HK1179207B - Application head for dispensing a free-flowing medium and application device for dispensing a free-flowing medium - Google Patents

Description

Electrocoating nozzle for applying a free-flowing medium and coating device for applying a free-flowing medium

Technical Field

The invention relates to a coating head for coating a freely flowable medium, and to a coating installation comprising at least one such coating head. In particular, it relates to the application of adhesives and the use of hot melt adhesives. The invention may also be used for the controlled application of cold glue or adhesives containing aggressive (e.g. corrosive) components. This application claims priority from european patent office EP10151806.6 patent application, filed on a date of 2010, month 1, and day 27.

Background

In many industrial manufacturing processes, adhesives, sealants, and similar free-flowing media are used that are applied or sprayed in fluid form onto a workpiece or substrate.

The corresponding application head must be robust and allow for precise, high precision application of the medium. The application head can also be quickly switched to dispense the amount of adhesive applied or apply them precisely in dots or stripes. Furthermore, the application head cannot be too large, since the space available in the corresponding application device is often limited.

In addition, these coating jets can be used flexibly and can be adapted as required or can preferably be switched or monitored on a controller.

If hot melt adhesives are to be treated, another problem is faced. Thus, for example, high heat inside the coating head can damage the drive unit. Still other types of adhesives contain aggressive additives. For example, the pH of the adhesive may thus be in the acidic range. The adhesive may also contain corrosive or abrasive active ingredients. Appropriate measures must be taken in order to protect the coating head.

The problem presented here is to provide an application head which is accurate and reliable in operation, avoiding or completely obviating some of the drawbacks of the previously known solutions.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention solves the above problem by means of a coating head according to claim 1 and a coating installation with a corresponding control module according to claim 6.

The first coating nozzle according to the invention is designed in particular for coating free-flowing media. It comprises a (nozzle) chamber inside the application head and a nozzle needle, needle valve or slide valve (collectively referred to herein as "movable element") which is mounted in a movable manner inside the nozzle chamber. The movable element releases the outlet opening for a short time with each actuation. The applicator head may also be actuated in the opposite way, in which case the movable element closes the outlet opening for a short time with each actuation. A supply channel is provided which is connected to the (nozzle) chamber and can be in fluid connection with the supply line. A free-flowing medium can be introduced into the (nozzle) chamber via said supply line and supply channel. The driver is used for generating the opening action or the closing action of the movable element. A lever arm is provided, a first end of which is connected in a movable manner to the rear end of the movable element, and a second end of which is connected/coupled to a drive. Furthermore, the application head comprises a membrane suspension with the membrane. The lever arm extends across the surface of the diaphragm in a substantially vertical manner. The purpose of the diaphragm is to allow the lever arm to be connected to the application head in a movable manner. Furthermore, the diaphragm suspension acts as a seal to prevent the free-flowing medium from escaping from the (nozzle) chamber. Furthermore, the membrane is preferably made of a material that is resistant to free-flowing media. In all embodiments, the membrane preferably has a resistance to heat and/or corrosion and/or wear and/or to chemical additives in the medium M.

According to an embodiment, the membrane may comprise at least one sealing ring, which serves as a seal and serves to elastically clamp the membrane in the application head. This embodiment can be used in all embodiments of the invention, for example, to provide a better seal for escaping adhesive.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a metal diaphragm is provided, which can perform a back-and-forth movement particularly quickly to allow rapid opening or closing of the outlet opening. Such a metal diaphragm is particularly suitable for alternating loads at high frequencies, i.e. for embodiments that need to be opened or closed very quickly. Metal diaphragms are particularly advantageous and may be used in all embodiments of the invention.

The invention is very particularly suitable for thermoplastic (hot melt) adhesives. However, it is also suitable for aggressive glues of various types and, for example, cold glues.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

Drawings

The details and advantages of the invention are described in more detail on the basis of the following exemplary embodiments, partly in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. All figures are schematic and not drawn to scale, and corresponding structural elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in the different figures, even if they are designed differently in detail. Wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a top view of a diaphragm according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a diaphragm suspension of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a partial schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a preferred thermal decoupling connection between the actuator and the applicator tip;

FIG. 6B is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a diagram of an exemplary motion trajectory (motion P) of a movable element;

FIG. 7B is a diagram of a corresponding driver-side motion trajectory (motion P1);

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of another actuator-side motion profile (motion P1) with only two parameters;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another actuator-side motion profile (action P1) with four parameters;

fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention, schematically illustrating details of the control module and control loop, based on the embodiment shown in fig. 2.

Detailed Description

The principle of the present invention will be described below on the basis of the first embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an application apparatus 100, said application apparatus 100 having a plurality of application heads 15 arranged in a row, nozzle outlet openings 12, and adhesive supply lines 16 which can be switched independently. Instead of the nozzle outlet 12 shown in the figures, other outlet openings 12 may be used. The shape, configuration and design of the outlet orifice 12 may depend on whether there is a nozzle needle, needle valve or slide valve inside the application head 15 acting as the movable element 11.

