Coating material wiping device and process for implementing coating material wiping device

Abstract

The invention relates to a coating material wiping apparatus and a process for implementing a coating material wiping apparatus. The coating material wiping apparatus may remove the coating material from the applicator head after the applicator head applies the coating material to the one or more components. The coating material wiping head may include a coating material wiping head assembly coupled with an actuator. An actuator may move the coating material wiping head assembly into a base unit where a heating element heats the coating material wiping head assembly. Subsequently, the actuator may move the coating material wiping head assembly out of the base unit and place the coating material wiping head assembly in place for engaging the applicator head and removing residual coating material from the applicator head. The applicator head may be actuated in multiple directions. In this regard, residual coating material may be removed from a plurality of surfaces of the applicator head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and processes for cleaning a material applicator head, such as a nozzle head. In particular, the present invention relates to cleaning coating material, such as glue, from a material applicator head. In various aspects, the present invention relates to apparatus and processes for wiping coating material, such as glue, from a material applicator head. In various aspects, the present invention relates to apparatus and processes for wiping residual coating material from a material applicator head, such as a nozzle tip of a nozzle head, using a coating material wiping head assembly. Background Art

[0002] Typically, nozzle heads apply glue (e.g., adhesive) to various components that require glue coating. Some nozzle heads are designed to apply glue evenly to components to ensure that these components have a durable construction and that the associated assembled product subsequently operates reliably and has high performance. For example, in some cases, the assembly of electric vehicle (EV) batteries requires uniform coverage of electrical components, such as electrode pads, with glue.

[0003] In this regard, the nozzle tip should be kept generally clean and free of residual glue accumulation. However, during or after one or more glue applications, residual glue tends to accumulate on the nozzle tip. Current solutions involve manually wiping away the residual glue, which is not conducive to automated glue application and thus increases manufacturing time and cost.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved apparatus and processes for cleaning residual coating material from material application heads. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a coating material wiping device includes a coating material wiping head assembly configured to remove coating material from an applicator head. The coating material wiping device also includes a base unit having a first heating element configured to heat the coating material wiping head assembly from a first temperature to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. Furthermore, the device includes an actuator, wherein, in response to the coating material wiping head assembly reaching at least the second temperature, the actuator is configured to move the coating material wiping head assembly from a heating position to a cleaning position different from the heating position.

[0006] In one aspect, a coating material wiping device includes a coating material wiping head assembly configured to remove coating material from an applicator head, the coating material wiping head assembly having a first structure, a second structure, and a cleaning member positioned between the first structure and the second structure. The coating material wiping device also includes an actuator configured to move the coating material wiping head assembly into a base unit to heat the cleaning member, and to move the coating material wiping head assembly out of the base unit so that the cleaning member is in a position to contact the applicator head.

[0007] In one aspect, a method includes moving a coating material wiping head assembly into a base unit via an actuator. The method also includes heating the coating material wiping head assembly via a heating element within the base unit. The method also includes moving the heated coating material wiping head assembly out of the base unit via the actuator. The method also includes receiving an applicator head via the heated coating material wiping head assembly.

[0008] There has thus been outlined in rather broad terms certain aspects of the invention in order that the detailed description of the invention may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, other aspects of the invention which will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the appended claims.

[0009] In this regard, before explaining at least one aspect of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present invention is capable of aspects other than those described and can be practiced and carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0010] Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the present invention is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a coating material wiping device according to aspects of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 An exploded view of the components of a coating material wiping head assembly of a coating material wiping apparatus.

[0013] Figure 3 A coating material wiping device and a device capable of wiping the coating material according to Figure 1A perspective view of a coating material wiping device cleaning the applicator head.

[0014] Figure 4 A front view of a coating material wiping apparatus according to aspects of the present invention is shown showing the applicator head moving in one direction toward the coating material wiping head assembly.

[0015] Figure 5 A front view of a coating material wiping apparatus according to aspects of the present invention is shown, illustrating movement of the applicator head in multiple directions relative to the coating material wiping head assembly.

