EP2056970B2 - Cleaning apparatus for sprayers, in particular spray guns, and method for cleaning a sprayer - Google Patents

Cleaning apparatus for sprayers, in particular spray guns, and method for cleaning a sprayer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2056970B2
EP2056970B2 EP07801784.5A EP07801784A EP2056970B2 EP 2056970 B2 EP2056970 B2 EP 2056970B2 EP 07801784 A EP07801784 A EP 07801784A EP 2056970 B2 EP2056970 B2 EP 2056970B2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
compressed air
cleaning agent
mixture outlet
pressure
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
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EP07801784.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2056970A1 (en
EP2056970B1 (en
Inventor
Michael Jauns
Peter Weyer
Frank Jacob
Albert Planert
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Industra Industrianlagen Maschinen and Teile GmbH
Volkswagen AG
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Industra Industrianlagen Maschinen and Teile GmbH
Volkswagen AG
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/50—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter
    • B05B15/55—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter using cleaning fluids
    • B05B15/557—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter using cleaning fluids the cleaning fluid being a mixture of gas and liquid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/50—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter
    • B05B15/55—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter using cleaning fluids
    • B05B15/555—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter using cleaning fluids discharged by cleaning nozzles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cleaning device for atomizers, in particular paint spray guns, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for cleaning an atomizer.
  • Atomizers are used to apply fluids, such as paints or coatings, to an object, such as a vehicle body.
  • a fine mist of the fluid is generated from a fluid, which can be applied to the object.
  • the atomizer is a hand-operated device for applying paints, this is often referred to as a paint spray gun because of the shape reminiscent of a firearm.
  • the atomizers on robots are used as air (cap) atomizers or bells, as well as with external electrodes with subsequent dry blowing.
  • the atomizers described above must be cleaned regularly, i.e. Remains of any fluid that may already have dried on. In particular, paint residues that have already dried on must be removed from the atomizer. Devices for this have become known from the prior art.
  • the GB 2 198 033 A. discloses a cleaning device for atomizers of the type mentioned.
  • a device for cleaning spray guns comprising a closed container with an inlet, an outlet and an opening for receiving a nozzle of a spray gun, a spray device which is rotatably mounted in said container and is in fluid communication with said inlet has become known said spray device having an offset cleaning nozzle for spraying a cleaning spray toward said opening and a rotating device for causing rotation of said spray device, said opening having a. Sealing device for sealingly receiving said spray guns and for positioning said nozzle of said spray guns in said cleaning spray, the rotary device having a rotary nozzle for spraying a rotary spray.
  • Cleaning devices are also known which do not have a rotating device.
  • the DE 101 10 098 A1 a cleaning device for paint discharge devices, with at least one cleaning container into which parts of the color discharge device to be cleaned can be plugged, at least one feed line being provided in the cleaning container and having at least one outlet for the cleaning agent directed against the parts to be cleaned.
  • the cleaning device described here also has a plurality of nozzles, the cleaning agent being supplied to the nozzles under pressure.
  • the cleaning device is characterized by a simple structure, in particular no rotating nozzles are provided, however, a considerable number of nozzles must be provided in order to free the paint discharge device from color residues on all sides. It is understandable that this results in a considerable consumption of cleaning agents, which is undesirable from both a cost and ecological point of view.
  • a cleaning device for paint spray guns is known, in which the cleaning medium is guided with the aid of hoses into the cleaning container in which the paint spray gun is located.
  • the DE 26 55 875 A1 discloses a multi-nozzle block for dusting tool surfaces, in which the products to be atomized are let into two lines from two supply lines and through two control valves assigned to them. There they are atomized by compressed air and then fed to nozzles made from a pressed or welded copper tube.
  • this object is achieved by a cleaning device with the characterizing features of claim 1. Because the mixing device is set up to supply the compressed air with a pressure difference with respect to the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet, and the mixing device is also set up to supply the compressed air with a higher pressure than the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet, a vaporization effect is achieved, i.e. the surface , and the volume of the cleaning agent is increased many times over, so that maximum cleaning success with the lowest consumption of cleaning agent can be achieved in the shortest cleaning time in relation to known cleaning methods and cleaning devices.
  • a proposed cleaning device enables compressed air and cleaning agent to be saved by up to 90%. The consumption of cleaning agent is only about 6 to 10 ml per cleaning process for a spray gun.
  • a first and a second rinsing tube are provided as the spraying device, the rinsing tubes protruding into the housing, the rinsing tubes having a geometric longitudinal axis and the rinsing tubes being aligned with the atomizer receptacle in such a way that the geometric Cross the longitudinal axes at the center of the atomizer holder.
  • pipes with a constant cross-section in the longitudinal direction are used, which are set up to spray the mixture of compressed air and cleaning agent onto the atomizer to be cleaned, there is a risk that such a flushing pipe will become clogged, for example due to dried paint residues, significantly lower.
  • the mixing device is set up to supply the compressed air to the mixture outlet with a pressure difference of 2 to 4, preferably 3 bar, relative to the cleaning agent. With a pressure difference of 3 bar, cleaning results are particularly good.
  • the mixing device is set up to supply the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 1 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 4 bar. Particularly good cleaning results were achieved at these pressures and the resulting pressure difference.
  • the mixing device is set up to supply the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 2 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 5 bar. Particularly good cleaning results were achieved at these pressures and the resulting pressure difference.
  • a nozzle is provided between the detergent inlet and the mixture outlet, the nozzle having a diameter of 0.5 to 2 mm. Such a nozzle between the detergent inlet and mixture outlet can essentially ensure that the preferred pressure difference of 3 bar can be produced.
  • the cleaning device has a housing and a cover, the cover being set up to receive the atomizer receptacle, the housing being set up with fastening means for fastening the cleaning device, the cover being connected via spring elements to the Housing is connected.
  • a cleaning device designed in this way opens up the possibility of compensating for position tolerances by the atomizer receptacle being able to be displaced with respect to the housing and thus with respect to a fastening position. This possible compensation of position tolerances is particularly important in the context of integrating the cleaning device into existing painting systems or when positioning the atomizers in the atomizer holder by robots.
  • the atomizer receptacle is equipped with a funnel facing the spraying device.
  • a funnel can advantageously be provided to appropriately direct the compressed air / cleaning agent mixture to the center of the atomizer holder, so that a maximum cleaning effect can be achieved.
  • the housing is designed as a vessel, an outlet being provided on the bottom side of the vessel.
  • the cleaning agent sprayed onto the atomizer to be cleaned and the contaminants of the atomizer can flow into the vessel and then flow out through the drain.
  • Another object of the present invention is to propose a method for cleaning an atomizer with a cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, which is characterized by maximum cleaning success with the lowest consumption of cleaning agent.
  • this object is achieved in that the compressed air is fed to the mixture outlet with a pressure difference with respect to the cleaning agent, the compressed air being fed to the mixture outlet at a higher pressure than the cleaning agent.
  • This measure achieves a vaporization effect, i.e. the surface area and the volume of the cleaning agent are increased many times over, so that maximum cleaning success with the lowest consumption can be achieved in the shortest cleaning time in relation to known cleaning methods and cleaning devices.
  • a proposed cleaning device enables compressed air and cleaning agent to be saved by up to 90%. The consumption of cleaning agent is only about 6 to 10 ml per cleaning process for a spray gun.
  • the cleaning agent is fed to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 1 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 4 bar. Particularly good cleaning results were achieved at these pressures and the resulting pressure difference.
  • the cleaning agent is fed to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 2 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 5 bar. Particularly good cleaning results were achieved at these pressures and the resulting pressure difference.
  • a cleaning device essentially comprises an atomizer holder 3, a first flushing tube 1 and a second flushing tube 2.
  • the flushing tubes 1, 2 are aligned with the atomizer holder 3 in such a way that a compressed air / cleaning agent mixture emerging from the flushing tubes 1, 2 is one in the Atomizer receptacle 3 received atomizer 8 can reach.
  • a cleaning device according to the invention further comprises a mixing device 9 with a compressed air inlet 10, a cleaning agent inlet 11 and a mixture outlet 12.
  • the mixing device 9 is suitable for mixing the preferably liquid cleaning agent supplied via the cleaning agent inlet 11 with the air supplied via the compressed air inlet and for the resulting air Dispense compressed air / detergent mixture from the mixture outlet 12, the flushing pipes 1, 2 being connected to the mixture outlet 12 via suitable feed lines 16, so that the compressed air / detergent mixture can ultimately be dispensed via the flushing pipes 1, 2.
  • a housing 5 and a cover 4 are also provided, the cover 4 being designed to accommodate the atomizer holder 3 and the housing 5 being designed to accommodate the flushing tubes 1, 2.
  • the housing 3 is designed essentially in the shape of a hollow cylinder and is equipped on the head side with a circumferential collar 18.
  • the flushing tubes 1, 2 project into the hollow cylindrical housing 5 on opposite sides and have a suitable bend to align the flushing tubes 3, 4 in the direction of the atomizer receptacle 3, which is attached to the cover 4.
  • a geometrical longitudinal axis of the rinsing tubes 1, 2 is correspondingly aligned with the center of the atomizer receptacle 3. If, as proposed here, two rinsing tubes are assumed, the longitudinal axes of the spray tubes 1, 2 intersect at the center of the atomizer receptacle 3.
  • the housing 5 is also equipped with fastening means 15 for mounting the cleaning device, for example on a painting system.
  • the housing 5 can optionally be in the form of a hollow cylinder and open on the bottom, and can also be designed as a vessel 13 with a drain 14 on the bottom.
  • the used cleaning agent can be collected via the vessel 13 and disposed of via a suitable drain 14, or can simply run out of the housing 5 and be introduced, for example, into existing washings in a paint booth.
  • the cover 4 is circular and rests on the collar 18.
  • the collar 18 can preferably be equipped with a circumferential seal 19, so that the housing 5 and the cover 4 are sealed off from one another.
  • the cover 4 also has a central bore, the atomizer receptacle 3 being mounted above the bore of the cover 4.
  • a funnel 6 is provided below the bore or below the atomizer receptacle 1, the opening of which basically faces the flushing tubes 1, 2. This ensures an even better deflection of the compressed air / detergent mixture emerging from the flushing pipes 1, 2.
  • the cover 4 is connected to the collar 18 via spring elements 7, which press the cover 4 onto the collar 18.
  • the cover 4 and thus the atomizer receptacle 3 can accordingly be moved slightly relative to the housing 5. This results in an advantageous possibility to compensate for position tolerances. This possible compensation of position tolerances is of particular importance in the context of integrating the cleaning device into existing painting systems or when positioning the atomizers 8 in the atomizer holder by robots.
  • the spring elements 7 are also set up for a quickly detachable connection between the housing 5 and the cover 4, so that, in addition to a movable mounting, quick and easy maintenance is made possible. So-called "quicklock" closures are preferably suitable for a detachable connection between cover 4 and housing 5.
  • the atomizer receptacle 3 is designed in the shape of a hollow cylinder and is designed to receive an atomizer, preferably a section of an atomizer, in particular an atomizer head 8.
  • the atomizer head 8 can be inserted at least in sections through the atomizer receptacle 3.
  • the compressed air and the cleaning agent are preferably fed continuously to the corresponding inputs of the mixing device and with a certain compressed air pressure and a cleaning agent pressure.
  • the mixing device 9 is set up to supply the compressed air with a pressure difference with respect to the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet 12, wherein the mixing device 9 is also set up to supply the compressed air to the mixture outlet 12 with a higher pressure than the cleaning agent.
  • a proposed cleaning device enables compressed air and cleaning agent to be saved by up to 90%.
  • the consumption of cleaning agent is only about 6 to 10 ml per cleaning process for a spray gun.
  • the mixing device 9 is set up to supply the compressed air to the mixture outlet 12 at a pressure 3 bar higher than the cleaning agent. This can be ensured, for example, by a nozzle between the cleaning agent inlet and the mixture outlet of 0.5 to 2 mm. 1 to 2 bar detergent pressure and correspondingly 4 to 5 bar compressed air pressure have proven to be particularly advantageous pressures.
  • the mixing device 9 is also set up so that no cleaning agent can be pushed back from the cleaning agent inlet 11 into the compressed air inlet 10.
  • the cleaning device is not equipped with nozzles from which the mixture of compressed air and cleaning agent is sprayed onto the atomizer receptacle 3. Rather, rinsing pipes 1, 2 are provided which have a cross section that is constant over the length. Accordingly, no complicated nozzles have to be used, which can become clogged during the operation of the cleaning device.
  • the cleaning device is preferably made of VA stainless steel, so that simple maintenance and self-cleaning result.
  • the cleaning device is also characterized by a compact design for high effectiveness, is inexpensive to manufacture and can be integrated into all common existing systems.

