U.S. patent application number 13/509325 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-08 for device, system, component, method and composition for preventing deposits of a disposal substance in coating installations.
This patent application is currently assigned to Durr System GMBH. Invention is credited to Hans-Georg Fritz, Marcus Kleiner, Georg M. Sommer, Benjamin Wohr, Michael Zabel.
Application Number | 20120279446 13/509325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43480674 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120279446 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fritz; Hans-Georg ; et
al. |
November 8, 2012 |
DEVICE, SYSTEM, COMPONENT, METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR PREVENTING
DEPOSITS OF A DISPOSAL SUBSTANCE IN COATING INSTALLATIONS
Abstract
A device, method, system, operating method, component and
composition are disclosed for preventing deposits of a disposal
agent, e.g., where a multi-component paint having two or more
components such as a paint component and a hardener component, is
employed, for example in a coating installation. Exemplary
illustrations include a receiving device for disposal agent, e.g.,
for disposal agent from cleaning and/or rinsing processes of an
application apparatus, comprising at least one inlet opening for
introducing the disposal agent, and an outlet opening for removing
the disposal agent. Furthermore, at least one loading means may be
provided in order to load the receiving device with a loading
agent, which may at least delay a deposition of disposal agent on
or in the receiving device.
Inventors: |
Fritz; Hans-Georg;
(Ostfildern, DE) ; Kleiner; Marcus; (Ingersheim,
DE) ; Zabel; Michael; (Winnenden, DE) ; Wohr;
Benjamin; (Eibenbach, DE) ; Sommer; Georg M.;
(Ludwigsburg, DE) |
Assignee: |
Durr System GMBH
Bietigheim-Bissingen
DE
|
Family ID: |
43480674 |
Appl. No.: |
13/509325 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
November 11, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP10/06882 |
371 Date: |
July 17, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
118/612 ;
106/287.26; 106/287.27; 106/287.3; 134/94.1; 901/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C08G 18/282 20130101;
Y02P 70/10 20151101; B05B 15/55 20180201; B05B 14/46 20180201; C08G
18/8064 20130101; C09D 175/00 20130101; C09D 7/71 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
118/612 ;
106/287.26; 106/287.27; 106/287.3; 134/94.1; 901/43 |
International
Class: |
C09D 7/00 20060101
C09D007/00; B08B 3/00 20060101 B08B003/00; B05B 17/00 20060101
B05B017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 11, 2009 |
DE |
10 2009 052 655.2 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: using a blocking agent to react with at
least one component of a multi-component paint system, wherein the
multi-component paint system includes at least one paint component
and at least one hardener component, thereby least delaying a
hardening of the multi-component paint system in a coating
installation for motor vehicle body parts.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the blocking agent is
selected from a group consisting of: monofunctional molecules, at
least one amine, at least one alcohol, lower alcohol, ethanol,
propanol, at least one isomer of propanol, butanol, at least one
isomer of butanol, a reactive substance, and an organic acid
chloride.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the blocking agent is
provided to react with the at least one hardener component of the
multi-component paint system.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the blocking agent
flows through, coats or fills at least one of: a coating
installation component, an application robot; an application
apparatus; an atomizer; a bell cup; a mixer for mixing the
multi-component paint system; a cleaning apparatus for cleaning an
application apparatus; a colour changer; a return line; a receiving
device for disposal agent; a discharge line for discharging
disposal agent from the receiving device; a circulation line for
returning disposal agent already discharged from the receiving
device to the receiving device.
5. (canceled)
6. A coating installation component, having a blocking agent in
order to at least delay hardening of a multi-component paint system
on or in the coating installation component, the multi-component
paint system including at least one paint component and at least
one hardener component.
7. The coating installation component according to claim 6,
comprising at least one of: an application robot; an application
apparatus; an atomizer; a bell cup; a mixer for mixing the
multi-component paint system; a cleaning apparatus for cleaning an
application apparatus; a colour changer; a return line; a receiving
device for disposal agent; a discharge line for discharging
disposal agent from the receiving device; a circulation line for
returning disposal agent already discharged from the receiving
device to the receiving device.
8. The coating installation component according to claim 7, wherein
the blocking agent coats, fills or flows through at least one of
the application robot; the application apparatus; the atomizer; the
bell cup; the mixer for mixing the multi-component paint system;
the cleaning apparatus for cleaning an application apparatus; the
colour changer; the receiving device for disposal agent; the
discharge line for discharging the disposal agent from the
receiving device; the circulation line for returning disposal agent
already discharged from the receiving device to the receiving
device
9. The coating installation component according to claim 6, wherein
the blocking agent is selected from a group comprising:
monofunctional molecules, at least one amine, at least one alcohol,
lower alcohol, ethanol, propanol, at least one isomer of propanol,
butanol, at least one isomer of butanol, a reactive substance,
organic acid chloride.
10. The coating installation component according to claim 6,
wherein the blocking agent is provided to react with the at least
one hardener component of the multi-component paint system.
11. A composition, comprising a multi-component paint system and a
blocking agent in order to at least delay hardening of the
multi-component paint system, wherein the multi-component paint
system includes at least one paint component and at least one
hardener component.
12. The composition according to claim 11, wherein the blocking
agent is selected from a group comprising: monofunctional
molecules, at least one amine, at least one alcohol, lower alcohol,
ethanol, propanol, at least one isomer of propanol, butanol, at
least one isomer of butanol, a reactive substance, organic acid
chloride.
13. The composition according to claim 12, further comprising an
agent selected from a group comprising: a rinsing agent, a cleaning
agent, a solvent, a solubilizer for mixing the blocking agent with
at least one of the rinsing agent, the cleaning agent and the
solvent.
14. The composition according to claim 11, wherein the blocking
agent is provided to react with the hardener component of the
multi-component paint system.
15. The composition according to claim 11, wherein the blocking
agent is added in the form of monofunctional molecules to at least
one of a rinsing agent, cleaning agent and solvent at a dosage of
10-50%; and/or the blocking agent is added in the form of a
reactive substance to at least one of a rinsing agent, cleaning
agent and solvent at a dosage of 1-5%.
16. A receiving device for disposal agent from cleaning or rinsing
processes of an application apparatus, comprising: at least one
inlet opening to introduce the disposal agent; and an outlet
opening to discharge the disposal agent; and at least one loading
device provided in order to load the receiving device with a
loading agent, which at least delays deposition of disposal agent
on or in the receiving device.
17. The receiving device according to claim 16, wherein the at
least one loading device is provided to be coupled to at least one
of: an application apparatus; an atomizer, a colour changer; a
return line; a circulation line of a disposal system; a supply for
at least one of rinsing agent, cleaning agent and solvent; a supply
for blocking agent, which at least delays hardening of disposal
agent, in order to be supplied with at least one of the loading
agent and the disposal agent.
18. The receiving device according to claim 16, wherein the loading
agent is selected from a group comprising: rinsing agent, cleaning
agent, solvent, blocking agent, which at least delays hardening of
disposal agent, disposal agent already discharged from the
receiving device.
19. The receiving device according to claim 16, comprising a
cylindrical or funnel-shaped first body; a cylindrical or
funnel-shaped second body, on which the outlet opening is arranged;
and a cylindrical or funnel-shaped third body.
20. The receiving device according to claim 19, wherein the at
least one inlet opening is provided to introduce the disposal agent
into the first body; or the at least one inlet opening is provided
to introduce the disposal agent into an intermediate space between
the second body and the third body.
21. The receiving device according to claim 19, comprising at least
one of the following features: the third body has a larger diameter
than the first body; the second body has a larger diameter than the
first body and the third body (30; 30'), at least in sections; the
third body surrounds the first body at least partially in order to
form an intermediate space between the third body and the first
body; the second body surrounds the third body at least partially
in order to form an intermediate space between the second body and
the third body; the first body and the second body are spaced apart
from each other to form an intermediate space between the first
body and the second body; the second body and the third body are
spaced apart from each other to form an intermediate space between
the second body and the third body; the intermediate space between
the second body and the third body is dimensioned to ensure
sufficient de-aeration of the air introduced with at least one of
the disposal agent and the loading agent; the intermediate space
between the second body and the third body is dimensioned to be
able to collect most of at least one of the disposal agent and the
loading agent; the intermediate space between the second body and
the third body is between 100 mm and 300 mm wide.
22. The receiving device according to claim 19, wherein the at
least one inlet opening; the outlet opening; the first body; the
second body; the third body are arranged essentially coaxially to
each other.
23. The receiving device according to claim 19, wherein the at
least one loading device is configured and arranged in such a
manner that the sections of at least one of the second body and the
third body, which come into contact with disposal agent, which is
introduced via the at least one inlet opening are loaded with the
loading agent.
24. The receiving device according to claim 16, wherein the at
least one loading device is configured and arranged to introduce at
least one of the loading agent and the disposal agent into the
receiving device in such a manner that cyclone separation of the
disposal agent is achieved.
25. The receiving device according to claim 19, wherein the at
least one loading device is positioned at an upper end section of
the third body; at an upper end section of the second body;
26. The receiving device according to claim 19, wherein the third
body is provided to be coupled to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning
the application apparatus; and the first body is provided in such a
manner that the application apparatus can introduce the disposal
agent directly into the inlet opening.
