Cartridge for jetting fluid material and related method

Abstract

A jet cartridge for jetting a fluid material and related methods, the jet cartridge including a body adapted to receive the fluid material and a fluid channel defined within the body and extending along a longitudinal axis thereof. At least a portion of the fluid channel extends obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis. The body is adapted to receive heat from a heating element and transfer the heat to the fluid material flowing through the fluid channel. A method of jetting a fluid material with a jet dispenser including the jet cartridge includes receiving the fluid material into the jet cartridge, directing the fluid material through the jet cartridge along the longitudinal axis of the jet cartridge and obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis, heating the fluid material directed through the fluid cartridge to a target temperature, maintaining the target temperature as the fluid material enters a nozzle, and jetting the heated fluid material through the nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to fluid distributors, and more specifically, to fluid distributors for jetting fluid materials. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid dispensers for spraying fluid materials, such as epoxy resins, silicone resins, and other adhesives, are known in the art. Spray dispensers typically operate in such a way that a small volume of fluid material is dispensed onto a substrate by rapidly striking a valve seat with a valve member to generate a significant high-pressure pulse. This pulse ejects small doses or droplets of fluid material from the dispenser nozzle, which then travels through the air and impacts a surface or substrate, applying the fluid material to that surface or substrate. Known spray cartridges used with spray dispensers include a cylinder housing the valve member and nozzle, adapted for coupling to an actuator of the spray dispenser.

[0003] In applications of jet-heated fluid materials, a heating element is attached to a cylinder, which transfers heat to the fluid material as it passes through the internal channels of the jet. The viscosity of the fluid material can vary with temperature. Therefore, the viscosity of the fluid material can be controlled by transferring heat to it as it passes through the jet, particularly in applications where low viscosity is desired.

[0004] To achieve uniform fluid flow characteristics and repeatable weight distribution, it is desirable to maintain a uniform and consistent temperature of the fluid material as it flows through the jet tube and into the nozzle for injection. However, known heated jet tubes cannot maintain a uniform temperature of the fluid material as it flows through the tube and into the nozzle. In particular, the fluid material is often underheated for insufficient duration within the jet tube, resulting in a temperature drop (e.g., partial cooling) as it reaches the nozzle. Consequently, the fluid material flowing towards the nozzle experiences inconsistent temperature and viscosity, leading to inaccurate distribution performance.

[0005] Another shortcoming of known heated spray nozzles is that most are not designed to be disassembled and reassembled to adequately expose the internal fluid paths for inspection and cleaning between uses. Alternatively, known non-disassembled heated spray nozzles typically require external tools, such as wrenches or screwdrivers, to separate one or more tightened mechanical fasteners. Therefore, exposing the internal fluid paths of known heated spray nozzles for proper inspection and cleaning is difficult, if not impossible. In this respect, enclosed fluid paths and “dead zones” within the nozzle that may inappropriately interrupt or impede fluid flow during use may not be accessible enough for inspection and cleaning.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for improvements to the known spray nozzles used in spray distributors. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, a jet nozzle for jetting fluid material includes a body adapted to receive the fluid material and a fluid channel defined within the body and extending along a longitudinal axis of the body. At least a portion of the fluid channel extends obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the body is adapted to receive heat from a heating element and transfer that heat to the fluid material flowing through the fluid channel.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a method is provided for spraying a fluid material using a spray dispenser, the spray dispenser including an actuator and a spray tube operatively coupled to the actuator and having a nozzle. The method includes: receiving the fluid material into the spray tube; and guiding the fluid material through the spray tube in a direction toward the nozzle, along a longitudinal axis of the spray tube and obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis. The method further includes: heating the fluid material guided through the spray tube to a target temperature; and maintaining the target temperature as the fluid material enters the nozzle. The method further includes: spraying the heated fluid material through the nozzle.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the jet nozzle for jetting fluid material includes an outer body, a flow insert received within the outer body, a fluid channel defined between the outer body and the flow insert, and a friction connection between the outer body and the flow insert. This friction connection is facilitated by a releasable sealing element disposed between the outer body and the flow insert, and is adapted to be detached without the use of a separate tool to expose the fluid channel. Furthermore, the outer body is adapted to receive heat from a heating element and transfer that heat to the fluid material flowing through the fluid channel.

