Method for applying liquid to pasty lubrication agent to a workpiece surface

Abstract

Method for applying liquid to pasty greasing agent to a workpiece surface (23) comprising the steps: - displacing the workpiece surface (23) to be greased along a conveying direction (F) relative to a carrier (12), - Providing a plurality of nozzles (13) on the common carrier (12), in which a first lubrication agent channel (14a), in which a first type of lubrication agent is provided, and a second, separate lubrication agent channel (14b), in which a second type of lubrication agent different from the first is provided, are arranged, wherein a first group of nozzles (13a) is clearly connected to the first lubrication agent channel (14a), i.e. not to the second lubrication agent channel (14b), and a second group of further nozzles (13b) is clearly connected to the second lubrication agent channel (14b), i.e. not to the first lubrication agent channel (14a), - selectively applying either the first type of lubrication agent with the first group of nozzles (13a) or the second type of lubrication agent with the second group of nozzles (13b), wherein the nozzles of the two groups are arranged substantially next to one another with respect to the conveying direction (F).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for applying liquid to pasty lubrication agents to a workpiece surface such as a sheet metal or a circuit board.

[0002] Lubrication processes are well known in the art. For example, workpieces are typically guided by a conveyor device beneath a lubricating agent nozzle and sprayed with it.

[0003] In order to spray the workpieces to be sprayed as evenly as possible across their entire width, so-called nozzle bars have been developed, which hold several nozzles distributed across the entire width of the workpiece and supply them with a lubricating agent.

[0004] However, the market is demanding increasingly specific solutions for the widest possible use of appropriate lubrication devices. For example, there is a requirement to apply lubrication to both the top and bottom surfaces of a workpiece simultaneously. Furthermore, there is a need to be able to apply different types of lubrication to both the top and bottom surfaces of the workpiece, depending on the workpiece.

[0005] In this sense, there are workpieces that only require a low-maintenance, cost-effective type of lubrication and other workpieces that require a high-quality, more cost-intensive type of lubrication.

[0006] Due to these requirements, a device is already known from a state of the art that cannot be documented in printed documents. In this device, a transport device similar to a revolving conveyor belt is assigned a corresponding nozzle-holding bar (a so-called nozzle bar) above and below its conveying plane. To ensure that lubrication can also occur on the underside of the workpiece, the transport device has a workpiece transfer gap, in the area of ​​which the workpiece is transferred from a first conveyor belt to a second conveyor belt. In this gap, the workpiece can thus also be greased from below.

[0007] In order to enable selective lubrication with different types of lubrication agent in such a device, said device has dispensing nozzles on both nozzle bars in a tandem arrangement on opposite sides of the carrier or the nozzle bar.

[0008] A cross section through such a nozzle bar of the state of the art, which cannot be documented in printed documents, shows Fig. 1. The nozzle bar 11' shown there has a central support 12', on whose opposite sides in the conveying direction F a nozzle 13' or 13'' is arranged. The first nozzle 13' is connected via a branch channel (not shown) to a first lubrication agent channel 14', which carries a first lubrication agent, wherein the second nozzle 13'' is connected to a second, separate lubrication agent channel 14'', which carries a second type of lubrication agent. In this way, the nozzle bar 11 shown can selectively spray a workpiece surface moving in the conveying direction F, for example from above, with either the first type of lubrication agent or the second type of lubrication agent.

[0009] However, the described prior art has the problem that the two nozzles 13' and 13'' dispensing different types of lubrication agent are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F and are spaced apart by a distance a' which corresponds at least to the width of the carrier 12'.

[0010] Due to this large distance a', a relatively large workpiece transfer gap is necessary in the transport device, into which the nozzle bar arranged below the conveying plane can dispense lubrication agent. The workpiece transfer gap must have a width at least equal to the width a' plus the width of two nozzles. Since reliable transfer during the conveying process is generally not possible with such a large workpiece transfer gap, the state of the art provides mechanical support elements or similar in the workpiece transfer gap. However, these create a so-called spray shadow during the lubrication process, particularly on the underside of the workpiece surface. This spray shadow is undesirable.

[0011] The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for applying liquid to pasty lubrication agent to a workpiece surface, which enables a more uniform application of the lubrication agent.

[0012] The invention solves the problem with the features of claim 1 (which will be assessed in more detail below), in particular using a device which has the special feature that a first lubrication agent channel for providing a first type of lubrication agent and a second, separate lubrication agent channel for providing a second type of lubrication agent are arranged in the carrier, wherein a first nozzle is clearly connected to the first lubrication agent channel and a second nozzle is clearly connected to the second lubrication agent channel, and wherein the first and the second nozzle are arranged substantially next to one another with respect to the conveying direction.

