Nozzle device for applying a fluid, system having such a nozzle device, and method for applying a fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a nozzle device (1) for applying a fluid (20), in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate (21), wherein the nozzle device (1) and the substrate (21) are movable relative to each other in a first direction, wherein the nozzle device (1) has a body (2) which can be preferably interchangeably connected to a mounting area of ​​a dispenser (30) and has a front side surface (3) extending in a second direction, the second direction extending at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction. According to the invention, it is particularly proposed that in the front side surface (3) of the body (2), a plurality of mutually adjacently arranged first outlet nozzles (4) for the fluid (20) to be applied are formed as a first row extending along the second direction, and, in the front side surface (3) of the body (2), a plurality of mutually adjacently arranged second outlet nozzles (5) for a second fluid are further formed as a second row extending along the second direction, wherein the second row extends parallel to the first row.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 814,500, filed on March 10, 2020, which in turn claims priority under 35 USC §119 and 37 CFR §1.55 to German Patent Application No. 102019 106 146.6, filed on March 11, 2019. The entire disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to applying a fluid (including a thermoplastic or fibrous adhesive) to a substrate through at least one nozzle device, which is preferably removably secured to a mounting surface of a dispenser or dispenser head, wherein such dispenser or dispenser head is generally used to supply the fluid to be appropriately applied to the at least one nozzle device.

[0005] The purpose of such a system is to apply a fluid to a substrate that is moved, for example, relative to at least one nozzle arrangement, and more particularly to apply an adhesive in a partial jet pattern to partially cover the substrate.

[0006] Field Discussion

[0007] For example, document EP 0 872 580 A discloses a plurality of melt blowing nozzle devices or nozzles, which can be fastened side by side on one or both ends of a conventional dispenser or dispenser head, which ensures that adhesive is metered to each nozzle device. Nozzle devices all include a plurality of substantially parallel plate elements formed on the outlet surface. A row of fluid outlet openings of each nozzle device forms a longer row of sections, which are formed by a plurality of adjacent nozzle devices arranged along the same end of the dispenser head. One side or both sides of a dispenser can be fastened to a position adjacent to a side of a dispenser head of similar construction, to form even longer rows of fluid outlet openings, thus providing a modular melt blowing adhesive dispenser system, which receives substrates with any size width.

[0008] In some adhesive dispensing applications, it is desirable to apply the adhesive to the substrate in such a way that the entire width of the substrate is covered as completely as possible. These application actions include, for example, the application of adhesive during the production of vehicle interior trims, in particular in the case of the application of the adhesive to the underside of a decorative layer or to a substrate to which the decorative layer is adhesively bonded. The adhesive is usually applied to a so-called "carrier part", in particular a plastic injection molded part, which is then lowered into the device for lamination. The adhesive can be reactivated via IR light and the carrier part can then be pressed with the decorative blank.

[0009] For this application, it is particularly desirable to apply the adhesive as evenly and homogeneously as possible, since irregular adhesive application can, in certain cases, have a negative effect on the visual appearance of the fastened decorative layer or on the tactile feel. In particular, a fine spray pattern without marks during the application of the adhesive is desirable, wherein it is of primary importance that no droplets form in the pattern.

[0010] For perspective reasons, a conventional system 150 for applying a thermoplastic adhesive 20 to a substrate 21 is schematically shown in an isometric view in FIG1 . The system 150 is basically composed of a dispenser head 30, which is preferably connected or can be connected to an actuator such as a robot arm (not shown in FIG1 ), and the dispenser head can be moved relative to the substrate 21 along a certain movement direction.

[0011] The nozzle device 101 is preferably interchangeably connectable to the dispenser head 30 in its mounting region. In this case, the dispenser head 30 serves to supply the nozzle device 101 with the thermoplastic adhesive 20 to be sprayed and possibly other fluids, such as shaping air or the like, in a suitable manner.

[0012] The nozzle device 101 used in a conventional system 150 for applying a thermoplastic adhesive 20 to a substrate 21 is for example a so-called UFD™ nozzle device by the applicant, by means of which a random application pattern can be applied to the substrate 21. Such a nozzle device is described at least in principle in the above-mentioned document EP 0 872 580 A.

