阅读说明：本技术 涂装装置 (Coating device ) 是由 寺田胜 小川拓海 野村真也 于 2020-01-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：判断涂装装置的涂料的状态(流量等)是否正常。涂装装置(1)具备：涂料输出部(10),其朝向涂装对象输出涂料；导入配管(20),其供涂料流动,并将涂料向涂料输出部(10)的内部导入；流量计(F1、F2、F3、F4),其配置于导入配管(20)的外部,并测量导入配管(20)中的涂料的流量；以及判断部(2),其基于流量计(F1、F2、F3、F4)的测量结果,判断涂料的状态是否正常。流量计(F1)配置于气动马达(14)与阀(13)之间。在阀(13)的下游侧、上游侧配置有流量计(F1、F2),在接头(21)的下游侧、上游侧配置有流量计(F2、F3),在泵(30)的下游侧、上游侧配置有流量计(F3、F4)。(It is determined whether the state (flow rate, etc.) of the paint in the painting apparatus is normal. A coating device (1) is provided with: a paint output unit (10) that outputs paint toward a painting target; an introduction pipe (20) through which the paint flows and which introduces the paint into the interior of the paint discharge section (10); flow meters (F1, F2, F3, F4) which are disposed outside the introduction pipe (20) and which measure the flow rate of the paint in the introduction pipe (20); and a determination unit (2) that determines whether the state of the paint is normal or not, based on the measurement results of the flowmeters (F1, F2, F3, F4). The flow meter (F1) is disposed between the air motor (14) and the valve (13). Flow meters (F1, F2) are disposed on the downstream side and upstream side of the valve (13), flow meters (F2, F3) are disposed on the downstream side and upstream side of the joint (21), and flow meters (F3, F4) are disposed on the downstream side and upstream side of the pump (30).)

1. A coating device is provided with:

a paint output unit that outputs paint toward a painting target;

a pipe through which the paint flows;

a flow meter which is disposed outside the pipe and measures a flow rate of the paint in the pipe; and

and a determination unit that determines whether or not the state of the paint is normal based on a measurement result of the flow meter.

2. The coating apparatus according to claim 1,

the piping has an introduction piping for introducing the paint into the paint discharge portion.

3. The coating apparatus according to claim 2,

the paint output section has:

an air motor connected to the introduction pipe and rotated by air; and

a valve connected to the introduction pipe and switching whether or not the paint is supplied to the air motor,

the flow meter is disposed outside the introduction pipe and between the air motor and the valve,

the judging section judges whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal.

4. The coating apparatus according to claim 2,

the flow meter is disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of a connector connected to the introduction pipe, and is disposed outside the introduction pipe,

the determination unit determines whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal based on a result of comparison between a measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the upstream side and a measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the downstream side.

5. The coating apparatus according to claim 4,

the coating device is provided with an air motor which is connected with the introducing pipe and rotates through air,

the connection is a valve that switches whether the paint is provided to the air motor.

6. The coating apparatus according to claim 4,

the connector is a joint that connects the introduction pipe and the paint output portion.

7. The coating apparatus according to claim 4,

the connecting member is a pump that sends the paint to the paint output portion.

8. The coating apparatus according to claim 2,

the piping has a connection piping connected to the introduction piping via a color changing valve and provided in accordance with the color of the paint.

9. The coating apparatus according to claim 8,

the flow meter is disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of a connector connected to the connection pipe, and is disposed outside the connection pipe,

the determination unit determines whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal based on one or both of a measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the upstream side and a measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the downstream side.

10. The coating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the coating apparatus,

the connecting piece is the color changing valve.

11. The coating apparatus according to claim 1,

the coating is a main agent, a curing agent and a mixture of the main agent and the curing agent,

the piping has:

an introduction pipe that introduces the paint into the paint discharge unit;

a main agent pipe through which the main agent flows; and

a curing agent pipe through which the curing agent flows,

the introduction pipe, the main agent pipe and the curing agent pipe are connected,

the flow meter includes: a flow meter disposed outside the main agent pipe and a flow meter disposed outside the curing agent pipe.

