Nozzle assembly for applying fluid and system for applying fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a nozzle assembly for applying a fluid to a substrate, having a spray nozzle with a nozzle body extending in its longitudinal direction, the nozzle body having a first fluid channel extending coaxially to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle body, and having a nozzle housing, the first fluid channel having a second fluid channel extending coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body, wherein the nozzle body is at least partially received, and a plurality of second fluid channels for forming air are at least partially formed between the outer surface and the inner surface of the nozzle body. In particular, the second fluid channel extends parallel to the first fluid channel over the entire length thereof in the longitudinal direction of the injection nozzle and opens into a tapered or tapered gap space at the nozzle outlet region on the end side of the injection nozzle, wherein the tapering or conical gap space tapers preferably uniformly in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body.

Description

[0001] The present invention generally relates to applying a fluid including a thermoplastic adhesive or a fibrous adhesive to a substrate through at least one nozzle assembly, which is preferably releasably fastened or capable of being fastened to a mounting surface of a dispenser or dispensing head, wherein the dispenser or dispensing head is generally used to supply the at least one nozzle assembly with the fluid to be applied.

[0002] Such systems are intended to apply a fluid to a substrate that is moving, for example, relative to at least one nozzle assembly, and in particular to apply an adhesive in a partial jetting mode so as to partially cover the substrate.

[0003] Document EP 0 872 580 A discloses for example a plurality of meltblowing nozzle assemblies or nozzles, and these meltblowing nozzle assemblies or nozzles can be fastened side by side to one end or both ends of conventional distributor or distribution head, and this distributor or distribution head ensure that adhesive is quantitatively supplied to each nozzle assembly.Each such nozzle assembly comprises a plurality of substantially parallel plate elements, and these plate elements constitute a row of adhesive dispensing openings on the discharge surface.The fluid discharge opening row of each nozzle assembly constitutes the part of the longer row constituted by a plurality of adjacent nozzle assemblies, and these nozzle assemblies are arranged along the same end of distribution head.One side or both sides of distributor can be fastened to the side of the distribution head of similar structure, to constitute the fluid discharge opening of longer row, thus provide modular meltblowing adhesive dispensing system, this meltblowing adhesive dispensing system adapts to the substrate of arbitrary size width.

[0004] In some adhesive dispensing applications, the adhesive is applied in such a way that it covers the entire width of the substrate, while in other applications it is desirable to apply the adhesive only to selected sections or areas of the substrate and to keep other sections or areas of the substrate free of adhesive. This applies, for example, to applications where adhesive must be applied to the hem area of ​​the substrate.

[0005] The process of folding the material around the edge of the component by 90 degrees or 180 degrees is called folding. Then, the folded area formed in this way is usually fastened to the carrier component by a suitable joining method, especially bonding.

[0006] Such hemming processes are used in particular in the automotive industry for decorative elements. The increasingly complex three-dimensional geometries of decorative parts present major challenges for the joining processes to be applied. In particular, there is the problem of applying a corresponding adhesive pattern uniformly and continuously in the hemming area by means of a nozzle assembly guided by a robot arm.

[0007] Figure 1 A conventional system 50 for applying a thermoplastic adhesive 20 to a substrate 21 having a corresponding hem area is shown in a schematic and isometric view.

[0008] according to Figure 1 The system 50 is mainly composed of a distribution head 30, which is preferably connected to (in Figure 1 The dispensing head 30 is connected or can be connected to a robot arm (not shown) and can be moved relative to the substrate 21 along the moving direction. In the assembly area of ​​the dispensing head 30, the nozzle assembly 101 is preferably connected to the dispensing head 30 in a replaceable manner. Here, the dispensing head 30 is used to supply the nozzle assembly 101 with the thermoplastic adhesive 20 to be sprayed and optionally supply shaping air, etc. in a suitable manner.

[0009] The nozzle assembly 101 used in the conventional system 50 for applying the thermoplastic adhesive 20 to the substrate 21 has a base body 102 which is at least approximately rectangular in plan view and is connected to the mounting region of the dispensing head 30 .

[0010] The basic body of the nozzle assembly 101 has a front side surface, via which the thermoplastic adhesive 20 to be applied is distributed to the substrate 21 by means of a discharge surface.

[0011] For this reason, Figure 1 As shown, an exhaust nozzle 105 is formed on the front side surface of the base body 102 of the nozzle assembly 101, wherein the exhaust opening of the exhaust nozzle 105 is configured so that the main flow axis defined by the exhaust opening (along which the adhesive beam 20 dispensed from the exhaust nozzle moves) forms a right angle (90 degrees) with the front side surface of the base body 102.

[0012] In this configuration of the nozzle assembly 101, the problem is that the dispensing head 30 is located relative to the substrate 21. Figure 1 When moving in the direction of movement indicated by the arrow, there is the following risk: due to the complex three-dimensional geometry of the substrate 21, the dispensing head 30 comes into contact with the substrate 21, or the nozzle assembly 101 cannot reach a specific area of ​​the substrate 21, especially the area in the folded edge area of ​​the substrate 21.

