EP3953059A1 - Applicator having active backpressure control devices - Google Patents
Applicator having active backpressure control devicesInfo
- Publication number
- EP3953059A1 EP3953059A1 EP20721361.2A EP20721361A EP3953059A1 EP 3953059 A1 EP3953059 A1 EP 3953059A1 EP 20721361 A EP20721361 A EP 20721361A EP 3953059 A1 EP3953059 A1 EP 3953059A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- adhesive
- pump
- recirculation
- applicator
- pressure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 220
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 220
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 167
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 167
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 34
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 22
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 20
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 12
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- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 3
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000251131 Sphyrna Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000015654 memory Effects 0.000 description 2
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005355 Hall effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009118 appropriate response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008676 import Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920003223 poly(pyromellitimide-1,4-diphenyl ether) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008054 signal transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C5/00—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work
- B05C5/02—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work
- B05C5/027—Coating heads with several outlets, e.g. aligned transversally to the moving direction of a web to be coated
- B05C5/0275—Coating heads with several outlets, e.g. aligned transversally to the moving direction of a web to be coated flow controlled, e.g. by a valve
- B05C5/0279—Coating heads with several outlets, e.g. aligned transversally to the moving direction of a web to be coated flow controlled, e.g. by a valve independently, e.g. individually, flow controlled
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
- B05C11/10—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
- B05C11/10—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
- B05C11/1002—Means for controlling supply, i.e. flow or pressure, of liquid or other fluent material to the applying apparatus, e.g. valves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
- B05C11/10—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
- B05C11/1039—Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material; Controlling means therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C5/00—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work
- B05C5/001—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work incorporating means for heating or cooling the liquid or other fluent material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C5/00—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work
- B05C5/02—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work
- B05C5/0225—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work characterised by flow controlling means, e.g. valves, located proximate the outlet
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B13/00—Pumps specially modified to deliver fixed or variable measured quantities
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B15/00—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts
- F04B15/02—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts the fluids being viscous or non-homogeneous
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B23/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04B23/04—Combinations of two or more pumps
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B49/08—Regulating by delivery pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B49/20—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00 by changing the driving speed
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/16—Casings; Cylinders; Cylinder liners or heads; Fluid connections
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B53/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B23/00 or F04B39/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B53/22—Arrangements for enabling ready assembly or disassembly
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04C13/00—Adaptations of machines or pumps for special use, e.g. for extremely high pressures
- F04C13/001—Pumps for particular liquids
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04C14/00—Control of, monitoring of, or safety arrangements for, machines, pumps or pumping installations
- F04C14/02—Control of, monitoring of, or safety arrangements for, machines, pumps or pumping installations specially adapted for several machines or pumps connected in series or in parallel
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C11/00—Component parts, details or accessories not specifically provided for in groups B05C1/00 - B05C9/00
- B05C11/10—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
- B05C11/1042—Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material provided with means for heating or cooling the liquid or other fluent material in the supplying means upstream of the applying apparatus
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B2203/00—Motor parameters
- F04B2203/02—Motor parameters of rotating electric motors
- F04B2203/0201—Current
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B2203/00—Motor parameters
- F04B2203/02—Motor parameters of rotating electric motors
- F04B2203/0207—Torque
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B2203/00—Motor parameters
- F04B2203/02—Motor parameters of rotating electric motors
- F04B2203/0209—Rotational speed
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B2205/00—Fluid parameters
- F04B2205/05—Pressure after the pump outlet
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B2205/00—Fluid parameters
- F04B2205/06—Pressure in a (hydraulic) circuit
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B2205/00—Fluid parameters
- F04B2205/10—Inlet temperature
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B2207/00—External parameters
- F04B2207/70—Warnings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04C2/00—Rotary-piston machines or pumps
- F04C2/08—Rotary-piston machines or pumps of intermeshing-engagement type, i.e. with engagement of co-operating members similar to that of toothed gearing
- F04C2/12—Rotary-piston machines or pumps of intermeshing-engagement type, i.e. with engagement of co-operating members similar to that of toothed gearing of other than internal-axis type
- F04C2/14—Rotary-piston machines or pumps of intermeshing-engagement type, i.e. with engagement of co-operating members similar to that of toothed gearing of other than internal-axis type with toothed rotary pistons
- F04C2/18—Rotary-piston machines or pumps of intermeshing-engagement type, i.e. with engagement of co-operating members similar to that of toothed gearing of other than internal-axis type with toothed rotary pistons with similar tooth forms
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04C2240/00—Components
- F04C2240/70—Use of multiplicity of similar components; Modular construction
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04C2240/00—Components
- F04C2240/80—Other components
- F04C2240/81—Sensor, e.g. electronic sensor for control or monitoring
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04C2270/00—Control; Monitoring or safety arrangements
- F04C2270/03—Torque
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04C2270/00—Control; Monitoring or safety arrangements
- F04C2270/07—Electric current
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an applicator for dispensing an adhesive onto a substrate and components for controlling the pump assemblies of the applicator.
- Typical applicators for dispensing adhesive may include a plurality of dispensing modules for dispensing the adhesive onto a substrate. Such applicators also typically include a single drive that powers a single pump assembly or a plurality of pump assemblies that pump the material through the applicator. During operation, the applicator may be monitored in order to detect any changes in the flow of adhesive through the applicator, such that an operator of the applicator can respond accordingly. These changes may result from problems occurring within the applicator, such as clogs, worn parts, etc. Additionally, these changes may result from
- An embodiment of the present disclosure is a dispensing system for dispensing adhesive.
- the dispensing system includes an applicator comprising a manifold, a plurality of dispensing modules coupled to said manifold, and a plurality of pump assemblies, where each of the plurality of pump assemblies is configured to pump the adhesive to a respective one of the plurality of dispensing modules at a respective operating speed.
- the dispensing system also includes a controller in signal communication with the applicator, where the controller is configured to a) measure current draw from each of the plurality of pump assemblies, b) determine an adjustment to the operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies individually based on their respective current draws, and c) direct each of the plurality of pump assemblies to individually adjust their operating speed.
- Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of controlling dispensing of adhesive from an applicator.
- the method includes pumping adhesive from a plurality of pump assemblies to a plurality of dispensing modules and measuring current draw from each of the plurality of pump assemblies.
- the method also includes determining an adjustment to an operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies individually based on their respective current draws and adjusting the operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies individually.
- Figure l is a front perspective view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a top view of an applicator of the dispensing system shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a rear view of the applicator shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 4 is a side view of the applicator shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the applicator shown in Figure 1, with a recirculation pump assembly removed from the applicator;
- Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of a pump assembly used in the applicator shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the pump assembly shown in Figure 6;
- Figure 8 is an exploded view of the pump assembly shown in Figure 6;
- Figure 9 is a sectional view of the pump assembly shown in Figure 6;
- Figure 10 is a perspective view of a gear assembly used in the pump assembly shown in Figures 6-9;
- FIG 11 is a perspective view of an alternative pump assembly that can be used in the applicator shown in Figure 1;
- Figure 12 is an exploded view of the pump assembly shown in Figure 11;
- Figure 13 is a perspective view of the applicator shown in Figure 1, in horizontal cross-section.
- Figure 14 is an enhanced view of the encircled region shown in Figure 13;
- Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the dispensing system shown in Figure 1 with related sensing components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
- Figure 17 is a process flow diagram of a method for controlling the dispensing of adhesive from the applicator the and related sensing components shown in Figure 16;
- Figure 18 is a process flow diagram of a continuation of the method for controlling the dispensing of adhesive from the applicator and the related sensing components shown in Figure 17; and [0026] Figure 19 is a rear perspective view of an applicator according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- a dispensing system 1 including an applicator 10 that includes dispensing modules 16a-16f, pump assemblies 20a-20g, and a controller 7 for controlling the pump assemblies 20a-20g.
- Certain terminology is used to describe the dispensing system 1 in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting.
- the words “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made.
- the words “inner” and “outer” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the description to describe the dispensing system 1 and related parts thereof.
- the words“forward” and “rearward” refer to directions in a longitudinal direction 2 and a direction opposite the longitudinal direction 2 along the dispensing system 1 and related parts thereof.
