MODULE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A VISCOUS MEDIUM TO A SURFACE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE MODULE

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and to a module (I) for applying a viscous medium (19), in particular an adhesive or lacquer, to a surface (16) wherein the module (I) comprises a reservoir (2) that can be fed with the viscous medium (19), wherein the outer surface (4) of the module (I) comprises an outlet region (5) for the viscous medium (19), wherein the module (I) comprises at least one nozzle channel (6) which fluidly connects the reservoir (2) to the outlet region (5), wherein a smallest diameter (dmin) of the at least one nozzle channel (6) is smaller than 0.8 mm and wherein the module (I) does not comprise any movable parts for closing the at least one nozzle channel (6).

Claims

1. A module for depositing a viscous medium, in particular an adhesive or lacquer, onto a surface, wherein the module comprises a reservoir which can be fed with the viscous medium, wherein an outer surface of the module comprises an outlet region for the viscous medium, wherein the module comprises at least one nozzle channel which fluidically connects the reservoir to the outlet region, wherein a smallest diameter (d.sub.min) of the at least one nozzle channel is smaller than 0.8 mm and wherein the module comprises no moving parts for the closure of the at least one nozzle channel.

2. A module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one nozzle channel includes several nozzle channels which are arranged in at least one row, wherein the at least one row of nozzle channels runs along a longitudinal extension of the reservoir.

3. A module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one nozzle channel has a channel length (l) which is measured from the reservoir up to the outlet region, wherein the channel length (l) is at least 0.8 mm.

4. A module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a largest diameter (d.sub.max) of the nozzle channel is smaller than 3 mm.

5. A module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one nozzle channel tapers towards the outlet region, wherein the at least one nozzle channel is preferably designed in a step-like or conical manner.

6. A module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir is a cavity of the module which is shaped in an essentially cylindrical manner

7. A module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module is designed to withstand a pressure subjection of the viscous medium in the reservoir of 1.5 bar or more.

8. A module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module comprises a doctor edge which runs along the outlet region, for distributing the viscous medium on the surface.

9. A module according to claim 8, wherein the doctor edge is arranged on the outer surface of the module.

10. A module according to one of the preceding claims, inasmuch as this refers back to claim 2, wherein the nozzle channels are arranged in at least two rows, wherein the at least two rows run next to one another along the longitudinal extension of the reservoir, wherein the nozzle channels of the at least two rows are preferably arranged offset to one another in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the reservoir.

11. A module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the module is an injection molded part manufactured of plastic.

12. A module according to claim 11, inasmuch as this relates back to claim 8 or 9, wherein the doctor edge is a part-region of the injection molded part which is formed from plastic.

13. A method for depositing a viscous medium, in particular an adhesive or a lacquer, onto a surface, whilst using a module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a discharge of the viscous medium out of the reservoir through the at least one nozzle channel of the module is begun and is maintained, by way of an overpressure of the viscous medium in the reservoir being increased at least until a passage resistance of the at least one nozzle channel to the viscous medium is overcome and wherein the discharge of the viscous medium is stopped or interrupted without closing the at least one nozzle channel, by way of the overpressure of the viscous medium within the reservoir being reduced at least until the passage resistance of the at least one nozzle channel is no longer overcome.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein an adhesive, a lacquer or a paint is used as a viscous medium.

15. A method according to one of the claim 13 or 14, wherein the viscous medium has a viscosity between 0.5 Pa.Math.s and 150 Pa.Math.s

16. A method according to one of the claims 13 to 15, wherein the module is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to its longitudinal axis during the discharge of the medium.

17. A method according to one of the claims 13 to 16, for manufacturing a microstructure on a component surface, wherein a matrix with a negative of a microstructure is provided, wherein the viscous medium is deposited onto the negative or onto the component surface by way of the module, and the matrix with the negative is pressed onto the component surface, so that a layer of the viscous medium which comprises the microstructure is created on the component surface.

