CN111491740B

CN111491740B - Fluid application device with modular contact nozzle with fluidic oscillator

Info

Publication number: CN111491740B
Application number: CN201880081870.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 小爱德华·韦恩·博尔亚德
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2017-11-01
Filing date: 2018-10-29
Publication date: 2023-05-09
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-29
Also published as: JP7391838B2; EP3703864B1; CN111491740A; BR112020008739A2; WO2019089436A1; EP3703864A1; BR112020008739B1; JP2021501049A; MX2020007143A

Abstract

A fluid application device (10) includes an applicator head (16) and a nozzle assembly (22) fluidly coupled to the applicator head. The nozzle assembly includes a first conduit (430), the first conduit (430) configured to receive a first fluid from the applicator head, the first conduit having a first inlet configured to receive the first fluid and a flow distribution channel (431) downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, the flow distribution channel (431) configured to direct the first fluid in a lateral direction. The nozzle assembly further includes an application conduit (436), the application conduit (436) having a first fluid receiving portion configured to receive the first fluid from the flow distribution channel, and an orifice (428), the orifice (428) being fluidly connected to the application conduit, the orifice (428) being configured to discharge the first fluid for application onto the strand of material.

Description

Fluid application device with modular contact nozzle with fluidic oscillator

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/647,837, filed on 7, month 12, 2017, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/647,837, filed on 11, month 12, 2014, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/539,517 (now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 9,718,084), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/539,517 claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/929,744 filed on 21, 2014, 1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

The following description relates to fluid application devices for applying fluid to a strand of material, and in particular to fluid application devices having modular contact nozzles with fluidic oscillators for applying fluid to a strand of material in a non-linear pattern.

Nonwoven fabrics are engineered fabrics that provide specific functions such as absorbency, lyophobicity, elasticity, extensibility, softness, strength, flame-retardant protection, ease of cleaning, cushioning, filtration, use as bacterial barriers and sterility. In combination with other materials, the nonwoven material can provide a wide variety of properties to a range of products and can be used alone or as an integral part of hygiene garments, household products, healthcare products, engineering products, industrial products, and consumer products.

A plurality of elastic strands may be placed on and bonded to the nonwoven material, for example, to allow for a flexible fit around an object or person. The strands may be bonded to the nonwoven fabric with an adhesive (e.g., glue). In one arrangement, the strands are fed through nozzles on the adhesive applicator. The nozzle may comprise a plurality of outlets through which the glue may be discharged. A second fluid (e.g., air) may be discharged through the separate outlets to control the application of the glue so as to oscillate the glue across the respective strands as they pass through the nozzle. In such a configuration, the glue may be discharged as fibers and the fibers are oscillated by air.

The adhesive applicator may apply the adhesive to the strands with a contact nozzle or a non-contact nozzle. The contact nozzle discharges a substantially fixed volume of glue while the substrate (e.g. the strand) is fed with glue. The strands are in contact with the glue and the glue adheres to the strands as a result of this contact. In a non-contact nozzle, the glue may be discharged as fibers from the outlet. The glue fibers are discharged across the gap between the outlet and the strand and finally received on the strand. The discharge of the glue fibers may be controlled by a second fluid (e.g. air) discharged from adjacent the outlet to oscillate the glue fibers during application to the strands.

The non-contact nozzle may be beneficial for applying the gum fibers to the strands in a desired pattern, such as in a generally sinusoidal pattern. However, in order to obtain the desired pattern using a non-contact nozzle, the linear velocity, i.e. the velocity at which the strands are fed through the nozzle, generally cannot exceed about 400 meters per minute (mpm). Higher line speeds can be achieved with contact nozzles. However, contact nozzles are limited to applying glue to strands in a generally linear pattern.

It is therefore desirable to provide a fluid application device having a contact nozzle configured to apply fluid to a strand in a non-linear pattern so that the fluid can be applied over a wider area of the strand.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one embodiment, a fluid application device is provided having an applicator head and a nozzle assembly fluidly coupled to the applicator head. The nozzle assembly includes a first conduit configured to receive a first fluid from the applicator head, the first conduit having a first inlet configured to receive the first fluid and a flow distribution channel downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, the flow distribution channel configured to direct the first fluid in a lateral direction. The nozzle assembly further includes an application conduit including a first fluid receiving portion configured to receive the first fluid from the flow distribution channel and an orifice fluidly connected to the application conduit, the orifice configured to discharge the first fluid for application to the strand of material.

According to another embodiment, a nozzle assembly for a fluid application device is provided. The nozzle assembly includes a first conduit configured to receive a first fluid from the applicator head, the first conduit including a first inlet configured to receive the first fluid and a flow distribution channel downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, the flow distribution channel configured to direct the first fluid in a lateral direction. The nozzle assembly further includes an application conduit including a first fluid receiving portion configured to receive the first fluid from the flow distribution channel and an orifice fluidly connected to the application conduit, the orifice configured to discharge the first fluid for application to the strand of material.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like parts, elements, components, steps and processes.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid application device having a contact nozzle assembly according to embodiments described herein;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the fluid application device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a contact nozzle component according to embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 4A-4H are enlarged views of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the contact nozzle component of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a contact nozzle member according to another embodiment described herein;

FIGS. 7A-7F are enlarged views of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a contact nozzle member according to another embodiment described herein;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are enlarged partial views of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are enlarged views of another embodiment of the nozzle assembly of FIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are partial enlarged views of the nozzle assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a contact nozzle member according to another embodiment;

13A and 13B are enlarged views of another embodiment of the nozzle assembly of FIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are enlarged views of another embodiment of the nozzle assembly of FIGS. 9A and 9B; and

15A and 15B are enlarged views of another embodiment of the nozzle assembly of FIGS. 9A and 9B;

Detailed Description

While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will hereinafter be described, one or more embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as merely illustrative, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to any specific embodiment described or shown.

Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a fluid application device 10 according to embodiments described herein. The fluid application device 10 may be used to apply a first fluid to an article. For example, the fluid application device 10 may apply a first fluid to an article. The first fluid may be a viscous fluid that is a liquefied material that is heated or unheated between about 10 and 50000 centipoise (cps). The first fluid may be, for example, an adhesive, and the article may be, for example, an elastic or inelastic strand material 12. That is, in one embodiment, the fluid application device 10 is part of a strand coating system. An adhesive may be applied to the strands 12 so that the strands 12 may be adhered to a substrate 14 (e.g., a nonwoven material). In one embodiment, the strands 12 may be made of an elastic material and may be in either an extended or relaxed state when the first fluid is applied. The strands 12 may be, for example, spandex, rubber, or other similar elastic materials.

According to one embodiment, the fluid application device 10 includes an applicator head 16. The applicator head 16 may include a first fluid supply unit 18 and a second fluid supply unit 20. The fluid application device 10 further includes a nozzle assembly 22 fluidly coupled to the applicator head 16. The first fluid supply unit 18 is configured to receive a first fluid F1 from a first fluid source (not shown), and the second fluid supply unit 20 is configured to receive a second fluid F2 from a second fluid source (not shown). The nozzle assembly 22 is fluidly coupled to the first fluid supply unit 18, i.e. in fluid communication with said first fluid supply unit 18. The nozzle assembly 22 may also be fluidly coupled to the second fluid supply unit 20, i.e. may be in fluid communication with said second fluid supply unit 20. Thus, the nozzle assembly 22 may receive the first fluid F1 from the first fluid supply unit 18 and the second fluid F2 from the second fluid supply unit 20.

In some embodiments, the applicator head 16 may further include an adapter 24 secured to at least one of the first and second

fluid supply units

18, 20. The adapter 24 is positioned adjacent to the nozzle assembly 22 and is fluidly coupled to the nozzle assembly 22, i.e., in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly 22. In addition, the adapter 24 is fluidly coupled to one or both of the first and second

fluid supply units

18, 20 such that the nozzle assembly 22 may receive the first and second fluids via the adapter 24. That is, the adapter 24 is in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly 22 and at least one of the first and second

fluid supply units

18, 20. The adapter 24 is configured such that the nozzle assembly 22 is secured to the adapter 24 such that the nozzle assembly 22 can be properly positioned and oriented relative to the path followed by the applicator head 16 and/or strand 12.

