Method for calibrating an adhesive application

Abstract

Method for calibrating an adhesive application to a substrate or workpiece (11), characterized by simulating the adhesive application by means of a light structure projected by the system onto the substrate or workpiece (11), wherein a dispensing nozzle (18) for the adhesive is replaced for simulation by a projection device (23) for the light structure.

Description

[0001] The present patent application relates to a method for calibrating an adhesive application to a substrate or workpiece.

[0002] For example, in the automotive industry, it is desired to provide given workpieces, such as vehicle interior trim parts, with adhesive strips so that a covering, such as a decorative material, can then be bonded to the workpiece or carrier using these adhesive strips.

[0003] The document US 2017 / 0114508 A1 relates to a device for applying an asphalt composition to a road.

[0004] The document DE 10 2014 012 140 A1 generally relates to the application of spraying agents. Specifically, this prior art relates to a spraying device for spraying a component of an aircraft and a method for indicating an area on a component to be sprayed.

[0005] The document DE 40 31 867 A1 relates to an adjustment gauge, in particular for spray nozzles on vehicle windscreen washer systems.

[0006] The document DE 20 2005 016 120 U1 relates to a device for dispensing liquid thermoplastic materials.

[0007] The document US 4 870 336 A concerns a simulator for a water spray head.

[0008] The so-called roll-to-roll process is known from a state-of-the-art technology that cannot be documented in printed documents. In this process, the entire surface of the carrier body is bonded, and then a material is unrolled onto a roll and subsequently pressed. However, this system has the disadvantage of generating a lot of waste, both in terms of roll material and adhesive, for example, in exposed areas.

[0009] Therefore, an improved method involves the targeted movement of the adhesive nozzles and the workpiece relative to each other. For example, the adhesive nozzles can be moved along a desired application direction or path using a robotic arm, typically applying the adhesive to the substrate or workpiece in uniform or varying widths. In particular, gaps in the workpiece can be deliberately omitted, for example, by arranging the paths so that they bypass these gaps or break off beforehand.

[0010] However, to achieve precisely this last-mentioned effect (i.e., the targeted guidance or breaking off of webs), a certain amount of calibration effort is necessary. This typically involves guiding the adhesive dispensing nozzle along a so-called setup part. The user can then guide nozzles over the surface using a trial-and-error principle until the desired path is achieved (so-called "teach-in"). This found path can then be saved. Adhesive is typically already applied to the so-called setup part in order to best define the precise dispensing path. To determine an initial position, users also manually hold metal pins or similar devices to the dispensing nozzles, for example to experimentally determine the starting point of a web before the adhesive has been dispensed.

[0011] However, all of this clearly proves to be in need of improvement, particularly with regard to saving on delivery and setup material.

[0012] Based on the described prior art, the object of the present invention is to enable an advantageously calibratable system.

[0013] The invention relates to a method for calibrating an adhesive application of a substrate or workpiece according to independent patent claim 1, wherein advantageous developments of the method according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0014] The invention therefore essentially consists in replacing or simulating the actual adhesive dispensing for calibration by a light structure for the purpose of optical testing.

[0015] In this way, waste of material, especially setup parts and adhesive released during calibration, can be reduced or completely avoided.

[0016] When calibrating, configuring or setting up the corresponding application path(s) on the substrate or workpiece, the user can thus use the light structure to identify where adhesive will later be applied to the substrate or workpiece when the corresponding path is followed.

[0017] For this purpose, the light structure is advantageously emitted from approximately the same position as (later) - during the actual application process - the actual adhesive.

[0018] In particular, the projection device can be positioned at the same location where the adhesive dispensing nozzle is normally located. For this purpose, the adhesive dispensing nozzle and projection device can be exchanged modularly, for example, or a projection device can be conveniently mounted in a different geometric arrangement near the adhesive dispensing nozzle (or even integrated into it).

[0019] All of the options just described ensure that the adhesive and the light structure are dispensed in approximately the same direction or plane. This allows the projection device to simulate the actual adhesive application or dispensing process with particular accuracy.

[0020] In principle, the projection device on the device or system can also be arranged remotely from the adhesive dispensing nozzle, for example, in the case where the distance to the substrate or workpiece does not change at all during the application process. This allows this distance to be incorporated as a constant, for example, in the selection of the orientation of the projection device or light structure. This results in an identical or similar application pattern for the light structure and subsequently the adhesive.

