Quick-change coupling for a spray applicator for releasably connecting a spray head to a spray applicator holder, and spray applicator having a quick-change coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a quick-change coupling for a spray applicator for releasably connecting a spray head to a spray applicator holder, the quick-change coupling comprising a coupling housing (5), which can be fastened to the spray applicator holder (6) and has an upstream opening (5.1) through which conduits (8) can be led. A connection block (3) is also provided which can be fastened to the spray head (2). The connection block (3) can be connected to the coupling housing (5) by means of a releasable connection and comprises conduit connectors (11) to which the conduits (8) can be fastened, which conduits project through the upstream opening (5.1) of the coupling housing (5). The connection block (3) and the coupling housing (5) are designed such that the connection block (3) can be at least partly pulled out of the coupling housing (5), together with the conduits (8) on the downstream face (5.7) of the coupling housing (5).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Quick-change coupling for a spray applicator for detachably connecting a spray head with a spray applicator holder and spray applicator with quick-change coupling

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a quick-change coupling for a spray applicator for detachably connecting a spray head to a spray applicator holder and to a spray applicator with a quick-change coupling.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] A holding arrangement for an electrostatic rotary atomizer is known from the printed document DE 10 2018 108 786 B4. The holding arrangement has a first coupling plate which is intended for connection to a robot and to which a first coupling piece of a fluid coupling and a first plug part of an electrical plug are fastened. The holding arrangement also has a second coupling plate which is designed to be complementary to the first coupling plate. A base plate and the rotary atomizer are fastened to the base plate via a rod on the second coupling plate. In addition, a second coupling piece of the fluid coupling and a second plug part of the electrical plug are fastened to the second coupling plate. The two coupling plates and thus the two coupling pieces of the fluid coupling and the two plug parts of the electrical plug can be pressed together or spaced apart from one another using two force cylinders.Such a design is complex and heavy. Furthermore, such a coupling requires regular maintenance to ensure that the power cylinders function properly at all times and that no fluid leaks occur at the sealing point between the two coupling pieces of the fluid coupling.

[0007] Description of the invention

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide a quick-change coupling for a spray applicator, by means of which the spray head of the spray applicator can be quickly and easily releasably connected to a spray applicator holder. Furthermore, the quick-change coupling is designed so that lines on the spray head can be quickly and easily installed and removed. Furthermore, the accessibility to the line connections on the spray head is to be improved.

[0009] The object is achieved by a quick-change coupling for a spray applicator having the features specified in patent claim 1.

[0010] The quick-change coupling according to the invention for a spray applicator for detachably connecting a spray head to a spray applicator holder comprises a coupling housing which can be fastened to the spray applicator holder and which has an upstream opening for leading out lines. In addition, a connection block is provided which can be fastened to the spray head. The connection block can be connected to the coupling housing by means of a detachable connection and has line connections to which the lines which protrude through the upstream opening of the coupling housing can be fastened. The connection block and the coupling housing are designed such that the connection block, together with the lines on the downstream side of the coupling housing, can be pulled at least partially out of the coupling housing.

[0011] Advantageous further developments of the invention result from the features specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0012] In one embodiment of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the detachable connection is designed as a bayonet lock.

[0013] In another embodiment of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the detachable connection has an anti-twist device. The anti-twist device can, for example, comprise a screw that, when screwed in, prevents the components from twisting relative to each other. For this purpose, a bore can be provided into which the screw can be inserted, thus achieving the anti-twist device.

[0014] In an additional embodiment of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the detachable connection is designed such that the coupling housing can only be connected to the connection block in a specific rotational position. This is helpful, for example, when the spray applicator is attached to a robot. This makes it easy to ensure that the spray applicator is always attached to the robot in the same installation position.

[0015] In an additional embodiment of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, a high-voltage cascade is provided, which is arranged in the coupling housing. Because the high-voltage cascade is arranged in the coupling housing, the high-voltage cascade can be connected directly to the spray head, eliminating the need for a high-voltage cable between the spray head and the high-voltage cascade.

[0016] In a further development of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the high-voltage cascade is attached to the connection block.

[0017] In another development of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, a device for strain relief of the cables is provided.