12. The coating apparatus according to claim 11,

the determination unit determines whether or not a mixing ratio of the main agent and the curing agent in the paint is normal based on a measurement result of the flow meter disposed outside the main agent pipe and a measurement result of the flow meter disposed outside the curing agent pipe.

13. The coating apparatus according to claim 11,

the flow meter detects a direction of flow of the paint.

14. The coating apparatus according to claim 11,

the determination unit determines whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal based on a result of comparison between a measurement result of the flowmeter disposed outside the main agent pipe and a set value of the flow rate of the paint in the main agent pipe.

15. The coating apparatus according to claim 11,

the determination unit determines whether or not the flow rate of the coating material is normal based on a result of comparison between a measurement result of the flow meter disposed outside the curing agent pipe and a set value of the flow rate of the coating material in the curing agent pipe.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a coating apparatus for coating a vehicle body or the like of an automobile.

Background

Conventionally, a painting apparatus that performs painting while changing colors of a vehicle body or the like of an automobile is known (for example, refer to an abstract of patent document 1). In such a coating apparatus, a pipe through which the paint passes is provided. Further, the coating is performed assuming a flow rate of the coating material.

Reference to the literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2004-344889

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, even if the flow rate of the paint is assumed, the flow rate may be different from the actual flow rate of the paint. In such a case, the flow rate of the paint may be abnormal, and the coating may be defective.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to determine whether or not the state (flow rate, etc.) of paint in a coating apparatus is normal.

Means for solving the problems

The coating device according to the present invention is configured to include: a paint output unit that outputs paint toward a painting target; a pipe through which the paint flows; a flow meter which is disposed outside the pipe and measures a flow rate of the paint in the pipe; and a determination unit that determines whether or not the state of the paint is normal based on a measurement result of the flow meter.

According to the coating apparatus configured as described above, the paint discharging unit discharges the paint toward the coating target. The coating material flows through the pipe. The flow meter is disposed outside the pipe and measures a flow rate of the paint in the pipe. The determination unit determines whether or not the state of the paint is normal based on a measurement result of the flow meter.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the piping may include an introduction piping for introducing the paint into the paint discharge portion.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the paint discharging unit may include: an air motor connected to the introduction pipe and rotated by air; and a valve connected to the introduction pipe and configured to switch whether or not to supply the paint to the air motor, wherein the flow meter is disposed outside the introduction pipe and between the air motor and the valve, and the determination unit determines whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the flow meters may be disposed on an upstream side and a downstream side of a connection piece connected to the introduction pipe and outside the introduction pipe, and the determination unit may determine whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal based on a result of comparison between a measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the upstream side and a measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the downstream side.

The coating device according to the present invention may further include an air motor connected to the introduction pipe and rotated by air, and the connection member may be a valve for switching whether or not to supply the paint to the air motor.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the connector may be a joint that connects the introduction pipe and the paint output portion.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the coupling may be a pump that sends the paint to the paint output portion.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the pipe may include a connection pipe, and the connection pipe may be connected to the introduction pipe via a color changing valve and may be provided in accordance with the color of the paint.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the flow meters may be disposed on an upstream side and a downstream side of a connector connected to the connection pipe and outside the connection pipe, and the determination unit may determine whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal based on one or both of a measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the upstream side and a measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the downstream side.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the connector may be the color change valve.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the coating material may be a main agent, a curing agent, or a mixture of the main agent and the curing agent, and the pipe may include: an introduction pipe for introducing the paint into the paint discharge unit; a main agent pipe through which the main agent flows; and a curing agent pipe through which the curing agent flows, the introduction pipe, the main agent pipe, and the curing agent pipe being connected to each other, the flow meter including: a flow meter disposed outside the main agent pipe and a flow meter disposed outside the curing agent pipe.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit may determine whether or not the mixing ratio of the main agent and the curing agent in the paint is normal based on a measurement result of the flow meter disposed outside the main agent pipe and a measurement result of the flow meter disposed outside the curing agent pipe.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the flow meter may detect a direction of the flow of the coating material.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit may determine whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal based on a result of comparison between a measurement result of the flow meter disposed outside the main agent pipe and a set value of the flow rate of the paint in the main agent pipe.