[0016] Figure 6 A front view of a coating material wiping apparatus according to aspects of the present invention is shown showing the applicator head moving in different directions relative to the coating material wiping head assembly.

[0017] Figure 7 A perspective view of a coating material wiping apparatus according to aspects of the present invention is shown, showing components returned to their respective original positions.

[0018] Figure 8 Various exemplary steps of the operation of the coating material wiping apparatus according to aspects of the present invention are shown.

[0019] Figure 9 A block diagram of a coating material wiping apparatus according to aspects of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 10 An example of a process for implementing a coating material wiping apparatus according to aspects of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

[0022] As a non-limiting example, aspects of the present invention may include an apparatus and process for removing coating material from an applicator head, which may be implemented in conjunction with and / or within an automated coating material dispensing system for coating, for example, electric vehicle batteries, wherein a coating apparatus integrated into a high-speed automated production line uses a slot-type applicator head to apply coating material uniformly and seamlessly to a substrate. Furthermore, the apparatus and process disclosed herein are configured for automated coating material application, including high line speed application of material to a component.

[0023] In this regard, the coating material wiping device can replace a manual removal process for removing coating material, particularly for removing coating material that accumulates on an applicator head during the material application process. The coating material wiping device can be integrated with an automated coating material dispensing system and can remove coating material from the applicator head after the coating material has been applied to a component. In other aspects, the coating material wiping device can be implemented separately from the automated coating material dispensing system. In addition, the coating material wiping device can remove residual coating material from a nozzle tip, a dispensing tip, and / or the like of an applicator head.

[0024] In addition, the apparatus and process disclosed herein are configured to remove coating material remaining on components of a coating material wiping device. In this regard, the coating material wiping device may include a coating material wiping head assembly coupled to an actuator. After the coating material wiping head assembly removes coating material from the applicator head, at least some residual coating material may remain on the coating material wiping head assembly. However, the actuator may drive the coating material wiping head assembly through a cleaning curtain. In this regard, the cleaning curtain may engage the coating material wiping head assembly and remove residual coating material from the coating material wiping head assembly. In addition, the coating material wiping device may further include a reservoir configured and used to capture residual coating material removed by the cleaning curtain.

[0025] The coating material wiping device shown and / or described herein can provide several advantages. For example, the coating material wiping device described herein can provide a compact assembly that can be integrated with an automated coating material wiping device. In addition, the coating material wiping device described herein can also provide automated coating material removal capabilities, resulting in lower overall manufacturing costs and less manufacturing time. In addition, the coating material wiping device described herein can not require the use of single-use or otherwise disposable materials (e.g., paper, tape and / or the like), which can further increase reliability and economic efficiency. On the contrary, the coating material wiping device can be self-cleaning. In this regard, the coating material wiping device can be configured to have reduced maintenance, care, maintenance, etc.

[0026] Figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of a coating material wiping device 100 according to aspects of the present invention. The coating material wiping device 100 can be used to wipe a coating material from an applicator head ( Figure 1 (not shown) remove the coating material. In various aspects, the coating material can be glue, adhesive, hot melt glue, hot melt adhesive and / or the like.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the coating material wiping device 100 can be integrated with an automated coating material dispensing system. In this regard, the coating material wiping device 100 can provide an online automated solution for removing unwanted coating material. For example, the coating material wiping device 100 can allow for automated coating material removal from an applicator head. In other aspects, the coating material wiping device 100 can be implemented separately from the automated coating material dispensing system.

[0028] The coating material wiping device 100 may include a coating material wiping head assembly 102 that is constructed and designed to engage an applicator head to remove residual coating material from the applicator head. The coating material wiping device 100 may also include a base unit 104. As shown, when the coating material wiping head assembly 102 is not in operation, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 may be positioned in the base unit 104, or at least substantially positioned in the base unit 104.

[0029] The base unit 104 may include a base unit heating element 160 (which represents one or more heating elements). The base unit heating element 160 may be constructed and designed to heat the coating material wiping head assembly 102 when the coating material wiping head assembly 102 is positioned in the base unit 104. In one or more embodiments, the base unit heating element 160 may be implemented as a resistive heating device, an electric heater, a radiant heating element, and / or the like.