- the terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
- the terms“longitudinal,”“transverse,” and “lateral” are used to describe the orthogonal directional components of various components of the dispensing system 1, as designated by the longitudinal direction 2, lateral direction 4, and transverse direction 6. It should be appreciated that while the longitudinal and lateral directions 2 and 4 are illustrated as extending along a horizontal plane, and the transverse direction 6 is illustrated as extending along a vertical plane, the planes that encompass the various directions may differ during use.
- Embodiments of the present invention include a dispensing system 1 that includes an applicator 10 for dispensing adhesive onto a substrate during product manufacturing.
- the applicator 10 includes a manifold 12.
- the applicator 10 has a top surface 32, a bottom surface 30 opposite the top surface 32 along the transverse direction 6, a first side surface 34a, a second side surface 34b opposite the first side surface 34a along the lateral direction 4, a front surface 36, and a back surface 38 opposite the front surface 36 along the longitudinal direction 2.
- the first and second side surfaces 34a and 34b extend from the front surface 36 to the back surface 38, as well as from the bottom surface 30 to the top surface 32.
- the manifold 12 is defined by a first end plate 24, a second end plate 26, and at least one manifold segment 22 disposed between the first and second end plates 24 and 26. As a result, the first and second end plates 24 and 26 are spaced apart along the lateral direction 4.
- the first and second end plates 24 and 26 and the manifold segments 22 may be releasably connected such that manifold segments 22 may be added or taken away from the applicator 10 as operating conditions require.
- applicator 10 can include more or less manifold segments 22 may as desired.
- the manifold 12 may be a unitary manifold.
- the first side surface 34a of the manifold 12 lies within a first plane PI, while the second side surface 34b lies within a second plane P2.
- the second plane P2 may be parallel to the first plane PI.
- the first and second planes PI and P2 may not be parallel if the first and second side surfaces 34a and 34b are angled with respect to each other.
- the applicator 10 defines a horizontal plane X, such that the lateral and longitudinal directions 4 and 2 lie within the horizontal plane X.
- the pump assembly 20 may define a drive shaft axis A that lies within a plane Y. The interrelationship of these planes and axes will be described further below.
- the applicator 10 includes an input connector 14, through which adhesive is pumped into the manifold 12.
- the adhesive can be pumped through a hose 5 from a melter 3 to the input connector 14, where the melter 3 can be configured to receive the adhesive in a solid form and melt the adhesive before providing the adhesive to the applicator 10.
- the applicator 10 may include a filter 13 (shown in Figure 16) that filters any remaining solid components from the adhesive after it enters the applicator 10.
- the manifold 12 may further include a pressure release valve 17 that allows a user to attenuate pressure created by adhesive within the manifold, and a dispensing module 16 for applying the adhesive to a substrate. When the pressure release valve 17 is opened, adhesive may drain from the manifold through a drain (not shown).
- the applicator 10 also includes a pump assembly 20 removably mounted to the manifold 12.
- the pump assembly 20 pumps adhesive flowing from an interior channel of the manifold 12 to the dispensing module 16, which then dispenses adhesive out of the applicator through a nozzle 21.
- the applicator 10 may include thermal elements 23 that are configured to elevate the temperature of the manifold 12, which, in turn, elevates the temperature of the pump 40 in each pump assembly 20. Though Figures 1-5 depict the applicator 10 as including five thermal elements 23a-23e, any number of thermal elements 23 can be included as required. [0032] In various embodiments, the applicator 10 includes multiple sets of pump assemblies 20, dispensing modules 16, and nozzles 21.
- the applicator 10 is depicted as including seven pump assemblies 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, and 20g.
- Figures 1-5 illustrate seven pump assemblies 20a-20g
- the applicator 10 can include any number of pump assemblies 20 as desired.
- the applicator 10 can include two pump assemblies, three pump assemblies, or more than three pump assemblies.
- the pump assemblies 20a-20g may be arranged in a side-by-side configuration to increase the processing width of the applicator 10.
- a single pump assembly 20 is described below.
- reference number 20 can be used interchangeably with reference numbers 20a-20g.
- each of the individual pump assemblies 20 included in the applicator 10 can be individually sized as desired to suit a particular purpose.
- the recirculation pump assembly 20g which will be described further below, may be larger than the other pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the applicator 10 is depicted as including six dispensing modules 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, and 16f.
- Figures 1-3 illustrate six dispensing modules 16a-16f, the applicator can include any number of dispensing modules 16 as desired.
- the applicator 10 can include one dispensing module, two dispensing modules, or more than two dispensing modules.
- a single dispensing module 16 is described below.
- the reference number 16 can be used interchangeably with reference numbers 16a-16f.
- the applicator 10 is also depicted as including six nozzles 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e, and 21f.
- each of pump assemblies 20a-20f may be associated with a corresponding one of the dispensing modules 16a-16f.
- each of pump assemblies 20a-20f may pump fluid that is supplied by the manifold 12 to the corresponding one of the dispensing modules 16a-16f, such that the dispensing modules 16a-16f apply the adhesive to a given substrate through nozzles 21a-21d.
- each dispensing module 16 may not correspond to a single pump assembly 20, such that multiple pump assemblies 20 pump adhesive to a single dispensing module 16.
- each of the pump assemblies 20 and each of the dispensing modules 16 may be coupled to and associated with a respective manifold segment 22.
- two or more pump assemblies 20 and/or two or more dispensing modules 16 may be coupled to a single manifold segment 22.
- the pump assembly 20g is not associated with a particular dispensing module 16, but is designated as the recirculation pump assembly.
- the function of the recirculation pump assembly 20g may include pumping the adhesive through a recirculation channel 236, as will be described below.
- the inlet 52 of the pump assembly 20g is in fluid communication with the recirculation channel 236, and the outlet of the pump assembly 20g is in fluid communication with the supply channel 200.
- the pump assembly 20g is shown as the pump assembly 20 positioned closest to the second side surface 34b, the recirculation pump assembly 20g may be positioned anywhere along the series of pump assemblies 20a-20g.
- the recirculation pump assembly 20g may be positioned as the pump assembly closest to the first side surface 34a, or at a location in the middle of the pump assemblies 20a-20g.
- the particular one of the first or second end plates 24 or 26 that the pump assembly 20g abuts may be configured to receive a portion of the pump assembly 20g.
- the second end plate 26 includes a recess 25 that is sized to receive a housing assembly 42 of the pump assembly 20g.
- the pump assembly 20g may be substantially in line with the other pump assemblies 20a-20f along the longitudinal and transverse directions 2 and 6.
- pump assembly 20g is configured to be the sole recirculation pump assembly for the applicator 10
- the applicator 10 can include multiple recirculation pump assemblies (not shown), each of which can be similarly configured as pump assembly 20g.
- each dispensing module 16 can correspond to a unique recirculation pump assembly.
- the applicator 10 can include multiple recirculation pump assemblies that collectively pump adhesive through a single
- each recirculation pump assembly can pump adhesive through separate respective recirculation channels.
- the applicator 10 can include a pump assembly that includes the functionality of both pumping adhesive to a dispensing module 16, as well as pumping adhesive through the recirculation channel.
- a pump assembly may be configured as a single dual-gear stack pump, where one gear stack functions to pump adhesive to a dispensing module 16, while the other functions to pump adhesive through the recirculation channel.
- Each gear stack can contain one driving gear and one driven gear, and each gear stack can be contained within a common pump body. Alternatively, each gear stack can be contained within separate respective pump bodies. Further, each gear stack can be driven by a common motor, or alternatively be independently driven by separate respective motors.
- each pump assembly 20a-20g includes a pump 40 and a dedicated drive motor unit 60 that powers the pump 40. Because each pump 40 has a dedicated drive motor unit 60, each pump assembly 20 can be independently controlled by the operator and/or a control system (not shown).
- the pump assembly 20 also includes a thermal isolation region 70 positioned between the pump 40 and the drive motor unit 60. Thermal elements 23 may be used to elevate the temperature of the manifold 12, which, in turn, elevates the temperature of the pump 40 in each pump assembly 20.
- the thermal isolation region 70 minimizes thermal transfer from the pump 40 to the drive motor unit 60, thereby minimizing the effect of temperature on the electronic components in the drive motor unit 60. Exposing the electronic components in the drive motor unit 60 to a sufficiently elevated temperature may damage the electronic components, which may render the drive motor unit 60 inoperable.
- the drive motor unit 60 includes a motor 62, an output drive shaft 66, and one or more connectors (not shown) that are coupled to a power source (not shown).