[0021] A further advantage of the light structure is that it can be timed or controlled (similar to or identical to the actual adhesive dispensing): For example, adhesive should not be dispensed at certain positions on the substrate or workpiece (e.g. where there is a recess). During the adhesive application process, a relative movement should occur between the workpiece and the nozzle without the nozzle dispensing adhesive in this area. The same can apply to the light structure. The dispensing, creation, or radiation of the light structure can also be suspended for precisely these path areas. In this way, a user can determine purely visually from the light structure whether the device will later dispense adhesive into the recess or not, or how close the adhesive would reach to the edge of the hole area.In this way, the user can teach the system when a delivery break should occur (during a continuous order process of the workpiece).

[0022] The user can save the result of such a “teach-in process”, in particular in a control of a system according to the invention.

[0023] The projectable light structure can be, for example, laser light or any other, preferably optically detectable, light source. For example, the light structure can be a line of light, a surface of light, or even just a point of light. Such points of light can, for example, indicate the outer contours of a wide adhesive application or, with appropriate dispensing systems, actually simulate the point-like dispensing of the adhesive.

[0024] Instead of optically detectable light, another type of light can of course be used, such as UV light, which only becomes visible when it hits a specially prepared material of the substrate or workpiece or something similar.

[0025] The projection device is designed to emit or generate the light structure. The light structure is preferably understood to be the light structure visible on the substrate or workpiece. Alternatively or additionally, however, it can also be understood to mean the light present in the room.

[0026] A projection device can, in particular, be a laser (device), which preferably has one or more laser diodes for generating the laser light. Laser light is particularly easy to detect on the typically darker workpieces and can mark the traversed paths with particular clarity.

[0027] The projection device can be connected to a control unit of the system or the adhesive dispensing device, for example, to simulate a shutdown or intermittent application of the adhesive. Of course, the invention also encompasses a system in which shutdown initiated by a control unit is not possible (for example, because a manually operable switch is simply provided on the projection device).

[0028] Preferably, the projection device is fixed, i.e., essentially immovable, on the adhesive dispensing device. This can particularly well simulate the typically likewise fixed arrangement of an adhesive dispensing nozzle (or a corresponding adhesive outlet opening).

[0029] Of course, devices are also conceivable in which the projection device is adjustable with regard to its radiation direction (in particular in the case that it is arranged on a device or the application head with the aid of a holder or the like).

[0030] In the context of the invention, fixed means that it is held or mounted in a captive manner and that, in particular, it cannot be easily moved to another location or position, at least not without appropriate tools.

[0031] The adhesive dispensing device is preferably a non-contact spray dispensing system, such as an adhesive spray device. Typically, such adhesive is dispensed from a corresponding adhesive dispensing nozzle or opening (preferably with the aid of shaped air) in order to be able to oscillate in a plane, for example, in the manner of a filament.

[0032] The material to be applied or sprayed is an adhesive, particularly a highly viscous medium. Typically, so-called hot melt adhesives are sprayed, which are previously heated in a heating device associated with the device. These hot melt adhesives, such as PUR or POR adhesives, are considered particularly reliable.

[0033] A typical hot melt adhesive can, for example, be based on polyurethane and react with atmospheric moisture during use or application to form a cross-linked polyurethane with a high molar mass.

[0034] Such reactive hot melt adhesives solidify upon cooling, allowing for rapid production and bonding processes, especially without prior drying. If necessary, this adhesive can also be reactivated using IR radiation.

[0035] A device that can spray a hot-melt adhesive can also be called a melt-blowing device, and a corresponding process can be called melt-blowing.

[0036] Each adhesive outlet or nozzle in the system is typically assigned a valve, which can be opened and closed, for example, with a needle. Of course, several adhesive outlets can be assigned to one nozzle (with a valve).

[0037] It should also be noted that an adhesive dispensing system described above can be achieved particularly elegantly by retrofitting existing adhesive dispensing devices: For example, an existing prior art adhesive dispensing device can be improved simply by removing a nozzle and replacing it with the projection device. For this purpose, the existing mounting locations for the nozzle can be used, and identical or identical mounting means can be provided for the nozzle and the projection device.

[0038] It should also be noted that the substrate or workpiece can typically be guided beneath the adhesive outlet or nozzle. Alternatively, the nozzle can also be guided over the surface of the substrate or workpiece (e.g., using a robot arm or similar device). The decisive factor here is the relative movement of the nozzle and the substrate or workpiece. The workpieces can be, for example, (plastic) molded parts and / or smooth (and / or convex) surfaces (without cavities or similar).