[0018] In an additional development of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the strain relief device is supported on the coupling housing.

[0019] In a further development of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the strain relief device rests radially on the coupling housing. This has the advantage that the cables in this area are not subjected to mechanical stress. Furthermore, the quick-change coupling according to the invention can be provided with a strain relief device that includes a fixing aid for the cables.

[0020] Furthermore, the strain relief device can include a spacer, which connects the fixing aid to the terminal block. The spacer absorbs any axial forces that may occur, thus relieving strain on the cables. Furthermore, the spacer, in combination with the fixing aid, ensures that the fixing aid is held in a defined position, allowing personnel to easily install and remove the cables. The defined position of the fixing aid also holds the cables in the defined position.

[0021] In the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the spacer can be made of plastic. Because the plastic is non-conductive, this is particularly advantageous for electrostatics. The spacer forms an insulator that electrostatically separates the upstream components from the downstream components.

[0022] In the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the coupling housing can be made of plastic. This also has advantages for electrostatics.

[0023] In one embodiment of the quick-change coupling according to the invention, the coupling housing can be attached to the spray applicator holder by means of a swivel joint. The swivel joint can also be designed as a locking swivel joint. The locking mechanism allows the angle of rotation to be adjusted stepwise at defined angles.

[0024] In addition, a spray applicator is proposed which comprises the quick-change coupling according to the invention.

[0025] In another embodiment of the invention, the spray applicator is attached to a robot or a lifting device via the spray applicator mount. The spray applicator can also be stationary, i.e., fixed in place, via the spray applicator mount. The robot can be mounted not only on the floor but also, for example, on the ceiling.

[0026] In a further development of the spray applicator, its spray head has a spray rotation bell.

[0027] Furthermore, the spray applicator can include a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the rotating spray bell. The speed sensor, in turn, has a signal line, wherein the signal line is one of the lines arranged in the coupling housing.

[0028] The signal line can be, for example, an optical fiber.

[0029] Short description of the drawings

[0030] The invention is further explained below with several exemplary embodiments based on twelve figures. Figure 1 shows a first possible embodiment of a spray applicator with a spray head, a spray applicator holder, and a quick-change coupling in a three-dimensional view in the open state.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the spray applicator with spray head and quick-change coupling without coupling housing in another three-dimensional view.

[0032] Figure 3 shows the coupling housing and the spray applicator holder in a three-dimensional view.

[0033] Figure 4 shows an alternative spray applicator with spray head and quick-change coupling in the assembled state in a three-dimensional view.

[0034] Figure 5 shows the spray applicator with spray head and quick-change coupling in a partially disassembled state in a three-dimensional view.

[0035] Figure 6 shows the spray applicator with spray head and quick-change coupling in a partially disassembled state with a signal line and a high-voltage cascade in a second three-dimensional view.

[0036] Figure 7 shows the spray applicator with spray head and quick-change coupling in a partially disassembled state with several lines in a three-dimensional view. Figure 8 shows a first possible embodiment of the quick-change coupling in a three-dimensional view.

[0037] Figure 9 shows the first embodiment of the strain relief device in a three-dimensional view in the disassembled state.

[0038] Figure 10 shows the first embodiment of the strain relief device in side view.

[0039] Figure 11 shows the first embodiment of the strain relief device in plan view in longitudinal section.

[0040] Figure 12 shows the first embodiment of the strain relief device in a rear view.

[0041] Ways to implement the invention

[0042] Figure 1 shows a first possible embodiment of a spray applicator 1 in a three-dimensional view in the open state. The spray applicator 1 comprises a spray head 2, a quick-change coupling 20, a coupling housing 5 and a spray applicator holder 6. Figure 2 shows the spray applicator 1 with spray head 2 and quick-change coupling 20 in a three-dimensional view obliquely from the front, wherein the coupling housing 5 and the spray applicator holder 6 have been removed. Figure 3 shows the coupling housing 5 and the spray applicator holder 6 in a three-dimensional view.

