Perforated plate with reduced diameter in one or both edge regions of nozzle row

Abstract

The invention relates to a perforated plate (1) for an application device for applying a fluid to a component, preferably a motor vehicle body and / or an accessory for a motor vehicle body. The perforated plate (1) comprises at least three through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) for the passage of a fluid, the through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) being associated with a row of nozzles having a central region (2) and two edge regions (3a, 3b), at least one reference opening diameter (d, d1, d2) of the outermost at least one through-hole (3.1) in the at least one edge region (3a) is smaller than at least one reference opening diameter (d3) of the at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2). The invention also relates to an application device and to an application method using such a perforated plate (1).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application No. 201780013200.2, filed on January 13, 2017, entitled "Plate with perforations of reduced diameter in one or two edge regions of a nozzle row". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a perforated plate (e.g., a cover) for a coating apparatus (e.g., a coater) for applying fluid to components, preferably vehicle bodies, and / or accessories for vehicle bodies. The invention also relates to a coating apparatus and a coating method using such a perforated plate. Background Technology

[0003] DE 102013002413 A1 discloses a perforated plate for an applicator used to apply a coating agent, particularly without overspray. The perforated plate includes a plurality of through-holes for applying the coating agent, wherein the through-holes are arranged in a matrix pattern and further in a two-dimensional structure within a plurality of nozzle rows. In this way, sharply defined coating traces can be produced. However, a disadvantage is that these sharply defined coating traces are not suitable for overlap because they have at least an approximately rectangular cross-sectional profile. Figure 16 For example, two coating marks B1 with rectangular cross-sectional profiles are shown. and B2 A near-perfect fit between them. This perfect fit should have a variation range of + / -50 μm, which will produce... Figure 16 The optimized coating is shown on the right side. For example, due to tolerances, such a perfect fit is impossible in practice, or can only be achieved at a considerable cost. Figure 17 Two coating marks B1 with rectangular cross-sectional profiles are shown. and B2 They do not contact / or overlap in the joint / overlapping areas, which leads to undesirable depressions in the resulting coating, such as... Figure 17 As shown on the right side of the middle section. Figure 18 Two coating marks B1 with rectangular cross-sectional profiles are shown. and B2 They overlap in the joint / overlapping areas, resulting in overcoating, which leads to undesirable peaks or protrusions in the resulting coating, such as... Figure 18 As shown on the right side of the middle section.

[0004] DE 102010019612 A1 discloses a coating apparatus that provides an overlapping, trapezoidal cross-sectional profile more suitable for coating marks. The trapezoidal profile is generated by a plurality of through-holes for applying the coating agent, wherein the through-holes are arranged in a matrix pattern and, consequently, in a two-dimensional configuration within a plurality of nozzle rows. The regularly or planarly distributed nozzle diameters of varying sizes are particularly useful for achieving better resolution with surface coating. The two-dimensional configuration with nozzle diameters of the same or different sizes, and the resulting trapezoidal profile, are inherently highly complex due to the multiple through-holes. Furthermore, particularly when coating vehicle bodies, the two-dimensional configuration produces undesirable high coating agent flow when the coating agent is applied continuously. The two-dimensional configuration also means that, during the application of coating marks, the coating agent from the nozzle row arranged downstream along the direction of movement is applied on top of the coating agent from the nozzle row arranged upstream along the direction of movement, which can adversely lead to coating agent splattering due to the coating agent being applied onto coating agent that has not yet sufficiently dried or solidified. US 4622239 A and US 5769949 A may also be cited as general prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved and / or alternative perforated plate, particularly a perforated plate that enables the creation of improved joint or overlapping areas of two fluid traces and / or fluid application with at least substantially no fluid splashing.

[0006] This objective can be achieved through the features of the main claim and the appended claims. Advantageous improvements of the invention are given in the dependent claims and in the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0007] The present invention provides a perforated plate (e.g., cover, strip, slice, etc.) for a coating device (e.g., applicator) for applying fluid to components, particularly motor vehicle bodies and / or accessories for motor vehicle bodies.

[0008] Perforated plates and / or application devices are particularly useful for applying fluids without atomization and / or without a mask.

[0009] Fluids can be, for example, coatings, particularly paints, sealants, release agents, functional layers, or adhesives.

[0010] The fluid preferably has, especially in the 1000s -1 Viscosities greater than 50 mPas, 80 mPas, or even 100 mPas, measured at shear rates. Fluids can exhibit Newtonian or non-Newtonian flow behavior.

[0011] The perforated plate preferably has at least three, at least four, or at least five through holes for fluid passage. The through holes are suitably arranged in a row of nozzles preferably oriented in a generally straight line, wherein the row of nozzles has two edge regions and a central region, the central region suitably extending between the two edge regions.

[0012] The perforated plate is characterized in particular by the fact that at least one reference opening diameter of at least one outermost through-hole in at least one edge region is smaller than at least one reference opening diameter of at least one through-hole in the central region, making it preferably possible to achieve fluid application (e.g., fluid traces) with a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional profile, such as a generally right-angled, isosceles or non-isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional profile and / or a generally Gaussian curve shape. In this invention, the at least two, at least three, or even at least four outermost through-holes in at least one edge region may suitably have consistent or inconsistent reference opening diameters, which are smaller than at least one reference opening diameter of at least one through-hole in the central region.

[0013] The outermost at least one through hole specifically corresponds to the first through hole in the at least one edge region, starting from the outside of the nozzle row.

