Perforated plate with a reduced diameter in one or both edge regions of a row of nozzles

Abstract

The invention relates to a perforated plate (1) for an application device for applying a fluid to a component, preferably to a motor vehicle body and / or to an add-on part for the latter. The perforated plate (1) comprises at least three through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) for the passage of the fluid, wherein the through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) of a row of nozzles are assigned to a central region (2) and to two edge regions (3a, 3b), wherein the at least one outermost through-hole (3.1) has, in at least one edge region (3a), at least one reference through-diameter (d, dl, d2) which is smaller than at least one reference through-diameter (d3) of at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2). The invention also comprises an application device and an application method using such a perforated plate (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a perforated plate (e.g. B. aperture) for an application device (e.g. B. The invention relates to an application device for applying a fluid serving as a coating agent to a motor vehicle body and / or an attachment therefor. It further relates to an application device and an application method in which such a perforated plate is used.

[0002] From DE 10 2013 002 413 A1, a perforated plate for an application device for the application of a coating material, particularly for overspray-free application, is already known. The perforated plate comprises several through-holes for applying the coating material, with the through-holes arranged in a matrix-like configuration within several nozzle rows, thus in a two-dimensional arrangement. This allows for the creation of sharply defined coating material webs. However, a disadvantage is that these sharply defined coating material webs are unsuitable for overlapping, as they have an almost rectangular cross-sectional profile. Figure 16 shows e.g. a near-perfect joint between two coating material webs B1* and B2* with a rectangular cross-sectional profile. Such a perfect joint should have a variance of + / - 50 µm, resulting in a Figure 16This would result in the optimal coating shown on the right. Such a perfect joint is not possible in practice. e.g. due to tolerances, it is not possible or only possible with considerable effort. Figure 17 shows two coating material sheets B1* and B2* with rectangular cross-sectional profiles that do not touch or overlap in the butt / overlap area, resulting in a Figure 17 This results in the detrimental dent shown on the right in the resulting coating. Figure 18 shows two coating material sheets B1* and B2* with rectangular cross-sectional profiles, which overlap in the butt / overlap area in such a way that overcoating occurs, resulting in a Figure 18 The disadvantageous hill or elevation shown on the right results in the resulting coating.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2010 019 612 A1 discloses an application device that features a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile more suitable for overlapping coating material webs. The trapezoidal profile is generated by multiple through-holes for applying the coating material, with the through-holes arranged in a matrix-like configuration within several nozzle rows. Different nozzle diameters, distributed regularly or over a surface, serve the particular purpose of improving resolution during coating of large areas. The two-dimensional configuration, with nozzle diameters of the same or different sizes, and the resulting trapezoidal profile initially exhibit a high degree of complexity due to the large number of through-holes.Furthermore, the two-dimensional configuration results in an undesirably high coating material flow rate, especially when the coating material is applied continuously, as is common in the coating of automotive bodies. The two-dimensional configuration also means that when applying a coating material web, coating material from a nozzle row downstream of the direction of movement is applied to coating material from a nozzle row upstream of the direction of movement. This can adversely lead to coating material splashing because coating material impacts coating material that has not yet dried or solidified sufficiently.

[0004] DE 20 2011 001 109 U1 discloses a device for applying liquid reaction mixtures to a cover layer of composite elements containing a core of PU foam, using a tube arranged above the cover layer with a series of openings for applying the liquid reaction mixture. The diameter of the openings can decrease from the point where the reaction mixture is supplied to the edges of the tube.

[0005] DE 197 34 485 A1 discloses a cleaning device for a semiconductor device with a nozzle tube arranged at the bottom of a cleaning bath, from which the cleaning solution exits through a series of holes of a specific size. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​these holes can gradually decrease from an inlet end of the nozzle tube to an outlet end.

[0006] JP H0737797 A discloses a device for spraying a semiconductor wafer with a developing fluid from a box-shaped container, the container having a nozzle bar with a semicircular cross-section projecting downwards at its base and comprising a series of nozzles. The nozzles can have a decreasing spacing or increasing openings from the center of the nozzle bar to its edges.

[0007] US 2011 / 0052819 A1 discloses a nozzle plate with three nozzles for applying a liquid forming the luminescent layer, used in a device for manufacturing organic light-emitting diodes for a screen. The middle nozzle has a larger diameter than the two outer nozzles.

[0008] Regarding the general state of the art, US 4 622 239 A, GB 1 293 341 A and US 5 769 946 A can also be mentioned.

[0009] Finally, US 2010 / 079543 ​​A1 discloses a perforated plate according to the preamble of claim 1. However, this well-known perforated plate is not yet optimal.

[0010] One object of the invention is to create an improved and / or alternative perforated plate, in particular a perforated plate that enables an improved impact or overlap area of ​​two fluid paths and / or a fluid application that is at least substantially free of fluid splashes.

[0011] This problem can be solved by the features of the main and dependent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0012] The invention creates a perforated plate (e.g. B.Aperture, strip, plate, etc.) for an application device (e.g. an application unit) for applying a fluid serving as a coating agent to a motor vehicle body and / or an attachment thereto.

[0013] The perforated plate and / or the application device is used in particular for the application of the fluid without atomization and / or masking.

[0014] The fluid used as a coating agent can be, in particular, a paint, a sealant, a release agent, a functional layer or an adhesive.

[0015] The fluid preferably has a viscosity greater than 50 mPas, greater than 80 mPas, or even greater than 100 mPas, particularly measured at a shear rate of 1000 s⁻¹. The fluid can exhibit Newtonian or non-Newtonian flow behavior.

[0016] The perforated plate has at least three, at least four, or at least five through-holes for guiding the fluid through. The through-holes are advantageously arranged in a preferably substantially linearly oriented nozzle row, wherein the nozzle row has two edge regions and a central region advantageously extending between the two edge regions.