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  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Details Or Accessories Of Spraying Plant Or Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

Cleaning apparatus for sprayers (8), in particular spray guns, comprising at least one sprayer holder (3) for holding a sprayer (8), preferably a spray gun head, a mixing device (9) with a compressed air input (10), a cleaning agent input (11) and a mixture output (12), wherein the mixing device (9) is set up in order to mix the compressed air and the cleaning agent and to supply the mixture in the form of a compressed air and cleaning agent mixture to the mixture output (12), wherein a spraying device which is connected to the mixture output (12) is aligned with the sprayer holder (3) and is suitable for dispensing the cleaning mixture by spraying, wherein the mixing device (9) is set up to supply the compressed air to the mixture output (12) with a pressure differential in relation to the cleaning agent, and wherein the mixing device (9) is furthermore set up to supply the compressed air to the mixture output (12) at a higher pressure than the cleaning agent, and also a method for cleaning a sprayer with a cleaning apparatus, characterized in that compressed air is supplied to the mixture output (12) with a pressure differential in relation to the cleaning means, with the compressed air being supplied to the mixture output (12) at a higher pressure than the cleaning agent.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Reinigungsvorrichtung für Zerstäuber, insbesondere Farbspritzpistolen, nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 sowie ein Verfahren zur Reinigung eines Zerstäubers.The present invention relates to a cleaning device for atomizers, in particular paint spray guns, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for cleaning an atomizer.