[0013] Publication DE 23 56 229 A1 relates to an atomizing nozzle having one or more channels for the material to be atomized and for at least one propelling gas, which forms a gas vortex outside the atomizing nozzle. The atomizing nozzles known from this prior art are used in particular for spraying metal particles or thin metal coatings, etc. In this case, the atomizing nozzle is designed to atomize a liquid with metal particles to be sprayed and convert it into a liquid mist.

[0014] For this purpose, DE 23 56 229 A1 teaches to arrange the center of the fluid channel for the propelling gas off-center rather than concentrically at the nozzle outlet region on the end side of the atomizing nozzle in order to cause the liquid to be sprayed to rotate.

[0015] Although the atomizing nozzle known from DE 23 56 229 A1 is suitable at least in principle for spraying a liquid with metal particles in a manner sufficient to produce a thin metal coating, this is not transferable or at least not directly transferable to the application according to the invention, in particular when thermoplastic adhesives are to be transferred to a substrate.

[0016] In particular, it has been shown that the principle known from DE 23 56 229 A1 is particularly sensitive to parameter changes in applications involving the application of thermoplastic adhesives. In particular, with only slight changes in the pressure of the propellant gas, optimal atomization, especially of thermoplastic adhesives, can no longer be achieved using the solution known from DE 23 56 229 A1.

[0017] Based on this problem, the basic object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle assembly for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate, wherein on the one hand, even in the case of complex substrate geometries and uncertain process parameters, the nozzle assembly always allows targeted application of the thermoplastic adhesive or the fluid in a sufficiently atomized form.

[0018] Furthermore, a correspondingly optimized system for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate having a correspondingly complex geometry should be specified.

[0019] With regard to the nozzle assembly, the basic object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1 , wherein advantageous developments of the nozzle assembly according to the invention are specified in dependent patent claims 2 to 14 .

[0020] With regard to the system, the basic object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the parallel patent claim 15 .

[0021] 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 has a spray nozzle which can preferably be used in an exchangeable manner with a mounting region of a dispenser.

[0022] In order to ensure that thermoplastic adhesives or fluids can be applied in a targeted manner using the nozzle assembly even when the substrate has a complex geometry, the present invention particularly proposes that the spray nozzle of the nozzle assembly is designed as a relatively long finger-shaped spray nozzle having a relatively small diameter so that the fluid (especially thermoplastic adhesive) can be applied in a targeted manner using the spray nozzle to areas of the substrate that are otherwise difficult to access.

[0023] In this case, in order to design a finger-shaped spray nozzle, a two-piece structure of the spray nozzle is particularly provided, wherein the spray nozzle has a nozzle body as a first component, which is particularly rod-shaped and extends in the longitudinal direction of the spray nozzle, and a nozzle housing as a second component, in which the nozzle body is or can be at least partially accommodated.

[0024] In the particularly rod-shaped nozzle body, at least one first fluid channel for the fluid to be applied to the substrate is formed, and preferably just one (single) first fluid channel. Here, preferably this single first fluid channel extends coaxially in particular with the longitudinal axis of the particularly rod-shaped nozzle body.

[0025] The spray nozzle of the nozzle assembly according to the invention is configured in a particularly preferred manner: the fluid and in particular the thermoplastic adhesive is distributed without deflection, in particular without spiral deflection, at the nozzle outlet area on the end side of the spray nozzle, but rather as a complete cone. In particular, it is desirable in this regard that the fluid is distributed in a complete cone that is as perfect a circle as possible at the nozzle outlet area on the end side of the spray nozzle. Distributing the fluid in the form of an atomized complete cone at the nozzle outlet area on the end side of the spray nozzle has a decisive advantage: the nozzle assembly does not always have to be accurately oriented relative to the surface of the substrate when applying the fluid. In particular, in the case of applying the fluid in the folding area, this is generally not achievable or can only be achieved by expending a lot of effort, because: in the folding area, the shape of the substrate is generally very complex, and when the nozzle assembly is oriented relative to the substrate, the nozzle assembly must be constantly reoriented to take into account the complex shape of the folding area.

[0026] In order to form a complete cone of atomization of the fluid dispensed from the first fluid channel at the nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle, suitable shaping air is used in the solution according to the invention.

[0027] In this context, it is provided in particular that a plurality of second fluid channels for the shaping air are formed at least in regions between an outer surface of a nozzle body of the spray nozzle and an inner surface of the nozzle housing.

[0028] The present invention is particularly outstanding in that the second fluid channel extends along the longitudinal direction of the injection nozzle and parallel to the first fluid channel over its entire length, and opens into a tapered or conical gap space at the nozzle outlet area on the end side of the injection nozzle, wherein the tapered or conical gap space tapers in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening toward the nozzle body.

[0029] It can thereby be achieved that the fluid can be distributed from the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body in the form of an atomized full cone in a uniform manner and in particular substantially at least independently of parameter variations such as pressure variations of the shaping air.

[0030] In other words, the nozzle outlet region at the end of the spray nozzle is configured in particular as a full cone atomizing nozzle with an internal mixture of the fluid to be applied to the substrate and shaping air.

[0031] In particular, it is provided that the second fluid channel opens linearly into the tapering or conical gap space so that the shaping air distributed from the second fluid channel is deflected only in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body and not perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle body.

