EP2528695B1 - Application head for dispensing a flowable medium and device for dispensing a flowable medium - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a gun for dispensing a flowable medium. In particular, it concerns the dispensing of adhesives and the use of hot glue. The invention can also be used for the controlled dispensing of cold glue or glue comprising aggressive (e.g., corrosive) components.

Background of the Invention, Prior Art

In numerous industrial machining processes, adhesives, sealants and similar flowable media are used, which are applied or sprayed onto a workpiece or substrate in liquid form.

The corresponding application heads must be robust and allow a precise, highly accurate delivery of the medium. At the same time, the application heads should be able to be switched quickly in order to be able to portion portions of adhesive or to apply spot or line precision. In addition, the should Application heads should not be too large, since there are often limited space available in these having applicator devices.

Furthermore, applicator heads should be flexible in use and convertible as needed or preferably switchable or controllable on the control side.

If hot melt is to be processed, pose further problems. For example, the high heat inside an applicator head can damage the drive unit. There are also types of glue that contain additives that can be aggressive. Thus, the pH of a glue may e.g. lie in the acidic area. Glue may also contain corrosive or abrasive ingredients. In order to protect a gun from it, appropriate measures must be taken.

The EP-A-1 588 777 shows a gun with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

It has as its object to provide a precisely working and reliable applicator head, which avoids or completely eliminates some of the disadvantages of previously known solutions.

The object is achieved by a gun according to claim 1.

A first application head according to the invention is specially designed for dispensing a flowable medium. It includes a (nozzle) chamber inside the applicator head and a nozzle needle, a needle valve or a slider (collectively referred to herein as a "moveable element") movably mounted within the nozzle chamber. The movable element executes a movement and releases an outlet opening for a short time. The applicator head can also act in reverse, in that the movable element closes an outlet opening for a short time. There is a supply channel, which is connected to the (nozzle) chamber and fluidly connectable to a supply line. Through the supply line and the supply channel, the flowable medium in the (nozzle) chamber be introduced. A drive generates the opening movement or closing movement of the movable element. There is a lever arm whose first extremal end is movably attached to a rear end of the movable member and whose second extremal end is connected / coupled to the drive. Furthermore, the applicator head comprises a membrane suspension with a membrane. The lever arm extends substantially perpendicularly through an area defined by the membrane of the membrane suspension. The membrane serves to connect the lever arm movably to the gun. Furthermore, the membrane suspension serves as a seal to prevent leakage of the flowable medium from the (nozzle) chamber. In addition, the membrane is preferably designed so that it is resistant to the flowable medium. In all embodiments, the membrane is preferably temperature-resistant and / or corrosion-resistant and / or abrasion-resistant and / or resistant to chemical additives in the medium.

Depending on the embodiment, the membrane may comprise at least one sealing ring, which serves as a seal and for elastic clamping of the membrane in the applicator head. This embodiment can be used in all embodiments of the invention and provides an improved seal e.g. against leaking glue.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which it is a metallic membrane that can perform particularly fast back and forth movements and thus allows a quick opening or closing of the outlet opening. Such a metallic membrane is particularly suitable for high frequency alternating load, i. for embodiments in which a very fast opening or closing is required. A metallic membrane is particularly advantageous and can be used in all embodiments of the invention.

The invention is particularly suitable for thermoplastic (hotmelt) adhesives. But it is also suitable for aggressive types of glue and eg for cold glue.

In the subclaims further advantageous embodiments of the invention are listed.

pictures

Fig. 1

eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 3A

eine Draufsicht einer Membrane einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 3B

eine perspektivische Schnittansicht einer Membranaufhängung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

eine vergrößerte schematische Schnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 6A

eine Schnittdarstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung, in der eine bevorzugte thermisch-entkoppelte Verbindung zwischen einem Antrieb und einem Auftragskopf zu erkennen ist;

Fig. 6B

eine vergrösserte Schnittdarstellung der Fig. 6A;

Fig. 7A

eine schematische Darstellung eines beispielhaften Bewegungsprofils (Bewegung P) des beweglichen Elements;

Fig. 7B

eine schematische Darstellung des entsprechenden antriebseitigen Bewegungsprofils (Bewegung P1);

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren antriebseitigen Bewegungsprofils (Bewegung P1) mit nur zwei Parametern;

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren antriebseitigen Bewegungsprofils (Bewegung P1) mit vier Parametern;

Fig. 10

eine schematische Schnittansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung basierend auf der in Fig. 2 gezeigten Ausführungsform, wobei Details des Steuerungsmoduls und eines Regelkreises schematisch angedeutet sind.

