Metering and dispensing assembly and coating system comprising it

Abstract

A metering dispensing assembly and a coating system comprising it are provided. The metering dispensing assembly is constituted by a volumetric pump comprising: a flow channel plate (6) having flow channels for fluid flow; a nozzle plate (1) provided with flow channels through the nozzle plate (1); a gear fixing plate (7) attached between the flow channel plate (6) and the nozzle plate (1) and having an aperture (71); a gear set (8) located in the aperture of the fixing plate (7), the gear set having a fluid inlet (85) and a fluid outlet (86) on a side opposite the fluid inlet (85) with respect to the gear set (8), the fluid inlet being in fluid communication with the flow channels of the flow channel plate (6) and the fluid outlet being in fluid communication with the flow channels of the nozzle plate, wherein a portion of the flow channels of the flow channel plate in direct fluid communication with the fluid inlet extends in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the gear set.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a metering and dispensing assembly comprising a volumetric pump, the volumetric pump including: a flow channel plate having a flow channel for fluid flow; a nozzle plate having a flow channel penetrating the nozzle plate; a gear fixing plate attached between the flow channel plate and the nozzle plate and having an orifice; and a gear set located in the orifice of the gear fixing plate, the gear set having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet on a side opposite to the fluid inlet of the gear set, the fluid inlet being in fluid communication with the flow channel of the flow channel plate, and the fluid outlet being in fluid communication with the flow channel of the nozzle plate.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a coating system including the metering and dispensing component. Background Technology

[0003] Hot melt adhesives are widely used in a variety of applications. In some applications, relatively high bond strength is required, and polyurethane reactive hot melt adhesives have been used due to their relatively high bond strength. However, other properties of these adhesives present various manufacturing challenges. For example, polyurethane reactive hot melt adhesives react with the atmosphere and therefore must be melted in a closed container. Thus, a typical adhesive supply system associated with polyurethane reactive hot melt adhesives includes a sealed melter unit that supplies heated adhesive to a gear pump. The adhesive is then supplied through a heated hose to a dispensing head to maintain the desired temperature.

[0004] When polyurethane reactive hot melt adhesives are used in applications requiring relatively small amounts of adhesive per unit, such as in the sealing of battery packs for personal computers, the adhesive may remain in the heated tubing for longer than its "pot life" and may not be dispensed in precise quantities.

[0005] To precisely apply minute amounts of hot melt adhesive to workpieces, various specialized volumetric pump dispensers have been rapidly developed. Currently, a large number of existing dispensers are awaiting testing for this typical application. However, when operating dispensers of this technology, noticeable droplets accumulating at the nozzle tip are always observable. To address this, a programmable motor reversal function has been developed in the intelligent controller software for backflow prevention. Nevertheless, adhesive leakage from the nozzle tip appears to remain unavoidable.

[0006] Consequently, adhesive tends to accumulate on the surface of the coated object at the end of coating, resulting in an unsatisfactory appearance and even negatively impacting product quality. Furthermore, maintenance of the coating system is typically time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0007] It is desirable to provide a dispensing system capable of precisely dispensing small amounts of adhesive. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a compact, easy-to-maintain, and responsive dispensing system. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a coating system for an embedded volumetric pump (VCP) that overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies in the prior art.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a metering and dispensing assembly is provided, the metering and dispensing assembly comprising a volumetric pump, the volumetric pump comprising: a flow channel plate having a flow channel for fluid flow; a nozzle plate having a flow channel extending through the nozzle plate; a gear fixing plate attached between the flow channel plate and the nozzle plate and having an orifice; and a gear set located in the orifice of the gear fixing plate, the gear set having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet on a side opposite to the fluid inlet relative to the gear set, the fluid inlet being in fluid communication with the flow channel of the flow channel plate, and the fluid outlet being in fluid communication with the flow channel of the nozzle plate, wherein a portion of the flow channel of the flow channel plate in direct fluid communication with the fluid inlet extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the gear set.

[0010] Therefore, by using the metering and dispensing components of the aforementioned embedded volumetric pump, the pressure difference between the two sides of the gear set in the mounting plane of the gear set can be eliminated, and molten glue can be prevented from passing through the meshing part of the gear set, thereby enabling the dispensing of fluids such as hot melt glue with higher precision.

[0011] Preferably, the flow channel plate has a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel. The first flow channel extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylinder assembly and receives fluid from the cylinder assembly. The second flow channel fluidly connects the first flow channel and the third flow channel, and the third flow channel is in direct fluid communication with the fluid inlet.

[0012] Therefore, by utilizing the aforementioned embedded volumetric pump metering and dispensing components, processing operations can be made easier, and fluids such as hot melt adhesives can be dispensed with high precision.

[0013] Preferably, the gear set includes a driving gear and a driven gear, the driving gear being driven to rotate by the drive assembly, thereby driving the driven gear to rotate, wherein the addendum coefficient of the driving gear and the driven gear is greater than their backlash coefficient.

[0014] Therefore, the gears are specially designed to achieve high precision and extremely small volume with each revolution.