[0014] The outermost at least two, at least three, and / or at least four through holes specifically correspond to the two, three, and / or four first through holes in the at least one edge region starting from the outside of the nozzle row.

[0015] In this invention, in a particularly linearly oriented row of nozzles, the reference opening diameter of at least one of the through holes in at least one of the two edge regions may be smaller than the reference opening diameter of a preferably plurality of through holes in the central region located between the two edge regions. However, it should also be mentioned that, in one embodiment of the invention, the central region may suitably have only one through hole.

[0016] The reference opening diameter can be gradually varied and appropriately reduced for only the outermost first through-hole in one edge region or two edge regions, starting from the outside.

[0017] However, the gradient of the reference opening diameter and the resulting appropriate reduction in diameter can also occur on the outermost of the at least two, at least three and / or at least four first through holes in only one edge region or two edge regions, and further on the at least two, at least three and / or at least four first through holes starting from the outside.

[0018] By reducing the diameter of only one edge region, fluid application (e.g., fluid traces) with a roughly right-angled trapezoidal cross-sectional profile can be produced.

[0019] By reducing the diameter of the two edge regions, fluid application (e.g., fluid traces) with a roughly isosceles or non-isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional profile can be produced.

[0020] In particular, the present invention enables the improvement of layer thickness distribution in the joint or overlapping areas of two fluid applications (e.g., fluid traces), resulting in a visually uniform fluid surface (e.g., coating surface) without unfavorable, visually perceptible fluctuations in layer thickness. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention particularly enables the reduction or complete avoidance of application splashes by applying fluid from preferably only a single nozzle row and further in a one-dimensional nozzle structure, since the nozzle row applies the fluid directly to the part, except in some cases of possible joint or overlapping areas of two fluid applications, where the previously applied fluid is typically sufficiently dried or hardened and therefore no longer has a tendency to form fluid splashes, or at least only a greatly reduced tendency to form fluid splashes.

[0021] With the aid of the perforated plate according to the invention, the spacing tolerance between two appropriately well-defined fluid coatings (e.g., fluid traces) can reach + / -150 μm, + / -200 μm, + / -500 μm, + / -1 mm or even + / -2 mm.

[0022] The perforated plate may have only a single row of nozzles for applying the fluid, thus preferably forming a one-dimensional nozzle configuration.

[0023] The nozzle row, which preferably includes a central region and at least one edge region, may be arranged, for example, in a straight line along an alignment line (appropriately a straight alignment line).

[0024] It can even make all the through holes in the nozzle row arranged, for example, in a straight line along the alignment line.

[0025] Preferably, all the through holes in the nozzle row can be arranged in a straight line along the same alignment line.

[0026] The alignment line may extend, for example, through at least one reference opening diameter and / or outlet diameter of at least two of the outermost through holes in at least one edge region, and at least one reference opening diameter and / or outlet diameter of at least one through hole in the central region, preferably such that a nozzle row arrangement preferably, for example, unilaterally offset from the center appears between the at least one edge region and the central region. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the alignment line may even extend through all reference opening diameters and / or outlet diameters of the nozzle row.

[0027] Therefore, preferably for all through holes in the nozzle row, the alignment line can correspond here to the tangent of the reference opening diameter and / or the hole outlet diameter.

[0028] The nozzle rows can be arranged in a configuration such as "top aligned", "bottom aligned", or "vertically centered".

[0029] The alignment line may also extend, for example, through at least one central axis of at least the outermost at least one through-hole or at least two outermost through-holes in at least one edge region, and at least one central axis of at least one through-hole in the central region, preferably resulting in a centered row of nozzles between the at least one edge region and the central region. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the alignment line may even extend through all the central axes of the nozzle row.

[0030] The central axis of at least one of the outermost through holes or at least two outermost through holes in at least one edge region may be arranged closer to the alignment line than the central axis of at least one through hole in the central region. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the central axis of at least one of the outermost through holes or at least two outermost through holes in at least one edge region and the central axis of at least one through hole in the central region may be arranged substantially on the alignment line.

[0031] At least two, three, and / or four of the outermost through holes in at least one edge region may have a reference opening diameter smaller than that of at least one reference opening diameter of at least one through hole in the central region.

[0032] The reference opening diameter of the through holes in the at least one edge region may preferably be configured to be consistent (e.g., approximately equal in size) or inconsistent (e.g., different in size) with respect to each other.

[0033] At least one outermost through-hole in at least one edge region may preferably have the minimum reference opening diameter of the nozzle row. In particular, the outermost through-hole may have the absolute minimum reference opening diameter of the nozzle row, or suitably, in the absence of any through-hole having a smaller reference opening diameter, at least another through-hole in the nozzle row may have a reference opening diameter that is consistent with (e.g., approximately equal in size) the reference opening diameter of the outermost through-hole.

[0034] At least two outermost through holes in at least one edge region may have the same (e.g., approximately equal in size) or different reference opening diameters.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in at least one edge region, the outermost at least two through holes may have different reference opening diameters, wherein the reference opening diameter of the outermost through hole may be a smaller reference opening diameter.

[0036] The central region may preferably have at least two, at least three, or at least four through holes. Alternatively or additionally, at least one edge region may have at least two, at least three, or at least four through holes.

[0037] The plurality of, preferably all, through holes in the central region may have a consistent (appropriately approximately equal in size) reference opening diameter, the central axes of the plurality of, preferably all, through holes in the central region are aligned in a straight line with each other, and / or the plurality of, preferably all, through holes are equally spaced apart from each other in the central region.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, all through holes in the central region have a consistent (appropriately approximately equal in size) reference opening diameter and / or are spaced approximately equally from one another.

