Fluid pump and cartridge

Abstract

In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 186,763, filed Mar. 3, 2000 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 163,952, filed Nov. 8, 1999 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Contemporary fluid dispense systems are well suited for dispensing precise amounts of fluid at precise positions on a substrate. A pump transports the fluid to a dispense tip, also referred to as a “pin” or “needle”, which is positioned over the substrate by a micropositioner, thereby providing patterns of fluid on the substrate as needed. As an example application, fluid delivery systems can be utilized for depositing precise volumes of adhesives, for example, glue, resin, or paste, during a circuit board assembly process, in the form of dots for high-speed applications, or in the form of lines for providing underfill or encapsulation.[0003]Contemporary dispensing pumps comprise ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system achieves high-performance, precise, and consistent fluid dispensing with reduced pressure requirements, minimizing contamination and clogging, and allowing for efficient storage and maintenance.

Problems solved by technology

Such conventional pump systems suffer from several limitations.

The motor and rotary clutch mechanisms are bulky and heavy, and are therefore limited in application for modern dispensing applications requiring increasingly precise, efficient, and fast operation.

The excessive weight limits use for those applications that require contact of the pump with the substrate, and limits system speed and accuracy, attributed to the high g-forces required for quick movement of the system.

The mechanical clutch is difficult to control, and coasts to a stop when disengaged, resulting in deposit of excess fluid.

However, the spring adds to the length of the cartridge, and contributes to system complexity.

This leads to inconsistent material flow.

This further limits material flow and can contribute to material “balling” and clogging.

Since the tube and bracket are on opposite sides of the bracket, removal of the syringe from the pump body requires dismantling of the tube and syringe, which can contaminate fluid material positioned at the interface during disassembly.

Further, since the syringe and cartridge can not be removed and stored together as a unit, disassembly and cleaning of the cartridge is required.

Additionally, the inlet neck is narrow and therefore difficult to clean.

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