[0015] Preferably, the tooth tip height coefficient is 0.7 and the tooth tip clearance coefficient is 0.3.

[0016] This allows for the achievement of optimal fluid transport performance.

[0017] Preferably, the driven gear has a gear shaft.

[0018] Preferably, one end of the gear shaft is inserted into the flow channel plate, and the other end is inserted into the nozzle plate.

[0019] Therefore, the driven gear rod is not only used for gear rotation but is also referred to as the locating pin. It plays a crucial role in the precise positioning of the nozzle plate, gear fixing plate, and top adhesive channel plate. Fundamentally, this design is completely different from any existing metering system (which typically has a separate gear pump mounted on it).

[0020] Preferably, the flow channel of the nozzle plate is straight.

[0021] Therefore, the manufacturing cost is relatively low; it can obtain a good cutoff line end pattern without end accumulation; it is easy to maintain; and the short outflow length makes it suitable for high viscosity materials, etc.

[0022] Preferably, a pressure-controlled check valve is provided in the flow channel of the nozzle plate to open or close the flow channel.

[0023] Using the above-described structure, the present invention can solve the problem of fluid leakage, such as hot melt adhesive leakage, at a lower cost.

[0024] Preferably, the metering and dispensing assembly is provided with a control valve assembly with a pin for opening or closing the flow channel in the metering and dispensing assembly.

[0025] Using the above-described structure, the smart metering and dispensing component with embedded VCP of the present invention can permanently solve the problem of fluid leakage, such as hot melt adhesive leakage.

[0026] Preferably, the control valve assembly is an integral component attached to the nozzle plate. The flow path of the nozzle plate is a straight flow path inclined relative to the axis of rotation of the gear set. Alternatively, the flow path of the nozzle plate includes a first flow path and a second flow path, the first flow path extending from the fluid outlet of the gear set, and the second flow path extending at an angle to the first flow path and in fluid communication with the ejector pin channel.

[0027] This optimized the flow channel design and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0028] Preferably, the control valve assembly includes a pin housing and a top cover, the top cover being attached to the pin housing to form an internal space, one end of the pin being received in the internal space; the flow channels of the nozzle plate include a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel, the first flow channel extending from the fluid outlet of the gear set, the second flow channel fluidly communicating the first flow channel and the third flow channel, and the third flow channel extending to the discharge port of the nozzle plate; and the pin housing of the control valve assembly is attached to the nozzle plate, such that the other end of the pin of the control valve assembly is movable within the third flow channel to control the distribution of fluid from the nozzle plate.

[0029] Therefore, the control valve assembly has a modular design. This facilitates component replacement and maintenance, and effectively reduces the formation of large ends of adhesive after the coating process has stopped.

[0030] Preferably, a groove is formed on the side of the flow channel plate facing the gear set in the region corresponding to the fluid outlet of the gear set. This reduces the high hydraulic pressure trapped by the meshing gear teeth.

[0031] Preferably, a stopper rod is provided, which is designed to insert into the second flow channel of the flow channel plate to eliminate fluid dead ends in the second flow channel. This eliminates fluid dead ends and improves the flow channel path for cleaning and maintenance.

[0032] Preferably, the thickness of the gears in the gear set has the same nominal dimension as the thickness of the gear fixing plate.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a coating system is provided, comprising: a cartridge assembly including a cartridge for containing fluid; the aforementioned metering and dispensing assembly attached to and in fluid communication with the cartridge assembly; and a drive assembly for driving the metering and dispensing assembly to dispense fluid from the cartridge assembly via the metering and dispensing assembly.

[0034] This coating system can eliminate the pressure difference between the two sides of the gear set on the mounting plane of the gear set, and can prevent molten glue from passing through the meshing part of the gear set, thereby enabling the distribution of fluids such as hot melt glue with high precision. Attached Figure Description

[0035] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts throughout the drawings, and wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a coating system with embedded VCP according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 The view shows the drive components of the coating system and the VCP in cross-sectional form.

[0038] Figure 2 a is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the VCP of the coating system;

[0039] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line III-III in the diagram;

[0040] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view taken by line IV-IV in the figure, which shows the arrangement of the gear set and its fluid inlet and fluid outlet;

[0041] Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly and VCP of the coating system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a pressure-controlled check valve located in the nozzle plate is shown.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a magnified view of the pressure-controlled check valve;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a coating system with embedded VCP according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the coating system has a control valve assembly;

[0044] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken from line VIII-VIII in the diagram;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a coating system with embedded VCP according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which shows the flow channel arrangement in the nozzle plate in cross-section.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a coating system with embedded VCP according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which shows the flow channel arrangement in the nozzle plate in cross-section.

