Full cover / filament spray application

Abstract

An air bolster has one or more air outlets configured to direct air to two or more adhesive filaments and / or has a width of at least 1 mm. For example, the air outlets may each have a width of any value from 1 mm to 75 mm (e.g., generally 1 or 2 mm wider than the corresponding one or more adhesive outlets). Air outlets may be provided for reducing or eliminating hammerheads, resulting in more consistent application of adhesive. The nozzle may include an adhesive backing plate including two or more adhesive outlets for applying the two or more adhesive filaments.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 325,351, filed on March 30, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to air-assisted nozzles and systems for extruding and moving filaments of viscous liquids in a desired pattern, and more particularly to air-assisted dispensing of hot melt adhesive filaments. Background Art

[0004] Various dispensing systems have been used in the past to apply the pattern of viscous liquid material (such as hot melt adhesive) to the mobile substrate, for the purpose of manufacturing a wide range (including but not limited to the assembly of packaging, various products and the structure of disposable absorbent sanitary products). Therefore, as described dispensing system can be used for producing disposable absorbent sanitary products such as diapers. In the production of disposable absorbent sanitary products, a hot melt adhesive dispensing system for applying the lamination or adhesive layer of hot melt thermoplastic adhesive between nonwoven fiber layer and thin polyethylene back sheet has been developed. Usually, the hot melt adhesive dispensing system is installed above the polyethylene back sheet layer of movement, and the hot melt adhesive material of uniform pattern is applied on the upper surface width of back sheet substrate. In the downstream of dispensing system, nonwoven layer is laminated to polyethylene layer by pressure roller gap, then further processed into final available product.

[0005] In various hot melt adhesive dispensing systems, continuous filaments of adhesive are sprayed from a plurality of adhesive outlets, wherein a plurality of process air jets are oriented to the circumference of each adhesive outlet in various configurations. As the filaments come out of the adhesive outlets, the plurality of air jets discharge air in a convergent, divergent and / or parallel manner relative to the adhesive filaments or fibers discharged. The process air is usually able to attenuate each adhesive filament and move the filaments in overlapping or non-overlapping patterns before being deposited on a moving substrate.

[0006] Manufacturers in many fields (including manufacturers of disposable absorbent sanitary products) are interested in the small fiber technology of the bonding layer of the hot melt adhesive in nonwoven and polyethylene sheet laminates.For this reason, the hot melt adhesive dispensing system has been combined with a slot nozzle die, wherein a pair of air channels are formed on each side of the elongated extrusion slot of the die.These air channels can be angled and symmetrically arranged relative to the extrusion slot so that the curtain of pressurized air is sprayed on the opposite side of the extrusion slot.Therefore, along with hot melt adhesive being discharged from the extrusion slot as continuous sheet or curtain, the curtain of process air hits the adhesive curtain and the adhesive curtain is attenuated to form a uniform adhesive web on substrate.

[0007] Meltblowing technology has also been applied to the field to produce hot melt adhesive bonding layers with relatively small diameter fibers. Meltblowing die usually includes a series of closely spaced adhesive nozzles or orifices, which are aligned on the common axis across the die head. A pair of angled air passages or independent air passages and orifices can be positioned on both sides of adhesive nozzles or orifices and aligned parallel to the common nozzle axis. Along with hot melt adhesive discharged from a series of nozzles or orifices aligned, pressurized air is discharged from air passages or orifices to attenuate adhesive fibers or silk before adhesive fibers or silk are applied to the substrate of movement. Air can also oscillate fibers in the plane aligned with the movement of substrate (that is, longitudinally) or in the plane aligned with the transverse direction.

[0008] One of the challenges associated with the above-described techniques relates to producing a fiber adhesive layer during an intermittent operation. More specifically, for some applications, it is desirable to produce discrete patterns of fiber adhesive layers rather than a continuous adhesive layer. Although some fiber adhesive dispensers combine intermittent control of adhesive and air flow to produce such discrete patterns, providing discrete patterns with well-defined edges can be difficult to achieve.

[0009] For example, the speed of the air directed to the adhesive must be enough to cleanly "break" the filaments when the adhesive flow stops. Otherwise, the filaments may continue to "string" together, so that there is no clearly defined cut-out edge and cut-in edge between the adjacent patterns deposited on the moving substrate. However, when using high-speed air, the fiber pattern between the cut-in edge and the cut-out edge becomes more difficult to control. This is especially true when the high-speed air stream converges to impact the opposite side of the adhesive filaments. The filaments may eventually continue to break during the distribution cycle, rather than only breaking at the starting point and stopping point of the adhesive flow.

[0010] A related problem caused by the high-speed air directed in this way is "flying objects", which occurs when the adhesive is blown away from the desired deposition pattern. "Flying objects" can be deposited outside the desired edge of the pattern, or even accumulated on the dispensing equipment, and cause operational problems requiring a lot of maintenance. High-speed air in combination with closely spaced nozzles can also cause "shot peening", in which adjacent adhesive filaments become entangled and form small balls of adhesive on the substrate. "Shot peening" is undesirable because it can cause thermal deformation of the precision polyethylene backsheet substrate.

