EP3006116B1 - Application assembly and application assembly set - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an application arrangement for applying a liquid medium, comprising a housing, in which a distribution chamber is formed with at least one feed opening and at least one exit opening, and a distribution means arranged in the distribution chamber, which is designed as a cylindrical distributor shaft, wherein in a lateral surface of the Distributor shaft a plurality of radially outwardly open distribution channels is introduced, which form a over the lateral surface of the distributor shaft extending continuous distribution network. Furthermore, the invention relates to a job order set with a job order.

An order arrangement of the type mentioned is, for example, from the EP 1 344 573 A2 known. The known application arrangement comprises an applicator head for the contactless application of liquid media, such as liquefied thermoplastics or molten hot-melt adhesives, to a material web that is relatively movable relative to the applicator head. The application head has a housing with a roller chamber in which a roller slide is mounted so that it can be driven to rotate. The roller slide is a cylindrical hollow body, on whose lateral surface radially outwardly open surface grooves are introduced. The surface grooves are annular and extend in the circumferential direction of the roller slide. Via radial bores, the surface grooves are supplied with the liquid medium from an internal cavity of the roller slide.

An application arrangement of the type mentioned above is always used in many applications where material webs are to be laminated onto a substrate. In order to ensure a width distribution of the liquid medium transversely to the running direction of the material web, while the liquid medium initially distributed in the interior of the roller slide and then fed via the individual radial bores the spaced-apart annular surface grooves.

A disadvantage is felt that this order arrangement is not suitable to uniformly apply foamed fluids.

From the US Pat. No. 4,550,681 A an order arrangement for the uniform application of a liquid medium is known. The application arrangement has a sleeve in which a cylinder body is inserted. The cylinder body has an inlet channel in fluid communication with an access line. About the inlet channel, the liquid medium is passed radially outward into a plurality of circumferentially distributed channels.

On this basis, the present invention seeks to provide an application arrangement of the aforementioned type, by means of which foamed fluids are evenly applied.

This object is achieved according to the invention in an application arrangement for applying a liquid medium of the type mentioned in that the distribution network is on the input side with the at least one supply port and the output side with the at least one outlet opening in liquid-conducting connection and is designed such that the liquid medium through the radially outwardly open distribution channels is passed from the at least one supply port to at least one outlet opening.

According to the invention, it is thus provided that the liquid medium is no longer pressed through different bores in an interior of a distribution means through bores on an outer surface of the distribution means, but now to direct the liquid medium directly from the at least one feed opening through the distribution channels along the outer surface of the distribution means , For this purpose, distribution channels which are open on the outside are introduced in the outer surface of the distribution means, which distributes the liquid medium from the at least one supply opening to the at least one outlet. lead opening. A conduit of the liquid medium through an interior to the outer surface of the distribution means is thus not required. By the line of the liquid medium only over the outer surface of the distribution means, the pressure conditions are more predictable and controllable, so that in particular in foamed fluids unwanted foaming within the distribution medium is prevented by constant pressure conditions. Thus, the distribution means may also be formed as a solid body, on the outer surface of the distribution channels are introduced, whereby a simple to be produced order arrangement is provided.

Advantageously, the distribution network is formed at least in sections in the form of a tree structure with at least two hierarchical levels. A tree structure is to be understood as a tree known from graph theory. A tree has several nodes connected by edges. A graph is a tree if it is connected and free of circles. That is, from every node u to every other node v, there is exactly one way across one or more edges. The edges are in this case the distribution channels. Nodes are branching points in which a feeding distribution channel is divided into at least two laxative distribution channels. The tree structure has at least two hierarchical levels, wherein the hierarchical levels are not to be understood as spatial levels. On the contrary, the first hierarchical level comprises the at least one branching point which, viewed in the direction of flow, lies directly behind the at least one feed opening. The second hierarchical level includes all those branching points which, viewed in the direction of flow, lie directly behind the at least one branching point of the first hierarchical level. If, for example, a distribution channel adjoins the one feed opening and splits it into two distribution channels at a first branch point, which then again each split into two distribution channels, the first hierarchical level has only one, the second hierarchical level two and the third hierarchical level four branch points. The at least partially tree-structured distribution network can be extended in this way by any number of further hierarchy levels, three hierarchical levels being provided in a preferred manner. In this way, the distribution network branches between the at least one feed opening and the little - at least one outlet opening at a plurality of nodes in a plurality of distribution channels, so that the distribution network with each hierarchical level becomes wider. The width of the distribution network thus extends transversely to a running direction of the material web on the example of a material web passing beneath the at least one exit opening. Advantageously, the feeding distribution channel divides at each branch point into exactly two laxative distribution channels. In this way, the fluid flow is divided at each node, in particular halved, and the liquid medium evenly distributed. In particular, the nodes grouped in a hierarchical level all have an equal distance to the nodes of the upstream hierarchical level and in particular to the feed opening.