Each outlet orifice 12 is provided in a respective application head 15. Each application head 15 is designed for the application of a free-flowing medium M, in particular for the application of adhesives, said application head 15 comprising internally a (nozzle) chamber 10. In the example shown, a nozzle needle 11 is fitted inside the (nozzle) chamber 10, said nozzle needle 11 being movable up and down inside the (nozzle) chamber 10, the outlet orifice 12 being released by an opening action P of the nozzle needle 11. Fig. 2 shows an arrow P pointing upwards. The opening movement in the direction of the arrow P lifts the nozzle needle 11, which releases the outlet opening 12, so that the medium M can be discharged from the nozzle chamber 10 to the outlet opening 12. In fig. 1, four coating heads 15 simultaneously and continuously dispense a medium M to form a web (bead) in a band shape. Said band is produced by the transfer action of the web K or of the workpiece or substrate. The corresponding direction of motion is determined by V.

Fig. 1 shows a (multi-channel) control module 50 which is connected in a control relationship to the driver 20 via a control connection 52 (also referred to as a control operation connection). The control module 50 can be used in all embodiments.

Inside the coating head there is a supply channel 13 (see e.g. fig. 2) connected to a (nozzle) chamber 10. The supply channel 13 may be in fluid connection with a supply line 16 (see e.g. fig. 1) so that a free-flowing medium M may be introduced into the (nozzle) chamber 10. Four separate supply lines 16 are shown in figure 1. However, a plurality of coating heads 15 may also be provided with a common supply line 16.

Furthermore, an actuator 20 for initiating the opening movement P of the nozzle needle 11 is provided. In fig. 1, the actuator 20 is attached or flanged to the coating head 15. Preferably, the actuator 20 comprises a separate actuator 20 for each application head 15, so that each outlet orifice 12 can be opened or closed individually (i.e. independently of the others). In this example, a multi-channel control module 50 is used, which has one channel for each driver 20.

For example, in some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the actuator 20 is preferably disposed in a spaced apart position from the applicator head 15. However, in the arrangement between the actuator 20 and the application head 15, it is important that the mutual distance is precisely determined and is stable, which applies to the arrangement of fig. 1 and 2. This aspect is important because any spatial variation will have an effect on the function or manner of operation of the lever arm 30. Details regarding the lever arm 30 will be described below.

This will be explained in further detail on the basis of a further embodiment, which is shown in cross-section in fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through a single application head 15, wherein the actuators 20 are arranged in spaced apart positions (i.e. spatially separated). According to the invention, the applicator head 15 comprises, in correspondence with each actuator 20, a lever arm 30, a first end 31 of which lever arm 30 is connected in a movable manner to the rear end of the nozzle needle 11 or of another movable element, and a second end 32 of which lever arm 30 is connected to the actuator 20. A diaphragm 34 with a diaphragm suspension 33 is used, the lever arm 30 passing through the diaphragm 34 with the diaphragm suspension 33. The purpose of the diaphragm suspension 33 is to allow the lever arm 30 to be connected to the application head 15 in a movable manner. Furthermore, the membrane suspension 33 acts as a seal to prevent the free-flowing medium M from escaping from the (nozzle) chamber 10. That is, the diaphragm 34 or the diaphragm suspension 33, respectively, has a dual function. Furthermore, depending on the design of the membrane 34, it has a protective function against the temperature, corrosion, wear and chemical additives of the medium M.

The following details show the distinctive features of this embodiment. However, these details also apply to all other embodiments. The (nozzle) chamber 10 is realized in such a way that: in the lower region of the (nozzle) chamber 10, close to the outlet opening 12, a stop point 17 or stop surface (also referred to as needle seat) is provided, respectively, for the tip 18 of the nozzle needle 11. In fig. 2, the nozzle needle 11 is shown in the closed position, i.e. the tip 18 of the nozzle needle 11 is sealingly seated on the blocking point 17, and no medium M can escape through the outlet opening 12. Once the nozzle needle 11 is raised in the Z-axis direction by the mouth-opening action P, the outlet orifice 12 is released and the medium M can be discharged.

The nozzle needle 11 is connected in a movable manner (like a toggle connection) to the region of the trailing end 14 of the lever arm 30. The nozzle needle 11 is more or less "dangling" in the nozzle chamber 10. Since the nozzle chamber 10 and the lower part of the nozzle needle 11 (the area close to the interruption point 17) are made rotationally symmetrical conical in execution, the nozzle needle 11 is centrally guided when moving downwards in the-Z direction. Furthermore, the medium M flowing from the supply channel 13 through the (nozzle) chamber 10 in the direction of the outlet orifice 12 contributes to a stable and self-centering of the respective nozzle needle 11. Such "dangling" mounting or suspension structures may be used in all embodiments.