[0011] Additionally, hammerheads caused by variable pressure may form, thus resulting in inconsistent pattern dispensing. Summary of the invention

[0012] The application provides an air pad with one or more air outlets, the air outlets are configured to direct air to two or more adhesive filaments and / or have a width of at least 1 millimeter (mm). For example, the air outlet can each have a width of any value from 1mm to 75mm (for example, generally 1 mm or 2mm wider than one or more corresponding adhesive outlets). The air outlet can provide a reduction or eliminate hammerhead, thereby causing more consistent adhesive to apply. The nozzle can include an adhesive pad, which includes two or more adhesive outlets for applying two or more adhesive filaments. In certain embodiments, the adhesive pad includes one or more adhesive outlets having a width greater than 1mm. In various aspects, the adhesive pad includes one or more adhesive outlets having a width greater than 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, 50mm, 75mm and / or 100mm. In various aspects, the adhesive pad includes one or more adhesive outlets having a width of 2mm to 3mm, 3mm to 4mm, 4mm to 5mm, 5mm to 6mm, 6mm to 7mm, 7mm to 8mm, 8mm to 9mm, 9mm to 10mm, 10mm to 20mm, 20mm to 30mm, 30mm to 50mm, or 50mm to 100mm.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a nozzle for dispensing a pattern of liquid adhesive filaments may include a first air pad and an adhesive pad. The first air pad has one or more air slots, and the one or more air slots are configured to receive and guide pressurized air. The adhesive pad has at least two liquid slots, and the at least two liquid slots are configured to receive pressurized liquid adhesive and discharge liquid adhesive filaments, and the pressurized air guided by the one or more air slots guides the filaments of the pressurized liquid adhesive discharged from the at least two liquid slots in a pattern. The one or more air slots of the first air pad are configured to guide the pressurized air at a first angle relative to the adhesive pad, so that when the at least two liquid slots discharge the liquid adhesive filaments, one of the one or more air slots is configured to guide the pressurized air to the liquid adhesive filaments discharged by the at least two liquid slots.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a nozzle for dispensing a pattern of liquid adhesive filaments may include a first air pad and an adhesive pad. The first air pad has one or more air slots, and the one or more air slots are configured to receive and guide pressurized air. The adhesive pad has at least one liquid slot, and the at least one liquid slot is configured to receive a pressurized liquid adhesive and discharge at least one liquid adhesive filament, and the pressurized air guided by the one or more air slots guides the at least one liquid adhesive filament discharged from the at least one liquid slot in a pattern. The one or more air slots of the first air pad are configured to guide the pressurized air along a first angle relative to the adhesive pad, so that when the at least one liquid slot discharges the at least one liquid adhesive filament, one of the one or more air slots is configured to guide the pressurized air to the at least one liquid adhesive filament discharged by the at least one liquid slot. Each of the one or more air slots of the first air pad has a corresponding air outlet, and the corresponding air outlet defines a width of at least 1 mm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the nozzle of the present application will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the nozzle of the present application, illustrative embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In these drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 It is an assembled stereogram of an embodiment of a nozzle.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded / disassembled side perspective view of a nozzle shown in , the nozzle comprising a first air shim plate, an adhesive shim plate, and a second air shim plate.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front elevation view of a first air pad of a nozzle.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front elevation view of the separator plate of the nozzle.

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Front elevation view of the adhesive pad of the nozzle.

[0021] Figure 6 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 is shown in FIG.

[0022] Figure 7 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 8 Is Figure 1 Magnified view of the area defined by the dot-dashed line in FIG.

[0024] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of the assembly of the nozzle shown in .

[0025] Fig.10 Is Fig. 9 Magnified view of the area defined by the dot-dashed line in FIG.

[0026] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the nozzle shown in .

[0027] Fig.12 yes Figure 5 A front elevation view of another embodiment of an adhesive pad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present disclosure can be more easily understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings and examples that form a part of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions or parameters described and / or shown herein, and the terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments by way of example, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include the plural, and references to a particular numerical value include at least that particular value unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] As used herein, the term "plurality" means more than one. When a range of values ​​is expressed, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable.

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2An embodiment of a nozzle 10 for dispensing a pattern of liquid adhesive filaments (not shown), such as a uniform pattern of hot melt adhesive material, etc., is shown. As will be described in more detail below, the nozzle 10 can be configured so that pressurized air (such as pressurized process air) can be directed to the liquid adhesive filaments in an asymmetric manner. This general principle can be incorporated into various adhesive dispensing systems. Therefore, although the construction of the nozzle 10 will be described in detail, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the nozzle 10 is merely an example of how components can be arranged, or is a solid nozzle that is drilled or otherwise modified to achieve the arrangement described below.

