EP2542349B2 - Atomizing device and method for the application of one- and multi-component coating materials - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an atomizer, in particular a rotary atomizer, and a method for applying a one-component coating agent (for example a one-component paint) and a multi-component coating agent (for example a two-component paint) or two different types -Component coating agents (eg two different two-component paints) on automobile bodies, their attachments, truck cabins and / or their attachments.

When coating the surface of automobile bodies, several layers of paint are usually applied in successive painting zones using different atomizers specific to the respective layer of paint. When painting trucks, for example, two painting zones are required. A one-component metallic paint is applied in the first zone and then a two-component clear paint is applied in the second zone. However, this mode of operation only affects a small proportion of the bodies to be coated. Most of the bodywork to be coated is coated with a plain paint (single-layer basecoat), for example, which does not require a clearcoat to be applied afterwards. This means that the second painting zone, in which the two-component clearcoat is applied, is only very little stressed and used, but it is still necessary.

The particular disadvantage here is the division into several painting zones and painting booths and the associated requirement for additional painting robots with different paint-specific application technology. Furthermore, due to the different paint-specific application technology, maintenance and servicing is expensive.

Various feed systems arranged outside the atomizer are already known for optionally supplying an atomizer with different single or multi-component paints ( DE 195 43 548 A1 , DE 10 2004 038 017 A1 , WO 89/12509 A1 , WO 2005/044466 A2 , U.S. 5,225,239 A ).

Also disclosed WO 2008/058650 A2 an atomizer in which separate paint feeds for solvent paint and water-based paint are provided so that the atomizer can be operated alternately with one or the other paint material.

US 2009/277378 A1 discloses a rotary atomizer for different 2K paint systems with a master paint valve arrangement, which is designed as a color changer for different selectable colors, and a hardener valve arrangement for selecting different selectable hardness types. The components selected in each case are fed to a downstream mixer.

US 2005/074562 A1 , U.S. 5,727,735 A and DE 297 19 535 U1 disclose devices located in an atomizer which can each supply one-component paint or two-component paint to the application element of the atomizer. Also disclosed DE 103 58 646 A1 an expedient design of a valve arrangement for mixing a multi-component paint in an atomizer.

According to the invention, the above-described problems or disadvantages of known systems are solved or overcome by the features of claim 1.

The atomizer is provided in order to (optionally) apply a multi-component coating agent and a one-component coating agent from an application element. Furthermore, the atomizer can be provided in order to (optionally) apply two different multi-component coating agents from one application element.

The application of the multi-component coating agent and the one-component coating agent can take place one after the other. Similarly, two different multi-component coating agents can be applied one after the other. The multi-component coating agent comprises at least one coating agent component (e.g. base paint) and at least one hardener component.

The particular advantage of the atomizer according to the invention is that the application technology required can be reduced, above all the required number of robots and the required number of zones. Furthermore, because the parts are identical, the atomizer according to the invention leads to simplified maintenance and servicing and enables a so-called box concept in which, for example, a vehicle can be painted completely and fully automatically in one station, in particular without changing the atomizer.

The multi-component coating agent is preferably guided from a first device to the application element and applied by the application element, whereas the one-component coating agent is preferably guided from a second device to the application element and applied by the application element. The atomizer can thus comprise a first device which is provided in order to guide the multicomponent coating agent to the application element. Furthermore, the atomizer can comprise a second device which is provided in order to guide the one-component coating agent to the application element. In particular, the first device can be supplied with exchangeable coating agent and / or rinsing agent and / or pulsed air and / or hardener from a first supply line (preferably comprising a color change arrangement, a metering device for the coating agent component and a metering device for the hardener component), whereas the second device from a second supply line (preferably comprising a color changing arrangement and a metering device for the one-component coating agent) can be supplied with exchangeable coating agent and / or rinsing agent and / or pulsed air. The first supply line (including its color changer and metering device (s)) and the second supply line (including its color changer and metering device) are thus preferably arranged separately from one another.

The first supply line is thus preferably connected or connectable to the first device, whereas the second supply line is connected or can be connected to the second device.

In the embodiment in which the atomizer is provided to apply two different multicomponent coating agents from one application element, the various multicomponent coating agents are guided to the application element by two separately arranged first devices and applied by the application element. It is thus possible for the atomizer to comprise two first devices which are provided in order to guide two different multicomponent coating agents to the application element. In this embodiment, the atomizer is therefore provided with two first devices instead of a first device and a second device. In particular, the first device and the other first device are separated from supply lines (each preferably comprising a color change arrangement, a metering device for the coating agent component and a metering device for the hardener component) with exchangeable coating agent and / or rinsing agent and / or pulsed air and / or hardener supplied. The two first devices, which are arranged separately from one another, and / or their respective supply line can preferably be provided essentially identically.

