CH715994B1 - Distribution head for a distribution device and distribution device. - Google Patents

Abstract

Distributor head (20) for a distributor device (10) for distributing fluids (70), in particular for distributing liquid adhesives and/or adhesives, onto a surface (80), preferably onto a substrate surface, the distributor head (20) having: a Elongated base element (30) having a fluid volume (32) for receiving the fluid (70), at least one filling opening (50) connected in fluid communication with the fluid volume (32) for filling the fluid (70) into the fluid volume (32), at least one with distribution opening (60) connected to the fluid volume (32) in a fluid-communicating manner for distributing the fluid (70) from the fluid volume (32), the at least one filling opening (50) on a first longitudinal side (22) of the distributor head (20) and the at least one distribution opening (60) are arranged on a second longitudinal side (24) of the distributor head (20), the first longitudinal side (22) being preferably arranged opposite the second longitudinal side (24), the at least est a distributor opening (60) in a wall (34) of the base element (30) is formed continuously through the wall, wherein a) the at least one distributor opening (60) is formed by a large number of distributor openings (60), and/or b) at least one of the at least one distribution openings (60) is formed as a slit-shaped distribution opening (60), and/or c) distribution elements (46) in the fluid volume (32) for uniform or at least substantially uniform distribution of the fluid (70) in the fluid volume (32 ) are arranged. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a distributor device having at least one distributor head.

Description

The present invention relates to a distributor head for a distributor device for distributing fluids, in particular for distributing liquid adhesives and/or adhesives, onto a surface, preferably onto a substrate surface. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a distributor device with such a distributor head.

[0002] Distributor devices and corresponding distributor heads for these distributor devices are known in principle. Such distribution devices are used, for example, to apply fluids, in particular highly viscous fluids, such as liquid adhesives and/or adhesives, to surfaces. In principle, such a distributor device usually has a supply element in which the fluid to be distributed is stored or supplied, and also a special distributor head, through which the actual distribution of the fluid is carried out. When distributing the fluid, it is introduced from the supply element into a distributor head of the distributor device and distributed by this on the surface, with the fluid being able to be distributed over a larger width in particular through the distributor head. This saves time by distributing the fluid over a large area. For this purpose, the fluid introduced into the distributor head is often divided into a large number of distributor openings, which are usually arranged next to one another, and in this way at least a rudimentary planar distribution of the fluid on the surface is made possible.

As already described above, the fluid is introduced into the distributor head and fanned out in this to a greater width for distribution on the surface. For distributing the fluid within the distributor head, this usually has a fluid volume, i.e. a cavity for receiving fluid, with which both a filling opening for filling the fluid into the fluid volume and the distributor openings are connected in fluid-communicating manner. It has been found to be disadvantageous here that, at least at the beginning of the filling of the fluid into the fluid volume, there is no uniform or at least substantially uniform fluid distribution when the fluid is discharged through the distribution openings onto the surface. This is due to the fact that the fluid in the fluid volume of the distributor head is initially only localized near the filling opening and therefore not all distributor openings can be sufficiently supplied with fluid for distributing the fluid on the surface. This can lead, at least initially, to the irregularities in the fluid distribution on the surface described above. In subsequent operation of the distributor device, pressure distributions present in the fluid can also lead to such irregularities. A uniform application of the fluid to the surface over the entire width of the distributor head cannot be guaranteed.

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially eliminate the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a distributor head and a distributor device which, in a particularly simple manner, ensures uniform or at least substantially uniform fluid distribution when the fluid is applied to a surface over at least substantially the entire application time and/or the entire application width of the distributor head when the fluid is distributed on the surface.

The above object is achieved by a distributor head with the features of independent claim 1 and by a distributor device with the features of independent claim 16. Further features and advantages of the present invention result from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. The advantages and features described in connection with the distributor head according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the distributor device according to the invention and vice versa, so that the individual aspects of the invention are always referred to or can be referred to one another.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a distributor head for a distributor device for distributing fluids, in particular for distributing liquid adhesives and/or adhesives, onto a surface, preferably onto a substrate surface, the distributor head having: an elongate base having a fluid volume for containing the fluid, at least one filling opening connected in fluid communication with the fluid volume for filling the fluid into the fluid volume, at least one distributor opening connected to the fluid volume in fluid communication for distributing the fluid from the fluid volume, wherein the at least one filling opening is arranged on a first longitudinal side of the distributor head and at least one distributor opening is arranged on a second longitudinal side of the distributor head, the first longitudinal side preferably being arranged opposite the second longitudinal side wherein the at least one distributor opening is formed continuously in a wall of the base element, each with a defined length and a defined width, wherein a) the at least one distributor opening is formed by a multiplicity of distributor openings, with the multiplicity of distributor openings being arranged adjacent to one another and the lengths of the distribution openings along a direction of flow of the fluid and/or the widths of the distribution openings are designed to vary transversely to the direction of flow of the fluid over the plurality of distribution openings for a uniform flow moderate or at least substantially uniform fluid distribution on the surface when distributing the fluid, and/or b) at least one of the at least one distribution openings is formed as a slit-like distribution opening, the slit-like distribution opening extending along a longitudinal direction of the second longitudinal side and the length of the slit-like distribution opening along a direction of flow of the fluid and/or the width of the slit-like distribution opening are designed to vary transversely to the direction of flow of the fluid and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the second longitudinal side for a uniform or at least essentially uniform distribution of the fluid on the surface when the fluid is distributed, and/or c) distribution elements are arranged in the fluid volume for uniform or at least substantially uniform distribution of the fluid in the fluid volume for a uniform or at least substantially uniform fluid distribution on the surface when distributing the Fluids through the at least one distribution opening.