[0031] The nozzle 10 may include a nozzle body 12 along with first and second end plates 14, 16 secured to respective faces of the nozzle body 12. The nozzle body 12 may have a triangular or wedge-shaped cross-sectional configuration with a first surface 20 and a second surface 22 converging toward each other and a top surface 18 extending generally between the first surface 20 and the second surface 22. The nozzle 10 may include lateral protrusions 24, 26 on two opposite sides of the top surface 18, and the lateral protrusions 24, 26 can secure the nozzle 10 to a dispensing valve, a dispensing module, etc. (not shown), as further shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,074,902, entitled “Nozzle and method for dispensing random pattern of adhesive filaments,” issued on December 13, 2011, and 6,676,038, entitled “Universal dispensing system for air assisted extrusion of liquid filaments,” issued on January 13, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] The nozzle body 12 may also include a liquid inlet 32 ​​disposed in the top surface 18 for receiving pressurized liquid adhesive when the nozzle 10 is secured to a dispensing valve, dispensing module, etc. A sealing member 34 may be disposed within and / or around the liquid inlet 32 ​​to prevent leakage between these components. The top surface 18 may also have a plurality of implemented process air inlets 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d (e.g., pressurized process air inlets) for receiving pressurized air. Figure 1 and Figure 2Further shown are process air inlets 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d formed in the first arcuate channel 40 or the second arcuate channel 42 on two opposite sides of the liquid inlet 32. More specifically, the first process air inlet 36a and the second process air inlet 36b may be configured and arranged in the bottom surface 44 of the first arcuate channel 40, and the third process air inlet 36c and the fourth process air inlet 36d may be configured and arranged in the bottom surface 46 of the second arcuate channel 42. The first arcuate channel 40 and / or the second arcuate channel 42 may help to evenly distribute the pressurized air directed to and / or provided to the top surface 18 to the various implemented process air inlets 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first end plate 14 may be secured to the first surface 20 of the nozzle body 12, and the second end plate 16 may be secured to the second surface 22 of the nozzle body 12. Additionally, the nozzle 10 may include a first air shim plate 50, a separator shim plate 52, an adhesive shim plate 54, etc., which may be positioned between the first end plate 14 and the first surface 20. Although the first air shim plate 50 is described below as being used to direct pressurized air, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a groove (not shown), etc., may be provided in the first end plate 14 for this purpose.

[0034] The first air shim 50, the spacer shim 52, and the adhesive shim 54 may be coupled to the first surface 20 so as to be arranged substantially parallel to the first surface 20. The threaded fasteners 60 may sandwich the first air shim 50, the spacer shim 52, and the adhesive shim 54 between the first end plate 14 and the first surface 20. To this end, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 , the one or more threaded fasteners 60 may include an enlarged head 62 that is held against the first end plate 14, and a threaded shaft 64 that extends through aligned holes 68, 70, 72, 74 of the first end plate 14, the first air shim plate 50, the separator shim plate 52, and the adhesive shim plate 54, respectively, before engaging a threaded hole (not shown) in the first surface 20. However, the first end plate 14, the first air shim plate 50, the separator shim plate 52, and the adhesive shim plate 54 may be attached to the first surface 20 using other components.

[0035] The second end plate 16 may be clamped or otherwise secured to the second surface 22 in substantially the same manner as the first end plate 14 and the first surface 20, but with a second air shim plate 80 positioned between the second end plate 16 and the second surface 22. However, the second end plate 16, the second air shim plate 80, etc. may be attached to the second surface 22 using other components. Thus, the second air shim plate 80 may be coupled to the second surface 22 so as to be arranged substantially parallel to the second surface 22. The second air shim plate 80 is described below as being used to direct pressurized air, but like the first end plate 14, in alternative embodiments, the second end plate 16 may be provided with a groove (not shown), etc., for this purpose. Thus, in some alternative embodiments, both the first end plate 14 and the second end plate 16 may direct pressurized air in place of the first shim plate 50 and the second air shim plate 80.

[0036] Still reference Figure 2 , both the first end plate 14 and the second end plate 16 may also include protrusions or locating members 84 that may help properly locate the first end plate 14 and the second end plate 16, the first shim plate 50, the second air shim plate 80, the separator shim plate 52, the adhesive shim plate 54, etc. relative to the nozzle body 12. To this end, the locating members 84 of the second end plate 16 may extend through corresponding upper slots or openings 86 in the second end plate 16 and the second air shim plate 80 before being received in the blind holes 88 in the second surface 22. Similarly, the locating members 84 of the first end plate 14 may be configured to extend through corresponding upper slots or openings 86 in the first end plate 14, the first air shim plate 50, the separator shim plate 52, and the adhesive shim plate 54 before being received in the correspondingly implemented blind holes 88 in the first surface 20.

[0037] Figure 3 The first air pad 50 is shown in more detail. The first air pad 50 and the second air pad 80 ( Figure 2 ) may have substantially the same construction so as to be interchangeable, such that the following description is equally applicable to the second air shim plate 80. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first air shim plate 50 may include a bottom edge 98a and a plurality of air slots 100 extending from the bottom edge 98a. The first air shim plate 50 may include holes 102 configured and arranged to enable pressurized air to be directed from the nozzle body 12 to a distribution channel 104 ( Figure 2 As will be described in greater detail below, the air slot 100 may be configured to receive and direct pressurized air from the first end plate 14 .

[0038] In one embodiment, the air slots 100 may be disposed between the opposing ends 106, 108 of the first air shim plate 50. Adjacent implementations of the air slots 100 may converge toward each other as they extend toward the bottom edge 98a. For example, the first air shim plate 50 may include tapered members 110 that may be defined between each adjacent implementation of the air slots 100. The air slots 100 may include respective air inlets 114a, 114b, or 114c that may be defined and / or may be located near the base 116 of the tapered members 110. The air slots 100 may each include respective air outlets 118a, 118b, or 118c defined between the bottom edge 98a and the terminal end 112 of the associated tapered member 110.

[0039] The air slot 100 may be tapered such that the corresponding width at the corresponding air inlet 114a, 114b, or 114c is greater than the corresponding width at the corresponding air outlet 118a, 118b, or 118c. In some embodiments, the air slot 100 is not tapered, thereby defining a constant width from the corresponding air outlet to the corresponding air inlet. In addition, Figure 3 A particular number of air slots 100 , holes 102 , tapered members 110 , and / or terminal ends 112 are shown, however, the nozzle 10 may be implemented with any number of air slots 100 , holes 102 , tapered members 110 , and / or terminal ends 112 .