Zerstäuber werden zum Auftragen von Fluiden, beispielsweise Lacken oder Beschichtungen auf einen Gegenstand, beispielsweise eine Fahrzeugkarosserie, verwendet. Mittels des Zerstäubers wird aus einem Fluid ein feiner Nebel des Fluides erzeugt, der auf den Gegenstand aufgetragen werden kann. Sofern es sich bei dem Zerstäuber um ein handbetätigtes Gerät zum Auftragen von Lacken handelt wird dieses, wegen der an eine Schusswaffe erinnernde Form, oft als Farbspritzpistole bezeichnet. Im industriellen Einsatz auf automatischen Lackieranlagen kommen die Zerstäuber an Robotern als Luft-(Kappen)-Zerstäuber oder Glocken, sowie mit Außenelektroden mit anschließendem Trockenblasen zum Einsatz. Die zuvor beschriebenen Zerstäuber müssen jedoch regelmäßig gereinigt werden, d.h. von Resten des ggf. bereits angetrockneten Fluids befreit werden. Insbesondere müssen bereits angetrocknete Farbreste von dem Zerstäuber entfernt werden. Hierzu sind Vorrichtungen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannt geworden.Atomizers are used to apply fluids, such as paints or coatings, to an object, such as a vehicle body. By means of the atomizer, a fine mist of the fluid is generated from a fluid, which can be applied to the object. If the atomizer is a hand-operated device for applying paints, this is often referred to as a paint spray gun because of the shape reminiscent of a firearm. In industrial use on automatic painting systems, the atomizers on robots are used as air (cap) atomizers or bells, as well as with external electrodes with subsequent dry blowing. However, the atomizers described above must be cleaned regularly, i.e. Remains of any fluid that may already have dried on. In particular, paint residues that have already dried on must be removed from the atomizer. Devices for this have become known from the prior art.

Die GB 2 198 033 A offenbart eine Reinigungsvorrichtung für Zerstäuber der eingangs genannten Art.The GB 2 198 033 A. discloses a cleaning device for atomizers of the type mentioned.

Aus der EP 0 869 848 B1 ist eine Vorrichtung zum Reinigen von Spritzpistolen, umfassend einen geschlossenen Behälter mit einem Einlass, einem Auslauf und einer Öffnung zum Aufnehmen einer Düse einer Spritzpistole, eine Sprayvorrichtung, die in dem genannten Behälter drehbar montiert ist und sich mit dem genannten Einlass in Fluidkommunikation befindet bekannt geworden, wobei die genannte Sprayvorrichtung eine versetzte Reinigungsdüse zum Spritzen eines Reinigungssprays auf die genannte Öffnung zu und eine Rotationsvorrichtung zum Bewirken der Rotation der genannten Sprayvorrichtung hat, wobei die genannte Öffnung eine. Dichtungsvorrichtung zum abdichtenden Aufnehmen der genannten Spritzpistolen und zum Positionieren der genannten Düse der genannten Spritzpistolen in dem genannten Reinigungsspray hat, wobei die Rotationsvorrichtung eine Rotationsdüse zum Spritzen eines Rotationssprays aufweist.From the EP 0 869 848 B1 A device for cleaning spray guns comprising a closed container with an inlet, an outlet and an opening for receiving a nozzle of a spray gun, a spray device which is rotatably mounted in said container and is in fluid communication with said inlet has become known said spray device having an offset cleaning nozzle for spraying a cleaning spray toward said opening and a rotating device for causing rotation of said spray device, said opening having a. Sealing device for sealingly receiving said spray guns and for positioning said nozzle of said spray guns in said cleaning spray, the rotary device having a rotary nozzle for spraying a rotary spray.

Zwar ist die zuvor genannte Vorrichtung zum Reinigen von Spritzpistolen, insbesondere Farbspritzpistolen, geeignet, es ist jedoch nachvollziehbar, dass die Mechanik und die Dichtungstechnik für die beschriebene Rotationsvorrichtung entsprechend aufwendig ist.Although the aforementioned device is suitable for cleaning spray guns, in particular paint spray guns, it is understandable that the mechanics and sealing technology for the rotary device described are correspondingly complex.

Es sind ferner Reinigungsvorrichtungen bekannt geworden, die nicht über eine Rotationsvorrichtung verfügen. Beispielsweise offenbart die DE 101 10 098 A1 eine Reinigungsvorrichtung für Farbaustraggeräte, mit mindestens einem Reinigungsbehälter, in den zu reinigende Teile des Farbaustraggerätes steckbar sind, wobei im Reinigungsbehälter wenigstens eine Zuleitung vorgesehen ist, die wenigstens einen gegen die zu reinigenden Teile gerichteten Austritt für das Reinigungsmittel aufweist. Die hier beschriebene Reinigungsvorrichtung weist ferner eine Vielzahl von Düsen auf, wobei den Düsen das Reinigungsmittel unter Druck zugeführt wird. Zwar zeichnet sich die Reinigungsvorrichtung durch einen einfachen Aufbau aus, insbesondere sind keine rotierenden Düsen vorgesehen, jedoch muss eine erhebliche Anzahl von Düsen vorgesehen sein, um das Farbaustraggerät allseitig von Farbresten zu befreien. Es ist nachvollziehbar, dass hieraus ein erheblicher Reinigungsmittelverbrauch resultiert, der sowohl unter Kostengesichtspunkten, wie auch ökologischen Gesichtspunkten nicht erwünscht ist.Cleaning devices are also known which do not have a rotating device. For example, the DE 101 10 098 A1 a cleaning device for paint discharge devices, with at least one cleaning container into which parts of the color discharge device to be cleaned can be plugged, at least one feed line being provided in the cleaning container and having at least one outlet for the cleaning agent directed against the parts to be cleaned. The cleaning device described here also has a plurality of nozzles, the cleaning agent being supplied to the nozzles under pressure. Although the cleaning device is characterized by a simple structure, in particular no rotating nozzles are provided, however, a considerable number of nozzles must be provided in order to free the paint discharge device from color residues on all sides. It is understandable that this results in a considerable consumption of cleaning agents, which is undesirable from both a cost and ecological point of view.

Aus der US 3,771,539 ist eine Reinigungsvorrichtung für Farbspritzpistolen bekannt, bei der das Reinigungsmedium mit Hilfe von Schläuchen in den Reinigungsbehälter, in der sich die Farbspritzpistole befindet, geleitet wird. Die DE 26 55 875 A1 offenbart einen Mehrdüsenblock zum Bestäuben von Werkzeugoberflächen, bei dem die zu zerstäubenden Produkte aus zwei Zuleitungen und durch zwei diesen zugeordnete Steuerventile in zwei Leitungen eingelassen werden. Dort werden sie durch komprimierte Luft zerstäubt und anschließend Düsen zugeführt, die aus einem eingepressten oder eingeschweißten Kupferrohr hergestellt sind.From the US 3,771,539 a cleaning device for paint spray guns is known, in which the cleaning medium is guided with the aid of hoses into the cleaning container in which the paint spray gun is located. The DE 26 55 875 A1 discloses a multi-nozzle block for dusting tool surfaces, in which the products to be atomized are let into two lines from two supply lines and through two control valves assigned to them. There they are atomized by compressed air and then fed to nozzles made from a pressed or welded copper tube.