[0013] In other words, the nozzles for different types of lubrication agents are not arranged on opposite sides of the carrier, but rather are assigned to each other, in particular on the same side of the carrier or nozzle bar. This allows the nozzles for different types of lubrication agents to be arranged together essentially along a row, which is located centrally above or below the workpiece transfer gap.

[0014] In this way, a device is made possible in which the workpiece transfer gap can be made as short as possible, while at the same time a qualitatively appealing, homogeneous lubrication can be carried out with either a first type of lubrication agent or a second type of lubrication agent, depending on the workpiece.

[0015] The description “essentially next to each other with respect to the conveying direction” means in particular that the nozzles for different types of lubrication agent are not arranged in the same way as in the described prior art according to Fig. 1 are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction, but rather next to one another, i.e., transversely to the conveying direction, essentially along a line or row. The distance from the conveying plane can generally vary, so that the nozzles do not necessarily all have to be at the same distance from the conveying plane. A certain offset in the conveying direction can also be provided within the meaning of the invention, as long as the nozzles are arranged essentially next to one another. Finally, the nozzles can also be spaced apart transversely to the conveying direction (in the longitudinal direction of the carrier), meaning they do not need to touch one another.

[0016] In the conveying direction, the nozzle bodies can, for example, overlap or be slightly offset. What is crucial is that the distance between the nozzles in the conveying direction is kept so small that the resulting workpiece transfer gap is so short that stabilizing aids for conveying the workpiece are unnecessary, thus preventing a spray shadow from forming on the workpiece surface, especially its underside.

[0017] The invention thus recognizes that the workpiece transfer gap can be reduced as soon as the geometry of the nozzle bar deviates from an arrangement in which the nozzles of different types of lubrication agent are arranged on opposite sides of the carrier causing a maximum distance.

[0018] Typically, such a device does not have just two nozzles arranged next to each other, but rather a multitude, for example, more than 10 or more than 20. Advantageously, the nozzles for the first type of lubricant and the nozzles for the second type of lubricant alternate.

[0019] In particular, it is also possible in principle to apply more than two types of lubrication agent using a corresponding nozzle bar. In this case, more than two separate lubrication channels must be provided and more than two nozzle groups must be arranged on the carrier. Even though such an application places increased demands on space management and the use of two different groups of nozzles for two different types of lubrication agent is currently preferred, the use of more than two types of lubrication agent is also generally intended to be covered by the present patent application.

[0020] According to the invention, the two different types of lubrication agent, of which a first type may, for example, be of higher quality than the second type, have a different composition. Furthermore, the two different types of lubrication agent are each assigned to separate lubrication agent channels arranged in the carrier. The lubrication agent channels therefore have no connection to one another. Typically, the lubrication agent channels extend along the longitudinal extent of the carrier and thus usually transversely or orthogonally to the conveying direction of the workpiece surface. Branch channels can then branch off from the two lubrication agent channels, connecting the two lubrication agent channels to the associated nozzles, in or against the conveying direction.A first group of nozzles can be connected to the first lubrication channel, and a second group of nozzles to the second lubrication channel. In this sense, "clearly" in the main claim means that the first nozzle or the first group of nozzles is connected only to the first lubrication channel, but not to the second lubrication channel. The reverse applies accordingly to the second nozzle or the second group of nozzles.

[0021] The support for the nozzles is preferably divided into several segments along its longitudinal direction, i.e., essentially transversely or orthogonally to the conveying direction. These segments each have a mounting surface for a nozzle and a corresponding branch channel for connecting the nozzle to one of the two lubrication channels. Advantageously, such a segment has both a section of the first lubrication channel and a section of the second lubrication agent channel, such that, when several segments are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the support, separate lubrication agent channels are created. Seals are typically arranged between the individual segments, particularly in the area of ​​the lubrication agent channels.

[0022] In principle, however, it is also conceivable that a corresponding segment only has the mounting surface for a nozzle and a corresponding branch channel (section) and that the corresponding lubrication channel sections are provided by segments adjoining opposite to the conveying direction.

[0023] The carrier and / or the carrier segment are preferably solid and are made, in particular, of metal. The lubrication channels are provided by holes in the segments.

[0024] In addition to the bores for the lubrication channels, the carrier or a segment can typically also have further channels or channel sections. In particular, a channel for control air for switching the nozzle valves is provided in the carrier. In contrast to the lubrication channels, one control channel can be provided for all nozzles arranged on the carrier. Alternatively, however, two control channels can also be provided: a first control channel for the first nozzle or for the first group of nozzles and a second control air channel for the second nozzle or for the second group of nozzles. The carrier can also have one or more channels for providing spray air in the nozzles. Finally, the carrier can have a heating channel through which a medium that heats the carrier, such as heated water, can flow.This medium can in particular heat up the entire, solid, heat-conducting carrier and thus also the lubrication agent contained in the lubrication agent channels.