With a distributor head according to the invention as part of a distributor device, fluids can be distributed evenly on a surface. In particular, the distributor head has an elongate base element in which a fluid volume is arranged, in which the fluid can be accommodated inside the distributor head. The fluid can be introduced into the fluid volume of the distributor head by the remaining components of a distributor device, for example a supply element for supplying the fluid to be distributed. For this purpose, the distributor head has a filling opening which is connected to the fluid volume in a fluid-communicating manner. In addition to a single filling opening, two or more such filling openings can also be provided.

In order to be able to discharge the fluid from the distributor head and apply it to a surface, at least one distributor opening is in turn connected to the fluid volume in a fluid-communicating manner, whereby the fluid can be discharged or discharged from the fluid volume onto the surface. In the distributor head according to the invention, the fluid used can preferably be, for example, a liquid adhesive and/or adhesive, in particular a liquid adhesive and/or adhesive with high viscosity.

Each of the at least one distributor opening represents an opening in a wall of the fluid volume and has a length and a width. According to the invention, the length of the respective distributor opening is a length through which the fluid flows along a flow direction of the fluid in the distributor opening. For example, the length of the respective distributor opening can correspond to a wall thickness of the wall of the fluid volume at the location of the distributor opening. A width of the respective distributor opening within the meaning of the invention is a clear width of the distributor opening transverse to the length through which flow occurs. In the case of slit-like distributor openings, which according to the invention are designed to extend in a slit-like or gap-like manner along a longitudinal direction of the second longitudinal side, the width of this distributor opening is also oriented transversely to the slit-like extension of this distributor opening within the meaning of the invention, in addition to being aligned transversely to the direction of flow or to the length through which flow occurs. In particular, these slit-like distribution openings can preferably be viewed as a continuous series of possible outlet locations, each of these outlet locations being able to have an individual length and/or width.

In order to ensure the simplest possible distribution of the fluid for application to the surface, it is provided that the at least one distribution opening is arranged in a second longitudinal side of the distributor head. In this way, the fluid can be discharged or distributed via the at least one distribution opening onto the surface in a particularly simple manner.

The filling opening for introducing the fluid into the fluid volume can preferably be arranged in a first longitudinal side, which is arranged opposite the second longitudinal side. In other words, the fluid is introduced into the fluid volume through the filling opening on a first longitudinal side of the base element or the fluid volume, is distributed in it and is then distributed on the surface via the at least one distribution opening arranged in the second longitudinal side. An internal distribution of the fluid in the fluid volume can thus be achieved in a particularly simple and effective manner by this arrangement of the filling opening in the first longitudinal side and the multiplicity of distribution openings in the second longitudinal side.

According to the invention it is provided that the at least one distributor opening is formed continuously in a wall of the base element. Continuous in the context of the invention means in particular that a first open end of the at least one distributor opening is fluidly connected to the fluid volume and a second open end of the at least one distributor opening is fluidly connected to an area surrounding the distributor head. In this way, it is particularly easy to ensure that the fluid is discharged or distributed through the at least one distributor opening.

In a first embodiment of a distributor head according to the invention, the at least one distributor opening is formed by a multiplicity of distributor openings, the multiplicity of distributor openings being arranged adjacent to one another, particularly preferably linearly next to one another. Furthermore, the individual distribution openings in the wall of the base element each have a defined length along a flow direction of the fluid and a defined width transverse to the corresponding flow direction of the fluid. Such a defined width can be, for example, a diameter of a cylindrical or tubular distributor opening. According to the invention, it is provided that these lengths and/or widths of the distributor openings are not the same for all distributor openings, but are designed to vary over the large number of distributor openings. In particular, use is made here of the fact that the flow resistance through distributor openings with a greater length and/or smaller width is higher than with shorter or wider distributor openings. In other words, with otherwise the same conditions, more fluid can be discharged through a shorter or wider distributor opening than through a distributor opening of greater length and/or smaller width. As a result, it can be taken into account that the fluid within the distributor head has to cover different distances from the filling opening to the distributor openings. Also, under different conditions in the distributor head and/or in the fluid, the fluid can be discharged uniformly or at least substantially uniformly via the plurality of distributor openings when it is applied to the surface. Overall, this variation can be provided in such a way that a uniform or at least essentially uniform fluid distribution can be generated when the fluid is applied or distributed on the surface, preferably over the entire duration of this process.

It is taken into account, for example, that the fluid is present in the fluid volume with an internal pressure distribution, in particular due to the flow behavior of the fluid in the fluid volume. This pressure distribution, in particular the pressure in the fluid at the connection point of the respective distributor opening with the fluid volume, is decisive in particular for the amount of fluid that exits through the respective distributor opening. For example, a higher pressure will be present at distribution openings that are opposite the at least one filling opening and in which the flow direction of the fluid is at least similar to the flow direction of the fluid flowing into the fluid volume than at distribution openings that are further away from the at least one filling opening are arranged, whereby the direction of flow of the fluid in the respective distributor opening is increasingly oriented transversely to the direction of flow of the fluid in the fluid volume. In the following, this pressure behavior of the fluid in the fluid volume is also referred to as "effective pressure". However, at a high effective pressure, more fluid exits the respective manifold orifice in the same unit time than would exit at a low effective pressure. In order to achieve a uniform or at least substantially uniform fluid distribution on the surface when distributing the fluid, it can be provided that the lengths and/or widths of the distribution opening are varied in such a way that these different pressure distributions in the fluid volume are compensated for. Overall, a uniform application of the fluid to the surface can be provided in this way.

