Conveying device for the conveying of coating powder, powder center with the conveying device, and method for the cleaning of the powder center

Abstract

A conveying device is provided for the conveying of coating powder and includes a powder reservoir container that includes, on the bottom, a powder outlet channel. The powder outlet channel is connected to a first powder conveyor for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container back to a powder storage container. Moreover, a second powder conveyor is provided for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container to a powder applicator.

Claims

1. A conveying device for the conveying of coating powder, wherein a powder reservoir container with an outlet is provided, wherein the outlet is arranged on the bottom of the powder reservoir container and forms an inlet opening of a powder outlet channel of the powder reservoir container, wherein the powder outlet channel is connected to a first powder conveyor for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container back to a powder storage container, wherein a second powder conveyor is provided for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container to a powder applicator.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein a third powder conveyor for conveying powder out of the powder storage container into the powder reservoir container is provided.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the third powder conveyor is identical in structure to the first powder conveyor.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein a valve for purging air is provided that is connected to the powder outlet channel via a purging air inlet and is provided for blowing purging air into the powder outlet channel and/or to the first powder conveyor.

5. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein a fluidizing element is provided in the powder outlet channel.

6. The conveying device according to claim 5, wherein the fluidizing element is designed to be ring-shaped.

7. The conveying device according to claim 5, wherein the fluidizing element is micro-porous such that it is permeable to air and impermeable to powder.

8. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the powder reservoir container has a circular cross-section.

9. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the powder reservoir container comprises a base that slants downwards towards the middle of the powder reservoir container.

10. The conveying device according to claim 9, wherein the orifice of the powder outlet channel is situated in the middle of the downward slanting base.

11. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the powder outlet channel extends such as to be funnel-shaped.

12. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the first powder conveyor comprises a powder container with a powder inlet and a powder outlet, a powder inlet valve and a powder outlet valve, whereby the powder inlet is connected to the powder inlet valve and the powder outlet is connected to the powder outlet valve, and whereby a negative pressure can be applied to the powder container.

13. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein a container lid that can be removed, at least in part, is provided on the powder reservoir container.

14. A powder center in combination with a conveying device according to claim 13, wherein a cleaning unit for cleaning of the powder reservoir container and of the container lid is provided that can be moved out of a parking position next to the powder reservoir container into a cleaning position in the powder reservoir container by means of a manipulator, wherein a controller is provided by means of which the cleaning unit and the manipulator can be controlled.

15. A method for cleaning a powder center, comprising: providing the powder center according to claim 14, wherein the residual powder that is present in the powder reservoir container is conveyed out by means of the first powder conveyor, wherein the powder reservoir container and the container lid are cleaned by means of the cleaning unit.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first powder conveyor comprises a powder container with a powder inlet and a powder outlet, a powder inlet valve and a powder outlet valve, wherein the powder inlet is connected to the powder inlet valve and the powder outlet is connected to the powder outlet valve, and wherein a negative pressure is applied to the powder container, and wherein the first and second powder conveyors are purged with compressed air.

17. A conveying device for the conveying of coating powder, wherein a powder reservoir container is provided that comprises, on the bottom, a powder outlet channel, wherein the powder outlet channel is connected to a first powder conveyor for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container back to a powder storage container, wherein a second powder conveyor is provided for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container to a powder applicator, wherein the first powder conveyor comprises a powder container with a powder inlet and a powder outlet, a powder inlet valve and a powder outlet valve, whereby the powder inlet is connected to the powder inlet valve and the powder outlet is connected to the powder outlet valve, and whereby a negative pressure can be applied to the powder container.

18. A conveying device for the conveying of coating powder, wherein a powder reservoir container is provided that comprises, on the bottom, a powder outlet channel, wherein the powder outlet channel is connected to a first powder conveyor for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container back to a powder storage container, wherein a second powder conveyor is provided for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container to a powder applicator, wherein a fluidizing element is provided in the powder outlet channel, wherein the fluidizing element is designed to be ring-shaped, and wherein the fluidizing element is micro-porous such that it is permeable to air and impermeable to powder.

19. The conveying device according to claim 18, wherein the microporous ring-shaped fluidizing element is disposed in the powder outlet channel to enable flow of powder through an opening in the ring-shaped element for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container back to a powder storage container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention and several exemplary embodiments are illustrated in more detail in the following based on 16 figures.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a first possible embodiment of the conveying device according to the invention for the conveying of coating powder, partially in a longitudinal section and partially as a block diagram.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a possible embodiment of a powder conveyor, partially in the longitudinal section.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a possible embodiment of a powder coating facility with the conveying device according to the invention.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a first three-dimensional view of a first possible embodiment of the powder center according to the invention in powder conveying mode.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a second three-dimensional view of the first embodiment of the powder center according to the invention.

(7) FIG. 6 shows a top view of the powder center according to the invention.

(8) FIG. 7 shows a first side view of the powder center according to the invention.

(9) FIG. 8 shows a magnified sectioned view from the side of a part of the powder center according to the invention with the screen cleaning device.

(10) FIG. 9 shows a magnified sectioned view from the side of another part of the powder center according to the invention with the container cleaning facility.

(11) FIG. 10 shows a first three-dimensional view of the powder center according to the invention in cleaning mode.

(12) FIG. 11 shows a second three-dimensional view of the powder center according to the invention in cleaning mode.

(13) FIG. 12 shows a top view of the powder center according to the invention in cleaning mode.

(14) FIG. 13 shows a three-dimensional view of a possible embodiment of a fresh powder station.

(15) FIG. 14 shows a frontal view of the fresh powder station.

(16) FIG. 15 shows a sectioned side view of the fresh powder station.

(17) FIG. 16 shows a sectioned top view of the fresh powder station.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(18) FIG. 1 shows a first possible embodiment of the conveying device according to the invention for the conveying of coating powder. In the figure, some components of the conveying device are shown in a longitudinal section and some are presented symbolically as a block diagram. The conveying device comprises a powder reservoir container 3 that can be closed off by means of a container lid 23. The powder reservoir container 3 and the container lid 23, taken together, form a working container 3, 23. In case of need, the container lid 23 can comprise a side wall 23.2. The container lid 23 then has the shape of an inverted pot.

