Painting system and painting method

Abstract

The present invention provides a painting system. The painting system comprises: a painting booth for performing a painting process of applying paint to a component; and a transfer robot which is fixedly installed on one side of the painting booth and provided to be rotatable about a central axis, and which supports the component and transfers the component to the painting booth. The painting booth may comprise: a supply robot which is disposed at an inlet of the painting booth, and which receives the component from the transfer robot and moves the component to an internal processing space of the painting booth; and a painting robot which is fixedly installed in the internal processing space of the painting booth and applies the paint to the component supported by the supply robot.

Description

Painting System and Painting Method

[0001] The present invention relates to a coating system and a coating method.

[0002] The painting system includes a painting booth for performing painting processes on workpieces such as vehicle parts, and an air conditioning module for supplying air to the painting booth. The painting system is a large-scale facility that forms an airflow to prevent sprayed paint from escaping the workspace while transporting parts such as vehicle bodies, and collects, purifies, and discharges overspray. It maintains a uniform airflow through an intake section at the bottom of the booth and supply and circulation pipes at the top, while maintaining air purity by filtering contaminants through filters.

[0003] The painting booth is installed in a painting zone comprising a primer booth for applying a primer to ensure corrosion prevention and adhesion between the base and clear coats, a base booth for uniformly applying a base coat to a predetermined film thickness, and a clear booth for applying a transparent clear coat to impart gloss, weather resistance, chemical resistance, and scratch resistance.

[0004] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating a part of a painting system according to a conventional configuration.

[0005] Referring to FIG. 1, in a coating system according to a conventional configuration, the coating zone (10) includes a primer booth (12), a base booth (14), and a clear booth (16). A coating robot (18) is positioned inside each booth to apply the corresponding paint to the parts. Additionally, a flash-off zone for paint leveling and solvent and moisture evaporation is provided between each booth to control the paint film flow and orientation. As shown in FIG. 1, a setting zone (11, 13, 15, 17) is installed with a conveyor line that moves the parts during the time the paint applied in each booth dries, or during the flash-off performed before being transferred to the primer booth (12) after pretreatment. In the conventional technology, each booth (12, 14, 16) and the setting zone (11, 13, 15, 17) are arranged in series on the conveyor line, and the conveyor moves straight, allowing the parts to sequentially move along each booth and setting zone.

[0006] In the case where painting is performed while the parts move along a conveyor line as in the conventional configuration, the painting robot (18) must spray paint along the moving parts, so the paint is not applied well to the parts and scatters, resulting in wasted paint and a problem with low uniformity of the paint film applied to the parts.

[0007] In addition, in the conventional configuration, the length of the conveyor line is proportional to the size of the painting zone (10), so as the painting zone (10) becomes larger, the installation area of ​​the air conditioning system and the painting line increases, which causes the installation and operation costs of the painting zone (10) to increase.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems and has one objective of providing a coating system and a coating method that can uniformly form a coating film during coating and reduce the amount of paint used.

[0009] In addition, the present invention has the objective of providing a painting system and a painting method that can improve the design freedom of a painting system.

[0010] In addition, the present invention has the objective of providing a painting system and a painting method that can improve productivity by optimizing the painting booth space and shortening the time for switching between external and internal painting of parts.

[0011] In addition, the present invention has the objective of providing a painting system and a painting method that can reduce the installation and operation costs of an air conditioning system.

[0012] In addition, the present invention has the objective of providing a painting system and a painting method capable of minimizing or optimizing the installation area of ​​the painting system.

[0013] The problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0014] The present invention provides a painting system. The painting system comprises: a painting booth for performing a painting process of applying paint to a part; and a material transfer robot fixedly installed on one side of the painting booth and provided to be rotatable about a central axis to support the part and transfer the part to the painting booth. The painting booth may include a supply robot positioned at the entrance of the painting booth, receiving the part from the material transfer robot and moving the part to an internal processing space of the painting booth; and a painting robot fixedly installed in the internal processing space of the painting booth and applying the paint to the part supported by the supply robot.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the painting system further includes a setting zone for removing residual solvent and moisture from the part by having the part wait for a predetermined time, and the setting zone may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the painting booth.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the painting booth includes a primer booth for applying primer paint to the part; a base booth for applying base paint to the part; and a clear booth for applying clear paint to the part, and the supply robot and the painting robot are provided to the primer booth, the base booth, and the clear booth, respectively, and the material transfer robot can transfer the part from either the painting booth or the setting zone to another.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the setting zone may include a primer setting zone in which a part coated with primer paint stays in the primer booth, a base setting zone in which a part coated with base paint stays in the base booth, and a clear setting zone in which a part coated with clear paint stays in the clear booth.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the material transfer robot may be positioned between the painting booth and the setting zone.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the supply robot includes two arms that are horizontally extended and positioned opposite each other with respect to a central axis perpendicular to the ground, and each end of the two arms supports the part, and as the arms rotate with respect to the central axis, the part supported by the arms can be moved between the outside of the painting booth and the internal processing space of the painting booth.

[0020] According to one embodiment, at least two of the plurality of painting booths and the plurality of setting zones may be arranged within the material handling range of the material handling robot.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the painting booth may include: a workroom where the painting robot is installed and a processing space is provided; an air conditioning module that supplies clean air to the workroom; an exhaust room disposed below the workroom where contaminated air from the workroom is exhausted; and a filter room installed adjacent to the exhaust room and where a filter module that purifies contaminated air from the exhaust room is disposed.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a plurality of painting booths are provided, and the plurality of painting booths can share the air conditioning module.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the material handling robots are provided in plurality, and the plurality of material handling robots are arranged side by side along a first direction, and the primer booth, the base booth, and the clear booth may be arranged side by side along the first direction.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the material handling robots are provided in plurality, and at least one material handling robot may be positioned between each corresponding one or more painting booths and one or more setting zones.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a plurality of the above-mentioned material robots can be arranged side by side along a first direction.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the painting booth includes a primer booth for applying a primer paint to the part; and a topcoat booth for applying a base paint and a clear paint to the part, wherein the supply robot and the painting robot are provided to the primer booth and the topcoat booth, respectively, and the material transfer robot can transfer the part from either the painting booth or the setting zone to the other.

[0027] The present invention also provides a method for painting a part. The painting method comprises a first setting step of moving and waiting a part that has completed pretreatment; a primer application step of applying a primer paint to the part in a primer booth; a base application step of applying a base paint to the part in a base booth; and a clear application step of applying a clear paint to the part in a clear booth, wherein the part is transferred to the primer booth, the base booth, and the clear booth by a material transfer robot positioned adjacent to each of the primer booth, the base booth, and the clear booth, so that paint application on the part can be performed.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a second setting step for drying the part is further performed after the primer application step and before the base application step is performed, wherein the second setting step is performed in a primer setting zone spaced apart from the primer booth, and the material transfer robot can transfer the part, after the primer application step is completed, from the primer booth to the primer setting zone.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a third setting step for drying the part is further performed after the base coating step and before the clear coating step is performed, wherein the third setting step is performed in a base setting zone spaced apart from the base booth, and the material transfer robot can transfer the part, after the base coating step is completed, from the base booth to the base setting zone.

[0030] According to one embodiment, after the clear coating step, a fourth setting step for drying the part is further performed, wherein the fourth setting step is performed in a clear setting zone spaced apart from the clear booth, and the material transfer robot can transfer the part, after the clear coating step is completed, from the clear booth to the clear setting zone.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a coating film can be uniformly formed during coating and the amount of paint used can be reduced.

[0032] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the degree of design freedom of the coating system can be improved.

[0033] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, productivity can be improved by optimizing the paint booth space and shortening the time for switching between external and internal painting of parts.

[0034] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention can reduce the installation and operation costs of an air conditioning system.

[0035] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the installation area of ​​the coating system can be minimized or optimized.

[0036] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating a part of a painting system according to a conventional configuration.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a coating system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the appearance of a part according to one embodiment of the present invention when it moves in a first setting zone.