[0017] The perforated plate is characterized in particular by the fact that the at least one outermost through-hole has at least one reference through-hole diameter in both edge regions that is smaller than at least one reference through-hole diameter of at least one through-hole in the central region, so that preferably a fluid application (e.g. fluid path) with a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional profile is possible. e.g.The cross-sectional profile is essentially rectangular, isosceles, or unequal-sided and / or essentially Gaussian. Within the scope of the invention, it is possible that the at least two, at least three, or even at least four outermost through-holes in both edge regions expediently have uniform or non-uniform reference through-hole diameters that are smaller than at least one reference through-hole diameter of at least one through-hole in the central region.

[0018] The outermost through-hole corresponds in particular to the first through-hole of the nozzle row from the outside in at least one edge area.

[0019] The at least two, at least three and / or at least four outermost through-holes correspond in particular to the two, three and / or four outermost through-holes of the nozzle row in the at least one edge area.

[0020] Within the scope of the invention, in a particularly linearly oriented nozzle array, a reference through-hole diameter of at least one through-hole in both edge regions is smaller than the reference through-hole diameters of the preferably multiple through-holes in the central region between the two edge regions. It should be noted, however, that in one embodiment of the invention, the central region can also expediently have only a single through-hole.

[0021] The gradation and thus appropriate diameter reduction of the reference through-hole diameter can only be carried out for the outermost and therefore first through-hole from the outside in both edge areas.

[0022] The gradation and thus appropriate diameter reduction of the reference through-hole diameter can also be achieved via the at least two, at least three and / or at least four outermost through-holes, and thus at least two, at least three and / or at least four of the first through-holes from the outside in both edge areas.

[0023] In the diameter reduction according to the invention in both edge regions, a fluid application (e.g. fluid path) with a substantially equal or unequal leg trapezoidal cross-sectional profile can preferably be produced.

[0024] The invention enables, in particular, an improved layer thickness distribution in the impact or overlap area of ​​two fluid applications (e.g. B. fluid paths), which leads to visually uniform fluid surfaces (e.g. B.(coating surfaces), advantageously without layer thickness variations that would be detrimentally perceptible to the human eye. The invention enables the application of the fluid from only a single nozzle row and thus a 1-dimensional nozzle configuration to reduce or completely avoid application splashes, because the nozzle row applies the fluid directly to the component, optionally with the exception of any potential impact or overlap area of ​​two fluid applications, whereby in the impact or overlap area the previously applied fluid is usually already sufficiently dry or solidified and therefore no longer tends to splash, or at least only to a greatly reduced extent.

[0025] By means of the perforated plate according to the invention, a distance tolerance between two suitably sharp-edged fluid applications (e.g. B.Fluid paths) can be achieved down to + / - 150 µm, + / - 200 µm, + / - 500 µm, + / - 1mm or even + / - 2 mm.

[0026] It is intended that the perforated plate has only a single row of nozzles for applying the fluid, so that a 1-dimensional nozzle configuration can preferably be enabled.

[0027] The nozzle array, preferably encompassing the central area and both edge areas, can e.g. be linearly aligned along an alignment line (preferably a straight alignment guideline).

[0028] It is even possible that all the through-holes of the nozzle row e.g. are linearly aligned along the alignment line.

[0029] Preferably, all through-holes of the nozzle row can be linearly aligned along one and the same alignment line.

[0030] The alignment line can e.g.extending through at least one reference through-diameter and / or hole outlet diameter of the at least one outermost through-hole or the at least two outermost through-holes in both edge regions and at least one reference through-diameter and / or hole outlet diameter of at least one through-hole in the central region, such that preferably a e.g. An off-center nozzle row alignment is created between the two outer regions and the central region. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the alignment line can even extend through all reference passage diameters and / or hole outlet diameters of the nozzle row.

[0031] The alignment line can therefore correspond to a tangent to the reference through-diameters and / or hole outlet diameters, preferably with respect to all through-holes of the nozzle row.

[0032] The nozzle row arrangement can e.g. It can be aligned either "top aligned", "bottom aligned" or "vertically centered".

[0033] The alignment line can e.g. The alignment line may also extend through at least one central axis of the at least one outermost through-hole or the at least two outermost through-holes in both edge regions and at least one central axis of at least one through-hole in the central region, so that preferably a central nozzle row alignment is created between the two edge regions and the central region. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the alignment line may even extend through all central axes of the nozzle row.

[0034] It is possible that at least one central axis of the outermost through-hole, or of the at least two outermost through-holes, is located closer to the alignment line in at least one edge region than at least one central axis of at least one through-hole in the central region. Alternatively or additionally, for example, at least one central axis of the outermost through-hole, or of the at least two outermost through-holes, in at least one edge region and at least one central axis of at least one through-hole in the central region may be substantially aligned with the alignment line.

[0035] It is possible that the at least two, at least three and / or at least four outermost through holes in both edge areas have reference through diameters that are smaller than at least one reference through diameter of at least one through hole in the central area.

[0036] The reference through-hole diameters in the at least one edge region can preferably be uniform (e.g. B. (essentially the same size) or non-uniform (e.g. B. They should be of different sizes relative to each other.

[0037] The at least one outermost through-hole in at least one edge region can preferably have the smallest reference through-hole diameter of the nozzle array. Within the scope of the invention, it is particularly possible that the outermost through-hole has the absolute smallest reference through-hole diameter of the nozzle array, or that at least one further through-hole of the nozzle array has a uniform (e.g., B. has a reference passage diameter of essentially the same size, as long as none of them has a smaller reference passage diameter, as is expedient.