In the coating apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit may determine whether or not the flow rate of the coating material is normal based on a result of comparison between a measurement result of the flow meter disposed outside the curing agent pipe and a set value of the flow rate of the coating material in the curing agent pipe.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a coating device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a graph showing the measurement result (solid line) of the flow meter F1 and the set value (broken line) of the paint discharge amount of the painting apparatus 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the color change valve 40 of the painting device 1 according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a graph showing the measurement result (broken line) of the flow meter FP1a and the measurement result (solid line) of the flow meter FP1b in the case where the operation of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40 is normal (fig. 4 a) and in the case where the operation of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40 is abnormal (fig. 4 b).

Fig. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of a coating device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the measurement result (solid line) of the flow meter F1 and the set value (broken line) of the discharge amount of paint from the painting apparatus 1 when the leakage amount of the pump 30 is large in the first embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First embodiment

Fig. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a coating device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The coating device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a determination unit 2, a paint output unit 10, a pipe (introduction pipe 20), a joint 21, a pump 30, a Color Change Valve (CCV)40, flowmeters F1, F2, F3, and F4.

The paint output section 10 outputs paint toward a painting target. The object to be coated is, for example, a body of an automobile. The paint outlet 10 has a back plate 12, a valve 13, an air motor 14, and a bell cup 16.

The rear plate 12 is a plate disposed behind the paint discharge portion 10 (on the side opposite to the bell cup 16). The air motor 14 rotates at a high speed (for example, 3000rpm to 150000rpm) by using compressed air, thereby rotating the bell cup 16. The paint introduced from the introduction pipe 20 into the paint discharge portion 10 is supplied to the bell cup 16 along the rotation axis of the air motor 14 through the rear plate 12 and the valve 13. The bell cup 16 provides a mist of the paint by rotating at a high speed. The atomized paint is directed to the object to be coated and is applied.

The valve 13 is a valve for switching whether or not the paint introduced from the introduction pipe 20 to the paint output portion 10 is supplied to the air motor 14.

The paint flows through the pipe (introduction pipe 20). The introduction pipe 20 is a pipe for introducing the paint into the paint discharge portion 10, and is, for example, a resin pipe. The valve 13, the air motor 14, the joint 21, and the pump 30 are connected to the introduction pipe 20.

The color changing valve 40 is a valve that selects any one of a plurality of colors of paint and flows the selected paint to the inlet pipe 20.

The flow meters F1, F2, F3, and F4 are disposed outside (e.g., externally connected to) the pipe (introduction pipe 20). The flow meters F1, F2, F3, and F4, for example, irradiate the paint inside the pipe with laser light, measure the flow velocity of the paint in the pipe based on the frequency variation (doppler effect) of the reflected substance, and further measure the flow rate. Instead of the laser, ultrasonic waves may be used.

The determination unit 2 determines whether or not the state of the paint is normal based on the measurement results of the flowmeters F1, F2, F3, and F4. The determination unit 2 also receives the measurement results of the flowmeters F1 to F4 from the flowmeters by wireless communication. However, the determination unit 2 may be connected to the flowmeters F1 to F4 via communication cables, and the determination unit 2 may receive measurement results from the flowmeters via wired communication.

The flow meter F1 is disposed outside the introduction pipe 20 (for example, externally connected to the introduction pipe 20) and between the air motor 14 and the valve 13. The determination unit 2 determines whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal based on the measurement result of the flow meter F1.