Hier setzt die vorliegende Erfindung an und macht es sich zur Aufgabe, eine Reinigungsvorrichtung vorzuschlagen, die sich durch einen einfachen Aufbau, eine hohe Reinigungswirkung und einen geringen Wartungsaufwand auszeichnet.This is where the present invention comes in and makes it its task to propose a cleaning device which is distinguished by a simple structure, a high cleaning effect and low maintenance.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe durch eine Reinigungsvorrichtung mit den kennzeichnenden Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Dadurch, dass die Mischeinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, die Druckluft mit einer Druckdifferenz gegenüber dem Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang zuzuführen, wobei die Mischeinrichtung ferner dazu eingerichtet ist, die Druckluft mit einem höheren Druck als das Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang zuzuführen, wird ein Vaporisierungseffekt erzielt, d.h. die Oberfläche, sowie das Volumen des Reinigungsmittels wird um ein Vielfaches erhöht, so dass ein maximaler Reinigungserfolg mit niedrigstem Verbrauch an Reinigungsmittel in kürzester Reinigungszeit im Verhältnis zu bekannten Reinigungsmethoden und Reinigungsvorrichtungen erzielt werden kann. Eine vorgeschlagene Reinigungsvorrichtung ermöglicht eine Einsparung an Druckluft als auch Reinigungsmittel von bis zu 90%. Der Verbrauch an Reinigungsmittel beträgt nur etwa 6 bis 10ml pro Reinigungsvorgang für eine Sprühpistole. Zur Erhöhung der Reinigungswirkung ist erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, dass als Sprüheinrichtung ein erstes und ein zweites Spülrohr vorgesehen sind, wobei die Spülrohre in das Gehäuse hineinragen, wobei die Spülrohre eine geometrische Längsachse aufweisen und wobei die Spülrohre derart auf die Zerstäuberaufnahme ausgerichtet sind, dass sich die geometrischen Längsachsen im Mittelpunkt der Zerstäuberaufnahme kreuzen. Dadurch, dass an Stelle von Düsen Spülrohre, sprich Rohre mit einem in Längsrichtung gleichbleibenden Querschnitt, verwendet werden, die dazu eingerichtet sind, die Mischung aus Druckluft und Reinigungsmittel auf den zu reinigenden Zerstäuber zu versprühen, ist die Gefahr, dass sich ein derartiges Spülrohr, beispielsweise durch angetrocknete Lackreste, zusetzt, erheblich geringer.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a cleaning device with the characterizing features of claim 1. Because the mixing device is set up to supply the compressed air with a pressure difference with respect to the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet, and the mixing device is also set up to supply the compressed air with a higher pressure than the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet, a vaporization effect is achieved, i.e. the surface , and the volume of the cleaning agent is increased many times over, so that maximum cleaning success with the lowest consumption of cleaning agent can be achieved in the shortest cleaning time in relation to known cleaning methods and cleaning devices. A proposed cleaning device enables compressed air and cleaning agent to be saved by up to 90%. The consumption of cleaning agent is only about 6 to 10 ml per cleaning process for a spray gun. To increase the cleaning effect, it is provided according to the invention that a first and a second rinsing tube are provided as the spraying device, the rinsing tubes protruding into the housing, the rinsing tubes having a geometric longitudinal axis and the rinsing tubes being aligned with the atomizer receptacle in such a way that the geometric Cross the longitudinal axes at the center of the atomizer holder. Because instead of nozzles Flushing pipes, i.e. pipes with a constant cross-section in the longitudinal direction, are used, which are set up to spray the mixture of compressed air and cleaning agent onto the atomizer to be cleaned, there is a risk that such a flushing pipe will become clogged, for example due to dried paint residues, significantly lower.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der vorgeschlagenen Reinigungsvorrichtung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Mischeinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, die Druckluft mit einer Druckdifferenz von 2 bis 4, vorzugsweise 3 bar gegenüber dem Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang zuzuführen. Bei einer Druckdifferenz von 3 bar ergeben sich besonders gute Reinigungsergebnisse.In an advantageous embodiment of the proposed cleaning device it can be provided that the mixing device is set up to supply the compressed air to the mixture outlet with a pressure difference of 2 to 4, preferably 3 bar, relative to the cleaning agent. With a pressure difference of 3 bar, cleaning results are particularly good.

Es kann weiterhin vorteilhafterweise vorgesehen sein, dass die Mischeinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, das Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang mit einem Druck von etwa 1 bar und die Druckluft dem Gemischausgang mit einem Druck von etwa 4 bar zuzuführen. Bei diesen Drücken und der sich ergebenden Druckdifferenz wurden besonders gute Reinigungsergebnisse erzielt.It can further advantageously be provided that the mixing device is set up to supply the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 1 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 4 bar. Particularly good cleaning results were achieved at these pressures and the resulting pressure difference.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der vorliegenden Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Mischeinrichtung dazu eingerichtet ist, das Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang mit einem Druck von etwa 2 bar und die Druckluft dem Gemischausgang mit einem Druck von etwa 5 bar zuzuführen. Bei diesen Drücken und der sich ergebenden Druckdifferenz wurden besonders gute Reinigungsergebnisse erzielt.In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the mixing device is set up to supply the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 2 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 5 bar. Particularly good cleaning results were achieved at these pressures and the resulting pressure difference.

Es kann weiterhin vorteilhafterweise vorgesehen sein, dass zwischen dem Reinigungsmitteleingang und dem Gemischausgang eine Düse vorgesehen ist, wobei die Düse einen Durchmesser von 0,5 bis 2 mm aufweist. Durch eine derartige Düse zwischen Reinigungsmitteleingang und Gemischausgang kann im Wesentlichen sichergestellt werden, dass die bevorzugte Druckdifferenz von 3 bar hergestellt werden kann.It can furthermore advantageously be provided that a nozzle is provided between the detergent inlet and the mixture outlet, the nozzle having a diameter of 0.5 to 2 mm. Such a nozzle between the detergent inlet and mixture outlet can essentially ensure that the preferred pressure difference of 3 bar can be produced.

In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der vorgeschlagenen Reinigungsvorrichtung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Reinigungsvorrichtung ein Gehäuse und einen Deckel aufweist, wobei der Deckel zur Aufnahme der Zerstäuberaufnahme eingerichtet ist, wobei das Gehäuse mit Befestigungsmitteln zur Befestigung der Reinigungsvorrichtung eingerichtet ist, wobei der Deckel über Federelemente mit dem Gehäuse verbunden ist. Eine derartig ausgestaltete Reinigungsvorrichtung eröffnet die Möglichkeit Positionstoleranzen auszugleichen, indem die Zerstäuberaufnahme gegenüber dem Gehäuse, und damit gegenüber einer Befestigungsposition verschoben werden kann. Dieser mögliche Ausgleich von Positionstoleranzen gewinnt eine besondere Bedeutung im Rahmen einer Integration der Reinigungsvorrichtung in bestehende Lackieranlagen oder bei der Positionierung der Zerstäuber in der Zerstäuberaufnahme durch Roboter.In an advantageous embodiment of the proposed cleaning device, it can be provided that the cleaning device has a housing and a cover, the cover being set up to receive the atomizer receptacle, the housing being set up with fastening means for fastening the cleaning device, the cover being connected via spring elements to the Housing is connected. A cleaning device designed in this way opens up the possibility of compensating for position tolerances by the atomizer receptacle being able to be displaced with respect to the housing and thus with respect to a fastening position. This possible compensation of position tolerances is particularly important in the context of integrating the cleaning device into existing painting systems or when positioning the atomizers in the atomizer holder by robots.