[0013] In brief summary, the case involves a nozzle arrangement 101 having a body 102 which, seen in top view, is embodied at least substantially perpendicularly to a mounting region of a dispenser head 30 and is connected or connectable thereto.

[0014] The body of the nozzle device 101 has an end-side side surface, which corresponds to an outlet surface via which the thermoplastic adhesive 20 to be applied to the substrate 21 is dispensed.

[0015] In order to be able to apply the adhesive 20 as evenly as possible to the substrate 21, a plurality of adjacently arranged outlet nozzles for applying the adhesive are formed in the end side surface of the body, which extends in a direction extending perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the dispenser head 30. In order to be able to image a defined application pattern of the adhesive 20 on the substrate 21, a respective outlet nozzle for shaping air is associated with each outlet nozzle for the adhesive 20 to be applied.

[0016] In the known nozzle device 101, it is particularly proposed for this purpose that, in the extension direction of the end side surface of the body, the first outlet nozzle for the adhesive 20 to be applied on the one hand and the second outlet nozzle for the corresponding shaping air (especially pressurized air) on the other hand are arranged adjacently and especially alternately. The (second) outlet nozzle for shaping air is designed to form a plurality of shaping air fluid streams, which are particularly directionally convergent relative to the adhesive fluid streams, which are directed from the first outlet nozzle for the adhesive 20 to be applied to the substrate 21. The adhesive fluid streams dispensed from the respective first outlet nozzles for the adhesive 20 can be deflected by a change in the amount dispensed per unit time from the second outlet nozzle for shaping air or pressurized air.

[0017] Although the dispenser head 30 and / or the nozzle device 101 known in the prior art are capable of applying the adhesive 20 evenly and in a defined application pattern to the substrate 21, the nozzle device 101 known in the prior art has certain limitations in its application. This applies in particular to those applications where it is necessary to apply the adhesive to the substrate 21 as evenly as possible, in particular as uniformly as possible, such as in the case of laminating decorative surfaces, in particular on interior trim parts of vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0018] Based on this statement of problem, the basic object of the present invention is therefore to improve a nozzle arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that a finer adhesive application pattern can optionally be achieved on the substrate, wherein at the same time the most even adhesive application possible is desired.

[0019] Furthermore, a corresponding optimized system for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate and an optimized method for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate will be described in detail.

[0020] The basic object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1 with regard to the nozzle arrangement.

[0021] The basic object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the parallel patent claim 12 with respect to the system and by the subject matter of the parallel patent claim 13 with respect to the method, wherein advantageous developments of the invention are each specified in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0022] The invention therefore relates in particular to a nozzle arrangement for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate, wherein the nozzle arrangement and the substrate are movable relative to each other in a first direction (=movement direction). In this case, for example, the substrate can be movable relative to a stationary nozzle arrangement, or the nozzle arrangement can also be movable relative to a stationary substrate.

[0023] The nozzle device has a body that can be preferably interchangeably connected to a mounting area of ​​a dispenser, in particular a mounting area of ​​a dispenser head, and has end side surfaces. The dispenser or dispenser head can be fastened, for example, to an actuator (e.g., a robot arm, etc.) to move the nozzle device relative to the substrate.

[0024] The end-side side surface of the main body extends at least substantially in a second direction, which extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the first direction, ie the (relative) movement direction.

[0025] According to the present invention, it is particularly proposed that in the end side surface of the body, a plurality of mutually adjacently arranged first outlet nozzles for the fluid to be applied (particularly an adhesive) are specifically formed as a first row extending along the second direction. In addition to the first outlet nozzles extending along the first row, a plurality of mutually adjacently arranged second outlet nozzles for the second fluid are also provided, wherein the second outlet nozzles are formed as a second row extending along the second direction. In this case, it is proposed that the second row along which the second outlet nozzles are formed extends parallel to the first row along which the first outlet nozzles are formed.