Fig. 2 is a graph showing the measurement result (solid line) of the flow meter F1 and the set value (broken line) of the paint discharge amount of the painting apparatus 1. However, in fig. 2, the discharge amount of the paint is in ml/min and the time is in seconds. When a little time elapses from time t0 when valve 13 is opened, the paint starts flowing to the position of introduction pipe 20 where flow meter F1 is arranged, and the flow rate approaches the set value (refer to the measurement result (solid line) of flow meter F1). Therefore, when a certain time elapses from the time t0 or the measurement result (solid line) of the flow meter F1 becomes almost stable, the set value and the measurement result are compared, and if the measurement result is within a predetermined range (for example, within ± 5% from the set value), it is determined that the flow rate is normal. Note that, if the determination section 2 is sufficient to perform the above determination, the painting device 1 may include the flow meter F1, or may not include the flow meters F2, F3, and F4.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the measurement result (solid line) of the flow meter F1 and the set value (broken line) of the discharge amount of paint from the painting apparatus 1 when the leakage amount of the pump 30 is large in the first embodiment of the present invention. When the pump 30 is a gear pump, the paint leaks (leaks) from the pump 30 due to wear of one or both of the gear and the gear box, and the flow rate may greatly exceed the set value (for example, the measurement result shows that the set value exceeds 10 to 20% of the set value). In this case, the determination unit 2 determines that the flow rate is abnormal. The coating apparatus 1 may further include an alarm unit that issues an alarm to prompt replacement of the pump 30 in such a case.

Here, if the connector is defined as a member connected to the introduction pipe 20, the valve 13, the joint 21, and the pump 30 are connectors. The joint 21 connects the introduction pipe 20 and the paint output portion 10. The pump 30 sends the paint to the paint output portion 10 from a Color Change Valve (CCV) 40.

The flow meters F1, F2, F3, and F4 are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the connection piece (the valve 13, the joint 21, and the pump 30) and outside the introduction pipe 20 (for example, externally connected to the introduction pipe 20). Further, the dope flows from the upstream side to the downstream side. The connection member is arranged in order from the downstream side as a valve 13, a joint 21, and a pump 30. Further, the air motor 14 is disposed on the downstream side of the valve 13, and the color changing valve 40 is disposed on the upstream side of the pump 30.

The flow meter F2 is disposed between the valve 13 and the joint 21. The flow meter F3 is disposed between the joint 21 and the pump 30. The flow meter F4 is disposed between the pump 30 and the color change valve 40.

That is, the flow meter F2 and the flow meter F1 are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the valve 13, respectively. A flowmeter F3 and a flowmeter F2 are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the joint 21, respectively. A flow meter F4 and a flow meter F3 are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the pump 30, respectively.

The determination unit 2 determines whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal based on a result of comparison between the measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the upstream side and the measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the downstream side.

For example, the measurement result of the flow meter F2 and the measurement result of the flow meter F1 are compared, and if the measurement result of the flow meter F1 is within a predetermined range from the measurement result of the flow meter F2 (for example, within ± 5% from the measurement result of the flow meter F2), it is determined that the flow rate is normal. If the measurement result of the flow meter F1 is more than 5% lower than the measurement result of the flow meter F2, it is considered that paint leakage occurs in the valve 13. Note that, if the determination section 2 performs the above determination, the painting device 1 may include the flow meter F1 and the flow meter F2, or may not include the flow meter F3 and the flow meter F4.

For example, the measurement result of the flow meter F3 and the measurement result of the flow meter F2 are compared, and if the measurement result of the flow meter F2 is within a predetermined range from the measurement result of the flow meter F3 (for example, within ± 5% from the measurement result of the flow meter F3), it is determined that the flow rate is normal. If the measurement of flow meter F2 is more than 5% below the measurement of flow meter F3, a paint leak is deemed to be occurring in the joint 21. Note that, if the determination section 2 performs the above determination, the painting device 1 may include the flow meter F2 and the flow meter F3, or may not include the flow meter F1 and the flow meter F4.