Alternatively or additionally, such a uniform application of the fluid to the surface can also be provided by forming at least one of the at least one distributor opening as a slit-like distributor opening, with the slit-like distributor opening extending along a longitudinal direction of the second longitudinal side and having a length of the slit-like distribution opening along a flow direction of the fluid and/or a width of the slit-like distribution opening transverse to the flow direction of the fluid and transverse to the longitudinal direction of the second longitudinal side are designed to vary for a uniform or at least substantially uniform fluid distribution on the surface when distributing the fluid. In other words, this at least one distributor opening extends as a slit-like opening along the longitudinal direction of the second longitudinal side and thus provides the fluid with a continuous row of outlet locations along the longitudinal direction. Such a slit-like distributor opening can thus also be regarded as a merging of a large number of distributor openings which merge directly into one another, as described above, with all the features and advantages listed there. A single such slit-like distributor opening is particularly preferably provided, which extends over the entire or at least essentially the entire length of the second longitudinal side of the distributor head. According to the invention, it is provided that a length of the slit-like distribution opening changes along a flow direction of the fluid in the distribution opening and/or a width of the slit-like distribution opening transversely to the flow direction of the fluid and transversely to the longitudinal direction of the distribution opening, in particular in such a way that the differences described above are thereby changed in the flow of the fluid in the fluid volume, for example in relation to a distance to be covered between the filling opening and the respective exit point of the fluid through the slit-like distribution opening or in relation to pressure conditions and/or flow speeds in the fluid. A uniform application of the fluid to the surface can thus also be provided in this embodiment of a distributor head according to the invention.

Alternatively or additionally, distribution elements for uniform or at least substantially uniform distribution of the fluid in the fluid volume can be arranged inside the fluid volume for a uniform or at least substantially uniform fluid distribution on the surface when distributing the fluid through the at least one distribution opening. Such distribution elements can be designed, for example, as guide surfaces, channels and/or also as blocking elements for the targeted conduction of a flow of fluid in the fluid volume. By appropriate use of such distribution elements inside the fluid volume, the differences in the flow of the fluid in the fluid volume described above, for example in relation to a distance to be covered between the filling opening and the respective exit point of the fluid through the at least one distribution opening or in relation to pressure conditions and/ or flow velocities in the fluid, can already be compensated for or at least significantly reduced within the fluid volume. A uniform application of the fluid to the surface can thus also be provided or at least significantly facilitated or improved by such distribution elements.

A distributor head according to the invention can preferably be designed in such a way that the length and/or the width of the at least one distributor opening are adapted to vary in the position of the at least one filling opening. In particular, the pressure distribution in the fluid described above will develop depending on the position of the at least one filling opening in the fluid volume. An adaptation of the length and/or the width of the at least one distributor opening, regardless of whether it is a distributor opening of a large number of distributor openings or a design of a slit-like distributor opening at one or more outlet points, to precisely this position of the at least one filling opening can therefore be particularly simply bring about the necessary variation in the length and/or width of the at least one distribution opening to compensate for the different effective pressures within the fluid present in the fluid volume. An at least partially incomplete filling of the fluid volume with fluid at the beginning of use of a distributor head according to the invention can be compensated or at least partially compensated in this way by a correspondingly provided variation in the length and/or width of the at least one distributor opening.

In addition, a distributor head according to the invention can be designed in such a way that the length and/or the width of the at least one distributor opening are adapted to vary and are adapted to a distance between the at least one filling opening and the respective distributor opening. A distance between the respective at least one filling opening and the position of the corresponding distribution opening or an exit point of a distribution opening at which a length and/or width of the distribution opening is to be varied can be used to determine the above-described pressure distribution in the fluid in the fluid volume or in order to at least estimate it. Taking this distance into account can therefore be used in a particularly simple manner to determine the necessary variation of the lengths and/or widths of the at least one distributor opening, regardless of whether it is one distributor opening of a large number of distributor openings or a configuration of a slit-like distributor opening on one or several exit locations.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided in a distributor head according to the invention that the length of the at least one distributor opening decreases as the distance between the at least one filling opening and the respective distributor opening increases. The pressure distribution inside the fluid volume is usually designed in such a way that the pressure is highest at the locations of the at least one distribution opening in the fluid close to the filling opening. In other words, this pressure in the fluid decreases with increasing distance from the filling opening. As already described above, this can be attributed, for example, to an increasing angle between a flow direction of the fluid in the fluid volume and in the at least one distributor opening arranged at the corresponding distance. In order to compensate for this, it can particularly preferably be provided that the respective length of the at least one distributor opening becomes shorter as the distance from the at least one filling opening increases. In other words, for example with a large number of distributor openings, the lengths of the distributor openings that are arranged further away from the at least one filling opening are shorter than the lengths of the distribution openings that are arranged closer to the at least one filling opening. In the case of at least one distributor opening, which is preferably configured as a slit in the direction of a longitudinal extension of the second longitudinal side, a length through which the fluid flows can change accordingly for different exit locations of the fluid through the slit-like distributor opening in such a way that the length through which the fluid flows decreases as the distance between the respective exit location and the at least one filling opening increases. Fluid that enters the corresponding distribution opening near the filling opening with high pressure therefore has to cover a further path in the respective distribution opening or at the respective exit point within the slit-like distribution opening, as a result of which discharge of the fluid through this special distribution opening or at this special exit point is delayed . Although the pressure in the fluid is lower far away from the filling opening, the length of the corresponding distribution opening or a length at the corresponding exit point within the slit-like distribution opening is correspondingly shortened. In this way, in particular, the uniform distribution of the fluid on the surface can be ensured when the fluid is distributed. Alternatively or additionally, in a distributor head according to the invention, it can be provided that the width of the at least one distributor opening increases as the distance between the at least one filling opening and the respective distributor opening increases. Exactly the opposite requirements apply to the widths of the distributor openings as to the lengths of the distributor openings described above. Particularly narrow distribution openings, i.e. distribution openings or exit points within a slit-like distribution opening with a small width, offer a high resistance to the flow of the fluid, in contrast to wide distribution openings or exit points within a slit-like distribution opening with a large width, which offer a lower resistance to the respective fluid . Thus, for example, in the case of a large number of distribution openings, a high effective pressure in the fluid at these positions can be compensated for by narrow distribution openings with a small width near the filling opening. At the same time, a low effective pressure in the fluid that prevails there can be compensated for by a large width of the distribution openings that are further away from the filling opening. In the case of a slit-like at least one distribution opening, a width of the distribution opening transverse to the fluid direction and transverse to the longitudinal extension along the longitudinal extension of the slit-like distribution opening can change accordingly in such a way that the width also increases as the distance between the respective exit point of the fluid through the slit-like distribution opening and the at least one filling opening increases . This also leads to a uniform or at least essentially uniform fluid distribution on the surface when the fluid is distributed.

