EP4268971B1 - Angle adapter for a powder spray device - Google Patents

Description

technical field

The invention relates to an angle adapter for a powder spraying device for spraying coating powder.

In powder coating, the workpiece to be coated is covered with a layer of powder using a powder spray applicator. The powder-coated workpiece is then heated until the powder melts and forms a closed layer. After the layer has cooled, it forms a closed protective layer that adheres firmly to the workpiece. A suitable powder spray applicator has a powder-carrying line that opens into a powder spray nozzle on the outlet side. The coating powder to be sprayed is sprayed through the powder spray nozzle.

In order to achieve an optimal coating of the workpiece, it is generally recommended to adapt the spray direction of the powder spray applicator to the geometry of the workpiece to be coated. If the powder spray applicator only sprays the powder forwards in the longitudinal direction, it may happen that certain areas of certain workpieces cannot be sprayed sufficiently. This is the case, for example, if the workpiece has an interior space whose surface can only be covered by a spray gun that is aligned in the longitudinal direction. Powder jet cannot be sprayed or cannot be sprayed sufficiently. To avoid this disadvantage, an angle adapter can be provided on the downstream side of the spray applicator. This allows the powder spray direction to be changed so that the spray direction no longer runs in the longitudinal direction, but is pivoted at a defined angle to the longitudinal direction. In the following, this angle is referred to as the pivot angle.

State of the art

The Inogun A operating manual from Sames Kremlin ( https://www.manualslib.de/manual/730827/Sames-Kremlin-Inogun-A-Fcc.html#manual ) describes a powder spray gun for spraying coating powder that can be equipped with such an angle adapter. The angle adapter is available in two versions, namely as a so-called 60° nozzle adapter and as a 90° nozzle adapter. When the 60° nozzle adapter is screwed onto the gun barrel of the spray gun, the spray jet is swiveled at a swivel angle of 60° relative to the longitudinal axis. The nozzle adapter can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the gun barrel. This allows the angle of rotation of the spray direction to be adjusted. During coating, however, it is not possible to change the swivel angle from 60° to 90°. To achieve this, the 60° angle adapter must be unscrewed and the 90° angle adapter must be screwed onto the gun barrel. Only then can the powder spray gun be used again. This means that the angle of rotation of the 60° angle adapter as well as the 90° angle adapter is the same. powder spray jet but not its swivel angle adjustable. Document DE 20 2012 004571 U1 shows a tube sleeve for tribostatically charging a paint powder which is carried in a gas stream flowing along a longitudinal axis of the tube sleeve, wherein the tube sleeve comprises an end piece with at least one section widening on the outflow side to form an annular gap, wherein the tube sleeve has a plurality of rotary flow bores, wherein the rotary flow bores are arranged to introduce a gas applied on the outside in the same direction as the flow direction at an acute angle to the inner surface of the tube sleeve.

representation of the invention

An object of the invention is to provide an angle adapter for a powder spraying device in which not only the angle of rotation but also the swivel angle of the powder spraying direction is adjustable.

At the same time, it must be ensured that the high voltage, regardless of the set spray direction, can only reach the electrode and not further upstream to the outside, i.e. to the outside of the angle adapter.

Advantageously, the angle adapter according to the invention ensures that the high voltage can always be guided to the nozzle or to the high-voltage electrode, regardless of the set spray direction.

Advantageously, the angle adapter according to the invention also ensures that gas which is to flow around the high-voltage electrode can always be guided to the high-voltage electrode, regardless of the set spray direction.

The object is achieved by an angle adapter for a powder spray device with the features specified in patent claim 1.

The angle adapter according to the invention for a powder spray device comprises an upstream housing which has an upstream powder channel, a connection to the powder spray device and a longitudinal axis about which the housing can be rotated. In addition, the powder spray device comprises a pivoting body with a downstream powder channel which is connected to the upstream powder channel. The pivoting body can be pivoted about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis. In addition, there is a nozzle which is connected to the pivoting body. There are several webs and grooves on the housing and on the pivoting body, wherein the webs protrude into the grooves and the webs and grooves are designed in such a way that they form a labyrinth. Furthermore, the angle adapter has a high-voltage line which extends from the upstream housing via the pivoting body to the nozzle and is designed there as a high-voltage electrode.

Advantageous developments of the invention result from the features specified in the dependent patent claims.

In one embodiment of the angle adapter according to the invention for a powder spray device, the powder channel is designed such that the upstream powder channel tapers in the direction of flow and the downstream powder channel widens. This makes it possible for the powder flowing through the angled area of the powder channel to be distributed more homogeneously in the downstream powder channel.

In a further embodiment of the angle adapter according to the invention, a gas line is provided in which part of the gas line runs through the upstream housing and another part of the gas line runs through the swivel body. The gas line is provided to transport gas to the high-voltage electrode or to the nozzle. This enables a particularly compact design.

In an additional embodiment of the angle adapter according to the invention, the part of the gas line arranged in the housing is connected to the labyrinth on the outlet side. This also enables a particularly compact design. And if ozone or ionized air forms in the labyrinth, it can be flushed out with the gas transported into the labyrinth.

In a further development of the angle adapter according to the invention, the part of the gas line arranged in the swivel body is connected to the labyrinth on the inlet side. This also enables a particularly compact design. In addition, the gas line can be used to flush out the labyrinth and to transport the gas to the high-voltage electrode.

In another development of the angle adapter according to the invention, a dielectric is provided in the labyrinth. This allows the electrical insulation to be increased towards the outside of the angle adapter.

