EP3689474A1 - Coating device and corresponding coating method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a coating device for coating components with a coating agent, in particular for painting motor vehicle body parts, with a nozzle applicator (1) with at least one nozzle for emitting a coating agent jet (13-19) of the coating agent onto the component to be coated, and with a device for the detection of a clogging of the nozzle, in particular with a sensor arrangement (9) to distinguish a faultless jet delivery from a faulty jet delivery by the nozzle applicator (1).

Description

The invention relates to a coating device for coating components with a coating agent, in particular for painting motor vehicle body components. Furthermore, the invention relates to an associated operating method for such a coating device.

Rotary atomizers are usually used as the application device for the serial painting of motor vehicle body components, but these have the disadvantage of a limited application efficiency, i.e. only a part of the applied paint is deposited on the components to be coated, while the rest of the applied paint has to be disposed of as a so-called overspray.

A newer development line, on the other hand, provides what are known as printheads as application devices, for example DE 10 2013 002 412 A1 , US 9 108 424 B2 and DE 10 2010 019 612 A1 are known. In contrast to the known rotary atomizers, such printheads do not emit a spray of the lacquer to be applied, but rather a spatially narrowly defined lacquer jet which is almost completely deposited on the component to be lacquered, so that almost no overspray occurs.

However, such print heads generally have nozzles with a very small nozzle diameter of less than 500 μm or even less than 100 μm. However, such small nozzles can easily clog or even completely clog up during operation.

For example, individual paint particles can initially be deposited in the nozzle, which initially only negatively influence the otherwise laminar flow of coating agent, for example by causing turbulence. If the paint particles are deposited further, the nozzle may become completely clogged.

The general technical background of the invention should also be pointed out DE-AS 1 284 250 , DE 10 2004 021 223 A1 , GB 2 507 069 A , DE 103 31 206 A1 , WO 2016/145000 A1 , EP 0 297 309 A2 , DE 689 24 202 T2 , DE 103 07 719 A1 and DE 30 45 401 A1 . Some of these publications, however, do not relate to nozzle applicators, but rather to spray applicators which emit a spray jet. In some cases, however, the coating device known from these publications also suffer from the problems described above.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a solution to the problem of the complete or partial clogging of the nozzles in a nozzle applicator (e.g. printhead).

This object is achieved by a coating device according to the invention in accordance with the main claim or by a corresponding operating method in accordance with the subsidiary claim.

The coating device according to the invention serves for coating components with a coating agent, in particular for painting motor vehicle body components.

The components to be coated therefore do not necessarily have to be motor vehicle body components.

Rather, the coating device according to the invention can also be used to coat other types of components.

It should also be mentioned that the coating agent is preferably a lacquer, such as a base lacquer, a clear lacquer, a water lacquer or a solvent-based lacquer. Within the scope of the invention, however, the coating device can also be designed for the application of other coating agents, such as for example the application of adhesives, insulating materials, sealants, primers, etc.

The coating device according to the invention initially has, in accordance with the prior art, a nozzle applicator, such as a printhead, as mentioned at the beginning and in DE 10 2013 002 412 A1 , US 9 108 424 B2 and DE 10 2010 019 612 A1 is described, so that a detailed description of the structure and functioning of such printheads can be dispensed with.

The coating device according to the invention is characterized by an additional device for preventing and / or detecting clogging of the nozzle. One aspect of the invention is based on preventing the nozzle from clogging. Another aspect of the invention, on the other hand, is based on the fact that clogging of the nozzle with a resulting deterioration in the coating quality is recognized in order to be able to take countermeasures if necessary.

In the context of the invention, the clogging of the nozzle can be prevented, for example, by a filter which is arranged upstream of the nozzle and filters the coating agent, for example solid coating agent particles be filtered out, as this could lead to clogging of the nozzle.

It should be mentioned here that the filter preferably has a certain filter mesh width, which is preferably adapted to the nozzle size of the nozzle opening of the nozzle. For example, the ratio of the filter mesh size to the nozzle size can be in the range of 0.01-5, with any intermediate intervals being possible. Preferred values for the ratio of the filter mesh size to the nozzle size are, for example, 0.075, 0.1, 0.15, 0.66, 1.0 and 2.0.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, this filter can be rinsed with a detergent in order to be able to rinse out any coating agent residues that have been filtered out of the filter. For this purpose, a flushing agent flows through the filter. The detergent can be passed through the filter either against the normal flow direction or in the normal flow direction. In addition, there is also the possibility that the flushing agent is passed through the filter alternately against the normal flow direction and in the normal flow direction during a flushing process in order to achieve the best possible flushing effect. The coating device therefore preferably has a detergent connection in order to supply the detergent. In addition, the coating device preferably has a return connection in order to return a mixture of coating agent residues and detergent to a return. Furthermore, the coating device can have a flushing valve arrangement which is connected on the one hand to the flushing agent connection and the return connection and on the other hand to two corresponding connections of the filter. The flush valve arrangement preferably enables bidirectional flushing of the filter with the flushing agent, ie either against the normal flow direction or in the normal flow direction.

Furthermore, there is the possibility within the scope of the invention that the filter is a double filter and has two individual filters which are arranged parallel to one another. The coating agent can then be fed into one of the individual filters or into the other individual filter by means of a selection valve arrangement. In addition, the selector valve arrangement either directs the flushing agent into one individual filter or into the other individual filter. This offers the possibility that coating agent flows through one single filter while the other single filter is rinsed. Such an operation can also be referred to as A / B operation, as is known in the field of painting technology of so-called A / B valves. In this way, the necessary rinsing processes do not lead to an interruption of normal coating operation, since during the rinsing of the one individual filter the other individual filter is still available for filtering the coating agent.

It should also be mentioned that the coating device according to the invention preferably has a metering pump which conveys the coating agent to the nozzle applicator. The filter can be arranged between the metering pump and the nozzle applicator or upstream of the metering pump.

In addition, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, the coating device according to the invention comprises a color changer which selects a desired coating agent from a plurality of coating agent feed lines and forwards it to the nozzle applicator. Here there is the possibility that a filter is arranged in each of the individual coating agent feed lines upstream of the color changer in order to filter the coating agent supplied. The individual filters at the inputs of the color changer can then be individually adapted to the respective coating agent.

