Device for testing the alignment of a spray head of a spray nozzle of a spray tool relative to the nozzle main part thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for testing the alignment of a spray head (16) of a spray nozzle (12) of a spray tool relative to the nozzle main part (14) thereof, comprising a mounting (18) which is designed to be secured to the nozzle main part (14) of the spray nozzle (12) to be tested, a light source (20) which is designed to be secured to the spray head (16), whereby the beam direction of the light source (20) coincides with the spray direction of the spray head (16), and a test body (22) which is fixed relative to the mounting (18) and which has a test surface (32) via which the alignment of the spray head (16) can be ascertained using the point of incidence (34) of a light beam emitted from the light source (20) in the beam direction.

Description

[0001] Device for checking the alignment of a spray head of a spray nozzle of a spray tool relative to its nozzle body and method

[0002] The invention relates to a device and a method for checking an alignment of a spray head of a spray nozzle of a spray tool relative to its nozzle base body.

[0003] There is a need to check the spatial orientation of adjustable release agent nozzles and thus the release agent application to a die-casting tool. This need is particularly pronounced for large die-cast components and the associated complex release agent spray bases.

[0004] DE 102017 006 969 A1 discloses an arrangement for testing the function of a spraying tool. The arrangement comprises a plurality of spray nozzles oriented in different directions, each producing a spray cone. In the arrangement, a test specimen is arranged in front of the spraying tool, which has a first surface facing the spraying tool. Furthermore, the arrangement comprises a detection system for detecting a spray pattern emerging on the first surface of the test specimen.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution which enables a particularly simple and precise checking of the alignment of a spray head of a spray nozzle relative to a nozzle base body of this spray nozzle.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims, the description, and the figures. Features, advantages, and possible embodiments presented in the description for one of the subject matter of the independent claims are to be regarded at least analogously as features, advantages, and possible embodiments of the respective subject matter of the other independent claims, as well as any possible combination of the subject matter of the independent claims, optionally in conjunction with one or more of the subclaims.

[0007] The invention relates to a device for checking the alignment of a spray nozzle of a spray tool. The spray tool can, in particular, have a plurality of respective spray nozzles, each of which is configured to generate a spray cone from a spray medium. Each spray nozzle comprises a spray head and a nozzle base. The spray head is adjustable in its alignment relative to the nozzle base, with the alignment of the spray head adjusting the alignment of the spray cone provided by the spray nozzle. The spray tool can be used to apply the spray medium to a large area of ​​a surface.

[0008] In order to achieve the desired wetting of the surface, the respective predetermined orientations of the respective spray heads of the spray nozzles must be set. The device is designed to check the respective orientation of the respective spray head of a spray nozzle in order to determine whether the respective actual orientation of the respective spray head corresponds to a desired orientation for this spray head. The device comprises a holder which is designed to be attached to the nozzle base body of the spray nozzle to be checked. The device can thus be held on the spray nozzle via the holder. The device further comprises a light source which is designed to be attached to the spray head. The light source is designed to provide a light beam which radiates in a beam direction.The jet direction describes a center line of a spray cone generated by the spray head, with the center line running in the spray direction. When used as intended, the jet direction of the light source coincides with a spray direction of the spray head. In particular, the light source can be attached to the spray head, whereby the jet direction of the light source is aligned such that it coincides with the jet direction. The light beam provided by the light source can thus be used to indicate how the spray direction of the spray head would be with the current orientation of the spray head. The device further comprises a test specimen fixed relative to the holder. The test specimen is thus arranged in a predetermined orientation relative to the nozzle base body via the holder when the device is used as intended.This test specimen comprises a test surface, based on which the alignment of the spray head can be determined based on the point of impact of the light beam emitted by the light source in the beam direction. In other words, the point of impact of the light beam emitted by the light source on the test surface is analyzed, and the alignment of the spray head is determined based on the location of the point of impact on the test surface. For example, the test surface can be provided with several markings. By comparing the point of impact of the light beam with the respective markings on the test surface, it can be determined to what extent the actual alignment of the spray head corresponds to the desired alignment for this spray head.The device enables a particularly simple and precise checking of the alignment of each spray head of the spray nozzle without the spray tool having to be positioned near the surface to be sprayed with the spray medium.