[0040] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a component according to one embodiment of the present invention being transferred from a rail of a first setting zone to a transfer robot.

[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment in which the supply robot and the painting robot of the present invention are arranged.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating a painting booth according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a coating method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a material transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a first setting zone to a primer booth.

[0045] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of Fig. 8.

[0046] Figure 10 illustrates a first supply robot rotating to move a part from outside the primer booth to inside the primer booth.

[0047] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the primer application step of the present invention being performed.

[0048] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a primer booth to a second setting zone.

[0049] Fig. 13 is a schematic side view of Fig. 12.

[0050] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a second setting zone (230) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a material transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a second setting zone to a first base booth.

[0052] FIG. 16 illustrates a second supply robot rotating to move a part from outside the first base booth to inside the first base booth.

[0053] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a first base booth to a second base booth.

[0054] FIG. 18 illustrates a third supply robot rotating to move a part from outside the second base booth to inside the second base booth.

[0055] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a second base booth to a third setting zone.

[0056] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a material transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a third setting zone to a clear booth.

[0057] FIG. 21 illustrates the fourth supply robot rotating to move a part from outside the clear booth to inside the clear booth.

[0058] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing a transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a clear booth to a fourth setting zone.

[0059] FIGS. 23 to 26 are drawings illustrating variations of the present invention.

[0060] The various features and benefits of the non-limiting embodiments of this specification may become more apparent from a review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the claims. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the accompanying drawings are not to be drawn to scale. For clarity, various dimensions in the drawings may be exaggerated.

[0061] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments are provided to ensure that the present disclosure is thorough and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. To provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, many specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are presented. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not necessary, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and that neither should be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, known processes, known device structures, and known technologies are not described in detail.

[0062] The terms used herein are merely for describing specific exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments. Singular expressions or expressions where singularity is not specified, as used herein, are intended to include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “comprising,” “having,” and “having” are open-ended and thus specify the presence of the mentioned features, components, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Method steps, processes, and operations in this specification are not to be interpreted as necessarily being performed in the specific order discussed or described unless the order of performance is specified. Additionally, additional or alternative steps may be selected.

[0063] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected," "combined," "attached," "adjacent," or "covering" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, combined with, attached to, adjacent to, or covering said other element or layer, or intermediate elements or layers may exist. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly combined" with another element or layer, it should be understood that intermediate elements or layers do not exist. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The term "and / or" as used in the present invention includes all combinations and non-combinations of one or more of the listed items.

[0064] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various elements, regions, layers, and / or sections in the present invention, it should be understood that these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another element, region, layer, or section. Accordingly, the first element, first region, first layer, or first section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, second region, second layer, or second section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0065] Spatially relative terms (e.g., "below," "under," "lower," "above," "top," etc.) may be used for convenience of explanation to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include not only the orientations illustrated in the drawings but also other orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, elements described as "below" or "under" other elements or features will be oriented "above" other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or in a different orientation), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used in the present invention may be interpreted accordingly.

[0066] It should be understood that there may be some inaccuracy when the terms "identical" or "same" are used in the description of the embodiments. Therefore, if one element or value is referred to as identical to another element or value, it should be understood that said element or value is identical to another element or value within a manufacturing or operating tolerance (e.g., ±10%).

[0067] Where the words “approximately” or “substantially” are used in this specification with respect to figures, it should be understood that such figures include a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%) of the figures mentioned. Additionally, where the words “generally” and “substantially” are used with respect to geometric forms, it should be understood that while geometric accuracy is not required, freedom of form (latitude) is within the scope of disclosure.

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Furthermore, terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with that meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0069] The painting system (1) performs a process of coating a painting object placed with paint made of liquid or powder, and the painting object may be a car body or a part of a vehicle.

[0070] In the following description, the object to be painted is depicted as a part (20) such as a car body or parts of a vehicle, but the object to be painted is not particularly limited.

[0071] The painting system (1) can be divided into a pre-treatment zone (100) and a post-treatment zone (300) based on the painting zone (200) where painting work is performed. The pre-treatment zone (100) and the painting zone (200) can be connected adjacently to each other, and the painting zone (200) and the post-treatment zone (300) can be connected adjacently to each other. The part (20) can be processed sequentially in the pre-treatment zone (100), the painting zone (200), and the post-treatment zone (300). The part (20) can be loaded from the loading area (110) of the pre-treatment zone (100), processed sequentially in the pre-treatment zone (100), the painting zone (200), and the post-treatment zone (300), and then unloaded from the unloading area (330) of the post-treatment zone (300).

[0072] In the present invention, the pretreatment zone (100) comprises: a loading area (110) for loading a part (20) by hanging it on a conveyor jig or hanger; a work area (120) for removing surface irregularities and defects through sanding, deburring, welding bead cleaning, etc., while cleaning the part; a preheating zone (130) for preheating the part (20) to volatilize moisture and solvents remaining on the surface of the part (20) and subsequently stabilizing the wetting and adhesion of the paint; a wiping work area (140) for removing fine particles attached to the surface of the preheated part (20) by wiping with a tack rag, etc.; an antistatic booth (150) where a process is performed to remove static electricity from the surface of the part (20) using an ionizer (ionized blow-off) and blow away residual dust with clean air; and a flame (gas burner) for improving the paint adhesion of the part (20) by oxidizing the surface of the part (20) by contacting the part (20) with a flame (gas burner) for a short time. It may include a booth (160), etc. Since the configuration of the pre-processing zone (100) is a known configuration, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0073] In the present invention, the post-processing zone (300) may include a drying oven (310) that performs a drying process for heat-curing a coating film, such as a primer, base, or clear paint, applied to a part (20) in the coating zone (200), and an unloading area (320) that unloads the finished part (20) cooled in the drying oven (310) from a jig or hanger. Since the configuration of the post-processing zone (300) is a known configuration, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0074] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a coating system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Below, the detailed configuration of the coating zone (200) will be explained with reference to FIG. 2.

[0076] The part (20) pretreated in the pretreatment zone (100) is transferred to the setting zone (210) so that a painting process can be performed in the painting zone (200). The flame booth (160) and the first setting zone (210) can be placed adjacent to each other, and the part (20) moved from the flame booth (160) can be transferred to the first setting zone (210).

[0077] In the painting zone (200), a painting process is performed on the part (20). In the painting zone (200), paint is applied to the part (20).

[0078] The coating zone (200) includes a first setting zone (210), a primer booth (220), a second setting zone (230), a first base booth (240), a second base booth (250), a third setting zone (260), a clear booth (270), and a fourth setting zone (280).

[0079] In the following, the direction in which the primer booth (220), the first base booth (240), the second base booth (250), and the clear booth (270) are arranged is defined as the first direction (X), the direction perpendicular to the first direction (X) when viewed from above is defined as the second direction (Y), and the direction perpendicular to both the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) is defined as the third direction (Z).

[0080] The first setting zone (210) allows parts (20) that have undergone flame treatment and anti-static / wiping to move and wait, preventing the inflow of foreign substances and contamination, thereby minimizing defects in the painting process.

[0081] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the appearance of a part according to an embodiment of the present invention when it moves in a first setting zone. Referring to FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b), a hanger (21) is installed on a rail (212), and a part (20) can be mounted on the hanger (21). The part (20) can be mounted on the hanger (21) by means of a mounting bracket (20a, 20b). The part (20) can be transported along the rail (212) by being caught on the hanger (21) moving on the rail (212).