[0039] The spacing between at least two of the at least three through holes in the central region can be constructed in a consistent manner (appropriately approximately equal in size).

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle row as a whole may be configured to have a consistent (appropriately substantially equal in size) hole spacing between the through holes.

[0041] The outermost hole spacing or at least two outermost hole spacings in at least one edge region may correspond to at least one hole spacing in the central region, and are thus preferably configured to be approximately equal in size.

[0042] The spacing between the outermost holes in at least one edge region or the spacing between at least two outermost holes may also be less than or greater than the spacing between at least one hole in the central region.

[0043] The outermost hole spacing or at least two outermost hole spacings in one edge region of the nozzle row may also be configured to be consistent (appropriately approximately equal in size) or inconsistent (appropriately different in size) with the outermost hole spacing or at least two outermost hole spacings in another edge region.

[0044] The through-hole configurations in the two edge regions may correspond to each other (e.g., substantially the same and / or axisymmetric, e.g., axisymmetric about the center of the nozzle row) or may be constructed differently. The through-hole configuration preferably includes the formation of through-holes, a reference opening diameter, and / or hole spacing.

[0045] The reference opening diameter can specifically be the hole outlet diameter.

[0046] At least one through-hole in the central region of the nozzle row and / or at least one through-hole in at least one edge region of the nozzle row may have a funnel-shaped inlet and preferably a cylindrical outlet. The funnel-shaped inlet preferably narrows along the direction of fluid flow.

[0047] The funnel-shaped inlet of at least one through-hole in the central region may extend deeper into the perforated plate than the funnel-shaped inlet of at least one through-hole in the at least one edge region. Alternatively or additionally, the entry cross-section (e.g., of the inlet-side channel cross-section) of the inlet of at least one through-hole in the central region of the nozzle row may be larger than the entry cross-section (e.g., of the inlet-side channel cross-section) of the inlet of at least one through-hole in the at least one edge region of the nozzle row.

[0048] The nozzle row can be specifically configured to form fluid application (e.g., fluid traces) with a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional profile, such as a generally right-angled, isosceles or non-isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional profile and / or a generally Gaussian curve shape, making the nozzle row particularly suitable for producing fluid traces optimized for overlap.

[0049] At least one through-hole may have a constant, particularly invariant, channel cross-section along its length. The reference opening diameter here preferably refers to a suitably constant opening diameter of the invariant channel cross-section. This is, for example, if the through-hole is constructed, for example, cylindrical, particularly cylindrical. Alternatively or additionally, at least one through-hole may have a variable channel cross-section along its length. The reference opening diameter here preferably refers to the minimum opening diameter of the variable channel cross-section. This is, for example, if the through-hole is constructed, for example, cylindrical, particularly cylindrical, but the outlet has a larger channel cross-section than the inlet, or vice versa, or if the through-hole is constructed, for example, approximately Laval nozzle-shaped.

[0050] The reference opening diameter therefore preferably refers to an opening diameter that is at least substantially constant and / or to the minimum opening diameter of the associated through hole, preferably the hole outlet diameter.

[0051] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the orifice inlet has a larger channel cross-section compared to the orifice outlet. The orifice inlet may be configured, for example, in a funnel shape.

[0052] The two edge regions may be formed symmetrically or asymmetrically, or the nozzle row may be constructed symmetrically as a whole, particularly axially symmetrical and / or mirror-symmetrical about the axis of symmetry extending transversely to the nozzle row.

[0053] The diameter of at least one reference opening of the outermost through hole in one edge region may be smaller than the diameter of at least one reference opening of the at least one through hole in the central region, wherein the diameter of at least one reference opening of at least one outermost through hole in another edge region may be configured to be consistent with (e.g., approximately equal in size) the diameter of at least one reference opening of the at least one through hole in the central region.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to perforated plates, but also includes a coating device, such as a coating applicator, for applying a fluid, wherein the coating device has at least one perforated plate as disclosed herein.

[0055] The application apparatus can be configured to ensure that fluid flows in at equal pressure across the entire row of nozzles and, consequently, across all the through-holes, such that a smaller fluid volume flow rate is achieved due to pressure loss, preferably by means of through-holes or holes with a smaller reference opening diameter.

[0056] The application device can also be configured to ensure fluid inflow in the at least one edge region that can be controlled (e.g., adjusted) independently of the central region.

[0057] The two edge regions may be supplied with fluid, for example, by the same fluid delivery unit, or each may have its own fluid delivery unit, such that each edge region may be supplied with fluid via a fluid delivery unit that can be individually controlled (e.g., adjusted).

[0058] The coating device is specifically designed for coating within 1000 seconds. -1 Fluids with viscosities exceeding 50 mPas, 80 mPas, or 100 mPas at shear rates. The fluid may exhibit Newtonian or non-Newtonian flow behavior.

[0059] The coating apparatus may have at least two perforated plates arranged adjacent to each other, the nozzle rows of the perforated plates preferably arranged to be offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle rows.

[0060] The at least one perforated plate may be specifically arranged at the outer end face of the coating device (e.g., on or in the outer end face), and thus preferably constitutes the outer plate. The at least three through holes therefore preferably form the outlet holes of the coating device.

[0061] The present invention also includes a coating method for applying fluid using at least one coating device and / or at least one perforated plate as disclosed herein.

[0062] In particular, the coating fluid can be applied from a single nozzle on a perforated plate.

