DK2403654T3

DK2403654T3 - repair Nozzle

Info

Publication number: DK2403654T3
Application number: DK09764776.2T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Hans-Jörg Maier; Werner Moosmann; Joachim Plotzitzka; Hermann J Schwarze
Original assignee: Henkel Ag & Co Kgaa
Priority date: 2009-03-04
Filing date: 2009-11-27
Publication date: 2016-07-04
Also published as: CN102413947B; JP2014221476A; EP2403654A1; ZA201106452B; CN102413947A; UA99414C2; EP2403654B1; KR20110128912A; DE102009011178A1; US20120168469A1; CA2754005C; WO2010099840A1; CA2754005A1; RU2513447C2; RU2011140161A; AU2009341446A1; BRPI0924747A2; AU2009341446B2; JP2012519069A; ES2577505T3

Description

The present invention relates to a nozzle for producing, in particular for readjusting, repairing and reproducing material beads of in particular adhesives and/or sealants having different surface structures in the automotive field. US5033650A, US2006/0163293A, JP-A-10015456, US5137184A and US-A-2002/0076260 all disclose application nozzles for dispensing adhesive and/or sealant beads.

In series production in the automotive field, beads of this type are applied in an automated manner by application robots. The beads are used to bond sheet metal parts, pieces of insulation against noise and temperature influences, or are used as seals. The application or robotic nozzles used are generally made of metal and have to have long service lives to prevent the application robot breaking down during series production as a result of a faulty application nozzle. Using the known mode of application by means of an application nozzle, it is not possible to apply adhesives and/or sealants at a later date, for example to repair or readjust a structure of this type in the automotive field, in particular after an accident. For the most part, the aftermarket, in particular repair shops, does not have the necessary application robot. Moreover, owing to the high cost of the application nozzle, it is not actually practical for the aftermarket, in particular the repair market, to purchase a specific application nozzle for the specific application.

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a nozzle for the aftermarket, and in particular for the repair market, for dispensing viscous materials in the automotive field in order to repair or reproduce structures produced in series production.

This invention is addressed by the features of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are provided by the dependent claims.

The basic concept behind the invention is the use of a repair nozzle for dispensing viscous materials, which can be used in the automotive field, from a container containing the viscous material, such as a cartridge or a tubular bag or film bag, by means of an associated dispensing gun. The repair nozzle has a proximal product input side, including means for detachably fastening the repair nozzle to the container, and at least one sealing element for providing a sealing option between the repair nozzle and the container.

The viscous materials used can in particular be adhesives and/or sealants and/or noise-damping and/or vibration-damping materials that are known in the aftermarket and/or in series production in the automotive field and can be viscous or highly viscous or paste-like. These materials are contained in containers. Known cartridges that can consist, for example, of a plastics material or aluminum are in particular conceivable as the containers used. Often, the cartridges have a cylindrical body, a movable plunger for pushing out the adhesive and/or sealant in the cartridge being provided on one side and an outlet opening for dispensing the viscous material being provided on the opposite side. The plunger is moved within the cartridge by the application of a force, such that the viscous material can be dispensed. It goes without saying that the term "container" should also be understood to include the use of suitable similar containers known to a person skilled in the art, in particular the use of known film bags and/or tubular bags.

Caulking guns are particularly suitable to be used as dispensing guns. Preferably, pneumatic guns are used, in which the viscous material can be dispensed from the container via a nozzle by means of a pneumatic system. These guns are particularly suitable for use with a repair nozzle according to the invention, since compressed air is available in most repair shops, meaning that the viscous material can be dispensed without the user having to exert much force. The use of a specific compressed air gun for ejecting viscous to thin material, as described in WO 2006/128578 A (international application PCT/EP2006/004600), is particularly suitable. Reference can be made to this citation for the aspects relating to the caulking gun.

It is also conceivable to use purely mechanical guns known to a person skilled in the art. These are suitable, for example, for use in areas where compressed air is not available. Preferably, however, pneumatic guns are used, since in particular in the automotive field highly viscous materials such as adhesives and/or sealants are often applied, and so it is particularly practical to use special pneumatic guns, which are able to generate higher pushing-out pressures than purely mechanical guns.