In an additional development of the angle adapter according to the invention, the dielectric is an inert gas or high-voltage grease.

In addition, the angle adapter according to the invention can be provided with the downstream powder channel having a longitudinal axis which runs obliquely to the pivot axis.

Furthermore, in the angle adapter according to the invention, it can be provided that the upstream powder channel has a downstream channel section and an upstream channel section. The upstream channel section runs concentrically to the longitudinal axis and the downstream channel section runs concentrically to the pivot axis.

In a further development of the angle adapter according to the invention, a contact ring is provided at the transition from the upstream housing to the swivel body. The contact ring serves to connect the part of the high-voltage line located in the upstream housing with the part of the high-voltage line located in the swivel body.

In another development of the angle adapter according to the invention, the contact ring is arranged adjacent to the powder channel.

In an additional development of the angle adapter according to the invention, the contact ring is arranged between the powder channel and the gas line, viewed in the radial direction.

In one embodiment of the angle adapter according to the invention, in the outer area of the transition from A seal is provided between the housing and the swivel body, which seals the labyrinth gas-tight to the outside.

The angle adapter according to the invention can have a clamping nut which is arranged at the transition from the housing to the swivel body and is intended to fasten the swivel body to the housing.

In another embodiment of the angle adapter according to the invention, the clamping nut is made of an electrically non-conductive material.

The labyrinth in the angle adapter according to the invention preferably has a width of between 0.1 mm and 0.8 mm. The width refers to the width of the gap within the labyrinth through which gas, for example compressed air, can flow.

In another embodiment of the angle adapter according to the invention, the outlet of the upstream powder channel and the inlet of the downstream powder channel are designed such that they can be tightly connected to one another.

In the angle adapter according to the invention, a powder mixer can be provided in the upstream area of the downstream powder channel. This has the advantage that the powder is distributed more homogeneously in the powder channel.

In a further development of the angle adapter according to the invention, the cross-section of the powder mixer, viewed in the direction of flow, first tapers and later widens again.

In another development of the angle adapter according to the invention, the powder mixer has blades in order to give the powder flowing through the powder channel a swirl.

Advantageously, the contact ring in the angle adapter is designed as a conductive O-ring.

This O-ring can also be provided to seal the labyrinth in the radial direction towards the powder channel.

In addition, the angle adapter according to the invention can have a threaded sleeve via which the housing can be connected to a gun barrel. The threaded sleeve is designed in such a way that, when released, it enables the angle adapter to be rotated relative to the gun barrel.

In addition, a method is proposed for setting the direction in which a powder spray device is to spray, which comprises the angle adapter described above. The method comprises the following steps. A clamping nut connecting the housing and the swivel body is loosened. In a further step, the swivel body is swiveled relative to the housing into the desired swivel angle position. In an additional step, the clamping nut is screwed tight.

The method may additionally include the following steps. The threaded sleeve connecting the housing to the gun barrel is loosened. Then the The angle adapter is turned to the desired position opposite the gun barrel and the threaded sleeve is screwed on.

Short description of the drawings

Figur 1

zeigt eine erste mögliche Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Winkeladapters in einer ersten Schwenkstellung in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 2

zeigt die erste Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters in der Seitenansicht.

Figur 3

zeigt die erste Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters im Längsschnitt.

Figur 4

zeigt die erste Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters in einer zweiten Schwenkstellung in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 5

zeigt die erste Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters in einer dritten Schwenkstellung in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 6

zeigt die erste Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters und einen Teil des Pistolenlaufs einer Pulversprühvorrichtung in einer vierten Schwenkstellung in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 7

zeigt die erste Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters in der vierten Schwenkstellung in einer teilweisen Explosionsansicht.

Figur 8

zeigt den Schwenkkörper des Winkeladapters in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 9

zeigt die erste Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters in der vierten Schwenkstellung im Längsschnitt.

Figur 10

zeigt die erste Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters in einer Explosionsansicht.

Figur 11

zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters im Längsschnitt.

Figur 12

zeigt die zweite Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 13

zeigt eine Einschraubhülse, die eine Gewindehülse und eine Sicherungshülse umfasst, wobei die Einschraubhülse Teil des Winkeladapters sein kann, und ein Montagewerkzeug für die Einschraubhülse in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 14

zeigt die Einschraubhülse und das in die Einschraubhülse eingesetzte Montagewerkzeug in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 15

zeigt die Einschraubhülse und das in die Einschraubhülse zum Teil eingeführte Montagewerkzeug im Längsschnitt.

Figur 16a

zeigt eine mögliche Ausführungsform eines Mischers in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 16b

zeigt den Mischer im Längsschnitt.

Figur 17a

zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform des Mischers in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 17b

zeigt die weitere Ausführungsform des Mischers im Längsschnitt.

Figur 18a

zeigt eine zusätzliche Ausführungsform des Mischers in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 18b

zeigt die zusätzliche Ausführungsform des Mischers im Längsschnitt.

Figur 19

zeigt eine dritte Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 20

zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform der Düse in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 21

zeigt die weitere Ausführungsform der Düse in der Seitenansicht.

Figur 22

zeigt die weitere Ausführungsform der Düse im Längsschnitt.

Figur 23

zeigt eine vierte Ausführungsform des Winkeladapters in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 24

zeigt eine vierte Ausführungsform der Düse in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 25

zeigt die vierte Ausführungsform der Düse in der Ansicht von vorne.