27. The receiving device according to claim 16, wherein a plurality
of loading devices are provided.
28. The receiving device according to claim 19, wherein a plurality
of loading devices; the first body; the second body; and the third
body form an essentially rotationally symmetrical unit.
29. The receiving device according to claim 16, wherein the
receiving device is positioned below a grating or below a grating
level of a disposal system for a coating installation for motor
vehicle body parts within range of a painting robot.
30. The receiving device according to claim 16, wherein the
receiving device is provided to receive disposal agent from the
rinsing or cleaning processes of an atomizer; and at least one of a
colour changer and a return line.
31. A method for receiving disposal agent from cleaning or rinsing
processes of an application apparatus, comprising: introducing the
disposal agent into a receiving device; and discharging the
disposal agent from the receiving device; wherein at least one
loading device loads the receiving device with a loading agent, in
order to at least delay deposition of disposal agent on or in the
receiving device.
32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the at least one
loading device is supplied with at least one of the loading agent
and the disposal agent (E) from at least one of: an application
apparatus; an atomizer; a colour changer; a return line; a
circulation line of a disposal system; a supply for at least one of
a rinsing agent, cleaning agent and a solvent; a supply for
blocking agent, which at least delays hardening of disposal
agent.
33. The method according to claim 31, wherein the loading agent is
selected from the group comprising: rinsing agent, cleaning agent,
solvent, blocking agent, which at least delays hardening of
disposal agent, disposal agent already discharged from the
receiving device.
34. The method according to claim 31, wherein disposal agent is
sprayed directly into the receiving device by an atomizer, or
disposal agent is introduced into a cleaning apparatus for cleaning
an atomizer which is upstream of the receiving device, from where
it is then conducted to the receiving device; and disposal agent is
introduced into the receiving device from at least one of a colour
changer and a return line.
35. The method according to claim 31, wherein the loading agent is
introduced into the receiving device in such a manner that the
sections of the receiving device, which come into contact with
disposal agent, which is introduced via the at least one inlet
opening are loaded with the loading agent; or at least one of the
loading agent and the disposal agent is introduced into the
receiving device in such a manner that a cyclone separation of the
disposal agent is achieved.
36. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a National Stage application which
claims the benefit of International Application No.
PCT/EP2010/006882 filed Nov. 11, 2010, which claims priority based
on German Application No. DE 10 2009 052 655.2, filed Nov. 11,
2009, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a receiving device for
disposal agents and a method for receiving disposal agents. The
present disclosure further relates to a disposal system for
disposal agents and a method for operating the disposal system. The
present disclosure further relates to a composition, a use and/or
method of using, and a coating installation component, which each
comprise a blocking agent to at least delay hardening of a
multi-component paint system, e.g., directed to application of a
paint having two or more components, and may be referred to herein
as a two-component or more-component paint.
[0003] Application apparatuses such as atomizers, colour changers
etc. for coating motor vehicle body parts typically must be cleaned
or rinsed at regular intervals. Cleaning or rinsing can be
necessary to prevent deposition of coating agents, e.g. of paint,
on or in the application apparatus. Cleaning or rinsing can also be
necessary for a colour change to prevent paint residues of the
wrong colour contaminating the paint to be applied, which can lead
to a loss in quality of the part to be coated or even make it
unusable.
[0004] What is known as overspray usually occurs during the
painting process. Overspray means the portion of coating agent
which does not reach the component to be coated and is usually
separated in a wet or dry separation. In wet wash-out, separation
usually takes place with the aid of water, whereas in dry wash-out
the separation usually takes place with the aid of e.g. rock meal
(calcium carbonate).
[0005] In coating installations with wet wash-out, single-component
paint which is to be disposed of e.g. during (pre-)loading, colour
change or during rinsing or cleaning processes is either introduced
into receiving containers, from which it is then conducted away via
lines, or directly sprayed into the wash-out. However, with
two-component paints, i.e. paints, which have a paint component and
a hardener component and are usually mixed in predefined ratios
shortly before application and then usually harden rapidly, only
direct introduction into the wash-out essentially comes into
consideration. When disposing of two-component paints there is in
particular a risk that pre-reacted or fully reacted paint is
deposited on parts of the disposal system e.g. on the receiving
containers, discharge lines etc. Deposits in lines can result in
narrowing of the cross section and in extreme cases to complete
blockage of the line.
[0006] During dry wash-out, the spraying of large quantities of
paint at essentially the same point, such as the rinsing position
of a painting robot, can adversely affect the separation system, as
paint flowing down the inner surfaces of the booth cannot be picked
up by the precoat material (e.g. calcium carbonate). The dry
separation system is designed to pick up paint particles or very
small paint droplets. To this end, the precoat material is
constantly fluidized and cyclically swirled. The base of the funnel
in which the precoat material is fluidized consists of an
air-permeable material, usually sintered polyethylene. Larger
quantities of liquid paint cannot be picked up, i.e. detached
immediately from the fluidized bed, so they reach the fluid base
and clog its pores. A more precise description of a dry separation
system is disclosed e.g. in WO 2009/026995 A1 and corresponding
U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2011/0262324 A1.
[0007] Possible puddling on horizontal surfaces, which overflow at
a certain extent, are disadvantageous.
[0008] A further problem is that unatomized material can get into
the wash-out e.g. during rinsing processes or checking the outflow
(volumetric measurement: German: "Auslitern").
[0009] The overspray may be bonded in the fluidized bed, although
to a lesser extent; the larger portion is bonded to the filter
pipes. E.g. the rock meal is cyclically brought out of the
fluidized bed into the air in the region of the filter case, sucked
in by the filter pipes and then the overspray is separated
there.
[0010] In any case, however, the fluid base in particular is
damaged by larger quantities of paint which flow into the fluidized
bed (instead of being introduced as overspray particles), but not
the filters.
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a prior art
disposal system. The disposal system is used to enrich wet wash-out
proportionately with paint and solvents. The disposal system has
two containers B1 and B2. The disposal agent E1 from the rinsing
and/or cleaning processes of the atomizer Z is introduced into an
open, mostly funnel-shaped first container B1, whereas the disposal
agent E2 from the rinsing and/or cleaning processes of the colour
changer or return line RL is introduced into a closed second
container B2 with a de-aeration means EL. Both containers B1 and B2
are attached to a discharge line AL, which is usually arranged
parallel to a painting line and is routed with a slope of approx.
1-2%. Generally, 15-20% of the discharge line AL is filled with
disposal agent E1, E2. The disposal agent E1, E2 is conveyed by the
discharge line AL to a collection tank ST. In order that the
disposal agent E1, E2, in particular the solids thereof, do not
deposit rapidly in the discharge line AL, the disposal agent E1, E2
is conveyed back continuously out of the collection tank ST to the
start of the discharge line AL via a circulation line ZL with the
aid of a circulation pump ZP. Due to the circulation of at least
some of the disposal agent E1, E2 which has already been conducted
out of the containers B1, B2 and intermediately stored in the
collection tank ST, the volumetric flow increases independently of
the disposal agent E1, E2 being produced.
[0012] If the above-described system is loaded with a two-component
or more-component paint, there is in particular a risk that the
two-component or more-component paint disadvantageously deposits or
sets on the system components, in particular on or in the
containers, in the lines or other sections, which come into contact
with the two-component or more-component paint.
[0013] Although the lines affected by deposited two-component or
more-component paint could for example be cleaned or replaced at
regular intervals, the considerable outlay on personnel and costs
entailed would be disadvantageous. Furthermore, there is a risk
that, if the cleaning or replacement is carried out too late, lines
become blocked in such a manner that an operating failure or damage
to certain system components occurs, which is a further essential
disadvantage.
[0014] It is further disadvantageous that the two-component or
more-component paint can deposit or set on or in other coating
installation components such as the application apparatus, the
application robots etc.
[0015] Furthermore, the requirement for two separate containers for
disposal agent from the rinsing and/or cleaning processes of an
atomizer and disposal agent from the rinsing and/or cleaning
processes of a colour changer or a return line is
disadvantageous.
[0016] DE 42 11 465 C2, WO 2008/077944 A1 and corresponding U.S.
Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0092733 A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,438 A
disclose further technological background relating to the present
disclosure.
[0017] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for solutions to the
above described problems.
[0018] There is, for example, a requirement to solve the problem of
the deposits of disposal agent and/or of two-component or
more-component paint on parts, which come into contact with the
disposal agent and/or the two-component or more-component paint.