[0032] In other words, unlike the nozzle assemblies known in the prior art, the fluid dispensed or to be dispensed from the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body does not undergo a helical deflection. This helical deflection is greatly influenced by the pressure of the shaping air and the fluid velocity and is therefore very sensitive to parameter changes.

[0033] Different embodiments are conceivable for forming a tapering or conical gap space at the nozzle outlet region at the end of the spray nozzle.

[0034] It is particularly preferred that the nozzle body is designed to be tapered or conical at the nozzle outlet region on the end side of the injection nozzle. Also at the nozzle outlet region on the end side of the injection nozzle, the nozzle housing is designed to be tapered or conical, wherein a tapered or conical gap space is formed between the tapered or conical end region of the nozzle body on one side and the tapered or conical end region of the nozzle housing on the other side.

[0035] Preferably, the spacing between the tapered or conical outer surface of the end region of the nozzle body and the tapered or conical inner surface of the end region of the nozzle body is 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm, and preferably 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. This spacing is preferably constant.

[0036] In order to achieve particularly effective atomization of the fluid supplied by the first fluid channel, the implementation of the nozzle assembly according to the present invention provides that the first fluid channel opens toward the nozzle outlet of the nozzle body into a tapered or conical gap space, thereby ensuring that internal mixing in the conical gap space can be achieved.

[0037] According to a preferred implementation of the nozzle assembly of the present invention, it is proposed that: at the nozzle outlet area on the end side of the injection 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 particularly adapted to the conical shape of the nozzle body, thereby forming two hollow conical areas spaced apart from each other, and a tapered conical area is formed between the two hollow conical areas.

[0038] Preferably, at the nozzle outlet area on the end side of the injection nozzle, the nozzle body has a shape that tapers in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body, in particular an at least substantially tapered or conical shape, the tapered or conical shape having a taper angle or cone angle preferably of 30° to 120°, and in particular having a taper angle or cone angle of about 50° to about 100°.

[0039] However, other shapes of the nozzle body in the nozzle outlet region on the end side of the injection nozzle are naturally also conceivable.

[0040] According to a preferred implementation of the nozzle assembly of the present invention, it is provided that the nozzle housing is configured at least partially as a sleeve-shaped main body, which at least partially surrounds the nozzle body.

[0041] It is provided here that the nozzle housing is preferably fastened together with the nozzle body, in particular in a detachable and / or exchangeable manner, or can be fastened to a connecting region of a connecting body of the nozzle arrangement.

[0042] In order to fasten the nozzle housing and the nozzle body to the connection region of the connection body, according to a preferred embodiment of the nozzle assembly of the invention, a compression threaded connection is used on the connection region of the connection body by means of a coupling nut.

[0043] This embodiment has a decisive advantage: by unscrewing the coupling nut, the nozzle housing and the nozzle body can be removed from the connection area of ​​the connecting body. By unscrewing the coupling nut, the connection between the nozzle housing and the nozzle body is also released, so that the two parts can be cleaned and / or maintained separately or the two parts can be replaced independently of each other.

[0044] Different configurations are conceivable for forming the nozzle body, in particular in the form of a shaft.

[0045] In particular, a preferred embodiment of the nozzle arrangement according to the invention provides that at least exactly one first fluid channel, which extends, in particular coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body, is configured as a through-opening in the rod-shaped nozzle body.

[0046] The best option for forming the second fluid channel is that the rod-shaped nozzle body has a polygonal cross-sectional profile at least in some areas. When the rod-shaped nozzle body with a polygonal cross-sectional profile is received in the nozzle housing, each second fluid channel is formed in the area of ​​the surface of the polygonal cross-sectional profile.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the rod-shaped nozzle body, the rod-shaped nozzle body has in particular a hexagonal cross-sectional profile with a diameter of 6 mm to 10 mm and a critical plane dimension of the hexagon between 5 mm and 9 mm.

[0048] In such a rod-shaped nozzle body, due to the hexagonal cross-sectional profile, a total of six second fluid passages are formed when the rod-shaped nozzle body is received in the nozzle housing.

[0049] In principle, it is advantageous if the diameter of the shaft-shaped nozzle body is in the range between 6 mm and 12 mm, and preferably in the range between 6 mm and 10 mm. With these dimensions, a particularly “slim” finger-shaped spray nozzle can be realized.

[0050] As an alternative to the aforementioned embodiment, it is conceivable that the in particular rod-shaped nozzle body at least partially has an at least substantially cylindrical cross-sectional profile, wherein groove areas extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body are formed in the outer surface of the cylindrical nozzle body in order to form these second fluid channels.

[0051] In order to achieve the most perfect and particularly uniform atomization of the fluid distributed via the first fluid channels at the end nozzle outlet region of the spray nozzle, the second fluid channels should be arranged evenly spaced apart on the outer surface of the nozzle body and in particular equidistant from one another.

[0052] According to an implementation of the nozzle assembly of the present invention, it is proposed that the nozzle body is at least partially configured as a substantially cylindrical nozzle body at least in the area where it is held by the nozzle housing, wherein a groove area extending in the longitudinal direction of the injection nozzle and / or an area extending in the longitudinal direction of the injection nozzle and recessed relative to the outer surface of the cylindrical body are formed in the substantially cylindrical nozzle body, and these areas together with the inner surface of the nozzle housing at least partially define a second fluid channel.

