阅读说明：本技术 喷枪的喷嘴组、喷枪系统、制造喷嘴模块的方法、为上漆任务从喷嘴组选出喷嘴模块的方法、选择系统和计算机程序产品 (Nozzle group for a spray gun, spray gun system, method for producing a nozzle module, method for selecting a nozzle module from a nozzle group for a painting task, selection system and computer progra) 是由 埃娃·沃尔克 迈克尔·潘特勒 诺贝特·迈尔 马青·玛莎拉 于 2018-08-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于喷枪(1)、特别是雾化压缩空气的涂料喷枪的喷嘴组,其包括至少一个喷嘴模块组(10、20、30、40),喷嘴模块组具有至少两个、优选至少四个不同的喷嘴模块(15),喷嘴模块用于选择性地安装在喷枪(1)的同一个基体模块(11)之中或之上,其中,喷嘴模块(15)设计成使其在相同的喷射条件下具有不同的物料流量,其中,能借助于喷嘴模块(15)生成的喷射束基本上具有相同的喷射束横截面高度(h)和相同的喷射束横截面宽度(b),不同的喷嘴模块(15)的喷射束横截面尤其是全等的。本发明还涉及喷枪系统、制造喷嘴模块的方法、为上漆任务从喷嘴组选出喷嘴模块的方法、选择系统、特别是“滑阀系统”和计算机程序产品。本发明让使用者能够针对其上漆任务和其工作方式选择理想的喷嘴模块。(The invention relates to a nozzle group for a spray gun (1), in particular a paint spray gun for atomizing compressed air, comprising at least one nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40) having at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules (15) for selective installation in or on the same base module (11) of the spray gun (1), wherein the nozzle modules (15) are designed such that they have different material throughputs under the same spray conditions, wherein spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules (15) have substantially the same spray beam cross-sectional height (h) and the same spray beam cross-sectional width (b), the spray beam cross-sections of the different nozzle modules (15) being in particular congruent. The invention also relates to a spray gun system, a method for producing a nozzle module, a method for selecting a nozzle module from a nozzle group for a painting job, a selection system, in particular a slide valve system, and a computer program product. The invention enables the user to select an ideal nozzle module for his painting task and his working mode.)

1. A nozzle group for a spray gun (1), in particular a paint spray gun for atomizing compressed air, the nozzle group comprises at least one nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40) having at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules (15), the nozzle module is intended to be selectively mounted in or on the same basic body module (11) of the spray gun (1), characterized in that the nozzle modules (15) are designed such that they have different material flows under the same injection conditions, wherein the spray beams that can be generated by means of the nozzle modules (15) have essentially the same spray beam cross-sectional height (h) and the same spray beam cross-sectional width (b), the spray beam cross-sections of the different nozzle modules (15) being in particular congruent.

2. Nozzle group according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle group also has at least one further (second) nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40) which comprises at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules (15) for selective installation in or on the same base module (11), wherein the nozzle modules (15) of the further nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40) are likewise designed such that the nozzle modules have different material throughputs under the same spray conditions and the spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules (15) have essentially the same spray beam cross-sectional height (h) and the same spray beam cross-sectional width (b), the spray beam cross-sections of the different nozzle modules being in particular congruent, wherein the spray beam cross-sections of the two nozzle module groups (10, 40) can be generated by means of the two nozzle module groups (10, 30, 40), 20. 30, 40) have different cross-sectional shapes, in particular the spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of one nozzle module group (20, 40) have a cross-section with an at least locally substantially constant width (type I nozzle module), and the spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules (15) of the other nozzle module group (10, 30) have a cross-section with a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, cross-section (type O nozzle module).

3. The nozzle group according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the nozzle group also has at least one further (third) nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40) comprising at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules (15) for selective installation in or on the same base module (11), wherein the nozzle modules (15) of the further nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40) are likewise designed such that the nozzle modules have different material throughputs under the same spray conditions and spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules (15) have essentially the same spray beam cross-sectional height (h) and the same spray beam cross-sectional width (b), the spray beam cross-sections of the different nozzle modules (15) being in particular congruent, wherein, the nozzle modules (15) of one nozzle module group (10, 20) are designed as low-pressure nozzle modules, and the nozzle modules of the other nozzle module group (30, 40) are designed as high-pressure nozzle modules.

4. The nozzle group according to claim 3, characterized in that the spray beam which can be generated by means of the low-pressure nozzle module and the spray beam which can be generated by means of the high-pressure nozzle module have the same cross-sectional shape, in particular the spray beam which can be generated by means of the low-pressure nozzle module and the spray beam which can be generated by means of the high-pressure nozzle module have a cross section with an at least locally substantially constant width (I-nozzle module) or a cross section with a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, cross section (O-nozzle module).

5. Nozzle group according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle module groups (10, 20, 30, 40), wherein the nozzle modules (15) of the nozzle module groups (10, 20, 30, 40) are preferably designed such that each nozzle module (15) of one nozzle module group (10, 30) can be associated with a nozzle module (15) of at least one other nozzle module group (20, 40) having the same material flow under the same spray conditions.

6. Nozzle group according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle modules (15) each comprise at least one air cap (55, 155) having at least two corners (68, 70, 168, 170) each having at least one inner corner air outlet opening (59a, 159a) and an outer corner air outlet opening (57a, 157a), wherein corner air flows out of at least one outer corner air outlet opening (57a, 157a), respectively, at an outer corner air outflow angle (W1, W101) determined relative to a vertical axis (L), wherein the vertical axis (L) is perpendicular to the centre axis (Z) of the air cap (55, 155), wherein corner air flows out of at least one inner corner air outlet opening (59a, 159a), respectively, at an inner corner air outflow angle (W3, 159a) determined relative to the vertical axis (L), W103) and the sum of the outer corner air outflow angles (W1, W101) and the inner corner air outflow angles (W3, W103) within the nozzle module (15) is different in different nozzle modules (15) of at least one nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40).

7. Nozzle group according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle modules (15) each have at least one air cap (55, 155) which each has at least one central opening (80, 180) and at least two control apertures (61, 63, 161, 163), wherein the control apertures (61, 63, 161, 163) are arranged on at least one of the diametrically opposite sides of the central opening (80, 180), in particular, and with a specific control aperture spacing (Y7, Y9, Y107, Y109) to at least one of the central openings (80, 180), characterized in that the control aperture spacings (Y7, Y9, Y107, Y109) in different nozzle modules (15) of at least one nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40) are different.

8. Nozzle group according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle modules (15) each have at least one material nozzle with a substantially hollow-cylindrical front section and a material outlet, wherein the inner diameter of the material outlet and/or the axial extension of the substantially hollow-cylindrical front section of the material nozzle are different in different nozzle modules (15) of at least one nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40).

9. Nozzle group according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle modules of a nozzle module group (10, 20, 30, 40) are designed such that the material flow between nozzle modules (15) arranged one behind the other with increasing material flow increases under the same injection conditions by an equal difference value, preferably by a value between 10g/min and 20g/min, in particular by a value of 15 g/min.

10. A spray gun system, characterized in that it has at least one nozzle group according to any one of the preceding claims and a substrate module (11), wherein the nozzle modules (15) of the nozzle group can be arranged in a replaceable manner at the substrate module (11).

11. A method for manufacturing a nozzle module (15), in particular a nozzle module (15) for a nozzle group according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the method has at least the following steps:

-determining at least one jet cross-sectional height (h) and/or jet cross-sectional width (b) and/or jet cross-sectional shape of the jet to be generated by the nozzle module (15),

-building the nozzle module (15) which generates a spray beam with the determined spray beam cross-sectional height (h) and/or spray beam cross-sectional width (b) and/or spray beam cross-sectional shape, wherein the method comprises building an air cap (55, 155), in particular matching an external corner air outflow angle (W1, W101) and/or an internal corner air outflow angle (W3, W103) and/or a control hole spacing (Y7, Y9, Y107, Y109) with the material flow and/or nozzle internal pressure of the nozzle module (15), wherein the external corner air outflow angle (W1, W101) is the angle at which corner air flows out of a corner air opening (57a, 157a) of the exterior of the air cap (55, 155) relative to a vertical axis (L), wherein the vertical axis (L) is perpendicular to the air cap (55, 155), 155) Wherein an inner corner air outflow angle (W3, W103) is an angle at which corner air flows out from an inner corner air outlet (59a, 159a) of the air cap (55, 155) relative to the vertical axis (L), and wherein a control hole spacing (Y7, Y9, Y107, Y109) is a spacing between at least one control hole (61, 63, 161, 163) in the air cap and a central opening (80, 180) in the air cap (55, 155).

12. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the method comprises producing the nozzle module (15).