The repair nozzle is preferably made of plastics material. Preferably, the repair nozzle is a disposable product, so once the viscous material has been dispensed, the nozzle is disposed of. The nozzle does not have to be cleaned in this case, and so time is saved and there is also no need for additional additives and cleaning agents for removing material residues. The means for detachably fastening the nozzle to the container are preferably provided on the proximal product input side. This can in particular be a threaded region that can be meshed with a corresponding threaded region of the container in order to fasten the nozzle to the container. When using the repair nozzle with a film bag and/or a tubular bag as the container for the viscous material, use is preferably made of suitable adapters or attachments that are known in the art and comprise a region that allows the nozzle to be detachably fastened by means of the aforementioned means. When using a nozzle having a threaded region, it is conceivable in particular to use an adapter that has a corresponding threaded region.

In addition, there can be a protruding collar in the region of the proximal product input side for supporting the repair nozzle on the container. When a force is applied to the repair nozzle, for example when the repair nozzle is placed onto a substrate for dispensing the viscous material, the repair nozzle is supported by the protruding collar on the container, and so it is possible in particular to prevent damage to the repair nozzle and/or the container and/or to prevent the repair nozzle unfastening from the container owing to a force being applied to the repair nozzle. In some dispensing guns, the collar can also be used for supporting the repair nozzle on the dispensing gun. For this purpose, the repair nozzle is connected to the container by means of said connecting means and inserted into the dispensing gun together with the container. In the process, the repair nozzle preferably protrudes from an opening in the dispensing gun, preferably at least by its distal end. In this case, the opening is of such a size that the collar, of the repair nozzle, on the proximal side can be supported on the parts of the dispensing gun that delimit the opening. The opening is thus preferably smaller than the collar of the repair nozzle. If, in order to dispense the viscous material from the container, pressure is applied thereto by means of the dispensing gun, the container is pressed towards the distal product output side of the repair nozzle together with the repair nozzle. Owing to the protruding collar on the repair nozzle, the repair nozzle is supported on the dispensing gun, and so displacement of the container, together with the repair nozzle, is prevented and the viscous material can be dispensed by means of the repair nozzle.

The repair nozzle also comprises at least one sealing element for providing a sealing option between the repair nozzle and the container. This sealing element can ensure in particular that no material to be dispensed escapes between the repair nozzle and the container, in particular in the region where the two components are detachably fastened, when the material is being dispensed by means of the repair nozzle. The use of at least one such sealing element is necessary in particular because of the materials being dispensed. These materials, in particular adhesives, sealants and/or noise-damping and/or vibration-damping materials, are often viscous and/or highly viscous. The materials are dispensed by means of the nozzle by applying a high force and/or pressure, and so even the smallest of spaces between the repair nozzle and the container could lead to material inadvertently escaping. This escaped material can no longer be used as intended, and may soil and/or affect the dispensing gun or the work area, or may make the user himself dirty and/or put him at risk.

In addition, an inadvertent escape of material such as this could result in a loss of pressure in the nozzle, which may in particular affect the application result, i.e. the formation of the applied bead.

According to the invention, a sealing lip ring is provided as the sealing element, which lip ring is provided on the proximal side of the repair nozzle and comes into contact with the container when the repair nozzle is fastened to the container in such a way that sealing is made possible. It goes without saying that other solutions are also conceivable. In particular, the means for detachable fastening can also function as a sealing element and can include a sealing function. The aforementioned use of a threaded region as a means for detachable fastening is in particular conceivable in this case. By precisely forming the thread turns and adapting them exactly to the corresponding thread of the container, in particular with minimum tolerances, a sealing function can already by achieved within the thread. Owing to the precise design, the fastening between the repair nozzle and the container is thus self-sealing since the threaded region of the repair nozzle is designed such that the thread turns closely abut the flanks of the corresponding thread of the container when the repair nozzle is fitted to a container. This can prevent material to be dispensed from escaping. In addition, material can be prevented from entering the thread, which would make it difficult to unfasten the repair nozzle from the container. The option of creating a seal makes it possible to avoid undesirable material waste and prevent the equipment and/or the work area and/or the user himself from becoming dirty.

The use of a repair nozzle according to the invention brings many advantages. In particular, surface structures that have been produced in an automated manner during series production in the automotive field can be repaired or readjusted, for example for repairs in the aftermarket and in particular in the repair market, in repair shops. In particular, damage caused to such surface structures as a result of accidents can be repaired in this manner. There is no need to use an application robot, which is necessary in series production for applying the viscous material, e.g. an adhesive and/or sealant, to produce the structures. By using a repair nozzle according to the invention, the viscous materials typically applied in an automated manner in the automotive field during series production can thus be applied at a later date, in particular in the aftermarket, for example in repair shops, especially for repairs.

