Applicator air manifold

Abstract

The present invention relates to air manifolds for applicator devices. Specifically, an air manifold (202) for a material dispensing applicator device (10) is described. The air manifold has an inlet (208) for receiving pressurized air from a pressurized air source (125), a passageway (216) extending through the air manifold from the inlet, and a plurality of passages (220) in fluid communication with the passageway. The air manifold further includes a plurality of pneumatic bolts (250), wherein each pneumatic bolt of the plurality of pneumatic bolts is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of passages and is attached to a respective one of the plurality of dispensing modules (75) of the applicator device. Each pneumatic bolt of the plurality of pneumatic bolts directs the pressurized air from the passageway of the air manifold to a respective one of the plurality of dispensing modules.

Description

[0001] Divisional Application Instructions

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application filed on April 3, 2020, with application number 202080021771.2 and invention title "Air Manifold for Application Device".

[0003] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0004] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 829,962, filed April 5, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0005] This disclosure relates generally to air manifolds for material application devices, and more specifically to air manifolds that provide pressurized air and are releasably connected to a plurality of distribution modules of a material application device. Background Technology

[0006] Typically, known application devices for applying fluid materials (such as adhesives, solder pastes, conformal coatings, encapsulants, underfill materials, and surface mount adhesives) operate to apply the material to a substrate through one or more nozzle assemblies. The flow of material to the nozzle assemblies can be controlled by one or more dispensing modules that selectively supply material to one or more nozzle assemblies within the nozzle assembly. Although various means for controlling such dispensing modules are known, a typical method for controlling such dispensing application devices is pneumatically achieved via pressurized air.

[0007] A typical air manifold provides pressurized air, received from a pressurized air source, to one or more dispensing modules of an application device. During operation of the application device, it may be necessary to remove one of the dispensing modules for servicing or replacement. However, this can prove difficult, as replacing a single dispensing module in a known air manifold may require detaching each dispensing module from the application device. Alternatively, replacing a single dispensing module may require detaching the entire air manifold from each dispensing module. This process often also requires a considerable amount of force and tools, which risk damaging expensive components of the application device, resulting in additional costs and difficulties for the operator. Furthermore, the process can be time-consuming, causing prolonged interruptions in material dispensing.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an air manifold that allows the dispensing module to be easily detached from and replaced by the application device, while allowing the remaining dispensing module to remain attached to both the application device and the air manifold. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one example, an application device for dispensing material includes a manifold, a plurality of dispensing modules releasably attached to the manifold, and an air manifold, wherein each of the plurality of dispensing modules is configured to dispense material. The air manifold is removably connected to each of the plurality of dispensing modules such that at least one of the dispensing modules can be removed from the application device while at least another dispensing module remains attached to both the manifold and the air manifold. The air manifold defines: an inlet configured to receive pressurized air from a pressurized air source; a plurality of passages extending through the air manifold; and a channel extending from the inlet to the plurality of passages, such that the plurality of passages are in fluid communication with the channel. Each of the plurality of passages is in fluid communication with a corresponding dispensing module of the plurality of dispensing modules to direct pressurized air from the channel to the corresponding dispensing module of the plurality of dispensing modules.

[0010] Another example includes a method for servicing a fluid material application device, the fluid material application device including a manifold, a plurality of dispensing modules attached to the manifold, and an air manifold attached to the plurality of dispensing modules. The method includes the step of: separating a selected dispensing module from the air manifold by disconnecting a selected pneumatic bolt extending through the air manifold to the dispensing module. The selected pneumatic bolt is configured to supply pressurized air from the air manifold to the selected dispensing module when the selected pneumatic bolt attaches the selected dispensing module to the air manifold. The method includes the step of: separating the selected dispensing module from the manifold while at least another dispensing module remains attached to both the manifold and the air manifold. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above-described invention and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary examples of this disclosure. However, it should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise arrangements and means shown.

[0012] Figure 1 A perspective view of an application apparatus according to an example of this disclosure is shown, wherein a material source, a controller, and a pressurized air source are schematically illustrated;

[0013] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the air manifold assembly of the application device shown;

[0014] Figure 3A It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the air manifold of the air manifold assembly shown;

[0015] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3AAn alternative perspective view of the air manifold shown;

[0016] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3A The line shown is cut from line 4-4. Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the air manifold shown;

[0017] Figure 5A It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the pneumatic bolts of the air manifold assembly shown.

[0018] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A An alternative perspective view of the pneumatic bolt shown;

[0019] Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5A The line shown in line 6-6 is cut off. Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the pneumatic bolt shown.

[0020] Figure 7 It shows along Figure 2 The line shown in line 7-7 is cut off. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the air manifold assembly shown;

[0021] Figure 7A It shows Figure 7 The enlarged portion of the sectional view;

[0022] Figure 8 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the air manifold assembly shown, in which the pneumatic bolt is offset at an angle relative to the air manifold;

[0023] Figure 9 A perspective view of a pneumatic bolt according to an alternative example of this disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 10 A perspective view of an application apparatus according to another example of this disclosure is shown, in which a material source, a controller, and a pressurized air source are schematically illustrated;

[0025] Figure 11 A perspective view of an application apparatus according to yet another example of this disclosure is shown, wherein a material source, a controller, and a pressurized air source are schematically illustrated;

[0026] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 An exploded perspective view of the air manifold assembly of the application device shown;

[0027] Figure 13 A perspective view of an application apparatus according to yet another example of the present disclosure is shown, wherein a material source, a controller, and a pressurized air source are schematically illustrated;

[0028] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 An exploded perspective view of the air manifold assembly of the application device shown;

[0029] Figure 15 A perspective view of an application apparatus according to yet another example of this disclosure is shown, in which a material source, a controller, and a pressurized air source are schematically illustrated;

[0030] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 An exploded perspective view of the air manifold assembly of the application device shown;

[0031] Figure 17 A perspective view of an application apparatus according to even one more example of this disclosure is shown, wherein a material source, a controller, and a pressurized air source are schematically illustrated;

[0032] Figure 18 A perspective view of a portion of an application device according to an example is shown, wherein the dispensing module is replaced by a blank;

[0033] Figure 18A It shows Figure 18 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the air manifold assembly of the application device; and

[0034] Figure 19 A process flowchart is shown as an example of a method for separating one of a plurality of allocation modules from a manifold, according to an example of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This article describes a manifold 50 and multiple distribution modules 75. Figure 1 ), 76 and 77 ( Figure 10 ) and the application device 10 of the air manifold assembly 200 ( Figure 1 (as shown) and 10' ( Figure 10(As shown). Multiple dispensing modules 75 are configured to be coupled to manifold 50 and air manifold assembly 200. Air manifold assembly 200 is configured to supply pressurized air to the multiple dispensing modules 75, 76, and 77. Manifold 50 is configured to supply material to dispensing modules 75, 76, and 77. Dispensing modules 75, 76, and 77 are configured to dispense material onto, for example, a substrate. For convenience, certain terms are used in the following description to describe the application devices 10, 10', but these terms are not limiting. The terms “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” indicate directions used as reference in the drawings. The terms “inner” and “outer” refer to directions toward and away from the geometric center of the description, respectively, for describing the application devices 10, 10' and their associated portions. The terms “forward” and “backward” refer to directions along longitudinal direction 2 and directions opposite to longitudinal direction 2 along the application devices 10, 10' and their associated portions. Terms include the terms listed above, their derivatives, and terms with similar meanings.