13. A method for selecting a nozzle module (15) from a nozzle group according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for a painting task, characterized in that the method comprises at least selecting and/or specifying one or more of the following characteristics of the painting task: the nozzle module of any one of the nozzle groups of claims 1 to 9 applied so far, the nozzle modules of other nozzle groups applied so far, the injection pressure process, the spray gun model, the spray gun manufacturer, the type of medium to be sprayed, the viscosity of the medium to be sprayed, the manufacturer's recommendation for the medium to be sprayed, the spray beam shape, the layer thickness, the climatic conditions, the painting speed, the controllability, the nozzle size; and generating a recommendation for the nozzle module of the nozzle group starting from the selection or the specification.

14. A selection system, in particular a "slide valve system", for carrying out the method according to claim 13, characterized in that the selection system has a selection or input device for the properties of the painting task and a device for generating and displaying suggestions for nozzle modules (15) of a nozzle group.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that it comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a data processing apparatus, cause the data processing apparatus to generate the steps/method of selecting a system according to claim 14.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a nozzle group for a spray gun, in particular a paint spray gun for atomizing compressed air, according to the preamble of claim 1, a spray gun system according to the preamble of claim 10, a method for producing a nozzle module according to the preamble of claim 11, a method for selecting a nozzle module from a nozzle group for a painting task according to the preamble of claim 13, a selection system, in particular a "slide valve system", according to the preamble of claim 14 and a computer program product according to the preamble of claim 15.

Background

According to the prior art, spray guns, in particular paint spray guns, in particular compressed air-atomizing paint spray guns (which can also be referred to as compressed air-atomizing paint spray guns), have a material nozzle at their head, which is also referred to as a paint nozzle and is screwed into the gun body. The material nozzle usually has a small hollow-cylindrical pin at the front end, i.e. a substantially hollow-cylindrical front section, from which the material to be sprayed emerges during operation of the spray gun. However, the material nozzle can also be conical in its front region. The gun head usually has an external thread via which the air nozzle ring with the air cap arranged therein is screwed onto the gun head. The air cap has a central opening with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the small plug of the material nozzle or the outer diameter of the front end of the conical material nozzle. The central opening of the air cap and the front end of the small bolt or the material nozzle jointly form an annular gap. So-called atomizing air exits from this annular gap and, in the above-mentioned nozzle device, a vacuum is formed at the end face of the material nozzle, whereby the material to be sprayed is sucked out of the material nozzle. The atomizing air encounters the paint spray, thereby breaking the paint spray into lines and bands. These lines and bands break down due to their hydrodynamic instability, the interaction between the fast flowing compressed air and the ambient air, and aerodynamic interference with the droplets blown off the nozzle by the atomizing air.

Furthermore, the gas cap usually has two corners which are diametrically opposite one another and which project in the outflow direction through the so-called ring gap and the material outlet. Two supply openings, namely corner air channels, extend from the rear side of the air cap to the corner air outlets in the corners. Typically, each corner has at least one corner air outlet, however, preferably each corner has at least two corner air outlets for outflow of corner air. The corner air outlets are typically positioned directed in the outlet direction along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle towards the ring gap, so that so-called corner air exiting the corner air outlets can influence the air or paint jet that has exited from the ring gap or the paint mist that has at least partially formed. The paint jet or the spray jet with the originally annular cross section (round jet) is thereby pressed against its side facing the corner and extends in the vertical direction. This results in what are known as broad spray jets which allow higher surface painting speeds. In addition to the deformation of the spray jet, the corner air is also used for further atomization of the spray jet.

The above-mentioned material nozzles usually have a hollow main section and a substantially hollow-cylindrical front section with a material flow outlet, through which the material to be sprayed flows. Depending on the material to be sprayed and the preference of the spray gun user, the spray gun can be equipped with material nozzles having material outflow openings of different sizes, i.e. material outflow openings having different inner diameters of different sizes. If the material to be sprayed, for example paint, is a highly viscous material, for example a filler, a material nozzle with a material outflow opening having a larger inner diameter than the application of a low-viscosity material, for example varnish, should generally be selected. Typically, the material flow outlet of the material nozzle has an inner diameter of between a few tens of millimeters and a few millimeters. A material nozzle having a material flow opening with a defined inner diameter is generally referred to as a material nozzle having a defined "nozzle size", wherein the value of the nominal nozzle size does not necessarily correspond exactly to the value of the inner diameter of the material flow opening.

Depending on the size of the nozzle, i.e. the inner diameter of the material outlet opening of the material nozzle, the material nozzle or the spray gun equipped with the material nozzle can have a defined material flow rate. The material flow represents the amount of material exiting from the material nozzle of the spray gun at a defined time and with a defined input flow pressure and full actuation of the trigger lever. This value is expressed in grams per minute (g/min). The material flow rate, which is influenced not only by the inner diameter of the material flow outlet, but also by the length of the hollow-cylindrical front section, the arrangement of the individual surfaces in the interior of the material nozzle, in particular the angle at which the individual surfaces are arranged relative to one another, and other design options of the material nozzle, increases in accordance with the size of the nozzle, while other parameters are unchanged.

In the spray guns according to the prior art, the size of the spray jet generated by the spray gun, in particular the height and/or width of the spray jet or the spray jet cross section, changes as the material flow increases. The spray beam cross section can be illustrated by means of a so-called spray pattern. The spray pattern is usually created by applying paint or lacquer to the sheet of paper or board by means of a spray gun at a distance (e.g. 15cm to 20cm) from the substrate (e.g. paper with graduations provided for creating the spray pattern) or board without moving the spray gun. The injection time is approximately 1 to 2 seconds. The shape of the spray pattern generated in this way and the size of the droplets on the substrate indicate the mass of the spray gun, in particular the mass of the nozzle.

The layer thickness of the spray pattern can be determined by methods known from the prior art, for example by means of a layer thickness measuring device before or after drying of the spray pattern, or by means of laser diffraction methods, for example, during the flight to the substrate, by detecting the size and position of the paint droplets.

The spray pattern as described above does not have a uniform layer thickness over its length and width. The centre of the spray pattern has a larger layer thickness and the layer thickness generated outside the centre is smaller. The transition of the layer thickness in the central and outer regions is smooth. If a certain layer thickness is applied over the length of the spray pattern, it first rises flat from left to right, which represents the outer edge of the outer area. The layer thickness rises relatively steeply near the center and ideally remains substantially constant over the radial extent of the center, i.e. a plateau is formed. The edge layer thickness in the center decreases relatively steeply, followed by a flat decrease of the edge of the outer area. This means that a more abrupt transition between the central and outer regions, i.e. a steeper extension of the layer thickness over the length of the spray pattern in the transition from the outer region to the central region, results in a better quality of the uniform coating. During the painting process, the painter moves the operating spray guns on a meandering track, wherein the track overlaps between 30% and 50% of its height, i.e. approximately the lower or upper third of the track overlaps the upper or lower third of the previous track. The steeply set central region makes it possible for the painter to apply the central regions of the spray tracks as closely to one another as possible during the painting process, so that a uniform overall layer thickness results. However, the transition is not allowed to be too steep, since otherwise there is the risk of an excessive coating, for example, due to a faulty application of double the layer thickness, which leads to so-called running-out. Furthermore, these tests show that it is advantageous when the plateau is as wide as possible, i.e. the central region of the spray pattern with the greatest layer thickness is as long as possible.

In this case, the spray pattern should show the spray beam cross section. If discussed after forming a jet beam cross-sectional height, jet beam cross-sectional width, or cross-sectional shape of a jet beam, this refers to the height, width, or shape of the jet pattern, particularly the height, width, or shape of the central region of the jet pattern.

As already mentioned, in the spray guns according to the prior art, the size of the spray jet generated by the spray gun, in particular the height and/or the width of the spray jet or the spray jet cross section or the central cross section of the spray jet, changes as the material flow increases. As the size of the nozzles increases and/or the material flow increases, not only does the spray beam become "wetter", i.e. more material is applied per surface, as desired, but the spray beam cross-section also becomes higher and/or wider. Furthermore, the material flow rate increases unevenly with increasing nozzle size, in particular with increasing nominal nozzle size. For example, a so-called model 1.2 nozzle can have a material flow 10g/min greater than a model 1.1 nozzle, but a material flow 20g/min less than a model 1.3 nozzle. The user must therefore adapt his operating mode to the new nozzle each time the nozzle is changed. If the user for example wishes to spray a material with a certain viscosity and subsequently a material with another viscosity and thus changes the nozzle size to another nozzle size, he must for example match the distance of the spray gun to the surface to be coated or the painting speed, i.e. the speed at which he moves the spray gun over the surface to be coated, to the new nozzle. This can make it difficult for the user of the spray gun to work. Furthermore, the user of the spray guns according to the prior art cannot select a spray jet which has a favorable spray jet shape for the user and for the mode of operation thereof, i.e. a spray jet which has a favorable spray jet cross section for the user.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a nozzle group and a spray gun system for a spray gun, in particular a paint spray gun for atomizing compressed air, which provides greater stability to the user with regard to the painting effect.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an efficient method for manufacturing a nozzle module.

