EP4537943A1 - Nozzle assembly for applying fluids and system for applying fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a nozzle arrangement (1) for applying fluids (2), in particular thermoplastic adhesives, to a substrate (21), wherein the nozzle arrangement (1) has a spray nozzle (3), wherein the spray nozzle (3) has a nozzle body (5) extending in the longitudinal direction (4) of the spray nozzle (3) and having a first fluid channel (6) for the fluid (20) to be applied to the substrate (21), which first fluid channel extends in particular coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body (5), and wherein the spray nozzle (3) further has a nozzle housing (7) in which the nozzle body (5) is received at least in regions, wherein a plurality of second fluid channels (10) for shaping air are formed at least in regions between a lateral surface of the nozzle body (5) and an inner surface of the nozzle housing (7). According to the invention, it is particularly provided that the second fluid channels (10) extend - over their entire length - in the longitudinal direction (4) of the spray nozzle (3) parallel to the first fluid channel (5) and open into a conical or cone-shaped gap space (16) at an end-side nozzle outlet region (11) of the spray nozzle (3), wherein the conical or cone-shaped gap space (16) preferably tapers uniformly in the direction of a nozzle outlet opening (8) of the nozzle body (5).

Description

The present invention relates generally to the application of fluids, including thermoplastic or fibrous adhesives, to a substrate through at least one nozzle arrangement that is or can be attached, preferably releasably, to a mounting surface of a manifold or manifold head, said manifold or manifold head typically serving to supply the fluid to be applied to the at least one nozzle arrangement.

The purpose of such a system is to apply fluids to, for example, substrates moving relative to the at least one nozzle arrangement, and in particular to apply adhesives in partial spray patterns to partially cover a substrate.

The printed matter EP 0 872 580 A discloses, for example, a plurality of meltblown nozzle assemblies or nozzles mountable side by side at one or both ends of a conventional manifold or manifold head, which provides a metered supply of adhesive to each nozzle assembly. The nozzle assemblies each comprise a plurality of substantially parallel plate members defining a row of adhesive dispensing orifices at an exit surface. The row of fluid exit orifices of each nozzle assembly forms a portion of a longer row formed by the plurality of adjacent nozzle assemblies arranged along a common end of the manifold head. One or both sides of the manifold may be mounted adjacent to the side of a similarly constructed manifold head to form even longer rows of fluid exit orifices, thereby providing a modular meltblown adhesive dispensing system that accommodates substrates of any dimensional width.

In some adhesive-dispensing applications, the adhesive is applied to cover the full width of the substrate, and in other applications, it is desirable to apply the adhesive only to selected sections or areas of the substrate, leaving other sections or areas of the substrate free of adhesive. This is true, for example, in applications where a fold-over area of a substrate requires adhesive.

Folding is the process of folding a material around a partial edge by 90 degrees or 180 degrees. The resulting folded area is often then attached to a support part using a suitable joining process, particularly gluing.

Such folding processes are used particularly in the automotive industry for trim parts. The increasingly complex three-dimensional geometries of the trim parts pose a significant challenge for the joining processes used. One particular problem is applying a corresponding adhesive pattern evenly and continuously in the folding areas using a nozzle arrangement guided by a robot arm.

FIG. 1 shows in a schematic and isometric view a conventional system 50 for applying thermoplastic adhesives 20 to a substrate 21 having corresponding folding areas.

The System 50 according to FIG. 1 consists essentially of a distributor head 30, which is preferably provided with a (in FIG. 1 not shown) and which is movable along a direction of movement relative to the substrate 21. In a mounting area of the distributor head 30, a nozzle arrangement 101 is preferably interchangeably connected to the distributor head 30. The distributor head 30 serves to supply the thermoplastic adhesive 20 to be sprayed and, if appropriate, forming air, etc., to the nozzle arrangement 101 in a suitable manner.

The nozzle arrangement 101 used in the conventional system 50 for applying thermoplastic adhesives 20 to a substrate 21 has a base body 102 which, as seen in plan view, is at least substantially rectangular and which is connected to the mounting area of the distributor head 30.

The main body of the nozzle arrangement 101 has a front side surface via which the thermoplastic adhesive 20 to be applied to the substrate 21 is dispensed with the exit surface.

For this purpose, as in FIG. 1 indicated - an outlet nozzle 105 is formed on the front side surface of the base body 102 of the nozzle arrangement 101, wherein the outlet opening of the outlet nozzle 105 is designed such that a main flow axis predetermined by the outlet opening, along which the adhesive jet 20 emitted by the outlet nozzle moves, encloses a right angle (90 degrees) with the front side surface of the base body 102.

The fundamental problem with this design of the nozzle arrangement 101 is that when the distributor head 30 moves relative to the substrate 21 in the direction of the FIG. 1 In the direction of movement indicated by the arrow, there is a risk that, due to the complex three-dimensional geometry of the substrate 21, the distributor head 30 either comes into contact with the substrate 21 or certain areas of the substrate 21, in particular areas in a folding area of the substrate 21, can no longer be reached by the nozzle arrangement 101.