[0025] In the carrier or carrier segments, a return channel can also be provided for each lubrication channel to create a closed lubrication circuit within the carrier. A first return channel connected to the first lubrication channel is provided, as well as a separate second return channel, which is connected (at the end) to the second lubrication channel. Alternatively, such return channels can be omitted and a closed circuit can still be created if the lubrication is diverted from both carrier ends and combined in a closed circuit outside the carrier.

[0026] The device is essentially used to apply lubrication to a workpiece surface, whereby the workpiece can be, for example, a sheet metal or a circuit board, i.e. essentially a flat, planar body made of sheet metal or similar material.

[0027] The greasing agent to be applied can also be referred to as a lubricant. Typically, lubricating oils or similar substances are used for this purpose.

[0028] Such workpieces generally need to be lubricated evenly on both their top and bottom surfaces. For this purpose, they are usually moved linearly by a transport device along a conveying direction or main conveying direction relative to the nozzles or nozzle beams. However, it is also conceivable for the nozzles or nozzle beam(s) to move above or below the stationary or held workpiece.

[0029] The transport device is typically a conveyor belt, with the conveyor belts having a workpiece transfer gap in the area of ​​the nozzle bar(s), which is to be minimized according to the invention. This workpiece transfer gap can, in particular, be assigned to a device housing, in which all nozzles are then arranged.

[0030] The transport device can in particular have magnetic belts, which enable particularly safe greasing.

[0031] The housing just described also serves to contain the resulting oil mist. Advantageously, the housing is equipped with an extraction function, which enables oil mist extraction, making the device even more environmentally friendly overall. The essentially adjacent arrangement of the nozzles according to the invention also allows for the dispensing of lubrication agent in a confined space, thus facilitating the extraction of the resulting oil mist.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first and second nozzles are either both arranged on the front half of the carrier with respect to the conveying direction or both on the rear half of the carrier with respect to the conveying direction. This enables a particularly simple construction of a corresponding nozzle bar. In order to arrange the nozzles arranged next to one another in this way as centrally as possible above or below the existing workpiece transfer gap, the position of the carrier element is automatically determined: If the nozzles are arranged on the rear half of the carrier with respect to the conveying direction, the carrier is located in front of or in the front area of ​​the workpiece transfer gap in the conveying direction. If the nozzles are arranged on the front half of the carrier with respect to the conveying direction, the carrier is arranged behind or in the rear area of ​​the workpiece transfer gap in the conveying direction.

[0033] The nozzles do not necessarily have to be assigned to the same mounting side or surface of the carrier. The only important thing is that they are arranged on the same half of the carrier. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, however, the two nozzles, or both groups of nozzles, are arranged on the same side of the carrier, preferably on the rear side in the conveying direction or on the front side of the carrier in the conveying direction.

[0034] According to a further particularly advantageous embodiment, the first and the second nozzle are arranged on the carrier in such a way that the first or the second lubrication agent channel (in particular both lubrication agent channels) are arranged outside the direct connecting line between the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

[0035] In this sense, the nozzles are not, as in the described state of the art, in the manner of a tandem beam according to Fig. 1 arranged on opposite sides of the carrier. Rather, the nozzles are arranged on the carrier in such a way that at least one of the lubrication agent channels is no longer arranged between them, since the arrangement of at least one lubrication agent channel between the two nozzles necessarily results in an unnecessarily large distance in the conveying direction. The nozzles can, for example, be arranged at an angle, for example, one of the nozzles on the top side of the carrier and one on the front side of the carrier, at least as long as they are still arranged essentially next to one another (i.e., in any case not on opposite sides of the carrier).

[0036] Advantageously, the support consists of several segments, particularly those arranged in rows, so that the support can also be described as a beam or as modular. In this way, the support or the nozzle beam can be extended at any time by adding additional modules or segments, depending on the width of the workpiece to be machined.

[0037] Preferably, such a segment comprises a section of the first lubrication channel and a section of the second lubrication channel, but only one of the two channels is connected to the nozzle arranged on the segment by a branch channel. The decisive factor in this embodiment is that both sections are provided by the same segment, whereas in the nozzle bar according to Fig. 1, it is customary to divide the lubrication channels 14' and 14'' into two different segments, with a third central segment also being provided for additional channels. However, in addition to the two lubrication channel sections, the segment can also have sections of other channels, such as a heating channel and / or control and / or spray air channel.

