DE102006039641A1 - Cleaning device for atomizers, in particular paint spray guns, as well as methods for cleaning a nebulizer - Google Patents

Abstract

cleaning device for atomizers (8), in particular paint spray guns, comprising at least one atomizer receptacle (3) for receiving a nebulizer (8), preferably a spray gun head, a mixing device (9) with a compressed air inlet (10), a detergent inlet (11) and a mixture outlet (12), wherein the mixing device (9) thereto is set up that compressed air via the compressed air inlet (10) supplied with a compressed air pressure is, wherein the mixing device (9) is adapted to that Cleaning agent over the detergent inlet (11) with a detergent pressure supplied is, wherein the mixing device (9) is adapted to the compressed air and to mix the detergent and the mixture outlet (12) supplied as a compressed air-cleaning agent mixture, wherein a spray device, which is connected to the mixture outlet (12), on the atomizer (3) is aligned and for spraying the cleaning mixture is suitable, wherein the mixing device (9) is adapted to the compressed air with a pressure difference compared to the cleaning agent Supply mixture outlet (12), wherein the mixing device (9) is further adapted to the Compressed air with a higher Pressure as the detergent to the mixture outlet (12) to supply, as well Method for cleaning an atomizer with a cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that compressed air with a ...

Description

Become a nebulizer for applying fluids, such as paints or coatings on an object, such as a vehicle body used. By means of the atomizer From a fluid, a fine mist of the fluid is generated the object can be applied. As far as the atomizer is concerned a hand-operated Device for Applying paints is this, because of a firearm reminiscent shape, often referred to as a paint spray gun. In the industrial Use on automatic paint systems arrive at the atomizer Robots as air (cap) atomizers or bells, as well as with external electrodes followed by Dry bubbles used. However, the atomizers described above must cleaned regularly are, i. freed of residues of the possibly already dried fluid become. In particular, need already dried paint residues are removed from the atomizer. For this Prior art devices have become known.

From the EP 0 869 848 B1 is an apparatus for cleaning spray guns comprising a closed container having an inlet, a spout and an opening for receiving a nozzle of a spray gun, a spray device rotatably mounted in said container and having said inlet in fluid communication said spray device having a staggered cleaning nozzle for spraying a cleaning spray onto said opening and a rotating device for effecting rotation of said spray device, said opening being sealing means for sealingly receiving said spray guns and positioning said nozzle of said spray guns in said cleaning spray, said rotating device having a rotary nozzle for spraying a rotary spray.

Though is the aforementioned device for cleaning spray guns, especially paint spray guns, suitable, but it is understandable, that the mechanics and the sealing technique for the described rotary device is correspondingly expensive.

There are also known cleaning devices that do not have a rotary device. For example, the DE 101 10 098 A1 a cleaning device for Farbaustraggeräte, with at least one cleaning container, are plugged into the parts to be cleaned of the Farbaustraggerätes, wherein in the cleaning container at least one supply line is provided which has at least one directed against the parts to be cleaned outlet for the cleaning agent. The cleaning device described here further comprises a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzles, the cleaning agent is supplied under pressure. Although the cleaning device is characterized by a simple construction, in particular no rotating nozzles are provided, however, a considerable number of nozzles must be provided in order to free the paint discharge device on all sides from paint residues. It is understandable that this results in a significant consumption of cleaning agents, which is undesirable from the point of view of both cost and environmental aspects.

Here implements the present invention and makes it its mission to propose a cleaning device characterized by a simple construction, a high cleaning effect and low maintenance is characterized.

According to the invention this Task by a cleaning device with the characterizing Characteristics of claim 1 solved. Characterized in that the mixing device is adapted to the compressed air with a pressure difference over the cleaning agent to the mixture output, wherein the mixing device is further adapted to the compressed air at a higher pressure as the detergent is added to the mixture outlet achieved a Vaporisierungseffekt, i. the surface, as well the volume of the cleaning agent is increased many times, so that a maximum cleaning success with the lowest consumption of cleaning agent in no time Cleaning time in relation to achieved cleaning methods and cleaning devices known can be. A proposed cleaning device allows a Saving compressed air as well as cleaning agents of up to 90%. The consumption of detergent is only about 6 to 10 ml per Cleaning process for a spray gun.