[0038] It is possible that at least the two outermost through holes in at least one edge area have a uniform (e.g., essentially the same size) or different reference through-hole diameter.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least two outermost through holes can have different reference through-hole diameters in at least one edge region, wherein the reference through-hole diameter of the outermost through-hole can be the smaller reference through-hole diameter.

[0040] The central area may preferably have at least two, at least three, or at least four through holes. Alternatively or additionally, at least one edge area may have at least two, at least three, or at least four through holes.

[0041] It is possible that several, preferably all, through holes in the central area have a uniform (advantageously essentially the same size) reference through hole diameter, that the central axes of several, preferably all, through holes in the central area are aligned linearly to each other, and / or that several, preferably all, through holes in the central area are spaced evenly apart from each other.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, all through holes in the central region have a uniform (preferably essentially the same) reference through-hole diameter and / or are spaced essentially uniformly apart from one another.

[0043] It is possible that at least two hole spacings between at least three through holes in the central area are uniform (essentially the same size).

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the entire row of nozzles can be designed with uniform (preferably essentially equal) hole spacings between the through holes.

[0045] It is possible that the outermost hole spacing or the at least two outermost hole spacings in at least one edge region correspond to the at least one hole spacing in the middle region and are therefore preferably essentially the same size.

[0046] It is also possible that the outermost hole spacing, or at least the two outermost hole spacings, in at least one edge area are smaller or larger than the at least one hole spacing in the middle area.

[0047] It is also possible that the outermost hole spacing or at least the two outermost hole spacings in one edge area of ​​the nozzle row are uniformly (expediently essentially the same size) or non-uniformly (expediently of different sizes) designed relative to the outermost hole spacing or at least the two outermost hole spacings in the other edge area.

[0048] The through-hole configurations in the two edge areas can correspond to each other (e.g. B. essentially identical and / or axially symmetrical e.g. (to the center of the nozzle row) or may be configured differently. The through-hole configurations preferably include the shape of the through-holes, the reference through-hole diameters and / or the hole spacing.

[0049] The reference passage diameters can be, in particular, hole exit diameters.

[0050] It is possible that at least one through-hole in the central region of the nozzle array and / or at least one through-hole in at least one peripheral region of the nozzle array has a funnel-shaped opening and preferably a cylindrical outlet. The funnel-shaped opening preferably tapers in the direction of fluid flow.

[0051] The funnel-shaped opening of the at least one through-hole in the central area can e.g. lead deeper into the perforated plate than the funnel-shaped opening of the at least one through-hole in the at least one edge region. Alternatively or additionally, an inlet cross-section (e.g. B.the inlet-side flow cross-section) of a hole opening of at least one through hole in the central region of the nozzle row must be larger than an inlet cross-section (e.g. the inlet-side flow cross-section) of a hole opening of at least one through hole in at least one edge region of the nozzle row.

[0052] The nozzle array can be designed, in particular, to form a fluid application (e.g., fluid path) with a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional profile, e.g., a substantially right-angled, isosceles or unequal-leg trapezoidal cross-sectional profile and / or a substantially Gaussian cross-sectional profile, so that the nozzle array is particularly suitable for generating overlap-optimized fluid paths.

[0053] It is possible that at least one through-hole has a constant, and in particular unchanging, cross-sectional area along its length. The reference through-hole diameter then preferably refers to the single, expediently constant through-hole diameter of the unchanging cross-sectional area. This is the case, for example, if the through-hole is cylindrical, and in particular circular-cylindrical. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that at least one through-hole has a cross-sectional area that varies along its length. The reference through-hole diameter then preferably refers to the smallest through-hole diameter of the varying cross-sectional area. This is the case, for example, if the through-hole is cylindrical, and in particular circular-cylindrical, but the hole outlet has a larger cross-sectional area than the hole inlet, or vice versa, or if the through-hole is, for example,is essentially shaped like a Laval nozzle.

[0054] The reference through-hole diameters therefore preferably refer to an at least substantially constant through-hole diameter and / or to the smallest through-hole diameter of the associated through-hole, preferably a hole outlet diameter.

[0055] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hole inlet has a larger cross-sectional area than the hole outlet. The hole inlet can e.g. be funnel-shaped.

[0056] It is possible that the two edge regions are symmetrical or asymmetrical, or that the entire nozzle array is symmetrical, in particular axially symmetrical and / or mirror-symmetrical relative to an axis of symmetry running transversely to the nozzle array.

[0057] The at least one outermost through-hole in one edge region can, for example, have at least one reference through-hole diameter that is smaller than at least one reference through-hole diameter of at least one through-hole in the central region, wherein the at least one outermost through-hole in the other edge region can have at least one reference through-hole diameter that is uniform (e.g., B. (essentially the same size) is formed relative to at least one reference through-hole diameter of at least one through-hole in the central area.

[0058] The invention is not limited to a perforated plate, but also includes an application device, e.g. an application device for applying a fluid, wherein the application device has at least one perforated plate as disclosed herein.

[0059] It is possible that the application device is designed to ensure a pressure-equal fluid flow across the entire nozzle array and thus, expediently, across all through-holes, so that preferably a lower fluid volume flow occurs through the through-hole(s) with the smaller reference through-hole diameter as a result of the pressure loss.

[0060] It is also possible that the application device is designed to ensure a fluid flow to at least one edge region that is independently controllable (e.g., adjustable) from the central area.

[0061] The two boundary areas can be supplied with fluid by the same fluid delivery unit, or by separate fluid delivery units, so that in particular each boundary area can be supplied with fluid by a separately controllable (e.g., adjustable) fluid delivery unit.

[0062] The application device is preferably used for applying a fluid with a viscosity above 50 mPas, above 80 mPas or above 100 mPas, particularly at a shear rate of 1000 s⁻¹. The fluid can exhibit Newtonian or non-Newtonian flow behavior.