At least a first group of the distribution channels can run horizontally and / or transversely to the running direction of the continuous material web. Furthermore, a second group of the distribution channels can extend vertically or in the circumferential direction and / or to form an acute angle to the running direction of the continuous material web.

Furthermore, it can be provided that, viewed in the flow direction, the number of distribution channels within one of the hierarchy levels is always greater than the number of distribution channels within the upstream hierarchy level. By increasing the number of distribution channels per hierarchical level, a particularly good width distribution of the liquid medium is achieved.

Furthermore, viewed in the direction of flow, a longitudinal extent of the distribution channels within one of the hierarchical levels can always be smaller than a longitudinal extent of the distribution channels within the upstream hierarchical level. As a result, for reasons of space, a plurality of branched distribution channels can be arranged next to one another with increasing hierarchy level, whereby a particularly wide distribution network can be provided.

In a preferred manner, it is provided that, viewed in the flow direction, a channel cross section of the distribution channels within one of the hierarchical levels is always smaller than a channel cross section of the distribution channels within the upstream hierarchical level. By reaching a node, or a branch point of several distribution channels, the fluid flow of the liquid medium is divided from a feeding distribution channel into several laxative distribution channels. If the area of the channel cross section of the feeding distribution channel corresponds to the sum of the areas of the channel cross sections of the discharging distribution channels, the pressure remains constant. In this way, unwanted foaming within the distribution channels is prevented, especially in foamed fluids.

According to one aspect of the present invention, provision is made for a collecting channel to be provided which, viewed in the direction of flow, is arranged between the tree-structured section of the distribution network and the at least one outlet opening. Thus, the distribution channels of the stored in the flow direction immediately before the collecting channel hierarchical level, respectively, the in Flow direction considered last hierarchical level of the distribution network, connected to the collecting channel, so that the flowing through the individual distribution channels liquid medium in the collecting channel merges again. In particular, the collecting channel has a longitudinal extent which is greater than the longitudinal extent of the distribution channels. According to a first solution, the collecting channel may be part of the distribution means. The collecting channel is then also a channel which is also open on the outside, which adjoins the tree-shaped section of the distribution network. The collecting channel preferably has a greater longitudinal extent than that of another of the distribution channels of the distribution network, so that the liquid medium from the last hierarchical level viewed in the direction of flow can flow into the collecting channel without loss of width. The liquid medium distributed over the width is then removed from the collecting channel into the at least one outlet opening. According to a second solution can be provided that the collecting channel outside the distribution means, in particular in the housing, is arranged. In the manner analogous to the first solution, the liquid medium flows out of the tree-structured section of the distribution network into the collecting channel located outside the distribution means and is then discharged into the at least one outlet opening. In this case too, the collecting channel preferably has a longitudinal extent that is greater than the longitudinal extent of any of the distribution channels. According to the second solution, the entire distribution network can be designed in the shape of a tree.