Undesirable deposits can occur in particular on or in a receiving
device for the disposal agent, on or in coating installation
components (e.g. components of a coating installation for motor
vehicle body parts, for example), on or in application apparatuses
(e.g. comprising atomizers, colour changers, mixers, valves, bell
cups etc.) and on or in components of the disposal system (e.g.
pumps, valves, lines etc.). The problem of the deposits exists in
particular when two-component or more/more-component paints are
used, i.e. paints, which have at least one paint component and at
least one hardener component and are usually mixed in predefined
ratios shortly before application and then usually harden
rapidly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] While the claims are not limited to the specific
illustrations described herein, an appreciation of various aspects
is best gained through a discussion of various examples thereof
Referring now to the drawings, illustrative examples are shown in
detail. Although the drawings represent the exemplary
illustrations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and
certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and
explain an innovative aspect of an illustration. Further, the
exemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to be
exhaustive or otherwise limiting or restricting to the precise form
and configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the
following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are
described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows:
[0020] FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a prior art disposal
system;
[0021] FIG. 2 a schematic side sectional view of a receiving device
for disposal agent according to a first exemplary illustration;
[0022] FIG. 3 a schematic side sectional view of a receiving device
for disposal agent according to a second exemplary
illustration;
[0023] FIG. 4 a schematic plan view of the receiving device
according to FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 5A-5D schematic representations of different
possibilities of introducing loading agent into a receiving device
for disposal agent, according to an exemplary illustration;
[0025] FIG. 6 a schematic representation of disposal system
according to an exemplary illustration;
[0026] FIG. 7A-7C schematic representations of a composition and a
blocking agent according to an exemplary illustration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The exemplary illustrations may be used, for example, in the
context of a coating installation such as a painting installation
for motor vehicle body parts, and/or for disposal agents from
cleaning and/or rinsing processes of an application apparatus
comprising e.g. an atomizer, a colour changer, a return line or
other application technology components. The exemplary
illustrations may be used for a multi-component paint system, e.g.,
directed to application of a paint having two or more components,
and may be referred to herein as a two-component or more-component
paint system.
[0028] The exemplary illustrations comprises the general technical
teaching of at least delaying, and in some cases essentially
preventing deposition or setting of a disposal agent and/or of a
two-component or more/multi-component paint on or in components of
a coating installation, such as a painting installation for motor
vehicle body parts.
[0029] The objects arising from that discussed above can in
particular be achieved by a receiving device for disposal agents,
in particular for disposal agents from cleaning and/or rinsing
processes of an application apparatus, comprising for example an
atomizer, a colour changer and a return line. The receiving device
comprises at least one inlet opening to introduce the disposal
agent, an outlet opening to discharge the disposal agent, and at
least one loading means, which is provided to load the receiving
device with a loading agent, which at least delays, and may in some
cases essentially prevent deposition of disposal agent on or in the
receiving device. All application technology components, which are
subjected to cleaning and/or rinsing processes come into
consideration as application apparatuses, in particular atomizers,
colour changers and lines to be rinsed.
[0030] The disposal agent is usually a mixture of coating agents
such as paint, e.g. a single-component paint, but in particular a
two-component or more-component paint system, rinsing agent,
cleaning agents solvent and/or other agents produced during
cleaning and/or rinsing processes of application apparatuses. The
disposal agent can, however, also be an essentially pure single
component, two-component or more-component paint.
[0031] Deposition or setting on or in the receiving device is at
least delayed, and in some cases essentially prevented by loading
the receiving device with the loading agent.
[0032] The delay in deposition can in particular be achieved
chemically and/or mechanically. In the case of a chemical delay in
deposition, deposition-delaying agents such as solvents are used.
Furthermore, a blocking agent can be used, in particular if the
disposal agent comprises a two-component or more-component paint,
to delay, and in some cases essentially prevent the two-component
or more-component paint system from hardening. The blocking agent
described below in particular comes into consideration as the
blocking agent. The mechanical delay in deposition is achieved in
particular in that the loading agent is supplied continuously or
cyclically to the receiving device, so that the disposal agent
introduced via the inlet opening is continuously or cyclically
removed from the receiving device by means of the loading agent.
Owing to the continuous or cyclic supply of the loading agent,
deposition or setting of disposal agent on or in the receiving
device is at least delayed, and in some cases is essentially
prevented.
[0033] The effectiveness of the delay in deposition can for example
be controlled by the pressure at which the loading agent meets the
receiving device, the angle of impact at which the loading agent
meets the receiving device, the quantity of loading agent, which is
supplied to the receiving device, the time intervals of the loading
(cyclic or continuous) and the composition of the loading
agent.
[0034] In one exemplary approach, the at least one loading means is
provided to be coupled to an application apparatus, an atomizer,
e.g., a rotary atomizer, a colour changer, a return line, a
circulation line of a disposal system, a rinsing agent, cleaning
agent or solvent supply and/or a supply for blocking agent, which
at least delays, and in some cases essentially prevents hardening
of the disposal agent (e.g. comprising a two-component or
more-component paint) in order to be supplied with loading agent
and/or disposal agent. The coupling can be made directly or via
lines, hoses etc.
[0035] Although the at least one loading means may be provided to
conduct loading agent (e.g. solvent) into the receiving device, it
is also possible for the at least one loading means to be provided
in order to conduct disposal agent (e.g. mixture of paint and
pulsed air) into the receiving device.
[0036] The disposal agent is usually conducted out of the
application apparatus either via a return line or via the actual
coating agent outlet opening to coat a part, depending on the
sections of an application apparatus to be cleaned (e.g. an
atomizer and a colour changer). As shown in FIG. 1, the disposal
agent is usually conducted out of the coating agent outlet opening
into the container B1, whereas the disposal agent is conducted out
of the colour changer via the return line into the container
B2.
[0037] In contrast to the prior art, the receiving device of the
exemplary illustrations makes it possible for both disposal agent
from the rinsing and/or cleaning processes of an atomizer and
disposal agent from the rinsing and/or cleaning processes of a
colour changer and/or a return line to be received in an
advantageous manner. Thus, there is no longer a requirement for two
separate receiving containers to be provided for disposal agent
from the rinsing and/or cleaning processes of the atomizer and
disposal agent from the rinsing and/or cleaning processes of the
colour changer and/or the return line.
[0038] The receiving device advantageously combines the functions
of collecting and receiving the disposal agent in the form of spray
(mixtures of material, solvents, pulsed air during loading,
colour-changing or rinsing processes), separation and discharging
the air and the disposal agent (usually a paint/solvent mixture).
Thus, the receiving device can be referred to as a combination
receiving device for disposal agents from an atomizer and a colour
changer.
[0039] The loading agent can be a pure or impure rinsing agent,
cleaning agent and/or solvent, a pure or impure blocking agent to
at least delay, and in some cases may essentially prevent hardening
of the disposal agent, in particular comprising a two-component or
more-component paint system, and/or disposal agent, e.g., already
discharged disposal agent.
[0040] Already discharged disposal agent means a disposal agent,
which has already been discharged from the collection device and
conducted back to the collection device, in particular to the at
least one loading means, via a corresponding line system. The
advantage of recycling into the receiving device is that already
discharged disposal agent can be used to prevent disposal agent
introduced into the receiving device via the at least one inlet
opening from depositing on the collection device.
[0041] The receiving device may comprise a cylindrical or
funnel-shaped first body, on which, for example, an inlet opening
is arranged, a cylindrical or funnel-shaped second body, on which
the outlet opening may be arranged, and/or a cylindrical or
funnel-shaped third body.
[0042] In one example, the at least one inlet opening is provided
to introduce the disposal agent into the first body. It is also
possible to provide the at least one inlet opening to introduce the
disposal agent into an intermediate space between the second body
and the third body. Thanks to the provision of the at least one
inlet opening on the first body and/or between the second body and
the third body, it is possible in a simple manner to receive resp.
collect atomized disposal agent.
[0043] The at least one inlet opening may be formed in an
essentially circular or annular gap-shaped manner.
[0044] In one exemplary illustration, the third body has a larger
diameter than the first body. The second body may have a diameter
which is larger at least in section than the diameter of the third
body and/or of the first body. It is possible for the third body to
surround the first body at least partially in order to form an
intermediate space between the third body and the first body. The
second body may surround the third body at least partially in order
to form an intermediate space between the second body and the third
body. The first body and the second body may be spaced apart from
each other in order to form an intermediate space between the first
body and the second body, and the second body and the third body
likewise may be spaced apart from each other to form an
intermediate space between the second body and the third body.
[0045] Thus, the first body may be an inner tube or inner funnel,
the second body is an outer tube or outer funnel, and the third
body is an intermediate tube or intermediate funnel, positioned
between the first body and the second body.
[0046] The high dynamics due to the quantity of air in combination
with the extremely finely atomized media are problematic when
collecting atomized media. The atomized media are separated on the
inner walls by the inner tube (first body). The air flow is
conducted through the outer tube (second body) and partially
calmed. The medium runs in relatively large drops from the inner
tube (first body) into the funnel (second body) or is conveyed as
relatively large drops by the air flow in the direction of the
funnel (second body). The air can escape through the gap between
the funnel (second body) and the intermediate tube (third body), so
only small quantities of medium are entrained, and in some cases no
medium is entrained. The de-aeration means may be spatially
separate from the receptacle for the application apparatus, e.g.,
an atomizer, so that no medium bounces back onto the atomizer or is
conveyed back onto the atomizer.
[0047] The intermediate space between the second body and the third
body may be dimensioned to ensure sufficient de-aeration of the air
introduced with the disposal agent and/or loading agent. The
intermediate space between the second body and the third body can
furthermore be dimensioned to be able to collect most, and in some
cases essentially 100%, of the disposal agent and/or the loading
agent. In some exemplary illustrations, the intermediate space
(annular gap) between the second body and the third body may be
between 50 mm and 400 mm, in some examples between 100 mm and 300
mm, and in other examples approximately 200 mm wide. Therefore, in
some exemplary illustrations the second body may surround the third
body to form a radial intermediate space therebetween of between 50
mm and 400 mm, in some examples between 100 mm and 300 mm, and in
further examples may be approximately 200 mm.