It is another object of the invention to provide an efficient method for selecting a nozzle module.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an efficient selection system, in particular a "slide valve system".

It is a further object of this invention to provide a computer program product that is functionally secure.

The first object is achieved by a nozzle group for a spray gun, in particular a paint spray gun for atomizing compressed air, having at least one nozzle module group with at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for selective installation in or on the same basic module of the spray gun, wherein the nozzle modules are designed such that they have different material throughputs under the same spray conditions, and wherein the spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules have substantially the same spray beam cross-sectional height and the same spray beam cross-sectional width, the spray beam cross-sections of the different nozzle modules being in particular congruent.

The nozzle modules in the nozzle module group each have different material flows, in particular nozzles having different nozzle sizes, in particular nominal nozzle sizes. The set of nozzle modules can include, for example, a model 1.1 nozzle module, a model 1.2 nozzle module, a model 1.3 nozzle module, a model 1.4 nozzle module, and a model 1.5 nozzle module, which have material flow rates that increase with a nominal nozzle size. The nominal nozzle size can correspond substantially to the actual nozzle size, i.e. the millimetric value of the actual inner diameter of the material discharge opening of the coating nozzle of the nozzle module. Thus, for example, the internal diameter of a 1.5 size nozzle module can be 1.5 mm. However, a model 1.3 nozzle module can have, for example, an inner diameter of the material outflow opening of a paint nozzle of 1.4mm, wherein the material flow rate relative to the model 1.4 nozzle module can be reduced, for example, in other geometries and/or dimensions, in particular angles and lengths, in particular the length of the substantially hollow-cylindrical front section of the paint nozzle. Simultaneously or alternatively, the material flow outlet of the paint nozzle of a model 1.4 nozzle module can have an inner diameter of more than 1.4 mm.

At least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules of the group of nozzle modules of the nozzle group according to the invention can be arranged selectively in or on one and the same basic body module of the spray gun. This means that a first nozzle module, for example a nozzle module with a first material flow rate, for example a model 1.2 nozzle module with a material flow rate of 150g/min, arranged on the base module, can be removed from the base module, particularly preferably unscrewed via a quick nut, and a further nozzle module with a second material flow rate, for example a model 1.5 nozzle module with a material flow rate of 195g/min, of the nozzle group according to the invention, can be arranged on the same base module, preferably via the same quick nut.

The nozzle modules of the nozzle module group of the nozzle group according to the invention have different material flow rates under the same spray conditions and the spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules have substantially the same spray beam cross-sectional height and spray beam cross-sectional width. The spray conditions which should be identical can be, for example, the feed stream pressure at the inlet of the spray gun, the air pressure, the distance and angle of the spray gun to the object to be coated, the material to be sprayed, the degree of operation of the trigger lever, the circular scattering law, and also environmental conditions, such as temperature, air humidity and ambient pressure. As mentioned above, the spray pattern should in the present case represent a spray beam cross section. The fact that the spray beam cross-sectional height and the spray beam cross-sectional width are substantially the same means that the height and the width of the spray pattern, in particular the center of the spray pattern, i.e. the region of the spray pattern having the highest layer thickness, are substantially the same. It is particularly preferred that the spray beam cross-sections of the various nozzle modules are congruent, i.e. the spray patterns are substantially equal in shape and size. The layer thicknesses of the spray pattern are different due to the different material flows of the nozzle modules.

In particular, the nozzle module can have a material nozzle and an air cap. It can furthermore have an air nozzle ring via which the nozzle module can be screwed onto the base module and a paint needle for closing and releasing the material outlet opening of the material nozzle.

In the nozzle group according to the invention, it is advantageous that the user of the spray gun, for example a vehicle painter, does not have to accept changes in the spray beam cross-sectional height and spray beam cross-section when changing the nozzle size, i.e. when replacing a nozzle module with a nozzle module having a second material flow rate, which is arranged on a base module of the spray gun and has a first material flow rate. Preferably, it results in a jet beam with the same cross-sectional shape and dimensions as the removed nozzle, with the newly arranged nozzle. The painter therefore does not have to change his mode of operation, in particular the distance of the spray gun from the object to be coated, after replacing the spray nozzle.

The spray gun system according to the invention is characterized in that it has at least one nozzle group and a base module described in detail above and below, wherein the nozzle modules of the nozzle group can be arranged displaceably on the base module.

Each of the various nozzle modules from the various nozzle module groups can be alternatively arranged on the same base module. Preferably, the various nozzle modules have the same connection form, so that they can be arranged directly on the base module, for example via a thread, in particular a trapezoidal thread which can be designed as a quick nut or a quick screw connection, or else via a bayonet connection, a plug connection or via other connections known from the prior art. However, it is also conceivable for the first module to have a different connection to the second module and for one of the nozzle modules to be mountable on the base module via an adapter.

The method according to the invention for producing a nozzle module, in particular for a nozzle group described in detail above and below, at least has the step of determining at least one spray beam cross-sectional height and/or spray beam cross-sectional width and/or spray beam cross-sectional shape of the spray beam to be generated by the nozzle module, and at least comprises the further step of constructing a nozzle module which generates a spray beam having the determined spray beam cross-sectional height and/or spray beam cross-sectional width and/or spray beam cross-sectional shape, wherein the method comprises constructing an air cap, in particular matching an outer corner air outflow angle and/or an inner corner air outflow angle and/or a control aperture spacing to the material flow and/or the nozzle internal pressure of the nozzle module, wherein the outer corner air outflow angle is the angle at which corner air flows out of a corner air outlet on the outside of the air cap relative to a vertical axis, wherein the vertical axis is perpendicular to the central axis of the air cap, wherein the inner corner air outflow angle is the angle at which corner air flows out from the inner corner air outlets of the air cap relative to the vertical axis, and wherein the control hole spacing is the spacing between at least one control hole in the air cap and the central opening in the air cap.

For example, in a first step it can be determined that the spray beam to be generated by the nozzle module should have a spray beam cross-sectional height of approximately 27cm and/or a spray beam cross-sectional width of approximately 4cm and/or an oval, in particular elliptical, spray beam cross-sectional shape. The height, width and shape of the spray pattern, in particular the center of the spray pattern, are referred to again here. A nozzle module is then constructed which generates a spray beam having the determined spray beam cross-sectional height, spray beam cross-sectional width and/or spray beam cross-sectional shape. The gas cap for the nozzle module is designed in particular here. In particular, such an air cap can have two corners which are diametrically opposite one another and project forwards, i.e. in the ejection direction, outwards via a central opening in the air cap. Two supply openings, namely corner air channels, extend from the rear side of the air cap to the corner air outlets in the corners. Preferably, each corner has at least two corner air outlets from which corner air exits. As already described above, the corner air outlets are typically positioned such that corner air exiting the corner air outlets can affect the air or paint jets that have exited from the aforementioned annular gap or the paint mist that has at least partially formed. Furthermore, such a gas cap can have a control opening in the area near the central opening. The control opening, which is referred to in the following as the control opening, although not necessarily designed as a bore, preferably reaches the interior of the air cap and is supplied with air from there during operation of the spray gun. The air exiting the control openings, the so-called control air, impinges on the corner air exiting the corner air outlet, deflects it and spreads the corner air flow, i.e. widens it and dilutes it. The control air also acts on the circular jet and causes slight deformations and additional atomization in the process. In both cases the control air contributes to further atomization of the paint spray and reduces contamination of the air cap by the spray, as the control air carries the spray away from the air cap. In particular, the air cap can each have three control holes arranged on two opposite sides of the central opening, which control holes are arranged in the form of a triangle, wherein the tip of the triangle is oriented in the direction of the inner or outer corner air outlet, i.e. the holes forming the tip of the triangle are preferably located on a line on which the inner corner air outlet, the outer corner air outlet and the midpoint of the central opening in the air cap lie. The control holes can have the same diameter, advantageously between 0.45mm and 0.65 mm. However, the air cap can also have only two control openings arranged on two opposite sides of the central opening, respectively, which are preferably located on a line and on a line on which the inner corner air outlet, the outer corner air outlet and the midpoint of the central opening in the air cap lie.

In particular, the method according to the invention comprises adapting an outer corner air outflow angle and/or an inner corner air outflow angle and/or a control hole spacing to the material flow rate of the nozzle module and/or the nozzle internal pressure, wherein the outer corner air outflow angle is the angle at which corner air flows out of a corner air outlet of the outer part of the air cap relative to a vertical axis, wherein the vertical axis is perpendicular to the central axis of the air cap, wherein the inner corner air outflow angle is the angle at which corner air flows out of a corner air outlet of the inner part of the air cap relative to the vertical axis, and wherein the control hole spacing is the spacing between at least one control hole in the air cap and the central opening in the air cap.