[0039] The substrates or workpieces can be, for example (but not exclusively), workpieces from the automotive sector, particularly interior trim parts or similar items that need to be provided with decorative elements or surfaces. Hot-melt adhesives are particularly suitable for this.

[0040] These substrates or workpieces are essentially flat or planar, in contrast to, for example, the injection of adhesive into very deep, hollow cavities, as is common in other areas of technology. However, this also includes, for example, 3D carriers from the automotive sector, such as carriers for door panels, trunk linings, consoles, instrument panels, and the like. These can certainly have relief differences of over 100 mm, but are essentially planar within the meaning of this application. Therefore, the adhesive is also applied in webs, and the substrate or workpiece experiences a relative movement to the device or to the (spray) nozzles or adhesive outlets.

[0041] The device is typically an application device, which may, for example, comprise one or more application heads, with each application head typically being assigned several nozzles. The application head may also include a pumping station for the adhesive, heating elements, and the like. The entire device may, for example, be mounted on a robot arm or comprise a corresponding robot arm.

[0042] The device may also include or be connected to a supply of adhesive.

[0043] According to a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, the projection device comprises a laser. As already described, such a laser can create a particularly suitable light structure, for example, a point-like or linear light structure. For this purpose, the projection device can in particular comprise one or more laser diodes. This allows laser light to be generated particularly economically and efficiently. These laser diodes can be particularly well integrated into a housing.

[0044] Alternatively, the projection device can also be designed as a laser fan or comprise one, whereby such a device is sufficiently well suited to creating a line of light on the substrate or workpiece. Such a laser fan can be particularly well regulated or adjustable in terms of its width. Thus, such a laser fan can particularly well simulate several adjacent nozzles, for example, in the case where only some of the nozzles are active during a job or in a job area, while others are currently switched off, or similar situations.

[0045] A laser fan can also contain laser diodes, for example. A laser fan is typically a line generator (for laser light) with predetermined or adjustable dihedral angles. The light beam can have a fan-like appearance. However, it is preferably provided that the edge of a corresponding light or laser beam can be parallel (rather than diverging). Such a device is also considered a laser fan within the meaning of the present application.

[0046] According to the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the projection device is mountable or mounted on the application head of the adhesive dispensing device. This involves a fixed assignment to the application head, with the dispensing nozzle also being arranged or mounted or mountable on the application head. The application head typically represents a part of the adhesive dispensing device or its body (and thus also of the system).

[0047] The application head can be either stationary or movable (for example, with the aid of a robot arm). The projection device can be mounted on this application head in a modular manner, meaning it can either be exchanged for another element, such as a nozzle, or it can be permanently installed or mounted on the application head in addition to other elements (such as the nozzle). Since the dispensing nozzle is typically mounted stationary on the application head, this should advantageously also apply to the projection device, so that the projection device and dispensing nozzle have essentially the same orientation to the substrate or workpiece, thus enabling an optimized simulation.

[0048] Preferably, the dispensing nozzle and the projection device have the same connection for a control signal. This allows the dispensing nozzle and projection device to be controlled using the same commands. In this sense, for example, a controller can be provided that has a connection for both the dispensing nozzle and the projection device. In particular, there is a (physical) connection between the controller and the dispensing nozzle and / or the projection device.

[0049] According to the most preferred embodiment, the connections of the dispensing nozzle and projection device are provided for the same control signal. This means that the control signal (e.g., from a controller) can be selectively directed to the dispensing nozzle or the projection device, particularly depending on which of the two elements is currently (modularly) mounted on the adhesive dispensing device. For example, a cable or line can be provided that can be selectively plugged into or connected to the connection of the projection device or the connection of the dispensing nozzle. In this sense, for example, the dispensing nozzle and projection device can be modularly interchanged, with the same connection—e.g., the same cable—being usable in both cases (although the connection—e.g., a cable—should then be interrupted or removed before dismantling one of the two elements).The control signal may, for example, be information about at what times and at what geographical locations or similar the projection of the light structure or the release of adhesive is to be interrupted or similar.

[0050] Particularly advantageously, it is provided that the dispensing nozzle is interchangeable with the projection device. This is the most advantageous embodiment already described above, in which the dispensing nozzle or several dispensing nozzles can be removed (preferably with the adhesive dispensing device switched off) to perform a calibration. One or more projection devices can be mounted in their place. This is therefore a modular system with one or more mountable and dismountable dispensing nozzle(s) and one or more projection device(s). The dispensing nozzle and projection device are interchangeable in a modular manner. For this purpose, in particular, identical mounting means can be provided on / for the dispensing nozzle and projection device (such as screw-type connecting means and / or adjustment pins and / or holes or similar).At the same time, identical mounting surfaces and / or means can be provided on the adhesive dispensing device, in particular on the application head.