The atomizer thus preferably comprises at least one first device which is provided in order to guide a multi-component coating agent to the application element.

The color changing arrangements can, for example, be conventional color changers (for example valve blocks) or also docking color changers and the metering devices can be, for example, conventional metering pumps.

The one-component coating agent is preferably a one-component paint (e.g. a basecoat). The two-component coating agent is preferably a two-component lacquer (e.g. a two-component clear lacquer and / or a two-component basecoat). Multi-component coating agents are coating agents which have at least one coating agent component and at least one hardener component. The multi-component coating agent can have different base paint systems (e.g. wet paints such as solvent paints or water-based paints). The multicomponent coating agent can be a conventional multicomponent coating agent, in particular a conventional two-component paint, which is usually used to coat automobile bodies, add-on parts and / or truck cabs.

The term atomizer used in the context of the invention is to be understood in general terms and includes, for example, rotary atomizers in the form of bell atomizers or disk atomizers as well as ultrasonic atomizers, air atomizers, airless devices or airmix devices. Correspondingly, within the scope of the invention, the application element can be, for example, a bell cup, a rotating disk or simply a nozzle.

Furthermore, the atomizer can comprise a third device for briefly rinsing the application element, in particular a nozzle, with detergent and / or for applying air (or pulsed air) to the application element, in particular the nozzle.

The first device, the second device and / or the third device can be arranged separately from one another. The first device, the second device and / or the third device are preferably arranged in parallel.

Further, in the embodiment having two first devices (i.e., the one first device and the other first device), the two first devices and the third device may be arranged separately from each other. The two first devices are preferably arranged parallel to one another and parallel to the third device. In a similar way, the supply lines supplying the devices and / or the color changers and metering devices can be arranged separately from one another, in particular in parallel.

It is possible that the atomizer, in particular at least one first device, is provided in such a way that at least the parts that come into contact with the coating agent component and the hardener component can be rinsed and / or subjected to pulsed air. The rinsing agent and / or the pulsed air, together with the coating agent / hardener residues, are preferably ejected from the application element into a collecting device. Unintentional hardening of the coating agent component and the hardener component in the atomizer would damage the atomizer and possibly even destroy it.

The atomizer (or at least one first device) comprises a feed line for the coating agent component and a feed line for the hardener component, which are preferably arranged separately and in particular in parallel. The atomizer (or at least a first device) also has a mixing element which is supplied with the coating agent component and the hardener component, as a result of which the coating agent component and the hardener component are mixed. The atomizer (or at least a first device) has a collecting line which is provided to receive the coating agent component and the hardener component and which preferably branches off from the mixing element and leads to the application element. The atomizer (or at least a first device) also has a first main needle for the multi-component coating agent. The first main needle (or a first main needle valve) is provided on or in the collecting line, in particular between the mixing element and the application element, and is supplied by a first color change arrangement (e.g. with multi-component coating agent, rinsing agent and pulsed air).

In order to accommodate the mixing element in spatially limited sections in the atomizer, the mixing element must have correspondingly small dimensions and still achieve sufficient mixing results, which conventional mixers are not capable of. A mixing element suitable for the invention could preferably be produced by means of a generative process (for example rapid prototyping, e.g. laser sintering, laser melting, etc.).

The feed line for the coating agent component can be connected to a return line for the coating agent component, which preferably has a return valve. Furthermore, the feed line for the coating agent component can comprise a shut-off valve for the coating agent component. The feed line for the coating agent component can be connected to a flushing line, preferably having a flushing valve, which is provided to flush the feed line for the coating agent component at least in sections, to flush the mixing element and / or to flush the collecting line. Furthermore, the feed line for the coating agent component can be connected to a pulsed air line, which preferably has a pulse air valve, in order to apply pulsed air to the feed line for the coating agent component at least in sections, to apply pulsed air to the mixing element, and / or to apply pulsed air to the collecting line to apply. The rinsing agent and the pulsed air can be ejected from the application element into a collecting device together with coating agent / hardener residues.

The feed line for the hardener component can open upstream in front of the mixing element into the feed line for the coating agent component. However, it is also possible for the feed line for the hardener component and the feed line for the coating agent component to open directly into the mixing element. The feed line for the hardener component can have a first shut-off valve for the hardener component and / or a second shut-off valve for the hardener component. Furthermore, the supply line for the hardener component can be connected to a flushing line, which preferably has a flushing valve, in order to flush the supply line for the hardener component at least in sections, to flush the mixing element, and / or to flush the collecting line.

The flushing line and / or pulsed air line connected to the feed line for the coating agent component can open out between the shut-off valve for the coating agent component and the mixing element in the feed line for the coating agent component. The flushing line connected to the feed line for the hardener component can open into the feed line for the hardener component between the first shut-off valve for the hardener component and the second shut-off valve for the hardener component.

