Application system

Abstract

Application system (1) for depositing an adhesive bead made of a curable adhesive material (11) onto a surface, wherein the application system (1) has a nozzle holder (2) with a nozzle head (3), and a connecting device (8) for connecting a reservoir supply line (9) to the nozzle holder (2), wherein the adhesive material (11) is guided from an adhesive material reservoir through the reservoir supply line (9) to the nozzle holder (2) during intended use of the application system (1), wherein the adhesive material (11) emerges from the nozzle holder (2) through the nozzle head (3), characterized in that the application system (1) has a nozzle supply line (5) connecting the connecting device (8) to the nozzle head (3),so that the adhesive material (11) is guided through the nozzle feed line (5) from the reservoir feed line (9) to the nozzle head (3) during proper use of the application system (1), avoiding direct contact of the adhesive material (11) with the nozzle holder (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an application system for depositing an adhesive bead made of a curable adhesive material onto a surface, wherein the application system has a nozzle holder with a nozzle head, and a connecting device for connecting a reservoir supply line to the nozzle holder, wherein the adhesive material is guided from an adhesive material reservoir through the reservoir supply line to the nozzle holder during intended use of the application system, wherein the adhesive material exits from the nozzle holder through the nozzle head.

[0002] To join two components, they can be bonded together. In a first step, a bead of curable adhesive material can be applied to a surface, either manually or using a suitable application system. After the bead has been applied, the second component to be joined to the first component can be brought into contact with the first component in the area of ​​the adhesive bead. The adhesive material cures over time and bonds the two components together.

[0003] In the window construction sector, automated application systems are typically used for this purpose, which can independently apply an adhesive bead to a predetermined surface. State-of-the-art application systems comprise a nozzle holder equipped with a nozzle head, which is connected to a reservoir supply line via a connecting device. The reservoir supply line is designed to direct the adhesive material from an adhesive reservoir to the nozzle holder and finally to the nozzle head. When using a two- or multi-phase adhesive material, the reservoir supply line is also designed to ensure that the various phases are mixed within the reservoir supply line, ultimately resulting in a homogeneous mixture.The nozzle holder and the nozzle form part of a flow channel from the adhesive material reservoir to the nozzle head, so that the adhesive material flowing from the adhesive reservoir flows through the nozzle holder and can exit from the nozzle head.

[0004] Particularly when using rapidly curing adhesive materials, the adhesive material can harden within the nozzle holder and nozzle head, or even within the reservoir supply line, disrupting or even completely stopping the flow of the adhesive material. The same problem arises if there is a longer pause between the individual adhesive beads applied, which can occur, for example, when a component is replaced or when the application system is shut down overnight, or during a repair or maintenance phase. For the reasons mentioned above, it is already known from practice that the reservoir supply line, nozzle holder, and nozzle head are designed as disposable products and are replaced and disposed of at the end of a work cycle.Particularly in the context of increasing environmental awareness, there are efforts to improve this unsustainable practice and reduce the use of disposable products.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore to improve the application system known from the prior art.

[0006] The object is achieved in that the application system has a nozzle feed line connecting the connecting device to the nozzle head, so that the adhesive material is guided from the reservoir feed line to the nozzle head through the nozzle feed line during proper use of the application system, avoiding direct contact of the adhesive material with the nozzle holder.

[0007] The inventive design allows the nozzle holder to be designed as a disposable product that does not have to be disposed of after the adhesive material has cured. Rather, the nozzle holder can be reused multiple times. For this purpose, the adhesive material is not guided along the flow channel from the reservoir supply line through the nozzle holder to the nozzle head; instead, the adhesive material can flow from the reservoir supply line to the nozzle head, bypassing the nozzle holder. In the event of unintentional curing of the adhesive material or during extended downtimes of the application system, which impairs the flow of adhesive material through the nozzle supply line, the nozzle supply line can be easily removed and replaced, while the nozzle holder does not need to be replaced.