(19) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a powder conveyor 4 is situated above the working container 3, 23 for conveying powder out of a powder storage container 111 into the powder reservoir container 3 and/or into the working container 3, 23.

(20) The powder reservoir container 3 can have a circular cross-section. A screen 24 can be arranged on the inside of the powder reservoir container 3, as shown in FIG. 1. The screen 24 is preferably designed as an ultrasound screen.

(21) A fluidizing base 25.1 may be situated in the lower area of the powder reservoir container 3. The powder reservoir container 3 is closed off in downward direction by a base 25. In a preferred embodiment, the fluidizing base 25.1 is arranged directly above the base 25 and slants downwards towards the middle of the powder reservoir container 3 and/or towards a powder outlet 25.2.

(22) The powder outlet 25.2 serves as outlet for residual powder and forms the inlet orifice of a powder outlet channel 203. It is preferably designed to be funnel-shaped and comprises a fluidizing element 201. A fluidizing element 201 can be designed to be ring-shaped and can be made from a micro-porous material. The fluidizing element 201 can be, for example, tube-shaped. The inlet orifice 25.2 of the powder outlet channel 203 is preferably situated in the middle of the downward slanting fluidizing base 25.1.

(23) An embodiment of the conveying device provides a vibrator 220 that can be situated, for example, below the powder reservoir container 3 (see FIG. 1). The shaking motions generated by the vibrator 220 can be used to fluidize the powder-air mixture in the powder reservoir container 3 even more homogeneously. Moreover, by this means, the powder-air mixture can flow even more optimally out of the powder outlet channel 203.

(24) The powder outlet channel 203 comprises, on the bottom, a purging air inlet 212 by means of which it is connected to a valve for purging air S12. The purging air valve S12, in turn, is connected to a compressed air source by means of the connector 3.3.

(25) The purging air valve S12 can be used for purging in two different ways. Firstly, it can blow purging air into the powder outlet channel 203 via the purging air inlet 212 for cleaning purposes. For this purpose, the material valve M11 is being opened, the inlet valve 49.2 and, if applicable, the outlet valve 49.3 of the powder conveyor 49 are being closed. The suction system of the cleaning device 28 is being switched on. Once the purging air valve S12 is being opened, the compressed air flows from bottom to top through the powder channel 203 and cleans said channel. Secondly, the purging air valve S12 can also be used in order to blow purging air via the line 96 and the powder conveyor 49 in the direction of the aspiration opening 162. The material valve M11 is being closed for this purpose. The inlet valve 49.2 and the outlet valve 49.3 of the powder conveyor 49 are being opened. The suction system at the aspiration opening 162 is being switched on.

(26) On the outlet side, the powder channel 203 is connected to the connector 3.4 via a valve M11. The connector 3.4 can have a line 96 connected to it by means of which the residual powder that is still present in the powder reservoir container 3 can be transported back to a powder reservoir container 110 by means of a powder conveyor 49. The powder reservoir container 110 can be part of a fresh powder station 3 (see FIGS. 13-16). The line 96 can be designed as a hose.

(27) FIG. 2 shows a possible embodiment of the powder conveyor 49 for the conveying of coating powder, partially in a longitudinal section. The powder that can be conveyed with the powder conveyor 49 can, for example, be fresh powder or recycled powder.

(28) The powder conveyor 49 comprises, on the input side, a powder inlet valve 310 with a powder inlet 310.1. When the powder inlet valve 310 is open, powder can be suctioned or pumped into a container 301 that is adjacent to the powder inlet valve 310. The container 301 shall also be referred to as intermediate container hereinafter. It comprises a container housing, or housing for short, with a top part of the housing 302, a middle part of the housing 303, and a bottom part of the housing 304.

(29) The powder inlet valve 310 can be designed as a crusher. To open the powder inlet valve 310, the control connector 313.1 of the valve 313 is switched such as to be depressurized. The valve 313 is preferably designed as a quick exhaust valve. In case of need, this allows the pressure in the powder inlet valve 311 to be reduced more rapidly and its valve opening time to be shortened.

(30) The powder conveyor 49 comprises, on the output side, a powder outlet valve 320 with a powder inlet 320.1 and a powder outlet 320.2. The powder outlet valve 320 can be designed as a crusher. To open the powder outlet valve 320, the control connector 323.1 of the valve 323 is switched such as to be depressurized. Like valve 313, valve 323 can also be designed as a quick exhaust valve. In case of need, this allows the pressure in the powder outlet valve 320 to be reduced more rapidly.

(31) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top part of the housing 302 has a funnel-shaped inner side 302.1. The funnel-shaped contour helps channeling the powder flowing into the intermediate container 301 without the powder adhering to the inner wall of the top part of the housing 302. In the lower area of the top part of the housing 302, there is a ledge 302.2 adjacent to the funnel-shaped inner side 302.1, which shall also be referred to as upper ledge hereinafter. The ledge 302.2 is a ring-shaped surface, which preferably extends somewhat slanted with respect to the horizontal line. An inner wall 302.3, which preferably deviates somewhat from the vertical line, is adjacent to the ledge 302.2.

(32) When the tube 305 is being pushed in the direction of the ledge 302.2 by its upper end, the side wall 302.3 forms a guidance that tapers in upward direction and thus acts as a centering aid for the tube 305. Another ledge is situated adjacent to and below the side wall 302.3, and another side wall 302.5 is situated adjacent to said ledge.

(33) The lower end of the top part of the housing 302 is designed as a round socket 302.7. The middle part of the housing 303 is plugged onto said socket 302.7 that bears a seal. The middle part of the housing 303 can be screwed to the top part of the housing 302 by means of multiple screws 309. The lower end of the middle part of the housing 303 is plugged into a ring-shaped receptacle of the bottom part of the housing 304.