According to the invention, the repair nozzle is equipped with a slotted discharge opening at a distal product output side in order to dispense a material bead. This slotted discharge opening has proven particularly advantageous for applying wide beads, the substrate being wetted over a wide surface area by the material being dispensed. For example, depending on which material is to be dispensed, it is possible in particular to achieve outstanding adhesive and/or sealing effects and/or noise-damping and/or vibration-damping effects. Preferably, the repair nozzle is used for dispensing viscous materials onto substrates that do not have large gaps, and so the use of a slotted discharge opening is particularly suitable. The beads applied in the automotive field by means of the repair nozzle according to the invention are in particular used to bond sheet metal parts, as insulation against noise and temperature influences, or as seals. The material bead is relatively wide compared with its height or with the slotted discharge opening. The bead is a flat-ripple bead having clear dimensions. In other words, the width and/or the height and/or the appearance of the bead corresponds to the design of the adhesive bead and/or sealant bead of the original equipment producer, which design has until now only been achieved by application using a robot. In this case, the material bead dispensed by means of the repair nozzle also has no overspray. Consequently, the user obtains a material bead that has sharp edges, not ragged edges. In addition, by means of the slotted discharge opening, it is possible to provide a material surface that has a closed film, which thus provides better bonding or sealing.

Further advantages result from using a repair nozzle that comprises a sealing element for providing a sealing option between the repair nozzle and the container, in combination with a slotted discharge opening. Owing to the slotted discharge opening, the pressure inside the nozzle is higher than in a conventional nozzle opening, which has a significantly larger discharge surface area and enables a larger volume flow of material to be dispensed when the same force and/or pressure is applied. Therefore, when using a repair nozzle having a slotted discharge opening, it is particularly expedient and advantageous to equip the repair nozzle with one or more sealing elements, since, owing to the high internal pressures in the repair nozzle, even the smallest of flaws or spaces can lead to material wrongly escaping.

The use according to the invention of a sealing element on the proximal product input side in the region of a product input opening in the repair nozzle has proven particularly advantageous, the sealing element being designed as a sealing lip ring extending in the proximal direction. In the process, the sealing lip ring preferably extends annularly around the product input opening. Owing to its extension in the proximal direction, the sealing lip ring protrudes towards the container when the repair nozzle is fastened to a container. Preferably, the sealing lip ring extends such that it comes into contact with the container when the repair nozzle is fastened thereto and thus creates a seal between the repair nozzle and the container.

Another advantage is the design of the repair nozzle having a casing area, which preferably surrounds a product channel for transporting the material from the product input side to the product output side, protruding ribs for reinforcing the fastening means and/or for making it easier to fasten the repair nozzle to the container being provided on the casing area at least in the region of the fastening means. It is advantageous to use ribs on the casing area in particular when using a repair nozzle having a threaded region. The ribs allow the threaded region to be reinforced since deformation of the thread is prevented and the repair nozzle can be stiffened. It is possible to prevent the thread from being destroyed in particular when a force is applied to the repair nozzle during application of the material. When designing the thread as a sealing element, the ribs also increase the sealing function as a result of the stiffening effect. The thread is not even deformed when a high force and/or pressure is applied, and so a sealing option can be ensured between the repair nozzle and the container when these are fitted together. Another advantage of the ribs is that of making it simpler to fasten the repair nozzle to the container. The ribs allow the user to have a good grip in order to fasten the repair nozzle, for example by rotating said ribs when a thread is used as the connection technique.

Another advantage is the formation of a guide projection on the casing area, in order in particular to make it easier to guide the repair nozzle along an edge when dispensing the material. Preferably, the guide projection is provided on the distal dispensing end of the repair nozzle. The projection can be integrally molded on the nozzle. In addition, when using a repair nozzle having a slotted discharge opening, the guide projection can be used by the user when fastening the repair nozzle to a container in order to identify the course of the slot. There is no longer any need to look at the slotted discharge opening.

Another advantage is the formation of a collar on the proximal product input side for supporting the repair nozzle on the container. By using a collar of this type, forces acting on the repair nozzle can in particular be transmitted to the container and damage to the repair nozzle can be prevented.

Another advantage is the chamfered form of the region delimiting the product input opening at the proximal end of the repair nozzle to enable the repair nozzle to be fitted to a container in a simple manner. In this case, it is conceivable to equip the internal wall of the casing surface delimiting the product input opening with a chamfer in such a way that a funnel shape open in the proximal direction is provided in the region of the product input opening in order to make it easier to insert the container into the product input opening.