[0026] The advantages that can be achieved with the solution according to the invention are obvious: according to the invention, the alternating arrangement of the first outlet nozzles for the adhesive to be applied to the substrate and the second outlet nozzles for shaping air is intentionally omitted, and all outlet nozzles for the adhesive (= first outlet nozzles) are arranged along a row and directly adjacent to each other, and a nozzle device of the same size can accommodate a significantly larger number of first outlet nozzles for the adhesive to be applied (= first outlet nozzles) in the end side surface of the body of the nozzle device.

[0027] It is furthermore advantageous that the deflection / oscillation of the adhesive or filament jet dispensed by the first outlet nozzle occurs only in the direction of movement of the robot arm or the nozzle arrangement relative to the center of gravity. Oscillations in the transverse direction of the nozzle arrangement are thus reduced and thus the merging of a plurality of adjacent filament jets is prevented, which is a known problem, in particular in the case of nozzles with closely spaced adhesive openings according to the prior art. Moreover, the edge definition of the application can be improved, since transverse oscillations are always detrimental here and would produce blurred edges.

[0028] Using the nozzle arrangement according to the invention, a purposeful deflection of the adhesive fluid jet dispensed by the first outlet nozzle is still possible, since the second row of outlet nozzles for the second fluid (in particular shaping air, etc.) is formed parallel to the (first) row along which the first outlet nozzles are arranged.

[0029] Due to this parallel arrangement of the first outlet nozzle for the adhesive to be applied on the one hand and the second outlet nozzle for the shaping air on the other hand, a significantly finer application pattern of the adhesive on the substrate can be achieved, since, in comparison to the above-mentioned nozzle arrangements known from the prior art, in particular a deflection of the adhesive fluid jet dispensed by the first outlet nozzle in a first direction, i.e. in the (relative) direction of movement, can also be achieved by using the second outlet nozzle.

[0030] Thus, with a nozzle arrangement of the same size, a particularly compact system can be provided which enables an adhesive for such a fluid to be applied particularly uniformly and evenly to the substrate, which is particularly desirable when a decorative layer is applied to the substrate by means of an adhesive layer.

[0031] In order to achieve the most purposeful possible deflection of the fluid jet distributed by the first outlet nozzle, it is particularly proposed that for each first outlet nozzle, at least one, preferably exactly one, second outlet nozzle is provided, which is spaced apart from the first outlet nozzle in the first direction (=(relative) movement direction).

[0032] In particular, an embodiment of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention provides that a second outlet nozzle is arranged perpendicularly to the first outlet nozzle in each case with respect to the second direction.

[0033] In order to be able to achieve as fine an application pattern of the adhesive on the substrate as possible using the nozzle device according to the present invention, in a preferred implementation of the nozzle device according to the present invention, it is proposed that in the end side surface of the main body, a plurality of mutually adjacently arranged third outlet nozzles for the fluid (especially the second fluid) are further formed into a third row extending along the second direction, wherein a first row having first outlet nozzles for the fluid (especially adhesive) to be applied to the substrate is arranged between a second row having second outlet nozzles and a third row having third outlet nozzles.

[0034] In this development of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention, it is also provided that for each first outlet nozzle at least one, preferably exactly one, third outlet nozzle is provided which is spaced apart from the first outlet nozzle in the first direction (=(relative) displacement direction).

[0035] According to an embodiment of the nozzle device of the present invention, it is particularly proposed that the effective surface of each nozzle opening of the first nozzle preferably has equal size or at least substantially equal size. In this way, uniform application of the fluid on the substrate can be achieved in the extension direction (second direction) of the nozzle device.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the size of the effective surface of the respective nozzle opening of the first outlet opening is in particular greater than the size of the effective surface of the respective nozzle opening of the second outlet nozzle and / or the third outlet nozzle. In this way, the fluid jets dispensed by the second outlet nozzle and / or the third outlet nozzle can effectively present a high flow velocity, so as to reduce the static pressure in the vicinity of these fluid jets, which directly affects the deflection of the fluid jet dispensed by the first outlet nozzle.