(34) Like the top part of the housing 302, the bottom part of the housing 304 also comprises a funnel-shaped inner side 304.1. The funnel-shaped contour helps channeling the powder that is present in the intermediate container 301 to the outlet 320.1 without the powder adhering to the inner wall 304.1 of the bottom part of the housing 304. In the upper area, a ledge 304.2 is situated adjacent to the funnel-shaped inner side 304.1. The ledge 304.2 shall be referred to as lower ledge hereinafter and is a ring-shaped surface that extends such as to be slightly slanted with respect to the horizontal line.

(35) When the tube 305 is being pushed in the direction of the lower ledge 304.2 by its lower end, the side wall 304.3 forms a guidance that tapers in downward direction and thus acts as a centering aid for the tube 305. Another ledge is situated adjacent to and above the side wall 304.3, and another side wall 304.5 is situated adjacent to said ledge.

(36) Like the side wall 302.5, the side wall 304.5 is situated at a distance from the outer side 305.9 of the tube 305 such that a clearance 306 is generated between the side walls 302.5, 304.5, and the outer side of the tube 305. At the clearance 306, the air can pass through the semipermeable tube 305, but the powder can not.

(37) The upper end of the bottom part of the housing 304 is preferably designed as a round socket 304.7 and forms a receptacle for the lower section of the middle part of the housing 303. The lower section of the middle part of the housing 303 is plugged into the receptacle and can be screwed and/or glued to same. This produces, in simple manner, a secure and tight connection between the middle part of the housing 303 and the bottom part of the housing 304.

(38) If the powder conveyor 49 is to be used in an area with an elevated explosion hazard, a grounding can be provided on the powder conveyor. The grounding cable 314 can be electrically connected, for example, to the middle part of the housing 303 of the powder conveyor 49.

(39) The powder conveyor 4, which serves for supplying the working container 3, 23, can be identical in structure to the powder conveyor 49. The operating mode of the powder conveyor 4 shall be illustrated in more detail in the following. It is presumed that there is no powder present in the intermediate container 301 initially. In a first step, the valves 310 and 320 are being closed such that neither can powder get into the intermediate container 301 nor can powder be transported out of the intermediate container 301. Then, the vacuum valve 327 is being opened in order to generate a negative pressure in the intermediate container 301. In this context, the air is aspirated out of the intermediate container 301 through the air-permeable pores of the tube 305. As soon as the powder inlet valve 310 is being opened, powder is suctioned into the intermediate container 301 and/or the powder chamber 307. There is no need to wait for a definite negative pressure to be established in the intermediate container 301. The powder inlet valve 310 can be opened at any time, i.e. shortly before the vacuum valve 327 is being opened, simultaneous with the vacuum valve 327 being opened or after the vacuum valve 327 was opened. Once a sufficient powder quantity has accumulated in the powder chamber 307 of the intermediate container 301, the vacuum valve 327 and the powder inlet valve 310 are being closed again. A suction process of this type can take, for example, 6 seconds to be completed. Subsequently, the outlet valve 320 is being opened such that the powder can flow out of the intermediate container 301. This can take place utilizing the effect of gravity. In order to support the transport of powder out of the intermediate container 301, compressed air can be blown through the connector 308 and the opening 308.1 into the intermediate container 301. The valve 328 is being opened for this purpose. Initially, the compressed air moves through the connector 308 and the opening 308.1 into the space 306. Subsequently, it flows through the semipermeable tube 305 into the powder chamber 307. The compressed air aids the cleaning of the inner wall of the tube 305 during each conveying cycle.

(40) As shown in FIG. 2, the connector 308 can be situated in the middle part of the housing 303. The connector 308 is connected to the space 306 via the opening 308.1, which is designed as a through hole in the middle part of the housing 303.

(41) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the powder conveyor 4 can be connected to the working container 3, 23 to supply the container with powder. Since the working container 3, 23 is continuously pressurized during conveying mode, it is advantageous for the pressure in the intermediate container 301 to be higher than or at least equal to the pressure in the working container 3, 23. A pressure regulating valve 340 can be used to adjust the pressure in the intermediate container 301. As soon as the powder flowed out of the intermediate container 301, the outlet valve 320 and the valve 328 are being closed again. Subsequently, the intermediate container 301 can be refilled with powder in the manner described above.

(42) The powder conveyor 4 can comprise a flange 324. The purpose of the flange 324 and screws 325 is to be able to connect the powder conveyor 4 to a further component.

(43) The powder conveyor 4 described above can be used in various places in a powder coating facility. FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a possible embodiment of a powder coating facility having three powder conveyors of this type. They are identified in the powder coating facility as powder conveyor 4, 5, and 49. If reference is made to powder conveyor 5 hereinafter, this shall be understood to include the entirety made up of intermediate container in a narrower sense, inlet valve, and outlet valve. The same applies analogously to the powder conveyor 49 as well. In FIG. 1, the intermediate container thereof is identified by reference number 49.1, its inlet valve by reference number 49.2, and its outlet valve by reference number 49.3.

(44) The layout of the entire powder coating facility is illustrated in more detail in the following based on FIGS. 3 to 16.

(45) The powder center 1, also referred to as powder supplying device, powder center or integrated powder management system, comprises the powder reservoir container 3 that is used for storing the coating powder. Moreover, the powder center 1 comprises a powder conveying device by means of which the powder is conveyed out of the powder reservoir container 3 and is transported to a powder applicator 80. The powder conveying device is integrated into the powder reservoir container 3 in the present case and shall be illustrated in more detail later on. The powder applicator 80 (see FIG. 3) can be designed as a manual or automatic powder spraying device and comprises, on its outlet facing the workpiece 65, a spray nozzle or a rotation atomizer.

(46) The powder center 1 is designed as a module. By this means, the powder center 1 can be transported rapidly and easily as a compact unit. The individual components of the powder center 1 are attached to frame profiles 2 that can be made of aluminum or steel, for example. The frame profiles 2 form the outer boundary of the powder center 1. In case of need, the powder center 1 can comprise a base 7.