- the drive motor unit 60 is coupled to a gear assembly 67, which may include any type of gears as desired that transfer rotational motion from an output drive shaft 66 of the motor to the input drive shaft (not shown) of the pump to attain the desired rotational speed.
- the gear assembly 67 includes a planetary gear train.
- the output drive shaft 66 has a drive axis A about which the output drive shaft 66 rotates.
- the pump assembly 20 may be mounted to the manifold 12 in a number of different configurations.
- the pump assembly 20 is mounted to the manifold 12 so that the bottom surface 41 of the pump 40, which includes an inlet 52 and an outlet 54, faces the manifold 12 at a location that is spaced apart from and located between the first and second side surfaces 34a and 34b.
- the drive motor axis A does not intersect either the first side surface 34a or the second side surface 34b of the applicator 10.
- the pump assembly 20 is positioned on the manifold 12 such that the drive motor axis A of the drive motor unit 60 may lie in a plane Y that is parallel to the first plane PI, in which the first side surface 34a lies, as described above.
- the plane Y may also be parallel to the second plane P2, in which the second side surface 34b lies.
- Each pump assembly 20a-20g has a respective axis A that lies within a respective plane that may be parallel to the first plane PI and/or the second plane P2.
- the pump assemblies 20a-20f can be positioned such that the inlets 52 of each of the pump assemblies 20a-20f are positioned above the outlets 54 along the transverse direction 6.
- the recirculation pump assembly 20g can be mounted to the manifold 12 such that the outlet 54 is positioned above the inlet 52 along the transverse direction 6.
- the pump assembly 20 is positioned on the manifold 12 such that the drive motor axis A is oriented in any particular direction within plane Y.
- the pump assembly 20 can be positioned on the manifold 12 such that the drive motor axis A lies within plane Y and is angularly offset with respect to plane X.
- the pump assembly 20 can be positioned on the manifold 12 such that the drive motor axis A defines an angle Q with plane X.
- the angle Q can be any angle as desired. In one embodiment, the angle Q is an acute angle. Alternatively, the angle Q can be an obtuse angle, an angle greater than 180 degrees, or substantially 90 degrees.
- the pump 40 includes a housing assembly 42 and a gear assembly 50 contained within the housing assembly 42. Alternatively, more than one gear assembly 50 may be contained within the housing assembly 42.
- the housing assembly 42 further includes an inlet 52 that is configured to receive adhesive from the manifold segment 22, as well as an outlet 54 for discharging adhesive back into the manifold segment 22.
- the inlet 52 and the outlet 54 of the pump 40 are defined by a bottom surface 41 of the pump 40 and are oriented in a direction that is parallel to the drive motor axis A of the drive motor unit 60.
- the housing assembly 42 comprises an upper plate 44a, a lower plate 44b, and a central block 46.
- the upper and lower plates 44a and 44b are spaced from each other along a direction that is aligned with a drive axis A of the drive motor unit 60.
- the lower plate 44b defines a bottom surface 41, through which the drive axis A may extend.
- the upper plate 44a, the central block 46, and the lower plate 44b are coupled together with bolts 48.
- the upper plate 44a has a plurality of bores 49a that are configured to receive the bolts 48
- the central block 46 has a plurality of bores 49b that are configured to receive the bolts 48
- the lower plate 44b has a plurality of bores 49c that are configured to receive the bolts 48.
- the bolts 48, bores 49a, bores 49b, and bores 49c may be threaded, such that the bores 49a-c are capable of threadedly receiving the bolts 48.
- the central block 46 has an internal chamber 56 that is sized to generally conform to the profile of the gear assembly 50.
- the gear assembly 50 includes a driven gear 55a and an idler gear 55b, which are known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.
- the driven gear 55a is coupled to the output drive shaft 66 of the drive motor unit 60 such that rotation of the output drive shaft 66 rotates the driven gear 55a, which, in turn, rotates the idler gear 55b.
- the driven gear 55a rotates about a first axis Ai, while the idler gear 55b rotates about a second axis Ai.
- the first axis Ai is illustrated as coaxial with the drive motor axis A.
- the gear assembly 50 may include an elongate gear shaft (not shown) that is coupled to an end of the output drive shaft 66 via a coupling (not shown).
- the gear shaft extends into the driven gear 55a, and is keyed to actuate the driven gear 55a.
- a seal member (not shown), such as a coating and/or an encasement, can be placed around the elongate gear shaft to facilitate sealing of the gear assembly 50 and internal chamber 56.
- the driven gear 55a and the idler gear 55b drives adhesive in the pump 40 from a first section 58a of the internal chamber 56 to a second section 58b of the internal chamber 56.
- the adhesive is then routed from the second section 58b of the internal chamber 56 to the outlet 54.
- the driven gear 55a has a diameter Di and a length Li, where the length Li may be greater than the diameter Di.
- the idler gear 55b has a diameter D2 and a length L2, where the length L2 may be greater than the diameter D2.
- the pump can have a gear assembly that has any number of gear configurations to produce the desired flow rate of adhesive through the pump 40.
- the central block 46 can be segmented to support gear stacking.
- a plurality of gear assemblies (not shown) can be stacked along the pump input shaft.
- the gear assemblies can have different outputs that are combined into a single output stream.
- the gear assemblies have different outputs that can be kept separate to provide multiple outputs through additional porting in the lower plate 44b and the manifold 12.
- the thermal isolation region 70 is defined by a thermal isolation plate 72 and a gap 74 that extends from the thermal isolation plate 72 to the housing assembly 42.
- the pump assembly 20 includes bolts 75 that couple the thermal isolation plate 72 to the top of the housing assembly 42 so that the gap 74 is formed between the housing assembly 42 and the thermal isolation plate 72.
- the thermal isolation plate 72 can include a plurality of spacers 76 that are disposed around the bolts 75 and are positioned between a surface of the thermal isolation plate 72 and the upper plate 44a of the housing assembly 42.
- the spacers 76 may be monolithic with the thermal isolation plate 72, or may be separable from the thermal isolation plate 72 such that the gap 74 may be adjustable.
- the spacers 76 may extend inward from the upper plate 44a to ensure the output drive shaft 66 and the driven gear 55a are aligned.
- the thermal isolation plate 72 functions to inhibit the transfer of heat from the pump 40 to the drive motor unit 60.
- the thermal isolation plate 72 and the spacers 76 are made of a material that has a lower thermal conductivity than the adhesives that form the components of the housing assembly 42 and an outer casing 61 of the drive motor unit 60.
- the spacers 76 separate the thermal isolation plate 72 and the housing assembly 42 such that the thermal isolation plate 72 and the housing assembly 42 has the gap 74, which minimizes direct contact between the housing assembly 42 and the drive motor unit 60.
- each of the pump assemblies 20a-20g is removably attached to the manifold 12.
- each pump assembly 20 is secured to a plate 28 via a fastener 27.
- the plate 28 is attached at one end to the first end plate 24 via a fastener 29, and at the opposite end to the second end plate 26 via another fastener 29.
- the fasteners 29 can also attach the plate 28 to one of the manifold segments 22.
- Fasteners 27 may be threaded, such that removing a pump assembly 20 from the manifold 12 requires unscrewing fastener 27 from the pump assembly 20 and removing the pump assembly 20 from the manifold 12.
- pump assemblies 20 may be releasably coupled to the manifold 12 in the above manner, a particular pump assembly 20 may be individually replaced without completely disassembling the entire applicator 10. Pump assemblies 20 may require replacement for a variety of reasons, including cleaning, damage, or changed adhesive pumping conditions or requirements.
- FIG. 11-12 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 13 shows a pump assembly 120 that is similar in most aspects to the pump assembly 20 shown in Figures 1-9 and described above. However, the pump assembly 120 has an inlet 152 and an outlet 154 that are oriented differently than the inlet 52 and outlet 54 of the pump assembly 20.
- the pump assembly 120 is configured to supply heated liquid to the manifold 12 at a given volumetric flow rate.
- Each pump assembly 120 includes a pump 140 and a dedicated drive motor unit 160 that powers the pump 140.
- the pump assembly 120 also includes a thermal isolation region 170 between the pump 140 and the drive motor unit 160.
- the thermal isolation region 170 is defined by a thermal isolation plate 172 and a gap 174 that extends from the thermal isolation plate 172 to the housing assembly 142.