It should also be mentioned that the filter preferably has inner contours that are free of undercuts. In addition, the inner surfaces of the filter preferably have a very low roughness number Rz <10, Rz <8, Rz <7, Rz <6.3, Rz <5 or even Rz <4 in the areas through which they flow.

It has already been briefly mentioned above that a second aspect of the invention is not aimed at preventing the nozzle from clogging, but rather at detecting the clogging of a nozzle. This aspect of the invention therefore preferably provides a sensor arrangement in order to be able to distinguish between a faultless beam delivery and a faulty beam delivery.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor arrangement has an image sensor, such as a camera. The image sensor captures an image of at least one coating agent jet or a plurality of coating agent jets which are emitted by the nozzle applicator. The visual axis of the image sensor (eg camera) is preferably oriented orthogonally to the coating agent jets and parallel to the plane of the coating agent jets, ie the image sensor looks at the coating agent jets from the front. However, it is also possible for the visual axis to be oriented transversely to the plane of the coating agent jets, ie the image sensor is viewing the coating agent jets from the side. In a special one Both views can be recorded one after the other or using two sensors. In addition, the sensor arrangement in this exemplary embodiment preferably has an image evaluation unit which evaluates the image of the coating agent jets detected by the image sensor and detects errors therein, such as, for example, a missing coating agent jet due to the clogging of a nozzle.

The image acquisition can be improved here by an illumination device which is arranged in the line of sight of the image sensor on the opposite side of the coating agent jets.

• einen schiefen Beschichtungsmittelstrahl, der aufgrund eines teilweisen Zusetzens einer Düse schräg zur Düsenachse austritt,
• einen instabilen Beschichtungsmittelstrahl, der vorzeitig in Beschichtungsmitteltröpfchen zerfällt,
• einen Beschichtungsmittelstrahl mit einer zu geringen Beschichtungsmittelmenge,
• einen gestörten Beschichtungsmittelstrahl, und/oder einen fehlenden Beschichtungsmittelstrahl aufgrund eines vollständigen Zusetzens der Düse.

The image evaluation unit can preferably recognize and distinguish the following errors:

• a crooked coating agent jet that emerges at an angle to the nozzle axis due to a partial blockage of a nozzle,
• an unstable jet of coating agent that breaks down prematurely into coating agent droplets,
• a coating agent jet with an insufficient amount of coating agent,
• a disturbed coating agent jet, and / or a missing coating agent jet due to a complete blockage of the nozzle.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, on the other hand, the sensor arrangement has a capacitive sensor which measures several coating agent jets together.

Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that the capacitive sensor measures only a single coating agent capacitively, in which case a capacitive sensor is then preferably provided for each nozzle.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sensor arrangement has a light barrier, the coating agent jet from the nozzle passing through the light barrier and being measured by the light barrier. In this case, each nozzle is preferably assigned a light barrier, which is passed by the respective coating agent jet.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coating agent flows through a coating agent channel and is measured in the coating agent channel by a capacitive sensor or by a resistive sensor (resistance sensor) in order to conclude from this that faults occur (e.g. insufficient flow rate).

In general, it should be mentioned that the print head preferably emits a narrowly limited jet of coating agent, as opposed to a spray mist, as is the case with conventional atomizers (e.g. rotary atomizers).

The printhead can, for example, emit a droplet jet, in contrast to a coating agent jet connected in the longitudinal direction of the jet.

Alternatively, however, there is also the possibility that the printhead emits a coating agent jet which is connected in the longitudinal direction of the jet, in contrast to a droplet jet.

The print head preferably has a very high application efficiency of at least 80%, 90%, 95% or even 99%, so that essentially all of the applied coating agent is completely deposited on the component without the occurrence of disruptive overspray.

In addition, it should be mentioned that the print head preferably has a high surface coating performance, which is preferably so great that the print head is suitable for painting motor vehicle body components. The surface coating performance of the nozzle applicator is therefore preferably greater than 0.5 m ² / min, ¹ m ² / min or even 3 m ² / min.

The nozzle applicator is preferably moved by means of a manipulator, which is preferably a multi-axis painting robot with serial robot kinematics and at least six movable robot axes.

The coating agent delivery in the nozzle applicator is preferably controlled by control valves with a controllable actuator, such as a magnetic actuator or a piezo actuator.

It should also be mentioned that the invention not only claims protection for the nozzle applicator described above with the device for preventing or detecting the clogging of a nozzle. Rather, the invention also claims protection for a complete painting system, for example for painting motor vehicle body components.

In addition, the invention also includes a corresponding operating method, the method steps of the operating method already resulting from the above description and therefore need not be described separately.

In an advantageous development of the operating method according to the invention, the nozzle applicator is moved with the nozzles open over a test surface (eg fleece, glass plate), the nozzle applicator spraying coating agent onto the Applied test area and thereby creates a spray pattern on the test area. The spray pattern can then be used to determine whether the nozzles are partially or completely clogged. The operating method according to the invention therefore provides in this variant that the spray pattern on the test surface is evaluated, for example with a camera and an image evaluation unit.

• Fehlermeldung,
• Rückspülen von Applikator bzw. Düsenplatte Rückspülen (d.h. von außen nach innen),
• Düsenreinigen (von außen und von innen nach außen),
• Applikator-Wechsel (komplett ersetzen).

After a deviation is detected, the following actions can be triggered, for example:

• Error message,
• Backwashing the applicator or nozzle plate Backwashing (ie from outside to inside),
• Nozzle cleaning (from the outside and from the inside to the outside),
• Applicator change (replace completely).