[0040] The width W of each air outlet 118a is OA In some embodiments, the width W OA Greater than 1 mm. For example, the width W OA It can be any value from 1 mm to 20 mm. In various aspects, the width W OA It can be 1mm to 2mm, 2mm to 3mm, 3mm to 4mm, 4mm to 5mm, 5mm to 6mm or 6mm to 7mm. In one embodiment, the width W OA Any value from 1 mm to 10 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0041] The width W of the corresponding air inlet 114a is IA It can be 4.8 mm. In some embodiments, the width W IA Greater than 1 mm. For example, the width W IA It can be any value from 1 mm to 20 mm. In various aspects, the width W IA It can be 1mm to 2mm, 2mm to 3mm, 3mm to 4mm, 4mm to 5mm, 5mm to 6mm or 6mm to 7mm. In one embodiment, the width W IAAny value from 1 mm to 10 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0042] The width W of the corresponding air outlet 118b is OB It can be 3.9 mm. In some embodiments, the width W OB Greater than 1 mm. For example, the width W OB It can be any value from 1mm to 20mm. Width W OB Can be different from the width W OA , such that adjacent tapered members 110 are configured to overlap a portion of adhesive pad 54, as discussed below. In various aspects, width W OB It can be 1mm to 2mm, 2mm to 3mm, 3mm to 4mm, 4mm to 5mm, 5mm to 6mm or 6mm to 7mm. In one embodiment, the width W OB 1mm to 10mm, 1mm to 5mm or 1mm to 2.5mm.

[0043] The width W of the corresponding air inlet 114b is IB It can be 3.5 mm. In some embodiments, the width W IB Greater than 1 mm. For example, the width W IB It can be any value from 1mm to 20mm. Width W IB Can be different from the width W IA , such that adjacent tapered members 110 are configured to overlap a portion of adhesive pad 54, as discussed below. In various aspects, width W IB It can be 1mm to 2mm, 2mm to 3mm, 3mm to 4mm, 4mm to 5mm, 5mm to 6mm or 6mm to 7mm. In one embodiment, the width W IB Any value from 1 mm to 10 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0044] The width W of the corresponding air outlet 118a OC In some embodiments, the width W OC Greater than 1 mm. In various aspects, the width W OC It can be 1mm to 2mm, 2mm to 3mm, 3mm to 4mm, 4mm to 5mm, 5mm to 6mm or 6mm to 7mm. For example, the width W OC It can be any value from 1mm to 20mm. In one embodiment, the width W OC Any value from 1 mm to 10 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0045] The width W of the corresponding air inlet 114a isIC It can be 4.8 mm. In some embodiments, the width W IC Greater than 1 mm. For example, the width W IC It can be any value from 1 mm to 20 mm. In various aspects, the width W IC It can be 1mm to 2mm, 2mm to 3mm, 3mm to 4mm, 4mm to 5mm, 5mm to 6mm or 6mm to 7mm. In one embodiment, the width W IC Any value from 1 mm to 10 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0046] The tapered members 110 can be configured to support the separator pad 52 to prevent bending when dispensing high pressure materials (e.g., hot melt adhesive materials). For example, the tapered members 110 can each be configured to abut both the separator pad 52 and the first end plate 14. The tapered members 110 can each be configured to define a distance D between adjacent liquid grooves 136 of the adhesive pad 54. S The tapered members are configured to overlap the portion of the adhesive pad 54 to support the adhesive pad 54 (eg, via the separator pad 52) during dispensing to prevent bending. In alternative embodiments, some tapered members are not configured to overlap the portion of the adhesive pad.

[0047] The terminal end 112 of the tapered member 110 may extend slightly beyond the plane defined by the bottom edge 98a. For example, the terminal end 112 may extend beyond the plane by any value from 0.01 mm to 1 mm or 0.025 mm to 0.05 mm. In some embodiments, the terminal end 112 may terminate at the plane defined by the bottom edge of the corresponding air cushion. In one embodiment, the terminal end 112 may be recessed from the plane defined by the bottom edge.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the separator plate 52 may include holes 102 ( Figure 3 ) are aligned with the holes 130. The separator pad 52 can be rectangular and can be used as a spacer between the first air pad 50 and the adhesive pad 54. In some embodiments, more than one separator pad 50 can be positioned between the first air pad 50 and the adhesive pad 54.

[0049] Figure 5 Adhesive pad 54 is shown. Similar to separator pad 52, adhesive pad 54 may include a hole 102 ( Figure 3 ) are aligned with the holes 134. The adhesive pad 54 may also include a plurality of liquid grooves 136 extending from a bottom edge 138 between opposing ends 142, 144 of the adhesive pad 54.

[0050] The liquid grooves 136 may be parallel to each other. For example, the liquid grooves 136 may be spaced apart from each other by an equal distance D. S (e.g., 0.26 mm). In various aspects, the distance D S It can be 0.1mm to 0.2mm, 0.2mm to 0.3mm, 0.3mm to 0.4mm, 0.4mm to 0.5mm or 0.5mm to 0.6mm. In some embodiments, the distance D S It is any value from 0.1 mm to 2 mm or 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0051] The width of each implemented liquid slot 136 may not vary along its length. For example, each implemented liquid slot 136 may include a corresponding liquid inlet 156 and a corresponding implemented liquid outlet 158. The liquid slot 136 may extend between the associated implemented corresponding liquid inlet 156 and the corresponding implemented liquid outlet 158 ​​with a constant width. In addition, Figure 5 A particular number of liquid slots 136 , liquid outlets 158 , and / or liquid inlets 156 are shown, however, the nozzle 10 may be implemented with any number of liquid slots 136 , liquid outlets 158 , and / or liquid inlets 156 .

