Quick change coupling for a spray applicator with the spray applicator releasably connected to the spray applicator holder, and spray applicator having the quick change coupling

Abstract

This invention relates to a quick-change connector for a spray applicator that releasably connects a nozzle to a spray applicator holder, the quick-change connector comprising a connector housing (5) securely attached to the spray applicator holder (6) and having an upstream opening (5.1) for leading out a conduit (8). A connecting block (3) is provided, which is securely attached to the nozzle (2). The connecting block (3) is connectable to the connector housing (5) via a releasable connector and includes a conduit connector (11) securely attached to the conduit connector, the conduit extending through the upstream opening (5.1) of the connector housing (5). The connecting block (3) and the connector housing (5) are designed such that the connecting block (3), together with the conduit (8), can be at least partially pulled out of the connector housing (5) on the downstream side (5.7) of the connector housing (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a quick-change connector for a spray applicator that releasably connects a nozzle to a spray applicator holder, and a spray applicator having the quick-change connector. Background Technology

[0002] A retaining assembly for an electrostatic rotary atomizer is known from publication DE 102018108786B4. This retaining assembly has a first connecting plate for connection to a robot, on which a first connecting member of a fluid connector and a first plug part of an electrical plug are fixed. The retaining assembly also has a second connecting plate formed in a complementary manner to the first connecting plate. A base plate is fixed to the second connecting plate by a rod, and the rotary atomizer is fixed to the base plate. Furthermore, a second connecting member of the fluid connector and a second plug part of the electrical plug are fixed to the second connecting plate. These two connecting plates, and thus the two connecting members of the fluid connector and the two plug parts of the electrical plug, can be pressed together or separated from each other by two power cylinders. This setup is complex and cumbersome. Moreover, this connector requires regular maintenance to ensure that the power cylinders are always functioning properly and that there is no fluid leakage at the sealing point between the two connecting members of the fluid connector. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide a quick-change connector for a spray applicator, by means of which the nozzle of the spray applicator can be quickly and easily releasably connected to a spray applicator holder. Furthermore, the quick-change connector is configured to allow for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of tubing on the nozzle. Accessibility of the tubing connectors on the nozzle is further improved.

[0004] The objective is achieved by a quick-change connector for a spray applicator having the features described in claim 1.

[0005] A quick-change connector for a spray applicator, according to the invention, for releasably connecting a nozzle to a spray applicator holder, includes a connector housing that can be secured to the spray applicator holder and has an upstream opening for leading out a conduit. Furthermore, a connecting block is provided that can be secured to the nozzle. The connecting block is releasable to the connector housing and has a conduit connector to which a conduit extends through the upstream opening of the connector housing. The connecting block and the connector housing are configured such that the connecting block, along with the conduit, can be at least partially pulled out of the connector housing on a downstream side.

[0006] Advantageous improvements of the invention are derived from the features described in the dependent patent claims.

[0007] In one embodiment of the quick-change connector according to the invention, the releasable connection is configured as a bayonet closure.

[0008] In another embodiment of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the releasable connection has an anti-torsion lock. The anti-torsion lock may have, for example, a screw that prevents the components from rotating relative to each other when screwed in. For this purpose, a bore can be provided into which the screw can be inserted, thereby achieving the anti-torsion lock.

[0009] In another embodiment of the quick-change coupler according to the invention, the releasable connection is configured such that the coupler housing can only be connected to the connecting block in a specific rotational position. This is helpful, for example, when the spray applicator is fixed to a robot. This is because it can then be easily ensured that the spray applicator is always fixed to the robot in the same mounting position.

[0010] In another embodiment of the quick-change connector according to the invention, a high-voltage stage is provided, which is arranged in the connector housing. Because the high-voltage stage is arranged in the connector housing, it can be directly connected to the nozzle, eliminating the need for a high-voltage cable between the nozzle and the high-voltage stage.

[0011] In an improved version of the quick-change connector according to the invention, the high-voltage stage is fixed to the connecting block.

[0012] In another improvement of the quick-connect coupling according to the invention, a stress relief device for the pipeline is provided.