18. A system for depositing a viscous medium onto a surface, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of the claims 13 to 17, wherein the system comprises a module according to one of the claims 1 to 12 and a delivery device which is fluidically connected to the module, wherein the delivery device is designed for delivering the viscous medium into the reservoir of the module and for subjecting the viscous medium in the reservoir to an overpressure, wherein the overpressure of the viscous medium in the reservoir which can be produced by way of the delivery device is sufficiently large such that the viscous medium subjected to the overpressure flows out of the reservoir through the at least one nozzle channel.

19. A system according to claim 18, wherein the module is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to its longitudinal axis.

20. A system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the delivery device is controllable and the system comprises a control unit for the control of the delivery device, wherein the control unit is connected to the delivery device for the transmission of control signals, and is configured to activate the delivery device into subjecting the viscous medium within a reservoir to the overpressure which is adequately large such that the viscous medium subjected to the overpressure flows out of the reservoir through the at least one nozzle channel, for starting a depositing procedure and for maintaining the depositing procedure, to activate the delivery device such that the delivery device reduces the overpressure of the viscous medium within the reservoir to such an extent that a passage resistance of the at least one nozzle channel stops the outflow of the viscous medium, for stopping the depositing procedure.

21. A system according to one of the claims 18 to 20, for carrying out a method according to claim 17, wherein the system for manufacturing a microstructure on a component surface moreover comprises: a matrix with a negative of the microstructure to be produced, wherein the matrix and the module are arranged such that the viscous medium can be deposited by way of the module onto the negative of the matrix or directly onto the component surface, a pressing roller which can roll over the component surface, for pressing the matrix onto the component surface, wherein the pressing roller and the matrix are arranged such that on rolling the roller over the component surface, the matrix is brought into a rolling movement between the pressing roller and the component surface, so that the negative of the matrix faces the component surface.

22. A method for manufacturing a module according to one of the claim 11 or 12, wherein the plastic is injected into a molding tool in the flowable condition, wherein the molding tool is designed as a negative form of the module.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the molding tool comprises a female mold and a core, wherein female mold comprises an interior which is a negative form of the outer surface of the module, wherein the core is a negative form of the reservoir of the module, wherein the female mold or the core comprises at least one pin which is designed as a negative form of the at least one nozzle channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The invention is hereinafter explained in more detail by way of some special embodiment examples, of which some are schematically represented in FIGS. 1 to 8. There are shown in:

[0042] FIG. 1: a module of the type suggested here, in a perspective view,

[0043] FIG. 2: a view of a cross section through the module which is represented in FIG. 1, along the section line shown in FIG. 1,

[0044] FIG. 3: a greatly enlarged part-region of FIG. 2,

[0045] FIG. 4A: a cross-sectional area of a nozzle channel with an elongate cross-sectional area of a module of the type suggested here,

[0046] FIG. 4B: a longitudinal section through a conically narrowing nozzle channel of a module of the type suggested here,

[0047] FIG. 4C: a longitudinal section through a nozzle channel of a module of the type suggested here, said nozzle channel narrowing in a stepped manner,

[0048] FIG. 5: the module represented in FIG. 1, in a lateral view,

[0049] FIG. 6A: a greatly enlarged part-region of FIG. 5,

[0050] FIG. 6B: the part-region which is shown in FIG. 6A, for a two-rowed arrangement of the nozzle channels,

[0051] FIG. 7 a lateral view of a system of the type suggested here, with the module represented in FIGS. 1 to 3 and

[0052] FIG. 8 a view of a cross section through a molding tool of the type suggested here, for manufacturing the module shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0053] Recurring reference numerals in the figures indicate the same features or features which correspond to one another. The figures do not represent images which are true to scale, but as simplified, schematic representations serve merely for illustration purposes.