In the following, further details and advantages of the invention will be described in detail by means of embodiments and partly with reference to the drawing. All figures are schematic and not to scale, and corresponding structural elements are given the same reference numerals in the different figures, even if they are designed differently in detail. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3A

a plan view of a membrane of another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3B

a sectional perspective view of a membrane suspension of another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4

an enlarged schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5

a schematic side view of another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6A

a sectional view of another embodiment of the invention, in which a preferred thermally decoupled connection between a drive and a gun is to recognize;

Fig. 6B

an enlarged sectional view of the Fig. 6A ;

Fig. 7A

a schematic representation of an exemplary movement profile (movement P) of the movable element;

Fig. 7B

a schematic representation of the corresponding drive-side movement profile (movement P1);

Fig. 8

a schematic representation of another drive-side motion profile (movement P1) with only two parameters;

Fig. 9

a schematic representation of another drive-side motion profile (movement P1) with four parameters;

Fig. 10

a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the invention based on the in Fig. 2 shown embodiment, wherein details of the control module and a control circuit are indicated schematically.

Detailed description of the embodiments

The principle of the invention will be described below with reference to a first embodiment. In Fig. 1 For example, an applicator 100 having a plurality of applicator heads 15, nozzle outlets 12, and individually switchable adhesive supply lines 16 is shown. Instead of the nozzle outlet openings 12 shown, other outlet openings 12 can also be used. The shape, arrangement and design of the outlet openings 12 may depend on whether a nozzle needle, a needle valve or a slider is used as a movable element 11 in the interior of the application head 15.

Each of the exit openings 12 is formed on or in a respective application head 15. Each applicator head 15 is specially designed for dispensing a flowable medium M, preferably of adhesive, and comprises a (nozzle) chamber 10 inside the applicator head 15. In the example shown, a nozzle needle 11 is in the interior of the (nozzle) chamber 10 and stored movable, wherein it releases the outlet opening 12 by an opening movement P of the nozzle needle 11. In Fig. 2 an arrow P is shown pointing upwards. An opening movement in the direction of arrow P raises the nozzle needle 11 and this releases the outlet opening 12, so that the medium M can escape from the nozzle chamber 10 through the outlet opening 12 therethrough. In Fig. 1 At the same time, four applicator heads 15 simultaneously permanently emit a medium M in strip-like tracks (caterpillars). The strip shape arises due to the passing of, for example, a paper web K or a workpiece or a substrate. The corresponding direction of movement is marked V.

In Fig. 1 a (multi-channel) control module 50 is shown, the control technology via a control connection 52 (also called control technology active connection) is connected to the drive 20. Such a control module 50 can be used in all embodiments.

Inside, a supply channel 13 is provided (see, eg Fig. 2 ) connected to the (nozzle) chamber 10. The supply channel 13 is connected to a supply line 16 (see, eg Fig. 1 ) fluidly connectable to bring the flowable medium M in the (nozzle) chamber 10 can. In Fig. 1 four separate supply lines 16 are indicated. However, it is also possible to use a common supply line 16 for a plurality of application heads 15.

Furthermore, a drive 20 for generating the opening movement P of the nozzle needle 11 is provided. In Fig. 1 the drive 20 is attached to the applicator heads 15 or flanged. Preferably, the drive 20 includes its own drive 20 per applicator head 15, so that each outlet opening 12 can be opened and closed individually (ie independently of the others). In this case, a multi-channel control module 50 is used, which has a channel per drive 20.

Particularly preferred are embodiments in which the drive 20 is arranged spaced from the applicator head 15, such as in Fig. 2 to recognize. However, it is important in the arrangement of the drive 20 in relation to the application head 15 (this statement applies to arrangements according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 ) that the mutual distance is well defined and stable. This aspect is important because any change in distance can have an impact on the function or operation of the lever arm 30. Details of the lever arm 30 will be described below.

Further details will now be given by way of another embodiment, which is in Fig. 2 is shown in a section explained. In Fig. 2 is a cut through shown a single applicator head 15, wherein the drive 20 spaced (ie, spatially separated) is arranged. The applicator head 15 according to the invention comprises per drive 20 a lever arm 30, the first extreme end 31 is movably attached to a rear end 14 of the nozzle needle 11 or other movable member and the second extremal end 32 is connected to the drive 20. A membrane suspension 33 with a membrane 34 is used, with the lever arm 30 extending through the membrane 34 of the membrane suspension 33. The membrane suspension 33 serves to connect the lever arm 30 movably with the applicator head 15. In addition, the membrane suspension 33 serves as a seal to prevent leakage of the flowable medium M from the (nozzle) chamber 10. That is, the membrane 34, respectively the membrane suspension 33 has a dual function. In addition, depending on the design of the membrane 34, it has a protective function against temperature, corrosion, abrasion and chemical additives of the medium M.

