Cleaning tool for wax injection gun nozzle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a cleaning tool for a wax injection gun nozzle. The cleaning tool comprises a hollow cylindrical main body, a first opening allowing a wax injection gun nozzle to enter and a second opening used for guiding out wax liquid from the wax injection gun nozzle when the wax injection gun nozzle is cleaned are formed in the two ends of the main body, and an inner space used for containing the wax injection gun nozzle and cleaning the wax injection gun nozzle is formed in the main body; the gas path is integrally formed in the main body, the inlet end of the gas path is connected with a gas source of compressed gas, the outlet end of the gas path is communicated with the internal space of the main body, and the outlet end of the gas path is oriented to incline towards the second opening side relative to the radial direction with the longitudinal central axis of the main body as the axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a cleaning tool for a wax injection gun nozzle. Background Art

[0002] During the automotive manufacturing process, wax injection robots are used to inject liquid wax into the body cavities to prevent oxidation corrosion in welds and cavities on doors and other surfaces. The wax used for wax injection has the characteristic of remaining liquid at room temperature and naturally drying and solidifying upon contact with air, eliminating the need for heating and melting.

[0003] Due to this material property, the robot's wax injection nozzle needs to be immersed in an oily throat sealant between wax injection operations to prevent wax droplets from solidifying and clogging the nozzle upon contact with air. To achieve a good seal, this soaking process takes approximately seven seconds. Consequently, this time-consuming soaking process reduces efficiency and impacts production cycle time.

[0004] Furthermore, after each wax injection robot completes its task, residual wax droplets remain at the nozzle. These residual wax droplets sometimes solidify and adhere to the nozzle before the soaking process, causing wax buildup. The soaking process described above cannot completely prevent the robot's wax injection nozzle from clogging, resulting in poor nozzle cleaning. Partial nozzle blockage can affect the wax line angle and cause defects in the wax injection quality. Once problems are discovered during wax line inspection, rework of the same batch of car bodies is required, further impacting production schedules.

[0005] In addition, the regular consumption of the throat seal solution increases the cost of the throat seal solution and the cost of waste liquid disposal. Utility Model Content

[0006] The utility model is completed in order to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a cleaning tool for a wax injection gun nozzle, which can clean the wax injection gun nozzle with high efficiency and low cost and prevent the wax injection gun nozzle from being blocked.

[0007] In order to achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the utility model is as follows:

[0008] A cleaning tool for a wax injection gun nozzle, characterized in that the cleaning tool comprises:

[0009] A hollow cylindrical body having a first opening at both ends for the wax injection nozzle to enter and a second opening for draining wax liquid from the wax injection nozzle when cleaning the wax injection nozzle, and an internal space for accommodating the wax injection nozzle and cleaning the wax injection nozzle; and

[0010] The gas circuit is integrally formed in the main body, the inlet end of the gas circuit is connected to the gas source of the compressed gas, and the outlet end is connected to the internal space of the main body.

[0011] The outlet end of the gas path is oriented to be inclined toward the second opening side relative to a radial direction having a longitudinal center axis of the main body as an axis.

[0012] The cleaning tool according to the above structure can completely remove the wax attached to the gun nozzle to prevent the gun nozzle from being blocked, and at the same time can greatly improve work efficiency and reduce costs.

[0013] In some embodiments, the outlet end of the air path is oriented to also have a component in a circumferential direction with the longitudinal center axis of the main body as an axis, thereby further increasing the sweeping range of the clean air and improving the cleaning effect.

[0014] In addition, in some embodiments, the cleaning tool includes a control valve for controlling the communication between the gas path and the gas source, wherein the control valve is configured to be in a closed position when the wax injection nozzle is inserted into the main body from the first opening, and to be in a closed position when the wax injection nozzle is moved from a predetermined insertion position in the main body toward the first opening. In this way, when the wax injection nozzle is moved from the predetermined insertion position toward the first opening, cleaning gas can be sprayed toward the second opening toward the portion to be cleaned of the nozzle, thereby preventing the wax liquid from being blown off from re-adhering to the nozzle.

[0015] In addition, in some embodiments, the inclination direction of the outlet end of the gas path is within a range of 30 to 60 degrees, thereby achieving both work efficiency and cleaning effect.

[0016] In some embodiments, the gas path includes: an intake section connected to the gas source; a connecting section located downstream of the intake section, forming an annular gas path section extending and connecting in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal center axis of the main body, allowing compressed gas to flow throughout the entire circumferential direction; and a plurality of distribution sections branching from the downstream side of the connecting section and communicating with the internal space. Thus, the cleaning gas can be sprayed toward the second opening side stably and evenly in the circumferential direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the distribution section can be formed as a straight air path section with a constant diameter, or as a tapered air path section with a diameter that gradually decreases as it moves downstream. This can further increase the spray intensity of the clean air and optimize the cleaning effect.