[0051] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention consists in that the dispensing nozzle and the projection device can be arranged on the adhesive dispensing device in such a way that they have a substantially identical dispensing direction and / or dispensing plane and / or a substantially identical dispensing angle for the adhesive or the light structure. This then enables advantageous simulation or advantageous optical control of the subsequent adhesive dispensing based on the light structure during the calibration process. It is particularly important here that both the projection device and the dispensing nozzle "point" or are aligned essentially at the same point or points or the same area on the substrate or workpiece to be applied.

[0052] In one embodiment, it may even be possible for there to be a significant offset between the (dispensing) position of the projection device and the adhesive nozzle, in or against the dispensing direction, as long as they are essentially aligned in the same dispensing direction. In other words, in this embodiment, the projection device and the adhesive dispensing nozzle can easily be spaced differently from the substrate or workpiece to be coated. This applies in particular if the dispensing nozzle and the projection device are interchangeable and are therefore not mounted on the adhesive dispensing device at the same time. In particular if the dispensing nozzle has several adhesive dispensing openings next to one another orin a row, the adhesive dispensed from these openings forms the dispensing plane (the same applies if a dispensing nozzle has only one dispensing opening, but several nozzles are arranged next to each other or in a row). The dispensing planes of the projection device(s) and dispensing nozzle(s) may well have a certain parallel offset, but are essentially aligned and arranged in the same way.

[0053] According to an alternative embodiment, the projection device is arranged on the adhesive dispensing device in addition to the dispensing nozzle. This can be done, for example, with the aid of a holder, which can be present on the adhesive dispensing device or its application head or body. This holder can also be retrofitted to improve a prior art adhesive dispensing device into a system according to the invention.

[0054] In the case of a joint arrangement, the projection device and the dispensing nozzle are typically not active at the same time.

[0055] Of course, the case where the projection device can be mounted on the application head also includes the case where the projection device can be mounted or attached to the dispensing nozzle.

[0056] Regardless of the application, it can be provided that the light structure is only projected when no adhesive is released and vice versa.

[0057] In principle, however, the invention also encompasses applications in which the light structure supports the actual release or enables its manual verification or similar, i.e. is applied simultaneously with the adhesive.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the projection device is integrated into the dispensing nozzle. This enables a particularly compact projection and dispensing nozzle unit. For example, a light or luminous outlet can be provided on a nozzle between each adhesive outlet. Or the light outlets can be arranged directly next to the adhesive outlets. In this application, too, the projection device is typically switched off during adhesive dispensing (simply due to the temperatures generated during adhesive dispensing).

[0059] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, adjusting means for adjusting the shape of the light structure are assigned to the projection unit. This allows an adhesive dispensing process to be simulated even better: For example, the width of the light structure can be adjusted. During adhesive dispensing, it is typically the case that not all adhesive outlet openings of a nozzle or of the entire adhesive dispensing device are open at the same time. There are certainly cases where the web width needs to be halved, for example, for which purpose one half of the adhesive outlet openings is closed while the other remains open, thus dispensing adhesive.For example, such behavior can also be simulated with the present invention by transmitting information about the type or shape of the light structure to be emitted to the projection device (for example, only half of the laser diodes can be switched on, or something similar). It is also conceivable in principle for the projection device to provide adjustable mirrors or something similar to change the shape of the light structure. For the purposes of the present invention, adjusting means are understood to mean all setting options, such as control signals, controls, and the like, but in particular also a manual switch, which can be provided, for example, on the projection device.

[0060] For any application, it should finally be explained that the term “mountable” in the sense of the present invention describes in particular both methods in which the projection device (and / or the nozzle) can be dismantled after manufacture using (commercially available) tools, but also precisely those cases in which dismantling is not possible or not desired.

[0061] According to the invention, the stated object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and is characterized in particular by simulating the application of the adhesive by means of a light structure projected by the system onto the substrate or workpiece.

[0062] In particular, the device or the corresponding system explained above can be used to carry out such a method.

[0063] The method according to the invention should also include methods in which laser light is projected as a light structure, an identical connection of projection device and nozzle is used for, in particular, the same, control signal and the shape of the light structure is adjustable.