[0013] In another improvement of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the stress relief device is itself supported on the coupling housing.

[0014] In another improvement of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the stress relief device is self-supported on the coupling housing in the radial direction. This has the advantage that the piping is not subjected to mechanical stress in this region.

[0015] In the quick-change connector according to the invention, it may also be specified that the stress relief device has a fixing auxiliary for the pipeline.

[0016] The stress-relieving device may also include a spacer, through which the fixing auxiliary is connected to the connecting block. The spacer absorbs any axial forces that may occur, keeping the piping stress-free. In combination with the fixing auxiliary, the spacer also ensures that the fixing auxiliary is held in a defined position, allowing personnel to easily assemble and disassemble the piping. The piping is also held in a defined position by the defined position of the fixing auxiliary.

[0017] In the quick-change connector according to the invention, the spacer can be specified to be made of plastic. Since plastic is non-conductive, this is particularly advantageous in terms of static electricity. The spacer forms an insulator that electrostatically isolates the upstream component from the downstream component.

[0018] In the quick-change connector according to the invention, the connector housing can be made of plastic. This is also advantageous in terms of static electricity.

[0019] In one embodiment of the quick-change connector according to the invention, the connector housing can be fixed to the spray applicator bracket via a rotary joint.

[0020] The rotary joint can also be configured as a locking rotary joint. The rotation angle can be set gradually at a limited angle using the pawl.

[0021] Furthermore, a spray applicator is proposed, which includes a quick-change connector according to the invention.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, the spray applicator is fixed to the robot or lifting device via the spray applicator bracket. The spray applicator can also be positioned statically, and thus fixedly, via the spray applicator bracket. The robot can be fixed not only to the floor, but also, for example, to the ceiling.

[0023] In an improved version of the spray applicator, the nozzle has a rotating spray cup.

[0024] The spray applicator may also include a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the rotating spray cup. The speed sensor further has a signal conduit, which is one of the conduits arranged within the connector housing.

[0025] The signal conduit can be, for example, an optical waveguide. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will be further illustrated below with the aid of several exemplary embodiments and based on twelve accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1A three-dimensional view of a first feasible embodiment of a spray applicator with a nozzle, a spray applicator holder, and a quick-change connector in the open state is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 Another three-dimensional view of a spray applicator with a nozzle and quick-change connector but without a connector housing is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the connector housing and the spray applicator bracket is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of an alternative spray applicator in its assembled state, featuring a nozzle and quick-change connector, is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of a spray applicator with a nozzle and quick-change connector is shown in a partially disassembled state.

[0032] Figure 6 A second three-dimensional view is shown of a spray applicator in a partially disassembled state, including a nozzle and quick-change connector, signal lines, and a high-pressure stage.

[0033] Figure 7 This shows a three-dimensional view of a spray applicator with a nozzle, quick-change connector, and multiple pipelines, in a partially disassembled state.

[0034] Figure 8 A three-dimensional view showing a first feasible embodiment of the quick-change connector is provided.

[0035] Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of the stress relief device in a disassembled state is shown.

[0036] Figure 10 A side view of a first embodiment of the stress relief device is shown.

[0037] Figure 11 A top longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of the stress relief device is shown.

[0038] Figure 12 A rear view of a first embodiment of the stress relief device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] exist Figure 1 The first feasible embodiment of the spray applicator 1 in the open state is shown in a three-dimensional view. The spray applicator 1 includes a nozzle 2, a quick-change connector 20, a connector housing 5, and a spray applicator support 6. Figure 2 A three-dimensional oblique front view of a spray applicator 1 with a nozzle 2 and a quick-change connector 20 is shown, wherein the connector housing 5 and the spray applicator support 6 are removed. Figure 3 The connector housing 5 and the spray applicator bracket 6 are shown in a three-dimensional view.

[0040] The nozzle 2 of the spray applicator 1 can be configured, for example, as a rotary nozzle with a rotating spray cup 16. Needless to say, the spray applicator 1 can also be equipped with nozzles 2 of different configurations. Such nozzles 2 can have, for example, flat jet nozzles, angled nozzles, or circular jet nozzles.