• Durchführung des Tests vor jeder Karosse,
• Durchführung des Tests in vorbestimmten Zeitintervallen,
• Durchführung des Tests in vorbestimmten Zeitintervallen, in denen nicht appliziert wird,
• Durchführung des Tests nach jedem Farbwechsel,
• Durchführung des Tests jeweils zu Produktionsbeginn,
• Durchführung des Tests jeweils zum Schichtbeginn,
• Durchführung des Tests jeweils am Schichtende,
• Durchführung des Tests jeweils zum Produktionsende,
• Durchführung des Tests jeweils nach Störungen,

With regard to the frequency of the test mentioned above, there are, for example, the following options:

• Performing the test in front of each body,
• Performing the test at predetermined time intervals,
• Execution of the test at predetermined time intervals in which no application is carried out,
• Performing the test after each color change,
• Execution of the test at the start of production,
• Execution of the test at the beginning of each shift
• Execution of the test at the end of each shift,
• Execution of the test at the end of production,
• Execution of the test after malfunctions,

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Beschichtungseinrichtung mit einem Düsenapplikator und einem Filter zum Verhindern des Zusetzens der Düsen des Düsenapplikators,

Figur 2

eine Abwandlung von Figur 1 mit zwei wahlweise durchströmbaren Filtern,

Figur 3

eine Abwandlung von Figur 3 mit einem Farbwechsler und zahlreichen Filtern in den Zuleitungen des Farbwechslers,

Figur 4A

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Beschichtungseinrichtung mit einer Kamera basierten Einrichtung zum Erkennen des Zusetzens der Düsen des Düsenapplikators,

Figur 4B

eine Abwandlung von Figur 4A,

Figur 5

eine Abwandlung von Figur 4A bzw. 4B mit mehreren Lichtschranken zur Vermessung der Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen,

Figur 6

eine Abwandlung von Figur 5 mit einem kapazitiven Sensor, der sämtliche Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen gemeinsam vermisst,

Figur 7

eine Abwandlung von Figur 6 mit einem kapazitiven Sensor, der den Beschichtungsmittelstrom in einem Beschichtungsmittel führenden Kanal vermisst.

Other advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are explained in more detail below together with the description of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the figures. Show it:

Figure 1

1 shows a schematic representation of a coating device according to the invention with a nozzle applicator and a filter for preventing the nozzles of the nozzle applicator from becoming clogged,

Figure 2

a variation of Figure 1 with two optionally flowable filters,

Figure 3

a variation of Figure 3 with a color changer and numerous filters in the feed lines of the color changer,

Figure 4A

1 shows a schematic representation of a coating device according to the invention with a camera-based device for detecting the clogging of the nozzles of the nozzle applicator,

Figure 4B

a variation of Figure 4A ,

Figure 5

a variation of Figure 4A or 4B with several light barriers for measuring the coating agent rays,

Figure 6

a variation of Figure 5 with a capacitive sensor that measures all coating agent jets together,

Figure 7

a variation of Figure 6 with a capacitive sensor that measures the coating agent flow in a channel carrying the coating agent.

Figure 1 shows a highly simplified representation of a coating device according to the invention with a nozzle applicator 1 as an application device, for example can be a printhead that emits spatially limited coating agent jets instead of a spray, as is the case with conventional atomizers (eg rotary atomizers).

The nozzle applicator 1 is supplied with the paint to be applied on the input side via a filter 2, a metering pump 3 and a color changer 4. For this purpose, the color changer 4 is connected on the input side to a plurality of coating agent feed lines F1-F6, via which differently colored paints can be fed.

In addition, the color changer 4 is connected on the input side to a pulse air line PL and to a thinner line V, via which pulse air or flushing agent (thinner) for flushing the nozzle applicator 1, the filter 2 and the metering pump 3 can be supplied.

Furthermore, the coating device has a return valve 5, via which rinsed-out coating agent residues and detergent can be passed into a return R.

It should be mentioned here that the nozzle applicator 1 has numerous nozzles with a very small nozzle diameter, so that there is a risk of the nozzles of the nozzle applicator 1 becoming clogged. The filter 2 reduces this risk of clogging of the nozzles, since the filter 2 filters out coating agent components which can lead to clogging of the nozzles.

In addition, it should be mentioned that the filter 2 can be rinsed in order to be able to rinse the filtered coating agent components out of the filter 2 again. For this purpose, the coating device has a flush valve arrangement 6, which is connected on the input side to the detergent supply line V and to the return line R. In addition, the purge valve arrangement 6 is connected to an upstream and a downstream purge connection of the filter 2. The flushing valve arrangement 6 can therefore selectively flow detergent through the filter 2 in the normal direction of flow or counter to the normal direction of flow in order to flush out any coating agent residues contained therein from the filter 2.

Figure 2 shows a modification of Figure 1 , so that to avoid repetition reference is made to the above description, the same reference numerals being used for corresponding details.

A special feature of this exemplary embodiment is that two individual filters 2.1, 2.2 are provided, which are connected in parallel to one another. A selection valve arrangement 7 and 8, respectively, is arranged upstream and downstream of the two individual filters 2.1, 2.2, which is connected to the two individual filters 2.1, 2.2.

The upstream selection valve arrangement 7 can optionally supply coating agent and rinsing agent to the individual filter 2.1 or the individual filter 2.2.

The downstream selection valve arrangement 8, on the other hand, can take up coating agent from one individual filter 2.1 or 2.2 and feed it to the nozzle applicator 1, and can take up detergent and coating agent residues from the other individual filter 2.2 or 2.1 and guide them into the return line R.

In this way, a so-called A / B operation is possible in which one of the two individual filters 2.1 or 2.2 of coating agent is always present is flowed through, while the other individual filter 2.2 or 2.1 is rinsed with detergent.

Figure 3 shows a further modification, so that to avoid repetition reference is made to the above description, the same reference numerals being used for corresponding details.

A special feature of this exemplary embodiment is that a filter 2.1-2.6 is arranged in each of the coating agent feed lines F1-F6. This offers the possibility that the filter characteristics and filter properties of the individual filters 2.1-2.4 can be individually adapted to the properties of the respective coating agent.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIG Figure 4A described, which focuses on a second aspect of the invention, in which the clogging of the nozzles of the nozzle applicator 1 is recognized, so that countermeasures can then be taken if necessary.

For this purpose, the coating device initially has a camera 9, which is arranged on the side next to the nozzle applicator 1 and is aligned with its viewing axis essentially at right angles to the plane of the coating agent jets. The camera 9 thus looks at the coating agent jets from the nozzle applicator 1 from the side.

To improve the image acquisition, an illuminating device 10 is arranged on the opposite side of the coating agent jets.

On the output side, the camera 9 is connected to an image evaluation unit 11, which evaluates the image of the coating agent jets captured by the camera 9 in order to detect errors.