The lever arm 30 is implemented here in such a way that it comprises a flat, rectangular or strip-shaped rod on which preferably several holes 39 are provided. These holes 39 serve to make the weight of the rod lighter in order to reduce the amount of acceleration. In addition, these holes 39 allow the connection point a of the actuator 20 to be shifted. Thus, if the effective lever arm is to be lengthened, the actuator 20 (or the respective attachment point A) can be moved further towards the second end 32, and vice versa. In the example shown, the actuator 20 is located almost at the end 32, i.e. the effective lever arm is relatively long. The closer the actuator 20 (or the respective connection point a) is moved towards the diaphragm suspension 33, the shorter the effective lever arm. With a long lever arm, a reduction takes place, i.e. a large movement P1 is reversed to give rise to a small movement P. In fig. 2, the deceleration factor is about 5:1 (i.e., the absolute value of the action P1 is about 5 times the absolute value of the action P). In the case of a small lever arm, a step-up transmission takes place, i.e. a small movement P1 is reversed to give rise to a large movement P.

In all embodiments, it is preferred to use a gear having a deceleration factor in the range of 2: 1 and 10: 1.

However, the lever arm 30 may be a rod or shaft of any other shape. The lever arm 30 is preferably made of a torsion resistant material. In addition, the lever arm 30 is as light as possible to allow a smaller amount of movement or acceleration. In all embodiments, the diaphragm 34 serves as an kinematic support for carrying/suspending a portion of the lever arm 30. Furthermore, in all embodiments, the diaphragm 34 constitutes a precise fulcrum or tilt point (referred to as a virtual pivot axis) of the lever arm 30. Due to this particular diaphragm support 34, the lever arm 30 may also be referred to as a "free floating" lever.

In order to enable the lever arm 30 to be suspended or held in the diaphragm suspension 33, a cylindrical rod 40 is provided on the lever arm 30 in the embodiment shown. The cylindrical rod 40 presses or clamps the diaphragm 34, thereby suspending the lever arm 30 from the diaphragm 34. The detailed structure of a typical preferred arrangement can be deduced from fig. 4. This suspension structure is applicable to all embodiments.

Furthermore, as shown in fig. 2 and 4, the membrane 34 may include one or two sealing rings 35, said sealing rings 35 allowing the membrane 34 to be resiliently clamped in the application head 15. The described sealing ring 35 is optional. For clamping purposes, the application head 15 may comprise a removable piece or cover (details not shown in the figures). If the removable piece or cap is removed, a diaphragm 34 including an optional seal 35 may be inserted. The diaphragm 34 is then held in place by re-tightening the removable member or cover.

As shown in fig. 4, an optional pressure connection 38 is provided on the rear side of the membrane 34, i.e. on the side remote from the (nozzle) chamber 10, said pressure connection 38 serving for mechanical locking of the membrane 34. With this preferred embodiment, the diaphragm 34 is prevented from over-stretching in the event of excessive pressure in the nozzle chamber 10. In all embodiments, the diaphragm 34 is preferably designed and arranged such that it is only bent and tensioned, thereby extending its useful life.

In various embodiments, a metal diaphragm 34 is preferably used, said metal diaphragm 34 being particularly suitable for alternating loads at high frequencies. Whether the membrane 34 is a unitary membrane surface made of metal or a planar membrane substrate (e.g., made of plastic) with a metal layer/metal vapor deposition is referred to as a metal membrane 34.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the reverse operation P1 by the actuator 20 causes the nozzle needle 11 to generate a reverse opening operation P. The lever arm thus ensures the definition of the reduction or increase transmission and the reversal of motion.

Fig. 3A shows details of a preferred embodiment of the diaphragm 34. The diaphragm 34 includes a groove 36 to increase its elasticity. Furthermore, a central passage 37 is provided through which the lever arm 30 extends in the mounted state. The position of the sealing ring 35 is shown in fig. 3A. This design of the diaphragm 34 is particularly suitable for a metal diaphragm 34, the purpose of which is to provide the required elasticity of the metal diaphragm 34.

By providing the slot 36 specifically, two small channels 42 are formed at the 3 o 'clock and 9 o' clock positions, the slot 36 being almost a complete circle. These two small channels 42 allow the inner portion 41 of the diaphragm 34 to flex, i.e. the inner portion 41 of the diaphragm 34 is a circular area defined by the radial boundaries of the slots 36. The two small channels 42, in combination with the inner portion 41 of the membrane 34, similarly define a virtual pivot axis VA. This virtual pivot axis VA is indicated by a dash-dot line in fig. 3.

Fig. 3B shows details of a preferred embodiment of the diaphragm suspension 33. Here, the fastening of the lever arm 30 to the membrane 34 can be seen. The fixing structure is realized by a rod 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior of the rod 40 is hollow to reduce weight. In order that the medium M does not escape through the inside of the lever 40, for example, caps 43 or sealing members may be provided at both ends of the lever 40. The position of the virtual pivot axis VA is also shown in fig. 3B. The details shown in fig. 3B may be applied to all embodiments.

Fig. 5 shows details of another embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the elements is chosen here in a different way, but the function is the same. The linear action of the actuator 20 is converted into an opening action of the nozzle needle 11 located inside the coating head 15. The actuator 20 is also implemented separately (i.e., spatially separated) from the coating head 15, as in fig. 2.

In the various embodiments described, an electromagnetic/pneumatic/piezoelectric actuator is suitable as actuator 20, said actuator 20 producing a corresponding linear movement P1 (up and down movement) at the required frequency, relayed, decelerated or accelerated by the highly efficient movable lever arm 30 to the nozzle needle 11, where it induces the linear movement P. However, it is preferred for piezoelectric actuator 20 to operate with a step-up drive to convert the very small motion of the piezoelectric actuator into a sufficiently large opening or closing motion P.