[0009] In a possible development of the invention, it is provided that the test surface has a coordinate system via which the orientation of the spray head can be determined based on the point of impact of the light beam. This means that the test surface has the coordinate system as a marking. For this purpose, the test surface can be covered with a grid to enable particularly easy reading of the coordinates. The coordinate system enables particularly precise checking of the orientation of the spray head relative to the nozzle base body. For example, based on the point of impact of the light beam on the test surface, the coordinates of the current orientation of the spray head relative to the nozzle base body can be determined. These determined coordinates can be compared with target coordinates for the specified target orientation of the nozzle head relative to the nozzle base body.Using the coordinates, the deviation between the current actual alignment of the nozzle head and the target alignment of the nozzle head can be determined with particularly high precision and reproducibility. As a result, the spray head can be adjusted in a targeted and precise manner in order to adapt the actual alignment of the spray head to the specified target alignment. In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the test specimen is translucent and the test surface is arranged on a side of the test specimen opposite the light source, whereby during the inspection the light beam passes through the test specimen before it reaches the test surface. For example, the test specimen can comprise a plate which has the test surface. The light source is thus arranged on a first side of the plate and the test surface is arranged on a side of the plate opposite the first side.In relation to the test surface, the light beam provided by the light source hits the plate from behind, shines through the plate and then reaches the test surface, whereby the point of impact of the light beam can be detected on the side of the plate on which the test surface is located due to the light transmittance of the test specimen and the test surface. In order to be able to determine the point of impact of the light beam on the test surface particularly precisely, particularly with regard to the coordinate system, it can be provided that the test specimen, in particular at least the test plate of the test specimen, is translucent. The test specimen is thus partially translucent. If the test specimen were transparent, it could be difficult to determine the point of impact of the light beam precisely on the test surface.Because the test surface is located on the side of the test specimen opposite the light source, the point of incidence of the light beam on the test surface can be determined particularly easily by a person or a detection device simply by looking at the test surface. If the test surface were located on the same side of the test specimen as the light source, it could be difficult to view the test surface or monitor it using the detection device due to accessibility reasons.

[0010] In this context, it can be provided, in particular, that the test specimen is made of frosted glass. In particular, at least the plate of the test specimen having the test surface is made of frosted glass. Frosted glass causes light to scatter when it strikes the frosted glass. If the light beam thus shines through the frosted glass, the light beam is scattered at the point of impact in the frosted glass. The point of impact of the light beam on the test surface can be determined particularly precisely using a center point of this scattered light. In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the light source is a laser pointer. A laser pointer is a light pointer that is designed to emit a precisely directed light beam.In particular, the laser pointer can comprise a laser diode, also known as a semiconductor laser, as the light-generating component. A collimator lens can be used to focus the light emitted by the laser diode into a light beam. The laser pointer represents a particularly cost-effective and simple way to provide the laser beam as a light source.

[0011] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the spray nozzle is configured to spray a release agent onto a casting mold. Release agents are important for molding and removing a component cast in the casting mold. The release agent can protect the casting mold from the ingredients of a casting compound, thereby achieving a particularly long service life for the casting mold. The device thus makes it possible to check the alignment of a spray head of at least one spray nozzle of a spray tool, which is configured to spray a release agent. In particular, the device can be used to check the spray heads of all spray nozzles of the spray tool, thereby ensuring continuous wetting of the casting mold with the release agent. As a result, a particularly simple and damage-free removal of a workpiece cast in the casting mold can be ensured.

[0012] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the holder is designed to be attached to the nozzle body by plugging it onto it. This means that the holder is slipped over the nozzle body at least in part, allowing the device to be centered particularly easily and precisely relative to the nozzle body. Plugging it onto the nozzle body enables particularly easy and precise attachment of the holder and, via the holder, the test specimen to the nozzle body. This allows the device to determine the orientation of the spray head of the spray nozzle with particular precision.