The drawing in the lower area thus shows an exemplary, simplified representation of a captured image 12 with a plurality of coating agent jets 13-19.

The coating agent jets 13-15 are faultless.

The coating agent jet 16, however, emerges obliquely from the nozzle applicator 1, which can be caused by a partial clogging of the nozzle in question.

The coating agent jet 17, on the other hand, is unstable.

The coating agent jet 18, on the other hand, has too little of the coating agent, which can be caused by a partial clogging of the coating agent supply.

Finally, the coating agent jet 19 is disturbed.

The image evaluation unit 11 now enables recognition and differentiation of the different types of error-free or defective coating agent jets 13-19.

Figure 4B shows a modification of Figure 4A , so that to avoid repetition reference is made to the above description, the same reference numerals being used for corresponding details.

A special feature of this exemplary embodiment is that the viewing axis of the camera 9 is oriented at right angles to the individual coating agent jets, but parallel to the plane of the coating agent jets.

Figure 5 shows a modification of the embodiment according to Figure 4A or. Figure 4B , so that to avoid repetition reference is made to the above description, the same reference numerals being used for corresponding details.

A special feature of this exemplary embodiment is that instead of the camera-based image detection system, a plurality of light barriers 20-23 are provided, each of which measures a coating agent beam 24-27 and is connected to an evaluation unit 28-31 in order to be able to detect a missing coating agent beam.

Figure 6 shows a further modification, so that to avoid repetition reference is made to the above description, the same reference numerals being used for corresponding details.

A special feature of this exemplary embodiment is that, instead of the light barriers 20-23, a capacitive sensor with two capacitor plates 32, 33 is used in order to measure the coating agent rays 24-27. The coating agent jets 24-27 thus run between the two capacitor plates 32, 33, so that the capacitive sensor measures all coating agent jets 24-27 together.

On the output side, the capacitive sensor 32, 33 is connected to an evaluation unit 34, which can detect errors.

The embodiment according to Figure 7 partially agrees with the embodiment according to Figure 6 agree, so that to avoid repetition reference is made to the above description, the same reference numerals being used for corresponding details.

A special feature of this exemplary embodiment is that the two capacitor plates 32, 33 of the capacitive sensor are arranged on the walls of a nozzle channel 35 which runs through a nozzle plate 36. The capacitive sensor with the two capacitor plates 32, 33 thus measures the coating agent flow through the nozzle channel 35 and can thereby detect errors. The coating agent is fed through a paint feed 37 in the print head.

The invention is not restricted to the preferred exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, the invention encompasses a large number of variants and modifications which likewise make use of the inventive idea and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to in each case. The invention thus encompasses a large number of aspects of the invention which enjoy protection independently of one another.