The following further details characterize this embodiment. However, these details are also applicable to all other embodiments. The (nozzle) chamber 10 is designed so that in its lower region near the outlet opening 12 a stop point 17, respectively a stop surface (also called needle seat) for the tip 18 of the nozzle needle 11 is provided. In Fig. 2 the nozzle needle 11 is shown in the closed position, ie the tip 18 of the nozzle needle 11 is seated close to the attachment point 17 and it can no medium M escape through the outlet opening 12. As soon as the nozzle needle 11 is lifted in the direction of the Z axis by the opening movement P, the outlet opening 12 is released and medium M can emerge.

The nozzle needle 11 is movable in the region of the rear end 14 (knee joint-like) connected to the lever arm 30. The nozzle needle 11 "dangles" virtually in the nozzle chamber 10. Because the nozzle chamber 10 and the nozzle needle 11 are conically rotationally symmetrical in the lower region (near the attachment point 17), the nozzle needle 11 is centered during a downward movement in the -Z direction. In addition, the medium M, which flows from the supply channel 13 forth through the (nozzle) chamber 11 in the direction of the outlet opening 12, contributes to a stabilization or self-centering the nozzle needle 11 at. This type of "dangling" mounting or suspension can be used in all embodiments.

The lever arm 30 is here designed so that it comprises a flat, rectangular or strip-shaped rod, which is optionally provided with holes 39 here. These holes 39 serve to make the rod lighter in order to reduce the mass to be accelerated. In addition, the holes 39 allow the starting point A of the drive 20 to be displaced. Thus, if the effective lever arm is to be extended, the drive 20 (or the starting point A) can be moved further in the direction of the second extreme end 32 and vice versa. In the example shown, the drive 20 sits almost at the extremal end 32, that is, the effective lever arm is relatively large. The closer the drive 20 (or the starting point A) in the direction of the diaphragm suspension 33 is displaced, the shorter the effective lever arm. With a large lever arm, a reduction takes place, ie a large movement P1 causes a small, oppositely directed movement P. The reduction factor is in Fig. 2 about 5: 1 (ie, the absolute amount of the movement P1 is about 5 times as large as the absolute amount of the movement P). With a small lever arm a translation takes place, ie a small movement P1 causes a large oppositely directed movement P.

Preferably, in all embodiments, a reduction with a reduction factor between 2: 1 and 10: 1 is used.

The lever arm 30 may also have any other rod or lever shape. Preferably, the lever arm 30 is made of torsion-resistant material. In addition, the lever arm 30 should be as light as possible to have a small agitated mass. The membrane 34 is used in all embodiments as a kinematic bearing, which carries a portion of the mass of the lever arm 30 / stores. In addition, the diaphragm 34 in all embodiments defines the exact pivoting or tilting point (called the virtual pivot axis) of the lever arm 30. The lever arm 30 may also be referred to as a "free-floating" lever due to the special membrane bearing 34.

In order to store or hold the lever arm 30 in the membrane suspension 33, a cylindrical rod 40 is provided on the lever arm 30 in the embodiment shown. This cylindrical rod 40 pinches or clamps the diaphragm 34, thus providing a suspension of the lever arm 30 to the diaphragm 34. Details of an exemplary preferred arrangement are the Fig. 4 refer to. This type of suspension can be used in all embodiments.

In the Figures 2 and 4 It will also be appreciated that the diaphragm 34 may include one or two seal rings 35 which allow the diaphragm 34 to be resiliently clamped in the applicator head 15. The sealing rings 35 are optional. For the purpose of clamping, the applicator head 15 may comprise a removable part or cover (not shown in detail). When this part or lid is removed, the membrane 34 together with the optional sealing rings 35 can be inserted. Then, the said part or the lid is fixed again and the membrane 34 is clamped.

In Fig. 4 It can be seen that an optional pressure support 38, which serves as a mechanical stop for the diaphragm 34, is provided at the rear of the diaphragm 34, ie on the side which faces away from the (nozzle) chamber 10. By this preferred embodiment, an overstretching of the diaphragm 34 is prevented at an overpressure in the nozzle chamber 10. The membrane 34 is preferably designed and arranged in all embodiments so that it is only subjected to bending, which increases the service life.

Preferably, in the various embodiments, a metallic diaphragm 34 is used, which is particularly suitable for high-frequency alternating load. Metallic membrane 34 is a membrane 34 in which either the entire membrane surface consists of a metal or in which a planar membrane substrate (for example made of plastic) is provided with a metal layer / metallization.

Furthermore, in Figures 2 and 4 to realize that one Counter-movement P1, which is caused by the drive 20, causes an opposite opening movement P of the nozzle needle 11. The lever arm thus provides for a definition of the under or translation and for a reversal of motion.