The printed matter DE 23 56 229 A1 relates to an atomizer nozzle with one or more passages for the material to be atomized and for at least one propellant gas, which forms a gas vortex outside the atomizer nozzle. The atomizer nozzle known from this prior art is used in particular for spraying metal particles or for thin metallic coatings and the like. The atomizer nozzle is designed to atomize the liquid containing the metal particles to be sprayed and to convert them into a kind of liquid veil.

For this purpose, the DE 23 56 229 A1 taught to arrange the fluid channels for the propellant gas at the end of the nozzle outlet area of the atomizer nozzle in a centrally offset and not concentric manner in order to set the liquid to be sprayed into rotation.

Although the DE 23 56 229 A1 known atomizing nozzle is at least in principle suitable for producing thin metallic coatings to spray the liquid with the metal particles in a sufficient manner, however, this is not or at least not directly transferable to applications according to the present invention, in which in particular thermoplastic adhesives are to be transferred to a substrate.

In particular, it has been shown that the DE 23 56 229 A1 The well-known principle in applications for the application of thermoplastic adhesives is particularly sensitive to parameter changes. Especially with minimal pressure changes of the propellant gas, the DE 23 56 229 A1 With the known approach, optimal atomization of the adhesive, especially the thermoplastic one, is no longer possible.

Based on this problem, the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a nozzle arrangement for applying fluids, in particular thermoplastic adhesives, to a substrate, wherein the nozzle arrangement allows the thermoplastic adhesive or the fluid to be applied in a targeted manner in a sufficiently atomizing manner, even in the case of complicated geometries of the substrate, but also in the case of deviating process parameters.

Furthermore, a correspondingly optimized system for applying fluids, in particular thermoplastic adhesives, to substrates with a correspondingly complex geometry is to be specified.

With regard to the nozzle arrangement, the object underlying the invention is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous developments of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention are specified in dependent patent claims 2 to 14.

With regard to the system, the problem underlying the invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim 15.

Accordingly, the present invention relates in particular to a nozzle arrangement for applying fluids, in particular thermoplastic adhesives, to a substrate, wherein the nozzle arrangement has a spray nozzle which can preferably be used interchangeably with a mounting region of a distributor.

In order to ensure that the thermoplastic adhesive or fluid can be applied in a targeted manner using the nozzle arrangement even in the case of complicated geometric geometries of the substrate, the invention provides in particular that the spray nozzle of the nozzle arrangement is designed as a relatively long finger spray nozzle which has a relatively small diameter in order to enable the fluid (in particular the thermoplastic adhesive) to be applied in a targeted manner using the spray nozzle even to areas of the substrate which would otherwise be difficult to access.

In this context, in order to design the finger spray nozzle, a two-part construction of the spray nozzle is provided, wherein the spray nozzle has a nozzle body, in particular a rod-shaped nozzle body, extending in the longitudinal direction of the spray nozzle as the first component and a nozzle housing as the second component, in which the nozzle body is received or can be received at least in some areas.

At least one first fluid channel, and preferably precisely one (single) first fluid channel, is formed in the nozzle body, which is in particular a rod-shaped one, for the fluid to be applied to the substrate. This preferably single first fluid channel extends in particular coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body, which is in particular a rod-shaped one.

In a particularly preferred manner, the spray nozzle of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention is designed to deliver the fluid, and in particular the thermoplastic adhesive, at the end-side nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle undeflected, in particular not spirally deflected, but rather in an atomized solid cone. In this context, it is particularly desirable that the fluid is delivered at the end-side nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle in a round, solid cone that is as perfect as possible. Dispensing the fluid at the end-side nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle in the form of an atomized solid cone has the decisive advantage that the nozzle arrangement does not always have to be aligned accordingly with regard to the surface of the substrate when applying the fluid. This is generally not possible, or only possible with great effort, particularly when applying fluids in a folded area, since the shape of the substrate in folded areas is generally very complex and the nozzle arrangement has to be aligned relative to the surface of the substrate when aligning the nozzle arrangement. the substrate must be continually realigned with regard to the complex shape of the folding area.

In order to form an atomized full cone of the fluid discharged from the first fluid channel at the nozzle outlet area of the spray nozzle, appropriate shaping air is used in the solution according to the invention.

In this context, it is provided in particular that a plurality of second fluid channels for shaping air are formed at least in regions between a lateral surface of the nozzle body and an inner surface of the nozzle housing of the spray nozzle.

The invention is characterized in particular in that the second fluid channels extend - over their entire length - in the longitudinal direction of the spray nozzle and parallel to the first fluid channel and open into a conical or cone-shaped gap space at an end-side nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle, wherein the conical or cone-shaped gap space tapers in the direction of a nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body.

This makes it possible to discharge the fluid from the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body in an atomized full cone shape in a uniform manner and in particular essentially at least independently of parameter changes, such as changes in the pressure of the shaping air.

In other words, the end nozzle outlet area of the spray nozzle is designed in particular as a full-cone atomizing nozzle with internal mixing of the fluid to be applied to the substrate and the shaping air.

In particular, it is provided that the second fluid channels open into the conical or cone-shaped gap in a straight line such that the shaping air emitted by the second fluid channels is deflected only in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body, but not perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle body.