• Erfindungsaspekt 1:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung zur Beschichtung von Bauteilen mit einem Beschichtungsmittel, insbesondere zur Lackierung von Kraftfahrzeugkarosseriebauteilen, mit einem Düsenapplikator (1), insbesondere einem Druckkopf, mit mindestens einer Düse zur Abgabe eines Beschichtungsmittelstrahls (13-19; 24-27) des Beschichtungsmittels auf das zu beschichtende Bauteil, und einer Einrichtung zum Verhindern und/oder Erkennen eines Zusetzens der Düse.
• Erfindungsaspekt 2:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung gemäß Erfindungsaspekt 1 mit einem Filter (2, 2.1-2.6) stromaufwärts vor der Düse zur Filterung des Beschichtungsmittels.
• Erfindungsaspekt 3:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung gemäß Erfindungsaspekt 2, wobei
  1. a) die Düse eine Düsenöffnung mit einer bestimmten Düsengröße aufweist, und
  2. b) der Filter (2, 2.1-2.6) eine bestimmte Filtermaschenweite aufweist, und
  3. c) das Verhältnis der Filtermaschenweite zu der Düsengröße größer ist als 0,01, 0,05, 0,1, 0,2, 0,5 oder 1, und/oder
  4. d)das Verhältnis der Filtermaschenweite zu der Düsengröße kleiner ist als 5, 2, 1, 0,5, 0,2 oder 0,1.
• Erfindungsaspekt 4:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung gemäß Erindungsaspekt 2, wobei
  1. a) das Beschichtungsmittel im Beschichtungsbetrieb in einer normalen Strömungsrichtung durch den Filter (2, 2.1-2.6) strömt,
  2. b) der Filter in der normalen Strömungsrichtung mit einem Spülmittel spülbar ist, so dass das Spülmittel den Filter (2, 2.1-2.6) in der normalen Strömungsrichtung durchströmt, und/oder
  3. c) der Filter (2, 2.1-2.6) entgegen der normalen Strömungsrichtung mit einem Spülmittel spülbar ist, so dass das Spülmittel den Filter (2, 2.1-2.6) entgegen der normalen Strömungsrichtung durchströmt, und/oder
  4. d) die Beschichtungseinrichtung einen Spülmittelanschluss (V) aufweist, um das Spülmittel zuzuführen, und/oder
  5. e) die Beschichtungseinrichtung einen Rückführanschluss (R) aufweist, um ein Gemisch aus Beschichtungsmittel und Spülmittel in eine Rückführung zurückzuführen, und/oder
  6. f) die Beschichtungseinrichtung eine Spülventilanordnung (6) aufweist, um das Spülmittel wahlweise in der normalen Strömungsrichtung oder entgegen der normalen Strömungsrichtung durch den Filter (2, 2.1-2.6) zu leiten.
• Erfindungsaspekt 5:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung nach einem der Erfindungsaspekte 2 bis 4, wobei
  1. a) der Filter (2.1-2.2) ein Doppelfilter ist mit zwei Einzelfiltern (2.1-2.2), die parallel zueinander angeordnet sind,
  2. b) das Beschichtungsmittel durch eine Auswahlventilanordnung (7, 8) wahlweise in den einen Einzelfilter (2.1) oder in den anderen Einzelfilter (2.2) geleitet wird,
  3. c) das Spülmittel durch die Auswahlventilanordnung (7, 8) wahlweise in den einen Einzelfilter (2.1) oder in den anderen Einzelfilter (2.2) geleitet wird, und
  4. d) der eine Einzelfilter (2.1) von dem Spülmittel durchströmt wird, während der andere Einzelfilter (2.2) von dem Beschichtungsmittel durchströmt wird.
• Erfindungsaspekt 6:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung nach einem der Erfindungsaspekte 2 bis 5, wobei
  1. a) die Beschichtungseinrichtung eine Dosierpumpe (3) aufweist, die das Beschichtungsmittel zu dem Düsenapplikator (1) fördert, und
  2. b) der Filter (2) zwischen der Dosierpumpe (3) und dem Düsenapplikator (1) angeordnet ist, oder
  3. c) der Filter (2.1, 2.6) stromaufwärts vor der Dosierpumpe angeordnet ist.
• Erfindungsaspekt 7:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung nach einem der Erfindungsaspekte 2 bis 6, wobei
  1. a) die Beschichtungseinrichtung einen Farbwechsler (4) aufweist, der aus mehreren Beschichtungsmittelzuleitungen (F1-F6) ein gewünschtes Beschichtungsmittel auswählt und an den Düsenapplikator (1) weiterleitet,
  2. b) in den Beschichtungsmittelzuleitungen (F1-F6) stromaufwärts vor dem Farbwechsler (4) jeweils ein Filter (2.1-2.6) angeordnet ist, und/oder
  3. c) die Filter (2.1-2.6) am Eingang des Farbwechslers (4) vorzugsweise unterschiedlich und an das jeweilige Beschichtungsmittel angepasst sind.
• Erfindungsaspekt 8:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung nach einem der Erfindungsaspekte 2 bis 7, wobei
  1. a) der Filter (2, 2.1-2.6) Innenkonturen aufweist, die hinterschneidungsfrei sind, und/oder
  2. b) der Filter (2, 2.1-2.6) Innenflächen aufweist mit einer Rauzahl Rz<10, Rz<8, Rz< 7, Rz<6,3, Rz<5 oder Rz<4.
• Erfindungsaspekt 9:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Erfindungsaspekte, zusätzlich mit einer Sensoranordnung (9; 20-23; 33, 33) zur Unterscheidung eines fehlerfreien Strahlabgabe von einer fehlerhaften Strahlabgabe durch den Düsenapplikator (1) .
• Erfindungsaspekt 10:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung gemäß Erindungsaspekt 9, wobei
  1. a) die Sensoranordnung (9, 10, 11) einen Bildsensor (9), insbesondere eine Kamera (9), aufweist, der ein Bild (12) der Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen (13-19) erfasst, insbesondere mit einer Sichtachse
     • a1) quer zur Ebene der Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen (13-19) und quer zu den einzelnen Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen (13-19), und/oder