In order to keep the pressure of the liquid medium constant before exiting the at least one outlet opening, the channel cross section of the collecting channel can be correspondingly smaller than the channel cross section of the distribution channels of the last hierarchical level of the distribution network considered in the flow direction. Alternatively, the channel cross section of the collecting channel can also correspond to the channel cross section of the distribution channels of the last hierarchical level of the distribution network considered in the flow direction.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, provision is made for a discharge line to be provided at at least one longitudinal end of the collecting channel, such that a subset of the liquid medium can be removed from the distribution network before it leaves the at least one outlet opening, as viewed in the direction of flow. The at least one discharge line has in particular a valve on, over which the discharged portion of the liquid medium is controllable. During operation of the application arrangement, air can accumulate, especially at longitudinal ends of the collecting channel, as a result of which outer outlet openings or, in the case of a slot-shaped outlet opening, peripheral areas are not supplied with the liquid medium to be applied, or only uncontrolled. In order to ensure a uniform outlet of the liquid medium from the at least one outlet opening, the air accumulated in the liquid medium can be removed together with a subset of the liquid medium via the at least one discharge line. Preferably, a discharge line is provided in each case at both longitudinal ends of the collecting channel. According to the size of the volume flow of the discharged liquid medium, the pressure with which the liquid medium flows via the at least one feed opening into the distribution network can be increased in order to ensure a constant discharge of the liquid medium from the at least one outlet opening. Furthermore, at least one discharge line may also be provided on at least one of the distribution channels in order to enable a discharge of the accumulated air at certain points of the distribution network.

The application arrangement expediently has a reservoir upstream of the distribution network, viewed in the direction of flow, in which the liquid medium is stored. The at least one discharge line can lead in the form of a return line the discharged portion of the liquid medium back into the reservoir. In particular, a vent valve may be provided, via which the transported in the liquid medium at least partially air can be discharged.

In principle, the application arrangement can comprise exactly one application nozzle. The liquid medium then flows through the at least one outlet opening into the application nozzle and generates an order in the form of a single bead. Advantageously, a plurality of the outlet openings are provided which, viewed in the direction of flow, distribute in the distribution channels of the last hierarchical level over the entire width of the distribution network or, if a collecting channel is provided, over the entire longitudinal extension of the collecting channel. In this way, the liquid medium is supplied via the outlet openings of a plurality of application nozzles, so that a uniformly distributed multiple bead application of the liquid medium takes place over the entire application width. In particular, each outlet is accurate associated with an application nozzle. Furthermore, the liquid medium can flow through a plurality of outlet openings in a surface application nozzle to produce a full-surface job. The surface application nozzle can extend over the entire width of the distribution network or, if a collecting channel is provided, over the entire longitudinal extension of the collecting channel and preferably has a slot extending over the entire width of the distribution network or over the entire longitudinal extension of the collecting channel.

Preferably, the distribution network is symmetrical. As a result, the pressure conditions of the liquid medium and the division of the liquid streams are well predetermined, so that overall a uniform width distribution of the liquid medium is achieved.

Furthermore, the distribution channels can be designed to extend in a straight line. This achieved particularly good results.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it is provided that the distribution channels open on the outside are bounded on the outside by a wall of the housing, in particular by the outer wall of the housing, which delimits the distribution chamber. In this way, an easy-to-produce application arrangement is provided, which also allows a good management of the liquid medium.

In a preferred manner, it is provided that the distribution chamber is designed to be accessible from the outside and the distribution means is arranged exchangeably in the distribution chamber. As a result, the distribution means can be removed in a simple manner, for example for cleaning the application arrangement. In addition, the distribution medium can be easily replaced and replaced with another, for example, if another order pattern, in particular a broader or narrower order, desired or replacement of the distribution means due to wear is necessary.

The distribution means is designed as a cylindrical distributor shaft, in the lateral surface of which the radially outwardly open distribution channels are introduced. In the case of an at least partially tree-shaped distribution network a first group of the distribution channels preferably parallel to the central axis of the distributor shaft, in particular horizontally, and a second group of the distribution channels in the circumferential direction of the distribution shaft. The distribution channels of the second group connect the distribution channels of the first group to one another and in particular those of the last hierarchical level considered in the flow direction with the collection channel.

As an alternative to the distributor shaft, the distribution means may be plate-shaped, for example, wherein the plate-shaped distribution means, when it is arranged exchangeably in the distribution chamber, pulled out of the distribution chamber and used again like a honeycomb in a hive. The distribution network can in particular lie in a spatial plane.

According to yet another aspect, a mixer may be provided which, viewed in the flow direction, is connected upstream of the distribution network and is in fluid-conducting communication with the distribution chamber via the at least one supply opening. The mixer can be a static mixer. Foamed fluids, or foam, for example, mixed with gas adhesives are mixed homogeneously in the upstream mixer. Since unfoamed fluids are highly viscous or viscous, as foamed fluids, a bypass line is preferably provided which leads the liquid medium past the mixer.