[0052] For example, the respective liquid inlets 156 may each define a respective inlet width W LI , and the liquid outlet 158 ​​may be defined to be equal to the inlet width W LI The same corresponding outlet width W LO The width W of the corresponding liquid inlet 156 is LI It can be 0.25 mm, and the width W of the liquid outlet 158 ​​implemented accordingly LO It can be 0.25 mm. In various aspects, the width W LI It can be 0.1mm to 0.2mm, 0.2mm to 0.3mm, 0.3mm to 0.4mm, 0.4mm to 0.5mm or 0.5mm to 0.6mm. In various aspects, the width W LI It can be 0.1mm to 0.2mm, 0.2mm to 0.3mm, 0.3mm to 0.4mm, 0.4mm to 0.5mm or 0.5mm to 0.6mm. In some embodiments, the width W LI is any value from 0.1 mm to 2 mm or 0.1 mm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the width W LO It is any value from 0.1 mm to 2 mm or 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0053] The width of each groove is combined as a whole and can be 5mm. In certain embodiments, each groove width of adhesive pad is less than 5mm as a whole, for example 1mm. In certain embodiments, each groove of adhesive pad is greater than 5mm as a whole width, for example 10mm or 100mm. In various aspects, each groove of combination can be 1mm to 2mm, 2mm to 3mm, 3mm to 4mm, 4mm to 5mm, 5mm to 6mm, 6mm to 7mm, 7mm to 8mm, 8mm to 9mm, 9mm to 10mm, 10mm to 20mm, 20mm to 30mm, 30mm to 50mm or 50mm to 100mm as a whole width.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The adhesive pad 54 can be configured to receive pressurized liquid adhesive from the nozzle body 12 when the nozzle 10 is assembled. More specifically, the nozzle body 12 includes a liquid supply passage 150 ( Figure 5 ), the liquid supply passage 150 delivers pressurized liquid adhesive from the liquid inlet 32 ​​to a dispensing channel 154 defined in the first surface 20 (at Figure 5 Schematically shown by dot-dash lines).

[0055] Brief reference Figure 4 , a portion of the dispensing channel 154 can extend through the first surface 20 near the corresponding liquid inlet 156 of the liquid groove 136. Therefore, the pressurized liquid adhesive delivered to the dispensing channel 154 enters the liquid groove 136 through the corresponding liquid inlet 156 and is directed toward the bottom edge 138. The pressurized liquid adhesive is ultimately discharged from each implemented liquid groove 136 through the associated liquid outlet 158 ​​as a thread of adhesive material.

[0056] Reference now Figure 7 , the nozzle body 12 may include an air supply passage 160 for directing pressurized air from each of the implemented process air inlets 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d to the first surface 20 and the second surface 22. The nozzle body 12 may include a separately implemented air supply passage 160 for each of the process air inlets 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d. The air supply passage 160 may be configured to direct pressurized air through the holes 134 ( Figure 2 and Figure 5 As a result, pressurized air delivered by the air supply passage 160 may flow through the holes 134 in the adhesive shim plate 54 , the holes 130 in the separator shim plate 52 , and the holes 102 in the first air shim plate 50 before reaching the first end plate 14 .

[0057] The first end plate 14 may include a distribution channel 104 ( Figure 2 , and in Figure 3 The distribution channel 104 is configured to direct the pressurized air to the corresponding air inlets 114a, 114b and 114c of the air slot 100 ( Figure 3 The distribution channel 104 may include: a vertical recess 174 aligned with the hole 102 ; and a horizontal recess 178 intersecting the vertical recess 174 and extending across the air inlet 114 of the air slot 100 .

[0058] Pressurized air may be directed to and distributed by the second end plate 16 in a similar manner. For example, the air supply passage 160 may be fluidly connected to the process air inlets 36b, 36d and may direct the pressurized air to the holes 102 in the second air pad plate 80 so that the pressurized air can flow to the distribution channels 182 formed on the inner surface 184 of the second end plate 16. The distribution channels 182 may have a configuration similar to the distribution channels 104 or at least operate based on the same principles.

[0059] Reference now Figure 7 and Figure 8 , in the assembled condition, the first surface 20 of the nozzle body 12 defines a plane 190, and the second surface 22 defines a plane 192 positioned at an angle θ1 relative to the plane 190. Because the adhesive pad 54 is parallel to the first surface 20 (e.g., at an angle of 0°) and the second air pad 80 is parallel to the second surface 22, the second air pad 80 can be positioned at an angle θ1 relative to the adhesive pad 54. The angle θ1 can be 70 degrees (°). In some embodiments, the angle θ1 is any value from 40° to 90°.

[0060] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Also shown are examples of the relative positions of the adhesive shim plate 54, the first air shim plate 50, the second air shim plate 80, the first end plate 14, the second end plate 16, etc. when assembling the nozzle 10. The first air shim plate 50 may extend flush with the first end plate 14 such that the associated bottom edge 98a is not spaced apart from the bottom edge 200 of the first end plate 14.