Es kann weiterhin vorteilhafterweise vorgesehen sein, dass das Gehäuse zur Aufnahme der Sprüheinrichtung ausgestaltet ist. Sofern der Deckel zur Aufnahme der Zerstäuberaufnahme eingerichtet ist, ist es von Vorteil, die Sprüheinrichtung an oder in dem Gehäuse anzubringen, so dass der Deckel beispielsweise zu Wartungszwecken abgenommen werden kann. Entsprechend kann jedoch die Ausrichtung der Sprüheinrichtung unverändert beibehalten werden.Provision can furthermore advantageously be made for the housing to be designed to accommodate the spray device. If the cover is set up to receive the atomizer holder, it is advantageous to mount the spray device on or in the housing, so that the cover can be removed, for example, for maintenance purposes. Correspondingly, however, the orientation of the spray device can be maintained unchanged.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der vorgeschlagenen Reinigungsvorrichtung kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Zerstäuberaufnahme mit einem der Sprüheinrichtung zugewandten Trichter ausgestattet ist. Ein derartiger Trichter kann vorteilhafterweise dazu vorgesehen sein, das Druckluft-Reinigungsmittel-Gemisch entsprechend auf das Zentrum der Zerstäuberaufnahme zu lenken, so dass ein maximaler Reinigungseffekt erzielt werden kann.In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed cleaning device it can be provided that the atomizer receptacle is equipped with a funnel facing the spraying device. Such a funnel can advantageously be provided to appropriately direct the compressed air / cleaning agent mixture to the center of the atomizer holder, so that a maximum cleaning effect can be achieved.

Vorteilhafterweise kann weiterhin vorgesehen sein, dass das Gehäuse als Gefäß ausgestaltet ist, wobei bodenseitig des Gefäßes ein Ablauf vorgesehen ist. Entsprechend kann das auf den zu reinigenden Zerstäuber versprühte Reinigungsmittel und die Verschmutzungen des Zerstäubers in das Gefäß und anschließend durch den Ablauf abfließen.Advantageously, it can further be provided that the housing is designed as a vessel, an outlet being provided on the bottom side of the vessel. Correspondingly, the cleaning agent sprayed onto the atomizer to be cleaned and the contaminants of the atomizer can flow into the vessel and then flow out through the drain.

Es ist ferner bekannt, dass die Verwendung von Düsen für Reinigungsvorrichtungen für Zerstäuber, insbesondere für Lackspritzpistolen, dazu neigen sich zuzusetzen, sofern sich beispielsweise abgewaschene Lackreste auf den Düsen absetzen. Infolgedessen ergibt sich ein entsprechend hoher Wartungsaufwand für Reinigungsvorrichtungen, welche das Reinigungsmittel mittels Düsen auf die Lackspritzpistolen versprühen.It is also known that the use of nozzles for cleaning devices for atomizers, in particular for paint spray guns, tend to become clogged, as long as washed-off paint residues settle on the nozzles. As a result, there is a correspondingly high maintenance outlay for cleaning devices which spray the cleaning agent onto the paint spray guns by means of nozzles.

Eine weitere Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt darin, ein Verfahren zur Reinigung eines Zerstäubers mit einer Reinigungsvorrichtung gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche vorzuschlagen, welches sich durch einen maximalen Reinigungserfolg bei niedrigstem Verbrauch an Reinigungsmittel auszeichnet. Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, dass die Druckluft mit einer Druckdifferenz gegenüber dem Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang zugeführt wird, wobei die Druckluft mit einem höheren Druck als das Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang zugeführt wird. Durch diese Maßnahme wird ein Vaporisierungseffekt erzielt, d.h. die Oberfläche, sowie das Volumen des Reinigungsmittels wird um ein Vielfaches erhöht, so dass ein maximaler Reinigungserfolg mit niedrigstem Verbrauch in kürzester Reinigungszeit im Verhältnis zu bekannten Reinigungsmethoden und Reinigungsvorrichtungen erzielt werden kann. Eine vorgeschlagene Reinigungsvorrichtung ermöglicht eine Einsparung an Druckluft als auch Reinigungsmittel von bis zu 90%. Der Verbrauch an Reinigungsmittel beträgt nur etwa 6 bis 10ml pro Reinigungsvorgang für eine Sprühpistole.Another object of the present invention is to propose a method for cleaning an atomizer with a cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, which is characterized by maximum cleaning success with the lowest consumption of cleaning agent. According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the compressed air is fed to the mixture outlet with a pressure difference with respect to the cleaning agent, the compressed air being fed to the mixture outlet at a higher pressure than the cleaning agent. This measure achieves a vaporization effect, i.e. the surface area and the volume of the cleaning agent are increased many times over, so that maximum cleaning success with the lowest consumption can be achieved in the shortest cleaning time in relation to known cleaning methods and cleaning devices. A proposed cleaning device enables compressed air and cleaning agent to be saved by up to 90%. The consumption of cleaning agent is only about 6 to 10 ml per cleaning process for a spray gun.

Es kann weiterhin vorteilhafterweise vorgesehen sein, dass dem Gemischausgang Druckluft und Reinigungsmittel mit einer Druckdifferenz von 2 bis 4, vorzugsweise 3 bar zugeführt wird. Bei dieser Druckdifferenz wurden besonders gute Reinigungsergebnisse erzielt.Provision can furthermore advantageously be made for compressed air and cleaning agent to be fed to the mixture outlet with a pressure difference of 2 to 4, preferably 3 bar. At this pressure difference particularly good cleaning results were achieved.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung des vorgeschlagenen Verfahrens kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang mit einem Druck von etwa 1 bar und die Druckluft dem Gemischausgang mit einem Druck von etwa 4 bar zugeführt wird. Bei diesen Drücken und der sich ergebenden Druckdifferenz wurden besonders gute Reinigungsergebnisse erzielt.In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method it can be provided that the cleaning agent is fed to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 1 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 4 bar. Particularly good cleaning results were achieved at these pressures and the resulting pressure difference.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der vorliegenden Erfindung kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang mit einem Druck von etwa 2 bar und die Druckluft dem Gemischausgang mit einem Druck von etwa 5 bar zugeführt wird. Bei diesen Drücken und der sich ergebenden Druckdifferenz wurden besonders gute Reinigungsergebnisse erzielt.In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the cleaning agent is fed to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 2 bar and the compressed air to the mixture outlet at a pressure of approximately 5 bar. Particularly good cleaning results were achieved at these pressures and the resulting pressure difference.

Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der vorliegenden Erfindung werden deutlich anhand der nachfolgenden Beschreibung bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele unter Bezugnahme auf die beiliegenden Abbildungen. Darin zeigen