For example, the measurement result of the flow meter F4 and the measurement result of the flow meter F3 are compared, and if the measurement result of the flow meter F3 is within a predetermined range from the measurement result of the flow meter F4 (for example, within ± 5% from the measurement result of the flow meter F4), it is determined that the flow rate is normal. If the measurement of the flow meter F3 is more than 5% lower than the measurement of the flow meter F4, it is considered that paint leakage occurs in the pump 30. Note that, if the determination section 2 performs the above determination, the painting device 1 may include the flow meter F3 and the flow meter F4, or may not include the flow meter F1 and the flow meter F2.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

By opening the color change valve 40 and operating the pump 30, the paint is sent from the color change valve 40 to the paint output portion 10. The paint flows through the introduction pipe 20.

The measurement results of the flow meters F4 and F3 are transmitted to the determination unit 2. The determination section 2 determines whether or not paint leakage occurs in the pump 30. The measurement results of the flow meters F3 and F2 are transmitted to the determination unit 2. The determination section 2 determines whether or not paint leakage occurs in the joint 21. The measurement results of the flow meters F2 and F1 are transmitted to the determination unit 2. The determination section 2 determines whether or not paint leakage occurs in the valve 13. Then, the determination unit 2 determines whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal based on the measurement result of the flow meter F1.

According to the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the state of the paint (the flow rate of the introduction pipe 20) in the coating apparatus 1 is normal.

Second embodiment

The coating apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following respects: instead of the valve 13, the joint 21, and the pump 30, the connection member is changed to the color change valve 40, and the flowmeters FP1a through FP6a and FP1b through FP6b are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the color change valve (connection member) 40, respectively.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the color change valve 40 of the painting device 1 according to the second embodiment. The coating device 1 according to the second embodiment includes a determination unit 2, a paint output unit 10, pipes (an introduction pipe 20 (see fig. 1) and connection pipes P1IN, P1OUT to P6IN, and P6OUT (see fig. 3)), a joint 21, a pump 30, a Color Change Valve (CCV)40, flow meters F1, F2, F3, F4 (see fig. 1), flow meters FP1a, FP1b to FP6a, and FP6b (see fig. 3). Hereinafter, the same portions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The paint outlet 10, the introduction pipe 20, the joint 21, the pump 30, the Color Change Valve (CCV)40, and the flow meters F1, F2, F3, and F4 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The paint flows through the pipes (the introduction pipe 20 and the connection pipes P1IN, P1OUT to P6IN, P6 OUT).

The connection pipes P1IN, P1OUT, P2IN, P2OUT, P3IN, P3OUT, P4IN, P4OUT, P5IN, P5OUT, P6IN, and P6OUT are connected to the introduction pipe 20 via the color changing valve 40, and are provided for each color of paint.

That is, the connecting pipes P1IN and P1OUT are pipes through which the paint of color P1 flows in and OUT. When the color change valve 40 is closed, paint of color P1 flows in from the connecting pipe P1IN and flows OUT to the connecting pipe P1OUT through the color change valve 40. When the color changing valve 40 is opened, the paint of the color P1 flows in from the connecting pipe P1IN, flows OUT to the inlet pipe 20 via the color changing valve 40, and does not flow OUT to the connecting pipe P1 OUT.

Further, the connection pipes P2IN and P2OUT are pipes through which paint of color P2 flows in and OUT, the connection pipes P3IN and P3OUT are pipes through which paint of color P3 flows in and OUT, the connection pipes P4IN and P4OUT are pipes through which paint of color P4 flows in and OUT, the connection pipes P5IN and P5OUT are pipes through which paint of color P5 flows in and OUT, and the connection pipes P6IN and P6OUT are pipes through which paint of color P6 flows in and OUT. The inflow and outflow of paint when the color changing valve 40 is closed and when it is open are the same as those of the connection pipes P1IN and P1OUT (however, the color of paint is different). However, the example of 6 colors is described above, but a case other than 6 colors is also conceivable.