[0018] In some embodiments, the upstream portion of the distribution section is horizontal or curved, while the downstream portion is inclined. This allows the inclined portion to be connected to the connecting section via the horizontal or curved portion, reducing pressure loss of the compressed air.

[0019] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the distribution segments are arranged in multiple rows in the axial direction of the main body, and the distribution segments in the multiple rows are staggered in the circumferential direction. This can increase the number of cleaning times of the nozzle during a cleaning process and reduce the circumferential purge interval of the cleaning gas, thereby further improving the cleaning effect.

[0020] In some embodiments, the main body includes: a cylindrical portion having the second opening, the inner wall of the cylindrical portion being formed into a tapered surface whose diameter gradually decreases toward the second opening; and an air path portion having the first opening and forming the air path. Thus, the cylindrical portion having the tapered inner wall can prevent splashing of the wax liquid and guide the wax liquid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a front view showing a cleaning tool for a wax injection gun nozzle according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a side view showing a cleaning tool for a wax injection gun nozzle according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a top view showing the cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view for illustrating the internal structure of the cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of a cleaning tool for a wax injection gun nozzle.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining another modified example of the cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining another modified example of the cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle.

[0028] Description of Reference Numerals

[0029] 1 Main body, 1A First opening, 1B Second opening, 11 Cylinder, 12 Support, 13 Air path, 2 Air path, 21 Air inlet section, 22 Connecting section, 23 Distribution section, 23a Air hole, G Air source, N Nozzle, V Control valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments merely illustrate preferred configurations of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention to these configurations. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, directions such as up, down, left, and right are merely those indicated in the accompanying drawings, and the orientation of the cleaning tool for the wax injection nozzle is not necessarily limited to these directions. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the dimensional proportions and angles of various components are schematically illustrated in the drawings, and these proportions and angles may not always correspond to actual dimensions.

[0031] The cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle of the present invention is integrally formed by, for example, utilizing 3D printing technology, and includes a main body 1 and an air path 2 integrally formed in the main body 1 .

[0032] Figures 1-3 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of a cleaning tool for a wax injection gun nozzle according to the present invention. Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of line AA. Figures 1-4 , the structure of the main body 1 is explained.

[0033] The main body 1 is generally hollow and cylindrical, with a first opening 1A at the upper end for the nozzle N to enter and a second opening 1B at the lower end for draining the wax liquid from the nozzle N when cleaning it. The main body 1 also includes an internal space for accommodating the nozzle N and cleaning it. The main body 1 comprises a barrel portion 11, a support portion 12, and an air passage portion 13. The barrel portion 11 has a second opening 1B. In this embodiment, the barrel portion 11 is generally truncated conical in shape, but this is not limiting. As long as the inner wall of the barrel portion 11 is formed into a tapered surface with a diameter gradually decreasing toward the second opening 1B, the outer wall may also be formed into another shape, such as a cylinder. The barrel portion 11 with a tapered inner wall serves as a shield to prevent splashing of the wax liquid and to guide the wax liquid. The support portion 12 is formed into an annular plate-like shape that protrudes from the outer wall of the main body 1 along its entire circumference. The lower surface of the support portion 12 is formed with a flat support surface, via which the cleaning tool is placed and secured to a bracket or the like. The air path portion 13 has the first opening 1A, within which the air path 2 is formed. In this embodiment, the inner wall of the air path portion 13 is formed as an annular surface parallel to the axial direction of the main body 1. However, it can also be formed as a tapered surface with a diameter gradually decreasing toward the first opening 1A to prevent the wax from being blown off from splashing outward.

[0034] Below, refer to Figure 4 , the structure of gas path 2 is explained.

[0035] The gas path 2 is integrally formed within the gas path portion 13 of the main body 1. Its inlet end is connected to an external compressed gas source G, and its outlet end communicates with the interior space of the main body 1. In the present invention, the outlet end of the gas path 2 is oriented so as to be inclined toward the second opening 1B relative to the radial direction about the longitudinal center axis of the main body 1. This allows the cleaning gas used to clean the nozzle N to be blown out obliquely toward the second opening 1B.

[0036] The gas path 2 may include an intake section 21, a connecting section 22, and a distribution section 23. The intake section 21 has an intake port connected to a compressed gas source G. The connecting section 22 communicates with the intake section 21 downstream of the intake section 21. In this embodiment, the connecting section 22 is formed as an annular gas path section that extends and connects circumferentially with the gas path portion 13, allowing compressed gas to flow throughout the entire circumference. Multiple distribution sections 23 branch off from the downstream side of the connecting section 22 and communicate with the interior space of the main body 1.