[0054] A perspective view of a module 1 of the type suggested here, for depositing a viscous medium onto a surface, is shown in FIG. 1. With regard to the surface, it can be the case for example of a surface of a component or a matrix, as is show in FIG. 7. Concerning the viscous medium, it can be the case for example of a curable lacquer/paint, for instance a dual-cure lacquer, for the manufacture of a riblet structure on a component surface, as is described in more detail further below.

[0055] A reservoir 2 of the module 1 for the viscous medium is drawn in FIG. 1 by a dashed line. The module 1 comprises two media connections 3 for feeding the reservoir 2 with the viscous medium, and these are arranged at ends of the reservoir 2 which are opposed to one another, as can also be seen in FIG. 5.

[0056] As can be recognized in the cross section of the module 1 which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (the associated section line A-A is drawn in FIG. 1), the reservoir 2 in this example is designed as a cylinder-shaped cavity in the module 1. The outer surface 4 of the module 1 comprises a plane outlet region 5 for the viscous medium and this region extends along the longitudinal axis L of the reservoir 2, see FIG. 1. The module 1 moreover comprises a multitude of nozzle channels 6 which each fluidically connect the reservoir 2 to the outlet region 5, see also FIG. 5. A doctor edge 7 of the module 1 is arranged adjacently to the outlet region 5.

[0057] The module 1 has no closure mechanism and no moving parts for closing or blocking the nozzle channels 6. As described further below by way of FIG. 8, with regard to the module 1, it is the case of an injection molded part which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and which is envisaged a disposable (single-use) part. In the present example, the module consists of several module segments which have been axially put together. Two end-caps 8 terminate the reservoir 2 at the end side and carry the lateral media connections 3. An intermediate segment 9 which laterally encompasses the reservoir 2 and comprises the nozzle channels 6 is arranged between the two end-caps 8. Instead of only one intermediate segment 9, the module 2 could also comprise several intermediate segments 9 of the same type, which are axially connected to one another, in order to achieve a corresponding larger total length of the module. The module segments 8, 9 are connected to one another by way of connection elements (not represented here), for example by way of clamping or tensioning elements, which act in the axial direction.

[0058] The passage resistance of the nozzle channels 6 to the viscous medium is particularly dependent on a smallest diameter d.sub.min of the nozzle channels 6 and also on their length l. In the present example, the nozzle channels 6 have a uniform, circularly round cross-sectional area over their entire length l, so that the smallest diameter d.sub.min corresponds to the standard diameter of the nozzle channel 6, see FIG. 3. In the present example, the smallest diameters dmin are for example 0.8 min and the lengths l of the nozzle channels 1 mm. Each of the nozzle channels 6 runs from an inlet opening 10 of the respective nozzle channel 6, with which inlet opening the nozzle channel 6 runs out in the reservoir 2, up to an outlet opening 11 of the respective nozzle channel 6, with which outlet opening the nozzle channel 6 runs out in the outlet region 5 on the outer surface 4 of the module 1. The nozzle channels 4 each have channel length l which is measured from the reservoir 2 up to the outlet region 5. In this example, the channel lengths l are each 1 mm.

[0059] As is shown in FIG. 4A, the nozzle channels 6 instead of having a circularly round cross section, can also for example have a longitudinally extended, in this case an oval cross-sectional area. Here, the smallest diameter d.sub.min is for example 0.5 mm and the largest diameter d.sub.max 2 mm, and these are defined as the diameter of the largest possible inscribed circle K.sub.1 and as the diameter of the smallest possible circumscribed circle K.sub.2 respectively.

[0060] As is shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, it is also possible for the nozzle channels 6 to have cross-sectional areas which change along their channel course from the reservoir 2 to the outlet region 5 and which narrow or widen along this course. For example, the nozzle channel 6 which is represented in FIG. 4B conically narrows towards the outlet opening 11 and there has the smallest diameter dmin of 0.5 mm. The nozzle channel 6 which is represented in FIG. 4C narrows in a stepped manner towards the outlet opening 11 and there has a smallest diameter d.sub.min of 0.6 mm.