[0010] Various additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a spray distributor including a spray nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of the injection tube, including the tube body and the flow insert.

[0013] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2 The front view shows the flow insert removed from the cylinder.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 1The rear perspective view of the injection tube shows the flow insert removed from the tube body, and a cross section of the extension of the flow insert is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 It is along the actuator connected to the injection distributor Figure 1 The side cross-sectional view taken from line 5-5 of the jet tube shows the flow of fluid material through the jet tube.

[0016] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view showing fluid material being ejected through a nozzle.

[0017] Figure 7 It shows the guidance through Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the fluid flow path (including the main fluid channel) of the fluid material in the jet nozzle.

[0018] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 The front cross-sectional view of the injection tube taken from line 8-8 shows details of the clamp that connects the injection tube to the actuator of the injection distributor. Detailed Implementation

[0019] refer to Figure 1 The image illustrates a spray dispenser 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The spray dispenser 10 includes an actuator 12, a spray tube 14 operably connected to the actuator 12, and a fluid container 15 adapted to supply fluid material to the spray tube 14 via a fluid supply pipe 16. The fluid material may include a variety of heat-sensitive fluid materials, such as epoxy resin, silicone resin, or other adhesives with temperature-dependent viscosity. The spray dispenser 10 further includes a heating element 18, shown in dashed lines, powered by a controllable power source 19, for heating the spray tube 14 and the fluid material flowing through it, thereby maintaining optimal temperature and viscosity of the fluid material during dispensing. As described in more detail below, the actuator 12 is operable to actuate a valve member within the spray tube 14, thereby “spraying” or “ejecting” the fluid material from the spray tube 14 onto a substrate.

[0020] Reference Appendix Figure 2-4 The detailed structural features of the injection tube 14 are shown. Generally, the injection tube 14 includes an outer cylinder 20 and a flow insert 22, the flow insert 22 being removably received within the outer cylinder 20 such that the flow insert 22 and the outer cylinder 20 define a fluid channel therebetween, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 5-7 The outer cylinder 20 and the flow insert 22 can be made of any suitable heat-resistant material, such as 303 stainless steel.

[0021] The flow insert 22 includes an insertion head 24 and an insertion rod 26 extending radially from the insertion head 24. The insertion head 24 includes a flat upper surface 28 and an actuator socket 30 extending through the upper surface 28. The actuator socket 30 is sized and shaped to receive the drive portion 32 of the actuator 12 having a drive pin 34, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As best shown. The actuator socket 30 may include an introduction bevel 36 at its upper edge to assist in aligning the injection tube 14 with the actuator 12 during assembly. The insertion head 24 further includes a shaped side surface 38 having a pair of diametrically opposed flat surfaces 40 and extending radially outward to define an extension 44 of the insertion head 24. The extension 44 may include one or more radially extending fluid leakage channels 46 that open at one end to the actuator socket 30 and at the opposite end to the outer surface 48 of the extension 44.

[0022] The insertion rod 26 extends axially from the lower surface 50 of the insertion head 24 and includes a cylindrical shaft portion 52 and a tapered end portion 54, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 Best illustrated. The cylindrical shaft portion 52 includes a fluid channel groove 56 extending circumferentially around the periphery of the cylindrical shaft portion 52 to at least partially define a main fluid channel 58. As described below, the fluid channel groove 56 and the resulting main fluid channel 58 may be, for example, helical in shape. An upper sealing element 60, such as an O-ring, may be received within a sealing groove positioned between the lower surface 50 of the insert head 24 and the fluid channel groove 56.