[0063] It should be mentioned that the fluid is preferably a coating agent, such as a paint, sealant, release agent, adhesive, etc., and / or can be used to form a functional layer.

[0064] The categories of functional layers specifically include layers that functionalize the surface, such as adhesion promoters, primers, or layers used to reduce transmission.

[0065] In this invention, features from WO 2014 / 121926 A1, and in particular its claims, can be used to supplement the perforated plate as described herein, so that the entire contents of that patent application are incorporated into this disclosure.

[0066] The perforated plate according to the invention may in particular have a hole inlet located on the upstream side of the perforated plate, a hole outlet located on the downstream side of the perforated plate, and a three-dimensional structure, for example, located on the upstream side and / or the downstream side of the perforated plate.

[0067] The orifice inlet can be fluid-optimized, particularly nozzle-shaped, and / or the orifice inlet has a larger (channel) cross-section compared to the orifice outlet.

[0068] Tube flanges can be used as structures that protrude from the downstream side of a perforated plate and are converted from through holes, in order to particularly reduce the wet surface area at the hole exit.

[0069] The tube flange may, for example, have a shell surface that narrows, particularly tapered, toward the free end of the corresponding tube flange.

[0070] A perforated plate may, for example, have a greater thickness at the edges than the central region with through holes.

[0071] Preferably, all through holes in a perforated board can be manufactured at least in part by an etching process, particularly dry or wet etching.

[0072] The perforated plate may be made, in particular, at least in part, of a semiconductor material, such as one of the following: silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon carbide, gallium, gallium arsenide and / or indium phosphide.

[0073] It should be mentioned that, in this invention, the generally trapezoidal cross-sectional profile may also preferably include, for example, a cross-sectional profile having a generally Gaussian curve shape. Attached Figure Description

[0074] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above can be combined with each other. Other advantageous improvements of the invention are disclosed in the claims or can be derived from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0075] Figure 1 A perforated plate with a row of nozzles is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A perforated plate with a row of nozzles is shown according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 A perforated plate with a row of nozzles is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A perforated plate with a row of nozzles is shown according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 A perforated plate with a row of nozzles is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6A A schematic cross-sectional view of two fluid applications produced by means of a perforated plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 6B A schematic cross-sectional view of fluid application generated by means of a perforated plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a through hole in a perforated plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of a perforated plate through a through hole in another variation of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8B It shows that according to Figure 8A A cross-sectional view showing a coating agent in the through-hole. Figure 9A It shows Figure 8A A derivative example according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein an additional tube flange is provided for reducing the wetted surface area. Figure 9B It shows that according to Figure 9A A cross-sectional view showing a coating agent in the through-hole. Figure 10 It shows Figure 9A A derivative example of the present invention, having a tapered, narrowed tube flange, Figure 11A A schematic cross-sectional view of a perforated plate with reinforced edges and a thinner central region having through holes, according to another embodiment of the invention, is shown. Figure 11B It shows Figure 11A A derivative example according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12 It shows Figure 7 A derivative example according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 13A A coating apparatus (applier) for a perforated plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 13B A coating apparatus (applier) according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 14 A perforated plate with a row of nozzles is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15A perforated plate with a row of nozzles is shown according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 16 Two coating marks according to the prior art are shown. Figure 17 Two coating marks according to the prior art are shown. Figure 18 Two coating marks according to the prior art are shown. Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of a through hole in a perforated plate according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of a through hole in a perforated plate according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of a through-hole in a perforated plate according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of a perforated plate according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are partially related to each other, such that similar or identical parts are identified by the same reference numerals, and for the purpose of illustrating the parts, reference is also made to the description of one or more other embodiments to avoid repetition.

[0077] Figure 1 A perforated plate 1 is shown for a coating device used to apply fluid to components, such as vehicle bodies and / or vehicle body accessories, preferably without atomization and without masking.

[0078] The perforated plate 1 includes a central region 2 with a plurality of through holes 2.1, only three of which are labeled 2.1 for clarity. The perforated plate 1 also includes Figure 1 The first left edge region 3a with two through holes 3.1 and 3.2 and Figure 1 The second right edge region 3b has through holes 3.3. Through holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 form a linear row of nozzles and are used to guide fluid through them.

[0079] Through holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 each have a channel cross-section, which is preferably constant along the length of the through hole, for example, being approximately cylindrical, so that the opening diameter of the through hole is appropriately approximately constant.

[0080] The reference opening diameters of the two outermost through holes 3.1 and 3.2, i.e. the two first through holes 3.1 and 3.2 starting from the outside in the first edge region 3a, are smaller than the reference opening diameter of the through hole 2.1 in the central region 2.

[0081] The perforated plate 1 includes only a single row of nozzles, which are arranged in a straight line along a straight alignment line 4.

[0082] exist Figure 1 In the perforated plate 1 shown, alignment line 4 extends linearly through the reference opening diameters of the two outermost through holes 3.1 and 3.2 in the edge region 3a and the reference opening diameter of the central region 2, resulting in an off-center row of nozzles between the edge region 3a and the central region 2. The central axes of the through holes 3.1 and 3.2 in the first edge region 3a are arranged closer to alignment line 4 than the central axis of the through hole 2.1 in the central region 2.

[0083] All the through holes 2.1 in the central region 2 have the same reference opening diameter and are equally spaced from one another.

[0084] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the two outermost through holes 3.1 and 3.2 of the first edge region 3a have different reference opening diameters, wherein the outermost through hole 3.1 in the first edge region 3a has the smallest reference opening diameter in the nozzle row.

