阅读说明：本技术 用于涂布的方法和设备 (Method and apparatus for coating ) 是由 理查德·费勒 朱利安·高丽 凯·玛丽·艾伦·比斯曼斯 雨果·肖特 于 2020-03-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请公开了涂布安装在现场的玻璃结构的设备和方法,所述玻璃结构例如为安装的太阳能电池板(2)或温室屋顶板。在一个实施方式中,提供了一种用于将涂层涂覆到包括多个玻璃板(2)的玻璃结构的涂覆器,所述涂覆器包括臂(1)和喷射单元(3),所述臂(1)用于支撑喷射单元(3)并且包含用于连接到车辆的接口,所述喷射单元(3)连接到臂并且包含用于将涂层喷射到玻璃板的表面上的多个喷嘴,其中所述喷射单元被配置为在多个玻璃板的至少基本整个宽度上喷射涂层。(An apparatus and method for coating a glass structure, such as an installed solar panel (2) or a greenhouse roof panel, installed in the field. In one embodiment, an applicator for applying a coating to a glass structure comprising a plurality of glass sheets (2) is provided, the applicator comprising an arm (1) and a spraying unit (3), the arm (1) for supporting the spraying unit (3) and comprising an interface for connection to a vehicle, the spraying unit (3) being connected to the arm and comprising a plurality of nozzles for spraying the coating onto the surface of the glass sheets, wherein the spraying unit is configured to spray the coating over at least substantially the entire width of the plurality of glass sheets.)

1. An applicator for applying a coating to a glass structure comprising a plurality of glass sheets, the applicator comprising:

a. an arm for supporting the spray unit and comprising an interface for connection to a vehicle, an

b. A spray unit connected to the arm and comprising a plurality of nozzles for spraying a coating onto a surface of a glass sheet, wherein the spray unit is configured to spray the coating over at least substantially the entire width of the plurality of glass sheets.

2. The applicator of any preceding claim, further comprising a suspension system connected to the arm, the suspension system configured to control a distance between the nozzle and a surface of a glass sheet.

3. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of nozzles are configured to spray a coating onto a light receiving surface of the glass sheet.

4. The applicator of any preceding claim, further comprising a follower connected to the jetting unit or the arm and configured to contact a surface of a glass sheet.

5. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the suspension system reacts to the amount of force exerted by the follower on the surface of the glass sheet.

6. The applicator of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension system is configured to attempt to maintain a constant force exerted by the follower on the glass sheet.

7. The applicator of any preceding claim, further comprising a hood over the nozzle.

8. The applicator of any preceding claim, further comprising a hood over the nozzle, wherein the hood includes a slot for collecting paint that may come into contact with an interior of the windshield during spraying.

9. The applicator of any preceding claim, further comprising a hood over the nozzle, wherein the hood comprises a slot for collecting paint that may come into contact with the interior of the hood during spraying, and the slot is connected to a container for collecting such paint.

10. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the arm is configured to be detachably connected to a vehicle.

11. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the arm is configured to connect to a counter interface present on a vehicle.

12. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the arm further comprises a hinge between the spray unit and the interface.

13. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the arm can be raised or lowered in response to an operator input.

14. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the arm further comprises a power assist device configured to raise and lower the arm in response to an operator input.

15. The applicator of any preceding claim, further comprising a control panel configured to control passage of coating material through the nozzle in response to an operator input.

16. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the spray unit comprises from 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 nozzles to 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 nozzles.

17. The applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spray unit comprises 5 to 50 nozzles.

18. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of nozzles are individually controllable.

19. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the spray unit is modular, allowing portions of the spray unit to be installed and removed to customize the length of the spray unit.

20. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the applicator is configured such that the nozzle has a nominal height from the surface of the glass sheet of 5 to 30 cm.

21. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the spray unit is connected to a container for containing a quantity of coating material.

22. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the spray unit is connected to a container for containing a quantity of paint configured to be stored on a vehicle.

23. The applicator of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spray unit is connected to a container for containing a quantity of paint and to a container for containing a quantity of rinse, wherein the applicator further comprises a valve for controlling whether the nozzle dispenses paint or rinse.

24. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the follower is configured to contact a surface of a glass sheet in front of the jetting apparatus.

25. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the follower is configured to contact a light-receiving surface of a glass sheet.

26. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the follower comprises a wheel for contacting a surface of a glass sheet.

27. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the follower is connected to the spray unit.

28. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the suspension system is configured to control the distance between the nozzle and the surface of the glass sheet by movement of the arm.

29. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the suspension system comprises a hydropneumatic suspension.

30. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the applicator is configured to apply a plurality of adjacent glass sheets in a single pass along the length of the plurality of adjacent glass sheets.

31. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the applicator is configured to apply a stack of 2 to 5 glass sheets in width.

32. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the applicator is configured to apply a stack of at least 8 glass sheets in length.

33. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the glass sheet is a solar panel.

34. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the glass sheet is a front cover glass of a solar panel.

35. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the glass sheet is a roof deck of a greenhouse.

36. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the glass sheet is a glass sheet on a facade of a building.

37. The applicator of any preceding claim, wherein the spray unit is configured to spray a coating over the entire width of the plurality of glass sheets.

38. A method for coating a glass structure, the method comprising the steps of:

a. spraying a coating over substantially the entire width of the glass structure via an applicator located at a desired height above the glass structure, wherein the applicator comprises a plurality of nozzles,

b. while spraying the coating, longitudinally traversing the glass structure by driving a vehicle with the applicator attached over the ground proximate the glass structure, and

c. controlling the height of the applicator above the glass structure such that the height of the applicator above the glass structure is substantially uniform despite variations in the height of the glass structure and the floor.

39. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of controlling the height of the applicator is performed by controlling the force exerted by the applicator on the glass structure to be substantially uniform.

40. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of cleaning the nozzle with a rinse.

41. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising the step of protecting the nozzles from wind by a wind shield located above the plurality of nozzles.

42. The method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of: shielding the nozzles from wind via a hood located above the plurality of nozzles and collecting paint contacting an interior of the hood.

43. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator is an applicator according to any one of the preceding claims.

44. A solar panel comprising a coating formed according to the method of any preceding claim.

45. A solar panel array comprising a coating formed according to the method of any preceding claim.

46. A building comprising a window comprising a coating formed according to the method of any preceding claim.

47. A vehicle comprising an applicator according to any preceding claim attached to a vehicle.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for coating a glass structure, such as an installed solar panel or a greenhouse roof panel, installed in the field.

Background

Typically, performance coatings are applied to the glass sheets to improve the desired performance characteristics of the glass. For example, an anti-reflective and/or anti-fouling coating may be applied to the light-receiving surface of a solar panel cover glass or a greenhouse roof panel.

With the advancement of coating technology, many newly installed glass structures, such as solar farms or greenhouses, use glass sheets that have been shipped with a performance coating on the light-receiving side of the glass. For such installations, the glass sheets need not be coated after installation unless the damaged coating is repaired.

However, prior to the popularity of such factory installed performance coatings, a large number of glass structures have been installed. It is desirable to coat these uncoated structures with performance coatings to improve their performance in the desired application.

One method of coating such structures is to use a robot that coats the glass sheet as the robot traverses the glass structure. The robot is typically moved by a pedal or conveyor system.

Another example of a coating mechanism is disclosed in WO 2015/177645. The mechanism utilizes a performance enhancing coating applicator head disposed on a moving support structure. The mechanism may include a porous layer to transfer the performance enhancing coating to the substrate.

Disclosure of Invention

Despite the foregoing background, there remains a need in the art for improved methods and apparatus for coating solar panels in situ. A disadvantage of using a robot is that the robot has to be moved from one glass structure to another, for example a plurality of rows of solar panels. Such robots may also be heavy and therefore cumbersome to move. Furthermore, when it is desired to coat structures of various sizes or shapes, the robot must be adapted to the size of the particular structure, which increases cost and limits flexibility.

Other coating methods, such as disclosed in WO2015/177645, may require continuous priming and exhaustion of the coating application apparatus, thereby increasing the time of the coating operation and affecting the uniformity of the coating.

In addition, existing coating systems may exhibit deficiencies in coating uniformity at start and end. For example, existing coating systems must start a coating process that is already positioned on the glass structure and must stop at the other end of the glass structure.

The above-mentioned deficiencies may be at least partially overcome by the invention disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, an applicator for applying a coating to a glass structure comprising a plurality of glass sheets comprises:

a. an arm for supporting the spray unit and comprising an interface for connection to a vehicle, an

b. A spray unit connected to the arm and comprising a plurality of nozzles for spraying a coating onto a surface of the glass sheet, wherein the spray unit is configured to spray the coating over at least substantially the entire width of the plurality of glass sheets.