[0082] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a component according to an embodiment of the present invention being transferred from a rail of a first setting zone to a transfer robot. As shown in FIG. 4, the component (20) can be separated from a hanger (21) installed on a rail (212) of a setting zone (210), supported by an arm (401) of a transfer robot (400), and then transferred to a supply robot (222, 242, 252, 272). The arm (401) of the transfer robot (400) can rotate about a central axis (C) parallel to a third direction (Z). The component (20) can be transported while mounted on a stand (20a, 20b). A stand (20a, 20b) on which a part (20) is mounted can be separated from a hanger (21) and then supported by an arm (401) of a material handling robot (400) and an arm (223, 243, 253, 273) of a supply robot (222, 242, 252, 272). The arm (401) of the material handling robot (400) and the arm (223, 243, 253, 273) of the supply robot (222, 242, 252, 272) may be provided with an end portion that can support the stand (20a, 20b).

[0083] In the following embodiments, when a part (20) is loaded in a loading station (110) and transported along a setting zone (210, 230, 260, 280), the part (20) is transported while mounted on a hanger (21) and then unloaded in an unloading station (320). A hanger (21) may be installed on the rail (212, 232, 262, 282) of the setting zone (210, 230, 260, 280), and the part (20) may be supported by the arm (223, 243, 253, 273) of the material transfer robot (400) and the arm (222, 242, 252, 272) of the supply robot (222, 242, 252, 272) while the part (20) is mounted on the support stand (20a, 20b). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the part (20) may be transported while placed on a jig, etc., or the part (20) may be transported directly while placed on the rail (212).

[0084] The transfer robot (400) receives the part (20) in which the first setting process is completed in the first setting zone (210) and transfers it to the first supply robot (222) of the primer booth (220) described later. The part (20) is transferred from the first setting zone (210) to the primer booth (220) by the transfer robot (400).

[0085] In the primer booth (220), a primer and / or primer surfacer are applied to the part (20) to prevent corrosion and ensure adhesion of the topcoat (base / clear). The primer booth (220) includes a first supply robot (222) and a first painting robot (224).

[0086] The first supply robot (222) can be called a parts feeder.

[0087] The first supply robot (222) includes two arms (223) that are horizontally extended and positioned opposite each other with respect to a central axis (C). The central axis (C) may be provided as an axis perpendicular to the ground. The central axis (C) may be parallel to a third direction (Z). The end of each arm (223) may be formed in a structure capable of supporting a part (20) and may fix and support the part (20). The end of the arm (223) may be formed in a structure capable of supporting a hanger (21). The end of the arm (223) may include a clamp or chuck structure capable of supporting the part (20) when the arm (223) rotates about the central axis (C). The end of each arm (223) may rotate about a rotation axis perpendicular to the ground to rotate the part (20) supported at the end of the arm (223). For example, the part (20) supported at the end of the arm (223) can rotate with the third direction (Z) as the axis of rotation. According to one embodiment, the end of the arm (223) can be composed of a multi-joint arm with three or more axes, and the part (20) supported at the end of the arm (223) can be freely rotated.

[0088] The first supply robot (222) can be installed at the entrance of the primer booth (220). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first supply robot (222) can be positioned such that when the first supply robot (222) rotates, the end of one of the two arms (223) of the first supply robot (222) is located outside the primer booth (220).

[0089] As described below, the first supply robot (222) is installed at the entrance of the primer booth (220) and can be positioned to receive parts (20) from the material transfer robot (400) or to transfer parts (20) to the material transfer robot (400).

[0090] The supply robot (222) can move the part (20) supported by the arm (223) between the outside of the primer booth (220) and the processing space inside the primer booth (220) by rotating the central axis (C) by an unillustrated drive unit. The supply robot (222) can move the part that has been primer coated out of the primer booth (220) and supply the part (20) that requires primer coating into the primer booth (220) by reversing the arm (223) by 180 degrees.

[0091] For example, when two arms (223) each supply a part (20), as the central axis (C) rotates by an unillustrated drive unit, the part (20) supported by one arm (223) moves from outside the primer booth (220) to the processing space inside the primer booth (220), and at the same time, the part (20) supported by the other arm (223) can move from the processing space inside the primer booth (220) to outside the primer booth (220).

[0092] The first painting robot (224) sprays primer paint onto the part (20) supported by the first supply robot (222) to perform a primer painting process on the part (20). The first painting robot (224) is installed in the processing space of the primer booth (220) and applies primer paint to the surface of the part (20). The first painting robot (224) may be fixedly installed on the wall of the processing space of the primer booth (220) or on a rail not shown. The number of first painting robots (224) is not particularly limited. For example, only one first painting robot (224) may be installed in the primer booth (220), and two first painting robots (224a, 224b) may be arranged side by side along the first direction (X) as shown in FIG. 2. The first painting robot (224) may be composed of a multi-joint arm with six or more axes, and a spray gun for spraying paint may be installed at the end of the arm.

[0093] The second setting zone (230) functions as a flash-off zone for the part (20) in which the primer coating process is completed in the primer booth (220). In the second setting zone (230), atmospheric stabilization for solvent volatilization and / or moisture evaporation and leveling of the primer film applied to the surface of the part (20) is performed. In the second setting zone (230), drying of the primer film applied to the surface of the part (20) may be performed. In the second setting zone (230), drying of the paint applied to the surface of the part (20) may be performed. The second setting zone (230) may be called a primer setting zone.

[0094] The transfer robot (400) receives the part (20) with the primer coating process completed from the first supply robot (222) and transfers it to the second setting zone (230). The part (20) is transferred from the primer booth (220) to the second setting zone (230) by the transfer robot (400).

[0095] The second setting zone (230) includes a rail (232) and is configured as a circulating closed loop. According to one embodiment, the rail (232) of the second setting zone (230) may be arranged in an elliptical shape when viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 2. However, it is not limited thereto, and the rail (232) of the second setting zone (230) may be arranged in a closed loop of various shapes, such as a circular or polygonal structure when viewed from above.

[0096] As the primer-coated part (20) moves on the circulation rail (232) installed in the second setting zone (230), the part (20) may stay in the second setting zone (230) for a predetermined time. The time the part (20) stays in the second setting zone (230) may be changed by adjusting the length of the rail (232) or the speed of movement of the rail (232).

[0097] In the base booth (240, 250), a process of uniformly applying a base coat that determines the color of the part (20) to a predetermined film thickness is performed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the base booth (240, 250) includes a first base booth (240) and a second base booth (250).

[0098] In the first base booth (240), a guide coat can be applied to secure initial color coverage through low-pressure, wide-area application, and then a finish coat can be applied in the second base booth (250) to optimize pigment orientation and gloss through high-pressure, precision application. After applying a base color in the first base booth (240), an effect coat such as pearl can be applied in the second base booth (250).

[0099] When applying a metallic or pearl effect color in a single base booth (240, 250), uneven application such as striping may occur. Therefore, by dividing the base booth (240, 250) into a first base booth (240) and a second base booth (250) and performing the coating process in two stages, uniformity of the coating film thickness can be ensured.

[0100] In the first base booth (240), a first base paint can be applied to the part (20), and in the second base booth (250), a second base paint can be applied to the part (20). The first base paint and the second base paint may be the same paint. Alternatively, the first base paint and the second base paint may be different paints.

[0101] The first base booth (240) includes a second supply robot (242) and a second painting robot (244), and the second base booth (250) includes a third supply robot (252) and a third painting robot (254).

[0102] The second supply robot (242) and the third supply robot (252) may have the same configuration as the first supply robot (222) described above. Hereinafter, the second supply robot (242) and the third supply robot (252) are described as having the same configuration as the first supply robot (222) described above, and a detailed description of the same configuration is omitted.

[0103] The second painting robot (244) and the third painting robot (254) may have the same configuration as the first painting robot (224) described above. Hereinafter, the second painting robot (244) and the third painting robot (254) are described as having the same configuration as the first painting robot (224) described above, and a detailed description of the identical configuration is omitted.

[0104] The second supply robot (242) can be installed at the entrance of the first base booth (240). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second supply robot (242) can be positioned such that when the second supply robot (242) rotates, the end of one of the two arms (243) of the second supply robot (242) is located outside the first base booth (240).