[0085] exist Figure 1 In the case of the perforated plate 1 shown, only the first edge region 3a has a reduced reference opening diameter relative to the central region 2, while the second edge region 3b and the central region 2 have reference opening diameters of approximately the same size. Therefore, the two edge regions 3a and 3b are not constructed uniformly.

[0086] Except for the outermost hole spacing between through holes 3.1 and 3.2, which is smaller than the remaining hole spacing of the nozzle row, the hole spacing of the nozzle row is approximately equal.

[0087] The outer periphery of the nozzle row can be bounded by a roughly right-angled trapezoid 5. The nozzle row thus produces a fluid trace with a roughly right-angled trapezoidal cross-sectional profile.

[0088] The double arrow F indicates the two possible directions of movement of the perforated plate 1 relative to the component.

[0089] Figure 2 A perforated plate 1 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] exist Figure 2 In the case of the perforated plate 1 shown, the reference opening diameter is gradually changed and then reduced in the two edge regions 3a and 3b.

[0091] The first edge region 3a and the second edge region 3b have a consistent, particularly axisymmetric nozzle orifice structure.

[0092] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle row is constructed in a manner that is generally symmetrical, and in particular, symmetrical and / or mirror-symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry S extending transversely to the nozzle row.

[0093] Figure 3 A perforated plate 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0094] exist Figure 3 In the case of the perforated plate 1 shown, the reduction in the reference opening diameter occurs in the two edge regions 3a and 3b. However, the two edge regions 3a and 3b do not... Figure 2 Instead of including two through holes as in the previous version, each of them only includes one through hole 3.1.

[0095] Figure 4 A perforated plate 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0096] exist Figure 4 In the case of the perforated plate 1 shown, each of the two edge regions 3a and 3b includes three through holes 3.1 and 3.2, wherein the two outermost through holes are labeled with reference numeral 3.1, and the inner through hole is labeled with reference numeral 3.2. The two outermost through holes 3.1 in edge region 3a have approximately equal reference opening diameters d1, while the two outermost through holes 3.1 in edge region 3b also have approximately equal reference opening diameters d5. The through hole 3.2 in the first edge region 3a has a reference opening diameter d2, while the through hole 3.2 in edge region 3b has a reference opening diameter d4. The through hole 2.1 in the central region 2 has approximately equal reference opening diameters d3.

[0097] In this invention, the reference opening diameter can be specified as follows: d1 is less than d2 d2 is less than d3 d4 is less than d3 d5 is less than d4 d1 is equal to or not equal to d5 d2 is equal to or not equal to d4 Figure 5 A perforated plate 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0098] Figure 5 The perforated plate 1 first roughly corresponds to Figure 2 1. Perforated plate.

[0099] Figure 5 Specifically used to demonstrate the possible through-hole spacing configurations of this nozzle row.

[0100] In this invention, the hole spacing can be specified, for example, as follows: 1. a3 is preferably consistent a1 and a2 correspond to a3 a4 and a5 correspond to a3 2. a3 is preferably consistent a1 and a2 are equal in size, and a1 is less than a3. a4 and a5 are equal in size, and a4 is less than a3. 3. a3 is preferably consistent a1 is less than a2 and a2 is less than a3, and / or a5 is less than a4 and a4 is less than a3 4. a3 is preferably consistent a1 and a2 are equal in size and a1 is greater than a3, and / or a4 and a5 are equal in size, and a5 is greater than a3. 5. a3 is preferably consistent a1 is greater than a2 and a2 is greater than a3, and / or a5 is greater than a4 and a4 is greater than a3 5. a3 is preferably consistent a1 is not equal to a2 and a2 is not equal to a3, and / or a5 is not equal to a4 and a4 is not equal to a3 In principle, the hole spacing in the two edge regions 3a and 3b can correspond to each other, for example, a1 equals a5 and a2 equals a4, but they can also be configured differently.

[0101] Figure 6A A schematic diagram of the cross-section of two fluid traces B1 and B2 produced by means of a perforated plate 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0102] The cross-sections of the coating traces B1 and B2 have a generally isosceles trapezoidal shape 6 and overlap in the joint or overlapping area. The spacing tolerance between the two fluid traces B1 and B2 can be in the range of + / -150μm, + / -200μm, + / -500μm, + / -1mm, or even + / -2mm. Figure 6A As shown on the right, trapezoidal form 6 produces an optimized coating, particularly in the joint or overlapping areas.

[0103] Figure 6B A schematic diagram of a cross-section of a fluid trace B1 that can be generated by means of a perforated plate 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cross-section has a generally right-angled trapezoidal shape 6.

[0104] according to Figures 1 to 5 The perforated plate 1 is suitably used with a coating device for applying a coating fluid. The coating device may be configured to ensure that the fluid flows in at approximately equal pressure across the entire row of nozzles, thereby allowing a smaller fluid volume flow rate through the through-hole with a smaller diameter due to pressure loss.

[0105] However, the application device may also be configured to allow fluid to flow into the at least one edge region 3 in a controlled (e.g., regulated) manner, independent of the central region 2.

[0106] The two edge regions 3a and 3b can be supplied with fluid, for example, by means of the same fluid delivery unit or by their own fluid delivery units.