In other words, unlike the nozzle arrangements known from the prior art, there is no spiral deflection of the fluid discharged or to be discharged from the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body. Such spiral deflection varies greatly depending on the pressure and fluid velocity of the forming air and is thus very sensitive to parameter changes.

Various designs are possible for forming the conical or tapered gap at the end nozzle outlet area of the spray nozzle.

Particularly preferably, the nozzle body is conical or tapered at the end nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle. The nozzle housing is also conical or tapered at the end nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle, with the conical or tapered gap being formed between the conical or tapered end region of the nozzle body, on the one hand, and the conical or tapered end region of the nozzle housing, on the other hand.

Preferably, the distance between the conical or tapered outer surface of the end portion of the nozzle body and the conical or tapered inner surface of the end portion of the nozzle body is 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, and preferably 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. The distance is preferably constant.

To enable particularly efficient atomization of the fluid supplied by the first fluid channel, implementations of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention provide for the first fluid channel to open into the conical or tapered gap space opposite the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body. This ensures that internal mixing can be achieved in the conical gap space.

According to preferred embodiments of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that at the end-side nozzle outlet area of the spray nozzle, at least the inner surface of the nozzle housing has a tapered shape in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body and in particular a conical shape of the Nozzle body has a conical shape adapted to it, in such a way that two spaced-apart hollow cones are formed, between which the conical or cone-shaped gap area is formed.

Preferably, at the end nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle, the nozzle body has a shape tapering in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body, in particular at least substantially conical or cone-shaped with a cone or cone angle of preferably 30° to 120° and in particular with a cone or cone angle of approximately 50° to approximately 100°.

Of course, other shapes of the nozzle body at the end nozzle outlet area of the spray nozzle are also conceivable.

According to preferred implementations of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that the nozzle housing is designed at least in regions as a sleeve-shaped body which surrounds the nozzle body at least in regions.

In this case, it is advisable that the nozzle housing is or can be fastened, preferably together with the nozzle body, to a connection area of a connection body of the nozzle arrangement, in particular in a detachable and/or replaceable manner.

According to preferred embodiments of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention, a compression fitting effected by a union nut is used at the connection area of the connection body to fasten the nozzle housing with the nozzle body to the connection area of the connection body.

This design has the crucial advantage that by loosening the union nut, both the nozzle housing and the nozzle body can be removed from the connection area of the connector body. Loosening the union nut also releases the connection between the nozzle housing and the nozzle body, allowing both components to be cleaned and/or maintained separately, or the two components to be replaced independently of each other.

Different designs are possible for the construction of the nozzle body, which is particularly rod-shaped.

In particular, according to preferred implementations of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that the at least one first fluid channel extending in particular coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body is formed as a through-bore in the rod-shaped nozzle body.

To form the second fluid channels, it is advisable for the rod-shaped nozzle body, in particular, to have a polygonal cross-sectional profile at least in some areas. When the rod-shaped nozzle body with the polygonal cross-sectional profile is accommodated in the nozzle housing, the individual second fluid channels are formed in the area of the surfaces of the polygonal cross-sectional profile.

According to preferred realizations of the rod-shaped nozzle body, it has in particular a hexagonal cross-sectional profile with a diameter of 6 mm to 10 mm and a key surface dimension of the hexagon between 5 mm and 9 mm.

In such a rod-shaped nozzle body, a total of six second fluid channels are formed due to the hexagonal cross-sectional profile when the rod-shaped nozzle body is accommodated in the nozzle housing.

In general, it is advantageous if the diameter of the rod-shaped nozzle body is between 6 mm and 12 mm, and preferably between 6 mm and 10 mm. These dimensions allow for a particularly "slim" finger spray nozzle.

As an alternative to the last-mentioned embodiment, it is conceivable that the nozzle body, in particular a rod-shaped nozzle body, has at least in some regions an at least substantially circular-cylindrical cross-sectional profile, wherein groove regions extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body are formed in the lateral surface of the circular-cylindrical nozzle body to form the second fluid channels.

In order to achieve the most perfect and, in particular, uniform atomization possible of the fluid discharged via the first fluid channel at the end nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle, the second fluid channels should be formed uniformly over the lateral surface of the nozzle body and, in particular, in an equidistant manner from one another.

According to implementations of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that the nozzle body, at least in the region in which it is received by the nozzle housing, is designed as a substantially cylindrical nozzle body, at least in some regions, wherein groove regions extending in the longitudinal direction of the spray nozzle and/or recessed regions extending in the longitudinal direction of the spray nozzle with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical body are formed in the substantially cylindrical nozzle body, which regions, together with the inner surface of the nozzle housing, at least in some regions delimit the second fluid channels.

Of course, other designs for the nozzle body are also possible.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is provided that at the end nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle at least the inner surface of the nozzle housing has a conical shape that tapers in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body and is in particular adapted to a conical shape of the nozzle body.

This aspect is a particularly simple to implement but nevertheless effective measure to achieve the most perfect cone shape and atomization of the fluid delivered from the first fluid channel at the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body.