[0013] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the test body is fixed to the holder by means of a connecting device, wherein the connecting device is designed to provide access to the spray head while the device is held on the spray nozzle. This means that the connecting device is designed such that when the device is fastened to the spray nozzle to be tested, the spray head is accessible from the outside, for example via a free opening, whereby the orientation of the spray head can be adjusted and / or the light source can be fastened to the spray head, in particular can be plugged onto the spray head. For example, the connecting device can have a skeleton-like structure or a framework-like structure by means of which the test body is fixed relative to the holder.The device allows for reaching between the respective struts of the skeleton or frame, allowing the alignment of the spray head to be adjusted. This allows the alignment of the spray head to be adjusted even when the device is attached to the spray nozzle, for example, to adjust the alignment of the spray head to the specified target alignment for that spray head.

[0014] The invention further relates to a method for checking the alignment of a spray head of a spray nozzle of a spray tool relative to a nozzle base body of the spray nozzle. The method provides for the use of a device as already described in connection with the device according to the invention for checking the alignment of the spray head of the spray nozzle relative to the nozzle base body. The device is attached to the nozzle base body via the holder. The method further provides for the light source to be attached to a spray head. Furthermore, the light source provides a light beam in a beam direction coincident with a spray direction of the spray head. This light beam strikes the test specimen. The alignment of the spray head is determined based on the point of impact of the laser beam on the test surface of the test specimen.The point of impact of the laser beam on the test surface can be recorded, for example, using a recording device and evaluated by an electronic computer. Alternatively or additionally, the point of impact of the laser beam on the test surface can be recorded by a person and, based on the recorded point of impact, the alignment of the spray nozzle relative to the nozzle base can be determined. This method enables particularly simple and precise checking of the alignment of the spray head of a spray nozzle of a spray tool under inspection. The method can be repeated for all spray nozzles of the spray tool in order to check the alignment of all spray heads. Depending on the result of the respective checks, the alignment of the respective spray heads can be adjusted in order to ensure even wetting of the surface of an object to be sprayed with a spray agent.

[0015] In a possible development of the invention, it is provided that the determined orientation of the spray head is compared with a stored target orientation for this spray head and it is determined that the orientation of the spray head is OK if a deviation between the determined orientation of the spray head and the stored target orientation for this spray head lies within predetermined tolerance limits. Furthermore, it is provided that it is determined that the orientation of the spray head is not OK if the deviation between the determined orientation of the spray head and the stored target orientation for this spray head does not lie within the predetermined tolerance limits. Depending on whether the orientation of the respective spray head has been assessed as OK or not OK, the orientation of the spray head is changed in order to adapt it to the predetermined target orientation.Based on the specified tolerance limits, a check is carried out to determine whether readjustment of the respective spray head is necessary. If it is determined that readjustment of the spray head in question is necessary because the alignment of the spray head has been determined to be incorrect, the alignment of this spray head is adjusted to ensure even wetting of the surface of the object to be sprayed.

[0016] The process thus allows only those spray heads whose actual alignment deviates from the target alignment by more than specified tolerances to be readjusted, while those spray heads whose actual alignment matches the specified target alignment for the respective spray head, or whose actual alignment deviates from the specified target alignment for the respective spray head only within the specified tolerances, remain in alignment. This allows the spray tool with all its spray nozzles to be checked and adjusted particularly quickly.

[0017] Further features of the invention may emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figures alone, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0018] The drawing shows:

[0019] Fig. 1 is a first schematic perspective view of a device for checking the alignment of a spray head of a spray nozzle relative to a nozzle body of this spray nozzle; and

[0020] Fig. 2 is a further schematic perspective view of the device.

[0021] In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0022] Figs. 1 and 2 show, in respective different schematic perspective views, a device 10 by means of which a spray nozzle 12 of a spraying tool can be inspected. The spraying tool can comprise a plurality of spray nozzles 12, each configured to spray a spray cone of a spraying agent, whereby a surface of an object can be wetted with the spraying agent. In the present case, the spray nozzle 12 being inspected is configured to spray a release agent onto a casting mold.

[0023] The tested spray nozzle 12 comprises a nozzle base body 14 and a spray head 16, which is adjustable in its orientation relative to the nozzle base body 14.