[0063] It is possible that the application device has at least two perforated plates arranged next to each other, the rows of nozzles of which are preferably arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle rows.

[0064] The at least one perforated plate can be arranged, in particular, on (e.g., on or in) an outer end face of the application device and thus preferably constitute an outer plate. The at least three through-holes consequently preferably form exit holes from the application device.

[0065] The invention further comprises an application method for applying a fluid by means of at least one application device and / or at least one perforated plate as disclosed herein.

[0066] The fluid is intended to be applied from a single row of nozzles on the perforated plate.

[0067] It should be mentioned that the fluid is preferably a coating agent, e.g. a paint, a sealant, a release agent, an adhesive, etc., and / or can serve to form a functional layer.

[0068] The category of functional layer includes, in particular, layers that result in surface functionalization, such as adhesion promoters, primers, or layers to reduce transmission.

[0069] Within the scope of the invention, it is possible to supplement the perforated plate as described herein with features of WO 2014 / 121926 A1, in particular its claims, so that the content of this patent application can be fully attributed to the present disclosure.

[0070] The perforated plate according to the invention can in particular have hole inlets on the upstream side of the perforated plate and hole outlets on the downstream side of the perforated plate and comprise three-dimensional structuring on the upstream side of the perforated plate and / or on the downstream side of the perforated plate.

[0071] It is possible that the hole inlets are optimized for flow, especially nozzle-shaped, and / or that the hole inlets have a larger (passage) cross-section than the hole outlets.

[0072] It is intended that pipe stubs will serve as structural elements, protruding from the downstream side of the perforated plate and into which the through holes transition, in order to reduce the wetting area at the hole outlets in particular.

[0073] The pipe stubs can e.g. have an outer surface that tapers towards the free end of the respective pipe stub, in particular conically.

[0074] The perforated plate can e.g. have a greater thickness at the edge than in a central area with the through holes.

[0075] It is possible that preferably all through holes in the perforated plate are at least partially produced by an etching manufacturing process, in particular dry etching or wet etching.

[0076] The perforated plate can, in particular, consist at least partially of a semiconductor material, e.g.made from one of the following materials: silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon carbide, gallium, gallium arsenide and / or indium phosphide.

[0077] It should be mentioned that, within the scope of the invention, the feature of an essentially trapezoidal cross-sectional profile may preferably also include, for example, an essentially Gaussian cross-sectional profile.

[0078] The preferred embodiments of the invention described above can be combined with one another. Other advantageous developments of the invention are disclosed in the claims or will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Figure 1 shows a perforated plate not according to the invention with eggFigure 2 shows a perforated plate with a nozzle row according to another embodiment of the invention, Figure 3 shows a perforated plate with a nozzle row according to yet another embodiment of the invention, Figure 4 shows a perforated plate with a nozzle row according to yet another embodiment of the invention, Figure 5 shows a perforated plate with a nozzle row according to yet another embodiment of the invention, Figure 6A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of two fluid applications produced by a perforated plate according to an embodiment of the invention, Figure 6B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluid application produced by a perforated plate according to an embodiment of the invention,Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view through a through-hole of a perforated plate not according to the invention in one embodiment of the invention, Figure 8A shows a cross-sectional view through a through-hole of a perforated plate not according to the invention in another variant according to one embodiment of the invention, Figure 8B shows the cross-sectional view from , Figure 8A with coating material in the through-hole, Figure 9A shows a non-inventive modification of Figure 8A with an additional pipe stub to reduce the wetting area according to another embodiment of the invention, Figure 9B shows the cross-sectional view from Figure 9A with coating material in the through-hole, Figure 10 shows a modification according to the invention of Figure 9Awith a conically tapered pipe stub according to another embodiment of the invention, Figure 11A shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a non-inventive perforated plate with a reinforced edge and a thinner central area with the through holes according to another embodiment of the invention, Figure 11B shows a modification of Figure 11A Figure 12 shows a variation of Figure 7Figure 13A shows an application device (application unit) with a perforated plate according to one embodiment of the invention, Figure 13B shows an application device (application unit) according to another embodiment of the invention, Figure 14 shows a perforated plate with a row of nozzles according to a non-inventional embodiment of the invention, Figure 15 shows a perforated plate with a row of nozzles according to another embodiment of the invention, Figure 16 shows two coating material webs according to the prior art, Figure 17 shows two coating material webs according to the prior art, Figure 18 shows two coating material webs according to the prior art, Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view through a through-hole of a perforated plate, Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional view through a through-hole of a perforated plate, Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view through a through-hole of a perforated plate, and Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view through a through-hole of a perforated plate.

[0079] The embodiments described with reference to the figures are partly identical, so that the same reference numerals are used for similar or identical parts, and reference is also made to the description of one or more other embodiments to avoid repetition.

[0080] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a perforated plate 1 for an application device for the preferably atomization-free and masking-free application of a fluid to a component, e.g. a motor vehicle body and / or an attachment therefor.

[0081] The perforated plate 1 comprises a central area 2 with several through holes 2.1, of which, for the sake of clarity, only three are labelled with the reference numerals 2.1. The perforated plate 1 also comprises a first in Figure 1 left edge area 3a with two through holes 3.1 and 3.2 and a second one in Figure 1right edge area 3b with a through hole 3.3. The through holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 form a linearly aligned nozzle row and serve to guide the fluid through.

[0082] The through holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 have a preferably unchanging, e.g. essentially cylindrical, passage cross-section along their length, so that their passage diameters are expediently essentially constant.

[0083] The two outermost through holes 3.1 and 3.2, and thus the two through holes 3.1 and 3.2 from the outside in the first edge region 3a, have a reference through hole diameter that is smaller than the reference through hole diameter of the through holes 2.1 in the central region 2.