In Fig. 3A Details of a preferred embodiment of a membrane 34 are shown. The membrane 34 includes slots 36 to increase the elasticity. In addition, a central opening 37 is provided through which the lever arm 30 extends in the assembled state. The location of the sealing ring (s) 35 is in Fig. 3A indicated. This design of the membrane 34 is particularly suitable for metallic membranes 34 to give the metallic membrane 34 the necessary elasticity.

Due to the special arrangement of the slots 36, which define almost a complete circle, two small webs 42 result at the position 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. These two small webs 42 allow bending of the inner part 41 (ie, that circular portion 41 of the diaphragm 34 which is radially outwardly delimited by the slots 36) of the diaphragm 34. The two small webs 42 with the inner part 41 of FIG Diaphragms 34 virtually define a virtual pivot axis VA. This virtual pivot axis VA is in Fig. 3 represented by a dot-dashed line.

In Fig. 3B Details of a preferred embodiment of a membrane suspension 33 are shown. Here, the attachment of the lever arm 30 can be seen on the diaphragm 34. This attachment is made by the rod 40 as described. In the embodiment shown, the rod 40 is hollow inside to reduce the weight. So that no medium M can escape through the interior of the rod 40, the rod 40 can have caps 43 or sealing elements at both ends, for example. The position of the virtual pivot axis VA is also in Fig. 3B indicated. In the Fig. 3B Details shown apply to all embodiments.

Fig. 5 shows details of another embodiment of the invention. The arrangement of the elements is different here, but the function is the same. A linear movement of the drive 20 is in an opening movement of Nozzle needle 11 translated inside the applicator head 15. The drive 20 is here, as well as at Fig. 2 , separately (ie spaced) from the applicator head 15.

• elektro-magnetischer oder
• pneumatischer oder
• piezo-elektrischer Antrieb,

der mit der gewünschten Frequenz eine entsprechende Linearbewegung P1 (Auf- und Abbewegung) erzeugt, die durch den effektiv wirksamen Hebelarm 30 eine Unter- oder Übersetzung an die Düsennadel 11 weitergibt und dort die Linearbewegung P hervor ruft. Im Falle eines piezo-elektrischen Antriebs 20 arbeitet man hier vorzugsweise mit einer Übersetzung, um die sehr kleinen Bewegungen des piezo-elektrischen Antriebs 20 in ausreichend grosse Öffnungs- und Schliessbewegungen P zu übersetzen.As drive 20 is suitable in the various described embodiments

• electro-magnetic or
• pneumatic or
• piezoelectric drive,

the generated with the desired frequency a corresponding linear movement P1 (up and down movement), which passes through the effectively effective lever arm 30, a lower or translation to the nozzle needle 11 and there the linear movement P produces. In the case of a piezoelectric drive 20, one works here preferably with a translation in order to translate the very small movements of the piezoelectric drive 20 into sufficiently large opening and closing movements P.

Has proven particularly useful an electro-magnetic drive 20, which is constructed according to the principle of a voice coil motor or a Lorentz coil. As an effective translation in this case, a 1: 1 lever translation or a reduction is particularly suitable. A voice coil motor or a Lorentz coil can be used in all embodiments.

A voice coil actuator 20 has the advantage of being de-energized when idle, i. that the power consumption is lower than with previous guns.

The stroke in the region of the nozzle tip 18 or the outlet opening 12 in the direction of the Z-axis is preferably between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. With a 1: 1 lever ratio, the drive 20 must therefore make a correspondingly opposite movement P1 with a stroke of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

In a suitable control of the drive 20, for example via a driver module 21 and / or a control module 50, which may be arranged in the vicinity of the drive 20, as in Fig. 5 exemplified, can the movement behavior of the nozzle needle 11 or another movable element can be set or even regulated. If desired, a suitable movement profile can be deposited, so that the nozzle needle 11 is decelerated just before it hits the attachment point 17. This measure increases the service life of the nozzle needle 11 and of the application head 15. A corresponding driver module 21 and / or control module 50 can be used in all embodiments.

The greater the lever reduction is selected, the more accurate the nozzle needle 11 can move, because a large movement P1 of the drive 20 is reduced in a small movement P of the nozzle needle 11. A disadvantage of such a large reduction, however, is the extended distance, which must be covered on the drive side. As a result, possibly the achievable frequency, respectively the maximum clock of the opening and closing movement of the nozzle needle 11 is reduced.