[0030] To ensure that the base unit heating element 160 heats the coating material wiping head assembly 102 to a threshold temperature (e.g., a set point temperature, a predetermined temperature) and / or an appropriate heating temperature range, the base unit 104 can include a base unit temperature sensor 180 that is constructed and designed to monitor the temperature within the base unit 104. The threshold temperature is primarily determined by the temperature characteristics of the coating material; the threshold temperature should be higher than the melting temperature of the coating material; and in practical applications, the threshold temperature range that can be set is, for example, 5 to 10° C. higher than the melting temperature of the coating material. In this regard, the base unit temperature sensor 180 can monitor the temperature while the base unit heating element 160 is in operation and heating the coating material wiping head assembly 102. In one or more embodiments, the base unit temperature sensor 180 takes the form of a thermistor, a thermocouple, a solid-state temperature sensor, and / or the like. Additionally, the base unit temperature sensor 180 may generate a signal indicative of the temperature of the base unit 104 and may provide this signal to the base unit heating element 160 for controlling the operation of the base unit heating element 160 .

[0031] The coating material wiping device 100 may further include an actuator 110 coupled to the coating material wiping head assembly 102. The actuator 110 may be configured to: move or drive the coating material wiping head assembly 102 out of the base unit 104; and move the coating material wiping head assembly 102 back into the base unit 104. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the actuator 110 can place the coating material wiping head assembly 102 in an initial position, a non-operating position, a heating position, or a first position. In one or more embodiments, the actuator 110 takes the form of a linear actuator, an electric actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a rotary actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a screw actuator, and / or the like. Additionally and / or alternatively, the actuator 110 can include one or more motors, gears, clutches, drive mechanisms, position sensors, and / or the like.

[0032] The coating material wiping device 100 may also include a chamber 112 constructed and designed to receive an applicator head. In this regard, the chamber 112 may include an opening 114 to receive the applicator head. The chamber 112 may include a chamber heating element 162 (which represents one or more heating elements), which may take the form of any device previously described for the base unit heating element 160. The chamber heating element 162 may be constructed and designed to heat the applicator head positioned in the opening 114 of the chamber 112. In addition, the chamber 112 may also include a chamber temperature sensor 182, which is designed to monitor the temperature within the chamber 112. In this regard, the chamber temperature sensor 182 may monitor the temperature while the chamber heating element 162 is in operation and heating the applicator head. The chamber temperature sensor 182 may take the form of any device previously described for the base unit temperature sensor 180.

[0033] Figure 2 Shown is an exploded view of the components of the coating material wiping head assembly 102 of the coating material wiping device 100 according to aspects of the present invention. The coating material wiping head assembly 102 may include a first structure 184, a second structure 186 and a cleaning component 116. In various aspects, the cleaning component 116 can be a cleaning surface, a cleaning knife, a cleaning lip and / or the like. When assembled, the cleaning component 116 can be positioned between the first structure 184 and the second structure 186 and protrude from the first structure 184 and the second structure 186. As a non-limiting example, the cleaning component 116 can be formed by rubber. However, the cleaning component 116 can be formed by other soft materials, compliant materials, polymer-based materials and / or the like.

[0034] During operation, the coating material wiper head assembly 102 can be positioned outside of the base unit 104 via the actuator 110. In addition, the coating material wiper head assembly 102 including the cleaning member 116 can engage the applicator head ( Figure 2 104 ).