The flow meters FP1a, FP1b to FP6a, FP6b are disposed outside (e.g., externally connected to) the pipes (the connection pipes P1IN, P1OUT to P6IN, P6 OUT). The flow meters FP1a, FP1b to FP6a, and FP6b, for example, irradiate laser light to the paint in the pipe, measure the flow velocity of the paint in the pipe based on the variation (doppler effect) of the frequency of the reflected substance, and further measure the flow rate. Instead of the laser, ultrasonic waves may be used.

The flowmeter FP1a is disposed outside the connection pipe P1IN (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P1 IN). The flowmeter FP1b is disposed outside the connection pipe P1OUT (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P1 OUT).

The flowmeter FP2a is disposed outside the connection pipe P2IN (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P2 IN). The flow meter FP2b is disposed outside the connection pipe P2OUT (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P2 OUT).

The flowmeter FP3a is disposed outside the connection pipe P3IN (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P3 IN). The flowmeter FP3b is disposed outside the connection pipe P3OUT (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P3 OUT).

The flowmeter FP4a is disposed outside the connection pipe P4IN (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P4 IN). The flow meter FP4b is disposed outside the connection pipe P4OUT (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P4 OUT).

The flowmeter FP5a is disposed outside the connection pipe P5IN (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P5 IN). The flowmeter FP5b is disposed outside the connection pipe P5OUT (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P5 OUT).

The flowmeter FP6a is disposed outside the connection pipe P6IN (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P6 IN). The flowmeter FP6b is disposed outside the connection pipe P6OUT (for example, externally connected to the connection pipe P6 OUT).

Here, if a connector is defined as a member connected to the connection pipes P1IN, P1OUT to P6IN, and P6OUT, the Color Change Valve (CCV)40 is a connector. In this way, the flowmeters FP1a, FP1b are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40, respectively. The flow meters FP2a and FP2b are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40, respectively. The flow meters FP3a and FP3b are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40, respectively. The flow meters FP4a and FP4b are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40, respectively. The flow meters FP5a and FP5b are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40, respectively. The flow meters FP6a and FP6b are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40, respectively.

The determination unit 2 determines whether or not the flow rate of the paint is normal based on one or both of the measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the upstream side and the measurement result of the flow meter disposed on the downstream side.

That is, the determination unit 2 determines whether or not the state of the paint is normal based on the measurement results of the flowmeters FP1a, FP1b to FP6a, and FP6b. The determination unit 2 also receives measurement results of the flow meters FP1a, FP1b to FP6a, FP6b from the flow meters by wireless communication. However, the determination unit 2 may be connected to the flow meters FP1a, FP1b to FP6a, FP6b via communication cables, and the determination unit 2 may receive the measurement results from the flow meters via wired communication.

Fig. 4 is a graph showing the measurement result (broken line) of the flow meter FP1a and the measurement result (solid line) of the flow meter FP1b in the case where the operation of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40 is normal (fig. 4 a) and in the case where the operation of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40 is abnormal (fig. 4 b). However, in fig. 4, the discharge amount of the paint is in ml/min, and the time is in seconds.

When the Color Change Valve (CCV)40 operates normally, referring to fig. 4a, the measurement result of the flow meter FP1a (broken line) and the measurement result of the flow meter FP1b (solid line) are the same value while the color change valve 40 is closed. However, when a little time elapses from the opening of the color changing valve 40, the measurement result (solid line) of the flow meter FP1b becomes 0.