[0064] A calibration process essentially proceeds in such a way that, in a first step, calibration is performed with the projection device and the projected light structure activated, for example, by traversing one or more paths. During this traversal process, adjustments to the path or paths can then be made (and saved), particularly manually.

[0065] The actual adhesive application can then take place, especially when the light structure is switched off or not applied and the adhesive dispensing nozzle is activated.

[0066] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention is characterized in that a dispensing nozzle for the adhesive for simulation is replaced with a projection device for the light structure. This can be done in a modular manner. In particular, the same or identical mounting means can be used for this purpose.

[0067] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the uncited subclaims and from the following description of the figures.

[0068] Showing: Fig. 1 a very schematic, exemplary oblique view of a workpiece coated with adhesive (as is known, for example, from the automotive industry) after application of two exemplary adhesive strips, Fig. 2 in a likewise very schematic oblique view of a first embodiment with an application head of an adhesive dispensing device of a system with four adhesive dispensing nozzles mounted on it, shown in isolation, Fig. 3 in a view according to Fig. 2 the application head with the nozzles removed, Fig. 4 in a view according to Fig. 3 the application head with four mounted projection devices, which are mounted on the application head instead of the aforementioned dispensing nozzles, Fig. 5 an exploded view of one of the projection devices according to Fig. 4, Fig. 6a shows a very schematic, perspective rear view from below, side by side, a dispensing nozzle and a projection device that can be exchanged for it, Fig. 6b the two elements according to Fig. 6a in a bottom view, approximately along view arrow VIb in Fig. 6a, Fig. 7 in a view approximately according to Fig. 2, but with the substrate or workpiece shown, a second embodiment with mounted nozzles and projection device arranged on the application head via a holder, Fig. 8 the application head according to Fig. 7 in a very schematic side view, approximately along view arrow VIII in Fig. 7, with additional representation of an auxiliary plane, and Fig. 9 in a very schematic bottom view, approximately according to Fig. 6b, a third embodiment with a projection device integrated in a nozzle.

[0069] Before beginning the following description of the figures, it should be noted that identical or comparable parts are provided with identical reference symbols, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters or apostrophes. In the patent claims following the description of the figures, the reference symbols used in the figures and the description of the figures are used (in part) without apostrophes or lowercase letters for the sake of simplicity, at least insofar as the corresponding objects are comparable.

[0070] The figures show Fig. 1 shows the result of a method according to the invention for spraying and applying adhesive using a device 10 (not shown), which will be described in more detail in the following figures. Fig. 1 shows a workpiece 11 designed as a door panel, which is provided with adhesive strips 12' or 12" of a width b.

[0071] While the first application path 12' is still relatively straight, the second application path 12" leads around a first recess 13' in the workpiece 11. In the rear area of ​​the workpiece 11 with respect to the conveying direction F, a second recess 13" is also provided, in the area of ​​which the paths 12' and 12" are interrupted.

[0072] The Fig. The application pattern shown in Figure 1 is generated by passing over the workpiece 11 twice with a device according to the invention with a total dispensing width b. For example, several nozzles can be arranged side by side on the device with a total dispensing width b. The dispensing device, which will be shown later, can be guided over the workpiece 11, for example, with a robot arm. The workpiece 11 is a carrier part from the automotive sector, similar to a door panel. The width b of the adhesive strip can be less than 25 mm, for example.

[0073] The adhesive strips 12 consist of applied adhesive, which can be, for example, a hot-melt adhesive, which can be reactivated, for example, with IR light, particularly after the application process. After reactivation of the adhesive, a decorative element or the like can then be bonded to the workpiece 11.

[0074] A first embodiment of a device 10 with which the order image according to Fig. 1 is reachable, is in Fig. 2: This shows that the device 10 is Fig. 2 is an order header which is in Fig. 2 is shown in isolation. In fact, the application head will typically be attached to a robot arm or similar (including the supply lines and controls attached to it), which Fig. 2 but is omitted for the sake of clarity (as are the corresponding cables for the electrical connections).

[0075] The application head 10 can typically have a lower gas block 14 and an upper adhesive block 15, which together constitute the base body of the application head 10. Electrical connections 16 and 16' are assigned to both the gas block 14 and the adhesive block 15, respectively.

[0076] Particularly in the rear area of ​​the application head 10, i.e. with respect to Fig. 2 arranged behind the line of sight, connections for switching air and adhesive are typically provided, for example above the electrical connection 16.