According to the invention, the repair nozzle is equipped with a product channel in order to transport the material to be dispensed from the product input side to the product output side, and with an end cap that is integrally molded on the product output side, comprises the slotted discharge opening and is convexly curved in the distal direction of the nozzle. This shape has proven particularly advantageous. Preferably, the product channel tapers from the proximal product input side towards the distal product output side in order to increase the flow rate of the material inside the product channel. A slight taper is also capable of compensating for the drop in material pressure owing to friction on the internal walls of the product channel. Equipping the repair nozzle with an end cap that is convexly curved towards the distal product output side makes manufacture of the repair nozzle particularly simple. A convexly curved end cap makes it simple in particular to remove plastics repair nozzles from the mold in the injectionmolding process. In addition, a repair nozzle having a convexly curved end cap has excellent flow properties, and so the drop in material pressure in the repair nozzle can be reduced. This nozzle shape is particularly suitable for applications where the size of the material bead does not have to be adapted. For example, a special repair nozzle is used that can be equipped with a slotted discharge opening which is specifically designed for the material to be dispensed and/or for a particular application. By means of a repair nozzle of this type, the user is provided each time with the correct discharge opening for the material to be dispensed and/or for the application, thereby avoiding errors.

Another advantage when using a convexly curved end cap on the distal product output side is that the slotted discharge opening is provided across a curved dome of the convexly curved end cap. The curved dome should be understood to be the point of the convexly curved end cap by which the end cap projects the farthest in the distal direction of the repair nozzle. It is particularly advantageous in terms of flow if the slotted discharge opening extends across the curved dome. Owing to the curvature of the slotted discharge opening, when the material is dispensed, it is also applied sideways in some regions, and so the user obtains a material bead that is wider than just the diameter of the repair nozzle in the region of the distal product output side without the convexly curved end cap.

When equipping the nozzle with a product channel, another advantage is that the product channel is designed to be rotationally symmetrical at least in some regions, the axis of rotation extending from the proximal product input side to the distal product output side.

Another advantage of designing the product channel to be rotationally symmetrical at least in some regions is that a slotted discharge opening is provided that extends across the axis of rotation of the product channel.

Another advantage is that a repair system is provided for repairing structures in the automotive field, consisting of a repair nozzle having the features of claim 1, a dispensing gun and a container containing the material to be dispensed, the repair nozzle in particular comprising a proximal product input side, on which there are provided means for fitting to the container containing the material to be dispensed and at least one sealing element for providing a sealing option between the repair nozzle and the container. By means of a system of this type, the user can readjust and/or repair the structures produced in an automated manner in series production, without having to resort, for example, to an application robot.

According to the invention, when using a repair system of this type, the repair nozzle is equipped with a distal product output side, a slotted discharge opening being provided on the distal product output side in order to dispense a material bead. This slotted discharge opening has proven particularly advantageous for applying wide beads, the substrate being wetted over a wide surface area by the material being dispensed. By means of the slotted discharge opening, it is also possible to provide a material surface that has a closed film and thus provides improved bonding or sealing.

List of reference numerals: 100 repair nozzle 101 product input side 102 product output side 103 discharge opening 104 casing area 105 product channel 106 axis of rotation 107 collar 108 end cap 109 sealing lip ring 110 fitting aid 111 reinforcing rib 112 guide projection 113 threaded sleeve 114 internal thread 115 sealing region 116 product input opening 117 chamfer 200 repair nozzle 201 product input side 202 product output side 203 discharge opening 204 trapezoidal casing area 205 product channel 206 axis of rotation 207 collar 208 base 209 sealing lip ring 210 threaded sleeve 211 internal thread 212 sealing region 214 detachment aids 216 product input opening 300 caulking gun 301 handle 302 metering device 303 receiving unit 304 carrier region 305 actuation lever 306 grip region 307 compressed air port 308 pressure regulator 309 manometer 310 dispensing end 311 closure cap 312 opening 313 cartridge 314 external thread 315 viscous material 316 front region

The invention is described in more detail below by way of example on the basis of the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a repair nozzle according to the invention comprising sealing elements,

Fig. 2 is a side view of the repair nozzle of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a sectional view A-A of the repair nozzle of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 is a sectional side view of a detail B of the repair nozzle of Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is a partially sectional side view of a repair system comprising a dispensing gun, a container and the repair nozzle of Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 shows a detail C of the repair system of Fig. 5, and

