NOZZLE SET FOR A SPRAY GUN, SPRAY GUN SYSTEM, METHOD FOR DESIGNING A NOZZLE MODULE, METHOD FOR SELECTING A NOZZLE MODULE FROM A NOZZLE SET FOR A PAINTING TASK, SELECTION SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for designing a nozzle module according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] According to the prior art, a spray gun, in particular a paint spray gun, in particular a compressed air atomizing paint spray gun, which can also be referred to as a compressed air atomizing varnish gun, has a material nozzle on its head, which is also referred to as a paint nozzle and which is screwed into the gun body. The material nozzle often has a hollow cylindrical prong at its front end, i.e. a substantially hollow cylindrical front section, from whose front mouth, the material outlet opening, the material to be sprayed emerges when the spray gun is operated. However, the material nozzle can also be conical in its front area. The gun head usually has an external thread, via which an air nozzle ring with an air cap arranged therein is screwed onto the gun head.The air cap has a central opening whose diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the material nozzle cone or the outer diameter of the front end of a conical material nozzle. The central opening of the air cap and the cone or the front end of the material nozzle together form an annular gap. The so-called atomizing air emerges from this annular gap. In the nozzle arrangement described above, this creates a vacuum on the front face of the material nozzle, whereby the material to be sprayed is sucked out of the material nozzle. The atomizing air strikes the paint jet, tearing the paint jet into threads and ribbons. Due to their hydrodynamic instability, the interaction between the fast-flowing compressed air and the ambient air, and aerodynamic disturbances, these threads and ribbons break up into droplets, which are blown away from the nozzle by the atomizing air.

[0003] Such a paint spray gun is disclosed, for example, in US 5,456,414 A.

[0004] The air cap often also has two horns which are diametrically opposed to one another and project beyond the aforementioned annular gap and the material outlet opening in the outflow direction. Two supply bores, i.e. horn air supply channels, run from the rear of the air cap to horn air outlet openings in the horns. As a rule, each horn has at least one horn air outlet opening, but preferably each horn has at least two horn air outlet openings from which the horn air exits. The horn air outlet openings are generally oriented such that they point towards the longitudinal axis of the nozzle in the outlet direction after the annular gap, so that the so-called horn air exiting from the horn air outlet openings can influence the air that has already escaped from the annular gap or the paint jet or the paint mist that has already at least partially formed.This compresses the paint jet, or spray jet, with its originally circular cross-section (round jet), on the sides facing the horns and extends it in a perpendicular direction. This creates a so-called broad jet, which allows for a higher surface painting speed. In addition to shaping the spray jet, the horn air also serves to further atomize the spray jet.

[0005] The above-mentioned material nozzle usually has a hollow main section and a substantially hollow-cylindrical front section with a material outlet opening, through which the material to be sprayed flows. Depending on the material to be sprayed and the preference of the spray gun user, the spray gun can be equipped with material nozzles with material outlet openings of different sizes, i.e. material outlet openings with different inner diameters. If the material to be sprayed, e.g. paint, is a higher-viscosity material, e.g. filler, a material nozzle with a material outlet opening with a larger inner diameter should generally be selected than for a lower-viscosity material such as clear coat. The inner diameter of a material outlet opening of a material nozzle is usually between a few tenths of a millimeter and several millimeters.A fluid nozzle with a fluid outlet opening of a specific inner diameter is often referred to as a fluid nozzle with a specific "nozzle size", although the value of this nominal nozzle size does not have to exactly match the value of the inner diameter of the fluid outlet opening.

[0006] Depending on the nozzle size, i.e. depending on the size of the inner diameter of the material outlet opening of the material nozzle, the material nozzle or the spray gun equipped with the material nozzle can have a certain material throughput. The material throughput describes the amount of material that emerges from the material nozzle of the spray gun in a certain time, with a defined inlet flow pressure and fully actuated trigger. The value is given in grams per minute (g / min). If all other parameters remain the same, the material throughput increases with the nozzle size, whereby the material throughput is influenced not only by the inner diameter of the material outlet opening, but also by the length of the hollow cylindrical front section, the arrangement of the various surfaces inside the material nozzle, in particular the angles at which the surfaces are arranged to one another, and by other designs of the material nozzle.

[0007] With state-of-the-art spray guns, the size of the spray jet produced by the spray gun changes with increasing material throughput, in particular the height and / or width of the spray jet or the spray jet cross-section. The spray jet cross-section can be illustrated by means of a so-called spray pattern. A spray pattern is usually created by applying paint or varnish to a sheet of paper or sheet of paper using the spray gun, which is held at a certain distance, for example 15 cm to 20 cm, in front of a substrate, e.g. paper, a paper with a scale intended for creating a spray pattern, or a sheet of metal, without moving the spray gun. The spraying time is approximately 1 to 2 seconds. The shape of the spray pattern produced in this way and the size of the droplets on the substrate provide information about the quality of the spray gun, in particular the quality of the nozzles.

[0008] The layer thickness of the spray pattern can be determined using methods known in the state of the art, e.g. using layer thickness gauges before or after the spray pattern has dried, or the paint droplets as well as their size and position are recorded while they are flying onto the substrate, e.g. using laser diffraction methods.

[0009] A spray pattern as described above does not have a uniform layer thickness across its length and width. The central core of the spray pattern has a high layer thickness, while outside the core the layer thickness is thinner. The layer thickness transition between the core and the outer area is fluid. If the layer thickness is plotted over the length of the spray pattern, there is initially a gentle increase from left to right, which marks the outer edge of the outer area. Near the core, the layer thickness increases relatively steeply and ideally remains essentially constant over the length of the core, i.e. a plateau is formed. At the edge of the core, the layer thickness drops relatively steeply, followed by a gentler decrease towards the end of the outer area. It has been shown that a uniform coating of better quality can be produced the sharper the transition between the core and outer area, i.e.the steeper the gradient of the layer thickness over the length of the spray pattern at the transition from the outer area to the core area. During the painting process, the painter moves the activated spray gun in meandering paths, whereby the paths overlap in an area between 30% and 50% of their height, i.e. approximately the lower or upper third of a path overlaps with the upper or lower third of the previous path. A more sharply defined core area enables the painter to apply the core areas of the spray paths as closely as possible to one another during the painting process, so that a uniform overall layer thickness is achieved. However, the transition must not be too steep, otherwise there is a risk of overcoating, e.g. by accidentally applying twice the layer thickness, which leads to so-called paint runs. Furthermore, the tests have shown that it is advantageous if the above-mentioned plateau is as wide as possible, i.e.the core area of ​​the spray pattern with maximum layer thickness is as long as possible.

[0010] In this case, the spray pattern represents the spray jet cross-section. When reference is made to the spray jet cross-sectional height, spray jet cross-sectional width, or cross-sectional shape of the spray jet, this refers to the height, width, or shape of the spray pattern, respectively, in particular the height, width, or shape of the core area of ​​the spray pattern.

[0011] As already mentioned, with state-of-the-art spray guns, the size of the spray jet generated by the spray gun changes with increasing material throughput, in particular the height and / or width of the spray jet, the spray jet cross-section, or the spray jet core cross-section. With increasing nozzle size and / or increasing material throughput, not only does the spray jet become "wetter" as desired, i.e., more material is applied per area, but the spray jet cross-section also becomes higher and / or wider. Furthermore, the material throughput does not increase uniformly with increasing nozzle size, especially the nominal nozzle size. For example, a so-called 1.2 mm nozzle may have a material throughput 10 g / min higher than a 1.1 mm nozzle, but a material throughput 20 g / min lower than a 1.3 mm nozzle. Therefore, with each nozzle change, the spray gun user must adapt their working methods to the new nozzle.If, for example, the user wants to spray a material with a certain viscosity and then a material with a different viscosity and therefore changes from one nozzle size to another, they must, for example, adjust the distance of the spray gun to the surface to be coated or their painting speed, i.e. the speed at which they move the spray gun over the surface to be coated, to the new nozzle. This can make the work of the spray gun user more difficult. Furthermore, the user of spray guns according to the state of the art does not have the option of selecting a spray shape that is advantageous for them and their working method, i.e. a spray jet with a spray jet cross-section that is advantageous for them.