[0037] In other words, the range and degree of achievable deflection of the fluid jet dispensed by the first outlet nozzle is optimized by means of the present embodiment in a particularly easy to implement but nevertheless effective manner.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the end side surface, the length range of each nozzle opening of the first outlet nozzle is smaller than the length range of the nozzle opening of the second outlet nozzle and / or the third outlet nozzle. Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that, as viewed in the transverse direction of the end side surface, the length range of each nozzle opening of the first nozzle is greater than the length range of the nozzle opening of the second outlet nozzle and / or the third outlet nozzle.

[0039] In other words, in the nozzle arrangement, the air opening is preferably wider than the adhesive opening to cover the adhesive filaments well with the air jet. For this purpose, the air channel / air opening is kept narrower than the adhesive channel / adhesive opening to achieve a high air exit velocity, which is important for high oscillation frequencies and fine spray patterns.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the nozzle device according to the invention, the first outlet nozzle is formed for dispensing a first fluid in the form of a first fluid stream, the first fluid preferably being the fluid to be applied (adhesive). Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the second outlet nozzle is formed for dispensing a second fluid in the form of a second fluid stream, such that each second fluid stream runs at least substantially parallel to the first fluid stream, the second fluid preferably being a gas, in particular pressurized air.

[0041] In this configuration, it is possible to influence the direction of the first fluid flow by a change in the flow velocity of the second fluid flow, since at higher flow velocities the static pressure decreases according to Bernoulli's law and the first fluid flow is thus deflected in the direction of the second fluid flow.

[0042] Alternatively, it is obviously also conceivable that the second outlet nozzle is formed to distribute the second fluid, in particular pressurized air, in the form of second fluid flows such that each second fluid flow converges with the first fluid flow.

[0043] In a metaphorical sense, this obviously also applies to the third outlet nozzle, which is preferably formed such that the fluid, preferably a gas, in particular pressurized air, is dispensed from the third outlet nozzle in the form of third fluid flows. In this case, each third fluid flow can run at least substantially parallel to the first fluid flow. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that each third fluid flow converges with the first fluid flow.

[0044] According to a preferred implementation of the nozzle device according to the invention, the first outlet nozzle is formed for dispensing a first fluid, preferably the fluid to be applied, at an equal first fluid mass flow rate, respectively. Furthermore, the second outlet nozzle is preferably formed for dispensing a second fluid, respectively, at an equal second fluid mass flow rate, and the third outlet nozzle is formed for dispensing a fluid, respectively, at an equal third fluid mass flow rate.

[0045] In the present embodiment, it is conceivable that the second fluid mass flow rate and the third fluid mass flow rate are selected to be equal. However, advantageously, a particularly fine deflection of the (first) fluid flow distributed by the first outlet nozzle is achieved if the second fluid mass flow rate and the third fluid mass flow rate differ from each other, in particular with respect to time.

[0046] In order to achieve a nozzle device as compact as possible, according to an embodiment of the nozzle device of the present invention, the nozzle device is in the form of a laminated nozzle assembly, which is composed of a plurality of plate-like elements connected flatly to each other. Of course, other embodiments are also considered here.

[0047] The invention further relates to a system for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate. The system according to the invention has a dispenser head which is preferably connected or connectable to an actuator, in particular in the form of a robot arm. In particular, it is provided in this case that the dispenser head can be moved relative to the substrate along a movement direction.

[0048] The system according to the invention further has at least one nozzle device of the type according to the invention, which is preferably connectable interchangeably to the dispenser head in the mounting region of the dispenser head.

[0049] In the system according to the invention it is particularly provided that at least one nozzle device is arranged in the mounting region of the dispenser head such that the end-side side surface of the body of the nozzle device is oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the dispenser head. In this case, the direction of movement of the dispenser head corresponds to the direction in which the dispenser head moves when the fluid is applied through the first outlet nozzle of the nozzle device.

[0050] The nozzle device is preferably formed as a laminated nozzle assembly, which consists of a plurality of plate-shaped elements connected flatly to each other. The advantage of forming the nozzle assembly as a laminated nozzle assembly is that complex fluid channel systems can also be designed particularly precisely but still in a relatively simple manner inside the body.

[0051] In other words, more complex fluid channels and / or fluid channel systems can be easily integrated into the nozzle device.These fluid channels can be fluidically connected to corresponding associated fluid channels in the mounting area of ​​the dispenser head via corresponding interface areas.