[0038] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, it is provided that at least one nozzle for applying lubrication agent to the underside of the workpiece surface is arranged below the conveying plane of the workpiece surface, wherein the at least one nozzle is assigned an extension tube, which is arranged in particular downstream of the valve of the nozzle and which guides lubrication agent leaving the nozzle in the direction of the underside of the workpiece surface.

[0039] The principle of this aspect essentially consists in providing a nozzle attachment for greasing the underside of the workpiece surface.

[0040] By using such an extension tube, the lubrication agent can be injected into a very short or small workpiece transfer gap. This eliminates the need to position the entire lower nozzle bar or the support located below the transport plane in the workpiece transfer gap of the transport device, but can be spaced downwards relative to the conveying plane. Since the extension tube is very narrow in the conveying direction compared to the nozzle bar, the workpiece transfer gap can also be kept small in this way.

[0041] In principle, it is of course also conceivable to provide such an extension pipe for nozzles arranged above the conveying plane. However, this does not seem to be absolutely necessary, since the conveying plane usually extends along the top of the conveying device, thus providing more space for the nozzles arranged above the conveying plane.

[0042] If the carrier arranged below the conveying plane has a plurality of nozzles, then preferably each or almost each of these nozzles is assigned a corresponding extension tube. The extension tube can typically be mounted on a conventional nozzle and extend upwards from the nozzle to close to or into the workpiece transfer gap. The tube is thus preferably arranged downstream of the nozzle valve, so that the tube can be a simple mechanical tube which does not need to have a valve on its end facing the conveying plane. In this sense, the tube is arranged above the valve, at least when the nozzles are arranged below the conveying plane.

[0043] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the extension tube is double-walled. This allows for simultaneous, yet separate, guidance of the lubricating agent and spray air within the tube, particularly to the transport device. In this sense, an inner tube can be provided to carry the lubricating agent and an outer tube with an annular cross-section through which the spray air is directed. This, of course, only makes sense if the nozzle is one that also emits spray air. The spray air can then spray the lubricating agent emerging from the end of the extension tube facing away from the nozzle.

[0044] To enable a particularly homogeneous application to the workpiece, a wide-jet nozzle attachment can be provided on the end of the extension tube facing away from the nozzle (which is screwed onto the tube). This wide-jet nozzle attachment ensures that the spray air is not discharged in a circular ring, but rather in the manner of an elliptical ring. The longitudinal axis of such an ellipse typically extends along the width of the workpiece, i.e., transversely or orthogonally to the conveying direction of the workpiece, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle bar. This achieves a more homogeneous lubrication pattern.

[0045] Such a wide-jet nozzle attachment can, of course, also be mounted directly onto a nozzle, for example, even if no extension tube is used. This makes particular sense in a method according to claim 6 of the present patent application, in order to achieve a more homogeneous application pattern, even when the nozzles are arranged above the transport plane.

[0046] The device used in the method according to the invention can apply lubrication agents both to the upper side and, in particular simultaneously, to the underside of the workpiece surface, for which purpose a carrier with nozzles is arranged both above and below the conveying plane of the workpiece surface.

[0047] From prior art document DE 34 27 766 A1, it is already known to grease a sheet metal strip on the top and bottom sides. For this purpose, a first group of nozzles is arranged above the transport plane, and a second group of nozzles is arranged below the transport plane. The nozzles of a group are arranged next to one another on a distributor pipe, with the sections of the distributor pipe above and below the transport plane merging into a common inlet pipe. However, this distributor pipe does not transport the greasing agent, but only spray air. The greasing agent, however, is sucked separately from greasing agent trays by the nozzles. Greasing with different types of greasing agent is not known from this prior art.

[0048] A device of this type is known from DE 10 2006 047 037 A1. A distributor with three different connections for different lubrication agents is provided on a holder. However, only one line for exactly one type of lubricant runs from the distributor along a nozzle bar to different nozzle modules, with each of the nozzles connected to this channel. A return channel is also provided parallel to the channel. Nozzle groups, one of which is clearly connected to a first lubrication agent channel and another clearly connected to a second, are not known from this document.

[0049] The same applies to US 2005 / 0 035 226 A1. This document also discloses only one lubricant line connected to each of the nozzles, with a second parallel line for water also connected to each nozzle. The device serves to separate mold cavities.

[0050] From the non-generic prior art according to DE 10 2010 014 952 A1, parallel channels arranged in a segment for a suspension for application to a forming tool on the one hand and a cleaning fluid (water) on the other hand are already known. However, both channels are always connected to the same nozzle outlet, in a switch-like manner, via an electric valve.