Figur 26

zeigt die vierte Ausführungsform der Düse in der Seitenansicht.

Figur 27

zeigt die vierte Ausführungsform der Düse im Längsschnitt.

Figur 28

zeigt eine fünfte Ausführungsform der Düse in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 29

zeigt die fünfte Ausführungsform der Düse in der Seitenansicht.

Figur 30

zeigt die vierte Ausführungsform der Düse im Längsschnitt.

Figur 31

zeigt eine sechste Ausführungsform der Düse in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

Figur 32

zeigt die sechste Ausführungsform der Düse im Längsschnitt.

In the following, the invention is further explained with several embodiments using several figures.

Figure 1

shows a first possible embodiment of the angle adapter according to the invention in a first pivoting position in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 2

shows the first embodiment of the angle adapter in side view.

Figure 3

shows the first embodiment of the angle adapter in longitudinal section.

Figure 4

shows the first embodiment of the angle adapter in a second pivoting position in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 5

shows the first embodiment of the angle adapter in a third swivel position in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 6

shows the first embodiment of the angle adapter and a part of the gun barrel of a powder spray device in a fourth pivot position in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 7

shows the first embodiment of the angle adapter in the fourth pivot position in a partially exploded view.

Figure 8

shows the swivel body of the angle adapter in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 9

shows the first embodiment of the angle adapter in the fourth swivel position in longitudinal section.

Figure 10

shows the first embodiment of the angle adapter in an exploded view.

Figure 11

shows a second embodiment of the angle adapter in longitudinal section.

Figure 12

shows the second embodiment of the angle adapter in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 13

shows a screw-in sleeve comprising a threaded sleeve and a locking sleeve, wherein the screw-in sleeve can be part of the angle adapter, and an assembly tool for the screw-in sleeve in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 14

shows the screw-in sleeve and the assembly tool inserted into the screw-in sleeve in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 15

shows the screw-in sleeve and the assembly tool partially inserted into the screw-in sleeve in longitudinal section.

Figure 16a

shows a possible embodiment of a mixer in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 16b

shows the mixer in longitudinal section.

Figure 17a

shows another embodiment of the mixer in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 17b

shows the further embodiment of the mixer in longitudinal section.

Figure 18a

shows an additional embodiment of the mixer in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 18b

shows the additional embodiment of the mixer in longitudinal section.

Figure 19

shows a third embodiment of the angle adapter in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 20

shows another embodiment of the nozzle in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 21

shows the further embodiment of the nozzle in side view.

Figure 22

shows the further embodiment of the nozzle in longitudinal section.

Figure 23

shows a fourth embodiment of the angle adapter in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 24

shows a fourth embodiment of the nozzle in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 25

shows the fourth embodiment of the nozzle in the front view.

Figure 26

shows the fourth embodiment of the nozzle in side view.

Figure 27

shows the fourth embodiment of the nozzle in longitudinal section.

Figure 28

shows a fifth embodiment of the nozzle in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 29

shows the fifth embodiment of the nozzle in side view.

Figure 30

shows the fourth embodiment of the nozzle in longitudinal section.

Figure 31

shows a sixth embodiment of the nozzle in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 32

shows the sixth embodiment of the nozzle in longitudinal section.

Ways to carry out the invention

A first possible embodiment of the angle adapter according to the invention is shown in the Figures 1 to 10 The angle adapter comprises a housing 1, which is also referred to as the upstream housing, and a swivel body 3 which is connected to the housing 1 on the downstream side thereof.

The housing 1 has a longitudinal axis LA1, the swivel body 3 has its own longitudinal axis LA2. The longitudinal axis LA1 is also referred to below as the first longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis LA2 is also referred to as the second longitudinal axis.

In the following, we speak of rotation when it is a rotary movement around the longitudinal axis LA1 or LA2. We speak of swiveling when it is a rotary movement around the swivel axis DA.

A powder channel 2 is located inside the housing 1. A powder channel 42 is connected to the downstream end of the powder channel 2, with the two powder channels 2 and 42 preferably being arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis LA1. The downstream end of the powder channel 42 is rotatably connected to a powder channel 41. The powder channel 41 is arranged concentrically to the pivot axis DA and this is inclined at an angle α to the longitudinal axis LA1. The pivot axis DA therefore runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis LA1, with the angle α defining how obliquely the pivot axis DA runs to the longitudinal axis LA1. A downstream powder channel 4 is connected to the powder channel 41. The powder channel 4 is arranged in an electrode holder 35 and extends through it. The powder channel 4 is preferably arranged concentrically to the second longitudinal axis LA2. The longitudinal axis LA2 is inclined relative to the pivot axis DA by an angle β. The longitudinal axis LA2 therefore runs obliquely to the pivot axis DA, with the angle β defining how obliquely the longitudinal axis LA2 runs relative to the pivot axis DA. A powder nozzle 5 is connected to the powder channel 4, through which the powder P can be sprayed. The nozzle 5 can also be arranged concentrically to the second longitudinal axis LA2.

The angle α can be, for example, 135°. The angle β can also be, for example, 135°. The two angles α and β are preferably equal, so that the two longitudinal axes LA1 and LA2 run parallel to each other (see Fig. 3 ). If the two angles α and β are each 135°, the longitudinal axis LA2 can form an angle of 0° to a maximum of 90° with the longitudinal axis LA1 (see Fig. 3 and 9 ).