[0037] In addition, the cleaning tool may also include a control valve V for controlling the connection between the air circuit 2 and the air source G. The control valve V can be configured to be in a cut-off position when the gun nozzle N is inserted into the main body 1 from the first opening 1A, and to be in a conducting position when the gun nozzle N moves from a predetermined insertion position in the main body 1 to the first opening 1A, so that the air circuit 2 sprays cleaning gas toward the part to be cleaned of the gun nozzle N.

[0038] In this embodiment, multiple distribution sections 23 are radially arranged and evenly spaced circumferentially. The inner circumferential surface of the gas path portion 13 is formed with multiple air holes 23a, evenly spaced circumferentially. Each distribution section 23 is formed as a linear gas path segment with a constant diameter. Furthermore, the distribution section 23 is tilted at a predetermined angle toward the second opening 1B of the main body 1 relative to the radial direction of the main body 1. This ensures that the clean gas ejected from the distribution section 23 is ejected toward the second opening 1B.

[0039] In the illustrated example, eight distribution sections 23 are arranged at 45° intervals, but this is not limiting. The number and spacing of distribution sections 23 can be adjusted appropriately based on the compressed gas pressure, the nozzle size, and the material properties of the wax to be cleaned. Furthermore, to balance efficiency and cleaning effectiveness, the inclination angle of the distribution sections 23 can be between 30 and 60 degrees, more preferably around 45 degrees. Furthermore, the length of the distribution sections 23 can be between 2.5 and 4.5 times the diameter of the distribution sections 23, more preferably around 3.5 times. If the inclination angle is too small or the length is too short, the cleaning gas cannot form a sufficiently large spray angle relative to the nozzle's cleaning area, causing the blown-off wax to scatter toward the first opening and reattach to the nozzle. If the inclination angle is too large or the length is too long, the distance from the first opening to the cleaning gas purge position becomes longer, increasing the time required to move the nozzle to the cleaning gas purge position.

[0040] After each wax injection, the wax injection robot moves to a cleaning station equipped with a cleaning tool. At the cleaning station, the nozzle's cleaning area enters through the cleaning tool's first opening 1A and moves toward the second opening 1B, reaching the predetermined cleaning position. This predetermined cleaning position refers to the area above the compressed gas purge point and below it. While the nozzle's cleaning area moves toward the second opening 1B, the cleaning tool does not perform any cleaning operations. Subsequently, as the nozzle's cleaning area begins to move out of the cleaning position toward the first opening 1A, the cleaning tool simultaneously begins spraying cleaning gas toward the nozzle's cleaning area. This allows the nozzle's cleaning area to pass through the clean air purge point from top to bottom, removing any remaining wax from the nozzle. The clean air is then removed and directed toward the second opening 1B by the barrel. When the entire nozzle's cleaning area has moved above the purge point, the cleaning tool ceases spraying cleaning gas. During this process, the robot is linked to the PLC that controls the cleaning program through a signal, such as a control valve V that controls a pneumatic valve connected to the air source G, so that the timing of spraying the cleaning air can be appropriately controlled according to the relative position of the gun nozzle and the cleaning tool.

[0041] When the cleaning tool begins cleaning, compressed air from the air source G, after being regulated by the pressure regulating device and filtered by the filter device, is supplied to the connecting section 22 via the air inlet section 21 at a pressure of, for example, 6.5 bar. The compressed air flowing through the connecting section 22 is supplied to the various distribution sections 23. Through the inclined distribution sections 23, the compressed air is evenly blown toward the second opening 1B from the multiple air holes 23a arranged circumferentially, thereby completely removing the wax from the nozzle.

[0042] With the cleaning tool described above, since the outlet end of the air passage 2 is radially oriented and tilted toward the second opening 1B, the cleaning gas from the air passage 2 is injected at a predetermined angle toward the second opening 1B onto the area of ​​the nozzle to be cleaned, blowing any adhered wax away toward the second opening 1B. Furthermore, even if solidified wax is present on the nozzle, the cleaning gas can enter the gap between the wax and the nozzle surface at a predetermined angle, peeling off the solidified wax. This completely removes any wax adhered to the nozzle, preventing nozzle clogging. Furthermore, since a soaking process is no longer required, wax adhered to the nozzle can be completely removed with a single reciprocating movement of the nozzle relative to the cleaning tool. This significantly improves work efficiency, reduces operating time, and helps meet the required production cycle. Furthermore, since throat sealing fluid is no longer required, costs can be reduced.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the outlet end of the gas path 2 is tilted only toward the second opening 1B relative to the radial direction, but the outlet end of the gas path 2 can also be oriented to have a circumferential component. This can further increase the sweeping range of the clean air and improve the cleaning effect.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the distribution section 23 adopts a straight gas path section with a constant diameter, but it can also be Figure 5 As shown, the distribution section 23 is formed into a tapered air passage section with a diameter gradually decreasing toward the downstream side, thereby further increasing the injection intensity of the clean air and optimizing the cleaning effect.