Obviously, the corner air is diffused or dispersed after exiting from the corner air outlet. The corner air outflow angle is here considered to be the angle at which the main part of the corner air or the center of the corner air flow flows out with respect to the described vertical axis. In particular, the corner air outflow angle can be the angle of the central axis of the corner air outflow channel, in particular the corner air outflow hole, the end of which forms the corner air outlet, relative to the vertical axis. In particular, a central axis of the air cap perpendicular to the vertical axis extends through a midpoint of the central opening in the air cap.

If the control openings are located on the line of the corner outlet openings, the control opening spacing is currently understood to be the spacing between the central axis of the air cap and an axis parallel to this central axis and passing through the center of the respective control opening. Otherwise, the control opening distance is understood to be the distance between the central axis and an axis parallel thereto, which passes through the projection of the center point of the respective control opening onto the tangent plane. Preferably, the tangential plane extends along the central axis of the gas cap and passes through the midpoint of the corner gas outlet.

In the context of the method according to the invention, the matching of the external corner air outflow angle and/or the internal corner air outflow angle and/or the control opening distance to the material flow rate of the nozzle module and/or the internal nozzle pressure means that the external corner air outflow angle, the internal corner air outflow angle and/or the control opening distance must be measured as a function of the material flow rate and/or the internal nozzle pressure. If, for example, a nozzle module with a first material flow rate and/or internal pressure of the first nozzle generates a spray jet with a defined spray jet cross-sectional height and/or spray jet cross-sectional width and/or spray jet cross-sectional shape, because it has a suitable outer corner air outflow angle, inner corner air outflow angle and/or control opening spacing, the outer corner air outflow angle, inner corner air outflow angle and/or control opening spacing must be changed with a second material flow rate different from the first material flow rate and/or a second internal pressure of the nozzle different from the first internal pressure in order to achieve a spray jet with a defined spray jet cross-sectional height and/or spray jet cross-sectional width and/or spray jet cross-sectional shape. In particular, there is a varying material flow rate when material nozzles with other nozzle sizes are applied. In particular, the changed nozzle internal pressure then exists when the low-pressure nozzle module is applied first and the high-pressure nozzle module is applied subsequently or the low-pressure base module is applied first and the high-pressure base module is applied subsequently. However, changes in the gas cap can also affect the internal pressure of the nozzle. In the context of the method according to the invention, the outer corner air outflow angle, the inner corner air outflow angle and/or the control opening distance of the air cap are precisely matched to the material flow rate of the nozzle module and/or the internal nozzle pressure in order to produce a spray jet with a defined, i.e. desired, spray jet cross-sectional height and/or spray jet cross-sectional width and/or spray jet cross-sectional shape by the nozzle module. Preferably, the corner air outflow angle of the outside of the first corner is equal to the corner air outflow angle of the outside of the second corner, the corner air outflow angle of the inside of the first corner is equal to the corner air outflow angle of the inside of the second corner, and the control hole pitch of the control holes on one side of the central opening is equal to the control hole pitch of the control holes on the opposite side of the central opening.

The method according to the invention for selecting a nozzle module for a painting job from a nozzle group described in detail above and below is characterized in that the method comprises selecting and/or specifying at least one or more of the following characteristics of the painting job: the nozzle module of any one of the nozzle groups of claims 1 to 8 applied so far, the nozzle modules of other nozzle groups applied so far, the injection pressure process, the spray gun model, the spray gun manufacturer, the type of medium to be sprayed, the viscosity of the medium to be sprayed, the manufacturer's recommendation for the medium to be sprayed, the spray beam shape, the layer thickness, the climatic conditions, the painting speed, the controllability, the nozzle size; and, starting from the selection and specification, a proposal for a nozzle module of the nozzle group is generated. Here, the method can include various levels with different options and/or provisions for feasible solutions. For example, it is possible to provide in the first stage a proposal for selecting or specifying whether the nozzle modules of the nozzle groups should be produced from the nozzle modules of the nozzle groups used up to now, the nozzle modules of the other nozzle groups used up to now, the type of medium to be sprayed, and/or from the layer thicknesses to be achieved, in particular the layer thicknesses to be achieved for each spraying operation. Depending on the selection or specification, different further characteristics of the painting task can be selected and/or specified. As the type of medium to be sprayed, for example, water-based paints, solvent-based paints, varnishes or two-component paints can be selected. As injection pressure method, for example, a low pressure method, in particular HVLP (high flow low pressure) or a high pressure method, in particular of the Compliant type, can be selected or specified. As the size of the nozzles to be used, the respective nozzle size, for example, 1.1 model, 1.2 model or 1.3 model or a range of nozzle sizes, for example, 1.0 model to 1.2 model, 1.3 model to 1.5 model, etc., can be selected or specified. The viscosity of the medium to be sprayed can be taken as a value or viscosity range, for example low, normal or high, preferably using the set value range, in particular the time in seconds required for the material, in order to completely discharge the material, the set material or the selectable material from a standardized container, in particular from a cup of standard DIN 4. In the desired spray beam shape, for example, a spray beam with a cross section that is at least substantially constant over a local width (I-beam) or a spray beam with a cross section that is substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical in shape (O-beam) can be specified or selected. In particular, the climate conditions can be the temperature and/or the relative air humidity in the painting booth, in which the nozzle module should be applied. Preferably, the painting speed and controllability can be designed as interacting slide controls, by which it is specified whether the user values a high painting speed or a good controllability of the application. In particular, the sum of the value important for the painting speed and the value important for the controllability can always be 100%. If the user of the method according to the invention slides the slide control for painting speed upwards, the slide control for controllability is automatically moved downwards. Thus, the setting can be, for example, 0% painting speed and 100% controllability when the user values good controllability only, 100% painting speed and 0% controllability when the user values high painting speed only, or 25% painting speed and 75% controllability, 50% painting speed and 50% controllability, 75% painting speed and 25% controllability. In particular, the specification can be implemented in steps of 1%. Preferably, a proposal for a nozzle module of a nozzle group generated from one or more characteristics of the selected or defined painting task is emitted, in particular displayed. Preferably, the method according to the invention comprises sending the proposed solutions for the nozzle modules of the nozzle group via e-mail or by means of other data transmission systems.

The selection system according to the invention for carrying out the above-described method, in particular a "slide valve system", is characterized in that it has a selection or input device for the properties of the painting task and a device for generating and displaying suggestions for nozzle modules of a nozzle group. The selection system can consist, for example, of a plurality of mutually translatable parts, such as paper or boxes, which form a selection or input device for characteristics of the painting task. The selection system according to the invention then displays a representation of the nozzle modules of the nozzle group with complete selection or input of the properties of the painting job.

The computer program product according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by the data processing device, cause the data processing device to generate the steps or methods of selecting a system as described above and in detail below. In particular, the computer program product according to the invention can have a menu guide which comprises various levels with different options and/or defined possibilities according to the selection system described in detail above and below or the method for selecting a nozzle module from a nozzle group for a painting task described in detail above and below. For example, it is also possible to provide in the first stage a selection or specification as to whether the nozzle modules of the nozzle groups should be generated from the nozzle modules of the nozzle groups described above and below in detail, from the nozzle modules of the other nozzle groups used up to now, from the type of medium to be sprayed, and/or from the layer thicknesses to be achieved, in particular for each spraying process. Depending on the selection or specification, various other menu points can be present, by means of which the characteristics of the painting task can be selected and/or specified. The cases set forth in the above-described context of the method according to the invention can be correspondingly applied to the computer program product according to the invention. In this case, the data processing device can be a smart phone or a desktop computer, a laptop computer or a tablet computer. The computer program product according to the invention can be designed to issue, in particular display, a proposal for a nozzle module of a nozzle group generated from one or more characteristics of a selected or defined painting task. Particularly preferably, the computer program product according to the invention is designed to be able to send the proposed solution of the nozzle modules of the nozzle group via e-mail or by means of another data transmission system.

Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

Preferably, the nozzle group according to the invention has at least one further (second) nozzle module group comprising at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for selective installation in or on the same base module, wherein the nozzle modules of the further nozzle module group are likewise designed to have different material throughputs under the same spray conditions and to generate spray beams with substantially the same spray beam cross-sectional height and the same spray beam cross-sectional width by means of the nozzle modules, in particular the spray beam cross-sections of the different nozzle modules are congruent, wherein the spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of the two nozzle module groups each have a different cross-sectional shape, in particular the spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of one nozzle module group have a cross-section which is substantially constant at least in local width (type I nozzle modules), and the spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of the other nozzle module groups have a cross section which is substantially oval in shape, in particular substantially elliptical (O-nozzle module).