In Fig. 7A a schematic representation of an exemplary movement profile (movement P) of the movable member 11 is shown. The motion profile P (t, Z) is composed of several line segments. In practice, a motion profile P (t, Z) with a curved course is preferably used. Here, the movement profile P (t, Z) is a function of the time t and of the path Z. Here, an opening and closing cycle has a time duration T. In this case, the time duration T is broken down into ten equal-length clock units. The exemplary motion profile P (t, Z) can be described as follows. At the time t = 0, the movable element 11 begins to move in the positive Z direction to release the outlet opening 12. The motion is linear and reaches a maximum point at Z = 7 at 9T / 10 (the Z-axis unit, for example, may be in millimeters or some other unit). At the point (t = 9T / 10, Z = 7), the opening movement is completed and direction reversal takes place, which in practice does not proceed as abruptly as shown in the schematic diagrams. The closing movement is preferably very steep, since it is important for the tearing behavior that the outlet opening 18 is quickly closed with a large force. The curve between the point (t = 9T / 10, Z = 7) and the point (t = T, Z = 0) is linear here. Preferably, however, this course non-linear, which can be achieved, for example, by a suitable membrane 34 with nonlinear properties. When reaching the point (t = T, Z = 0), the closing movement is completed. That is, at t = T, the movable member 11 has again reached the closed position with Z = 0.

In Fig. 7B is a schematic representation of the corresponding drive-side motion profile P1 (t, Z) shown. The curve P1 (t, Z) here corresponds to the curve P (t, Z), wherein a stretching in the Z direction by the reduction factor 5 has occurred. In addition, P1 (t, Z) runs in the -Z direction. Of course, the curve P1 (t, Z) corresponds to the curve P (t, Z) only if the system of the individual components is infinitely stiff and if there are no transmission, friction and other losses and inaccuracies.

Fig. 7B indicates that the reduction causes an extension (in the Z direction), which improves the parameterizability and / or controllability.

• (t=0, Z=0)
• (t=4T/10, Z= 1)
• (t= 6T/ 10, Z= 3)
• (t= 9T/ 10, Z= 7)
• (t=T, Z= 0).

A complete parameterization of the curve P (t, Z) can be given by the following value pair matrix (if the curve P (t, Z) is a polygon train of even segments):

• (t = 0, Z = 0)
• (t = 4T / 10, Z = 1)
• (t = 6T / 10, Z = 3)
• (t = 9T / 10, Z = 7)
• (t = T, Z = 0).

• (t=0, -Z=0)
• (t=4T/10, -Z= 5)
• (t=6T/10, -Z= 15)
• (t=9T/10, -Z= 35)
• (t=T, -Z= 0).

A complete parameterization of the curve P1 (t, -Z) can be given by the following value pair matrix (if the curve P1 (t, -Z) is a polygon train of even segments):

• (t = 0, -Z = 0)
• (t = 4T / 10, -Z = 5)
• (t = 6T / 10, -Z = 15)
• (t = 9T / 10, -Z = 35)
• (t = T, -Z = 0).

In Fig. 8 is shown a schematic representation of a corresponding drive-side motion profile P1 * (t, -Z), which is defined here only by two parameters PA and PB. The drive-side motion profile P1 * (t, -Z) has here only a linear opening movement from (t = 0, -Z = 0) to (t = 7T / 10, - Z = 35) and a steeper (ie faster) linear closing movement from (t = 7T / 10, - Z = 35) to (t = T, -Z = 0). It is obvious that specifying a motion profile only makes sense if you specify more than two parameters for parameterization.

Preferably, the parameters PA and PB of all embodiments are path-correlated parameters.

In Fig. 9 is shown a schematic representation of the corresponding drive-side motion profile P1 (t, -Z), which is defined by four parameters PA, PB, PC and PD. The movement profile P1 (t, -Z) in Fig. 9 corresponds to the movement profile P1 (t, -Z) in Fig. 7B ,

In the parameterization, in addition to the parameters (or the pairs of values) which display / specify the maximum points and slope changes, other parameters can also be specified in all embodiments. These further parameters can describe, for example, the course of the curve between two value pairs. The other parameters may also specify, for example, the cycle duration T and / or the timing (e.g., T / 10).

In a preferred embodiment, an intelligent control (eg in the form of the driver module 21 and / or control module 50) of the drive 20 is designed on the drive side so that the current that is fed into the drive 20 is observed. If the current increases, then this is an indication that the nozzle needle 11 or the movable element is present at the stop point 17. By means of an intelligent control module 50, a creeping adaptation of the motion profile stored in the driver module 21, which in all embodiments can be defined by said parameterization, can be carried out, which causes wear the needle tip 18 compensates by the fact that the movement P1 is successively increased on the drive side when the current signal indicates that the current increase occurs earlier than previously. The later occurrence of a current increase means namely that the needle tip 18 is present later than at the stop point 17. This is a sign of wear. The use of such an intelligent control (eg in the form of the driver module 21 and / or control module 50) increases the life of the application head 15, since the nozzle needle 11 or the movable element must be replaced later.