The return line for the coating agent component is preferably connected to the feed line for the coating agent component upstream of the shut-off valve for the coating agent component. Furthermore, the mixing element can be provided downstream behind the shut-off valve for the coating agent component and / or the flushing valve (the flushing line connected to the supply line for the coating agent component) and / or the pulsed air valve. Furthermore, the first shut-off valve for the hardener component is preferably provided upstream in front of the second shut-off valve for the hardener component, with the mixing element further preferably being provided downstream behind the second shut-off valve for the hardener component. Furthermore, the first main needle can be provided downstream behind the mixing element and / or the collecting line can lead from the mixing element via the first main needle to the application element.

The atomizer (or the second device) can have a feed line for the one-component coating agent and / or a second main needle (or a second main needle valve) for the one-component coating agent, which is preferably on or in the feed line for the One-component coating agent is arranged, and in particular can be supplied by a second color change arrangement (for example with one-component coating agent, rinsing agent and pulsed air).

It is possible that the multi-component coating agent is guided from the first supply line and / or the first device via the first main needle or the first main needle valve to the application element, the one-component coating agent from the second supply line and / or the second device via the second main needle or the second main needle valve to the Application element can be performed.

It is possible for the feed line for the one-component coating agent to be connected to a return line for the one-component coating agent, which preferably has a return valve. The return line is preferably connected to the feed line for the one-component coating agent upstream of the second main needle.

The return line for the coating agent component and / or the return line for the one-component coating agent can be connected directly to one or more collecting devices, which considerably simplifies disposal. In addition, the return line for the coating agent component and / or the return line for the one-component coating agent enables permanent circulation of the coating agent component and / or the one-component coating agent. Another important point for the use of return lines for the various areas is the time saved through at least partially parallel processes, such as flushing between the color changer and the atomizer (depending on the type of charge and paint).

The atomizer (or the third device) can have a supply line for detergent and / or pulsed air. The supply line for detergent and / or pulsed air can lead essentially directly to the application element downstream behind the first main needle and / or the second main needle. In particular, the third device is provided for briefly flushing the application element.

The supply line for flushing agent and / or air, preferably pulsed air, of the third device can be supplied by a supply line for flushing agent, in particular having a flushing valve, and / or by a supply line, particularly having an air valve, for air, preferably pulsed air.

It is possible that the third device, in particular its supply line for detergent and / or air, preferably pulsed air, comprises a valve, preferably a check valve, which is provided in particular to prevent backflow or throughflow, e.g. of one-component Coating agents, multi-component coating agents, rinsing agents and / or pulsed air. This valve can preferably be arranged downstream behind the flushing valve or the air valve. Furthermore, this valve can be arranged, for example, downstream behind the first main needle or the first main needle valve and / or the second main needle or the second main needle valve. In particular, a backflow of a fluid (e.g. one-component coating agent, multi-component coating agent, rinsing agent and / or pulsed air) from the at least one first device or second device can be prevented, i.e. advantageously a fluid that preferably contains the first main needle or has passed the first main needle valve and / or the second main needle or the second main needle valve.

The first main needle can be provided on a first main needle valve and the second main needle can be provided on a second main needle valve. Alternatively, it is possible that the first main needle and the second main needle are provided on a common main needle valve. It is also possible for the first main needle valve and the second main needle valve to be connected to the application element. Alternatively, it is possible that the common main needle valve is connected to the application element. In particular, the first main needle is assigned to the first device and is thus exposed to multi-component coating agent, while the second main needle is assigned to the second device and is thus exposed to one-component coating agent.

The atomizer further preferably has a device for monitoring and / or adjusting the first main needle valve and the second main needle valve or a device for monitoring and / or adjusting the common main needle valve.

At least one first device (or a supply line for the coating agent component) can be coupled to a first color changing arrangement in order to supply the supply line for the coating agent component with an exchangeable coating agent, rinsing agent and / or pulsed air. Furthermore, at least one first device (or a feed line for the coating agent component) can be coupled to a first metering device, preferably a metering pump, which is provided to meter the coating agent component and which is, for example, downstream behind the first color change arrangement and / or can be provided upstream of the return valve for the coating agent component and / or the shut-off valve for the coating agent component. In addition, at least one first device (or a supply line for the hardener component) can be coupled to a second metering device, preferably a metering pump, which is provided to meter the hardener component and which can be provided, for example, upstream of the second shut-off valve . At least one first device is preferably provided which leads the multi-component coating agent to a first main needle valve. The first color changing arrangement and the first and second metering devices can be assigned to a first supply line.