[0084] The perforated plate 1 comprises only a single row of nozzles, the row of nozzles being linearly aligned along a straight alignment line 4.

[0085] At the in Figure 1 In the perforated plate 1 shown, the alignment guide 4 extends linearly through the reference through-diameters of the two outermost through-holes 3.1 and 3.2 in the edge region 3a and the reference through-diameters in the central region 2, resulting in an off-center nozzle row alignment between the edge region 3a and the central region 2. The central axes of the through-holes 3.1 and 3.2 in the first edge region 3a are located closer to the alignment guide 4 than the central axes of the through-holes 2.1 in the central region 2.

[0086] The through holes 2.1 in the central area 2 all have the same reference through hole diameter and are evenly spaced from each other.

[0087] At the in Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the two outermost through-holes 3.1 and 3.2 of the first edge region 3a have different reference through-hole diameters, with the outermost through-hole 3.1 in the first edge region 3a having the smallest reference through-hole diameter of the nozzle array.

[0088] At the in Figure 1 The perforated plate 1 shown has a reference passage diameter reduced only in the first edge region 3a compared to the central region 2, while the second edge region 3b and the central region 2 have essentially the same reference passage diameter. The two edge regions 3a and 3b are therefore not uniformly designed.

[0089] The hole spacings of the nozzle row are essentially the same, with the exception of the outermost hole spacing between the through holes 3.1 and 3.2, which is smaller than the remaining hole spacings of the nozzle row.

[0090] The outer circumference of the nozzle array can be limited by a substantially right-angled trapezoid 5. The nozzle array thus generates a fluid path with a substantially right-angled trapezoidal cross-sectional profile.

[0091] The double arrow F indicates the two possible directions of movement of the perforated plate 1 relative to the component.

[0092] Figure 2 shows a perforated plate 1.

[0093] At the in Figure 2 In the perforated plate 1 shown, the gradation and thus reduction of the reference passage diameters takes place in both edge areas 3a and 3b.

[0094] The first edge region 3a and the second edge region 3b have a uniform, in particular axis-symmetrical, nozzle hole configuration.

[0095] At the in Figure 2In the embodiment shown, the nozzle array is designed to be symmetrical overall, in particular axially symmetrical and / or mirror-symmetrical relative to an axis of symmetry S running transversely to the nozzle array.

[0096] Figure 3 shows a perforated plate 1.

[0097] At the in Figure 3 In the perforated plate 1 shown, the passage diameters are reduced in both edge regions 3a and 3b. However, the two edge regions 3a and 3b do not include, as shown in Figure 2 not two through holes each, but only one through hole each 3.1.

[0098] Figure 4 shows a perforated plate 1.

[0099] At the in Figure 4The perforated plate 1 shown comprises two edge regions 3a and 3b, each containing three through holes 3.1 and 3.2, where the two outermost through holes are designated 3.1 and the innermost through hole is designated 3.2. The two outermost through holes 3.1 in edge region 3a have substantially the same reference through-hole diameter d1, while the two outermost through holes 3.1 in edge region 3b also have substantially the same reference through-hole diameter d5. The through hole 3.2 in the first edge region 3a has a reference through-hole diameter d2, while the through hole 3.2 in edge region 3b has a reference through-hole diameter d4. The through holes 2.1 in the central region 2 have substantially the same reference through-hole diameter d3.

[0100] Within the scope of the invention, the reference passage diameters can be e.g. as follows: d1 less than d2 d2 less than d3 d4 less than d3 d5 less than d4 d1 equal to or not equal to d5 d2 equal to or not equal to d4

[0101] Figure 5 shows a perforated plate 1.

[0102] The perforated plate 1 of the Figure 5 This essentially corresponds to perforated plate 1 of the Figure 2 .

[0103] Figure 5 This serves in particular to illustrate possible through-hole spacing configurations of the nozzle row.

[0104] Within the scope of the invention, the hole spacing can be adjusted. e.g. as follows: 1. a3 preferably uniformly a1 and a2 correspond to a3 a4 and a5 correspond to a3 2. a3 preferably uniformly a1 and a2 equal in size and a1 smaller than a3 a4 and a5 equal in size and a4 smaller than a3 3. a3 preferably uniformly a1 smaller than a2 and a2 smaller than a3 and / or a5 smaller than a4 and a4 smaller than a3 4. a3 preferably uniformly a1 and a2 equal in size and a1 greater than a3 and / or a4 and a5 equal in size and a5 greater than a3 5. a3 preferably uniformly a1 greater than a2 and a2 greater than a3 and / or a5 greater than a4 and a4 greater than a3 5. a3 preferably uniformly a1 not equal to a2 and a2 not equal to a3 and / or a5 not equal to a4 and a4 not equal to a3

[0105] In principle, the hole spacing in the two edge areas 3a and 3b can correspond to each other, e.g. a1 equals a5 and a2 equals a4, but can also be different.

[0106] Figure 6AFigure 1 shows a schematic representation of the cross-section through two fluid paths B1 and B2, which can be generated using a perforated plate 1.

[0107] The cross-sections of the coating material webs B1 and B2 have a substantially isosceles trapezoidal shape 6 and overlap in a butt joint or overlap area. The distance tolerance between the two fluid webs B1 and B2 can be in the range of + / - 150 µm, + / - 200 µm, + / - 500 µm, + / - 1 mm, or even + / - 2 mm. The trapezoidal shape 6 leads to a Figure 6A Optimal coating shown on the right, especially in the butt or overlap area.

[0108] Figure 6B Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the cross-section of a fluid path B1, which can be generated using a perforated plate 1. The cross-section has a substantially right-angled trapezoidal shape 6.

[0109] The perforated plate 1 according to the Figures 1 to 5It is suitable for use with an application device for applying a fluid. The application device can be designed to ensure a substantially uniform pressure flow of the fluid across the entire nozzle array, so that a lower fluid volume flow occurs through the smaller diameter orifices due to the pressure loss.