[0047] Figure 11 It is a partial perspective view with a portion of the top runner plate removed, showing the grooves in the top runner plate. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are indicated by the same numbers and symbols, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0049] In the following description, the terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," etc. (if any) used to indicate direction are merely used to describe the drawings and do not constitute a substantial limitation on the invention.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a coating system with embedded VCP according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the drive components of the coating system and the VCP. The coating system with an embedded VCP according to the invention is used for fluid dispensing. (Reference) Figure 1 The coating system typically includes a cartridge assembly 4 and a metering and dispensing assembly 16 coupled to the cartridge assembly 4 for selectively dispensing fluid. The coating system also includes a drive assembly 3 for driving the metering and dispensing assembly 16. A cartridge or syringe (not shown) for storing fluid can be placed in the cartridge assembly 4. The fluid is, for example, but not limited to, a reactive hot melt adhesive, such as an adhesive comprising a polyurethane resin, a two-component polymer, or other adhesive comprising any ambient temperature or hot melt material known to exhibit viscosity changes during the expected lifespan of the cartridge containing the hot melt material.

[0051] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line III-III in Figure 3. Referring to Figure 3, the cylinder assembly 4 includes a sleeve or housing 40, which can be in the form of a heated cylinder or other forms, and is configured to receive a disposable cylinder containing a fluid therein. At room temperature, the fluid can be a solid material, such as a solid form of adhesive. At this point, the housing 40 can be heated such that heat transfer from the housing 40 to the cylinder changes or at least maintains the solid material in a molten state. The cylinder may be heated or not heated before insertion into the housing 40, or if heated, the material in the cylinder may already be in a molten state when the cylinder is inserted into the housing 40. To facilitate heating of the housing 40, the cylinder assembly 4 may include one or more heating elements, such as a heated cylinder, and one or more temperature measuring devices, such as a resistance temperature detector, which allow the heat supplied to the housing 40 to be controlled (e.g., measured and regulated) in a manner known in the art. The housing 40 has a proximal end 41 and a distal end 42, the proximal end 41 being located upstream in the cylinder insertion direction and the distal end 42 being located downstream in the cylinder insertion direction. The insertion direction of the cylinder is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder assembly 4. If necessary, the cylinder may be equipped with a one-way valve, preferably located at the bottom of the cylinder, to prevent fluid backflow.

[0052] Preferably, the cartridge has a capacity of 30cc or 300cc. The cartridge is inserted through an opening located at the proximal end 41 of the housing 40 and received into the interior space of the housing 40, which has a shape that matches the shape of the cartridge, allowing the cartridge to fit snugly inside the housing 40. A cap 43 is attached, for example, threaded to the housing 40, specifically to the outer periphery of the proximal end 41 of the housing 40. The cap 43 allows the cartridge to be engaged relative to the housing 40, thereby facilitating its containment within the housing 40. Specifically, the cap 43 is engaged with the proximal end 41 of the housing 40 and secured relative to the housing 40 by rotation of the cap 43 (e.g., 1 / 4 turn). Once the cap 43 is securely engaged with the housing 40, the cartridge is inserted into the interior space of the housing 40 and, for example, secured relative to the housing 40.

[0053] The cylinder receives pressurized air from a suitable external source via a cap 43 to pressurize the fluid within the cylinder, and the housing 40 includes a discharge port 421 at its distal end 42 for discharging fluid under pressure from the housing 40 to the outside of the cylinder assembly 4, specifically to the metering and dispensing assembly 16. Specifically, the cap 43 has an openable and closable cap passage 430 that connects the interior of the cylinder to an external source of air. This cap passage 430 receives air from the external source at a pressure, for example, between approximately 5 psi and approximately 10 psi. It is conceivable that a piercing element could be provided, configured to penetrate the cap 43 to reach the main volume of the fluid. The interior of the cylinder is pressurized using pressurized air to force fluid towards the outside of the cylinder, for example, dispensing to the metering and dispensing assembly 16.

[0054] The metering and dispensing assembly 16 is in the form of a positive displacement pump and is connected to the cylinder assembly 4 in a manner described below to dispense a precise amount of fluid from the cylinder assembly 4. Figure 1 As shown in Figure -3, the metering and dispensing assembly 16 includes a top flow channel plate 6, a bottom nozzle plate 1, a gear fixing plate 7 connecting the flow channel plate 6 and the nozzle plate 1, and a gear set 8 located in the gear fixing plate 7. The flow channel plate 6, the nozzle plate 1, the gear fixing plate 7, and the gear set 8 together constitute a positive displacement pump. The flow channel plate 6 is connected to the cylinder assembly 4, specifically to the lower end 42 of the cylinder assembly 4, and is in fluid communication with the cylinder assembly 4. The gear fixing plate 7 is sealed between the flow channel plate 6 and the nozzle plate 1, for example, by a sealing ring or the like. The nozzle plate 1 is provided with a flow channel 11 extending through the nozzle plate 1. In the prior art, for example, and not limited to, metering and dispensing assemblies may include piston pumps, screw pumps, metering rod pumps, cycloidal pumps, and / or peristaltic pumps. In contrast, the metering and dispensing assembly 16 of the present invention includes a positive displacement pump with a specially designed flow channel and a gear set 8, as described below. The positive displacement pump according to the embodiment allows the dispensing of a desired amount of fluid independently of any viscosity changes experienced by the fluid when stored in the cylinder before use.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the gear set 8 is arranged in the gear fixing plate 7 in a manner known in the prior art and is located on the nozzle plate 1. The flow channel plate 6 includes a plurality of flow channels, a portion of which extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the gear set 8 and is connected to the fluid inlet 85 of the gear set 8 (see Figure 3). Figure 4 Direct fluid communication is achieved. Preferably, the rotation axis of the gear set 8 is parallel to the insertion direction of the cylinder. In the prior art, the inflow direction of the gear set is usually perpendicular to the rotation axis of the gear set, and the outflow direction is usually parallel to the rotation axis of the gear set, or the fluid inlet and outlet of the gear set are located on the same mating surface. In this case, this type of installation may negatively affect the final distribution performance. Specifically, the fluid from the cylinder assembly impacts the gear set, which may cause some fluid to pass directly through the meshing part of the gear set to reach the fluid outlet, resulting in low fluid distribution accuracy. In contrast, in this invention, since a portion of the flow channel plate 6 extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the gear set 8 and is in direct fluid communication with the fluid inlet 85 of the gear set 8, that is, the portion of the flow channel plate 6 in direct fluid communication with the fluid inlet 85 of the gear set 8 is perpendicular to the gear plane of the gear set 8, the inlet and outlet channels of the gear set are thus located on opposite sides of the rotation axis of the gear set. Accordingly, the fluid from the cylinder assembly does not directly impact the gear set and helps to maintain the force balance of the gear set in the vertical direction, thereby improving the fluid distribution accuracy.