In an advantageous embodiment of the proposed cleaning device can be provided that the mixing device to set up is, the compressed air with a pressure difference of 2 to 4, preferably 3 bar opposite the detergent supplied to the mixture output. At a pressure difference 3 bar results in particularly good cleaning results.

It can also be advantageously provided that the mixing device is set up to the detergent with the mixture output a pressure of about 1 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet supplied with a pressure of about 4 bar. At these pressures and the resulting pressure difference has been particularly good cleaning results achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention can be provided that the mixing device to set up is the detergent at the mixture outlet with a pressure of about 2 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet with a pressure to feed from about 5 bar. At these pressures and the resulting pressure difference have been particularly good cleaning results achieved.

It can also be advantageously provided that between the cleaning agent inlet and the mixture outlet provided a nozzle is, with the nozzle has a diameter of 0.5 to 2 mm. By such Nozzle between Detergent input and mixture output can be substantially ensure that the preferred pressure difference of 3 can be made bar.

In an advantageous embodiment of the proposed cleaning device can be provided that the cleaning device is a housing and having a lid, wherein the lid for receiving the Zerstäuberaufnahme is set up, the housing with fastening means for fixing the cleaning device is set, wherein the lid via spring elements connected to the housing is. Such a designed cleaning device opens the possibility To compensate for positional tolerances by the atomizer across from the housing, and with that a fastening position can be moved. This possible compensation Of positional tolerances gains a special meaning in the frame an integration of the cleaning device in existing paint shops or in the positioning of the atomizer in the atomizer through Robot.

It can also be advantageously provided that the housing for Recording the spraying device is designed. If the lid for receiving the atomizer is set up, it is advantageous to the spray on or in the casing attach so that the lid, for example, for maintenance purposes can be removed. Accordingly, however, the orientation the spraying device unchanged to be kept.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention it can be provided that the spraying device is designed as a flushing pipe, the rinse pipe one over the length of the flushing pipe having constant cross-section. Because instead of nozzles rinsing pipes, speak tubes with a longitudinal direction constant cross section can be used, which is set up are the mixture of compressed air and detergent on the too purifying atomizer to spray, is the risk that such a flushing pipe, for example by Dried paint residues, added, considerably lower. Such a thing configured cleaning device is characterized by extremely long maintenance intervals out.

to increase the cleaning effect can be advantageously provided that as spraying device a first and a second flushing pipe is provided, wherein flushing pipes in the case protrude, with the rinsing tubes a geometric longitudinal axis have, wherein the flushing pipes so on the atomizer are aligned, that the geometric longitudinal axes in the center of Zerstäuberaufnahme cross.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed cleaning device can be provided that the atomizer with one of the spraying facing funnel is equipped. Such a funnel can advantageously be provided to the compressed air cleaning agent mixture to direct accordingly to the center of the atomizer receptacle, so that a maximum cleaning effect can be achieved.

advantageously, can also be provided that the housing is designed as a vessel, wherein the bottom side of the vessel Expiration is provided. Accordingly, this can be applied to the atomizer sprayed Detergent and the contaminants of the atomizer in the vessel and then through drain off the drain.

It It is also known that the use of nozzles for cleaning devices for atomizers, in particular for paint spray guns, tend to add, if, for example washed off Paint residue on the nozzles drop. As a result, results in a correspondingly high maintenance for cleaning devices, which the detergent by means of nozzles on the paint spray guns spray.

It is therefore a further object of the present invention, a Cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 12, characterized by a very small Maintenance costs characterized.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a cleaning device with the characterizing features of claim 12. The fact that instead of nozzles rinsing pipes, ie tubes are used with a longitudinal cross-section consistent, which are adapted to spray the mixture of compressed air and detergent on the atomizer to be cleaned, the risk that such a flushing pipe, beispielswei se by dried paint residues, added, considerably lower. Such a designed cleaning device is characterized by a low maintenance, in particular by long maintenance intervals.

A Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for cleaning an atomizer with a cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims to propose, which is characterized by a maximum cleaning success characterized by the lowest consumption of cleaning agent. According to the invention this Task solved by that the compressed air with a pressure difference over the Detergent is supplied to the mixture output, wherein the compressed air with a higher one Pressure as the cleaning agent is supplied to the mixture outlet. By This measure a vaporization effect is achieved, i. the surface, as well the volume of the cleaning agent is increased many times, so that a maximum cleaning success with lowest consumption in the shortest time Cleaning time in proportion achieved to known cleaning methods and cleaning devices can be. A proposed cleaning device allows a saving compressed air as well as cleaning agents of up to 90%. The consumption of cleaning agent only about 6 to 10 ml per cleaning process for a spray gun.

It can also be advantageously provided that the mixture output Compressed air and detergent with a pressure difference of 2 to 4, preferably 3 bar supplied becomes. In this pressure difference were particularly good cleaning results achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method it can be provided that the cleaning agent the mixture output with a pressure of about 1 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet supplied with a pressure of about 4 bar. At these pressures and the resulting pressure difference has been particularly good cleaning results achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention it can be provided that the cleaning agent the mixture output with a pressure of about 2 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet is supplied at a pressure of about 5 bar. At these pressures and the resulting pressure difference has been particularly good cleaning results achieved.

Further Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures. Show in it

1 a side view of a cleaning device according to the invention;

2 a partially sectioned view of a cleaning device according to the invention.

A cleaning device according to the invention essentially comprises an atomizer receptacle 3 , a first flush pipe 1 and a second flushing pipe 2 , The rinsing pipes 1 . 2 are so on the atomizer 3 aligned that one out of the rinse pipes 1 . 2 escaping compressed air cleaner mixture one in the atomizer receptacle 3 recorded atomizer 8th can reach. A cleaning device according to the invention further comprises a mixing device 9 with a compressed air inlet 10 , a detergent input 11 and a mixture outlet 12 , The mixing device 9 is suitable for this, via the detergent inlet 11 supplied, preferably liquid detergent to be mixed with the air supplied via the compressed air inlet and the resulting compressed air-cleaning agent mixture from the mixture outlet 12 leave, with the rinsing pipes 1 . 2 via suitable supply lines 16 with the mixture output 12 are connected so that the compressed air cleaning agent mixture ultimately over the rinsing pipes 1 . 2 can be delivered.

It is also a housing 5 , as well as a lid 4 provided, with the lid 4 for receiving the atomizer 3 and the case 5 for receiving the rinsing pipes 1 . 2 is set up.

The housing 3 is designed substantially hollow cylindrical and head side with a circumferential collar 18 fitted. The rinsing pipes 1 . 2 protrude on opposite sides in the hollow cylindrical housing 5 into and have a suitable bend to the rinsing tubes 3 . 4 in the direction of the atomizer 3 align with the lid 4 is appropriate. A geometric longitudinal axis of the flushing pipes 1 . 2 is accordingly at the center of the atomizer 3 aligned. If, as suggested here, two rinsing tubes are assumed, the longitudinal axes of the spray straws intersect 1 . 2 in the center of the atomizer 3 , The housing 5 is also with fasteners 15 for mounting the cleaning device, for example, on a paint shop, equipped. The housing 5 can optionally be hollow cylindrical and open at the bottom, as well as a vessel 13 with a bottom drain 14 be designed. Accordingly, the spent cleaning agent on the vessel 13 collected and through a suitable process 14 be disposed of or simply out of the housing 5 expire and, for example, in existing leaching of a La be initiated.

The lid 4 is circular and lies on the collar 18 on. Preferably, the collar 18 with a circumferential seal 19 be equipped so that housing 5 and lid 4 sealed against each other. The lid 4 also has a central bore, wherein the atomizer receptacle 3 above the hole of the lid 4 is appropriate. Below the bore or underneath the atomizer holder 1 is a funnel 6 provided, whose opening basically the rinsing pipes 1 . 2 is facing. As a result, an even better deflection of the from the rinsing pipes 1 . 2 exiting compressed air cleaner mixture ensured.