(47) The powder reservoir container 3 of the powder center 1 can be arranged, for example, on a pedestal 6. As shown, for example, in FIG. 9, the powder reservoir container 3 can be closed off by the powder container lid 23 during conveying mode. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 12, the powder container lid 23 takes the shape of an inverted pot. By means of pneumatic locks 18, the powder container lid 23 can be closed off tightly against the powder reservoir container 3. For this purpose, the powder reservoir container 3 comprises seals and lock receptacles 3.1 that can be engaged by appropriately designed counterparts of the pneumatic lock 18. The pneumatic lock 18 can be fitted, for example, with a cylinder, a piston, and a piston rod. When compressed air is being applied to the lower chamber of the cylinder, the piston and thus the piston rod are pushed upwards. The grab situated on the lower end of the piston rod engages the lock receptacle 3.1 and causes the powder container lid 23 to be pushed onto the powder reservoir container 3. Three locks 18 of this type are present in one embodiment (for example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). The number of locks 18 as well as their design can be readily adapted to the respective needs.

(48) The screen 24, which can be designed as an ultrasound screen, is situated on the inside of the powder reservoir container 3. The ultrasound transducer 24.1 of the screen 24 is preferably situated outside the powder reservoir container 3. The screen 24 is accessible and can be taken out once the powder container lid 23 is taken off. For this to take place automatically, the ultrasound screen 24 is attached to a pivoting mechanism 16 by means of a support arm 22. Using the pivoting mechanism 16, the screen 24 can be pivoted out of the working position (see FIG. 6) and can be moved into a cleaning position in a cleaning station 27 (see FIG. 12). The cleaning station 27 shall also be referred to as screen cleaning station or screen-cleaning station hereinafter.

(49) As shown in FIG. 8, a cleaning arm 20, which is supported such that it can rotate, is situated on the inside of the cleaning station 27. The cleaning arm 20 comprises a multitude of cleaning nozzles 20.1, which are arranged on the top side of the cleaning arm 20. The cleaning station 27 also comprises a lid 15 that can be opened and closed, for example, by means of a pneumatic cylinder 17. The lid 15 is pivoted about a hinge 21 in this context. A curved double arrow indicates the pivoting motion. The lid 15 bears, on its underside, a cleaning arm 19, which is also fitted with a multitude of cleaning nozzles 19.1. The cleaning nozzles 19.1 are preferably situated on the underside of the cleaning arm 19. They are aligned appropriately such that they blow compressed air downwards onto the ultrasound screen 24, which is situated below the cleaning arm 19, during cleaning mode. The upper cleaning arm 19 is supported on the lid 15, such that it can rotate, by a bearing 50. The lower cleaning arm 20 is supported on the cleaning container 14, such that it can rotate, by a bearing 51. The two bearings 50 and 51 can just as well be designed in the form of air motors. The direction of rotation of the upper cleaning arm 19 and the direction of rotation of the lower cleaning arm 20 are each indicated by an arrow. The direction of rotation of the cleaning arm results from the offset arrangement of the cleaning nozzles and the recoil that arises when compressed air flows out through the nozzles. During cleaning mode, the ultrasound screen 24 is situated between the lower cleaning arm 20 and the upper cleaning arm 19.

(50) The cleaning arm 19 can be angled on both ends (as shown in FIG. 8) such that it has a horizontal leg and two legs that are slanting upwards. The compressed air nozzles 19.1 can just as well be situated on the horizontal leg and on the legs slanting upwards. The cleaning arm 19 can be designed in the form of a tube for guiding the compressed air on the inside of the tube to the compressed air nozzles 19.1. The same applies analogously to the lower cleaning arm 20, even though the ends of the lower cleaning arm 20 are not angled in FIG. 8.

(51) A lower container section 14.2 with an outlet 14.1 for accommodating the screen 24 is situated on the underside of the container 14. The outlet 14.1 can be used to aspirate the powder-air mixture that is present in the cleaning station 27. For this purpose, the outlet 14.1 is connected to an inlet opening 13.2 of a suction tube 13 by means of a hose that is not shown in the figures. The powder-air mixture can be suctioned via the suction tube 13 and a suction line 91 into an after-filter 100.

(52) The powder inlet of the working container 3, 23 is preferably situated in the upper part thereof. For example, it can be arranged in the powder container lid 23 of the working container 3, 23. The working container 3, 23 can just as well comprise multiple powder inlets. The powder inlet 23.1 is connected to the powder outlet 4.2 of the intermediate container 301 by means of the powder valve M21, which can be designed, for example, in the form of a pneumatically controlled crusher. The intermediate container 301, combined with the inlet valve M20 and the outlet valve M21, serves as powder conveyor 4 and is usually arranged above the working container 3, 23. By this means, gravity can be used to transport powder that is situated in the intermediate container 301 downwards into the working container 3, 23.

(53) A second powder conveyor 5 can be arranged above the working container 3, 23. The powder outlet thereof also merges into the working container 3, 23. The second powder conveyor 5 can be identical in structure to the first powder conveyor 4 (see FIG. 2).

(54) The powder conveying device that is integrated into the powder reservoir container 3 shall be illustrated in more detail in the following. The powder conveying device can be designed in the way described in European patent application EP 3 238 832 A1. The working container 3, 23 is designed and can be operated appropriately such that pressure can be applied to it. Powder can be conveyed out of the fresh powder station 30 and can be transported into the working container 3, 23 by means of the powder conveyor 4. A corresponding powder inlet is present in the powder container lid 23 that covers the powder reservoir container 3 on the top. The working container 3, 23 comprises, in the area of the container base 25, a fluidizing insert 25.1 for fluidizing the powder, and a series of powder outlets 3.2. The invention can provide one powder outlet valve G1-G36 to be connected to each of the powder outlets 3.2. In turn, one powder line 81 each is connected to each of the powder outlet valves G1-G36. Moreover, each of the powder lines 81 comprises an inlet for transport air on the inlet side, i.e. in the proximity of the corresponding powder outlet valve G1-G36. On the outlet side, each of the powder lines 81 is preferably connected to one of the powder applicators 80 each by means of a coupling 130. The amount of powder to be conveyed is controlled by repeatedly opening and closing the corresponding powder outlet valve G1-G36 by means of a controller 70. To avoid repetitions, reference shall be made to the aforementioned patent application EP 3 238 832 A1, the content of which shall herewith be made a part of the present application.