In the Figures 1 to 3 the angle adapter is shown in a first powder spraying position. In this pivoting position, the first longitudinal axis LA1 and the second longitudinal axis LA2 are offset parallel to one another. In this pivoting position, which is referred to as the zero position, the powder spraying direction is offset parallel to the first longitudinal axis LA1, so that the powder P is sprayed out of the nozzle 11 offset parallel to the first longitudinal axis LA1.

In Figure 4 The angle adapter is shown in a second powder spraying position. In this position, the swivel body 3 is swiveled counterclockwise relative to the housing 1 by a swivel angle ϑ = 30°. The Powder P now flows out of the nozzle 5 at an angle of ϑ = 30° relative to the longitudinal axis LA1.

In Figure 5 the angle adapter is shown in a third powder spraying position. In this position, the swivel body 3 is swiveled counterclockwise by the swivel angle ϑ = 60° relative to the housing 1 or the longitudinal axis LA1. The size of the set swivel angle ϑ can be read off using a scale 22 on the housing 1 in conjunction with a mark 23 that is attached to the swivel body 3.

The swivel body 3 has several webs 6 and grooves 7 where it is in contact with the housing 1. The housing 1 also has grooves 19 and webs 18 where it is in contact with the swivel body 3. This area forms the transition between the housing 1 and the swivel body 3. The grooves 19 and webs 18 of the housing 1 and the webs 6 and grooves 7 of the swivel body 3 are designed and arranged in such a way that a web 6 of the swivel body 3 projects into a groove 19 of the housing 1 and a web 18 of the housing 1 projects into a groove 7 of the swivel body 3. In this way, the webs 6, 18 and grooves 7, 19 form a joint with which the swivel body 3 can be swiveled relative to the housing 1. The surface 14 on the housing 1 forms a support surface on which the swivel body 3 rests movably ( Figure 7 ). The two straight lines 30 and 31 are selected so that they lie in the support surface 14. They span the swivel plane. The swivel axis DA is perpendicular to the swivel plane.

The interface, which is part of the joint on the housing 1, can have (for example on the outside) one or more locking lugs 1.13 (see Figure 7 and 8 ). The swivel body 3 can also have one or more locking lugs 3.13 in the area of the interface. This allows the swivel angle ϑ to be changed in angular steps specified by the locking lugs 1.13 and 3.13. In addition, when the locking lugs 1.13 and 3.13 engage with each other, the swivel body 3 is prevented from being accidentally swiveled relative to the housing 1. The O-ring 39, which makes the electrical contact between the two high-voltage lines 10.1 and 10.2, is also protected in this way. Otherwise the wire end of the high-voltage line 10.1 or the wire end 12 of the high-voltage line 10.2 could damage the O-ring 39. The locking mechanism prevents the possibly sharp wire end 12 from being pulled over the O-ring 39.

There is a clamping nut 15 on the joint. When the clamping nut 15 is loosened, the swivel body 3 can be swiveled relative to the housing 1. When the clamping nut 15 is tightened, however, the swivel body 3 and the housing 1 are rigidly connected to one another. This prevents the swivel body 3 from being accidentally swiveled relative to the housing 1. The clamping nut 15 also ensures that the swivel body 3 cannot fall off the housing 1. In addition, the clamping nut 15 extends the path for the high voltage. This means that the high voltage that is guided inside the angle adapter on the high-voltage line 10 has to travel a greater distance before it reaches the outside of the angle adapter.

This increases the creepage distance and thus the insulation resistance and increases operational reliability.

In one embodiment, the webs 6, 18 and grooves 7, 19 are designed such that the webs 6, 18 protrude into the grooves 7, 19 without touching the grooves 7, 19. The space between the webs 6 and the grooves 19 or the webs 18 and the grooves 7 forms a labyrinth 8. The labyrinth 8 is intended to increase the distance between the high-voltage line 10 and the outside of the angle adapter. This reduces the risk of an electrical discharge. The space or the labyrinth can be filled with a dielectric. A dielectric here is an electrically weakly or non-conductive substance in which the existing charge carriers cannot move freely. The dielectric can be an inert gas or high-voltage grease and has the purpose of increasing the electrical insulation between the high-voltage electrode 10 carrying the high voltage and the outside of the powder spray device.

The O-ring 39 can be designed as an electrically conductive ring and form the electrical contact point between the housing 1 and the swivel body 3 for the high voltage. This ensures that the high-voltage line 10.2 in the swivel body 3 and the high-voltage line 10.1 in the housing 1 are always connected to one another, regardless of how the swivel body 3 is swiveled relative to the housing 1. The O-ring 39 can also be provided to seal the labyrinth 8 in a radial direction inwards, towards the powder channel 2. The O-ring 16 serves to seal the labyrinth 8 in the radial outward direction.

If the labyrinth 8 is not a gas-tight space but is to be traversed by a fluid, for example, ordinary air under pressure (compressed air) can be used instead of the dielectric.

If, however, the labyrinth 8 is designed as a gas-tight space, it is advantageous to use a dielectric such as SF6 or another inert gas such as nitrogen. In order to create the gas-tight space, the labyrinth 8 can be sealed at its radial inner end and at its radial outer end with a seal, for example with O-rings 16 and 39 ( Fig. 9 ). In this case, the atomizing air is not guided through the labyrinth 8, but via a separate line (not shown in the figures). The atomizing air is provided to atomize the powder in the area of the nozzle mouth. The atomizing air and/or the rinsing air for the electrode 11 can be transported via the gas line 20.