[0052] Designing the nozzle device according to the invention as a laminating nozzle assembly therefore results in a compact nozzle device overall, in which all necessary functions are contained.

[0053] Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to produce the nozzle device according to the invention by 3D printing. Here, in particular, laser sintering methods or micro laser sintering, also known as selective laser melting SLM (Selective Laser Melting Metal), can be used. By means of these manufacturing methods, the fluid channel can also be implemented to be curved in multiple planes to achieve a perfect flow. The mounting of the nozzle is omitted, so that any possible mounting errors and tolerance deviations caused by the mounting are also eliminated.

[0054] According to another aspect of the invention, it is proposed that a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, can be dispensed according to a previously established sequence of events using a nozzle device, in particular using a first outlet nozzle. The nozzle device according to the invention is particularly suitable for the purpose of dispensing a fluid (thermoplastic adhesive) using a pattern, in particular using an oscillating pattern.

[0055] With regard to the method according to the invention for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate, it is proposed that a nozzle arrangement is moved relative to the substrate in a movement direction, wherein such a nozzle arrangement is in particular a nozzle arrangement according to the invention of the type described above.

[0056] In the method according to the invention, it is further proposed that a fluid jet, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive jet, is dispensed through the first outlet nozzle of the nozzle arrangement during the movement relative to the substrate.

[0057] These fluid jets distributed by the first outlet nozzle can be periodically deflected, in particular away from the main flow axis, for example by means of shaping air distributed through the second outlet nozzle and / or the third outlet nozzle, in particular for the purpose of generating an Ω-shaped pattern of fluid jets to be applied to the substrate.

[0058] Exemplary embodiments of the nozzle device according to the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] In the attached picture:

[0060] FIG1 schematically illustrates in isometric view a conventional system for applying a thermoplastic adhesive to a substrate;

[0061] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a nozzle arrangement according to the invention is schematically shown in an isometric view;

[0062] Figure 3 Schematically shows the Figure 2 A front view of an exemplary embodiment of a nozzle device according to the present invention on an end side surface of a body of the nozzle device;

[0063] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A magnified detail of Figure 3 The circle marked by "A" in the figure is represented by:

[0064] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of a nozzle arrangement according to the invention is schematically shown in an exploded view;

[0065] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A magnified detail of Figure 5 The circle marked by "A" in the figure is represented by:

[0066] Figure 7 A front view of a nozzle device according to the invention schematically showing another exemplary embodiment on an end-side side surface of a body of the nozzle device; and

[0067] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A magnified detail of Figure 7 The circle marked with "A" is represented by . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] It has been recognized for some time that thermoplastic adhesives 20 form good adhesive bonds. This is because they cure quickly, which is particularly advantageous if the adhesive 20 is applied gradually and the subsequent bonding of the parts to be bonded occurs immediately, and the resulting adhesive bond is very strong. In addition, the choice of components that can constitute thermoplastic adhesives 20 is sufficiently large that a corresponding adhesive composition can be easily produced for a given purpose.

[0069] Nevertheless, obstacles arise in the extended use of these adhesives 20, since the thermoplastic adhesives 20 may sometimes not be applied at all or only with great difficulty in an automated manner to certain selected areas of the substrate 21, in particular areas having complex geometries.

[0070] This also applies, for example, to applications in which a decorative material is applied by adhesive bonding to a substrate 21 of an interior trim part of a vehicle. In such applications, there is in principle the risk that the adhesive bond between the decorative layer on the one hand and the substrate 21 on the other hand is still visible / recognizable and / or tactilely perceptible from the visible side (=A side) of the interior trim part, in particular if the adhesive layer is not applied sufficiently flat and uniformly to the substrate 21 and / or the decorative layer.

[0071] A conventional system 150 is schematically shown in an isometric view in FIG1 , with which a thermoplastic adhesive 20 is applied in an automated manner to a specific area of ​​a substrate 21 formed as a molded part. The conventional system 150 for applying a thermoplastic adhesive 20 to a substrate 21 formed as a molded body has a dispenser head 30, which is preferably connected or can be connected to a robot arm (not shown in FIG1 ) or such an actuator and can be moved relative to the substrate 21 along a movement direction with the help of the robot arm / actuator.

