Spray head for supplying at least one die of a forming machine with lubricating coolant, and method for producing such a spray head

Abstract

A spray head for supplying at least one die of a forming machine with lubricating coolant, the forming machine including a lower die and an upper die, is preferably produced by rapid manufacturing and is designed as a single piece to a large extent. The use of rapid manufacturing allows the production of the most varied configurations, such as stabilizing honey-comb structures or drip points, which allow a more advantageous design of the spray head. The spray head carries at least one two-substance nozzle connected with at least one feed channel. The nozzle body of the nozzle and the channel wall of the feed channel are configured in one piece with one another or the channel wall of the feed channel and a spray head foot carrying a supply connector connected with the feed channel are configured in one piece with one another.

Claims

1. A spray head for cooling lubrication of at least one of an upper die and a lower die of a forming machine, wherein the spray head is introduced into a working chamber between the upper die and the lower die between two working strokes, the spray head comprising: a plurality of feed channels comprising a first feed channel configured to supply a control fluid, a second feed channel configured to supply a spray medium, and a third feed channel configured to supply spray air, each feed channel comprising a channel wall; a spray head foot comprising a supply connector; and at least one two-substance nozzle connected with the first, second, and third feed channels, the at least one two-substance nozzle being controllable by way of the first feed channel and atomizing a mixture of the spray medium and the spray air onto the upper die or the lower die for cooling lubrication, wherein the first, second, and third feed channels extend to the spray head foot, wherein the supply connector is connected with the first, second, and third feed channels, wherein the at least one two-substance nozzle has a one-piece nozzle body and movable modules, wherein the nozzle body of the at least one two-substance nozzle is integral with the channel walls of the feed channels, and/or wherein the channel walls of the feed channels are integral with the spray head foot.

2. The spray head according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle body is integral with the channel walls of the feed channels and the spray head foot.

3. The spray head according to claim 1, further comprising a one-piece housing comprising the nozzle body, the channel walls of the feed channels and/or the spray head foot.

4. The spray head according to claim 1, wherein the at least one two-substance nozzle comprises a convergent-divergent nozzle.

5. The spray head according to claim 4, wherein the at least one two-substance nozzle has a spray air outlet, which is configured as the convergent-divergent nozzle.

6. The spray head according to claim 1, wherein each of the channel walls of the feed channels is configured as a pipe.

7. The spray head according to claim 6, wherein the pipe is rigid and supports the at least one two-substance nozzle.

8. The spray head according to claim 1, wherein the spray head has a top side and an underside, and wherein drip points are provided on the underside in at least one region next to the at least one two-substance nozzle.

9. The spray head according to claim 8, further comprising drip flow openings comprising edges forming the drip points, wherein the drip flow openings reach through the spray head from the top side to the underside.

10. The spray head according to claim 9, wherein the drip flow openings end at the drip points.

11. The spray head according to claim 1, wherein the spray head has a porous housing.

12. The spray head according to claim 11, wherein the spray head has a top side and an underside, and the pores of the housing open at the top side and/or at the underside.

13. The spray head according to claim 12, wherein the pores are arranged in a selected pattern.

14. The spray head according to claim 12, wherein the pores are arranged in a honeycomb pattern.

15. The spray head according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the pores penetrates the housing from the top side to the underside.

16. The spray head according to claim 11, wherein the spray head comprises at least one mist nozzle, supplemental to the at least one two-substance nozzle.

17. The spray head according to claim 16, wherein the at least one mist nozzle is directed at the nozzle body of the at least one two-substance nozzle, at the channel walls of the feed channels, at the spray head foot and/or at the housing, or upward.

18. The spray head according to claim 16, wherein the at least one mist nozzle nebulizes water.

19. The spray head according to claim 1, wherein the at least one two-substance nozzle has a spray medium outlet and a valve cover closing off the spray medium outlet when the control fluid is made available at a pressure by way of the first feed channel sufficient to close off the second feed channel via the valve cover.

20. The spray head according to claim 19, wherein when stress on the valve cover is relieved, the spray medium from the second feed channel lifts the valve cover against prevailing pressure in the first feed channel so that the valve cover opens to allow spray medium to leave the at least one two-substance nozzle through the spray medium outlet.