Fig. 7 is a sectional side view of an embodiment of a repair nozzle not according to the invention comprising sealing elements.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a repair nozzle 100 according to the invention, which is used for dispensing viscous materials that can be used in the automotive field, for example adhesives, sealants and/or noise-damping and/or vibration-damping materials, from containers (not shown) containing these materials, by means of an associated dispensing gun (not shown). The repair nozzle 100 comprises a proximal product input side 101, by which the repair nozzle 100 can be detachably fastened to a container, and a distal product output side 102 for dispensing the material onto a substrate. A product input opening is provided in the proximal product input side 101 and is adjoined by a product channel that is substantially rotationally symmetrical about an axis of rotation 106 and forms a connection between the proximal product input side 101 and the distal product output side 102 for the material to be dispensed. The product channel is enclosed by a sleeve-shaped casing area 104 of the repair nozzle 100, which area tapers slightly conically in the distal direction. A collar 107 that projects radially outwards in relation to the axis of rotation 106 and allows the repair nozzle 100 to be supported on a container is provided at the proximal product input side 101. In particular when a force is applied to the repair nozzle 100 when the material is being dispensed, the repair nozzle 100 is supported on the fitted container by the collar 107. The collar 107 is thus used to transmit forces and, by providing support, prevents the repair nozzle 100 from potentially being destroyed when the material is being dispensed. A sealing lip ring (not visible in this view) extending in the proximal direction is integrally molded on the collar 107 as a sealing element. The casing area 104 comprises a threaded sleeve 113 on the proximal side. The threaded sleeve 113 encloses a hidden internal thread for fastening the repair nozzle 100 to a container. Projecting fitting aids 110 extending in the axial direction are provided around the circumference of the threaded sleeve 113. The fitting aids 110 allow the user to have a good grip when fastening the repair nozzle 100 to a container by means of the internal thread. A plurality of protruding ribs 111 are provided on the casing area 104, in particular to reinforce and stabilize the repair nozzle 100 and the internal thread, which ribs adjoin some of the fitting aids 110 and extend on the outer surface of the casing area 104 in the axial direction in relation to the axis of rotation 106. In particular when a force is applied to the repair nozzle 100 when dispensing the material, the stiffening effect of the ribs 111 can prevent the repair nozzle 100 and the thread 114 being destroyed. The casing area 104 comprises a guide projection 112 on its distal side. Said projection protrudes from the casing area 104 and extends axially in relation to the axis of rotation 106. In particular, the guide projection 112 allows the repair nozzle 100 to be guided along an edge when the material is being dispensed, and makes it easier for material to be dispensed precisely.

The material is dispensed via a slotted discharge opening 103 provided in an end cap 108 at the distal product output side 102. The end cap 108 is convexly curved in the distal direction of the repair nozzle 100, and the slotted discharge opening 103 extends over the curved dome of the convexly curved end cap 108. In this embodiment, the axis of rotation 106 also extends through the slotted discharge opening 103. By means of the slotted discharge opening 103, it is possible to dispense material beads that have a low application height compared with the application width on the substrate. This is very advantageous in particular when bonding components in the automotive field, since as large a surface area of the substrate as possible should be provided by the material to be dispensed so that a sufficient bonding and/or sealing effect is obtained for example, the thickness of the material having to be kept as low as possible. By using the convexly curved end cap 108 and the course of the slotted discharge opening 103 across the curved dome of the end cap 108, it is also possible to ensure that a relatively wide material bead is dispensed, since the material to be dispensed can be dispensed at the casing areas of the slotted discharge opening 103 not only in the axial direction in relation to the axis of rotation 106, but some material can also be dispensed radially outwards in relation to the axis of rotation 106.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the repair nozzle 100 of Fig. 1. The region of the casing area 104 that has a larger circumference than the rest of the casing area 104 and is formed as the threaded sleeve 113 is formed on the proximal product input side 101. The threaded sleeve 113 comprises the projecting fitting aids 110. A reinforcing rib 111 is integrally molded on a fitting aid 110 and extends axially on the casing area 104 in the distal direction. Another reinforcing rib 111, which cannot be seen in the view shown, is provided on the other side of the repair nozzle 100. The collar 107 is integrally formed onto the proximal side of the threaded sleeve 113. The proximal end of the repair nozzle 100 on the proximal product input side 101 forms a projecting sealing lip ring 109. In addition, the guide projection 112 on the distal product output side 102 can be seen, which projection projects from the casing area 104 and in some regions protrudes in the distal direction into the convexly curved end cap 108.