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an efficient method for designing a nozzle module.

[0013] A nozzle set for a spray gun, in particular a compressed air atomizing paint spray gun, has at least one nozzle module group with at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for optional attachment in or on one and the same base body module of a spray gun, wherein the nozzle modules are designed such that they have a different material throughput under the same spraying conditions, and wherein the spray jets that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules have substantially the same spray jet cross-sectional height and the same spray jet cross-sectional width, in particular the spray jet cross-sections of the different nozzle modules are congruent.

[0014] The nozzle modules within the nozzle module group each have a different material throughput; in particular, they are nozzles with different nozzle sizes, in particular nominal nozzle sizes. The nozzle module group can, for example, comprise a 1.1 nozzle module, a 1.2 nozzle module, a 1.3 nozzle module, a 1.4 nozzle module, and a 1.5 nozzle module, which have a material throughput that increases with the nominal nozzle size. The nominal nozzle size can essentially correspond to the actual nozzle size, i.e., the actual inner diameter of the material outlet opening of the paint nozzle of the nozzle module in millimeters. For example, the inner diameter of the 1.5 nozzle module can be 1.5 mm.However, the 1.3 nozzle module can, for example, have an inner diameter of the material outlet opening of the paint nozzle of 1.4 mm, whereby the material throughput can be reduced compared to the 1.4 nozzle module, for example, through different geometries and / or dimensions, in particular angles and lengths, in particular the length of a substantially hollow cylindrical front section of the paint nozzle. At the same time or alternatively, the material outlet opening of the paint nozzle of the 1.4 nozzle module can have a larger inner diameter than 1.4 mm.

[0015] The at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules of the nozzle module group of the nozzle set according to the invention can be arranged optionally in or on one and the same base body module of a spray gun. This means that a first nozzle module arranged on the base body module, for example a nozzle module with a first material throughput, for example a 1.2 nozzle module with a material throughput of 150 g / min, can be removed from the base body module, in particular unscrewed, preferably via a quick-release screw closure, and another nozzle module from the nozzle module group of the nozzle set according to the invention with a second material throughput, for example a 1.5 nozzle module with a material throughput of 195 g / min, can be arranged on the same base body module, preferably via the same quick-release screw closure.

[0016] Under identical spraying conditions, the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group of the nozzle set according to the invention have different material throughputs, and the spray jets generated by the nozzle modules have essentially the same spray jet cross-sectional height and spray jet cross-sectional width. The spraying conditions that should be identical can include, for example, the inlet flow pressure, the air pressure at the inlet of the spray gun, the distance and angle of the spray gun to the object to be coated, the material to be sprayed, the degree of actuation of the trigger guard, the setting of a round-to-wide jet control, but also climatic conditions such as temperature, air humidity, and ambient pressure. As mentioned above, in this case, the spray pattern should represent the spray jet cross-section.The fact that the spray jet cross-sectional height and the spray jet cross-sectional width are essentially equal here means that the height and width of the spray pattern, in particular the core of the spray pattern, i.e., the area of ​​the spray pattern with the highest layer thickness, are essentially equal. Particularly preferably, the spray jet cross-sections of the various nozzle modules are congruent, i.e., the spray patterns are essentially identical in shape and size. Due to the different material throughputs of the nozzle modules, the layer thickness of the spray patterns varies.

[0017] A nozzle module can, in particular, comprise a material nozzle and an air cap. It can also comprise an air nozzle ring, via which the nozzle module can be screwed to the base module, and a paint needle for closing and releasing the material outlet opening of the material nozzle.

[0018] An advantage of the nozzle set according to the invention is that the user of the spray gun, for example the vehicle painter, does not have to accept any change in the spray jet cross-sectional height and spray jet cross-sectional width when changing the nozzle size, i.e. when replacing the nozzle module arranged on the base module of the spray gun with a first material throughput with a nozzle module with a second material throughput. Preferably, the newly arranged nozzle produces a spray jet with the same cross-sectional shape and dimensions as with the removed nozzle. The painter therefore does not have to change his working method, in particular the distance of the spray gun from the object to be coated, after changing the nozzle.

[0019] The spray gun system according to the invention is characterized in that it has at least one nozzle set described in more detail above and below and a base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of the nozzle set can be arranged interchangeably on the base body module.

[0020] Each of the various nozzle modules from the various nozzle module groups can be arranged interchangeably on one and the same base body module. Preferably, the various nozzle modules have the same connection type, so that they can be arranged directly on the base body module, for example via a thread, in particular a trapezoidal thread, which can be designed as a quick-action screw closure or connection, or via a bayonet connection, a plug connection, or via another connection known in the art. However, it is also conceivable for a first nozzle module to have a different connection type than a second nozzle module, and for one of the nozzle modules to be arranged on the base body module via an adapter.

[0021] The method according to the invention for designing a nozzle module, in particular a nozzle module for a nozzle set described in more detail above and below, comprises at least one step of defining at least one spray jet cross-sectional height and / or a spray jet cross-sectional width and / or a spray jet cross-sectional shape of a spray jet to be generated by the nozzle module, and at least one further step of constructing the nozzle module which generates a spray jet with the defined spray jet cross-sectional height and / or spray jet cross-sectional width and / or spray jet cross-sectional shape, wherein the method comprises constructing an air cap, in particular adapting an outer horn air outflow angle and / or an inner horn air outflow angle and / or a control bore distance to a material throughput and / or to a nozzle internal pressure of the nozzle module,wherein the outer horn air outlet angle is the angle at which horn air flows out of an outer horn air outlet opening of the air cap relative to a vertical axis, the vertical axis being perpendicular to a central axis of the air cap, wherein the inner horn air outlet angle is the angle at which horn air flows out of an inner horn air outlet opening of the air cap relative to the vertical axis, and wherein the control bore distance is the distance between at least one control bore in the air cap and a central opening in the air cap.

[0022] For example, in the first step, it can be determined that the spray jet to be generated by the nozzle module should have a spray jet cross-sectional height of approximately 27 cm and / or a spray jet cross-sectional width of approximately 4 cm and / or an oval, in particular elliptical, spray jet cross-sectional shape. Here, too, this concerns the height, width and shape of the spray pattern, in particular the core of the spray pattern. Subsequently, the nozzle module, which generates a spray jet with the specified spray jet cross-sectional height, spray jet cross-sectional width and / or spray jet cross-sectional shape, is constructed. In particular, an air cap is constructed for the nozzle module. Such an air cap can, in particular, have two horns that are diametrically opposed to one another and project forward, i.e. in the spray direction, beyond a central opening in the air cap. Two supply bores run from the rear of the air cap, i.e.Horn air supply channels, to horn air outlet openings in the horns. Each horn preferably has at least two horn air outlet openings from which the horn air exits. As already described above, the horn air outlet openings are generally oriented such that the horn air exiting the horn air outlet openings can influence the air that has already escaped from the above-mentioned annular gap or the paint jet or the paint mist that has already at least partially formed. Such an air cap can also have control openings in the area next to the central opening. These control openings, which are referred to below as control bores, although they do not have to be designed as bores, but preferably are, extend into the interior of the air cap and are supplied with air from there when the spray gun is in operation.The air exiting the control holes, the so-called control air, meets the horn air exiting the horn air outlet openings and deflects it, fanning out the horn air jet, i.e. it broadens it and weakens the horn air jet. The control air also acts on the round jet and causes a slight pre-deformation as well as additional atomization. In both cases, the control air contributes to the further atomization of the paint jet and reduces the contamination of the air cap by spray mist, as it carries this away from the air cap. In particular, the air cap can have three control holes arranged on two opposite sides of the central opening, which are arranged in the shape of a triangle, with one tip of the triangle directed towards the inner or outer horn air outlet openings, i.e.The hole forming the apex of the triangle is preferably aligned with the inner horn air outlet opening, the outer horn air outlet openings, and the center point of the central opening in the air cap. The control holes can have the same diameter, advantageously between 0.45 mm and 0.65 mm. However, the air cap can also have only two control holes arranged on two opposite sides of the central opening, which are preferably aligned with the inner horn air outlet opening, the outer horn air outlet openings, and the center point of the central opening in the air cap.