[0035] The coating material wiping device 100 may also include a cleaning curtain 120 that is constructed and designed to engage the coating material wiping head assembly 102 while the coating material wiping head assembly 102 moves into and / or out of the opening 118 of the base unit 104. As a result of the movement of the coating material wiping head assembly 102 relative to the cleaning curtain 120, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 may rub against or otherwise engage the cleaning curtain 120, thereby removing residual coating material from the coating material wiping head assembly 102. As shown, the cleaning curtain 120 may surround the perimeter of the coating material wiping head assembly 102. In this regard, when the coating material wiping head assembly 102 is assembled, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 may include a five-sided structure, and the cleaning curtain 120 may surround each of the five sides. In order to engage the coating material wiping head assembly 102, the cleaning curtain 120 may include an opening 122 having an area that is smaller than the area (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the coating material wiping head assembly 102. In this regard, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 may form an interference fit with the cleaning curtain 120, thereby ensuring contact between the coating material wiping head assembly 102 and the cleaning curtain 120 when the coating material wiping head assembly 102 passes through the opening 122 of the cleaning curtain 120. In one or more embodiments, the cleaning curtain 120 may be formed from rubber. However, the cleaning curtain 120 may be formed from other soft materials, compliant materials, polymer-based materials, and / or the like.

[0036] In order to fix the cleaning curtain 120, the coating material wiping device 100 may further include a retaining plate 124. In addition, the retaining plate 124 can fix the cleaning curtain 120 to the surface 126 of the base unit 104. In one or more embodiments, the retaining plate 124 takes the form of a metal plate. Moreover, the retaining plate 124 may include an opening 128. The area of ​​the opening 122 of the cleaning curtain 120 may be smaller than the area of ​​the opening 128 of the retaining plate 124. In this regard, the retaining plate 124 can fix the cleaning curtain 120 to the surface 126 of the base unit 104 without preventing the cleaning curtain 120 from engaging the coating material wiping head assembly 102. In various aspects, mechanical fasteners can fasten the retaining plate 124 to the base unit 104, wherein the cleaning curtain 120 is located between the retaining plate 124 and the base unit 104.

[0037] Figure 3A perspective view of an applicator head 130 that can be cleaned by a coating material wiping device 100 according to aspects of the present invention is shown. In various aspects, the applicator head 130 can be implemented by a nozzle head, a slot coating applicator, a metered slot coating applicator, a tape coating dispenser, a tape coating applicator, a glue applicator, an adhesive applicator, a hot melt glue applicator, a hot melt adhesive applicator, and / or the like. The applicator head 130 can be configured to provide very precise and consistent coating performance.

[0038] Although not explicitly shown, the applicator head 130 can be connected to one or more actuators or one or more motors, as non-limiting examples. In this regard, the applicator head 130 can move in multiple directions. When the applicator head 130 is removed from the opening 114 of the chamber 112, the applicator head 130 can apply the coating material to the component ( Figure 3 14 ). For example, the applicator head 130 can apply coating material to electrical components of an electric vehicle battery. Before removing the applicator head 130 from the opening 114, the chamber heating element 162 of the chamber 112 can heat the applicator head 130, thereby heating any accumulated coating material on the applicator head 130. In this regard, the chamber temperature sensor 182 can monitor the temperature in the chamber 112 while the applicator head 130 is heated. When the chamber heating element 162 increases the temperature of the chamber 112 from a first temperature (e.g., a temperature below a threshold temperature determined by the chamber temperature sensor 182) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature equal to or above the threshold temperature determined by the chamber temperature sensor 182), the applicator head 130 can be removed from the opening 114 of the chamber 112 and moved in a direction toward the coating material wiping head assembly 102.

[0039] After applying the coating material, it may be desirable to clean the applicator head 130 by removing any residual coating material from the applicator head 130. In this regard, the coating material wiper head assembly 102 may be used. To clean the applicator head 130, the actuator 110 moves the coating material wiper head assembly 102 out of the base unit 104. As shown, the coating material wiper head assembly 102 may be moved by the actuator 110 (in Cartesian coordinates) along the X-axis. Figure 3As shown in FIG, actuator 110 can place coating material wiping head assembly 102 in a working position, a subsequent position, a cleaning position, and / or a second position. Before removing coating material wiping head assembly 102 from base unit 104, base unit heating element 160 of base unit 104 can heat coating material wiping head assembly 102 to facilitate removal of residual coating material from applicator head 130. When the temperature of base unit 104 increases from a first temperature (e.g., a temperature below a threshold temperature determined by base unit temperature sensor 180) to a second temperature (e.g., a temperature equal to or above the threshold temperature determined by base unit temperature sensor 180), coating material wiping head assembly 102 can be removed from base unit 104. It should be noted that the respective threshold temperatures of coating material wiping head assembly 102 and applicator head 130 can be the same threshold temperature. However, alternatively, the respective threshold temperatures of coating material wiping head assembly 102 and applicator head 130 can be different threshold temperatures. Moreover, the applicator head 130 can move in a direction toward the coating material wiper head assembly 102. For example, the applicator head 130 can move along the Y axis and / or the Z axis. In this regard, the coating material wiper head assembly 102 and the applicator head 130 can move vertically relative to each other.