The second device (or the supply line for the one-component coating agent) can be coupled to a second color-changing arrangement in order to supply the supply line for the one-component coating agent with an exchangeable coating agent and / or rinsing agent and / or pulsed air. Next is the second device (or the supply line for the one-component coating agent) connectable to a third metering device, preferably a metering pump, which is provided to meter the one-component coating agent and which, for example, downstream behind the second color changing arrangement and / or upstream in front of the second main needle and / or the second recirculation valve can be provided. The second device is preferably provided in order to lead one-component coating agent to the second main needle valve. The second color change arrangement and the third metering pump can thus be assigned to a second supply line, which is to be provided separately from the first supply line.

The respective color change arrangements and the respective metering devices can be provided in, on or away from or outside of the atomizer.

According to the invention there is also provided an application device such as a painting machine or a painting robot with an atomizer as described above. The invention thus not only comprises the atomizer described above as a single component, but also a complete painting machine with such an atomizer, wherein the painting machine can be designed, for example, as a multi-axis painting robot, side machine or roof machine. However, with regard to the machine type, the invention is not limited to painting robots, roof machines or side machines, but also includes other machine types that are sufficiently known from the prior art.

The painting machine can preferably be designed as a multi-axis painting robot and have a first robot arm ("Arm 1") and a second robot arm ("Arm 2"), the second robot arm being movably attached to the first robot arm and preferably directly a robot hand axis with an application device (e.g. a rotary atomizer) carries. The above-mentioned metering pumps of the respective supply lines can for example be attached to or in the first robot arm (“arm 1”). Alternatively, within the scope of the invention, there is the possibility that the individual metering pumps are attached to or in the second robot arm (“arm 2”).

The painting robot can, for example, be designed like that in FIG WO 2009/115201 painting robots described, so that the content of the WO 2009/115201 is hereby fully incorporated into the disclosure of the present description.

There is also the possibility that one of the metering pumps is attached to or in the first robot arm, while another metering pump is attached to the second robot arm.

For example, the painting machine can have a travel axis with a slide that can be moved on a rail, the slide carrying a painting robot, for example. The metering pumps can be arranged in full or in part so that they move along on the slide. It is also possible for the first metering device and / or the second metering device and / or the third metering device to be fully or partially integrated in the atomizer. However, with regard to the spatial arrangement of the metering pumps, the invention is not restricted to the examples described above, but can also be implemented in a different manner.

The invention further comprises a painting booth with a painting machine according to the invention and a booth wall which spatially delimits the painting booth. The above-mentioned metering pumps can be arranged completely or partially on the booth wall, either inside the painting booth or outside the painting booth.

According to the invention, a method according to claim 15 is further provided.

The application of the multi-component coating agent and the one-component coating agent can take place one after the other. Similarly, two different multi-component coating agents can be applied one after the other.

The multi-component coating agent is preferably guided from a first device to a first main needle and / or to the application element and applied by the application element, the one-component coating agent from a second device to a second main needle and / or to the application element can be guided and applied by the application element.

In the embodiment in which two different multicomponent coating agents are applied from one application element, the two different multicomponent coating agents are preferably guided by two separately arranged first devices to two first main needles and / or to the application element and from the Application element applied.

The first device, in particular its feed line for the coating agent component, can be supplied with exchangeable coating agent, rinsing agent and / or pulsed air from a first color changing arrangement, the second device, in particular whose feed line for the one-component coating agent can be supplied with exchangeable coating agent, rinsing agent and / or pulsed air from a second color changing arrangement. The first color change arrangement can be assigned to the first supply line (which can also have, for example, a metering device for the coating agent component and / or a metering device for the hardener component), whereas the second color change arrangement can be assigned to the second supply line (which also e.g. -Component coating agents) can be assigned.

At least one first device (i.e. a first device or two first devices) can carry out at least one of the following steps: supplying a coating agent component via a supply line for the coating agent component to a mixing element; Supplying a hardener component via a supply line for the hardener component to the mixing element; Mixing the coating agent component and the hardener component in the mixing element; Feeding the preferably mixed multi-component coating agent to the application element, in particular from a first supply line via a first main needle.

A second device can lead the one-component coating agent to the application element, in particular by means of the feed line for the one-component coating agent, preferably via a second main needle valve.

Furthermore, the method can comprise at least one of the following steps (preferably carried out by at least one first device): Rinsing a section of the supply line for the coating agent component by means of a return line for the coating agent component, the section upstream of a shut-off valve for the coating agent. Component is arranged; Rinsing and / or applying pulsed air to the mixing element, the first main needle valve and / or a section of the feed line for the coating agent component, the section being arranged downstream behind the shut-off valve for the coating agent component; Rinsing a section of the feed line for the hardener component, the section being arranged downstream behind a first shut-off valve for the hardener component and opening into the feed line for the coating agent component or the mixing element.

Furthermore, the method can comprise at least one of the following steps: preferably by means of the second device rinsing a section of the supply line for the one-component coating agent via a return line for the one-component coating agent, the section being arranged upstream of the second main needle valve; Briefly rinsing and / or applying pulsed air to the application element, in particular a nozzle of the application element, by means of a third device; Ejection of the rinsing agent and / or the pulsed air from the application element and / or the return lines into a collecting device, the rinsing agent and / or the pulsed air, which are guided via the return lines, not being ejected via the application element.