[0056] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the flow channel plate 6 has a first flow channel 61, a second flow channel 62, and a third flow channel 63. The first flow channel 61 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder assembly 4 and receives fluid from the cylinder assembly 4. The second flow channel 62 fluidly connects the first flow channel 61 and the third flow channel 63. The third flow channel 63 extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the gear set 8 and connects to the fluid inlet 85 of the gear set 8 (see Figure 3). Figure 4 Direct fluid communication. Since the fluid from the third flow channel 63 does not directly impact the gear set in the in-plane direction of the gear set, the accuracy of fluid distribution is improved.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure -3, the nozzle plate 1 of the metering and dispensing assembly 16 is in fluid communication with the gear set 8 of the metering and dispensing assembly 16. A flow channel 11 extends through the nozzle plate 1 in the vertical direction. The nozzle plate 1 has a main body and a protrusion 14 protruding from the main body. The flow channel 11 extends through the main body and the protrusion 14, and preferably has a straight form. The nozzle 10 can be connected to the protrusion 14 of the nozzle plate 1, for example, by a threaded connection. Specifically, the protrusion 14 of the nozzle plate 1 has a discharge port 141. The nozzle 10 is capable of controlling multiple aspects of fluid distribution.

[0058] Nozzle 10 can control different aspects of fluid distribution. For example, and not limited to, nozzle 10 can be adapted to control the thickness and / or direction of fluid distributed to the outside of cylinder assembly 4. Furthermore, nozzle plate 1 and / or nozzle 10 can be heated, for example, using an optional heater, to maintain the fluid in a molten state when it has completely exited nozzle 10. Alternatively or additionally, nozzle plate 1 and / or nozzle 10 can receive heat through conduction from the heated housing 40. Nozzle 10 has a thin-walled hollow tube 101 that determines, for example, the diameter of the final filament of fluid distributed via nozzle 10. Thin-walled hollow tube 101 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the discharge port 141 of nozzle plate 1 (or its protrusion 14).

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown in a and 4, the gear fixing plate 7 according to the embodiment has an opening 71, and the gear set 8 is located in the opening 71 of the gear fixing plate 7. The gears of the gear set 8 have a thickness approximately the same as that of the gear fixing plate 7. The gear set 8 includes a driving gear 81 and a driven gear 82, a driving shaft 83 on which the driving gear 81 is mounted, and a driven shaft 84 on which the driven gear 82 is mounted. The driving gear 81 and the driven gear 82 can be composed of a pair of spur gears. However, this is not limiting, and other forms of gears can be conceived. The driving gear 81 can mesh with the driven gear 82 to discharge fluid from one side of the gear set to the other side. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, when the drive gear 81 rotates counterclockwise as indicated by the arrow, the fluid from one side of the plane where the gear set 8 is located, i.e. the fluid inlet 85, is carried by the teeth of gears 81 and 82 until the fluid flows out from the other side of the plane where the gear set 8 is located, i.e. the fluid outlet 86.

[0060] Specifically, the gears in gear set 8 are custom-made gears rather than standard gears. In other words, the gears in gear set 8 are non-standard gears. Specifically, gear set 8 is designed such that the addendum coefficient of the driving gear and the driven gear is greater than their backlash coefficient. Due to the cooperation of the driving gear 80 and the driven gear 82 in gear set 8 according to the present invention, a precise amount of fluid can be discharged to the discharge port 86 of gear set 8. This results in improved fluid transport performance.

[0061] Preferably, the addendum coefficient of each gear in the driving gear 81 and driven gear 82 of the gear set 8 is 0.7, and the clearance coefficient is 0.3. This allows for optimal fluid transport performance.