[0110] However, the application device can also be designed to allow a fluid flow to at least one edge region 3 that is independently controllable (e.g., adjustable) from the central region 2.

[0111] The two boundary areas 3a and 3b can be supplied with fluid, for example, via the same fluid delivery unit or by their own separate fluid delivery unit.

[0112] The Figures 7 to 12The figures illustrate through-hole configurations according to which the respective through-holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the nozzle series can be designed. The reference through-hole diameter is shown in the figures. Figures 7 to 12 Designated with the reference numeral d, it can refer to the respective through-holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of the nozzle array. The perforated plate 1 and, in particular, the through-holes can be designed as disclosed in WO 2014 / 121926 A1, so that the content of this patent application is fully attributable to the present disclosure.

[0113] Figure 7Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view through a perforated plate 1 in the area of ​​one of the through-holes, where the arrow in the cross-sectional view indicates the flow direction of the coating material through the through-hole. The cross-sectional view shows that the through-hole has a flow-optimized hole opening 30, which reduces the flow resistance of the through-hole.

[0114] Furthermore, the perforated plate 1 has a structure on the downstream side at the circumferential edge of the through holes, which reduces the tendency to become wetted.

[0115] The Figures 8A and 8B show an alternative cross-sectional view through the perforated plate 1 in the area of ​​a through hole, wherein Figure 8A the through-hole without a coating agent, whereas in Figure 8B a coating agent (e.g. fluid) 50 is shown.

[0116] It can be seen that the coating agent 50 wets a wetting area 60 on the downstream surface of the perforated plate 1, which makes it difficult for the coating agent 50 to detach radially from the perforated plate 1.

[0117] The Figures 9A and 9B Figure 1 shows a non-inventive embodiment with a reduced tendency to wet. For this purpose, the perforated plate 1 has a stub pipe 70 at the circumferential edge of each through-hole, the through-hole transitioning into the stub pipe 70, so that the end face of the stub pipe 70 forms a wetting surface 80 at its free end. The wetting surface 80 is thus limited to the free end face of the stub pipe 70 and is therefore significantly smaller than the wetting surface 60 according to Figure 1. Figure 8A This facilitates the removal of the coating material 50 from the perforated plate 1.

[0118] The pipe stub 70 has a gap between the downstream side of the perforated plate 1 and the free end of the pipe stub 70. e.g. a length L which is preferably greater than 50 µm, 70 µm, or 100 µm and / or less than 200 µm, 170 µm or 150 µm, such that the tube stub 70 e.g. a length L between 50 to 200 µm, 70 to 170 µm or 100 to 150 µm.

[0119] Figure 10 shows a modification according to the invention of Figure 9A , wherein the outer surface of the stub pipe 70 tapers conically towards the free end of the stub pipe 70, so that the wetting area at the free end of the stub pipe 70 is minimal.

[0120] Figure 11AFigure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a perforated plate 1, which partially corresponds to the perforated plates described above, so that reference is made to the preceding description to avoid repetition, using the same reference numerals for corresponding details.

[0121] A special feature of this embodiment is that the perforated plate 1 has a relatively thick outer rim 90 and a thinner central area 100 containing the through-holes. The thick rim 90 of the perforated plate 1 provides sufficient mechanical stability, while the reduction in thickness in the area 100 with the through-holes ensures that the through-holes offer only relatively low flow resistance.

[0122] Figure 11B shows a variation of Figure 11A , so that, to avoid repetition, the description should be limited to Figure 11AReference is made, with the same reference marks being used for corresponding details.

[0123] A special feature of this embodiment is that the thickness of area 100 is reduced only on one side.

[0124] The sharp edges and corners shown in the figures are only examples and can advantageously be rounded to optimize flow or to achieve better flushability.

[0125] A special feature of the in Figure 12 The embodiment of the through-hole shown consists in the fact that the through-hole at the upstream hole inlet first has a cylindrical area 200 with a first inner diameter.

[0126] The cylindrical section 200 is then followed in the direction of flow by a conical section 210, which tapers in the direction of flow and has the reference passage diameter (inner diameter) d at the hole outlet.

[0127] It is important that the reference passage diameter (inner diameter) d of the hole opening is preferably significantly smaller than the first inner diameter of the cylindrical area 200.

[0128] Figure 13A Figure 1 shows a highly simplified schematic representation of an application device, in particular an application device, with a perforated plate 1 (not according to the invention) for coating a component 160. (e.g. a motor vehicle body component).

[0129] From the individual through-holes of the perforated plate 1, jets of coating material 170 emerge, forming a continuous coating film on the surface of the component 160. The individual jets of coating material 170 can be described as droplet jets, as in Figure 13A shown, or as continuous jets of coating material, especially without droplet formation, as shown in Figure 13B They will be shown and trained.

[0130] Furthermore, the Figures 13A and 13B another applicator 180 connected to the perforated plate 1, as well as application technology 190, which is connected to the applicator 180 by schematically shown lines.

[0131] The Figures 14 and 15 show perforated plates 1 with a linearly aligned row of nozzles comprising the central region 2 and at least one edge region 3a according to two embodiments.

[0132] A special feature of the in Figure 14The feature of the perforated plate 1 shown is that the central axes of the through holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 are essentially aligned with the straight guideline 4. Thus, a straight guideline 4 extends linearly through the central axes of the through holes 3.1 and 3.2 in the edge region 3a, through the central axes of the through holes 2.1 in the central region 2, and through the central axis of the through hole 3.3 in the edge region 3b, resulting in a central nozzle row alignment between the central region 2 on the one hand and the two edge regions 3a and 3b on the other.

