Device for applying adhesive to a workpiece

#This application is a national stage of PCT/EP01/08965 filed Aug. 2, 2001 and based upon DE 100 48 749.1 filed Sep. 29, 2000 under the International Convention.

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention concerns a device for applying adhesive to a workpiece, the device including a nozzle head that can be supplied with viscous adhesive under pressure and an application nozzle, wherein the nozzle head and the workpiece are moveable relative to each other via robotic means, such that the adhesive emitted from the application nozzle, preferably in the manner of a spray jet, is applied to the workpiece in the form of an adhesive strip along a predefined line of application. In the following the term “adhesive” is intended to include other viscous materials, such as insulation, which can be applied to a workpiece in viscous form via an application nozzle.

#In the following the invention will be described in greater detail on the basis of the illustrative embodiment shown in the figures. There is shown:

#FIG. 1 a robot for the flange or edge-bead sealing of a workpiece in perspective representation;

#FIG. 2a a section through a nozzle head connected to an end element of the robot;

#The robot 10 shown in the figure is designed for application of adhesive for sealing of edge beads or flange welds 12 of workpieces 14, here parts for passenger vehicles. The robot carries for this purpose on its end element 16 a nozzle head 18, which is supplied with a pasty adhesive via a flexible hose 20 and includes an application nozzle 24 closeable via a valve needle 22. The actuation of the valve needle 22 occurs via a cylinder-piston arrangement 48, of which the piston 50, when in the open position, is slid upward pneumatically by the robot control against the force of a closing spring 51, and in the closed position is slid downward under the influence of the closing spring 51. In the shown embodiment the nozzle head 18 is a cyclone spray head, wherein the adhesive thread 28 is emitted out of the application nozzle 24, which thread is deflected and whirled with the aid of pressurized gas, such that a strip-like laid-down partially open adhesive strip 40 of defined breadth is applied upon the workpiece 14. For this purpose the nozzle head 18 includes a spray air connection 30, to which a spray airline is connected. The spray air supplied thereby communicates with an air emission channel 34 oriented diagonal to the application nozzle 24.

#The nozzle head is moveable via the robot 10 relative to the workpiece 14 along a predetermined application line 36 in the direction of the arrow 38 and applies upon the workpiece 14 a whirled adhesive strip 40 via the application nozzle 24.

#As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 3, on the end element 16 of the robot 10 there is additionally provided a camera unit 42 with illumination device 44, which is located aft of the nozzle head 18 in the direction of movement 38, and which has the task of monitoring the application of the adhesive strip 40 and, as necessary, to correct it using image evaluation unit 45 actuation or control technology.