The electromagnetic drive 20 is constructed according to the principle of a voice coil motor or Lorentzcoil (Lorentzcoil), which electromagnetic drive 20 has proven itself. In this case, 1: a lever ratio or step-down transmission of 1 is particularly suitable as the effective transmission ratio in this example. Voice coil motors or lorentz coils may be used for all embodiments.

An advantage of a voice coil driver 20 is that it is de-energized in the idle state, i.e., it consumes less power than previous coating jets.

The travel of nozzle tip 18 or exit orifice 12 in the Z-axis direction is preferably between about 0.1 mm and 1 mm. Thus, in 1: in the case of a 1-lever transmission ratio, the actuator 20 must produce a corresponding counter-phase motion P1 with a stroke of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

With appropriate control of the driver 20, for example by means of the drive module 21 and/or the control module 50, the behavior of the nozzle needle 11 or of another movable element can be set or even adjusted; the driver module 21 may be arranged in the vicinity of the driver 20, as in the example shown in fig. 5. If desired, a suitable motion profile can be stored in order to slow down the nozzle needle 11 shortly before it hits the blocking point 17. This measure makes it possible to prolong the service life of the nozzle needle 11 and of the application head 15. Corresponding drive modules 21 and/or control modules 50 may be used for all embodiments.

The greater the selectable lever reduction gear ratio, the greater the accuracy with which the nozzle needle 11 is moved, since the large movement P1 of the actuator 20 is reduced to a small movement P of the nozzle needle 11. However, a disadvantage of such a large reduction transmission ratio is that the stroke covered by the drive side is lengthened, which makes it possible to reduce the frequency or maximum period respectively achievable by the opening and closing action of the nozzle needle 11.

Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary motion trajectory (motion P) of the movable element 11. The motion trajectory P (t, Z) is composed of several line segments. In practice, a motion trajectory P (t, Z) with a curved path is preferably used. Here, the motion trajectory P (t, Z) is a function of time t and distance Z. Here, the period of opening and closing has a duration T. For example, the duration T is broken down into 10 equal-length periodic units. Exemplary motion profiles P (t, Z) may be described later. At the point of time t =0, the movable element 11 starts acting in the positive Z-axis direction so as to release the outlet hole 12. The motion is linear and reaches peak Z =7 at 9T/10 (e.g., the unit of the Z axis may be specified in millimeters or another unit). At the point (T =9T/10, Z = 7) the opening action ends and a reversal of direction occurs, said reversal action not actually taking place suddenly as shown in the diagram. The closing action is preferably very steep, since a large force quickly closes the outlet opening 18, which is important for the appearance of a drop-off. Here, the extension of the curve between the point (T =9T/10, Z = 7) and the point (T = T, Z = 0) is linear. However, this extension is preferably non-linear, for example, as may be achieved by a suitable membrane 34 having non-linear characteristics. As soon as the point (T = T, Z = 0) is reached, the closing action is ended, that is to say at T = T the movable element 11 has reached the closed position of Z =0 again.

Fig. 7B is a schematic diagram of the corresponding driver-side operation locus P1 (t, Z). The curve P1 (t, Z) corresponds to the curve P (t, Z), where the curve P1 (t, Z) has been broadened in the Z-axis direction by the reduction transmission factor 5. Further, P1 (t, Z) extends in the-Z direction. Of course, if the system of individual components is infinitely rigid, and if there are no gearing, friction or other losses and errors, the curve P1 (t, Z) corresponds only to the curve P (t, Z).

Fig. 7B indicates the broadening (in the Z-direction) caused by the reduction ratio, which can improve parameterization and/or steering capabilities.

The complete parameterization of the curve P (t, Z) (if the curve P (t, Z) is a coherent curve made up of several straight segments) can be given by a matrix of value pairs as follows:

（t=0，Z=0）

（t=4T/10，Z=1）

（t=6T/10，Z=3）

（t=9T/10，Z=7）

（t=T，Z=0）。

the complete parameterization of the curve P1 (t, -Z) (if the curve P1 (t, -Z) is a coherent curve made up of several straight-line segments) can be given by a matrix of value pairs as follows:

（t=0，-Z=0）

（t=4T/10，-Z=5）

（t=6T/10，-Z=15）

（t=9T/10，-Z=35）

（t=T，-Z=0）。

fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a corresponding drive-side motion profile P1 x (t, -Z), wherein the motion profile is determined by only two parameters PA and PB. Here, the driver-side motion trajectory P1 × (T, -Z) has only a linear opening motion from (T =0, -Z = 0) to (T =7T/10, -Z = 35), and a steep (i.e., more rapid) linear closing motion from (T =7T/10, -Z = 35) to (T = T, -Z = 0). Obviously, the description of the motion trajectory only applies to the case where more than two parameters are predefined for the parameterization.