In the case where the operation of the Color Change Valve (CCV)40 is abnormal (for example, in the case where the color change valve 40 is kept in a closed state and is not opened), referring to fig. 4 (b), even if the color change valve 40 is opened (more precisely, even if a control signal for opening is transmitted to the color change valve 40), the measurement result (solid line) of the flow meter FP1b is kept as it is the same value as the measurement result (broken line) of the flow meter FP1 a.

Therefore, when the color change valve 40 is not opened while the closed state is fixed, it is possible to determine an abnormality of the color change valve 40 (and hence an abnormality of the flow rate of paint) based on the measurement result of the flow meter FP1b or by comparing the measurement result of the flow meter FP1b with the measurement result of the flow meter FP1 a.

When there is an abnormality from before the color change valve 40 is opened, the measurement result (broken line) of the flow meter FP1a takes an abnormal value. Therefore, if there is an abnormality in the color change valve 40 from before the opening, it is possible to determine the abnormality of the color change valve 40 (further, the abnormality of the flow rate of the paint) based on the measurement result of the flow meter FP1 a.

When there is an abnormality from before the color change valve 40 is opened, the measurement result (solid line) of the flow meter FP1b takes an abnormal value. Therefore, if there is an abnormality before the color change valve 40 is opened, it is possible to determine the abnormality of the color change valve 40 (further, the abnormality of the flow rate of the paint) based on the measurement result of the flow meter FP1 b.

Further, the abnormality of the color change valve 40 (further, the abnormality of the flow rate of the paint) can be determined based on the measurement results of the flow meters FP2a, FP2b, the measurement results of the flow meters FP3a, FP3b, the measurement results of the flow meters FP4a, FP4b, the measurement results of the flow meters FP5a, FP5b, and the measurement results of the flow meters FP6a, FP6b, similarly to the above.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.

The color change valve 40 is closed, but opens a portion connected to the connection pipe (for example, P1IN and P1 OUT). Thus, the paint of color P1 flows out to the introduction pipe 20. In this way, the measurement results of the flow meters FP1a and FP1b are sent to the determination unit 2. The determination unit 2 determines an abnormality of the color change valve 40 (further, an abnormality of the flow rate of the paint).

According to the second embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the state of the paint (the flow rates of the connecting pipes P1IN, P1OUT to P6IN, P6OUT) in the paint coating apparatus 1 is normal.

Third embodiment

The coating apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the flow rates of the main agent pipe 20m and the curing agent pipe 20h are measured.

Fig. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of a coating device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The coating device 1 according to the third embodiment includes a determination unit 2, a paint output unit 10, pipes (an introduction pipe 20, a main agent pipe 20m, and a curing agent pipe 20h), a joint 21, a main agent pump 30m, a curing agent pump 30h, a main agent color changing valve 40m, a curing agent color changing valve 40h, a valve 50, a mixer 60, flow meters F1, F2, and flow meters Fm, Fh. Hereinafter, the same portions as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The paint delivery unit 10, the introduction pipe 20, the joint 21, and the flow meters F1 and F2 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. However, the coating material flowing through the introduction pipe 20 is a mixture of the main agent and the curing agent.

The main agent color changing valve 40m is a valve for selecting any one of a plurality of colors of paint (main agents) and allowing the selected paint to flow through the main agent pipe 20m. The curing agent color changing valve 40h is a valve for selecting any one of a plurality of colors of paint (curing agent) and allowing the selected paint to flow through the curing agent pipe 20h.

The main agent pipe 20m is a pipe through which the main agent flows. The curing agent pipe 20h is a pipe through which the curing agent flows.

The main agent pump 30m is connected to the main agent pipe 20m, and sends the paint from the main agent color changing valve 40m to the valve 50. The curing agent pump 30h is connected to the curing agent pipe 20h, and sends the paint from the curing agent color changing valve 40h to the valve 50.

The valve 50 is provided at a portion where the introduction pipe 20, the main agent pipe 20m, and the curing agent pipe 20h are connected.

The mixer 60 is disposed between the valve 50 and the joint 21, is connected to the introduction pipe 20, and mixes the main agent and the curing agent.