The applicator head 16 may also include a flow control module 26. The flow control module 26 may include a valve or series of valves to regulate the flow of the first and second fluids from the first and second

fluid supply units

18, 20, respectively, to the nozzle assembly 22. The flow control module 26 and the adapter 24 may be integral such that the adapter 24 and the flow control module 26 are integral. That is, in some embodiments, the adapter 24 and the flow control module 26 are implemented as the same unit. The unit provides an adhesive path between one or both of the first and second

fluid supply units

18, 20 and the nozzle assembly 22. The unit (i.e., the combined adapter 24 and flow control module 26) may also include a valve to start and stop the flow of adhesive.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the fluid application device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the nozzle assembly 22 may be removably secured to the adapter 24 or other adjacent component of the applicator head 16. The nozzle assembly 22 may be a contact nozzle assembly 22. The nozzle assembly 22 includes an orifice 28 through which a first fluid F1 (see fig. 4) may be applied directly onto the strand 12. There may be at least one aperture 28 associated with each strand of material 12. In some embodiments, one aperture 28 is provided associated with each strand 12. That is, each orifice 28 may discharge the first fluid directly to a respective strand 12. Each orifice 28 may have a width of about 0.016-0.020 inches (in.), but is not so limited. For example, the width of the orifice 28 may be varied to accommodate strands 12 of different sizes. Additionally, in embodiments of the present contact nozzle assembly, the second fluid F2 (see fig. 4) may also be discharged adjacent to the orifice 28 or at the orifice 28, as described further below. The second fluid F2 may be used to control the application of the first fluid to the strand 12, for example, by moving the first fluid F1 back and forth across the width of the strand 12 or at least partially around the outer circumference of the strand 12 as the first fluid F1 is applied.

As noted above, the first fluid F1 may be an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive. The adhesive may be discharged from the orifice 28, for example, as a drop that directly contacts the strand 12. The applicator head 16 may be heated to melt the first fluid, or to maintain the first fluid F1 in a molten state. For example, the first fluid supply unit 18, the second fluid supply unit 20, and/or the nozzle assembly 22 may be heated, and thus may also radiate heat outward. The applicator head 16 may also include a heater.

The second fluid F2 may be, for example, air, and may be used to control the discharge of the first fluid F1 at the orifice 28 of the nozzle assembly 22 and onto the strand 12, as described above. In a non-limiting embodiment, two

branches

174a, 174b (see fig. 3 and 4) are provided, the two

branches

174a, 174b being configured to discharge the second fluid F2 adjacent to each orifice 28 that discharges the first fluid F1, as described further below. However, it is understood that the number of

branches

174a, 174b associated with each aperture 28 may vary. The second fluid may be alternately discharged from the outlet adjacent each orifice 28 to cause the first fluid F1 to fluctuate during application to the strand 12.

The fluid application device 10 further includes a strand engagement device 30. The strand engagement device 30 may be integrally formed with the applicator head 16. Alternatively, the strand engagement device 30 may be secured to the applicator head 16 or other component of the fluid application device 10 with suitable fasteners (including, but not limited to, bolts, screws, rivets, adhesives, welds, and the like). The strand engagement device 30 is configured to engage the strand 12 and move the strand 12 toward or away from the applicator head 16 and the nozzle assembly 22 based on the line status (active or stationary) of the fluid application device 10, as discussed further below.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the contact nozzle assembly 22 further includes a dependent guide portion 32 to assist in positioning the strand 12 relative to the orifice 28 and

branches

174a, 174b (see fig. 3 and 4) of the nozzle assembly 22. The guide portion 32 further comprises at least one guide slot 34 through which the strand 12 can be fed. The guide slot 34 includes an open end 36 and a closed end 38. In one embodiment, the closed end 38 is positioned proximate to the aperture 28. The open end 36 may be shaped in a generally inverted v-shape, while the closed end 38 may be rounded or curved such that the closed end 38 generally matches the profile of the strand 12. The guide slot 34 may have a substantially constant width between the open end 36 and the closed end 38. The closed end 38 may act as a stop or stop for the strand 12 to position the strand 12 in a desired position relative to the orifice 28 and

branches

174a, 174b (see fig. 3 and 4) for application of the first fluid F1. In one embodiment, the strands 12 contact the closed ends 38. Alternatively, the strands 12 may be spaced apart from the closed ends 38 but very close to the closed ends 38.

According to one embodiment, the at least one guide slot 34 may include three guide slots 34. However, it is to be understood that the number of guide grooves 34 may vary and is not limited to the above examples. Each guide slot 34 is associated with a corresponding aperture 28 of the nozzle assembly 22. That is, each guide slot 34 is generally aligned with a corresponding aperture 28 of the nozzle assembly 22. For example, the closed ends 38 of the respective guide slots 34 may be aligned with the respective apertures 28.

With further reference to fig. 1 and 2, the strand engagement device 30 includes an engagement arm 44 configured to support and/or guide the strand or strands 12. The engagement arms 44 are adjustable to move the strand 12 within the respective guide slots 34 or to move the strand 12 relative to the respective guide slots 34 to position the strand 12 relative to the respective orifices 28 and outlets.

Fig. 2 shows the engagement arm 44 in a first position. The engagement arm 44 is adjustable between a first position, as shown in fig. 2, and a second position (not shown). The first position corresponds to a position of the engagement arm 44 a first distance from the applicator head 16. The first distance is sufficient to prevent or limit damage, such as burn-through, to the strand 12 caused by thermal radiation from the applicator head 16 and/or the nozzle assembly 22. For example, the engagement arm 44 may space the strand 12 about 3-5mm from the heat source of the applicator head 16 in the first position. It may be desirable to maintain the engagement arms 44 in the first position when the fluid application device 10 is in a stationary line state, i.e., when the strand 12 is not fed through the respective aperture 28.

The second position (not shown) corresponds to a position in which the engagement arm 44 is spaced a second distance from the applicator head 16 that is less than the first distance, thereby moving the strand 12 closer to the applicator head 16 and the corresponding orifice 28. In one example, the second position of the engagement arm 44 positions the strand generally at the aperture 28 or partially within the aperture 28. That is, the second position of the engagement arm 44 generally corresponds to a position where the first fluid F1 may be applied directly onto the strand 12. When the fluid application device 10 is in the service line state, i.e., when the strand 12 is being fed through the respective orifice 28, it may be beneficial to move the engagement arm 44 to and maintain the engagement arm in the second position so that the first fluid F1 may be effectively applied to the strand 12 and overspray may be reduced.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, the engagement arm 44 may be adjusted by the actuation assembly 48. The actuation assembly 48 may be, for example, a pneumatically controlled piston 50 and cylinder 52. For example, the piston 50 may be movable within the cylinder 52 in response to air or another gas being introduced into the cylinder 52. The piston 50 may be directly or indirectly connected to the engagement arm 44 such that movement of the piston 50 into/out of the cylinder 52 causes the engagement arm 44 to move toward or away from the applicator head 16.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, the nozzle assembly 22 may be formed as a modular unit. That is, the nozzle assembly 22 may be selectively removed from the fluid application device 10 and secured to the fluid application device 10. For example, the nozzle assembly 22 may be selectively removed from the applicator head 16 (and more particularly from the adapter 24 in some embodiments) and secured to the applicator head 16. Thus, the nozzle assembly 22 may be replaced in the event that a new or different nozzle assembly is desired or needed. The nozzle assembly 22 may be selectively removed from the fluid application device 10 and secured to the fluid application device 10 by at least one securing element 74 (fig. 2). In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 22 includes at least one securing opening 76 extending through the nozzle assembly 22, each securing opening 76 configured to receive a respective securing element 74.

With further reference to fig. 1 and 2, the nozzle assembly 22 may include two securing openings 76, each securing opening 76 configured to receive a respective securing element 74. However, it is to be understood that the number of fixation openings 76 is not limited to the above examples. The separate securing openings 76 may be formed as openings or slots extending through the nozzle assembly 22. The opening or slot may be closed around its periphery or include an open side along the edge of the nozzle assembly 22. The securing element 74 extends through the securing opening 76 and is received in a corresponding hole (not shown) in the fluid application device 10 to secure the nozzle assembly 22 to the applicator head 16. This allows for a modular design of the fluid application device 10 and the nozzle assembly 22 for ease of maintenance, replacement, etc.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a contact nozzle assembly component according to the described embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the nozzle assembly 22 may be formed from a plurality of laminate or stack plates 122 a-h. In the example shown in fig. 3, the nozzle assembly includes a first plate 122a, a second plate 122b, a third plate 122c, a fourth plate 122d, a fifth plate 122e, a sixth plate 122f, a seventh plate 122g, and an eighth plate 122h. However, it is to be understood that the number of plates 122 in the nozzle assembly 22 may vary and is not limited to the example shown in fig. 3. Fig. 4A to 4H are enlarged views of the first to eighth plates 122a to 122H, respectively, shown in fig. 3.

Referring to fig. 3, 4B, 4E, and 4F, in one embodiment the nozzle assembly 22 includes a fluidic oscillator configured to control the application of the first fluid F1 onto the strand 12 such that the first fluid F1 may be applied in a non-linear pattern. For example, the fluidic oscillator may discharge the second fluid F2 at opposite sides of the orifice 28 via the first and

second branches

174a, 174b to cause the first fluid F1 to be applied in a non-linear pattern across at least a portion of the width or outer perimeter of the strand 12.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4A-4H, in one example, the nozzle assembly 22 includes a first conduit 130 in which a first fluid F1 may flow. The fluidic oscillator of the nozzle assembly 22 may be formed from a second conduit 132 within the nozzle assembly 22, an oscillator conduit 134 in fluid communication with the second conduit 132, and an application conduit 136 in fluid connection with the first conduit 130 and the second conduit 132.