In all embodiments, the parameters PA and PB are preferably distance-dependent parameters.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a corresponding drive-side motion trajectory P1 × t, -Z, which is determined by four parameters PA, PB, PC and PD. The motion trajectory P1 (t, -Z) in fig. 9 corresponds to the motion trajectory P1 (t, -Z) in fig. 7B.

In the course of the parameterization, in all embodiments, in addition to specifying/predetermining the parameters (or value pairs), the maximum point, and the slope change point, further parameters can be predefined. For example, these further parameters may describe the extension of the curve between two pairs of values. Further parameters may also determine, for example, the cycle length T and/or timing (e.g., T/10).

In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent controller (e.g., in the form of drive module 21 and/or control module 50) on the drive side of driver 20 is designed such that the current injected into driver 20 can be observed. When the current increases, the current increase indicates that the nozzle needle 11 or the movable member touches the breaking point 17. By means of the intelligent control module 50, a gradual adapted motion profile stored in the driver module 21 can be executed, which motion profile can be defined in all embodiments by means of a cited parameterization; when the current signal indicates a later than before occurrence of said current increase, the motion profile causes a consequent increase of motion P1 on the drive side, thereby compensating for the wear of needle tip 18. This is because the current increase phenomenon occurs later, meaning that the needle tip 18 touches the interruption point 17 later than before. This is expressed as a phenomenon of wear. The use of such an intelligent controller (for example in the form of the drive module 21 and/or the control module 50) makes it possible to extend the service life of the application head 15, since the nozzle needle 11 or the movable element can be replaced later.

In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent controller on the drive side of the drive 20 (for example in the form of the drive module 21 and/or the control module 50) is designed such that the movement of the nozzle needle 11 or the movable element can be adjusted according to a predefined movement trajectory (for example P1 (t, -Z)). The control module 50 can monitor the switching time and the stroke of the nozzle needle 11, and can automatically correct the coating pattern of the coating head 15.

The driver module 21 and/or the control module 50 may be provided directly on each driver 20 so that the drivers 20 may be operated with 24VDC signals directly from the PLC (PLC stands for programmable logic controller). This has the advantage that each application head 15 can be operated individually. A corresponding drive module 21 and/or control module 50 may be used for all embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent controller on the drive side of the drive 20 is designed such that it can output a signal for an error, warning, service or maintenance indicator. To this end, the control module 50 is suitably configured and/or programmed. This method can be used in all embodiments.

An advantage of the invention is that there may be a spatial thermal separation between the actuator 20 and the medium M flow-through part of the application head 15 (see, for example, fig. 5). This can reduce problems caused by high temperatures on the drive side, particularly in the case of a low-temperature or high-temperature heat medium M.

The thermal separation between the drive 20 and the application head 15 is preferably a screwless connection, as can be seen in fig. 6A and the enlarged detail 6B. An insulating plate 44 is mounted on the coating head 15. Two locating pegs are provided on the applicator head side of the insulation panel 44 and four spacer/locating bolts 46 are provided on the drive side thereof. The coating head 15 and the actuator 20 are fixed by two cables 47, preferably steel cables. Preferably a non-heat conducting cable 47 is used. The cable 47 is secured to the applicator head 15 at point X1 and is pulled tight by the tensioning device 48 in the actuator 20. With this arrangement, the coating head 15 and the actuator 20 are ideally secured without metal connections (in this arrangement only connected by two thin cables 47).

In all preferred embodiments, the lever arm 30 causes a reversal of the direction of motion (point P1 in the opposite direction to P; see FIG. 2); and enlargement or reduction of motion, depending on the length setting of the lever arm, i.e., P > P1, referred to as step up drive, P1> P, referred to as step down drive. Furthermore, the angular disposition of the lever arm 30 with respect to the mobile element 11 allows to dispose said membrane 34 in an area that is not directly affected by the flowing medium M.

The present invention allows for precisely tailored adhesive application. It can be used for electromagnetic, electro-pneumatic, piezoelectric or electromechanical coating nozzles 15, whether hot or cold glue processes, whether distance or time based, whether constant or variable substrate speed.

The control module 50 (also referred to as a coating controller) may be integrated directly into the apparatus (e.g., in a melting apparatus), or it may be provided as a separate unit. It is also possible according to the invention to control and monitor several application heads 15 from a general (multi-channel) control module 50, as shown in fig. 1.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the control module 50 is designed to be controlled/monitored by a PLC.

In all embodiments, the control module 50 is connected to the guidance system via a typical interface (e.g., a CAN bus interface).

The control module 50 preferably has parameterization capabilities as described in all embodiments. The parameterization can be implemented either directly in the controller 50 or indirectly via an interface to the control module 50.

Preferably, a software module for parameterization is used in all embodiments.