[0040] Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 1. Exemplary movement of the applicator head 130 is shown. Based on the movement of the applicator head 130 relative to the coating material wiping head assembly 102, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 can remove residual coating material from the applicator head 130. In other aspects, in alternative forms, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 can move while the applicator head 130 remains stationary. In other aspects, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 can also move while the applicator head 130 moves.

[0041] Figure 4 A front view of a coating material wiping device 100 according to aspects of the present invention is shown, showing an applicator head 130 moving in one direction toward a coating material wiping head assembly 102. As shown, the applicator head 130 can move in the direction of arrow 132 (e.g., along the Y axis). In this regard, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 ( Figure 3 ) and the corresponding movement of the applicator head 130 can be perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the applicator head 130 can move perpendicularly to the coating material wiping head assembly 102, and vice versa.

[0042] Figure 5A front view of a coating material wiping device 100 according to aspects of the present invention is shown, showing that an applicator head 130 moves in multiple directions relative to the coating material wiping head assembly 102. To engage the coating material wiping head assembly 102, the applicator head 130 can move along the Y-axis and the Z-axis, including simultaneous Y-axis and Z-axis movement. For example, the applicator head 130 can move along arrow 132 (e.g., along the Y-axis) and bidirectional arrow 134 (e.g., along both directions of the Z-axis). In this regard, the applicator head 130 can contact the coating material wiping head assembly 102 (including the cleaning component 116).

[0043] Additionally, the applicator head 130 may include a nozzle tip 136, which represents a dispensing tip of the applicator head 130. Based on the multi-directional movement of the applicator head 130, the nozzle tip 136 (and other portions of the applicator head 130) may contact the cleaning member 116, which may allow the cleaning member 116 to remove residual coating material from the nozzle tip 136.

[0044] Additionally, the first structure 184 and the second structure 186 may include a surface 190 and a surface 191, respectively. Figure 5 As shown in FIG, each of surface 190 and surface 191 can take the form of a surface that is inclined along an oblique line and / or an inclined surface. Residual coating material (indicated by arrow 138) can flow along surface 190 of first structure 184 and into reservoir 142 of coating material wiping device 100. Similarly, residual coating material can flow along surface 191 of second structure 186 and into reservoir 142 of coating material wiping device 100.

[0045] Figure 6 A front view of a coating material wiping device 100 according to aspects of the present invention is shown, showing that the applicator head 130 moves in different directions relative to the coating material wiping head assembly 102. As shown, the applicator head 130 can also move along arrow 143 (e.g., along the Y-axis) and bidirectional arrow 134. In this regard, the applicator head 130, including the nozzle tip 136, can contact the coating material wiping head assembly 102, including the cleaning member 116. As a result, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 can remove residual coating material from multiple areas, surfaces, or portions of the applicator head 130. Moreover, the residual coating material (indicated by arrow 144) can flow along the surface 191 of the second structure 186 and flow into the reservoir 142.

[0046] Figure 7A perspective view of a coating material wiping device 100 according to aspects of the present invention is shown, showing components returned to their respective original positions. As shown, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 can be returned to the base unit 104 in response to operation of the actuator 110, and the applicator head 130 can be returned to the chamber 112. In this regard, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 and the applicator head 130 can be heated again by the base unit heating element 160 and the chamber heating element 162, respectively, in preparation for further cleaning operations.

