EP2532444A1 - Method and device for applying fluid or viscous media - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves alternately or partially simultaneously supplying viscous or fluid medium via two inlets (7, 8) of an application nozzle (4). The viscous or fluid medium is intermittently delivered at a nozzle channel (3) by application valves (5, 6) i.e. electromagnetically actuatable application valves, where the channel is provided in a nozzle body (2). The valves are inclinedly arranged relative to each other in a V-shape around an inclination angle (phi). Each valve is connected with a supply device for supplying the medium. The valves are electrically actuatably designed. An independent claim is also included for a device for applying viscous or fluid medium on a substrate.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for applying at least one viscous or fluid medium to a substrate. By "viscous media" is meant liquid media such as paints, varnishes, and especially adhesives. By "fluid media" is meant non-liquid, but deliverable via a Auftragdüse materials, in particular flowable solids such as magnetic or nanoparticles.

If it is necessary in the manufacture of products to act as a sheet present substrates with adhesive, it is known to pass these substrates on application nozzles and apply the adhesive in the desired form, for example as a surface application, bead application or as a point application. For this purpose, the adhesive is fed regularly under preselected pressure and preselected temperature via a valve of a application nozzle. This valve is usually designed to be driven electrically or electropneumatically and is also referred to as "order valve".

To order even in the ever-increasing production speeds, which also require an ever greater relative speed between the substrate and the application nozzle, adhesive application, for example, in short interrupted To be able to apply order lines, it is necessary to increase the cycle frequency with which the valves open and close the feed to the application nozzle.

However, the maximum achievable clock frequency of the valves is limited due to the system. In the case of electrically driven valves which regularly comprise an electromagnet for the purpose of actuation, the power supplied to the coil of the electromagnet at each cycle must be increased in order to increase the clock frequency. However, this power is limited, depending on the design and size of the coil, since the power loss increasing with increasing power leads to a heating of the coil, which in extreme cases can result in destruction of the coil. Furthermore, even less heating of the coil can lead to an undesirable increase in the temperature of the medium to be applied, making it useless by decomposition or - in the case of an adhesive - could be clogged by premature curing the application nozzle.

However, the maximum achievable clock frequency is also regularly limited by the medium itself upwards. For in a variety of known order valves of the anchor to which the application nozzle opening and closing nozzle needle is coupled, surrounded by the medium to be applied. With increasing viscosity and viscoelasticity or decreasing flowability, the medium therefore opposes the movement of the armature increasing resistance, so that reduces the maximum achievable clock frequency. Especially with media such as high-viscosity adhesives therefore a desired fast point sequence in order lines can not be achieved.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a method and an apparatus with which viscous or fluid medium can be delivered, inter alia, with a higher clock frequency.

In order to achieve this object, the method according to the invention provides that the at least one viscous medium is fed via at least one first and one second feed to a common application nozzle. Due to this measure, the clock frequency can be doubled, for example, when synchronized alternately via the first and the second feed via the application nozzle the medium to be dispensed is supplied with the respective technologically conditioned maximum clock frequency of the application nozzle. In this way - at otherwise constant conditions - the production speed can be at least almost doubled. Or it is possible, for example, if the production speed is not increased, to deliver even finer interrupted order lines to the substrate.

In the above-described variant of the method according to the invention, which provides for the alternating supply of the fluid medium via the feeds of the application nozzle, the two feeders are regularly supplied with the same medium.

1. 1. Medien unterschiedlicher chemischer Funktionalität, beispielsweise strahlenhärtender UV-Klebstoff und Heißkleber. Diese Medienpaarung kann beispielsweise zum Einsatz kommen, wenn zunächst eine Fixierung miteinander stoffschlüssig zu verbindender Teile und anschließende Intensivierung der Verbindung durch Aushärtung des UV-Klebstoffs durch geeignete Bestrahlung erfolgen soll.
2. 2. Unterschiedliche Trocknungsmechanismen, beispielsweise Dispersionsklebstoff und Heißklebstoff.
3. 3. Binder und Härterkomponente von zwei Komponentenklebstoffen.
4. 4. Klebstoffe mit unterschiedlichen Hafteigenschaften, beispielsweise einer stark haftend, der andere leicht ablösbar.
5. 5. Reaktives Klebstoffsystem und physikalisch abbindendes System.
6. 6. Nachträglich aktivierbarer Klebstoff (z. B. Remoist - durch Befeuchtung aktivierbar) und sofort aktiver Klebstoff.
7. 7. Zufuhr eines Klebstoffs über eine Zuführung, der zum Beispiel einen Sicherheitscode ( z. B. Securotag oder DNA-Stränge) oder andere Stoffe, die als Sicherheitsmerkmal dienen können, und Zufuhr eines Klebstoffs, der diesen Sicherheitscode oder diese Stoffe nicht enthält, über eine andere Zuführung. Aufgrund dieser Maßnahme müssen Sicherheitscodes oder Sicherheitskennzeichnungen nicht überall beigemischt werden, wodurch Kosten reduziert werden können, es jedoch weiterhin sichergestellt ist, dass in jedem Klebstoffauftrag ein Sicherheitscode oder Sicherheitsstoff enthalten ist.
8. 8. Einbringen einer weiteren aktiven Komponente in geringen Mengen, beispielsweise eines fluiden Mediums wie beispielsweise Magnet- oder Nanopartikel. Durch eine geeignete Taktung der Einbringung dieser Komponente kann eine Codierung erfolgen.