[0062] Thus, a pair of gears, such as spur gears, are specially designed to achieve high precision and minimal volume per revolution. Furthermore, this gear set can be made of tool steel, a hardened material known for its high durability and surface finish. Clearly, the VCP dispensing system of this invention can continuously and accurately deliver fluids, such as hot glue, to the nozzle tip.

[0063] Figure 2 a is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the VCP of the coating system. Unlike the prior art, which typically uses a freewheeling gear as the driven gear, the driven gear 82 according to this embodiment has a driven shaft 84, such as... Figure 2 As shown in Figure a, the driven gear 82 is supported on the driven shaft 84 for rotation. The driven shaft 84 passes through the gear fixing plate 7. One end of the driven shaft 84 is inserted into the flow channel plate 6, and the other end is inserted into the nozzle plate 1.

[0064] Therefore, the driven shaft 84 serves not only for gear rotation but also as a locating pin for positioning the driven gear 82. This locating pin is used for precise positioning of the nozzle plate 1, gear fixing plate 7, and flow channel plate 6. Thus, this design is substantially different from any existing metering system.

[0065] The fluid outlet of the metering and dispensing assembly 16, i.e., the fluid outlet 86 of the gear set 8, is in fluid communication with one end, the upper end, of the flow channel 11. Fluid from the fluid outlet 86 of the gear set 8 can be discharged in a straight line along the flow channel 11. This forms a straight feed / direct-feed mode. The other end, the lower end, or discharge port 141, of the flow channel 11 is in fluid communication with the nozzle 10. Thus, fluid from the gear set 8 of the metering and dispensing assembly 16 is distributed to the outside of the coating system, for example, onto the surface of the workpiece, via the flow channel 11 and the nozzle 10. Compared to a positive displacement pump with a shut-off module, this direct-feed positive displacement pump has many advantages: simple flow channel design; relatively low manufacturing cost; good cut-off end pattern, no hammering; convenient maintenance; and short outflow length, making it suitable for high-viscosity materials, etc.

[0066] Continue to refer to Figure 2-4 The drive assembly 3 of the coating system includes a housing 31 and a motor 30 disposed within the housing 31. The motor 30, for example and not limited to a DC stepper motor or an inverted servo motor, actuates and rotates to cause selective distribution of fluid. More specifically, the motor 30 is coupled to a drive gear 81 via a motor shaft in a manner known in the art, such that its rotation causes the drive gear 81 and driven gear 82 to rotate to meter the fluid. More specifically, the motor rotor is connected to the motor shaft via a flexible coupling clutch, and the motor shaft is in turn connected to the drive shaft 83 of the drive gear 81 via a flexible coupling clutch. Thus, rotation of the motor shaft causes rotation of the drive gear 81.

[0067] The coating system also includes an electrical junction box assembly 5, which includes terminals, etc. Heating elements, such as heating rods and / or temperature sensor signal lines, are connected to the coating system controller (not shown) via the electrical junction box assembly 5.

[0068] When the coating system is working, the rotation of the motor rotor drives the drive shaft 83 to rotate, causing gears 81 and 82 to mesh. Due to the rotation of the gears in the gear set 8, fluid from the cylinder assembly 4 flows through the flow channels in the flow channel plate 6, passes through the gear set 8, and is continuously extruded from the discharge port 86 of the gear set 8, thereby being discharged through the discharge port 141 of the protrusion 14 of the nozzle plate 1. Considering the working principle of the positive displacement pump, its output volume is very precise and consistent.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a coating system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a pressure-controlled check valve located in the nozzle plate 1; and Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of the pressure-controlled check valve. For ease of description, Figure 5-6 The same reference numerals in the figures indicate Figure 1-4 The same characteristics can be referenced to understand the characteristics and / or functions of the coating system. (Reference) Figure 5-6 The coating system is also equipped with a pressure control check valve 9. The pressure control check valve 9 is located in the nozzle plate 1.

[0070] like Figure 6 As clearly shown, the pressure-controlled check valve 9 includes a ball 91, a spring 92 supporting the ball, a spring seat 93, and a flow channel 94 located in the spring seat 93. The flow channel 11 of the nozzle plate 1 has a smaller diameter portion and a larger diameter portion, the smaller diameter portion being in fluid communication with the gear set 8, and the larger diameter portion being located downstream of the smaller diameter portion in the fluid flow direction. The pressure-controlled check valve 9 is disposed in the flow channel 11 of the nozzle plate 1, specifically in the larger diameter portion. When the pressure of the fluid in the smaller diameter portion exceeds a predetermined threshold, the ball 91 moves downward away from the ball seat, thereby opening the pressure-controlled check valve 9 to allow fluid to flow through the flow channel 94 of the pressure-controlled check valve 9 to the discharge port 141 of the nozzle plate 1, thereby distributing the fluid to the outside of the nozzle plate 1, for example, to the surface of the workpiece through the nozzle 10.

[0071] On the other hand, when the pressure of the fluid in the smaller diameter portion is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the ball 91 presses against the ball seat upwards, thereby closing the pressure-controlled check valve 9. Accordingly, the fluid is retained in the smaller diameter portion of the flow channel 11 of the nozzle plate 1 and cannot flow out.

