Method for coating an adhering material and component for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a nozzle (14) for applying an adhesive material to a component (12) or a substrate, having a nozzle body (20) provided with a wall (22) which defines a nozzle channel (28) between a first end (24) and a second end (26), a first nozzle outlet (30) being formed in the second end (26) and being connected to the nozzle channel (28), and at least one second nozzle outlet (32) being introduced into the wall (22) in the second end (26) and being connected to the nozzle channel (28). The invention also relates to an application device (10) for applying an adhesive material by means of such a nozzle (14), a method for applying an adhesive material and a component (12) for a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a nozzle for coating an adhesive material onto a component or substrate, the nozzle having a nozzle body with a wall defining a nozzle channel between a first end and a second end, and a first nozzle outlet formed at the second end, the first nozzle outlet being connected to the nozzle channel. Furthermore, this invention relates to an applicator for coating an adhesive material using such a nozzle, a method for coating an adhesive material, and a component for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicle manufacturing, components or workpieces are increasingly being bonded together. This involves applying an adhesive material in the form of strips to one or both components and then bonding them together under pressure. Furthermore, adhesive materials are used in vehicle manufacturing to seal components and thus protect them from environmental factors such as water and contaminants, thereby ensuring their proper functioning.

[0003] Typically, an adhesive material is applied to a component using a nozzle. Different nozzles can be used depending on the desired material discharge from the component. A speckled application of material can be achieved using a so-called circular nozzle, while a smooth transition can be achieved using a so-called hook-shaped nozzle. Furthermore, hook-shaped nozzles can reach hard-to-reach areas.

[0004] To apply adhesive material to components in a targeted manner using a nozzle, automated methods are known. In so-called MRK (human-robot-collaborative) robots (where humans and robots share a workspace without isolation or protective devices), the nozzle is connected to the robot, and the operator guides the robot or nozzle to the area where the adhesive material needs to be applied. The robot mechanically determines the required staudruck pressure for applying the material strip using sensors and adjusts that pressure accordingly. However, MRK robots can only achieve limited reproducibility of the staudruck pressure.

[0005] Another automation method involves using a CNC positioning system in conjunction with a gear pump, also known as an NC-axis system. Here, the nozzle is connected to the NC-axis system, which enables the nozzle to translate. The gear pump has two gears, one of which is driven and thus delivers the adhesive material evenly into the nozzle. However, when using a circular nozzle with an NC-axis system, a flow front is formed, and it cannot reach hard-to-reach areas. Conversely, when using a hook-shaped nozzle with an NC-axis system, the stagnant pressure required to seal the coating surface cannot be applied.

[0006] Another automated device for applying a strip of material is known from WO 2020 / 188068 A1. This device includes a flexible nozzle body defining a volume through which material from the strip can flow, the volume being at least partially defined by a wall formed by the nozzle body, and having a supply port for supplying material into the volume through which the material stream can flow. The nozzle body defines an opening region through which material can be discharged from the volume. Furthermore, the device includes an operating system disposed on the nozzle body and used to change the cross-section of the opening region by deforming the nozzle body. The wall forms a barrier between the flowable volume and the operating system.

[0007] Furthermore, an apparatus for applying, in particular spraying, an adhesive to a substrate or component is known from WO 2019 / 191052. This apparatus has an output nozzle for applying the adhesive and a sensor device for determining the contour of a surface area, particularly assigned to the output nozzle. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide a nozzle, a coating device, a method for coating an adhesive material, and a component for a vehicle, which enable improved coating of the adhesive material and the coating of the adhesive material with and without stabilizing pressure.

[0009] To address this task, a nozzle according to the invention, a coating device according to the invention, and a component for vehicles according to the invention are proposed.

[0010] A nozzle for applying an adhesive material to a component or substrate has a nozzle body with a wall that defines a nozzle channel between a first end and a second end. A first nozzle outlet is formed at the second end and connected to the nozzle channel. At least one second nozzle outlet is introduced into the wall at the second end and connected to the nozzle channel.