In a preferred embodiment, an intelligent control (eg in the form of the driver module 21 and / or control module 50) of the drive 20 is designed on the drive side so that the movement of the nozzle needle 11 or the movable element according to a predetermined movement profile (eg P1 (t, The switching times and the stroke of the nozzle needle 11 can be monitored and the application image of the application head 15 can be corrected automatically by the control module 50.

Preferably, the driver module 21 and / or the control module 50 is located directly on each drive 20 so that the drive 20 can be controlled directly with a 24 VDC signal (also directly from a PLC) (PLC stands for Programmable Logic Control). This has the advantage that each gun 15 can be controlled individually. A corresponding driver module 21 and / or control module 50 can be used in all embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment, an intelligent control of the drive 20 is designed on the drive side so that error, warnings, service or maintenance displays are issued. For this purpose, the control module 50 is equipped and / or programmed accordingly. This approach can be used in all embodiments.

It is an advantage of the invention that a spatial thermal separation (see eg Fig. 5 ) between drive 20 and the part of Application head 15 is possible, which is flowed through by the medium M. Especially with warm or hot medium M thereby reduce the problems that can be caused on the drive side otherwise by the high temperature.

Preferably, the thermal separation between the drive 20 and gun 15 is solved without screw, as in Fig. 6A and the detail enlargement 6B can be seen.
On the application head 15, an insulation plate 44 is placed. The isolation plate 44 is formed on the gun side with two positioning bolts 45 and on the drive side with four spacer / positioning bolts 46. The fixing of the application head 15 and drive 20 via two ropes 47 (preferably steel cables). Preferably, a non-heat conducting cable 47 is used. The ropes 47 are fixed in the application head 15 at the points X1 and are tensioned in the drive 20 by a tensioning device 48. By this arrangement, the applicator head 15 and the drive 20 are ideally secured by no metallic connection (only two thin cables 47 in the present arrangement).

The lever arm 30, in all preferred embodiments, reverses the direction of movement (P1 points in the opposite direction as P; Fig. 2 ) and, depending on the setting of the lever arm lengths, a motion gain (P> P1, called translation) or a reduction in motion (P1> P, called reduction). In addition, the angular arrangement of the lever arm 30 with respect to the movable member 11 allows the diaphragm 34 to be located in a region which is not directly exposed to the flowing medium M.

The invention enables a precise application of adhesive to measure. It can be used in electro-magnetic, electro-pneumatic, piezo-electric or electro-mechanical application heads 15, whether hot or cold glue process, whether based on travel or time, whether constant or variable substrate speed.

The control module 50 (also called job control) can be integrated directly into the device (eg in a melter), or it can be provided as a separate unit. It is also possible according to the invention to control and control a plurality of application heads 15 from a common (multi-channel) control module 50, as in Fig. 1 indicated.

Particularly preferred are embodiments in which the control module 50 is designed so that it can be controlled / controlled by a PLC.

In all embodiments, the control module 50 has a connection to control systems via a common interface (e.g., a CAN interface).

Preferably, in all embodiments, the control module 50 has a parameterization capability as described. The parameterization can be performed either directly on the controller 50, or the parameterization can be done indirectly via an interface of the control module 50.

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

The term "parameterization" is used here to describe that the activation of the applicator head or heads 15 takes place on the basis of parameters (preferably in the form of value pairs). The parameters are converted by the controller 50 into commands, manipulated variables or values which cause a result on or in the application header 15 (eg by conversion in the driver module 21). The parameters can be used, for example, to drive the drive 20 in such a way that on the output side, ie on the movable element 11, a controlled opening movement P (t, Z) is produced. This can be achieved, for example, in all embodiments via a programmable output voltage profile or output current profile on the drive 20 or on the driver module 21. The parameters that are specified by the parameterization define eg the output voltage profile or Output current profile. The output voltage profile or output current profile is then correlated with the motion profile P1 (t, -Z) and via the lever arm 30 with the motion profile P (t, Z).

Fig. 10 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the invention based on the in Fig. 2 shown embodiment, wherein details of the control module 50 and a control circuit are indicated schematically. It is based on the description of Fig. 2 directed. In the following, only the essential aspects of the control and the control loop will be described. Preferably, all embodiments of the invention have a control loop with a (displacement or position) sensor 53 (here, for example, an inductive sensor) and a control module 50. The sensor 53 is configured to detect the current position (actual position) of the movable element 11. In Fig. 10 For example, the (displacement or position) sensor 53 is shown schematically. It can also be arranged in a different location. The (displacement or position) sensor 53 is connected via a connection 55 to an input of the control module 50 in order to transfer the actual position to the control module 50. The control module 50 determines based on control data by comparison with the actual position, whether there is a need for readjustment or correction. If, for example, in the graph in Fig. 7A the closing position (T = t, Z = 0) is reached and the (displacement or position) sensor 53 shows a deviating actual position, then in a control loop, the movable element 11, for example, a little further in the - Z direction be moved in order to reach the final closed position (called endpoint monitoring).