[0043] The spray head 2 of the spray applicator 1 can, for example, be equipped as a rotary spray head with a rotating spray bell 16. Of course, the spray applicator 1 can also be equipped with a differently designed spray head 2. Such a spray head 2 can, for example, have a flat jet nozzle, an angled nozzle, or a round jet nozzle.

[0044] The coupling housing 5 is part of the quick-change coupling 20. In the assembled state, the coupling housing 5 covers the interior of the quick-change coupling 20 and protects it from external influences. The coupling housing 5 has an upstream opening 5.1 for leading out lines 8 (Fig. 7). For the sake of clarity, the lines 8 are not shown in Figures 1 to 3. The spray applicator holder 6 is designed such that it can be fastened to the coupling housing 5.

[0045] On the downstream side, the quick-change coupling 20 comprises a connection block 3 which can be fastened to the spray head 2. The connection block 3 can also be connected to the coupling housing 5 by means of a detachable connection. The connection block 3 has line connections 11 to which the lines 8 can be fastened, which lines protrude through the upstream opening 5.1 of the coupling housing 5. The connection block 3 and the coupling housing 5 are designed such that the connection block 3, together with the lines 8, can be at least partially pulled out of the coupling housing 5 on the downstream side 5.7 of the coupling housing 5. A high-voltage cascade 12 can also be fastened to the connection block 3. The connection block 3 can be designed such that it can be at least partially pulled out of the coupling housing 5 together with the high-voltage cascade 12 on the downstream side 5 . 7 of the coupling housing 5.

[0046] Furthermore, a strain relief device 10 can be attached to the connection block 3. The strain relief device 10 comprises a spacer 9, which is attached to the connection block 3 on the downstream side and which carries a fixing aid 13 and a fixing ring 4 on the upstream side. The spacer 9 is preferably rod-shaped. The connection block 3 can be designed such that it can be pulled at least partially out of the coupling housing 5 together with the strain relief device 10 on the downstream side 5. 7 of the coupling housing 5.

[0047] The lines 8 can, for example, be material lines for conducting powder or paint to the spray head 2. One or more of the lines 8 can also be lines carrying compressed air. On the upstream side of the connection block 3, connections 11 are provided for connecting the lines 8 to them (see, for example, Figure 7). On the downstream side of the connection block 3, the connections 11 are connected to the spray head 2. To dismantle the lines 8, the connection block 3 is pulled forward, i.e. in a downstream direction, from the coupling housing 5. The coupling block 3 remains on the spray head 2. One or more of the lines 8 can also be signal lines for conducting one or more measurement signals from the spray head 2 to a controller (not shown in the figures).

[0048] One of the lines 8 can also be a high-voltage cable or a power cable for supplying the internal high-voltage cascade 12 .

[0049] If the spray applicator 1 is designed, for example, as a rotary atomizer, the spray head 2 can comprise a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the rotating spray bell 16. One of the above-mentioned signal lines can originate from the speed sensor. Such a signal line 18 is shown in Figure 5 and can be fixed with the aid of the fixing aid 13 and the fixing ring 4.

[0050] The signal line 18 can, for example, be a fiber optic cable. The use of a fiber optic cable is particularly advantageous in potentially explosive environments because the measurement signal is transmitted as an optical rather than an electrical signal. This permanently ensures that no ignitable spark occurs in the potentially explosive area.

[0051] The coupling housing 5 has a first interface 5.3 on its downstream side. The interface 5.3 is provided to connect the coupling housing 5 to the connection block 3. In one possible embodiment, the coupling housing 5 is pushed over the connection block 3 in the area of ​​the interface 5.3 so that the coupling housing 5 is positively connected to the connection block 3. The interface 5.3 can be equipped with one or more bulges or lugs 5.5 and the connection block 3 can be equipped with axial recesses 3.1 and radial recesses 3.2. The lugs 5.5 and the recesses 3.1 and 3.2 form a bayonet lock. When the coupling housing 5 is plugged onto the connection block 3 in the correct rotational position, the lugs 5.5 protrude into the axially running recesses 3.1. The coupling housing 5 is then rotated relative to the connection block 3 around its longitudinal axis LA2 until the lugs 5.5 in the radial recesses 3.2. In this position, the coupling housing 5 and the connection block 3 are firmly connected to each other.