[0023] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the fluid channel groove 56 includes an inlet end 62, which may be rounded and beveled, and may extend spirally along the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22 toward an outlet end 63 near the tapered end 56 of the insert rod 26. As shown, the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22 is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the outer cylinder 20, thereby defining a single common longitudinal axis of the injection tube 14. The fluid channel groove 56 may extend at least one full turn (e.g., 360 degrees) around the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22. In alternative embodiments, the fluid channel groove 56 may extend more than one full turn (e.g., greater than 360 degrees), for example, multiple turns, or less than one full turn (e.g., less than 360 degrees) around the longitudinal axis. Additionally, the fluid channel groove 56 may alternatively be formed on the inner surfaces 76, 78 of the outer cylinder 20 instead of on the flow insert 22, or may be formed on the inner surfaces 76, 78 of the outer cylinder 20 in conjunction with the flow insert 22.

[0024] The helical fluid channel groove 56 can be formed with an axial width that remains substantially constant along the upper part of the helical groove 56 and then tapers as the fluid channel groove 56 approaches the outlet end 63. Additionally, the fluid channel groove 56 can be formed with a radial width that remains substantially constant along the entire length of the fluid channel groove 56. It should be understood that the helical fluid channel groove 56 can be formed with any suitable axial width, radial depth, pitch, and number of helical rotations to obtain optimal fluid characteristics for any desired application. In one embodiment, the fluid channel groove 56 can be formed with a spacing of approximately 3.5 mm.

[0025] Although the fluid channel trench 56 is shown and described herein in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments illustrated, it should be understood that various alternative shapes of the fluid channel trench 56 may be provided. For example, the fluid channel trench 56 may be formed to have any suitable spiral shape, extending circumferentially along (e.g., parallel to) and about the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22. One or more turns of such a spiral shape may define one or more angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22, such that the spiral shape may be non-helical, and may define one or more diameters of the spiral shape about the longitudinal axis. In this regard, it should be understood that the term "spiral" as used herein includes any three-dimensional path that extends circumferentially about and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22. Furthermore, it should be understood that a "spiral" path is neither limited in shape to a path defining a constant angle relative to the longitudinal axis, nor limited to a path defining a constant or uniformly varying diameter about the longitudinal axis.

[0026] More generally, the fluid channel trench 56 can be shaped to define any path extending along (e.g., parallel to) the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22, as demonstrated by the helical shape of the fluid channel trench 56, and having at least a portion extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis. In other words, a fluid channel trench 56 having at least a portion extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis and having at least a portion defining a directional path transverse to the longitudinal axis, and in a plane spaced apart from the longitudinal axis (e.g., a plane tangent to the outer surface of the cylindrical shaft 52), neither directly parallel to nor directly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, when from such... Figure 3 and 5When viewed from the front in the side view shown, each rotation of the spiral-shaped fluid channel groove 56 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22, causing the fluid channel groove 56 to move forward continuously along the longitudinal axis and simultaneously transverse to the longitudinal axis. Thus, the tilting rotation is not limited to directions that are completely parallel and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22.

[0027] It should be understood that the fluid channel groove 56 can be formed in various alternative shapes besides helical and spiral shapes, extending along the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22 and including at least a portion extending obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis, as understood in the description provided above. For example, although not shown, the fluid channel groove 56 can define a zigzag-like pattern that meanders back and forth across the longitudinal axis to define one or more obliquely extending sections spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. Additionally, the fluid channel groove 56, wholly or partially, can extend circumferentially (e.g., at least 360 degrees) about the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22, or only partially circumferentially (e.g., less than 360 degrees) about the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22.