21. A production method for production of a spray head for cooling lubrication of at least one of an upper die and a lower die of a forming machine, the production method comprising: producing modules by additive manufacturing processes, wherein the modules comprise a nozzle body of a two-substance nozzle, channel walls of a plurality of feed channels comprising a first feed channel configured to supply a control fluid, a second feed channel configured to supply a spray medium, and a third feed channel configured to supply spray air, and a spray head foot comprising a supply connector; forming the spray head from the modules; and introducing the spray head into a working chamber between the upper die and the lower die between two working strokes; wherein the two-substance nozzle atomizes a mixture of the spray medium and the spray air onto the upper die or the lower die for cooling lubrication; wherein the two-substance nozzle is connected with the first, second, and third feed channels, the at least one two-substance nozzle being controllable by way of the first feed channel; wherein the first, second, and third feed channels extend to the spray head foot; wherein the supply connector is connected with the first, second, and third feed channels; and wherein the nozzle body is produced integral with the channel walls of the feed channels and/or wherein the channel walls of the feed channels are produced integral with the spray head foot.

22. The production method according to claim 21, wherein the modules produced by the additive manufacturing processes are metal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages, goals, and properties of the present invention will be explained using the following description of exemplary embodiments, which are shown, in particular, in the attached drawing, as well. The drawing shows:

(2) FIG. 1 a schematic side view of a forming machine configured as a die-forging press, having a spray head situated on a spray arm;

(3) FIG. 2 the spray head according to FIG. 1 in a schematic view from below;

(4) FIG. 3 the spray head according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in a side view;

(5) FIG. 4 the spray head according to FIGS. 1 to 3 in a view from the front;

(6) FIG. 5 the spray head according to FIGS. 1 to 4 in a top view;

(7) FIG. 6 the spray head according to FIGS. 1 to 5 in a perspective, partially transparent view;

(8) FIG. 7 a schematic sectional representation through a two-substance nozzle according to FIGS. 1 to 6;

(9) FIG. 8 a second spray head in a similar representation as in FIG. 2;

(10) FIG. 9 the spray head according to FIG. 8 in a similar representation as in FIG. 3;

(11) FIG. 10 the spray head according to FIGS. 8 and 9 in a similar representation as in FIG. 5;

(12) FIG. 11 a third spray head in a similar representation as in FIGS. 2 and 8;

(13) FIG. 12 the spray head according to FIG. 11 in a similar representation as in FIGS. 3 and 9;

(14) FIG. 13 the spray head according to FIGS. 11 and 12 in a similar representation as in FIGS. 5 and 10;

(15) FIG. 14 a fourth spray head in a similar representation as in FIGS. 2, 8, and 11;

(16) FIG. 15 the spray head according to FIG. 14 in a similar representation as in FIGS. 3, 9, and 12; and

(17) FIG. 16 the spray head according to FIGS. 14 and 15 in a similar representation as in FIGS. 5, 10, and 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(18) The forming machine 24 shown schematically in FIG. 1 is structured as a die-forging press and comprises two dies 20, a lower die 21 and an upper die 22, which can be moved toward one another and away from one another by means of a press cylinder 25.

(19) For this purpose, the forming machine comprises a lower yoke 26 and an upper yoke 27, which are spaced apart from one another by way of tension rods 28, wherein the tension rods 28 can counteract the pressing forces that the press cylinder 25 applies.

(20) A movable yoke 29 is guided on the tension rods 28, which yoke can be moved accordingly by the press cylinder for pressing, and on which the upper die 22 is attached, so that the upper die 22 can be lowered onto the lower die 21, which is disposed on the lower yoke 26, with every working stroke.

(21) As is directly evident, a working chamber 23 then occurs between the lower and upper die 21, 22 between two working strokes.

(22) Depending on the specific embodiment, the tool must be lubricated and/or blown out, in particular if workpieces are produced in constantly repeating manner, in order to guarantee proper functioning. This also holds true for the dies 20.

(23) For this purpose, the forming machine comprises a spray head 10, which can be introduced into the working chamber 23 by way of a spray arm 18.

(24) As can be seen in FIGS. 2 to 7, the spray head has multiple two-substance nozzles 30, whichin this exemplary embodimentcomprise a DE LAVAL or other convergent-divergent type nozzle 31, as is particularly shown in FIG. 7. It is understood that depending on the specific requirements, other types of nozzles can also be provided in deviating embodiments.