[0077] At the Fig. Four (adhesive) dispensing nozzles 18a, 18c, 18d are provided and permanently mounted on the front side 17 of the application head 10 shown in Figure 2, particularly in the lower area. These nozzles are each in fluid communication with the adhesive block 15 and the gas block 14, respectively.

[0078] Each of these nozzles 18 can have, for example, in the lower region, one or more adhesive outlet openings for dispensing the adhesive from the adhesive dispensing device 10. In the present embodiment, each of the nozzles 18 has, for example, six adhesive openings, which are arranged substantially in a row in a manner that will be described in detail later.

[0079] Furthermore, a switching valve 19 (with a nozzle needle) is located on the front side 17 of the application head 10 for each nozzle 18, which can, for example, ensure intermittent dispensing behavior of the nozzle 18. In addition to this conventionally known switching valve 19, a corresponding directional control valve 20 is also arranged on the front side 17 of the application head 10. This valve switches the valve 19 and thus indirectly also the nozzle 18.

[0080] The device according to Fig. 2 allows, for example, in the case that it is arranged on a robot arm (not shown) of the system or device, the movement of the Fig. 1 shown paths 12' or 12". To calibrate the movement of the device 10 over the workpiece 11 or to calibrate the paths 12 before the actual adhesive dispensing, the workpiece 11 can be moved along desired paths but initially without applying adhesive from the device 10.

[0081] For this purpose, Fig. 3, the nozzles 18 are first removed as shown. In this regard, the system has mounting means, such as in Fig. 3 recognizable screws 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, in particular one for each nozzle 18. The head of these screws 21 is already in Fig. 2. With their Fig. 3, the screws 21 can be tightened in the assembled state with (in Fig. 3 (for the sake of clarity, however, omitted) mounts or threads on a mounting surface 22 of the device 10. For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that Fig. 3 also shows on the mounting surface 22 several holes for positioning pins, which are not specifically marked with reference symbols and which also belong to the mounting means.

[0082] After dismantling the nozzles 18, one or more projection devices 23 can then be mounted or arranged on the front side 17 of the device 10 or the application head.

[0083] Evidenced Fig. 4, the projection devices 23 (although the plural is described with regard to the embodiments, the singular is always also meant) are attached to the head 10 with the same mounting means as the nozzles 18, as in Fig. 4 can be seen, for example, with the same screws 21', of which in the Fig. 4, however, only the head is visible. Likewise, the projection devices 23 are located at the Fig. 4 hidden, from Fig. 3, however, visible, mounting surface 22.

[0084] In particular, the mounted projection devices 23 are aligned the same or similarly as the nozzles 18 according to Fig. 2, ie in particular that a dispensing direction A, which also corresponds to the dispensing direction A of the adhesive, points essentially downwards in the illustrated embodiment with respect to the figure orientation.

[0085] In the delivery direction A, the projection devices 23, as in particular the rear exploded view of one of the projection devices 23 according to Fig. 5 shows luminous or light means 24, in the illustrated case formed by six laser diodes 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e, 25f.

[0086] These laser diodes 25 are arranged on a carrier board 26 and in a housing 27 in such a way that they or the illuminants 24 have the same emission direction A for a light structure as the emission nozzles 18 according to Fig. 2.

[0087] Fig. 5 illustrates that the carrier board 26 with the laser diodes 25 is arranged in said housing 27, which can be closed or is closed by a cover 28 (securing can be effected by means of securing means 28a and 28b, for example in the form of a screw and a nut).

[0088] In this regard, it should be noted that the housing 27 and / or the cover 28 can generally be manufactured using a generative process, for example, a 3D printing process. This is particularly advantageous for small runs of the projection devices 23 and supports the modular or expandable nature of the invention: For example, a 3D printing process can produce only a few housings 27 and / or covers 28 for only a few projection devices 23, namely precisely for those devices 10 to be improved, which are intended to optionally include such a feature.

[0089] Fig. 5 further shows that the projection device 23 also has a voltage regulator 29, in particular on the circuit board 26, as well as a selector switch 30 (preferably also arranged on the circuit board 26). Since this switch 30 can be assigned a recess in the cover 28, it can, as for example Fig. 4 shows, in the assembled state, it should be manually accessible and operable by a user. Using this switch 30, for example, the shape of the light structure can be controlled: Thus, one switch position could be provided in which all laser diodes 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e, 25f are activated, and other switch positions of the switch 30 in which only a portion of these laser diodes 25 are active. For example, the width of the emitted light structure can be controlled using the switch 30 (by switching individual laser diodes 25 on and off).