The labyrinth 8 can also be filled with a high-voltage grease, such as Vaseline or castor oil. In this case, it does not matter whether the labyrinth 8 is designed as a gas-tight or non-gas-tight space. However, the labyrinth 8 is preferably designed in such a way that the high-voltage grease cannot easily escape. In this embodiment, the O-ring 16 can be omitted.

The angle adapter preferably has a gas line 20, via which gas is fed to the high-voltage electrode 11. The gas can be compressed air or nitrogen, for example. An (upstream) section 20.1 of the gas line 20 runs through the housing 1 and opens into the labyrinth 8. Another (downstream) section 20.2 of the gas line 20 begins at the labyrinth 8 and extends through the swivel body 3 to the electrode holder 35. A third section 20.3 of the gas line 20 is provided in the electrode holder 35, the outlet of which is also the outlet of the high-voltage electrode 11. With the help of the gas flowing through the gas line 20, the high-voltage electrode 11 is flushed with gas. In this case, the gas serves as purge air.

The gas can also serve as atomizing air when it comes to influencing the powder cloud.

The outlet for the gas and the high-voltage electrode 11 is preferably located in the mouth area of the powder spray nozzle 5 and preferably inside the powder spray nozzle 5 (see Figure 3 ). However, it can also be provided that the outlet is arranged further downstream or even slightly outside the mouth of the powder spray nozzle 5. If the electrode 11 is arranged inside the powder spray nozzle 5, this has the advantage that the powder can be charged better because the outflowing powder is closer to the electrode 11. If the gas serves as purge air and exits close to the electrode 11, the electrode 11 is better flushed and it is better prevented that powder adheres to the electrode 11. If the gas exits outside the powder spray nozzle 5, e.g. in the baffle plate 51 (see Figures 11 and 12 ), this has the advantage that the size of the powder cloud can be adjusted with the amount of gas (e.g. the atomizing air). Here, too, the gas protects the electrode 11 from powder deposits. The powder cloud is a powder-gas mixture that is essentially conical. The axis of the spray cone defines the direction of the powder spray. The angle of the spray cone depends, among other things, on the mouth width of the powder nozzle 5 and the amount of metering and conveying air. In a flat jet nozzle, which typically has a slot-shaped mouth, the spray cone is flatter and wider due to the slot-shaped nozzle mouth than in a round jet nozzle, which typically has a round mouth, or than in a nozzle with a baffle plate. In the case of the straight flat jet nozzle ( Fig. 1 - 10 ) the spray direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis LA2. With an angled flat jet nozzle, or angle nozzle for short, (see Figures 19 - 32 ), the spray direction runs at an angle γ to the longitudinal axis LA2. The angle γ is in the embodiment according to Figures 19 - 22 at 30°, in the embodiment according to Figures 28 to 30 at 45° and in the embodiment according to Figures 23 to 27 at 60°. This allows the powder spray direction to be changed by a further angle and the powder spray direction to be adapted even better to the workpiece geometry.

The high-voltage line 10 comprises several sections 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3 and, similar to the gas line 20, leads through the housing 1, the swivel body 3 and the electrode holder 35. The section 10.1 runs through the housing 1, the section 10.2 through the swivel body 3 and the section 10.3 through the electrode holder 35.

So that the high voltage can reach the electrode holder 35 from the swivel body 3, a contact pin is provided at the end of section 10.2 and a contact ring is provided on the electrode holder 35. This ensures that the electrical connection is always ensured, regardless of the orientation of the electrode holder 35 relative to the swivel body 3. The electrode holder 35 can therefore be inserted into the swivel body 3 and fixed in any rotational position using a union nut 9 on the swivel body 3. The rotational position is related to the longitudinal axis LA2, which in this case forms the rotational axis around which the electrode holder 35 can be rotated.

Advantageously, the union nut 9 has an internal thread and the swivel body 3 has a corresponding external thread. The union nut 9 and the swivel body 3 can be connected to one another via these two threads. When the union nut 9 is unscrewed from the swivel body 3, the electrode holder 35 can be pulled out of the swivel body 3.

The powder spray nozzle 5 can be plugged onto the electrode holder 35 and can have a shoulder 5.3. The powder spray nozzle 5 can be held in position with the union nut 9, which forms a positive connection with the shoulder 5.3.

The powder spray nozzle 5 according to Figures 1 to 10 is designed as a flat jet nozzle. It produces a flat, wide powder jet.

If the labyrinth 8 is designed as a closed, i.e. essentially dense space, It can be provided that the air channel 20, via which compressed air is fed to the high-voltage electrode 11, does not run through the labyrinth 8, but outside the labyrinth 8 (not shown in the figures).

In one embodiment of the angle adapter, the part of the gas line 20.2 arranged in the swivel body 3 is - viewed in the radial direction - arranged further inwards on the inlet side than the outlet of the part of the gas line 20.1 arranged in the housing 1 (see Figure 9 ).

To adjust the powder spray direction, the following procedure is generally used. First, the clamping nut 15 connecting the housing 1 and the swivel body 3 is loosened. Then the housing 1 and the swivel body 3 are pulled apart in the axial direction (relative to the swivel axis DA). As a rule, 1 to 10 mm is sufficient for this. Depending on the design of the interface between the housing 1 and the swivel body 3, 2 to 5 mm is sufficient. The swivel body 3 can now be swiveled relative to the housing 1 into the desired angular position. The housing 1 and the swivel body 3 are then pressed together again and the clamping nut 15 is screwed tight.