Fig. 3 shows a sectional side view A-A of the repair nozzle of Fig. 2. The repair nozzle 100 comprises a product channel 105 that is rotationally symmetrical about the axis of rotation 106 at least in some regions. The product channel 105 forms a connection between the proximal product input side 101 and the distal product output side 102 for the material to be dispensed. The product channel 105 thus connects the product input opening 116 to the slotted discharge opening 103 in the convexly curved end cap 108. The product channel 105 tapers from the proximal product input side 101 towards the distal product output side 102 in order to increase the flow rate of the material within the product channel 105 and/or to compensate for a drop in the material pressure owing to friction on the internal walls of the product channel 105. The product channel 105 is enclosed by the sleeve-shaped casing area 104 of the repair nozzle 100. The casing area 104 comprises the reinforcing ribs 111 and is provided, on the side of the proximal product input side 101, with an internal thread 114, by which the repair nozzle 100 can be fastened or fitted to a container having a corresponding external thread. The internal thread 114 is a precision thread that is adapted to the size of the corresponding external thread of a container in such a way that a sealing function is achieved within the thread by means of a sealing region 115. Owing to the precise design, the fastening between the repair nozzle 100 and a container is thus self-sealing, since the internal thread 114 of the repair nozzle 100 is designed such that the thread turns closely abut the flanks of the corresponding thread of the container when the repair nozzle 100 is fitted to a container. The external thread of the container being used is generally standardized and has a set size. Therefore, by precisely forming the thread turns of the internal thread 114 and adapting them exactly to the corresponding thread of the container, in particular with minimum tolerances, it is possible to already achieve a sealing function within the thread. By means of the sealing region 115, the internal thread 114 of the repair nozzle thus provides a first sealing element of the repair nozzle 100. Inadvertent or incorrect escape of material to be dispensed can be prevented, and material can also be prevented from entering the thread, which would make it difficult to unfasten the repair nozzle 100 from the container.

By designing the internal thread 114 as a first sealing element, the fitting aids (not shown in this view) and/or reinforcing ribs 111 further increase the sealing function by means of the stiffening effect. The internal thread 114 is hardly deformed at all, even if a large force and/or high pressure is applied, and so a sealing option can be ensured between the repair nozzle 100 and the container when these are fitted together. Another advantage of the fitting aids and/or the reinforcing ribs 111 is that they make it easier to fasten the repair nozzle 100 to the container. The fitting aids and/or reinforcing ribs 111 allow the user to have a good grip for fastening the repair nozzle 100, for example when screwing the corresponding outer thread of a container into the internal thread 114 of the repair nozzle 100.

Furthermore, the sealing lip ring 109 is provided as an additional sealing element in the region of the proximal product input side 101. Said ring annularly encloses the product input opening 116 and extends in the proximal direction. Owing to its extension in the proximal direction, the sealing lip ring 109 protrudes towards the container when the repair nozzle 100 is fastened to a container. At the same time, the extension of the sealing lip ring 109 is such that said ring comes into contact with the container when the repair nozzle 100 is fastened and thus creates a seal between the repair nozzle 100 and the container. It is of course conceivable for the repair nozzle 100 to only comprise one of the above-described sealing elements.

Fig. 4 shows a detail B from the sectional side view of the repair nozzle 100 of Fig. 3. As can be seen in the sectional view, the sealing lip ring 109 can form a right-angled triangle with two legs of equal length, the tip of the right angle pointing in the proximal direction. The sealing lip ring 109 is integrally molded on the collar 107. However, the sealing lip ring 109 can be a separate component and/or be connected to another part of the repair nozzle. It is also possible for the sealing lip ring 109 to be made of a different material to the repair nozzle, in order for example to achieve a better sealing effect. The sealing lip ring 109 encloses the product input opening 116 in an annular manner. In this embodiment, the boundary region that delimits the product input opening 116 and results from the abutting outer surface of the collar 107 and the internal wall of the casing area 104, is chamfered. This chamfered formation of the region delimiting the product input opening 116 at the proximal end of the repair nozzle makes it simple to fit the repair nozzle to a container. By means of the chamfer, a funnel shape that is open in the proximal direction is provided in the region of the product input opening 116 in order to make it easier to insert the container into the product input opening 116.

The repair system shown in Fig. 5 for readjusting and/or repairing structures in the automotive field consists of the repair nozzle 100 shown in Fig. 1, an application or caulking gun 300 and a container 313 containing a material 315 to be dispensed, for example an adhesive and/or a sealant. In this case, a cartridge is used as the container 313. The cartridge comprises a substantially cylindrical body, a movable plunger for pushing out the material in the cartridge being provided on one side and an area having an outlet opening for dispensing the material being provided on the opposite side. In this case, the outlet opening provides a hollow-cylindrical attachment, which is arranged axially with respect to the cylindrical body of the cartridge but has a smaller diameter. The attachment is provided with an external thread that can be meshed with an internal thread of the repair nozzle 100.