The detergent can include cleaning agents and / or solvents (e.g. thinners). Furthermore, the rinsing agent can comprise a blocking agent which at least retards, preferably substantially prevents, hardening of the multicomponent coating agent. All monofunctional molecules which can react with at least one component of the multicomponent coating agent come into consideration as blocking agents. The blocking agent preferably comprises amines, alcohols, preferably lower alcohols, ethanol, propanol and / or its isomers, and / or butanol and / or its isomers. The blocking agent can also comprise a reactive substance such as reaction retardants, preferably organic acid chlorides. The hardener component of the multi-component coating agent can be, for example, isocyanate.

The preferred embodiments, features and possible configurations described above can be combined with one another as desired.

Other advantageous developments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims or result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the only one attached Figure 1 which shows a schematic representation of an application device, in particular an atomizer according to the invention.

The figure shows an application device and in particular an atomizer for series coating of automobile bodies, add-on parts and / or truck cabins. The atomizer shown in the figure is provided in order to optionally apply a one-component coating agent and a multi-component coating agent.

The atomizer is a rotary atomizer which has a bell plate as the application element AE, the multi-component coating agent (comprising a coating agent component (base paint) and a hardener component) and the one-component coating agent on automobile bodies, To apply attachments and truck cabs. The multicomponent coating agent is a two-component lacquer (eg 2K clear lacquer or 2K basecoat), the one-component coating agent being a one-component lacquer (eg basecoat) .

Reference numeral 1 denotes a first device which is provided in order to feed the multicomponent coating agent in a mixed manner to the application element AE. Reference number 2 denotes a second device which is provided in order to guide the one-component coating agent to the application element AE. Reference number 3 denotes a third device which is provided for brief rinsing and / or for applying pulsed air to the application element AE.

The first device 1, the second device 2 and the third device 3 are provided separately from one another, in particular arranged in parallel, and each lead to the application element AE.

The first device 1 has a feed line 10 for the coating agent component and a feed line 20 for the hardener component, which are arranged in parallel, and a mixing element 11 for mixing the coating agent component and the hardener component. Furthermore, the first device 1 has a collecting line 30, which is provided to receive the coating agent component and the hardener component, which emanates from the mixing element 11 and which via a first main needle valve HV1, which has a first main needle HN1, to the application element AE leads.

The multi-component coating agent is provided by means of a first supply line VS1, which has a first color changing arrangement FW1 (color changer), a first metering device DP1 for metering the coating agent component, a hardener reservoir (not shown) and a second metering device DP2 for metering the Has hardener component. A rinsing agent and pulsed air can also be provided via the first color changer FW1. The first color changer FW1 and the first metering device DP1 are assigned to the supply line 10 for the coating agent component or can be coupled to it, the hardener reservoir and the second metering device DP2 being assigned to the supply line 20 for the hardener component or being able to be coupled to it are.

The one-component coating agent is provided by means of a second supply line VS2, which has a second color changing arrangement FW2 (color changer) and a third metering device DP3 for metering the one-component coating agent. A rinsing agent and pulsed air can also be provided via the second color changer FW2. The second color changer FW2 and the third metering device DP3 are assigned to a feed line 40 for the one-component coating agent or can be coupled to it.

The first supply line VS1 is thus connected or can be connected to the first device 1, whereas the second supply line VS2 is connected or can be connected to the second device 2.

The feed line 10 for the coating agent component is connected to a return line RL1, which has a return valve RV1, for the coating agent component and comprises a shut-off valve AV1. Furthermore, the supply line 10 for the coating agent component is connected to a flushing line SL1 having a flushing valve SV1. The flushing line SL1 is arranged to flush the supply line 10 for the coating agent component at least in sections downstream behind the shut-off valve AV1, and to flush the mixing element 11 and the collecting line 30. Furthermore, the supply line 10 for the coating agent component is connected to a pulsed air line PL1 which has a pulse air valve PV1 and which is provided to apply pulsed air to the supply line 10 for the coating agent component at least in sections downstream behind the shut-off valve AV1, and to the mixing element 11 and to apply pulsed air to the manifold 30.

The feed line 20 for the hardener component opens upstream shortly before the mixing element 11 into the feed line 10 for the coating agent component. The feed line 20 for the hardener component has a first shut-off valve AV2 for the hardener component and a second shut-off valve AV3 for the hardener component. Furthermore, the supply line 20 for the hardener component is connected to a flushing line SL2 having a flushing valve SV2, which is provided to flush the supply line 20 for the hardener component at least in sections, and to flush the mixing element 11 and the collecting line 30.