[0008] The nozzle supply line suitable for this purpose can be arranged at a distance from or even on a surface of the nozzle holder. Both the nozzle supply line and the reservoir supply line can be constructed from a commercially available hose, thereby keeping the costs of this replacement part as low as possible. Furthermore, the nozzle supply line can be arranged on the reservoir supply line using the connecting device and connected to it in a fluid-carrying manner. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the nozzle supply line is formed entirely or at least partially from the reservoir supply line, thereby simplifying the replacement of the parts to be replaced.

[0009] The connecting device itself can connect the reservoir supply line and the nozzle supply line. For example, the connecting device can connect the reservoir supply line and the nozzle supply line via their end faces. A design of the connecting device is also possible in which the adhesive material flows from the reservoir supply line first into the connecting device and then into the nozzle supply line.

[0010] In addition to arranging the nozzle supply line on a surface of the nozzle holder or at a distance from it, the nozzle supply line can also be arranged within the nozzle holder and run within it. Therefore, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides for the nozzle supply line to be arranged in a recess that completely penetrates the nozzle holder. For this purpose, the recess in the nozzle holder can be designed as a separate recess that completely penetrates the nozzle holder, for example, in a longitudinal direction. The recess in the nozzle holder is, in particular, the recess that guides the adhesive material of the nozzle holder, which is already provided and created in commercially available nozzle holders.Advantageously, when arranging the nozzle supply line in this already provided recess, commercially available nozzle holders that are not separately manufactured for the purpose of the invention can be used, which in turn can save costs. The nozzle holder can therefore preferably be arranged along the flow channel in the nozzle holder.

[0011] To ensure a secure arrangement of the nozzle supply line in the recess, the recess can be adapted to the nozzle supply line. According to an advantageous implementation of the inventive concept, it is therefore provided that an inner diameter of the recess of the nozzle holder is adapted to an outer diameter of the nozzle supply line. Advantageously, the nozzle supply line therefore rests with a circumferential surface against the inner wall of the recess. In a further embodiment, the nozzle supply line can also have a slightly larger outer diameter, whereby, with an elastic design of the nozzle supply line, the nozzle supply line can be clamped in the recess. This can prevent the nozzle supply line from accidentally slipping out.In addition to a clamping arrangement of the nozzle supply line through elastic deformation, a rotationally secure arrangement of the nozzle supply line in the recess can also be achieved through the geometric design of the nozzle supply line and the recess. For example, the nozzle supply line can be designed with a triangular or higher polygonal cross-section and thus be arranged rotationally secure in a rectangular or square recess.

[0012] To facilitate easy replacement of the nozzle supply line, the invention provides for the nozzle supply line to be detachably arranged in the recess. Advantageously, the nozzle supply line is simply pushed into the recess and held there with a force fit.

[0013] Advantageously, the invention provides for the nozzle supply line to be hollow-cylindrical. Advantageously, the nozzle supply line can be a commercially available plastic hose.

[0014] The nozzle feed line serves exclusively to supply the adhesive material to the nozzle head. Therefore, according to the invention, the nozzle feed line is empty as long as no adhesive material is being fed through the nozzle feed line to the nozzle head, and is completely filled with adhesive material when the adhesive material is being fed to the nozzle head. Any mixing devices or the like can also be used in the application system, but are then generally provided as separate components that are arranged at a distance from the nozzle line and are fluidly connected to the nozzle feed line.

[0015] Advantageously, the invention provides that the nozzle supply line has a nozzle head receiving area for connecting the nozzle supply line to the nozzle head, and a connecting device area arranged at a distance from the nozzle head receiving area for connecting the nozzle supply line to the connecting device. The nozzle supply line can have a region at opposite ends, one suitable for connection to the nozzle head and one suitable for connection to the connecting device. The design of these two areas, the nozzle head receiving area and the connecting device area, can be identical or have a different design from the respective other area.