[0047] The actuator 110 can move the coating material wiper head assembly 102 into the base unit 104. Additionally, while moving into the base unit 104, the coating material wiper head assembly 102 can engage the cleaning curtain 120. Based on the relative sizes of the coating material wiper head assembly 102 and the cleaning curtain 120 (e.g., forming an interference fit), the cleaning curtain 120 can engage the coating material wiper head assembly 102 during movement of the coating material wiper head assembly 102 and can remove residual coating material from the coating material wiper head assembly 102, and the reservoir 142 can receive the removed residual coating material.

[0048] Figure 8 Various exemplary steps of the operation of the coating material wiping apparatus 100 according to aspects of the present invention are shown.

[0049] Step 1: This may be the initial state of the coating material wiping apparatus 100 during the wiping process. In this regard, before wiping the residual glue from the applicator head 130, the coating material wiping head assembly 102 may be heated.

[0050] Step 2: In this stage, the actuator 110 may position the coating material wiping head assembly 102 out of the base unit 104 .

[0051] Step 3: At this stage, the applicator head 130 may be moved to the side of the coating material wiper head assembly 102 to begin wiping off the excess glue that has accumulated at the bottom of the applicator head 130 .

[0052] Step 4: At this stage, the applicator head 130 may be moved vertically towards the cleaning member 116 to ensure that the cleaning member 116 is pressed onto the bottom flat surface of the applicator head 130 .

[0053] Step 5: In this stage, the applicator head 130 may be slowly moved toward the other side of the coating material wiping head assembly 102 while the cleaning member 116 wipes the bottom flat surface of the applicator head 130 .

[0054] Step 6: At this stage, the applicator head 130 may be moved across the coating material wipe head assembly 102 and the cleaning member 116 may completely wipe the bottom surface of the applicator head 130 .

[0055] Step 7: At this stage, the applicator head 130 may then be arranged in the vertical top position in the chamber 112 .

[0056] Step 8: At this stage, since the residual glue has been removed from the tip of the applicator head 130, the applicator head 130 can be moved downward and moved into the chamber 112, the purpose of which is to be kept at a certain temperature. In addition, the applicator head 130 can be prepared for the next working cycle.

[0057] Step 9: At this stage, the applicator head 130 has been inserted into the chamber 112, and the coating material wiping head assembly 102 can be pulled back into the base unit 104. During this backward movement, the cleaning curtain 120 wipes glue off the cleaning member 116 of the coating material wiping head assembly 102 and other external surfaces of the coating material wiping head assembly 102 in order to maintain the coating material wiping head assembly 102 as clean as possible, thereby allowing the coating material wiping device 100 and / or the coating material wiping head assembly 102 to work more efficiently.

[0058] Figure 9 1 shows a block diagram of a coating material wiping device 100 according to aspects of the present invention. The coating material wiping device 100 may include a controller 150 for controlling various functions of the coating material wiping device 100. In particular, the controller 150 may control the operation of the actuator 110. In addition, the controller 150 may control the operation of the base unit heating element 160 in response to the base unit temperature sensor 180. In addition, the controller 150 may control the operation of the chamber heating element 162 in response to the chamber temperature sensor 182. In addition, the controller 150 may implement the following as to Figure 10 The cleaning process 200 is described. As non-limiting examples, the controller 150 can include a programmable controller, a logic controller, or a combination thereof. The controller 150 can include one or more processors 152. The one or more processors 152 can include processing circuitry (e.g., a central processing unit), one or more microcontrollers, an application specific integrated circuit, or a combination thereof.

[0059] The controller 150 may also include a memory 154. The memory 154 may include one or more memory circuits. In various aspects, the memory 154 may store information used to implement the following Figure 10In one or more embodiments, the memory 154 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. During operation of the coating material wiping device 100, the controller 150 including the one or more processors 152 may execute instructions stored on the memory 154. For example, the controller 150 including the one or more processors 152 may execute instructions stored on the memory 154 to operate the actuator 110 to move the coating material wiping head assembly 102 (e.g., Figure 1 ). Alternatively, or in combination with one another, the controller 150 including the one or more processors 152 may execute instructions stored on the memory 154 to read the base unit temperature sensor 180 and the chamber temperature sensor 182, and operate the base unit heating element 160 and the chamber heating element 162 based on the readings of the base unit temperature sensor 180 and the chamber temperature sensor 182.