[0024] The orientation of the spray cone provided by the spray nozzle 12 can be adjusted by aligning the spray head 16 relative to the nozzle base body 14.

[0025] The device 10 comprises a holder 18, a light source 20 and a test specimen 22 as well as a connecting device 24. The holder 18 is designed to be fastened to the nozzle base body 14, in particular by plugging the holder 18 onto the nozzle base body 14. The light source 20 is designed to provide a light beam. In the present case, the light source 20 is a laser pointer. The light source 20 is fastened to the spray head 16 such that a beam direction of the light beam provided by the light source 20 coincides with a spray direction of the spray head 16. In the present case, the light source 20 is fastened to the spray head 16 by means of an adapter 26. The adapter 26 is tubular in shape in the present case. The adapter 26 is plugged onto the spray head 16 and the light source 20, which is cylindrical in shape in the present case, is plugged into the adapter 26.In other words, the spray head 16 is inserted into the adapter 26 via a first end, and the light source 20 is inserted into the adapter 26 via a second end opposite the first end. By means of the adapter 26, the light source 20 is thus held on the spray head 16 in such a way that the beam direction of the light source 20 coincides with the spray direction of the spray head 16. By activating the light source 20 and thus emitting the light beam, the spray direction of the spray head 16 can be made visible by the spray direction being represented by the light beam. The test body 22 is arranged in front of the light source 20 in the beam direction of the light source 20. The test body 22 is fixed relative to the holder 18 by means of the connecting device 24. In the present case, the connecting device 24 comprises a frame 28 in which the test body 22 is held.This frame 28 is held to the holder 18 by at least one strut 30, in this case by four struts 30. The struts 30 are spaced apart from one another so that the light source 20 and the spray head 16 are laterally accessible. This allows the orientation of the spray head 16 to be adjusted while the device 10 is held on the spray nozzle 12. Furthermore, the light source 20 can be fixed to the spray head 16 via the adapter 26, while the holder 18 is already attached to the nozzle base body 14 of the spray nozzle 12.

[0026] The test specimen 22 in this case is a frosted glass pane which is at least partially translucent to the light beam provided by the light source 20. On a side of the test specimen 22 facing away from the light source 20, this test specimen 22 has a test surface 32. As can be seen particularly clearly in Fig. 2, this test surface 32 is provided with a grid, in this case a coordinate system. Using the grid or the coordinate system of the test surface 32, a point of impact 34 of the light beam emitted by the light source 20 during the check of the alignment of the spray head 16 on the test surface 32 can be determined. Based on this position of the point of impact 34 in the coordinate system, the alignment of the spray head 16 can in turn be determined particularly precisely.Because the test surface 32 is arranged on the side of the test body 22 opposite the light source 20, this test surface 32 is particularly accessible and can be easily detected by a person conducting the inspection or by a detection device. The dimensions of the test body 22 and the test surface 32 are selected such that the point of impact 34 of the light beam provided by the light source 20 lies on the test surface 32 for every possible orientation of the spray head 16. This results in a pyramid-shaped basic shape of the device 10. The point of impact 34 of the light beam on the test surface 32 appears in the form of a light spot on the test surface 32.

[0027] As part of a method for checking the alignment of the spray head 16 relative to the nozzle base body 14, the device 10 is attached to the spray nozzle 12 by placing the holder 18 onto the nozzle base body 14. Furthermore, the light source 20 is attached to the spray head 16. By means of the light source 20, a light beam is provided in the beam direction coincident with the spraying direction of the spray head 16. This light beam shines through the test specimen 22 and radiates out of the test specimen 22 at the test surface 32, whereby a light spot is produced on the test surface 32 at the impact point 34. Based on the impact point 34 of the laser beam on the test surface 32 of the test specimen 22 in relation to the coordinate system on the test surface 32, the orientation of the spray head 16 relative to the nozzle base body 14 is determined.