The above description of the nozzle group according to the invention applies accordingly here.

As in the case of the nozzle module set of the nozzle group according to the invention, which is referred to above as the first nozzle module set, the further, in particular the second nozzle module set, also has at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for selective installation in or on the same base module, wherein the nozzle modules of the further nozzle module set are likewise designed to have different material throughputs under the same spray conditions and the spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules have substantially the same spray beam cross-sectional height and the same spray beam cross-sectional width, in particular the spray beam cross-sections of the different nozzle modules are congruent.

Furthermore, the spray beams which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of the two nozzle module groups, i.e. the first nozzle module group and the further, in particular the second nozzle module group, each have a different cross-sectional shape, in particular the spray beam which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of one nozzle module group has a cross-section which is at least substantially constant over a partial width (type I nozzle module), and the spray beam which can be generated by means of the nozzle modules of the further nozzle module group has a cross-section which is substantially oval in shape, in particular substantially elliptical (type O nozzle module). A nozzle module having a spray beam with a cross section which is at least substantially constant over a local width is referred to below as a type I nozzle module, and a spray beam generated by means of a type I nozzle module is referred to as a type I spray beam. The nozzle module with the spray beam which is substantially oval in shape, in particular substantially elliptical, is subsequently referred to as an O-nozzle module, with the spray beam generated by means of the O-nozzle module being referred to as an O-beam. The characteristic of the type I spray is an extended spray pattern with a shorter upper and lower exit area in the spray pattern, so that the type I spray is suitable for controlled applications in the first place, in particular because less coating material is applied per side at a defined painting speed. An O-beam with a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, beam shape has a larger upper and lower exit area in the spray pattern and is suitable above all for rapid applications, in particular because more coating material is thereby applied per side at the same painting speed.

The user of the nozzle group according to the invention can select a beam shape suitable for its mode of operation by means of this particular design. The type I nozzle module is selected if the user places more importance on good controllability of the application, and the type O nozzle module is selected if the user places more importance on high painting speed.

Both the first group of nozzle modules and the further, in particular, the second group of nozzle modules have different nozzle modules, which have different material throughputs under the same spray conditions. At the same time, the nozzle modules in the group of nozzle modules generate spray beams having substantially the same spray beam cross-sectional height and the same spray beam cross-sectional width under the same spray conditions, in particular the spray beam cross-sections of the spray beams generated by different nozzle modules in the group of nozzle modules are congruent. The jet beam cross-sectional height, jet beam cross-sectional width, and/or jet beam cross-section are different between different groups.

Preferably, the nozzle group has at least one further (third) nozzle module group, which comprises at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules for selective installation in or on the same base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of the further nozzle module group are likewise designed to have different material throughputs under the same spray conditions and to generate spray beams with substantially the same spray beam cross-sectional height and the same spray beam cross-sectional width by means of the nozzle modules, in particular the spray beam cross-sections of the different nozzle modules are congruent, wherein the nozzle modules of one nozzle module group are designed as low-pressure nozzle modules and the nozzle modules of the further nozzle module group are designed as high-pressure nozzle modules.

Spray guns, and in particular paint spray guns, operate in various extrusion processes. Conventional spray guns operate with a relatively high spray pressure of a few Bar. In the so-called HVLP guns the internal pressure in the nozzle is at most 10psi or 0.7bar, whereby a delivery rate of much more than 65% is achieved. On the other hand, the Compliant lance has an internal nozzle pressure of more than 10psi or 0.7bar, however delivery rates of more than 65% are also achieved.

The internal pressure of the nozzle of the spray gun is understood to be the pressure prevailing in the gas cap of the spray gun. In this case, the atomizing air region is usually separated from the corner air region, and the pressure in the atomizing air region can be different from the pressure in the corner air region. However, the pressures in the atomizing air range and the corner air range can also be equal. The internal pressure of the nozzle can be measured, for example, by means of a so-called test gas cap. Here, a special gas cap is provided, which is arranged on the spray gun instead of the conventional gas cap. The inspection air cap usually has two pressure gauges, one of which is connected to the atomizing air range via a hole in the inspection air cap and the other is connected to the corner air range via a further hole in the inspection air cap.

The designation of low-pressure and high-pressure nozzle modules should not be taken to mean at present that the respective nozzle module is only applied to or changes the lance into a conventional low-pressure, in particular HVLP, lance or into a conventional high-pressure lance through the use of the respective nozzle module. More precisely, it is understood that when a lance is equipped with a high-pressure nozzle module, there is a higher internal nozzle pressure than when it is equipped with a low-pressure nozzle module. Preferably, the lance equipped with the low-pressure nozzle module or the matrix module equipped with the low-pressure nozzle module meets the criteria of an HVLP lance, and the lance equipped with the high-pressure nozzle module or the matrix module equipped with the high-pressure nozzle module meets the criteria of a Compliant lance.

By designing the nozzle modules of one nozzle module group as low-pressure nozzle modules and the nozzle modules of another nozzle module group as high-pressure nozzle modules, the user is able to select nozzle modules suitable for their mode of operation. If higher transfer rates are to be considered and material injection savings are to be achieved, then a low pressure, particularly an HVLP nozzle module, is selected. If higher painting speeds are valued and/or if there is a compressor that is too small for HVLP processes that require higher air volumes than a Compliant gun, then a high pressure, especially a Compliant nozzle module, is selected.

Particularly preferably, the spray beam which can be generated by means of the low-pressure nozzle module and the spray beam which can be generated by means of the high-pressure nozzle module have the same cross-sectional shape, and the spray beams which can be generated by means of the low-pressure nozzle module and the high-pressure nozzle module have a cross-section which is at least substantially constant over a partial width (I-nozzle module) or have a cross-section which is substantially oval in shape, in particular substantially elliptical (O-nozzle module). Having "the same cross-sectional shape" means in the present case the same basic shape, in particular a shape having a cross-sectional shape which is at least substantially constant over a local width, is a shape which does not notice a different jet beam cross-sectional height, jet beam cross-sectional width or a ratio of jet beam cross-sectional height and jet beam cross-sectional width. Likewise, a cross-sectional shape having a shape that is substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, is a shape for which no difference in jet beam cross-sectional height, jet beam cross-sectional width or ratio of jet beam cross-sectional height and jet beam cross-sectional width is noticed.

Thus, the user, who prefers the type I spray described above, can choose the possibility between the low pressure nozzle module and the high pressure nozzle module without having to give up their preferred spray pattern. The same applies to the user who prefers the O-beam described above.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nozzle group has at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle module groups, wherein the nozzle modules of a nozzle module group are preferably designed such that each nozzle module of a nozzle module group can be assigned to a nozzle module of at least one other nozzle module group having the same material flow under the same spray conditions.

One of the so-called nozzle module groups can comprise at least two, preferably at least four different nozzle modules for selective installation in or on the same base body module, wherein all nozzle modules of the nozzle module group are designed as low-pressure, in particular HVLP, nozzle modules and type I nozzle modules and the spray beams, in particular all spray beam cross sections thereof, have the same spray beam cross section height, the same spray beam cross section width and the same spray beam cross section shape, in particular spray beam cross sections thereof are congruent. The individual nozzle modules in the nozzle module group have different material flows, in particular different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes.

Another of the nozzle module groups can comprise at least two, preferably at least four different nozzle modules for selective installation in or on the same base body module, wherein all nozzle modules of the nozzle module group are likewise designed as low-pressure, in particular HVLP, nozzle modules, but not as type I nozzle modules, but as O nozzle modules, and the spray beams, in particular all spray beam cross sections thereof, likewise have the same spray beam cross section height, the same spray beam cross section width and the same spray beam cross section shape, in particular spray beam cross sections thereof are congruent. The individual nozzle modules in the nozzle module group have different material flows, in particular different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes.

The further nozzle module group of the so-called nozzle module group can comprise at least two, preferably at least four different nozzle modules for selective installation in or on the same base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group are not designed as low-pressure, in particular HVLP, nozzle modules, but as high-pressure, in particular Compliant, nozzle modules and likewise as O-nozzle modules, and the spray beams, in particular all spray beam cross sections thereof, likewise have the same spray beam cross section height, the same spray beam cross section width and the same spray beam cross section shape, in particular spray beam cross sections thereof are congruent. The individual nozzle modules in the nozzle module group have different material flows, in particular different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes.