[0060] Figure 10 An example of a cleaning process 200 for implementing a coating material wiping device according to aspects of the present invention is shown. The coating material wiping device shown and / or described herein may be used in part to perform one or more steps of the cleaning process 200. For purposes of explanation, Figure 10 The cleaning process 200 shown in FIG. 1 is primarily referred to herein as the coating material wiping apparatus 100 ( Figure 1 However, Figure 10 The cleaning process 200 shown in is not limited to the coating material wiping device 100, and one or more frames (or operations) of the cleaning process 200 can be performed by one or more other components of other suitable equipment, devices or systems. Further, for the purpose of explanation, some frames of the cleaning process 200 are described as being carried out serially or linearly in this article. However, a plurality of frames of the cleaning process 200 can be carried out in parallel. In addition, it is not necessary to perform the frames of the cleaning process 200 in the order shown, and / or one or more frames of the cleaning process 200 do not need to be performed and / or can be replaced by other operations.

[0061] At block 202, an actuator moves the coating material wiping head assembly into the base unit. As non-limiting examples, the actuator can be in the form of a pneumatic actuator, a rotary actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or a screw actuator. In various aspects, the actuator can be the actuator 110 described herein.

[0062] At block 204, a heating element within the base unit heats the coating material wiping head assembly. The heating element may heat the coating material wiping head assembly to at least a predetermined temperature and / or a predetermined temperature range. By heating the coating material wiping head assembly with the heating element, the coating material wiping head assembly may easily remove residual coating material from the applicator head.

[0063] At block 206, the actuator moves the heated coating material wiper head assembly out of the base unit. The actuator can position the coating material wiper head assembly in a manner such that the applicator head can engage the coating material wiper head assembly.

[0064] At block 208, the heated coating material wiping head assembly receives the applicator head. The applicator head can move horizontally (e.g., back and forth) and / or vertically (e.g., up and down) relative to the coating material wiping head assembly. As a result, the applicator head can engage the coating material wiping head assembly, and the coating material wiping head assembly can wipe residual coating material from the applicator head (including the nozzle tip of the applicator head).

[0065] Various aspects of the present invention may be implemented in conjunction with a coating machine to apply the coating material wiping device 100 and / or the applicator head 130. In various aspects, the coating machine may be used to coat the anode and cathode electrodes of electric vehicle batteries. Furthermore, a variety of applicator heads 130 may be used. The various applicator heads 130 may have different specifications, such as coating head width, coating layer thickness, and the like.

[0066] Aspects of the present invention can be implemented in conjunction with a slitting machine for manufacturing anode and cathode electrodes for electric vehicle batteries to apply the coating material wiping device 100 and / or the applicator head 130. Furthermore, the applicator head 130 can be configured to apply the adhesive material to the anode and cathode electrodes of electric vehicle batteries at high line speeds. Furthermore, a variety of applicator heads 130 can be used. These various applicator heads 130 have different specifications, such as coating head width, coating layer thickness, and the like.

[0067] In various aspects, the electrode sheet can be an electrode coil sheet, an electrode aluminum foil sheet, an electric vehicle electrode aluminum foil sheet, a thin aluminum sheet, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, an electrode substrate, an electric vehicle battery component, and / or the like. In various aspects, the coating material can be glue, an adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, and / or the like.

[0068] In various aspects, the applicator head 130 can be configured to apply the coating material to the electrode sheet. In particular, the applicator head 130 can be configured to apply the coating material on both edges of the electrode sheet, and / or the applicator head 130 can be configured to apply the coating material on two opposite sides of the electrode sheet.

[0069] The following are several non-limiting examples of aspects of the invention.

[0070] In one example, a coating material wiping device includes a coating material wiping head assembly configured to remove coating material from an applicator head. The coating material wiping device also includes a base unit including a first heating element configured to heat the coating material wiping head assembly from a first temperature to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. Furthermore, the device includes an actuator, wherein, in response to the coating material wiping head assembly reaching at least the second temperature, the actuator is configured to move the coating material wiping head assembly from a heating position to a cleaning position different from the heating position.