The flushing agent, which is supplied via the first flushing line SL1 and the second flushing line SL2, and the pulsed air supplied via the pulsed air line PL1 are ejected into a collecting device (not shown) via the application element AE.

The flushing line SL1 connected to the feed line 10 for the coating agent component and the pulsed air line PL1 open between the shut-off valve AV1 for the coating agent component and the mixing element 11 into the feed line 10 for the coating agent component, with the one connected to the feed line 20 for the hardener -Component connected flushing line SL2 between the first shut-off valve AV2 for the hardener component and the second shut-off valve AV3 for the hardener component opens into the supply line 20 for the hardener component.

The return line RL1 for the coating agent component is connected to the feed line 10 for the coating agent component upstream of the shut-off valve AV1. The mixing element 11 is provided downstream behind the shut-off valve AV1 for the coating agent component, behind the flush valve SV1 arranged in the first flushing line SL and behind the pulsed air valve PV1 arranged in the pulsed air line PL1. The first shut-off valve AV2 for the hardener component is provided upstream before the second shut-off valve AV3 for the hardener component, the mixing element 11 in turn being provided downstream behind the second shut-off valve AV3 for the hardener component.

The one having the first main needle HN1 The first main needle valve HV1 is provided downstream of the mixing element 11. The collecting line 30 leads mixed multi-component coating agent via the first main needle valve HV1, which has the first main needle HN1, to the application element AE.

The second device 2 is provided with the supply line 40 for the one-component coating agent and a second main needle valve HV2 having a second main needle HN2. The feed line 40 for the one-component coating agent is connected to a return line RL2, which has a return valve RV2, for the one-component coating agent. The feed line 40 for the one-component coating agent leads via the second main needle valve HV2 to the application element AE.

The third device 3 has a supply line 50 for detergent and / or pulsed air, which leads to the application element AE. The third device 3 is provided for briefly flushing the application element AE, the flushing agent and the pulsed air being ejected from the application element AE into a collecting device. The supply line 50 is supplied with flushing agent from a supply line 48, which has a valve KS, and is supplied with air from a supply line 49, which has a valve KSL.

The supply line 50 further comprises a valve RS, which is designed as a check valve. The valve RS is arranged downstream behind the valves KS and KSL and downstream behind the first main needle valve HV1 and the second main needle valve HV2. The valve RS is provided in order to prevent a backflow of the one-component coating agent, the multi-component coating agent, the flushing agent and / or the pulsed air from the first device 1 and the second device 2.

The atomizer shown in the figure is provided in order to apply a multi-component coating agent and a one-component coating agent from an application element AE.

However, the atomizer according to the invention can also be designed in order to apply two different multicomponent coating agents from one application element. For this purpose, the second device 2 shown in the figure can be replaced by a further first device 1. This atomizer thus comprises two functionally essentially identical first devices which are arranged separately from one another, preferably in parallel and which can each lead a multi-component coating agent to the application element. Correspondingly, the first device and the other first device of separately arranged first supply lines as described above (each preferably comprising a first color changing arrangement, a first metering device for the coating agent component and a second metering device for the hardener component) with exchangeable coating agent and / or detergent and / or pulsed air and / or hardener are supplied. Thus, the one multi-component coating agent leads from a first supply line and / or a first device, in particular via a first main needle to the application element, the other multi-component coating agent from another supply line and / or another first device, in particular leads to the application element via another first main needle. Although the supply lines and the devices can be arranged separately, they can be designed to be essentially functionally and / or structurally identical. In particular, the supply lines and the devices can correspond to the first supply line described above and / or the first device described above. Otherwise, the atomizer, which is provided in order to apply two different multi-component coating agents from one application element, is essentially largely identical to the atomizer described above, which is provided in order to apply a multi-component coating agent and a one-component coating agent. To apply coating agents from an application element, so that reference is made to the above description to avoid repetition.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection.

List of reference symbols

1

First set up

2

Second facility

3

Third institution

10

Feed line for coating agent component

11

mixer

20th

Feed line for hardener component

30th

Manifold

40

Feed line for one-component coating agent

50

Feed line for detergent for short rinsing and / or pulsed air

AE

Application element

AV1

Shut-off valve for coating agent components

AV2

Shut-off valve for hardener component

AV3

Shut-off valve for hardener component

RL1

Return line for coating agent component

RV1

Return valve

RL2

Return line for one-component coating agent

RV2

Return valve

SL1

Flushing line

SV1

Flush valve

SL2

Flushing line

SV2

Flush valve

VS1

Supply line

VS2

Supply line

FW1

Color change arrangement (color changer)

FW2

Color change arrangement (color changer)

DP1

Metering device (metering pump)

DP2

Metering device (metering pump)

DP3

Metering device (metering pump)