[0023] The method according to the invention comprises in particular adapting an outer horn air outflow angle and / or an inner horn air outflow angle and / or a control bore distance to a material throughput and / or to an internal nozzle pressure of the nozzle module, wherein the outer horn air outflow angle is the angle at which horn air flows out of an outer horn air outlet opening of the air cap relative to a vertical axis, wherein the vertical axis is perpendicular to a central axis of the air cap, wherein the inner horn air outflow angle is the angle at which horn air flows out of an inner horn air outlet opening of the air cap relative to the vertical axis, and wherein the control bore distance is the distance between at least one control bore in the air cap and a central opening in the air cap.

[0024] Naturally, the horn air expands or fans out slightly after exiting the horn air outlet opening. In this case, the horn air outlet angle is the angle at which the majority of the horn air, or the center of the horn air jet, flows out relative to the described vertical axis. In particular, the horn air outlet angle can be the angle of the central axis of the horn air outlet channel, in particular of the horn air outlet bore, the end of which forms the horn air outlet opening, relative to the vertical axis. The central axis of the air cap, to which the vertical axis is perpendicular, runs in particular through the center of the central opening in the air cap.

[0025] If a control bore is aligned with the horn air outlet openings, the control bore distance is understood here as the distance between the above-mentioned central axis of the air cap and an axis parallel to this central axis through the center of the corresponding control bore. Otherwise, the control bore distance is understood here as the distance between the above-mentioned central axis and an axis parallel to this central axis through a projection of the center of the corresponding control bore onto the cross-sectional plane. The cross-sectional plane preferably runs in particular along the central axis of the air cap and through the centers of the horn air outlet openings.

[0026] The fact that an outer horn air outflow angle and / or an inner horn air outflow angle and / or a control bore distance is adapted to a material throughput and / or to an internal nozzle pressure of the nozzle module within the scope of the method according to the invention means that the outer horn air outflow angle, inner horn air outflow angle and / or control bore distance must be dimensioned as a function of a material throughput and / or an internal nozzle pressure.For example, if a nozzle module with a first material throughput and / or at a first nozzle internal pressure generates a spray jet with the specified spray jet cross-sectional height and / or spray jet cross-sectional width and / or spray jet cross-sectional shape because it has a suitable outer horn air outflow angle, inner horn air outflow angle and / or control bore distance, then at a second material throughput that is different from the first material throughput and / or at a second nozzle internal pressure that is different from the first nozzle, the outer horn air outflow angle, the inner horn air outflow angle and / or the control bore distance must be changed in order to achieve a spray jet with the specified spray jet cross-sectional height and / or spray jet cross-sectional width and / or spray jet cross-sectional shape. A changed material throughput occurs in particular when a material nozzle with a different nozzle size is used.A change in the internal nozzle pressure occurs particularly when a low-pressure nozzle module is used first, followed by a high-pressure nozzle module, or when a low-pressure base module is used first, followed by a high-pressure base module. However, changes to the air cap can also influence the internal nozzle pressure.

[0027] Within the scope of the present method, an outer horn air outflow angle, an inner horn air outflow angle and / or a control bore spacing of the air cap are precisely matched to the material throughput and / or the internal nozzle pressure of the nozzle module so that the nozzle module produces a spray jet with the specified, i.e. desired, spray jet cross-sectional height and / or spray jet cross-sectional width and / or spray jet cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the outer horn air outflow angle of the first horn is equal to the outer horn air outflow angle of the second horn, the inner horn air outflow angle of the first horn is equal to the inner horn air outflow angle of the second horn and the control bore spacing(s) of the control bores on one side of the central opening are equal to the control bore spacing(s) of the control bores on the opposite side of the central opening.

[0028] The method according to the invention for selecting a nozzle module from a nozzle set described in more detail above and below for a painting task is characterized in that the method comprises at least the selection and / or specification of one or more of the following properties of the painting task: previously used nozzle module of a nozzle set according to one of claims 1 to 8, previously used nozzle module of another nozzle set, spray pressure method, spray gun model, spray gun manufacturer, type of medium to be sprayed, viscosity of the medium to be sprayed, recommendation of the manufacturer of the medium to be sprayed, spray jet shape, layer thickness, climatic conditions, painting speed, controllability, nozzle size, and that, based on the selection or specification, a suggestion for a nozzle module of the nozzle set is generated. The method can comprise various stages with different selection and / or specification options.For example, in a first stage, the selection or specification can be provided as to whether the suggestion for a nozzle module of the nozzle set should be generated based on a previously used nozzle module of a nozzle set described in more detail above and below, a previously used nozzle module of another nozzle set, the type of medium to be sprayed and / or based on the layer thickness to be achieved, in particular the layer thickness to be achieved per spray pass. Depending on the selection or specification, various further properties of the painting task can be selected and / or specified. For example, water-based paint, solvent-based paint, clear coat or 2-component paint can be selected as the type of medium to be sprayed. As spray pressure processes, for example, low-pressure processes, in particular HVLP, or high-pressure processes, in particular compliant, can be selected or specified.A single nozzle size, for example 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3, or a nozzle size range, for example 1.0 to 1.2, 1.3 to 1.5 etc. can be selected or specified as the nozzle size used. The viscosity of the medium to be sprayed can be specified or selected as a value or as a viscosity range, such as low viscosity, normal or high viscosity, preferably with an indication of a value range, in particular in time in seconds, that the material needs to completely run out of a standardized container, in particular from a DIN4 cup. The desired spray jet shape can, for example, be a spray jet with a cross section with an essentially constant width at least in some regions (I-jet) or a spray jet with a cross section with an essentially oval, in particular essentially elliptical, shape (O-jet).The climatic conditions can in particular be the temperature and / or the relative humidity in the paint booth in which the nozzle module is to be used. The indication of the painting speed and the controllability can preferably be designed as mutually influencing sliders, which indicate whether the user attaches more importance to a high painting speed or good controllability of the application. The sum of the value for the importance of the painting speed and the value for the importance of the controllability can in particular always be 100%. If a user of the method according to the invention moves the slider for the painting speed upwards, the slider for the controllability automatically moves downwards. The division can thus, for example,0% painting speed and 100% controllability if the user only values ​​good controllability, it can be 100% painting speed and 0% controllability if the user only values ​​a high painting speed, or it can be 25% painting speed and 75% controllability, 50% painting speed and 50% controllability, 75% painting speed and 25% controllability. The specification can in particular be made in 1% increments. The suggestion for a nozzle module of the nozzle set, which is generated based on the selection or specification of one or more properties of the painting task, is preferably output, in particular displayed. The method according to the invention preferably comprises sending the suggestion for a nozzle module of the nozzle set by e-mail or by means of another data transmission system.