- the thermal isolation region 170 minimizes thermal transfer of heat generated by the pump 140 to the drive motor unit 160, thereby minimizing the effect of temperature on the electronic components in the drive motor unit 160.
- the dedicated drive motor unit 160 and thermal isolation region 170 are the same as the drive motor unit 60 and the thermal isolation region 70 described above and illustrated in Figures 6-9.
- the drive motor unit 160 includes a motor 162, an output drive shaft 266, and connectors (not shown) that are coupled to a power source (not shown), as well as the control system 110.
- the drive shaft 166 has a drive axis B about which the drive shaft 166 rotates.
- the drive axis B may intersect and may be angularly offset with respect to the plane X that is perpendicular to the plane Y. In this configuration, the drive motor axis B does not intersect either the first side surface 34a or the second side surface 34b of the manifold 12. Additionally, the drive motor axis B does not intersect the bottom surface 30 of the manifold 12.
- the pump assembly 120 is positioned on the manifold 12 so that drive motor axis B of the drive motor unit 160 lies in a plane Y that is parallel to the first plane PI and/or the second plane P2 of the first side surface 34a and the second side surface 34b, respectively.
- the pump 140 defines a bottom surface 141 and a side surface 143, and includes a housing assembly 142 and one or more gear assemblies 150 contained within the housing assembly 142, an inlet 152 for receiving liquid from the manifold 12, and an outlet 154 for discharging liquid back into the manifold 12.
- the inlet 152 and the outlet 154 of the pump 140 are disposed on the side surface 143 of the pump 140, such that the inlet 152 and outlet 154 are oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the drive motor axis B of the drive motor unit 160.
- the applicator 10 may be attached to a melter 3 by a hose 5, which attaches to the input connector 14 (as shown in Figure 1).
- the adhesive flows from the melter 3, through the hose 5, through the input connector 14, and into the supply channel 200 defined by the manifold 12 of the applicator 10.
- the supply channel 200 may extend from the first side surface 34a, through each of the manifold segments 22a-22c, and to the second side surface 34b.
- the supply channel 200 may not necessarily extend entirely from the first side surface 34a to the second side surface 34b, but may terminate at an interior location between the first and second side surfaces 34a and 34b. Additionally, the supply channel 200 may extend between other combinations of surfaces of the manifold 12 as desired.
- the manifold 12 includes a pressure release valve 17 that regulates flow in a pressure release channel (not shown) that is in fluid communication with the supply channel 200.
- the pressure release valve 17 is depicted as being positioned at the front surface 36 of the manifold 12. However, the pressure release valve can be positioned on any surface of the manifold 12 as desired.
- the pressure release valve 17 is capable of being alternated between an open and closed position. When an operator desires to relieve adhesive pressure within the supply channel 200, the pressure release valve 17 is switched from the closed to open positions. In the open position, adhesive flows from the supply channel 200, through the pressure release channel, and out of the applicator 10 through a drain (not shown). Pressure relief may be desired when the operator is about to commence a service or maintenance operation of the applicator 10.
- the supply channel 200 As the supply channel 200 extends through the manifold 12, it supplies adhesive to each of the pump assemblies 20a-22f, with the exception of the designated recirculation pump assembly 20g.
- a cross-section of the applicator 10 shown in Figures 13-14 only shows the supply of adhesive to one pump assembly 20 and one dispensing module 16.
- the supply channel 200 may supply each additional pump assembly 20 and dispensing module 16 similarly.
- the manifold segment 22 defines a first segment input channel 204, which extends from the supply channel 200 to a diverter plate 208, which may be positioned on the applicator 10 between the pump assembly 20d and the manifold segment 22b.
- the diverter plate 208 may be removably coupled to the applicator 10, and may define a variety of passages for carrying adhesive from the manifold 12, to the pump assemblies 20, and back.
- the diverter plate 208 defines a diverter input channel 212 that extends from the first segment input channel 204 to the inlet 52 of the pump assembly 20d.
- the diverter plate 208 may also define a diverter output channel 216 that extends from the outlet 54 of the pump assembly 20d to a second segment input channel 220.
- the diverter plate 208 may include different channel configurations than those shown.
- the diverter plate 208 shown in Figure 13 may function as one of many interchangeable diverter plates that may be used to variably route the adhesive through the applicator 10 as different dispensing operations require.
- the adhesive flows from the supply channel 200, through the first segment input channel 204, through the diverter input channel 212, and to the inlet 52 of the pump assembly 20.
- the pump assembly 20 then pumps the adhesive out of the outlet 54 at a predetermined volumetric flow rate, which may be different than the volumetric flow rate of the adhesive upon entering the inlet 52 of the pump assembly 20.
- the adhesive flows through the diverter output channel 216, through the second segment input channel 220, and to a dispensing flow path 224.
- the dispensing flow path 224 is defined by the lower portion 18b of the dispensing module 16, which is received by the manifold segment 22.
- the dispensing flow path 224 defines an upper section 224a, a lower section 224c opposite the upper section 224a, and a central section 224b disposed between the upper and lower sections 224a and 224c.
- the lower section 224c of the dispensing flow path 224 is in fluid communication with a nozzle channel 228, which extends away from the dispensing flow path 224.
- the upper section 224a of the dispensing flow path 224 is in fluid communication with a recirculation feed channel 232, which extends from the upper section 224a of the dispensing flow path 224 to a recirculation channel 236.
- the recirculation channel 236 will be discussed further below.
- the lower portion 18b of the dispensing module 16 is the portion of the applicator 10 that directly interacts with the adhesive to control flow of the adhesive out of the applicator 10.
- the applicator 10 may include a valve stem 260 that extends from an upper portion 18a of the dispensing module 16 that is opposite the lower portion 18b of the dispensing module 16, to the lower portion 18b of the dispensing module 16.
- the valve stem 260 may define a lower valve element 264 and an upper valve element 272 that is spaced from the lower valve element 264 along the valve stem 260.
- the lower portion 18b of the dispensing module 16 may define a lower valve seat 268 that is configured to interact with the lower valve element 264 of the valve stem 260, and an upper valve seat 276 that is spaced from the lower valve seat 268, where the upper valve seat 276 is configured to interact with the upper valve element 272 of the valve stem 260.
- the valve stem 260 may alternate between a first position and a second position.
- the dispensing module 16 When the valve stem 260 is in the first position, the dispensing module 16 is in an open configuration.
- the valve stem 260 is in the second position, the dispensing module 16 is in a closed configuration.
- the upper and lower valve elements 272 and 264 may substantially face in opposite directions, such that each of the upper and lower valve elements 272 and 264 interact with the corresponding upper and lower valve seats 276 and 268 in different ones of the first position and second position.
- the upper valve element 272 is shown as facing away from the upper portion 18a of the dispensing module 16, while lower valve element 264 is shown as facing toward the upper portion 18a of the dispensing module 16.
- valve stem 260 in the first position, is lowered within the dispensing flow path 224, such that the upper valve element 272 of the valve stem 260 engages the upper valve seat 276, and the lower valve element 264 is spaced from the lower valve seat 268. In this position, the engagement between the upper valve element 272 and the upper valve seat 276 blocks adhesive from flowing from the central section 224b of the dispensing flow path 224 to the upper section 224a.
- the lack of engagement between the lower valve element 264 and the lower valve seat 268 permits adhesive to flow from the central section 224b of the dispensing flow path 224 to the lower section 224c.
- adhesive flows from the second segment input channel 220, through the central and lower sections 224b and 224c of the dispensing flow path 224, and to the nozzle channel 228. From the nozzle channel 228, the adhesive then flows through the nozzle 21 and out of the applicator 10.
- the first position of this embodiment is the position in which the applicator 10 applies adhesive to a substrate during a manufacturing operation.
- valve stem 260 In the second position, the valve stem 260 is raised within the dispensing flow path 224, such that the upper valve element 272 of the valve stem 260 is spaced from the upper valve seat 276, and the lower valve element 264 engages the lower valve seat 268. In this position, the engagement between the lower valve element 264 and the lower valve seat 268 blocks adhesive from flowing from the central section 224b of the dispensing flow path 224 to the lower section 224c. Rather, the lack of engagement between the upper valve element 272 and the upper valve seat 276 permits adhesive to flow from the central section 224b of the dispensing flow path 224 to the upper section 224a.