[0072] 1 , a conventional system 150 for applying a thermoplastic adhesive 20 has a nozzle device 101 which is preferably interchangeably connected to a dispenser head 30 in the mounting region of the dispenser head 30. Such a nozzle device 101 is substantially formed by an approximately rectangular body 102, via which the nozzle device 101 is connected to the mounting region of the dispenser head 30.

[0073] This substantially rectangular body 102 of the nozzle device 101 (as viewed in a top view) has an end side surface 103 in which a plurality of outlet nozzles 105 are formed. A main flow axis predetermined by the outlet nozzles 105 or the outlet openings of the outlet nozzles 105 substantially encloses a right angle with the end side surface 103 of the body 102 of the nozzle device 101, along which the thermoplastic adhesive material 20 dispensed by the outlet nozzles 105 moves. In addition, the end side surface 103 of the body 102 is oriented in the direction of movement of the dispenser head 30.

[0074] In order to be able to form an application pattern of adhesive 20 on substrate 21 in the case of a conventional nozzle device 101, the (first) outlet nozzle for the adhesive 20 to be applied on the one hand and the (second) outlet nozzle for shaping air on the other hand are arranged alternately and in a row in the end side surface of the main body.

[0075] However, this arrangement has only limited suitability for certain applications where the smoothest and most even application of adhesive to substrate 21 possible is important.

[0076] According to the invention, an optimized nozzle arrangement 1 is therefore proposed, wherein an exemplary embodiment of such a nozzle arrangement 1 is referred to below with reference to Figures 2 to 6 The diagram in Figure 2 is described in more detail.

[0077] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown by way of example in FIG. 1 , the nozzle device 1 according to the invention has a body 2 which can be preferably connected interchangeably to a dispenser 30 or to a mounting region of a dispenser head.

[0078] The body 2 may have, for example, an at least substantially rectangular configuration with an end-side side surface 3. Such an end-side side surface 3 extends in a direction which, in operation of the nozzle device 1 (i.e. when the nozzle device 1 is used to apply a fluid 20 to a substrate 21), extends at least substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the substrate 21 moves relative to the nozzle device 1.

[0079] In the end side surface 3 of the body, a plurality of mutually adjacently arranged first outlet nozzles 4 for fluid 20 to be applied to a substrate 21 are formed. The first outlet nozzles 4 are arranged in a first row extending in the longitudinal direction of the end side surface 3.

[0080] Furthermore, a plurality of mutually adjacently arranged second outlet nozzles 5 for the second fluid are provided. The second outlet nozzles 5 are formed in a second row extending in the longitudinal direction of the end-side side surface 3 of the main body 2.

[0081] Especially from Figure 3 As can be inferred from the illustration in , the second row with the second outlet nozzles 5 extends parallel to the first row with the first outlet nozzles 4 .

[0082] Furthermore, in the end side surface 3 of the main body 2, a plurality of mutually adjacently arranged third outlet nozzles 6 for a fluid (particularly a fluid also flowing via the second outlet nozzles 5) are formed. Specifically, the third outlet nozzles 6 are formed as a third row extending in the longitudinal direction of the end side surface 3 of the main body 2. In this case, it is proposed that the first row with the first outlet nozzles 4 is arranged between the second row with the second outlet nozzles and the third row with the third outlet nozzles 6.

[0083] Especially from Figure 4 It can be inferred from the partial view in that exactly one second outlet nozzle 5 and exactly one third outlet nozzle 6 are provided for each first outlet nozzle 4, and the second outlet nozzle and the third outlet nozzle are spaced apart from the first outlet nozzle 4 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the end side surface 3 of the main body 2.

[0084] In addition, from Figure 4It can be inferred from the detailed view that the effective surface of each nozzle opening of the first outlet nozzle 4 has equal size. In addition, the size of the effective surface of each nozzle opening of the first outlet nozzle is preferably greater than the size of the effective surface of each nozzle opening of the first outlet nozzle 5 and the second outlet nozzle 6.