[0051] A non-generic method for producing sandwich-like composite panels with two outer cover layers and a foam material core is also known from WO 2013 / 053 475 A1, in which, in one embodiment, numerous nozzles arranged next to one another are each connected to a separate liquid plastic supply via hoses leading to the rear.

[0052] DE 103 17 777 A1 discloses a method for forming workpieces in which material strips are coated on both sides with identical lubricant.

[0053] AT 35 780 E discloses a rolling mill in which not only a workpiece to be machined is moistened from above and below with a greasing agent, but also the rollers of the rolling mill.

[0054] DE 10 2007 028 096 B3 discloses a device for applying an application agent to a substrate, in which nozzles are arranged above a transport plane and connected to a common lubricant channel. Nozzles are also arranged below the transport plane.

[0055] Finally, DE 195 11 272 A1 discloses a device for cleaning and spraying molded parts of a die-casting system. This device features a valve that allows only one type of lubricant to pass through to the individual nozzle outlets.

[0056] Finally, the invention solves the stated problem with a method according to the present patent claim 1. A corresponding method can in particular comprise the following steps: - Displacement of a workpiece surface to be greased along a conveying direction relative to a carrier, - Providing a plurality of nozzles on the common carrier, in which a first lubrication channel for providing a first type of lubrication and a second, separate lubrication channel for providing a second type of lubrication are arranged, wherein a first group of nozzles is clearly connected to the first lubrication channel, i.e. not to the second, and a second group of nozzles is clearly connected to the second lubrication channel, i.e. not to the first, - selectively applying either the first type of lubricating agent with the first group of nozzles or the second type of lubricating agent with the second group of nozzles, wherein the nozzles of the two groups are arranged substantially next to one another with respect to the conveying direction.

[0057] The method makes it clear that for a lubrication process, usually either only a first type of lubrication agent or only a second type of lubrication agent is used.

[0058] However, the invention theoretically also encompasses the possibility of applying both types of lubricating agent simultaneously. In particular, the upper side can be wetted with a first lubricating agent, and the underside simultaneously with a second type of lubricating agent. In this case, approximately half of the nozzles arranged above the transport plane could be activated, as could approximately half of the nozzles arranged below the transport plane, which, however, spray the other type of lubricating agent.

[0059] Furthermore, with regard to method claim 1, it should be clarified that, for example, a method step can also be provided according to which one or more of the nozzles is assigned an extension tube, which guides the lubrication agent leaving the nozzle toward the underside of the material surface. In particular, a method step can also be provided according to which the workpiece is transferred from a first section of the transport device to a second section of the transport device in the region of a workpiece transfer gap.

[0060] Further advantages of the invention emerge from the uncited subclaims and from the following description of the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0061] Showing: Fig. 1 a schematic cross-section through a so-called tandem beam of the state of the art, Fig. 2 similar in one view Fig. 1 a cross-section through a nozzle bar of a device including an indicated branch channel, Fig. 3 a perspective, very schematic representation of the device, Fig. 4 a circularly cut-off, with respect to Fig. 3 longitudinal cross-section through the device approximately centrally arranged with the workpiece placed on it, Fig. 5a a partially broken-off, very schematic top view or bottom view of a nozzle bar of the device, Fig. 5b an enlarged view of the Fig. 5a circled area Vb, Fig. 6 a very schematic representation of a Fig. 4 indicated extension tube in cross section.

[0062] Before describing the figures, it should be noted that identical or comparable parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the following, sometimes with the addition of apostrophes or lowercase letters.

[0063] The device 10 will first be described with regard to its basic principles using the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are described: This shows Fig. 3 a perspective oblique view of the device 10 comprising a housing 15 (not shown) surrounding the nozzle bar and a transport device 16. As Fig. 3, the transport device 16 is essentially divided into two parts, consisting of a front transport section 17 and a rear transport section 18. The front transport section 17 is arranged in front of the housing 15 with respect to the conveying direction F, and the rear transport section 18 is arranged behind the housing. Both transport sections 17 and 18 are essentially designed as conveyor belt guides, which in particular comprise magnetic belts in order to be able to transport a workpiece particularly securely, magnetically held, in the conveying direction F through the housing 15.

[0064] Fig. 4 shows a schematic, circular section through the device 10, approximately parallel to the conveying direction F and in the longitudinal direction L approximately centrally through the housing 15. This Fig. 4 shows that the housing 15 has both a front conveyor opening 19 and a rear conveyor opening 20, which are in any case large enough to allow the passage of a workpiece 21 placed on the front conveyor section 17 in the manner of a blank. Accordingly, the workpiece 21 rests on the surface 22 of the conveyor device 16, which surface, as it were, defines the conveyor plane E.