[0011] By providing two nozzle outlets at the second end of the nozzle body, multifunctional coating of adhesive materials can be achieved. Therefore, the adhesive material can be applied to a component or substrate without stagnation pressure via the first nozzle outlet and / or with stagnation pressure via the second nozzle outlet. When the coating surface is easily accessible, the adhesive material is applied to the component perpendicular to the coating surface via the first nozzle outlet, and the coating is performed without stagnation pressure. For this purpose, the nozzle is positioned relative to the component or substrate surface such that no stagnation pressure is generated between the second end of the nozzle and the component upon material discharge, allowing the adhesive material to exit from the first nozzle outlet. When the coating surface is difficult to access, such as when the adhesive material is tucked under a wire or in an area to be sealed, the coating is performed under stagnation pressure by applying the adhesive material parallel to the coating surface to the component or substrate. For this purpose, the nozzle is positioned so close to the component or substrate surface that stagnation pressure is generated between the second end of the nozzle and the component, allowing the adhesive material to exit laterally from the second nozzle outlet. Thus, the nozzle offers high flexibility in terms of coating methods.

[0012] In the context of this application, "difficult-to-access area" is understood as a lower or middle space, such as where material is tucked under a wire. In the context of this application, "easily accessible area" is understood as a coated surface that is to be sealed from above and is readily accessible.

[0013] The first nozzle outlet can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body. The second nozzle outlet can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body. Therefore, the adhesive material is discharged laterally from the nozzle through the second nozzle outlet.

[0014] The wall can also be referred to as a partition, outer contour, or shell.

[0015] Material is conveyed from a first end to a second end through a nozzle channel. The first end may have a nozzle inlet connected to a conveying device for conveying material into the nozzle channel. The conveying device may be a pump or a gear pump.

[0016] In one advantageous embodiment, the nozzle can be made of metal, especially aluminum, or of plastic.

[0017] In one advantageous embodiment, the two nozzle outlets are introduced into the second end of the nozzle by means of a cutting process, such as turning or milling. Alternatively, the nozzle outlets may be introduced into the second end of the nozzle body during nozzle manufacturing, for example, during casting or injection molding.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the first nozzle outlet and the second nozzle outlet are connected to each other. Because the two nozzle outlets are connected, they can be manufactured simply and at low cost. Furthermore, this design allows adhering material to be laterally discharged via the second nozzle outlet when stagnant pressure is generated between the second end of the nozzle and the component. "Connected to each other" is currently understood to mean that the two nozzle outlets transition into each other and there is no tab or similar separating the two nozzle outlets. Alternatively, the two nozzle outlets can be separated from each other. For example, the two nozzle outlets can be separated from each other by a tab.

[0019] In one advantageous embodiment, the first nozzle outlet and / or the second nozzle outlet are semi-circular, polygonal, or semi-elliptical. The outline of the material strip is defined by the contours of the two nozzle outlets.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the nozzle body has a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, and a conical transition section connecting the two sections, wherein the diameter of the first cylindrical section is larger than the diameter of the second cylindrical section. Advantageously, the two nozzle outlets are located at the free end of the second cylindrical section. Advantageously, the second cylindrical section has a different length than the first cylindrical section. Because the second cylindrical section has a smaller diameter and a greater length than the first cylindrical section, the nozzle is suitable for use in hard-to-access areas.

[0021] According to another aspect, a coating apparatus for applying an adhesive material to a component or substrate is proposed. The coating apparatus includes a nozzle, a positioning system for translating the nozzle, a gear pump for conveying the adhesive material to be coated into a nozzle channel, and a height measuring system for measuring the distance between the second end of the nozzle and the surface of the component or substrate.

[0022] The application apparatus allows adhesive material, for example in the form of strips, to be applied to a component or substrate both perpendicular to and parallel to the coating surface. This applies not only to easily accessible areas of the component or substrate but also to inaccessible areas. If the adhesive material is to be applied perpendicular to the coating surface (similar to the case of a circular nozzle), the distance between the second end of the nozzle and the surface to be coated is measured by a height measuring system. The nozzle is then positioned at the desired distance from the surface, allowing the material to exit through the first nozzle outlet without stagnant pressure. This mode can be used, for example, for components that are to be sealed from above and are easily accessible. If the adhesive material is to be applied parallel to the coating surface, the distance between the second end of the nozzle and the surface to be coated is again first measured by a height measuring system. The nozzle is then positioned sufficiently close to the surface, or coating surface, by a positioning system such that stagnant pressure is created between the second end of the nozzle and the component surface upon material discharge, causing the material to exit through the second nozzle outlet. This mode can be used for inaccessible areas, such as where adhesive material is tucked under wire. The height measurement system enables precise use even when components have tolerances.

[0023] In one advantageous embodiment, the nozzle is rotatably supported on the positioning system. Because the nozzle is rotatable, material can be applied in all directions via a second nozzle outlet.