However, if - as a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention - the at least partially viscous or fluid medium at the same time over the feeds of the application nozzle is supplied to the feeders can be acted upon with different media and thus over the applicator a partial or complete mixture of different media are also delivered in an intermittent order line. As media pairings may be mentioned by way of example in particular:

1. 1. Media of different chemical functionality, such as radiation-curing UV adhesive and hot melt adhesive. This media pairing can be used, for example, if initially a fixation with each other to be joined materially to be joined and subsequent intensification of the compound by curing of the UV adhesive by appropriate irradiation.
2. 2. Different drying mechanisms, for example dispersion adhesive and hot glue.
3. 3. binder and hardener component of two component adhesives.
4. 4. Adhesives with different adhesive properties, for example, one strongly adherent, the other easily removable.
5. 5. Reactive adhesive system and physically setting system.
6. 6. Subsequent activatable adhesive (eg Remoist - activatable by moistening) and immediately active adhesive.
7. 7. Delivery of an adhesive via a feeder which may, for example, transmit a security code (eg Securotag or DNA strands) or other materials which may serve as a security feature and supply an adhesive which does not contain this security code or these substances another feeder. Because of this measure, security codes or security markings do not have to be mixed everywhere, which can reduce costs, but it is still ensured that each adhesive application contains a security code or security material.
8. 8. introducing a further active component in small amounts, for example of a fluid medium such as magnetic or nanoparticles. By a suitable timing of the introduction of this component coding can take place.

It is also possible to apply the first and second feeds with the same hot melt adhesive, but heated to different temperatures.

The method according to the invention is not limited to exactly two feeds, with which viscous or fluid media are fed to a common application nozzle, but also extends to a plurality of feeders, via which media are supplied to the common application nozzle.

Furthermore, it is also possible to supply the medium or the media alternately to the common application nozzle, wherein, however, the periods of delivery differ specifically, for example in order to achieve different surface properties.

The device according to the invention for applying at least one viscous or fluid medium to a substrate comprises a nozzle body with at least one nozzle channel, a first valve, with which the viscous or fluid medium can be intermittently delivered to the nozzle channel, and at least one second valve, with which viscous or fluid medium intermittently on the same nozzle channel can be issued.

As already described in detail above, the synchronized alternately clocked operation of the first and second valves, the frequency with which a medium is applied intermittently, and thus, if necessary, the production speed can be increased. Or it is possible, by suitable timing of the first and second valves, to supply different media to the nozzle channel in such a way that, if desired, a partial or complete mixing or at least superposition of these two media takes place during the application to the substrate.

The first and second valves may be arranged in a V-shape inclined to each other by an inclination angle. The nozzle channel is then approximately in the region of the intersection of the two legs of the V, so the spatial dimensions of the device can be minimized in the region just above the substrate, which facilitates their installation in production facilities.

It is also possible to provide further, for example, a third and fourth valve, with which viscous or fluid media can be dispensed intermittently to the nozzle channel. In this way, if necessary, the clock frequency at which the medium is discharged from the nozzle channel, and the device is not limited to the delivery of the components of a two-component system.

In a four-valve device according to the invention, it is particularly preferred for reasons of mountability, if the third and fourth valve are also V-shaped inclined to each other at an inclination angle, such that the plane of this V-shaped arrangement perpendicular to the plane of the V -shaped arrangement of the first and second valve extends.

The valves can basically be designed in any way with regard to their drive. In particular, find in the inventive device, however, electrically operated valves, such as those in which the actuation of the opening and closing of the valve causing the nozzle needle is electromagnetically, use, as with these higher clock frequencies than, for example, with electro-pneumatically driven valves can be achieved.

Each valve can be connected to its own supply device for the supply of viscous or fluid media. The device is then particularly variable in terms of their use for multi-component application systems.

Furthermore, temperature control means are preferably provided with which the viscous or fluid media can be individually tempered so as to be able to deliberately apply, for example, various components having the optimum temperature or one and the same hot glue with a temperature gradient or temperature-layered.

Furthermore, the device preferably comprises a control / regulating device, by means of which the valves and their associated conveyors for supplying the viscous or fluid media are controlled or regulated.

• Schnelle Abpackprozesse, bei denen ein Produkt in eine Folie oder einen Verpackungszuschnitt eingepackt und die Verpackung mit Klebstoff verschlossen wird;
• Faltschachtelklebemaschinen, bei denen auf einem Faltschachtelzuschnitt zum Beispiel durch eine Längsklebung eine Faltschachtel hergestellt wird.

