Device for applying adhesive to a workpiece

Abstract

An adhesive robot, comprising a device for applying adhesive to a workpiece. The adhesive robot has a nozzle head (18), which has an application nozzle (24) and can be supplied with a pressurized viscous adhesive, the nozzle head (18) and the workpiece (14) being displaceable in relation to one another. The adhesive which is issued from the application nozzle (24) in a spray jet (28) is applied to a workpiece (14) along a predefined line of application (36) in the form of a strip of adhesive (40). To facilitate the adjustment and re-calibration process, the system comprises at least one camera unit (42), which is located on the nozzle head (18) and whose leans is directed towards the spray jet (28) or the adhesive strip (40). The output of said camera unit is connected to an image evaluation unit (45). The image data (40) recorded by the camera unit (42) is buffered and compared with predetermined image values (40). The decisive control parameters for the system can be calibrated and tracked either automatically or by remote control, on the basis of deviations in the image data that have been determined along the line of application (36).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 381,950, filed on Jun. 30, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. No new matter is contained in this continuation application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] 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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is about improving adhesive application in devices of the type described by making the calibration process automated during adhesive application and / or remote control. The solution involves using a camera or sensors to monitor the adhesive application and detect any deviation from the desired application. The camera can be connected to a camera unit on the nozzle head or robotic element with its lens directed towards the spray beam or adhesive strip. A distance sensor can also be used to scan the application line for determining the distance from the nozzle head or robotic element to the workpiece. The image evaluation unit can include an actual-value memory for continuous recording of the measured image data and a path or clock time provider that can be synchronized with the actual-value memory. The image evaluation unit can also include an intended-value memory or generator for generating predetermined image data along the application line. The dispensing device includes a dispensed-amount controller for controlling the amount of adhesive as well as an actuator or control device for adjusting the strip-breadth of the adhesive along the application line. The nozzle head can be a cyclonic spray head or a cyclonic spray head designed for emission of a coherent adhesive thread. The control device can be a control computer and image evaluation software. The invention allows for seamless and continuous image presentation and rapid defect recognition and correction."

Problems solved by technology

In the case that the compressed gas supply is made viscosity dependent, this involves a control technical measure which requires a substantial calibration effort.

Above all in the case of the change of application parameters, in the case of changing the robot program or in the case of changing the adhesive or the workpiece surface, recalibrations are necessary, which can be quite time consuming.

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