[0036] Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “longitudinal,” “vertical,” and “lateral” are used to describe the orthogonal directional components of the application devices 10, 10', as indicated by longitudinal direction 2, lateral direction 4, and vertical direction 6. It should be understood that although longitudinal direction 2 and lateral direction 4 are illustrated as extending along a horizontal plane, and vertical direction 6 is illustrated as extending along a vertical plane, the planes covering each direction may differ during use.

[0037] Examples of the present invention include an application device 10 for dispensing adhesive onto a substrate during product manufacturing. See also Figure 1 The application device 10 may include a manifold 50 comprising a body 54. The body 54 of the manifold 50 may be made of metal and may be configured as a single piece or an assembly of multiple manifold segments. While a specific example of the manifold 50 is shown, the manifold may include other shapes and / or configurations as needed. The manifold 50 may be configured to receive material through an inlet and subsequently guide the material through the body 54 of the manifold 50 via an internal network of channels (not shown). The manifold 50 may receive material from a material source 150, which may selectively supply material to the manifold 50 via a conduit 160 (such as a hose or pipe). The material may be a fluid material, such as any of a variety of adhesives, solder pastes, conformal coatings, encapsulants, underfill materials, and surface mount adhesives. However, this enumeration is merely representative, and it is conceivable that materials may include any substance dispensed onto the product during manufacturing operations.

[0038] Material source 150 may include any means capable of storing material and selectively supplying material to manifold 50. For example, material source 150 may be a melter configured to receive a supply of solid adhesive, selectively melt the solid adhesive into a liquid adhesive, and pump the liquid adhesive to manifold 50. However, other material sources 150 are contemplated. Material source 150 may be connected to manifold 50 via conduit 160 (such as a hose or pipe), wherein conduit 160 may be configured to receive material from material source 150 and supply material to manifold 50. Conduit 160 may be a heated hose or any type of conventional hose capable of guiding a supply of liquid material from material source 150 to manifold 50.

[0039] The application device 10 may also include a plurality of dispensing modules 75 attached to the manifold 50. In the depicted example, the plurality of dispensing modules 75 includes ten dispensing modules: a first dispensing module 75a, a second dispensing module 75b, a third dispensing module 75c, a fourth dispensing module 75d, a fifth dispensing module 75e, a sixth dispensing module 75f, a seventh dispensing module 75g, an eighth dispensing module 75h, a ninth dispensing module 75i, and a tenth dispensing module 75j. While the plurality of dispensing modules 75 is depicted as including ten dispensing modules 75a-75j, the plurality of dispensing modules 75 may include more or fewer than ten dispensing modules. For example, the plurality of dispensing modules 75 may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or more than ten dispensing modules 75. Furthermore, while the plurality of dispensing modules 75 may include a certain number of dispensing modules 75, the application device 10 may be configured to continue operation even when a plurality of dispensing modules 75 are removed from the application device 10. In such cases, a blank may be used to replace the removed dispensing modules 75, as will be referred to below relative to... Figure 18 and Figure 18A To describe in more detail.

[0040] Each dispensing module in the dispensing modules 75 is releasably attached to the manifold 50. In one example, each dispensing module in the dispensing modules 75 is attached to the body 54 of the manifold 50 via a plurality of fasteners (not shown). Alternatively, each dispensing module in the dispensing modules 75 may be attached to the manifold 50 via threaded engagement, slot and groove attachment, etc. Each dispensing module in the dispensing modules 75 is configured to disengage from the manifold 50 without disengaging any other dispensing module in the plurality of dispensing modules 75 from the manifold 50, as will be further described below. The body 54 of the manifold 50 is configured to receive material from the material source 150 via conduit 160 and to guide the material to each dispensing module in the dispensing modules 75. The plurality of dispensing modules 75 are configured to receive material and, selectively and independently of each of the other dispensing modules in the plurality of dispensing modules 75, dispensing material via one or more nozzles (not shown) attached to the manifold 50 and attached to a substrate.

[0041] Each of the multiple dispensing modules 75 may be pneumatically driven and must also receive pressurized air for selective dispensing of materials. Therefore, each dispensing module 75 may receive pressurized air from the air manifold assembly 200, which will be described in further detail below. The air manifold assembly 200 may receive pressurized air from a pressurized air source 125, which may be configured to supply pressurized air to the air manifold assembly 200 via a conduit 130 (such as a hose or pipe). The pressurized air source 125 may be configured to supply regulated, compressed, and / or oil-free and moisture-free air to the air manifold assembly 200. However, any conventional pressurized air source may be used.

[0042] The application device 10 may include a controller 175 configured to control the operation of one or more, or all of, a plurality of dispensing modules 75, a pressurized air source 125, and a material source 150. The controller 175 may include any suitable computing device configured to host software applications for monitoring and controlling the various operations of the application device 10 as described herein. It should be understood that the controller 175 may include any suitable computing device, examples of which include processors, desktop computing devices, server computing devices, or portable computing devices such as laptop computers, tablet computers, or smartphones. Specifically, the controller 175 may include memory and human-machine interface (HMI) devices. The memory may be volatile (such as some types of RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or a combination thereof. Controller 175 may include additional storage devices (e.g., removable and / or non-removable storage devices), including but not limited to magnetic tape, flash memory, smart cards, CD-ROMs, digital versatile optical discs (DVDs) or other optical storage devices, magnetic tape, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, Universal Serial Bus (USB) compatible memory, or any other medium that can be used to store information and is accessible by controller 175. The HMI device may include inputs that provide the ability to control controller 175 via, for example, buttons, soft keys, a mouse, voice-actuated controls, a touchscreen, movement of controller 175, visual cues (e.g., moving a hand in front of a camera on controller 175). The HMI device may provide outputs via a graphical user interface, including visual information via a display. Other outputs may include audio information (e.g., via a speaker), mechanical outputs (e.g., via a vibration mechanism), or combinations thereof. In various configurations, the HMI device may include a display, touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, motion detector, speaker, microphone, camera, or any combination thereof. The HMI device may also include any suitable means for inputting biometric information (such as fingerprint information, retinal information, voice information and / or facial feature information), for example, to request specific biometric information to access controller 175.

[0043] The controller 175 can be connected to the manifold 50 via signal connection 185a, and similarly to the multiple distribution modules 75. The controller 175 can also be connected to the pressurized air source 125 and the material source 150 via signal connections 185b and 185c, respectively. Each of the signal connections 185a-185c can include a wireless and / or wired connection, and each can allow the controller 175 to provide instructions to the manifold 50, the pressurized air source 125, and the material source 150, and to receive information from them. Through signal connection 185a, the controller 175 can receive feedback from various sensors within the manifold 50 and control various aspects of the manifold 50 and the multiple distribution modules 75. Through signal connection 185b, the controller 175 can control the pressurized air source 125 to control the airflow frequency, airflow duration, and pressure of the pressurized air supplied to the air manifold assembly 200 and similarly to the multiple distribution modules 75. Through signal connection 185c, controller 175 can control material source 150 in order to control the flow frequency, flow duration and flow rate of material pumped from material source 150 to manifold 50.