(25) Each of these two-substance nozzles 30 is connected with a spray head foot 50 by way of three feed channels 40 in this exemplary embodiment, which foot has supply connectors 55, which in turn are connected with the feed channels 40 and can supply these with a control fluid, with spray medium or with spray air.

(26) Thus, each feed channel 40 has a channel wall 41, which is configured as a pipe 42 in this exemplary embodiment, wherein other pipe cross-sections or channel cross-sections can be selected in other embodiments. It is understood that pipes that lie close to one another, in particular, can also be structured in one piece or with a common wall.

(27) As can be seen, in particular, in FIG. 7, the two-substance nozzle 30 is directly connected with a spray medium channel 45, a spray air channel 46, and a control channel 47 as feed channels 40, which also carry the corresponding two-substance nozzle 30 in this exemplary embodiment. In a deviating exemplary embodiment, a spray medium discharge channel, for example, can also be provided, so that the spray medium can be moved past the two-substance nozzle 30 in circulation, in order to prevent de-mixing processes and nevertheless make the spray medium available to the two-substance nozzle 30 by way of the spray medium channel 45.

(28) The two-substance nozzle 30 itself comprises a nozzle body 32, which has a spray air outlet 33, on the one hand, and a spray medium outlet 34, on the other hand. In this regard, the spray air outlet 33 is configured as a DE LAVAL or other convergent-divergent type nozzle 31, so that the extremely high speeds of spray air can be achieved and atomize the spray medium in particularly fine manner, due to the extreme eddying caused by the DE LAVAL or other convergent-divergent type nozzle 31.

(29) The two-substance nozzles 30 of the present exemplary embodiment each have a valve cover 38, which, as can be seen in FIG. 7, closes off the spray medium outlet 34 when control fluid (in this exemplary embodiment, compressed air is particularly suitable for this) is made available at sufficient pressure by way of the control channel 47. When stress on the valve cover 38 is relieved, the spray medium from the spray medium channel 45 lifts the valve cover 38 against the pressure that prevails in the control channel 47, so that the valve cover 38 opens and spray medium can leave the two-substance nozzle through the spray medium outlet 34.

(30) In this manner, extremely individual metering of spray medium and of spray air can take place, since every two-substance nozzle 30 can be controlled individually, and this can be implemented, in particular, by way of the control channels 47 and the separate spray air channels 46.

(31) In this exemplary embodiment, the spray medium channels 45 are brought together, since ultimately, it does not play any role whether the corresponding feed channels 40 are present individually or as a channel tree. Corresponding individual control is possible by means of the valve covers 38.

(32) As is directly evident using the design that can be seen in FIG. 7, the corresponding two-substance nozzle 30 can be directed both downward and upward. Likewise, other angles of inclination are easily possible. Accordingly, the spray profile of the spray head 10 can be selected in very individual manner, wherein this is further reinforced by the individual controllability of the two-substance nozzles 30.

(33) The spray head foot 50 furthermore has bores 58, by means of which it can be held by the spray arm 18 or attached to the spray arm 18.

(34) The spray head 10 has a top side 12 and an underside 14, wherein all the two-substance nozzles 30 are directed downward in the present exemplary embodiment. It is understood that in this regard, as has already been explained above, great freedom exists and one or more, if applicable even all the two-substance nozzles 30 can be directed upward or even to the side.

(35) Due to the very open design of the spray head 10, drip flow openings 65 form in regions 16 next to the two-substance nozzles 30, through which openings any liquids easily get from the top side 12 to the underside 14 of the spray head 10.

(36) Furthermore, drip points 60 form on the undersides of the channel walls 41 or of the feed channels 40, where any liquids can collect in targeted manner and drip off. This has the great advantage, in particular, that accumulation of very large drops, as can occur on undersides of planar surfaces, is prevented to the greatest possible extent.

(37) Furthermore, mist nozzles 80 (see FIG. 4) are disposed on the spray head foot 50, which nozzles can spray the feed channels 40 and the two-substance nozzles 30 with a water mist, which serves for cooling purposes, particularly in the case of breakdowns, wherein corresponding cooling can also be provided during normal operation, if necessary.

(38) As can be readily understood, it is possible to connect the respective pipes 42 with corresponding openings in the nozzle bodies 32, in order to subsequently insert the pipes 42 into the spray head foot 50 and to also connect it there, so that the spray head 10 can easily be made available in conventional manner.