In addition, a distributor head according to the invention can be designed such that the distributor head has two, three or more filling openings, the two, three or more filling openings being preferably arranged in the first longitudinal side of the distributor head. In this way, fluid can be introduced into the fluid volume at two, three or more points at the same time. Overall, this already results in a more uniform pressure distribution in the fluid volume than when the fluid is introduced into the fluid volume through only a single filling opening. In particular, in this way, for example, a distance between the individual distributor openings of a large number of distributor openings and the filling opening located closest to them can also be reduced, as a result of which differences in the effective pressure at the locations of the respective distributor opening can also be reduced. Provision can also be made, for example, for different fluids to be introduced into the fluid volume via the at least two filling openings, which fluids only mix there. A particularly wide range of possible fluids for use in a distributor head according to the invention of a distributor device can be made possible in this way. In the above-described dependence of the lengths and/or widths of the at least one distributor opening on a distance from the filling opening, the respective distances from the two or more filling openings can preferably be taken into account. This can be provided in particular for distributor openings which themselves or their outlet locations are arranged in the fluid volume between two filling openings. Alternatively, it can also be provided to vary the lengths and/or widths of the respective at least one distribution opening in each case depending on a distance from the filling opening that is spatially closest in each case.

In addition, a distributor head according to the invention can be designed in such a way that the distributor head has two opposite end sections at the end of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side, with a disk-like spacer element being arranged on each of the end sections, and with the disk-like spacer elements at least the second protrude beyond the long side of the distributor head. In other words, these spacer elements can be used on the opposite end sections of the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side in order to place the distributor head on the surface to be wetted with the fluid, while at the same time preventing the at least one distributor opening from coming into contact with the surface . A defined distance is thus maintained between the at least one distributor opening and the surface, so that the fluid can escape unhindered from the at least one distributor opening. In addition, contamination of the at least one distributor opening by elements of the surface can be reliably avoided in this way.

According to a preferred further development, a distributor head according to the invention can also be designed in such a way that the disk-like spacer element is arranged in a rotatably mounted manner on the respective end section. As a result, the disk-like spacer elements can function as wheels when the distributor head or the corresponding distributor device is displaced, in particular linearly, when the fluid is applied to the surface. In this way, a particularly reliable and controlled application or distribution of the fluid to the corresponding surface can be achieved. The disk-like spacer elements can preferably be circular or cylindrical in shape for this purpose.

A distributor head according to the invention can also be present in one embodiment, wherein the basic element has a triangular or at least essentially triangular cross-section transversely to the first longitudinal side and/or the second longitudinal side. In such a basic element with a triangular or at least essentially triangular cross-section, the fluid volume transverse to the longitudinal sides also has a triangular or at least essentially triangular cross-section. In particular, such a fluid volume with a triangular cross section has turned out to be particularly suitable in order to be able to quickly and reliably ensure an even distribution of the fluid in the fluid volume. For example, the second longitudinal side can be located at and/or at least near a tip of the triangular cross-section, so that the fluid to be distributed can be discharged particularly easily there through the at least one distribution opening arranged in the second longitudinal side. Conversely, the first longitudinal side can be arranged in one of the sides, preferably in the middle of one of the sides, of the triangular or at least substantially triangular cross-section. As a result, the introduction of the fluid into the fluid volume and in particular the internal distribution of the fluid in the fluid volume can be achieved in a particularly simple manner. In this case, it can be used in particular that the arrangement of the at least one filling opening in one side of the triangular cross section allows this to be formed with a particularly large free cross section.