[0028] The outer cylinder 20 is in the form of a heat transfer shell having a flat upper surface 64 and an insertion port 66 extending through the upper surface 64 and sized and shaped to receive an insertion rod 26 of a flow insert 22. The outer cylinder 20 includes a molded side surface 68 having a pair of diametrically opposed flat surfaces 70 that extend radially outward to define an extension 72 of the outer cylinder 20. Figure 2 As shown, when the flow insert 22 and the outer cylinder 20 are connected together, the side surface 38 and extension 44 of the flow insert 22 are substantially aligned with the side surface 68 and extension 72 of the outer cylinder 20. A fluid connector 74 can be connected to the extension 72 to receive a flow of fluid material from the fluid container 15, as shown below.

[0029] refer to Figure 3-6Further structural features of the injection tube 14 will now be described. The insertion port 66 of the outer tube 20 includes a cylindrical portion defined by an upper cylindrical surface 76 and a lower cylindrical surface 78, the lower cylindrical surface having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the upper cylindrical surface. An angled annular shoulder 80 is defined between the upper and lower cylindrical surfaces 76, 78. The insertion port 66 further includes a tapered portion defined by a lower tapered surface 82 extending from the lower cylindrical surface 78. The tube 20 further includes a lower sleeve 84, which receives a nozzle hub 86, for example, by a threaded engagement. The nozzle hub 86 houses a nozzle 88, which is secured in place by a nozzle retainer 90 positioned between the outer periphery of the nozzle 88 and the inner periphery of the nozzle hub 86. For example, the retainer 90 may comprise epoxy resin, which bonds and seals the nozzle 88 to the nozzle hub 86.

[0030] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the extension 72 of the outer cylinder 20 includes a fluid inlet channel 92 that extends radially through the outer surface 94 of the outer cylinder and leads to an insertion port 66. The fluid inlet channel 92 includes a threaded hole for receiving a fluid connector 74 in a threaded engagement. The fluid connector 74 defines a fluid inlet 98 communicating with the fluid inlet channel 92 and includes external threads 100 for connection to a fluid supply conduit 16, thereby introducing fluid material from the fluid container 15 into the injection tube 14 for injection, as will be described in more detail below.

[0031] The actuator socket 30 of the flow insert 22 extends through the cylindrical shaft portion 52 of the insert head 24 and the insert rod 26, as shown in the figure. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the diagram, the actuator 30 includes a cylindrical portion defined by a cylindrical surface 102 and a tapered portion defined by a tapered surface 104. The cylindrical portion is dimensioned and shaped to receive the drive portion 32 of the actuator 12. The flow insert 22 further includes a lower aperture 106 that extends through the tapered end 54 of the insert rod 26 and leads to the insertion socket 66.

[0032] The valve member 108, comprising a valve head 110 and a valve stem 112, is supported by a flow insert 22 using a spring washer 116, the valve stem 112 having a stem tip 114. The spring washer 116 can be supported at the upper end of a tapered surface 104 and includes a central bore through which the valve stem 112 is received, such that the valve head 110 abuts against the spring washer 116. The valve stem 112 extends through a lower bore 106 of the flow insert 22 and is sealed by an annular valve seal 118. As described in detail below, the valve member 108 can be rapidly actuated between an upward and downward position to eject material through a nozzle 88.

[0033] During assembly, the flow insert 22... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The general arrangement shown is aligned with the outer cylinder 20. Specifically, the insertion rod 26 is coaxially aligned with the insertion hole 66, and the side surface 38 of the flow insert 22 is aligned with the side surface 68 of the cylinder 20. The insertion rod 26 then... Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The flow insert 22 is removably received within the insertion socket 66 as shown. Specifically, the lower surface 50 of the flow insert 22 is supported by the upper surface 64 of the outer cylinder 20. Additionally, the upper sealing element 60 of the flow insert 22 sealably and releasably engages the upper cylindrical surface 76 of the cylinder 20, thereby establishing a frictional connection between the outer cylinder 20 and the flow insert 22. As shown in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the flow insert 22 is not additionally connected to the outer cylinder 20 using any mechanical fasteners, such as threaded fasteners. Therefore, the flow insert 22 can be easily detached from the outer cylinder 20 by simply disengaging the frictional connection by hand. Thus, no separate tool (e.g., a wrench or screwdriver) is required to detach the flow insert 22 from the cylinder 20. Therefore, and advantageously, the flow insert 22 is releasably or removably connected to the cylinder 20, allowing these components to be quickly and easily detached by hand, thereby exposing the facing surfaces of the flow insert 22 and the cylinder 20 for inspection and cleaning.