- each additional dispensing module 16 and manifold segments 22 may be similarly configured.
- the valve stem 260 of each dispensing module 16 may be configured to be actuated between the first and second positions independent of any of the other valve stems 260, such that at any time the valve stems 260 of the dispensing modules 16 may be in any combination of the first and second positions. Alternatively, any combination of the valve stems 260 may be configured to transition between the first and second positions in unison.
- valve stem 260 The ability to alternate the valve stem 260 between the particular first and second positions described above serves several purposes.
- One purpose is that, during an adhesive dispensing operation, a consistent flow of adhesive may not be required or desired. As such, an operator of the applicator 10 must be able to selectively actuate the dispensing modules 16 to both provide and prevent a flow of adhesive to the substrate. Transitioning the valve stem 260 from the first position to the second position blocks adhesive from exiting the applicator 10, while
- valve stem 260 transitioning the valve stem 260 from the second position to the first position allows adhesive to exit the applicator 10.
- Another purpose of the alternative valve stem 260 described above relates to the pressure within the flow path of the adhesive.
- the adhesive When the valve stem 260 is in the first position, the adhesive is permitted to flow through the gap between the lower valve element 264 and the lower valve seat 268, and exit the applicator 10 through the nozzle 21.
- the valve stem 260 is in the second position, the adhesive cannot flow through this gap.
- This pressure upon the next transition of the valve stem 260 from the second position to the first position, can cause a pattern deformation, such as hammerhead, of the adhesive on the substrate.
- the inclusion of the recirculation channel 236 in the applicator 10 helps alleviate this issue.
- the ability of the adhesive to flow from the central section 224b of the dispensing flow path 224 to the upper section 224a, and through the recirculation feed channel 232 to the recirculation channel 236 provides the adhesive the ability to escape the dispensing flow path 224.
- This may alleviate any pressure build-up that could occur when the valve stem 260 is in the second position, thus aiding in standardizing the flow of adhesive through the nozzle 21 (such as through preventing adhesive hammerhead on the substrate) when the valve stem 260 is in the first position.
- recirculation channel 236 may not fully rectify this issue.
- Adhesive flowing through recirculation channel 236 inherently creates some amount of pressure within the recirculation channel 236.
- a differential may exist between the pressure of the adhesive flowing through the recirculation channel 236 and the adhesive flowing to the dispensing modules 16a-16f when the valve stem 260 is in the second position.
- This pressure differential may cause the flow rate of the adhesive flowing through the nozzle 21 to be inconsistent, as the volume of material entering the recirculation channel 236 may vary over time, depending upon which of the dispensing modules 16a-16f have valve stems 260 in the second position at a particular moment.
- Figure 15 illustrates a process flow diagram depicting a system for managing the flow of adhesive through the recirculation channel 236 so as to actively control this pressure differential.
- Solid lines and arrows indicate the flow of adhesive through the applicator 10, and dashed lines and arrows indicate the transfer of information.
- the adhesive flows from an adhesive supply (not shown), through a hose (not shown) that is coupled to the input connector 14 ( Figure 1) of the applicator 10, and into the supply channel 200. As the adhesive flows through the supply channel 200, it flows at a first pressure. To detect the first pressure, a first pressure sensor 302 may be disposed within the supply channel 200.
- the first pressure sensor 302 may be any type of pressure sensor that is capable of measuring the pressure of a fluid, such as, for example, a pressure transducer.
- the first pressure sensor 302 may measure the first pressure of the adhesive as it flows through the supply channel 200 to the pump assembly 20.
- the adhesive then flows through dispensing pumps 20a-20f, which subsequently pump the adhesive to the dispensing modules 16a- 16f.
- the applicator 10 can include a plurality of pressure sensors 310a-310f, where each pressure sensor 310a-3 lOf can be incorporated into or in communication with the output of a respective one of the pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the pressure sensor 310a can be in communication with the output of the pump assembly 20a
- the pressure sensor 310b can be in communication with the output of the pump assembly 20b
- the number of pressure sensors 310a-3 lOf can generally correspond to the number of pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the pressure sensors 310a-3 lOf can be pressure sensors configured to detect the pressure of the adhesive pumped by a corresponding one of the pump assemblies 20a-20f to the corresponding one of the dispensing modules 16a-16f.
- the pressure sensors 310a-3 lOf can be pressure transducers or any other type of pressure sensor capable of measuring the pressure of fluid.
- the adhesive flows out of the nozzles 21.
- the adhesive flows into recirculation channel 236.
- the adhesive from each of the dispensing modules 16a-16f that flows into the recirculation channel 236 is directed to the recirculation pump assembly 20g.
- a second pressure sensor 304 may be disposed within the recirculation channel 236.
- the second pressure sensor 304 like the first pressure sensor 302, may be any type of pressure sensor that is capable of measuring the pressure of a fluid, such as a pressure transducer.
- the first and second pressure sensors 302 and 304 Upon measuring the first and second pressures, the first and second pressure sensors 302 and 304 transmit the first and second pressures to a controller 7. Further, each of the pressure sensors 310a-3 lOf can be in signal communication with the controller 7 and transmit the detected pressure of the adhesive pumped from the pump assemblies 20a-20f to the controller 7.
- the controller 7 may be connected to the applicator 10 through a signal connection 8, which may comprise a wired and/or wireless connection.
- the controller 7 may include one or more processors, one or more memories, input/output components, and a human-machine interface (HMI) device 7a, and may comprise any device capable of including those components.
- the HMI interface 7a may include a touchscreen, mouse, keyboard, buttons, dials, etc.
- the input/output components may be configured to receive signals containing the first and second pressures from the first and second pressure sensors 302 and 304 via the signal connection 8.
- the pump assembly 20g is operable independent of the other pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the recirculation pump assembly 20g functions to pump adhesive from the recirculation channel 236 back to the supply channel 200.
- the controller 7 actively controls the flow rate at which the recirculation pump assembly 20g pumps the adhesive through the recirculation channel 236 by automatically adjusting the speed (RPM) of the drive motor.
- the controller 7 can direct the recirculation pump assembly 20g to pump the adhesive at a flow rate sufficient to control the pressure differential between the recirculation channel 236 and the pressure at which the pump assemblies 20a-20f pump the adhesive to the respective dispensing modules 16a-16f as detected by each of the respective pressure sensors 310a-310f.
- the recirculation pump assembly 20g can substantially equalize the second pressure of the adhesive flowing through the recirculation channel 236 with the pressure at which the pump assemblies 20a-20f pump the adhesive to the respective dispensing modules 16a-16f as detected by each of the respective pressure sensors 310a-310f.
- the recirculation pump assembly 20g functions to actively control the differential between the pressure of adhesive flowing through the recirculation channel 236 and pressure of adhesive flowing to the dispensing modules 16a-16f, which can aid in increasing continuity in the volumetric output of the adhesive that is applied to a substrate via nozzles 21.
- controller 7 may be capable of autonomously controlling operation of the recirculation pump assembly 20g to equalize these pressures
- an operator of the applicator 10 may optionally be able to manually control operation of the recirculation pump assembly 20g through the user inputs received by the controller 7, or by running a program stored in the memory of the controller 7.
- the recirculation pump assembly 20g may be spaced from the manifold 12.
- the recirculation pump assembly 20g is connected to the manifold 12 via one or more hoses, allowing the pump assembly 20g to receive adhesive from and pump adhesive to the manifold 12.
- one hose may direct adhesive from the recirculation channel 236 to the recirculation pump assembly 20g
- a second hose may direct adhesive from the recirculation pump assembly 20g to the supply channel 200.
- the presence of the dedicated recirculation pump assembly 20g to actively regulate pressure of adhesive flowing through the recirculation channel 236 of the applicator 10 may simplify the overall construction of the applicator 10. For example, with the recirculation pump assembly 20g, a second hose that connects the recirculation channel 236 to the adhesive supply (not shown) is not required. Additionally, the applicator 10 becomes better adapted to accommodating different applications. As a client’s requirements change, the recirculation pump assembly 20g adapts to likewise actively regulate the pressure within the applicator 10, such that the pressure differential between the recirculation channel 236 and the adhesive pumped to the dispensing modules 16a-16f remains minimal or nonexistent, regardless of application.
- the presence of the recirculation pump assembly 20g further aids in maintaining tighter tolerances in the flow rate of adhesive exiting the applicator 10 through nozzles 21.