The lid 4 is about spring elements 7 with the collar 18 connected the lid 4 on the collar 18 press. The lid 4 and thus the atomizer recording 3 can be correspondingly slightly opposite to the housing 5 be moved. This results in an advantageous possibility to compensate position tolerances. This possible compensation of positional tolerances acquires special significance in the context of an integration of the cleaning device in existing paint shops or in the positioning of the atomizer 8th in the atomizer pickup by robot. The spring elements 7 are also for a quick release connection between the housing 5 and the lid 4 set up so that in addition to a movable storage quick and easy maintenance is possible. Preferably, so-called "quicklock" closures are suitable for a detachable connection between lids 4 and housing 5 ,

The nebulizer pickup 3 is designed as a hollow cylinder and for receiving a nebulizer, preferably a portion of an atomizer, in particular a Zerstäuberkopfes 8th , set up. The atomizer head 8th can at least in sections by the atomizer 3 be put through. For advantageous mounting of the atomizer head 8th is inside the nebulizer pickup 1 an insert 17 , preferably a rubber insert provided.

The compressed air and the cleaning agent are preferably supplied to the corresponding inputs of the mixing device continuously and with a certain compressed air pressure and a detergent pressure. According to the invention, it is now provided that the mixing device 9 is adapted to the compressed air with a pressure difference compared to the cleaning agent the mixture output 12 feed, wherein the mixing device 9 is further adapted to the compressed air at a higher pressure than the detergent to the mixture output 12 supply. As a result, a Vaporisierungseffekt is achieved, ie the surface, and the volume of the detergent is increased many times, so that a maximum cleaning success with the lowest consumption of detergent in the shortest cleaning time in relation to known cleaning methods and cleaning devices can be achieved. A proposed cleaning device allows a saving of compressed air and cleaning agent of up to 90%. The consumption of cleaning agent is only about 6 to 10 ml per cleaning process for a spray gun. It is advantageously provided that the mixing device 9 is adapted to the compressed air with a 3 bar higher pressure than the detergent to the mixture output 12 supply. This can be ensured, for example, by a nozzle between the detergent inlet and the mixture outlet of 0.5 to 2 mm. As particularly advantageous pressures, 1 to 2 bar detergent pressure and correspondingly 4 to 5 bar compressed air pressure have been found. The mixing device 9 is also adapted to ensure that no detergent from the detergent input 11 in the compressed air inlet 10 can be pushed back.

It is further provided according to the invention that the cleaning device is currently not equipped with nozzles that make up the mixture of compressed air and cleaning agent on the atomizer 3 is sprayed. Rather, are rinses 1 . 2 provided, which have a constant length over the cross section. Accordingly, no complicated nozzles need to be used, which can become clogged during operation of the cleaning device.

Preferably The cleaning device is made of VA stainless steel, so that easy maintenance and self-cleaning results. Also draws the cleaning device by a compact design for a high effectiveness out, is inexpensive can be produced and in all common can be integrated into existing systems.

1

first flush pipe

2

second flush pipe

3

Zerstäuberaufnahme

4

cover

5

casing

6

funnel

7

Spring elements / quick release

8th

Atomizers / atomizer

9

mixing device

10

Compressed air inlet

11

Detergent input

12

mixture output

13

vessel

14

procedure

15

fastener

16

leads

17

commitment

18

collar

19

poetry

Claims (16)