In particular foamed and unfoamed fluids in cold and hot form, for example, can be applied to a material web passing under the applicator by means of the applicator. The application device is used in particular for the application of a liquid medium in the form of foamed and unfoamed hot melt adhesive compositions. In principle, however, all liquid media can be applied, which are flowable.

A further subject of the present invention is an order arrangement set with the above-described order arrangement, wherein at least two distribution means are provided with different distribution networks which differ from each other at least in the maximum longitudinal extent of the collection channel, wherein any of the distribution means is insertable into the distribution chamber.

According to the invention, it is provided that at least two distribution means are provided which can be used interchangeably in the distribution chamber of the application arrangement. The at least two distribution means differ at least in the maximum longitudinal extent of the collecting channel, so that a different width order of the liquid medium is made possible by the two distribution means. When the applicator assembly comprises application nozzles, a certain number are usually connected downstream of the distribution chamber as viewed in the flow direction. If the application width is to be changed, the outer application nozzles could be switched off, so that the liquid medium is discharged only over the necessary according to the application width internal application nozzles. However, in the case of a distribution medium suitable for larger application widths, this causes the supply openings and the bores in the housing to become clogged to the outer application nozzles, since the fluid that has not been removed can possibly harden in the supply lines of the outer application nozzles. To avoid this, the distribution means according to the invention designed interchangeable. Thus, a distribution medium can be used with a distribution network adapted to the application width in the distribution chamber, in which the distribution network has a longitudinal extent of the collection channel corresponding to the application width.

Figur 1

eine Auftragsanordnung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Verteilerwelle in Explosionsdarstellung;

Figur 2

die Auftragsanordnung aus Figur 1 in schematischer Darstellung mit der eingesetzten Verteilerwelle in Schnittansicht;

Figur 3

die Verteilerwelle aus Figur 1 in perspektivischer Darstellung;

Figur 4

die Auftragsanordnung aus Figur 1 in schematischer Darstellung mit einer Abwicklung einer Mantelfläche der Verteilerwelle;

Figur 5

die Auftragsanordnung aus Figur 1 mit einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Verteilerwelle in Explosionsdarstellung;

Figur 6

eine Auftragsanordnung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform in schematischer Darstellung mit einer eingesetzten Verteilerwelle in Schnittansicht;

Figur 7

die Auftragsanordnung aus Figur 6 mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Verteilerwelle in Explosionsdarstellung;

Figur 8

die Auftragsanordnung aus Figur 6 mit einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Verteilerwelle in Explosionsdarstellung; und

Figur 9

eine Auftragsanordnung gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform in schematischer Darstellung mit einer Abwicklung einer Mantelfläche einer Verteilerwelle.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and described below. Hereby shows:

FIG. 1

an order arrangement according to a first embodiment with a distributor shaft according to the invention in an exploded view;

FIG. 2

the order arrangement FIG. 1 in a schematic representation with the distributor shaft used in sectional view;

FIG. 3

the distributor shaft off FIG. 1 in perspective view;

FIG. 4

the order arrangement FIG. 1 in a schematic representation with a development of a lateral surface of the distributor shaft;

FIG. 5

the order arrangement FIG. 1 with a further distributor shaft according to the invention in an exploded view;

FIG. 6

an order arrangement according to a second embodiment in a schematic representation with an inserted distributor shaft in a sectional view;

FIG. 7

the order arrangement FIG. 6 with an inventive distributor shaft in exploded view;

FIG. 8

the order arrangement FIG. 6 with a further distributor shaft according to the invention in an exploded view; and

FIG. 9

an order arrangement according to a third embodiment in a schematic representation with a development of a lateral surface of a distributor shaft.

In FIG. 1 a simplified order arrangement shown according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The application arrangement serves to apply a liquid medium, in this case a foamed hot-melt adhesive 1, to a material web 2 which passes in the direction L below the stationary application arrangement. The application arrangement can in principle be used for the application of foamed or unfoamed media in cold or hot form, as long as the medium to be applied is free-flowing.