In this context, it is advantageous that grooves and/or recesses are formed in the nozzle body at the end nozzle outlet area of the spray nozzle, each of which is fluidly connected to one of the second fluid channels. In this way, the shaping air transported by the second fluid channels can be delivered in a targeted manner to the end nozzle outlet area of the spray nozzle.

At the end nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle, the nozzle body preferably has a conical shape tapering in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body with a cone angle of preferably 30 degrees to 120 degrees and in particular with a cone angle of 50 degrees to 100 degrees.

According to preferred implementations of the spray nozzle according to the invention, the nozzle body has a length of 20 mm to 100 mm, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the spray nozzle, and preferably a length of 30 mm to 80 mm, and more preferably a length of 40 mm to 60 mm.

Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the nozzle body with the nozzle housing has an average diameter of no more than 20 mm and preferably an average diameter of no more than 15 mm. Thus, particularly slim finger spray nozzles can be realized with the solution according to the invention.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is provided that, in a state of the spray nozzle mounted on the connection region of the connection body, a preferably annular region is formed in a region between the connection body and the spray nozzle, which region is fluidly connected on the one hand to a source of shaping air, in particular to a compressed air source, and on the other hand to the second fluid channels of the spray nozzle.

By providing such a preferably annular region at the connection area of the connection body, it is ensured that a preferably equal and constant amount of shaping air per unit of time is fed into every second fluid channel.

According to a further development of the aforementioned aspect, it is provided in particular that a seal, in particular in the form of a sealing ring, is assigned to the nozzle body for separating the in particular annular region for shaping air and a region preferably arranged axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body, via which region the fluid to be applied to the substrate can be fed into the first fluid channel of the spray nozzle.

The invention further relates to the use of the aforementioned nozzle arrangement according to the invention for applying a fluid, in particular thermoplastic adhesive, to a folding area of a component.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for applying fluids, in particular thermoplastic adhesives, to a substrate, wherein the system comprises a distributor head that is movable relative to the substrate along a direction of movement. Preferably, the distributor head is connected or connectable to a robot arm.

The system further comprises at least one nozzle arrangement of the type according to the invention described above, which is preferably interchangeably connected to the distributor head in a mounting area of the distributor head.

The nozzle arrangement according to the invention makes it possible, in particular, that when the fluid is applied to the substrate, even particularly complex geometric regions of the substrate can effectively reach the area of the nozzle outlet opening of the spray nozzle without contact occurring between the nozzle arrangement or the distributor or distributor head and the substrate.

The invention further relates to a method for applying fluids, in particular thermoplastic adhesives, to a substrate, wherein for this purpose a nozzle arrangement is moved relative to the substrate in a direction of movement, wherein the nozzle arrangement is in particular a nozzle arrangement of the type according to the invention described above.

In the application method according to the invention, a fluid jet is further discharged through the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body of the nozzle arrangement, in particular during the movement of the nozzle arrangement relative to the substrate.

In this case, it is provided in particular that the fluid jet emitted through the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body is preferably deflected with the aid of shaping air, in particular for generating a predetermined pattern of the fluid jet to be applied to the substrate.

Advantageously, the substrate is a component with a folding region, wherein during the discharge of the fluid jet through the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body, the nozzle arrangement is moved at least partially into the folding region of the substrate.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1

schematisch und in einer isometrischen Ansicht ein herkömmliches System zum Auftragen von thermoplastischen Klebstoffen auf ein Substrat;

FIG. 2

schematisch und in einer isometrischen Ansicht eine exemplarische Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems zum Auftragen von thermoplastischen Klebstoffen auf ein Substrat;

FIG. 3

schematisch und in einer isometrischen Ansicht eine weitere exemplarische Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems zum Auftragen von thermoplastischen Klebstoffen auf ein Substrat;

FIG. 4

schematisch und in einer isometrischen Explosionsansicht eine exemplarische Ausführungsform einer Sprühdüse für eine bei dem erfindungsgemäßen System zum Auftragen von thermoplastischen Klebstoffen auf ein Substrat gemäß FIG. 2 oder FIG. 3 zum Einsatz kommenden Düsenanordnung;

FIG. 5

schematisch und in einer Längsschnittansicht eine exemplarische Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Düsenanordnung für ein System zum Auftragen von thermoplastischen Klebstoffen auf ein Substrat, insbesondere für ein System gemäß FIG. 2 oder FIG. 2.;

FIG. 6

schematisch und in einer Detailansicht der endseitige Düsenauslassbereich der Sprühdüse der Düsenanordnung gemäß FIG. 5; und

FIG. 7

schematisch und in einer isometrischen Ansicht die exemplarische Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Systems gemäß FIG. 2 beim Auftragen eines thermoplastischen Klebstoffs auf ein Substrat.

They show:

FIG. 1

schematically and in an isometric view a conventional system for applying thermoplastic adhesives to a substrate;

FIG. 2

schematically and in an isometric view an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention for applying thermoplastic adhesives to a substrate;

FIG. 3

schematically and in an isometric view, another exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention for applying thermoplastic adhesives to a substrate;

FIG. 4

schematically and in an isometric exploded view an exemplary embodiment of a spray nozzle for a system according to the invention for applying thermoplastic adhesives to a substrate according to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 nozzle arrangement used;

FIG. 5

schematically and in a longitudinal sectional view an exemplary embodiment of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention for a system for applying thermoplastic adhesives to a substrate, in particular for a system according to FIG. 2 or FIG. 2 .;

FIG. 6

schematically and in a detailed view of the end nozzle outlet area of the spray nozzle of the nozzle arrangement according to FIG. 5 ; and

FIG. 7

schematically and in an isometric view the exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention according to FIG. 2 when applying a thermoplastic adhesive to a substrate.