The first conduit 130 is configured to deliver the first fluid F1 to the application conduit 136. The first conduit 130 includes a first inlet 138 configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the first fluid supply module 18. It is to be appreciated that the inlet 138 may be formed in a side of the plate of the nozzle assembly 22 facing the applicator (i.e., away from the remaining plates of the nozzle assembly) such that the first fluid F1 may be received in the first conduit 130. For example, the first inlet 138 may be formed on a side of the first plate that is configured to abut the applicator head 16 or other adjacent component from which the first fluid is discharged. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the first conduit 130 may be generally triangular with rounded corners. The first conduit 130 may also include a width and a height. In one embodiment, the width is greater than the height. However, it is to be understood that these configurations are described for exemplary purposes only and the present disclosure is not limited to these configurations. For example, the first conduit may be formed in a different suitable cross-sectional shape and have varying relative dimensions of width and height.

A second conduit 132 is formed in the nozzle assembly 22 and is configured to deliver a second fluid F2 to the application conduit 136. The second conduit 132 includes a second inlet 140 configured to receive a second fluid F2 from the second fluid supply module 20. It is to be appreciated that the second inlet 140 may be formed in a plate of the nozzle assembly 22, e.g., the first plate 122a, such that the second fluid F2 is received in the second conduit 132 from the second inlet 140.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4A-4F, in one embodiment, the second conduit 132 may include one or more shunt portions 142 (fig. 4C and 4D), as described further below, wherein the second conduit 132 may be shunted to deliver the second fluid F2 to the first and second branches 174A, 174b of the application conduit 136. In one embodiment, the shunt portion 142 may include a first branch feed hole 144a and a second branch feed hole 144b (fig. 4C). The first branch feed aperture 144a and the second branch feed aperture 144B may be in direct fluid communication with the application conduit 136 to supply the second fluid F2 to the application conduit 136 (fig. 4B).

With further reference to the example of fig. 3 and 4A-4F, the second conduit 132 may include a first portion 146 (fig. 4B-4E), a second portion 148 (fig. 4C-4E), and a reservoir 150 (fig. 4F) separating and fluidly connecting the first portion 146 and the second portion 148. The first portion 146 extends generally in the first direction D1 (fig. 5) between the second inlet 140 and the reservoir 150. In one embodiment, the first portion 146 may be formed with an elongated opening having a generally inverted "v" or inverted "u" shape in cross-section. However, other angled or curved elongated shapes, or non-angled or non-curved shapes that do not interfere with the fastening openings 80 (described further below) may also be suitable.

The second portion 148 extends generally in a second direction D2 (fig. 5) between the reservoir 150 and the application conduit 136. In one embodiment, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are substantially opposite to each other. In one example, reservoir 150 extends substantially perpendicularly between first portion 146 and second portion 148, but is not limited to this configuration.

It is to be understood that the term "generally in the first direction D1" refers to a direction from the second inlet 140 to the reservoir 150, and may include a change in direction due to the particular geometry and configuration of the first portion 146. Similarly, it is to be understood that the term "generally in the second direction D2" refers to the direction from the reservoir 150 to the application conduit 136, and may include a change in direction due to the particular geometry and configuration of the second portion 148.

The reservoir 150 is configured to receive the second fluid F2 flowing in the first direction D1 from the first portion 146 of the second conduit 132. In one non-limiting embodiment, such as shown in fig. 3 and 4F, the reservoir 150 may be shaped in a generally U-shape. The reservoir 150 may include first and second receiving legs 152a, 152b configured to receive the second fluid F2 from the first portion 146 of the second conduit 132. Reservoir 150 may further include a crossover leg 154 fluidly connected to first and second receiving legs 152a, 152b and configured to receive second fluid F2 from first and second receiving legs 152a, 152b. In this example, crossover leg 154 is fluidly connected to second portion 148 of second conduit 132 and is configured to deliver second fluid F2 to second portion 148 such that second fluid F2 may flow in a second direction D2 to application conduit 136. It is to be understood that various other shapes and configurations of the reservoir 150 are contemplated that allow the second fluid F2 to flow from the first portion 146 to the second portion 148 of the second conduit 132.

The second portion 148 of the second conduit 132 may include one or more body feed holes 156, the body feed holes 156 being fluidly connected to the reservoir 150 and configured to receive the second fluid F2 from the reservoir 150. In the example shown in fig. 3 and 4E, the body feed aperture 156 is configured to receive the second fluid F2 from the intersecting leg 154 of the reservoir 150. The body feed aperture 156 is fluidly connected to the diverter portion 142.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4D, in one embodiment, the shunt portion 142 may include a generally human-shaped portion. The human body shaped portion may include a head 160, first and

second arm portions

162a, 162b, and first and

second leg portions

164a, 164b. The head 160 of the diverter portion 142 is fluidly connected to the body feed aperture 156 and is configured to receive the second fluid F2 from the body feed aperture 156. The second fluid F2 received in the head 160 of the flow splitting section 142 may then flow to the first and

second arms

162a, 162b and the first and

second legs

164a, 164b of the flow splitting section 142.

As noted above, the diverting portion 142 is configured to divert the second fluid F2. Referring to the non-limiting example shown in fig. 3, 4C, and 4D, the first leg 164a (fig. 4D) of the shunt portion 142 may be aligned with and fluidly connected to the first branch feed aperture 144a (fig. 4C), and the second leg 164b (fig. 4D) of the shunt portion 142 may be aligned with and fluidly connected to the second branch feed aperture 144b (fig. 4C). Accordingly, the first and second

branch feed holes

144a, 144b may receive the second fluid F2 from the first and

second legs

164a, 164b, respectively, of the shunt portion 142. The first and second

branch feed holes

144a, 144b are fluidly connected to the application conduit 136 and are configured to deliver a second fluid F2 to the application conduit 136, as described further below.

Referring to fig. 3, 4E and 4F, an oscillator conduit 134 may be formed in the nozzle assembly 22. In the example shown in fig. 3, the oscillator conduit 134 is fluidly connected to the second conduit 132, e.g., at the shunt portion 142, and is configured to vary the pressure of the second fluid F2 flowing through the shunt portion 142, in part, by creating or enhancing turbulence in the second fluid F2.

In one embodiment, the oscillator conduit 134 includes one or more pairs of arm feed holes, each pair of arm feed holes including first and second

arm feed holes

166a, 166b, and one or more pairs of leg feed holes, each pair of leg feed holes including first and second

leg feed holes

168a, 168b. The first and second

arm feed holes

166a, 166b are aligned with and fluidly connect the first and

second arms

162a, 162b, respectively, of the diverter portion 142. The first and second

leg feed holes

168a, 168b are also aligned with and fluidly connected to the first leg 164a and the second leg 164b, respectively, of the diverter portion 142. The oscillator conduit 134 further includes one or more pairs of oscillator slots, each pair of oscillator slots including first and

second oscillator slots

170a, 170b. The first oscillator slot 170a is aligned with and fluidly connected to the first arm feed hole 166a and the first leg feed hole 168 a. The second oscillator slot 170b is also aligned with and fluidly connected to the second arm feed hole 166b and the second leg feed hole 168b. Thus, the first oscillator tank 170a is configured to receive the second fluid F2 from the first leg feed hole 168a and to discharge the second fluid F2 through the first arm feed hole 168b. Similarly, the second oscillator slot 170b is configured to receive the second fluid F2 from the second leg feed hole 168b and to discharge the second fluid F2 through the second arm feed hole 166 b.

Referring again to the example in fig. 3 and with further reference to fig. 4B, the application catheter 136 includes a receptacle 172, a first branch 174a, and a second branch 174B. The receptacle 172 is fluidly connected to the first conduit 130 and is thus configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the first conduit 130. The first and

second branches

174a, 174b are aligned with and fluidly connect with the first and second

branch feed holes

144a, 144b, respectively. Accordingly, the first and

second branches

174a, 174b are configured to receive the second fluid F2 from the first and second

branch feed holes

144a, 144b, respectively. Receptacle 172, first branch 174a, and second branch 174b are fluidly connected to aperture 28.

In the above example, the second portion 148 of the second conduit 132, the oscillator conduit 134, and the apply conduit 136 define a flow path for the second fluid F2 between the reservoir 150 and the orifice 28. It is to be appreciated that multiple flow paths may be provided in the nozzle assembly 22 to control the application of the first fluid F1 to the additional strand material 12. For example, as shown in fig. 3 and 4A-4F, the fluidic oscillator includes: three shunt portions 142 are formed in the second portion 148 of the second conduit 132, each shunt portion 142 having a portion of a human shape, a first branch feed hole 144a and a second branch feed hole 142b, and three main body feed holes 156. Similarly, the oscillator conduit 134 may include three pairs of

arm feed holes

166a, 166b, three pairs of

leg feed holes

168a, 168b, and three pairs of

oscillator slots

170a, 170b. In addition, for example, a nozzle assembly as shown in fig. 4B may include three application conduits 136. Thus, the first fluid F1 may be applied on three strands via three respective application conduits 136. In this example, the first conduit 130 may be fluidly connected to each application conduit 136, and thus may supply the first fluid F1 to the respective receptacles of the application conduits 136. In addition, the first portion 146 of the second conduit 132 may supply the second fluid F2 to the reservoir 150 and, in turn, to the second portion 148 of the second conduit 132, the oscillator conduit 134, and the application conduit 136.