[0029] The selection system according to the invention, in particular a "slider system" for carrying out the above-mentioned method, is characterized in that it comprises selection or input means for the properties of the painting task as well as means for generating and displaying a proposal for a nozzle module of the nozzle set. The selection system can, for example, consist of several mutually movable elements, e.g., made of paper or cardboard, which form the selection or input means for the properties of the painting task. Once the properties of the painting task have been fully selected or entered, the selection system according to the invention then displays the proposal for a nozzle module of the nozzle set.

[0030] The computer program product according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a data processing device, cause the device to generate a method or the steps of the selection system described in more detail above and below. In particular, the computer program product according to the invention can have a menu navigation which, in accordance with the selection system described in more detail above and below, or the method described in more detail above and below for selecting a nozzle module from a nozzle set for a painting task, comprises various stages with different selection and / or specification options. For example, here too, the selection orIt may be provided to indicate whether the suggestion for a nozzle module of the nozzle set is to be generated based on a previously used nozzle module of a nozzle set described in more detail above and below, a previously used nozzle module of another nozzle set, the type of medium to be sprayed and / or based on the layer thickness to be achieved, in particular the layer thickness to be achieved per spray pass. Depending on the selection or indication, various further menu items may appear through which the properties of the painting task can be selected and / or specified. Facts explained above in the context of the description of the method according to the invention can apply correspondingly to the computer program product according to the invention. The said data processing device can in particular be a smartphone or a desktop, notebook or tablet computer.The computer program product according to the invention can be configured such that the suggestion for a nozzle module of the nozzle set, which is generated based on the selection or specification of one or more properties of the painting task, is output, in particular displayed. Particularly preferably, the computer program product according to the invention is configured such that the suggestion for a nozzle module of the nozzle set can be sent by email or by means of another data transmission system.

[0031] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0032] Preferably, the nozzle set according to the invention has at least one further (second) nozzle module group, which comprises at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for optional attachment in or on one and the same base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of the further nozzle module group are also designed such that they have a different material throughput under the same spraying conditions and the spray jets that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules have essentially the same spray jet cross-sectional height and the same spray jet cross-sectional width, in particular the spray jet cross-sections of the different nozzle modules are congruent, wherein the spray jets that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of the two nozzle module groups each have different cross-sectional shapes, in particular such thatthat the spray jets that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of one nozzle module group have a cross-section with a substantially constant width, at least in some areas (I-nozzle modules), and the spray jets that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of the other nozzle module group have a cross-section with a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, shape (O-nozzle modules).

[0033] The above explanations regarding the nozzle set according to the invention apply here accordingly.

[0034] Like the nozzle module group of the nozzle set according to the invention described above, which is referred to below as the first nozzle module group, the further, in particular second, nozzle module group also has at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for optional attachment in or on one and the same base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of the further nozzle module group are also designed in such a way that they have a different material throughput under the same spraying conditions and the spray jets that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules have essentially the same spray jet cross-sectional height and the same spray jet cross-sectional width, in particular the spray jet cross-sections of the various nozzle modules are congruent.

[0035] Furthermore, the spray jets that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of the two nozzle module groups, i.e. the first nozzle module group and the further, in particular second, nozzle module group, each have different cross-sectional shapes, in particular such that the spray jets that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of one nozzle module group have a cross-section with a substantially constant width, at least in some regions (I-nozzle modules), and the spray jets that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of the other nozzle module group have a cross-section with a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, shape (O-nozzle modules). The nozzle modules with spray jets with a cross-section with a substantially constant width, at least in some regions, are referred to below as I-nozzle modules, and a spray jet generated by means of an I-nozzle module is referred to as an I-jet.The nozzle modules with spray jets that are essentially oval, and in particular essentially elliptical, are referred to below as O-nozzle modules, and a spray jet generated using an O-nozzle module is referred to as an O-jet. An I-jet is characterized by an elongated jet shape with short run-out zones at the top and bottom of the spray pattern, which makes an I-jet particularly suitable for controlled application, in particular because less paint is applied per area at a defined painting speed. An O-jet with its essentially oval, and in particular essentially elliptical, jet shape has larger run-out zones at the top and bottom of the spray pattern and is particularly suitable for fast application, in particular because more paint is applied per area than with a .

[0036] Thanks to this special design, the user of the nozzle set according to the invention can select the jet shape most suitable for their working method. If the user places greater value on good controllability of the application, they should choose one of the I-nozzle modules; if they place greater value on high painting speed, they should choose one of the O-nozzle modules.

[0037] Both the first nozzle module group and the further, in particular second, nozzle module group have different nozzle modules that have different material throughputs under the same spraying conditions. At the same time, the nozzle modules within a nozzle module group generate spray jets with essentially the same spray jet cross-sectional height and the same spray jet cross-sectional width under the same spraying conditions. In particular, the spray jet cross-sections of the spray jets generated by the various nozzle modules within a group are congruent. The spray jet cross-sectional height, the spray jet cross-sectional width, and / or the spray jet cross-section can vary across groups.

[0038] The nozzle set preferably has at least one further (third) nozzle module group, which comprises at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for optional attachment in or on one and the same base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of the further nozzle module group are also designed such that they have a different material throughput under the same spraying conditions and the spray jets that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules have essentially the same spray jet cross-sectional height and the same spray jet cross-sectional width, in particular the spray jet cross-sections of the various nozzle modules are congruent, wherein the nozzle modules of one nozzle module group are designed as low-pressure nozzle modules and the nozzle modules of the further nozzle module group are designed as high-pressure nozzle modules.

[0039] Spray guns, especially paint spray guns, operate using various pressure processes. Conventional spray guns operate at relatively high spray pressures of several bar. In so-called HVLP guns, the internal nozzle pressure is a maximum of 10 psi or 0.7 bar, which allows for transfer rates well over 65%. Compliant spray guns, on the other hand, have an internal nozzle pressure of more than 10 psi or 0.7 bar, but also achieve a transfer rate of more than 65%.

[0040] The internal nozzle pressure of the spray gun is the pressure prevailing in the air cap of the spray gun. The atomizing air area is often separated from the horn air area and the pressure in the atomizing air area can be different than in the horn air area. However, the pressures in the atomizing air area and the horn air area can also be the same. The internal nozzle pressure can be measured, for example, using a so-called test air cap. This is a special air cap that is attached to the spray gun instead of the usual air cap. The test air cap usually has two pressure gauges, one of which is connected to the atomizing air area via a hole in the test air cap and the other to the horn air area via another hole in the test air cap.

[0041] The terms low-pressure nozzle module and high-pressure nozzle module are not intended to imply that the respective nozzle module is only used in classic low-pressure or high-pressure spray guns, or that the use of the respective nozzle module turns the spray gun into a classic low-pressure, in particular HVLP, spray gun, or a classic high-pressure gun. Rather, it is only to be understood that the spray gun, when equipped with a high-pressure nozzle module, has a higher internal nozzle pressure than when equipped with a low-pressure nozzle module. Preferably, a spray gun equipped with a low-pressure nozzle module or a base body module equipped with a low-pressure nozzle module meets the criteria of an HVLP spray gun, and the spray gun or base body module equipped with a high-pressure nozzle module meets the criteria of an HVLP spray gun.A base body module equipped with a high-pressure nozzle module meets the criteria of a compliant spray gun.

[0042] Because the nozzle modules of one nozzle module group are designed as low-pressure nozzle modules and the nozzle modules of the other nozzle module group are designed as high-pressure nozzle modules, the user can select the nozzle module best suited to their working method. If high transfer rates and thus saving spray material are important, they should choose one of the low-pressure, particularly HVLP, nozzle modules. If a higher painting speed is important and / or their compressor is too small for the HVLP process, which requires a higher air volume than compliant guns, they should choose one of the high-pressure, particularly compliant, nozzle modules.