[0072] Using the above structure, fluid leakage can be controlled in a timely and effective manner when the coating system is shut down, and the formation of a large fluid head at the end of coating can be effectively prevented.

[0073] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a coating system with an embedded VCP according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the coating system has a control valve assembly. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view taken from line VIII-VIII in the diagram. For ease of description, Figure 7 The same reference numerals in the figures indicate Figure 1-6 The same characteristics can be referenced to understand the characteristics and / or functions of the coating system. (Reference) Figure 7-8 The coating system is also provided with a control valve assembly 2. The control valve assembly 2 is located on the side of the drive assembly 3 that is substantially opposite to the barrel assembly 4, and the control valve assembly 2 is mounted on the nozzle plate 1, for example, by screws.

[0074] like Figure 8 and 10 As shown, the control valve assembly 2 includes a pin housing 201, a channel housing 202, and a top cover 203. The pin housing 201 and the top cover 203 are attached together to form an internal space. The channel housing 202 is attached to the pin housing 201 on the opposite side of the top cover 203 with respect to the pin housing 201. The control valve assembly 2 has a pin 21 and a pin channel 22, the pin being movable within the pin channel for opening and closing the pin channel 22. The pin channel 22 is located inside the channel housing 202. The pin channel 22 is in fluid communication with the flow path of the nozzle plate 1, for example, by means of a transition channel 2011 on the pin housing 201 and a transition channel 2021 on the channel housing 202. The axis of the pin 21 is aligned with the channel axis of the pin channel 22. When the ejector pin 21 moves downward in the ejector pin channel 22, the tip of the ejector pin 21 abuts against the needle seat in the ejector pin channel 22, thereby closing the ejector pin channel 22. Conversely, when the ejector pin 21 moves upward in the ejector pin channel 22, i.e., moves away from the needle seat, the ejector pin channel 22 is opened, allowing fluid to flow from the ejector pin channel 22 to the outside. The control valve assembly is an integral component. The control valve assembly 2 forms a separate shut-off module independent of the nozzle plate 1. The control valve assembly 2 is attached to the nozzle plate 1, which provides numerous benefits for improving heating efficiency and fluid flow. The nozzle can be further attached to the end of the control valve assembly 2. During operation, fluid flows from the discharge port of the gear set 8 through the nozzle plate 1 and is directly injected into the control valve assembly 2, which acts as a shut-off valve, and finally, the shut-off valve controls the flow of fluid out of the nozzle.

[0075] With an independent shut-off valve, the flow path of nozzle plate 1 can be configured in various ways. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, the flow channel of the nozzle plate 1 is an integral flow channel 11 inclined relative to the rotation axis of the gear set 8, and as... Figure 10 As shown, the flow channels of the nozzle plate 1 include a first flow channel 111 and a second flow channel 112. The first flow channel 111 extends from the fluid outlet 86 of the gear set 8, and the second flow channel 112 extends at an angle (preferably orthogonally) to the first flow channel 111 and is in fluid communication with the ejector pin channel 22.

[0076] In existing coating systems, even after the coating system is shut down, a small amount of fluid continues to flow from the pump toward the nozzle, resulting in fluid hammering on the workpiece surface. However, in this invention, as... Figure 10 As clearly shown, when the ejector pin 21 of the control valve assembly 2 abuts against the pin seat in the flow channel 22 of the control valve assembly 2 to stop the flow of fluid, the fluid from the pump assembly 8 flows into the mold cavity of the shut-off module, specifically into the movement space of the ejector pin 21, and cannot be discharged from the control valve assembly 2. Thus, compared with the first embodiment, this shut-off module enables the coating system to effectively prevent heated fluid from continuously flowing out of the nozzle after the volumetric pump is turned off.

[0077] As an alternative to a separate shut-off valve or an integral component, the control valve assembly 2 can also be formed using the nozzle plate 1. Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the control valve assembly 2 includes a pin housing 201 and a top cover 203, but does not have the following features: Figure 10 The channel housing is shown in the diagram. The flow channels of the nozzle plate 1 include a first flow channel 111, a second flow channel 112, and a third flow channel 113. The first flow channel 111 extends from the fluid outlet 86 of the gear set 8, the second flow channel 112 fluidly connects the first flow channel 111 and the third flow channel 113, and the third flow channel 113 extends to the discharge port 141 of the nozzle plate 1. The pin housing 201 of the control valve assembly 2 is attached to the nozzle plate 1, so that the tip of the pin 21 of the control valve assembly 2 can move within the third flow channel 113 to control the distribution of fluid from the nozzle plate 1. Thus, the third flow channel 113 of the nozzle plate 1 serves as... Figure 10 The function of channel 22 in the diagram.

[0078] The motor rotor of motor 30 is flexibly connected to gear set 8. Specifically, the motor rotor is connected to motor shaft 32 via flexible coupling clutch C1, and motor shaft 32 is in turn connected to drive shaft 83 of gear set 8 via flexible coupling clutch C2 (see Figure 3).