(55) For this purpose, the coupling 130 comprises a first group of connectors 131 and a second group of connectors 132. The controller 70 can be used to adjust which connector of the first group 131 is connected to which connector of the second group 132. Accordingly, each individual powder line 81 can be connected, on the outlet side, to one connector of the first group 131 each. Each individual powder line can be connected to a connector of the second group 132 each, and can be connected, on the other side, to one of the powder applicators 80 each.

(56) In one embodiment, 36 powder outlet valves G1-G36 are used. However, more or fewer powder outlet valves can be used just as well. The number of powder outlet valves that is used depends on the number of powder applicators 80 that are used.

(57) As an alternative to the integrated powder conveying device with the powder outlet valve G1 just described, the invention can just as well provide a powder injector that works according to the Venturi principle or a powder pump for dense phase conveying.

(58) Instead of the powder conveyor 4, a powder pump for dense phase conveying, a hose pump or a powder injector can just as well be provided. The same shall apply to the powder conveyor 5 analogously.

(59) The powder reservoir container 3 and the powder container lid 23 thereof as well as the two powder conveyors 4 and are attached to a vertical linear axle 12, which is also referred to as linear lifting device, and can be moved up and down by this device. The drive 12.1 of the linear axle 12 can be situated on the top of the linear axle 12. The direction of motion thereof is indicated by the vertical double arrow in FIG. 9.

(60) In addition, the powder center 1 comprises a container cleaning unit 28, or cleaning unit for short, that comprises a cleaning container 10, an upper cleaning arm 11, and a lower cleaning arm 26. The upper cleaning arm 11 and the lower cleaning arm 26 are supported in the cleaning container 10 such that they can rotate and each comprise a multitude of compressed air-operated cleaning nozzles 11.1 or 26.1. The cleaning container 10 is attached to a linear lifting device 9 and can be moved vertically upwards and downwards (in y direction) by the device. The direction of motion thereof is indicated by the vertical double arrow in FIG. 9. The drive 9.1 of the linear lifting device 9 can be situated on the top of the linear lifting device 9. The linear lifting device 9, in turn, is attached to a horizontally-aligned linear drive 8 (also referred to as linear axle) and can be moved horizontally (in x direction) back and forth by same. The drive 8.1 of the linear axle 8 can be situated on the side of the linear axle 8. It is possible, by means of the linear axle 8, to position the container cleaning unit 28 laterally next to the working container 3, 23 (see FIGS. 4 to 7) during conveying mode. During cleaning mode, the container lid 23 is driven upwards first; then the container cleaning unit 28 can be positioned appropriately by means of the two linear drives 8 and 9 such that the cleaning container 10 is first moved over the powder reservoir container 3 and is then lowered to the extent such that the cleaning arm 26 is situated at a defined distance from the base 25 of the powder reservoir container 3. The cleaning arm 26 projecting on the bottom from the cleaning container 10 is then situated inside the powder reservoir container 3 and serves for cleaning the inner wall and the base 25 of the powder reservoir container 3.

(61) The linear drive 12 can then be used to lower the powder container lid 23 to the extent such that the cleaning arm 11 that projects on the top from the cleaning container can be used to blow off, and thus clean, the inner surfaces of the powder container lid 23. The cleaning arm 11 projects into the inside of the powder container lid 23 in this context.

(62) One possible embodiment of the fresh powder station 30 is shown in various views in FIGS. 13 to 16.

(63) The fresh powder station 30 can be designed, for example, as an independent module. The station comprises a first storage space 31 and a second storage space 32, which each can accommodate a powder carton 110, 111 (see FIG. 3). The two storage spaces 31 and 32 are preferably arranged such as to be slanted such that the powder migrates obliquely downwards into a corner in the powder carton supported by gravity. By this means, the powder carton can be readily emptied by means of a suction lance 33 without any residue or hardly any residue being left behind. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the suction lance 33 can be moved horizontally by means of a linear drive 44 such that it can be used for both a powder carton that is arranged on the first storage space 31 as well as for a powder carton that is arranged on the second storage space 32. Moreover, the fresh powder station 30 comprises an additional linear drive 38 to be able to move the suction lance 33 vertically as well.

(64) A vibrator 54 and a scale 46 are situated below the storage space 31 for the powder carton 110. The purpose of the vibrator 54 is to agitate the powder in the carton 110 such that it is distributed better and flows in the direction of the suction lance 33.

(65) The scale 46 can be used to determine the filling level in the carton 110, and to initiate a change of powder cartons once the filling level drops below a certain level. Moreover, the measuring signal generated by the scale 46 can be used to recognize if there is still sufficient space in the carton 110 when powder is to be conveyed via the line 96 from the powder center 1 back to the powder station 30.

(66) Likewise, a vibrator 55 and a scale 47 are situated below the storage space 32. Their purpose is analogous to that of the vibrator 54 and of the scale 46 in the case of storage space 31.

(67) To be able to clean the suction lance 33, the fresh powder station 30 comprises, in addition, a cleaning station 52 that is equipped with a wiper ring and/or compressed air nozzles and/or a suction system. By this means, powder adhering to the outside of the suction lance 33 can be removed during the up and down motion.

(68) In addition, air nozzles 57 can be provided on the cleaning station 53 for cleaning of the lower area of the suction lance 33. If the suction lance 33 comprises a fluidizing crown for fluidizing the powder in the suction area, same can be cleaned with this as well.

(69) Instead of two storage spaces 31 and 32 with two powder cartons 110 and 111, just one storage space 32 and a powder container 150 with a fluidizing facility could be installed just as well. For example, two pumps 124 and 125 could be used to convey powder from a Big Bag 121 into the powder container 150 via a powder line 127 each.

(70) Instead of or in addition to the Big Bag 121, a Big Bag 120 with a pump 123 could be provided just as well. The powder can be pumped via a powder line 126 directly to the powder conveyor 4 by a pump 123.

(71) The Big Bag 120 or 121 is also referred to as Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container or FIBC, for short. It usually contains larger amounts of powder than the powder carton 110 and the powder carton 111. Moreover, the Big Bag 120/120 usually stands farther away from the powder conveyor 4 than the powder carton 110 or 111. Accordingly, the Big Bag 120/121 can stand at a distance of, for example, 30 m from the powder conveyor 4, whereas the powder carton 110 or 111 stands, for example, at a distance of 5 m from the powder conveyor 4.