[0044] Continue to refer to Figures 2 to 4 The air manifold assembly 200, configured to receive pressurized air from a pressurized air source 125 and direct the pressurized air to each of a plurality of distribution modules 75, will be discussed in more detail. The air manifold assembly 200 may include an air manifold 202. The air manifold 202 may include a manifold body 204 having at least one outer surface. For example, the at least one outer surface may include an upper surface 204a and a lower surface 204b opposite to the upper surface 204a along a vertical direction 6. The at least one outer surface may include a front surface 204c and a rear surface 204d. The front surface may extend between the upper surface 204a and the lower surface 204b. The rear surface 204d may be opposite to the front surface 204c along a longitudinal direction 2. The rear surface 204b may extend between the upper surface 204a and the lower surface 204b. The at least one outer surface may include a first side surface 204e and a second side surface 204f. The first side surface may extend between the upper surface 204a and the lower surface 204b, and between the front surface 204c and the rear surface 204d. The second side surface 204f may be opposite the first side surface 204e in the lateral direction 4. The second side surface 204f may extend between the upper surface 204a and the lower surface 204b, and between the front surface 204c and the rear surface 204d. As shown, surfaces 204a-204f may each be substantially planar and intersect each other substantially at right angles. However, in other examples, surfaces 204a-204f may alternatively be constructed. Furthermore, although the air manifold 202 is shown as comprising a rectangular prism, other shapes are also contemplated.

[0045] The body 204 of the air manifold 202 may be formed as a single integral piece. For example, the body 204 may comprise a single piece of machined metal, such as steel, but other materials and manufacturing methods are also contemplated. In other examples, it is contemplated that the body 204 may comprise a plurality of discrete parts interconnected to form the air manifold 202. The body 204 may define a plurality of channels and openings configured to guide a flow of pressurized air through the air manifold 202. The body 204 may define a first opening 208 extending into at least one outer surface of the body 204. The first opening 208 may define an inlet to the manifold 202 configured to receive a pressurized gas, such as air. In the depicted example, the first opening 208 is defined in a first side surface 204e of the body 204, but the first opening 208 may, as desired, be defined in any of the surfaces 204a-204f of the body 204. The air manifold assembly 200 may include an inlet adapter 240 configured to be coupled to a first opening 208, such as being at least partially received within the first opening 208. The inlet adapter 240 may be a conduit. For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, inlet adapter 240 includes a bend adapter, but other examples of inlet adapter 240 are also contemplated. Inlet adapter 240 may be configured to engage conduit 130 at one end to receive pressurized air from pressurized air source 125. At the opposite end, inlet adapter 240 may be configured to couple to a first opening 208, such as being at least partially received within the first opening 208, allowing the first opening 208 to receive pressurized air from pressurized air source 125. Inlet adapter 240 may engage conduit 130 and / or air manifold 202 via threaded connection, clamp engagement, pressure fit, snap-fit, etc., but other methods of engaging inlet adapter 240 with conduit 130 and air manifold 202 are also contemplated.

[0046] The body 204 of the air manifold 202 may optionally define a second opening 212. In the depicted example, the second opening 212 extends into at least one outer surface of the body 204. The second opening 212 may be defined in a second side surface 204f of the body 204, but may, if desired, be defined in any of the surfaces 204a-204f of the body 204. The air manifold assembly 200 may include a plug 244 configured to couple to the second opening 212, such as being at least partially received within the second opening. The plug 244 may have a body sized and shaped to provide a fluid seal at the second opening 212, such that pressurized air flowing within the body 204 of the air manifold 202 does not escape through the second opening 212. The plug 244 may engage the body 204 by threaded connection, clamp engagement, pressure fit, snap-fit, etc., but other methods of engaging the plug 244 to the body 204 are also contemplated. In other embodiments, another inlet adapter (not shown) may be connected to the air manifold 202 at the second opening 212, or to a means that allows pressurized air to escape from the air manifold 202. This other inlet adapter may be constructed as described above with respect to inlet adapter 240. Alternatively, the air manifold 202 may be configured such that the plug 244 is coupled to the first opening 208 and the inlet adapter 240 is coupled to the second opening 212.

[0047] The body 204 of the air manifold 202 may define a channel 216 extending from a first opening 208 to a second opening 212. In one example, the channel 216 may have a circular cross-section that maintains a constant diameter as it extends linearly from the first opening 208 to the second opening 212 along the lateral direction 4. However, it is conceivable that the channel 216 may define other cross-sectional shapes, diameters, or may extend in multiple directions. The body 204 of the air manifold 202 may also define a plurality of passages 220 in fluid communication with the channel 216. In the depicted example, the body 204 may include ten passages: a first passage 220a, a second passage 220b, a third passage 220c, a fourth passage 220d, a fifth passage 220e, a sixth passage 220f, a seventh passage 220g, an eighth passage 220h, a ninth passage 220i, and a tenth passage 220j. Although the multiple pathways 220 are described as including ten pathways 220a-220j, the multiple pathways 220 may include more or fewer than ten pathways. For example, the multiple pathways 220 may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or more than ten pathways.

[0048] Each of the passages 220 may extend through the body 204 of the air manifold 202. For example, each passage 220 may extend from one surface to an opposite surface. In the depicted example, each of the plurality of passages 220 extends from the front surface 204c to the rear surface 204d. However, in other examples, any one of the plurality of passages 220 may alternatively extend from the upper surface 204a to the lower surface 204b, or from the first side surface 204e to the second side surface 204f. Additionally, each of the passages 220 is shown extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 2, but it is conceivable that each of the passages 220 may extend along any combination of the longitudinal direction 2, the lateral direction 4, and the vertical direction 6. Each of the passages 220 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape configured to receive a pneumatic bolt 250 (discussed further below) passing through and entering the dispensing module 75.

[0049] In the illustrated example, the plurality of passages 220 are shown as being equidistantly spaced along the lateral direction 4. However, the spacing between one or more passages 220 can vary. Thus, in other examples, any number of passages 220 can be spaced further apart from each of the other passages 220. The spacing of the plurality of passages 220 can also be adjusted when the number of passages 220 differs from the number shown. Generally, each passage 220 will be aligned with an air inlet defined by a corresponding distribution module 75 of the plurality of distribution modules 75. Therefore, the spacing of the passages 220 can be determined based on the dimensions and spacing of the plurality of distribution modules 75 to which the air manifold assembly 200 is to be attached.