The term "parameterised" as used herein describes a coating head 15 that is manipulated on the basis of parameters, preferably in the form of pairs of values. These parameters are converted by the controller 50 into commands, adjustment variables, or values to produce results on the coating head 15 or within the coating head 15 (e.g., via the drive module 21). For example, said parameters can be used to drive said actuator 20 so as to produce a monitored opening movement P (t, Z) at the output, i.e. at the movable element 11. This can be achieved in all embodiments, for example, by a programmable output voltage profile or output current profile at the driver 20 or at the driver module 21. These parameters, which are predefined by parameterization, define, for example, an output voltage curve or an output current curve. Then, the output voltage curve or the output current curve is associated with the motion trajectory P1 (t, -Z), and is associated with the motion trajectory P (t, Z) through the lever arm 30.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention, schematically illustrating details of the control module and control loop, based on the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. See description of fig. 2. Only the basic aspects of the steering and control loop are described below. All embodiments of the present invention preferably have a control loop that includes a (distance or position) sensor 53 (e.g., an inductive sensor), and a control module 50. The sensor 53 is designed to detect the instantaneous position (actual position) of the movable element 11. The (distance or position) sensor 53 is shown in fig. 10. It can also be arranged at another location. The (distance or position) sensor 53 is connected to an input of the control module 50 via a connection 55 for transmitting the actual position to the control module 50. The control module 50 determines whether a readjustment or correction is required by comparison with the actual position based on the control data. Taking the graph in fig. 7A as an example, if upon reaching the closed position (T = T, Z = 0), the (distance or position) sensor 53 indicates that the actual position deviates from this point, in the control loop, the mobile element 11 can be moved, for example, by a further small amount in the-Z direction, in order to reach an end-point closed position (called end-point monitoring).

If the control module 50 performs a self-learning function, the corrected parameters corresponding to the closed position may be stored in the parameter memory 54. These new parameters are then used during the next opening and closing.

Fig. 10 also shows that between the control module 50 and the drive 20, an optional drive module 21 may be provided in order to create a control connection between the control module 50 and the drive 20. The drive module 21 may accept parameters from the control module 50 and convert them into current or voltage variables (as control variables) that are applied to the driver 20. The control module 50 may also be directly connected to control the actuator 20 (e.g., via a control connection 52, as shown in fig. 1).

In all embodiments, the PA, PB, etc. parameters are preferably taken from the parameter memory 54 and transferred to the selectable drive module 21 via the control module 50. The drive module 21 converts these parameters PA, PB, etc. into control variables. However, it is also possible that the control module 50 processes the parameters PA, PB, etc. and then transmits the processed parameters PA, PB, etc. to the drive module 21. For example, the processing of PA, PB, etc. parameters depends on the particular configuration. And may take into account the mentioned gearing up or down factors.

For example, the control module 50 may be designed with a module for self-identifying nozzle blockage. This self-identification function may identify an impending nozzle blockage based on direct and/or indirect measurement information (e.g., from sensor 53). It may also include modules that can identify an impending problem (early identification). In this case, the control module 50 preferably performs a warning, for example, by means of an optional LED service sign 60 (see fig. 10). In the embodiment of the control loop as described above, the self-identification and early identification functions may be performed particularly conveniently.

Preferably, all embodiments are designed to be self-initializing. For this purpose, the control module 50 performs an initialization run in order to compare the PA, PB, etc. parameters with the actual values. Whereby initial correction values can be obtained and then applied during production.

By using a special mounting of the lever arm 30 of the diaphragm 34 and by means of the described control module 50 with parameterization capability, precise lead times can be ensured in all embodiments. This is important for many applications. For example, if the guaranteed lead time in the first coating nozzle 15 is 10ms, because of maintenance work, the coating nozzle must be replaced with another coating nozzle 15, and it must be ensured that this second coating nozzle 15 also maintains the 10ms guaranteed lead time. In addition or as an alternative, the invention also ensures a fixed reaction time (response time), for example, 1 ms; this is important for example for the manipulation by PLC.

For a fixed reaction time (response time) and/or lead time, the operating conditions of all the application heads 15 are completely identical.

The present invention provides a single electrically driven coating head 15 that can be operated using a PLC without an auxiliary drive and with a proprietary controller.

In all embodiments, the application head 15 is preferably designed to be normally closed, which is closed in the non-activated mode or when the apparatus is shut down.

In all embodiments, the application head 50 is preferably equipped with a sensor which monitors the sealing function or tightness of the membrane 34. The sensor is designed and configured to detect a malfunction in which the escape of the medium M occurs. The fault condition is communicated to the controller 50. The controller 50 stops dispensing adhesive (e.g., by turning off the pump) using a corresponding control signal. This feature has the advantage that, in the event of a rupture of the membrane 34, the escaping medium M is prevented from being transported into the machine.

Inductive, capacitive or optical sensors are particularly suitable for monitoring the sealing function or tightness of the membrane 34, the sensors preferably being arranged in the rear region of the application head 15 (i.e. in the medium-free space), i.e. on the opposite side of the chamber 10.

In all embodiments, the application head 15 is preferably equipped with an adhesive pressure monitoring device. In this case, the controller 50 analyzes the (pressure) signal, whereby an adhesive pressure curve can be obtained. Through analysis of the adhesive pressure profile, the controller 50 may perform diagnostics of the adhesive delivery status. In this way, for example, an impending nozzle blockage and/or a leak on the membrane 34 can be identified and reacted to. This form of adhesive pressure monitoring by the controller 50 allows for simple and reliable monitoring of adhesive application.