[0061] The bottom edge 138 of the adhesive pad 54 can protrude beyond the bottom edge 98. For example, the bottom edge 138 can protrude beyond the bottom edge 98 by any value from 0.1 mm to 2 mm or 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The protrusion of the bottom edge 138 beyond the bottom edge 98 can provide a reduction in air velocity by allowing the air from the air outlets 118a, 118b, and 118c to expand. The reduction in air velocity can provide the air to more effectively capture the adhesive fibers.

[0062] Similarly, the second air shim plate 80 may extend flush with the second end plate 16 such that the associated bottom edge 98 b is not spaced apart from the bottom edge 202 of the second end plate 16 .

[0063] In the associated implementation of the first air shim 50 and the second air shim 80, the bottom edges 200, 202 may extend across the air slot 100 ( Figure 3 ) parts.

[0064] The location of the bottom edges 200 , 202 may generally correspond to the terminal end 112 of the tapered member 110 .

[0065] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second air shim plate 80 may be positioned between the second surface 22 and the second end plate 16 such that the terminal end 112 extends slightly beyond the bottom edge 202. The first air shim plate 50 and the first end plate 14 may be arranged in a similar manner.

[0066] For example, the terminal end 112 can extend slightly beyond the bottom edge 200. For example, the terminal end 112 can extend beyond the bottom edge 200 by any value from 0.1 mm to 2 mm or 0.1 mm to 1 mm. In one embodiment, the terminal end 112 can be flush with or recessed from the bottom edge of the corresponding air pad. For example, the terminal end can be slightly set back from the bottom edge 200 (e.g., by any value from 0.1 mm to 2 mm or 0.1 mm to 1 mm).

[0067] Each implementation of the air slot 100 may define an air inlet 114a, 114b or 114c ( Figure 3 ) extends to the corresponding air outlet 118a, 118b or 118c, for directing pressurized air toward one or more liquid outlets 158 and / or the wire dispensed by the liquid outlet 158.

[0068] In one embodiment, one or both of the first air shim plate 50 and the second air shim plate 80 may be positioned so that their associated bottom edges may be substantially flush with the bottom edge of the first end plate 14 or the bottom edge of the second end plate 16. In various aspects, the first air shim plate 50 and the second air shim plate 80 may also be configured so that the terminal end of the tapered member 110 may be substantially aligned with the associated bottom edge in a plane defined by the corresponding bottom edge ( Figure 3 ).

[0069] Reference again Fig.10, the adhesive shim plate 54 may be positioned such that the plurality of liquid slots 136 are disposed between a single implemented air slot 100 of the first air shim plate 50 and a single implemented air slot 100 of the second air shim plate 80. As a result, only a single implemented air slot 100 of the first air shim plate 50 is configured to provide pressurized air to the plurality of liquid slots 136 and / or the filaments dispensed by the liquid slots 136. Also, only a single implemented air slot 100 of the second air shim plate 80 is configured to provide pressurized air to the plurality of liquid slots 136 and / or the filaments dispensed by the liquid slots 136.

[0070] A pair of opposing implementations of air slots 100 (e.g., one implementation of air slots 100 of the first air shim plate 50 and one implementation of air slots 100 of the second air shim plate 80) can be configured to provide pressurized air to the same implementation of liquid slots 136 and / or filaments dispensed by such implementations of liquid slots 136.

[0071] Fig.11 The bottom of the nozzle 10 is shown with the first end plate 14 and the second end plate 16 opposite each other relative to the nozzle body 12. Respective air outlets 118a, 118b and 118c are shown on either side of the correspondingly implemented liquid slot 136. During the dispensing operation, pressurized liquid adhesive is supplied to the corresponding liquid inlet 156 of the liquid slot 136 in the adhesive pad 54 as described above. The liquid slot 136 can be configured to be discharged through the liquid outlet 158 ​​( Fig.10 ) discharges the pressurized liquid adhesive as an adhesive thread. Due to the longitudinal direction 210 ( Figure 6 ) arrangement, the adhesive filaments can be discharged at a slight angle in the longitudinal direction 210. At the same time, pressurized air is supplied to the air inlet 114 ( Figure 3 ). The air passage defined by the air slot 100 can direct the pressurized air toward the adhesive filaments discharged from the liquid slot 136.

[0072] Each pair of opposedly implemented air slots 100 can provide a uniform pressure zone that can guide the filaments in a consistent and / or uniform manner. For example, the adhesive filaments can be guided toward the substrate by the pressure zone without moving back and forth in the "web direction" (i.e., substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction 210) and without moving back and forth in the "cross-web" direction (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 210). Therefore, the adhesive filaments can be deposited on the substrate in a consistent and / or uniform pattern generally along the longitudinal direction 210. For example, to the naked eye, the pattern can appear consistent and / or uniform, while when examined under a microscope, the pattern can appear to be a random fiber pattern with a plurality of small fibers. In this regard, the configuration of the disclosed nozzle 10 provides these unexpected results.

[0073] Utilizing the air slot 100, nozzle 10, etc. implemented above to guide pressurized air toward adhesive filaments can provide improved intermittent performance and reduced hammerhead (e.g., about 30%), which can be inversely related to the air flow through the air slot 100. For example, an air slot 100 with a width greater than 1 mm can provide pressurized air to guide adhesive filaments, thereby reducing the deviation from the desired adhesive pattern to be applied. The air flow can be reduced, which can result in more random fibers. When the air flow is maintained at a high level, the air can cut the adhesive fibers into small pieces for point-like application. For example, the air curtain produced by the air slot 100 can promote the adhesive fibers to be divided into more pieces. In this regard, the configuration of the disclosed nozzle 10 provides these unexpected results.