[0065] To wet the workpiece surface 23, the workpiece 21 is moved through the housing 15 by the transport device 16 in the conveying plane E along the conveying or main conveying direction F. In order to enable lubrication of both the upper side 24 of the workpiece and the lower side 25 of the workpiece (both of which represent part of the workpiece surface 23) during this conveying movement, the transport device 16 has a workpiece transfer gap 26 approximately centrally in the housing 15, which in the device 10 is only very small or narrow in the conveying direction F.

[0066] To enable a more secure transfer of the workpiece 21 via the workpiece transfer gap 26, the transport device 16 optionally has support rollers 27a and 27b assigned to the workpiece transfer gap 16. In the present exemplary embodiment, the front support roller 27a is assigned to the front transport section 17, and the rear support roller 27b is assigned to the rear transport section 18. Alternatively, a device can of course also be provided in which only one of the support rollers or even no support roller is provided.

[0067] Advantageously, the support rollers 27a and 27b are arranged such that their upper surfaces are approximately flush with the conveying plane E or the transport surface 22. These support rollers 27 allow for an even smaller workpiece transfer gap 26 due to geometric adjustments.

[0068] For lubrication, the workpiece 21 is conveyed by the transport device 16 over the workpiece transfer gap 26. For this purpose, the two transport sections 17 and 18 can be controlled synchronously or, alternatively, independently of one another. The support belts of the transport device 16 can convey the workpieces constantly at a constant rotational speed or, alternatively, can insert and remove the workpieces into the housing in a timed manner. To enable lubrication in the housing, at least one nozzle bar is mounted within the housing. The present embodiment shows a first upper nozzle bar 11a and a second lower nozzle bar 11b.

[0069] The two nozzle beams 11a and 11b are essentially identical in design, with the exception of an extension tube 28 assigned to the lower nozzle beam 11b, but are arranged in the housing 15 in an inverted orientation, i.e., essentially mirror-symmetrical to the conveying plane E. While the nozzle beam 11a is arranged above the conveying plane E, the nozzle beam 11b is arranged below the conveying plane E and thus also below the workpiece transfer gap 26.

[0070] Both nozzle bars 11a and 11b are positioned in the housing such that their nozzles 13 are arranged essentially centrally above or below the workpiece transfer gap 26 in the conveying direction F and in particular also essentially centrally within the housing 15, relative to the conveying direction F.

[0071] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross section through such a nozzle bar 11 of the device 10, the cutting plane being approximately the cutting plane in Fig. 4. The Fig. 2 nozzle bar 11 shown in section is with regard to the representation of the nozzle bars 11a and 11b in Fig. 4 is shown mirrored with respect to the conveying direction. In the vertical direction V, the Fig. 2 is aligned in such a way that it is positioned above the nozzle bar 11 shown in Fig. 4 shown conveying level E. If the nozzle bar 11 is arranged according to Fig. 2 below the Fig. If the conveyor level E shown in Figure 4 is to be used for greasing from below, it would have to be rotated by 180° with respect to the vertical direction V, i.e. turned upside down.

[0072] Fig. 2 illustrates the structure of the nozzle bar 11. This basically consists of a carrier 12 and a nozzle 13 arranged on the rear side 29 of the carrier. The nozzle 13 is preferably fixed to the carrier 12 by means of fastening means (not shown), such as screws or the like, in such a way that the connections of the nozzle (such as lubricant connection or air connections) correspond to or overlap the corresponding outlets of the carrier 12 on the carrier side 29.

[0073] The nozzle 13 according to Fig. 2 can deliver greasing or lubricant via a valve head 30 (with respect to Fig. 2 so downwards).

[0074] Furthermore, the nozzle 13 also has an adjusting device 31, which can be used, for example, to adjust a valve stroke or to detect a valve needle position, as well as a pilot valve 32, which, when electrically controlled, can ensure that the compressed air of the nozzle is blocked.

[0075] The carrier 12 is Fig. 2 is formed in one piece and is advantageously solid, in particular made of metal. Channels similar to bores are provided in the carrier 12. In particular, the carrier 12 has a first lubrication channel 14a for a first, high-quality fastener type and a separate, second lubrication channel 14b for a second, less high-quality lubrication type. The channels extend relative to the carrier 12, i.e., in the longitudinal direction L (cf. Fig. 3).