Fig. 1
eine seitliche Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Reinigungsvorrichtung;
Fig. 2
eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Reinigungsvorrichtung.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Show in it
Fig. 1
a side view of a cleaning device according to the invention;
Fig. 2
a partially sectioned view of a cleaning device according to the invention.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Reinigungsvorrichtung umfasst im Wesentlichen eine Zerstäuberaufnahme 3, ein erstes Spülrohr 1 und ein zweites Spülrohr 2. Die Spülrohre 1, 2 sind derart auf die Zerstäuberaufnahme 3 ausgerichtet, dass ein aus den Spülrohren 1, 2 austretendes Druckluft-Reinigungsmittel-Gemisch einen in der Zerstäuberaufnahme 3 aufgenommenen Zerstäuber 8 erreichen kann. Eine erfindungsgemäße Reinigungsvorrichtung umfasst weiterhin eine Mischeinrichtung 9 mit einem Drucklufteingang 10, einem Reinigungsmitteleingang 11 und einem Gemischausgang 12. Die Mischeinrichtung 9 ist dazu geeignet, das über den Reinigungsmitteleingang 11 zugeführte, vorzugsweise flüssige Reinigungsmittel mit der über den Drucklufteingang zugeführten Luft zu mischen und das entstehende Druckluft-Reinigungsmittel-Gemisch aus dem Gemischausgang 12 abzugeben, wobei die Spülrohre 1, 2 über geeignete Zuleitungen 16 mit dem Gemischausgang 12 verbunden sind, so dass das Druckluft-Reinigungsmittel-Gemisch letztendlich über die Spülrohre 1, 2 abgegeben werden kann.A cleaning device according to the invention essentially comprises an atomizer holder 3, a first flushing tube 1 and a second flushing tube 2. The flushing tubes 1, 2 are aligned with the atomizer holder 3 in such a way that a compressed air / cleaning agent mixture emerging from the flushing tubes 1, 2 is one in the Atomizer receptacle 3 received atomizer 8 can reach. A cleaning device according to the invention further comprises a mixing device 9 with a compressed air inlet 10, a cleaning agent inlet 11 and a mixture outlet 12. The mixing device 9 is suitable for mixing the preferably liquid cleaning agent supplied via the cleaning agent inlet 11 with the air supplied via the compressed air inlet and for the resulting air Dispense compressed air / detergent mixture from the mixture outlet 12, the flushing pipes 1, 2 being connected to the mixture outlet 12 via suitable feed lines 16, so that the compressed air / detergent mixture can ultimately be dispensed via the flushing pipes 1, 2.

Es ist ferner ein Gehäuse 5, sowie ein Deckel 4 vorgesehen, wobei der Deckel 4 zur Aufnahme der Zerstäuberaufnahme 3 und das Gehäuse 5 zur Aufnahme der Spülrohre 1, 2 eingerichtet ist.A housing 5 and a cover 4 are also provided, the cover 4 being designed to accommodate the atomizer holder 3 and the housing 5 being designed to accommodate the flushing tubes 1, 2.

Das Gehäuse 3 ist im wesentlichen hohlzylinderförmig ausgestaltet und kopfseitig mit einem umlaufenden kragen 18 ausgestattet. Die Spülrohre 1, 2 ragen auf gegenüberfiegenden Seiten in das hohlzylinderförmige Gehäuse 5 hinein und weisen eine geeignete Biegung auf, um die Spülrohre 3, 4 in Richtung der Zerstäuberaufnahme 3 auszurichten, die an dem Deckel 4 angebracht ist. Eine geometrische Längsachse der Spülrohre 1, 2 ist entsprechend auf den Mittelpunkt der Zerstäuberaufnahme 3 ausgerichtet. Sofern, wie hier vorgeschlagen, von zwei Spülrohren ausgegangen wird, kreuzen sich die Längsachsen der Sprührohe 1, 2 im Mittelpunkt der Zerstäuberaufnahme 3. Das Gehäuse 5 ist ferner mit Befestigungsmitteln 15 zur Montage der Reinigungsvorrichtung, beispielsweise an einer Lackieranlage, ausgestattet. Das Gehäuse 5 kann wahlweise hohlzylinderförmig und bodenseitig offen, als auch als Gefäß 13 mit einem' bodenseitigen Ablauf 14 ausgestaltet sein. Entsprechend kann das verbrauchte Reinigungsmittel über das Gefäß 13 aufgefangen und über einen geeigneten Ablauf 14 entsorgt werden, oder einfach aus dem Gehäuse 5 ablaufen und beispielsweise in bestehende Auswaschungen einer Lackierkabine eingeleitet werden.The housing 3 is designed essentially in the shape of a hollow cylinder and is equipped on the head side with a circumferential collar 18. The flushing tubes 1, 2 project into the hollow cylindrical housing 5 on opposite sides and have a suitable bend to align the flushing tubes 3, 4 in the direction of the atomizer receptacle 3, which is attached to the cover 4. A geometrical longitudinal axis of the rinsing tubes 1, 2 is correspondingly aligned with the center of the atomizer receptacle 3. If, as proposed here, two rinsing tubes are assumed, the longitudinal axes of the spray tubes 1, 2 intersect at the center of the atomizer receptacle 3. The housing 5 is also equipped with fastening means 15 for mounting the cleaning device, for example on a painting system. The housing 5 can optionally be in the form of a hollow cylinder and open on the bottom, and can also be designed as a vessel 13 with a drain 14 on the bottom. Correspondingly, the used cleaning agent can be collected via the vessel 13 and disposed of via a suitable drain 14, or can simply run out of the housing 5 and be introduced, for example, into existing washings in a paint booth.

Der Deckel 4 ist kreisförmig ausgestaltet und liegt auf dem Kragen 18 auf. Vorzugsweise kann der Kragen 18 mit einer umlaufenden Dichtung 19 ausgestattet sein, so dass Gehäuse 5 und Deckel 4 gegeneinander abgedichtet sind. Der Deckel 4 weist ferner eine mittige Bohrung auf, wobei die Zerstäuberaufnahme 3 oberhalb der Bohrung des Deckels 4 angebracht ist. Unterhalb der Bohrung bzw. unterhalb der Zerstäuberaufnahme 1 ist ein Trichter 6 vorgesehen, dessen Öffnung grundsätzlich den Spülrohren 1, 2 zugewandt ist. Hierdurch wird eine noch bessere Umlenkung des aus den Spülrohren 1, 2 austretenden Druckluft-Reinigungsmittel-Gemisches sichergestellt.The cover 4 is circular and rests on the collar 18. The collar 18 can preferably be equipped with a circumferential seal 19, so that the housing 5 and the cover 4 are sealed off from one another. The cover 4 also has a central bore, the atomizer receptacle 3 being mounted above the bore of the cover 4. A funnel 6 is provided below the bore or below the atomizer receptacle 1, the opening of which basically faces the flushing tubes 1, 2. This ensures an even better deflection of the compressed air / detergent mixture emerging from the flushing pipes 1, 2.

Der Deckel 4 ist über Federelemente 7 mit dem Kragen 18 verbunden, die den Deckel 4 auf den Kragen 18 pressen. Der Deckel 4 und damit die Zerstäuberaufnahme 3 kann entsprechend geringfügig gegenüber dem Gehäuse 5 verschoben werden. Hierdurch ergibt sich eine vorteilhafte Möglichkeit Positionstoleranzen auszugleichen. Dieser mögliche Ausgleich von Positionstoleranzen gewinnt eine besondere Bedeutung im Rahmen einer Integration der Reinigungsvorrichtung in bestehende Lackieranlagen oder bei der Positionierung der Zerstäuber 8 in der Zerstäuberaufnahme durch Roboter. Die Federelemente 7 sind ferner für eine schnell lösbare Verbindung zwischen dem Gehäuse 5 und dem Deckel 4 eingerichtet, so dass neben einer beweglichen Lagerung eine schnelle und einfache Wartung ermöglicht wird. Vorzugsweise eignen sich sogenannte "quicklock" Verschlüsse für eine lösbare Verbindung zwischen Deckel 4 und Gehäuse 5.The cover 4 is connected to the collar 18 via spring elements 7, which press the cover 4 onto the collar 18. The cover 4 and thus the atomizer receptacle 3 can accordingly be moved slightly relative to the housing 5. This results in an advantageous possibility to compensate for position tolerances. This possible compensation of position tolerances is of particular importance in the context of integrating the cleaning device into existing painting systems or when positioning the atomizers 8 in the atomizer holder by robots. The spring elements 7 are also set up for a quickly detachable connection between the housing 5 and the cover 4, so that, in addition to a movable mounting, quick and easy maintenance is made possible. So-called "quicklock" closures are preferably suitable for a detachable connection between cover 4 and housing 5.