[0043] Particularly preferably, the spray jets generated by the low-pressure nozzle modules and the spray jets generated by the high-pressure nozzle modules have the same cross-sectional shape, in particular such that the spray jets generated by the low-pressure nozzle modules and the high-pressure nozzle modules have a cross-section with a substantially constant width, at least in some regions (I-nozzle modules) or a cross-section with a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, shape (O-nozzle modules). "Same cross-sectional shape" in this context means a similar basic shape; in particular, the cross-sectional shape with a substantially constant width, at least in some regions, is a shape, regardless of different spray jet cross-sectional heights, spray jet cross-sectional widths, or ratios of spray jet cross-sectional height and spray jet cross-sectional width.Likewise, the cross-sectional shape with a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, shape is a shape, regardless of different spray jet cross-sectional heights, spray jet cross-sectional widths or ratios of spray jet cross-sectional height and spray jet cross-sectional width.

[0044] This allows a user who prefers an I-jet as described above to choose between a low-pressure nozzle module and a high-pressure nozzle module without having to give up their preferred jet shape. The same applies to users who prefer an O-jet as described above.

[0045] Particularly preferably, the nozzle set comprises at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle module groups, wherein the nozzle modules of the nozzle module groups are preferably designed such that each nozzle module of a nozzle module group can be assigned a nozzle module of at least one other nozzle module group(s), which has the same material throughput under the same spraying conditions.

[0046] One of the aforementioned nozzle module groups can comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for optional attachment in or on one and the same base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of this nozzle module group are all designed as low-pressure, in particular HVLP, nozzle modules and as I-nozzle modules, and their spray jets, in particular spray jet cross-sections, all have the same spray jet cross-sectional height, the same spray jet cross-sectional width, and the same spray jet cross-sectional shape, in particular their spray jet cross-sections being congruent. The individual nozzle modules within the nozzle module group have a different material throughput, in particular different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes.

[0047] Another of the aforementioned nozzle module groups can comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for optional attachment in or on one and the same base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of this nozzle module group are also all designed as low-pressure, in particular HVLP, nozzle modules, but not as I-nozzle modules but as O-nozzle modules, and their spray jets, in particular spray jet cross-sections, also all have the same spray jet cross-sectional height, the same spray jet cross-sectional width, and the same spray jet cross-sectional shape, in particular their spray jet cross-sections are congruent. The individual nozzle modules within the nozzle module group have a different material throughput, in particular different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes.

[0048] Another of the aforementioned nozzle module groups can comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for optional attachment in or on one and the same base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of this nozzle module group are not designed as low-pressure, in particular HVLP, nozzle modules, but as high-pressure, in particular compliant, nozzle modules and also as O-nozzle modules, and their spray jets, in particular spray jet cross-sections, all also have the same spray jet cross-sectional height, the same spray jet cross-sectional width, and the same spray jet cross-sectional shape, in particular their spray jet cross-sections being congruent. The individual nozzle modules within the nozzle module group have a different material throughput, in particular different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes.

[0049] Another of the aforementioned nozzle module groups can comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for optional attachment in or on one and the same base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of this nozzle module group are also designed as high-pressure, in particular compliant, nozzle modules, but not as O-nozzle modules, but rather as I-nozzle modules, and their spray jets, in particular spray jet cross-sections, also all have the same spray jet cross-sectional height, the same spray jet cross-sectional width, and the same spray jet cross-sectional shape, in particular their spray jet cross-sections are congruent. The individual nozzle modules within the nozzle module group have a different material throughput, in particular different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes.

[0050] The individual nozzle module groups can each exist on their own and form a nozzle set, or they can be combined with any other nozzle module group to form a nozzle set. For example, the nozzle module group referred to above as the second nozzle module group can also exist without the first nozzle module group mentioned above and form a nozzle set on its own, or the second nozzle module group and the third and / or fourth nozzle module group can form a nozzle set, even without the first nozzle module group. The third and fourth nozzle module groups can also form a nozzle set together, even without the first and second nozzle module groups.

[0051] The fact that the nozzle modules of the nozzle module groups are preferably designed in such a way that each nozzle module of a nozzle module group can be assigned a nozzle module of at least one other nozzle module group(s), which has the same material throughput under the same spraying conditions, means that, for example, in at least two of the nozzle module groups, a nozzle module has a material throughput of 150 g / min.

[0052] Particularly preferably, the nozzle modules of the nozzle module groups are designed such that each nozzle module of a nozzle module group can be assigned a nozzle module of at least one other nozzle module group(s) that has the same nozzle size, in particular the same nominal nozzle size. For example, at least two, preferably four of the nozzle module groups can have a 1.1 nozzle module, a 1.2 nozzle module, a 1.3 nozzle module, and a 1.4 nozzle module.

[0053] Preferably, the nozzle modules of a nozzle set according to the invention each comprise at least one air cap, each with at least two horns, each with at least one inner horn air outlet opening and one outer horn air outlet opening, wherein horn air flows out of the at least one outer horn air outlet opening in each case at a specific outer horn air outflow angle relative to a vertical axis, wherein the vertical axis is perpendicular to a central axis of the first air cap, wherein horn air flows out of the at least one inner horn air outlet opening in each case at a specific inner horn air outflow angle relative to the vertical axis, and for the different nozzle modules of at least one nozzle module group, the sums of the outer horn air outflow angle and the inner horn air outflow angle within a nozzle module are different.

[0054] The above explanations regarding the method according to the invention for designing a nozzle module apply accordingly in the present case. If, for example, in a first nozzle module of a nozzle module group, the outer horn air outflow angle relative to the vertical axis is 16° and the inner horn air outflow angle relative to the vertical axis is 21.5°, the sum of the outer horn air outflow angle and the inner horn air outflow angle is 37.5°. For a second nozzle module of the same nozzle module group, for example, the outer horn air outflow angle relative to the vertical axis is 17° and the inner horn air outflow angle relative to the vertical axis is 22°, the sum of the outer horn air outflow angle and the inner horn air outflow angle is 39°.To achieve a change in the sum of the outer horn air outlet angle and the inner horn air outlet angle, it is not necessary to change both the outer horn air outlet angle and the inner horn air outlet angle; changing one of the angles is sufficient. The sum of the outer horn air outlet angle and the inner horn air outlet angle preferably increases with increasing material throughput. In particular, this sum can be between 37° and 44° for HVLP nozzle modules with an I-jet, between 36° and 41.5° for HVLP nozzle modules with an O-jet, between 44° and 46.5° for compliant nozzle modules with an I-jet, and between 44.5° and 48.5° for compliant nozzle modules with an O-jet.

[0055] Preferably, the nozzle modules of a nozzle set according to the invention each have at least one air cap, each with at least one central opening and at least two control bores, wherein the control bores are arranged on opposite sides of the at least one central opening, in particular diametrically opposite one another, and at a specific control bore distance from the at least one central opening, characterized in that the control bore distance is different for the different nozzle modules of at least one nozzle module group.

[0056] The above explanations regarding the method according to the invention for designing a nozzle module apply accordingly in the present case, in particular the explanations regarding the number and arrangement of the control bores and the measurement of the control bore distance between the control bores and the central opening.

[0057] Preferably, the nozzle modules of a nozzle set according to the invention each have at least one material nozzle with a substantially hollow-cylindrical front section and a material outlet opening, wherein the inner diameter of the material outlet opening and / or the axial extent of the substantially hollow-cylindrical front section of the material nozzle differ between the various nozzle modules of at least one nozzle module group. In particular, this achieves a different material throughput.