[0048] In one exemplary illustration, the at least one inlet
opening, the outlet opening, the first body, the second body and/or
the third body are arranged essentially coaxially with respect to
each other.
[0049] In a further example, the first body is arranged on a first
end section of the receiving device, e.g., on an upper end section
of the receiving device, the second body being, for example,
arranged on a second end section of the receiving device, such as
on a lower end section of the receiving device, the third body
being, for example, arranged at least partially between the first
end section of the receiving device and the second end section of
the receiving device. Thus, the first body and the second body may
be arranged on opposite sides of the receiving device. Therefore,
the receiving device may be provided in such a manner that the
disposal agent which is introduced via the at least one inlet
opening passes at least partially by gravity from the at least one
inlet opening to the outlet opening.
[0050] The at least one loading means may be configured and
arranged in such a manner that the loading agent loads the sections
of the second body and third body with the loading agent, which
come into contact with disposal agent, which is introduced via the
at least one inlet opening. For example, the loading agent can load
an inner surface of the third body, an outer surface of the third
body and/or an inner surface of the second body. It is possible for
the loading agent to be introduced into the intermediate space
between the first body and the third body and/or for the loading
agent to be introduced into the intermediate space between the
second body and the third body.
[0051] The at least one loading means can be configured and
arranged to apply the loading agent and/or the disposal agent
essentially parallel to the surfaces of the receiving device, which
are to be loaded with loading agent and/or disposal agent. Here,
essentially parallel includes angles less than or equal to
10.degree. or less than 5.degree.. The loading agent and/or the
disposal agent can, however, also be applied obliquely to the
surfaces to be loaded with loading agent and/or disposal agent. In
this case, oblique includes angles greater than 10.degree., greater
than 20.degree., greater than 45.degree., greater than 60.degree.
up to and including 90.degree. and more. The surfaces to be loaded
with loading agent are especially the inner surface of the second
body and/or the inner and/or outer surfaces of the third body. The
surfaces to be loaded with disposal agent are especially the inner
surface of the first body, the inner surface of the second body
and/or the inner and/or outer surfaces of the third body.
Furthermore, the loading agent and/or the disposal agent can be
applied essentially tangentially to the third body, e.g.,
essentially tangentially to the outer surface thereof.
[0052] In one exemplary illustration, the at least one loading
means is configured and arranged to introduce the loading agent
and/or the disposal agent into the receiving device in such a
manner that cyclone separation of the disposal agent is achieved.
In particular, the loading agent and/or the disposal agent can be
introduced into the receiving device essentially in the
circumferential direction, e.g., into the intermediate space
between the second body and the third body. The introduction can
also take place essentially tangentially to the third body, e.g.,
essentially tangentially to the outer surface thereof. The inner
surface of the second body and/or the outer surface of the third
body may act as a baffle plate for the loading agent and/or the
disposal agent to separate the liquid fractions and the air
fractions of the disposal agent from each other. Disposal agent
from the rinsing and/or cleaning processes of a colour changer
and/or return lines may be subjected to cyclone separation.
[0053] The at least one loading means can be positioned, for
example, at an end section of the third body, such as an upper end
section of the third body, at an end section of the second body,
such as an upper end section of the second body, in the
intermediate space between the first body and the third body,
and/or in the intermediate space between the second body and the
third body.
[0054] It is possible for a first end section of the receiving
device, e.g., an upper end section, to be provided in such a manner
that the receiving device can be coupled to a cleaning apparatus
for cleaning an application apparatus. In particular, the third
body can be provided to be coupled to the cleaning apparatus. To
this end, the third body can be provided with a collar. The
cleaning apparatus according to DE 10 2004 061 322 A1 and/or the
cleaning device according to DE 102 40 073 A1 come into
consideration as the cleaning apparatus, the content of which
documents is fully incorporated in the present description.
[0055] In the exemplary illustration in which a cleaning apparatus
is coupled to the receiving device, a section of an application
apparatus to be cleaned (e.g. a spray head) is positioned in the
cleaning apparatus and cleaned, the disposal agent of the
application apparatus either being introduced into the at least one
inlet opening of the receiving device or conducted into the
receiving device via a discharge means of the cleaning apparatus
(e.g. an intermediate tube of the cleaning apparatus). It is,
however, also possible for the disposal agent to be introduced
directly into the at least one inlet opening of the receiving
device.
[0056] A plurality of loading means may be provided.
[0057] In one example, the plurality of loading means, the first
body, the second body and/or the third body form an essentially
rotationally symmetrical apparatus.
[0058] In another exemplary illustration, a receiving device for
disposal agent, in particular for disposal agent from cleaning
and/or rinsing processes of an application apparatus, is provided,
comprising an inlet opening to introduce the disposal agent, an
outlet opening to discharge the disposal agent, and a dry binder
material and/or a filter fleece to bind the disposal agent, in
particular a two-component or more-component paint system,
physically. In this example, the inlet opening for introducing the
disposal agent and the outlet opening for discharging the disposal
agent can be the same opening, i.e. the bonded disposal agent is
discharged via the same opening via which the disposal agent was
introduced into the receiving device. It is, however, also possible
for the inlet opening and the outlet opening to be two separate
openings. Agents with a large absorptive capacity (with a large
internal surface area) come into consideration as the dry binder
material.
[0059] It is possible for the receiving device to be positioned
below a grating and/or below a grating level of a disposal system,
in particular a disposal system for a coating installation for
motor vehicle body parts, e.g., within range of a painting
robot.
[0060] As already mentioned above, the receiving device may be
provided for receiving disposal agent from the rinsing and/or
cleaning processes of an atomizer and of a colour changer and/or
return system.
[0061] A further problem which can arise with a receiving device
and is solved according to the exemplary illustrations, arises due
to the fact that flammable spray forms in the interior,
particularly in the case of coating, cleaning and/or rinsing agents
containing organic solvents, so that no electrical flashovers
resulting in sparks are permissible (risk of explosion). This
hazard exists e.g. when cleaning electrostatic atomizers, which are
known to be connected to a high-voltage supply of around 100 kV for
contact charging of the coating material sprayed, for example by
the bell cup or for external charging by external electrodes.
Customary receiving devices are usually at earth potential, so
before an application apparatus, e.g. an atomizer, is inserted the
high voltage supply thereof must first be switched off and
disconnected, for which a loss of time of typically around one
minute must be taken into account.
[0062] With the receiving device, the risk of explosion triggered
by sparks can be avoided if, before cleaning is started or while
the application apparatus is being moved towards the receiving
device and in some cases before the application apparatus is
inserted into the receiving device, the charging device of the
application apparatus is placed at the electrical potential of the
receiving device or the receiving device is placed at the
electrical potential of the charging device.
[0063] The receiving device may be placed under high tension, for
example, at least when the atomizer approaches, if it has
appropriate electrical insulation and is fitted or located at a
sufficient distance from all the earthed parts of the coating
system. If the associated space requirement and the concomitant
increase in the total electrical capacitance of the system are to
be avoided in other cases, it may be more expedient to earth the
application apparatus, e.g. an atomizer, when and/or before it is
inserted into the receiving device. This aspect is based upon the
finding that a rapid reduction in the high-voltage potential of the
charging device of the atomizer, typically in the order of
milliseconds, is sufficient for equalizing potential, so that the
loss of time associated with switching off the high-voltage
generator and the complete reduction in voltage are avoided, and
cleaning may take place with hardly any hesitation after a coating
process, and coating can then recommence immediately.
[0064] There are various possibilities of earthing the application
apparatus, such as an atomizer, rapidly. For example, the charging
device of the atomizer may be earthed by an automatically
controlled switch connected to the charging device. Instead, or in
addition, the atomizer can be earthed by the receiving device
itself. In particular, the atomizer may be brought to an earthed
contact arrangement of the receiving device by the coating machine,
e.g. a painting robot or a handling machine provided to introduce
the atomizer into the receiving device, with which the charging
device of the atomizer is brought into contact.
[0065] It is further possible to generate an alarm signal and/or to
bring the handling machine to a standstill if the application
apparatus, such as an atomizer, is approaching the receiving device
from a direction which is different from the direction predefined
by the movement control program of the machine. In particular, a
limited range of movement of the atomizer may be specified by a
particular control program for the handling machine bringing the
atomizer to the receiving device in the vicinity of the receiving
device in a way known per se, said range of movement being blocked
by the control program for the movement of the atomizer if it
approaches from any direction other than that specified. These
measures firstly guarantee that the atomizer will always be
introduced into the device correctly, without the danger of
collision with the receiving device. The advantage also emerges
that the atomizer must pass a proximity sensor provided therefor on
its specified movement path while its approach to the receiving
device is monitored to introduce reliable potential equalization at
the right time, increasing the security of protection against
explosion.
[0066] The high-voltage supply could per se be switched off first,
after a coating process, to avoid voltage flashovers. However, in
some cases it would be impractical to switch off the high-voltage
generator of the application apparatus, e.g. an atomizer,
completely first, i.e. including its own power supply, before the
receiving device is approached following a coating process, because
reducing the voltage and the restoration process necessary after
cleaning may take an undesirably long time, entailing corresponding
delays in production. There are different possibilities for
equalizing potential in such cases.