It has long been recognized that thermoplastic adhesives make good binders. They harden quickly, which is a particular advantage when the adhesive is applied gradually and the parts to be bonded are then bonded immediately. The resulting bond is very strong. Furthermore, the range of components that can be used to make thermoplastic adhesives is so wide that a suitable adhesive composition can easily be created for a given purpose.

However, certain difficulties have arisen in the way of the widespread use of these adhesives, as the thermoplastic adhesive cannot be applied in an automated manner, or can only be applied with considerable difficulty, to certain selected areas of a substrate, especially those with a complex geometry. This applies particularly to the edge-folding areas of substrates formed as molded bodies.

In FIG. 1 is shown schematically and in an isometric view, a conventional system 50 with which a thermoplastic adhesive 20 is applied in an automated manner to specific areas of a substrate formed as a molded part. The conventional system 50 for applying thermoplastic adhesives 20 to a substrate 21 formed as a molded body has a distributor head 30, which is preferably provided with a FIG. 1 not shown, and which is movable along a direction of movement relative to the substrate 21 with the aid of the robot arm.

As in FIG. 1 As shown, the conventional system 50 for applying thermoplastic adhesives further comprises a nozzle arrangement 101, which is preferably interchangeably connected to the distributor head 30 in a mounting area of the distributor head 30. The nozzle arrangement 101 is essentially formed by an approximately rectangular base body 102, via which the nozzle arrangement 101 is connected to the mounting area of the distributor head 30. This - seen in plan view - essentially rectangular base body 102 of the nozzle arrangement 101 has a front side surface 103, in which a Outlet nozzle 105 is formed. The main flow axis defined by the outlet nozzle 105 or the outlet opening of the outlet nozzle 105, along which the thermoplastic adhesive material 20 discharged from the outlet nozzle 105 moves, forms an at least substantially right angle with the end face 103 of the base body 102 of the nozzle arrangement 101. Furthermore, the end face 103 of the base body 102 is in the direction of movement of the distributor.

In applications of the conventional system 50 for molded parts with complex geometric structures and in particular edge-folding areas, it is generally unavoidable that either parts of the system, in particular the distributor head or the nozzle arrangement, come into contact with areas of the molded part or that not all necessary areas of the molded part can be reached with the nozzle arrangement.

In order to solve this problem, an optimized nozzle arrangement 1 is proposed according to the invention, wherein exemplary embodiments of this nozzle arrangement 1 are described in more detail below with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 2 to FIG. 12.

In detail, FIG. 2 in a schematic and isometric view, an exemplary embodiment of the system 19 according to the invention is shown, wherein this system 19 serves for applying fluids 20, in particular thermoplastic adhesives, to a substrate 21, and wherein the system 19 essentially comprises a distributor head 2, which is preferably connected or connectable to a robot arm, and which is movable along a direction of movement relative to the (in FIG. 2 not shown) substrate 21 is movable.

The FIG. 2 The system 19 shown schematically further comprises a nozzle arrangement 1 which is preferably interchangeably connected to the distributor head 2 in a mounting area of the distributor head 2.

The structure and functioning of the FIG. 2 The nozzle arrangement 1 used in the schematically shown system 19 are described below with reference to the illustrations in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 described in more detail.

FIG. 3 shows in a schematic and isometric view an alternative embodiment of the system 19 according to the invention for applying fluids 20 to a (also in FIG. 3 not shown) substrate 21. The FIG. 3 schematically shown exemplary embodiment of the system 19 according to the invention essentially from that shown in FIG. 2 schematically shown system 19 by the structure of the distributor head 2, to which the nozzle arrangement 1 according to the invention is connected.

The following is based on the illustrations in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 an exemplary embodiment of the nozzle arrangement 1 according to the invention or the spray nozzle 3 of the nozzle arrangement 1 according to the invention is described in more detail.

The nozzle arrangement 1 serves for applying fluids 20, in particular thermoplastic adhesives, to a substrate 21, wherein the nozzle arrangement 1 has a connecting body 9 which can preferably be exchangeably connected to a mounting area of a distributor 2 and a spray nozzle 3 which can preferably be exchangeably connected to the connecting body 9.

As is particularly evident in the exploded view in FIG. 4 can be seen, the spray nozzle 3 according to the invention has an essentially two-part structure, namely consisting of a nozzle body 5 extending in the longitudinal direction 4 of the spray nozzle 3, in particular a rod-shaped nozzle body, and a nozzle housing 7. The nozzle housing 7 has a sleeve-shaped base body.

A first fluid channel 6 for the fluid 20 to be applied to the substrate 21 is formed in the rod-shaped nozzle body 5. In this context, particular reference is made to the sectional view in FIG. 4 The first fluid channel 6 extends in particular coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the (rod-shaped) nozzle body 5.