[0133] Figure 14 The figure also shows that the perforated plate 1 is arranged on an outer end face of the application device, so that the at least three through holes 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 form exit holes from the application device.

[0134] A special feature of the in Figure 15The feature of the perforated plate 1 shown is that the central axes of the through holes 2.1, 3.1, and 3.2 are essentially aligned with the straight guideline 4. Thus, a straight guideline 4 extends linearly through the central axes of the through holes 3.1 and 3.2 in the edge region 3a, through the central axes of the through holes 2.1 in the central region 2, and through the central axes of the through holes 3.1 and 3.2 in the edge region 3b, resulting in a central nozzle row alignment between the central region 2 on the one hand and the two edge regions 3a and 3b on the other.

[0135] It should be mentioned that the in the Figures 1 to 5 and 14 and 15 The nozzle rows shown are all linearly aligned, with in the Figures 1 to 5 preferably all through holes are linearly aligned with their reference and / or hole outlet diameters, whereas in the Figures 14 and 15 Preferably, all through holes are aligned linearly with their central axes.

[0136] Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view through a through hole in a perforated plate. 1. The through-hole comprises a funnel-shaped hole inlet 30 with an inlet cross-section E and a cylindrical hole outlet 40.

[0137] Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional view through a through hole in a perforated plate. 1. The through-hole comprises a funnel-shaped hole inlet 30 with an inlet cross-section E and a cylindrical hole outlet 40, wherein the funnel-shaped hole inlet 30 of the Figure 20 leads deeper into the perforated plate 1 than the funnel-shaped hole opening 30 of the Figure 19 .

[0138] Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view through a through hole in a perforated plate. 1. The through-hole comprises a funnel-shaped hole inlet 30 with an inlet cross-section E and a cylindrical hole outlet 40, wherein the funnel-shaped hole inlet 30 of the Figure 21leads deeper into the perforated plate 1 than the funnel-shaped hole opening 30 of the Figure 20 .

[0139] Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view through a through hole in a perforated plate. 1. The through-hole comprises a funnel-shaped hole inlet 30 with an inlet cross-section E and a cylindrical hole outlet 40, wherein the funnel-shaped hole inlet 30 of the Figure 22 leads deeper into the perforated plate 1 than the funnel-shaped hole opening 30 of the Figure 21 .

[0140] The Figures 19 to 22In particular, an additional means of influencing the fluid flow can be achieved by changing the cylindrical portion of a through-hole, by making its opening 30 funnel-shaped. By providing a funnel-shaped opening 30, so that the cylindrical portion of the through-hole is reduced or increased, the fluid volume flow through the through-hole can be further increased or decreased, even though, for example, in the Figures 19 to 22 the reference passage diameters d and the inlet cross-sections E are the same size. Figure 19 This enables the smallest, Figure 20 the second smallest, Figure 21 the third smallest and Figure 22 the largest fluid volume flow rate.

[0141] The in the Figures 19 to 22 The through-holes shown can be used appropriately in the central area 2 of the nozzle row and / or in at least one edge area 3a, 3b of the nozzle row.

[0142] It should also be mentioned that an application device according to one embodiment of the invention can have at least two perforated plates 1 arranged side by side, the rows of nozzles of which are arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle rows. The perforated plates 1 are arranged on an outer end face of the application device, so that they constitute outer plates. Reference symbol list

[0143] 1-hole plate, e.g. Aperture 2 Center area 2.1At least one through-hole in the central area 3a Edge area, preferably first 3b Edge area, preferably second 3.1 Outermost through-hole 3.2 Second outermost through-hole 4 Alignment guide, preferably alignment straight line 5 Essentially trapezoidal shape 6 Essentially trapezoidal fluid cross-sectional profile 30 Hole inlet 40 Hole outlet 50 Fluid (coating compound) 60 Wetting area 70 Pipe stub 80 Wetting area 90 Edge 100 Area with through-holes 110 Reinforcing strip 160 Component 170 Fluid / coating compound blasting 180 Applicator 190 Application technique 200 Cylindrical area of ​​the through-hole 210 Conical area of ​​the through-hole d Reference through-hole diameter d1-d5 Reference passage diameter a1-a5 Hole spacing B1 Fluid application, in particular fluid path B2 Fluid application, in particular fluid path F Direction of movement of the perforated plate S Axis of symmetry L Length of pipe stub E Inlet cross-section

Claims

1. Perforated plate (1) of an application device for application of a fluid serving as a coating agent onto a motor vehicle body and / or an attachment for this, with only a single nozzle row for the application of the fluid with three through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) for passage of the fluid, wherein the through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) are assigned to the single nozzle row with a central region (2) and two edge regions (3a, 3b), wherein the at least two, at least three or at least four outermost through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in both edge regions (3a) of the single nozzle row have reference opening diameters (d, d1, d2) that are smaller than at least one reference opening diameter (d, d3) of at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2), characterised in that the through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3), preferably all the through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) of the nozzle row, each have a hole inlet opening (30) on the upstream side of the perforated plate (1) and a hole outlet opening (40) on the downstream side of the perforated plate (1) and a pipe stub (70) as a three-dimensional structuring on the downstream side of the perforated plate (1), wherein the hole inlet openings (30) have a larger passage cross-section than the hole outlet openings (40) and / or the pipe stubs (70) have an outer casing surface which tapers, in particular conically, toward the free end of the respective pipe stub (70.

2. Perforated plate (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the nozzle row comprising the central region (2) and edge regions (3a) is aligned linearly and / or all the through-holes of the nozzle row are linearly aligned, preferably along one and the same straight alignment line (4).