[0067] A first possibility consists of the electrical isolation of
the receiving device and charging it up to the high-voltage
potential of the electric atomizer, e.g. by connecting it to the
high-voltage generator of the atomizer in parallel to the atomizer,
wherein switchgear may be provided, by means of which this parallel
circuit may alternate between high voltage potential and earth.
[0068] In contrast, if the receiving device is to be permanently
earthed, the atomizer is also earthed, for which different
possibilities also exist, all of which entail no or only minimal
loss of time. One simple possibility is a circuit in which a
program-controlled earthing switch is connected between the
high-voltage generator and the charging device (electrodes) of the
atomizer, by means of which switch the atomizer is disconnected
from the high-voltage generator and placed at earth potential
before it reaches the earthed receiving device. The earthing switch
may be located inside or outside the handling machine or atomizer.
Although it is expedient for the earthing circuit to contain a
resistance known per se or other attenuation devices, the atomizer
can be discharged in an extremely short time by the earthing
switch. Such more or less attenuated discharge may take place
during the period in which the atomizer is being moved towards the
receiving device, depending upon the conditions.
[0069] To avoid a safety risk, the time at which the application
device, e.g. an atomizer, is earthed (or the potential equalized by
charging the receiving device) may be controlled as a function of
the approach of the atomizer to the receiving device. As the
approach speed is known, because it is specified by the robot
control program, a sufficient safe distance from the receiving
device may be specified on the movement path of the atomizer,
within which earthing or potential equalization may be commenced
when the distance becomes less than the specified safe distance.
Reaching the safety limit can be monitored and indicated by a
proximity sensor, e.g. in the form of a light barrier, a laser
sensing device or the like. The safety margin within which earthing
or potential equalization must be commenced may be calculated from
the known air insulation gap between the high-voltage potential and
earth plus the distance covered by the atomizer in the time
required to activate the proximity sensor and for recharging, i.e.,
for example, in the case of earthing, to activate an earthing
switch and for the subsequent rapid discharge of the atomizer.
[0070] In one alternative possibility of earthing an application
apparatus such as an atomizer with an earthing switch, the atomizer
can remain connected to the high-voltage generator turned on with
which the earthing switch is in parallel, during earthing.
Expedient control measures can render switching off the
high-voltage generator unnecessary because of this
short-circuit.
[0071] The two above-described possibilities can also be changed or
added to in that instead of or in addition to the earthing switch,
the earthed receiving device itself makes contact with the
electrode and charging device of the atomizer and thereby earths it
when it comes close. For example, the high-voltage potential at the
atomizer may be reduced in the shortest possible time by the
atomizer touching an earthed contact array of the receiving device
when it reaches its final position in the receiving device or
during its introductory movement, which may also involve a
plurality of contact elements, such as an earthed flexible curtain
of individual conductors through which the atomizer passes in its
introductory movement.
[0072] The application apparatus, e.g. the atomizer, could also be
earthed without an earthing switch and without direct contact with
earth. Before the atomizer reaches the receiving device, the output
voltage of the high-voltage generator is reduced to at least
approaching zero by automatically controlled reduction of its
voltage setting or e.g. by the voltage setting specified by the
system control program, without switching off the high-voltage
generator in this variant. The high-voltage potential at the
atomizer is then very quickly reduced by a resistance to earth in
parallel to the high-voltage generator, e.g., during the approach
movement of the atomizer.
[0073] It may also be expedient to reduce the output voltage of the
high-voltage generator in advance, in the way explained, in the
other earthing possibilities described above too, e.g. in the case
of earthing by the receiving device itself.
[0074] In principle, there is thus the possibility of connecting
the receiving device to an electrical earthing lead and providing
it with a contacting arrangement for earthing the application
apparatus which is inserted or is to be inserted, such as an
electrostatic atomizer with direct/external charging, in order to
prevent a risk of explosion due to sparks caused by flashovers. The
receiving device can further be connected or connectable to an
electrical high-voltage line with which it is placed at the high
voltage potential of an application apparatus such as an
electrostatic atomizer with direct/external charging. The
equalization of potential is in particular carried out while the
application apparatus is approaching the receiving device or at
least before the application apparatus is introduced into the
receiving device. It is possible in this case for a charging device
for coating agents of the application apparatus, which charging
device is connected to a high-voltage generator, to be earthed
while the application apparatus is moved towards or into the
receiving device or is in the receiving device and for the
high-voltage generator to remain switched on during earthing.
Before or during grounding with the high-voltage generator switched
on, its output voltage can be reduced to zero or to a low level, by
reducing the voltage setting. In particular, the charging device of
the application apparatus can be earthed by means of a connected
automatically controlled switch before cleaning starts.
Furthermore, the application apparatus can be earthed by the
receiving device. It is further possible for the application
apparatus to be brought towards an earthed contacting arrangement
of the receiving device, to which the charging device of the
application apparatus is electrically connected, by the coating
machine or the handling machine. It is also possible to provide a
proximity sensor, which monitors the proximity of the application
apparatus to the receiving device. The proximity sensor is in
particular provided to generate a signal as soon as the application
apparatus is less than a certain safe distance away from the
receiving device on its path towards the receiving device, which
distance is determined as a function of the minimum air gap
necessary for electrical isolation between the high-voltage
potential of the application apparatus and earth potential, and of
the path which the application apparatus covers during the period
required for the signal from the proximity sensor and for earthing
or potential equalization.
[0075] The "switch-off" is provided in particular for application
apparatus such as electrostatic atomizers with direct and/or
external charging of coating agents.
[0076] The receiving device described herein is in particular
provided and suitable for application apparatuses such as
atomizers, rotary atomizers, air atomizers, electrostatic atomizers
for internal, direct, ionization and/or external charging,
atomizers with or without external electrodes etc.
[0077] The objects arising from that discussed above can further be
achieved in particular by a method for receiving disposal agent, in
particular disposal agent from cleaning and/or rinsing processes of
an application apparatus (e.g. an atomizer, a colour changer, a
return line, etc.), comprising introduction of the disposal agent
into a receiving device, e.g., into a receiving device as described
above, and discharging the disposal agent from the receiving
device, at least one loading means loading the receiving device
with a loading agent, which delays, and in some cases essentially
prevents deposition of disposal agent in the receiving device.
[0078] The at least one loading means may be supplied with loading
agent and/or disposal agent by an application apparatus, an
atomizer, a colour changer, a return line, a circulation line of a
disposal system, a supply for rinsing agent, cleaning agent and/or
solvent and/or a supply for blocking agent, which at least delays
hardening of disposal agent. Although the at least one loading
means may be provided to conduct loading agent (e.g. solvent) into
the receiving device, it is also possible for the at least one
loading means to be provided in order to conduct disposal agent
(e.g. mixture of paint and pulsed air) into the receiving
device.
[0079] The loading agent can be a pure or impure rinsing agent,
cleaning agent and/or solvent, a pure or impure blocking agent,
which at least delays, and in some cases may essentially prevent
hardening of disposal agent, e.g. comprising a two-component or
more-component paint system, and/or disposal agent, such as already
discharged disposal agent.
[0080] In one example, the disposal agent is introduced into the
receiving device directly from an atomizer via the coating agent
outlet opening thereof. It is further possible for the disposal
agent to be introduced into the receiving device from a colour
changer and/or return line.
[0081] It is possible to introduce the disposal agent into an inlet
opening, which is provided on a cylindrical or funnel-shaped first
body of the receiving device. It is also possible to introduce the
disposal agent and/or the loading agent into an inlet opening,
which is provided between a cylindrical or funnel-shaped second
body and a cylindrical or funnel-shaped third body of the receiving
device.
[0082] The loading agent may be introduced into the receiving
device in such a manner that the sections of the receiving device,
which come into contact with disposal agent, which is introduced
via the at least one inlet opening are loaded with the loading
agent. It is further possible to introduce the disposal agent
and/or the loading agent into the receiving device in such a manner
that cyclone separation of the disposal agent is achieved.
[0083] The objects arising from that discussed above can further be
achieved in particular by a disposal system, in particular for
disposal agents from cleaning and/or rinsing processes of an
application apparatus, the disposal system having a receiving
device for disposal agents, e.g., a receiving device as described
above, and a circulation line. The circulation line is provided to
feed loading agent into the receiving device to at least delay, and
in some cases essentially to prevent deposition of disposal agent
on or in the receiving device.
[0084] The circulation line may be provided to conduct at least
some of the disposal agent already discharged from the receiving
device back into the receiving device.
[0085] The loading agent can be a pure or impure rinsing agent,
cleaning agent and/or solvent, a pure or impure blocking agent to
at least delay, and in some cases essentially prevent hardening of
the disposal agent, in particular comprising a two-component or
more-component paint system, and/or disposal agent, e.g., already
discharged disposal agent.
[0086] In an advantageous design, the disposal system comprises a
discharge line, which conducts the disposal agent and/or the
loading agent from the receiving device to a collection tank.
[0087] The discharge line can be arranged with a slope of less than
approximately 1%.
[0088] In one exemplary disposal system, the receiving device can
be positioned below a grating and/or below a grating level of the
disposal system, in particular a disposal system for a coating
installation for motor vehicle body parts, e.g., within range of a
painting robot.