Another of the nozzle module groups can comprise at least two, preferably at least four different nozzle modules for selective installation in or on the same base body module, wherein the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group are likewise designed as high-pressure, in particular Compliant nozzle modules, but not as O-nozzle modules, but as I-nozzle modules, and the spray beams, in particular all spray beam cross sections thereof, likewise have the same spray beam cross section height, the same spray beam cross section width and the same spray beam cross section shape, in particular spray beam cross sections thereof are congruent. The individual nozzle modules in the nozzle module group have different material flows, in particular different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes.

The individual nozzle module groups can also each be present individually and constitute a nozzle group or can be combined with any other nozzle module group and thus constitute a nozzle group. For example, the nozzle module group referred to above as the second nozzle module group may also be present without the above-first-mentioned nozzle module group and constitute the nozzle group separately, or the second nozzle module group and the third nozzle module group and/or the fourth nozzle module group can constitute one nozzle group even without the first nozzle module group. The third and fourth nozzle module groups can also be grouped together into nozzle groups even without the first and second nozzle module groups.

The nozzle modules of the nozzle module group are preferably designed such that each nozzle module of the nozzle module group corresponds to a nozzle module of at least one further nozzle module group having the same material flow under the same spray conditions, which means that, for example, in at least two of the nozzle module groups the nozzle modules have a material flow of 150 g/min.

In particular, the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group are preferably designed such that each nozzle module of the nozzle module group can be assigned to a nozzle module of at least one further nozzle module group having the same nozzle size, in particular the same nominal nozzle size. For example, at least two, preferably at least four, of the set of nozzle modules have a 1.1 model nozzle module, a 1.2 model nozzle module, a 1.3 model nozzle module, and a 1.4 model nozzle module.

Preferably, the nozzle modules of the nozzle group according to the invention each comprise at least one air cap, the air caps each having at least two corners, each corner having at least one inner corner air outlet and one outer corner air outlet, wherein the corner air flows out of the at least one outer corner air outlet respectively at an outer corner air outflow angle determined relative to a vertical axis, wherein the vertical axis is perpendicular to the central axis of the first air cap, wherein the corner air flows out of the at least one inner corner air outlet respectively at an inner corner air outflow angle determined relative to the vertical axis, and in different nozzle modules of the at least one nozzle module group the sum of the outer corner air outflow angle and the inner corner air outflow angle within the nozzle module is different.

The above statements about the method according to the invention for producing a nozzle module also apply at present accordingly. If, for example, the outer corner air outflow angle in the first nozzle module of the nozzle module group is 16 ° relative to the vertical axis and the inner corner air outflow angle is 21.5 ° relative to the vertical axis, the sum of the outer corner air outflow angle and the inner corner air outflow angle is 37.5 °. For example, if the outer corner air outflow angle in a second nozzle module of the same nozzle module group is 17 ° relative to the vertical axis and the inner corner air outflow angle is 22 ° relative to the vertical axis, then the sum of the outer corner air outflow angle and the inner corner air outflow angle is 39 °. In order to achieve a change in the sum of the outer corner air outflow angle and the inner corner air outflow angle, it is obvious that both the outer corner air outflow angle and the inner corner air outflow angle have to be changed, but the angle change is still sufficient. Particularly preferably, the sum of the outer corner air outflow angle and the inner corner air outflow angle increases with increasing material flow. The so-called sum can be between 37 ° and 44 ° in an HVLP nozzle module with type I beam, between 36 ° and 41.5 ° in an HVLP nozzle module with type O beam, between 44 ° and 46.5 ° in a Compliant nozzle module with type I beam, and between 44.5 ° and 48.5 ° in a Compliant nozzle module with type O beam.

Preferably, the nozzle modules of the nozzle block according to the invention each have at least one gas cap, which in each case has at least one central opening and at least two control openings, wherein the control openings are arranged on sides of the at least one central opening that are in particular diametrically opposite one another and are arranged with a defined control opening spacing to the at least one central opening, characterized in that the control opening spacing is different in different nozzle modules of the at least one nozzle module block.

The above explanations of the method according to the invention for producing a nozzle module apply correspondingly at present, in particular with regard to the number and arrangement of the control openings and the measurement of the control opening spacing between the control openings and the central opening.

Preferably, the nozzle modules of the nozzle block according to the invention each have at least one mass nozzle with a substantially hollow-cylindrical front section and a mass outlet, wherein the inner diameter of the mass outlet and/or the axial extension of the substantially hollow-cylindrical front section of the mass nozzle differs in different nozzle modules of the at least one nozzle module block. In particular, different material flows are thereby achieved.

Preferably, the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group of the nozzle group according to the invention are designed such that the material flow rates between the nozzle modules arranged one behind the other with increasing material flow rates are each increased by an equal difference, preferably by a value between 10 and 20g/min, in particular by a value of 15 g/min. This means that the nozzle module group has, for example, a 1.2-type nozzle module and a 1.3-type nozzle module, wherein the 1.2-type nozzle module and the 1.3-type nozzle module are arranged one after the other with increasing material flow, i.e. the 1.3-type nozzle in the nozzle module group has the next higher material flow of the 1.2-type nozzle, which means that no nozzle module in the nozzle module group has a material flow between the material flow of the 1.2-type nozzle module and the material flow of the 1.3-type nozzle module, and wherein the 1.3-type nozzle has a material flow increased by 10 to 20g/min, preferably by 15g/min, under the same spray conditions. Particularly preferably, the nozzle module group has at least four nozzle modules, which are designed such that the material flow rates between nozzle modules arranged one behind the other, with increasing material flow rate, respectively increase by an equal difference value, preferably by a value between 10 and 20g/min, in particular by a value of 15g/min, under the same injection conditions. The nozzle module groups have, for example, type 1.1, type 1.2, type 1.3 and type 1.4 nozzle modules, which are arranged one behind the other with increasing material flow, wherein, for example, the material flow of a type 1.1 nozzle is 135g/min, the material flow of a type 1.2 nozzle is 150g/min, the material flow of a type 1.3 nozzle is 165g/min and the material flow of a type 1.4 nozzle is 180 g/min. This uniformly increasing material flow rate with increasing nozzle size is very advantageous for the user.

The method according to the invention for manufacturing a nozzle module preferably comprises producing a nozzle module. Particularly preferably, it further comprises a supply nozzle module and an application nozzle module for the customer.

Drawings

The invention is explained in detail below, exemplarily according to 5 figures. Shown here are:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an injection process;

FIG. 2 shows a graph with a schematic example layer thickness curve for the height of the spray pattern;

FIG. 3 shows a table of exemplary nozzle modules having different sets of nozzle modules in accordance with an embodiment of the nozzle groups of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a first air cap of a nozzle module of an embodiment of a nozzle group according to the invention, and

fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a second air cap of a further nozzle module of an embodiment of a nozzle group according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 schematically shows how a spray jet or spray pattern 3 is generated by means of a spray gun 1 of a paint spray gun which is currently designed to atomize compressed air. In particular, the spray gun 1 comprises a matrix module 11 and a nozzle module 15 arranged on the matrix module 11. In the present example, the nozzle module 15 or the spray gun 1 with the nozzle module 15 generates the above-described O-beam, however, the case of the I-beam is substantially the same. The drawing does not show an actual view, to be precise the spray gun 1 is shown in a side view and the spray pattern 3 is shown in a front view onto the spray pattern 3. The dashed lines illustrate the upper and lower outer boundaries of the resulting jet beam and the upper and lower outer boundaries of the center of the jet beam. The spray jet, when it strikes a flat object which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z and is spaced apart by a spray distance d to the spray nozzle of the spray gun, in particular to the front end of the material spray nozzle, produces a spray pattern 3 which has a spray-beam outer region 7 and a central or central region 5. The outer boundary of the outer region 7 of the spray beam and the transition between the outer region 7 of the spray beam and the central region 5 are smooth. However, at least the central region 5 is usually well identified and measured in the actual spray pattern. The central region 5 has a defined height and a defined width, which are referred to in the present case as jet beam cross-sectional height h and jet beam cross-sectional width b. The longitudinal axis Z is in the present case the longitudinal axis of the upper part of the spray gun 1, the spray axis, the longitudinal axis of the nozzle or the central axis of the gas cap.

Fig. 2 shows the spray beam 3 rotated by 90 ° with respect to the view of fig. 1. Fig. 2 schematically shows an exemplary layer thickness profile with respect to the height of the entire spray beam. The diagram and its curve 9 first show a relatively flat increase in the layer thickness in μm in the outer region 7 of the spray beam. In the central region 5, the layer thickness rises sharply, reaches its maximum and then falls sharply again. In the outer region 7 of the spray beam, the curve 9 is again gentle. The spacing between the measurement points forming the x-axis of the graph is currently not equal to 1 cm.