[0058] Preferably, the nozzle modules of a nozzle module group of a nozzle set according to the invention are designed such that the material throughput between successive nozzle modules increases by an equidistant value, preferably by a value of between 10 and 20 g / min, in particular by a value of 15 g / min, with increasing material throughput.This means that a nozzle module group has, for example, a 1.2 nozzle module and a 1.3 nozzle module, wherein the 1.2 nozzle module and the 1.3 nozzle module follow one another with increasing material throughput, i.e. within the nozzle module group, the 1.3 nozzle has the next highest material throughput to the 1.2 nozzle, this means that no nozzle module within the nozzle module group has a material throughput that lies between the material throughput of the 1.2 nozzle module and the material throughput of the 1.3 nozzle module, and wherein the 1.3 nozzle has a material throughput that is 10 to 20 g / min, preferably 15 g / min higher, under the same spraying conditions.Particularly preferably, a nozzle module group comprises at least four nozzle modules which are designed such that the material throughput between successive nozzle modules increases with increasing material throughput under the same spraying conditions by an equidistant value, preferably by a value of between 10 and 20 g / min, in particular by a value of 15 g / min. For example, a nozzle module group comprises a 1.1, a 1.2, a 1.3, and a 1.4 nozzle module, which follow one another with increasing material throughput. For example, the material throughput of the 1.1 nozzle is 135 g / min, the material throughput of the 1.2 nozzle is 150 g / min, the material throughput of the 1.3 nozzle is 165 g / min, and the material throughput of the 1.4 nozzle is 180 g / min. Such a consistently increasing material throughput with increasing nozzle size is very beneficial for the user.

[0059] The method according to the invention for designing a nozzle module preferably comprises manufacturing the nozzle module. Particularly preferably, it also comprises delivering the nozzle module to the customer and using the nozzle module.

[0060] The invention is explained in more detail below using five figures as examples. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an injection molding process; Fig. 2 a diagram with a schematic example of the layer thickness curve over the height of the spray pattern; Fig. 3 a table with exemplary nozzle modules of various nozzle module groups of an embodiment of a nozzle set according to the invention; Fig. 4 a sectional view of a first air cap of a nozzle module of an embodiment of a nozzle set according to the invention and Fig. 5a sectional view of a second air cap of another nozzle module of an embodiment of a nozzle set according to the invention.

[0061] Fig. 1shows schematically how a spray jet or a spray pattern 3 is generated by means of a spray gun 1, which in this case is designed as a compressed air atomizing paint spray gun. The spray gun 1 comprises in particular a base body module 11 and a nozzle module 15, which is arranged on the base body module 11. In the present example, the nozzle module 15, or the spray gun 1 with the nozzle module 15, generates an O-jet as described above, but the situation for an I-jet is essentially the same. The figure does not show a real view, but rather the spray gun 1 is shown in a side view and the spray pattern 3 in a front view of the spray pattern 3. The dashed lines illustrate the upper and lower outer boundaries of the generated spray jet and the upper and lower outer boundaries of the core of the spray jet.When the spray jet strikes a flat object that is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z and at a spray distance d from the nozzle, in particular to the front end of a material nozzle, of the spray gun, it creates the spray pattern 3 with its spray jet outer region 7 and core or core region 5. The outer boundary of the spray jet outer region 7 and the transition between the spray jet outer region 7 and the core region 5 are fluid. However, at least the core region 5 can usually be easily identified and measured in real spray patterns. The core region 5 has a specific height and a specific width, which are referred to here as the spray jet cross-sectional height h and the spray jet cross-sectional width b. The longitudinal axis Z in this case is a longitudinal axis of the upper part of the spray gun 1, a spray axis, a nozzle longitudinal axis or a central axis of an air cap.

[0062] The Fig. 2The spray jet 3 shown is different from the illustration in Fig. 1 rotated by 90°. The Fig. 2 shows a schematic example of a coating thickness curve over the height of the entire spray jet. The diagram, with its graph 9, initially shows a relatively flat increase in the coating thickness in µm in the outer spray jet area 7. In the core area 5, the coating thickness increases sharply, reaches its maximum, and then drops sharply again. In the outer spray jet area 7, graph 9 flattens out again. The distance between the measurement points, which form the x-axis of the diagram, is not equal to 1 cm in this case.

[0063] Fig. 3shows a table with different exemplary nozzle modules of various nozzle module groups 10, 20, 30, 40 of an embodiment of a nozzle set according to the invention. The individual nozzle module groups 10, 20, 30, 40 are each outlined in bold in the table. The first nozzle module group 10 here comprises five nozzle modules with different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes. The material throughput of the five nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 10 increases from one nozzle size to the next by an equidistant value, namely 15 g / min. The 1.1 nozzle module has a material throughput of 135 g / min, the 1.2 nozzle module a material throughput of 150 g / min, the 1.3 nozzle module a material throughput of 165 g / min, the 1.4 nozzle module a material throughput of 180 g / min and the 1.5 nozzle module a material throughput of 195 g / min. All nozzle modules within nozzle module group 10 are available as HVLP, i.e.designed as low-pressure nozzle modules, and all nozzle modules have the same spray jet cross-sectional height and the same spray jet cross-sectional width, whereby, as already mentioned above, the spray jet cross-sectional height h and spray jet cross-sectional width b of one in . Fig. 1 and Fig. 2illustrated core region 5 is meant. Preferably, the spray jet cross-sections, i.e. the core regions 5 of the spray patterns generated by the nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 10, are congruent, i.e. they have the same shape and size. Only the layer thickness of the core region 5 of the spray pattern would be different due to the different material throughput. The spray jet cross-sectional height and spray jet cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10 serve as a reference for the spray jet cross-sectional heights and spray jet cross-sectional widths of the nozzle modules of the other nozzle module groups and are therefore each shown at 100%. The nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10 are designed as the O-nozzle modules described above, i.e. they each generate a spray jet whose cross-section has a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, shape.

[0064] The user of an embodiment of a nozzle set according to the invention, which comprises at least two nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, can thus change the nozzle size of his spray gun, ie he can remove the first nozzle module arranged on the base body module of the spray gun with a first nozzle size, in particular nominal nozzle size, and arrange another nozzle module of the nozzle module group 10 with a different nozzle size, in particular nominal nozzle size, on the same base body module, and receives a spray jet with the same spray jet cross-sectional height, spray jet cross-sectional width and spray jet cross-sectional shape with a defined change in the material throughput.

[0065] Another nozzle module group 20 also comprises five nozzle modules with different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes. The material throughput of the five nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 20 increases from one nozzle size to the next by an equidistant value, namely 15 g / min. The 1.1 nozzle module has a material throughput of 135 g / min, the 1.2 nozzle module has a material throughput of 150 g / min, the 1.3 nozzle module has a material throughput of 165 g / min, the 1.4 nozzle module has a material throughput of 180 g / min, and the 1.5 nozzle module has a material throughput of 195 g / min. All nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 20 are available as HVLP, i.e.designed as low-pressure nozzle modules, and all nozzle modules have the same spray jet cross-sectional height and the same spray jet cross-sectional width, whereby here too, as already mentioned above, the spray jet cross-sectional height h and spray jet cross-sectional width b of one in . Fig. 1 and Fig. 2illustrated core region 5 is meant. Preferably, the spray jet cross-sections, i.e. the core regions 5 of the spray patterns generated by the nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 20, are congruent, i.e. they have the same shape and size. Only the layer thickness of the core region 5 of the spray pattern would be different due to the different material throughput. The spray jet cross-sectional height of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 20 is greater than the spray jet cross-sectional height of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, in the present example by 6% greater. The spray jet cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 20, on the other hand, is smaller than the spray jet cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, in the present example it amounts to 88% of the spray jet cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10.The nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 20 are designed as I-nozzle modules as described above, ie they each generate a spray jet whose cross section has a substantially constant width, at least in some areas.