[0024] In one advantageous embodiment, the height measurement system is a laser measurement system or a tactile height measurement system.

[0025] According to another aspect, a method for coating a strip of material onto a component is proposed. In this method, the accessibility of the coating surface of the component is first determined. Next, the distance between the second end of the nozzle and the coating surface is measured. Finally, when it is determined that accessibility is difficult, the second end of the nozzle is positioned at a distance spaced from the coating surface, such that a stagnant pressure is generated when the adhesive material is applied to the coating surface, thereby causing the adhesive material to be discharged from the outlet of the second nozzle; or when it is determined that accessibility is easy, the second end of the nozzle is positioned at a distance spaced from the coating surface, such that no stagnant pressure is generated when the adhesive material is applied to the coating surface, thereby causing the adhesive material to be discharged from the outlet of the first nozzle.

[0026] Therefore, in this method, two different modes can be used for coating the material strip. Thus, the adhesive material can be coated using stagnant pressure, for example, in cases where the coating surface is difficult to access or where the coating surface is to be sealed; or it can be coated without stagnant pressure, for example, in cases where the coating surface is easily accessible.

[0027] Advantageously, accessibility can be determined by handlers or with the aid of sensors.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the method is carried out using a coating apparatus. For this purpose, the coating apparatus may have a height measuring system that measures the distance between a first end of the nozzle and the coating surface before positioning the nozzle. Furthermore, the coating apparatus may have a positioning system that causes the nozzle to translate and positions the nozzle at a distance from the coating surface.

[0029] According to another aspect, a component for a vehicle is proposed, which has an adhesive material applied by means of a nozzle, application device or method. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The nozzle, application apparatus, component for a vehicle, method for applying material strips, and other features and advantages are described in detail below with the aid of embodiments schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0031] Figure 1 A coating apparatus with nozzles and components is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 An enlarged side view of the nozzle is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 An enlarged bottom view of the nozzle is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 An enlarged view of the nozzle and components is shown, wherein the adhesive material is applied via a second nozzle outlet using stagnant pressure; and

[0035] Figure 5 An enlarged view of the nozzle and components is shown, wherein the adhesive material is applied through the outlet of the first nozzle without stagnant pressure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] exist Figure 1 The image shows a coating device 10, which is used to apply an adhesive material, such as an adhesive, in the form of a strip of material to a component 12 of the vehicle or to a substrate.

[0037] The coating apparatus 10 includes a nozzle 14, a positioning system 16 for translating the nozzle 14, a gear pump (not shown), and a height measuring system 18 for measuring the distance between the nozzle 14 and the coating surface of the component 12 or the substrate.

[0038] Especially in Figure 2 and 3 As can be seen, the nozzle 14 has a nozzle body 20 with a wall 22. The wall 22 defines a nozzle passage 28 between a first end 24 and a second end 26.

[0039] A nozzle inlet (not shown) is provided at the first end 24, which is connected to the nozzle channel 28. Adhesive material is delivered into the nozzle channel via the nozzle inlet. For this purpose, the nozzle inlet is connected to a gear pump, for example, via a pipeline, such as a hose, which delivers the adhesive material into the nozzle channel 28.

[0040] A first nozzle outlet 30 is provided on the second end 26, which is connected to the nozzle channel 28. Especially as in Figure 2 As can be seen, a second nozzle outlet 32 ​​is introduced into the wall 22 at the second end 26, and this second nozzle outlet is also connected to the nozzle channel 28. Adhesive material is applied to the coating surface via the nozzle outlets 30 and 32. The two nozzle outlets 30 and 32 are connected to each other and are currently configured in an approximately semi-circular shape.

[0041] The nozzle body 20 also has a first cylindrical section 34, a second cylindrical section 36, and a conical transition section 38 connecting the two cylindrical sections 34 and 36, wherein the diameter of the first cylindrical section 34 is larger than the diameter of the second cylindrical section 36. The two nozzle outlets 30 and 32 are disposed in the second cylindrical section 36, and a nozzle inlet (not shown) is disposed in the first cylindrical section 34, which is connected to the nozzle channel 28. Adhesive material enters the nozzle channel 28 through the nozzle inlet and is discharged through one or both nozzle outlets 30 and 32.

[0042] The nozzle 14 is rotatably supported on the positioning system 16, which has multiple linear guides to allow the nozzle 14 to translate, particularly to position the second end 26 relative to the coating surface of the member 12.