The caulking gun 300 comprises a handle 301 that enables the user to operate and guide the caulking gun 300. For this purpose, the handle 301 comprises a grip region 306 which can be equipped with anti-slip means or can have an ergonomic shape for providing the user with a secure grip when working with the system. The handle 301 is equipped with a carrier region 304 on which a receiving unit 303 is connected to the handle 301. The receiving unit 303 has a hollow-cylindrical shape and is used to receive the container 313 filled with the material 315 to be dispensed. The product is dispensed at a dispensing end 310 of the receiving unit 303. For this purpose, a metering device 302 is provided on the handle 301, which device can be used by the user to regulate the dispensing of the material 315 contained in the container 313. In this embodiment, the gun is a pneumatic caulking gun 300, the material 315 being dispensable by using compressed air. For this purpose, a compressed air port 307 is provided on the handle 301. The user can connect a pressure medium, for example a compressor, to this compressed air port 307. To regulate the pressure, a pressure regulator 308 is attached to the handle 301. By means of a manometer 309 provided on the handle 301, the user can read the pressure that is applied at the caulking gun 300 and set by the pressure regulator 308. To regulate the pressure in order to apply the material 315 to be dispensed, the metering unit 302 can be operated by means of an actuation lever 305 that is attached to the handle 301 and can be pivoted towards the handle 301. The dispensing of the material 315 in the container 313 can be regulated by means of the degree of pivoting of the actuation lever 305 and the air pressure set at the pressure regulator 308. A propulsion element (not shown) that can be displaced within the receiving unit 303 is provided in the receiving unit 303 for dispensing the material 315. By applying pressure to the propulsion element, said element is displaced and presses the container 313, together with the material 315 to be dispensed, arranged in the receiving unit 303 towards the dispensing end 310 of the receiving unit 303. At the dispensing end 310, the receiving unit 303 comprises a closure cap 311. In this embodiment, this closure cap 311 is connected to the cylindrical receiving unit 303 by means of a screw thread and comprises an opening 312 that is concentrically aligned with the hollow-cylindrical shape of the receiving unit 303. By means of this opening 312, the material 315 can be dispensed from the container 313 located in the receiving unit 303.

To provide the system for starting the work, the repair nozzle 100 is connected to the container 313. For this purpose, the container 313 comprises an external thread 314, which can be meshed with the corresponding internal thread of the repair nozzle 100. To start the work using the system, the container 313 is inserted into the cavity in the receiving unit 313 in such a way that the repair nozzle 100 protrudes out of the receiving unit 303. Next, the closure cap 311 is pushed over the repair nozzle 100 and connected to the receiving unit 303 by means of the aforementioned screw connection. When installed, the repair nozzle 100 also protrudes out of the receiving unit 313 through the opening 311. By applying pressure to the propulsion element (not shown) for dispensing the material 315, the container 313 is pushed towards the dispensing end 310 and is supported on the closure cap 311. Owing to this support, the active pressure does not move the container 313 together with the repair nozzle 100, but instead moves the propulsion element inside the container 313, and so the material 315 to be dispensed is pushed out of the container 313, enters the product channel of the repair nozzle 100 and can finally be dispensed via the slotted discharge opening 103.

Fig. 6 shows a detail C of the repair system of Fig. 5. In this case, the repair nozzle 100 is fitted to the container 313 containing the material 315 to be dispensed. For this purpose, the internal thread 114 of the repair nozzle 100 is meshed with a corresponding external thread 314 of the container. When fitted, the sealing lip ring 109 of the repair nozzle 100 adjoins a front region 316 of the container 313. In this embodiment, the two threaded regions 114, 314 have been rotated relative to one another such that the sealing lip ring 109 is pushed into and/or cuts into regions of the front region 316 of the container 313 in order to be able to ensure secure sealing, even when the surface of the front region 316 has uneven areas resulting from the manufacture thereof. Flowever, the sealing lip ring 109 can, for example, be flexible and adapt to the front region 316 of the container by being screwed onto the external thread 314, and so a sealing function is produced for example by means of the deformation of the sealing lip ring 109, without cutting into the front region 316. In this embodiment, the repair nozzle 100 is sealed with respect to the container 313 by means of two sealing elements: firstly by means of the threaded regions 114, 314 owing to an extremely precise repair nozzle internal thread 114 being provided, thereby producing a sealing region 115, and secondly by means of the projecting sealing lip ring 109, which enables sealing at the front region 316 of the cartridge 313.

Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a repair nozzle 200 having a proximal product input side 201, a distal product output side 202 and a product channel 205. The product channel 205 connects a product input opening 216 at the proximal product input side 201 to a slotted discharge opening 203 at the distal product output side 202. In the proximal region, the repair nozzle 200 is designed on the product channel 205 to be substantially rotationally symmetrical about an axis of rotation 206 and is enclosed towards the distal product output side 202 by a trapezoidal casing area 204 that comprises the slotted discharge opening 203. The trapezoidal casing area 204 is designed such that a base 208 is arranged on the distal product output side 202. The slotted discharge opening 203 extends over the base 208 of the trapezoidal casing area 204. Furthermore, at the proximal product input side 201, there is a collar 207 that projects radially outwards in relation to the axis of rotation 206 and is used to support the repair nozzle 200 on a container. On its surface, the trapezoidal casing area 204 comprises a plurality of detachment aids 214 arranged in parallel with the base 208. These detachment aids 214 represent marks at which the user can detach parts of the trapezoidal casing area 204. Owing to the trapezoidal shape of the casing area 204, detaching a part at the distal product output side 202 is accompanied by the base 208 getting smaller. Therefore, by detaching a part of the trapezoidal casing area 204, the slotted discharge opening 203, which extends over the base 208, is also made smaller since the base 208 is made smaller. In this way, the user can vary the size of the slotted discharge opening 203 by detaching parts of the trapezoidal casing area 204 in order to adapt said opening size to the amount of material to be dispensed or to adjust the size of the desired material bead.

The casing area 204 comprises reinforcing ribs (not shown) and is provided with an internal thread 211 on the side of the proximal product input side 201, by which thread the repair nozzle 200 can be fitted to a container having a corresponding external thread. The internal thread 211 is a precision thread, as described above, which provides a first sealing element by means of a sealing region 212. Furthermore, a sealing lip ring 209 is provided as a further sealing element in the region of the proximal product input side 201. In the process, said ring annularly encloses the product input opening 216 and extends in the proximal direction. Owing to its extension in the proximal direction, the sealing lip ring 209 projects towards the container when the repair nozzle 200 is fastened to a container. The extension of the sealing lip ring 209 is such that said ring comes into contact with the container when the repair nozzle 200 is fastened, and thus creates a seal between the repair nozzle 200 and the container. Of course, it is conceivable for the repair nozzle 200 to only comprise one of the sealing elements described.

Claims

A repair nozzle (100, 200) for dispensing viscous materials (315) applicable in the automobile field from one of these materials containing container (313) and this by means of an associated dispensing gun (300) with a proximal product supply side (101, 201), having means (114, 211) for releasably attaching the repair nozzle (100, 200) to the container (313), and at least one sealing means (109, 209) for providing a sealing option between the repair nozzle (100, 200) and the container (313) during the material delivery, and wherein the sealing means (109, 209) is provided at the proximal product supply side (101, 201) at a product supply opening (116, 216) and formed as a sealing lip (109, 209) extending in the proximal direction. has an orifice orifice, characterized in that it is provided with a slot-shaped orifice (103, 203) for dispensing a material strand, and that a product channel (105) is provided for transporting it to the iscose material (315) from the product delivery side (101) to a product delivery side (102), and that at the product delivery side (102) an end cap (108) having a slit-shaped orifice (103) is formed, the end cap (108) being curved in the distal direction of the repair nozzle (100).

Repair nozzle (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing lip has a cross-sectional shape of a triangle, where a tip of the triangle points in the proximal direction.

Repair nozzle (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that protruding ribs (110, 111) exist - at least in a region of the fastening means (114, 211) - ) for reinforcing the fasteners (114, 211) and / or for facilitating the fixing of the repair nozzle (100, 200) to the container (313).

Repair nozzle (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a guide projection (112) is formed at the sheath region (104, 204) to facilitate along the edge a guide for the repair nozzle (100, 200).

Repair nozzle (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the proximal product supply side (101, 201) a collar (107, 207) is provided for supporting the repair nozzle (100, 200) at the container ( 313).

Repair nozzle (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an area adjacent to the product supply opening (116, 216) is beveled in order to enable simple assembly of the repair nozzle (100, 200) by the container (313).

Repair nozzle (100, 200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the slit-shaped orifice (103) extends over a domed dome on an end cap (108).

Repair nozzle (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product channel (105, 205) is at least regionally formed rotationally symmetrical about an axis of rotation (106, 206).

Repair nozzle (100, 200) according to claim 8, characterized in that the slit-shaped orifice (103, 203) extends over the axis of rotation (106, 206) of the product channel (105, 205).

A repair system for the restoration of structures in the automobile field, comprising a repair nozzle (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 9, a delivery gun (300) and the container (313) containing viscous material (315).