     • a2) in der Ebene der Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen (13-19) und quer zu den einzelnen Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen (13-19),
  2. b) die Sensoranordnung (9, 10, 11) eine Bildauswertungseinheit (11) aufweist, die das von dem Bildsensor (9) erfasste Bild (12) auswertet und darin Fehlerfälle erkennt,
  3. c) vorzugsweise eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung (10) vorgesehen ist, die in der Sichtachse des Bildsensors (9) auf der gegenüber liegenden Seite der Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen (13-19) angeordnet ist.
• Erfindungsaspekt 11:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung gemäß Erfindungsaspekt 10, wobei die Bildauswertungseinheit (11) durch die Bildauswertung folgende Fehlerfälle erkennt:
  1. a) einen schiefen Beschichtungsmittelstrahl (16), der schräg zur Düsenachse austritt, und/oder
  2. b)einen instabilen Beschichtungsmittelstrahl (17), der in Beschichtungsmitteltröpfchen zerfällt, und/oder
  3. c) einen Beschichtungsmittelstrahl (18) mit einer zu geringen Beschichtungsmittelmenge, und/oder
  4. d) einen gestörten Beschichtungsmittelstrahl (19), und/oder
  5. e) einen fehlenden Beschichtungsmittelstrahl aufgrund eines Zusetzens der Düse.
• Erfindungsaspekt 12:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung nach einem der Erfindungsaspekte 9 bis 11, wobei
  1. a) die Sensoranordnung einen kapazitiven Sensor (32, 33) aufweist, und
  2. b) der kapazitive Sensor (32, 33) mehrere Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen (24-27) gemeinsam vermisst, oder
  3. c) jeder Düse (35) jeweils ein kapazitiver Sensor (32, 33) zugeordnet ist, der den jeweiligen Beschichtungsmittelstrahl kapazitiv vermisst.
• Erfindungsaspekt 13:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung nach einem der Erfindungsaspekte 9 bis 12, wobei
  1. a) die Sensoranordnung eine Lichtschranke (20-23) aufweist, wobei der Beschichtungsmittelstrahl (24-27) aus der Düse die Lichtschranke (20-23) passiert, und/oder
  2. b) jeder Düse jeweils eine Lichtschranke (20-23) zugeordnet ist, die von dem jeweiligen Beschichtungsmittelstrahl (24-27) passiert wird.
• Erfindungsaspekt 14:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung nach einem der Erfindungsaspekte 9 bis 13, wobei
  1. a) Beschichtungsmittel durch eine Beschichtungsmittelkanal (35) strömt, und
  2. b) ein kapazitiver oder resistiver Sensor (32, 33) die Beschichtungsmittelströmung in dem Beschichtungsmittelkanal (35) vermisst, um daraus auf Fehlerfälle zu schließen.
• Erfindungsaspekt 15:
  Beschichtungseinrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Erfindungsaspekte, wobei
  1. a) der Druckkopf einen eng begrenzten Beschichtungsmittelstrahl abgibt im Gegensatz zu einem Sprühnebel, und/oder
  2. b) der Druckkopf einen Tröpfchenstrahl abgibt im Gegensatz zu einem in Strahllängsrichtung zusammen hängenden Beschichtungsmittelstrahl, oder
  3. c) der Druckkopf einen in Strahllängsrichtung zusammen hängenden Beschichtungsmittelstrahl abgibt im Gegensatz zu einem Tröpfchenstrahl, und/oder
  4. d) der Druckkopf einen Auftragswirkungsgrad von mindestens 80%, 90%, 95% oder 99% aufweist, so dass im Wesentlichen das gesamte applizierte Beschichtungsmittel vollständig auf dem Bauteil abgelagert wird, ohne dass Overspray entsteht, und/oder
  5. e) der Druckkopf eine Flächenbeschichtungsleistung von mindestens 0,5 m²/min, 1m²/min, 2m²/min oder mindestens 3m²/min aufweist, und/oder
  6. f) der Düsenapplikator (1) mittels eines Manipulators, insbesondere mittels eines mehrachsigen Roboters bewegt wird, und/oder
  7. g) das Beschichtungsmittel ein Lack ist, insbesondere ein Basislack, ein Klarlack, ein Effektlack, ein Mica-Lack oder ein Metallic-Lack, und/oder
  8. h) das Beschichtungsmittel ein Wasserlack oder ein Lösemittellack ist, und/oder
  9. i) der Düsenapplikator (1) mindestens einen elektrisch ansteuerbaren Aktor aufweist, um Tropfen des Beschichtungsmittels aus dem Druckkopf auszustoßen, insbesondere einen Magnetaktor oder einen Piezoaktor, und/oder
  10. j) die Düse einen Düsendurchmesser von weniger als 1mm, 500µm, 250µm, 120µm oder 50µm aufweist.
• Erfindungsaspekt 16:
  Betriebsverfahren für eine Beschichtungseinrichtung mit einem Düsenapplikator (1) zur Beschichtung von Bauteilen mit einem Beschichtungsmittel, insbesondere für eine Lackieranlage zur Lackierung von Kraftfahrzeugkarosseriebauteilen, insbesondere für eine Beschichtungseinrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Erfindungsaspekte, mit den folgenden Schritten:
  1. a) Abgabe eines Beschichtungsmittelstrahls (13-19; 24-27) des Beschichtungsmittels durch den Düsenapplikator (1),
  2. b) Erkennen und/oder Verhindern eines Zusetzens der Düse des Düsenapplikators (1).
• Erfindungsaspekt 17:
  Betriebsverfahren gemäß Erfindungsaspekt 16, mit folgenden Schritten zum Erkennen eines Zusetzens der Düsen des Düsenapplikators (1):
  1. a) Bewegen des Düsenapplikators (1) mit geöffneten Düsen über eine Testfläche, insbesondere über ein Vlies oder eine Glasplatte, wobei der Düsenapplikator (1) Beschichtungsmittelstrahlen auf die Testfläche appliziert und ein Spritzbild auf der Testfläche erzeugt, und
  2. b) Auswerten des Spritzbildes auf der Testfläche zur Erkennung eines Zusetzens der Düsen.