The invention disclosed herein may exhibit advantages in terms of coating uniformity, coating integrity, ease of use, throughput, design flexibility or size of the coated glass structure, coating uniformity at start and end, reduction in manual labor, cost and other efficiencies.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a glass structure.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention operating on a solar park.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of one embodiment of an applicator including a follower and a suspension system.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an applicator including a hood.

Detailed Description

In one embodiment, an applicator for applying a coating to a glass structure comprising a plurality of glass sheets comprises:

a. an arm for supporting the spray unit and comprising an interface for connection to a vehicle, an

b. A spray unit connected to the arm and comprising a plurality of nozzles for spraying a coating onto a surface of the glass sheet, wherein the spray unit is configured to spray the coating over at least substantially the entire width of the plurality of glass sheets.

In operation, the applicator sprays a coating onto the surface of the glass sheet as the vehicle travels alongside the glass sheet on the underlying ground. This method has many advantages over the prior art methods. For example, the spraying may be initiated before the sprayed coating comes into contact with the first glass sheet in the glass structure, thereby eliminating coating inconsistencies at the initiation location that may be present in the applicator that is unable to pass over the coating edge. Similar advantages can be exhibited in terms of coating uniformity at the starting location. In addition, the cumbersome movement of the coating applicator from one glass structure to another is substantially eliminated. Instead, the vehicle simply travels from one glass structure to another.

The coating is typically a low viscosity liquid. The coating material typically comprises a solvent and a quantity of solids and may be sprayed through one or more nozzles. The coating can be dried or cured into a dry coating by various means, for example by evaporation or solvent, thermal curing or photo-initiated curing.

The glass structure is a collection of immediately adjacent glass sheets that exist in substantially the same plane along the width of the glass structure. For example, the glass structure may be one side of a triangular roof of a greenhouse or a string of solar panels in a solar park. The glass sheets of the glass structure may be out of plane in the longitudinal direction, for example due to uneven ground. A glass structure comprising a plurality of glass sheets has a length and a width. The length is a dimension along the light receiving surface of the glass plate in the general direction in which the vehicle travels. The width is the dimension of the light receiving surface of the glass sheet along the length perpendicular to the glass structure.

An example of a glass structure is shown in fig. 1. The glass structure is supported above the ground 1 (support not shown) and comprises a plurality of glass plates 2. The glass structure has a width 3 and a length 4. In one embodiment, the glass panel is a solar panel. In one embodiment, the glass panel is a front cover glass of a solar panel. In one embodiment, the glass panel is a roof panel of a greenhouse. In one embodiment, the glass panel is a glass panel on a facade of a building. In one embodiment, the surface is a light receiving surface of a glass plate.

The spraying unit may be configured to spray the coating over substantially the entire width of the plurality of glass sheets. In this manner, at least substantially the entire width, e.g., the entire width, of the plurality of glass sheets is coated in a single pass as the vehicle travels along the length of the glass structure. In one embodiment, the applicator is configured to apply a plurality of adjacent glass sheets in a single pass along their lengths. In one embodiment, the spray unit may have a length and the nozzles may be individually opened and closed based on operator control, thereby customizing the size of the spray unit to the width of the glass structure. In one embodiment, the spray unit is modular, allowing for the installation and removal of additional portions of the spray unit in order to customize the length of the spray unit. In one embodiment, the applicator is configured to coat a stack of 2 to 5 glass sheets in width. In one embodiment, the applicator is configured to coat a stack of up to ten glass sheets in width, for example up to eight glass sheets in width. In one embodiment, the applicator is configured to coat a stack of at least eight glass sheets in length, for example at least twelve glass sheets in length.

Turning now to fig. 2, a glass structure 2 is shown supported above a floor 1. The glass structure was four glass plates of width 3. The applicator 4 is configured to coat substantially the entire width of the glass sheet.

The applicator includes an arm for supporting the spray unit and includes an interface for connecting to a vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle is a tractor, excavator, or cantilevered lift. In one embodiment, the arm is configured to connect to a counter interface present on the vehicle. The vehicle may need to have a supplemental interface installed before the interface of the arm can be connected to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the arm is configured to be removably connected to the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the arm is movable in response to an operator input, such as a joystick or control panel present in the cab of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the arm may be raised or lowered in response to an operator input. In one embodiment, the arm further comprises a power assist device configured to raise and lower the arm in response to an operator input. In one embodiment, the arm is movable by hydraulic means.