[0089] The objects arising from that discussed above can further be
achieved in particular by an operating method for a disposal
system, e.g., a disposal system as described above, wherein the
operating method comprises conducting a disposal agent out of a
receiving device, such as a receiving device as described above,
and supplying a loading agent via a circulation line into the
receiving device, in order to at least delay, and in some cases
essentially prevent deposition of disposal agent on or in the
receiving device.
[0090] It is possible to conduct the disposal agent discharged from
the receiving device via a discharge line into a collection
tank.
[0091] The circulation line may conduct at least some of the
disposal agent which has already been discharged from the receiving
device and intermediately stored in the collection tank back into
the receiving device.
[0092] The loading agent can be a pure or impure rinsing agent,
cleaning agent and/or solvent, a pure or impure blocking agent to
at least delay, and in some cases essentially prevent hardening of
the disposal agent, in particular comprising a two-component or
multi-component paint system, and/or disposal agent, e.g., already
discharged disposal agent.
[0093] The loading agent can be supplied continuously or cyclically
to the receiving device in order to at least delay, and in some
cases essentially prevent deposition of disposal agent on or in the
receiving device and/or in the discharge line and/or in the
circulation line.
[0094] The objects arising from that discussed above can further be
achieved in particular by a composition comprising a two-component
paint system or a more-component paint system and a blocking agent,
which at least delays, and in some cases may essentially prevent
hardening of the two-component paint system or more-component paint
system in order to at least delay, or even may essentially prevent
deposition on or in coating installation components.
[0095] All monofunctional molecules, which can react with at least
one component of a two-component or more-component paint system
come into consideration as the blocking agent. The blocking agent
may comprise at least one amine, at least one alcohol, e.g., at
least one lower alcohol, ethanol, propanol and/or at least one
isomer thereof, and/or butanol and/or at least one isomer thereof.
The blocking agent can also comprise a reactive agent such as at
least one retarding agent, e.g., at least one organic acid
chloride. The hardener component of the two-component or
more-component paint system can be e.g. isocyanate. The
two-component or more-component paint system can be a conventional
two-component or more-component paint system, which is usually used
for coating motor vehicle body parts.
[0096] The composition can further comprise a rinsing agent,
cleaning agent and/or solvent. The blocking agent can, for example,
be mixed with these agents. Otherwise the composition can comprise
a solubilizer for mixing the blocking agent with the rinsing agent,
cleaning agent and/or solvent The rinsing agent, cleaning agent
and/or solvents can be customary paint rinsing and paint cleaning
agents and/or customary paint solvents.
[0097] It is possible for the blocking agent to be added in the
form of monofunctional molecules to the rinsing agent, cleaning
agent and/or solvent at a dosage of, for example, 10-50%.
[0098] It is further possible for the blocking agent to be added in
the form of the reactive agent to the rinsing agent, cleaning agent
and/or solvent at a dosage of, for example, 1-5%.
[0099] The blocking agent is in particular provided to react with a
hardener component of the two-component or more-component paint
system.
[0100] The objects arising from that discussed above can further be
achieved in particular by the use of a blocking agent for reaction
with at least one component of a two-component paint system or
more-component paint system in order to at least delay, and in some
cases essentially prevent hardening of the two-component paint
system or more-component paint system, in particular in a coating
installation for motor vehicle body parts, which at least delays,
and may essentially prevent deposition on or in coating
installation components.
[0101] The blocking agent can be monofunctional molecules, at least
one amine, at least one alcohol, e.g., at least one lower alcohol,
ethanol, propanol and/or at least one isomer thereof, and/or
butanol and/or at least one isomer thereof. The blocking agent can,
however, also be a reactive agent such as a retarding agent such as
organic acid chloride. The hardener component of the two-component
or more-component paint system can be e.g. isocyanate.
[0102] In one exemplary use, the blocking agent coats and/or fills
and/or flows through a coating installation component, in
particular a component of a painting installation for motor vehicle
body parts, an application robot, an application apparatus, an
atomizer, a bell cup, a mixer for mixing the two-component or
more-component paint system, a cleaning apparatus for cleaning an
application apparatus, a colour changer, a return line, a receiving
device for disposal agent, a discharge line for discharging the
disposal agent from the receiving device, a circulation line for
returning disposal agent, which has already been discharged from
the receiving device to the receiving device, and/or other parts of
a coating installation, which are exposed to a risk of coming into
contact with coating agent in the form of e.g. two-component or
more-component paint, which can deposit or set in an undesirable
manner.
[0103] The objects arising from that discussed above can further be
achieved in particular by a coating installation component, in
particular component of a coating installation for motor vehicle
body parts, wherein the coating installation component has a
blocking agent in order to at least delay, and may essentially
prevent hardening of a two-component or more-component paint
system, in particular in a coating installation for motor vehicle
body parts, which at least delays, and in some cases may
essentially prevent deposition on or in the coating installation
component.
[0104] Although the coating installation component comes into
contact with two-component or more-component paint in an
undesirable manner, the risk of deposition or setting can be
reduced or prevented by the blocking agent or the composition
comprising the two-component or more-component paint and the
blocking agent.
[0105] The blocking agent can in particular at least partially coat
and/or fill and/or flow through the coating installation component.
The blocking agent may be applied to the sections of the coating
installation component, which are exposed to the risk of coming
into contact with disposal agent, in particular a two-component or
more-component paint.
[0106] The delay or prevention of deposition of disposal agent, in
particular of two-component or more-component paints, results in a
reduced outlay on maintenance or cleaning of the parts of a coating
installation, which come into contact with the disposal agent (e.g.
the application apparatus, atomizer, colour changer, return line,
ring line etc.). The outlay on maintenance of the recycling or ring
line can also be reduced e.g. during loading, colour change or
rinsing.
[0107] The objects arising from that discussed above can further be
achieved in particular by a coating installation for motor vehicle
body parts, comprising a coating installation component, a supply
for a two-component or more-component paint system to the coating
installation component and a means for supplying blocking agent to
the coating installation component and/or to the supply in order to
at least delay hardening of the two-component or more-component
paint system on or in the coating installation component and/or in
the supply.
[0108] The means can comprise e.g. a container for the blocking
agent or at least one line for supplying blocking agent from the
container to the coating installation component and/or to the
supply.
[0109] The coating installation component can in particular
comprise one of the following: an application robot, an application
apparatus, an atomizer, a bell cup, a mixer for mixing the
two-component or more-component paint system, a cleaning apparatus
for cleaning an application apparatus, a colour changer, a return
line, a receiving device for disposal agent, a discharge line for
discharging disposal agent from the receiving device, a circulation
line for returning disposal agent, which has already been
discharged from the receiving device to the receiving device.
[0110] A further advantage of the exemplary illustrations is the
avoidance of additional chemical consumption and of increased
occurrence of paint sludge when processing two-component or
more-component paints in painting booths with wet wash-out.
[0111] In particular the above-described exemplary illustrations
and possible designs of the collecting device, the method for
receiving disposal agent, the disposal system, the operating method
for the disposal system, the composition, the use, the coating
installation and the coating installation component, may comprise a
blocking agent that can be combined with each other in any desired
manner.
[0112] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a receiving
device 1 for disposal agent E according to a first exemplary
illustration. The receiving device 1 comprises a first body 10, a
second body 20 and a third body 30. The first body 10 and the third
body 30 are essentially cylindrical. The second body 20 is
essentially funnel-shaped. The first body 10 may be fastened in a
detachable manner to the upper end section of the third body 30. It
is also possible for the first body 10 and the third body 30 to be
funnel-shaped.
[0113] The third body 30 has a diameter D3 which is greater than
the diameter D1 of the first body 10. The second body 20 has a
diameter D2 which is greater than the diameter D1 of the first body
10 and/or of the diameter D3 of the third body 30, at least in
sections. Owing to the funnel-shaped formation, the second body 20
also has diameters which are smaller than the diameter D1 of the
first body 10 and/or of the diameter D3 of the third body 30. The
first body 10, the second body 20 and the third body 30 are
arranged around a longitudinal axis A-A and essentially coaxially
to each other.
[0114] The third body 30 surrounds the first body 10 at least
partially in order to form an intermediate space Z13 between the
third body 30 and the first body 10. The second body 20 surrounds
the third body 30 at least partially in order to form an
intermediate space Z23 between the second body 20 and the third
body 30. The intermediate space Z23 is provided to ensure adequate
de-aeration of the guide air introduced together with the disposal
agent via the inlet opening 11 (to prevent contamination e.g. of
the atomizer). The intermediate space Z23 may be dimensioned to be
sufficient for the de-aeration (no back pressure) but should not be
too large to be able to collect, e.g., 100% of the disposal agent E
and loading agent B. The intermediate space Z23 may, in one
exemplary illustration, have a width of approximately 200 mm.
Furthermore, the first body 10 and the second body 20 are spaced
apart from each other in order to form an intermediate space Z12
between the first body 10 and the second body 20.
[0115] The first body 10 may thus be an inner tube, the second body
20 may be an outer tube and the third body 30 may be an
intermediate tube, positioned between the outer tube 20 and the
inner tube 10.
[0116] For example, arms (not shown) can extend from the first body
10 to the third body 30 in order to fasten the first body 10 to the
third body 30, e.g., in a detachable manner.
