Coating processes – With post-treatment of coating or coating material – Heating or drying
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-24
2002-02-26
Parker, Fred J. (Department: 1762)
Coating processes
With post-treatment of coating or coating material
Heating or drying
C427S195000, C427S421100, C427S425000, C427S477000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06350491
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to apparatus and method for coating parts and more particularly to apparatus and method for spray painting parts.
Most parts in modern industrial equipment require some manner of coating or painting to enhance the appearance of the parts and/or to protect the part. In most modern applications the part requires several coats to optimize the appearance and/or protection. For example, a second base coat may be applied over a first base coat, or one or more clear coats may be applied over one more base coats. Conventional paint technology for the application of several coats has dictated systems that include multiple spray stations or booths for the multiple coats to be applied. The booths are typically located in series and are typically connected by a moving conveyor. Further, when multiple dryer or bake operations are required, it is necessary to use a series of bake ovens between the series of paint booths. These systems, by virtue of their serial technology, require a large amount of factory or floor space. These systems also have a fixed throughput and require the entire system to be activated even if only one section of the system is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to the provision of improved painting apparatus and methodology.
More specifically, this invention is directed to the provision of an improved painting apparatus and methodology whereby a plurality of coats may be applied utilizing a minimum of floor or factory space.
Further, this invention is directed to the provision of an improved painting apparatus and methodology whereby the system throughput is readily variable depending on the number of applications, flash times, and cure times.
The invention paint apparatus and methodology is intended for applying a plurality of smooth even coats to a part utilizing a minimum of floor space.
According to one aspect of the invention methodology, a load station, a spray paint station, a cure station, and a work station are provided in sequence; a part is moved from the load station to the spray paint station; the part is passed a plurality of times through the spray paint station to apply a plurality of coats of paint; the part is moved to the cure station; and the part is thereafter moved to the unload station. This methodology, whereby the part is moved a plurality of times through the same paint station or booth, minimizes the floor space required to apply a given amount of coats to the part.
According to a further feature of the invention methodology, the method includes the further step of providing a wash station between the load station and the spray paint station and the part is moved from the load station to the wash station and thereafter to the spray paint station. This arrangement of a single wash station serving a multiple application spray paint station further reduces the space requirements for the system.
According to a further feature of the invention methodology, each part is stopped in the wash station and rotated while a cleansing liquid is directed against the rotating part. This arrangement provides a 360° part impingement for cleaning and provides a more effective rinse utilizing less water and/or chemicals.
According to a further feature of the invention methodology, the method includes the further step of providing a spin dry station between the wash station and the paint station and each part is stopped at the spin dry station and rotated to spin off excess wash fluid. This arrangement eliminates water spots and reduces dry off oven time and temperature.
According to a further feature of the invention methodology, the paint station includes an entry and exit; a main line path is provided extending from the loading to the paint station entry and from the paint station exit to the unloading station; a recycle path is provided extending from the paint station exit to the paint station entry; a part is moved along the main line path from the loading station to the paint station entry; the part is thereafter moved through the paint station to the paint station exit, whereby to pass the part a first time through the paint station; a first coat of paint is applied to the part as it passes the first time through the paint station; the painted part is moved along the recycle path from the paint station exit to the paint station entry and is thereafter passed through the paint station, from entry to exit, a second time; and a second coat of paint is applied to the part over the first coat as it passes a second time through the paint station. This methodology provides an effective and compact arrangement for applying multiple coats of paint to the part utilizing a single paint station.
According to a further feature of the invention methodology, the recycle path comprises a closed loop path extending through the paint station and the movements of the part through the paint station are on the recycle path. This arrangement simplifies the movement of the part through the paint station.
According to a further feature of the invention methodology, the method further includes providing switch means operative to transfer parts between the main line path and the recycle path. This arrangement allows the parts to be moved through the recycle path a selected, predetermined number of times.
According to a further feature of the invention methodology, the parts moving along the main line path from the loading station to the paint station entry are transferred to the recycle path upon arrival at the paint station entry so that the parts move through the paint station on the recycle path.
According to a further feature of the invention methodology, the parts exiting the paint station on the recycle path are, alternatively, moved around the recycle path for another pass through the paint station or transferred to the main line path for movement to the unloading station.
According to a further feature of the invention methodology, each part arriving at the paint station is stopped at the paint station and rotated while the paint is being applied. This arrangement optimizes the application of the paint to both interior and exterior surfaces of the part.
According to a feature of the painting apparatus of the invention, the apparatus includes a main line track structure extending from a loading station to an unloading station; a closed loop branch track structure having a portion thereof juxtaposed to a portion of the main line track structure between the loading and unloading stations; a paint station located at the juxtaposed portions of the main line and the branch line structure; a plurality of carriers adapted to receive parts to be painted at the paint station, mounted for movement on the main line track structure from the loading station to the unloading station, and further movable along the branch track structure; and switch means operative to transfer a carrier between the main line track structure and the branch line track structure. This apparatus enables carriers carrying parts to be painted to be moved to the paint station and thereafter passed through the paint station a predetermined number of times depending upon the number of coats required.
According to a further feature of the invention apparatus, the paint station includes an entry and an exit and the switch means includes a first switching device proximate the entry to the paint station and a second switching device proximate the exit of the paint station. This switching arrangement enables precise control of the movement of the carriers arriving at and departing from the paint station.
According to a further feature of the invention apparatus, the main line track structure comprises a closed loop track structure. This arrangement allows movement of the carriers and the parts carried thereby in a continuous closed loop around the track structure.
According to a further feature of the invention apparatus, the paint station includes a spray gun assembly including first and second laterally spaced spray guns and stop means op
Adac Plasitis, Inc
Parker Fred J.
Young & Basile P.C.
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