According to a preferred further development of a distributor head according to the invention, it can be provided that the basic element has a first wall element, a second wall element and a third wall element, the three wall elements being elongate and forming the triangular or at least essentially triangular cross section of the basic element arranged together, preferably connected to each other. With a basic element that essentially consists of three wall elements, it can be achieved in a particularly simple manner that this very basic element has a triangular or at least essentially triangular cross section. To form such a cross section, the three wall elements are arranged next to one another, preferably connected to one another. This connection can particularly preferably be carried out in a sealing manner in order to be able to provide a fluid-tight fluid volume in the interior of the base element in a particularly simple and reliable manner.

In a preferred further development of a distributor head according to the invention it can be provided that the first wall element and the second wall element are designed in one piece and/or monolithically and are designed separately from the third wall element. In other words, apart from its end sections, the basic element consists at least essentially of two parts, the one-piece element made up of the first and second wall element and the third wall element provided separately therefrom. By relying on only two main elements, the manufacture and/or assembly of the basic element of the header can be further simplified.

It can preferably also be provided in a distributor head according to the invention that the third wall element can be connected in a sealed manner to form the fluid volume with the first wall element and the second wall element. A sealed fluid volume can be provided in a particularly simple manner by a sealed connection of the third wall element to the first and the second wall element, which in turn are designed in one piece and/or monolithically. A seal of the fluid volume at the end sections can be provided either via additional elements at the end sections or by further elements already arranged on the third wall element or the first and second wall element.

A distributor head according to the invention can also be further developed such that the third wall element forms the first longitudinal side of the distributor head and/or that the at least one filling opening is arranged in the third wall element. As already described above, the at least one filling opening of the distributor head according to the invention can preferably be arranged in the middle of one side of the triangular or at least essentially triangular cross section of the base element and in particular in the middle of the third wall element. With such a design of a distributor head according to the invention, the preferably central positioning of the filling opening with regard to the triangular or at least essentially triangular cross section of the base element can be made possible in a particularly simple and reliable manner.

In addition, it can preferably be provided in a distributor head according to the invention that a connection area between the first wall element and the second wall element forms the second longitudinal side of the distributor head and in particular that the at least one distributor opening is arranged in the connection area. As already described above, with a triangular or at least essentially triangular cross-section of the base element and thus in particular also of the fluid volume, it can preferably be provided that the at least one distributor opening is positioned near a tip of the triangular or at least essentially triangular cross-section. A connection area between the first wall element and the second wall element, which in turn can preferably already be formed in one piece and/or monolithic, is in particular automatically positioned at such a pointed section of the triangular or at least essentially triangular cross section of the base element. With an embodiment of this connection area as a second longitudinal side, which has the at least one distributor opening, or with a direct arrangement of the at least one distributor opening in the connection area, a desired positioning of the at least one distributor opening at and/or at least near a tip of the at least in Substantially triangular cross-section of the base element can be achieved.

A distributor head according to the invention can also be designed in such a way that the distributor head, in particular the base element, has at least one closure element for the selective at least partial closure of at least one of the at least one distributor opening. In this way, it can be made possible to at least partially close one or more distribution openings and thereby exclude or at least restrict them selectively, i.e. in a targeted and/or controlled manner, when the fluid is distributed on the surface. In this way, a distribution of the fluid on the surface that is particularly adapted to requirements can be achieved. For example, at an edge of a surface it can happen that the fluid no longer needs to be distributed over the entire width of a distributor head according to the invention. This situation can be addressed by at least partially closing the at least one distributor opening that is not required by the at least one closure element.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a distributor device for distributing fluids, in particular for distributing liquid adhesives and/or adhesives, onto a surface, preferably onto a substrate surface, having at least one distributor head according to the first aspect of the Invention, and a providing element for providing the fluid, wherein the providing element is fluid-communicatingly connected to the at least one filling opening of the distributor head. Since a distributor device according to the second aspect of the invention has a distributor head according to the first aspect of the invention, a distributor device according to the invention according to the second aspect of the invention has all the advantages that have already been described in detail in relation to a distributor head according to the first aspect of the invention.

The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements with the same function and mode of operation are provided with the same reference symbols in the individual figures.

1 shows a distributor device according to the invention, FIG. 2 shows a distributor head according to the invention, FIG. 3 shows a distributor head according to the invention in an exploded view, FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of distributor openings in a distributor head according to the invention, FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of distributor openings in a distributor head according to the invention, Fig. 6 a sectional view through a distributor device according to the invention when distributing a fluid, Fig. 7 a further sectional view of a distributor device according to the invention when distributing a fluid, Fig. 8 a partial plan view of a distributor head according to the invention with a slot-like distributor opening, and 9 shows a sectional view of a distributor head according to the invention with distributor elements.

1 shows an embodiment of a distributor device 10 according to the invention. The distributor device 10 has a supply element 12 for supplying a fluid 70 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) from fluid containers 18 and a corresponding distributor head 20 according to the invention, which in turn is used for the actual distribution of the fluid 70 is provided over a larger width. The distributor device 10 has, in particular, two fluid containers 18 which are connected to the distributor head 20 in a fluid-communicating manner. As illustrated, the fluid reservoirs 18 may be formed by tubular and/or cylindrical housing members, which housing members are preferably removably attached to the remainder of the manifold assembly 10. It is possible for the fluid containers 18 to contain the fluid 70 directly or for separate fluid packs 19 (see FIG. 6), in particular in the form of flexible bags, to be arranged in the fluid containers 18 to hold the fluid. In the latter case, full fluid packages 19 can be pushed into the hollow fluid containers 18 of the distributor device 10 before the distributor device is used. After the fluid packs 19 have been emptied, they can be removed from the fluid containers 18 and either refilled or disposed of and replaced with new fluid packs 19 .