- actively regulating the pressure of the adhesive in the recirculation channel 236 allows for a controllable and consistent flow rate of adhesive exiting the applicator 10, as opposed to the flow rate being simply a function of the pressure of adhesive in the recirculation channel 236 and adhesive pumped to the dispensing modules 16a-16f at any given time.
- This consistent flow rate helps reduce costs incurred during a dispensing operation, particularly in the substrates to which the adhesive is applied. Though some substrates may be more accommodating of the effects of pattern deformations of the adhesive applied to the substrate, some substrates are more sensitive to such variations in adhesive flow.
- FIG. 16 a schematic diagram of a dispensing system 1 for controlling the operation of the pump assemblies 20a-20g is depicted, where solid lines indicate adhesive flow and dashed lines indicate signal transmission. Though only pump assemblies 20a, 20b, and 20g are shown in Figure 16, the features and functionality described below related to pump assemblies 20a, 20b, and 20g are equally applicable to each of pump assemblies 20a-20g.
- the applicator 10 can include the first pressure sensor 302 that is configured to measure a pressure of the adhesive flowing through the supply channel 200 and send a signal to the controller 7 through the signal connection 8 that is
- the pressure sensor 302 can be a pressure transducer, though it is contemplated that any conventional type of pressure sensor that is suitable for measuring the pressure of a fluid can be utilized.
- Pressure transducers comprise devices that convert pressure into an analog electrical signal.
- Various types of pressure transducers can be utilized, such as a capacitive pressure transducer, digital output pressure transducer, voltage/current output pressure transducer, etc.
- each of the pump assemblies 20a-20f is configured to pump the adhesive to a respective one of the dispensing modules 16a-16f.
- each of the pump assemblies 20a-20f can pump the adhesive at a respective operating speed that can be the same or different than any of the other pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the applicator 10 can include a plurality of pressure sensors 310a-3 lOf configured to detect the pressure of the adhesive pumped to the respective dispensing modules 16a-16f and send signals to the controller 7 through the signal connection 8 that is representative of those pressures.
- the operating speed of any of the pump assemblies 20a-20f can be individually adjusted by the controller 7, which is in signal communication with each of the pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the controller 7 can be configured to detect the current draw of each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the current draw from each of the pump assemblies 20a-20g may fluctuate throughout a dispensing process as the pump assemblies 20a-20g are forced to draw more or less current in order to maintain a particular operating speed. This fluctuation in current draw can be indicative to a user of a change within the applicator 10, such as changed viscosity in the material.
- each of the dispensing modules 16a-16f is configured to selectively dispense the material from the applicator 10.
- each of the dispensing modules 16a- 16f includes a respective valve stem 260 that is configured to transition back and forth along a linear path, also referred to as a valve stroke, to control flow of adhesive from each of the plurality of dispensing modules 16a-16f.
- the dispensing modules 16a-16f can be affected by a change in the dispensing system 1, such as a clog or property change in the material flowing through the dispensing system 1.
- the applicator 10 can include a plurality of position sensors 314a-314f configured to measure an instantaneous position of a valve stem 260 of a corresponding one of the dispensing modules 16a-16f and send a signal to the controller 7 through the signal connection 8 that is representative of the instantaneous position.
- the positions sensors 314a-314f can be fiberoptic sensors configured to measure the change in intensity of light reflected from a component connected to the respective valve stems 260, though it is contemplated that any conventional type of position sensor that is suitable for measuring the instantaneous position of the valve stems 260 can be utilized.
- the applicator 10 can include a position sensor 314a-314f that corresponds to each of the dispensing modules 16a-16f.
- the position sensor 314a can be configured to measure the instantaneous position of the valve stem 260 of the dispensing module 16a
- the position sensor 314b can be configured to measure the instantaneous position of the valve stem 260 of the dispensing module 16b, etc.
- the valve stroke may fluctuate through a dispensing process as the fluid properties of the adhesive changes, clogs or dried material builds up within the applicator 10, etc.
- the applicator 10 can include a second pressure sensor 304 that is configured to measure a pressure of the adhesive flowing through the recirculation channel 236 and send a signal to the controller 7 through the signal connection 8 that is representative of that pressure.
- the second pressure sensor 304 can be a pressure transducer, though it is contemplated that any conventional type of pressure sensor that is suitable for measuring the pressure of a fluid can be utilized.
- the recirculation pump assembly 20g pumps the material through the recirculation channel 236 and otherwise control the flow of the adhesive through the recirculation channel 236.
- the controller 7 can be in signal communication with the recirculation pump assembly 20g through the signal connection 8 and be configured to detect the current draw of the recirculation pump assembly 20g.
- the current draw from the recirculation pump assembly 20g may fluctuate throughout a dispensing process as the recirculation pump assembly 20g is forced to draw more or less current in order to maintain a particular recirculation material flow rate. This fluctuation in current draw can be indicative to a user of a change within the applicator 10, such as changed viscosity in the material or a clog within the recirculation channel 236.
- the applicator 10 can also include pump sensors 31 la-31 If and a recirculation pump sensor 31 lg configured to detect other aspects of the pump assemblies 20a-20f and recirculation pump assembly 20g, respectively, other than the current draw in order to accurately monitor the flow of material.
- the pump sensors 31 la-31 If and recirculation pump sensor 31 lg can include sensors that measure motor torque and operating speed of the pump assemblies 20a-20f and recirculation pump assembly 20g or the pressure of the adhesive exiting the pump assemblies 20a- 20f and recirculation pump assembly 20g, and likewise send a signal to the controller 7 that is representative of these various measurements.
- pump sensors 31 la-31 If and recirculation pump sensor 31 lg can be optical encoders or Hall effect sensors. Measurement of these factors can be performed by the pump sensors 31 la-31 If and recirculation pump sensor 31 lg on a continuous or intermittent basis, which may be selectable or altered by the operator.
- the applicator 10 can include a plurality of thermal elements 23 for heating the manifold 12 of the applicator 10, and likewise the material flowing through the applicator 10.
- the thermal elements 23 can be cartridge style, Kapton wire, cast-in, or induction coil heating elements, though any type of conventional heater is contemplated.
- the thermal elements 23 can function to maintain the material at an elevated temperature, which aids in maintaining the fluid properties of the material and thus allowing it to easily flow through the applicator.
- Many conventional applicators have a single thermal element, and thus only define a single zone of heating. However, the thermal elements 23 can create multiple heating zones throughout the applicator 10 so as to allow more localized and precise control over heating within specific parts of the applicator 10.
- the thermal elements 23 can be positioned at various locations throughout the applicator 10 such that the material is evenly heated as it flows through the applicator 10. Though only two thermal elements 23 are schematically shown, the applicator 10 can include one, three, four, or five or more thermal elements 23.
- the applicator 10 can also include plurality of heat sensors 318, where each of the heat sensors 318 corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of thermal elements 23.
- the heat sensors 318 can be in fluid communication with the material so as to detect a temperature of the material in the vicinity of the corresponding thermal element 23 and transmit a heat signal to the controller 7 that is representative of the temperature of the material.
- the heat sensors 318 can be nickel or platinum resistance temperature detectors or thermocouples, though any type of conventional heat sensor is
- the controller 7 can utilize the measurements from the heat sensors 318 to determine a property of the material, such as the material’s viscosity.
- the controller 7 can be configured to receive signals from the first and second pressure sensors 302, 304, the pressure sensors 310a-310f, the position sensors 314a-314f, and heat sensors 318 that correspond to various parameters of the adhesive and components within the applicator 10 in order to determine how to control the pump assemblies 20a-20f, recirculation pump assembly 20g, and thermal elements 23.
- the controller 7 can determine an adjustment to the operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f individually based on their respective current draws, and subsequently direct each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a- 20f to individually adjust their operating speed.
- An increase or decrease in current draw can indicate to the operator that a change within the applicator 10, such as a change in properties of the adhesive, has occurred. As a result, the operator may find it desirable to increase or decrease the operating speed of any of the pump assemblies 20a-20f to maintain dispensing consistency.
- An adjustment to the operating speed of any of the pump assemblies 20a-20f can be automatically be made by the controller 7 upon detecting a deviation between an intended or preset current draw and the actual current draw detected by the controller 7.
- the controller 7 can be configured to direct each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f to individually adjust their operating speeds when their respective current draws are outside a predetermined range.