[0105] As described below, the second supply robot (242) is installed at the entrance of the first base booth (240) and can be positioned to receive parts (20) from the material transfer robot (400) or to transfer parts (20) to the material transfer robot (400).

[0106] The third supply robot (252) can be installed at the entrance of the second base booth (250). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the third supply robot (252) can be positioned such that when the third supply robot (252) rotates, the end of one of the two arms (253) of the third supply robot (252) is located outside the second base booth (250).

[0107] As described below, the third supply robot (252) is installed at the entrance of the second base booth (250) and can be positioned to receive parts (20) from the material transfer robot (400) or to transfer parts (20) to the material transfer robot (400).

[0108] The second painting robot (244) sprays the first base paint onto the part (20) supported by the second supply robot (242) to perform the first base painting process on the part (20). The second painting robot (244) is installed in the processing space of the first base booth (240) and applies the first base paint to the surface of the part (20).

[0109] The third painting robot (254) sprays the second base paint onto the part (20) supported by the third supply robot (252) to perform the second base painting process on the part (20). The third painting robot (254) is installed in the processing space of the second base booth (250) and applies the second base paint to the surface of the part (20).

[0110] The third setting zone (260) functions as a flash-off zone for the part (20) in which the base coating process is completed in the base booth (240, 250). In the third setting zone (260), atmospheric stabilization for solvent volatilization and / or moisture evaporation and leveling of the base coating film applied to the surface of the part (20) is performed. In the third setting zone (260), drying of the base coating film applied to the surface of the part (20) may be performed. In the third setting zone (260), drying of the paint applied to the surface of the part (20) may be performed. The third setting zone (260) may be called a base setting zone.

[0111] The material transfer robot (400) can receive a part (20) with a base coating process completed from the base booth (240, 250). According to one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the material transfer robot (400) receives a part (20) with a second base coating process completed from the third supply robot (252) and transfers it to the third setting zone (260). The part (20) is transferred from the second base booth (250) to the third setting zone (260) by the material transfer robot (400).

[0112] The third setting zone (260) includes a rail (262) and is configured as a circulating closed loop. The configuration of the third setting zone (260) may be identical to the second setting zone (230) described above. Hereinafter, the third setting zone (260) is described as having the same configuration as the second setting zone (230) described above, and a detailed description of the identical configuration is omitted.

[0113] In the clear booth (270), a transparent clear coat is applied to the part (20) to impart gloss, weather resistance, chemical resistance, scratch resistance, etc. to the part (20). The clear booth (270) includes a fourth supply robot (272) and a fourth painting robot (274).

[0114] The configuration of the fourth supply robot (272) may be identical to the configuration of the first supply robot (222) described above. Additionally, the configuration of the fourth painting robot (274) may be identical to the configuration of the first painting robot (224) described above. Hereinafter, the fourth supply robot (272) and the fourth painting robot (274) are described as having the same configuration as the first supply robot (222) and the first painting robot (224) described above, respectively, and detailed descriptions of identical configurations are omitted.

[0115] The fourth supply robot (272) can be installed at the entrance of the clear booth (270). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the fourth supply robot (272) can be positioned such that when the fourth supply robot (272) rotates, the end of one of the two arms (273) of the fourth supply robot (272) is located outside the clear booth (270).

[0116] As described below, the fourth supply robot (252) is installed at the entrance of the clear booth (270) and can be positioned to receive parts (20) from the material transfer robot (400) or to transfer parts (20) to the material transfer robot (400).

[0117] The fourth painting robot (274) sprays clear paint onto the part (20) supported by the fourth supply robot (272) to perform a clear painting process on the part (20). The fourth painting robot (274) is installed in the processing space of the clear booth (270) and applies clear paint to the surface of the part (20).

[0118] The fourth setting zone (280) transports the part (20) in which the clear coating process is completed in the clear booth (270). The fourth setting zone (280) is connected to a drying oven (310) so that the part (20) can be moved to the drying oven (310). In the fourth setting zone (280), atmospheric stabilization for solvent volatilization and / or moisture evaporation and leveling of the clear coating film applied to the surface of the part (20) can be performed. In the fourth setting zone (280), drying of the clear coating film applied to the surface of the part (20) can be performed. In the fourth setting zone (280), drying of the paint applied to the surface of the part (20) can be performed. The fourth setting zone (280) may be called a clear setting zone.

[0119] A rail (282) is installed in the fourth setting zone (280), and a part (20) placed on the rail (282) can be transported. The rail (282) may be configured to include, for example, a conveyor belt.

[0120] At least one material transfer robot (400) is installed in the painting zone (200) of the present invention. The material transfer robot (400) can transfer parts (20) between the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) and the setting zone (210, 230, 260, 280). The material transfer robot (400) can transfer parts (20) from one of the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) and the setting zone (210, 230, 260, 280) to the other.

[0121] According to one embodiment of FIG. 2, the material handling robot (400) includes a first material handling robot (410), a second material handling robot (420), a third material handling robot (430), and a fourth material handling robot (440).

[0122] The first material handling robot (410), the second material handling robot (420), the third material handling robot (430), and the fourth material handling robot (440) can be arranged side by side along one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first material handling robot (410), the second material handling robot (420), the third material handling robot (430), and the fourth material handling robot (440) can be arranged side by side along the first direction (X).

[0123] The direction in which the first material transfer robot (410), the second material transfer robot (420), the third material transfer robot (430), and the fourth material transfer robot (440) are arranged may be parallel to the direction in which the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) are arranged. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) may be arranged parallel to each other along the first direction (X), and the first material transfer robot (410), the second material transfer robot (420), the third material transfer robot (430), and the fourth material transfer robot (440) may be arranged parallel to the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270).

[0124] The setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280) are positioned so as to be spaced apart from the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270). The setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280) are positioned so as not to be connected to the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270). The setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280) may be arranged side by side along one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280) may be arranged side by side along a first direction (X). The material transfer robot (400) may be positioned between the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) and the setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280). In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one material transfer robot (400) may be positioned between one or more corresponding painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) and one or more setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280).

[0125] According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) and the setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280) are each positioned on one side and the other side, respectively, centered on the material transfer robot (400). In other words, the line in which the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) are arranged parallel along the first direction (X), the line in which the first material transfer robot (410), the second material transfer robot (420), the third material transfer robot (430), and the fourth material transfer robot (440) are arranged parallel along the first direction (X), and the line in which the setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280) are arranged parallel along the first direction (X) can be arranged parallel along the second direction (Y).

[0126] The material handling robot (400) is configured to be rotatable with respect to a central axis parallel to the third direction (Z). The central axis (C) may be provided as an axis perpendicular to the ground. The central axis (C) may be parallel to the third direction (Z). The material handling robot (400) may include a multi-joint arm with six or more axes and may move the part (20) to a desired position through multi-axis rotational driving.

[0127] As the material transfer robot (400) rotates around a central axis parallel to the third direction (Z), the range of the arm of the material transfer robot (400) may correspond to the material transfer range in which the material transfer robot (400) can transfer parts (20).

[0128] When viewed from above, at least two of the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) and setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280) may be arranged within the material handling range of the material handling robot (400) based on a central axis parallel to the third direction (Z) of the material handling robot (400). The material handling robot (400) can transfer a part (20) from one of the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) and setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280) located within the material handling range to another. In other words, the material transfer robot (400) can transfer a part (20) from one of the supply robots (222, 242, 252, 272) installed in the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) or the rails (212, 232, 262, 282) installed in the setting zone (210, 230, 260, 280) to the other within the material transfer range.

[0129] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the first material transfer robot (410) is positioned between the first setting zone (210), the primer booth (220), and the second setting zone (230) to transfer a part (20) between the first setting zone (210), the primer booth (220), and the second setting zone (230). The first material transfer robot (410) can transfer the part (20) from the first setting zone (210) to the first supply robot (222) of the primer booth (220), and transfer the part (20) with the primer process completed from the first supply robot (222) to the second setting zone (230).

