfer times and the like are being met. Solution

[0012] This objective has been solved by the subject-matter of the claims of the present application as well as by the preferred embodiments thereof disclosed in this specification, i.e. , by the subject matter described herein.

[0013] A first subject-matter of the present invention is a device for recording films in a pretreatment line during an ongoing pretreatment process, wherein the device comprises a frame device (1 ), at least one camera (2) with an adjustable timestamp, at least one illumination device (3) and at least one sensor (4) with an adjustable timestamp, wherein the at least one camera (2), the at least one illumination device (3) and the at least one sensor (4) are detachably attached on the frame device (1 ) and wherein the timestamp of the at least one sensor (4) is synchronized with the timestamp of the at least one camera (2).

[0014] A further subject-matter of the present invention is a process for recording films in a pretreatment line during an ongoing pretreatment process, wherein the device as defined hereinbefore and hereinafter is attached to the workpiece, the workpiece is introduced in a pretreatment line, the cycle of the pretreatment line is started, and the entire process in the pretreatment line is recorded with the camera (2).

[0015] A further subject-matter of the present invention is a use of the device as defined hereinbefore and hereinafter and of the process as defined hereinbefore and hereinafter in a pretreatment line for workpieces.

[0016] Detailed description of the invention

[0017] In the following the device and method and use according to the invention will be described in more detail.

[0018] The device for recording films in a pretreatment line during an ongoing pretreatment process comprises a frame device (1 ), on which the other components are detachably attached. It is preferred that the frame device (1 ) has an angular shape like a rectangle, but other geometrical shapes are certainly conceivably, like for example triangle, circle, ellipse, trapezoid, parallelogram, and the like. The size of the frame device (1 ) is not critical but should be sufficiently large that the other components like at least one camera (2), at least one illumination device (3) and at least one sensor (4) can be detachably attached. If the frame device (1 ) has an angular shape like a rectangle, a size of one side in the range of 15 cm - 400 cm is intended, preferably 30 cm - 300 cm, more preferably 40 cm - 200 cm, still more preferably 45-180 cm. The material of the frame device (1 ) is selected from material, which has high strength and rigidity, so that the frame device (1 ) can be fixed on the work piece in a rigid arrangement without wobbling or sliding. The material is characterized by its ability to withstand mechanical loads and retain the shape thereof without deforming or breaking. Preferably the material is selected from the group, which comprises metal, ceramic or composite material or a mixture thereof. Metals such as steel, aluminum and copper have high strength and rigidity due to their crystalline structure and are preferred as frame device (1 ) materials.

[0019] Ceramic materials are another example. Ceramics are made of inorganic compounds such as silicon dioxide or aluminum oxide and have high hardness and strength. Composite materials such as glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) or carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) are also rigid technical materials. These materials consist of a combination of fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. They offer high strength and rigidity combined with low weight and are used in the aerospace, automotive and sports industries.

[0020] The at least one camera (2) is a liquid-tight camera. A liquid-tight camera is a camera that is protected against the ingress of liquids and can therefore be used in environments where moisture or even water is present. These cameras are specially designed to work in wet or humid environments, such as underwater photography, industrial applications where liquids are present, or outdoor activities in rainy weather. These cameras are usually waterproof and have special housings or seals to prevent the ingress of liquids. They are often also shockproof and resistant to extreme temperatures and other environmental conditions to meet the requirements of different applications. Such cameras can have various functions and features, such as water resistance to a certain depth or for a certain period of time, special seals or gaskets to prevent the ingress of water or other liquids, robust construction to withstand shocks and falls, special lenses or coatings to improve visibility underwater, image stabilization functions to prevent blurred images, additional controls or buttons that can also be used underwater. The at least one camera (2) has an adjustable timestamp.

[0021] The at least one sensor (4) is a temperature detection device, which also has a timestamp. Preferably the temperature detection device is a temperature data logger, which means an electronic device that continuously measures temperature and records these data. It can remain in a specific location for an extended period of time and collect data, allowing temperature changes to be tracked over time. The recorded data can then be downloaded and analyzed.

[0022] When the timestamp of the temperature detection device is synchronized with the timestamp of the camera (2), the temperatures of each stage and the transfer time can be determined. It serves also as a secondary set of data, which minimizes the likelihood of errors in the obtained values.

[0023] The illumination device (3) can be any illumination device (3), which provides sufficient illumination for the recorded area.

[0024] In one embodiment the at least one illumination device (3) is a flashlight with a light emitting diode for outputting the light signal, which is directed towards the film area to provide sufficient illumination of the film area.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment the at least one illumination device (3) is a lightemitting diode which is arranged in a light-emitting diode array together with further light-emitting diodes for outputting the light signal, which is directed towards the film area to provide sufficient illumination of the film area.

[0026] The at least one camera (2), the at least one illumination device (3) and the at least one sensor (4) are detachably attached on the frame device (1 ) and the timestamp of the sensor (4) is synchronized with the timestamp of the camera (2). With the synchronization of the timestamp of the sensor (4) with the timestamp of the camera (2), the temperatures of each stage and transfer time can be exactly determined.

[0027] The frame device (1 ) comprises at least one first fastening means for attaching the device to a workpiece, wherein the first fastening means is part of the frame device (1 ). As first fastening means eyelets can be used which are advantageously designed on the frame and consist of the same material as the frame device (1 ). The eyelets are preferred arranged on the comers of the frame device (1 ) but can also be arranged on the sides of the frame device (1 ).