Cleaning device for atomizers ( 8th ), in particular paint spray guns, comprising at least - a nebulizer receptacle ( 3 ) for receiving an atomizer ( 8th ), preferably a spray gun head, - a mixing device ( 9 ) with a compressed air inlet ( 10 ), a detergent input ( 11 ) and a mixture outlet ( 12 ), wherein - the mixing device ( 9 ) is set up so that compressed air via the compressed air inlet ( 10 ) can be supplied with a compressed air pressure, wherein - the mixing device ( 9 ) is arranged so that detergent via the detergent input ( 11 ) can be supplied with a detergent pressure, wherein - the mixing device ( 9 ) is adapted to mix the compressed air and the cleaning agent and the mixture output ( 12 ) supplied as a compressed air-cleaning agent mixture, wherein - a spraying device, which with the mixture output ( 12 ) is connected to the nebulizer receptacle ( 3 ) and is suitable for spraying the cleaning mixture, characterized in that the mixing device ( 9 ) is adapted to the compressed air with a pressure difference compared to the cleaning agent the mixture output ( 12 ), the mixing device ( 9 ) is further arranged to supply the compressed air at a higher pressure than the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet ( 12 ). Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixing device ( 9 ) is adapted to the compressed air with a pressure difference of 2 to 4, preferably 3 bar compared to the cleaning agent the mixture output ( 12 ). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing device ( 9 ) is adapted to apply the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet ( 12 ) with a pressure of about 1 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet ( 12 ) supplied with a pressure of about 4 bar. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing device ( 9 ) is adapted to apply the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet ( 12 ) with a pressure of about 2 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet ( 12 ) with a pressure of about 5 bar. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the detergent input ( 11 ) and the mixture outlet ( 12 ), a nozzle is provided, wherein the nozzle has a diameter of 0.5 to 2 mm. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device comprises a housing ( 5 ) and a lid ( 4 ), wherein the lid ( 4 ) for receiving the atomizer receptacle ( 3 ), wherein the housing ( 5 ) with fastening means ( 15 ) is arranged for fixing the cleaning device, wherein the lid ( 4 ) via spring elements ( 7 ) is connected to the housing. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 5 ) is designed for receiving the spray device. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spray device is in the form of a flushing pipe ( 1 . 2 ), wherein the flushing pipe ( 1 . 2 ) has a constant over the length of the flushing pipe cross-section. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first flushing tube ( 1 ) and a second flushing pipe ( 2 ) is provided, wherein the rinsing tubes ( 1 . 2 ) in the housing ( 5 protrude), wherein the rinsing tubes ( 1 . 2 ) have a geometric longitudinal axis, wherein the flushing tubes ( 1 . 2 ) on the atomizer receptacle ( 3 ), that the geometric longitudinal axes in the center of the atomizer ( 3 ). Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the atomizer receptacle ( 3 ) with a funnel facing the spray ( 6 ) Is provided. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 5 ) as a vessel ( 13 ) is configured, wherein the bottom side of the vessel ( 13 ) a process ( 14 ) is provided. Cleaning device for atomizers ( 8th ), in particular paint spray guns comprising at least least - an atomizer 3 ) for receiving an atomizer ( 8th ), preferably a spray gun head, - a mixing device ( 9 ) with a compressed air inlet ( 10 ), a detergent input ( 11 ) and a mixture outlet ( 12 ), wherein - the mixing device ( 9 ) is set up so that compressed air via the compressed air inlet ( 10 ) can be supplied with a compressed air pressure, wherein - the mixing device ( 9 ) is arranged so that detergent via the detergent input ( 11 ) can be supplied with a detergent pressure, wherein - the mixing device ( 9 ) is adapted to mix the compressed air and the cleaning agent and the mixture output ( 12 ) supplied as a compressed air-cleaning agent mixture, wherein - a spraying device, which with the mixture output ( 12 ) is connected to the nebulizer receptacle ( 3 ) and is suitable for spraying the cleaning mixture, characterized in that the spray device as a flushing pipe ( 1 . 2 ), wherein the flushing pipe ( 1 . 2 ) has a constant over the length of the flushing pipe cross-section. Method for cleaning an atomizer with a cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that compressed air with a pressure difference with respect to the cleaning agent the mixture output ( 12 ), wherein the compressed air at a higher pressure than the cleaning agent the mixture output ( 12 ) is supplied. Method for cleaning an atomizer according to claim 13, characterized in that the mixture outlet ( 12 ) Compressed air and cleaning agent with a pressure difference of 2 to 4, preferably 3 bar is supplied. Method for cleaning an atomizer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning agent is added to the mixture outlet ( 12 ) with a pressure of about 1 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet ( 12 ) is supplied at a pressure of about 4 bar. Method for cleaning an atomizer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning agent is added to the mixture outlet ( 12 ) with a pressure of about 2 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet ( 12 ) is supplied at a pressure of about 5 bar.