[0050] The manifold body 204 may define at least one recess for each passage 220, the at least one recess being configured to receive a seal. Each recess may lead to a corresponding passage in the passage 220. For example, the manifold body 204 may define a first sealing recess 224 for each passage 220, the first sealing recess being configured to receive a first seal 232. The first sealing recess 224 of each passage 220 may have a substantially annular shape. The cross-sectional dimension of the first sealing recess 224 of each passage 220 is larger than the cross-sectional dimension of its corresponding passage 220. The first sealing recess 224 may be defined in the longitudinal direction 2 between the rear surface 204d and the channel 216. For example, the first sealing recess 224 may be substantially equidistant from the rear surface 204d and the channel 216. However, other spacing between the first sealing recess 224 and the rear surface 204d and the channel 216 is contemplated. The first seal 232 may comprise a conventional O-ring, or any other kind of flexible device capable of forming a fluid seal between two components.

[0051] The manifold body 204 may define a second sealing groove 228 for each passage 220. Each second sealing groove 228 may be configured to receive a second seal 236. The second sealing groove 228 of each passage in the passage 220 may have a substantially annular shape. The cross-sectional dimension of the second sealing groove 228 of each passage 220 is larger than the cross-sectional dimension of its corresponding passage 220. The second sealing groove 228 may be defined in the longitudinal direction 2 between the front surface 204c and the channel 216. For example, the second sealing groove 228 may be substantially equidistant from the front surface 204c and the channel 216. However, other spacing between the second sealing groove 228 and the front surface 204c and the channel 216 is contemplated. Thus, the channel 216 may be positioned between the first seal 232 and the second seal 236. The second seal 236 may include a conventional O-ring, or any other kind of flexible device capable of forming a fluid seal between the two components. Although the first sealing groove 224 and the second sealing groove 228 are shown as substantially identical, they may differ in other examples. Similarly, although the first seal 232 and the second seal 236 are shown as substantially the same, they may differ in other examples.

[0052] See Figure 2 The air manifold assembly 200 may include a plurality of pneumatic bolts 250. Each of the plurality of pneumatic bolts 250 is configured to be disposed in a corresponding passage of a plurality of passages 220 and attached to a corresponding distribution module of a plurality of distribution modules 75, as will be further described below. In the depicted example, the air manifold assembly 200 may include ten pneumatic bolts: a first pneumatic bolt 250a, a second pneumatic bolt 250b, a third pneumatic bolt 250c, a fourth pneumatic bolt 250d, a fifth pneumatic bolt 250e, a sixth pneumatic bolt 250f, a seventh pneumatic bolt 250g, an eighth pneumatic bolt 250h, a ninth pneumatic bolt 250i, and a tenth pneumatic bolt 250j. Although the plurality of pneumatic bolts 250 is depicted as including ten pneumatic bolts 250a-250j, the plurality of pneumatic bolts 250 may include more or fewer than ten pneumatic bolts 250. For example, the plurality of pneumatic bolts 250 may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or more than ten pneumatic bolts 250. Generally, the number of pneumatic bolts 250 including those in the air manifold assembly 200 will be determined by the number of the plurality of distribution modules 75 attached to the manifold 50 and / or the number of the plurality of passages 220 extending through the air manifold 202. Furthermore, although the plurality of pneumatic bolts 250 may include a certain number of pneumatic bolts, the application device 10 may be configured to continue operation even when any one of the pneumatic bolts 250a-250j is disconnected from the air manifold 202. Now turning to Figures 5A to 7An example of a pneumatic bolt 250 is shown, which can be used to implement each of one or more of the pneumatic bolts 250a-250j described above. The pneumatic bolt 250 may have a body 254 extending along a longitudinal direction 2 from a first end 254a to a second end 254b opposite to the first end 254a, wherein the second end 254b may be configured to be releasably attached to one of the dispensing modules 75. The body 254 may be configured to be received in a corresponding passage in a passage 220. Therefore, the cross-sectional dimension of the body 254 may be smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the corresponding passage 220. In one example, the second end 254b of the pneumatic bolt 250 may be configured to thread-engage a corresponding dispensing module among the plurality of dispensing modules 75. Specifically, the second end 254b may define an extension 274 extending along the longitudinal direction 2 and including a thread 278 configured to releasably engage the inner surface of a hole defined by one of the plurality of dispensing modules 75. Therefore, the pneumatic bolt 250 can be configured to be releasably attached to a corresponding distribution module among a plurality of distribution modules 75. Although the thread 278 is shown, the pneumatic bolt 250 may include alternative fasteners for releasably attachment to a corresponding distribution module among a plurality of distribution modules 75. For example, the pneumatic bolt 250 may be snap-fitted or releasably attached to a corresponding distribution module among a plurality of distribution modules 75 via various means. A seal 282 may be provided around the extension 274 to form a fluid seal between the pneumatic bolt 250 and the corresponding distribution module 75 when the pneumatic bolt 250 is attached to the distribution module 75.

[0053] A first end 254a of the pneumatic bolt 250 may define an engagement feature or drive surface 258 configured to engage with a tool (not shown), wherein the tool is configured to disengage the pneumatic bolt 250 from one of the dispensing modules 75. The drive surface 258 may have a non-circular cross-section configured to engage with the drive surface of the tool. In the depicted example, the engagement feature 258 may define a hexagonal head. However, in other examples, the engagement feature 258 may include a flat head, a Phillips head, a star head, etc. By engaging the tool with the engagement feature 258 and rotating the pneumatic bolt 250, the operator of the application device 10 can selectively engage or disengage the pneumatic bolt 250 from the corresponding dispensing module 75. It is also contemplated that the pneumatic bolt 250 may include an engagement feature 258 that allows the user to disengage the pneumatic bolt 250 from the corresponding dispensing module 75 without the aid of any tool, as will be further described below.

[0054] The pneumatic bolt 250 may also define a stop surface 262a adjacent to the engagement feature 258, which extends radially outward from the body 254 of the pneumatic bolt 250. In one example, the stop surface 262a may be defined by a flange 262. The flange 262 may be substantially shaped as a disc, but other shapes are also contemplated. The cross-sectional dimension of the stop surface 262a may be larger than the cross-sectional dimension of a corresponding passage in the passages 220. Thus, when the pneumatic bolt 250 is inserted into a corresponding passage in the passages 220 of the air manifold 202, the stop surface 262a may limit the extent to which the pneumatic bolt 250 can be inserted into the air manifold 202. The body 254 of the pneumatic bolt 250 may define a first region 266a extending from the stop surface 262a, wherein the first region 266a defines a first cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 2, such as a first diameter D1. The pneumatic bolt 250 may define a second region 266b, which defines a second cross-sectional dimension, such as a second diameter D2, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 2. The pneumatic bolt 250 may define an intermediate region 266c between the first region 266a and the second region 266b. The intermediate region 266c has a third cross-sectional dimension, such as a third diameter D3, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 2. In the depicted example, the third diameter D3 is smaller than the first diameter D1 and the second diameter D2, and the first diameter D1 and the second diameter D2 are substantially equal. Therefore, the third region 266c may define a recess 270. However, it is contemplated that the first diameter D1, the second diameter D2, and the third diameter D3 may alternatively be sized relative to each other. The recess 270 may extend from the first region 266a to the second region 266b, and thus the first region 266a and the second region 266b may be positioned on opposite sides of the recess 270.