[0052] To separate the coupling housing 5 and the connection block 3, proceed in the reverse order.

[0053] A second interface 5.4 can be provided on the coupling housing 5, via which the coupling housing 5 is connected to a spray applicator holder 6. The spray applicator holder 6 is provided to hold the spray applicator 1 with a robot, a lifting device, or in some other way. For this purpose, the spray applicator holder 6 can have a holding rod 7, which is attached, for example, to the robot or the lifting device.

[0054] The second interface 5.4 can be designed as a swivel joint. In order to fix the position of the spray head 2 relative to the spray applicator holder 6, a knob 6.1 can be provided. With the help of this, the joint position can be fixed or the angle of rotation on the swivel joint can be adjusted. The swivel joint can also be designed as a locking swivel joint. With the help of the locking mechanism, the angle of rotation can be set step by step at defined angles. For example, the swivel joint can be provided to lock in 10° steps. This makes a total of 36 different angles of rotation possible. If required, an angle scale 6.2 can be attached to the spray applicator holder 6. This allows the user to determine the angle of rotation quickly and easily.

[0055] If the bayonet lock between the coupling housing 5 and the terminal block 3 is to be released, the terminal block 3 is rotated about its longitudinal axis LA2 and then pulled forward in a downstream direction from the coupling housing 5. To ensure that no excessive forces act on the cables 8 and / or the high-voltage cascade 12 and / or the optical fiber 18, these can be attached to the strain relief device 10.

[0056] On the downstream side, the coupling housing 5 can be provided with a bore 5 . 6 . The bore 5 . 6 can be provided with or without a thread. The coupling housing 5 can be screwed to the connection block 3 using a screw (not shown in the figures). When fitted, the screw projects into the bore 5 . 6 . The bore 5 . 6 preferably runs slightly obliquely to the longitudinal axis LA2 of the coupling housing 5. This increases user-friendliness because the screw is then more easily accessible. Instead of or in addition to this, a locking element can also be provided. This also effectively prevents the coupling housing 5 from accidentally rotating relative to the connection block 3.

[0057] A second possible embodiment of a spray applicator 100 with spray head 2 and quick-change coupling 20 is shown in Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 shows the spray applicator 100 in the assembled state. Figures 5, 6 and 7 show the spray applicator 100 with the coupling housing 15 removed. While the spray applicator 1 has a straight design with a longitudinal axis LA2, which is the longitudinal axis of the spray head 2 and the longitudinal axis of the coupling housing 5, the spray applicator 100 is angled. The longitudinal axis LAI of the coupling housing 15 is oblique to the longitudinal axis LA2 of the spray head 2.

[0058] 5 and 6, only the high-voltage cascade 12 and the optical fiber 18 are shown. It is also not essential that lines are connected to all connections 11. Some lines 8 are shown as examples in Figure 7. The lines 8 are fluidically connected to the spray head 2 via the connections 11, so that material and / or compressed air and / or another fluid can be guided to the spray head 2 via the lines 8. In addition, two connections 28 at the upstream end of the lines 8 are shown as examples. The lines 8 can be connected to further lines via the connections 28. The first interface 15.3 on the coupling housing 15 can be identical in construction to the first interface 5.3 of the coupling housing 5.

[0059] The second interface 15.4 of the coupling housing 15 is located in the upstream section of the coupling housing 15. It is preferably located at the upstream end of the coupling housing 15 (see Figures 4 to 7). The second interface 15.4 serves as a spray applicator holder. The spray applicator holder is provided to hold the spray applicator 100 with a robot, with a lifting device or in some other way. For this purpose, the spray applicator holder can have a flange 15.8 with bores, which is screwed or fastened to a correspondingly designed counterpart. The counterpart can be part of a robot, a lifting device or a holding arm, for example.

[0060] The functionality of the clutch housing 15 is essentially the same as that of the clutch housing 5. The assembly and disassembly of the clutch housing 15 also takes place in the same way as the clutch housing 5.