[0079] Therefore, in Figure 9 In the example shown, the control valve assembly 2, which serves as a shut-off valve, is integrated with the nozzle plate 1. This design has the advantage of further optimizing the flow path and reducing fluid flow resistance, thereby improving the fluid coating effect (such as adhesive application).

[0080] Typically, machining and assembly tolerances are inherent in the manufacture of gears and mounting plates. Therefore, gaps between the gear teeth and the housing are unavoidable. Due to these gaps, even when the VCP stops rotating, droplets and leaks will still occur at the nozzle tip. However, this invention integrates a smart coating module into a VCP distributor, ensuring that fluid flows into the mold cavity formed by the control valve assembly 2 and the nozzle plate 1 before exiting the nozzle 10. The ejector pin 21 within the mold cavity moves up and down, acting as a switch, thereby preventing droplets and leaks from the nozzle head after the VCP is closed.

[0081] Furthermore, the coating system of this invention fully inherits the conventional VCP dispensing function. This coating system is a compact and elegant design, very easy to maintain and operate, and prevents fluid leakage.

[0082] Figure 11 This is a partial perspective view with a portion of the top runner plate removed, showing the grooves in the top runner plate. (See image.) Figure 11 As shown, a groove 64 is formed on the side of the flow channel plate 6 facing the gear set 8, in the region corresponding to the fluid outlet 86 of the gear set 8. The profile and position of this groove are designed to reduce the hydraulic pressure of the fluid trapped by the meshing gear teeth. Accordingly, the flow stability of the fluid is improved.

[0083] Furthermore, the coating system is also equipped with a stopper rod 65. This stopper rod 65 is inserted into the flow channel of the coating system to seal one end of the flow channel. For example, the stopper rod 65 is inserted from one side into a generally horizontal flow channel 62 of the flow channel plate 6 to redirect the fluid within the flow channel. The length and end shape of the stopper rod 65 are designed to properly eliminate fluid dead ends in the flow channel. If necessary, the stopper rod 65 can be removed to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the flow channel.

[0084] The gears in gear set 8 and the gear fixing plate 7 have the same nominal thickness. While ensuring that the gears can move freely within the contour of the fixing plate 7, the thickness tolerances of both can be appropriately selected.

[0085] Any of the coating systems according to the invention can be configured to respond to an analog signal from a speed sensing device (not shown), which is proportional to the speed of any robot capable of carrying the device. This analog signal can, for example, be supplied to a microprocessor (not shown) electrically connected to a corresponding motor. Additional control features include the ability to use the microprocessor to schedule the reverse flow of the adhesive at the end of a cycle via the direction and / or speed of rotation of the reverse motor and / or gear set. Reversing the direction and / or speed of rotation of the reverse motor and / or pump at the end of each cycle can also help maintain close control over portions of the fluid that may remain in the flow path or conduit between applications.

[0086] While the invention has been described by way of various embodiments, and these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended that the scope of the appended claims be limited or in any way confined to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is not limited in its broader aspects to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and the illustrative examples shown and described. Consequently, deviations from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