[0028] The frame device (1 ) comprises further at least one second fastening means which is combinable with the at least first fastening means for attaching the device to a workpiece. The at least one second fastening means consists of wire, cable ties, hooks or the like, whereby cable ties are preferred. It is especially important that the connection of the first fastening means and the second fastening means result in a connection that leads to a rigid arrangement.

[0029] The device for recording films will in the following be described in more detail by reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a device for recording films, wherein one camera (2) is arranged next to one illumination device (3) on one side of frame device (1 ).

[0031] Figure 2 shows a device for recording films wherein one illumination device (3) is arranged on the side of the frame device (1 ) in opposite to the site, where one camera (2) is arranged, and two further illumination devices (3) are arranged on both sides next to the side, where the camera (2) is arranged.

[0032] A further embodiment comprises a device for recording films wherein one camera (2) is arranged on one side of the frame device (1 ) and one illumination device (3) is arranged on the side in opposite thereof and another example of an embodiment comprises a device for recording films wherein one illumination device (3) is arranged on the side next to the side, where the camera (2) is arranged. Hereinafter the process for recording films in a pretreatment line during an ongoing pretreatment process will be described. Initially the at least one camera (2), the at least one illumination device (3) and the at least one sensor (4) are detachably attached on the frame device (1 ), which has an angular shape. The at least one first fastening means will be combined with the at least second fastening means and the time stamp of the at least one sensor (4) will be synchronized with the timestamp of the at least one camera (2).

[0033] The device for recording film will be attached to a workpiece with the second fastening means and the workpiece will be introduced in a pretreatment line, the cycle of the pretreatment line is started, and the entire process in the pretreatment line is recorded with the camera (2). The workpiece passes through the system and the entire process of treatment can be recorded.

[0034] During the recording the device recognizes errors like clogged nozzles, incorrectly adjusted pressure, spray pattern not adjusted, conditions in the inter-zones, bath recirculation, presence of air bubbles and the like.

[0035] When analyzing the video file, various aspects can be determined as above mentioned and further by using the timestamp, including dwell times, spray pattern, mechanical handling of the workpiece, transfer times, treatment times and the like.

[0036] Especially suitable is the determination of treatment times in different stages of the pretreatment line and of the transfer times between the different stages of the pretreatment.

[0037] An especially suitable additional instrument is the temperature data logger with which, as already mentioned, when synchronizing the timestamp of the temperature data logger to the time stamp of the camera (2), one can determine the temperatures of each stage and transfer time. It serves also as a secondary set of data, which minimizes the likelihood of errors in the obtained values. In a further embodiment, the device for recording films as described above is mounted on a workpiece as described above and a second sensor which is a temperature detection device and preferably a temperature data logger is attached to one point of the workpiece. This has the advantage, that two temperature measurements are available, that can be compared, making it easier to detect and analyze possible measurement inaccuracies.

[0038] Finally, a further preferred embodiment is described. In this further embodiment the at least one sensor (4) is not attached on the device for recording films but is detached from the frame device (1 ) and mounted at another location on the workpiece. This has the advantage that possible vibrations inside the systems which could possibly have a negative influence on the measurement accuracy will be eliminated.

Claims

Patent Claims1 . Device for recording films in a pretreatment line during an ongoing pretreatment process, wherein the device comprises a frame device (1 ), at least one camera (2) with an adjustable timestamp, at least one illumination device (3) and at least one sensor (4) with an adjustable timestamp, wherein the at least one camera (2), the at least one illumination device (3) and the at least one sensor (4) are detachably attached on the frame device (1 ) and wherein the timestamp of the at least one sensor (4) is synchronized with the timestamp of the at least one camera (2).

2. Device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one camera (2) is a liquid- tight camera.

3. Device according to claims 1 -2, wherein the at least one sensor (4) is a temperature detection device.

4. Device according to claims 1 -3, wherein the at least one illumination device (3) is a flashlight with a light emitting diode for outputting the light signal, which is directed towards the film area to provide sufficient illumination of the film area.

5. Device according to claims 1 -3, wherein the at least one illumination device (3) is a light-emitting diode which is arranged in a light-emitting diode array together with further light-emitting diodes for outputting the light signal, which is directed towards the film area to provide sufficient illumination of the film area.

6. Device according to claims 1 -5, wherein the frame device (1 ) comprises at least one first fastening means for attaching the device to a workpiece, wherein the first fastening means is part of the frame device (1 ).

7. Device according to claims 1 -6, comprising at least one second fastening means which is combinable with the at least first fastening means for attaching the device to a workpiece.

8. Device according to claims 1 -7, wherein the frame device (1 ) has an angular shape.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one camera (2) is arranged next to the at least one illumination device (3) on one side of frame device (1 ).

10. Device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one camera (2) is arranged on one side of the frame device (1 ) and the at least one illumination device (3) is arranged on the side in opposite thereof or the at least one illumination device (3) is arranged on the side next to the side, where the at least one camera (2) is arranged.11 . Device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one illumination device (3) is arranged on the side in opposite to the site, where the at least one camera (2) is arranged, and wherein two further illumination devices (3) are arranged on both sides next to the side, where the at least one camera (2) is arranged.

12. Process for recording films in a pretreatment line during an ongoing pretreatment process, wherein the device according to claims 1-11 is attached to the workpiece, the workpiece is introduced in a pretreatment line, the cycle of the pretreatment line is started, and the entire process in the pretreatment line is recorded with the camera (2).

13. Process according to claim 12, wherein treatment times in different stages of the pretreatment line are determined.

14. Process according to claim 12-13, wherein transfer times between the different stages of the pretreatment are determined.

15. Use of the device according to claims 1 -11 and of the process according to claims 12-14 in a pretreatment line for workpieces.

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