[0053] However, other embodiments of the nozzle body are of course also conceivable here.

[0054] According to another aspect of the invention, at least the inner surface of the nozzle housing at the nozzle outlet region of the end side of the spray nozzle has a conical shape which tapers in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body and is particularly adapted to the conical shape of the nozzle body.

[0055] This is on the one hand a particularly easy to implement but highly effective measure to achieve a most perfect possible cone shape and atomization of the fluid dispensed from the first fluid channel at the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body.

[0056] In this regard, it is advantageous if grooves and / or recessed areas are formed in the nozzle body at the nozzle outlet region on the end side of the spray nozzle, which grooves and / or recessed areas are fluidically connected to one of the second fluid channels. The shaping air conveyed by the second fluid channel can thus be directed in this way to the nozzle outlet region on the end side of the spray nozzle.

[0057] At the nozzle outlet region on the tip side of the spray nozzle, the nozzle body preferably has a tapered shape tapering in the direction toward the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body, the tapered shape preferably having a cone angle of 30 to 120 degrees, and in particular 50 to 100 degrees.

[0058] According to a preferred implementation of the spray nozzle of the present invention, the nozzle body has a length of 20 to 100 mm, preferably 30 to 80 mm, and more preferably 40 to 60 mm, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the spray nozzle.

[0059] Alternatively or in addition thereto, it is advantageous if the nozzle body together with the nozzle housing has an average diameter of at most 20 mm and preferably an average diameter of at most 15 mm. Thus, a particularly slender, finger-shaped spray nozzle can be realized with the solution according to the invention.

[0060] According to another aspect of the present invention, it is proposed that when the injection nozzle is mounted on the connecting area of ​​the connecting body, a preferably annular area is formed in the area between the connecting body and the injection nozzle, which annular area is fluidly connected to a source of shaping air, in particular a compressed air source, on the one hand, and is fluidly connected to a second fluid channel of the injection nozzle on the other hand.

[0061] By providing such a preferably annular region at the connection region of the connecting body, it is ensured that a preferably identical and constant amount of shaping air per unit time is fed into each second fluid channel.

[0062] According to a further improvement scheme of the above aspect, it is particularly proposed that the nozzle body is associated with a seal, in particular in the form of a sealing ring, for separating an in particular annular area for shaping air from an area preferably arranged axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body, and the fluid to be applied to the substrate can be fed into the first fluid channel of the injection nozzle via the axially arranged area.

[0063] The invention also relates to the use of the above-described nozzle arrangement according to the invention for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a folded edge region of a component.

[0064] The invention also relates to a system for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate, wherein the system has a dispensing head that can be moved relative to the substrate along a movement direction. Preferably, the dispensing head is connected or can be connected to a robot arm.

[0065] The system also has at least one nozzle assembly of the type described above according to the invention, which is connected to the dispenser head in the assembly region of the dispenser head, preferably in a replaceable manner.

[0066] The nozzle assembly according to the invention makes it possible in particular to achieve that even if the geometrical regions of the substrate are particularly complex, the region of the nozzle outlet opening of the spray nozzle is effectively reached when applying the fluid to the substrate, without any contact between the nozzle assembly or the dispenser or the dispenser head and the substrate.

[0067] The invention further relates to a method for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate, wherein for this purpose a nozzle assembly is moved relative to the substrate in a displacement direction, wherein the nozzle assembly is in particular a nozzle assembly of the type described above according to the invention.

[0068] In the coating method according to the invention, the fluid jet is also distributed via the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body of the nozzle assembly, in particular during a movement of the nozzle assembly relative to the substrate.

[0069] In particular, it is provided here that the fluid jet distributed via the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body is deflected, preferably by means of shaping air, in particular in order to produce a specific pattern of the fluid jet to be applied to the substrate.

[0070] In this case, the substrate is advantageously a component having a folded region, wherein during the distribution of the fluid jet via the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body, the nozzle assembly is moved at least partially into the folded region of the substrate.

[0071] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] In the attached picture:

[0073] Figure 1 A conventional system for applying a thermoplastic adhesive to a substrate is shown schematically and in isometric view;

[0074] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a system for applying a thermoplastic adhesive to a substrate according to the present invention is shown schematically and in an isometric view;

[0075] Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment of a system for applying a thermoplastic adhesive to a substrate according to the present invention is shown schematically and in an isometric view;

[0076] Figure 4 The schematic diagram and exploded isometric view of the Figure 2 or Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a jet nozzle of a nozzle assembly used in a system for applying a thermoplastic adhesive to a substrate according to the present invention;

[0077] Figure 5A system according to the invention for applying a thermoplastic adhesive to a substrate, in particular according to the invention, is shown schematically and in a longitudinal section. Figure 2 or Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a nozzle assembly of a system;

[0078] Figure 6 Schematically and in detail the diagram shows Figure 5 A nozzle outlet region at a distal end side of a spray body of the nozzle assembly; and

[0079] Figure 7 Schematically and in an isometric view, the Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the system according to the present invention when applying a thermoplastic adhesive to a substrate.