[0085] The first nozzle 4 is particularly formed for dispensing a first fluid 20 in the form of a first fluid stream, which first fluid is preferably the fluid to be applied to a substrate 21 .

[0086] In the same manner, the second outlet nozzle 5 and the third outlet nozzle 6 are formed for distributing a second fluid (preferably a gas, in particular compressed air) in the form of a second fluid flow and a third fluid flow, so that each second fluid flow and third fluid flow runs at least substantially parallel to the first fluid flow distributed by the first outlet nozzle 4 or converges with the first fluid flow.

[0087] from Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be inferred from the illustration in FIG. , the nozzle device 1 can be formed as a laminate assembly, which consists of a plurality of plate-shaped elements connected flatly to one another.

[0088] Figure 7 Schematically shows a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a nozzle device 1 according to the present invention on an end side surface 3 of a body 2 of the nozzle device 1, and Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A magnified detail of Figure 7 The circle marked with "A" is represented by .

[0089] Based on the illustration of this exemplary embodiment of the nozzle device 1 according to the invention, it is apparent that, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the end side surface 3, the length range of each nozzle opening of the first outlet nozzle 4 is smaller than the length range of the nozzle opening of the second outlet nozzle 5 and / or the third outlet nozzle 6.

[0090] Furthermore, it is apparent that the length extent of each nozzle opening of the first outlet nozzle 4 , as viewed in the transverse direction of the end-side side surface 3 , is greater than the length extent of the nozzle openings of the second outlet nozzle 5 and / or the third outlet nozzle 6 .

[0091] In other words, according to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the nozzle device 1, the air opening is preferably wider than the adhesive opening to cover the adhesive filaments well with the air jet. For this purpose, the air channel / air opening is kept narrower than the adhesive channel / adhesive opening to achieve a high air exit speed, which is important for high oscillation frequencies and fine spray patterns.

[0092] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, but rather results from a common consideration of all features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A nozzle device (1) for applying a first fluid and a second fluid to a substrate (21), wherein: The nozzle device (1) and the substrate (21) move relative to each other in a first direction, and the nozzle device (1) comprises: a body (2) configured to be connected to a mounting area of ​​a dispenser head (30) and having an end side surface (3) extending in a second direction, the second direction extending at least substantially perpendicularly to the first direction, wherein the end side surface (3) of the body (2) comprises mutually adjacently arranged first outlet nozzles (4) for the first fluid to be applied, the first outlet nozzles (4) being formed into a first row extending along the second direction, wherein the end side surface (3) of the body (2) comprises mutually adjacently arranged second outlet nozzles (5) having nozzle openings, the nozzle openings of the second outlet nozzles (5) being connected to mutually adjacently arranged second air channels, the second outlet nozzles (5) for the second fluid being further formed into a second row extending along the second direction, wherein the second outlet nozzles (5) are positioned on a first side of the first outlet nozzles, wherein the second row extends parallel to the first row, wherein the mutually adjacent second air channels are parallel to each other, wherein the first outlet nozzle (4) is formed to distribute the first fluid in the form of a first fluid flow, wherein the second outlet nozzle (5) is formed to distribute the second fluid in the form of a second fluid flow, such that the second fluid flow runs at least substantially parallel to the first fluid flow, wherein each of the first outlet nozzles has a single second outlet nozzle on the first side of the first outlet nozzle, wherein the nozzle device (1) is in the form of a laminated nozzle assembly, the laminated nozzle assembly being composed of a plurality of plate-like elements connected to each other in a planar manner, and wherein each of the first outlet nozzles and each of the second outlet nozzles has a nozzle opening, the surface area of ​​each of the nozzle openings of the first outlet nozzle (4) being of at least substantially equal size to each other, and wherein the nozzle opening of the first outlet nozzle (4) is larger than the surface area of ​​each of the nozzle openings of the second outlet nozzle (5).

2. The nozzle device (1) according to claim 1, in, Each of the first outlet nozzles and each of the second outlet nozzles has a nozzle opening, wherein the length of each of the nozzle openings of the first outlet nozzles (4) as viewed in the second direction is smaller than the length of each of the nozzle openings of the second outlet nozzles (5).