In order to attach the angle adapter to the gun barrel 40 of a spray applicator, a threaded sleeve 21 can be provided which is screwed onto a corresponding thread 40.1 of the gun barrel 40 (see Figure 6 ).

In a further embodiment, it is provided that not only the swivel body 3 is swiveled about the swivel axis DA, but the entire angle adapter is swiveled about the Longitudinal axis LA1 can be rotated. To make this possible, first loosen the threaded sleeve 21 with which the angle adapter is attached to the gun barrel 40.1 of the spray applicator 40. The angle adapter can then be rotated about the longitudinal axis LA1 into the desired rotational position. To be able to easily set the angle of rotation Δ, an angle scale 24 can be attached to the housing 1 of the angle adapter and a corresponding reference mark 40.2 can be attached to the gun barrel 40. Once the angle adapter has the desired rotational position, the clamping nut 21 is screwed back onto the gun barrel 40 so that the angle adapter is now fixed in its new position.

The powder channel 2 may have a taper, which is preferably located upstream of the joint ( Fig. 3 ). On the downstream side of the joint, the powder channel 4 can widen again. The upstream powder channel 2.1 thus tapers in the direction of flow and the downstream powder channel 4 widens behind the joint. This allows the powder flow to be homogenized again after the joint.

In addition or alternatively, a powder mixer 17 can be provided in the powder channel 2, viewed downstream, behind the powder channel 41. The powder mixer 17 is provided to homogenize the powder flow. This is to center and direct the powder that flows through the angled section of the powder channel 4 (relative to the longitudinal axis LA2). After the powder-air mixture has passed the taper, it is expanded again and thus evenly distributed over the cross section of the powder channel 4. To achieve this To achieve this, the powder mixer 17 has a taper 17.1 in the channel cross-section on the inlet side. This tapering section 17.1 is followed by a section with a constant cross-section 17.2 and then by a widening section 17.3.

Instead of the powder mixer 17, in a further embodiment of the angle adapter, a powder mixer 47 can also be provided, which has one or more lamellae or blades in order to give the powder flowing through the powder channel a swirl. In the Figures 16a and 16b In the embodiment shown, the powder mixer 47, which is also referred to as mixer for short, has four blades 47.1, 47.2, 47.3 and 47.4. The blades 47.1, 47.2, 47.3 and 47.4 are shaped such that they enclose an angle ω = 30° with the vertical on the outlet side of the mixer 47. In Figure 16b the flow direction of the powder P is indicated by an arrow.

Alternatively, the angle adapter can also have a powder mixer 57 or a powder mixer 67. In the case of the powder mixer 57 according to Figures 17a and 17b the angle ω = 40°. For the powder mixer 67 according to Figures 18a and 18b the angle ω = 50°. The angle ω influences the cleanability. The larger the angle ω, the easier the mixer is to clean. The angle ω also influences the twist that is to be given to the powder. The smaller the angle ω, the stronger the twist that is given to the powder.

With the help of the blades, the powder is swirled inside the mixer and exits the mixer outlet as a homogeneous, directed powder stream.

The upstream powder channel 2 is preferably arranged in a sleeve 43. The sleeve 43 with the upstream powder channel 2 is inserted into the housing 1 and is preferably clamped in the housing 1 with a locking sleeve 26 ( Figure 9 ). The locking sleeve 26 has an external thread 26.1, via which it is screwed to an internal thread 1.2 provided in the housing 1. When the locking sleeve 26 is screwed into the housing 1, the downstream end of the locking sleeve 26 presses on a correspondingly designed shoulder 43.3 of the sleeve 43, which is located on the outside of the sleeve 43.

The locking sleeve 26 is also connected to a threaded sleeve 21 via a snap connection ( Figures 13 to 15 ). The securing sleeve 21 has an annular snap hook on its upstream side, which - when mounted - engages in an annular groove 21.4 of the threaded sleeve 21, which is located at the downstream end of the threaded sleeve 21. The snap connection is designed such that the threaded sleeve 26 can rotate freely about the longitudinal axis LA1 relative to the securing sleeve 21.

On the inside, the downstream end of the threaded sleeve 21 has an internal thread 21.1 and two grooves 21.2. The webs 60.2 and 60.3 of an assembly tool 60 can be inserted into the grooves 21.2 if the assembly tool 60 is aligned accordingly. In order for the To ensure that the assembly tool can be easily gripped, it is equipped with a handle 60.1.

In order to remove the sleeve 43 with the upstream powder channel 2 from the housing 1, the assembly tool 60 is inserted into the threaded sleeve 21 and rotated until the webs 60.2 and 60.3 protrude into the grooves 21.2 provided for them and form a positive connection with them. The assembly tool 60 is then rotated together with the threaded sleeve 21 until the two webs 60.2 and 60.3 also engage in the grooves 26.2 of the locking ring 26 and also form a positive connection with it. In Figure 15, the groove 26.2, the groove 21.2 and the web 60.3 of the assembly tool 60 are aligned so that the web 60.3 can be inserted into the two grooves 21.2 and 26.2. As soon as the positive connection between the assembly tool 60 and the grooves 21.2 and 26.2 is established, the assembly tool 60 can be rotated and the locking sleeve 26 can be screwed out of the housing 1 together with the threaded sleeve 21. The external thread 26.1 of the locking sleeve 26 is thereby unscrewed from the internal thread 1.2 in the housing 1.