Die Zerstäuberaufnahme 3 ist hohlzylinderförmig ausgestaltet und zur Aufnahme eines Zerstäubers, vorzugsweise eines Abschnitts eines Zerstäubers, insbesondere eines Zerstäuberkopfes 8, eingerichtet. Der Zerstäuberkopf 8 kann zumindest abschnittsweise durch die Zerstäuberaufnahme 3 hindurch gesteckt werden. Zur vorteilhaften Halterung des Zerstäuberkopfes 8 ist innerhalb der Zerstäuberaufnahme 1 ein Einsatz 17, vorzugsweise ein Gummieinsatz, vorgesehen.The atomizer receptacle 3 is designed in the shape of a hollow cylinder and is designed to receive an atomizer, preferably a section of an atomizer, in particular an atomizer head 8. The atomizer head 8 can be inserted at least in sections through the atomizer receptacle 3. For advantageous mounting of the atomizer head 8 is an insert 17, preferably a rubber insert, is provided within the atomizer receptacle 1.

Die Druckluft und das Reinigungsmittel werden den entsprechenden Eingängen der Mischeinrichtung vorzugsweise kontinuierlich und mit einem bestimmten Druckluftdruck und einem Reinigungsmitteldruck zugeführt. Erfindungsgemäß ist nunmehr vorgesehen, dass die Mischeinrichtung 9 dazu eingerichtet ist, die Druckluft mit einer Druckdifferenz gegenüber dem Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang 12 zuzuführen, wobei die Mischeinrichtung 9 ferner dazu eingerichtet ist, die Druckluft mit einem höheren Druck als das Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang 12 zuzuführen. Hierdurch wird ein Vaporisierungseffekt erzielt, d.h. die Oberfläche, sowie das Volumen des Reinigungsmittels wird um ein Vielfaches erhöht, so dass ein maximaler Reinigungserfolg mit niedrigstem Verbrauch an Reinigungsmittel in kürzester Reinigungszeit im Verhältnis zu bekannten Reinigungsmethoden und Reinigungsvorrichtungen . erzielt werden kann. Eine vorgeschlagene Reinigungsvorrichtung ermöglicht eine Einsparung an Druckluft als auch Reinigungsmittel von bis zu 90%. Der Verbrauch an Reinigungsmittel beträgt nur etwa 6 bis 10ml pro Reinigungsvorgang für eine Sprühpistole. Es ist vorteilhafterweise vorgesehen, dass die Mischeinrichtung 9 dazu eingerichtet ist, die Druckluft mit einem um 3 bar höheren Druck als das Reinigungsmittel dem Gemischausgang 12 zuzuführen. Dies kann beispielsweise durch eine Düse zwischen dem Reinigungsmitteleingang und dem Gemischausgang von 0,5 bis 2 mm sichergestellt werden. Als besonders vorteilhafte Drücke haben sich 1 bis 2 bar Spülmitteldruck und entsprechend 4 bis 5 bar Druckluftdruck erwiesen. Die Mischeinrichtung 9 ist ferner dazu eingerichtet, dass kein Reinigungsmittel aus dem Reinigungsmitteleingang 11 in den Drucklufteingang 10 zurückgedrückt werden kann.The compressed air and the cleaning agent are preferably fed continuously to the corresponding inputs of the mixing device and with a certain compressed air pressure and a cleaning agent pressure. According to the invention, it is now provided that the mixing device 9 is set up to supply the compressed air with a pressure difference with respect to the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet 12, wherein the mixing device 9 is also set up to supply the compressed air to the mixture outlet 12 with a higher pressure than the cleaning agent. This creates a vaporization effect, i.e. the surface area and the volume of the cleaning agent are increased many times over, so that maximum cleaning success with the lowest consumption of cleaning agent in the shortest cleaning time in relation to known cleaning methods and cleaning devices. can be achieved. A proposed cleaning device enables compressed air and cleaning agent to be saved by 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 set up to supply the compressed air to the mixture outlet 12 at a pressure 3 bar higher than the cleaning agent. This can be ensured, for example, by a nozzle between the cleaning agent inlet and the mixture outlet of 0.5 to 2 mm. 1 to 2 bar detergent pressure and correspondingly 4 to 5 bar compressed air pressure have proven to be particularly advantageous pressures. The mixing device 9 is also set up so that no cleaning agent can be pushed back from the cleaning agent inlet 11 into the compressed air inlet 10.

Es ist ferner erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, dass die Reinigungsvorrichtung gerade nicht mit Düsen bestückt ist, aus denen das Gemisch aus Druckluft und Reinigungsmittel auf die Zerstäuberaufnahme 3 versprüht wird. Vielmehr sind Spülrohre 1, 2 vorgesehen, die einen über die Länge gleichbleibenden Querschnitt aufweisen. Entsprechend müssen keine komplizierten Düsen verwendet werden, die sich während des Betriebes der Reinigungsvorrichtung zusetzen können.It is further provided according to the invention that the cleaning device is not equipped with nozzles from which the mixture of compressed air and cleaning agent is sprayed onto the atomizer receptacle 3. Rather, rinsing pipes 1, 2 are provided which have a cross section that is constant over the length. Accordingly, no complicated nozzles have to be used, which can become clogged during the operation of the cleaning device.

Vorzugsweise ist die Reinigungsvorrichtung aus VA Edelstahl hergestellt, so dass sich eine einfache Wartung und Eigenreinigung ergibt. Auch zeichnet sich die Reinigungsvorrichtung durch eine kompakte Bauweise für eine hohe Effektivität aus, ist kostengünstig herstellbar und in alle gängigen bestehenden Anlagen integrierbar.The cleaning device is preferably made of VA stainless steel, so that simple maintenance and self-cleaning result. The cleaning device is also characterized by a compact design for high effectiveness, is inexpensive to manufacture and can be integrated into all common existing systems.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
erstes Spülrohrfirst flushing pipe
22
zweites Spülrohrsecond flush pipe
33
ZerstäuberaufnahmeZerstäuberaufnahme
44
Deckelcover
55
Gehäusecasing
66
Trichterfunnel
77
Federelemente / SchnellverschlüsseSpring elements / quick fasteners
88th
Zerstäuber / ZerstäuberkopfAtomizer / atomizer head
99
Mischeinrichtungmixing device
1010
DrucklufteingangCompressed air inlet
1111
ReinigungsmitteleingangDetergent input
1212
Gemischausgangmixture output
1313
Gefäßvessel
1414
Ablaufprocedure
1515
Befestigungsmittelfastener
1616
Zuleitungenleads
1717
Einsatzcommitment
1818
Kragencollar
1919
Dichtungpoetry

Claims (13)