3. The nozzle device (1) according to claim 1, in, For each of the first outlet nozzles, only one of the second outlet nozzles is provided and is spaced apart from the first outlet nozzle in the first direction.

4. The nozzle device (1) according to claim 3, in, The first outlet nozzle is formed to dispense the first fluid at an equal first fluid mass flow rate, wherein the second outlet nozzle is formed to dispense the second fluid at an equal second fluid mass flow rate.

5. The nozzle device according to claim 4, in, The end side surface of the body comprises mutually adjacently arranged third outlet nozzles for the second fluid, the third outlet nozzles being formed in a third row extending along the second direction, wherein the third outlet nozzles are positioned on a second side of the first outlet nozzles, the second side being opposite to the first side, wherein the first row with the first outlet nozzles is arranged between the second row and the third row with the second outlet nozzles and the third outlet nozzles, Therein, the third outlet nozzle is formed for dispensing the second fluid as a gas at an equal third fluid mass flow rate.

6. The nozzle device according to claim 5, in, The second fluid mass flow rate and the third fluid mass flow rate are equal; or Therein, the second fluid mass flow rate and the third fluid mass flow rate are different from each other and vary with respect to time.

7. The nozzle device (1) according to claim 5, in, For each of the first outlet nozzles (4), only one of the third outlet nozzles is arranged on the second side of the first outlet nozzle.

8. The nozzle device (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The surface areas of the nozzle openings of the second and third outlet nozzles (5, 6) are of at least substantially equal size.

9. The nozzle device (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The first outlet nozzle (4) is formed for distributing the first fluid to the substrate (21) as a first fluid stream, and the third outlet nozzle (6) is formed for distributing the pressurized air as a third fluid stream, such that each of the third fluid streams travels at least substantially parallel to at least one of the first fluid streams.

10. The nozzle device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The first fluid is a thermoplastic adhesive.

11. The nozzle device according to claim 1, in, Each of the first outlet nozzles and each of the second outlet nozzles has a nozzle opening, wherein a height of each of the nozzle openings in the first outlet nozzles is longer than a height of each of the nozzle openings in the second outlet nozzles as viewed in the first direction.

12. The nozzle device (1) according to claim 1, in, The second fluid is pressurized air.

13. A system for applying a fluid to a substrate (21), the system comprising: a dispenser head (30) configured to be connected to an actuator and configured to move relative to the substrate (21) along a moving direction; as well as at least one nozzle device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, which is configured to be connected to the dispenser head (30) in the mounting area of ​​the dispenser head (30), The at least one nozzle device (1) is arranged in the mounting area of ​​the dispenser head (30) such that the end-side side surface of the body (2) of the nozzle device (1) is oriented at least substantially perpendicularly to the movement direction of the dispenser head (30), wherein the dispenser head moves in the movement direction when a fluid is applied via a first outlet nozzle (4) of the nozzle device (1).

14. A method for applying a fluid to a substrate (21), the method comprising: Moving the nozzle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 10 to 12 relative to the substrate (21) in a moving direction; as well as During the movement of the nozzle arrangement (1) relative to the substrate (21), a fluid jet is distributed through the first outlet nozzle (4) of the nozzle arrangement (1).

15. The method according to claim 14, in, The fluid jet distributed through the first outlet nozzle (4) is periodically deflected away from the main flow axis by means of shaping air distributed through the second outlet nozzle, for the purpose of generating an Ω-shaped pattern of the fluid jet to be applied to the substrate (21).

16. A method for applying a fluid to a substrate (21), the method comprising: Moving the nozzle device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9 relative to the substrate (21) in a moving direction; as well as During the movement of the nozzle arrangement (1) relative to the substrate (21), a fluid jet is distributed through the first outlet nozzle (4) of the nozzle arrangement (1).

17. The method according to claim 16, in, The fluid jet distributed through the first outlet nozzle (4) is periodically deflected away from the main flow axis by means of shaping air distributed through the second and / or third outlet nozzles (5, 6) for the purpose of producing an Ω-shaped pattern of the fluid jet to be applied to the substrate (21).

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