The internal thread 21.1 of the threaded sleeve 21 is intended to be screwed onto the external thread 40.1 of the pistol barrel 40. As soon as the threaded sleeve 21 is firmly screwed onto the pistol barrel 40, the angle adapter can no longer rotate about the longitudinal axis LA1.

To mount the upstream powder channel 2, the sleeve 43 is inserted into the housing 1 from the upstream side. The locking sleeve 26 and the threaded sleeve 21 are then inserted into the housing 1 plugged in. Using the assembly tool 60, the locking sleeve 26 is now screwed to the housing 1.

In the Figures 11 and 12 a second embodiment of the angle adapter according to the invention is shown. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment essentially in the mouth area. Instead of the nozzle 5, a nozzle 50 is installed here, which is designed in such a way that it can accommodate a baffle plate 51. This allows a round, conical powder spray jet to be generated. The high-voltage line 10 leads through the nozzle 50 and the baffle plate 51, and ends as a high-voltage electrode 11 on the downstream side of the baffle plate 51.

In the Figures 19 to 22 a third embodiment of the angle adapter is shown. The third embodiment differs from the other embodiments in the mouth area. Instead of the nozzle 5 or 50, a nozzle 150 is installed here, which is designed in such a way that it sprays the powder at an oblique angle γ of around 30°. The nozzle slot 150.1 extends over the entire width of the powder channel 150.2.

By means of a groove 150.4 and a correspondingly designed web 35.4 on the electrode holder 35 ( Fig. 10 ), the nozzle 150 can be aligned on the electrode holder 35. In the assembled state, the web 35.4 and the groove 150.4 form a positive connection so that the nozzle 150 cannot accidentally rotate with respect to the longitudinal axis LA2. This also applies analogously to the other nozzles.

Instead, the angle adapter can also be equipped with a nozzle 250. In the Figures 23 to 27 the angle adapter is shown with the nozzle 250. The nozzle 250 is designed such that it sprays the powder at an oblique angle of approximately γ = 60°.

Alternatively, the angle adapter can also be equipped with a nozzle 350. In the Figures 28, 29 and 30 the nozzle 350 is shown. The nozzle 350 is designed such that it sprays the powder at an oblique angle of approximately γ = 45°. The nozzle slot 350.1 extends over the entire width of the powder channel 350.2.

Instead, the angle adapter can also be equipped with a nozzle 450. In the Figures 31 and 32 the nozzle 450 is shown. The nozzle 450 is designed in such a way that it sprays the powder at an angle of around 45°. In addition, the nozzle slot 450.1 does not extend over the entire width of the powder channel as in the case of nozzles 5, 150, 250 and 350.

The nozzles 5, 150, 250, 350 and 450 can be adjusted in their rotational position in relation to the longitudinal axis LA2. To do this, the union nut 9 is loosened so that the nozzle and the electrode holder 35 can be rotated around the longitudinal axis LA2 into the desired rotational position. The union nut 9 is then tightened again so that the nozzle and the electrode holder are fixed in their new rotational position. Because the nozzles can be rotated, the angle adapter is given an additional degree of freedom. This means that the powder spray direction can be changed by an additional angle.

The foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is for illustrative purposes only. Various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the various embodiments shown in the Figures 1 to 32 The components of the powder spray device or the angle adapter shown can also be combined with one another in a manner other than that shown in the figures.

list of reference symbols

1

Housing

1.1

outer surface of the housing

1.2

thread

1.4

stop

1.13

locking lugs

2

upstream powder channel

2.1

canal section

2.2

canal section

3

swivel body

3.1

thread

3.13

locking lugs

4

downstream powder channel

5

nozzle

5.3

Paragraph

5.4

Nut

6

bridge on the swivel body

7

groove on the swivel body

8

labyrinth

9

union nut

10

high-voltage line

10.1

part of the high-voltage line

10.2

part of the high-voltage line

10.3

part of the high-voltage line

11

high-voltage electrode

12

wire end

14

support surface

15

union nut

16

seal

17

powder mixer

17.1

tapered section

17.2

section with constant cross-section

17.3

widening section

18

bridge on the housing

19

groove on the housing

20

gas pipeline

20.1

part of the gas pipeline

20.2

part of the gas pipeline

20.3

part of the gas pipeline

21

threaded sleeve

21.1

thread

21.2

Nut

21.4

ring groove

22

angle scale

23

reference mark

24

angle scale

26

locking sleeve

26.1

thread

26.2

Nut

30

axis

31

axis

35

electrode holder

35.4

bar on the electrode holder

36

powder mixer

37

sealing ring

39

contact ring or O-ring

40

pistol barrel

40.1

thread

40.2

reference mark

41

powder channel

42

powder channel

43

sleeve

43.3

shoulder

47

mixer

47.1

shovel

47.2

shovel

47.3

shovel

47.4

shovel

50

nozzle

51

baffle plate

57

mixer

57.1

shovel

57.2 57.3

shovel shovel

57.4

shovel

60

Tool

60.1

Handle

60.2

web

60.3

web

67

mixer

67.1

shovel

67.2

shovel

67.3

shovel

150

nozzle

150.1

nozzle slot

150.2

powder channel heel

150.4

Nut

150.3 250

nozzle

250.1

nozzle slot

250.2

powder channel

250.3

Paragraph

250.4

Nut

350

nozzle

350.1

nozzle slot

350.2 350.3

powder channel heel

350.4

Nut

450

nozzle

450.1

nozzle slot

450.2

powder channel

450.3

Paragraph

450.4

Nut

LA1

longitudinal axis

LA2

longitudinal axis

DA

axis of rotation

P

powder stream

x

axis

y

axis

z

axis

α

angle

β

angle

ϑ Δ

swivel angle rotation angle

γ

angle

ω

angle

Claims (24)