The device can in principle be used advantageously in any application in which viscous or fluid media in trace or area patterns have to be applied to a substrate. Examples include:

• Fast packaging processes in which a product is wrapped in a foil or package blank and the package is sealed with adhesive;
• Faltschachtelklebemaschinen in which on a Faltschachtelzuschnitt for example, by a longitudinal gluing a carton is made.

However, the use of the method according to the invention and the use of a device according to the invention for applying glue in cigarette production or tobacco smoke filter production is very particularly preferred since the production or production speeds achievable by the cigarette or filter production machines are substantially limited by the maximum achievable adhesive application cycle. This use has independent inventive significance.

Fig. 1

- schematisch und ausschnittsweise - ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer Seitenansicht (Ansicht I in Fig. 2).

Fig. 2

dasselbe Ausführungsbeispiel von oben (Ansicht II in Fig. 1) sowie

Fig. 3

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Fig. 2 entsprechenden Ansicht.

The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

- Schematically and fragmentarily - a first embodiment of a device according to the invention in a side view (view I in Fig. 2 ).

Fig. 2

the same embodiment from above (view II in Fig. 1 ) such as

Fig. 3

another embodiment in one Fig. 2 corresponding view.

In the drawing as a whole designated by 100 first embodiment of the device for applying at least one viscous or fluid medium to a substrate 1 comprises a nozzle body 2, which has a nozzle channel 3 shown in dashed lines, the free, the substrate 1 facing the end of a application nozzle 4 forms ,

Attached to the nozzle body 2 are a first application valve 5 and a second application valve 6, which are designed as conventional, electromagnetically actuated application valves and with which fed, viscous or fluid media intermittently to a first supply 7 and to a second supply 8, both in open the nozzle channel 3, can be dispensed. The first and second application valves 5, 6 are operated intermittently and synchronized in time with a control / regulating device, not shown in the drawing, so that by means of the device 100 on the in the feed direction V at the application nozzle 4th transported substrate 1 a broken order line 9 is applied.

The first and second application valves 5, 6, which comprise temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the media to be applied, are arranged in a V-shaped manner inclined to one another at an inclination angle φ.

This in Fig. 3 illustrated, second embodiment 200 of the device according to the invention differs from the embodiment 100 in that a third order valve 10 and a fourth order valve 11 are additionally provided. These order valves are inclined in a correspondingly large angle of inclination V-shaped to each other as the first and second application valves 5, 6, such that the plane E2 perpendicular to the plane E1 of the V-shaped arrangement of the first and second valve 5, 6 extends.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100, 200

embodiments

1

substratum

2

nozzle body

3

nozzle channel

4

applicator

5

first order valve

6

second order valve

7

first feeder

8th

second feeder

9

order line

10

third order valve

11

fourth order valve

E1

level

E2

level

φ

tilt angle

Claims (15)

Method for applying at least one viscous or fluid medium to a substrate 1,
characterized,
the at least one viscous medium via at least a first and a second feed (7, 8) of a common applicator nozzle (4) is supplied. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one viscous or fluid medium is fed alternately via the feeds (7, 8) of the application nozzle (4). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one viscous or fluid medium at least partially at the same time via the feeds (7, 8) of the application nozzle is supplied. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a single viscous medium via the feeds (7, 8) of the common application nozzle (4) is supplied. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that different viscous media via the feeds (7, 8) of the common application nozzle (4) are supplied. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that via at least one of the feeds (7, 8) a fluid component at least partially simultaneously with a via the other supply (7, 8) of the application nozzle (4) supplied to the viscous medium of the application nozzle (4) becomes. Device (100, 200) for applying at least one viscous or fluid medium to a substrate (1),
with a nozzle body (2) with at least one nozzle channel (3),
and with a first valve (5), with which the viscous or fluid medium can be intermittently delivered to the nozzle channel (3),
characterized,
in that at least one second valve (6) is provided with which viscous or fluid medium can be dispensed intermittently to this nozzle channel (3). Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the first and the second valve (5, 6) are V-shaped mutually inclined by an inclination angle (φ). Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a third and fourth valve (10, 11) are provided, with which at least one viscous or fluid medium intermittently to said nozzle channel (3) can be dispensed. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the third and fourth valve (10, 11) are also V-shaped to each other at an inclination angle (φ) inclined to each other, such that the plane (E2) of this V-shaped arrangement perpendicular to Level (E1) of the V-shaped arrangement of the first and second valve (5, 6) extends. Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the valves (5, 6, 10, 11) are designed to be electrically actuated. Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that each valve (5, 6, 10, 11) is connected to its own supply device for supplying viscous or fluid media. Device according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that temperature control means are provided, with which the viscous or fluid media are individually tempered. Device according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that a control / regulating device is provided, by means of which the valves and their associated conveyors are controlled or regulated for the supply of viscous or fluid media. Use of a device according to any one of claims 7 to 14 for applying glue in cigarette manufacturing or tobacco smoke filter production.

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