(72) The fresh powder station 30 can comprise multiple compressed air regulating valves 39 and 40 and adjusting knobs 41 and 42. The compressed air regulating valve 39 can be designed for adjusting the fluid air of the fluid base of the powder container 150. The purpose of the compressed air regulating valve 40 is to adjust the fluid air at the fluidizing crown of the suction lance 33. The adjusting knob 41 can be used to control the position of the exhaust air damper. The adjusting knob 42 can be used to transmit a confirmation signal to the controller.

(73) The fresh powder station 30 can comprise, in its base area, a suction system 37 with a suction opening 37.1 to be able to aspirate excess powder out of the inside of the fresh powder station 30. The fresh powder station 30 can also comprise a flexible suction hose that can be used for manual cleaning in case of need.

(74) The invention can provide the fresh powder station 30 to comprise a pivoting mechanism 45 for the powder conveyor 49. The pivoting mechanism 45 comprises a drive, which can, for example, be designed as a pneumatic drive, and a pivoting arm 45.1. The pivoting mechanism 45 can be used to transition the powder conveyor 49 out of the conveying position (see FIG. 15) into a cleaning position. In the cleaning position, the powder conveyor 49 projects into the interior space of the fresh powder station 30. In addition, air nozzles 56 can be provided for cleaning of the lower area of the powder conveyor 49 when it is being pivoted out of the conveying position into the cleaning position or out of the cleaning position into the conveying position.

(75) The pneumatic drive can comprise two pneumatically driven cylinders. By this means, the powder conveyor 49 can be transitioned into a cleaning position, a first conveying position, and a second conveying position. To transition the powder conveyor 49 into the cleaning position (see FIG. 15), the cylinder 1 and the cylinder 2 are being retracted. In the first conveying position, the powder conveyor 49 is situated above the storage space 31. For this purpose, the cylinder 1 is being retracted and cylinder 2 is being driven out. In the second conveying position, the powder conveyor 49 is situated above the storage space 32; the cylinders 1 and 2 are driven out. In the first conveying position, powder can be conveyed back into the powder carton 110, and, in the second conveying position, powder can be conveyed back into powder carton 111.

(76) The suction lance 33 can be transitioned into three different positions by the linear axle 38 and the linear drive 44: In the cleaning position (see FIG. 13), the suction lance 33 is situated in the cleaning station 53. In the first conveying position, the suction lance 33 is situated above the storage space 31 and, in the second conveying position, it is situated above the storage space 32.

(77) In case of need, the fresh powder station 30 can just as well be equipped with its own controller 43. For example the suction lance 33, the cleaning station 52 for the suction lance 33, the linear axle 38, the linear drive 44, the pivoting mechanism 45, and the blow nozzles 56 and 57 can be controlled by said controller 43.

(78) The powder conveyor 49 shown, for example, in FIGS. 14 and 16 is advantageously being positioned directly above the powder carton 110 or 111 into which it is to convey powder. Since it utilizes gravity, the powder drops into the powder carton situated below the powder conveyor 49 once the outlet valve 49.2 of the powder conveyor 49 is opened.

(79) The powder conveyor 49 used for returning the powder can just as well be designed differently. For example, it can be designed as a powder pump. Since a powder pump of this type does not utilize gravity, it can be arranged in different places. For example, it can be situated at the same height level as the powder carton 110.

(80) Two covers 35 and 36 that can be opened manually can be provided on the topside of the powder station 30. By this means, the staff also has access from above to the inside of the fresh powder station 30.

(81) In case of need, the fresh powder station 30 can just as well be equipped with side walls 34 and a rear wall 48.

(82) One possible embodiment of a total facility for powder coating of workpieces 65 is shown in simplified manner as a block diagram in FIG. 3. The total facility can be controlled by means of a central controller 70. The controller 70 can be connected via corresponding control lines (not shown in the Figures) to various components of the total facility and can be provided for controlling the powder coating cabin 60 including powder applicators 80, the fresh powder station 30, the powder center 1, the powder recycling 90, and/or the after-filter 100.

(83) Alternatively or in addition to the central controller 70, the fresh powder station 30 can comprise a separate controller 43, as has been mentioned above. The same applies analogously to all other components of the total facility for the coating of workpieces with powder.

(84) Since all powder particles sprayed by the powder applicators 80 do not adhere to the workpieces 65 to be coated during the coating process, the excess powder, which is also referred to as overspray, needs to be removed from the cabin 60. This is necessary, firstly, because the surrounding area outside of the cabin needs to be kept free of powder dust. Secondly, the explosion hazard increases when a certain powder concentration is exceeded by the powder dust cloud floating in the cabin. This needs to be prevented.

(85) The overspray arising during the coating and the air present in the cabin 60 are suctioned out of the cabin 60 as a powder-air mixture and are fed to a device for powder recovery 90 via a residual powder pipeline 92. The device for powder recovery 90 can be designed, for example, as a cyclone. The powder recovered therein can be fed to the powder center 1 again via a powder line 94 in case of need. In order to also remove, by filtering, the fraction of powder that was not removed, by filtering, in the cyclone 90, the powder-air mixture can be fed from the cyclone via a suction line 93 to the after-filter 100.

(86) The powder-air mixture in the residual powder pipeline 92 is also referred to as residual powder air flow. For aspiration of the overspray out of the cabin 60, the cabin 60 comprises, for example, a suction slit. It connects the inside of the cabin 60 to the residual powder pipeline 92. The suction slit and the suction tube 61 are therefore used to aspirate excess powder from the inside of the cabin as a powder-air mixture and to feed it to a cyclone separator 90, or cyclone for short, that can be designed as a mono-cyclone. The powder-air mixture flows tangentially into the cyclone 90 and flows spirally downward inside the cyclone. In the process, the powder particles are pushed outwards against the outer wall of the cyclone 90 by the centrifugal force that arises during the rotation of the powder-air flow. The powder particles are conveyed downwards in the direction of the powder outlet of the cyclone, and are collected there. The air from which the powder particles have been removed is aspirated via the vertical central tube that is situated in the cyclone 90. Thus cleaned, the air flow is often fed to an after-filter 100 in order to remove, by filtering, even the last residual powder present in the air. The powder recycled in the cyclone 90 can be re-used for coating and can be fed to the powder center 1 via the powder line 94.