It is to be understood that the configuration shown in fig. 3 and 4A-4F is non-limiting and that the number of diverter portions 142 (including the body-shaped portions, the first and second branch feed holes 144A, 144b, the body feed hole 156, the pair of

arm feed holes

166a, 166b, the pair of

leg feed holes

168a, 168b, the pair of

oscillator slots

170a, 170b, and the application conduit 136) may vary depending on the number of strands of material 12 that the nozzle assembly 22 is configured to accommodate. The nozzle assembly 22 may be configured to accommodate, for example, any number from one strand to ten strands, but is not limited to this range.

As noted above, and with further reference to fig. 3 and 4A-4H, the nozzle assembly 22 may be formed from a plurality of laminates or stacked plates. In one embodiment, nozzle assembly 22 is formed from eight plates 122 a-h. The first conduit 130, the second conduit 132, the oscillator conduit 134, and the application conduit 136 may be formed in one or more plates and configured to extend in the one or more plates. In a non-limiting embodiment, and referring to fig. 4A, the first conduit 130 may be formed in the first plate 122 a. The first inlet 136 may be formed on a side of the first plate 122a facing an adjacent component (e.g., the adapter 24). The first duct 130 may be formed through the thickness of the first plate 122 a.

The second inlet 140 may also be formed in the first plate 122 a. As shown in fig. 4A-4F, the second conduit 132 may extend through the thickness of the first plate 122a, the second plate 122b, the third plate 122c, the fourth plate 122d, the fifth plate 122e, and the sixth plate 122F. In one embodiment, the first portion 146 of the second conduit 132 extends through the second plate 122b, the third plate 122c, the fourth plate 122d, and the fifth plate 122e. As described above, the first portion 146 may be formed as an elongated, angled, or curved opening in the second through fifth plates 122 b-e. These elongated openings may be similarly arranged on the plates 122b-e such that they are substantially aligned when the nozzle assembly 22 is assembled and secured to the adapter 24.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4F, the reservoir 150 may be formed in the sixth plate 122F. Referring to fig. 4C-4E, the second portion 148 of the second conduit 132 may be formed in the third plate 122C, the fourth plate 122d, and the fifth plate 122E. For example, the body feed hole 156 may be formed in the fifth plate 122e, the diverting portion 142 may be formed in the fourth plate 122d, and the first and second diverting

feed holes

144a, 144b may be formed in the third plate 122 c.

Referring to fig. 4E and 4F, the oscillator conduit 134 may be formed in the fifth plate 122E and the sixth plate 122F. For example, first and second

arm feed holes

166a, 166b and first and second

leg feed holes

168a, 168b may be formed in the fifth plate 122 e. The first and

second oscillator grooves

170a, 170b may be formed in the sixth plate 122 f.

Referring to fig. 4B, the application conduit 136 including the receiving portion 172, the first branch 174a, and the second branch 174B may be formed in the second plate 122B. The aperture 28 may also be formed in the second plate 122 b. At least one guide slot 34 may be formed in the first, second, and third plates 122a-C, as described below and shown in fig. 4A-C.

In one embodiment, the dependency guide portion 32 is formed on the first plate 122a, the second plate 122b, and the third plate 122C (fig. 4A-4C). The guide grooves 34 are also formed on the dependent guide portions 32 on the first, second and

third plates

122a, 122b, 122 c. Each guide groove 34 may include a first guide groove section 34a formed on the first plate 122a, a second guide groove section 34b formed on the second plate 122b, and a third guide groove section 34c formed on the third plate 122 c.

The first guide channel section 34a includes an open end 36a and a closed end 38a. The closed end 38a may include a curved surface configured to generally match the profile of the strand 12 and act as a stop for the strand 12 to properly position the strand 12 relative to the aperture 28. The second guide slot section 34b includes an open end 36b. The open end 36b may include a generally inverted V-shaped portion, as described above. The second guide slot section 34b communicates with the aperture 28 at an end opposite the open end 36b. The third guide slot section 34c includes an open end 36c and a closed end 38c. The open end 36c may include a generally inverted V-shaped portion, as described above. The closed end 38c of the third guide slot section 34c may include a generally square or rectangular portion having a width that is greater than the width of the adjacent portion of the guide slot section 34 c.

In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 22 includes three guide slots 34, each guide slot 34 including first, second, and third guide slot segments 34a-c. However, it is understood that the number of guide slots 34 may be varied to accommodate different numbers of strands 12. The number of guide slots 34 may correspond to the number of application conduits 136. When assembled, the first, second, and third

guide channel sections

34a, 34b, 34c are generally aligned to form the guide channel 34. The strand 12 may be received through the respective

open ends

36a, 36b, 36c (i.e., the open ends 36 of the guide slots 34) and moved to the closed ends 38 of the guide slots 34. The closed end 38 of the guide slot 34 is defined by a first closed end 38a and a third closed end 38c. The aperture 28 is formed in the second plate 122b immediately adjacent the closed ends 38a, 38c and between the closed ends 38a, 38c.

Referring to fig. 4G and 4H, a seventh plate 122G and an eighth plate 122H are disposed at an end of the nozzle assembly 22 opposite the first plate 122 a. In one embodiment, seventh plate 122g acts as a seal that forms the boundary of second conduit 132. That is, the seventh plate 122g is configured to seal the second conduit 132 at the reservoir 150 and the

oscillator tanks

170a, 170 b. Eighth plate 122h is an end plate to increase the structural integrity of nozzle assembly 22. Eighth plate 122h may include beveled edges.

At least one fastening hole 80 may be formed in each of the plates 122 a-h. In one embodiment, three fastening holes 80 are formed in each plate 122 a-h. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration and the number of fastening holes 80 may vary. The fastener holes 80 of the plates 122a-h are aligned with one another to receive the fasteners 82 through each series of aligned fastener holes 80 (fig. 1 and 2). The fasteners 82 are configured to tightly fasten the plates 122a-h together, thereby limiting or preventing leakage of the first fluid F1 and/or the second fluid F2 between the respective plates 122 a-h.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a nozzle assembly 22 according to embodiments described herein. Referring to fig. 2, 4A-4H and 5, in one example of the nozzle assembly 22, the first inlet 138 is configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the first fluid supply module 18. The first conduit 130 is configured to receive the first fluid F1 via the first inlet 138 and to supply the first fluid F1 to the application conduit 136. In one embodiment, the receptacle 172 of the application conduit 136 receives the first fluid F1 and is configured to supply the first fluid F1 to the orifice 28 for application onto the strand material 12. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 22 includes three application conduits 136 to apply the first fluid to three respective strands 12. However, as described above, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration and the number of application conduits 136 may vary depending on the number of strands 12 that the nozzle assembly 22 is desired to accommodate. In addition, each application conduit 136 may be fed from a single common first conduit 130.

The nozzle assembly 22 is configured to receive a second fluid F2 through the second inlet 140. The second conduit 132 is configured to receive the second fluid F2 from the second inlet 140 and feed the second fluid F2 through the nozzle assembly 22 to the application conduit 136. In one example, the first portion 146 of the second conduit 132 receives the second fluid F2 from the second inlet 140 and supplies the second fluid F2 to the reservoir 150. Reservoir 150 is configured to receive second fluid F2 from first portion 146 and to discharge second fluid F2 to second portion 148 of second conduit 132.

In one embodiment, each body feed aperture 156 may receive the second fluid F2 from the reservoir 150. Each body feed aperture 156 supplies a second fluid F2 to a respective diverter portion 142. The second fluid F2 may be received from the corresponding body feed aperture 156 at a respective head 160 of each diverter portion 142. The second fluid F2 may flow from the head 160 to the first and

second legs

164a, 164b through each of the shunt portions 142. The first and second

branch feed holes

144a, 144b are configured to receive a second fluid F2 from the respective first and

second legs

164a, 164b for each of the shunt portions 142. Thus, the first and second

branch feed holes

144a, 144b may supply the second fluid F2 to the corresponding first and

second branches

174a, 174b of the respective application conduit 136.

Turbulence of the second fluid F2 in the second portion 148 of the second channel may cause the second fluid F2 to be received from the head 160 at the first and

second legs

164a, 164b at the diverging portion 142 at different pressures. In one embodiment, a portion of the fluid at a higher pressure flows into the oscillator conduit 134, while the fluid at a lower pressure flows to the corresponding branch

supply feed holes

144a and 144b.

For example, the second fluid F2 may be initially received at the first leg 164a at a higher pressure and at the second leg 164b at a lower pressure relative to the first leg 164 a. The second fluid F2 received at the first leg 164a at the higher pressure may be at least partially discharged to the first leg feed hole 168a of the oscillator conduit 134 and then into the first oscillator tank 170 a. The second fluid F2 may then flow through the first oscillator tank 170a and be discharged from the first oscillator tank 170a through the first arm feed hole 166a of the oscillator conduit 134. This portion of the second fluid F2 may then be received in the first arm 162a of the shunt portion 142. Another portion of the second fluid F2, which was initially received at the higher pressure in the first leg 164a, is discharged to the first branch feed hole 144a and, in turn, to the first branch 174a of the application conduit 136.