HN1

Main needle

HV1

Main needle valve

HN2

Main needle

HV2

Main needle valve

KS

Valve

KSL

Valve

PL1

Pulse air line

RS

check valve

Claims (16)

1. Atomizer for series coating motor car bodies, attachment parts and/or truck cabins,

   a) the atomizer comprising a first equipment (1) and a second equipment (2) for optionally applying a multi-component coating agent, comprising at least one coating agent component and at least one hardener component, and a single-component coating agent from an application element (AE),
   the multi-component coating agent being led by said first equipment (1) of the atomizer to the application element (AE) and the single-component coating agent being led by said second equipment (2) of the atomizer to the application element (AE) in parallel to the multi-component coating agent,
   and the atomizer comprising a mixing element (11) provided to be supplied with a coating agent component and a hardener component, whereby the coating agent component and the hardener component are mixed together; and the first equipment (1) being provided with:
   a feed line (10) for the coating agent component and a feed line (20) for the hardener component;
   a manifold line (30), which is provided to receive the coating agent component and the hardener component and which comes out of the mixing element (11); and
   a main needle valve (HV1) with a main needle (HN1) at or in the manifold line, which is supplied by a first color changing arrangement (FW1);
   or

   b) the atomizer comprising two equipments (1), arranged separated from each other and in parallel, for optionally applying two different multi-component coating agents, comprising at least one coating agent component and at least one hardener component, from an application element (AE),
   the two different multi-component coating agents being led by said two equipments (1,1) of the atomizer, arranged separated from each other and in parallel, to the application element (AE),
   and the atomizer comprising two mixing elements (11) each being provided to be supplied with a coating agent component and a hardener component, whereby the coating agent component and the hardener component are mixed together, and at least one first equipment (1) being provided with:

   a feed line (10) for the coating agent component and a

   feed line (20) for the hardener component; a manifold line (30), which is provided to receive the

   coating agent component and the hardener component and

   which comes out of the mixing element (11); and a main needle valve (HV1) with a main needle (HN1) at or in the manifold line, which is supplied by a first color changing arrangement (FW1).
2. The atomizer according to Claim 1, wherein a third equipment (3) is provided for flushing the application element (AE) with rinsing agent and/or air.
3. The atomizer according to Claim 2, wherein the first equipment (1), the second equipment (2) and the third equipment (3) are arranged separated from each other.
4. The atomizer according to any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the feed line (10) for the coating agent component

   a) is connected with a return line (RL1) preferably fitted with a return valve (RV1) for the coating agent component;

   b) includes a stop valve (AV1) for the coating agent component; and

   c) is connected with a flushing line (SL1) preferably fitted with a flushing valve (SV1) and/or with a pulsed air line (PL1) preferably fitted with a pulsed air valve (PV1), provided in order to apply flushing agent or pulsed air to at least sections of the feed line (10) for the coating agent component, the mixing element (11) and/or the manifold line (30).
5. The atomizer according to any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the feed line (20) for the hardener component

   a) discharges upstream before the mixing element (11) into the feed line (10) for the coating agent component or the feed line (20) for the hardener component and the feed line (10) for the coating agent component discharge into the mixing element (11); and/or

   b) has one or two stop valves (AV2, AV3) for the hardener component;

   c) is connected with a flushing line (SL2) fitted with a flushing valve (SV2), which line is provided in order to flush at least sections of the feed line (20) for the hardener component, the mixing element (11) and/or the manifold line (30).
6. The atomizer according to any one of Claims 1-5,
   wherein

   a) the flushing line (SL1) and/or the pulsed air line (PL1) connected with the feed line (10) for the coating agent component discharges between the stop valve (AV1) for the coating agent component and the mixing element (11) into the feed line (10) for the coating agent component; and

   b) the flushing line (SL2) connected with the feed line for the hardener agent component discharges between the first stop valve (AV2) for the hardener component and the second stop valve (AV3) for the hardener component into the feed line (20) for the hardener component.
7. The atomizer according to any one of Claims 1-6,
   wherein

   a) the return line (RL1) for the coating agent component is connected upstream before the stop valve (AV1) for the coating agent component with the feed line (10) for the coating agent component;

   b) the mixing element (11) is provided downstream behind the stop valve (AV1) for the coating agent component and/or the flushing valve (SV1) and the pulsed air valve (PV1);

   c) the first stop valve (AV2) for the hardener component is provided upstream before the second stop valve (AV3) for the hardener component;

   d) the mixing element (11) is provided downstream behind the second stop valve (AV3) for the hardener component;

   e) the first main needle (HN1) is provided downstream behind the mixing element (11);

   f) the manifold line (30) leads from the mixing element (11) via the first main needle (HN1) to the application element (AE).
8. The atomizer according to any one of Claims 1-7, wherein the second equipment (2) is provided with

   a) a feed line (40) for the single component coating agent;