[0080] It has long been recognized that thermoplastic adhesives are good bonding agents. This is particularly advantageous when the adhesive is applied stepwise and the parts to be bonded are subsequently connected immediately, because thermoplastic adhesives harden quickly and the resulting adhesive connection is very strong. In addition, the range of components (the thermoplastic adhesive can be composed of these components) is so wide that the corresponding adhesive composition can be easily produced for any given purpose.

[0081] However, there are some difficulties in the widespread use of these adhesives, since thermoplastic adhesives can sometimes only be applied in an automated manner to certain selected areas of substrates, especially those with complex geometries, not at all or only with great difficulty. This applies in particular to the folded areas of substrates formed as molded bodies.

[0082] exist Figure 1 Schematically and in an isometric view, a conventional system 50 is shown with the aid of 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 a thermoplastic adhesive 20 to a substrate 21 formed as a shaped body has a dispensing head 30, which is preferably connected to a dispensing head 30. Figure 1 The dispensing head is connected or can be connected to a robot arm (not shown) and can be moved relative to the substrate 21 along a moving direction by means of the robot arm.

[0083] like Figure 1The conventional system 50 for applying a thermoplastic adhesive shown also has a nozzle assembly 101, which is preferably connected to the dispensing head 30 in a replaceable manner in the assembly area of ​​the dispensing head 30. The nozzle assembly 101 is substantially composed of a substantially rectangular base body 102, by which the nozzle assembly 101 is connected to the assembly area of ​​the dispensing head 30. This substantially rectangular base body 102 of the nozzle assembly 101 (viewed in a top view) has a front side 103, in which a discharge nozzle 105 is formed. The main flow axis defined by the discharge nozzle 105 or the discharge opening of the discharge nozzle 105 (along which the thermoplastic adhesive material 20 dispensed from the discharge nozzle 105 moves) and the front side 103 of the base body 102 of the nozzle assembly 101 enclose at least substantially right angles. In addition, the front side 103 of the base body 102 is further in the movement direction of the dispenser.

[0084] When applying conventional systems 50 in molded parts with complex geometries and in particular folded edge areas, it is generally unavoidable that parts of the system, in particular the dispensing head or the nozzle assembly, come into contact with areas of the molded part, or that not all required areas of the molded part can be reached by means of the nozzle assembly.

[0085] In order to solve this problem, an optimized nozzle assembly 1 is proposed according to the present invention, wherein the nozzle assembly 1 is referred to as follows. Figures 2 to 7 An exemplary embodiment of this nozzle assembly 1 is described in more detail with reference to the illustration in FIG.

[0086] Specifically, in Figure 2 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system 19 according to the invention in a schematic and isometric view, wherein the system 19 is used to apply a fluid 20, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate 21, and wherein the system 19 essentially comprises a dispensing head 2, which is preferably connected or can be connected to a robot arm and which can be moved relative to (in a direction of movement) a dispensing head 2. Figure 2 The substrate 21 (not shown) moves.

[0087] exist Figure 2 The system 19 schematically shown in FIG. 1 also has a nozzle assembly 1 which is connected to the dispenser head 2 in the assembly region of the dispenser head 2 , preferably in a replaceable manner.

[0088] Reference below Figures 4 to 6 The diagram in the figure describes in more detail Figure 2 The structure and working mode of the nozzle assembly 1 used in the system 19 schematically shown in FIG.

[0089] Figure 3 A schematic and isometric view of a method according to the invention for applying a fluid 20 to (also in Figure 3An alternative embodiment of the system 19 on a substrate 21 (not shown in FIG. 1 ) is shown. Here, the system 19 according to the invention is Figure 3 The exemplary embodiments schematically shown in Figure 2 The system 19 schematically shown in FIG. 1 differs mainly in the structure of the dispensing head 2 to which the nozzle assembly 1 according to the invention is connected.

[0090] In the following we will refer to Figures 4 to 6 The illustration in FIG. 1 describes an exemplary embodiment of the nozzle assembly 1 according to the invention or of the spray nozzle 3 of the nozzle assembly 1 according to the invention in more detail.

[0091] The nozzle assembly 1 is used for applying a fluid 20 , in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate 21 , wherein the nozzle assembly 1 has a connecting body 9 which is preferably connectable in a replaceable manner to a mounting region of a distributor 2 and a spray nozzle 3 which is preferably connectable in a replaceable manner to the connecting body 9 .

[0092] In particular, from Figure 4 As can be seen from the exploded view in FIG. 1 , the spray nozzle 3 according to the present invention has a substantially two-piece structure, more specifically, it is composed of a nozzle body 5, in particular a rod-shaped nozzle body 5 extending in the longitudinal direction 4 of the spray nozzle 3, and a nozzle housing 7. The nozzle housing 7 has a sleeve-shaped base body.

[0093] A first fluid channel 6 for a fluid 20 to be applied to a substrate 21 is formed in the rod-shaped nozzle body 5. In this regard, reference is made in particular to Figure 4 The first fluid channel 6 extends in particular coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the (shaft-shaped) nozzle body 5 .

[0094] A plurality of second fluid channels 10 are formed between the outer surface of the rod-shaped nozzle body 5 and the inner surface of the nozzle housing 7, which is particularly partially sleeve-shaped, and are used to supply shaping air to the nozzle outlet region 11 at the end side of the injection nozzle 3. In particular, the shaping air supplied by means of the second fluid channels 10 is used to atomize the fluid 20 dispensed or to be dispensed from the nozzle outlet opening 8 at the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5.