At the same time, the second fluid F2 initially received in the second leg 164b at a lower pressure may be discharged from the second leg 164b to the second branch feed hole 144b. The second fluid F2 may flow through the second branch feed hole 144b and into the second branch 174b of the application conduit 136.

The second fluid F2 received at the first arm 162a from the oscillator conduit 134 at a higher pressure may then flow into the second leg 164b of the shunt portion 142 due to the initially lower pressure of the second fluid in the second leg 164 b. This causes the second leg 164b to become the leg with the second fluid F2 at a higher pressure, while the first leg 164a becomes the leg with the second fluid F2 at a lower pressure. That is, through the oscillator conduit 134, the first and

second legs

164a, 164b alternate between receiving a second fluid at a higher pressure and a second fluid at a lower pressure.

Because the second leg 164b contains the second fluid F2 at a higher pressure than the second fluid F2 in the first leg 164a, a portion of the second fluid F2 may be discharged to the second leg feed hole 168b of the oscillator conduit 134 and then into the second oscillator tank 170 b. The second fluid F2 may then flow through the second oscillator tank 170b and be discharged through the second arm feed hole 166b of the oscillator conduit 134. This portion of the second fluid F2 may then be received in the second arm 162b of the shunt portion 142. Another portion of the higher pressure second fluid F2 received in the second leg 164b is discharged to the second branch feed hole 144b and then to the second branch 174b of the application conduit 136.

At the same time, the second fluid F2 in the first leg 164a, now at a lower pressure, may be discharged from the first leg 164a to the first branch feed hole 144a. The second fluid F2 may flow through the first branch feed hole 144a and into the first branch 174a of the application conduit 136.

Thus, the second fluid F2 may be supplied to the first and second

branch feed holes

144a, 144b at alternating higher and lower relative pressures, and in turn to the first and

second branches

174a, 174b at alternating higher and lower relative pressures. The varying pressure of the second fluid F2 supplied to the first and

second branches

174a, 174b causes the second fluid F2 to be discharged to the orifice 28 at different pressures, thereby causing the first fluid F1 to fluctuate back and forth across the width of the strand 12. In one embodiment, this configuration results in lateral fluctuations in the first fluid F1 as the first fluid F1 is applied to the strands 12, such that the first fluid F1 is applied in an irregular, non-predetermined, and/or non-repeatable pattern.

In the example shown in fig. 1-5, and as described above, the first fluid F1 may be an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, that is collected in the receptacle 172 of the application conduit 136 and forced through the orifice 28 for direct application on the strand 12 positioned at the orifice 28. The first and

second branches

174a, 174b may be disposed on opposite sides of the aperture 28. The second fluid F2 may be, for example, air, and may be discharged from the first and

second branches

174a, 174b under varying pressure, which causes the first fluid F1 to fluctuate across the width of the strand 12 during application.

Thus, in the above example, a contact nozzle assembly may be provided that applies adhesive directly to the strand material in a non-linear pattern. Thus, the fluid application device 10 may operate at increased linear speeds associated with a contact nozzle configuration while still providing a non-linear pattern of adhesive applied to the strands. The non-linear adhesive pattern may allow one or more strands 12 to be bonded to the substrate 14 over a greater range of rotation of the strands 12 than a linear application pattern. That is, with a linear adhesive pattern, the strand or strands 12 must be accurately positioned relative to the substrate so that the linearly applied adhesive contacts the substrate. With a non-linear pattern, one or more strands 12 may be intentionally or unintentionally rotated due to movement of the strands through the device 10 while still providing a sufficient bonding surface between the strands 12 and the substrate 14. In addition, the non-linear pattern may allow one or more strands 12 to be bonded to the substrate 14 at multiple points or segments rather than in a continuous line. This configuration may provide additional flexibility as the strand or strands 12 are allowed to freely expand and contract along the portions between the bonded segments.

Fig. 6 is a front view of components of a nozzle assembly 222 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7A-7F are enlarged plan views of components of the nozzle assembly 222 of fig. 6. Referring to the embodiment of fig. 6 and 7A-7F, the first fluid F1 may be applied to the stranded material 12 from the opposing first and

second branches

374a, 374b of the one or more application conduits 336 under varying pressures. Thus, the first fluid F1 may fluctuate across the width of the strand 12 during application to the strand 12. In this embodiment, the second fluid F2 is not used to control the application of the first fluid F1 to the strands 12. Instead, the first fluid F1 is discharged from the

opposite branches

374a, 374b and fluctuates due to the varying discharge pressure.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7A-7F, the first conduit 330 may include a first inlet (not shown) on a side of the nozzle assembly 222 facing an adjacent component (e.g., the adapter 24). The first conduit 330 is configured to receive a first fluid F1 from the first fluid supply module 18 via a first inlet (not shown). In one embodiment, the first conduit 330 includes a first portion 346 that is generally elongated in the width direction. The first conduit 330 may further include one or more body feed holes 356 (fig. 7B) aligned with and fluidly connected to the first portion 346.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7C, the first conduit 330 further includes at least one shunt portion 342. In one embodiment, the shunt portion 342 may be formed as a generally human-shaped portion having a head 360, first and

second arm portions

362a, 362b, and first and

second leg portions

364a, 364b.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7B, the application conduit 336 includes a first branch 374a and a second branch 374B, as mentioned above. In one embodiment, the first and

second branches

374a, 374b are angled relative to each other so as to form a generally V-shaped cross-section. The first and

second branches

374a, 374b are in fluid communication with the orifice 228 and converge at the orifice 228, where the first fluid F1 may be applied to the strand 12. First and

second branches

374a and 374b are fluidly connected to first and

second legs

364a and 364b, respectively, of flow splitting section 342. Accordingly, the first branch 374a may receive the first fluid F1 from the first leg 364a, and the second branch 374b may receive the first fluid F1 from the second leg 364b. In the example shown in fig. 6 and 7B, three application conduits 336 are provided. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the described configuration, and that the number of application conduits 336 may be varied to accommodate different numbers of strands 12.

Referring to fig. 6, 7D and 7E, nozzle assembly 222 further includes an oscillator conduit 334. The oscillator conduit 334 is fluidly connected to the first conduit 330 at the shunt portion 342 and is configured to vary the pressure at which the first fluid F1 flows through the shunt portion 342, in part, by creating or enhancing turbulence in the first fluid F1.

In one embodiment, oscillator conduit 334 includes: one or more pairs of arm feed holes, each pair of arm feed holes including first and second

arm feed holes

366a, 366b; and one or more pairs of leg feed holes, each pair of leg feed holes including first and second

leg feed holes

368a, 368b. The first and second

arm feed holes

366a, 366b are aligned with and fluidly connect the first and

second arms

362a, 362b, respectively, of the flow dividing portion 342. The first and second

leg feed holes

368a, 368b are also aligned with and fluidly connected to the first leg 364a and the second leg 364b, respectively, of the shunt portion 342. The oscillator conduit 334 further includes one or more pairs of oscillator slots, each pair of oscillator slots including first and

second oscillator slots

370a, 370b. The first oscillator slot 370a is aligned with and fluidly connected to the first arm feed hole 366a and the first leg feed hole 368 a. The second oscillator slot 370b is also aligned with and fluidly connected to the second arm feed hole 366b and the second leg feed hole 368b. Accordingly, the first oscillator slot 370a is configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the first leg feed hole 368a and discharge the first fluid F1 through the first arm feed hole 366 a. Similarly, the second oscillator slot 370b is configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the second leg feed hole 368b and to discharge the first fluid F1 through the second arm feed hole 366 b.

In one embodiment, the first fluid F1 may be received in the first portion 346 of the first conduit 330 via a first inlet (not shown). The body feed hole 356 is configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the first portion 346 of the first conduit 330. In one embodiment, there may be three body feed holes 356 configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the first portion 346. However, it is to be understood that the number of body feed holes 356 may vary and is not limited to this example. The number of body feed holes 356 may correspond to the number of application conduits 336 and the number of strands of material 12 that the nozzle assembly 222 may accommodate. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional pairs of

arm feed holes

366a, 366b and

leg feed holes

368a, 368b may be provided at the oscillator conduit 334, along with additional pairs of

oscillator slots

370a, 370b, to correspond to the additional shunt portion 342.

The head 360 of the shunt portion 342 is in fluid communication with the body aperture 356 and is configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the body feed aperture 356. The first fluid F1 may flow from the head 360 to the first and

second legs

364a, 364b. The first and

second branches

374a, 374b of the application conduit 336 are configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the respective first and

second legs

364a, 364b of the shunt portion 342. In one embodiment, the first conduit 330 may include three shunt portions 342. However, it is to be understood that this example is non-limiting and that the number of shunt portions 342 may vary. The number of shunt portions 342 may correspond to the number of body feed holes 356 such that each body feed hole 356 is in fluid communication with the head 360 of the respective shunt portion 342.