If the control module 50 is self-learning, the corrected parameter corresponding to the closed position can be stored in a parameter memory 54. The next time you open and close the new parameter will be used.

In Fig. 10 is further indicated that an optional driver module 21 may be provided between the control module 50 and the drive 20 to establish the control connection between the control module 50 and drive 20. The driver module 21 may have parameters from Receive control module 50 and implement in current or voltage variables (as control variables) that are impressed on the drive 20. The control module 50 may, however, also be connected directly to the drive 20 by control technology (eg by a control connection 52, as in FIG Fig. 1 shown).

In all embodiments, the parameters PA, PB, etc. are preferably taken from a parameter memory 54 and transferred from the control module 50 to an optional driver module 21. The driver module 21 then converts these parameters PA, PB, etc. into control quantities. However, it is also possible for the control module 50 to further process parameters PA, PB, etc., in order then to transfer further processed parameters PA *, PB * etc. to the driver module 21. The further processing of the parameters PA, PB, etc. depends on the specific constellation and can, for example, take into account the over- or reduction factor.

The control module 50 may be configured, for example, with a module for self-detection of a clogged nozzle. This self-detection can be detected on the basis of direct and / or indirect measurement information (eg from a sensor 53) an imminent nozzle blockage. It may also include a module that allows detection of an impending problem (early detection). Preferably, in this case, a preventive warning by the control module 50, for example via an optional LED maintenance detection 60 (see Fig. 10 ). Self-detection and early detection can be implemented particularly advantageously in embodiments having a control loop as described above.

Preferably, all embodiments are designed to be self-initializing. For this purpose, the control module 50 makes an initialization run in order to be able to compare the parameters PA, PB, etc. with the actual values. From this, initial correction values can be derived, which are then used in productive use.

Due to the special mounting of the lever arm 30 with a membrane 34 and by the described control module 50 with parametrisierbarkeit an accurate lead time can be guaranteed in all embodiments. This is important for many applications. If the guaranteed lead time for a first application head 15 is 10 ms, for example, and this application head has to be exchanged for another application head 15 for maintenance, then it must be ensured that this second application head 15 also adheres to the guaranteed retention time of 10 ms. The invention additionally or alternatively guarantees a fixed reaction time (response time) of, for example, 1 ms, which is important for the control, for example via a PLC control.

All application heads 15 behave the same with regard to the fixed reaction time (response time) and / or the retention time.

The invention provides the only electrically driven applicator head 15, which is controllable with PLC without booster and with a proprietary control.

In all embodiments, the application head 15 is preferably designed so that it is closed even in the non-activated mode or when the device is switched off.

In all embodiments, the application head 15 is preferably equipped with a sensor which monitors the sealing function or tightness of the membrane 34. This sensor is designed and arranged in such a way that the medium M emerging in the event of a fault is detected. The error case is transmitted to the controller 50. The controller 50 stops with a corresponding control signal the glue delivery (for example, by switching off a pump). This feature has the advantage that when the membrane 34 breaks, it can be prevented that the escaping medium M is conveyed into the machine.

Particularly suitable for monitoring the sealing function or tightness of the diaphragm 34 are inductive, capacitive or optical sensors which are preferably located in the rear region (i.e., in the medium-free space) of the applicator head 15, i. on the side opposite to the chamber 10.

Preferably, the applicator head 15 is included in all embodiments equipped to monitor the glue pressure. In this case, the controller 50 evaluates (pressure) signals from which the glue pressure profile can be derived. The evaluation of the glue pressure history allows the controller 50 to make a diagnosis in terms of glue delivery. In this way one can recognize, for example, the initiation of a nozzle clogging and / or the occurrence of a leak on the membrane 34 and react to it. This form of monitoring of the glue pressure by means of the controller 50 allows a simple and reliable monitoring of the adhesive application.

Preferably, the applicator head 15 is equipped in all embodiments with a so-called stroke control. This stroke control can be used to control flow, i. be used for metering the medium to be delivered M. For the purpose of stroke control, a displacement or position sensor is preferably arranged in the application head 15 in the region of the movable element 11 and / or in the region of the lever arm 30. The current position (actual position) of the movable element 11 and / or the lever arm 30 is reported to the controller 50 and can be used there for control purposes.