1. An angle adapter for a powder spray device,

   - comprising an upstream housing (1), which has an upstream powder channel (2), a connection to the powder spray device, and a longitudinal axis (LA1), about which the housing (1) can be rotated,

   - comprising a pivot body (3) comprising a downstream powder channel (4), which connects to the upstream powder channel (2),

   - in the case of which the pivot body (3) can be pivoted about a pivot axis (DA),

   - comprising a nozzle (5), which connects to the pivot body (3),

   - comprising a high voltage line (10), which extends from the upstream housing (1) via the pivot body (3) all the way into the nozzle (5) and which is formed there as high voltage electrode (11),

   characterized in that the pivot axis (DA) runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis (LA1), wherein the housing (1) and the pivot body (3) have several webs (6, 18) and grooves (7, 19),

   wherein the webs protrude into the grooves, and the webs and grooves are formed so that they form a labyrinth (8) in order to enlarge the distance between the high voltage line (10) and the outer side of the angle adapter.
2. The angle adapter according to claim 1,
   in the case of which the upstream powder channel (2) tapers and the downstream powder channel (4) widens again in the pivot body (3).
3. The angle adapter according to claim 1 or 2,

   - comprising a gas line (20), in the case of which a portion of the gas line (20.1) leads through the upstream housing (1), and another portion of the gas line (20.2) leads through the pivot body (3) and

   - the gas line (20) is provided in order to transport gas to the high voltage electrode (11).
4. The angle adapter according to claim 3,
   in the case of which the portion of the gas line (20.1) arranged in the housing (1) is connected to the labyrinth (8) on the outlet side.
5. The angle adapter according to claim 3 or 4,
   in the case of which the portion of the gas line (20.2) arranged in the pivot body (3) is connected to the labyrinth (8) on the inlet side.
6. The angle adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   in the case of which a dielectric is provided in the labyrinth (8).
7. The angle adapter according to claim 6,
   in the case of which the dielectric is an inert gas or high voltage grease.
8. The angle adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,
   in the case of which the downstream powder channel (4) has a longitudinal axis (LA2), which runs obliquely to the pivot axis (DA).
9. The angle adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,

   - in the case of which the upstream powder channel (2) has an upstream channel section (2.1), which runs concentrically to the longitudinal axis (LA1), and

   - in the case of which the upstream powder channel (2) has a downstream channel section (2.2), which runs concentrically to the pivot axis (DA).
10. The angle adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,
    in the case of which a contact ring (39) is provided at the transition from the upstream housing (1) to the pivot body (3), in order to connect the portion of the high voltage line (10.1), which is located in the upstream housing (1), to the portion of the high voltage line (10.2), which is located in the pivot body (3).
11. The angle adapter according to claim 10,
    in the case of which the contact ring (39) is arranged adjacent to the powder channel (2).
12. The angle adapter according to claim 10 or 11, in the case of which the contact ring (39) is arranged between the powder channel (2) and the gas line (20), viewed in the radial direction.
13. The angle adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,
    in the case of which a seal (16) is provided in the outer region of the transition from the housing (1) to the pivot body (3), which seal seals the labyrinth (8) in a gas-tight manner to the outside.
14. The angle adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,
    comprising a clamping nut (15), which is arranged at the transition from the housing (1) to the pivot body (3) and which is provided to fasten the pivot body (3) to the housing (1).
15. The angle adapter according to claim 14,
    in the case of which the clamping nut (15) is made of an electrically non-conductive material.
16. The angle adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,
    in the case of which the labyrinth (8) has a width of between 0.1 mm and 0.8 mm.
17. The angle adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,
    in the case of which the outlet of the upstream powder channel (2) and the inlet of the downstream powder channel (4) are formed in such a way that they can be tightly connected to one another.
18. The angle adapter according to any one of the preceding claims,
    in the case of which a powder mixer (17; 47) is provided in the upstream region of the downstream powder channel (4).
19. The angle adapter according to claim 18,
    in the case of which the cross section of the powder mixer (17) tapers first and widens again later, viewed in the flow direction.
20. The angle adapter according to claim 18,
    in the case of which the powder mixer (47) has blades (47.1-47.4), in order to provide the powder (P), which flows through the powder channel (2), with a spin.
21. The angle adapter according to any one of claims 10 to 20,
    in the case of which the contact ring (39) is formed as conductive O ring.
22. The angle adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
    comprising a threaded sleeve (21), via which the housing (1) can be connected to a gun barrel (40), whereby the threaded sleeve is formed in such a way that it provides for a rotation of the angle adapter with respect to the gun barrel (40) in the released state.
23. A method for setting the spray direction of a powder spray device comprising an angle adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 22 with the steps:

    - a clamping nut (15), which connects the housing (1) and the pivot body (3) to one another, is released,

    - the pivot body (3) is pivoted into the desired pivot angle position (ϑ) with respect to the housing (1), and

    - the clamping nut (15) is screwed down.
24. The method according to claim 23,
    which comprises the steps:

    - the threaded sleeve (21), which connects the housing (1) to the gun barrel (40), is released,

    - the angle adapter is rotated into the desired position with respect to the gun barrel (40), and

    - the threaded sleeve (21) is screwed down.

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