Turbulence of the first fluid F1 in the first conduit 330 may be received at the first and

second legs

364a, 364b from the head 360 at the flow splitting section 342 at different pressures. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the fluid at a higher pressure flows into the oscillator conduit 334, while the fluid at a lower pressure flows to a corresponding first branch 374a of the application conduit 336 or to a second branch 374b of the application conduit 336.

For example, the first fluid F1 may be initially received in the first leg 364a at a higher pressure and received in the second leg 364b at a lower pressure relative to the first leg 364 a. The first fluid F1 received in the first leg 364a at the higher pressure may be at least partially discharged to the first leg feed hole 368a of the oscillator conduit 334 and then into the first oscillator tank 370 a. The first fluid F1 may then flow through the first oscillator slot 370a and be discharged through the first arm feed hole 366a of the oscillator conduit 334. This portion of the first fluid F1 may then be received in the first arm portion 362a of the shunt portion 342. Another portion of the higher pressure first fluid F1 initially received in the first leg 364a is discharged to the first branch 374a of the application conduit 336.

At the same time, the first fluid F1 initially received in the second leg 364b at a lower pressure may be discharged from the second leg 364b and received in the second branch 374b of the application conduit 336.

The first fluid F1 received at the first arm 362a from the oscillator conduit 334 at a higher pressure may then flow into the second leg 364b of the shunt portion 342 due to the initially lower pressure of the first fluid F1 in the second leg 364 b. This causes the second leg 364b to become the leg with the first fluid F1 at the higher pressure, while the first leg 364a becomes the leg with the first fluid F1 at the lower pressure. That is, the first and

second legs

364a, 364b alternate between receiving the first fluid F1 at a higher pressure and receiving the first fluid F1 at a lower pressure through the oscillator conduit 334.

Because the second leg 364b contains the first fluid F1 at a higher pressure than the first fluid F1 in the first leg 364a, a portion of the first fluid F1 may be discharged to the second leg feed hole 368b of the oscillator conduit 334 and then into the second oscillator tank 370 b. The first fluid F1 may then flow through the second oscillator slot 370b and be discharged through the second arm feed hole 366b of the oscillator conduit 334. This portion of the first fluid F1 may then be received in the second arm portion 362b of the shunt portion 342. Another portion of the higher pressure first fluid F1 received in the second leg 364b is discharged to the second branch 374b of the application conduit 336.

At the same time, the first fluid F1 in the first leg 364a, now at a lower pressure, may be discharged from the first leg 364a into the first branch 374a of the application conduit 336.

Thus, the first fluid F1 may be supplied to the first branch 374a and the second branch 374b at alternating higher and lower relative pressures. The varying pressure of the first fluid F1 supplied to the first and

second branches

374a, 374b causes the first fluid F1 to be discharged to the orifice 228 at different pressures, thereby causing the first fluid F1 to fluctuate back and forth across the width of the strand 12. In one embodiment, this configuration results in lateral fluctuations in the first fluid F1 as the first fluid F1 is applied to the strands 12, such that the first fluid F1 is applied in an irregular, non-predetermined, and/or non-repeatable pattern.

With further reference to fig. 6 and 7A-7C, the nozzle assembly 222 may include a depending guide portion 232 with a guide slot 234 similar to the guide slot 34 described in the embodiments above. For example, the nozzle assembly 222 may include three guide slots 234, each configured to receive a strand of material 12. Each guide slot 234 may include an open end 236 and a closed end 238. The closed end 238 may act as a stop to position the strand 12 relative to the aperture 28. The open end 236 of each guide slot 234 may include a portion generally shaped as an inverted "v" to assist in guiding the strand 12 into the guide slot 234.

The nozzle assembly 222 may also include a securing opening 76 and a fastening hole 80, as described in the embodiments above and shown in fig. 1-5. In the example shown in fig. 6 and 7A-7F, the nozzle assembly 22 may include two securing openings 76 and three fastening holes 80. However, it is to be understood that these examples are non-limiting and different configurations are contemplated. The securing opening 76 is configured to receive the securing element 74, and the fastening hole 80 is configured to receive a fastener 82.

The nozzle assembly 222 may be formed from a plurality of laminate or stacked plates 322a-f that are secured together by the fasteners 82, and in some embodiments also at least partially by the securing elements 74. A securing opening 76 and a fastening hole 80 may extend through each plate. Referring to fig. 6 and 7A-7F, the nozzle assembly 222 may be formed from six plates, including a first plate 322a, a second plate 322b, a third plate 322c, a fourth plate 322d, a fifth plate 322e, and a sixth plate 322F. It is to be understood that a different number of plates may be implemented in the nozzle assembly 222, as long as the general concepts described above are maintained.

Referring to fig. 7A, in one embodiment, the first plate 322a may include a first portion 346 of the first conduit 330, the fixing opening 76, and the fastening hole 80. Similar to the guide slots 34 described in the embodiments above, each guide slot 234 may be formed from, for example, a first guide slot segment 234a, a second guide slot segment 234B (fig. 7B), and a third guide slot segment 234C (fig. 7C) formed in adjacent plates and aligned to receive a strand of material. The first guide groove section 234a may be formed in the first plate 322 a.

Referring to fig. 7B, the second plate 322B may include a body feed hole 356, an application conduit 336, a fixing opening 76, and a fastening hole 80. The second plate 322b may also include a second guide slot section 34b and an aperture 28.

Referring to fig. 7C, the third plate 322C may include a diverting portion 342, a third guide slot section 34C, a fixing opening 76, and a fastening hole 80. Apertures 28 may be defined in the second plate 322b between the first plate 322a and the third plate 322 c. The dependency guide portion 232 may be formed on the first, second and

third plates

322a, 322b and 322 c. Referring to fig. 6 and 7A-7C, the aligned first, second, and third guide slot segments 234a-C may form a single guide slot 234, and three guide slots 234 may be formed across the width of the nozzle assembly 222. In addition, the third plate 322c may include three diverting portions 342. However, it is to be understood that the number of the guide grooves 234 and the diverting portions is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 7D, the fourth plate 322D may include first and second

arm feed holes

366a, 366b and first and second

leg feed holes

368a, 368b of the oscillator conduit 334. The fourth plate 322d may further include a fixing opening 76 and a fastening hole 80. In one embodiment, the fourth plate 322d may include three pairs of first and second

arm feed holes

366a, 366b, and three pairs of first and second

leg feed holes

368a, 368b. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 7E, the fifth plate 322E may include first and

second oscillator slots

370a, 370b of the oscillator conduit 334. In addition, the fifth plate 322e may include a fixing opening 76 and a fastening hole 80. In one embodiment, the fifth plate 322e may include three pairs of first and

second oscillator slots

370a, 370b, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 7F, the sixth plate 322F may include a fixing opening 76 and a fastening hole 80. Sixth plate 322f may seal oscillator conduit 334 at first and

second oscillator grooves

370a, 370b.

Fig. 8 is a front view of components of a nozzle assembly 422 according to another embodiment disclosed herein. Fig. 9A and 9B are enlarged views of some of the nozzle components of the nozzle assembly 422 shown in fig. 8. Referring to fig. 8, 9A and 9B, the nozzle assembly 422 may be a laminate plate nozzle including a plurality of laminates configured to be secured together to allow fluid flow therein. In general, the nozzle assembly 422 includes a first conduit 430 configured to receive a first fluid F1 and allow the first fluid F1 to flow within the nozzle assembly 422, a second conduit 432 configured to receive a second fluid F2 and allow the second fluid F2 to flow within the nozzle assembly 422, and an application conduit 436 fluidly connected to the first conduit 430 and the second conduit 432 such that the application conduit 436 is configured to receive the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2.

The first conduit 430 includes a first inlet 438 configured to receive a first fluid F1 from the first fluid supply module 18. The first conduit 430 also includes a flow distribution channel 431. The flow distribution channel 431 is configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the first conduit and distribute the first fluid F1 in a lateral direction (i.e., across the width of the nozzle assembly 422) within the nozzle assembly 422 relative to the first inlet 438. To this end, flow distribution channel 431 is shaped with a member extending laterally outward relative to first inlet 438. For example, in one embodiment, the flow distribution channel 431 may be generally triangular in shape. As shown more clearly in fig. 9A, the flow distribution channel 431 may also include internally disposed flow control fingers 433, the flow control fingers 433 configured to direct the first fluid F1 toward the outer periphery within the flow distribution channel 431.

The second conduit 432 includes a second inlet 440 configured to receive a second fluid F2 from the second fluid supply module 20. In one embodiment, the second conduit 432 includes one or more shunt portions 442, wherein the second conduit 432 is shunted into a plurality of discrete flow paths of the second fluid F2 to deliver the second fluid F2 to the one or more application conduits 436. In one embodiment, each shunt portion 442 may include first and second

shunt feed holes

444a, 444b disposed in fluid communication with the application conduit 436. Each shunt portion 442 may correspond to a respective application conduit 436.

