Fluid applicator with proportional valve

Abstract

A fluid applicator system for applying fluid to a workpiece includes an arm movable relative to the workpiece and a proportional valve attached to the arm and movable with the arm relative to the workpiece, the proportional valve configured to dispense fluid onto the workpiece at a predetermined position when the arm is moved relative to the workpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this section and in aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid applicators and, more particularly, to fluid applicators incorporating proportional valves. Background Art

[0003] Sealants and adhesives are widely used in automobile manufacturing. For example, sealants can be used to seal joints between body panels and between body panels and glass panels. Adhesives can be used to join components together and are therefore called structural adhesives. Finally, sealants and / or adhesives can be used to adhere components to the vehicle while sealing joints between components and adjacent structures. For example, sealants / adhesives can be applied to the joint of a windshield or windshield with a body opening to attach the windshield or windshield to the body and to seal the joint between the windshield or windshield and the body to prevent water and other debris from entering the vehicle cabin during vehicle use.

[0004] During vehicle manufacturing, the application of adhesives or sealants is typically performed with the adhesive or sealant in an uncured fluid form. The fluid is applied to the area where two components are to be joined and / or sealed together. Once the adhesive or sealant is applied, the adhesive or sealant is allowed to cure, thereby allowing the material of the adhesive or sealant to join and / or seal the joint between two or more components.

[0005] The adhesive or sealant may be applied manually to the one or more parts to be joined and / or sealed, or may be applied by an automated system. In the case of manual operation, an operator utilizes a wand that is fluidly coupled to a source of adhesive or sealant and applies the adhesive or sealant to the one or more parts to be joined and / or sealed by depressing an actuator associated with the wand to dispense the desired amount of adhesive or sealant. In the case of an automated system, a series of components are utilized to dispense the adhesive or sealant, including a pump, a servo motor, a gearbox, one or more meters, a solenoid valve, and one or more applicators.

[0006] While the aforementioned methods adequately apply adhesives and sealants to automotive parts during manufacturing, the aforementioned methods are imprecise and / or complex and expensive. In the case of manual systems, successful application of the adhesive or sealant is based on where the human operator places the stick, the degree to which the applicator is depressed, and the speed at which the stick moves relative to the workpiece. Relative to conventional automated systems, the reliability of adhesive / sealant application is improved relative to manual systems, but the resulting system is complex and therefore expensive to install and maintain. Therefore, there is a need for a direct automated system for applying adhesives and / or sealants in an automotive manufacturing environment. Summary of the invention

[0007] In one configuration, a fluid applicator system for applying a fluid to a workpiece is provided, and the fluid applicator system includes an arm movable relative to the workpiece and a proportional valve attached to the arm and movable with the arm relative to the workpiece, the proportional valve being configured to dispense the fluid onto the workpiece at a predetermined position when the arm moves relative to the workpiece.

[0008] The fluid applicator system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the proportional valve may be in fluid communication with a reservoir containing a fluid. A pump may be in fluid communication with the fluid disposed in the reservoir, the pump being configured to direct the fluid from the reservoir into the proportional valve. Additionally or alternatively, the proportional valve may include a housing and a valve body, the valve body being slidably disposed within the housing and movable to a plurality of open positions, the plurality of open positions being between a fully closed position preventing the fluid from flowing from the reservoir to the workpiece and a fully open position allowing the fluid to flow from the reservoir to the workpiece, the plurality of open positions providing different flow volumes of the fluid to the workpiece through the proportional valve.

[0009] In one configuration, the fluid can be an adhesive. In another configuration, the fluid can be a sealant. In yet another configuration, the fluid can be a combination adhesive / sealant.

[0010] The volume of fluid dispensed by the proportional valve can be synchronized with the movement of the arm to dispense the fluid onto the workpiece in a predetermined bead size. Additionally or alternatively, the proportional valve can include a solenoid configured to move a valve body relative to and within a housing of the proportional valve to control the volume of fluid dispensed from the proportional valve onto the workpiece. The valve body can be configured to move to a plurality of open positions to control the volume of fluid dispensed from the housing based on an analog signal applied to the solenoid.

[0011] In another configuration, a system is provided and includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including (i) programming a movement path of an arm relative to a workpiece, the movement path defining a bead position of at least one of an adhesive and a sealant, (ii) moving a proportional valve with the arm relative to the workpiece, the proportional valve moving with the arm along the movement path, and (iii) moving a valve body of the proportional valve from a closed position to one of a plurality of open positions as the arm and the proportional valve move along the movement path to dispense fluid from the proportional valve onto the workpiece.