In one embodiment, the arm comprises more than one portion. In one embodiment, the arm includes a hinge at a location along its length between the connection to the spray unit and the interface.

The applicator includes a spray unit connected to an arm. The spray unit includes a plurality of nozzles. In one embodiment, the plurality of nozzles are configured to spray a coating onto the light receiving surface of the glass sheet. The nozzle can have any desired orientation suitable for spraying the coating onto the light-receiving side of the glass sheet, such as a 45 degree orientation. The flow of coating material through the nozzle may be monitored and/or controlled by an operator via a control panel positionable in the vehicle. In one embodiment, the nozzles are individually controllable. In one embodiment, the nozzles may be individually controlled by a control panel positionable in the vehicle. In one embodiment, the applicator further comprises a control panel configured to control passage of the coating material through the nozzle in response to an operator input.

In one embodiment, the spray unit comprises 5 to 100 nozzles, for example 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 nozzles, to 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 nozzles. In one embodiment, the applicator is configured such that the nozzle is nominally 5 to 30cm in height from the light-receiving surface of the glass sheet.

The coating supply may be remote from the spray unit, for example on a vehicle, on a trailer connected to the vehicle, or on a vehicle other than the vehicle to which the applicator is attached. In one embodiment, the spray unit is connected to a container for containing a quantity of paint. In one embodiment, the spray unit is connected to a container configured to be stored on a vehicle for containing a quantity of paint.

Depending on the type of coating, it may be necessary to flush the nozzle with a flushing agent (e.g., a solvent) at the end of coating application so that the nozzle does not become clogged with dried coating. In one embodiment, the spray unit is connected to a container for containing a quantity of paint and to a container for containing a quantity of flushing agent, wherein the applicator further comprises a valve for controlling whether the nozzle dispenses paint or flushing agent. The control of the valves may be located on a control panel in the vehicle.

In one embodiment, the applicator further comprises a suspension system coupled to the arm, the suspension system configured to control a distance between the nozzle and the surface of the glass sheet. The suspension system need not be the only control of the distance between the nozzle and the surface of the glass sheet. In one embodiment, the suspension system includes a damper configured to reduce a change in distance between the glass sheet and the jetting unit.

In one embodiment, the applicator further comprises a follower. In one embodiment, the follower is connected to the ejecting unit or arm and is configured to contact a surface of the glass sheet. The follower does not mean that the follower must trail the other components of the applicator, but rather means that the follower follows along the surface of the glass structure by contacting the surface of the glass structure.

In one embodiment, the suspension system is responsive to the amount of force exerted by the follower on the surface of the glass sheet. In one embodiment, the follower is configured to contact a surface of the glass sheet in front of the jetting device. In one embodiment, the follower is configured to contact a light receiving surface of the glass sheet. In one embodiment, the follower comprises a wheel for contacting the surface of the glass sheet. In one embodiment, the follower is connected to the jetting unit. The distance between the nozzle and the glass sheet surface can thus be determined by the position of the follower connected to the spraying unit. In one embodiment, the suspension system is configured to attempt to maintain a constant force exerted by the follower on the glass sheet. In one embodiment, the suspension system is configured to control the distance between the nozzle and the surface of the glass sheet by movement of the arm.

In one embodiment, the suspension system comprises a hydropneumatic suspension. For example, the hydropneumatic suspension comprises an accumulator cooperating with a hydraulic cylinder. The accumulator typically comprises hydraulic fluid and a gas, such as air or nitrogen. In one embodiment, the accumulator is connected to a hydraulic cylinder, and the hydraulic cylinder compensates for differences in the forces experienced by the applicator due to different pressurization to ensure that the force exerted by the follower on the surface of the glass sheet remains largely constant.

In one embodiment, the suspension system further comprises a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of the hydraulic fluid and/or gas. In this way, the pressure in the accumulator can be adjusted as required depending on the weight of the applicator and the desired distance between the nozzle and the surface of the glass sheet and then kept constant during the coating process.

In one embodiment, the suspension system comprises two hydraulic cylinders. The first hydraulic cylinder operates to ensure that the force exerted by the follower on the surface of the glass sheet remains largely constant. The second hydraulic cylinder is used to raise and lower the arm into position on the surface of the glass sheet. For example, at the end of a row of solar panels on a solar park, hydraulic fluid is applied to a second hydraulic cylinder, raising the arm and lifting the spray unit off the panel; at the beginning of the next row of plates, hydraulic fluid is drained from the second hydraulic cylinder, lowering the arm and causing the spray unit to contact the surface of the glass sheet. Instead of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder may be used.