[0095] Specifically, and in particular for example from Figure 5 It can be seen from the cross-sectional view in that the nozzle housing 7 of the injection nozzle 3 is at least partially designed as a sleeve-shaped body, which at least partially surrounds the (rod-shaped) nozzle body 5. It is particularly proposed here that the nozzle housing 7 is preferably fastened together with the nozzle body 5, especially in a releasable and / or replaceable manner, to the connection area 12 of the connection body 9, that is, in particular, by means of a compression threaded connection that acts with a coupling nut 13.

[0096] On the other hand, the (particularly rod-shaped) nozzle body 5 is configured at least partially in its region held by the nozzle housing 7 as a substantially cylindrical nozzle body 6, wherein a recessed region extending in the longitudinal direction 4 of the injection nozzle 3 is formed in the substantially cylindrical nozzle body 5 or alternatively (e.g. Figure 4 The second fluid channels 10 of the injection nozzle 3 are at least partially defined together with the inner surface of the nozzle housing 7.

[0097] Specifically, in the nozzle assembly 1 according to the present invention Figures 4 to 6 In the exemplary embodiment shown in , it is proposed that the rod-shaped nozzle body 5 has a polygonal cross-sectional profile at least in some areas, so that a corresponding second fluid channel 10 is formed on a surface area 15 of the polygonal cross-sectional profile (and the inner surface of the nozzle housing 7).

[0098] Specifically, according to Figures 4 to 6 In one embodiment of , it is provided that the in particular rod-shaped nozzle body 5 has at least in places a hexagonal cross-sectional contour in order to form a total of six second fluid channels 10 together with the nozzle housing 7 in this way.

[0099] In this case, it is proposed according to a preferred embodiment that the diameter of the rod-shaped nozzle body 5 is preferably in the range between approximately 6 mm and approximately 12 mm, and particularly preferably in the range between approximately 6 mm and approximately 10 mm.

[0100] In particular Figure 4 In the hexagonal cross-sectional profile shape of the rod-shaped nozzle body 5 visible in FIG. 1 , when the critical plane dimension of the hexagon is between about 6 mm and about 10 mm, the diameter of the rod-shaped nozzle body 5 is in particular 5 mm to 9 mm.

[0101] As an alternative to such a polygonal cross-sectional profile of the rod-shaped nozzle body 5, it is conceivable that the nozzle body 5 of the injection nozzle 3 is at least partially provided with a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional profile, wherein, in order to form a second fluid channel 10, a groove area extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body 5 is formed in the outer surface of the cylindrical nozzle body 5 (not shown in the accompanying drawings).

[0102] Regardless of how the second fluid channels 10 are finally formed, the second fluid channels 10 should be formed on the outer surface of the nozzle body 5 evenly spaced from each other and in particular formed in an equidistant manner from each other so that the fluid dispensed from the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5 can be atomized as best as possible at the nozzle outlet area 11.

[0103] To this end, according to the present invention, it is proposed that the second fluid channel 10 extends along the longitudinal direction 4 of the injection nozzle 3 parallel to the first fluid channel 5 over its entire length and leads to a cone or conical gap space 16 at the nozzle outlet area 11 on the end side of the injection nozzle 3, wherein the tapered or conical gap space 16 preferably tapers uniformly in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5.

[0104] In this case, the end-side nozzle outlet region 11 of the spray nozzle 3 is designed in particular as a full-cone atomizing nozzle, preferably with an internal mixture of the fluid 20 to be applied to the substrate 21 and shaping air.

[0105] from Figure 6 It can be seen in particular from the illustration in that the second fluid channel 10 leads straight into the tapered or conical gap space 16, so that the shaping air distributed from the second fluid channel 10 is deflected only in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5, and not perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction 4 of the injection nozzle 3.

[0106] It can also be seen that at the nozzle outlet area 11 on the end side of the injection nozzle 3, the nozzle body 5 is implemented to be tapered or conical, and wherein also at the nozzle outlet area 11 on the end side of the injection nozzle 3, the nozzle housing 7 is implemented to be tapered or conical, wherein a tapered or conical gap space 16 is formed between one side of the tapered or conical end area of ​​the nozzle body 5 and the other side of the tapered or conical end area of ​​the nozzle housing 7.

[0107] In this case, the tapering or conical outer surface of the end region of the nozzle body 5 and the tapering or conical inner surface of the end region are each designed to be contour-free in the macroscopic range.

[0108] The spacing between the tapered or conical outer surface of the end region of the nozzle body 5 and the tapered or conical 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.

[0109] exist Figure 6 It can also be seen from the illustration in FIG. 2 that the first fluid channel 6 opens into a tapered or conical gap space 16 opposite the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5 .

[0110] At the nozzle outlet region 11 on the end side of the spray nozzle 3, the nozzle body 5 has a tapered or conical shape that tapers in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5, which has a tapered or conical shape with a preferably tapered angle or cone angle of 30° to 120°, and in particular has a preferably tapered angle or cone angle of 50° to 100°. In this case, in particular reference is made to Figure 6Detail view in .