[0012] The system may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the proportional valve may be in fluid communication with a reservoir containing at least one of an adhesive and a sealant. The at least one of the adhesive and the sealant may be directed to the proportional valve by a pump in fluid communication with at least one of the adhesive and the sealant disposed in the reservoir.

[0013] In one configuration, the speed of the arm can be synchronized with the position of the valve body to dispense the fluid onto the workpiece with a desired bead size. Additionally or alternatively, moving the valve body from a closed position to one of a plurality of open positions can include supplying an analog signal to the proportional valve. Supplying the analog signal to the proportional valve can include supplying the analog signal to a solenoid associated with the proportional valve.

[0014] The proportional valve may include a piston and a connecting rod extending between and connecting the piston and the valve body. In addition, the proportional valve may include a solenoid disposed proximate the piston, the solenoid being configured to move the piston relative to a housing of the proportional valve in response to a signal received by the solenoid. The signal may be an analog signal. Additionally or alternatively, movement of the piston relative to the housing may cause the valve body to simultaneously move to a closed position or one of a plurality of open positions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fluid applicator system according to the principles of the present disclosure used in conjunction with a fixture and a workpiece;

[0017] Figure 2 is with Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a proportional valve for use with a fluid applicator system;

[0018] Figure 3 It is used to control Figure 1a schematic diagram of a dispensing module of a fluid applicator system; and

[0019] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 A flow chart of the operation of the allocation module.

[0020] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly states otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0023] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0024] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first," "second" and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0025] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be a part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a memory; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0026] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that executes some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all codes from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes a memory that stores some or all codes from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium, and therefore can be considered to be tangible and non-transient memory. Non-limiting examples of non-temporary memory include tangible computer-readable media, which include non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0027] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0028] Software applications (i.e., software resources) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0029] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0030] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, memory, and / or device (e.g., disks, optical disks, processors, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable device, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0031] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to send data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0032] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special logic circuits (e.g., FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit)). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operably coupled to receive data from it or transmit data to it or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0033] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen) for displaying information to the user and optionally a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0034] refer to Figure 1, a fluid applicator system (FAS) 10 is provided that includes an applicator 12 and a robot 14 that is configured to support the applicator 12 and move the applicator 12 relative to a fixture 16 and a workpiece 18. Although the FAS 10 is described and illustrated below and in the accompanying figures as including the robot 14, the FAS 10 may include the applicator 12 that is fixed relative to the fixture 16 such that when the applicator 12 dispenses an adhesive or sealant on the workpiece 18, the applicator 12 does not move relative to the workpiece 18 secured to the fixture 16. In addition, although the FAS 10 may dispense a fluid that is an adhesive, a sealant, or an adhesive / sealant combination, the FAS 10 is described below as dispensing an adhesive in liquid form that subsequently cures and attaches the workpiece 18 to an external structure (not shown). For example, as Figure 1 As shown, the applicator 12 is shown dispensing an adhesive 20 onto a workpiece 18 , such as a vehicle window, for use in securing and sealing the vehicle window to a vehicle body (not shown).

[0035] The applicator 12 is a proportional valve and includes a housing 22, a solenoid 24, a plunger 26, and an applicator tip 28. The housing 22 supports the solenoid 24, the plunger 26, and the applicator tip 28, and includes a first portion 30 assembled to a second portion 32. The first portion 30 includes a bore 34 and a recess 36 formed in the bore 34. A sleeve 38 fits into the bore 34 and slidably receives the plunger 26 therein. The second portion 32 of the housing 22 is attached to the first portion 30 of the housing 22 and includes a bore 40 in fluid communication with the bore 34 of the first portion 30. Like the bore 34 of the first portion 30, the bore 40 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22 slidably receives the plunger 26 therein.

[0036] The solenoid 24 is received in the recess 36, and a portion of the sleeve 38 is disposed between the aperture 34 and the plunger 26, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As will be described in more detail below, the solenoid 24 is selectively energized to control the position of the plunger 26 relative to the housing 22 .

[0037] The plunger 26 includes a piston 42, a valve body 44, and a connecting rod 46 extending between and connecting the piston 42 and the valve body 44. The piston 42 is slidably received in the bore 48 of the sleeve 38, and the valve body 44 is slidably received in the bore 40 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22. Figure 2 As shown, the connecting rod 46 extends between and connects the piston 42 and the valve body 44 such that the connecting rod 46 spans the junction of the first portion 30 of the housing 22 and the second portion 32 of the housing 22 .