[0087] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0088] 1 Nozzle plate

[0089] 10 nozzles

[0090] 101 Thin-walled hollow tube

[0091] 11 Flow channels

[0092] 111 flow channel

[0093] 112 flow channel

[0094] 113 Flow channel

[0095] 14 protuberance

[0096] 141 Discharge Port

[0097] 2 Control Valve Assembly

[0098] 201 Ejector housing

[0099] 2011 Transfer Channel

[0100] 202 Channel Housing

[0101] 2021 Transfer Channel

[0102] 203 Top Cover

[0103] 21 thimble

[0104] 22. Pin Channel

[0105] 3. Driver Components

[0106] 30 motors

[0107] 31. Shell

[0108] 32 motor shaft

[0109] 4-cylinder assembly

[0110] 40. Outer shell

[0111] 41 Proximal end

[0112] 42 Remote

[0113] 421 Discharge Port

[0114] 43 Cover

[0115] 430 Cover Channel

[0116] 5 Electrical Junction Box Assembly

[0117] 6. Flow channel plate

[0118] 61 flow channels

[0119] 62 flow channels

[0120] 63 flow channels

[0121] 64. Trench

[0122] 65 stopper rod

[0123] 7 Gear fixing plate

[0124] 71 orifice

[0125] 8 Gear Sets

[0126] 81 Drive Gear

[0127] 82 Driven Gear

[0128] 83 drive shaft

[0129] 84 Driven Shaft

[0130] C1 Flexible Coupling Clutch

[0131] C2 Flexible Coupling Clutch

Claims

1. A metering and dispensing assembly (16) comprising a volumetric pump, the volumetric pump including: Flow channel plate (6), the flow channel plate is provided with flow channels (61, 62, 63) for fluid flow. Nozzle plate (1), wherein the nozzle plate is provided with a flow channel penetrating the nozzle plate (1); Gear fixing plate (7), which is attached between the flow channel plate (6) and the nozzle plate (1) and has an orifice (71). and Gear set (8), the gear set is located in the orifice (71) of the gear fixing plate (7), the gear set has a fluid inlet (85) and a fluid outlet (86) on the side opposite to the fluid inlet (85) of the gear set (8), the fluid inlet (85) is in fluid communication with the flow channel of the flow channel plate (6), and the fluid outlet (86) is in fluid communication with the flow channel of the nozzle plate (1); In this process, a portion of the flow channel in the flow channel plate (6) that is directly in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (85) extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the gear set (8). The flow channel plate (6) has a first flow channel (61), a second flow channel (62) and a third flow channel (63). The first flow channel (61) receives fluid from the outside. The second flow channel (62) fluidly connects the first flow channel (61) and the third flow channel (63), and The third flow channel (63) extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the gear set (8) and is in direct fluid communication with the fluid inlet (85).

2. The metering and dispensing component according to claim 1, wherein, The gear set (8) includes a driving gear (81) and a driven gear (82), the driving gear (81) being driven to rotate, thereby driving the driven gear (82) to rotate, wherein the driving gear and the driven gear are non-standard gears.

3. The metering and dispensing component according to claim 2, wherein, The tooth tip height coefficient is 0.7, and the tooth tip clearance coefficient is 0.

3.

4. The metering and dispensing component according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The driven gear (82) has a gear shaft (84).

5. The metering and dispensing component according to claim 4, wherein, One end of the gear shaft (84) is inserted into the flow channel plate (6), and the other end is inserted into the nozzle plate (1).

6. The metering and dispensing component according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, the third flow channel, and the flow channel of the nozzle plate (1) is a straight line.

7. The metering and dispensing component according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, A pressure-controlled check valve (9) is provided in the flow channel of the nozzle plate (1) to open or close the flow channel of the nozzle plate (1).

8. The metering and dispensing component according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The metering and dispensing assembly is provided with a control valve assembly (2) having a pin (21) for controlling the dispensing of fluid from the metering and dispensing assembly.

9. The metering and dispensing component according to claim 8, wherein, The control valve assembly (2) is an integral component attached to the nozzle plate (1). The control valve assembly (2) includes a pin channel (22) in which the pin (21) is movable. The pin channel (22) is in fluid communication with the flow path of the nozzle plate (1).

10. The metering and dispensing component according to claim 9, wherein, The flow channel of the nozzle plate (1) is a straight flow channel that is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the gear set (8).

11. The metering and dispensing component according to claim 9, wherein, The flow channels of the nozzle plate (1) include a first flow channel (111) and a second flow channel (112), the first flow channel (111) extending from the fluid outlet (86) of the gear set (8), and the second flow channel (112) extending at an angle to the first flow channel (111) and in fluid communication with the ejector pin channel (22).

12. The metering and dispensing component according to claim 8, wherein, The control valve assembly (2) includes a pin housing (201) and a top cover (203), the top cover (203) being attached to the pin housing (201) to form an internal space, one end of the pin (21) being accommodated in the internal space; The flow channels of the nozzle plate (1) include a first flow channel (111), a second flow channel (112), and a third flow channel (113). The first flow channel (111) extends from the fluid outlet (86) of the gear set (8), the second flow channel (112) fluidly connects the first flow channel (111) and the third flow channel (113), and the third flow channel (113) extends to the discharge port (141) of the nozzle plate (1). The ejector housing (201) of the control valve assembly (2) is attached to the nozzle plate (1), so that the other end of the ejector (21) of the control valve assembly (2) can move within the third flow channel (113) to control the distribution of fluid from the nozzle plate (1).

13. The metering and dispensing component according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, On the side of the flow channel plate (6) facing the gear set (8), a groove (64) is formed in the region corresponding to the fluid outlet (86) of the gear set (8).

14. The metering and dispensing component according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, A stopper (65) is provided, which is designed to be inserted into the flow channel of the metering and dispensing assembly to eliminate fluid dead ends in the flow channel.

15. The metering and dispensing component according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The thickness of the gears in the gear set (8) has the same nominal dimension as the thickness of the gear fixing plate (7).

16. The metering and dispensing assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a nozzle (10) connected to a protrusion (14) of the nozzle plate (1) or connected to a protrusion (14) of a control valve assembly (2) connected to the nozzle plate (1).

17. The metering and dispensing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a nozzle, wherein 1) the nozzle is coupled to a protrusion of the nozzle plate, or 2) wherein the nozzle is attached to an end of a control valve assembly attached to the nozzle plate, and the fluid outlet of the gear set and the nozzle plate are configured such that during operation, fluid flows from the fluid outlet of the gear set through the nozzle plate and is then directly injected into the control valve assembly as a shut-off valve, and then the fluid flows out of the nozzle under the control of the shut-off valve.

18. A coating system, comprising: Cylinder assembly (4), the cylinder assembly including a cylinder for containing fluid; The metering dispensing assembly (16) as described in any of the preceding claims is attached to and in fluid communication with the cylinder assembly (4); and A drive assembly (3) is used to drive the metering and dispensing assembly (16) to dispense fluid from the cylinder assembly (4) via the metering and dispensing assembly (16).

Images