In all embodiments, the application head 15 is preferably provided with a so-called stroke adjustment. The stroke adjustment device can be used for flow rate regulation, i.e. for metering the medium M to be dispensed. For adjusting the stroke, a distance or position encoder is preferably provided in the application head 15 in the vicinity of the movable element 11 and/or in the vicinity of the lever arm 30. The current position (actual position) of the mobile element 11 and/or the lever arm 30 can then be transmitted to the control unit 50 and used there to achieve the adjustment target.

Instead of the application head 15 described above, the application device 100 as a whole may also comprise stroke adjustment means and/or sensor monitoring means and/or adhesive pressure curve monitoring means.

List of labels

10 (nozzle) cavity

11 moving element (for example, nozzle needle)

12 outlet hole

13 feed channel

14 rear end of nozzle needle 11

15 coating nozzle

16 supply line

17 point of interruption

18 tip

20 driver

21 drive module

30 lever arm

31 first end

32 second end

33 diaphragm suspension

34 diaphragm

35 sealing ring

36 groove

37 center channel

38 pressure connecting part

39 holes

40 cylindrical rod

41 inner part of the membrane 34

42 small channel

43 Cap

44 heat insulation plate

45 positioning bolt

46 spacer/spacer

47 cable

48 tension adjuster

50 control module (coating controller)

52 control connection

53 sensor (e.g., inductive encoder)/rangefinder

54 parameter memory

55 connection

60LED maintenance mark

100 coating apparatus

A connection point

K paper web (paperweb)

M free flowing medium

Direction of motion of V

VA virtual pivot axis

P/P (t, Z) opening action/action track

P1/P1 (t, Z) reverse motion/motion trajectory

P1 (t, Z) motion track

PA, PB, PC, PD parameters (value pairs)

post-PA, PB treatment parameters

time t

Length of T period

Z coordinate axis

Point X1

Claims (36)

1. A coating nozzle (15) for coating a free-flowing medium (M) has

-a chamber (10) inside the coating nozzle (15),

-a mobile element (11) mounted in a mobile manner inside the chamber (10) which releases or closes the outlet orifice (12) by the action (P) of the nozzle needle,

-a supply channel (13) connected to the chamber (10) and connectable in fluid connection with a supply line (16) for introducing a free-flowing medium (M) into the chamber (10),

-an actuator (20) for generating an opening movement (P) of the movable element (11), and

-having a control module (50),

characterized in that the coating nozzle (15) comprises:

-a lever arm (30) connected to the mobile element (11) and to the actuator (20) for converting an actuator side motion (P1) into an opening or closing motion of the mobile element (11),

-a membrane suspension (33) with a membrane (34), said membrane suspension (33) being used for movably connecting the lever arm (30) to the application head (15), and

-said diaphragm suspension (33) acting as a seal to prevent the free-flowable medium (M) from escaping from the chamber (10),

said control module (50) being designed and connected to control said actuator (20) so that at least one Parameter (PA) or a pair of values corresponding to the opening and closing movement (P) of the movable element (11) can be predefined by said control module (50), and that

Wherein the opening or closing movement (P) of the movable element (11) is parameterised to actuate the applicator head on the basis of more than one parameter (PA, PB) alone or more than one pair of values, said parameter (PA, PB) or pair of values being distance-dependent parameters or pairs of values.

2. Coating sprayhead (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane suspension (33) comprises, in addition to the membrane (34), at least one sealing ring (35) which serves as a seal and serves to resiliently clamp the membrane (34) in the coating sprayhead (15).

3. Coating sprayhead (15) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the membrane (34) is a metal membrane (34).

4. Coating sprayhead (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane (34)

-with grooves (36) to increase its elasticity, an

-with a central passage (37) through which the lever arm (30) extends in the mounted state.

5. Application head (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that the configuration of the lever arm (30), of the mobile element (11) and of the membrane suspension (33) with the membrane (34) is chosen such that the opening or closing movement (P) of the mobile element (11) is in anti-phase with the actuator-side movement (P1).

6. Coating nozzle (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one Parameter (PA) or at least one pair of values, together with the other Parameter (PB) or pair of values, defines a trajectory P (t, Z) of the movement of the movable element (11).

7. Application head (15) according to claim 6, characterized in that said movement trajectory P (t, Z) defines the acceleration and/or deceleration of the mobile element (11).

8. Application head (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that said control module (50) is connected in control relationship to said actuator (20) to form a control system to enable the opening or closing movement (P) of the mobile element (11) to be controlled.

9. Application head (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that a distance measuring device (53) is provided on the application head (15) for determining the position of the movable element (11) and for transmitting the actual variable value to the control module (50).

10. Coating sprayhead (15) according to claim 9, characterized in that the control module (50) is designed to compare the actual variable value with at least one Parameter (PA) or value pair and to determine a correction or control variable.

11. Application head (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that said lever arm (30) generates a reduction transmission, changing the actuator side action (P1) into the opening action (P).

12. Coating sprayhead (15) according to claim 11, characterized in that the reduction drive causes a widening which improves the parametrization capacity and/or the handling capacity.

13. Coating sprayhead (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (20) is an electromagnetic actuator and the control module (50) is designed to indirectly determine the temperature of the actuator (20) on the basis of determining the current fed to the actuator (20).