A handle 14 of the providing element 12 enables a particularly simple handling of the distributor device 10. In this handle 14, for example, control elements and/or operating elements for a conveying element 16 of the distributor device 10 can be arranged. A particularly simple operation of the distribution device can be made possible as a result. The fluid 70 can be pressed from the fluid containers 18 into the distributor head 20 via the conveying element 16 and can be distributed from distributor openings 60 onto a surface 80 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). In particular, the conveying element 16 can have, for example, an electric motor for conveying the fluid 70 . A pneumatic or hydraulic drive as part of the conveying element 16 is also possible. In addition, a manually driven, purely mechanical conveying element 16 is also conceivable. The various configurations of a conveying element 16 preferably each have pistons which are guided in the fluid containers 18 and press the fluid 70 out of the fluid containers 18 . The conveying element 16 often also has a drive rod (see Fig. 7) which is coupled to two drive rods which each protrude into the fluid container 18 or the hollow receiving tubes and are connected to the pistons in order to move a drive of the conveying element 16, for example an electric motor , ultimately transferred to the pistons.

In Fig. 2, a distributor head 20 is shown enlarged. The distributor head 20 comprises a base element 30 which has an at least substantially triangular cross-section 36 (see FIG. 7). In a first longitudinal side 22 of the distributor head 20, which is formed by the back of the base element 30, two filling openings 50 are arranged, which can be fluidly connected to the fluid containers 18 shown in FIG. 1 (not shown). The fluid 70 (see Figs. 6 and 7) from the fluid reservoirs 18 is distributed inside the base element 30 and via a plurality of distribution openings 60, which are arranged in a second longitudinal side 24 of the distributor head 20, onto a surface 80 (see Fig. 6 and 7) distributed.

In this embodiment, the second longitudinal side 24 is arranged in a connecting region 44 of a first wall element 38 and a second wall element 40 (not shown) (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 7). On opposite end sections 26 of the distributor head 20 are preferably rotatably mounted spacer elements 28 which protrude beyond the second longitudinal side 24 at least. A distance between the surface 80 and the distributor openings 60 can be ensured by the spacer elements 28 when the distributor head 20 is placed on the surface 80 . Furthermore, the distributor head 20 according to the invention can have a preferably movable closure element 66, by means of which individual distributor openings 60 can be closed selectively.

FIG. 3 shows the distribution head 20 shown in FIG. 2 in an exploded view. It is clearly visible that the first longitudinal side 22 in this embodiment of the distributor head 20 according to the invention is formed by a third wall element 42, with the two filling openings 50 being spaced apart essentially in the center of this third wall element 42. The third wall element 42 can preferably be arranged in a sealed manner on the first wall element 38 and on the second wall element 40 (not visible), in order to enclose the fluid volume 32.

The first wall element 38 and the second wall element 40 are formed in one piece, preferably monolithically, with the distribution openings 60 necessary for dispensing the fluid 70 in turn being arranged in their connecting region 44 . In other words, a second longitudinal side 24 of the distributor head 20 according to the invention is formed by the connecting region 44 . In particular, the first wall element 38 and the second wall element 40 can be made of plastic and can preferably be produced as an injection molded part. The third wall element 42 can also consist in particular of plastic and can preferably be produced as an injection molded part.

4 and 5 show two possible embodiments of a distributor head 20 according to the invention, in which the principle according to the invention of a variation of a length 62 and/or width 64 of the respective distributor openings 60 is implemented differently in each case. Both embodiments agree in that here too the fluid volume 32 has an at least essentially triangular cross section 36 (see Fig. 7), with only the first wall element 38 and the second wall element 40 integrally and/or monolithically connected therewith being shown. The fluid volume 32 extends in particular within the base element 30 of the distributor head 20 between the two end sections 26 of the distributor head 20.

Furthermore, in both configurations of the distributor head 20 according to the invention, it is provided that the distributor openings 60 are each arranged in a wall 34 of the base element 30, this wall 34 being in the connection region 44 between the first wall element 38 and the second wall element 40 as the second longitudinal side 24 of the distributor head 20 extends. Furthermore, the filling openings 50 are indicated in each of the two figures.

4 shows an embodiment of a distributor head 20 according to the invention, in which in particular the lengths 62 of the distributor opening 60 are adapted to the respective position 52 of the filling openings 50 and vary in design. It is clearly visible that in particular the lengths 62 of the distributor openings 60 decrease as the distance 54 from the respective filling openings 50 increases. In other words, the distribution openings 60 that are closer to the filling openings 50 have a greater length 62 than the distribution openings 60 that are further away from the filling openings 50 . In other words, in areas of the fluid volume 32 in which the fluid 70 (not shown) is present at high pressure due to the position 52 of the filling openings 50, distribution openings 60 are provided with a greater length 62 than in areas further away from the filling openings 50 , where distributor openings with a shorter length 62 are arranged in the wall 34 . In this way, the different pressure conditions in the fluid 70 in the fluid volume 32 can be equalized. It is also particularly clearly visible that when two filling openings 50 are provided, as in the illustrated embodiment, this is also reflected in the lengths 62 of the distribution openings 60 and their variation.

In an alternative or additional embodiment of a distributor head 20 according to the invention, the differences in the effective pressure of the fluid 70 in the fluid volume 32 described above can also be compensated for by varying the width 64 of the distributor openings 60 . This is shown in FIG. 5, it being particularly visible that the widths 64 of the distribution openings 60 also increase with increasing distance 54 from the filling openings 50 . It can also be seen here that the presence of two filling openings 50 is also reflected in the variation in the width 64 of the distributor openings 60 .