Between the outer surface of the rod-shaped nozzle body 5 and the inner surface of the nozzle housing 7, which is in particular sleeve-shaped in some areas, a plurality of second fluid channels 10 are formed, which serve to supply shaping air to the end nozzle outlet area 11 of the spray nozzle 3. In particular, the shaping air supplied by means of the second fluid channels 10 serves to to cause atomization of the fluid 20 discharged or to be discharged from the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5.

In detail, and as it is particularly the case with the sectional view in FIG. 5 can be removed, the nozzle housing 7 of the spray nozzle 3 is designed, at least in regions, as a sleeve-shaped body which at least in regions surrounds the (rod-shaped) nozzle body 5. In this case, it is provided in particular that the nozzle housing 7 is fastened, preferably together with the nozzle body 5, to the connection area 12 of the connection body 9, in particular in a detachable and/or replaceable manner, in particular by means of a compression fitting effected by a union nut 13 on the connection area 12 of the connection body 9.

On the other hand, the (particularly rod-shaped) nozzle body 5 is formed, at least in the region in which it is accommodated by the nozzle housing 7, at least in regions as a substantially cylindrical nozzle body 6, wherein in the substantially cylindrical nozzle body 5 groove regions extending in the longitudinal direction 4 of the spray nozzle 3 or alternatively (as in FIG. 4 indicated) extending in the longitudinal direction 4 of the spray nozzle 3 and recessed with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical nozzle body 5. These regions (groove regions or recessed regions 15), together with the inner surface of the nozzle housing 7, at least partially delimit the individual second fluid channels 10 of the spray nozzle 3.

In detail, the FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 In the exemplary embodiment of the nozzle arrangement 1 according to the invention shown, it is provided that the rod-shaped nozzle body 5 has a polygonal cross-sectional profile at least in some areas in order to form the corresponding second fluid channels 10 over the surface areas 15 of the polygonal cross-sectional profile (and the inner surface of the nozzle housing 7).

In detail, the embodiment according to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 It is provided that the particularly rod-shaped nozzle body 5 has a hexagonal cross-sectional profile at least in some areas in order to form a total of six second fluid channels 10 together with the nozzle housing 7.

According to preferred implementations, it is provided in this context that the diameter of the rod-shaped nozzle body 5 is preferably in a range between approximately 6 mm and approximately 12 mm and particularly preferably in a range between approximately 6 mm and approximately 10 mm.

In particular in FIG. 4 recognizable hexagonal cross-sectional profile shape of the rod-shaped nozzle body 5, the diameter of the rod-shaped nozzle body 5 is in particular about 6 mm to about 10 mm with a key surface dimension of the hexagon between 5 mm and 9 mm.

As an alternative to such a polygonal cross-sectional profile design of the rod-shaped nozzle body 5, it is conceivable that the nozzle body 5 of the spray nozzle 3 is provided at least in some areas with a substantially circular-cylindrical cross-sectional profile, wherein groove regions (not shown in the drawings) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body 5 are formed in the lateral surface of the circular-cylindrical nozzle body 5 to form the second fluid channels 10.

Regardless of the question of how the second fluid channels 10 are ultimately formed, the second fluid channels 10 should be formed uniformly over the lateral surface of the nozzle body 5 and in particular equidistant from one another in order to be able to effect the best possible atomization of the fluid discharged from the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5 at the nozzle outlet region 11.

For this purpose, the invention provides that the second fluid channels 10 extend - over their entire length - in the longitudinal direction 4 of the spray nozzle 3 parallel to the first fluid channel 5 and open into a conical or cone-shaped gap space 16 at an end nozzle outlet region 11 of the spray nozzle 3, wherein the conical or cone-shaped gap space 16 preferably tapers uniformly in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5.

The end nozzle outlet area 11 of the spray nozzle 3 is designed in particular as a full-cone atomizer nozzle, preferably with internal mixing of the fluid 20 to be applied to the substrate 21 and the shaping air.

The representation in FIG. 6 It can be seen in particular that the second fluid channels 10 open into the conical or cone-shaped gap 16 in such a straight line that the shaping air emitted by the second fluid channels 10 is deflected only in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5, but not perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 4 of the spray nozzle 3.

It can also be seen that the nozzle body 5 is conical or cone-shaped at the end-side nozzle outlet region 11 of the spray nozzle 3, and the nozzle housing 7 is also conical or cone-shaped at the end-side nozzle outlet region 11 of the spray nozzle 3, the conical or cone-shaped gap 16 being formed between the conical or cone-shaped end region of the nozzle body 5 on the one hand and the conical or cone-shaped end region of the nozzle housing 7 on the other hand.

In this case, a conical or cone-shaped outer surface of the end region of the nozzle body 5 and a conical or cone-shaped inner surface of the end region are each designed without contours in a macroscopic area.

A distance between the conical or cone-shaped outer surface of the end portion of the nozzle body 5 and the conical or cone-shaped inner surface of the end portion of the nozzle housing is 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm and preferably 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

The representation in FIG. 6 It can also be seen that the first fluid channel 6 opens into the conical gap 16 opposite the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5.