[0076] The Fig. The nozzle 13 shown in Figure 2 is clearly connected to one of the two channels 14a or 14b, i.e., only to one of the two separate channels. For this purpose, a branch channel 33b, indicated only by dashed lines, is provided in the carrier 12, which connects the nozzle 13 to the lubricant channel 14b. The nozzle 13 can be Fig. 2 can accordingly also be referred to as nozzle 13b, because only the lower quality lubricant type of the lubricant channel 14b can be supplied to it and accordingly it can only discharge this lubricant type via the valve pot 30. Regarding the branch channel 33b, however, it should be noted that this is actually not in the Fig. 2, but is positioned slightly offset behind the plane of the figure in the longitudinal direction L. Only for reasons of schematic representation, the branch channel 33b is shown in Fig. 2 but indicated.

[0077] In addition to the lubrication channels 14, the nozzle bar 11 has Fig. 2 has further channels. For example, a channel 34 for control air is provided, which can ensure a displacement of the valve needle (not shown) of the nozzle 13, as well as a spray air channel 35, which supports the discharge of the lubricant from the nozzle 13 in a manner well known from the prior art. These additional channels are also connected, in a manner not shown, to the nozzle 13 via branch channels (similar to the branch channel 33b) (whereby, as explained below, the special feature is that these channels are generally provided for each nozzle arranged on the nozzle bar 11, in contrast to the lubrication channels).

[0078] Finally, a heating channel 36 is also arranged in the support 12, which conducts a temperature-carrying medium in the longitudinal direction L through the support 12. This medium can be, for example, highly heated heating water, which, due to the solid design of the support 12, heats up, warms up, or keeps warm the entire support 12, and in particular the lubrication channels 14 and the lubrication contained therein, simply by passing through the channel 36. This heating channel 36 typically does not have a branch channel.

[0079] Fig. 5a shows a bottom view of a nozzle bar 11 (if it is one above the conveying plane E according to Fig. 4) or a plan view of a nozzle bar 11 (if it is a nozzle bar which is arranged with respect to Fig. 4 is located below the conveyor level E). In any case, Fig. 5a, that the carrier 12 is constructed in a modular or segmental manner in the longitudinal direction L and consists of a plurality of individual segments 37 in the longitudinal direction L. Each of these carrier segments 37 has a nozzle 13 on a rear side in the conveying direction F (whereby, theoretically, empty segments could also be provided to space the nozzles apart).

[0080] At the Fig. 2 is therefore not only a sectional view through a support 12, but also a side view of a corresponding segment 37. Fig. Figure 5a illustrates that these numerous carrier segments 37, of which, for example, more than 10 or more than 20 are provided, are arranged in rows and blocks. They are connected by Fig. 5a are fixed to each other by fastening means 38 which are only schematically indicated. Fig. 2 shows fastening means 38 in the form of bores through which pins or screws (not shown) can be inserted (in a manner well known in the art).

[0081] Fig. 5b shows an enlargement of the Fig. 5a and is intended to illustrate that the nozzles 13 arranged on the individual carrier segments 37 are alternately connected to the lubrication channel 14a and the lubrication channel 14b. For this purpose, Fig. 5b, the lubrication channels 14a and 14b are schematically indicated in the form of a transparency representation. It is also shown that the Fig. 5b, the first nozzle 13a shown on the far left is connected to the lubrication channel 14a, but not to the lubrication channel 14b. The reverse applies to the following nozzle 13b, which is connected to the lubrication channel 14b, but not to the lubrication channel 14a. The other channels, such as control or spray air channels, are in Fig. 5b not shown for simplicity.

[0082] It follows that nozzles 13a and 13b are alternately provided on the carrier 12, each of which is alternately connected to one of the two lubrication channels 14a and 14b. Accordingly, when a workpiece is to be lubricated with the higher-quality lubricant or lubrication agent from the lubrication channel 14a, a setting can be made in which only the nozzles 13a are Fig. 5b become active and spray the corresponding lubricant. If the use of the slightly lower-quality lubricant from the lubricant channel 15b is desired, settings can be made so that only the nozzles 13b are active.

[0083] For the sake of completeness, with reference to Fig. 4 that such an arrangement of the nozzles 13a and 13b is made both on the upper nozzle bar 11a and on the lower nozzle bar 11b. Fig. Figure 5b shows that the first lubricant type and the second lubricant type are arranged in the conveying direction F at almost exactly the same distance from the housing openings 19 and 20 to Fig. 4, while the state of the art according to Fig. 1 due to the distant arrangement of the nozzles 13' and 13'' in the conveying direction F, a conveying direction difference a' remains, which ideally is eliminated in the device since the nozzles 13a and 13b are arranged alternately in a row parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0084] When considering the Fig. 4, another special feature of the device is noticeable. Due to the geometric arrangement of the transport device 16, the nozzle bar 11a is positioned closer to the transport plane E than the lower nozzle bar 11b.