Instead of the application head 15, the application device 100 as a whole can also comprise stroke regulation and / or sensor monitoring and / or monitoring of the glue pressure profile, as described above. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS (Nozzles) chamber 10 movable element (eg nozzle needle) 11 outlet opening 12 supply channel 13 rear end of the nozzle needle 11 14 gun 15 supply line 16 anchorage point 17 top 18 drive 20 driver module 21 lever arm 30 first extreme end 31 second extremal end 32 membrane suspension 33 membrane 34 seal 35 slots 36 central opening 37 pressure support 38 holes 39 cylindrical rod 40 inner part of the membrane 34 41 Stege 42 cut 43 insulation plate 44 positioning bolts 45 Distance- / Potitionierbolzen 46 ropes 47 jig 48 Control module (order control) 50 control connection 52 Sensor (eg induction transmitter) / odometer 53 parameter memory 54 connection 55 LED maintenance detection 60 applicator 100 starting point A paper web K flowable medium M movement direction V Virtual axis VA Opening movement / movement profile P / P (t, Z) Countermovement / movement profile P1 / P1 (t, Z) motion profile P1 * (t, Z) Parameter (value pairs) PA, PB, PC, PD further processed parameters PA *, PB * Time t cycle time T axis Z Points X1

Claims (17)

1. Application head (15) for discharging a flowable medium (M), having

   - a chamber (10) in the interior of the application head (15),

   - a movable element (11) which is mounted in a movable manner in the interior of the chamber (10), wherein said movable element (11) opens or closes an outlet opening (12) by way of a movement (P),

   - a feed duct (13) which is connected to the chamber (10) and is connectable in terms of flow to a feed line (16) in order to be able to introduce the flowable medium (M) into the chamber (10),

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

   - having a control module (50),

   wherein the application head (15) comprises:

   - a lever arm (30) which is connected to the movable element (11) and to the drive (20) in order to convert a movement (P1) on the drive side into an opening or closing movement of the movable element (11),

   characterized in that the application head comprises:

   - a membrane suspension (33) having a membrane (34), wherein the membrane suspension (33) serves to connect the lever arm (30) movably to the application head (15), and

   - the membrane suspension (33) serves as a seal in order to prevent the emergence of the flowable medium (M) from the chamber (10),

   and wherein the control module (50) is designed and connected to the drive (20) in terms of control such that at least one parameter (PA) or pair of values for the opening or closing movement (P) of the movable element (11) is specifiable by way of the control module (50).
2. Application head (15) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the membrane suspension (33), in addition to the membrane (34), comprises at least one sealing ring (35) which serves as a seal and for elastically clamping the membrane (34) in the application head (15).
3. Application head (15) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the membrane (34) is a metal membrane (34).
4. Application head (15) according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the membrane (34)

   - has slots (36) for increasing the elasticity, and

   - has a central opening (37) through which the lever arm (30) extends in the mounted state.
5. Application head (15) according to Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the arrangement of the lever arm (30), of the movable element (11) and of the membrane suspension (33) with the membrane (34) is selected such that the opening or closing movement (P) of the movable element (11) is in the opposite direction to the movement (P1) on the drive side.
6. Application head (15) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one parameter (PA) or the at least one pair of values defines, together with a further parameter (PB) or pair of values, a movement profile P(t, Z) of the movable element (11).
7. Application head (15) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the movement profile P(t, Z) defines an acceleration and/or braking of the movable element (11).
8. Application head (15) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control module (50) is connected to the drive (20) in terms of control to form a regulation system in order to be able to regulate the opening or closing movement (P) of the movable element (11).
9. Application head (15) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a position sensor (53) for determining the position of the movable element (11) is present at the application head (15) in order to transmit actual variables to the control module (50).
10. Application head (15) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the control module (50) is designed to compare the actual variables with the at least one parameter (PA) or pair of values and to determine a correction variable or control variable.
11. Application head (15) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a reduction of the movement (P1) on the drive side to the opening movement (P) of the movable element (11) is effected by the lever arm (30), and wherein, by way of this reduction, the opening or closing movement (P) of the movable element (11) is parameterizable by more than just one parameter (PA, PB) or more than one pair of values, wherein the parameters (PA, PB) or pair of values are distance-correlated parameters or pairs of values.
12. Application head (15) according to Claim 11, characterized in that an extension results from the reduction, thereby improving the parameterizability and/or controllability.
13. Application head (15) according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the drive (20) is an electromagnetic actuator, and in that the control module (50) is designed to carry out an indirect determination of a temperature at the drive (20) by way of determining a current which is fed into this drive (20).
14. Application head (15) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the control module (50) comprises a memory (55) or is connectable to a memory (55) which is designed to store life-cycle data and/or parameters (PA).
15. Application head (15) according to Claim 14, characterized in that the memory (55) stores life-cycle data which allow conclusions to be drawn about

    - the number of opening or closing movements and/or

    - wear indicators and/or

    - blockage indicators.
16. Application head (15) according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the control module (50) is designed to use direct and/or indirect measurement information to detect an imminent nozzle blockage.
17. Application head (15) according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises

    - stroke regulation and/or

    - sensor monitoring and/or

    - monitoring of the glue pressure profile.

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