At the end nozzle outlet area 11 of the spray nozzle 3, the nozzle body 5 has a conical or tapered shape tapering towards the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5 with a conical or tapered angle of preferably 30° to 120° and in particular with a conical or tapered angle of preferably 50° to 100°. In this context, particular reference is made to the detailed view in FIG. 6 referred to.

In the same way, in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 shown nozzle arrangement 1, it is provided that at the end nozzle outlet area 11 of the spray nozzle 3 at least the inner surface of the nozzle housing 7 has a tapered shape in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5 and in particular a conical or conical shape.

The detailed view in FIG. 6 It can be seen that at the end-side nozzle outlet region 11 of the spray nozzle 3 on the at least substantially conical outer surface of the nozzle body 5, a spacing region 14 is preferably formed integrally with the nozzle body 5, in such a way that the conical-conical gap space 16 is formed between the nozzle body 5 and the nozzle housing 7, via which gap space 16 an atomization of the fluid 20 discharged or to be discharged from the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5 is effected with the aid of the shaping air discharged from the second fluid channels 10 at the nozzle outlet region 11.

The sectional view in FIG. 5 It can be seen that in a state of the spray nozzle 3 mounted on the connection area 12 of the connection body 9, a preferably annular area 17 is formed in an area between the connection body 9 and the spray nozzle 3, which area is not connected in terms of flow to a source of shaping air, in particular to a compressed air source. FIG. 5 shown, and on the other hand is fluidly connected to the second fluid channels 10 of the spray nozzle 3.

Furthermore, the sectional view according to FIG. 5 It can be seen that a seal 18, in particular in the form of a sealing ring, is assigned to the nozzle body 5 in order to separate the in particular annular region 17 for shaping air and a region preferably arranged axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body 5, via which region the fluid to be applied to the substrate 21 is fed into the first fluid channel 6 of the spray nozzle 3.

The invention further relates to the use of the nozzle arrangement 1 according to the invention for applying a fluid, in particular thermoplastic adhesive, to a folding area of a component, as shown schematically and in an isometric view in FIG. 7 is shown.

With the help of the second fluid channels 10, forming air compressed air is directed in the direction of the thermoplastic adhesive jet emitted from the end nozzle outlet area 11 of the spray nozzle 3 in order to atomize the adhesive jet 20.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, but results from a synopsis of all features disclosed herein.

List of reference symbols

1

Nozzle arrangement

2

Distributor/distributor head

3

spray nozzle

4

Longitudinal direction of the spray gland

5

nozzle body

6

first fluid channel

7

nozzle housing

8

Nozzle outlet opening

9

Nozzle assembly connecting body

10

second fluid channels

11

Nozzle outlet area

12

Connection area of the connection body

13

union nut

14

(distance) area

15

Surface areas for forming the second fluid channels

16

gap space

17

annular area for shaping air

18

seal

19

System for applying fluids

20

thermoplastic adhesive

21

Substrat

30

Distributor head state of the art

50

System for applying thermoplastic adhesive State of the art

101

Nozzle arrangement state of the art

102

Basic body state of the art

103

front side surface state of the art

105

Outlet nozzle state of the art

Claims (15)