[0045] In addition, in the above embodiment, the distribution section 23 is formed as a slanted gas path section as a whole, but it can also be formed as follows. Figure 6 As shown, the upstream portion of the distribution section 23 is kept horizontal or formed into an arc, and the downstream portion is extended obliquely. Thus, the inclined portion can be connected to the communication section 22 via the horizontal or arc portion, reducing the pressure loss of the compressed air.

[0046] In addition, in the above embodiment, the distribution sections 23 are arranged in only one row in the axial direction of the main body 1, but it can also be arranged in a row as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the distribution sections 23 are arranged in multiple rows in the axial direction of the main body 1, thereby increasing the number of times the gun nozzle is cleaned during one cleaning process. Furthermore, the multiple rows of distribution sections 23 can be staggered with each other in the circumferential direction to reduce the purge interval of the cleaning gas in the circumferential direction, thereby further improving the cleaning effect. Even if there is solidified wax on the gun nozzle, it can be reliably ensured that the attached wax is completely removed.

[0047] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the cleaning tool is fixed at the cleaning station and the gun nozzle is moved relative to the cleaning tool, but it can also be set so that the gun nozzle is fixed at the cleaning station and the cleaning tool is moved relative to the gun nozzle, or it can also be set so that the cleaning tool and the gun nozzle move relative to each other at the same time, thereby further shortening the cleaning time and improving work efficiency.

[0048] In addition, the compressed air inlet may be directly connected to the distribution section without providing a communication section.

[0049] Furthermore, the cleaning tool may be rotated during the cleaning process to perform cleaning.

[0050] The above embodiments illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely illustrative and non-restrictive, and that various obvious or equivalent modifications, substitutions, and combinations made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above details without departing from the spirit of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning tool for a wax injection gun nozzle, characterized in that: The cleaning tool comprises: A hollow cylindrical body (1) is formed at both ends with a first opening (1A) for a wax injection gun nozzle (N) to enter and a second opening (1B) for draining wax liquid from the wax injection gun nozzle (N) when cleaning the wax injection gun nozzle (N), and the body (1) is formed with an internal space for accommodating the wax injection gun nozzle (N) and cleaning the wax injection gun nozzle (N); and An air path (2), wherein the air path (2) is integrally formed in the main body (1), an inlet end of the air path (2) is connected to a gas source (G) of compressed gas, and an outlet end is communicated with the internal space of the main body (1), The outlet end of the gas path (2) is oriented to be inclined toward the second opening (1B) relative to a radial direction with the longitudinal center axis of the main body (1) as an axis.

2. The cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet end of the gas path (2) is oriented to also have a component in a circumferential direction with the longitudinal center axis of the main body (1) as an axis.

3. The cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning tool comprises a control valve (V) for controlling the communication between the air circuit (2) and the air source (G), wherein the control valve (V) is configured to be in a cut-off position when the wax injection gun nozzle (N) is inserted from a first opening (1A) into the main body (1), and to be in a conducting position when the wax injection gun nozzle (N) moves from a predetermined insertion position in the main body (1) toward the first opening (1A).

4. The cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inclination direction of the outlet end of the gas path (2) is within the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

5. The cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The gas circuit (2) has: an air intake section (21), the air intake section (21) being connected to the air source (G); a connecting section (22), the connecting section (22) being located on the downstream side of the air inlet section (21), and being formed as an annular air passage section extending and connected in a circumferential direction with the longitudinal center axis of the main body (1) as an axis, so that compressed gas can flow in the entire circumferential direction; as well as A plurality of distribution sections (23) are respectively branched from the downstream side of the communication section (22) and communicate with the internal space.

6. The cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The distribution section (23) is formed as a straight gas path section with a constant diameter.

7. The cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The distribution section (23) is formed as a tapered gas path section whose diameter gradually decreases toward the downstream side.

8. The cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle according to claim 5, characterized in that: In the distribution section (23), the upstream side portion is kept horizontal or formed in an arc shape, and the downstream side portion extends obliquely.

9. The cleaning tool for the wax injection gun nozzle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The distribution sections (23) are arranged in multiple rows in the axial direction with the longitudinal center axis of the main body (1) as the axis, and the distribution sections (23) in the multiple rows are staggered with each other in the circumferential direction.

10. The cleaning tool for a wax injection gun nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The main body (1) has: A cylindrical portion (11), the cylindrical portion (11) having the second opening (1B), and an inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion (11) being formed as a conical surface whose diameter gradually decreases toward the second opening (1B); An air path portion (13), wherein the air path portion (13) has the first opening (1A), and the air path (2) is formed in the air path portion (13).

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