[0038] The fitting 50 is disposed within the bore 48 of the sleeve 38 and within the bore 40 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22 at the junction of the first portion 30 of the housing 22 and the second portion 32 of the housing 22 and includes a hole 52 formed therethrough. The hole 52 of the fitting 48 is in fluid communication with the hole 48 of the sleeve 38 and the hole 40 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22. Figure 2 As shown, the aperture 52 of the fitting 50 slidably receives the connecting rod 46 of the plunger 26 and serves to support and position the plunger 26 relative to the first portion 30 of the housing 22 and the second portion 32 of the housing 22 .

[0039] The biasing element 54 is disposed within the bore 40 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22 and between the fitting 50 and the valve body 44. In the illustrated construction, the biasing element 54 is a coil spring having a first end adjacent an end of the fitting 50 and a second end adjacent an end of the valve body 44 and is used to bias the plunger 26 in an opening direction. Figure 2 , the biasing element 54 biases the plunger 26 to the right (ie, in a direction away from the first portion 30 of the housing 22 ).

[0040] The applicator tip 28 is attached to the second portion 32 of the housing 22 and includes a conduit 56 and a tip 58. The conduit 56 is fixedly attached to the second portion 32 of the housing 22 and is in fluid communication with a first passage 60 formed in the second portion 32. Figure 2 As shown, the first channel 60 extends from the conduit 56 to the hole 40 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22 to connect the conduit 56 to the hole 40 of the second portion 32. The tip 58 extends from the distal end of the conduit 56 and is in fluid communication with the conduit 56. Therefore, the tip 58 is in fluid communication with the hole 40 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22 via the conduit 56. Figure 2 As shown, the tip 58 includes a tapered outer profile to provide an outlet port 62 having a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the conduit 56 .

[0041] The applicator 12 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 64 via the conduit 66. Specifically, the second portion 32 of the housing 22 includes a second channel 68 in fluid communication with the aperture 40 at a first end and in fluid communication with the reservoir 64 at a second end. In one configuration, the second channel 68 is aligned with the first channel 60 on the aperture 40. Thus, the first channel 60 and the second channel 68 are in fluid communication with each other via the aperture 40.

[0042] The reservoir 64 contains a liquid adhesive that can be directed toward the applicator 12 during use. Specifically, a pump 70 disposed within or adjacent to the reservoir 64 can apply fluid pressure to the liquid adhesive disposed within the reservoir 64 to direct the liquid adhesive into the second passage 68 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22 during operation of the FAS 10. The pump 70 is configured to provide a flow rate of fluid to the applicator 12. Figure 2 Schematically shown as being disposed within a reservoir 64.

[0043] Finally, the applicator 12 is connected to the dispensing module 72 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) is connected. The dispensing module 72 can supply an analog signal to the applicator 12 to control the movement of the plunger 26 within and relative to the housing 22, thereby controlling the amount of adhesive 20 dispensed from the housing at the tip 58. The dispensing module 72 can supply an analog signal to the applicator 12 to control the position of the plunger 26 relative to and within the housing 22 by supplying a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to the applicator 12. As will be described in more detail below, the position of the plunger 26 within the housing 22 determines the amount of adhesive 20 dispensed from the housing 22 at the tip 58.

[0044] Specific reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the operation of the applicator 12 will be described in detail. Figure 3 As shown, the dispensing module 72 may be implemented in a programmable logic controller (PLC) 74 that includes memory hardware 76 and processing hardware 78. The memory hardware 76 may store programming instructions that, when executed by the processing hardware 78, cause the applicator 12 to dispense a desired amount of adhesive 20 from the tip 58. Figure 3 As shown, the dispensing module 72 communicates with the applicator 12 and one or more actuators 80 associated with the robot 14 to allow the PLC 74 to control the movement of the robot 14 during the application of the adhesive. Specifically, having the PLC 74 in communication with both the actuator 12 and the robot 14 allows the PLC 74 to synchronize the rate and / or amount of adhesive dispensed from the tip 58 with the speed of movement of the robot 14 to ensure that the final bead of adhesive 20 disposed on the workpiece 18 has a desired size (i.e., width and / or depth).

[0045] When the workpiece 18 is inserted into the fixture 16, the position of the workpiece 18 relative to the robot 14 is known because the fixture 16 is in a fixed position relative to the robot 14. At this time, the actuator 12 is in a fully closed state, so that the valve body 44 is in Figure 2The valve body 44 moves to the left in the view shown and to a position blocking access to the first passage 60 and the second passage 68. In doing so, the valve body 44 compresses the biasing element 54 between the fitting 50 and the valve body 44.