(39) Depending on the specific manner of this connection, seals might have to be provided at the connection points, but this can be avoided if these connections can be configured to be sealed right from the start, for example by means of welding or soldering. The latter is only possible if the operating temperatures can be kept sufficiently low, even in the case of breakdowns, and the mist nozzles 80 can serve for this purpose, if necessary.

(40) Particularly preferably, however, the two-substance nozzles 30, the feed channels 40, and the spray head foot 50 are configured in one piece and produced by means of 3D printing. This 3D printing preferably prints a metal, which can generally withstand the great stresses that act on the spray head 10 in the forming machine 24, not just in a thermal respect, better than other materials. If necessary, however, plastic can also be used, for example, particularly if the temperatures can be kept low enough, and for this purpose, suitable cooling can also take place, for example by means of the mist nozzles 80.

(41) As is directly evident, the spray head 10 can easily be structured in such a manner that the feed channels 40 carry the two-substance nozzles 30. The stability of the overall arrangement can be increased if a housing 70 is supplementally provided, which can act in stabilizing manner and as it is shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, as an example.

(42) Such a smooth housing 70 then has the disadvantage that greater accumulations of liquid can possibly form on the top side 12, but also on the underside 14, which is then accepted in such embodiments. On the other hand, the interior of the housing 70 can be protected against impairments by the nature of such an embodiment.

(43) In order to prevent droplet accumulations on the underside of the housing 70, the latter can be configured to be porous, as is shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, as an example. In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, only the underside of the housing 70 has pores 75, but these do not penetrate through the housing wall of the housing 70.

(44) The pore edges form drip points 60 in this regard, so that larger accumulations of liquid on the underside 14 of the spray head 10 can be effectively prevented.

(45) In an embodiment that is configured differently, the pores 75 can also penetrate the wall of the housing 70, so that ultimately, holes in the housing wall are made available by the pores 75.

(46) Any liquids that are present can leave the interior of the housing 70 through these holes, and this is particularly advantageous if mist nozzles are also provided in such a spray head 10, which nozzles are directed into the interior of the housing 70.

(47) Likewise, it is understood that the top side of the housing 70 can also have pores, which preferably also penetrate the housing wall, so that due to the upper pores and the lower pores 75, drip flow openings 65 are formed, through which liquid can get from the top side 12 of the spray head 10 to the underside 14 of the spray head 10 and thereby to the drip points 60 formed by the pore edges.

(48) The pores 75 can be arranged in regular or irregular manner, in this regard, and this can be due to the respective requirements or the respective production method.

(49) In particular, the pores 75 can also be configured as honeycombs 76, which preferably penetrate through the entire housing. This brings about great stability of the overall arrangement, since such honeycombs are very stable by their nature. Furthermore, the honeycombs 76 also directly form drip flow openings 65, and drip points 60 at their lower edges, wherein if necessary, small openings or interruptions can be provided at contact locations of the honeycombs 76 with internal structures of the spray head 10, for example with the two-substance nozzles 30 or with the feed channels 40, so that liquid can continue to flow downward through the honeycombs.

(50) In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, as a corresponding example, the honeycombs 76 are selected to be so thick that small channels can be provided in the interior, through which water can be guided to mist nozzles 80, which can be found at the top edges of selected honeycombs and by means of which water can be nebulized for cooling of the overall arrangement. In this regard, the mist nozzles are directed upward and to the side in this exemplary embodiment, wherein here, other orientations are also easily conceivable.

(51) It is understood that the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 to 16 can also be produced by way of a 3D printing method.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

(52) 10 spray head 12 top side 14 underside 16 region 18 spray arm 20 die 21 lower die 22 upper die 23 working chamber 24 forming machine 25 press cylinder 26 lower yoke 27 upper yoke 28 tension rod 29 movable yoke 30 two-substance nozzle 31 DE LAVAL or other convergent-divergent type nozzle 32 nozzle body 33 spray air outlet 34 spray medium outlet 38 valve cover 40 feed channel 41 channel wall 42 pipe 45 spray medium channel 46 spray air channel 47 control channel 50 spray head foot 55 supply connector 58 bore 60 drip point 65 drip flow opening 70 housing 75 pore 76 honeycomb 80 mist nozzle