Fig. 3 illustrates different exemplary nozzle modules having different sets of nozzle modules 10, 20, 30, 40 according to embodiments of the nozzle groups of the present invention. The borders of the individual nozzle module groups 10, 20, 30, 40 are thickened in the table. The first group of nozzle modules 10 comprises five nozzle modules having different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes. The material flow rates of the five nozzle modules in the nozzle module group 10 increase by equal difference values from one nozzle size to the next, namely 15 g/min. Model 1.1 nozzle module has a material flow of 135g/min, model 1.2 nozzle has a material flow of 150g/min, model 1.3 nozzle module has a material flow of 165g/min, model 1.4 nozzle module has a material flow of 180g/min, and model 1.5 nozzle module has a material flow of 195 g/min. All nozzle modules in the nozzle module group 10 are designed as HVLP, i.e. low-pressure nozzle modules and all have the same spray beam cross-sectional height and the same spray beam cross-sectional width, wherein, as described above, the spray beam cross-sectional height h and the spray beam cross-sectional width b of the central region 5 illustrated in fig. 1 and 2 are therefore respectively indicated. Preferably, the spray beam cross-section, i.e. the central area 5 of the spray pattern generated by the nozzle modules in the nozzle module group 10, is congruent, i.e. of the same shape and size. The layer thickness of only the central region 5 of the spray pattern can be different due to different material flows. The spray beam cross-sectional height and spray beam cross-sectional width of a nozzle module of the nozzle module group 10 serve as a reference for the spray beam cross-sectional height and spray beam cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the other nozzle module groups and are therefore shown as 100% respectively. The nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10 are designed as the above-described O-nozzle modules, i.e. each generate a spray beam, whose cross section has a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, shape.

The user of the exemplary embodiment of a spray nozzle group comprising at least two spray nozzle modules of the spray nozzle module group 10 according to the invention can thus change the spray nozzle size of his spray gun, i.e. he can remove the first spray nozzle module of the first spray nozzle size, in particular the nominal spray nozzle size, arranged on the base module of the spray gun and arrange further spray nozzle modules of the spray nozzle module group 10 of other spray nozzle sizes, in particular the nominal spray nozzle size, on the same base module and, with a defined changed material flow, obtain spray beams of the same spray beam cross-sectional height, spray beam cross-sectional width and spray beam cross-sectional shape.

The other nozzle module group 20 now also comprises five nozzle modules with different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes. The material flow rates of the five nozzle modules in the nozzle module group 20 increase by equal difference values from one nozzle size to the next, namely 15 g/min. Model 1.1 nozzle module has a material flow of 135g/min, model 1.2 nozzle has a material flow of 150g/min, model 1.3 nozzle module has a material flow of 165g/min, model 1.4 nozzle module has a material flow of 180g/min, and model 1.5 nozzle module has a material flow of 195 g/min. All nozzle modules in the nozzle module group 20 are designed as HVLP, i.e. low-pressure nozzle modules and all have the same spray beam cross-sectional height and the same spray beam cross-sectional width, wherein here also as described above, thus respectively represent the spray beam cross-sectional height h and the spray beam cross-sectional width b of the central region 5 illustrated in fig. 1 and 2. Preferably, the spray beam cross-section, i.e. the central area 5 of the spray pattern generated by the nozzle modules in the nozzle module group 20, is congruent, i.e. of the same shape and size. The layer thickness of only the central region 5 of the spray pattern can be different due to different material flows. The spray beam cross-sectional height of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 20 is greater than the spray beam cross-sectional height of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, in the present example by 6%. In contrast, the spray beam cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 20 is smaller than the spray beam cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, which in the present example is 88% of the spray beam cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10. The nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 20 are designed as the above-described type I nozzle modules, i.e. they each generate a jet beam whose cross section has an at least locally substantially constant width.

The user of the exemplary embodiment of a spray nozzle group according to the invention, which comprises at least two spray nozzle modules of the spray nozzle module group 20, can thus change the spray nozzle size of his spray gun, i.e. can remove the first spray nozzle module of the first spray nozzle size, in particular the nominal spray nozzle size, arranged on the base module of the spray gun and arrange further spray nozzle modules of the spray nozzle module group 20 of other spray nozzle sizes, in particular the nominal spray nozzle size, on the same base module and, with a defined changed material flow, obtain spray beams of the same spray beam cross-sectional height, spray beam cross-sectional width and spray beam cross-sectional shape.

The other nozzle module group 30 now also comprises five nozzle modules with different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes. The material flow rates of the five nozzle modules in the nozzle module group 30 increase by equal difference values from one nozzle size to the next, namely 15 g/min. Model 1.1 nozzle module had a material flow of 155g/min, model 1.2 nozzle had a material flow of 170g/min, model 1.3 nozzle module had a material flow of 185g/min, model 1.4 nozzle module had a material flow of 200g/min, and model 1.5 nozzle module had a material flow of 215 g/min. All nozzle modules in the set of nozzle modules 30 are designed as Compliant, i.e. as high-pressure nozzle modules according to the above understanding, and all have the same spray beam cross-sectional height and the same spray beam cross-sectional width, wherein here also as described above, and thus represent the spray beam cross-sectional height h and the spray beam cross-sectional width b of the central region 5 illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, respectively. Preferably, the spray beam cross-section, i.e. the central area 5 of the spray pattern generated by the nozzle modules in the nozzle module group 30, is congruent, i.e. of the same shape and size. The layer thickness of only the central region 5 of the spray pattern can be different due to different material flows. The spray beam cross-sectional heights of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 30 are greater than the spray beam cross-sectional heights of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, in the present example by 15%. The spray beam cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 30 is equal to the spray beam cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10. The nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 30 are designed as the above-described O-nozzle modules, i.e. they each generate a spray beam, whose cross section has a substantially oval, in particular substantially elliptical, shape.

The user of the exemplary embodiment of a spray nozzle group according to the invention, which comprises at least two spray nozzle modules of the spray nozzle module group 30, can thus change the spray nozzle size of his spray gun, i.e. can remove the first spray nozzle module of the first spray nozzle size, in particular the nominal spray nozzle size, arranged on the base body module of the spray gun and arrange a further spray nozzle module of the spray nozzle module group 30 of a further spray nozzle size, in particular the nominal spray nozzle size, on the same base body module and, at a defined changed material flow rate, obtain spray beams of the same spray beam cross-sectional height, spray beam cross-sectional width and spray beam cross-sectional shape.

The other nozzle module group 40 now also comprises five nozzle modules with different nozzle sizes, in particular different nominal nozzle sizes. The material flow rates of the five nozzle modules in the nozzle module group 40 increase by an equal difference value from one nozzle size to the next, namely 15 g/min. Model 1.1 nozzle module had a material flow of 155g/min, model 1.2 nozzle had a material flow of 170g/min, model 1.3 nozzle module had a material flow of 185g/min, model 1.4 nozzle module had a material flow of 200g/min, and model 1.5 nozzle module had a material flow of 215 g/min. All nozzle modules in the set of nozzle modules 40 are designed as compliants, i.e. as high-pressure nozzle modules according to the above understanding, and all have the same spray beam cross-sectional height and the same spray beam cross-sectional width, wherein here also as described above, and thus represent the spray beam cross-sectional height h and the spray beam cross-sectional width b of the central region 5 illustrated in fig. 1 and 2, respectively. Preferably, the spray beam cross-section, i.e. the central area 5 of the spray pattern generated by the nozzle modules in the nozzle module group 40, is congruent, i.e. of the same shape and size. The layer thickness of only the central region 5 of the spray pattern can be different due to different material flows. The spray beam cross-sectional heights of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 40 are greater than the spray beam cross-sectional heights of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, in the present example by 20%. In contrast, the spray beam cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 40 is smaller than the spray beam cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10, which in the present example is 88% of the spray beam cross-sectional width of the nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 10. The nozzle modules of the nozzle module group 40 are designed as the above-described type I nozzle modules, i.e. they each generate a jet beam whose cross section has an at least locally substantially constant width.

The user of the exemplary embodiment of a spray nozzle group comprising at least two spray nozzle modules of the spray nozzle module group 40 according to the invention can thus change the spray nozzle size of his spray gun, i.e. can remove the first spray nozzle module of the first spray nozzle size, in particular the nominal spray nozzle size, arranged on the base body module of the spray gun and arrange a further spray nozzle module of the spray nozzle module group 40 of a further spray nozzle size, in particular the nominal spray nozzle size, on the same base body module and, at a defined changed material flow rate, obtain spray beams of the same spray beam cross-sectional height, spray beam cross-sectional width and spray beam cross-sectional shape.

The nozzle group according to the invention for a spray gun, in particular a paint spray gun for atomizing compressed air, can comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the same nozzle module group for selective mounting in or on the same basic body module of the spray gun, which brings the stated advantages for the user.