With further reference to the example in fig. 8, the second conduit 432 includes a first portion 446, a second portion 448, and a reservoir or intermediate portion 450 separating and fluidly connecting the first portion 446 and the second portion 448. The first portion 446 extends between the second inlet 440 and the intermediate portion 450, and the second portion 448 extends between the intermediate portion 450 and the one or more application conduits 436. In one embodiment, the intermediate portion 450 may include one or more pairs of first and

second feed slots

444c, 444d. In one embodiment, the first and second

branch feed holes

444a, 444b are disposed in direct fluid communication with the application conduit 436, and the first and

second feed slots

444c, 444d are disposed upstream of the first and second

branch feed holes

444a, 444b, respectively, and in fluid communication with the first and second

branch feed holes

444a, 444 b. It should be appreciated that although the first and second

branch feed holes

444a, 444b and the first and

second feed slots

444c, 444d are described and shown as being paired, the number of feed branch feed holes and slots may vary depending on the desired amount of discrete flow paths extending to each application conduit 436.

The second portion 448 extends between the intermediate portion 450 and the application conduit 436. In one embodiment, the first portion 446 and the second portion 448 are configured to direct the second fluid F2 in directions substantially opposite to each other. In one example, intermediate portion 450 extends substantially perpendicularly between first portion 446 and second portion 448, but is not limited to this configuration. One or more shunt portions 442 may be formed in the second portion 448 of the second conduit 432.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9B, according to one embodiment, the application conduit 436 includes: a first fluid receiving portion 472 configured to receive a first fluid F1 from the first conduit 430, first and

second branches

474a, 474b configured to receive a second fluid F2 from the second conduit 432 and, in one embodiment, from respective first and

second feed holes

444a, 444b, and an orifice 428 for discharging the first fluid F1.

Referring to fig. 8, 9A and 9B, in one embodiment, a first fluid F1 is received in the first conduit 430 at the first inlet 438. The first fluid F1 may then flow to the flow distribution channel 431, wherein the first fluid may be directed transversely or across a portion of the nozzle width relative to the inlet 438 in the nozzle 422, depending on the shape of the flow distribution channel 431 and the flow control fingers 433. The width of flow distribution channel 431 generally corresponds to the width across which application conduit 436 is disposed. That is, in one embodiment, the width of flow distribution channel 431 is sufficient to place each application conduit 436 of the plurality of application conduits in fluid communication with flow distribution channel 431.

With further reference to fig. 8, 9A, and 9B, a second fluid F2 may be received in the second conduit 432 at the second inlet 440. The second fluid F2 may flow into the intermediate portion 450 in the first portion 446 of the second conduit 432. In one embodiment, the second fluid may also flow into the first and

second feed slots

444c, 444 d. The second fluid may then be directed to the second portion 448 of the second conduit 432 and into the one or more shunt portions 442. In one embodiment, the second fluid F2 is directed into the first and second

branch feed holes

444a, 444b of each shunt portion 442. The second fluid F2 may then flow into the second portion 448 of the second conduit 432. Referring to fig. 8 and 9B, first branch 474a and second branch 474B of application conduit 436 may be coupled to receive second fluid F2 from shunt portion 442.

Next, the first fluid F1 may be directed from the first fluid receiving portion 472 through and out of the orifice 428, while the second fluid is directed from the first and second branches 474a, b through and out of the orifice 428. That is, the first fluid F1 and the second fluid F2 may be discharged from the orifice 428 simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, or in an alternating pattern. Thus, the second fluid F2 fed into the orifice 428 at a generally opposite side of the first fluid F1 may cause the first fluid F1 to fluctuate, oscillate, or otherwise be expelled from the orifice 428 in a non-linear, irregular, and/or generally non-repeating pattern.

Still referring to fig. 8, 9A and 9B, and as described above, the nozzle assembly 422 may be a laminate plate nozzle assembly including a plurality of laminates. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, for example, the nozzle assembly 422 may include a first plate 422a, a second plate 422b, a third plate 422c, a fourth plate 422d, a fifth plate 422e, and a sixth plate 422f. It should be appreciated that more or fewer plates may be used in the nozzle assembly 422, and that the various components of each plate may be present in one or more plates. In one embodiment, the first conduit 430 extends in the first plate 422a and the second plate 422 b. The first inlet 438 may be formed in the first plate 422a and the flow distribution channel 431 may be formed in the second plate 422 b. The second duct 432 may be formed in the first to fifth plates 422a to e, and the sixth plate 422f may be an end plate or a face plate. In one embodiment, the first portion 446 of the second conduit 432 extends in the first through fourth plates 422a-d, the middle portion extends in the fifth plate 422e, and the second portion 448 extends in the fourth plate 422 d. Further, the second inlet 440 may be located in the first plate 422a and one or more shunt portions 442 including the first and second

shunt feed holes

444a, 444b may be located in the fourth plate 422 d. One or more application conduits 436 may be disposed in the third plate 422 c.

Referring again to fig. 8, in one embodiment, one or more of the plates 422a-F may include one or more guide slots 434, the guide slots 434 being configured to receive and guide a respective stranded material upon which the first fluid F1 may be deposited. Plates 422a-f may also include one or more fastening holes 439, with fastening holes 439 configured to receive fasteners to secure the plates together. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, 9A and 9B, an oscillator conduit of the type described above with reference to the embodiment of fig. 1-7 may be omitted, but still an oscillation, fluctuation or other similar effect may be achieved when the first fluid F1 is discharged and applied to the strand or strands by means of the embodiment shown in fig. 8, 9A and 9B and described above. In addition, by including the flow distributing portion 431, the flow of the first fluid F1 can be distributed more uniformly to the application conduit 436 than to a nozzle in which the first fluid inlet is aligned with one of the plurality of application conduits.

Fig. 10A and 10B illustrate another embodiment of a nozzle assembly 422 having a differently configured nozzle plate. In the embodiment of fig. 10A and 10B, the second and third nozzle plates 422B and 422c may be replaced with second and third nozzle plates 522B (fig. 10A) and 522c (fig. 10B), while the remaining nozzle plates in the nozzle assembly 422 may be the same as that shown in fig. 8. Referring to fig. 10A, the flow distribution channel 531 may be formed with a sufficient width to be in fluid communication with a predetermined number of application conduits 536. In one embodiment, the flow distribution channel 531 may include a first arm 531a, a second arm 531b, and a base 531c, the base 531c extending between the first arm 531a and the second arm 531b and connecting the first arm 531a to the second arm 531b. In addition, first inlet 538 extends from first plate 422a through second plate 522b to a counter flow and diverter portion (flow reversal and divider section) 535 in third plate 522 c. The counter flow and diverter portion 535 is configured to receive the first fluid F1. The flow of the first fluid F1 is reversed by interaction with an adjacent fourth plate 422d, which in part acts as a back plate. The reverse flow of the first fluid F1 is split between the first leg 535a and the second leg 535 b. The first and

second legs

535a, 535b are disposed in fluid communication with the first and

second arm

531a, 531b, respectively. Accordingly, the first fluid F1 may be received in the flow distribution channel 531 at the first and

second arm portions

531a and 531b and flow to the base portion 531c, and then, at the base portion 531c, the first fluid F1 may be distributed and flow to the application duct 536. Specifically, the first fluid F1 may be received in a corresponding first fluid receiving portion 572 of the application conduit 536. It should be understood that in the following discussion of this embodiment, descriptions of certain features of this embodiment that are identical to those of the above-described embodiment may be omitted.

Fig. 11A and 11B are enlarged views of a fourth plate 422d and a fifth plate 422e, respectively, of the nozzle assembly 422 shown in fig. 8. Referring to fig. 11A, the fourth plate 422d may include a first portion 446 of the second conduit 432 and a second portion 448 of the second conduit 432. The second portion 448 includes one or more shunt portions 442, and each shunt portion 442 may include first and second

shunt feed holes

444a, 444b. Referring to fig. 11B, the fifth plate 422e includes a middle portion 450 of the second conduit 432. In one embodiment, the intermediate portion 450 may include a feed slot disposed in fluid communication with the branch feed aperture of the one or more shunt portions 442. For example, the middle portion 450 may include first and

second feed slots

444c, 444d configured to be aligned with the first and second

branch feed holes

444a, 444b, respectively, and disposed in fluid communication with the first and second

branch feed holes

444a, 444b. Thus, in one embodiment, and referring to fig. 8, 11A, and 11B, the second fluid F2 may flow in the nozzle assembly 422 through the first portion 446 of the second conduit 432, to the intermediate portion 450 and feed

slots

444c, 444d, and then to the first and second branch feed holes 444a, 444B of the second portion 448 before being delivered to the first and second branches 474a, 474B and the application conduit 436.