- this range can be about plus or minus 0.1-10 Amps, though a typical value can be about 0.25 Amps. This range therefore defines an acceptable range within which the current draw may vary.
- Such a range can be preselected by the operator or automatically determined by the controller 7 based upon factors such as the material to be dispensed, the dispensing operation to be performed, the substrate onto which the material will be dispensed, etc.
- the HMI device 7a can be configured to receive a user input that allows an operator to manually select the predetermined range. The operator may also be able to freely adjust the range at any time throughout a dispensing process.
- the HMI device 7a can also be configured to produce an alert when the current draw of at least one of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f is outside the predetermined range.
- the alert can notify the operator of the issue within the applicator 10 and inform the operator that human intervention may be required in order to rectify the issue.
- the controller 7 can be configured to direct each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f to individually adjust their operating speeds when their respective current draws are outside a predetermined range
- the controller 7 can also be configured to direct each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f to maintain their operating speeds when their respective current draws are within a predetermined range. This allows the pump assemblies 20a-20f to continue operating despite small variations in current draw that may be indicative of issues inconsequential enough to not appreciably affect the quality or consistency of the dispensed material.
- the recirculation pump assembly 20g can be similarly operated.
- the controller 7 is configured to determine an adjustment to the operating speed of the recirculation pump assembly 20g based on the current draw from the recirculation pump assembly 20g as detected by the controller 7.
- An adjustment to the operating speed of the recirculation pump assembly 20g can be automatically made by the controller 7 upon detecting a deviation between an intended or preset current draw and the actual current draw measured by the controller 7, or when the measured current draw is outside a predetermined operating range.
- the controller 7 can be configured to direct the recirculation pump assembly 20g to maintain its operating speed when its current draw is within the predetermined range.
- the controller 7 can also take into consideration various other measurements when making these determinations. For instance, the controller 7 can be configured to determine the adjustment to the operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f and recirculation pump assembly 20g individually based on the pressure of the adhesive flowing through the supply channel 200, as measured by the first pressure sensor 302. Additionally, the controller 7 can be configured to determine the adjustment to the operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a- 20f and recirculation pump assembly 20g individually based on the pressure of the adhesive flowing through the recirculation channel 236, as measured by the second pressure sensor 304.
- controller 7 can be configured to determine the adjustment to the operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f and recirculation pump assembly 20g individually based on the pressure of the adhesive being pumped to the dispensing modules 16a-16f, as measured by the pressure sensors 310a-310f.
- the controller 7 can also process the measurements made by the various sensors and, through process of elimination and comparison to predetermined values, identify a specific defect that exists within the applicator 10. For example, based on measurements performed by the pressure sensors 302, 304, the pressure sensors 310a-310f, the position sensors 314a-314f, and the heat sensors 318, the controller 7 can identify specific problems occurring within the applicator 10. When a particular issue has been identified by the controller 7, the controller 7 can automatically perform adjustments to address the issue, as well as produce an alert via the HMI device 7a that indicates the problem to the operator and allows the operator to manually take corrective action.
- the alert can be a noise, vibration, light output, text notification, etc.
- the controller 7 can recognize the cause of these factors as an increase in viscosity of the adhesive. Conversely, when the speed of the pump assemblies 20a-20f is above a predetermined setpoint, the current draw of the pump assemblies 20a-20f decreases, the pressure detected by the pressure sensors 310a-3 lOf decreases, and the temperature sensed by any of the heat sensors 318 is above a setpoint, the controller 7 can recognize the cause of these factors as a decrease in viscosity of the adhesive.
- the controller 7 can recognize the cause of these factors as a clog in at least one of the nozzles 21.
- the controller 7 can recognize the cause of these factors as a failure of one or more of the thermal elements 23.
- the controller 7 can recognize the cause of these factors as a control failure in the pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the controller 7 can recognize the cause of these factors as a failure in the control of the pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the controller 7 can recognize the cause of these factors as a failure in the control of the thermal elements 23.
- the controller 7 can recognize the cause of these factors as an increase in the interval duration that a solenoid (not labeled) is actuating the valve stem 260.
- the controller 7 can recognize the cause of these factors as a decrease in the interval duration that the solenoid is actuating the valve stem 260 or a failure of one of the valve stems 260.
- the controller 7 can recognize the cause of these factors as the wearing out of a component of the dispensing modules 16a-16f. Though multiple problems that can occur within the applicator 10 and potential causes of these problems are described above, this listing is not intended to be exhaustive in both the type of problems the controller 7 can recognize and the potential causes of these problems.
- Method 400 includes step 402, in which the adhesive is melted by the melter 3.
- the operator can manually input one or more predetermined acceptable ranges for the current draws of the pump assemblies 20a-20f and/or the recirculation pump assembly 20g in step 406.
- the acceptable range can be determined by the controller 7 based on the adhesive to be dispensed, the particular dispensing operation to be performed, etc.
- the melter 3 can provide the melted adhesive to the applicator 10, such as through the hose 5.
- step 414 the adhesive is directed through the supply channel 200 to the pump assemblies 20a-20f. While the adhesive is being directed through the supply channel 200, in step 418 the first pressure sensor 302 can measure the pressure of the adhesive flowing through the supply channel 200 and send a signal to the controller 7 that is representative of this measured pressure.
- the adhesive is pumped to the dispensing modules 16a-16f via the pump assemblies 20a-20f, respectively in step 422.
- the pressure sensors 310a-310f can measure the pressure of the adhesive pumped by the pump assemblies 20a-20f to the dispensing modules 16a-16f.
- the pressure of the material flowing to the dispensing modules 16a-16f can be utilized by the controller 7 to determine the adjustment to the operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f and the recirculation pump assembly 20g.
- the dispensing modules 16a-16f are configured to selectively dispense the adhesive onto a substrate through reciprocation of the respective valve stems 260 of the dispensing modules 16a-16f.
- the adhesive is pumped from the plurality of dispensing modules 16a-16f through a recirculation channel 236 and back to the supply channel 200 via the recirculation pump assembly 20g in step 426, which allows this adhesive to be recycled back through the applicator 10 and again supplied to the pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the second pressure sensor 304 can measure the pressure of the adhesive flowing through the recirculation channel 236 and send a signal to the controller 7 that is representative of this measured pressure.
- the pressure of the material flowing through the recirculation channel 236 as measured by the pressure sensor 304 can be utilized by the controller 7 to determine the adjustment to the operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a- 20f and the recirculation pump assembly 20g individually.
- step 434 the controller 37 can measure the current draw from each of the pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- the current draw of any of the pump assemblies 20a-20f can fluctuate over time in response to changed conditions within the applicator 10 in order to maintain a consistent, set operating speed of each of the pump assemblies 20a-20f.
- step 438 the pump sensors 31 la-31 If can measure other parameters related to the pump assemblies 20a-20f, such as motor torque, operating speed, and pump pressure of each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a- 20f.
- step 442 the controller 7 can determine an adjustment to an operating speed of each of the pump assemblies 20a-20f based on their respective current draws. This adjustment can be determined individually by the controller for each of the pump assemblies 20a-20f, and in addition to the current draw, can be based each of their unique measured motor torques, operating speeds, pump pressures, etc.
- step 442 can include determining an adjustment to the operating speed of the pump assemblies 20a-20f only when the current draw of any of the pump assemblies 20a-20f are outside a predetermined range. As stated above, this range can be about plus or minus 0.1-10 Amps, though other ranges are contemplated.
- step 442 can included maintaining the operating speed of each of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f when their respective current draws are within the
- step 446 the controller 7 can direct the pump assemblies 20a-20f to adjust their respective operating speeds individually in accordance with the determined adjustment.
- the operating speeds of any number of the pump assemblies 20a-20f can be adjusted or maintained, depending on the measurements made by the first and second sensors 302, 304 and pressure sensors 310a-3 lOf, as well as the determinations made by the controller 7.
- an alert can be produced in step 450 when the current draw of one of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f is outside the predetermined range.
- the alert can be produced by the HMI device 7a and take the form of a noise, vibration, light output, text notification, or any other type of conventional alert capable of notifying the operator that the current draw of one of the plurality of pump assemblies 20a-20f is outside the predetermined range.