In one embodiment, the applicator further comprises a cleaning unit. In one embodiment, the cleaning unit comprises a spray system for applying a cleaning fluid, such as water, or a cleaning gas, such as air. In one embodiment, the cleaning unit includes at least one of a brush and a cloth for physically contacting the surface of the glass sheet. The cleaning unit is used to remove dirt, dust, debris, or other contaminants from the surface of the glass sheet prior to the spraying unit applying the coating. In one embodiment, the cleaning unit is attached to the front of the spray unit. In one embodiment, the cleaning unit is attached to the arm in front of the spraying unit.

In one embodiment, stops are employed to control the position of the spray unit, such as the angle of the spray unit or the maximum extension of the spray unit relative to the arm. In one embodiment, the stop is adjustable. In one embodiment, the stop is hydraulic or pneumatic.

An illustration of one embodiment of an applicator is depicted in fig. 3. The applicator comprises an arm 1 which supports a spraying unit 2 and which can be connected to a vehicle (connection and vehicle not shown). The spray unit 2 includes four nozzles 3 configured to spray paint over substantially the entire width of the light receiving surface of the glass plate 6. The applicator includes two followers 4 and 5 connected to the ejecting unit 2 and configured to contact the light receiving surface of the glass sheet 6. The applicator comprises a suspension system comprising a hydraulic cylinder 7 and a pressure accumulator 8. The hydraulic cylinder 7 is connected to a pressure accumulator 8 and due to the different pressurisations in the hydraulic cylinder 7 and the pressure accumulator 8, the hydraulic cylinder 7 compensates for the difference in forces experienced by the applicator to ensure that the force exerted by the followers 4, 5 on the light receiving surface of the glass plate 6 remains mostly constant.

In one embodiment, the applicator further comprises a hood. The fan cover is arranged above the nozzle. In one embodiment, the hood is angled away from the nozzle as the hood extends toward the location of the glass sheet. In one embodiment, the hood includes a slot for collecting paint that may come into contact with the interior of the hood during spraying. In one embodiment, the trough is connected to a container for collecting such paint. For example, during operation of the applicator, the container may be in fluid communication with the slot via an aperture in the end of the slot closest to the ground. As the paint flows down the trough by gravity, it may flow through the holes and be collected in a container.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an applicator including a hood. The cross-sectional view depicts the arm 1 and the jet unit 2. The spray unit comprises a plurality of nozzles, wherein a single nozzle 3 is shown in cross-section. The hood 4 is located above the spray unit 2 and comprises a slot 5. As shown, both sides of the hood include slots. When the hood extends towards the position of the glass plate 6, the hood 4 is inclined away from the nozzle. A follower and suspension system may also be present but is not shown in fig. 4.

The present invention also provides a method for coating a glass structure comprising the steps of:

a. spraying a coating over substantially the entire width of the glass structure via an applicator located at a desired height above the glass structure, wherein the applicator comprises a plurality of nozzles,

b. while spraying the coating, longitudinally traversing the glass structure by driving a vehicle attached with the applicator over the ground proximate the glass structure, and

c. controlling the height of the applicator above the glass structure such that the height of the applicator above the glass structure is substantially uniform despite variations in the height of the glass structure and the floor.

In one embodiment, the step of controlling the height of the applicator is performed by controlling the force applied by the applicator on the glass structure to be substantially uniform. One embodiment further comprises the step of cleaning the nozzle with a rinse. One embodiment further comprises the step of protecting the nozzles from wind by a wind shield located above the plurality of nozzles. One embodiment further comprises the steps of: the nozzles are protected from the wind by a hood located above the plurality of nozzles and collects paint contacting the interior of the hood. In one embodiment, the applicator is an applicator as described above.

The present invention further provides a solar panel comprising a coating formed according to the above method.

The present invention further provides a solar panel array comprising a coating formed according to the above method.

The invention also provides a building comprising a window comprising a coating formed according to the above method.

The invention also provides a vehicle comprising the applicator.

The use of quantitative terms and expressions in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. While certain optional features are described as embodiments of the invention, the description is intended to cover and specifically disclose all combinations of these embodiments, unless explicitly indicated otherwise or physically impossible.