[0055] The pneumatic bolt 250 may be configured to guide pressurized air from the passage 216 of the air manifold 202 to a corresponding dispensing module 75. For this purpose, the pneumatic bolt 250 may include at least one passage, such as multiple passages, extending through it. For example, the pneumatic bolt 250 may include a first air passage 286 extending through the body 254 at a location between a first region 266a and a second region 266b, such as through an intermediate region 266c. In one example, the first air passage 286 may extend into a recess 270 of the body 254. The first air passage 286 is configured to be in fluid communication with the passage 216 of the air manifold 202 when the pneumatic bolt 250 is received in a corresponding passage 220 of the manifold 202. The first air passage 286 may extend from a first opening 286a defined at the outer surface of the body 254 to a second opening 286b defined at the outer surface and opposite to the first opening 286a. The pneumatic bolt 250 may include a second air passage 290 extending from the first air passage 286 to an outlet 290a defined by a second end 254b. Since the second end 254b of the pneumatic bolt 250 can be releasably attached to a corresponding dispensing module 75, the outlet 290a allows fluid communication between the first air passage 286 and the second air passage 290 and the corresponding dispensing module 75.

[0056] In operation, the pneumatic bolt 250 can be inserted into a corresponding passage 220 of the air manifold 202 and engage with one of the plurality of distribution modules 75. When this occurs, a first air passage 286 can be in fluid communication with a channel 216 of the air manifold 202, allowing pressurized air to be guided through the channel 216 into the first air passage 286, into a second air passage 290, and into the distribution module 75 through an outlet 290a. When the pneumatic bolt 250 is inserted into the passage 220, a first region 266a can be configured to engage a second seal 236 disposed in the passage 220, and a second region 266b can be configured to engage a first seal 232 disposed in the passage 220. This engagement between the pneumatic bolt 250 and the first seal 232 and the second seal 236 prevents pressurized air from leaking from the air manifold assembly 200 as it flows from the air manifold 202 through the pneumatic bolt 250 and into the corresponding distribution module 75. Additionally, the seal 282 of the pneumatic bolt 250 can engage the distribution module 75 to further prevent pressurized air from leaking between the pneumatic bolt 250 and the corresponding distribution module 75.

[0057] See now Figure 7AWhen each pneumatic bolt 250 is fully inserted into one of the multiple passages 220, such that the pneumatic bolt 250 engages the first seal 232 and the second seal 236, the stop surface 262a can be spaced apart from the outer surface (such as the front surface 204c) of the air manifold 202, thereby defining a gap G between the outer surface and the stop surface 262a. This gap G allows the air manifold 202 to at least partially “float” on the pneumatic bolt 250, thereby allowing for minor positional tolerances between the pneumatic bolt 250, the air manifold 202, and the distribution module 75. Therefore, the size of the gap G between each stop surface 262a of the pneumatic bolt 250 and the air manifold 202 can vary depending on the specific distribution module 75 to which they are connected.

[0058] Once the pneumatic bolts 250 are attached to the plurality of dispensing modules 75 to attach the air manifold assembly 200 to the dispensing modules 75 and to supply pressurized air to the dispensing modules 75, the application device 10 becomes operable to dispense material. However, over time, it may be necessary to remove one or more dispensing modules 75 for cleaning, or to completely replace one or more of the dispensing modules 75. The air manifold assembly 200 described herein allows each of the plurality of dispensing modules 75 to be disconnected from the air manifold assembly 200 without disconnecting any other dispensing modules 75 from the air manifold assembly 200.

[0059] See Figure 7 The first pneumatic bolt 250a illustrates the positioning of the pneumatic bolt 250 when engaged with one of the dispensing modules 75. When the operator wants to disengage one of the dispensing modules 75, the corresponding pneumatic bolt 250 is configured to be partially removed from the corresponding one of the plurality of passages 220, as shown. Figure 7 The second pneumatic bolt 250b is shown. For this purpose, an operator can use a tool to engage the engagement surface 258 and disengage the pneumatic bolt 250 from the dispensing module 75. In the partially removed position, the extension 274, particularly the thread 278, can be completely disengaged from the dispensing module 75. Additionally, a second region 266b can be provided within a corresponding passage of the plurality of passages 220 between the first seal 232 and the second seal 236. Furthermore, a first region 266a can be provided outside the air manifold 202. The partially removed position can be useful because in this position, the second seal 236 is configured to provide an interference effect that limits or prevents the pneumatic bolt 250 from detaching from a corresponding passage of the plurality of passages 220. Specifically, the engagement between the second region 266b and the second seal 236 prevents the pneumatic bolt 250 from detaching from the passage 220. When one of the pneumatic bolts 250 is in the partially removed position, the corresponding dispensing module 75 to which it is attached is configured to be disengaged from the manifold 50.

[0060] Except in the partially removed position, each of the pneumatic bolts 250 can be detached from the dispensing module 75 and completely removed from the passage 220 of the air manifold 202. This can be accomplished by applying sufficient axial force in the longitudinal direction 2 after the extension 274 has been detached from the corresponding dispensing module 75. When this force is applied, the second region 266b can contact the second seal 236 with sufficient force to deform the second seal 236 outward and allow the pneumatic bolt 250 to be removed from the corresponding passage 220. Similar to the partially removed position, one dispensing module of the dispensing module 75 is configured to detach from the manifold 50 when a corresponding pneumatic bolt of the plurality of pneumatic bolts 250 is completely removed from the corresponding passage of the plurality of passages 220. After the dispensing module 75 has been detached from the manifold 50, the dispensing module 75 can be reattached to the manifold after maintenance. Alternatively, a new dispensing module 75 can be installed in the appropriate position on the manifold 50.

[0061] See Figure 8 When the pneumatic bolt 250 is attached to the distribution module 75, flexibility is provided in defining the gap G between the stop surface 262a of the pneumatic bolt 250 and the air manifold 202, as well as the position of the first seal 232 and the second seal 236 within the body 204 of the air manifold 202. Figure 7 In the diagram, pneumatic bolts 250a and 250b are shown as being received substantially coaxially within passages 220 and 220b of the air manifold 202. However, as... Figure 8 As shown, each distribution module 75 can be mounted at an angle to the body 54 of the manifold 50. To accommodate this angled mounting, a gap G is defined between the stop surface 262a of the pneumatic bolt 250 and the air manifold 202, and the positions of the first seal 232 and the second seal 236 within the body 204 of the air manifold 202 allow the pneumatic bolt 250 to be offset at an angle relative to the corresponding passages 220 in which they are received, while still forming a fluid seal between the pneumatic bolt 250 and the first seal 232 and the second seal 236. Figure 8 As shown, the first passage 220a can extend along the first axis A, while the body 254 of the first pneumatic bolt 250a can extend along the second axis B. Although the first passage 220a and the first pneumatic bolt 250a are described in detail, for... Figure 8The description can also be applied to any one of the multiple passages 220a-220j and any one of the multiple pneumatic bolts 250a-250j. When inserted into the first passage 220a, the second axis B of the first pneumatic bolt 250a can be offset at an angle Θ from the first axis A of the first passage 220a. The angle Θ can be any angle greater than or equal to 0 degrees. For example, the angle Θ can be between 0 degrees and 10 degrees, but other angles are also conceivable. In addition, although shown as being defined in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction 2 and the transverse direction 4, the angle Θ can be defined in a plane defined by any combination of the longitudinal direction 2, the transverse direction 4, and the vertical direction 6. Furthermore, any one of the pneumatic bolts 250a-250j of a particular air manifold assembly 200 can be offset at an angle relative to the passages 220a-220j, and their degree of acceptance in the passages 220a-220j differs from that of any other pneumatic bolt 250a-250j. This depends on how each individual distribution module 75, to which the pneumatic bolt 250 is attached, is secured to the manifold 50.