[0090] It is also possible Fig. 5 a connection 31 for a control signal of the projection device 23 can be seen. This is also in the assembled state according to Fig. 4 is freely accessible to a user, and a user can, for example, after mounting a corresponding projection device 23, establish a connection to a control system using this connection 31.

[0091] This is connection 31 according to Fig. 5 for the projection device 23 is a connection identical to that shown in Fig. 4, for the directional control valve 20. In particular, ports 31 and 32 are essentially identical in construction and are compatible with or connectable to the same lines or cables. This can facilitate the storage of cables in a first embodiment.

[0092] According to the most preferred embodiment, however, it is possible to operate the terminals 31 and 32 with the same control signal, ie the same power or the same cable can be connected optionally to the terminal 31 or 32, depending on whether the projection device 23 is currently mounted and a light structure is to be emitted (in this case, of course, the terminal 31 is to be selected) or whether adhesive is to be dispensed and the dispensing nozzle 18 is mounted (in which case, of course, the terminal 32 is to be connected).

[0093] In other words, a cable (not shown) for a control signal can be taken from one of the terminals 31 or 32 and connected to the other terminal. Typically, such a cable or line is connected to a controller, which is not shown in the figures, but which may be part of the device 10, or at least of the system.

[0094] Because the same control signal can be used both for generating the light structure and for dispensing the adhesive, optimal calibration can be achieved because a user can manually check on the surface to be wetted (the workpiece 11) when adhesive dispensing will be suspended, for example in the event that the application head is guided over a recess 13 in the workpiece 11: In this case, no light structure would be dispensed or displayed during calibration when this recess 13 is passed over.

[0095] In this sense, calibration can be carried out in such a way that a user carries out a so-called "teach-in process" before dispensing the adhesive with the aid of a setting part (not shown but already mentioned), for example by guiding the application head over the workpiece 11 with a projected light structure and transmitting and / or storing information or corrections or adjustments to the system, for example the device 10, on a controller regarding the path and the control signal to be generated in each case.

[0096] For such a transmission in the manner of a “teach-in”, the device 10 or the system can, for example, have input means such as a keyboard, a touch screen or the like.

[0097] Regarding the first embodiment according to the Fig. 2 to 6, it should also be noted that the projection device 23, which can be exchanged for the discharge nozzle 18, is also referred to as a light structure nozzle.

[0098] Finally, it should be noted with regard to the exemplary embodiment that, particularly in the case of an upgrade or an enhancement or improvement of an existing system by adding a modular projection device, an adaptation of the control system is typically necessary: ​​For example, in a system that has not yet been modified, the control system typically only outputs the control signal for dispensing adhesive (which is output in particular to the connections 32) if the device 10 or the system or the dispensed adhesive is heated up.

[0099] On the other hand, the projection device 23 should only be mounted on the device while it is not heated up. Therefore, the controller must be programmed so that it can or should also transmit the signal during a teach-in process.

[0100] Fig. 6a then shows the dispensing nozzle 18 and projection device 23 in a rear side-by-side view. It can be seen that the projection device 23, which is intended to replace a nozzle 18 for calibration, is optimally assigned as many light outputs 33 as the nozzle 18 has adhesive dispensing openings 34, namely in the present case exactly six each (see also Fig. 6b).

[0101] In particular, each light exit opening 33 is assigned exactly one of the reader diodes 25 according to Fig. 5 assigned.

[0102] What Fig. What can still be seen from Figure 6a is that, with such a configuration, an offset h in the dispensing direction A is relatively uncritical. This is because both the nozzle 18 and the projection device 23 apply essentially in the same dispensing direction A (namely, the light structure and the adhesive, respectively). The main dispensing direction A therefore does not change with an offset in this direction.

[0103] However, in the conveying direction F or in the transverse direction Q, such an offset should not be present if possible. Fig. As can be seen from Figure 6b, the projection device 23 and the nozzle 18 initially have essentially an identical width B in the transverse direction Q. This means that there is no significant transverse offset. It should be noted at this point that the projection device 23 and the nozzle 18 are, of course, typically not as shown in Fig. 6 are not arranged side by side, but rather in the same location. The side-by-side representation serves to clarify the size relationships and arrangement with respect to the application direction A and the height direction H.