[0034] When the flow insert 22 is received by the outer cylinder 20 as shown, the cylindrical shaft portion 52 of the insertion rod 26 (including the fluid channel groove 56) faces the upper and lower cylindrical surfaces 76, 78 of the insertion hole 66. In this way, the fluid channel groove 56, together with the upper and lower cylindrical surfaces 76, 78, defines the main fluid channel 58 between the flow insert 22 and the outer cylinder 20. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiments herein, the fluid channel groove 56 and the main fluid channel 58 may be helical in shape. However, as described above, the fluid channel groove 56 may be formed in various alternative shapes to thereby define various corresponding alternatively shaped main fluid channels 58, such as non-helical spiral fluid channels. The inlet end 62 of the fluid channel groove 56 is directly aligned with the fluid inlet channel 92, such that the fluid inlet channel 92 communicates with the main fluid channel 58.

[0035] The tapered end 54 of the insertion rod 26 is suspended above the lower tapered surface 82 of the insertion port 66, thereby defining an annular tapered fluid chamber 120, which communicates with the main fluid passage 58 at its upper end and with the lower fluid chamber 122 defined by the nozzle hub 86 at its lower end. As shown, the valve stem 112 extends into the bottom fluid chamber 122 and is suspended above the nozzle 88.

[0036] like Figure 5As indicated by the middle arrow, the fluid inlet 98, fluid inlet passage 92, main fluid passage 58, conical fluid chamber 120, and lower fluid chamber 122 collectively define a fluid flow path 124 through the injection tube 14, along which the fluid material is guided. Therefore, during operation, the flow insert 22 functionally acts as a baffle to direct the fluid material received through the fluid inlet passage 92 toward the nozzle 88 for injection.

[0037] The assembled injection tube 14 is connected to the actuator 12 of the injection distributor 10, such that the drive portion 32 is received within the actuator socket 30 and the drive pin 34 abuts the valve head 110. As described below, the actuator 12 is operable to rapidly move downwards (see...). Figure 6 ) and upward (see Figure 5 The actuation drive pin 34 thereby actuates the valve component 108 for ejecting fluid material through the nozzle 88.

[0038] The heating element 18, shown in dashed lines here, is releasably coupled to and surrounds the outer cylinder 20, such that the heating element 18 directly contacts at least the lower annular shoulder 126 of the outer cylinder 20. In an alternative embodiment, the heating element 18 may also directly contact other parts of the outer cylinder 20. Figure 8 As best shown, the assembled spray nozzle 14 can be releasably coupled to the actuator 12 via a heating element 18 and a clamp 128 having an arm extending around the upper portion of the heating element 18 and the lower portion of the actuator 12 and releasably engaging the upper portion of the heating element 18 and the lower portion of the actuator 12. In this way, the clamp 128 can hold the heating element 18, the outer cylinder 20, and the flow insert 22 on the actuator 12 in an axially compressed manner and can be easily detached from the spray nozzle 14 by hand without the use of separate tools (e.g., a wrench or screwdriver). In alternative embodiments, any other suitable mechanical fastening device can be used.