The flow meter Fm is disposed outside (e.g., externally connected to) the main agent pipe 20m. The flow meter Fm irradiates, for example, laser light to the paint in the pipe, and measures the flow rate and the flow velocity of the paint in the main agent pipe 20m based on the variation (doppler effect) of the frequency of the reflected substance. Instead of the laser, ultrasonic waves may be used. Further, the flow meter Fm may be configured to be able to detect the direction of the flow of the paint in the main agent pipe 20m.

The flow meter Fh is disposed outside (e.g., externally connected to) the curing agent pipe 20h. The flow meter Fh irradiates, for example, laser light to the paint in the pipe, and measures the flow rate of the paint in the curing agent pipe 20h based on the variation (doppler effect) in the frequency of the reflected substance, and further measures the flow rate. Instead of the laser, ultrasonic waves may be used. Further, the flow meter Fh may be capable of detecting the direction of the flow of the paint in the curing agent pipe 20h.

The determination section 2 determines whether or not the mixing ratio of the main agent and the curing agent of the coating material is normal based on the measurement result of the flow meter Fm disposed outside the main agent pipe 20m and the measurement result of the flow meter Fh disposed outside the curing agent pipe 20h. The determination unit 2 receives the measurement results of the flow meter Fm and the flow meter Fh from the flow meter through wireless communication. However, the determination unit 2 may be connected to the flow meter Fm and the flow meter Fh by a communication cable, and the determination unit 2 may receive the measurement result from the flow meter via wired communication.

The determination unit 2 determines whether or not the state of the paint is normal based on the result of comparison between the measurement result of the flow meter Fm disposed outside the main agent pipe 20m and the set value of the flow rate of the paint in the main agent pipe 20m. For example, if the set value is compared with the measurement result and the measurement result is within a predetermined range from the set value (for example, within ± 5% from the set value), it is determined that the flow rate is normal.

The determination unit 2 determines whether or not the state of the paint is normal based on the result of comparison between the measurement result of the flow meter Fh disposed outside the curing agent pipe 20h and the set value of the flow rate of the paint in the curing agent pipe 20h. For example, if the set value is compared with the measurement result and the measurement result is within a predetermined range (for example, within ± 5% from the set value), it is determined that the flow rate is normal.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described.

By opening the main agent color changing valve 40m and operating the main agent pump 30m, the paint (main agent) is sent from the main agent color changing valve 40m to the valve 50. The paint flowed through the main agent pipe 20m.

By opening the curing agent color changing valve 40h and operating the curing agent pump 30h, the paint (curing agent) is sent from the curing agent color changing valve 40h to the valve 50. The coating material flowed in the curing agent pipe 20h.

When the valve 50 is opened, the main agent and the curing agent flow through the introduction pipe 20, are mixed by the mixer 60, and are supplied to the coating material discharge unit 10.

The measurement results of the flow meter Fm and the flow meter Fh are sent to the determination unit 2. The determination unit 2 determines whether or not the state of the paint is normal based on one or both of the measurement result of the flow meter Fm and the measurement result of the flow meter Fh.

According to the third embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the state of the coating material (one or both of the main agent and the curing agent) of the coating apparatus 1 is normal.

Further, the coating device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a rotary atomizing type coating machine, but may be an air atomizing type coating machine or a cartridge coating machine.

Description of the reference numerals

A painting device; a judging section; a paint output; a rear plate; a valve; a pneumatic motor; a bell cup; introducing a pipe; connecting pipes P1IN, P1 OUT-P6 IN and P6OUT.; a primary agent piping; curing agent tubing; a joint; a pump; a main agent pump; a curing agent pump; a Color Change Valve (CCV); a primary agent color change valve; a curing agent color changing valve; f1, F2, F3, F4.. FP1a, FP1 b-FP 6a, FP6b.. flowmeter; fm, Fh..