[0117] An inlet opening 11, into which the agent E to be disposed
of is to be introduced, is provided at the upper end section of the
first body 10. In the present exemplary illustration, an
application apparatus (e.g. an atomizer with a bell cup) of a robot
arm is positioned at the inlet opening 11 or the first body 10 in
order to spray the disposal agent E into the inlet opening 11 resp.
the first body 10.
[0118] The disposal agent E, which usually comprises paint, solvent
and air inclusions, is introduced into the first body 10 in an
atomized form. The air can here escape upwards and/or downwards.
The disposal agent E is separated on the inner surface of the third
body 30 in the form of (relatively large) droplets and discharged
downwards to the second body 20.
[0119] An outlet opening 13, via which the disposal agent E can be
discharged from the receiving device 1, is provided at the lower
end section of the second body 20.
[0120] The disposal agent E therefore passes from the first body 10
via the third body 30 to the second body 20 under gravity.
[0121] The receiving device 1 further comprises at least one
loading means 50, and in one example a plurality of loading means
50A, 50B, 50C and 50D to load the receiving device 1 with a loading
agent B, which at least delays, and in some cases substantially or
essentially prevents deposition of disposal agent E on or in the
receiving device 1.
[0122] The loading means 50A-50D are configured and arranged in
such a manner that in particular the sections of the second body 20
and third body 30, which come into contact with disposal agent E,
which is introduced via the inlet opening 11 are loaded with the
loading agent B.
[0123] The loading means 50A and 50B are positioned at the upper
end section of the third body 30 in order to load in particular the
inner surface of the third body 30, which comes into contact with
disposal agent E from the first body 10 with loading agent B.
[0124] The loading means 50C and 50D are positioned at the upper
end section of the second body 20 in order to load in particular
the inner surface of the second body 20, which comes into contact
with disposal agent E from the first body 10 with loading agent
B.
[0125] The loading means 50A and 50B can for example be coupled to
a rinsing agent, cleaning agent and/or solvent supply (not
represented), in order to load the receiving device 1 with loading
agent B in the form of clean, uncontaminated rinsing agent,
cleaning agent and/or solvent.
[0126] The loading means 50C and 50D can for example be coupled to
a circulation line of a disposal system (not represented in FIG.
1). The circulation line is provided to feed at least some of the
disposal agent E, which has already been discharged from the
receiving device 1 and intermediately stored, usually in a
collection tank (not represented in FIG. 1), back into the
receiving device 1. The loading agent B supplied by the circulation
line can comprise, in addition to the disposal agent E already
discharged from the receiving device 1, further rinsing agent,
cleaning agent and/or solvent, a blocking agent, which at least
delays hardening of the disposal agent E, in particular if the
disposal agent E has a two-component or more/multi-component paint,
or other additional liquids.
[0127] Deposition of the disposal agent E introduced via the inlet
opening 11 on or in the receiving device 1, in particular the inner
surfaces of the second body 20 and third body 30, is at least
delayed, and in some examples may be essentially prevented, as the
disposal agent E introduced via the inlet opening 11 is
("mechanically") discharged from the inner surfaces of the second
body 20 and third body 30 by the loading agent B. Deposition of the
disposal agent E introduced via the inlet opening 11 on or in the
receiving device 1, in particular the inner surfaces of the second
body 20 and third body 30, can further be at least delayed, and in
some cases may be essentially prevented if the loading agent B
comprises an agent, which ("chemically") delays, or even
essentially prevents, deposition or adhesion of the disposal agent
E on or in the receiving device 1.
[0128] The receiving device 1 in FIG. 2 is arranged below a grating
40 and/or below a grating level of a disposal system, which is
positioned in a coating installation for motor vehicle body parts
and arranged within the range of a painting robot.
[0129] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a receiving device for disposal agent 1'
according to a second exemplary illustration, FIG. 3 being a
schematic sectional view and FIG. 4 being a schematic plan view of
the receiving device 1'. Parts, which are identical or essentially
identical to the first exemplary illustration have the same
reference signs but with an apostrophe, so in this respect
reference is made to the first exemplary illustration in order to
avoid repetitions.
[0130] FIG. 3 shows a second body 20', a third body 30', an outlet
opening 13' provided on the second body 20', a plurality of loading
means 50A', 50B', 50C', 50D', 50E', 50F', 50G' and 50H', a
discharge line AL, which leads to a collection tank (not
represented), and a circulation line ZL, which leads from the
collection tank to the receiving device 1'. FIG. 3 also shows an
inlet opening 12, which is formed by an intermediate space between
the second body 20 and the third body 30, the intermediate space
being situated on an essentially upper end section of the receiving
device 1'. The inlet opening 12 may be an annular gap opening.
[0131] FIG. 4 shows the second body 20', the third body 30', the
inlet opening 12 and the plurality of loading means 50A', 50B',
50C', 50D', 50E', 50F', 50G' and 50H'.
[0132] The loading means 50A', 50C', 50E' and 50G' are coupled to a
return line RL in order to be supplied with disposal agent E from
an application apparatus. The loading means 50A', 50C', 50E' and
50G' are provided to introduce the disposal agent E into the inlet
opening 12.
[0133] The loading means 50B', 50D', 50F' and 50H' are coupled to
the circulation line ZL in order to be supplied with loading agent
B. The loading means 50B', 50D', 50F' and 50H' are provided to
introduce the loading agent B into the inlet opening 12.
[0134] The loading means 50A', 50C', 50E' and 50G' may be
configured and arranged to introduce the disposal agent E into the
receiving device 1' in such a manner that a cyclone separation of
the disposal agent E is achieved. To achieve this, the disposal
agent E is introduced into the receiving device 1' essentially in
the circumferential direction, e.g., essentially tangentially to
the outer surface of the third body 30, as can be seen in FIG. 4.
The third body 30 acts as a baffle plate for the disposal agent E.
The cyclone separation for example separates the liquid fractions
from the air fractions. The liquid fractions and the remaining
disposal agent E are supplied to the discharge line AL via the
second body 20' and the outlet opening 13', whereas the air
fractions may escape upwards.
[0135] The loading means 50B', 50D', 50F' and 50H' are provided to
load the receiving device 1' with the loading agent B, which at
least delays, and may even essentially prevent deposition of the
disposal agent E on or in the receiving device 1', in particular
the outer surface of the third body 30 and the inner surface of the
second body 20.
[0136] The loading agent B from the circulation line ZL is for
example dirty (e.g. due to paint constituents) rinsing agent,
cleaning agent and/or solvent. It is also possible to provide a
loading means, which introduces e.g. clean solvent and/or clean
blocking agent into the inlet opening 12, in order to delay, or
even essentially prevent deposition of disposal agent E.
[0137] The first and second exemplary illustration can be combined
with each other. It is in particular possible to provide a first
body according to the first exemplary illustration on the receiving
device 1' of the second exemplary illustration, which is indicated
by the first body 10' indicated with dashed lines in FIG. 3. The
receiving device of this exemplary illustration then has two inlet
openings for introducing disposal agent. It is possible to provide
one inlet opening for disposal agent from e.g. an atomizer and the
other inlet opening for disposal agent from e.g. a colour changer
and/or a return line. Thus, this receiving device is capable of
receiving both disposal agents from the rinsing and/or cleaning
processes of an atomizer and of a colour changer and/or return
lines.
[0138] It is further possible to replace the second body 20
according to FIG. 2 by the structure according to FIG. 3. In
particular, the second body 20' and the third body 30' from the
second exemplary illustration can replace the second body 20 from
the first exemplary illustration.
[0139] It is further possible for the structure according to FIG. 3
to be cylindrical and to be combined with the structure according
to FIG. 2 in that the third body 30 is double-walled and the media
(e.g. from the colour changer, the return line etc.) are supplied
here. Cyclone separation may be achieved in the double-walled
version.
[0140] The above-described receiving device can be connected or
connectable to an electrical earthing lead and provided with a
contacting arrangement for earthing the application apparatus,
which is inserted or is to be inserted, such as an electrostatic
atomizer with direct/external charging, in order to prevent a risk
of explosion due to sparks caused by flashovers. The
above-described receiving devices can further be connected or
connectable to an electrical high-voltage line with which they are
placed at the high voltage potential of an application apparatus
such as an electrostatic atomizer with direct/external
charging.
[0141] A receiving device for disposal agent according to another
exemplary illustration, which is not shown in the figures likewise
comprises at least one inlet opening to introduce the disposal
agent and an outlet opening to discharge the disposal agent, it
being possible for the inlet and outlet openings to be the same
opening or two separate openings. The receiving device of this
exemplary illustration must generally, however, be provided with a
dry binder material and/or a filter fleece to bind the disposal
agent, in particular a two-component or more-component paint
system, physically.
[0142] FIGS. 5A-5D schematically show a plurality of exemplary
possibilities of introducing the loading agent B and/or the
disposal agent E into the receiving device.
[0143] FIG. 5A shows a schematic sectional view of the second body
20, the third body 30 and by way of example two loading means,
which are indicated by two squares. The loading means are provided
in this exemplary illustration in such a manner that the loading
agent B is supplied essentially parallel to the surfaces of the
receiving device 1, which are to be loaded with loading agents B.
Parallel essentially includes angles of impact .alpha. of less than
or equal to approximately 10.degree..