[0016] One possible design involves threading these areas so that the nozzle supply line can engage with a mating thread on the nozzle head or connecting device and be secured there in a fluid-conducting manner. Clamping or securing by means of a pressure element such as a screw or plunger, or even a bayonet connection, is also possible. The connection can preferably be made without tools.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the connecting device region of the nozzle supply line protrudes from the recess of the nozzle holder when properly arranged in the recess of the nozzle holder, so that the nozzle supply line can be easily connected to the connecting device. The nozzle supply line can preferably protrude from the recess of the nozzle holder to such an extent that the connecting device region configured for connection to the connecting device protrudes completely from the recess. This enables the simplest and most uncomplicated connection possible.

[0018] Furthermore, it is possible, and the invention provides, for the nozzle head to be detachably attached to the nozzle holder. This allows for quick adjustment of the nozzle head and thus the applied adhesive bead to the work currently being performed, as well as easy replacement of the nozzle head once the adhesive in the nozzle head has cured. In this way, the nozzle head and the nozzle supply line can be easily replaced simultaneously.

[0019] For this purpose, the nozzle head can, for example, engage with a designated counterpart of the nozzle holder using a locking mechanism and be secured thereto. Other fastening methods are also possible, such as a bayonet connection, in which an engagement element of the nozzle head can engage in a recess of the nozzle holder, whereby securing is possible upon relative rotation of the two parts.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the nozzle head can be clamped to the nozzle holder. For this purpose, the nozzle head can engage with an engagement element in a recess of the nozzle holder and be clamped therein. Particularly advantageously, the engagement element of the nozzle head can engage in the recess of the nozzle holder for securing it.

[0021] Advantageously, the invention provides that the nozzle feed line is rigid in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle feed line. For this purpose, the nozzle feed line can be designed as a hose made of a dimensionally stable plastic, such as PVC or other types of plastic. In an alternative embodiment, the nozzle feed line can also be made of a flexible composite material. Advantageously, the nozzle feed line has such rigidity that the nozzle feed line, and in particular the connecting device region of the nozzle feed line, can be easily arranged on the connecting device and secured thereto. Furthermore, the rigidity can be designed such that a dimensionally stable nozzle feed line is maintained.

[0022] The recess in the nozzle holder preferably runs along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle holder, with the recess completely penetrating the nozzle holder. The nozzle head can be plugged onto one end of the nozzle holder and clamped in place with an engagement element, wherein the nozzle supply line can be inserted into the recess in the nozzle holder from a side facing away from the nozzle head until the nozzle supply line rests against the engagement element of the nozzle head in the recess. For clamping purposes, an engagement element of the nozzle head can be inserted into the recess in the nozzle holder, or the engagement element surrounds the nozzle holder on a peripheral surface of the nozzle holder and rests against it in a clamping manner. In an alternative embodiment, the engagement element of the nozzle head engages in the recess in the nozzle holder in such a way that the nozzle supply line can be pushed into the nozzle head and not just rests against it.

[0023] The nozzle supply line can further be designed such that, when pressure is applied longitudinally, the nozzle supply line, together with the nozzle head, which is preferably clamped therein, can be removed from the nozzle holder. This allows for easy replacement of the disposable components without the need for tools.

[0024] Preferably, the nozzle head has multiple nozzle recesses through which the adhesive material can exit the nozzle head. Depending on the desired requirements, the nozzle head can have one or more nozzle recesses. The nozzle recesses can be arranged side by side or in a geometric pattern. By using multiple nozzle recesses, a geometrically complex adhesive bead or even multiple adhesive beads can be created side by side. Due to the replaceable design of the nozzle head, the deposited adhesive bead can be adapted to the desired shape at any time by simply changing the nozzle head.

[0025] It is also possible, and also provided by the invention, for the nozzle head to have a nozzle lip arranged on the nozzle head. The nozzle lip can be arranged on the nozzle head and, through its shape, can influence the geometry of the deposited adhesive bead. This includes, for example, enabling particularly straight edges of the adhesive bead.