[0074] During intermittent stops, the air slot 100 can receive pressurized air at an increased pressure and / or velocity to effectively "break" the adhesive filaments between dispensing cycles to provide a deposition pattern with well-defined cut-out and cut-in edges. In this regard, the configuration of the disclosed nozzle 10 provides these unexpected results.

[0075] During the dispensing cycle, the pressurized air may be at a lower pressure and / or velocity than during intermittent stops.

[0076] The arrangement of the second air pad 80 relative to the adhesive pad 54 can provide well-defined cut-out and cut-in edges. Figure 8 ) and the proximity of bottom edge 98b to bottom edge 138, second air shim plate 80 may be configured to direct pressurized air to liquid outlet 158 ​​( Figure 5 ). This arrangement may allow the pressurized air to strike the adhesive filaments once discharged from the liquid outlet 158. In this regard, the configuration of the disclosed nozzle 10 provides these unexpected results.

[0077] Reference now Fig.12 , shows a second embodiment of the adhesive pad 54 '. It should be understood that the second embodiment can be similar to, for example Figure 5 . Therefore, the same reference numerals used above with reference to the first embodiment may also be used with reference to the "primary" notation of the second embodiment. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise set forth below, the components (and features thereof) of the adhesive pad 54' of the second embodiment may be similar to the components of the adhesive pad 54 of the first embodiment.

[0078] The adhesive pad 54' can define a single liquid slot 136' that defines a single liquid inlet 156' and a single liquid outlet 158'. The liquid inlet 156' can define an inlet width W LI, and the liquid outlet 158' may define an outlet width W LO , which can be related to the inlet width W LI The width W of the liquid inlet 156' is the same as LI can be 10 mm, and the width W of the liquid outlet 158' LO It can be 10mm. In various aspects, the outlet width W LO It can be 6mm to 7mm, 7mm to 8mm, 8mm to 9mm, 9mm to 10mm, 10mm to 12mm or 12mm to 14mm. In various aspects, the inlet width W LI It can be 6mm to 7mm, 7mm to 8mm, 8mm to 9mm, 9mm to 10mm, 10mm to 12mm or 12mm to 14mm. In some embodiments, the width W LI Any value from 10 mm to 20 mm, 20 mm to 30 mm, 30 mm to 50 mm, or 50 mm to 100 mm. In some embodiments, the width W LO Any value from 10mm to 20mm, 20mm to 30mm, 30mm to 50mm or 50mm to 100mm.

[0079] Liquid outlet 158' may be configured to provide a single adhesive thread having a width W when dispensed onto a substrate. LO Same (or in width W LO When the nozzle 10 is used in conjunction with a replacement adhesive pad 54 (e.g., in Figure 6 When the adhesive pad 54' is assembled, each pair of oppositely implemented air grooves 100 (for example, Fig.10 ) can provide a uniform pressure zone that can guide a single adhesive filament in a consistent and / or uniform manner. For example, the adhesive filament can be guided by the pressure zone toward the substrate without moving back and forth in the "web direction" and without moving back and forth in the "cross-web" direction. Therefore, the single adhesive filament can be deposited on the substrate in a consistent and / or uniform pattern generally along the longitudinal direction 210. In this regard, the configuration of the disclosed nozzle 10 provides these unexpected results.

[0080] By directing pressurized air toward a single adhesive filament using the air slots 100 described above, the nozzle 10 can provide improved intermittent performance and reduced hammerhead. For example, an air slot 100 having a width greater than 1 mm can provide pressurized air to direct the adhesive filament, thereby reducing deviations from the desired adhesive pattern to be applied. In this regard, the disclosed configuration of the nozzle 10 provides these unexpected results.

[0081] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "right", "left", "lower" and "upper" indicate directions referenced in the drawings. The words "inner", "interior" and "interior" refer to directions toward the geometric center of the nozzle 10, while the words "outer", "exterior" and "exterior" refer to directions away from the geometric center of the nozzle. The terminology includes the words listed above, derivatives thereof and words of similar meanings.

[0082] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. In addition, any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with the features disclosed with respect to any other embodiment disclosed herein. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described in the specification. As will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the present disclosure, processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods or steps that currently exist or are later developed to perform substantially the same functions as the corresponding embodiments described herein or to achieve substantially the same results may be utilized.

[0083] For example, despite Figure 6 One arrangement of the nozzle 10 relative to the longitudinal direction 210 is shown, but the nozzle 10 may alternatively be arranged such that the longitudinal direction 210 is in the opposite direction (e.g., in Figure 6 ). In such an embodiment, the adhesive pad 54 discharges the adhesive filaments at a slight angle relative to the longitudinal direction. Depending on the needs of the user, the various aspects and features described herein may be used alone or in any combination. Therefore, the present disclosure in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Therefore, departures from these details may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the overall inventive concept.

Claims

1. A nozzle for dispensing a pattern of liquid adhesive filaments, the nozzle comprising: a first air shim plate having one or more air slots configured to receive and direct pressurized air; as well as an adhesive pad having at least two liquid slots configured to receive pressurized liquid adhesive and discharge liquid adhesive filaments, the pressurized air directed by the one or more air slots directing the filaments of pressurized liquid adhesive discharged from the at least two liquid slots in a pattern, wherein the one or more air slots of the first air pad are configured to direct the pressurized air at a first angle relative to the adhesive pad, such that when the at least two liquid slots discharge the liquid adhesive filaments, one of the one or more air slots is configured to direct the pressurized air to the liquid adhesive filaments discharged by the at least two liquid slots.