[0062] As described above, it is conceivable that each pneumatic bolt 250 may include an engagement surface 258 that allows a user to disengage the pneumatic bolt 250 from the plurality of dispensing modules 75 without the aid of any tools. See also Figure 9 An alternative example of a pneumatic bolt 250' is shown, which is essentially similar to... Figures 5A to 8The pneumatic bolt 250 is shown. Therefore, similar features of the pneumatic bolt 250' are marked the same as those of the pneumatic bolt 250 and will not be described again here. Compared to the pneumatic bolt 250, the pneumatic bolt 250' may not have a flange 262. Instead, the first end 254a of the pneumatic bolt 250' may include a knob 294 defining a stop surface 262a and an engagement surface 258. The knob 294 may be configured to be gripped by hand to allow manual disengagement of the pneumatic bolt 250' from its attached dispensing module 75. In operation, the operator of the application device 10 can manually insert the pneumatic bolt 250' into the corresponding passage 220 of the manifold 202 and manually rotate the pneumatic bolt 250' to thread it onto the dispensing module 75. To disengage the pneumatic bolt 250' from the dispensing module 75, the operator can also manually rotate the pneumatic bolt 250' until it is no longer engaged with the dispensing module 75. Furthermore, during operation, the air manifold assembly 200 may include any combination of pneumatic bolts 250 and 250' as needed. In the depicted example, the knob 294 defines a plurality of ridges 298, which are configured to provide texture to the knob 294 to allow for easier manual gripping. However, it is contemplated that the knob 294 may not have ridges 298, or may include ridges of different sizes and shapes, or may include other features that provide texture to the knob 294.

[0063] See Figure 10 An alternative example of the application device 10' will be described below. The application device 10' is substantially similar to... Figure 1 The application device 10 shown, and therefore similar features of the application device 10' are marked as such for the application device 10, and will not be described further here. Similar to the application device 10, the application device 10' may include a manifold 50 having a body 54 to which a plurality of dispensing modules 75 are configured to attach. However, Figure 10The application device 10' shown includes a plurality of intermittent dispensing modules 76 and a plurality of continuous dispensing modules 77 attached to manifold 50. The continuous dispensing modules 77 may be configured to continuously dispense material when it is available, while the intermittent dispensing modules 76 may be configured to selectively dispense material when it is available. Each intermittent dispensing module 76 may include a corresponding solenoid valve configured to control the selective material dispensing of that particular intermittent dispensing module 76. Furthermore, as an alternative to the inlet adapter 240 of the application device 10, the application device 10' may include a solenoid valve 241 attached to the air manifold 202 at a first opening 208. The solenoid valve 241 may be configured to receive pressurized air from a pressurized air source 125 via conduit 130 and selectively supply pressurized air to a passage 216 of the air manifold 202 via the first opening 208. Thus, the solenoid valve 241 may be configured to regulate the flow of pressurized air to each of the continuous dispensing modules 77 operably attached to the air manifold assembly 200. In conventional application devices that include both an intermittent dispensing module and a continuous dispensing module, the continuous dispensing module typically requires a first air manifold, and the intermittent dispensing module typically requires a second air manifold. On the other hand, the continuous dispensing module and the intermittent dispensing module of application device 10' are attached to the same air manifold. Therefore, the use of the air manifold assembly 200 significantly simplifies application device 10' compared to conventional application devices that require two separate air manifolds. It should be understood that, according to various examples, the application device may have only a continuous dispensing module, only an intermittent dispensing module, or a combination of both.

[0064] Figures 1 to 4 The air manifold assembly 200 illustrates an example where the air inlet of the air manifold 202 is defined by an opening 208 at a side surface 204e of the manifold body 254, but the examples disclosed herein are not limited thereto. In some examples, the air inlet may be defined by an opening 210 located between a first side surface 204e and a second side surface 204f of the air manifold 202. For example, the air inlet may be located within a central portion of the air manifold 202 and may therefore be referred to as a central opening 210. In some such examples, the opening 210 may be located substantially at an intermediate position between the first side surface 204e and the second side surface 204f. In some such examples, the opening 210 may be configured such that an equal number of passages 220 are provided on opposite sides of the opening 210, wherein each passage 220 is configured to receive a corresponding pneumatic bolt 250 and a corresponding distribution module 250. A more centrally located air inlet reduces variations in airflow across the air manifold to the respective distribution modules.

[0065] Go to Figures 11 to 16According to an alternative example, application devices 10”, 10”', and 10”” are shown, wherein the air inlets of air manifolds 202’, 202” are disposed between a first side surface 204e and a second side surface 204f of air manifolds 202’, 202”. Application devices 10”, 10”', and 10”” are substantially similar to Figure 1 The application device 10 shown, and the air manifold assemblies 200' and 200" are substantially similar to Figure 1 The air manifold assembly 200 is shown. Therefore, similar features of the application devices 10”, 10”', 10”” and air manifold assemblies 200’ and 200” are marked as their markings for the application devices 10 and air manifold assembly 200, and will not be described here again.

[0066] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the air manifold 202' may define an opening 210 that defines an air inlet and extends into the front surface 204c of the manifold body 204. The opening 210 may be centrally located. For example, an equal number of passages 220 may be provided on opposite sides of the opening 210, wherein each passage 220 is configured to receive a corresponding pneumatic bolt among the pneumatic bolts 250. Alternatively, as... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the opening 210 defining the inlet can extend into the upper surface 204a (as shown) or into the lower surface 204b (not shown).

[0067] The application device 10 may include an inlet adapter 240' configured to be coupled to an opening 210, such as being at least partially received within the opening 210. The inlet adapter 240' may be a conduit. For example, the inlet adapter 240' may include a pneumatic fitting, but other examples of the inlet adapter 240' are also contemplated. The inlet adapter 240' may be configured to engage the conduit 130 at one end to receive pressurized air from the pressurized air source 125. At the opposite end, the inlet adapter 240' may be configured to be coupled to the opening 210, such as being at least partially received within the opening 210, such that the opening 210 can receive pressurized air from the pressurized air source 125. The inlet adapter 240' may engage the conduit 130 and / or the air manifold 202' by threaded connection, clamp engagement, pressure fit, snap-fit, etc., but other methods of engaging the inlet adapter 240' with the conduit 130 and the air manifold 202' are also contemplated.