[0041] The connector housing 5 is part of the quick-connect connector 20. In the assembled state, the connector housing 5 covers the interior of the quick-connect connector 20 and protects it from external influences. The connector housing 5 has an upstream opening 5.1 for leading out the conduit 8. Figure 7 For clarity, pipe 8 is... Figures 1 to 3 Not shown in the diagram. The spray applicator bracket 6 is configured such that the spray applicator bracket can be secured to the connector housing 5.

[0042] The quick-change connector 20 includes a connecting block 3 on its downstream side, which can be secured to the nozzle 2. Furthermore, the connecting block 3 can be connected to the connector housing 5 via a releasable connection. The connecting block 3 has a tubing connector 11 to which a tubing 8 can be secured, extending through an upstream opening 5.1 in the connector housing 5. The connecting block 3 and the connector housing 5 are configured such that the connecting block 3, along with the tubing 8, can be at least partially pulled out of the connector housing 5 on its downstream side 5.7.

[0043] Furthermore, the high-voltage stage 12 can be fixed to the connecting block 3. The connecting block 3 can be configured such that the connecting block, together with the high-voltage stage 12, can be at least partially pulled out of the connector housing 5 on the downstream side 5.7 of the connector housing 5.

[0044] Furthermore, the stress relief device 10 can be fixed to the connecting block 3. The stress relief device 10 includes a spacer 9, which is fixed to the connecting block 3 on the downstream side and carries the fixing auxiliary member 13 and the fixing ring 4 on the upstream side. The spacer 9 is preferably configured as a rod. The connecting block 3 can be configured such that it, along with the stress relief device 10, can be at least partially pulled out of the connector housing 5 on the downstream side 5.7 of the connector housing 5.

[0045] Pipeline 8 may be, for example, a material line for guiding powder or varnish to nozzle 2. One or more of pipelines 8 may also be lines for guiding compressed air. Connector 11 is disposed on the upstream side of connecting block 3 for connecting pipeline 8 to a connector (see, for example...). Figure 7 On the downstream side of the connecting block 3, the connector 11 is connected to the nozzle 2. To disassemble the tubing 8, the connecting block 3 is pulled forward, and thus downstream, from the connector housing 5. The connecting block 3 is thus held on the nozzle 2.

[0046] One or more of the pipes 8 may also be signal pipes to guide one or more measurement signals from the nozzle 2 to the controller (not shown in the figure).

[0047] One of the conduits 8 can also be a high-voltage cable or a power line used to supply power to the internal high-voltage stage 12.

[0048] When the spray applicator 1 is configured, for example, as a rotary atomizer, the spray head 2 may include a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the rotating spray cup 16. One of the aforementioned signal lines may originate from the speed sensor. Such a signal line 18 is... Figure 5 As shown in the figure, it can be fixed by means of the fixing auxiliary 13 and the fixing ring 4.

[0049] The signal conduit 18 can be, for example, an optical waveguide. The use of an optical waveguide is particularly advantageous in potentially explosive environments because the measurement signal is guided as an optical signal rather than an electrical signal. This permanently ensures that no ignitable sparks are generated in potentially explosive areas.

[0050] The connector housing 5 has a first interface 5.3 on its downstream side. Interface 5.3 is configured to connect the connector housing 5 to the connecting block 3. In a feasible embodiment, the connector housing 5 is pushed onto the connecting block 3 in the region of interface 5.3, such that the connector housing 5 is form-fitted / positively connected to the connecting block 3. Interface 5.3 may be equipped with one or more protrusions or noses 5.5, and the connecting block 3 may be equipped with an axial recess 3.1 and a radial recess 3.2. The nose 5.5 forms a bayonet closure with the recesses 3.1 and 3.2. When the connector housing 5 is attached to the connecting block 3 in the correct rotational position, the nose 5.5 extends into the axially extending recess 3.1. Subsequently, the connector housing 5 rotates relative to the connecting block 3 about its longitudinal axis LA2 until the nose 5.5 rests in the radial recess 3.2. The connector housing 5 and the connecting block 3 are fixedly connected to each other in this position.