[0111] In the same way, Figures 4 to 6 In the nozzle assembly 1 shown in FIG. 1 , it is provided that at the nozzle outlet region 11 on the end side of the injection nozzle 3 , at least the inner surface of the nozzle housing 7 has a shape which tapers and is in particular conical in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5 .

[0112] exist Figure 6 It can be seen from the detailed view that at the nozzle outlet area 11 on the end side of the injection nozzle 3, on the at least substantially conical outer surface of the nozzle body 5, the spacing area 14 is preferably molded on the nozzle body 5, that is, a tapered or conical gap space 16 is formed between the nozzle body 5 and the nozzle housing 7, through which the atomization of the fluid 20 delivered or distributed from the nozzle outlet opening 8 of the nozzle body 5 is achieved by means of the shaping air distributed from the second fluid channel 10 at the nozzle outlet area 11.

[0113] from Figure 5 It can be seen from the cross-sectional view in FIG. 1 that, when the injection nozzle 3 is mounted on the connection region 12 of the connection body 9, a preferably annular region 17 is formed in the region between the connection body 9 and the injection nozzle 3, which is connected to the source of the shaping air, in particular to the source of the shaping air (not shown). Figure 5 ) is in fluid connection with a compressed air source and, on the other hand, is in fluid connection with a second fluid channel 10 of the injection nozzle 3.

[0114] In addition, according to Figure 5 It can be seen from the sectional view that the nozzle body 5 is associated with a seal 18, in particular in the form of a sealing ring, in order to separate an annular area 17, in particular for shaping air, from an area preferably arranged axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body 5, via which the fluid to be applied to the substrate 21 is fed into the first fluid channel 6 of the injection nozzle 3.

[0115] The invention further relates to the use of a nozzle assembly 1 according to the invention for applying a fluid, in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a folded edge region of a component, as schematically and in an isometric view in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in .

[0116] Shaping air (compressed air) is guided by means of the second fluid channel 10 in the direction of the thermoplastic adhesive jet dispensed from the end nozzle outlet region 11 of the spray nozzle 3 in order to atomize the adhesive jet 20 appropriately.

[0117] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, but rather results from an overview of all features disclosed herein.

[0118] List of Reference Numerals

[0119] 1 Nozzle assembly

[0120] 2 Distributor / distribution head

[0121] 3 Spray nozzles

[0122] 4 Longitudinal direction of the spray nozzle

[0123] 5 Nozzle body

[0124] 6 First fluid channel

[0125] 7 Nozzle housing

[0126] 8 Nozzle outlet opening

[0127] 9 Connector of nozzle assembly

[0128] 10 Second fluid channel

[0129] 11 Nozzle outlet area

[0130] 12 Connector region

[0131] 13 Coupling nut

[0132] 14 (interval) area

[0133] 15 Surface area for forming the second fluid channel

[0134] 16 Interstitial Space

[0135] 17 Annular area for shaping air

[0136] 18 Seals

[0137] 19 Systems for applying fluids

[0138] 20 Thermoplastic Adhesives

[0139] 21 Base

[0140] 30 Dispensing head (prior art)

[0141] 50 System for applying thermoplastic adhesive (prior art)

[0142] 101 Nozzle assembly (prior art)

[0143] 102 Matrix (Prior Art)

[0144] 103 Front side (existing technology)

[0145] 105 Exhaust Nozzle (Prior Art)

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly (1) for applying a fluid (2), in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate (21), wherein the nozzle assembly (1) comprises a connection body (9) which can be preferably replaceably connected to a mounting area of ​​a distributor (30) and a spray nozzle (3) which can preferably be replaceably connected to the connection body (9), wherein the spray nozzle (3) comprises a nozzle body (5) which extends in a longitudinal direction (4) of the spray nozzle (3), in particular a rod-shaped nozzle body (5), the nozzle body having at least one and preferably exactly one first fluid channel (6) for the fluid (20) to be applied to the substrate (21), the first fluid channel extending in particular coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body (5), wherein the spray nozzle (3) also comprises a nozzle housing (7) in which the nozzle body (5) is at least partially accommodated or can be accommodated, wherein a plurality of second fluid channels (10) for shaping air are arranged at least partially between a side surface of the nozzle body (5) and an inner surface of the nozzle housing (7), It is characterized in that The second fluid channel (10) extends along the longitudinal direction (4) of the injection nozzle (3) parallel to the first fluid channel (5) over its entire length and opens into a tapered or conical gap space (16) at the nozzle outlet area (11) on the end side of the injection nozzle (3), wherein the tapered or conical gap space (16) preferably tapers uniformly in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening (8) of the nozzle body (5).

2. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 1, The nozzle outlet region (11) at the end side of the spray nozzle (3) is configured as a full cone atomizing nozzle, which preferably has an internal mixture of the fluid (20) and the shaping air to be applied to the substrate (21).

3. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, The second fluid channel (10) leads straightly to the tapered or conical gap space (16), so that the shaping air distributed by the second fluid channel (10) is deflected only in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening (8) of the nozzle body (5), but not perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (4) of the injection nozzle (3).

4. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The nozzle body (5) is configured to be tapered or conical at the nozzle outlet region (11) on the end side of the injection nozzle (3), and the nozzle housing (7) is configured to be tapered or conical also at the nozzle outlet region (11) on the end side of the injection nozzle (3), wherein the tapered or conical gap space (16) is formed between one side of the tapered or conical end region of the nozzle body (5) and the other side of the conical or conical end region of the nozzle housing (7).

5. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 4, The tapered or conical outer surface of the end region of the nozzle body (5) and the tapered or conical inner surface of the end region are each designed to be contour-free in a macroscopic manner.

6. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 5, The distance between the tapered or conical outer surface of the end region of the nozzle body (5) and the tapered or conical 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.

7. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, The first fluid channel (6) leads to the narrowing or conical gap space (16) facing the nozzle outlet opening (8) of the nozzle body (5).

8. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Wherein, at the nozzle outlet area (11) on the end side of the injection nozzle (3), the nozzle body (5) has a shape that tapers in the direction of the nozzle outlet opening of the nozzle body (5), in particular, a shape that is at least substantially tapered or conical, and the tapered or conical shape has a tapering angle or cone angle preferably of 30° to 120°, and in particular, a tapering angle or cone angle of about 50° to about 100°.

9. The nozzle assembly (1) according to claim 8, Wherein, at the nozzle outlet area (11) on the end side of the injection nozzle (3), on the at least substantially tapered or conical outer surface of the nozzle body (5), at least one area (14) is preferably formed integrally with the nozzle body (5), in particular so that the tapered or conical gap space (16) is formed between the nozzle body (5) and the nozzle housing (7).

10. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The nozzle housing (7) is at least partially configured as a sleeve-shaped body, which at least partially surrounds the nozzle body (5), wherein the nozzle housing (7) can preferably be fastened to the nozzle body (5) at the connecting area (12) of the connecting body (9), especially in a releasable and / or replaceable manner, especially fastened to the connecting area (12) of the connecting body (9) by means of a compression connection with a coupling nut (13).

11. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the in particular rod-shaped nozzle body (5) at least partially has a polygonal cross-sectional profile, wherein the diameter of the rod-shaped nozzle body (5) is preferably in the range between 6 mm and 12 mm, and preferably in the range between 6 mm and 10 mm, wherein the in particular rod-shaped nozzle body (5) preferably at least partially has a in particular hexagonal cross-sectional profile, the hexagonal cross-sectional profile having a diameter between 6 mm and 10 mm and a hexagonal critical plane dimension between 5 mm and 9 mm; or The nozzle body (5), which is in particular rod-shaped, has at least partially an at least substantially cylindrical cross-sectional profile, wherein in order to form the second fluid channel (10), a groove area extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body (5) is arranged in the side surface of the cylindrical nozzle body (5).

12. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The second fluid channels (10) are configured to be formed uniformly relative to each other on the side surface of the nozzle body (5), and are particularly configured to be formed in an equidistant manner from each other.

13. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the nozzle body (5) is configured as a substantially cylindrical nozzle body (5) at least partially in the region where the nozzle body (5) is received by the nozzle housing (7), wherein a groove region extending in the longitudinal direction (4) of the injection nozzle (3) and / or a region (15) extending in the longitudinal direction (4) of the injection nozzle (3) and recessed relative to the side surface of the cylindrical nozzle body (5) are formed in the substantially cylindrical nozzle body (5), and the groove region and / or the recessed region together with the inner surface of the nozzle housing (7) at least partially define the second fluid channel (10); and / or A total of at least three second fluid channels (10), preferably at least five second fluid channels (10), and more preferably exactly six second fluid channels (10) are formed uniformly and in particular equidistantly relative to each other on the side surface of the nozzle body (5).

14. The nozzle assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the nozzle body (5) has a length of about 20 mm to about 100 mm, and preferably has a length of about 30 mm to about 80 mm, and more preferably has a length of about 40 mm to about 60 mm when viewed in the longitudinal direction (4) of the spray nozzle (3); and / or wherein the nozzle body (5) together with the nozzle housing (7) has an average diameter of at most about 20 mm, and preferably has an average diameter of at most about 15 mm; and / or In a state where the spray nozzle (3) is mounted on the connecting area (12) of the connecting body (9), a preferably annular area (17) is formed in the area between the connecting body (9) and the spray nozzle (3), the annular area being fluidly connected to a source of shaping air, in particular a source of compressed air, on the one hand, and to a second fluid channel (10) of the spray nozzle (3) on the other hand, wherein the nozzle body (5) is preferably associated with a seal (18), in particular in the form of a sealing ring, in order to separate the particularly annular area (17) for shaping air from an area preferably arranged axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body (5), and the fluid (20) to be applied to the substrate (21) can be fed into the first fluid channel (6) of the spray nozzle (3) via the axially arranged area.

15. A system (19) for applying a fluid (20), in particular a thermoplastic adhesive, to a substrate (21), wherein the system (19) comprises: a dispensing head (2), which is preferably connected or connectable to a robot arm and which is movable relative to the substrate (21) along a movement direction; and - at least one nozzle assembly ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14 , which is connected to the dispenser head ( 2 ) in the assembly region of the dispenser head ( 2 ), preferably in a replaceable manner.

Images