[0130] The second transfer robot (420) is positioned between the second setting zone (230) and the first base booth (240) to transfer parts (20) between the second setting zone (230) and the first base booth (240). The second transfer robot (420) can transfer parts (20) from the second setting zone (230) to the second supply robot (242) of the first base booth (240).

[0131] The third transfer robot (430) is positioned between the third setting zone (260), the first base booth (240), and the second base booth (250) to transfer parts (20) between the third setting zone (260), the first base booth (240), and the second base booth (250). The third transfer robot (430) can transfer parts (20) from the second supply robot (242) of the first base booth (240) to the third supply robot (252) of the second base booth (250), and transfer parts (20) with completed base processes from the third supply robot (252) to the third setting zone (260).

[0132] The fourth transfer robot (440) is positioned between the third setting zone (260), the clear booth (270), and the fourth setting zone (280) to transfer parts (20) between the third setting zone (260), the clear booth (270), and the fourth setting zone (280). The fourth transfer robot (440) can transfer parts (20) from the third setting zone (260) to the fourth supply robot (272) of the clear booth (270), and transfer parts (20) with the clearing process completed from the fourth supply robot (272) to the fourth setting zone (280).

[0133] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment in which the supply robot and the painting robot of the present invention are arranged.

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, the supply robot (222, 242, 252, 272) and the painting robot (224, 244, 254, 274) are shown and described as being installed separately from each other within the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270), but this is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 5, the supply robot (222) and the painting robot (224) may be installed by being connected vertically. At this time, the supply robot (222) and the painting robot (224) may be controlled independently. For example, the rotation of the arm (223) with respect to the central axis (C) parallel to the third direction (Z) of the supply robot (222) and the rotational movement of the arm of the painting robot (224) may be performed independently.

[0135] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating a painting booth according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a painting booth (500) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

[0136] The paint booth (500) of FIG. 6 may be any one of the paint booths (220, 240, 250, 270) of the present invention. The paint booths (220, 240, 250, 270) may have the same configuration.

[0137] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the painting booth (500) may be provided as a so-called dry booth that collects sprayed paint by applying a cartridge-type or movable-structure replaceable filter. However, the painting booth (500) of the present invention is not limited thereto and may be provided as a wet booth equipped with a water film or a water scrubber. Below, the painting booth (500) is described as being provided as a dry booth.

[0138] The painting booth (500) includes a workroom (510) where a painting process is performed on a part (20) that is the object to be painted, an exhaust space (520) and an exhaust room (530) located below the workroom (510), and a filter room (540).

[0139] The workroom (510), exhaust space (520), exhaust room (530), and filter room (540) are located inside the paint booth (500).

[0140] In the workshop (510), painting work is performed on the parts (20).

[0141] Inside the workroom (510), a painting robot (514) that performs painting work on a part (20) and a supply robot (512) that transports the part (20) between the outside and inside of the workroom (510) are installed. The supply robot (512) and the painting robot (514) correspond to the supply robots (222, 242, 252, 272) and painting robots (224, 244, 254, 274) described above.

[0142] In the workroom (510), a downward airflow flows through the air conditioning module (600) described later, and the floor surface of the workroom (510) is connected to the exhaust space (520) so that the downward airflow can flow into the exhaust space (520) located below the workroom (510).

[0143] The exhaust space (520) is located at the bottom of the workroom (510). The exhaust space (520) serves as an intermediate buffer to collect contaminated air exhausted from the workroom (510) and transfer it to the exhaust room (530).

[0144] The exhaust room (530) is positioned at the bottom of the exhaust space (520). The exhaust room (530) is configured to communicate with the exhaust space (520). The exhaust room (530) may be positioned at the center of the bottom of the exhaust space (520). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the exhaust room (530) may be positioned at the center with respect to the second direction (Y) of the paint booth (500). At the bottom of the exhaust space (520), filter rooms (540) may be positioned on both sides adjacent to the second direction (Y) of the exhaust room (530). Two filter rooms (540) may be positioned opposite each other with respect to the exhaust room (530).

[0145] A filter module (700) is installed in the filter room (540). The filter room (540) includes an opening (not shown) communicating with the exhaust room (530), and the filter module (700) may be installed to seal the opening (not shown). The filter module (700) includes a filter (720) and can filter contaminated air flowing from the exhaust room (530) into the filter room (540). When contaminated air flows from the exhaust room (530) into the filter room (540), contaminants in the air can be captured by the filter (720) placed inside the filter module (700).

[0146] The installation height of the exhaust room (530) and the filter room (540) is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the exhaust room (530) and the filter room (540) may be installed above ground. However, alternatively, the exhaust room (530) and the filter room (540) may be installed underground. According to one embodiment, the workroom (510) may be installed at ground level, and the exhaust space (520), the exhaust room (530), and the filter room (540) may be installed underground.

[0147] An exhaust port (624) is installed inside the filter room (540). The exhaust port (624) discharges air that has entered the filter room (540) to the outside of the filter room (540). The exhaust port (624) may be installed on the floor of the filter room (540).

[0148] Doors (132, 142) may be installed in the exhaust room (530) and the filter room (540). The door (132) installed on one side of the exhaust room (530) and the door (142) installed on one side of the filter room (540) function as entrances to the exhaust room (530) and the filter room (540). In particular, a worker can enter the filter room (540) through the door (142) of the filter room (540) and replace the filter (720) of the filter module (700) placed in the filter room (540).

[0149] The air conditioning module (600) performs the supply and exhaust of air within the painting system (1). The air conditioning module (600) supplies purified air to the workroom (510) through the air supply port (612, 632) located above the workroom (510), and forms a flow of air that passes through the workroom (510), guides the contaminated air to the filter room (540) to filter it, and then exhausts it through the exhaust port (624) located inside the filter room (540).

[0150] The air conditioning module (600) includes an air conditioner (610), a circulation line (620), and an external air supply unit (630). The air conditioner (610) receives and processes purified air from the circulation line (620). The air conditioner (610) is connected to the circulation line (620) and can supply clean air to the workroom (510) through the air supply port (612). The air conditioner (610) can regulate the temperature and humidity of the air circulated through the circulation pipe (226) and pressurize it to supply it to the workroom (510).

[0151] The external air supply unit (630) can supply clean air from the outside to the workroom (510).

[0152] The external air supply unit (630) can supply clean air to the workroom (510) through the air supply port (632).

[0153] The circulation line (620) can recirculate air supplied to the workroom (510), exhaust space (520), exhaust room (530), and filter room (540) of the paint booth (500). The circulation line (620) includes an air supply port (612) positioned above the workroom (510), an exhaust port (624) positioned in the filter room (540), and a circulation pipe (226) connecting the exhaust port (624) and the air supply port (612).

[0154] The air supply ports (612, 632) are each connected to an air conditioner (610) and an external air supply unit (630) to supply air to the workroom (510). The air supply ports (612, 632) are positioned at the top of the workroom (510). The air supply ports (612, 632) are evenly distributed on the upper surface of the workroom (510) so that the air supplied from the air conditioning module (600) can be designed to be evenly distributed throughout the entire workroom (510).

[0155] The exhaust port (624) is installed in the filter room (540) to exhaust air flowing into the filter room (540). An exhaust damper (625) for controlling the exhaust flow rate may be installed in the exhaust port (624). The exhaust damper (625) can open and close the exhaust port (624).

[0156] The circulation pipe (626) is connected to the air supply port (612) and the exhaust port (624), so that the air exhausted through the exhaust port (624) can be circulated back to the air supply port (612).

[0157] A recirculation air unit (RAU; 628) is installed in the circulation pipe (626) to blow and filter air flowing through the circulation pipe (626) for recirculation. Air exhausted through the exhaust port (624) can be supplied back to the workroom (510) from the supply port (612) through the circulation pipe (626).