3. Perforated plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - a straight alignment line (4) extends linearly through at least one reference opening diameter (d, d1, d2) and / or hole outlet opening diameter (40) of the at least two outermost through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge regions (3a) and at least one reference opening diameter (d, d3) and / or hole outlet opening diameter (40) of at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2), so that a preferably off-centre nozzle row alignment comes about between the edge regions (3a) and the central region (2); or - a straight alignment line (4) extends linearly through at least one central axis of the at least two outermost through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge regions (3a) and at least one central axis of at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2), so that preferably a central nozzle row alignment comes about between the edge regions (3a) and the central region (2).

4. Perforated plate (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that - at least one central axis of the outermost through-hole (3.1) or of the at least two outermost through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge regions (3a) is arranged closer to the straight alignment line (4) than at least one central axis of at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2), or - at least one central axis of the outermost through-hole (3.1) or of the at least two outermost through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge regions (3a) and at least one central axis of at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2) are aligned on the straight alignment line (4).

5. Perforated plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reference opening diameters (d, d1, d2) of the through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge regions (3a) are configured uniform or non-uniform in relation to one another.

6. Perforated plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outermost through-hole (3.1) in theedge regions (3a) has the smallest reference opening diameter (d, d1) of the nozzle row, and / or that the at least two outermost through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge regions (3a) have a different or uniform reference opening diameter (d, d1, d2), and / or that the at least two outermost through-holes (3.1, 3.2) in the edge regions (3a) have a different reference opening diameter (d, d1, d2) and the reference opening diameter of the outermost through-hole (3.1) is the smaller reference opening diameter.

7. Perforated plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - the central region (2) has at least two or at least three through-holes (2.1), and / or - the edge regions (3a) have at least two through-holes (3.1, 3.2) .

8. Perforated plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - a plurality of through-holes (2.1) in the central region (2) have a uniform reference opening diameter (d3), - the central axes of a plurality of through-holes (2.1) in the central region (2) are aligned linearly to one another, and / or - a plurality of through-holes (2.1) in the central region (2) are spaced equally from one another, and / or - that at least two hole spacings (a3) between at least three through-holes (2.1) in the central region (2) are configured uniformly; and / or - the nozzle row is configured overall with uniform hole spacings (a1=a2=a3=a4=a5) between the through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3).

9. Perforated plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outermost hole spacing (a1) or the at least two outermost hole spacings (a1, a2) in theedge regions (3a) correspond to the at least one hole spacing (a3) in the central region (2), and / or that the outermost hole spacing (a1) or the at least two outermost hole spacings (a1, a2) in the edge regions (3a) are smaller or larger than the at least one hole spacing (a3) in the central region (2), and / or that the outermost hole spacing (a1) or the at least two outermost hole spacings (a1, a2) in one edge region (3a) of the nozzle row is configured uniform relative to the outermost hole spacing (a5) or the at least two outermost hole spacings (a4, a5) in the other edge region (3b).

10. Perforated plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the through-hole configurations, in particular the hole spacings (a1, a2, a3, a4, a5) and / or the reference opening diameters (d, d1, d2, d4, d5) in the two edge regions (3a, 3b) correspond to one another, and / or that the two edge regions (3a, 3b) are formed symmetrically or asymmetrically, or the nozzle row is formed symmetrically overall, in particular, axially symmetrically and / or mirror symmetrically, relative to a symmetry axis (S) running transversely to the nozzle row.

11. Perforated plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the outermost through-hole (3.1) in one edge region (3a) has at least one reference opening diameter (d, d1, d2) that is smaller than at least one reference opening diameter (d3) of at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2), and the outermost through-hole (3.3) in the other edge region (3b) has at least one reference opening diameter (d, d1, d2) which is uniformly configured to at least one reference opening diameter (d3) of at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2).

12. Perforated plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reference opening diameters (d, d1, d2) are hole outlet opening diameters.

13. Perforated plate (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2) of the nozzle row and / or at least one through-hole (3.1) in at least one edge region (3a) of the nozzle row has a hopper-shaped hole inlet opening (30) and preferably a cylindrical hole outlet opening (40).

14. Perforated plate (1) according to claim 13, characterised in that the hopper-shaped hole inlet opening (30) of the at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2) extends more deeply into the perforated plate (1) than the hopper-shaped hole opening (30) of the at least one through-hole (3.1) in the edge regions (3a).

15. Perforated plate (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that an inlet cross-section (E) of a hole inlet opening (30) of at least one through-hole (2.1) in the central region (2) of the nozzle row is larger than an inlet cross-section (E) of a hole inlet opening (30) of at least one through-hole (3.1) in theedge regions (3a) of the nozzle row.

16. Application device for application of a fluid serving as a coating agent, with at least one perforated plate (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

17. Application device according to claim 16, characterised in that the application device is configured for a fluid inflow in theedge regions (3a) which can be controlled independently of the central region (2).

18. Application device according to any of claims 16 or 17, characterised in that the two edge regions (3a, 3b) are connected to the same fluid delivery unit or each connected to its own fluid delivery unit.

19. Application device according to any of claims 16 to 18, characterised in that the application device comprises at least two perforated plates (1) arranged next to each other, the nozzle rows of which are arranged offset to each other in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle rows.

20. Application device according to any of claims 16 to 19, characterised in that the at least one perforated plate (1) is arranged on an outer end face of the application device, preferably such that the at least three through-holes (2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) form outlet holes from the application device.

21. Application method for application of a fluid serving as a coating agent, which is applied to a component by means of at least one perforated plate (1) according to any of claims 1 to 15 or an application device according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein an application of the coating agent is formed with an essentially trapezoid cross-section profile.

22. Application method according to claim 21, characterized in that it is carried out with the application device for over the entire nozzle row for pressure-equal fluid flow.

23. Application method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the application device applies a fluid with a viscosity of more than 50mPas, more than 80mPas or more than 100mPas.

Images