However, the nozzle group according to the invention can additionally also comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from one or more further nozzle module groups, respectively, which are intended to be selectively mounted in or on the same base module. For example, a nozzle group according to the invention can comprise at least two, preferably at least four different nozzle modules from the group of nozzle modules 10 and at least two, preferably at least four different nozzle modules from the group of nozzle modules 20, and/or at least two, preferably at least four different nozzle modules from the group of nozzle modules 30, and/or at least two, preferably at least four different nozzle modules from the group of nozzle modules 40.

Alternatively, a nozzle group according to the invention can for example comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the group of nozzle modules 20 and at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the group of nozzle modules 30 and/or at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the group of nozzle modules 40.

Alternatively, a nozzle group according to the invention can for example comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the group of nozzle modules 30 and at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from the group of nozzle modules 40.

Preferably, the nozzle according to the invention can comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from three different groups of nozzle modules. Particularly preferably, however, the nozzle according to the invention can comprise at least two, preferably at least four, different nozzle modules from all four different nozzle module groups.

Preferably, each of the different nozzle modules from the different nozzle module groups can be arranged displaceably on the same base module. In this case, it is particularly preferred if all nozzle modules from different groups of nozzle modules have the same interface.

As can be seen from this table, in the nozzle group according to the invention each nozzle module of the group of nozzle modules can each correspond to a nozzle module of at least one other group of nozzle modules having the same material flow under the same spray conditions. In particular in the injection-compression method, nozzle modules having the same nozzle size have the same material flow rate. For example, a model 1.1 HVLP-O nozzle module has the same material flow rate of 135g/min as a model 1.1 HVLP-I nozzle module, a model 1.2 HVLP-O nozzle module has the same material flow rate as a model 1.2 HVLP-I nozzle module, and so on. The same applies to the Compliant nozzle module. For example, a model 1.1 Compliant-O nozzle module has a material flow rate of 155g/min as a model 1.1 Compliant-I nozzle module, a model 1.2 Compliant-O nozzle module has a material flow rate as a model 1.2 Compliant-I nozzle module, and so on.

Furthermore, the table makes it possible to ascertain that the spray beams which can be generated by means of the low-pressure, here HVLP nozzle module and the spray beams which can be generated by means of the high-pressure, here Compliant nozzle module can have the same cross-sectional shape, in particular that the spray beams which can be generated by means of the low-pressure nozzle module and by means of the high-pressure nozzle module have a cross-section which is at least locally substantially constant in width (type I nozzle module), or have a cross-section which is substantially oval in shape, in particular substantially elliptical (type O nozzle module). The user can thus replace the nozzle module from the nozzle module group 30 with a nozzle module from the nozzle module group 10, for example, and thus switch from a low-pressure, in particular HVLP, injection method to a high-pressure, in particular Compliant, injection method without having to discard the O-beam which is ideal for its mode of operation. Accordingly, the user can replace the nozzle module from the nozzle module set 40 with the nozzle module from the nozzle module set 20 and thus switch from a low-pressure, in particular HVLP, spray method to a high-pressure, in particular Compliant, spray method without having to discard the type I spray which is ideal for its mode of operation.

In addition to the above-described advantages, the present nozzle group according to the invention has the further advantage that the user can, for example, replace a nozzle module from the nozzle module group 20 with a nozzle module from the nozzle module group 10 and in this way enable a nozzle module generating an O-beam that can be applied quickly to be replaced with a nozzle module generating an I-beam that can be better controlled, without having to abandon the desired HVLP spray pressure method and, in particular, without having to change the material flow rate. Accordingly, it is possible to replace the nozzle modules from the nozzle module group 30 with nozzle modules from the nozzle module group 40 without having to dispense with the desired Compliant injection pressure method and, in particular, without having to change the material flow rate. It is obvious that the reverse alternative can also be implemented.

The user can select a nozzle module that is ideal for his painting task and his mode of operation using the nozzle group according to the invention. In general, the selection of the ideal nozzle module can be effected on the basis of various factors, in particular on the basis of the nozzle modules applied to date of the nozzle group according to the invention, the nozzle modules applied to date of the other nozzle groups, the desired spray pressure method, the model of the spray gun to be applied, the manufacturer of the spray gun to be applied, the type of medium to be sprayed, the viscosity of the medium to be sprayed, the recommendations of the manufacturer of the medium to be sprayed, the desired spray beam shape, the required layer thickness, the climatic conditions, in particular the temperature and the relative air humidity in the painting booth, on the basis of whether the user values the painting speed or the good controllability of the application and/or the desired nozzle size. In this option, the method according to the invention for selecting a nozzle module from a nozzle group for a painting task, the selection system according to the invention and/or the computer program product according to the invention are particularly helpful.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a first air cap 55 of a nozzle module of an embodiment of a nozzle group according to the invention. The air cap 55 has a first corner 68 and a second corner 70. The vertical axis L is perpendicular to a central axis Z of the first air cap 55, wherein the central axis Z extends through a midpoint of the central opening 80. The center axis a of the outer corner air outflow channel 57 forms a defined angle with the vertical axis L, and the center axis B of the inner corner air outflow channel 59 forms a different angle with the vertical axis L. In the present embodiment, it can be seen that a substantial part of the corner air flowing out of the outer corner air outlet openings 57a of the outer corner air outflow channel 57 flows along the center axis a of the outer corner air outflow channel 57, or that the corner air flow is centered on the center axis a of the outer corner air outflow channel 57. It can also be concluded that a substantial part of the corner air flowing out of the inner corner air outlet openings 59a of the inner corner air outflow channel 59 flows along the center axis B of the inner corner air outflow channel 59, or that the center of the corner air flow lies on the center axis B of the inner corner air outflow channel 59. Therefore, the angle formed by the center axis a of the outer corner air outflow channel 57 and the vertical axis L can be regarded as the outer corner air outflow angle W1, and the angle formed by the center axis B of the inner corner air outflow channel 59 and the vertical axis L can be regarded as the inner corner air outflow angle W3. Preferably, the corner air outflow passage of the second corner 70, which is opposed to the so-called corner air outflow passage, forms the same angle with the vertical axis L.

Fig. 4 also shows outer control openings 61 and inner control openings 63, which have an outer control opening distance Y7 and an inner control opening distance Y9 from center axis Z of first air cap 55.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a second air cap 155 of a further nozzle module of an embodiment of a nozzle group according to the invention. The air cap 155 has a first corner 168 and a second corner 170. The vertical axis L is also perpendicular to a center axis Z of the second air cap 155, wherein the center axis Z extends through a center point of the central opening 180. The center axis C of the outer corner air outflow channel 157 forms a certain angle with the vertical axis L, and the center axis D of the inner corner air outflow channel 159 forms another angle with the vertical axis L. In the present embodiment, it can also be assumed that a substantial part of the corner air flowing out of the outer corner air outlet openings 157a of the outer corner air outflow channel 157 flows along the center axis C of the outer corner air outflow channel 157 or that the corner air flow is centered on the center axis C of the outer corner air outflow channel 157. It can also be concluded that a substantial portion of the corner air flowing out of the inner corner air outlets 159a of the inner corner air outflow channel 159 flows along the center axis D of the inner corner air outflow channel 159 or that the center of the corner air flow lies on the center axis D of the inner corner air outflow channel 159. Therefore, the angle formed by the central axis C of the outer corner air outflow passage 157 and the vertical axis L can be regarded as the outer corner air outflow angle W101, and the angle formed by the central axis D of the inner corner air outflow passage 159 and the vertical axis L can be regarded as the inner corner air outflow angle W103. Preferably, the corner air outflow passage of the second corner 170, which is opposite to the so-called corner air outflow passage, forms the same angle with the vertical axis L.

Fig. 5 also shows an outer control opening 161, which has a control opening distance Y107 to the outside of the center axis Z of the second air cap 155. Since these control openings are arranged in the gas cap 155 in the shape of a triangle, the triangle points of which are oriented in the direction of the inner or outer corner gas outlets, i.e. only the triangular point control opening 161 is formed in one line with the middle point of the inner corner gas outlet 159a, the outer corner gas outlet 157a and the central opening 180 in the gas cap 155, and the cross-sectional plane extends only through the control opening 161, the inner corner gas outlet 159a and the outer corner gas outlet 157a, the two other control openings on one side of the central opening 180 and the two other control openings on the other side of the central opening 180 are not visible but are currently only represented by their central axis. The inner control hole distance Y109 is the distance between the center axis Z and an axis parallel to the center axis Z and passing through the projection of the center point of the respective control hole onto the tangent plane.

The sum of angles W1 plus W3 in the nozzle module with air cap 55 is different from the sum of angles W101 plus W103 in the other nozzle modules with air cap 155. The nozzle modules can belong to the same group of nozzle modules.

Finally, it is pointed out that the examples describe only a limited number of options of possible implementations and therefore do not represent a limitation of the invention.