Finally, the invention also includes the following aspects of the invention.

• Invention aspect 1:
  Coating device for coating components with a coating agent, in particular for painting motor vehicle body components, with a nozzle applicator (1), in particular a print head, with at least one nozzle for delivering a jet of coating agent (13-19; 24-27) of the coating agent onto the component to be coated , and a device for preventing and / or detecting clogging of the nozzle.
• Invention aspect 2:
  Coating device according to aspect 1 of the invention with a filter (2, 2.1-2.6) upstream of the nozzle for filtering the coating agent.
• Invention aspect 3:
  Coating device according to aspect 2 of the invention, wherein
  1. a) the nozzle has a nozzle opening with a certain nozzle size, and
  2. b) the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) has a certain filter mesh size, and
  3. c) the ratio of the filter mesh size to the nozzle size is greater than 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 or 1, and / or
  4. d) the ratio of the filter mesh size to the nozzle size is less than 5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.2 or 0.1.
• Invention aspect 4:
  Coating device according to invention aspect 2, wherein
  1. a) the coating agent flows through the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) in a normal flow direction in the coating operation,
  2. b) the filter can be rinsed with a detergent in the normal flow direction, so that the detergent flows through the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) in the normal flow direction, and or
  3. c) the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) can be rinsed against the normal flow direction with a detergent, so that the detergent flows through the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) against the normal flow direction, and / or
  4. d) the coating device has a detergent connection (V) to supply the detergent, and / or
  5. e) the coating device has a return connection (R) in order to return a mixture of coating agent and detergent to a return, and / or
  6. f) the coating device has a flushing valve arrangement (6) in order to pass the flushing agent either in the normal flow direction or against the normal flow direction through the filter (2, 2.1-2.6).
• Invention aspect 5:
  Coating device according to one of the invention aspects 2 to 4, wherein
  1. a) the filter (2.1-2.2) is a double filter with two individual filters (2.1-2.2) which are arranged parallel to one another,
  2. b) the coating agent is passed through a selection valve arrangement (7, 8) either into one single filter (2.1) or into the other single filter (2.2),
  3. c) the detergent is passed through the selector valve arrangement (7, 8) either into one single filter (2.1) or into the other single filter (2.2), and
  4. d) the detergent flows through an individual filter (2.1) while the coating agent flows through the other individual filter (2.2).
• Invention aspect 6:
  Coating device according to one of the invention aspects 2 to 5, wherein
  1. a) the coating device has a metering pump (3), which conveys the coating agent to the nozzle applicator (1), and
  2. b) the filter (2) is arranged between the metering pump (3) and the nozzle applicator (1), or
  3. c) the filter (2.1, 2.6) is arranged upstream of the metering pump.
• Invention aspect 7:
  Coating device according to one of the invention aspects 2 to 6, wherein
  1. a) the coating device has a color changer (4) which selects a desired coating agent from a plurality of coating agent feed lines (F1-F6) and forwards it to the nozzle applicator (1),
  2. b) a filter (2.1-2.6) is arranged in the coating agent feed lines (F1-F6) upstream of the color changer (4), and / or
  3. c) the filters (2.1-2.6) at the entrance of the color changer (4) are preferably different and adapted to the respective coating agent.
• Invention aspect 8:
  Coating device according to one of the invention aspects 2 to 7, wherein
  1. a) the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) has inner contours that are free of undercuts, and / or
  2. b) the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) has inner surfaces with a roughness number Rz <10, Rz <8, Rz <7, Rz <6.3, Rz <5 or Rz <4.
• Invention aspect 9:
  Coating device according to one of the preceding aspects of the invention, additionally with a sensor arrangement (9; 20-23; 33, 33) for distinguishing between an error-free jet delivery and an incorrect jet delivery by the nozzle applicator (1) .
• Invention aspect 10:
  Coating device according to invention aspect 9, wherein
  1. a) the sensor arrangement (9, 10, 11) has an image sensor (9), in particular a camera (9), which detects an image (12) of the coating agent jets (13-19), in particular with a visual axis
     • a1) across the plane of the coating agent jets (13-19) and across the individual coating agent jets (13-19), and / or
     • a2) in the plane of the coating agent jets (13-19) and transverse to the individual coating agent jets (13-19),
  2. b) the sensor arrangement (9, 10, 11) has an image evaluation unit (11) which evaluates the image (12) captured by the image sensor (9) and detects errors therein,
  3. c) an illumination device (10) is preferably provided, which is arranged in the line of sight of the image sensor (9) on the opposite side of the coating agent jets (13-19).
• Invention aspect 11:
  Coating device according to aspect 10 of the invention, the image evaluation unit (11) recognizing the following error cases from the image evaluation:
  1. a) an oblique coating agent jet (16) which emerges obliquely to the nozzle axis, and / or
  2. b) an unstable coating agent jet (17), which disintegrates into coating agent droplets, and / or
  3. c) a coating agent jet (18) with an insufficient amount of coating agent, and / or
  4. d) a disturbed coating agent jet (19), and / or
  5. e) a missing coating agent jet due to clogging of the nozzle.
• Invention aspect 12:
  Coating device according to one of the invention aspects 9 to 11, wherein
  1. a) the sensor arrangement has a capacitive sensor (32, 33), and
  2. b) the capacitive sensor (32, 33) measures several coating agent jets (24-27) together, or
  3. c) each nozzle (35) is assigned a capacitive sensor (32, 33) which capacitively measures the respective coating agent jet.
• Invention aspect 13:
  Coating device according to one of the invention aspects 9 to 12, wherein
  1. a) the sensor arrangement has a light barrier (20-23), the coating agent jet (24-27) from the nozzle passing through the light barrier (20-23), and / or
  2. b) each nozzle is assigned a light barrier (20-23) which is passed by the respective coating agent jet (24-27).
• Invention aspect 14:
  Coating device according to one of the invention aspects 9 to 13, wherein
  1. a) coating agent flows through a coating agent channel (35), and
  2. b) a capacitive or resistive sensor (32, 33) measures the coating agent flow in the coating agent channel (35) in order to infer errors from this.
• Invention aspect 15:
  Coating device according to one of the preceding aspects of the invention, wherein
  1. a) the print head emits a narrowly limited jet of coating agent, in contrast to a spray, and / or
  2. b) the print head emits a droplet jet, in contrast to a coating agent jet which is connected in the longitudinal direction of the jet, or
  3. c) the printhead emits a coherent coating agent jet in the longitudinal direction of the jet, in contrast to a droplet jet, and / or
  4. d) the print head has an application efficiency of at least 80%, 90%, 95% or 99%, so that essentially all of the applied coating agent is completely deposited on the component without overspray being produced, and / or
  5. e) the print head has a surface coating performance of at least 0.5 m ² / min, 1m ² / min, 2m ² / min or at least 3m ² / min, and / or
  6. f) the nozzle applicator (1) is moved by means of a manipulator, in particular by means of a multi-axis robot, and / or
  7. g) the coating agent is a lacquer, in particular a basecoat, a clear lacquer, an effect lacquer, a mica lacquer or a metallic lacquer, and / or
  8. h) the coating agent is a water-based paint or a solvent-based paint, and / or
  9. i) the nozzle applicator (1) has at least one electrically controllable actuator in order to eject drops of the coating agent from the print head, in particular a magnetic actuator or a piezo actuator, and / or
  10. j) the nozzle has a nozzle diameter of less than 1 mm, 500 μm, 250 μm, 120 μm or 50 μm.
• Invention aspect 16:
  Operating method for a coating device with a nozzle applicator (1) for coating components with a Coating agent, in particular for a painting installation for painting motor vehicle body components, in particular for a coating device according to one of the preceding aspects of the invention, with the following steps:
  1. a) dispensing a coating agent jet (13-19; 24-27) of the coating agent through the nozzle applicator (1),
  2. b) Detecting and / or preventing clogging of the nozzle of the nozzle applicator (1).
• Invention aspect 17:
  Operating method according to aspect 16 of the invention, with the following steps for recognizing clogging of the nozzles of the nozzle applicator (1):
  1. a) moving the nozzle applicator (1) with open nozzles over a test surface, in particular over a fleece or a glass plate, the nozzle applicator (1) applying coating agent jets onto the test surface and producing a spray pattern on the test surface, and
  2. b) Evaluation of the spray pattern on the test area to detect clogging of the nozzles.

Reference symbol list:

F1-F6

Coating agent supply lines

PL

Pulse air supply

V

Detergent supply

R

return

1

Nozzle applicator

2nd

filter

2.1-2.6

Single filter

3rd

Dosing pump

4th

Color changer

5

Return valve

6

Flush valve arrangement

7

Selector valve arrangement

8th

Selector valve arrangement

9

camera

10th

Lighting device

11

Image evaluation unit

12th

Image of coating agent jets

13-15

Flawless coating agent jets

16

Slate coating agent jet

17th

unstable coating agent jet

18th

Coating agent jet with too little amount

19th

disturbed coating agent jet

20-23

Light barriers

24-27

Coating agent blasting

28-31

Evaluation units

32, 33

Capacitive sensor capacitor plates

34

Evaluation unit

35

Nozzle channel

36

Nozzle plate

37

Paint supply

Claims (15)