2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein The one or more air slots of the first air shim plate are configured to direct the pressurized air to direct the threads of the pressurized liquid adhesive discharged from the liquid slots in the pattern.

3. The nozzle of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the pattern is predetermined.

4. The nozzle of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the one or more air slots of the first air shim plate has a respective air outlet defining a width of any value from 1 mm to 10 mm.

5. The nozzle according to claim 4, wherein: Each width of the respective air outlets is any value from 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

6. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein Each of the at least two liquid slots has a respective liquid outlet defining a width of any value from 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

7. The nozzle according to claim 6, wherein: Each width of the respective liquid outlets is any value from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

8. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: A spacer pad is positioned between the first air pad and the adhesive pad.

9. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The at least two liquid slots are configured to discharge the liquid adhesive filaments parallel to each other.

10. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The at least two liquid tanks are at least five liquid tanks configured to receive the pressurized liquid adhesive and discharge the liquid adhesive strands, and Wherein, the one of the one or more air slots is configured to direct the pressurized air to the liquid adhesive filaments discharged by the at least five liquid slots.

11. The nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a second air shim plate, wherein the second air shim plate has one or more air slots configured to receive and direct pressurized air, wherein the one or more air slots of the second air shim plate are configured to direct the pressurized air at a second angle relative to the adhesive shim plate, the first angle being different than the second angle, such that the first air shim plate and the second air shim plate direct the pressurized air asymmetrically toward the adhesive filament, and Wherein the adhesive shim plate is positioned between the first air shim plate and the second air shim plate.

12. The nozzle according to claim 11, wherein The first angle is 0°, and the second angle is any value from 40° to 90°.

13. The nozzle according to any one of claims 11 to 12, further comprising: a nozzle body to which the first and second air shim plates and the adhesive shim plate are coupled; a first end plate secured to a first surface of the nozzle body, the first air shim plate and the adhesive shim plate positioned between the first end plate and the nozzle body; as well as A second end plate is secured to a second surface of the nozzle body, the second air shim plate being positioned between the second end plate and the nozzle body.

14. The nozzle according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein The at least two liquid tanks are at least five liquid tanks configured to receive the pressurized liquid adhesive and discharge the liquid adhesive strands, and wherein the one of the one or more air slots of each of the first air shim plate and the second air shim plate is configured to direct the pressurized air to the liquid adhesive filaments discharged by the at least five liquid slots.

15. The nozzle according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein Each of the liquid slots is disposed between the one of the one or more air slots of each of the first and second air shim plates.

16. A nozzle for dispensing a pattern of filaments of liquid adhesive, the nozzle comprising: a first air shim plate having one or more air slots configured to receive and direct pressurized air; as well as an adhesive pad having at least one liquid slot configured to receive a pressurized liquid adhesive and discharge at least one liquid adhesive thread, the pressurized air directed by the one or more air slots directing the at least one liquid adhesive thread of the pressurized liquid adhesive discharged from the at least one liquid slot in a pattern, wherein the one or more air slots of the first air shim plate are configured to direct the pressurized air at a first angle relative to the adhesive shim plate, such that when the at least one liquid shim discharges the at least one liquid adhesive filament, one of the one or more air slots is configured to direct the pressurized air to the at least one liquid adhesive filament discharged by the at least one liquid shim; and Each of the one or more air slots of the first air shim plate has a corresponding air outlet, the corresponding air outlet defining a width of at least 1 mm.

17. The nozzle of claim 16, wherein: Each width of the respective air outlets is any value from 1 mm to 10 mm.

18. The nozzle of claim 17, wherein: Each width of the respective air outlets is any value from 1 mm to 2.5 mm.

19. The nozzle according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein Each of the at least one liquid channel has a respective liquid outlet defining a width of any value from 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

20. The nozzle of claim 19, wherein: Each width of the respective liquid outlets is any value from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

21. A nozzle according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein The at least one liquid tank is a single liquid tank and the at least one liquid adhesive filament is a single adhesive filament.

22. A nozzle according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein The one or more air slots are three or more air slots.

23. The nozzle of any one of claims 16 to 22, further comprising: a second air shim plate, wherein the second air shim plate has one or more air slots configured to receive and direct pressurized air, wherein the one or more air slots of the second air shim plate are configured to direct the pressurized air at a second angle relative to the adhesive shim plate, the first angle being different than the second angle, such that the first air shim plate and the second air shim plate direct the pressurized air asymmetrically toward the at least one liquid adhesive filament, Wherein the adhesive shim plate is positioned between the first air shim plate and the second air shim plate.

24. The nozzle of claim 23, wherein: The first angle is 0°, and the second angle is any value from 40° to 90°.

25. The nozzle of any one of claims 23 to 24, further comprising: a nozzle body to which the first and second air shim plates and the adhesive shim plate are coupled; a first end plate secured to a first surface of the nozzle body, the first air shim plate and the adhesive shim plate positioned between the first end plate and the nozzle body; as well as A second end plate is secured to a second surface of the nozzle body, the second air shim plate being positioned between the second end plate and the nozzle body.

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