[0043] In order to accurately position the nozzle 14, especially the second end 26, relative to the coating surface, the height measuring system 18 measures the distance to the coating surface. The height measuring system 18 can be a laser measuring system or a tactile height measuring system.

[0044] The following describes the application of an adhesive material to the component 12 using the application device 10 and nozzle 14. For this purpose, the accessibility of the coating surface of the component 12 is first determined. It is determined whether the coating surface is easily accessible or difficult to access. If the coating surface is easily accessible, the adhesive material can be applied from above. If the coating surface is difficult to access, such as in a lower or middle space, the adhesive material is stuffed under the wire or the coating surface is sealed, and the adhesive material must be applied under stagnant pressure. Then, the distance between the second end 26 of the nozzle 14 and the coating surface is measured. If it is determined to be difficult to access, the second end 26 of the nozzle 14 is positioned at a distance spaced from the coating surface such that a stagnant pressure is generated between the second end 26 and the coating surface when the adhesive material is applied to the coating surface, thereby discharging the material from the second nozzle outlet 32, as shown. Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. If it is determined to be easily accessible, the second end 26 of the nozzle 14 is positioned at a distance spaced from the coating surface such that no stagnant pressure is generated between the second end 26 and the coating surface when the adhesive material is applied to the coating surface, thereby allowing the material to exit from the first nozzle outlet 30, as shown. Figure 5 As shown. Since the nozzle 14 is rotatably supported on the positioning system, the adhesive material can be applied in all directions under stagnant pressure.

[0045] Nozzle 14 offers high flexibility in coating methods due to its two nozzle outlets 30, 32. Therefore, depending on the accessibility of the coated surface, the adhesive material can be applied to component 12 with or without pressure. Furthermore, nozzle 14 is particularly suitable for accessing confined spaces due to its different cylindrical sections 34, 36.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 10 Coating Device

[0048] 12 components

[0049] 14 nozzles

[0050] 16 Positioning System

[0051] 18 Height Measurement System

[0052] 20 Nozzle Body

[0053] 22 walls

[0054] 24 First end

[0055] 26 Second end

[0056] 28 nozzle channels

[0057] 30 First nozzle outlet

[0058] 32 Second nozzle outlet

[0059] 34 First cylindrical section

[0060] 36 Second cylindrical section

[0061] 38 Conical transition sections

Claims

1. A method for applying a strip of material to a component (12) or a substrate using a nozzle (14), said nozzle having a nozzle body (20) having a wall (22) defining a nozzle passage (28) between a first end (24) and a second end (26), wherein, A first nozzle outlet (30) is formed on the second end (26), which is connected to the nozzle channel (28), and at least one second nozzle outlet (32) is introduced into the wall (22) from the second end (26), which is connected to the nozzle channel (28). The method has the following steps: a) Determine the accessibility of the coated surface of the component (12) or substrate; b) Measure the distance between the second end (26) of the nozzle (14) and the coating surface; and c) When it is determined in step a) that the nozzle (14) is difficult to access, the second end (26) of the nozzle (14) is positioned at a distance from the coating surface such that a stagnant pressure is generated when the adhesive material is applied to the coating surface, thereby the adhesive material is discharged from the second nozzle outlet (32). Alternatively, when it is determined in step a) that the nozzle (14) is easy to access, the second end (26) of the nozzle (14) is positioned at a distance from the coating surface such that no stagnant pressure is generated when the adhesive material is applied to the coating surface, thereby the adhesive material is discharged from the first nozzle outlet (30).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first nozzle outlet (30) and the second nozzle outlet (32) are connected to each other.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first nozzle outlet (30) and / or the second nozzle outlet (32) are semi-circular, polygonal or semi-elliptical.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The nozzle body (20) has a first cylindrical section (34), a second cylindrical section (36), and a conical transition section (38) connecting the first cylindrical section and the second cylindrical section to each other, wherein the diameter of the first cylindrical section (34) is larger than the diameter of the second cylindrical section.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method is carried out by means of a coating device (10) having the nozzle (14), a positioning system (16) for translating the nozzle (14), a gear pump for conveying the adhesive material to be coated into the nozzle (14) in a nozzle channel (28), and a height measuring system (18) for measuring the distance between the second end (26) of the nozzle (14) and the coating surface of the component (12) or the substrate.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The nozzle (14) is rotatably supported on the positioning system (16).

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The height measurement system (18) is a laser measurement system or a tactile height measurement system.

8. A component (12) for a vehicle having an adhesive material coated by means of any one of claims 1 to 7.

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