[0039] Heating element 18 is powered by power source 19 to heat outer cylinder 20, which in turn transfers heat to fluid material flowing along fluid flow path 124, as described in detail below. Power source 19 can be controlled to provide an appropriate level of electrical power to heating element 18 to achieve any desired heating effect on cylinder 20 and fluid material flowing along fluid flow path 124. For example, power source 19 can be dynamically controlled during operation of spray dispenser 10 to regulate the temperature of the sprayed fluid material and thus regulate viscosity. Heating element 18 and / or spray nozzle 14 may include one or more thermal sensors (not shown) for sensing the temperature of outer cylinder 20 and / or the temperature of fluid material flowing along fluid flow path 124. Power source 19 can then be selectively controlled in response to the temperature sensed by the thermal sensors to achieve or additionally maintain a target temperature for outer cylinder 20 and / or fluid material flowing along fluid flow path 124.

[0040] refer to Figure 5-7 The operation of the injection distributor 10 (including the injection tube 14) will now be described in detail. Figure 5 The drive pin 34 and valve member 108 are shown in the upward position. Fluid material is guided from fluid container 15 through fluid supply pipe 16 to fluid inlet 98 of fluid connector 74. The fluid material then passes through fluid inlet passage 92 and enters the main fluid passage 58 defined between flow insert 22 and outer cylinder 20. A releasable seal established by upper sealing element 60 between flow insert 22 and outer cylinder 20 helps retain fluid material in the main fluid passage 58. Fluid material flows from the main fluid passage 58 through conical fluid chamber 120 and into lower fluid chamber 122, in which fluid material substantially fills the area between valve stem tip 114 and nozzle 88. (This is in conjunction with the following...) Figure 6 As described, the fluid material is then ejected through the nozzle 88 via the valve stem tip 114, as indicated by the fluid ejection arrow 125.

[0041] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the fluid flow path 124 (including the helical main fluid channel 58) is shown. Figure 7 The dotted lines shown indicate that the outer cylinder 20 and the flow insert 22 (including the fluid channel groove 56) can be formed with any suitable axial dimension to define a main fluid channel 58 that extends axially to any suitable length and has any suitable number of turns around the longitudinal axis of the flow insert 22.

[0042] As the fluid material flows through the main fluid channel 58 and toward the nozzle 88 into the conical fluid chamber 120, the fluid material is forced into contact with the inner surface of the outer cylinder 20. Heat generated by the heating element 18 is transferred to the outer cylinder 20 via the annular shoulder 126 and from the outer cylinder 20 to the fluid material flowing along the fluid flow path 124. Thus, the outer cylinder 20 functions as a heat exchanger. More specifically, heat is transferred through the upper and lower cylindrical surfaces 76, 78 of the outer cylinder 20 to the fluid material flowing through the main fluid channel 58, and through the lower conical surface 82 to the fluid material flowing through the conical fluid chamber 120. Heat from the heating element 18 can also be transferred through the lower sleeve 84 and through the nozzle hub 86 to the fluid material within the lower fluid chamber 122. In this way, the fluid material flowing through the jet tube 14 can be heated along substantially the entire portion of the fluid flow path 124 (including at least the main fluid channel 58 and the conical fluid chamber 120). As described above, the temperature to which the fluid material is heated can be selectively adjusted during the dispensing operation by controlling the power supply 19 that provides power to the heating element 18.

[0043] refer to Figure 6 Actuator 12 is operable to rapidly actuate drive pin 34 and valve member 108 to a downward position, in which the valve stem tip 114 forcefully contacts a valve seat defined on nozzle 88, thereby forcing heated fluid material through nozzle 88 (e.g., ejection), as indicated by fluid ejection arrow 125. Drive pin 34 is then raised, and valve member 108 returns to its upward position by spring force provided by spring washer 116. Fluid material continues to flow toward nozzle 88 along heated fluid flow path 124 in the manner generally described above, and valve member 108 can be rapidly actuated by drive pin 34 between its upward and downward positions for further ejection. During ejection, any fluid material that seeps upward through valve seal 118 into actuator port 30 can be drained through fluid leakage passage 46 to prevent fluid from entering actuator 12.