[0026] Further advantageous embodiments of the application system are shown in the following figures. Fig. 1 a schematic drawing of an application system according to the invention in an assembled state, Fig. 2 the application system according to the invention Fig. 1 in an unassembled state, Fig. 3 a schematic sectional drawing through a nozzle holder from Fig. 2 along section line III-III, Fig. 4 an alternative design of the nozzle holder and the nozzle head, Fig. 5 a different design variant of the nozzle holder and the nozzle head, Fig. 6 another different design variant of the nozzle holder and the nozzle head, Fig. 7 an exploded view of the nozzle holder with nozzle head and nozzle supply line from Fig. 3, Fig. 8 a schematic sectional drawing through a nozzle holder with nozzle head and nozzle feed line with adhesive material cured in the nozzle feed line, and Fig. 9 the nozzle holder Fig. 5 with nozzle supply line and nozzle head removed.

[0027] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the application system according to the invention. The embodiment according to the invention allows the nozzle holder to be reused multiple times rather than having to be disposed of as a disposable product after the adhesive material has cured, as is the case with the prior art. For this purpose, the adhesive material is not guided along a flow channel from the reservoir supply line through the nozzle holder to the nozzle head, but rather the adhesive material can flow from the reservoir supply line to the nozzle head, bypassing the nozzle holder.

[0028] The application system 1 has an elongated and essentially rectangular nozzle holder 2 with a nozzle head 3. A nozzle supply line 5 in the form of a hose is arranged in a recess 4 penetrating the nozzle holder 2 in a longitudinal direction. The nozzle supply line 5 has a nozzle head receiving area 6 at a first end of the nozzle supply line 5 and a connecting device area 7 at another end, opposite the first end. The nozzle supply line 5 is arranged on the nozzle head 5 with the nozzle head receiving area 6, while the nozzle supply line 5 is fluidly connected to the connecting device area 7 by a connecting device 8. The nozzle supply line 5 is designed such that the connecting device area 7 of the nozzle supply line 5 protrudes completely from the recess 4 of the nozzle holder 2 in order to be easily inserted into the connecting device 8.

[0029] The nozzle holder 2 is connected to the connecting device 8 via a bayonet-like connection at one end facing away from the nozzle head 3. When the nozzle holder 2 is connected to the connecting device 8, the connecting device area 7 of the nozzle supply line 5 engages in the connecting device 8. While in Fig. 1 the application system 1 is shown in an assembled state in which the nozzle supply line 5 as well as the nozzle holder 2 are connected to the connecting device 8, the nozzle holder 2 is in Fig. 2 in an unassembled state separated from the connecting device 8.

[0030] The connecting device 8 itself is further connected to an adhesive material reservoir (not shown in the figures) via a reservoir supply line 9 designed as a hose. The adhesive material reservoir, the reservoir supply line 9, the nozzle supply line 5, and the nozzle head 3 are fluidly connected to one another along a flow channel. During proper use of the application system, adhesive material flows from the reservoir supply line 9 via the nozzle supply line 5 into the nozzle head 3. The adhesive material emerges from nozzle recesses 10 of the nozzle head 3 and can be applied to a surface in the form of an adhesive bead.

[0031] The Fig. 3 shows a section of the nozzle holder 2 from Fig. 3 along section line III-III. The elongated recess 4 of the nozzle holder 2, which penetrates the nozzle holder 2 in the longitudinal direction, can be seen, in which the nozzle supply line 5 is clamped. The nozzle head 3 is also clamped to the nozzle holder 2 by means of an engagement element and forms an extension of the recess 4, so that the nozzle supply line 5 extends into the nozzle head 3.