[0104] According to Fig. 6b, there is actually no or only a minimal offset in the conveying direction F between the light outlet openings 33 and the adhesive dispensing openings 34. These are essentially arranged in the assembled state at the same location or in the same dispensing plane, which dispensing plane is spanned by the dispensing direction A and the transverse direction Q. A minimal offset is, as in Fig. 6b, is permitted. However, essentially no offset in the conveying direction F is provided.

[0105] A second embodiment is shown in Fig. 7: Here, too, only one application head of the device 10' is shown. On the application head 10', there are again corresponding nozzles 18 for applying the adhesive to the workpiece 11. This can be an identical or a different workpiece in terms of shape compared to Fig. 1 act.

[0106] The crucial difference is that for calibration or a "teach-in" process, no projection device is provided, which is mounted in place of the nozzle 18. Instead, a projection device 23' is provided, which is fixedly, i.e., captively, mounted on the device 10' or on the application head 10' by means of a holder 35. The projection device 23' can, for example, be a so-called laser fan, which can emit multiple or a single (adjustable) laser beam.

[0107] The projection device 23' can be arranged on the device 10' via the holder 35, for example, in an immovable and non-adjustable manner, but alternatively also in an adjustable manner (in angle).

[0108] In particular, the holder 35 can be retrofitted to an existing device 10.

[0109] Fig. 8 shows a very schematic side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 7, approximately along the view arrow VIII in Fig. 7. It is noticeable that in addition to a surface 36 of the workpiece 11, an auxiliary line 37 is also drawn, which is intended to clarify that the second embodiment should mainly be used for devices that are not movable relative to the surface 36 in the height direction H: Fig. 8, that the projection device 23' emits its light structure approximately in the area marked with T, in which the nozzle 18 also applies the adhesive in the dispensing direction A. With the selected height spacing between the device 10 and the workpiece 11 or its surface 36, a calibration process is therefore possible.

[0110] However, if the distance were different and the surface of the workpiece 11 were actually located in the area of ​​the auxiliary line 37, the light structure of the projection device 23' would mark a completely different location (in the area of ​​the reference number 38), while the adhesive would appear on the virtual surface 37 in the area of ​​the reference number 39 during a subsequent application.

[0111] This makes it clear that in such a device, a calibration process always also includes a process of height alignment between workpiece 11 and device 10 or, alternatively, an adjustment or adaptation of the alignment of the projection device 23' (for example via corresponding adjusting means of the positioning device 23').

[0112] In principle, this second embodiment is also in accordance with the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is covered by the invention.

[0113] Finally, Fig. 9 a third embodiment, to which only a modified nozzle 18' of the device according to the third embodiment in a view, approximately according to Fig.6b. In this embodiment, it is indicated that light exit openings can be provided, for example, in the areas marked with X, which are additionally provided with the reference numerals 40 and which are located between the adhesive dispensing openings 34.

[0114] In this case, the projection device is integrated into the nozzle 18'.

[0115] Depending on the dimensions of the nozzle 18', it is also conceivable in principle that the light exit openings are placed at a different location than between the adhesive dispensing openings 34, for example next to them, as indicated by way of example by dashed areas provided with the reference number 41.

[0116] The only decisive factor for the third embodiment is that the projection device is integrated into the nozzle 18'.

[0117] Otherwise, for this embodiment, reference can be made to the structure of the first embodiment.

[0118] Not shown are embodiments in which the projection device is attached to the device in a different way than by integration into a nozzle or by a separate holder: For example, a projection device can also be attached directly to the application head, but separately from the nozzle and in addition to the nozzle.

Claims

[1] Method for calibrating an adhesive application to a substrate or workpiece (11), characterized by a simulation of adhesive application by means of a light structure projected by the system onto the substrate or workpiece (11), wherein a dispensing nozzle (18) for the adhesive is replaced for simulation by a projection device (23) for the light structure. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing nozzle (18) for the adhesive for simulation is modularly exchanged for the projection device (23) for the light structure. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projection device (23) comprises a laser, in particular at least one laser diode (25) or a laser fan (23'). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection device (23) is mountable or mounted on the application head of the adhesive dispensing device (10), in particular in a non-movable manner. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing nozzle (18) and the projection device (23) have the same connection (31, 32) for one, in particular the same, control signal. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing nozzle (18) and the projection device (23) are arranged on the adhesive dispensing device (10) such that they have the same dispensing direction (A) and / or dispensing plane for the adhesive or the light structure. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a shape, in particular a width, of the light structure is set by means of an adjusting means, in particular a switch (30), of the projection unit (23).

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