14. Application sprayhead (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control module (50) comprises a memory (55) or is connected to a memory (55), which is designed to store life cycle data and/or Parameters (PA).

15. Coating sprayhead (15) according to claim 14, characterized in that the memory (55) stores life cycle data which allows for a representation

Number of opening or closing actions and/or

-wear index and/or

-an indication of congestion.

16. Application head (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control module (50) is designed to identify an imminent nozzle blockage on the basis of direct and/or indirect detection information.

17. Coating sprayhead (15) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises

Stroke adjusting device and/or

Sensor monitoring device and/or

-means for monitoring the pressure profile of the adhesive.

18. A coating device (100) for coating a free-flowing medium (M) has

A supply line (16) for a free-flowing medium (M),

-a coating nozzle (15) with an inner chamber (10),

-a mobile element (11) mounted in a mobile manner inside the chamber (10) which releases or closes the exit hole (12) by the action (P) of said mobile element (11),

-a supply channel (13) fluidly connected to the chamber (10) and to a supply line (16) for introducing a free-flowing medium (M) into the chamber (10),

-an actuator (20) for generating an opening movement (P) of the movable element (11), and

-a control module (50),

characterized in that said coating device (100) comprises:

-a lever arm (30) connected to the movable element (11) and to the actuator (20) for converting an actuator side motion (P1) into a motion (P) of the movable element (11),

-a membrane suspension (33) with a membrane (34) placed on or in said application head (15),

-said membrane suspension (33) being intended for movably connecting the lever arm (30) to the application head (15), and

-said diaphragm suspension (33) acting as a seal to prevent the free-flowable medium (M) from escaping from the chamber (10),

said control module (50) being designed and connected to control said actuator (20) so as to correspond to at least one Parameter (PA) or a pair of values of the opening or closing movement (P) of the mobile element (11), which can be predefined by said control module (50), and

wherein the opening or closing movement (P) of the movable element (11) is parameterised to actuate the applicator head on the basis of more than one parameter (PA, PB) alone or more than one pair of values, said parameter (PA, PB) or pair of values being distance-dependent parameters or pairs of values.

19. The coating device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that the membrane suspension (33) comprises, in addition to the membrane (34), at least one sealing ring (35) which serves as a seal and serves to elastically clamp the membrane (34) in the coating head (15).

20. The coating device (100) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that said membrane (34) is a metal membrane (34).

21. The coating device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that said membrane (34)

-with grooves (36) to increase its elasticity, an

-with a central passage (37) through which the lever arm (30) extends in the mounted state.

22. The coating device (100) according to the preceding claim 18, characterized in that one of the following is used

Electromagnetic system

Pneumatic type

-piezoelectric actuator

As a driver (20).

23. The coating device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that the coating head (15) is thermally decoupled from the drive (20).

24. The coating device (100) according to the preceding claim 18, characterized in that the configuration of said lever arm (30), of said movable element (11) and of said membrane suspension (33) with said membrane (34) is chosen so that the opening or closing movement (P) of said movable element (11) is in anti-phase with said actuator-side movement (P1).

25. The coating apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim 18, characterized in that said at least one Parameter (PA) or said at least one pair of values, together with the other Parameter (PB) or pair of values, defines a trajectory P (t, Z) of the movement of the movable element (11).

26. The coating device (100) according to claim 25, characterized in that said motion profile P (t, Z) defines an acceleration and/or a deceleration of the movable element (11).

27. The coating device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that said control module (50) is connected in control relationship to said actuator (20) to form a control system to enable the control of the opening or closing movement (P) of the movable element (11).

28. The coating device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that distance measuring means (53) are provided at said coating head (15) for determining the position of said movable element (11) and for transmitting the value of the actual variable to said control module (50).

29. The coating apparatus (100) according to claim 28, wherein said control module (50) is designed to compare said actual variable value with said at least one Parameter (PA) or a pair of values and to determine a correction or adjustment variable.

30. The coating device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that said lever arm (30) generates a reduction transmission, changing the actuator-side action (P1) into the opening action (P).

31. The coating device (100) according to claim 30, characterized in that said reduction gear causes a widening, said widening increasing the parametrization capacity and/or the handling capacity.

32. The coating device (100) according to claim 18, wherein said actuator (20) is an electromagnetic actuator, and said control module (50) is designed to indirectly determine the temperature of the actuator (20) on the basis of determining the current fed to the actuator (20).

33. The coating device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that said control module (50) comprises a memory (55) or is connected to a memory (55), said memory being designed to store life cycle data and/or Parameters (PA).

34. The coating device (100) according to claim 33, characterized in that said memory (55) stores life cycle data, said life cycle data allowing for the representation thereof

Number of opening or closing actions and/or

-wear index and/or

-an indication of congestion.

35. The coating device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that the control module (50) is designed to identify an imminent nozzle blockage on the basis of direct and/or indirect detection information.

36. The coating device (100) according to the preceding claim 18, characterized in that it comprises

Stroke adjusting device and/or

Sensor monitoring device and/or

-means for monitoring the pressure profile of the adhesive.