The application arrangement has an elongate housing 3, which extends transversely to the running direction L over a transverse extent, respectively the width B, of the material web 2. In the housing 3, a cylindrical distribution chamber 4 is formed, which is bounded by a cylindrical, smooth outer wall 5 of the housing 3. The distribution chamber 4 extends in the longitudinal direction X of the housing 3 and has at both longitudinal ends 6 insertion openings 7. Viewed in the longitudinal direction X is in the middle of the distribution chamber 4 at a radially upper position a central feed opening 8 drilled through the outer wall 5 of the housing 3, which is provided with a in FIG. 2 shown feed line 9 for supplying the foamed hot adhesive 1 in the distribution chamber 4 is connected. At a diametrically opposite the feed opening 8 radially lower position of the distribution chamber 4 are distributed equidistantly in the longitudinal direction X of the housing 3 here nine outlet openings 10 in the outer wall 5 of the housing 3 is introduced. In principle, however, a plurality of feed openings 9 can be introduced radially above and more or less than nine outlet openings 10 radially below in the outer wall 5 of the housing 3, distributed in the longitudinal direction X of the housing 3 more feed openings 8 or more outlet openings 10 or only one outlet opening 10th provided.

In the distribution chamber 4 is through one of the insertion 7 a in FIG. 3 shown cylindrical distributor shaft 11 used in FIG. 1 in the removed and in FIG. 2 is shown in the inserted state. The outer diameter of the distributor shaft 11 corresponds at least substantially to the inner diameter of the distribution chamber 4. The distributor shaft 11 has on a lateral surface 12 radially outwardly open distribution channels 13, which are introduced radially from the outside into the distributor shaft 11. In the inserted state of the distributor shaft 11, the distributor channels 13, which are open radially on the outside, are delimited by the outer wall 5 of the distributor chamber 4.

The rectilinear distribution channels 13 form a coherent distribution network 14. The distribution network 14 is on the input side with the feed opening 8 and the output side with the nine outlet openings 10 in liquid-conducting connection. At the bottom of the FIG. 4 a development of the lateral surface 12 of the distributor shaft 11 is shown. The symmetrically formed distribution network 14 has, in the flow direction F indicated by the arrows F, beginning at the feed opening 8, a tree-structured section 15 which extends over three hierarchical levels 16 ', 16 ", 16'". Specifically, adjoining the feed opening 8 is a 45 ° in the circumferential direction of the distributor shaft 11 extending first distribution channel 13, which is viewed in the longitudinal direction X of the housing 3, respectively in the longitudinal direction X of the distributor shaft 11, viewed centrally in the distributor shaft 11. This first distribution channel 11 leads the liquid medium 1 to the first node, respectively to the first branch point 17 ', which defines the first hierarchical level 16' of the tree-structured portion 15 of the distribution network 14. There, the first distribution channel 13 is divided into two laxative distribution channels 13 which are coaxially aligned with each other and extend horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the distributor shaft.

At their axially outer longitudinal ends, in each case in the circumferential direction of the distributor shaft 11 by another 45 ° downwardly extending distribution channel 13 connects, so that the two distribution channels 13, the two fluid streams divided liquid medium 1 the two nodes 17 "the second hierarchical level 16" supply , In the two branching points 17 "of the second hierarchical level 16", the two fluid streams are again divided into two co-axially aligned and horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the distributor shaft 11 extending distribution channels 13, so that the liquid medium 1 in the second hierarchical level 16 "in Sum is now divided into four fluid streams.

In an analogous manner, the four fluid streams are fed via four fourteen distribution channels 13 nodes running in the circumferential direction by a further 45 ° downwards, four 17 "'of the third hierarchical plane 16'", in which the liquid medium is divided into eight fluid streams.

In the present case, the distribution channels 13 within the same hierarchical level 16 ', 16 ", 16'" are always aligned coaxially with each other and have the same channel cross-section and the same longitudinal extension.

In order to keep the pressure conditions within the distribution network 14 constant with each division of the liquid medium 1 into further fluid streams, the channel cross sections of the distribution channels 13 in the following hierarchical plane 16 ", 16 '" considered in the flow direction F are always smaller than the channel cross section of the distribution channel 13 or In the present case, the fluid flows at each node 17 ', 17 ", 17'" are always halved, which is why the channel cross section of the respective subsequent hierarchical level 16 ", 16 '" always half is large as the channel cross-section of the distribution channels 13 of the upstream hierarchical level 16 ', 16 ".