[0158] The circulation pipe (626) is equipped with a discharge pipe (626a) for discharging a portion of the air flowing through the circulation pipe (626) and a discharge valve (626b) for opening and closing the discharge pipe (626a), so that a portion of the circulating air can be discharged to the outside. An amount of clean air corresponding to the amount of air discharged from the circulation pipe (626) can be supplied to the workroom (510) by an external air supply unit (630).

[0159] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a coating method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 22, a painting method using the painting system of FIG. 2 will be described in detail.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 7, a coating method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of pretreatment (S10), first setting (S20), primer application (S30), second setting (S40), base application (S50), third setting (S60), clear application (S70), fourth setting (S80), and posttreatment (S90). The base application (S50) step may include the steps of first base application (S52) and second base application (S54). Each of the above steps may be performed in a chronological order.

[0162] In the pretreatment (S10) step, the part (20) can be loaded at the loading station (110) and pretreated. For example, the part (20) may undergo sanding, deburring, welding bead cleaning, and cleaning processes, and then pass through the preheating zone (130), wiping workshop (140), static elimination booth (150), flame booth (160), etc. in sequence to perform preheating, wiping, static elimination, and heating operations.

[0163] After the pretreatment (S10) step is performed, the part (20) is transferred to the first setting zone (210) of the painting zone (200), and the first setting (S20) step is performed.

[0164] In the first setting (S20) step, the part (20) can move along the rail (212) of the first setting zone (210).

[0165] When the first setting (S20) step is completed, the part (20) is transferred from the first setting zone (210) to the primer booth (220), and the primer application (S30) step is performed.

[0166] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a material transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a first setting zone to a primer booth, and FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of FIG. 8.

[0167] Referring further to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first material robot (410) receives the part (20) in which the first setting (S20) step is completed in the first setting zone (210) and delivers it to the first supply robot (222) of the primer booth (220).

[0168] FIG. 10 illustrates a first supply robot rotating to move a part from outside the primer booth to inside the primer booth. Referring to FIG. 10, the first supply robot (222) can rotate the arm (223) around the central axis (C) to move the part (20) supported by the arm (223) from outside the primer booth (220) to the processing space inside the primer booth (220). At this time, although not illustrated, if the part (20) that has completed primer application is supported by the opposite arm (223), the movement of the part (20) that has completed primer application and the movement of the part (20) that requires primer coating can be performed simultaneously as the arm (223) rotates.

[0169] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the primer application step of the present invention being performed. Referring to FIG. 11, a first painting robot (224) can spray primer paint onto a part (20) supported by the arm (223) of a first supply robot (222) to perform a primer application process on the part (20). When the primer paint is sprayed, the arm (223) of the first supply robot (222) can tilt, move up and down, and move horizontally so that a uniform coating film can be formed on the part (20).

[0170] When the primer application (S30) step is completed, the part (20) is transferred from the primer booth (220) to the second setting zone (230), and the second setting (S40) step is performed.

[0171] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a material transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a primer booth to a second setting zone, and FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of FIG. 12.

[0172] Referring further to FIGS. 12 and 13, the first supply robot (222) rotates the arm (223) about the central axis (C) to move the part (20) supported by the arm (223) from the processing space inside the primer booth (220) to outside the primer booth (220).

[0173] The first material transfer robot (410) receives the part (20) with the primer application (S30) process completed from the first supply robot (222) and transfers it to the second setting zone (230). The part (20) can be placed on the rail (232) of the second setting zone (230) by the first material transfer robot (410).

[0174] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a second setting zone (230) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring further to FIG. 14, a part (20) placed in the second setting zone (230) moves along the rail (232) of the second setting zone (230) and stays for a predetermined time, and atmospheric stabilization for solvent evaporation and leveling of the primer film applied to the surface of the part (20) can be performed.

[0175] When the second setting (S40) step is completed, the part (20) is transferred from the second setting zone (230) to the base booth (240, 250), and the base coating (S50) step is performed. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a transfer robot according to an embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from the second setting zone to the first base booth.

[0176] Referring further to FIG. 15, the second material robot (420) receives the part (20) for which the second setting (S40) step is completed in the second setting zone (230) and delivers it to the second supply robot (242) of the first base booth (240).

[0177] FIG. 16 illustrates a second supply robot rotating to move a part from outside the first base booth to inside the first base booth.

[0178] As previously explained with reference to FIG. 10, the second supply robot (242) can rotate the arm (243) around the central axis (C) to move the part (20) supported by the arm (243) from outside the first base booth (240) to the processing space inside the first base booth (240). At this time, although not illustrated, if the part (20) that has completed the first base coating is supported by the opposite arm (223), the movement of the part (20) that has completed the first base coating can be performed simultaneously with the movement of the part (20) that requires the first base coating as the arm (223) rotates.

[0179] After the part (20) is moved into the internal processing space of the first base booth (240), the first base coating (S52) step is performed.

[0180] In the first base coating (S52) step, the second coating robot (244) can spray the first base paint onto the part (20) supported by the arm (243) of the second supply robot (242) to perform the first base coating process on the part (20). When the first base paint is sprayed, the arm (243) of the second supply robot (242) can tilt, move up and down, and move horizontally so that a uniform coating film can be formed on the part (20).

[0181] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a first base booth to a second base booth.

[0182] Referring further to FIG. 17, the second transfer robot (420) receives the part (20) for which the first base coating (S52) step has been completed from the second supply robot (242) of the first base booth (240) and transfers it to the third supply robot (252) of the second base booth (250).

[0183] After the part (20) is moved into the internal processing space of the first base booth (240), the first base coating (S52) step is performed.

[0184] FIG. 18 illustrates a third supply robot rotating to move a part from outside the second base booth to inside the second base booth. Referring to FIG. 18, as described above in FIG. 10, the third supply robot (252) can rotate the arm (253) about the central axis (C) to move the part (20) supported by the arm (253) from outside the second base booth (250) to the processing space inside the second base booth (250).

[0185] After the part (20) is moved to the internal processing space of the second base booth (250), the second base coating (S54) step is performed.

[0186] In the second base coating (S54) step, the third coating robot (254) can spray the second base paint onto the part (20) supported by the arm (243) of the third supply robot (242) to perform the second base coating process on the part (20). When the second base paint is sprayed, the arm (253) of the third supply robot (252) can tilt, move up and down, and move horizontally so that a uniform coating film can be formed on the part (20).

[0187] When the second base coating (S54) step is completed, the base coating (S50) step is completed, the part (20) is transferred from the second base booth (250) to the third setting zone (260), and the third setting (S60) step is performed.

[0188] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a second base booth to a third setting zone.

[0189] The third material transfer robot (430) receives the part (20) for which the base coating (S50) process is completed from the third supply robot (252) and transfers it to the third setting zone (260). The part (20) can be placed on the rail (262) of the third setting zone (260) by the third material transfer robot (430).

[0190] The part (20) placed in the third setting zone (260) moves along the rail (262) of the third setting zone (260) and stays for a predetermined time, and atmospheric stabilization for solvent evaporation and leveling of the base coating applied to the surface of the part (20) can be performed.

[0191] When the third setting (S60) step is completed, the part (20) is transferred from the third setting zone (260) to the clear booth (270), and the clear coating (S70) step is performed.

[0192] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a material transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a third setting zone to a clear booth.

[0193] Referring further to FIG. 20, the fourth transfer robot (440) receives the part (20) for which the third setting (S60) step is completed in the third setting zone (260) and transfers it to the fourth supply robot (272) of the clear booth (270).

[0194] FIG. 21 illustrates the fourth supply robot rotating to move a part from outside the clear booth to inside the clear booth.

[0195] After the part (20) is moved into the internal processing space of the clear booth (270), the clear application (S70) step is performed.

[0196] In the clear coating (S70) step, the fourth painting robot (274) can spray clear paint onto the part (20) supported by the arm (273) of the fourth supply robot (272) to perform a clear coating process on the part (20). When the clear paint is sprayed, the arm (243) of the fourth supply robot (272) can tilt, move up and down, and move horizontally so that a uniform coating film can be formed on the part (20). When the clear coating (S70) step is completed, the part (20) is transferred from the clear booth (270) to the fourth setting zone (280), and the fourth setting (S80) step is performed.