[0044] Advantageously, regardless of whether it is helical, spiral, or other shapes, the main fluid channel 58 helps to define a heated fluid path that is long enough to expose the fluid material to heating for a sufficiently long period of time to establish and maintain a substantially uniform target fluid temperature within the fluid cartridge 14, including at the nozzle 88. Therefore, a substantially consistent and uniform target viscosity of the fluid material can be maintained throughout the injection cartridge 14 as it flows toward and into the nozzle 88 for injection. This substantially prevents undesirable temperature drops of the fluid material at the nozzle 88 before and during injection, thereby improving the repeatability of weight distribution and enabling high-flow-rate injection for high-throughput applications.

[0045] The construction of the injection tube 14 shown and described herein offers additional advantages. For example, the releasability of the liquid-tight seal established between the flow insert 22 and the outer cylinder 20 by the upper sealing element 60 facilitates easy disassembly and assembly of the flow insert 22 and the outer cylinder 20 without the use of separate tools. Therefore, all fluid contact portions of the outer cylinder 20 and the flow insert 22 can be quickly and easily exposed for extensive inspection, cleaning, and maintenance between uses. Specifically, the fluid channel grooves 56 formed on the flow insert 22 and the inner surfaces 76, 78, 82 of the outer cylinder 20 are easily accessible during disassembly, thus facilitating easy inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. Furthermore, the shape of the fluid channel grooves 56 provides a single, continuous fluid channel 58 that achieves a substantially constant and stable flow of fluid material toward the nozzle 88 without creating a “flow dead zone” and preventing air stagnation along the fluid flow path 124, in which fluid flow would become stagnant and form a blockage.

[0046] While the invention has been illustrated by way of description of specific embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are not intended to limit the appended claims or to restrict them in any way by such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used individually or in any combination. Other advantages and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited in its broader aspects to the specific description, exemplary devices and methods, and exemplary examples shown and described. Thus, deviations from these details may be made without departing from the overall inventive concept.

Claims

1. A jetting nozzle for jetting fluid materials, comprising: An outer body adapted to receive fluid material and having a longitudinal axis, the outer body having an inner surface defining an insertion hole, an upper surface and a molded side surface, the molded side surface of the outer body extending circumferentially about the longitudinal axis; A flow insert configured to be received within the outer body, the flow insert having a rod and a head, the head being spaced apart from the rod along the longitudinal axis, the head defining a molded side surface and a lower surface, the molded side surface of the head extending circumferentially about the longitudinal axis, wherein the rod is configured to be received in an insertion hole in the outer body such that the lower surface of the head is supported by the upper surface of the outer body. A fluid channel defined between the outer body and the flow insert, and the fluid channel includes a helical portion extending about the longitudinal axis; A valve member having a valve stem tip configured to contact a valve seat defined on a nozzle to allow a heated fluid material to be ejected through the nozzle, the valve stem tip being disposed within the flow insert, and the valve member being movable within the outer body; and An actuator operable to actuate the valve member to eject fluid material from the injection nozzle. The external body is adapted to receive heat from the heating element and transfer the heat to the fluid material flowing through the fluid channel, and When the flow insert is received within the outer body, the molded side surface of the outer body is aligned with the molded side surface of the flow insert.

2. The spray nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the external body or the flow insert includes a groove that at least partially defines the fluid passage.

3. The spray nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The flow insert includes a cylindrical portion, and the fluid channel is the only fluid channel defined between the cylindrical portion and the outer body.

4. The spray nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising: A releasable seal is disposed between the flow insert and the outer body, the releasable seal being adapted to frictionally engage the flow insert and the outer body and to contain fluid material within the fluid channel, wherein the releasable seal is located between the lower surface of the head and the fluid channel.

5. The spray nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The heating element surrounds the outer body and the flow insert received within the outer body, and the outer body and the flow insert received within the outer body directly contact the heating element to receive heat from the heating element. The heating element is adapted to be powered by a power source that can be controlled to achieve a target temperature for the fluid material flowing through the fluid channel.