Viewed in the flow direction F behind the tree-shaped portion 15 of the distribution network 14 is followed by a collecting channel 18, which is connected via eight extending in the circumferential direction of the distribution shaft 11 distribution channels 13 with the tree-shaped portion 15 of the distribution network 14. The collecting channel 18 belongs by definition no longer to the tree structure, since the distribution network 14 is no longer free of circles by the collecting channel 18 extending over all eight distribution channels 13 of the third hierarchical level 16 '".

The collecting channel 18 is, as well as the distribution channels 13, introduced into the distributor shaft 11 and forms on the lateral surface 12 a radially outwardly open channel which extends horizontally and in the longitudinal direction X of the distributor shaft 11. The collecting channel 18 is bounded radially on the outside by the cylindrical outer wall 5 of the housing 3, wherein in the collecting channel 18 closing portion of the outer wall 5, the nine outlet openings 10 are provided. The eight distribution channels 13 of the third hierarchical level 16 '"are here in each case arranged centrally between two of the outlet openings 10.

In this way, the foamed hot adhesive 1 flowing in through the central feed opening 8 into the distribution network 14 is distributed on the one hand by the branched tree-shaped section 15 and the collecting channel 18 evenly over a longitudinal extent A.

Furthermore, the application arrangement has a surface application nozzle 19, which is in fluid-conducting connection via the outlet openings 10 with the collecting channel 18. This extends in the longitudinal direction X of the housing over the entire longitudinal extent of the distributor shaft eleventh

In the direction of flow F viewed in front of the distribution chamber 4 is in the feed line 9 a in Figures 2 and 4 schematically illustrated static mixer 20 incorporated, the sake of clarity in FIG. 1 not shown. The mixer 20 has, in a manner known per se, a screw 21 in order to homogeneously post-mix the hot-melt adhesive 1, which has been foamed with a gas, shortly before it is applied. In the direction of flow F seen in front of the mixer 20, a check valve 22 is inserted into the supply line 9, to allow a bypass of the mixer 20, for example, for highly viscous fluids. For this purpose, a bypass line 23 is provided into which a further check valve 24 is inserted. Also not shown is a reservoir for the hot melt adhesive 1, which is on in FIG. 2 open upper end of the supply line 9 is shown connected to the supply line 9. About the reservoir flows the hot melt adhesive 1 in the direction of arrows F in the feed line 9 through the mixer 20 and through the bypass line 23rd

During operation of the application device, the hot-melt adhesive 1, which has been foamed with gas, is passed through the supply opening 8 into the static mixer 20 by a reservoir, not shown here by way of example. This foam 1 is mixed homogeneously in the mixer 20 and passes through the feed line 9 through the feed opening 8 in the distribution network 14 of the distributor shaft 11. If, however, no gas-added fluid, for example, a non-foamed, especially highly viscous fluid to be applied, the Lock valve 22 is closed and the other check valve 24 is opened to release the bypass line. Then, the fluid is passed past the mixer 20 through the bypass line 23 into the distribution network 14 of the distributor shaft 11.

In the distributor shaft 11, the foam 1 is divided evenly over a total of eight fluid streams across the width of the distribution network 14. Due to the constant pressures within the distribution network 14 unwanted foaming of the fluid 1 within the distribution network 14 is avoided. Finally, the eight fluid streams flow through the nine outlet openings 10 into the surface application nozzle 19 and are applied as a full-surface foam application 1 on the material web 2 passing under the application arrangement.

If the application width of the foam application 1 is to be changed, the distributor shaft 11 can be removed from the insertion opening 7 of the housing 3 and by an in FIG. 5 shown other distributor shaft 11 'to be replaced. The collecting channel 18 of the distribution network 14 of the other distributor shaft 11 'has a significantly shorter longitudinal extent A than the distributor shaft 11 used previously. Specifically, the distribution network 14 has only two hierarchical levels 16', 16 ", so that the medium flowing through the central inlet opening 7 foamed hot-melt adhesive 1 is evenly distributed over a total of four fluid streams. "The collecting channel 18 of the other distributor shaft 11 'is no longer covered by all nine outlet openings 10, but only by the five central outlet openings 10, so that a narrower foam application 1 over the entire area Material web 2 takes place.