[0061] The module 1 which is shown in FIG. 1 is shown once again in a lateral view in FIG. 5, in which the nozzle channels 6 in the outlet region 5 and the doctor edge 7 are also to be recognized. One can moreover recognize that the nozzle channels 6 are arranged in a row which runs parallel to the doctor edge 7 and to the longitudinal axis L of the reservoir 2. The distance between two adjacent nozzle channels 6 (measured along the longitudinal axis L) in this example is 0.2 mm This is also represented in an enlarged manner in FIG. 6A. An alternative arrangement of the nozzle channels 6, in which the nozzle channels 6 are arranged in two rows running parallel to the longitudinal axis L and axial offset to one another (connection lines between the nozzle channels 6 would form a zigzag pattern) is shown in FIG. 6B. Given the same axial distance between the nozzle channels 6 for example, twice as large a number of nozzle channels can be achieved in this manner, so that a total mass flow of the viscous medium out of the reservoir 2 and one which is twice as large can be produced given the same overpressure. The reservoir 2 for example has a length (measured along the longitudinal axis L) of 50 cm. The nozzle channels 6 are arranged along the entire longitudinal extension of the reservoir 2, so that the module 1 comprises in total 625 nozzle channels 6 in the case of a single-row arrangement according to FIG. 6A and in total 1250 nozzle channels 6 in the case of a double-row arrangement according to FIG. 6B.

[0062] The module 1 is designed in a sufficiently stable manner, in order to withstand the overpressure, to which the viscous medium in the reservoir 2 is subjected, in order to let it out of the reservoir 2, through the nozzle channels 6. Typically, an overpressure of more than 2 bar is applied, depending on the viscosity of the viscous medium and the size of the pressure drop in the nozzle channels 6, and typically the overpressure lies in a range between 2 bar and 30 bar. The applied viscous medium typically has a (dynamic) viscosity of 0.5 Pa.Math.s or more and can be present as a paste for example. However, as a rule the viscosity is not more than 150 Pa.Math.s.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a greatly schematized manner and in a lateral view shows a special example of a system 12 of the type suggested here, for manufacturing a microstructure on a surface 16 of a component 17, for example on a wing or a fuselage of an aircraft. The system 12 comprises a module 1 of the type suggested here, such as the module 1 shown in FIG. 1 for example, as well as a controllable delivery device 13 which is configured to deliver the viscous medium via two media conduits 14 (only one is shown in FIG. 7) connected to the media connections 3 of the module 1, into the reservoir 2 of the module 1 and there to subject it to any adequately high overpressure, so as to discharge it out of the reservoir 2 of the module 1, through the nozzle channels 6. The system 12 has no movable closure elements which are arranged at the nozzle channels 6 and which would be designed to open and close the nozzle channels.

[0064] A control unit 15 of the system 12 is configured [0065] to activate the delivery device 13 such that the delivery device 13 subjects the viscous medium within the reservoir 2 to the mentioned overpressure, for starting a depositing procedure and for maintaining the depositing procedure, and [0066] to activate the delivery device 13 such that the delivery device 13, by way of stopping the delivery, reduces the overpressure of the viscous medium within the reservoir 2 to such an extent that the passage resistance of the nozzle channels 6 stops the outflow of the viscous medium through the nozzle channels 6, for stopping or interrupting the depositing procedure.

[0067] The system 12 moreover comprise a flexible matrix 18 which is designed as a continuous belt and which is with a negative of the microstructure to be produced. The matrix 18 and the module 1 are arranged such that the viscous medium, shown in FIG. 7 and provided with the reference numeral 19, is deposited onto the negative of the matrix 18 by way of the module 1 and there is homogenized and brought into the recesses of the negative by way of the doctor edge 7. The system 12 moreover comprises two pressing rollers 21 which can roll over the surface 16 of the component 18, for pressing the matrix 18 onto the component surface 16, wherein the pressing rollers 21 and the matrix 18 are arranged such that when the pressing rollers 21 roll over the component surface 16, the matrix 18 is brought into a rolling movement between the pressing rollers 21 and the surface 16, so that the negative of the matrix 18 faces the surface 16. The system moreover comprises a deflecting roller 22 which is arranged so as to deflect and tension the matrix 18. The system 12 is connected to a suitably configured robot arm 23, in order to move the system 12 over the surface 16 of the component 17 and to press the pressing rollers 21 onto the surface 16 and to roll over it (in the direction of the arrows drawn in FIG. 7).