[0046] When the PLC 74 (via the dispensing module 72) determines that adhesive 20 should be dispensed from the tip 58, the PLC 74 simultaneously directs the movement of the robot 14 and the opening of the applicator 12. Specifically, the PLC 74 directs the robot 14 to move in such a manner as to place the applicator 12 at a location around the workpiece 18 where adhesive 20 is needed. This movement causes at least one arm 82 of the robot 14 to move relative to a base 84 of the robot 14 to allow the arm 82 to position the applicator 12 at a location on the workpiece where adhesive 20 is needed ( Figure 1 ) position.

[0047] The PLC 74 controls the amount of adhesive 20 dispensed from the tip 58 by controlling the movement of the plunger 26 relative to and within the housing 22 while controlling the movement of the robot 14 relative to the fixture 16 and the workpiece 18. Specifically, the PLC 74 sends an analog signal to the applicator 12, which is directed to the solenoid 24. The signal excites the solenoid 24 and, depending on the strength of the signal, generates a magnetic field which, in turn, moves the plunger 26 relative to and within the housing 22 by a desired amount. The strength of the applied signal will indicate how much the piston 42 has moved within the bore 48 of the sleeve 38, which in turn indicates how much the valve body 44 has moved relative to and within the bore 40 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22. As described above, the piston 42 is coupled to the valve body 44 by a connecting rod 46. Thus, as the piston 42 moves relative to and within the bore 48 of the sleeve 38 , the valve body 44 likewise moves relative to and within the bore 40 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22 .

[0048] The movement of the valve body 44 relative to and within the aperture 40 of the second portion 32 of the housing 22 controls the amount of adhesive 20 dispensed from the tip 58. Specifically, the further the valve body 44 moves away from the first portion 30 of the housing 22 (in Figure 2 As shown in the right direction, the first passage 60 is more and more fluidly connected to the second passage 68. When the valve body 44 moves to the fully open position, as shown in the right direction, the first passage 60 is more and more fluidly connected to the second passage 68. Figure 2As shown, first passage 60 is in full fluid communication with second passage 68. At this point, adhesive 20 is directed into housing 22 by pump 70, which causes adhesive 20 to move into second passage 68, into bore 40 of second portion 32 of housing 22, into first passage 60, into conduit 56, and ultimately into tip 58 where adhesive 20 is dispensed from applicator 12 and applied to workpiece 18.

[0049] If the dispensing module 72 determines that the applicator 12 does not need to be fully opened, the dispensing module 72 can move the plunger 26 relative to and within the housing 22 so that the valve body 44 partially blocks both the first channel 60 and the second channel 68. In doing so, the dispensing module 72 limits the amount of adhesive 20 allowed to flow out of the tip 58 from the reservoir 64. Likewise, the amount of adhesive 20 allowed to flow from the tip 58 can be synchronized with the rate at which the robot 14 moves the applicator 12 relative to the workpiece 18. For example, if a larger bead of adhesive 20 is required, the faster the robot 14 moves the arm 82 relative to the workpiece 18, the more open the applicator 12 needs to be in order to supply a sufficient volume of adhesive 20. And vice versa. Thus, the dispensing module 72 can control the valve body 44 to an infinite number of open positions relative to the housing 22 by controlling the analog signal provided to the solenoid 24. In short, the valve body 44 can be positioned in Figure 2 The multiple open positions shown between the fully closed position blocking the openings to both passages 60, 68 and the fully open position allow the dispensing module 72 to control the volume of adhesive 20 dispensed from the tip 58 in multiple increments rather than simply allowing the valve body 44 to be fully open or fully closed.

[0050] As described above, the applicator 12 is a proportional valve. Therefore, the dispensing module 72 is able to control the applicator 12 to an infinite number of open positions to accurately control the volume of adhesive 20 dispensed from the applicator 12. In doing so, the dispensing module 72 is able to control the volume of adhesive 20 applied to the workpiece 18 and can also control the volume of adhesive based on the speed of the robot 14 supporting and moving the actuator 12 relative to the workpiece 18.

[0051] refer to Figure 4 , the operation of the FAS 10 will be described in detail. The process of dispensing adhesive 20 begins at 86. At 88, the dispensing module 72 communicates with both the applicator 12 and the robot 14. As described above, the applicator 12 is a proportional valve that is controlled by the dispensing module 72 in synchronization with the movement of the robot 14.