[0051] To separate the connector housing 5 and the connecting block 3, operate in reverse order.

[0052] A second interface 5.4 may be provided on the connector housing 5, which is connected to the spray applicator bracket 6 via the second interface. The spray applicator bracket 6 is configured to hold the spray applicator 1 by means of a robot, a lifting device, or otherwise. For this purpose, the spray applicator bracket 6 may have a retaining rod 7, which is fixed to the robot or the lifting device, for example.

[0053] The second interface 5.4 can be configured as a rotary joint. A knob 6.1 can be provided to fix the position of the nozzle 2 relative to the spray applicator bracket 6. This knob can be used to fix the joint position or to set the rotation angle on the rotary joint.

[0054] The rotary joint can also be configured as a locking rotary joint. The rotation angle can be set stepwise in defined angles using a ratchet. Therefore, for example, it can be specified that the rotary joint locks in place in 10° increments. This allows for a total of 36 different rotation angles. If necessary, the angle scale 6.2 can be attached to the spray applicator bracket 6. This allows the user to easily and quickly determine the rotation angle.

[0055] To release the bayonet closure between the connector housing 5 and the connecting block 3, the connecting block 3 is rotated about its longitudinal axis LA2 and then pulled forward from the connector housing 5 in the downstream direction. To ensure that no excessive force is applied to the conduit 8 and / or the high-voltage stage 12 and / or the optical waveguide 18, the conduit, high-voltage stage and / or optical waveguide can be secured to the stress relief device 10.

[0056] The connector housing 5 may be equipped with a bore 5.6 on its downstream side. The bore 5.6 may or may not be threaded. The connector housing 5 can be threaded onto the connecting block 3 by means of a screw (not shown in the figures). In the assembled state, the screw extends into the bore 5.6. The bore 5.6 preferably extends at a slight angle relative to the longitudinal axis LA2 of the connector housing 5. This improves user-friendliness, as the screw is therefore more easily accessible. Alternatively or additionally, a locking element may also be present. This also effectively prevents accidental rotation of the connector housing 5 relative to the connecting block 3.

[0057] A second feasible embodiment of a spray applicator 100 having a nozzle 2 and a quick-change connector 20 is in Figures 4 to 7 As shown in the image. Figure 4 The spray applicator 100 is shown in its assembled state. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram shows a spray applicator 100 with a pull-down connector housing 15. Although the spray applicator 100 has a straight configuration with a longitudinal axis LA2, which is the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 2 and the longitudinal axis of the connector housing 5, the spray applicator 100 is inclined. The longitudinal axis LA1 of the connector housing 15 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis LA2 of the nozzle 2.

[0058] For clarity, not all feasible piping is in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows only the high-voltage stage 12 and the optical waveguide 18. It is not necessary to connect the conduit to all connectors 11. Figure 7Examples of some pipes 8 are shown. Pipes 8 are fluidly connected to nozzles 2 via connectors 11, allowing material and / or compressed air and / or other fluids to be guided to nozzles 2 via pipes 8. In addition, two connectors 28 are shown exemplary at the upstream end of pipes 8. Pipes 8 can be connected to other pipes via connectors 28.

[0059] The first interface 15.3 on the connector housing 15 can be structurally identical to the first interface 5.3 on the connector housing 5.

[0060] The second interface 15.4 of the connector housing 15 is located in the upstream section of the connector housing 15. It is preferably located at the upstream end of the connector housing 15 (see [link]). Figures 4 to 7 The second interface 15.4 serves as a spray applicator support. The spray applicator support is configured to hold the spray applicator 100 by means of a robot, a lifting device, or otherwise. For this purpose, the spray applicator support may have a flange 15.8 with bores, which is securely screwed or secured to a mating part of a corresponding configuration. The mating part may, for example, be part of a robot, a lifting device, or a holding arm.