[0028] The determined alignment of the spray head 16 can be compared with a stored target alignment for this spray head 16. If it is determined that the determined alignment of the spray head 16 deviates from the stored target alignment for this spray head 16 more than is permitted by the specified tolerance limits, then it is determined that the alignment of the spray head 16 is incorrect and therefore needs to be readjusted. If, however, it is determined that a deviation between the determined alignment of the spray head 16 and the stored target alignment for this spray head 16 lies within the specified tolerance limits, then it is determined that the alignment of the spray head 16 is correct.

[0029] The described device 10 is based on the need to check the spatial orientation of adjustable release agent nozzles, in this case the spray head 16, and thus the correct application of release agent to a die-casting tool. The described device 10 enables particularly precise checking and adjustment of the spatial orientation of the spray head 16 of the spray nozzle 12, whereby sufficiently accurate documentation of this spatial adjustment is only made possible by the device 10.

[0030] The test specimen 22 can be configured to be exchanged within the frame 28. Using the focused light beam provided by the light source 20, a light spot is generated on the test surface 32, the grid coordinates of which can be read and documented. Because the test specimen 22 can be removed from the frame 28 of the connecting device 24, the spray head 16 is particularly easily accessible for adjusting the orientation of this spray head 16.

[0031] This device 10 enables the spatial orientation of a spray head 16 of a spray nozzle 12 to be adjusted or checked without being dependent on a surface to be sprayed. Overall, the invention shows how a testing device, in this case the device 10, can be implemented for the spatial orientation of release agent nozzles, in this case the spray head 16 of the spray nozzle 12, in die casting.

[0032] List of reference symbols

[0033] 10 Device 12 Spray nozzle

[0034] 14 nozzle body

[0035] 16 spray head

[0036] 18 Bracket

[0037] 20 Light source 22 Test specimen

[0038] 24 Connecting device

[0039] 26 adapters

[0040] 28 frames

[0041] 30 Strut 32 Test surface

[0042] 34 Point of impact

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (10) for checking the alignment of a spray head of a (16) spray nozzle (12) of a spraying tool relative to its nozzle base body (14), with a holder (18) which is designed to be fastened to the nozzle base body (14) of the spray nozzle (12) to be checked, a light source (20) which is designed to be fastened to the spray head (16), whereby a beam direction of the light source (20) coincides with a spray direction of the spray head (16), a test body (22) which is fixed relative to the holder (18) and which has a test surface (32) via which the alignment of the spray head (16) can be determined based on an impact point (34) of a light beam emitted by the light source (20) in the beam direction.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the test surface (32) has a coordinate system via which the orientation of the spray head (16) can be determined based on the point of impact (34) of the light beam.

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the test body (22) is designed to be translucent and the test surface (32) is arranged on a side of the test body (22) opposite the light source (20), whereby during the inspection the light beam radiates through the test body (22) before it reaches the test surface (32).

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the test body (22) consists of frosted glass.

5. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (20) is a laser pointer.

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spray nozzle (12) is designed to spray a release agent onto a casting mold.

7. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (18) is designed to be fastened to the nozzle base body (14) by being plugged onto the latter.

8. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the test body (22) is fixed to the holder (18) by means of a connecting device (24), wherein the connecting device (24) is designed to allow access to the spray head (16) while the device (10) is held on the spray nozzle (12).

9. Method for checking an alignment of a spray head (16) of a spray nozzle (12) of a spray tool relative to its nozzle base body (14), in which a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims is fastened to the nozzle base body (14) via the holder (18), the light source (20) is fastened to the spray head (16), by means of the light source (20) a light beam is provided in a beam direction coincident with a spray direction of the spray head (16), which beam impinges on the test body (22), and the alignment of the spray head (16) is determined based on an impact point (34) of the laser beam on the test surface (32) of the test body (22).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the determined orientation of the spray head (16) is compared with a stored target orientation for this spray head (16) and it is determined that the alignment of the spray head (16) is correct if a deviation of the determined alignment of the spray head (16) from the stored target alignment for this spray head (16) lies within predetermined tolerance limits, and it is determined that the alignment of the spray head (16) is not correct if the deviation of the determined alignment of the spray head (16) from the stored target alignment for this spray head (16) does not lie within the predetermined tolerance limits.

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