Fig. 6 shows a distributor device 10 according to the invention when distributing a fluid 70 onto a surface 80. The distributor openings 60 are arranged in a connecting area 44 which is opposite the first longitudinal side 22 of the distributor head 20, which is formed by the third wall element 42. Rotatably mounted spacer elements 28 are in turn arranged on end sections 26 of the distributor head 20, as a result of which uniform application or movement of the entire distributor device 10 when the fluid 70 is applied to the surface 80 can be achieved particularly easily. The fluid 70 is pressed from the two fluid packs 19 designed as flexible bags arranged in the fluid containers 18 into the fluid volume 32 of the base element 30 via a conveying element 16 of the supply element 12, of which only one drive rod is visible in this figure. For this purpose, the base element 30 is connected to the two fluid containers 18 via the two filling openings 50 in a fluid-communicating manner. Upon entering the fluid volume 32, the fluid 70 is distributed in this fluid volume 32 along a flow direction 72. It can be seen here that the flow direction 72 of the fluid 70 in the fluid volume 32 close to the filling openings 50 points at least essentially in the direction of the distribution openings 60. further away from the filling openings 50 but is oriented transversely thereto. This makes it clear that there will be a higher effective pressure in the fluid 70 near the position 52 of the filling openings 50 than away from this position 52. As described above in relation to FIG. 4, the lengths 62 are therefore in the second longitudinal side 24 of the distributor head 20 provided distributor openings 60 depending on the distance 54 of the respective distributor opening 60 from the position 52 of the filling opening 50 varied.

[0044] FIG. 7 shows a further sectional view of a distributor device 10 according to the invention when a fluid 70 is applied in a flow direction 72 to a surface 80 . When the fluid 70 is applied to the surface 80, the entire distributor device 10 moves in a distribution direction 82, this being made possible in a particularly simple manner by the rotatably mounted spacer elements 28. The fluid 70 is introduced from the fluid containers 18 via the filling opening 50 into the fluid volume 32 of the distributor head 20 and leaves it along the direction of flow 72 through the plurality of distributor openings 60, which are provided in the second longitudinal side 24 of the distributor head 20 designed as a connecting region 44. In this sectional view, it is particularly clearly visible that the base element 30 and thus also the fluid volume 32 has a triangular or at least essentially triangular cross section 36 . This cross section 36 is formed, in particular, by the first wall element 38 and the second wall element 40 which is designed in one piece and/or monolithically therewith. The first and second wall elements 38, 40 enclose the connecting region 44, which forms the second longitudinal side 24 of the distributor head 20 and, in particular, carries the plurality of distributor openings 60. The third wall element 42 is arranged opposite the connection area 44 and is in turn used as the first longitudinal side 22 of the distributor head 20 for arranging the filling opening 50 .

While the embodiment shown in the figures has two fluid containers 18 arranged parallel next to one another, a distributor head 20 according to the invention can of course also be connected to only a single fluid container 18 or to more than two fluid containers 18 . Such a distributor head and such a distributor device also fall within the scope of the present invention and have the advantages mentioned with reference to the exemplary embodiment described. All structural and functional features described are also applicable to such modifications.

8 shows a further embodiment of a distributor head 20 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the distributor head 20 is equipped with a single distributor opening 60, this distributor opening 60 being designed in the manner of a slot and extending over the entire or at least essentially the entire second longitudinal side 24 in its longitudinal direction 74. It is clearly visible that this distribution opening 60 has a width 64 that is designed to be variable along the longitudinal direction 74 . Overall, the width 64 of the slot-like distribution opening 60 increases with increasing distance 54 from the two filling openings 50 or their positions 52 . The internal differences, already described above, of the fluid 70 to be distributed in the fluid volume 32 of the distributor head 20 can also be at least partially, preferably completely, compensated for in this way. A uniform application of the fluid 70 onto a surface 80 can thus also be provided with a correspondingly designed slit-like distribution opening 60 .

Fig. 9 shows an alternative or additional embodiment of an internal structure of a distributor head 20 according to the invention in a sectional view. This distributor head 20 also has two filling openings 50 and a large number of distributor openings 60 . In order to be able to provide the most uniform possible distribution of the fluid 70 in the fluid volume 32 of the distributor head 20, guide elements 46 are arranged in this embodiment of the distributor head 20 according to the invention. As shown, these guide elements 46 can be designed, for example, as guide surfaces, which preferably radiate out from the respective filling openings 50 . In this way, a uniform distribution of the fluid 70 can already be achieved or at least supported in the interior of the fluid volume 32 . The fluid 70 can then be discharged uniformly over the entire width of the distributor head 20 through the multiplicity of distributor openings 60 in a particularly simple manner.