   b) a second main needle (HN2) which can be supplied by a second color changing arrangement (FW2).
9. The atomizer according to Claim 8, wherein
   the feed line (40) for the single component coating agent is connected with a return line (RL2), which is preferably fitted with a return/ valve (RV2), for the single component coating agent.
10. The atomizer according to any one of Claims 2-9,
    wherein the third equipment (3) is fitted with a feed line (50) for a rinsing agent and/or pulsed air which leads downstream behind the first main needle (HN1) and/or the second main needle (HN2) to the application element (AE).
11. The atomizer according to any one of Claims 1-10,
    wherein

    a) a first main needle valve (HV1), comprising the first main needle (HN1), and a second main needle valve (HV2), comprising the second main needle (HN2), are provided; or

    b) a common main needle valve, including the first main needle (HN1) and the second main needle (HN2) is provided; and

    c) the respective main needle valve is connected with the application element (AE);

    d) an equipment is preferably provided to monitor and/or set the respective main needle valve.
12. The atomizer according to any one of Claims 2-11,
    wherein at least one first equipment (1) is provided

    a) in order to be coupled to a first color changing arrangement (FW1), which can supply the feed line (10) for the coating agent component with a changeable coating agent and a rinsing agent and/or pulsed air;

    b) in order to be coupled to a first metering device (DP1) which can meter the coating agent component;

    c) in order to be coupled to a second metering device (DP2) which can meter the hardener component;

    d) in order to feed the multi-component coating agent to the first main needle valve (HV1).
13. The atomizer according to any one of Claims 2-12,
    wherein the second equipment (2) is provided

    a) in order to be coupled to a second color changing arrangement (FW2), which can supply the feed line (40) for the single-component coating agent with a changeable coating agent and a rinsing agent and/or pulsed air;

    b) in order to be coupled to a third metering device (DP3) which can meter the single-component coating agent;

    c) in order to feed the single-component coating agent to the second main needle valve (HV2).
14. An application device, comprising a painting machine or a painting robot, with an atomizer according to any one of Claims 1-13.
15. A method for series coating motor car bodies,
    attachment parts and/or truck cabins with an atomizer according to any one of claims 1-13, the method comprising the steps

    a) optionally applying a multi-component coating agent, comprising at least one coating agent component and at least one hardener component, and a single-component coating agent from the application element (AE), the multi-component coating agent being led by said first equipment (1) of the atomizer to the application element (AE) and the single-component coating agent being led by said second equipment (2) of the atomizer to the application element (AE) in parallel to the multi-component coating agent, and a mixing element (11) of the atomizer being supplied with a coating agent component and a hardener component, whereby the coating agent component and the hardener component are mixed together; and the first equipment (1) being provided with:

    a feed line (10) for the coating agent component and a feed line (20) for the hardener component;

    a manifold line (30), which is provided to receive the coating agent component and the hardener component and which comes out of the mixing element (11); and

    a main needle valve (HV1) with a main needle (HN1) at or in the manifold line, which is supplied by a first color changing arrangement (FW1);
    or

    b) optionally applying the two different multi-component coating agents, comprising at least one coating agent component and at least one hardener component, from the application element (AE),
    the two different multi-component coating agents being led by said two equipments (1,1) of the atomizer, arranged separated from each other and in parallel, to the application element (AE),
    and each of two mixing elements (11) of the atomizer being supplied with a coating agent component and a hardener component, whereby the coating agent component and the hardener component are mixed together, and at least one first equipment (1) being provided with:

    a feed line (10) for the coating agent component and a

    feed line (20) for the hardener component; a manifold line (30), which is provided to receive the

    coating agent component and the hardener component and

    which comes out of the mixing element (11); and

    a main needle valve (HV1) with a main needle (HN1) at or in the manifold line, which is supplied by a first color changing arrangement (FW1).
16. The method according to Claim 15, comprising at least one of the following steps:

    a) flushing of a section of the feed line (10) for the coating agent component by means of a return line (RL1) for the coating agent component, wherein the section is arranged upstream before a stop valve (AV1) for the coating agent component;

    b) flushing and/or application of pulsed air to the mixing element (11), the first main needle valve (HV1) and a section of the feed line (10) for the coating agent component, wherein the section is arranged downstream behind the stop valve (AV1) for the coating agent component;

    c) flushing of a section of the feed line (20) for the hardener component, wherein the section is arranged downstream behind a first stop valve (AV2) for the hardener component and opens out into the feed line (10) for the coating agent component or the mixing element;

    d) flushing of a section of the feed line (40) for the single-component coating agent by means of a return line (RL2) for the single-component coating agent;

    e) short flushing and/or application of pulsed air to the application element (AE) by means of a third equipment (3) ;

    f) ejection of the rinsing agent and/or the pulsed air from the application element (AE) and the return lines into a collecting device.

Images