[0144] FIG. 5B shows a schematic sectional view of the second body
20, the third body 30 and by way of example two loading means,
which are indicated by two squares. The loading means are provided
in this exemplary illustration in such a manner that the loading
agent B is supplied essentially obliquely to the surfaces of the
receiving device 1, which are to be loaded with loading agent B.
Oblique includes angles of impact .beta. of approximately
10.degree., greater than 10.degree., greater than 20.degree.,
greater than 45.degree., greater than 60.degree. to 90.degree. and
more.
[0145] FIG. 5C shows a schematic plan view of the second body 20',
the third body 30' and by way of example three loading means, which
are indicated by three squares. The loading means are provided in
this exemplary illustration in such a manner that the loading agent
B is supplied in a manner essentially directed at the outlet
opening.
[0146] FIG. 5D shows a schematic plan view of the second body 20',
the third body 30' and by way of example three loading means, which
are indicated by three squares. The loading means are provided in
this example in such a manner that the loading agent B (and/or the
disposal agent E) is conducted into the receiving device
essentially in the circumferential direction (see the three loading
means in the top left in FIG. 5D) and/or is applied essentially
tangentially to the outer surface of the third body (see the three
loading means in the bottom right in FIG. 5D).
[0147] The possibilities of supplying the loading agent B and/or
the disposal agent E into the receiving device described in FIGS.
5A to 5D can be combined with each other in any desired manner.
[0148] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a disposal
system, in particular for disposal agent E from cleaning and/or
rinsing processes of an application apparatus, such as an atomizer
Z and a colour changer and/or a return line RL.
[0149] The disposal system comprises a receiving device for
disposal agent, such as a receiving device 1 or 1' as described
above, and a circulation line ZL for feeding loading agent into the
receiving device 1 (1') in order to at least delay, and in some
cases essentially prevent, deposition of disposal agent E in
particular on or in the receiving device 1 (1'). The reference sign
EL indicates de-aeration of the receiving device 1 (1'), via which
the e.g. air fractions of the disposal agent E can escape.
[0150] The disposal system further comprises a discharge line AL,
which supplies the disposal agent E and/or loading agent discharged
from the receiving device 1 (1') to a collection tank ST, in which
the disposal agent E and/or the loading agent can be intermediately
stored. The discharge line AL can be arranged with a slope of less
than approximately 1% (0.57.degree.). The discharge line AL may run
essentially parallel to a painting line and can be coupled to one
or more receiving devices.
[0151] The disposal system also has a circulation pump ZP to
conduct at least some of the disposal agent E and/or loading agent
already discharged from the receiving device 1 (1') from the
collection tank ST via the circulation line ZL back to the
receiving device 1 (1').
[0152] The disposal system, in particular the discharge line AL, is
loaded with additional liquid. For example, the discharge line AL
can be approximately 85% filled with a mixture of additional
liquid, disposal agent E and solvent. The mixture may mostly
consist of additional liquid, e.g. approximately 80% of the mixture
can consist of additional liquid.
[0153] As soon as the collection tank ST is full, the collection
tank ST can either be conducted with the aid of a disposal pump EP
into a further collection tank (not represented) or emptied into a
transport container.
[0154] A blocking agent can also be used in the above-described
exemplary illustrations. The use of a blocking agent may be
advantageous in particular when the disposal agent comprises a
two-component or more-component paint. The blocking agent is then
used to at least delay, and in some cases may essentially prevent,
hardening of the two-component or more-component paint system,
which at least delays, and in some cases may essentially prevent
deposition of disposal agent on or in the receiving device, on or
in parts of the disposal system and/or on or in other parts of a
coating installation.
[0155] FIGS. 7A-7C relate to a blocking agent and a composition
according to one exemplary illustration. In particular, FIGS. 7B
and 7C show a composition according to one example, which comprises
a blocking agent and a two-component or more/multi-component paint
system. The two-component or more-component paint can be a
conventional two-component or more-component paint, which is
usually used for coating motor vehicle body parts.
[0156] FIG. 7A shows a section of a polymer chain consisting of two
reactive components K1 and K2, wherein K1 indicates a hardener
component and K2 indicates a paint component.
[0157] FIG. 7B schematically shows an example of a reaction
blocking, wherein a blocking agent X reacts with the hardener
component K1 to at least delay, and in some cases essentially
prevent, hardening.
[0158] FIG. 7C schematically shows an example of a reaction
blocking, wherein a blocking agent X acts as a chain stopper to at
least delay, and in some cases may essentially prevent
hardening.
[0159] The blocking agent X may be a reactive, monofunctional
agent, which reacts with at least one component of a two-component
or more-component paint, e.g., with the hardener component K1, but
in the process does not result in polymer chains owing to its
monofunctionality, but ideally in a molecule resp. oligomer
consisting of a hardener molecule and two blocking agent
molecules.
[0160] When the hardener component K1 and the paint component K2
are mixed, usually the reaction thereof and hardening starts. At
room temperature, the reaction speed is relatively slow to ensure
processability (pot life, rinsability). If the blocking agent X
reacts with a dimer resp. oligomer of the two-component or
more-component paint system, the polymeric chain reaction is
essentially stopped. The chain-stopping reaction depends in
particular on the reactivity of the blocking agent X and may be
faster than the reaction of the paint components with each other.
The smaller the blocking agent molecule, the greater its mobility
and generally the greater its reactivity. Conversely, the paint
components are less mobile and therefore usually slower to react
owing to their essentially greater molecular mass.
[0161] If the two-component or more-component paint system is
loaded with sufficient blocking agent, no long, essentially
insoluble polymers, which could result in deposits are formed, but
short-chain molecules, which can for example be kept in solution by
the loading agent, which may contain solvent and thus carried
away.
[0162] All monofunctional molecules, which react with at least one
component of a two-component or more-component paint to at least
delay, and in some cases essentially prevent, hardening, come into
consideration as the blocking agent X. In particular, amines or
alcohols, e.g., lower alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, butanol
or isomers thereof, are suitable as blocking agent X as long as one
of the paint components is an isocyanate.
[0163] Reactive agents are also suitable as the blocking agent X,
e.g. reaction delayers, for example in the form of organic acid
chlorides, which at least delay, and in some cases may essentially
or substantially stop hardening.
[0164] The blocking agent X may be mixed with customary paint,
paint-rinsing or paint-cleaning agents and/or paint solvents. If
the blocking agent X cannot be mixed with the paint-rinsing or
paint-cleaning agent and/or paint solvent, a solubilizer can be
added.
[0165] The blocking agent X can be added at any point in the paint
circuit, in particular after the mixing of the two-component or
more-component paint system.
[0166] The blocking agent X can be used with conventional paint,
such as a conventional two-component or more-component paint. The
blocking agent can in particular be used with conventional rinsing
agents, cleaning agents and/or solvents. The portion of blocking
agent X lies for example between 5-50%, and in one exemplary
illustration lies between 10-30%. The blocking agent X can,
however, also be used in a pure form as a rinsing and/or cleaning
agent, i.e. the rinsing and/or cleaning agent consists essentially
100% of blocking agent.
[0167] The blocking agent is in particular provided to react with a
hardener component of the two-component or more-component paint
system.
[0168] The composition can comprise, in addition to the
two-component or more-component paint system and the blocking
agent, a rinsing agent, cleaning agent and/or solvent and/or a
solubilizer for mixing the blocking agent with the rinsing agent,
cleaning agent and/or solvent.
[0169] In one example, a coating installation component (e.g. the
above-described receiving device, an application apparatus, an
atomizer, a colour changer, lines etc.) is at least partially
provided (e.g. coated and/or filled and/or permeated) with the
blocking agent X and/or the composition comprising a two-component
or more-component paint system and the blocking agent. It can at
least be delayed, and in some cases essentially prevented, thereby
that two-component or more-component paint undesirably hardens
and/or undesirably deposits on or in the coating installation
component.
[0170] The exemplary illustrations are not limited to the
previously described examples. Rather, a plurality of variants and
modifications are possible, which also make use of the ideas of the
exemplary illustrations and therefore fall within the protective
scope. Furthermore the exemplary illustrations also include other
useful features, e.g., as described in the subject-matter of the
dependent claims independently of the features of the other
claims.
[0171] Reference in the specification to "one example," "an
example," "one embodiment," or "an embodiment" means that a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the example is included in at least one example.
The phrase "in one example" in various places in the specification
does not necessarily refer to the same example each time it
appears.
[0172] With regard to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics,
etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the
steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring
according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be
practiced with the described steps performed in an order other than
the order described herein. It further should be understood that
certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that other steps
could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be
omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are
provided for the purpose of illustrating certain examples, and
should in no way be construed so as to limit the claimed
invention.
[0173] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above
description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.
Many examples and applications other than those specifically
provided would be evident upon reading the above description. The
scope of the invention should be determined, not with reference to
the above description, but should instead be determined with
reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated
and intended that future developments will occur in the arts
discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will
be incorporated into such future examples. In sum, it should be
understood that the invention is capable of modification and
variation and is limited only by the following claims.
[0174] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their
broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as
understood by those skilled in the art unless an explicit
indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, use of
the singular articles such as "a," "the," "the," etc. should be
read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim
recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.
* * * * *