[0068] The application device 10” may include a plug 246 configured to be coupled to a first opening 208, such as being at least partially received within the first opening 208. Additionally or alternatively, the application device 10” may include a plug 244 configured to be coupled to a second opening 208, such as being at least partially received within the second opening 208. Each plug 244 and 246 may have a body sized and shaped to provide a fluid seal at a respective first opening 208 and second opening 212, such that pressurized air flowing within the body 204 of the air manifold 202 does not escape through the respective first opening 208 and second opening 212. Each plug 244 and 246 may engage the body 204 by threaded connection, clamp engagement, pressure fit, snap-fit, etc., but other methods of engaging each plug 244 and 246 to the body 204 are also contemplated.

[0069] Briefly go to Figure 15 and Figure 16 Alternatively, the application device 10”” may include a solenoid valve 241 instead of the inlet adapter 240’. The solenoid valve 241 may be attached to the air manifold 202 at the opening 210. For example, the application device 10”” may include a pneumatic bolt 250k that is at least partially received through the opening 210 and can engage the solenoid valve 241. The pneumatic bolt 250k may include threads configured to engage the solenoid valve 241 by threading, or the pneumatic bolt 250k may include alternative fasteners for releasable attachment to the solenoid valve 241. For example, the pneumatic bolt 250k may be snap-fitted into or releasable attached to the solenoid valve 241 by various means.

[0070] Solenoid valve 241 may be configured to receive pressurized air from pressurized air source 125 via conduit 130 and selectively supply pressurized air to passage 216 of air manifold 202 via opening 210. Thus, solenoid valve 241 may be configured to regulate the flow of pressurized air to each of the distribution modules 75 operably attached to the air manifold assembly 200'.

[0071] See Figure 17The application device 10””’ may have multiple air manifold assemblies 200, such as two air manifold assemblies 200a, 200b or more than two air manifold assemblies. Each air manifold assembly 200a, 200b may be constructed as described above for air manifold assemblies 200, 200', 200” and 200”’. The application device 10””’ may have a first conduit 130a, such as a hose or pipe, configured to supply air from an air source 125 to a first inlet adapter 240a or a first solenoid (not shown), which supplies air to the first manifold assembly 200a. The application device 10””’ may have a second conduit 130b, such as a hose or pipe, which is configured to supply air from an air source 125 to a second inlet adapter 240b or a second solenoid (not shown), which supplies air to a second manifold assembly 200b.

[0072] In some cases, it may be desirable to remove one or more of the dispensing modules 75, 76, and 77 from the application device. For example, the operator may wish to change the pattern and / or width of the material dispensed by the application device. In such cases, the operator may remove one or more dispensing modules from the air manifold and replace each of the removed dispensing modules with a blank. For example, and referring to... Figure 18 and Figure 18A As shown, a blank 251 is illustrated according to one example. The blank 251 may have a first end 251a and a second end 251b offset from each other. The blank 251 may define a recess 251c that extends into the first end 251a and terminates before the second end 251b. Thus, the recess 251c may open at the first end 251a and close at the second end 251b. In one example, the blank 251 may be implemented as a cap. The recess 251c may be configured to engage an extension 274 of the pneumatic bolt 250. In one example, the recess 251c may have an internal thread configured to engage the external thread of the extension 274. In other examples, the blank 251 may be configured to be coupled to the pneumatic bolt 250 using alternative fasteners. For example, the pneumatic bolt 250 may be snap-fitted into or releasably attached to the blank 251 by various means.

[0073] See now Figure 19A method 300 for maintaining an application device will be described. It should be understood that method 300 can be used with any of the application devices described above. The method includes step 302, which involves disengaging a selected pneumatic bolt 250 extending through an air manifold 202 from a selected dispensing module 75, wherein the air manifold 202 is attached to a plurality of dispensing modules 75 and configured to supply pressurized air to the plurality of dispensing modules 75 through the plurality of pneumatic bolts 250. Disengaging the selected pneumatic bolt 250 may include partially removing the selected pneumatic bolt 250 from a passage 220 extending through the air manifold 202, as described above. Additionally or alternatively, disengaging the selected pneumatic bolt 250 may include completely removing the selected pneumatic bolt 250 from the passage 220 extending through the air manifold 202, as described above. In some examples, disengaging the selected pneumatic bolt 250 may include disengaging the selected pneumatic bolt 250 from the dispensing module 75 by thread. In some examples, separating the selected pneumatic bolt 250 may include engaging the mating surface 258 of the selected pneumatic bolt 250, defined by the first end 254a of the selected pneumatic bolt 250, with a tool or hand.

[0074] After performing step 302, step 306 may include disengaging the selected dispensing module 75 from manifold 50 while one or more other dispensing modules 75 remain attached to both manifold 50 and the air manifold. In some examples, the selected dispensing module 75 is disengaged while at least one other dispensing module remains attached to both manifold 50 and air manifold 202. In some such examples, the selected dispensing module 75 is disengaged without disengaging any other dispensing module among the multiple dispensing modules 75 from manifold 50 and air manifold 202. This allows the disengaged dispensing module 75 to be removed, serviced, or replaced without affecting the operation of the other dispensing modules among the dispensing modules 75. Then, in step 310, the same dispensing module 75 (e.g., after maintenance) or a replacement dispensing module 75 may be attached to manifold 50. In step 314, a pneumatic bolt 250 (either the pneumatic bolt previously disengaged from dispensing module 75 or another pneumatic bolt) may be attached to dispensing module 75, and pressurized air may be directed through air manifold 202, through pneumatic bolt 250, and to dispensing module 75. Alternatively, in step 310, blank 251 may be aligned with an air manifold in place of the removed dispensing module 75. Then, in step 314, pneumatic bolt 250 may be attached to blank 251 in a manner similar to that of attaching pneumatic bolt 250 to dispensing module 75 (e.g., by thread or otherwise connecting pneumatic bolt 250 to blank). Steps 302 through 314 may be repeated for each of one or more other dispensing modules 75 as needed throughout the entire operational life of the application device 10.

[0075] The use of application devices 10, 10', 10”, 10””, 10”” and 10”””, including air manifold assemblies 200, 200', 200”’, 200a, 200b as described above, has several advantages. When maintenance or replacement of one of the dispensing modules 75, 76 and 77 is required, the specific dispensing modules 75, 76 and 77 in question can be removed by the operator of the application device without completely separating the air manifold assembly from the remaining dispensing modules 75, 76 and 77, or by separating any of the other dispensing modules 75, 76 and 77 from the manifold 50. In addition, pneumatic bolts 250, 250' allow dispensing modules 75, 76 and 77 to be easily separated from the air manifold assembly 200 without excessive force or effort, and thus reduce the risk of damage to the delicate components of the application device, as well as the risk of injury to the operator of the application device.