In FIG. 6 a simplified order arrangement shown in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein components that match the order arrangement according to the first embodiment of the present invention, are provided with the same reference numerals, as in FIGS. 1 to 5 ,

The application arrangement according to the second embodiment differs on the one hand from the application arrangement according to the first embodiment in that no surface application nozzle 19, but a plurality of application nozzles 25 in the flow direction F is arranged behind the distribution chamber 4. On the other hand, the distribution network 14 according to the second embodiment has a tree-shaped section 15 with a total of four hierarchy levels 16 ', 16 ", 16"', 16 "". In this way, the fluid flow 1 flowing into the distribution network 14 through the central feed opening 8 is uniformly distributed at the end of the tree structure 16 to 16 fluid streams which flow into the collecting channel 18 via 16 distribution channels 13 of the fourth hierarchical level 16 "". Finally, the application arrangement according to the second embodiment, in contrast to the application arrangement according to the first embodiment, 17 outlet openings 10, which are also arranged in the longitudinal direction X of the housing 3 on an imaginary straight line equidistant from each other. According to the number of outlet openings 10 17 applicator nozzles 25 are provided.

The application nozzles 25 here have needle valves, via which the outlet of the foamed hot-melt adhesive 1 can be controlled. In this way, the hot melt adhesive 1 is not applied as a whole-surface foam, but in the form of 17 evenly distributed over the width A of the distribution network 14 caterpillars 1 on the web 2. In order to adjust the application width, according to the desired application width outside the application width axially outward application nozzles 25 are locked, so that the foam 1 is applied only over the corresponding order width necessary internal application nozzles. This can lead to a suitable for larger application widths distribution network 14 that the non-flow through axially outer outlet openings 10 in the housing 3 clog.

To avoid this, the distributor shaft 11 can analogously to the order arrangement according to the first embodiment against a in FIG. 8 shown other distributor shaft 11 'to be replaced. The other distributor shaft 11 'has a distribution network 14 with only two hierarchical levels 16', 16 "and a shorter collecting channel 18. In this way, the liquid medium 1 flowing into the distribution network 14 is evenly distributed over a total of four fluid streams and flows through the narrower collecting channel 18 in only five application nozzles 25. The axially outer outlet openings 10 of the unnecessary application nozzles 25, here twelve application nozzles 25 are not supplied by the other distributor shaft 11 'with the shorter collection channel 18, so that the unneeded outlet openings 10 and the associated applicator 25th do not clog.

In FIG. 9 a simplified order arrangement shown in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein components that match the order arrangement according to the first embodiment of the present invention are provided with the same reference numerals, as in FIGS. 1 to 5 ,

The application arrangement according to the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the application arrangement according to the first embodiment of the present invention only in that discharge lines 27 are provided at both longitudinal ends 26 of the collection channel 18. The two discharge lines 27 are in liquid-conducting connection with the collecting channel 18 in order to return a subset of the fluid 1 flowing together in the collecting channel 18 into the reservoir. In order to regulate the portion of the hot melt adhesive 1 to be removed, both discharge lines 27 each have a valve 28 on the input side.

In order to ensure a uniform outlet of the foamed hot melt adhesive 1 from the nine outlet openings 10, air which has accumulated in the hot melt adhesive 1 together with a partial amount of the liquid medium is removed via the two discharge lines 27 which are provided on the outlet channel 18. In accordance with the size of the volume flow of the discharged liquid medium, the pressure with which the liquid medium 1 flows via the supply opening 8 into the distribution network 14 can be increased in order to ensure a constant discharge of the liquid medium 1 to ensure from the nine outlet openings 10 despite the discharge of the subset.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

foamed hot glue

2

web

3

casing

4

distribution chamber

5

outer wall

6

longitudinal end

7

insertion

8th

feed

9

feed

10

outlet opening

11, 11 '

distributor shaft

12

lateral surface

13

distribution channel

14

distribution

15

Tree-shaped section

16 '

first hierarchical level

16 "

second hierarchical level

16 '' '

third hierarchical level

16 '' ''

fourth hierarchical level

17 '

Branching point within the first hierarchical level

17 "

Branch point within second hierarchical level

17 '' '