[0032] The Fig. 4 to 6 show further alternative design possibilities of the nozzle holder 2 and the nozzle head 3. In Fig. 4, the engagement element of the nozzle head 3 engages in the recess 4 of the nozzle holder 2 and is clamped therein. The nozzle supply line 5 rests against the engagement elements of the nozzle head 2. Alternatively to this design variant, the engagement elements engage in Fig. 5 also into the recess 4, but the recess 4 is designed so that the nozzle supply line 5 can be inserted into the nozzle head 3. In Fig. 6, the engagement element of the nozzle head 3 engages around the nozzle holder 2 on a peripheral surface.

[0033] Fig. 7 shows an example of an exploded view of the nozzle holder 2 from Fig. 3.

[0034] The Fig. 8 and Fig.9 each show a nozzle holder 2 with a nozzle head 3 and a nozzle feed line 5, wherein adhesive material 11 has cured in the nozzle feed line 5 and the nozzle head 3. In order to detach the nozzle head 3 and the nozzle feed line 5 from the nozzle holder 2, the assembly of the nozzle holder 2, nozzle head 3, and nozzle feed line 5 can be tapped onto a surface with the connecting device region 7 along the longitudinal direction 12 of the nozzle holder 2, whereby the nozzle feed line 5 and the nozzle head 3 are released from the nozzle holder 2. The nozzle holder 2 can then be used again with a new nozzle head 3 and nozzle feed line 5. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 application system 2 nozzle holders 3 nozzle head 4 Recess of the nozzle holder 5 Nozzle supply line 6 Nozzle head receiving area 7 Connection setup area 8 Connecting device 9 Reservoir supply line 10 Nozzle recess 11 Adhesive material 12 Longitudinal direction

Claims

[1] Application system (1) for depositing an adhesive bead made of a curable adhesive material (11) onto a surface, wherein the application system (1) has a nozzle holder (2) with a nozzle head (3), and a connecting device (8) for connecting a reservoir feed line (9) to the nozzle holder (2), wherein the adhesive material (11) is guided from an adhesive material reservoir through the reservoir feed line (9) to the nozzle holder (2) during intended use of the application system (1), wherein the adhesive material (11) exits from the nozzle holder (2) through the nozzle head (3), characterized bythat the application system (1) has a nozzle feed line (5) connecting the connecting device (8) to the nozzle head (3), so that the adhesive material (11) is guided through the nozzle feed line (5) from the reservoir feed line (9) to the nozzle head (3) during proper use of the application system (1), avoiding direct contact of the adhesive material (11) with the nozzle holder (2). [2] Application system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the nozzle supply line (5) is arranged in a recess (4) which completely penetrates the nozzle holder (2). [3] Application system (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that an inner diameter of the recess of the nozzle holder (2) is adapted to an outer diameter of the nozzle supply line (5). [4] Application system (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized by that the nozzle supply line (5) is detachably arranged in the recess. [5] Application system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the nozzle feed line (5) is hollow-cylindrical. [6] Application system (1) according to claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the nozzle feed line (5) has a nozzle head receiving area (6) for connecting the nozzle feed line (5) to the nozzle head (3) and a connecting device area (7) arranged at a distance from the nozzle head receiving area (6) for connecting the nozzle feed line (5) to the connecting device (8). [7] Application system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting device region (7) of the nozzle feed line (5) protrudes from the recess (4) of the nozzle holder (2) when arranged as intended in the recess (4) of the nozzle holder (2), so that the nozzle feed line (5) can be connected to the connecting device (8) in a simple manner. [8] Application system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the nozzle head (3) can be releasably attached to the nozzle holder (2). [9] Application system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the nozzle head (3) can be clamped to the nozzle holder (2). [10] Application system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the nozzle feed line (5) is designed to be rigid in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle feed line (5). [11] Application system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the nozzle head (3) has a plurality of nozzle recesses (10) through which the adhesive material (11) can exit the nozzle head (3). [12] Application system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the nozzle head (3) has a nozzle lip arranged on the nozzle head (3).

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