[0107] Figures 7 to 12 A through-hole configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, according to which corresponding through-holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 of the nozzle row can be constructed. The reference opening diameter is... Figures 7 to 12 The reference numeral d is used to denote the nozzle row and can be associated with the corresponding through holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3. The perforated plate 1 and, in particular, the through holes can be configured as disclosed in WO 2014 / 121926 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0108] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a plate 1 with perforations in one of the through-holes is shown, wherein the arrows in the cross-sectional view indicate the flow direction of the coating agent through the through-holes. The cross-sectional view shows that the through-holes have fluid-optimized inlet 30, by means of which the flow resistance of the through-holes is reduced.

[0109] In addition, the perforated plate 1 has a structure on the downstream side at the outer peripheral edge of each through hole that reduces the tendency to wet.

[0110] Figure 8A and Figure 8B An alternative cross-sectional view of plate 1 with perforations in the area of ​​the through hole is shown, wherein, Figure 8A The diagram shows through-holes without coating, while Figure 8B A coating agent (e.g., fluid) 50 is shown.

[0111] As can be seen, the coating agent 50 wets the wet surface 60 on the downstream surface of the perforated plate 1, which hinders the jet-like release of the coating agent 50 from the perforated plate 1.

[0112] Figure 9A and 9BA preferred embodiment of the invention with reduced wetting tendency is shown. For this purpose, the perforated plate 1 has a tube flange 70 located on the outer peripheral edge of each individual through-hole, wherein the through-hole transitions into the tube flange 70 such that at the free end of the tube flange 70, the end face of the tube flange 70 forms a wet surface 80. The wet surface 80 is thus confined to the free end face of the tube flange 70 and is therefore substantially smaller than... Figure 8A The wet surface 60 in the middle. This facilitates the release of the coating agent 50 from the perforated plate 1.

[0113] Between the downstream side of the perforated plate 1 and the free end of the tube flange 70, the tube flange 70 has, for example, a length L, which is preferably greater than 50 μm, 70 μm, or 100 μm and / or less than 200 μm, 170 μm, or 150 μm, such that the tube flange 70 can have a length L of, for example, 50 to 200 μm, 70 to 170 μm, or 100 to 150 μm. Figure 10 It shows Figure 9A The derivative wherein the outer surface of the tube flange 70 tapers toward the free end of the tube flange 70, thereby minimizing the wet surface at the free end of the tube flange 70.

[0114] Figure 11A A schematic cross-sectional view of plate 1 with perforations partially associated with the perforated plate described above is shown. Therefore, to avoid repetition, reference can be made to the description above, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the corresponding parts.

[0115] A particular feature of this exemplary embodiment is that the perforated plate 1 has a relatively thick edge 90 on the outer side and a thinner region 100 with through holes in the middle. The thick edge 90 of the perforated plate 1 here ensures sufficient mechanical stability, while the reduced thickness in the region 100 with through holes ensures that the through holes provide only relatively low flow resistance.

[0116] Figure 11B It shows Figure 11A For derivative examples, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 11A The description, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the corresponding parts.

[0117] A particular feature of this exemplary embodiment is that region 100 has a reduced thickness only on one side.

[0118] The sharp edges and corners shown in the figure are merely illustrative examples and can advantageously also be rounded in order to make them fluidly optimized or to achieve better washability.

[0119] Figure 12A specific feature of the exemplary embodiment of the through-hole shown is that, at the upstream inlet, the through-hole first has a cylindrical region 200 having a first inner diameter.

[0120] Here, in the flow direction, the cylindrical region 200 is followed by the conical region 210, which narrows in the flow direction and has a reference opening diameter (inner diameter) d at the orifice outlet.

[0121] Importantly, the reference opening diameter (inner diameter) d of the hole outlet is preferably approximately smaller than the first inner diameter of the cylindrical region 200.

[0122] Figure 13A A highly simplified schematic diagram shows a coating apparatus, particularly an applicator, having a perforated plate 1 according to the invention for coating a component 160 (e.g., a motor vehicle body component).

[0123] The coating agent jets 170 exit from the various through-holes of the perforated plate 1 and form a cohesive film of the coating agent on the surface of the component 160. The individual jets 170 of the coating agent can be as follows: Figure 13A As shown, it forms a droplet jet, or as Figure 13B The resulting cohesive jet of coating agent does not form droplets.

[0124] also, Figure 13A and 13B An applicator 180 connected to a perforated plate 1 is shown, along with an applicator 190 connected to the applicator 180 by schematically depicted lines.

[0125] Figure 14 and 15 A perforated plate 1 according to two embodiments of the present invention is shown, the perforated plate 1 having a linearly oriented row of nozzles including a central region 2 and at least one edge region 3a.

[0126] Figure 14 The perforated plate 1 shown is characterized in that the central axes of the through holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 are approximately aligned on a straight alignment line 4. Thus, the straight alignment line 4 extends linearly through the central axes of the through holes 3.1 and 3.2 in the edge region 3a, through the central axis of the through hole 2.1 in the central region 2, and through the central axis of the through hole 3.3 in the edge region 3b, resulting in a central nozzle alignment between the central region 2 and the two edge regions 3a and 3b.

[0127] Figure 14 It is also shown that a perforated plate 1 is arranged on the outer end side of the coating device, such that at least three through holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 form the outlet holes of the coating device.

[0128] Figure 15 A characteristic of the perforated plate 1 shown is that the central axes of the through holes 2.1, 3.1, and 3.2 are approximately aligned on a straight alignment line 4. Thus, the straight alignment line 4 extends linearly through the central axes of the through holes 3.1 and 3.2 in the edge region 3a, through the central axis of the through hole 2.1 in the central region 2, and through the central axis of the through hole 3.3 in the edge region 3b, resulting in a central nozzle alignment between the central region 2 and the two edge regions 3a and 3b.