Coating device for coating components with a coating agent, in particular for painting motor vehicle body components a) a nozzle applicator (1), in particular a pressure head, with at least one nozzle for delivering a jet of coating agent (13-19; 24-27) of the coating agent onto the component to be coated,
marked by b) a device for recognizing clogging of the nozzle, in particular with a sensor arrangement (9; 20-23; 33, 33) for distinguishing between an error-free jet delivery and an incorrect jet delivery by the nozzle applicator (1). Coating device according to claim 1,
characterized, a) that the sensor arrangement (9, 10, 11) has an image sensor (9), in particular a camera (9), which detects an image (12) of the coating agent jets (13-19), in particular with a visual axis a1) across the plane of the coating agent jets (13-19) and across the individual coating agent jets (13-19), and / or a2) in the plane of the coating agent jets (13-19) and transverse to the individual coating agent jets (13-19), b) that the sensor arrangement (9, 10, 11) has an image evaluation unit (11), which evaluates the image (12) captured by the image sensor (9) and therein errors recognizes, c) that preferably an illumination device (10) is provided, which is arranged in the line of sight of the image sensor (9) on the opposite side of the coating agent jets (13-19). Coating device according to claim 2, characterized in that the image evaluation unit (11) recognizes and preferably also distinguishes the following errors from the image evaluation: a) an oblique coating agent jet (16) which emerges obliquely to the nozzle axis, and / or b) an unstable coating agent jet (17), which disintegrates into coating agent droplets, and / or c) a coating agent jet (18) with an insufficient amount of coating agent, and / or d) a disturbed coating agent jet (19), and / or e) a missing coating agent jet due to clogging of the nozzle. Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) that the sensor arrangement has a capacitive sensor (32, 33), and b) that the capacitive sensor (32, 33) measures several coating agent jets (24-27) together, or c) that each nozzle (35) is assigned a capacitive sensor (32, 33) which capacitively measures the respective coating agent jet. Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) that the sensor arrangement has a light barrier (20-23) The coating agent jet (24-27) from the nozzle passes the light barrier (20-23), and / or b) that each nozzle is assigned a light barrier (20-23) which is passed by the respective coating agent jet (24-27). Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) that coating agent flows through a coating agent channel (35), and b) that a capacitive or resistive sensor (32, 33) measures the coating agent flow in the coating agent channel (35) in order to infer errors from this. Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a filter (2, 2.1-2.6) upstream of the nozzle for filtering the coating agent. Coating device according to claim 7,
characterized, a) that the nozzle has a nozzle opening with a specific nozzle size, and b) that the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) has a certain filter mesh size, and c) that the ratio of the filter mesh size to the nozzle size is greater than 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 or 1, and / or d) that the ratio of the filter mesh size to the nozzle size is less than 5, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.2 or 0.1. Coating device according to claim 7,
characterized, a) that the coating agent flows through the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) in a normal flow direction in the coating operation, b) that the filter can be rinsed with a detergent in the normal flow direction, so that the detergent flows through the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) in the normal flow direction, and / or c) that the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) can be rinsed against the normal flow direction with a detergent, so that the detergent flows through the filter (2, 2.1-2.6) against the normal flow direction, and / or d) that the coating device has a detergent connection (V) in order to supply the detergent, and / or e) that the coating device has a return connection (R) in order to return a mixture of coating agent and detergent to a return, and / or f) that the coating device has a flushing valve arrangement (6) in order to guide the flushing agent either in the normal flow direction or against the normal flow direction through the filter (2, 2.1-2.6). Coating device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in a) that the filter (2.1-2.2) is a double filter with two individual filters (2.1-2.2) which are arranged parallel to one another, b) that the coating agent is passed through a selection valve arrangement (7, 8) either into one single filter (2.1) or into the other single filter (2.2), c) that the flushing agent is passed through the selection valve arrangement (7, 8) either into one single filter (2.1) or into the other single filter (2.2), and d) that one detergent (2.1) flows through the detergent, while the other detergent filter (2.2) flows through the coating agent. Coating device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that a) that the coating device has a metering pump (3) which conveys the coating agent to the nozzle applicator (1), and b) that the filter (2) is arranged between the metering pump (3) and the nozzle applicator (1), or c) that the filter (2.1, 2.6) is arranged upstream of the metering pump. Coating device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in a)), in that the coating means comprises a color changer (4 selects from a plurality of coating compositions leads (F1-F6), a desired coating composition and forwards it to the nozzle applicator (1), b) that a filter (2.1-2.6) is arranged in the coating agent feed lines (F1-F6) upstream of the color changer (4), and / or c) that the filters (2.1-2.6) at the entrance of the color changer (4) are preferably different and adapted to the respective coating agent. Coating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) that the print head emits a narrowly limited jet of coating agent in contrast to a spray mist, and or b) that the print head emits a droplet jet in contrast to a coating agent jet which is connected in the longitudinal direction of the jet, or c) that the print head emits a coating agent jet which is coherent in the longitudinal direction of the jet, in contrast to a droplet jet, and / or d) that the print head has an application efficiency of at least 80%, 90%, 95% or 99%, so that essentially all of the applied coating agent is completely deposited on the component without overspray, and / or e) that the print head has a surface coating performance of at least 0.5 m ² / min, 1m ² / min, 2m ² / min or at least 3m ² / min, and / or f) that the nozzle applicator (1) is moved by means of a manipulator, in particular by means of a multi-axis robot, and / or g) that the coating agent is a lacquer, in particular a base lacquer, a clear lacquer, an effect lacquer, a mica lacquer or a metallic lacquer, and / or h) that the coating agent is a water-based paint or a solvent-based paint, and / or i) that the nozzle applicator (1) has at least one electrically controllable actuator in order to eject drops of the coating agent from the print head, in particular a magnetic actuator or a piezo actuator, and / or j) that the nozzle has a nozzle diameter of less than 1 mm, 500 μm, 250 μm, 120 μm or 50 μm. Operating method for a coating device with a nozzle applicator (1) for coating components with a coating agent, in particular for a painting installation for painting motor vehicle body components, in particular for a coating device according to one of the preceding claims, with the following steps: a) dispensing a coating agent jet (13-19; 24-27) of the coating agent through the nozzle applicator (1), characterized by the following step:
b) Detection of clogging of the nozzle of the nozzle applicator (1), in particular by means of a sensor arrangement (9; 20-23; 33, 33) to distinguish between an error-free jet delivery and an incorrect jet delivery by the nozzle applicator (1). Operating method according to claim 14, characterized by the following steps for recognizing clogging of the nozzles of the nozzle applicator (1): a) moving the nozzle applicator (1) with open nozzles over a test surface, in particular over a fleece or a glass plate, the nozzle applicator (1) applying coating agent jets onto the test surface and producing a spray pattern on the test surface, and b) Evaluation of the spray pattern on the test area to detect clogging of the nozzles.

Images