Fig. 12 is a front view of components of a nozzle assembly 622 according to another embodiment disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 622 may be configured to discharge only the first fluid F1. The nozzle assembly 622 includes, for example, a first conduit 630 having a first inlet 638 and a flow distribution channel 631. The nozzle assembly 622 also includes one or more application conduits 636, the application conduits 636 being configured to receive the first fluid F1 from the first conduit 630 and to discharge the first fluid F1 through the corresponding apertures 628. Accordingly, the first fluid F1 may be received in the first conduit 630 through the first inlet 638. The first fluid F1 may then flow to the flow distribution channel 631, and then, in the flow distribution channel 631, the first fluid F1 may be distributed in at least a lateral direction of the nozzle assembly 622. Subsequently, the first fluid F1 may be received in one or more application conduits 636 and discharged from the corresponding apertures 628 for application onto the strand of material. The nozzle assembly 622 may also include one or more guide slots 634 to guide the strands relative to the apertures 628.

Still referring to fig. 12, the nozzle assembly 622 may be formed from a plurality of plates secured together in the manner described above. In one embodiment, the nozzle assembly 622 may include a first plate 622a, a second plate 622b, a third plate 622c, and a fourth plate 622d. However, it should be understood that the nozzle assembly 622 is not limited to only these first through fourth plates 622a-d. In one embodiment, the first inlet 638 may be formed in the first plate 622a, the flow distribution channel 631 may be formed in the second plate 622b, and the one or more application conduits 636 and corresponding apertures 628 may be formed in the third plate 622 c. The fourth plate 622d may serve as a back plate or a face plate. A second conduit 632 may also be formed in the nozzle assembly 622. However, the fourth plate 622d or back plate is configured to block the flow of the second fluid F2 in the second conduit so that only the first fluid F1 may be discharged.

13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, 15A and 15B illustrate alternative embodiments of a first conduit, particularly a flow distribution channel, that may be used in the nozzle assembly 422 of FIG. 8. The plates shown in the embodiments of fig. 13-15 may replace the second and

third plates

422b, 422c of the nozzle assembly 422 shown in fig. 8. Referring to fig. 13A and 13B, a flow distribution channel 731 may be formed in the second plate 722B. The flow distribution channel 731 may include an inlet portion 731c (see fig. 8) configured to receive a first fluid from the first inlet 438. The flow distribution channel 731 may further include a first arm portion 731a and a second arm portion 731b extending from the inlet portion 731 c. In one embodiment, each

arm

731a, 731b may be inclined downward relative to the horizontal such that the first and

second arm

731a, 731b are arranged at non-180 degrees relative to each other. Each

arm

731a, 731b may be disposed in fluid communication with a corresponding application conduit 736 formed on the third plate 722 c. Accordingly, the first fluid F1 may be received in the first inlet 438, flowing into the inlet portion 731c, the first arm 731, and the second arm 731b. The first fluid F1 may then flow to the respective application conduit 736.

Referring to fig. 14A and 14B, the inlet 838 may extend from the first plate 422a through the second plate 822B to the counter-flow and diverter section 835 in the third plate 822 c. The counter-flow and diverter section 835 is configured to receive a first fluid F1. The flow of the first fluid F1 is reversed by interaction with an adjacent fourth plate 422d (see fig. 8), which in part serves as a back plate. The reverse flow of the first fluid F1 is split between the first leg 835a and the second leg 835 b. The first and second legs 835a, 835b are provided in fluid communication at or near

respective ends

831a, 831b of the flow distribution channel 831 in the second plate 822 b. Accordingly, the first fluid F1 may be received in the flow distribution channel 831 and flow toward the center of the channel 831. The first fluid F1 may then flow back toward the third plate 822c (the first plate 422a being the back plate of the channel 831) to the one or more application conduits 836 in the third plate 822 c.

Referring to fig. 15A and 15B, inlet 938 may extend from first plate 422a through second plate 922B to a counter flow and diverter portion 935 in third plate 922 c. The counter flow and diverter portion 935 is configured to receive a first fluid F1. The flow of the first fluid F1 is reversed by interaction with an adjacent fourth plate 422d (see fig. 8), which in part serves as a back plate. The reverse flow of the first fluid F1 is split between the first leg 935a and the second leg 935 b. The first and

second legs

935a, 935b are disposed in fluid communication at or near respective ends 931a, 931b of the flow distribution channel 931 in the second plate 922 b. Accordingly, the first fluid F1 may be received in the flow distribution channel 931 and flow toward the center of the channel 931. The first fluid F1 may then flow back toward the third plate 922c (the first plate 422a as a back plate of the channels 931) to one or more application conduits 936 in the third plate 922 c.

In the above example, the first fluid F1 may be applied directly, i.e. in contact, in a non-linear pattern on the strand or strands 12. Thus, the fluid application device 10 may operate at increased linear speeds when compared to a non-contact nozzle configuration, and still provide the benefits of the non-linear application pattern described in detail above.

It should also be understood that various modifications and changes to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. Such modifications and variations are therefore intended to be covered by the appended claims. It should also be understood that various features from the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings may be combined with other embodiments described herein and shown in the drawings.

Claims

1. A fluid application device comprising:

an applicator head; and

a nozzle assembly fluidly coupled with the applicator head, the nozzle assembly comprising:

a first conduit configured to receive a first fluid from the applicator head, the first conduit comprising a first inlet configured to receive the first fluid and a flow distribution channel downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, the flow distribution channel configured to direct the first fluid in a lateral direction;

An application conduit including a first fluid receiving portion configured to receive the first fluid from the flow distribution channel,

an orifice fluidly connected to the application conduit, the orifice configured to discharge the first fluid for application onto a strand of material; and

a backflow and diverter portion having a first leg and a second leg, the backflow and diverter portion disposed between the first inlet and the flow distribution channel, the backflow and diverter portion configured to reverse a flow direction of the first fluid and divert the first fluid to the first leg and the second leg;

wherein the flow distribution channel comprises a first arm, a second arm, and a base extending between and connecting the first arm to the second arm, and

wherein the first and second legs are disposed in fluid communication with the first and second arms, respectively, such that the first fluid is received in the flow distribution channel at the first and second arms and flows to the base where the first fluid is distributed and flows to the application conduit.

2. The fluid application device of claim 1, wherein the flow distribution channel further comprises a flow control finger configured to direct the first fluid toward an outer periphery within the flow distribution channel.

3. The fluid application device of claim 1, wherein the flow distribution channel is configured to receive the first fluid from the counter-flow and diverter portion.

4. The fluid application device of claim 1, further comprising a second conduit configured to receive a second fluid from the applicator head, and each of the application conduits further comprising a first branch and a second branch, wherein the first branch and the second branch are fluidly connected to the second conduit and the first fluid receiving portion, and are configured to receive the second fluid from the second conduit.

5. The fluid application device of claim 4, the second conduit further comprising a shunt portion including a first branch feed aperture fluidly connected to the first branch of each of the application conduits and a second branch feed aperture fluidly connected to the second branch of each of the application conduits.

6. The fluid application device of claim 5, the second conduit further comprising a first portion, an intermediate portion, and a second portion, wherein the first portion is fluidly connected to and spaced apart from the second portion by the intermediate portion, and the shunt portion is formed in the second portion.

7. The fluid application device of claim 4, wherein the first and second branches are arranged relative to the orifice such that discharge of the second fluid from the first and second branches causes the first fluid to fluctuate during application of the first fluid to the stranded material.

8. The fluid application device of claim 1, further comprising one or more guide slots configured to position the stranded material relative to a respective aperture of the one or more apertures.

9. The fluid application device of claim 8, the one or more guide slots further comprising an open end configured to receive the stranded material and a closed end defining a stop at which the stranded material is positioned at the aperture or at least partially within a respective aperture of the one or more apertures.

10. The fluid application device of claim 4, wherein the first fluid is an adhesive and the second fluid is air.

11. A nozzle assembly for a fluid application device, the nozzle assembly comprising:

a first conduit configured to receive a first fluid from an applicator head, the first conduit comprising a first inlet configured to receive the first fluid and a flow distribution channel downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, the flow distribution channel configured to direct the first fluid in a lateral direction;

12. The nozzle assembly of claim 11, wherein the flow distribution channel further comprises a flow control finger configured to direct the first fluid toward an outer periphery within the flow distribution channel.

13. The nozzle assembly of claim 11, wherein the flow distribution channel is configured to receive the first fluid from the counter-flow and diverter portion.

14. The nozzle assembly of claim 11, further comprising a second conduit configured to receive a second fluid from the applicator head, and each of the application conduits further comprising a first branch and a second branch, wherein the first branch and the second branch are fluidly connected to the second conduit and the first fluid receiving portion, and are configured to receive the second fluid from the second conduit.

15. The nozzle assembly of claim 14, the second conduit further comprising a shunt portion comprising a first branch feed hole fluidly connected to the first branch of the application conduit and a second branch feed hole fluidly connected to the second branch of the application conduit.

16. The nozzle assembly of claim 15, the second conduit further comprising a first portion, an intermediate portion, and a second portion, wherein the first portion is fluidly connected to and spaced apart from the second portion by the intermediate portion, and the shunt portion is formed in the second portion.

17. The nozzle assembly of claim 14, wherein the first and second branches are arranged relative to respective ones of one or more orifices such that discharge of the second fluid from the first and second branches causes the first fluid to fluctuate during application of the first fluid to the stranded material.