[0129] It should be mentioned that, Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 14 and Figure 15 The rows of nozzles shown are all arranged in a straight line, wherein, in Figures 1 to 5 Preferably, all through holes are arranged in a straight line with their reference diameter and / or hole exit diameter, while... Figure 14 and 15 Preferably, all through holes are arranged in a straight line with their central axis.

[0130] Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of a through hole in a perforated plate 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The through hole includes a funnel-shaped inlet 30 having an entry cross-section E and a cylindrical outlet 40.

[0131] Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of a through-hole in a perforated plate 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The through-hole includes a funnel-shaped inlet 30 having an entry cross-section E and a cylindrical outlet 40, wherein... Figure 20 The funnel-shaped inlet is 30 times larger than the previous one. Figure 19 The funnel-shaped inlet 30 extends deeper into the perforated plate 1.

[0132] Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of a through-hole in a perforated plate 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The through-hole includes a funnel-shaped inlet 30 having an entry cross-section E and a cylindrical outlet 40, wherein... Figure 21 The funnel-shaped inlet opening is 30 times larger than the previous one. Figure 20 The funnel-shaped inlet 30 extends deeper into the perforated plate 1.

[0133] Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of a through-hole in a perforated plate 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The through-hole includes a funnel-shaped inlet 30 having an entry cross-section E and a cylindrical outlet 40, wherein... Figure 22 The funnel-shaped inlet in the middle is 30 times Figure 21 The funnel-shaped inlet 30 extends deeper into the perforated plate 1.

[0134] Figures 19 to 22A further possible scheme for influencing fluid flow by changing the cylindrical ratio of the through-hole is shown, wherein the inlet 30 of the through-hole is configured in a funnel shape. By setting the funnel-shaped inlet 30, the cylindrical ratio of the through-hole can be decreased or increased, and the fluid volumetric flow rate through the through-hole can be further increased or decreased, although, for example, in Figures 19 to 22 In this case, the reference opening diameter d and the size of the entry cross section E are the same. Figure 19 This allows for the achievement of the minimum fluid volumetric flow rate. Figure 20 This enables the achievement of the second minimum fluid volumetric flow rate. Figure 21 This enables the achievement of the third minimum fluid volumetric flow rate. Figure 22 This enables the achievement of the maximum fluid volumetric flow rate.

[0135] Figures 19 to 22 The through-hole shown can be suitably used in the central region 2 of the nozzle row and / or at least one edge region 3a, 3b of the nozzle row.

[0136] It must also be mentioned that, according to an embodiment of the invention, the coating apparatus may include at least two perforated plates 1 arranged adjacent to each other, the nozzle rows of the perforated plates being arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle rows. The perforated plates 1 are arranged on the outer end face of the coating apparatus, thus forming an outer plate.

[0137] This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Instead, various variations and derivatives may be made that also utilize the concepts of this invention and thus fall within the scope of protection. Furthermore, this invention claims protection, independently of the cited claims, for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims.

[0138] List of reference numerals 1. A perforated plate, such as a cover. 2. Central Region 2.1 At least one through hole in the central area 3a Edge region, appropriately designated as the first edge region 3b Edge region, appropriately a second edge region 3.1 Outermost through hole 3.2 The second outermost through hole 4. Alignment line, preferably a straight alignment line. 5. Roughly trapezoidal shape 6. Roughly trapezoidal fluid cross-sectional profile 30-hole entrance 40-hole outlet 50 Fluid (Coating Agent) 60 Wet surface 70 pipe flange 80 Wet surface 90 Edge 100 Area with through holes 110 Reinforced Strap 160 parts 170 Fluid / Coating Agent Jet 180 applicator 190 Coating Equipment 200 through-hole cylindrical area 210 Tapered region of through hole d Reference opening diameter d1-d5 reference opening diameter a1-a5 hole spacing B1 Fluid application, especially fluid marks B2 Fluid application, especially fluid marks F: Direction of movement of the perforated plate S-axis of symmetry L-shaped tube flange length E enters the cross section

Claims

1. Perforated plate (1) of an application device for applying a fluid used as a coating agent to a motor vehicle body and / or to an accessory for a motor vehicle body, The perforated plate has only one nozzle row for applying the fluid, which nozzle row has through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) for the passage of fluid, wherein the through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) are assigned to only one nozzle row having one central region (2) and two edge regions (3a, 3b), wherein the reference opening diameters (d, dl, d2) of the outermost at least two, at least three or at least four through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the two edge regions (3a) of the only one nozzle row are smaller than the at least one reference opening diameter (d, d3) of the at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2), characterized in that the through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) of the nozzle row, preferably all through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3), each have a hole inlet (30) on the upstream side of the perforated plate (1), a hole outlet (40) on the downstream side of the perforated plate (1) and a tube flange (70) as a three-dimensional structure on the downstream side of the perforated plate (1), wherein the hole inlet (30) has a larger passage cross-section compared to the hole outlet (40) and / or the housing surface of the tube flange (70) narrows, in particular conically, towards the free end of the respective tube flange (70).

2. The perforated plate (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The nozzle row comprising the central region (2) and the edge region (3a) is arranged linearly and / or all through-holes of the nozzle row are arranged linearly, preferably along the same alignment line (4).

3. Perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the straight alignment line (4) linearly extends through the at least one reference opening diameter (d, dl, d2) and / or hole outlet diameter (40) of the outermost at least two through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge regions (3a) and the at least one reference opening diameter (d, d3) and / or hole outlet diameter (40) of the at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2), so that a preferably off-center nozzle row arrangement occurs between the edge regions (3a) and the central region (2); or - the straight alignment line (4) linearly extends through the at least one center axis of the outermost at least two through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge regions (3a) and the at least one center axis of the at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2), so that a preferably center nozzle row arrangement occurs between the edge regions (3a) and the central region (2).

4. Perforated plate (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that - the at least one center axis of the outermost through-hole (3.1) or of the outermost at least two through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge regions (3a) is arranged closer to the straight alignment line (4) than the at least one center axis of the at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2), or - at least one central axis of the outermost through hole (3.1) or of the at least two outermost through holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge region (3a) and at least one central axis of the at least one through hole (2.1) in the central region (2) are arranged on a straight alignment line (4).

5. The perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the reference opening diameters (d, d1, d2) of the through holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge region (3a) are configured to be uniform or non-uniform with respect to one another.

6. The perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the outermost through hole (3.1) in the edge region (3a) has the smallest reference opening diameter (d, d1) in the row of nozzles, and / or - the at least two outermost through holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge region (3a) have different or uniform reference opening diameters (d, d1, d2), and / or the at least two outermost through holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge region (3a) have different reference opening diameters (d, d1, d2), and the reference opening diameter of the outermost through hole (3.1) is the smaller reference opening diameter.

7. The perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - the central region (2) has at least two or at least three through holes (2.1), and / or - the edge region (3a) has at least two through holes (3.1, 3.2).

8. The perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - the plurality of through holes (2.1) in the central region (2) have a uniform reference opening diameter (d3), - the central axes of the plurality of through holes (2.1) in the central region (2) are arranged in line with one another, and / or - the plurality of through holes (2.1) in the central region (2) are spaced equidistantly from one another, and / or - at least two hole spacings (a3) between the at least three through holes (2.1) in the central region (2) are configured uniformly, and / or - the row of nozzles is configured overall with uniform hole spacings (a1 = a2 = a3 = a4 = a5) between the through holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3).

9. The perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the outermost hole spacing (a1) or the at least two outermost hole spacings (a1, a2) in the edge region (3a) correspond to at least one hole spacing (a3) in the central region (2), and / or - the outermost hole spacing (a1) or the at least two outermost hole spacings (a1, a2) in the edge region (3a) are smaller or larger than at least one hole spacing (a3) in the central region (2), and / or - the outermost hole spacing (a1) or the at least two outermost hole spacings (a1, a2) in one edge region (3a) of the row of nozzles are configured to be uniform with the outermost hole spacing (a5) or the at least two outermost hole spacings (a4, a5) in the other edge region (3b).

10. The perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the through hole configurations, in particular the hole spacings (a1, a2, a4, a5) and / or the reference opening diameters (d, d1, d2, d4, d5), in the two edge regions (3a, 3b) correspond to one another, and / or The two edge regions (3a, 3b) are formed symmetrically or asymmetrically, or the nozzle row as a whole is formed symmetrically, in particular axially symmetrically and / or mirror-symmetrically, with respect to a symmetry axis (S) extending transversely to the nozzle row.

11. Perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one reference opening diameter (d, di, d2) of the outermost through-holes (3.1) in one edge region (3a) is smaller than at least one reference opening diameter (d3) of the at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2), at least one reference opening diameter (d, di, d2) of the outermost through-holes (3.3) in the other edge region (3b) is configured to coincide with at least one reference opening diameter (d3) of the at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2).

12. The perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The reference opening diameter (d, di, d2) is the hole exit diameter.

13. The perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2) of the nozzle row and / or at least one through-hole (3.1) in at least one edge region (3a) of the nozzle row has a funnel-shaped hole entry (30) and preferably a cylindrical hole exit (40).

14. The perforated plate (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The funnel-shaped hole entry (30) of the at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2) extends deeper into the perforated plate (1) than the funnel-shaped hole entry (30) of the at least one through-hole (3.1) in the edge region (3a).

15. The perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The entry cross-section (E) of the hole entry (30) of the at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2) of the nozzle row is larger than the entry cross-section (E) of the hole entry (30) of the at least one through-hole (3.1) in the edge region (3a) of the nozzle row.

16. An application device for applying a fluid used as a coating agent, the application device having at least one perforated plate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. The applicator of claim 16, wherein, The application device is configured for a fluid flow in at least one edge region (3a) that can be controlled independently of the central region (2).

18. The application apparatus of claim 16 or 17, wherein, The two edge regions (3a, 3b) are connected to the same fluid delivery unit or to a fluid delivery unit of the edge region itself, respectively.

19. The applicator of any of claims 16-18, wherein, The application device comprises at least two perforated plates (1) arranged next to each other, the nozzle rows of the perforated plates being arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle rows.

20. The applicator of any of claims 16-19, wherein, At least one perforated plate (1) is arranged on an outer end face of the application device, preferably such that the at least three through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) form an outlet opening of the application device.

21. An application method for applying a fluid used as a coating agent, wherein, A coating agent is applied to a component by means of at least one perforated plate (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or an application device according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the application of the coating agent is configured for forming a cross-sectional profile having a substantially trapezoidal shape.

22. The application method of claim 21, wherein, A fluid flow with equal pressure over the entire nozzle row is performed by means of the application device.

23. The application method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The application device applies a fluid having a viscosity of more than 50 mPas, more than 80 mPas or more than 100 mPas.

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