Branch point within third hierarchical level

18

collecting duct

19

Flächenauftragsdüse

20

mixer

21

screw

22

check valve

23

Bypass line

24

check valve

25

applicator

26

longitudinal end

27

discharge

28

Valve

A

longitudinal extension

B

width

F

flow direction

L

direction

X

longitudinal direction

Claims (14)

1. Application arrangement for application of a liquid medium (1) with
   a housing (3) in which a distribution chamber (4) with at least one feed opening (8) and at least one outlet opening (10) is formed, and
   a distribution means, which is arranged in the distribution chamber (4) and is designed as a cylindrical distributor shaft (11; 11'),
   wherein a plurality of radially outward open distribution channels (13) are worked into a circumferential surface (12) of the distributor shaft (11; 11') and form a continuous distribution net (14) extending over the circumferential surface (12) of the distributor shaft (11; 11'),
   characterized in
   that the distribution net (14) is in fluid-carrying connection on the input side with the at least one feed opening (8) and on the output side with the at least one outlet opening (10) and is designed such that the liquid medium (1) is conducted through the radially outward open distribution channels (13) from the at least one feed opening (8) to the at least one outlet opening (10).
2. Application arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the distribution net (14) is shaped at least in sections in the form of a tree structure (25) with at least two hierarchy levels (16', 16", 16"', 16"").
3. Application arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, viewed in direction of flow (F), the number of distribution channels (13) within one of the hierarchy levels (16", 16"', 16"") is always greater than the number of distribution channels (13) within the preceding hierarchy level (16', 16", 16"').
4. Application arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that, viewed in direction of flow (F), a longitudinal extension of the distribution channels (13) within one of the hierarchy levels (16", 16"', 16"") is always smaller than a longitudinal extension of the distribution channels (13) within the preceding hierarchy level (16', 16", 16"').
5. Application arrangement according to one of the claims 2 to 4, characterised in that, viewed in direction of flow (F), a channel cross-section of the distribution channels (13) within one of the hierarchy levels (16", 16"', 16"") is always smaller than a channel cross-section of the distribution channels (13) within the preceding hierarchy level (16', 16", 16"').
6. Application arrangement according to one of the claims 2 to 5, characterised in that a collecting channel (18) is provided, which, viewed in direction of flow (F), is arranged between the tree structure shaped section (25) of the distribution net (14) and the at least one outlet opening (10) and comprises a longitudinal extention (A) which is greater than the longitudinal extention of the distribution channels (13).
7. Application arrangement according to claim 6, characterised in that a discharge line (27) is provided at at least one longitudinal end (26) of the collecting channel (18), said discharge line (27) is designed such that a partial quantity of the liquid medium (1), viewed in the direction of flow, is discharge-able from the distribution net (14) before it leaves the at least one outlet opening (10).
8. Application arrangement according to claim 7, characterised in that, viewed in direction of flow, upstream of the distribution chamber (4) a reservoir for the liquid medium (1) is provided, which is in fluid-carrying connection with the distribution chamber (4), wherein the discharge line (27) is connected to the reservoir for returning the partial quantity of the discharged liquid medium (1) into the reservoir.
9. Application arrangement according to one of the previous claims, characterised in
   that the distribution net (14) is designed symmetrically.
10. Application arrangement according to one of the previous claims, characterised in
    that the distribution channels (13) are configured rectilinear.
11. Application arrangement according to one of the previous claims, characterised in
    that the outward open distribution channels (13) are outwardly bounded by a wall (5) of the housing (3).
12. Application arrangement according to one of the previous claims, characterised in
    that the distribution chamber (4) is configured to be accessible from outside and the distribution means (11; 11') is arranged exchangeably in the distribution chamber (4).
13. Application arrangement according to one of the previous claims, characterised in
    that a mixer (20) is provided that, viewed in direction of flow (F), is located upstream from the distribution net (14) and is in fluid-carrying connection with the distribution chamber (4) via the at least one feed opening (8).
14. Application arrangement set with an application arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 13, characterised in
    that at least two distribution means (11; 11') are provided with different distribution nets (14) that differ from one another at least in the maximum longitudinal extension (A) of the collecting channel (18), wherein any one of the distribution means (11; 11') is insertable into the distribution chamber (4).

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