(87) Conveying Mode/Conveying Operation

(88) In conveying mode, the ultrasound screen 24 is situated in the working container 3, 23, between the powder reservoir container 3 and the powder container lid 23. The locks 18 make sure that the working container is closed in airtight manner. The screen cleaning device 27 and the container cleaning unit 28 are situated in the parking position, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.

(89) The parking position for the container cleaning unit 28 is situated next to the powder reservoir container 3. The term «next to the powder reservoir container» shall also comprise above, below, in front of or behind the powder reservoir container.

(90) The screen 24 is not obligatory for conveying mode. The conveying of powder can also take place without an ultrasound screen or without a screen 24 altogether.

(91) Cleaning Mode/Cleaning Operation

(92) For switching from conveying mode to cleaning mode, the conveying of powder out of the powder reservoir container 3 is stopped and the residual powder that is still present in the powder reservoir container 3 is aspirated via the outlet 25.1 and the line 96 by means of the powder conveyor 49. For this purpose, the material valve M11 is being opened, while the purging valve S12 is closed during this time. The overpressure that is still prevailing in the working container 3, 23 is reduced to normal pressure and the locks 18 are opened.

(93) Then, the powder container lid 23 is lifted by means of the linear lifting device 12 and the ultrasound screen 24 is pivoted out of the working position into the cleaning position by means of the pivoting mechanism 16.

(94) As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the linear drive 12 lifts the container lid 23 to the extent such that the cleaning container 10 can be driven in between the powder container lid 23 and the powder reservoir container 3 by the two linear axles 8 and 9. Subsequently, the container cleaning unit 28 including the cleaning container 10 is lowered sufficiently until the lower cleaning arm 26 is situated on the inside of the powder reservoir container 3 and is situated at a defined distance from the base 25 of the powder reservoir container 3.

(95) The powder container lid 23 is then lowered to the extent such that the upper cleaning arm 11 is situated on the inside of the powder container lid 23 and is situated at a defined distance from the powder container lid 23.

(96) In the embodiment above, an air gap remains between the powder container lid 23 and the cleaning container 10. Likewise, an air gap remains between the powder container 3 and the cleaning container 10. The after-filter 100 aspirates air through the air gap. This prevents the powder-air mixture generated by the compressed air nozzles 11.1 and 26.1 during the cleaning process from escaping into the surroundings.

(97) Instead, it is feasible just as well to lower the powder container lid 23 to the extent such that no gap remains between the powder container lid 23 and the cleaning container 10. Likewise, the gap between the cleaning container and the powder container 3 can be eliminated by lowering the cleaning container 10 to the extent such that it is placed on top of the powder container 3.

(98) In another embodiment, the locks 18 can close the unit made up of powder container lid 23, cleaning container 10, and powder reservoir container 3, in airtight manner.

(99) In a next step, compressed air is blown through the nozzles 11.1 and 26.1 in the direction of the inner walls of the powder container lid 23 and of the powder reservoir container 3. The powder-air mixture thus generated is aspirated via the suction line 13 and can be fed to the cyclone 90 and/or to the after-filter 100.

(100) The cleaning of the powder conveyor 4 can take place as follows. A purging valve S13 (see FIG. 3) is used to blow compressed air, preferably intermittently, into the powder inlet valve M20 and through the powder conveyor 4 in the direction of the powder outlet valve M21. The compressed air is aspirated by the suction system 13 in the direction of the after-filter 100. Simultaneously, compressed air is blown through the valve 328 (see FIG. 2) through the porous wall of the tube 305 and the tube 305 is thus blown off to be free of powder dust proceeding from outside toward the inside. The compressed air value is increased markedly at the pressure regulator 340 for the cleaning process, for example to 5 bar. As a result, clearly more compressed air flows and the cleaning becomes more efficient.

(101) As a matter of principle, the cleaning of the powder conveyor can proceed analogously by the way and manner described above.

(102) The two powder conveyors 4 and 5 can be connected to each other by a material valve M22 (see FIG. 3). If the material valve M22 is controlled appropriately, the two powder conveyors 4 and 5 can be cleaned by means of a single purging valve S13. Instead, the powder conveyor 4 can just as well be cleaned by means of a first purging valve and the powder conveyor 5 can be cleaned by means of a second purging valve.

(103) The powder conveyor 49 can also be cleaned by the way and manner described above. Instead of the purging valve S13, the purging valve S12 is used during the cleaning of the powder conveyor 49. The powder removed during the cleaning can be aspirated via the suction opening 162 and line 37.

(104) For the reasons stated above, it is advantageous to blow a large amount of compressed air (e.g. 5 bar) not only through the purging valve S13, but also through the purging valve S12.

(105) As soon as the screen 24 and/or the ultrasound screen is situated in the cleaning container 14, the lid 15 is closed by means of the pneumatic cylinder 17. An air gap can remain between the lid 15 and the cleaning container 14. In another embodiment, the lid 15 can just as well be placed on the cleaning container 14 in airtight manner.

(106) Now, compressed air is being blown through the nozzles 19.1 and 20.1 from above and below onto the screen 24. The powder-air mixture thus generated is aspirated via the suction line 13 and can be fed to the cyclone 90 and/or to the after-filter 100.

(107) As soon as the screen 24 is clean, the blowing off of the screen is terminated. Once the powder container 3 and the container lid 23 are clean, the blowing off is terminated here as well.

(108) If the locks 18 had previously been closed, they are now being opened again. The container lid 23 is being lifted and the container cleaning unit 28 is being moved back into the parking position (see FIGS. 4-7). The lid 15 is being lifted as well. Once the cleaning mode is completed, the screen 23 is driven back into its working position. Subsequently, the conveying of powder can be started again.