[0061] Figures 8 to 12 show various views and a section of the first possible embodiment of the strain relief device 10. The strain relief device 10 comprises the spacer 9, which is fastened to the connection block 3. The spacer 9 can have a thread 9.1 on its downstream end, with which it can be screwed into the connection block 3. At its upstream end, the spacer 9 is connected to the fixing aid 13. The fixing aid 13 can be fastened to the spacer 9 by means of a screw 21. The fixing aid 13 can be disc-shaped and have one or more holes 13.1 and 13.2. The size of a hole can be adapted to the cross-section of the cable 8 to be accommodated. For example, the fixing aid 13 can have a large hole 13.1 for a thick cable and a small hole 13.2 for a thin cable. Furthermore, the fixing aid 13 can have a hole 13.4 for accommodating the high-voltage cascade 12. Furthermore, the fixing aid 13 may have one or more additional holes 13.3. The holes 13.3 serve, among other things, to direct the drive air of the turbine installed in the spray head 2 to the rear.

[0062] The strain relief device 10 also includes a fixing ring 4 that at least partially encloses the fixing aid 13. The fixing ring 4 can have a slot 4.1. This allows the fixing ring 4 to be slightly widened and pushed over the fixing aid 13.

[0063] Along their outer surface, the fixing aid 13 can be equipped with a groove 13.5, and the fixing ring 4 can be equipped with a first circumferential fold 4.3 and / or a second circumferential fold 4.4. When assembled, the fixing ring 4 lies in the groove 13.5 of the fixing aid 13. The two folds 4.3 and 4.4 serve as stops and prevent the fixing ring 4 from accidentally slipping off the fixing aid 13.

[0064] A hole 4.2 runs transversely to the slot 4.1 in the fixing ring 4, through which a screw 22 can be screwed in order to tighten the fixing ring 4 onto the fixing aid 13.

[0065] For example, to secure a cable 8 in the strain relief device 10, the fixing ring 4 is first slightly loosened by unscrewing the screw 22. The cable 8 is then pushed through a suitable hole 13.1 or 13.2 in the fixing aid 13. If further cables 8 are to be secured in the strain relief device 10, the additional cables 8 can now also be pushed through the suitable holes 13.1 or 13.2. Once this is finished, the screw 22 on the fixing ring 4 can be tightened again so that the fixing ring 4 presses the cables 8 into the holes 13.1 and / or 13.2 with slight pressure, thus holding the cables 8 in position by both a positive fit and a friction fit.

[0066] The same applies to the installation of the high-voltage cascade 12 in hole 13.3.

[0067] Advantageously, the strain relief device 10 is supported internally on the coupling housing 5. In particular, it can be provided that the strain relief device 10 is supported radially on the coupling housing 5. This has the advantage that the cables 8 and / or the high-voltage cascade 12 are not subjected to mechanical stress.

[0068] The holes 13.1, 13.2, and / or 13.4 can be arranged in the fixing aid 13 such that they are open toward the outer surface of the fixing aid (see, for example, Figure 9). The lines 8 can then also be clipped radially into the holes 13.1, 13.2, and / or 13.4 with slight pressure.

[0069] If the slot 4.1 of the fixing ring 4 is above a hole

[0070] 13.1 or 13.2, this hole is accessible for clipping in a cable 8. After the cable 8 has been clipped into the hole, the fixing ring 4 is advantageously rotated over the hole so that it closes the hole. This prevents the just-clipped cable 8 from accidentally popping out of the hole again.

[0071] It is also possible to use one or more of the holes 13.1,

[0072] 13.2 and / or 13.4 should be positioned further inside the fixing aid 13. Hole 13.3 can serve as an example.