  1. Cleaning apparatus for sprayers (8), in particular paint spray guns, comprising at least
    - a sprayer receiver (3) for receiving a sprayer (8), preferably a spray gun head,
    - a mixing device (9) with a compressed air inlet (10), a cleaning agent inlet (11) and a mixture outlet (12),
    - the mixing device (9) being arranged to enable compressed air to be fed in at a compressed air pressure via the compressed air inlet (10),
    - the mixing device (9) being arranged to enable cleaning agent to be fed in at a cleaning agent pressure via the cleaning agent inlet (11),
    - the mixing device (9) being arranged to mix the compressed air and the cleaning agent and to feed them to the mixture outlet (12) in the form of a compressed air and cleaning agent mixture,
    - a spraying device, which is connected to the mixture outlet (12), being aligned with the sprayer receiver (3) and being suitable for dispensing the cleaning mixture by spraying,
    the mixing device (9) being arranged to feed the compressed air to the mixture outlet (12) with a pressure differential in relation to the cleaning agent, and the mixing device (9) furthermore being arranged to feed the compressed air to the mixture outlet (12) at a higher pressure than the cleaning agent,
    characterized in that a first flushing tube (1) and a second flushing tube (2) are provided as a spraying device, the flushing tubes (1, 2) projecting into the housing (5), the flushing tubes (1, 2) having a geometric longitudinal axis, and the flushing tubes (1, 2) being aligned with the sprayer receiver (3) in such a way that the geometric longitudinal axes intersect at the centre of the sprayer receiver (3).
  2. Cleaning apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the mixing device (9) is arranged to feed the compressed air to the mixture outlet (12) with a pressure differential of 2 to 4, preferably 3, bar in relation to the cleaning agent.
  3. Cleaning apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing device (9) is arranged to feed the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet (12) at a pressure of about 1 bar and to feed the compressed air to the mixture outlet (12) at a pressure of about 4 bar.
  4. Cleaning apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing device (9) is arranged to feed the cleaning agent to the mixture outlet (12) at a pressure of about 2 bar and to feed the compressed air to the mixture outlet (12) at a pressure of about 5 bar.
  5. Cleaning apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a nozzle is provided between the cleaning agent inlet (11) and the mixture outlet (12), the nozzle having a diameter of 0.5 to 2 mm.
  6. Cleaning apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus comprises a housing (5) and a cover (4), the cover (4) being arranged to hold the sprayer receiver (3), the housing (5) being arranged with fastening means (15) for fastening the cleaning apparatus, the cover (4) being connected to the housing by way of spring elements (7).
  7. Cleaning apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (5) is designed to hold the spraying device.
  8. Cleaning apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sprayer receiver (3) is fitted with a funnel (6) facing the spraying device.
  9. Cleaning apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (5) is designed as a vessel (13), wherein a drain (14) is provided at the bottom of the vessel (13).
  10. Method for cleaning a sprayer with a cleaning apparatus in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that compressed air is fed to the mixture outlet (12) with a pressure differential in relation to the cleaning agent, the compressed air being fed to the mixture outlet (12) at a higher pressure than the cleaning agent.
  11. Method for cleaning a sprayer according to Claim 10, characterized in that compressed air and cleaning agent are fed to the mixture outlet (12) with a pressure differential of 2 to 4, preferably 3, bar.
  12. Method for cleaning a sprayer according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the cleaning agent is fed to the mixture outlet (12) at a pressure of about 1 bar and the compressed air is fed to the mixture outlet (12) at a pressure of about 4 bar.
  13. Method for cleaning a sprayer according to one of Claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the cleaning agent is fed to the mixture outlet (12) at a pressure of about 2 bar and the compressed air is fed to the mixture outlet (12) at a pressure of about 5 bar.
EP07801784.5A 2006-08-24 2007-08-21 Cleaning apparatus for sprayers, in particular spray guns, and method for cleaning a sprayer Not-in-force EP2056970B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006039641A DE102006039641A1 (en) 2006-08-24 2006-08-24 Cleaning device for atomizers, in particular paint spray guns, as well as methods for cleaning a nebulizer
PCT/EP2007/007346 WO2008022764A1 (en) 2006-08-24 2007-08-21 Cleaning apparatus for sprayers, in particular spray guns, and method for cleaning a sprayer

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2056970A1 EP2056970A1 (en) 2009-05-13
EP2056970B1 EP2056970B1 (en) 2011-10-19
EP2056970B2 true EP2056970B2 (en) 2019-12-25

Family

ID=38694346

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07801784.5A Not-in-force EP2056970B2 (en) 2006-08-24 2007-08-21 Cleaning apparatus for sprayers, in particular spray guns, and method for cleaning a sprayer

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2056970B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE529192T1 (en)
DE (1) DE102006039641A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008022764A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010052698A1 (en) 2010-11-26 2012-05-31 Dürr Systems GmbH Cleaning device and cleaning brush for a nebulizer and corresponding cleaning method
DE102012024040A1 (en) 2012-12-08 2014-06-26 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Cleaning apparatus i.e. rinsing pot, for painting plant lacquer finish tool e.g. bell jar, for cleaning paint adhering, has pressurized air nozzle arranged at apparatus for air flow, where air is delivered into inner space of cleaning pot
DE102014006647A1 (en) 2014-05-07 2015-11-12 Dürr Systems GmbH Cleaning device for a nebulizer and associated operating method
DE102014016364A1 (en) 2014-11-05 2016-05-12 Eisenmann Se Cleaning method and cleaning device for one or more parts of an application system
US20210205860A1 (en) * 2018-05-29 2021-07-08 Basf Coatings Gmbh Cleaning container for cleaning valves of dosing facilities and corresponding cleaning method

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS59127671A (en) † 1983-01-07 1984-07-23 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Automatic washer for gun nozzle of coating robot
US4827955A (en) † 1986-01-20 1989-05-09 Stern Leif E Device for cleaning paint distributing channels in spray guns
EP0333040A2 (en) † 1988-03-16 1989-09-20 Dürr GmbH Process and device for cleaning spraying devices
WO1997018903A1 (en) † 1995-11-17 1997-05-29 Crystal Cap Cleaners Inc. Method and apparatus for cleaning spray guns
DE10110098A1 (en) † 2001-03-02 2002-09-05 Karl-Heinz Baral Cleaning device especially for vehicle paint spraying equipment has cleaning container with supply pipe and nozzle outlet directing cleaning medium towards part placed inside container for cleaning

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2682273A (en) * 1950-09-01 1954-06-29 Evron L Kline Apparatus for cleaning paint spray guns and the like
US3771539A (en) 1972-05-19 1973-11-13 Santis B De Paint gun cleaner
FR2334427A1 (en) * 1975-12-09 1977-07-08 Renault MULTI-NOZZLE BLOCK FOR SPRAYING TOOLING SURFACES
CA1300366C (en) * 1986-11-10 1992-05-12 Kiyohiro Ichinose Method of and apparatus for cleaning paint spray guns
US5213117A (en) * 1991-07-05 1993-05-25 Soichiro Yamamoto Parts washer

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS59127671A (en) † 1983-01-07 1984-07-23 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Automatic washer for gun nozzle of coating robot
US4827955A (en) † 1986-01-20 1989-05-09 Stern Leif E Device for cleaning paint distributing channels in spray guns
EP0333040A2 (en) † 1988-03-16 1989-09-20 Dürr GmbH Process and device for cleaning spraying devices
WO1997018903A1 (en) † 1995-11-17 1997-05-29 Crystal Cap Cleaners Inc. Method and apparatus for cleaning spray guns
DE10110098A1 (en) † 2001-03-02 2002-09-05 Karl-Heinz Baral Cleaning device especially for vehicle paint spraying equipment has cleaning container with supply pipe and nozzle outlet directing cleaning medium towards part placed inside container for cleaning

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE529192T1 (en) 2011-11-15
WO2008022764A1 (en) 2008-02-28
DE102006039641A1 (en) 2008-02-28
EP2056970A1 (en) 2009-05-13
EP2056970B1 (en) 2011-10-19

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