[0076] While various inventive aspects, concepts, and features of the invention may be described and illustrated herein as being embodied in combination in exemplary embodiments, these aspects, concepts, and features may be used individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations of them in many alternative embodiments. All such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the invention unless expressly excluded herein. Furthermore, while various alternative embodiments of aspects, concepts, and features of the invention may be described herein—such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic components, alternatives in form, fits and functions, etc.—such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether existing or subsequently developed. Additionally, although some features, concepts, or aspects of the invention may be described herein as preferred arrangements or methods, such descriptions are not intended to imply that such features are necessary or essential unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, exemplary or representative values ​​and ranges may be included to aid in understanding this disclosure; however, such values ​​and ranges should not be construed as limiting and are intended to be key values ​​or ranges only where so explicitly stated. Furthermore, while various aspects, features, and concepts may be explicitly identified herein as inventive or constituting part of the invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather may be present in all aspects, concepts, and features of the invention fully described herein, and not listed as part of a particular invention, but rather the scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims or the claims of related or continuing applications. The description of exemplary methods or processes is not limited to all steps required in all cases, and the order in which steps are presented should not be construed as necessary or required unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0077] While the invention has been described herein using a limited number of embodiments, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as otherwise described and claimed herein. The precise arrangement of the various elements described herein and the order of steps in the articles and methods should not be considered limiting. For example, although the steps of a method are described with reference to the sequential series of reference numerals and blocks in the accompanying drawings, the method may be implemented in a specific order as needed.

Claims

1. A pneumatic bolt configured to be releasably attached to a dispensing module of an application device assembly, the pneumatic bolt being used to attach the dispensing module to an air manifold of the application device assembly, the pneumatic bolt comprising: A body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end opposite to the first end, the body being configured to be releasably attached to the dispensing module and received in the passage of the air manifold; as well as Multiple air passages extending through the body include a first air passage and a second air passage. The first air passage is configured to be in fluid communication with a passage of the air manifold and to receive pressurized air from the air manifold. The second air passage extends from the first air passage to an outlet defined by a second end of the body, such that when the pneumatic bolt is received into the passage of the air manifold, pressurized air is guided through the passage of the air manifold into the first air passage, into the second air passage, and into the distribution module through the outlet.

2. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 1, wherein, The second end of the body of the pneumatic bolt is configured to engage the dispensing module via a thread.

3. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 2, wherein, The second end of the body defines an extension extending in a longitudinal direction, the extension including a thread configured to releasably engage the inner surface of a hole defined by the dispensing module.

4. The pneumatic bolt of claim 3, further comprising a seal disposed around the extension, the seal being configured to form a fluid seal between the pneumatic bolt and the distribution module when the pneumatic bolt is attached to the distribution module.

5. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 1, wherein, The main body is configured to be releasably attached to the distribution module via a snap-fit ​​engagement.

6. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 1, wherein, The first end of the pneumatic bolt defines a drive surface configured to engage with a tool for releasably separating the pneumatic bolt from the dispensing module.

7. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 6, wherein, The drive surface has a non-circular cross-section that is configured to be joined by the drive surface of the tool.

8. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 6, wherein, The drive surface includes a engagement feature selected from the group consisting of a hexagonal head, a flat head, a cross head, and a star head.

9. The pneumatic bolt of claim 8, further comprising a stop surface formed adjacent to the engagement feature and extending radially outward from the body, the stop surface being configured to limit the extent to which the pneumatic bolt can be inserted into the passage of the air manifold.

10. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 9, wherein, The stop surface is defined by a flange.

11. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 10, wherein, The flange is essentially shaped like a disc.

12. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 9, wherein, The stop surface is configured such that when the pneumatic bolt is received in the passage of the air manifold, the stop surface is spaced apart from the outer surface of the air manifold, thereby defining a gap between the outer surface of the air manifold and the stop surface.

13. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 9, wherein, The subject is defined as follows: A first region extends from the stop surface and defines a first cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; The second region defines a second cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; as well as An intermediate region, located between the first region and the second region, defines a third cross-sectional dimension.

14. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 13, wherein, The third cross-sectional dimension is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension and the second cross-sectional dimension, thereby defining a recess in the body.

15. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 14, wherein, The first cross-sectional dimension is equal to the second cross-sectional dimension.

16. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 14, wherein, The recess extends from the first region to the second region, such that the first region and the second region are positioned on opposite sides of the recess.

17. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 13, wherein, The first air passage extends through the body at a location between the first region and the second region.

18. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 17, wherein, The first air passage extends through the intermediate region.

19. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 18, wherein: The third cross-sectional dimension is smaller than both the first and second cross-sectional dimensions, thereby defining a recess in the body; and The first air passage extends into the recess.

20. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 17, wherein, The first air passage extends from a first opening defined on the outer surface of the body to a second opening defined on the outer surface of the body and opposite to the first opening.

21. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 1, wherein, The outlet is configured to fluidly connect the first air passage and the second air passage to the distribution module.

22. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 13, wherein, When the pneumatic bolt is received into the passage of the air manifold, the first region is configured to engage a first seal disposed in the passage of the air manifold, and the second region is configured to engage a second seal disposed in the passage of the air manifold, thereby preventing pressurized air from leaking out of the air manifold as pressurized air is guided from the air manifold through the pneumatic bolt and into the distribution module.

23. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 13, wherein, The second end of the body defines an extension extending in a longitudinal direction, and the pneumatic bolt is configured to be selectively positioned between at least the following locations: In the engagement position, the pneumatic bolt is releasably attached to the dispensing module, and both the first region and the second region are located within the passage of the air manifold; as well as In a partial removal location, the extension is completely disengaged from the dispensing module, the first region is located outside the air manifold, and the second region is located within the passage of the air manifold.

24. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 23, wherein, When the pneumatic bolt is positioned in the partial removal position, the engagement between the second region and the seal disposed in the passage of the air manifold prevents the pneumatic bolt from falling out of the passage of the air manifold.

25. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 23, wherein, When the pneumatic bolt is positioned in the partial removal position, the distribution module is configured to be disconnected from the air manifold.

26. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 23, wherein, The pneumatic bolt is further configured to be selectively positioned in a fully removed position, in which the pneumatic bolt is releasably detached from the dispensing module, and both the first and second regions are located outside the air manifold.

27. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 1, wherein, The pneumatic bolt is configured to be received substantially coaxially within the passage of the air manifold.

28. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 1, wherein, The air manifold passage extends along a first axis, and the pneumatic bolt extends along a second axis, wherein the second axis is offset at an angle from the first axis, and the pneumatic bolt is configured to be received at an angle offset within the air manifold passage.

29. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 28, wherein, When the pneumatic bolt is received in the passage of the air manifold, the second axis is offset from the first axis at an angle of up to 10 degrees.

30. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 1, wherein, The first end includes a knob defining a stop surface configured to limit the extent to which the pneumatic bolt can be inserted into the passage of the air manifold.

31. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 30, wherein, The knob is configured to be gripped by hand so as to releasably attach the pneumatic bolt to the distribution module and releasably detach the pneumatic bolt from the distribution module.

32. The pneumatic bolt according to claim 31, wherein, The knob defines a plurality of ridges, which are configured to provide texture to the knob so as to allow for easier hand gripping of the knob.

Images