[0085] In order to guarantee the best possible spraying of the material surface 23, the Fig. 4, an extension tube 28 is assigned to the nozzle 13 shown below, which is placed approximately on the valve head of the nozzle 13. The extension tube extends Fig. 4 from the nozzle 13 of the nozzle bar 11b in the vertical direction V into the workpiece transfer gap 26, i.e. essentially into the area between the front section 17 and the rear transport section 18 of the transport device 16.

[0086] Fig. Figure 6 shows an enlarged, very schematic representation of the extension tube 28. It can be seen that the tube 28 is essentially double-walled, with an inner capillary channel 39 for the lubricating agent to be dispensed, as well as an outer, ring-shaped spray air channel 40. With respect to the vertical direction V in the upper area, a wide-jet nozzle attachment 41 is screwed onto the tube 28, which, in contrast to the tube 28, which is essentially round in cross-section, has an elliptical cross-sectional shape at least in its outlet area. The main extension plane of the ellipse (in Fig. 6, however, not recognizable) extends along the longitudinal direction L in order to be able to evenly apply the lubrication agent, which emerges from the capillary channel 39 and finally from the application tip 42 of the wide-jet nozzle attachment 41. This is particularly important since preferably all nozzles of the nozzle bar 11b according to Fig. 4 are equipped with such a pipe 28 and typically only alternately every second of the nozzles 13 arranged in series applies lubrication agent at the same time.

[0087] Such a wide-jet nozzle attachment can in principle also be used without the intermediate pipe 28. Fig. 4, that such an attachment 41 is also placed or screwed onto the nozzle 11a.

[0088] Returning to Fig.6 also illustrates how the tube 28 is held on the nozzle. A transfer adapter 43 is provided, which is secured to the only schematically indicated nozzle 13 by a mounting block 44 in the manner of a shoulder ring. For example, the mounting block 44 can be provided with holes for mounting screws, with corresponding blind holes then also being provided on the nozzle 13. The tube 28 is then preferably screwed onto the transfer adapter 43 in the area 45, which offers the advantage that transfer tubes of different lengths can be kept in stock and screwed onto the adapter 43 as required. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the adapter 43 to be formed integrally with the tube 28. Due to the capillary forces prevailing in the tube 28 or in the channel 39, a workpiece can also be optimally lubricated on the underside by a nozzle with the tube 28 attached.Finally, it should be noted that the pipe 28 is connected downstream of the nozzle valve 46 (which is only indicated schematically).

Claims

[1] Method for applying liquid to pasty grease to a workpiece surface (23) comprising the steps: - Moving the workpiece surface to be greased (23) along a conveying direction (F) relative to a carrier (12), - Providing a plurality of nozzles (13) on the common carrier (12) in which a first grease channel (14a), in which a first grease type is provided, and a second, separate grease channel (14b), in which a second grease type, different from the first, is provided, are arranged, wherein a first group of nozzles (13a) is uniquely connected to the first grease channel (14a), i.e., not to the second grease channel (14b), and a second group of further nozzles (13b) is uniquely connected to the second grease channel (14b), i.e., not to the first grease channel (14a), - selective application of either the first type of grease with the first group of nozzles (13a) or the second type of grease with the second group of nozzles (13b), wherein the nozzles of the two groups are arranged substantially next to each other with respect to the conveying direction (F). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the carrier (12) consists of several segments (37), wherein sections of the first grease channel (14a) and sections of the second grease channel (14b) are each jointly provided by a segment (37). [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein at least one nozzle (13) for applying grease to the underside of the workpiece surface (23) is arranged below the conveying level (E) of the workpiece surface (23), characterized by, that at least one nozzle (13) is associated with an extension tube (28) which is particularly connected downstream of the valve (46) of the nozzle (13) and which directs the grease leaving the nozzle (13) towards the underside (25) of the workpiece surface (23). [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that the extension tube (28) is double-walled. [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , that a transport device (16) in one of the areas associated with at least one nozzle (13) has a workpiece transfer gap (26) for applying grease to the underside, wherein the extension tube (28) is designed such that it extends from the nozzle (13) into the workpiece transfer gap (26). [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that nozzles (13a) of a first group, which dispense a first type of grease and are clearly connected to a first grease channel (14a), and nozzles (13b) of a second group, which dispense a second type of grease and are clearly connected to a second, separate grease channel (14b), are arranged alternately on the carrier (12). [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that greasing agent is applied to both the top (24) and the bottom (35) of the workpiece surface (23), for which purpose a carrier (12) with nozzles (13) is arranged both above and below the conveying level (E) of the workpiece surface (11a, 11b).

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