6. The spray nozzle according to claim 5, wherein, The outer body and the flow insert are adapted to maintain axial engagement via the heating element, and the injection tube is releasably coupled to the injection distributor actuator via the heating element.

7. The spray nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The outer body is configured to receive fluid material into the space between the outer body and the rod of the flow insert, wherein the fluid material is received through an insertion port defined on the outer body.

8. The spray nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The molded side surface of the outer body is configured to align with the side surface of the head of the flow insert along the longitudinal axis.

9. The spray nozzle according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid insert is fixed relative to the outer body by friction.

10. A method for jetting a fluid material using a jet distributor, the jet distributor comprising an actuator and a jet tube operatively coupled to the actuator and having a nozzle, the jet tube having: An outer body having a longitudinal axis, an inner surface defining a socket, an upper surface, and a molded side surface extending circumferentially about the longitudinal axis; A flow insert, configured to be received within the outer body, the flow insert having a rod and a head, the head being spaced apart from the rod along the longitudinal axis, the head defining a molded side surface and a lower surface, the molded side surface of the head extending circumferentially about the longitudinal axis, wherein... The rod is configured to be received in a socket in the outer body such that the lower surface of the head contacts the upper surface of the outer body. as well as A valve member having a valve stem tip configured to contact a valve seat defined on a nozzle, allowing heated fluid material to be ejected through the nozzle. The valve stem tip is disposed within a flow insert, and the valve member is movable within an outer body. When the flow insert is received within the outer body, the molded side surface of the outer body is aligned with the molded side surface of the flow insert. The method includes: The fluid material is received into the outer body of the jet tube; The fluid material is guided through a fluid channel defined between the outer body and the flow insert, such that the fluid material is guided along a helical path extending about the longitudinal axis in the direction toward the nozzle; The fluid material being guided through the jet tube is heated to the target temperature; Maintaining the target temperature as the fluid material enters the nozzle; and The actuator is actuated to move the valve member within the injection tube so that heated fluid material is injected through the nozzle.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The heating of the fluid material guided through the jet tube includes: allowing the outer body and the flow insert housed within the outer body to directly contact the heating element and powering the heating element with a power source; Maintaining the target temperature of the fluid material includes selectively controlling the power supply.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Maintaining the target temperature of the fluid material includes selectively controlling the power supply in response to the sensed temperature.

13. A jetting nozzle for jetting fluid materials, comprising: An outer body having a longitudinal axis extending through the outer body, an upper surface, and an insertion hole defined within the outer body; A flow insert having a head and a rod spaced apart from the head, the rod being received within an insertion port of an outer body, and the head defining a lower surface configured such that the lower surface of the head is supported by an upper surface of the outer body when the rod is located within the insertion port of the outer body. A fluid channel defined between the outer body and the rod of the flow insert, and the fluid channel includes a helical portion extending about the longitudinal axis; The frictional connection between the outer body and the flow insert is facilitated by a releasable sealing element disposed between the outer body and the flow insert, and the frictional connection is adapted to be disengaged without the use of a separate tool to expose the fluid passage, wherein the sealing element is located between the lower surface of the head and the fluid passage; A valve member having a valve stem tip configured to contact a valve seat defined on a nozzle to allow a heated fluid material to be ejected through the nozzle, the valve stem tip being disposed within the flow insert, and the valve member being movable within the outer body; and A jet distributor actuator, operable to actuate the valve member to eject fluid material from the jet canister. The external body is adapted to receive heat from the heating element and transfer the heat to the fluid material flowing through the fluid channel.

14. The injection tube according to claim 13, wherein, The heating element is in direct contact with the outer body and maintains the axial engagement of the outer body with the flow insert. The heating element is releasably coupled to the injection distributor actuator using a clamp.

15. The injection tube according to claim 13, wherein, The sealing element is received within the sealing groove.

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