[0066] The user of an embodiment of a nozzle set according to the invention, which comprises at least two nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 20, can thus change the nozzle size of his spray gun, ie he can remove the first nozzle module arranged on the base body module of the spray gun with a first nozzle size, in particular nominal nozzle size, and arrange another nozzle module of the nozzle module group 20 with a different nozzle size, in particular nominal nozzle size, on the same base body module, and receives a spray jet with the same spray jet cross-sectional height, spray jet cross-sectional width and spray jet cross-sectional shape with a defined change in the material throughput.

[0067] Another nozzle module group 30 also comprises five nozzle modules with different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes. The material throughput of the five nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 30 increases from one nozzle size to the next by an equidistant value, namely 15 g / min. The 1.1 nozzle module has a material throughput of 155 g / min, the 1.2 nozzle module has a material throughput of 170 g / min, the 1.3 nozzle module has a material throughput of 185 g / min, the 1.4 nozzle module has a material throughput of 200 g / min, and the 1.5 nozzle module has a material throughput of 215 g / min. All nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 30 are compliant, i.e.designed as high-pressure nozzle modules according to the above understanding, and all nozzle modules have the same spray jet cross-sectional height and the same spray jet cross-sectional width, whereby here too, as already mentioned above, the spray jet cross-sectional height h and spray jet cross-sectional width b of one in . Fig. 1 and Fig. 2illustrated core area 5 is meant. Preferably, the spray jet cross-sections, i.e., the core areas 5 of the spray patterns generated by the nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 30, are congruent, i.e., they have the same shape and size. Only the layer thickness of the core area 5 of the spray pattern would be different due to the different material throughput. The spray jet cross-sectional height of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 30 is greater than the spray jet cross-sectional height of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, in the present example by 15% greater. The spray jet cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 30 is equal to the spray jet cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10. The nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 30 are designed as the O-nozzle modules described above, i.e.They each produce a spray jet whose cross-section has a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, shape.

[0068] The user of an embodiment of a nozzle set according to the invention, which comprises at least two nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 30, can thus change the nozzle size of his spray gun, ie he can remove the first nozzle module arranged on the base body module of the spray gun with a first nozzle size, in particular nominal nozzle size, and arrange another nozzle module of the nozzle module group 30 with a different nozzle size, in particular nominal nozzle size, on the same base body module, and receives a spray jet with the same spray jet cross-sectional height, spray jet cross-sectional width and spray jet cross-sectional shape with a defined change in the material throughput.

[0069] Another nozzle module group 40 also comprises five nozzle modules with different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes. The material throughput of the five nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 40 increases from one nozzle size to the next by an equidistant value, namely 15 g / min. The 1.1 nozzle module has a material throughput of 155 g / min, the 1.2 nozzle module has a material throughput of 170 g / min, the 1.3 nozzle module has a material throughput of 185 g / min, the 1.4 nozzle module has a material throughput of 200 g / min, and the 1.5 nozzle module has a material throughput of 215 g / min. All nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 40 are compliant, i.e.designed as high-pressure nozzle modules according to the above understanding, and all nozzle modules have the same spray jet cross-sectional height and the same spray jet cross-sectional width, whereby here too, as already mentioned above, the spray jet cross-sectional height h and spray jet cross-sectional width b of one in . Fig. 1 and Fig. 2illustrated core region 5 is meant. Preferably, the spray jet cross-sections, i.e. the core regions 5 of the spray patterns generated by the nozzle modules within the nozzle module group 40, are congruent, i.e. they have the same shape and size. Only the layer thickness of the core region 5 of the spray pattern would be different due to the different material throughput. The spray jet cross-sectional height of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 40 is greater than the spray jet cross-sectional height of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, in the present example by 20% greater. The spray jet cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 40, on the other hand, is smaller than the spray jet cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, in the present example it amounts to 88% of the spray jet cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10.The nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 40 are designed as I-nozzle modules as described above, ie they each generate a spray jet whose cross section has a substantially constant width, at least in some areas.

[0070] The user of an embodiment of a nozzle set according to the invention, which comprises at least two nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 40, can thus change the nozzle size of his spray gun, ie he can remove the first nozzle module arranged on the base body module of the spray gun with a first nozzle size, in particular nominal nozzle size, and arrange another nozzle module of the nozzle module group 40 with a different nozzle size, in particular nominal nozzle size, on the same base body module, and receives a spray jet with the same spray jet cross-sectional height, spray jet cross-sectional width and spray jet cross-sectional shape with a defined change in the material throughput.

[0071] A nozzle set according to the invention for a spray gun, in particular a compressed air atomizing paint spray gun, can comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the same nozzle module group for optional attachment in or on one and the same base body module of a spray gun, which provides the user with the aforementioned advantages.

[0072] However, a nozzle set according to the invention can additionally comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from one or more other nozzle module groups for optional attachment in or to one and the same base body module. For example, a nozzle set according to the invention can comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from nozzle module group 10 and at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from nozzle module group 20 and / or at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from nozzle module group 30 and / or at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from nozzle module group 40.

[0073] A nozzle set according to the invention can alternatively comprise, for example, at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the nozzle module group 20 and at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the nozzle module group 30 and / or at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the nozzle module group 40.

[0074] A nozzle set according to the invention can alternatively comprise, for example, at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the nozzle module group 30 and at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the nozzle module group 40.

[0075] A nozzle set according to the invention can preferably comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from three different nozzle module groups, but a nozzle set according to the invention particularly preferably comprises at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from all four different nozzle module groups.

[0076] Preferably, each of the different nozzle modules from the different nozzle module groups can be arranged interchangeably on one and the same base module. Particularly preferably, all nozzle modules from the different nozzle module groups have the same connection.

[0077] The table shows that, with the nozzle set according to the invention, each nozzle module of a nozzle module group can be assigned to a nozzle module of at least one other nozzle module group, which has the same material throughput under the same spraying conditions. In particular, within a spray printing process, nozzle modules with the same nozzle size have the same material throughput. For example, the 1.1 HVLP-O nozzle module has the same material throughput of 135 g / min as the 1.1 HVLP-I nozzle module, the 1.2 HVLP-O nozzle module has the same material throughput as the 1.2 HVLP-I nozzle module, and so on. The same applies to the compliant nozzle modules. For example, the 1.1 Compliant O-Nozzle module has the same material throughput of 155 g / min as the 1.1 Compliant I-Nozzle module, the 1.2 Compliant O-Nozzle module has the same material throughput as the 1.2 Compliant I-Nozzle module, and so on.

[0078] It can also be seen from the table that the spray jets that can be generated by means of the low-pressure, here HVLP, nozzle modules and the spray jets that can be generated by means of the high-pressure, here compliant, nozzle modules can have the same cross-sectional shape, in particular such that the spray jets that can be generated by means of the low-pressure nozzle modules and the spray jets that can be generated by means of the high-pressure nozzle modules have a cross-section with a substantially constant width, at least in some areas (I-nozzle modules) or have a cross-section with a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, shape (O-nozzle modules). This allows the user, for example, to exchange a nozzle module from nozzle module group 10 for a nozzle module from nozzle module group 30 and thus switch from the low-pressure, in particular HVLP, spraying process to the high-pressure, in particular compliant, spraying process without having to forego the O-jet that is ideal for his working method.Accordingly, the user can exchange a nozzle module from the nozzle module group 20 for a nozzle module from the nozzle module group 40, and thus switch from the low-pressure, in particular HVLP, spraying process to the high-pressure, in particular compliant, spraying process, without having to forego the I-jet that is ideal for his working method.