Reference sign

10 distributor device 12 supply element 14 handle 16 conveyor element 18 fluid container 19 fluid pack 20 distributor head 22 first longitudinal side 24 second longitudinal side 26 end section 28 spacer element 30 basic element 32 fluid volume 34 wall 36 cross section 38 first wall element 40 second wall element 42 third wall element 44 connection area 46 distribution elements 50 filling opening 52 Position 54 Distance 60 Distribution opening 62 Length 64 Width 66 Closure element 68 Exit point 70 Fluid 72 Direction of flow 74 Longitudinal direction 80 Surface 82 Direction of distribution

Claims (16)

First distributor head (20) for a distributor device (10) for distributing fluids (70), in particular for distributing liquid adhesives and/or adhesives, onto a surface (80), preferably onto a substrate surface, the distributor head (20) having : - an elongate base member (30) having a fluid volume (32) for receiving the fluid (70), - At least one with the fluid volume (32) fluidly connected filling opening (50) for filling the fluid (70) into the fluid volume (32), - At least one with the fluid volume (32) fluid-communicating distributor opening (60) for distributing the fluid (70) from the fluid volume (32), wherein the at least one filling opening (50) is arranged on a first longitudinal side (22) of the distributor head (20) and the at least one distributor opening (60) is arranged on a second longitudinal side (24) of the distributor head (20), the first longitudinal side (22) is preferably arranged opposite the second longitudinal side (24), wherein the at least one distribution opening (60) in a wall (34) of the base element (30) is formed continuously through the wall, wherein a) the at least one distribution opening (60) is formed by a plurality of distribution openings (60), the plurality of distribution openings (60) being arranged adjacent to one another, the distribution openings (60) each having a defined length (62) and a defined width (64) and the lengths (62) of the distributor openings (60) along a flow direction (72) of the fluid (70) from the fluid volume (32) through the distributor opening (60) to the surroundings of the distributor head (20) and/or the widths (64) of the distributor openings (60) are designed to vary transversely to the flow direction (72) of the fluid (70) over the plurality of distributor openings (60) for a uniform or at least substantially uniform fluid distribution on the surface (80) when distributing the fluids (70), and/or b) at least one of the at least one distribution openings (60) is formed as a slit-shaped distribution opening (60), the slit-shaped distribution opening (60) extending along a longitudinal direction (74) of the second longitudinal side (24) and a length (62) of the slit-shaped distribution opening (60) along the direction of flow (72) of the fluid (70) and/or a width (64) of the slit-shaped distribution opening (60) transverse to the direction of flow (72) of the fluid (70) and transverse to the longitudinal direction (74) of the second longitudinal side ( 24) are designed to vary for a uniform or at least substantially uniform fluid distribution on the surface (80) when distributing the fluid (70), and/or c) distribution elements (46) are arranged in the fluid volume (32) for the uniform or at least substantially uniform distribution of the fluid (70) in the fluid volume (32) for a uniform or at least substantially uniform fluid distribution on the surface (80) when the fluid is distributed (70) through the at least one distributor opening (60). 2. distributor head (20) according to claim 1, wherein the length (62) and/or the width (64) of the at least one distributor opening (60) are adapted to vary in the position (52) of the at least one filling opening (50). 3. distributor head (20) according to claim 1 or 2, the length (62) and/or the width (64) of the at least one distributor opening (60) being adapted to vary and adapted to a distance (54) between the at least one filling opening (50) and the respective distributor opening (60). 4. distributor head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, the lengths (62) of the at least one distributor opening (60) decreasing as the distance (54) between the at least one filling opening (50) and the respective distributor opening (60) increases. 5. distributor head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, the widths (64) of the at least one distributor opening (60) increasing as the distance (54) between the at least one filling opening (50) and the respective distributor opening (60) increases. 6. distributor head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor head (20) has two, three or more filling openings (50), the two, three or more filling openings (50) preferably being arranged in the first longitudinal side (22) of the distributor head (20). 7. distributor head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor head (20) has two opposite end sections (26) as the end of the first longitudinal side (22) and the second longitudinal side (24), wherein a disk-shaped, essentially cylindrical spacer element (28) is arranged on each of the end sections (26). , and wherein the disc-shaped spacer elements (28) project beyond at least the second longitudinal side (24) of the distributor head (20). 8. distributor head (20) according to claim 7, wherein the disc-shaped spacer element (28) is rotatably mounted on the respective end section (26). 9. distributor head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (30) has a triangular or at least substantially triangular cross-section (36) transversely to the first longitudinal side (22) and/or second longitudinal side (24). 10. distributor head (20) according to claim 9, wherein the base element (30) has a first wall element (38), a second wall element (40) and a third wall element (42), the three wall elements (38, 40, 42) being elongate and forming the triangular or at least im Substantially triangular cross-section (36) of the base element (30) arranged together, preferably connected to each other. 11. distributor head (20) according to claim 10, wherein the first wall member (38) and the second wall member (38) are integrally formed and are separate from the third wall member (42). 12. distributor head (20) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the third wall element (42) is connected in a sealed manner to the first wall element (38) and the second wall element (40) to form the fluid volume (32). 13. distributor head (20) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the third wall element (42) forms the first longitudinal side (22) of the distributor head (20) and/or that the at least one filling opening (50) is arranged in the third wall element (42). 14. distributor head (20) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a connection area (44) between the first wall element (38) and the second wall element (40) forms the second longitudinal side (24) of the distributor head (20) and in particular that the at least one distributor opening (60) is arranged in the connection area (44). . 15. distributor head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor head (20), in particular the base element (30), has at least one closure element (66) for selectively at least partially closing at least one of the at least one distributor opening (60). 16. Distribution device (10) for distributing fluids (70), in particular for distributing liquid adhesives and/or adhesives, onto a surface (80), preferably onto a substrate surface, having at least one distributor head (20) according to one of the preceding claims and a supply element (12) for supplying the fluid (70), wherein the supply element (12) is connected to the at least one filling opening (50) of the distributor head (20) in a fluid-communicating manner.