[0068] The microstructure can therefore be produced on the surface 16 of the component 17 by way of casting the negative of the matrix 18, by way of the system 12. Herein, the viscous medium 19 is deposited onto the negative of the matrix 18 by way of the module 1 and is subsequently deposited onto the component surface 16 by way of the matrix 18 on account of the rolling movement described above. Herein, a layer 20 of the viscous medium 19 is produced on the component surface 16. The microstructure to be produced is transferred onto the layer 20 by way of casting the negative whilst the layer 20 is located between the component surface 16 and the negative of the matrix 18, by way of the negative of the matrix 18, due to the fact that the matrix with the negative is pressed onto and rolled on the component surface 16. The vicious medium 19 in the layer 20 is moreover cured whilst it is still located between the matrix 18 and the component surface 16, by way of a device 24 for accelerating the curing, which for example can comprise a UV radiation source and a heat source which acts upon the layer 20 through the matrix 18 which is permeable to this radiation. With regard to the viscous medium 19, it can be the case for example of a dual-cure lacquer. Further details concerning this can be deduced from DE 103 46 124 B4 and WO 2005/030472 A1.

[0069] With regard to the microstructure, it is the case for example of a riblet structure with rib-like prominences whose heights and distances to one another are between 50 μm to 0.5 μm for example.

[0070] A cross section of a molding tool 25 which is designed to manufacture the module represented in FIG. 1 by way of an injection molding method is shown in FIG. 8. The molding tool 25 is designed as a negative form of the module 1 and comprises a two-part female mold 26 and a two-part core 217. The female mold 26 comprises an interior 28 which is a negative form of the outer surface 4 of the module 1. The core 27 is a negative form of the reservoir 2 of the module 1. A first part 29 of the core 27 comprises a multitude of pins 30 which are negative forms of the nozzle channels 6 of the module 1.

[0071] On manufacturing the module 1, a plastic which is suitable for injection molding and is in the flowable condition is fed through an inlet channel 31 of the put-together molding tool 25, into the interior 28 of the female mold 26. A second part 32 of the core 27 can be moved out of the reservoir 2 of the cured module 1, after the curing of the plastic in the molding tool 25. The first part 29 of the core 27 can subsequently also be moved out of the reservoir 2 of the cured module 1, by way of utilizing the free space which has thus arisen

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0072] 1 module [0073] 2 reservoir [0074] 3 media connection [0075] 4 outer surface [0076] 5 outlet region [0077] 6 nozzle channel [0078] 7 doctor edge [0079] 8 end-cap [0080] 9 intermediate segment [0081] 10 inlet opening [0082] 11 outlet opening [0083] 12 system [0084] 13 delivery device [0085] 14 media conduit [0086] 15 control unit [0087] 16 surface [0088] 17 component [0089] 18 matrix [0090] 19 viscous medium [0091] 20 layer [0092] 21 pressing roller [0093] 22 deflecting roller [0094] 23 robot arm [0095] 24 device for accelerating the curing of the viscous medium [0096] 25 molding tool [0097] 26 female mold of the molding tool [0098] 27 core of the molding tool [0099] 28 interior [0100] 29 first part of the core [0101] 30 pin [0102] 31 inlet channel [0103] 32 second part of the core [0104] L longitudinal axis of the module [0105] d.sub.min smallest diameter [0106] d.sub.max largest diameter [0107] l channel length [0108] K.sub.1 inscribed circle [0109] K.sub.2 circumscribed circle