[0052] At 90, the dispensing module 72 determines if all connections are properly secured. If not, the connection from the reservoir 64 to the applicator 12 is secured at 92. At this point, the dispensing module 72 may cycle the applicator 12 to ensure that the adhesive 20 flows from the reservoir 64 through the applicator 12 to the tip 58 at 94 to ensure that all components are functioning properly.

[0053] If all connections are secured at 90, or after all connections are secured at 92 and correct operation of the applicator 12 is verified at 94, the dispensing module 72 pressurizes the pump 70 at 96. At 96, the dispensing module 72 also instructs the robot 14 where to move the arm 82 relative to the workpiece 18, and determines what analog signals are sent to the applicator 12 during the movement of the arm 82 along the path. At 98, the dispensing module 72 determines whether the robot 14 is programmed. If not, the dispensing module 72 programs the robot 14 at 100. If the robot 14 is programmed, then at 102, the dispensing module 72 determines whether the analog values ​​transmitted to the applicator 12 result in the desired amount of adhesive 20 being dispensed at the desired location on the workpiece 18. In other words, the dispensing module 72 determines whether the analog signal applied to the solenoid 24 results in the applicator 12 (i.e., the proportional valve) dispensing the correct volume of adhesive along the path of the arm 82. If not, at 104 , the dispensing module 72 directs a check of all fluid connections and / or calibration of the applicator 12 (ie, the proportional valve).

[0054] If the correct volume of adhesive 20 is dispensed by the applicator 12 at 102, the dispensing module 72 determines whether the bead of adhesive 20 disposed on the workpiece 18 is within the desired tolerance at 106. If not, the dispensing module 72 will adjust the position of the plunger 26 within the housing 22 at 108 until the bead of adhesive 20 on the workpiece 18 is within an acceptable range.

[0055] If the bead of material is within an acceptable range at 106, the dispensing module 72 determines that all steps have been completed correctly at 110. At this point, the bead of adhesive 20 is properly applied to the workpiece 18, and the FAS 10 will continue to operate. The dispensing module 72 continuously monitors the FAS 10 at 112 to ensure that the bead size of the adhesive 20 is within the desired tolerance.

[0056] As described, the FAS 10 includes the applicator 12, which, as described above, is a proportional valve that can be infinitely adjusted to supply a precisely appropriate amount of adhesive 20 during movement of the arm 82 of the robot 14 relative to the workpiece 18. In doing so, the FAS 10 ensures that the final bead size of the adhesive 20 on the workpiece 18 is correct throughout the movement of the arm 82 around the workpiece 18.

[0057] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0058] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. It can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A fluid applicator system for applying a fluid to a workpiece, the fluid applicator system comprising: an arm movable relative to the workpiece; as well as A proportional valve is attached to the arm and movable with the arm relative to the workpiece, the proportional valve being configured to dispense fluid onto the workpiece at a predetermined location when the arm moves relative to the workpiece.

2. The fluid applicator system of claim 1, wherein: The proportional valve is in fluid communication with a reservoir containing the fluid.

3. The fluid applicator system of claim 2, further comprising a pump in fluid communication with the fluid disposed in the reservoir, the pump being configured to direct fluid from the reservoir into the proportional valve.

4. The fluid applicator system of claim 3, wherein: The proportional valve includes a housing and a valve body, wherein the valve body is slidably disposed within the housing and is movable to a plurality of open positions between a fully closed position preventing the fluid from flowing from the reservoir to the workpiece and a fully open position allowing the fluid to flow from the reservoir to the workpiece, the plurality of open positions providing different flow volumes of the fluid to the workpiece through the proportional valve.

5. The fluid applicator system of claim 1, wherein: The fluid is an adhesive.

6. The fluid applicator system of claim 1, wherein: The fluid is a sealant.

7. The fluid applicator system of claim 1, wherein: The fluid is a combination adhesive / sealant.

8. The fluid applicator system of claim 1, wherein: The volume of fluid dispensed by the proportional valve is synchronized with the movement of the arm to dispense the fluid in a predetermined bead size onto the workpiece.

9. The fluid applicator system of claim 1, wherein: The proportional valve includes a solenoid configured to move a valve body relative to and within a housing of the proportional valve to control a volume of fluid dispensed from the proportional valve to the workpiece.

10. The fluid applicator system of claim 9, wherein: The valve body is configured to move to a plurality of open positions to control a volume of fluid dispensed from the housing based on an analog signal applied to the solenoid.

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