[0061] The operation of the connector housing 15 is similar to that of the connector housing 5. The assembly and disassembly of the connector housing 15 are also performed in the same manner as those of the connector housing 5.

[0062] A first feasible embodiment of the stress relief device 10 is in Figures 8 to 12 The stress relief device 10 is shown in different views and cross-sectional views. It includes a spacer 9 fixed to the connecting block 3. For this purpose, the spacer 9 may have threads 9.1 on its downstream end, allowing it to be screwed into the connecting block 3. The spacer 9 is connected to a fixing auxiliary member 13 at its upstream end. For this purpose, the fixing auxiliary member 13 can be fixed to the spacer 9 by means of screws 21. The fixing auxiliary member 13 may be configured as a disc and may have one or more holes 13.1 and 13.2. The size of the holes may be adapted to the cross-section of the pipe 8 to be accommodated. Thus, the fixing auxiliary member 13 may, for example, have a large hole 13.1 for a coarse pipe and a small hole 13.2 for a thin pipe. The fixing auxiliary member 13 may also have a hole 13.4 for accommodating a high-pressure stage 12. The fixing auxiliary member 13 may also have one or more other holes 13.3. The holes 13.3 are used, for example, to guide the driving air of the turbine mounted in the nozzle 2 backwards.

[0063] The stress relief device 10 also includes a retaining ring 4 that at least partially surrounds the retaining auxiliary member 13. The retaining ring 4 may have a slot 4.1. The retaining ring 4 can therefore be slightly widened and can be pushed onto the retaining auxiliary member 13.

[0064] The retaining member 13 may be provided with a groove 13.5 along its sheath surface, and the retaining ring 4 may be provided with a first surrounding recess 4.3 and / or a second surrounding recess 4.4. In the assembled state, the retaining ring 4 is located in the groove 13.5 of the retaining member 13. The two recesses 4.3 and 4.4 act as stops and prevent the retaining ring 4 from accidentally slipping off the retaining member 13.

[0065] The bore 4.2 extends transversely to the slot 4.1 through the retaining ring 4, and the screw 22 can be screwed into the bore to clamp the retaining ring 4 onto the retaining auxiliary member 13.

[0066] To secure pipe 8, for example, in the stress relief device 10, the retaining ring 4 is first slightly loosened by loosening screw 22. Pipe 8 is then inserted through the mating hole 13.1 or 13.2 in the retaining accessory 13. If other pipes 8 are to be secured in the stress relief device 10, these other pipes 8 can now be pushed through mating holes 13.1 or 13.2. When this is complete, screw 22 on retaining ring 4 can be tightened again, causing retaining ring 4 to press pipe 8 into holes 13.1 and / or 13.2 with slight pressure, and pipe 8 is thus held in position by both form-fit and force-fit connections.

[0067] Similarly, this also applies to the assembly of high-pressure stage 12 in hole 13.3.

[0068] The stress relief device 10 is advantageously supported on the inside of the connector housing 5. In particular, it can be specified that the stress relief device 10 is supported on the connector housing 5 in the radial direction. This has the advantage that the piping 8 and / or the high-pressure stage 12 are not subjected to mechanical stress.

[0069] Holes 13.1, 13.2 and / or 13.4 may be arranged in the fixing accessory 13 to open toward the sheath surface of the fixing accessory (see example). Figure 9 The conduit 8 can then be inserted radially into holes 13.1, 13.2 and / or 13.4 with slight pressure.

[0070] When the slot 4.1 of the retaining ring 4 is positioned above the hole 13.1 or 13.2, the hole can be accessed to engage the conduit 8. After the conduit 8 is engaged in the hole, the retaining ring 4 is advantageously rotated across the hole, causing the retaining ring to close the hole. This prevents the conduit 8, which has just been engaged, from accidentally popping out of the hole again.

[0071] One or more of holes 13.1, 13.2 and / or 13.4 may also be arranged further inside the fixing auxiliary member 13. Hole 13.3 may be used as an example.