Nozzle arrangement (1) for applying fluids (2), in particular thermoplastic adhesives, to a substrate (21), wherein the nozzle arrangement (1) has a connecting body (9) which can preferably be exchangeably connected to a mounting area of a distributor (30), and a spray nozzle (3) which can preferably be exchangeably connected to the connecting body (9), wherein the spray nozzle (3) has a nozzle body (5) which extends in the longitudinal direction (4) of the spray nozzle (3), in particular a rod-shaped nozzle body, with at least one and preferably exactly one first fluid channel (6) which extends in particular coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body (5) for the fluid (20) to be applied to the substrate (21), wherein the spray nozzle (3) further has a nozzle housing (7), in which the nozzle body (5) is or can be received at least in regions, wherein between a lateral surface of the nozzle body (5) and an inner surface of the nozzle housing (7) at least in regions a plurality of second fluid channels (10) for shaping air,
characterized in that
the second fluid channels (10) extend - over their entire length - in the longitudinal direction (4) of the spray nozzle (3) parallel to the first fluid channel (5) and open into a conical or cone-shaped gap space (16) at an end-side nozzle outlet region (11) of the spray nozzle (3), wherein the conical or cone-shaped gap space (16) preferably tapers uniformly in the direction of a nozzle outlet opening (8) of the nozzle body (5). Nozzle arrangement (1) according to claim 1,
wherein the end nozzle outlet region (11) of the spray nozzle (3) is designed as a full-cone atomizing nozzle, preferably with internal mixing of the fluid (20) to be applied to the substrate (21) and the shaping air. Nozzle arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the second fluid channels (10) open straight into the conical or cone-shaped gap (16) in such a way that the shaping air emitted by the second fluid channels (10) is deflected only in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening (8) of the nozzle body (5), but not perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (4) of the spray nozzle (3). Nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the nozzle body (5) is conical or cone-shaped at the end-side nozzle outlet region (11) of the spray nozzle (3), and wherein the nozzle housing (7) is also conical or cone-shaped at the end-side nozzle outlet region (11) of the spray nozzle (3), wherein the conical or cone-shaped gap (16) is formed between the conical or cone-shaped end region of the nozzle body (5) on the one hand and the conical or cone-shaped end region of the nozzle housing (7) on the other hand. Nozzle arrangement (1) according to claim 4,
wherein a conical or cone-shaped outer surface of the end region of the nozzle body (5) and a conical or cone-shaped inner surface of the end region are each designed without contours in a macroscopic area. Nozzle arrangement (1) according to claim 4 or 5,
wherein a distance between the conical or cone-shaped outer surface of the end region of the nozzle body (5) and the conical or cone-shaped inner surface of the end region of the nozzle housing is 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm and preferably 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. Nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6,
wherein the first fluid channel (6) opens into the conical gap (16) opposite the nozzle outlet opening (8) of the nozzle body (5). Nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein at the end-side nozzle outlet region (11) of the spray nozzle (3) the nozzle body (5) has a shape tapering in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body (5), in particular at least substantially conical or cone-shaped with a cone or cone angle of preferably 30° to 120° and in particular with a cone or cone angle of approximately 50° to approximately 100°. Nozzle arrangement (1) according to claim 8,
wherein at the end-side nozzle outlet region (11) of the spray nozzle (3) on the at least substantially conical or cone-shaped outer surface of the nozzle body (5) at least one region (14) is preferably formed integrally with the nozzle body (5), in such a way that the conical or cone-shaped gap space (16) is formed between the nozzle body (5) and the nozzle housing (7). Nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9,
wherein the nozzle housing (7) is designed at least in regions as a sleeve-shaped body which at least in regions surrounds the nozzle body (5), wherein the nozzle housing (7) can be fastened, preferably together with the nozzle body (5), to a connection region (12) of the connection body (9), in particular in a detachable and/or replaceable manner, in particular by means of a compression screw connection on the connection region (12) of the connection body (9) effected by a union nut (13). Nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the in particular rod-shaped nozzle body (5) has at least in some areas a polygonal cross-sectional profile, wherein the diameter of the rod-shaped nozzle body (5) is preferably in a range between 6 mm and 12 mm and preferably between 6 mm and 10 mm, wherein the in particular rod-shaped nozzle body (5) preferably has at least in some areas in particular a hexagonal cross-sectional profile with a diameter between 6 mm and 10 mm and a hexagonal flat size between 5 mm and 9 mm; or wherein the in particular rod-shaped nozzle body (5) has at least in some regions an at least substantially circular-cylindrical cross-sectional profile, wherein groove regions extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body (5) are formed in the lateral surface of the cylindrical nozzle body (5) to form the second fluid channels (10). Nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11,
wherein the second fluid channels (10) are formed uniformly over the lateral surface of the nozzle body (5) and in particular in an equidistant manner. Nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the nozzle body (5) is formed, at least in the region in which it is received by the nozzle housing (7), at least in some regions as a substantially cylindrical nozzle body (5), wherein groove regions extending in the longitudinal direction (4) of the spray nozzle (3) and/or regions (15) extending in the longitudinal direction (4) of the spray nozzle (3) and recessed with respect to the lateral surface of the cylindrical nozzle body (5) are formed in the substantially cylindrical nozzle body (5), which regions, together with the inner surface of the nozzle housing (7), at least in some regions delimit the second fluid channels (10); and/or wherein a total of at least three second fluid channels (10) and preferably at least five second fluid channels (10) and more preferably exactly six second fluid channels (10) are formed uniformly relative to one another over the lateral surface of the nozzle body (5) and in particular in an equidistant manner relative to one another. Nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the nozzle body (5) - viewed in the longitudinal direction (4) of the spray nozzle (3) - has a length of approximately 20 mm to approximately 100 mm and preferably a length of approximately 30 mm to approximately 80 mm and more preferably a length of approximately 40 mm to approximately 60 mm; and/or wherein the nozzle body (5) with the nozzle housing (7) has an average diameter of a maximum of approximately 20 mm and preferably an average diameter of a maximum of approximately 15 mm; and/or wherein, in a state of the spray nozzle (3) mounted on the connection region (12) of the connection body (9), a preferably annular region (17) is formed in a region between the connection body (9) and the spray nozzle (3), which region is fluidly connected on the one hand to a source of shaping air, in particular to a compressed air source, and on the other hand to the second fluid channels (10) of the spray nozzle (3), wherein the nozzle body (5) is preferably assigned a seal (18), in particular in the form of a sealing ring, for separating the particularly annular region (17) for shaping air and a region which is preferably arranged axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body (5), via which region the fluid (20) to be applied to the substrate (21) can be fed into the first fluid channel (6) of the spray nozzle (3). System (19) for applying fluids (20), in particular thermoplastic adhesives, to a substrate (21), the system (19) comprising: - a distribution head (2), which is preferably connected or connectable to a robot arm and which is movable along a direction of movement relative to the substrate (21); and - at least one nozzle arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, which is connected to the distributor head (2) in a mounting area of the distributor head (2), preferably in an exchangeable manner.

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