[0197] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing a transfer robot according to one embodiment of the present invention transferring a part from a clear booth to a fourth setting zone.

[0198] Referring further to FIG. 22, the fourth material transfer robot (440) receives the part (20) with the clear coating (S70) process completed from the fourth supply robot (272) and transfers it to the fourth setting zone (280). The part (20) can be placed on the rail (282) of the fourth setting zone (280) by the fourth material transfer robot (440).

[0199] In the fourth setting (S20) step, the part (20) moves along the rail (282) of the fourth setting zone (280), thereby stabilizing the surface temperature and humidity and naturally releasing the solvent and moisture remaining on the part (20).

[0200] The part (20) is moved to a post-processing zone (300) connected to the fourth setting zone (280), and a post-processing step (S90) for the part can be performed. For example, the part (20) can be moved to a drying oven (310) connected to the fourth setting zone (280), where a drying process for heat-curing the coating film is performed, and then moved to an unloading area (320) to be unloaded.

[0201] According to the above-described embodiment, a painting system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) arranged within a painting zone (200), a painting robot (224, 244, 254, 274) fixedly installed within the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270), and paint can be sprayed and applied to a fixed part (20) supported by a supply robot (222, 242, 252, 272). Accordingly, compared to a conventional configuration in which a painting process is performed by spraying paint onto a part moving along a rail, a uniform coating film can be formed, and the amount of paint used during painting of the part can be reduced.

[0202] According to the above-described embodiment, a painting system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention has at least one material transfer robot (400) disposed within a painting zone (200), and the material transfer robot (400) can transfer parts (20) between a painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) and a setting zone (210, 230, 260, 280), so the arrangement of the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) and the setting zone (210, 230, 260, 280) can be freely changed, thereby improving the design freedom of the painting system (1).

[0203] According to the above-described embodiment, the supply robot (222, 242, 252, 272) installed in the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) supports the parts (20) before processing and the parts (20) after processing in the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) on each of the two arms, and as it rotates around the central axis, the parts (20) before processing and the parts (20) after processing can be moved simultaneously between the inside and outside of the booth, thereby optimizing the space of the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) and shortening the time for switching the parts (20) between the outside and inside of the painting booth, thereby improving productivity.

[0204] According to the above-described embodiment, the painting system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can separate the setting zone (210, 230, 260, 280) from the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) and arrange them separately, so the length of the painting line can be reduced and the installation area of ​​the painting system (1) can be minimized or optimized, thereby reducing the cost required for the installation and operation of the painting system (1).

[0205] According to the above-described embodiment, the painting system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) arranged adjacent to each other, and as the amount of paint used in each painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) is reduced, one or more painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) may share an air conditioning system.

[0206] In other words, one or more painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) can be controlled by a single air conditioning module (600). Accordingly, compared to the conventional technology where each painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) uses a separate air conditioning system due to spatial constraints and limitations in the purification capacity of the air conditioning system, the installation and operation costs of the air conditioning system can be reduced.

[0207] In addition, if the painting booth (220, 240, 250, 270) is provided as a so-called dry booth that collects sprayed paint by applying a cartridge-type or movable-type replaceable filter, the air volume required for air purification can be reduced, so that one or more painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) can share the air conditioning system, thereby reducing the installation and operation costs of the air conditioning system.

[0208] In the above-described embodiment, the base booth (240, 250) is illustrated and described as being composed of a first base booth (240) and a second base booth (250). However, alternatively, the base booth may be provided as a single unit or as three or more units.

[0209] In the above-described embodiment, it is explained that the part (20) is primer-coated (S30) in the primer booth (220), base-coated (S50) in the base booth (240, 250), and clear-coated (S70) in the clear booth (270), and that a setting step in the setting zone (230, 260) is performed between each coating process. However, the arrangement of the setting zone (230, 260) can be freely changed, and, for example, if the time required for drying the paint is short, some or all of the setting zones arranged for flash-off of the part (20) between each coating process may be omitted.

[0210] FIGS. 23 to 26 are drawings illustrating variations of the present invention.

[0211] Variations of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 23 to 26.

[0212] In the variations of FIGS. 23 to 26, the same configuration as the embodiment of FIG. 2 described above is indicated by the same reference numerals as FIG. 2, so a detailed description is omitted, and below, the variations of FIGS. 23 to 25 will be described focusing on configurations different from the embodiment of FIG. 2.

[0213] The configurations described in the embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 23 to 26 are not limited to those embodiments, and some configurations may be extracted by a person skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong and freely modified and applied to other embodiments.

[0214] FIG. 23 illustrates a coating zone according to a first variation of the present invention.

[0215] In the coating zone (200a) according to the modified example of FIG. 23, the setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280) can be arranged in parallel along the first direction (X). Additionally, the material handling robot (400) includes a first material handling robot (410a), a second material handling robot (420a), and a third material handling robot (430a), and each material handling robot (400) can be arranged in parallel along the first direction (X).

[0216] The material transfer robot (400) can be placed between the setting zones (210, 230, 260, 280). For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the first material transfer robot (410a) can be placed between the first setting zone (210) and the second setting zone (230), the second material transfer robot (420a) can be placed between the second setting zone (230) and the third setting zone (260), and the third material transfer robot (430a) can be placed between the third setting zone (260) and the fourth setting zone (280).

[0217] According to one embodiment, the setting zone (210, 230, 260, 280) and the material robot (400) may be arranged on the same line along the first direction (X).

[0218] The lengths of the second setting zone (230) and the third setting zone (260) may vary depending on the size of the part (20), the flash-off time of the primer paint and base paint, the moving speed of the rails (232, 262), etc.

[0219] FIG. 24 illustrates a coating zone according to a second variation of the present invention.

[0220] The coating zone (200b) according to the modified example of FIG. 24 differs from the above-described embodiment in that a fifth setting zone (290) for flash-off of the part (20) in which the first base coating (S52) process is performed in the first base booth (240) is added.

[0221] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 24, in one embodiment, a setting zone (230, 260, 290) may be arranged between the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270).

[0222] Setting zones (230, 260, 290) placed between painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) and painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) can be arranged side by side along one direction. Painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) and some setting zones (230, 290, 260) can be arranged alternately with each other. Painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) and setting zones (230, 290, 260) where parts (20) are moved after the corresponding painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) can be arranged alternately and sequentially along one direction.

[0223] As illustrated in FIG. 24, in one embodiment, the material handling robot (400) includes a first material handling robot (400b) to a sixth material handling robot (460b), each material handling robot (400) is arranged in parallel along one direction, and each material handling robot (400) can be arranged in a number that corresponds one-to-one with one of the painting booths (220, 240, 250, 270) and some setting zones (230, 290, 260) that are arranged alternately with one another.

[0224] FIG. 25 illustrates a coating zone according to a third variation of the present invention.

[0225] The coating zone (1200) according to the modified example of FIG. 25, unlike the embodiments described above, includes a coating booth comprising a primer booth (1220) and a topcoat booth (1240).

[0226] In this embodiment, the coating booth is not divided into three processes: primer application, base application, and clear application. Instead, two or more of the primer application, base application, and clear application may be performed in either the primer booth (1220) or the top coat booth (1240). For example, the primer application (S30) process may be performed in the primer booth (1220), and the base application (S50) and clear application (S70) processes may be performed sequentially in the top coat booth (1240).

[0227] In this embodiment, the material transfer robot (1400) includes a first material transfer robot (1410) and a second material transfer robot (1420), and the material transfer robots (1410, 1420) are arranged to correspond to the lower coating booth (1220) and the upper coating booth (1240), respectively.

[0228] In this embodiment, the first transfer robot (1410) transfers the part (20) from the first setting zone (1210) to the first supply robot (1222) of the undercoat booth (1220), and the primer application (S30) can be performed in the undercoat booth (1220).