[0073] The preceding description of the embodiments according to the present invention serves only for illustrative purposes. Various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the various components of the quick-change coupling 20 shown in Figures 1 to 12 can also be combined with one another in a manner other than that shown in the figures. Furthermore, the quick-change coupling 20 can also be installed in devices not shown in the figures. List of reference symbols

[0074] 1 spray applicator

[0075] 2 spray heads

[0076] 3 terminal block

[0077] 3.1 axial recess

[0078] 3.2 radial recess

[0079] 4 Fixing ring

[0080] 4.1 Slot

[0081] 4.2 Drilling

[0082] 4.3 Fold

[0083] 4.4 Fold

[0084] 5 clutch housing

[0085] 5.1 upstream opening

[0086] 5.2 downstream opening

[0087] 5.3 first interface

[0088] 5.4 second interface

[0089] 5.5 Bulge / Nose

[0090] 5.6 Hole with or without thread

[0091] 5.7 downstream side

[0092] 6 Spray applicator holder

[0093] 6.1 Knob

[0094] 6.2 Angle scale

[0095] 7 Grab bar

[0096] 8 Line

[0097] 9 spacers

[0098] 9.1 Thread

[0099] 10 Strain relief device

[0100] 11 Connection for one cable

[0101] 12 high-voltage cascade

[0102] 13 Fixing aid

[0103] 13.1 hole

[0104] 13.2 Hole 13.3 Hole

[0105] 13.4 holes

[0106] 13.5 groove

[0107] 15 Clutch housing

[0108] 15.1 upstream opening

[0109] 15.2 downstream opening

[0110] 15.3 first interface

[0111] 15.4 second interface

[0112] 15.5 Bulge

[0113] 15.6 Bore

[0114] 15.7 downstream side

[0115] 15.8 Flange

[0116] 16 Spray rotation bell

[0117] 18 Signal line

[0118] 20 quick-change coupling

[0119] 21 Screw

[0120] 22 Screw

[0121] 28 connection

[0122] 100 spray applicator

[0123] LAI longitudinal axis

[0124] LA2 Longitudinal axis

Claims

Patent claims 1. Quick-change coupling for a spray applicator for detachably connecting a spray head with a spray applicator holder, - with a coupling housing (5) which can be fastened to the spray applicator holder (6) and which has an upstream opening (5.1) for leading out lines (8), - with a connection block (3) which can be attached to the spray head (2), - in which the connection block (3) can be connected to the coupling housing (5) by means of a detachable connection, - in which the connection block (3) has line connections (11) to which the lines (8) can be fastened, which lead through the upstream opening (5.1) of the clutch housing (5), and - in which the connection block (3) and the coupling housing (5) are designed such that the connection block (3) together with the lines (8) on the downstream side (5.7) of the coupling housing (5) can be at least partially pulled out of the coupling housing (5).

2. Quick-change coupling according to claim 1, wherein the detachable connection is designed as a bayonet lock (3.1, 5.5).

3. Quick-change coupling according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detachable connection has an anti-twist device.

4. Quick-change coupling according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the detachable connection is designed so that the coupling housing (5) can only be can be connected to the connection block (3) in a specific rotational position.

5. Quick-change coupling according to one of claims 1 to 4, with a high-voltage cascade (12) which is arranged in the coupling housing (5).

6. Quick-change coupling according to claim 5, wherein the high-voltage cascade (12) is attached to the connection block (3).

7. Quick-change coupling according to one of claims 1 to 6, with a device for strain relief (10) of the lines (8).

8. Quick-change coupling according to claim 7, wherein the strain relief device (10) is supported on the coupling housing (5).

9. Quick-change coupling according to claim 7 or 8, in which the strain relief device (10) is supported in the radial direction on the coupling housing (5).

10. Quick-change coupling according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the strain relief device (10) has a fixing aid (4, 13) for the lines (8).

11. Quick-change coupling according to claim 10, wherein the strain relief device (10) has a spacer (9) via which the fixing aid (4, 13) is connected to the connection block (3).

12. Quick-change coupling according to claim 11, wherein the spacer (9) is made of plastic.

13. Quick-change coupling according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the coupling housing (5) is made of plastic.

14. Quick-change coupling according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the coupling housing (5) can be fastened to the spray applicator holder (6) by means of a swivel joint (5.4).

15. A spray applicator comprising a quick-change coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. Spray applicator according to claim 15, wherein the spray applicator holder (6) is attached to a robot or a lifting device.

17. Spray applicator according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the spray head (2) of the spray applicator (1) comprises a spray rotary bell (16).

18. Spray applicator according to claim 17, - which comprises a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the spray rotary bell (16), - wherein the speed sensor has a signal line (18) and one of the lines (8) is the signal line (18).

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