- step 454 the controller 7 can determine the current draw from the recirculation pump assembly 20g and simultaneously transmit a signal to the controller 7 that is indicative of the current draw of the recirculation pump assembly 20g.
- the current draw of any of the recirculation pump assembly 20g can fluctuate over time in order to maintain a consistent, set operating speed of the recirculation pump assembly 20g in response to changed conditions within the applicator 10.
- the pump sensor 31 lg can measure other parameters related to the recirculation pump assembly 20g, such as motor torque, operating speed, and pump pressure of the recirculation pump assembly 20g.
- step 462 the controller 7 can determine an adjustment to an operating speed of the recirculation pump assembly 20g based on its current draw. In addition to the current draw, this adjustment can be based on the motor torque, operating speed, pump pressures, etc. This adjustment can also be based on the pressures measured by the pressure sensors 310a-3 lOf. In one embodiment, step 462 can include determining an adjustment to the operating speed of the recirculation pump assembly 20g only when the current draw of the recirculation pump assembly 20g is outside a predetermined range. As stated above, this range can be about plus or minus 0.1-10 Amps, though other ranges are contemplated.
- step 462 can include maintaining the operating speed of the recirculation pump assembly 20g when its current draw is within the predetermined range. After the adjustment to the operating speed of recirculation pump assembly 20g has been determined in step 462, in step 466 the controller 7 can direct the
- the heat sensors 318 positioned within the vicinity of the thermal elements 23 can be configured to measure the temperature of the adhesive at different locations throughout the applicator 10 and transmit a heat signal to the controller 7 that is representative of the temperature of the adhesive.
- This measuring step can be performed at any time with respect to previously described steps 402-466, such that it can be performed simultaneously with the steps where the controller 7 determines adjustments to the operating speeds of the pump assemblies 20a- 20f and the recirculation pump assembly 20g.
- the controller 7 can determine a property of the adhesive based on the temperature of the adhesive as detected by the heat sensors 318.
- this property can be a viscosity of the adhesive, and can be determined by the controller 7 based upon the temperature measured by the heat sensors 318 and compared to known material properties of the adhesive, though other properties are contemplated.
- the heat sensed in step 470 by the heat sensor 318 can also be utilized by the controller 7 in determining an adjustment to the operating speed of the pump assemblies 20a-20f and/or the recirculation pump assembly 20g.
- step 478 the position sensors 314a-314f are configured to measure an
- this measuring step can be performed at any time with respect to previously described steps 402-466, such that it can be performed simultaneously with the steps where the controller 7 determines adjustments to the operating speeds of the pump assemblies 20a- 20f and the recirculation pump assembly 20g.
- the controller 7 can determine whether a defect exists in the dispensing system.
- Such a defect can include a clog within the material flow path, component failure, etc., and can affect the positioning of the valve stems 260 by causing the time required for the valve stems 260 to complete a full stroke length to increase.
- the measurements measured by the first and second sensors 302, 304, pressure sensors 310a-3 lOf, pump sensors 31 la-31 If, recirculation pump sensor 3 lOg, and heat sensors 318 can also be utilized in making this determination.
- the instantaneous position measured by the position sensors 314a-314f can also be utilized in the determination of the adjustment to the operating speed of the pump assemblies 20a-20f and/or the recirculation pump assembly 20g.
- each dispensing module 16a-16f is individually controlled by a respective pump assembly 20a-20f
- aspects of the flow of adhesive to an individual dispensing module 16a-16f can be adjusted without altering the operation of other portions of the dispensing system 1.
- the addition of the first and second sensors 302, 304, the pressure sensors 310a-310f, the position sensors 314a-314f, and the heat sensors 318 allow the flow of adhesive within the applicator 10 to be monitored with a higher level of precision and a higher resolution, while simultaneously allowing changes or issues within the applicator 10 to be reacted to quicker.
- controller 7 to receive and utilize the entirety of the measurements taken by the above- described sensors allows the controller 7 to react faster than prior systems when a change within the applicator 10 must be made and adjust operation of any combination of the pump assemblies 20a- 20f and/or recirculation pump assembly 20g, which can save on wasted adhesive and result in less unsalable finished product.
- FIG. 19 illustrates an applicator 510.
- the hybrid applicator 510 is configured for both metered output and pressure fed output.
- the applicator 510 is similar to the applicator 10 described above.
- the hybrid applicator 510 includes dispensing module(s) 516 and a unitary or segmented manifold 512.
- the hybrid applicator 510 includes at least one pump assembly 420 (or pump assembly 120) and at least one pressure feed block 520, each of which is coupled to the manifold 512.
- reference number 420 can be used interchangeably with the reference number 520a-520c unless noted otherwise.
- the applicator 10 includes three pump assemblies 520a, 520b and 520c, as well as four pressure feed blocks 522a, 522b, 522c and 522d.
- the applicator 510 can include any number of pump assemblies 420 and pressure feed blocks 520. Any of the pump assemblies 520a- 520c can be configured to operate as the recirculation pump assembly, as described in relation to pump assembly 20g above.
- the pump assembly 420 is substantially the same as pump assembly 20 (or pump assembly 120), as described above.
- the pump assembly 420 receives adhesive from flow channels in the manifold 512, which are ported to the input 519c.
- Pressure feed blocks 522a and 522c include inlets and outlets that receive adhesive from the manifold supplied through the input 519c.
- the pressure feed blocks 522b and 522d are supplied adhesive through inputs 519a and 519b, which receive adhesive from an adhesive supply (not shown).
- a pump (not shown) near the adhesive supply may be used to feed the adhesive through hoses to inputs 519a and 519b, which are coupled to the pressure feed blocks 522b and 522d, respectively.
- the hybrid applicator 510 has multiple input fittings 519a-519c, some which are associated with a pressure feed block(s), that can be used to supply different types of adhesive to the applicator 510.
- a pump assembly 420 with a pressure feed block 520 increases process flexibility of the applicator 510.
- the pump assembly 420 permits precise metering of adhesive streams from the dispensing module 516, while other adhesive streams are associated with the less precise pressure feed blocks 520.
- the hybrid applicator 510 can be metered, pressure-fed, and multi-zone pressure-fed, all within a single manifold as needed.
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- Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/378,186 US10695779B2 (en) | 2016-09-08 | 2019-04-08 | Applicator having active backpressure control devices |
PCT/US2020/026819 WO2020210144A1 (en) | 2019-04-08 | 2020-04-06 | Applicator having active backpressure control devices |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3953059A1 true EP3953059A1 (en) | 2022-02-16 |
EP3953059B1 EP3953059B1 (en) | 2023-08-16 |
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EP20721361.2A Active EP3953059B1 (en) | 2019-04-08 | 2020-04-06 | Applicator having active backpressure control devices |
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EP (1) | EP3953059B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2022526812A (en) |
CN (1) | CN113646095A (en) |
ES (1) | ES2959708T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020210144A1 (en) |
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CN114849990B (en) * | 2022-07-05 | 2022-09-23 | 宁波润华全芯微电子设备有限公司 | Photoresist nozzle device |
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DE102006041310A1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2008-03-20 | Oase Gmbh | Water pump and fountain with pump |
US10465721B2 (en) * | 2014-03-25 | 2019-11-05 | Project Phoenix, LLC | System to pump fluid and control thereof |
US20160256889A1 (en) * | 2015-03-06 | 2016-09-08 | Nordson Corporation | Variable output dispensing applicator and associated methods of dispensing |
US9925552B2 (en) * | 2015-03-09 | 2018-03-27 | Nordson Corporation | Liquid dispensing applicators having backpressure control devices, and related methods |
ES2847950T3 (en) * | 2016-09-08 | 2021-08-04 | Nordson Corp | Diverter Plate Applicator |
CN109843449B (en) * | 2016-09-08 | 2022-02-18 | 诺信公司 | Remote metering station |
-
2020
- 2020-04-06 ES ES20721361T patent/ES2959708T3/en active Active
- 2020-04-06 EP EP20721361.2A patent/EP3953059B1/en active Active
- 2020-04-06 WO PCT/US2020/026819 patent/WO2020210144A1/en unknown
- 2020-04-06 JP JP2021559400A patent/JP2022526812A/en active Pending
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ES2959708T3 (en) | 2024-02-27 |
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JP2022526812A (en) | 2022-05-26 |
EP3953059B1 (en) | 2023-08-16 |
WO2020210144A1 (en) | 2020-10-15 |
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