[0229] The first transfer robot (1410) can transfer the part (20) with the primer coating (S30) completed from the primer booth (1220) to the second setting zone (1230).

[0230] The second transfer robot (1420) transfers the part (20) from the second setting zone (1230) to the second supply robot (1242) of the upper coating booth (1240), and base coating (S50) and clear coating (S70) can be performed in the lower coating booth (1220).

[0231] The second transfer robot (1420) can transfer the part (20) with the clear coating (S70) completed from the top coat booth (1240) to the fourth setting zone (1250).

[0232] FIG. 26 illustrates a coating zone according to a fourth variation of the present invention.

[0233] In the coating zone (2200) according to the modified example of FIG. 26, unlike the embodiments described above, a setting zone may not be provided between the primer booth (2220), the base booth (2240), and the clear booth (2270). For example, if the time required to remove solvent and moisture from the paint applied to the part (20) is short, the volatile drying of the paint may be completed while the part (20) is moved between the coating booths by the transfer robot (2400), so a separate setting zone may be omitted and the part (20) may be moved directly between the coating booths.

[0234] In other words, in the case of so-called quick-drying paints that dry quickly, the application of primer, base coat, and clear coat can be performed continuously without a separate flash-off process.

[0235] Accordingly, as illustrated in the modified example of FIG. 26, the configuration corresponding to the second setting zone, where the component stays for removing solvent and moisture after the primer application, and the third setting zone, where the component stays after the base application, may be omitted. In this embodiment, the component (20) may be transferred from the first setting zone (2210) to the primer booth (2220), base booth (2240), and clear booth (2270) by the transfer robot (2400), and then moved to the post-processing zone along the fourth setting zone (2280) after the clear application is completed.

[0236] The primer booth (2220), base booth (2240), and clear booth (2270) can be freely arranged within the range where the material transfer robot (2410, 2420) can move parts (20) between each booth (2220, 2240, 2270). Additionally, the base booth (2240) can be divided into two or more booths as described above, and can also be arranged by dividing it into a base coat booth and a top coat booth as in the modified example of FIG. 25.

[0237] Although not specifically described, the painting system (1) may further include a controller (not shown). The controller (not shown) can control each component of the painting system (1), for example, each component of the painting zone (200). The controller (not shown) can control the pressure of the circulating airflow circulating through the painting booth by controlling the air conditioning module (600) of the painting booth.

[0238] A controller (not shown) may include a processor. The processor may be configured to generate a control signal according to a preset control logic to move the part (20) and perform a painting process on the part (20). A controller (not shown) may include a memory. The memory may be configured to store the control logic, etc.

[0239] Additionally, the controller (not shown) may include a network unit. The network unit may be configured to communicate via wired or wireless means with each component of the painting system (1), such as the supply robot, painting robot, and material transfer robot (400), which are each component of the painting zone (200). The controller (not shown) may include an input device. The input device is configured for an operator to input control conditions or set values. The controller (not shown) may include an output device. The output device may be configured to display the painting process progress status, control status, or warning information for the part (20).

[0240] It should be understood that exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein and that other variations may be possible. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but may be interchangeable and used in selected embodiments where applicable, even if not specifically illustrated or described. Such variations should not be construed as departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and all such variations that are obvious to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A paint booth for performing a painting process of applying paint to parts; A material transfer robot that is fixedly installed on one side of a painting booth and provided to be rotatable about a central axis to support the part and transfer the part to the painting booth; The above paint booth is, A supply robot positioned at the entrance of the paint booth and receiving the part from the material transfer robot and moving the part to the internal processing space of the paint booth; A painting robot comprising a component that is fixedly installed in the internal processing space of the above-mentioned painting booth and applies the paint using the above-mentioned component supported by the above-mentioned supply robot, Painting system.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above coating system further includes a setting zone for removing residual solvent and moisture from the part by having the part wait for a predetermined time. The above setting zone is positioned to be spaced apart from the above painting booth, Painting system.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above paint booth is, A primer booth for applying primer paint to the above parts; A base booth for applying base paint to the above parts; It includes a clear booth for applying clear paint to the above-mentioned parts, and The above supply robot and the above painting robot are provided to the primer booth, the base booth, and the clear booth, respectively, and The above material transfer robot transfers the part from either the paint booth or the setting zone to the other. Painting system.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above setting zone is, A primer setting zone in the above primer booth where parts coated with primer paint stay, and A base setting zone in the above base booth where parts coated with base paint stay, and A clear setting zone in which parts coated with clear paint are kept in the above-mentioned clear booth, comprising Painting system.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above material transfer robot is positioned between the above painting booth and the above setting zone, Painting system.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above supply robot includes two arms positioned opposite each other and extending horizontally with respect to a central axis perpendicular to the ground, Each end of the two arms above supports the part, and As the arm rotates around the central axis, the part supported by the arm is moved between the outside of the paint booth and the internal processing space of the paint booth. Painting system.

7. In Paragraph 5, At least two of the plurality of painting booths and the plurality of setting zones are arranged within the material handling range of the above-mentioned material handling robot, Painting system.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above paint booth is, A workroom where the above-mentioned painting robot is installed and provides a processing space; An air conditioning module that supplies clean air to the above workroom; An exhaust room positioned below the above-mentioned workroom for exhausting contaminated air from the above-mentioned workroom; A filter room further comprising a filter room installed adjacent to the exhaust room and having a filter module for purifying contaminated air from the exhaust room disposed therein. Painting system.

9. In Paragraph 8, Multiple paint booths are provided as described above, The above plurality of paint booths share the air conditioning module, Painting system.

10. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned material removal robot is provided in multiple quantities, and A plurality of the above-mentioned material robots are arranged side by side along a first direction, and The primer booth, the base booth, and the clear booth are arranged side by side along the first direction. Painting system.

11. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned material removal robot is provided in multiple quantities, and At least one material removal robot is positioned between each corresponding one or more of the above-mentioned painting booths and one or more of the above-mentioned setting zones, Painting system.

12. In Paragraph 11, A plurality of the above-mentioned disassembly robots are arranged side by side along a first direction, Painting system.

13. In Paragraph 2, The above paint booth is, A primer booth for applying primer paint to the above parts; It includes a topcoat booth for applying base paint and clear paint to the above parts, The above supply robot and the above painting robot are provided to the above primer booth and the above topcoat booth, respectively, and The above material transfer robot transfers the part from either the paint booth or the setting zone to the other. Painting system.

14. Regarding the method of painting parts, A first setting step for moving and waiting the preprocessed parts; Primer application step of applying primer paint to the above parts in a primer booth, A base coating step of applying base paint to the above parts in a base booth, It includes a clear coating step of applying clear paint to the above parts in a clear booth, The part is transferred to the primer booth, the base booth, and the clear booth by a material transfer robot positioned adjacent to each of the primer booth, the base booth, and the clear booth, and paint is applied to the part. Painting method.

15. In Paragraph 14, After the primer application step and before the base application step is performed, A second setting step for drying the above parts is further performed, The second setting step is performed in a primer setting zone spaced apart from the primer booth, and The above material transfer robot transfers the above-mentioned part, in which the primer application step is completed, from the primer booth to the primer setting zone. Painting method.

16. In Paragraph 15, After the above base application step and before the above clear application step is performed, A third setting step for drying the above parts is further performed, The above third setting step is performed in a base setting zone spaced apart from the base booth, and The above material transfer robot transfers the above-mentioned part, for which the base coating step is completed, from the base booth to the base setting zone. Painting method.

17. In Paragraph 16, After the above clear coating step, A fourth setting step for drying the above parts is further performed, The above fourth setting step is performed in a clear setting zone spaced apart from the clear booth, and The above material transfer robot transfers the above-mentioned part, in which the clear coating step is completed, from the clear booth to the clear setting zone. Painting method.

Images