[0079] In addition to the advantages mentioned above, the present nozzle set according to the invention has the further advantage that the user can, for example, exchange a nozzle module from nozzle module group 10 for a nozzle module from nozzle module group 20, and thus replace a nozzle module that generates an O-jet, which enables rapid application, with a nozzle module that generates an even more controllable I-jet, without having to forego the desired HVLP spray printing process and, in particular, without having to accept changes in material throughput. Accordingly, a change from a nozzle module from nozzle module group 30 to a nozzle module from nozzle module group 40 is possible without having to forego the desired compliant spray printing process and, in particular, without having to accept changes in material throughput. Of course, reverse changes are also possible.

[0080] With the nozzle set according to the invention, the user can select the ideal nozzle module for his painting task and his working method.In general, it is possible to select the ideal nozzle module based on various factors, in particular based on the previously used nozzle module of a nozzle set according to the invention, the previously used nozzle module of another nozzle set, the desired spray pressure method, the spray gun model to be used, the manufacturer of the spray gun to be used, the type of medium to be sprayed, the viscosity of the medium to be sprayed, the recommendation of the manufacturer of the medium to be sprayed, the desired spray jet shape, the required layer thickness, the climatic conditions, in particular the temperature and the relative humidity within the paint booth, based on whether the user attaches greater importance to the painting speed or to good controllability of the application, and / or on the desired nozzle size.In this selection, the method according to the invention for selecting a nozzle module from a nozzle set for a painting task, the selection system according to the invention and / or the computer program product according to the invention are particularly helpful.

[0081] Fig. 4shows a sectional view of a first air cap 55 of a nozzle module of an embodiment of a nozzle set according to the invention. The air cap 55 has a first horn 68 and a second horn 70. A vertical axis L is perpendicular to the central axis Z of the first air cap 55, wherein the central axis Z runs through the center of the central opening 80. The central axis A of an outer horn air outlet channel 57 forms a certain angle with the vertical axis L, and the central axis B of an inner horn air outlet channel 59 forms a further angle with the vertical axis L. In the present embodiment, it can be assumed that the majority of the horn air flowing from the outer horn air outlet opening 57a of the outer horn air outlet channel 57 follows the central axis A of the outer horn air outlet channel 57, or that the center of this horn air jet lies on the central axis A of the outer horn air outlet channel 57.Likewise, it can be assumed that the majority of the horn air flowing from the inner horn air outlet opening 59a of the inner horn air outlet duct 59 follows the central axis B of the inner horn air outlet duct 59, or that the center of this horn air jet lies on the central axis B of the inner horn air outlet duct 59. The angle that the central axis A of the outer horn air outlet duct 57 forms with the vertical axis L can therefore be considered the outer horn air outlet angle W1, and the angle that the central axis B of the inner horn air outlet duct 59 forms with the vertical axis L can be considered the inner horn air outlet angle W3. Preferably, the horn air outlet ducts of the second horn 70 opposite the aforementioned horn air outlet ducts form the same angle with the vertical axis L.

[0082] In Fig. 4Also visible are the outer control bore 61 and the inner control bore 63, which have an outer control bore distance Y7 and an inner control bore distance Y9 to the central axis Z of the first air cap 55.

[0083] Fig. 5A sectional view of a second air cap 155 of another nozzle module of an embodiment of a nozzle set according to the invention. The air cap 155 has a first horn 168 and a second horn 170. Here, too, the vertical axis L is perpendicular to the central axis Z of the second air cap 155, with the central axis Z passing through the center of the central opening 180. The central axis C of an outer horn air outlet channel 157 forms a certain angle with the vertical axis L, and the central axis D of an inner horn air outlet channel 159 forms a further angle with the vertical axis L. In the present embodiment, it can also be assumed that the main part of the horn air flowing from the outer horn air outlet opening 157a of the outer horn air outlet channel 157 follows the central axis C of the outer horn air outlet channel 157, or that the center of this horn air jet lies on the central axis C of the outer horn air outlet channel 157.Likewise, it can be assumed that the majority of the horn air flowing from the inner horn air outlet opening 159a of the inner horn air outlet channel 159 follows the central axis D of the inner horn air outlet channel 159, or that the center of this horn air jet lies on the central axis D of the inner horn air outlet channel 159. The angle that the central axis C of an outer horn air outlet channel 157 forms with the vertical axis L can therefore be considered the outer horn air outlet angle W101, and the angle that the central axis D of an inner horn air outlet channel 159 forms with the vertical axis L can be considered the inner horn air outlet angle W103. Preferably, the horn air outlet channels of the second horn 170 opposite the aforementioned horn air outlet channels form the same angle with the vertical axis L.

[0084] In Fig. 5Also visible is an outer control bore 161, which has an outer control bore distance Y107 to the central axis Z of the second air cap 155. Since the control bores in this air cap 155 are arranged in the shape of a triangle, with one tip of the triangle being aligned in the direction of the inner or outer horn air outlet openings, i.e. only the control bore 161, which forms the tip of the triangle, lies on a line with the inner horn air outlet opening 159a, the outer horn air outlet opening 157a and the center point of the central opening 180 in the air cap 155, and the sectional plane only runs through the control bore 161, the inner horn air outlet opening 159a and the outer horn air outlet opening 157a, the two other control bores on one side of the central opening 180 and the two other control bores on the other side of the central opening 180 are not visible, but are only indicated by their central axes.The inner control hole distance Y109 is the distance between the central axis Z and an axis parallel to this central axis Z through a projection of the center of the corresponding control hole onto the section plane.

[0085] For one nozzle module with the air cap 55, the sum of the angles W1 plus W3 can be different than the sum of the angles W101 plus W103 for another nozzle module with the air cap 155. The nozzle modules can belong to the same nozzle module group.

Claims

1. Method for designing a nozzle module (15) for a nozzle set for a spray gun (1), in particular a compressed air atomizing paint spray gun, comprising at least one nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40) having at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules (15) for selective attachment in or to the same base body module (11) of a spray gun (1), wherein the nozzle modules (15) are designed such that they have a different material throughput under the same spraying conditions, wherein the nozzle modules (15) are designed such that the spray jets that can be produced by means of the nozzle modules (15) have substantially the same spray jet cross-sectional height (h) and the same spray jet cross-sectional width (b), in particular the spray jet cross-sections of the various nozzle modules (15) are congruent, characterized in that the method comprises at least the following steps: - determining at least one spray jet cross-sectional height (h) and / or one spray jet cross-sectional width (b) of a spray jet to be produced by the nozzle module (15), - constructing the nozzle module (15) that produces a spray jet that has the specified spray jet cross-sectional height (h) and / or spray jet cross-sectional width (b), wherein the method comprises constructing an air cap (55, 155), wherein the construction of the air cap (55, 155) comprises adapting an outer horn air outflow angle (W1, W101) and / or an inner horn air outflow angle (W3, W103) and / or a control bore distance (Y7, Y9, Y107, Y109) to a material throughput and / or to an internal nozzle pressure of the nozzle module (15), wherein the outer horn air outflow angle (W1, W101) is the angle at which horn air flows out of an outer horn air opening (57a, 157a) of the air cap (55, 155) relative to a perpendicular axis (L), wherein the perpendicular axis (L) is perpendicular to a central axis (Z) of the air cap (55, 155), wherein the inner horn air outflow angle (W3, W103) is the angle at which horn air flows out of an inner horn air outflow opening (59a, 159a) of the air cap (55, 155) relative to the perpendicular axis (L), and wherein the control bore distance (Y7, Y9, Y107, Y109) is the distance between at least one control bore (61, 63, 161, 163) in the air cap and a central opening (80, 180) in the air cap (55, 155).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method comprises the production of the nozzle module (15).