[0072] The above description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only. Various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, Figures 1 to 12 The different components of the quick-change connector 20 shown can also be combined with each other in a manner different from that shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the quick-change connector 20 can also be installed in a device not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0073] Figure Labels 1 Spray Applicator 2 nozzles 3 connecting blocks 3.1 Axial Recess 3.2 Radial recess 4 fixing rings 4.1 Slot 4.2 Boring 4.3 Recess 4.4 Recess 5. Connector Housing 5.1 Upstream opening 5.2 Downstream opening 5.3 First Interface 5.4 Second Interface 5.5 protrusion / protruding nose 5.6 Boring with or without threads 5.7 Downstream side 6 Spray Applicator Holder 6.1 Knob 6.2 Angle Scale 7-bar 8 pipes 9 spacers 9.1 Thread 10 Stress Relief Equipment 11 Pipeline Connectors 12 high-voltage stages 13 Fixed Auxiliary Components 13.1 Hole 13.2 holes 13.3 holes 13.4 holes 13.5 groove 15 Connector Housing 15.1 Upstream opening 15.2 Downstream opening 15.3 First Interface 15.4 Second Interface 15.5 bulge 15.6 Boring Hole 15.7 Downstream side 15.8 flange 16 Rotary Spray Cup 18 signal lines 20 Quick-change connector 21 screws 22 screws 28 connectors 100 spray applicator LA1 longitudinal axis LA2 longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A quick-connect coupling for a spray applicator, the quick-connect coupling being used to releasably connect a nozzle to a spray applicator holder, — It has a connector housing (5) that can be fixed to the spray applicator bracket (6) and the connector housing has an upstream opening (5.1) for leading out the conduit (8). — It has a connecting block (3) that can be fixed to the nozzle (2). —The connecting block (3) is capable of being connected to the connector housing (5) via a releasable connector. —The connecting block (3) wherein the connecting block (3) has a conduit connector (11), the conduit (8) being able to be secured to the conduit connector, the conduit extending through the upstream opening (5.1) of the connector housing (5), and —The connecting block (3) and the connector housing (5) are configured such that the connecting block (3), together with the conduit (8), can be at least partially pulled out of the connector housing (5) on the downstream side (5.7) of the connector housing (5).

2. The quick-change connector according to claim 1, wherein the releasable connector is configured as a bayonet connector (3.1, 5.5).

3. The quick-change connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the releasable connector has an anti-torsion lock.

4. The quick-change connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The releasable connector is configured such that the connector housing (5) can only be connected to the connector block (3) at a specific rotational position.

5. The quick-change connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It has a high-voltage stage (12) arranged in the connector housing (5).

6. The quick-change connector according to claim 5, The high-voltage stage (12) is fixed to the connecting block (3).

7. The quick-change connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It has a stress relief device (10) for the pipeline (8).

8. The quick-change connector according to claim 7, The stress relief device (10) is supported on the connector housing (5).

9. The quick-change connector according to claim 7 or 8, The stress relief device (10) is supported on the connector housing (5) in the radial direction.

10. The quick-change connector according to any one of claims 7 to 9, The stress relief device (10) has fixing accessories (4, 13) for the pipeline (8).

11. The quick-change connector according to claim 10, The stress relief device (10) has a spacer (9), and the fixing auxiliary (4, 13) is connected to the connecting block (3) via the spacer.

12. The quick-change connector according to claim 11, The spacer (9) is made of plastic.

13. The quick-change connector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The connector housing (5) is made of plastic.

14. The quick-change connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The connector housing (5) can be fixed to the spray applicator bracket (6) via a rotary joint (5.4).

15. A spray applicator, The spray applicator includes a quick-change connector according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The spray applicator according to claim 15, The spray applicator (6) is fixed to the robot or lifting device.

17. The spray applicator according to claim 15 or 16, The nozzle (2) of the spray applicator (1) includes a rotating spray cup (16).

18. The spray applicator according to claim 17, —The spray applicator includes a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the rotating spray cup (16), —The speed sensor has a signal line (18), and one of the lines (8) is the signal line (18).

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