(109) Cleaning Mode with Intensive Cleaning

(110) The following cleaning steps can be carried out in order to clean the powder center 1 and the other components of the facility contacting the coating powder even more thoroughly. The steps are preferably carried out automatically and are coordinated by the controller 70. The cleaning unit 28 is used to clean the powder reservoir container 3 and the container lid 23, as described above. In a further step, a switch to a different coating powder is carried out. The other coating powder in this context can be the powder that is the next to be used for coating the workpieces 65. But this does not necessarily have to be the case. Instead, a switch to a special cleaning agent can be carried out just as well. The cleaning agent can be, for example, a granulate with a grain size between 2 mm and 7 mm. The grain size, the grain material, and the grain properties are preferably selected appropriately such that, firstly, the cleaning agent can be conveyed through all openings in the powder system and, secondly, has a good cleaning effect. The selection of the cleaning agent advantageously takes into consideration that no additional wear and tear in the powder system and no chemical incompatibility with the coating powder arises.

(111) In an additional step, a switch to conveying mode is effected for a limited period of time such that the other coating powder and/or the cleaning agent flows through the individual components of the facility. During the brief conveying mode, for example 3 kg of powder that are ultimately lost can be conveyed. But it is also feasible to recover the material (the powder and/or the cleaning agent) in the cyclone 90. As a result, the powder lines 91, 92, 93, and 94 can also be purged with the new material. This is of advantage, in particular, if the new powder is conveyed to be recovered.

(112) Subsequently, the powder reservoir container 3 and the container lid 23 are cleaned again by means of the cleaning unit 28.

(113) The preceding description of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention serves for illustrative purposes only. Various changes and modifications are feaBible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, for example, the various components of the conveying device and the powder center shown in FIGS. 1 to 16 can be combined with each other in a way different from what is shown in the Figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

(114) 1 Powder center 2 Frame profiles 3 Powder reservoir container 3.1 Lock receptacle 3.2 Outlet opening for powder 3.3 Compressed air connector for purging air 3.4 Powder outlet 4 Powder conveyor 4.2 Powder outlet 5 Powder conveyor 6 Pedestal 7 Base sheet 8 Linear drive 8.1 Drive motor 9 Linear drive 9.1 Drive motor 10 Cleaning container 10.1 Outlet 11 Cleaning arm for the lid 11.1 Cleaning nozzles 12 Linear drive 12.1 Drive motor 13 Suction line/suction tube 13.1 Inlet opening 13.2 Inlet opening 14 Screen cleaning container 14.1 Outlet 14.2 Lower container section 15 Lid of the screen cleaning device 16 Pivoting mechanism 17 Lifting cylinder 18 Lock 19 Cleaning arm 19.1 Screen cleaning nozzles 20 Cleaning arm 20.1 Screen cleaning nozzles 21 Hinge 22 Support arm for the powder screen 23 Container lid 23.1 Powder inlet 23.2 Side wall 24 Ultrasound screen 24.1 Ultrasound transducer 25 Container base 25.1 Fluidizing insert 25.2 Outlet 26 Cleaning arm for the powder reservoir container 26.1 Cleaning nozzles 27 Screen cleaning device 28 Cleaning unit/container cleaning unit 30 Fresh powder station 31 First storage space 32 Second storage space 33 Suction lance 34 Side wall 35 Cover 36 Cover 37 Suction system 37.1 Suction opening 37.2 Suction opening 37.3 Suction opening 38 Linear axle for the suction lance 39 Compressed air regulating valve 40 Compressed air regulating valve 41 Adjusting knob 42 Adjusting knob 43 Controller 44 Linear drive 45 Pivoting mechanism for powder conveyor 45.1 Arm 46 Scale 47 Scale 48 Rear wall 49 Powder conveyor 49.1 Powder container 49.2 Inlet valve for powder 49.3 Outlet valve for powder 50 Bearing 51 Bearing 52 Cleaning station 53 Cleaning station 54 Vibrator 55 Vibrator 56 Compressed air nozzle 57 Compressed air nozzle 60 Powder coating cabin 65 Workpiece 70 Controller 71 Control line 80 Powder spray gun 81 Powder line 90 Powder recovery 91 Suction line 92 Suction line 93 Suction line 94 Powder line 95 Suction line 96 Powder return line 97 Powder line 98 Powder line 100 After-filter 110 Powder carton 111 Powder carton/powder storage container 120 Big Bag 121 Big Bag 123 Powder pump 124 Powder pump 125 Powder pump 126 Powder line 127 Powder line 130 Coupling 131 First group of connectors 132 Second group of connectors 141 Residual powder line 142 Residual powder line 150 Intermediate container for powder 160 Suction opening 162 Suction opening 200 Powder outlet tube 201 Fluidizing element 202 Flange 203 Powder outlet channel 210 Valve for fluidizing element 211 Control connector for a material valve M11 212 Purging air inlet 220 Vibrator 301 Intermediate container/housing 302 Top part of the housing 302.1 Funnel-shaped inner wall 302.2 Ledge 302.5 Inner wall 302.7 Socket 303 Middle part of the housing 304 Bottom part of the housing 304.1 Funnel-shaped inner wall 304.2 Ledge 304.5 Inner wall 304.7 Housing wall 305 Tube 306 Clearance 307 Powder chamber 308 Compressed air control connector 308.1 Opening 309 Screw 310 Powder inlet valve 310.1 Inlet of the inlet valve 310.2 Outlet of the inlet valve 311 Valve housing 312 Hose nipple 313 Compressed air valve 313.1 Compressed air control connector 314 Grounding cable 314.1 Grounding connector 316 Valve 320 Powder outlet valve 320.1 Inlet of the outlet valve 320.2 Outlet of the outlet valve 321 Valve housing 322 Flange 323 Compressed air valve 323.1 Control connector 324 Flange 325 Screw 327 Vacuum valve 328 Valve 340 Pressure regulating valve M11 Valve for powder material M20 Inlet valve for powder M21 Outlet valve for powder M22 Valve S11 Purging valve S12 Purging valve S13 Purging valve G1-G36 Outlet valves x x-axis y y-axis z z-axis