[0071] The above examples may also include any one of the following examples or a combination of more than one examples: the coating material wiping device of the above examples, wherein, in the cleaning position, the coating material wiping head assembly is configured to remove the coating material from the applicator head. The coating material wiping device of the above examples includes a cleaning curtain, which is configured to remove the coating material removed from the applicator head by the coating material wiping head assembly. The coating material wiping device of the above examples includes a cleaning curtain, wherein, in response to the actuator moving the coating material wiping head assembly from the cleaning position to the heating position, the cleaning curtain is configured to remove the coating material removed from the applicator head by the coating material wiping head assembly. The coating material wiping device of the above examples includes a retaining plate connecting the cleaning curtain to the base unit. The coating material wiping device of the above embodiment, wherein the retaining plate at least partially covers the cleaning curtain. The coating material wiping device of the above embodiment, wherein the cleaning curtain comprises rubber. The coating material wiping device of the above embodiment, wherein the cleaning curtain comprises a polymer-based material. The coating material wiping device of the above example, wherein the base unit includes a reservoir configured to receive coating material removed by the cleaning curtain. The coating material wiping device of the above example, wherein the base unit includes a reservoir configured to receive coating material from the coating material wiping head assembly. The coating material wiping device of the above example, wherein the coating material wiping head assembly includes a cleaning lip configured to contact the nozzle tip of the applicator head. The coating material wiping device of the above example includes a chamber configured to receive the applicator head. The coating material wiping device of the above example includes a chamber configured to receive the applicator head, the chamber including a second heating element configured to heat the applicator head. The slitting machine of the above example includes an applicator head. The slitting machine of the above example, wherein multiple applicator heads are used. The coating machine of the above example includes an applicator head. The coating machine of the above example, wherein multiple applicator heads are used.

[0072] One example: A coating material wiping device includes a coating material wiping head assembly configured to remove coating material from an applicator head, the coating material wiping head assembly including a first structure, a second structure, and a cleaning member positioned between the first and second structures. The coating material wiping device also includes an actuator configured to move the coating material wiping head assembly into a base unit to heat the cleaning member, and to move the coating material wiping head assembly out of the base unit so that the cleaning member is positioned to contact the applicator head.

[0073] The above examples may also include any one of the following examples or a combination of more than one examples: the coating material wiping device of the above examples, wherein: the first structure includes a first inclined surface, the second structure includes a second inclined surface, and in response to the cleaning component contacting the applicator head, the cleaning component removes the coating material from the applicator head, and at least one of the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface receives the removed coating material. The coating material wiping device of the above examples includes a reservoir configured to receive the removed coating material from the first inclined surface and / or the second inclined surface. The coating material wiping device of the above examples, wherein: the first structure includes a first obliquely deflected surface, the second structure includes a second obliquely deflected surface, and in response to the cleaning component contacting the applicator head, the cleaning component removes the coating material from the applicator head, and at least one of the first obliquely deflected surface or the second obliquely deflected surface receives the removed coating material. The coating material wiping device of the above example includes a reservoir configured to receive the removed coating material from the first obliquely deflected surface and / or the second obliquely deflected surface. The coating material wiping device of the above example, wherein the actuator is further configured to cause the coating material wiping head assembly to contact the cleaning curtain to remove the coating material from the coating material wiping head assembly. The coating material wiping device of the above example includes a retaining plate configured to couple the cleaning curtain to the base unit. The coating material wiping device of the above example, wherein the base unit includes a heating element configured to heat the cleaning component. The coating material wiping device of the above example, wherein the base unit includes a heating element configured to heat the cleaning component to a temperature that causes the coating material to flow. The slitting machine of the above example includes an applicator head. The slitting machine of the above example, wherein multiple applicator heads are used. The coating machine of the above example includes an applicator head. The above examples of coaters use various applicator heads.

[0074] In one example, a method includes moving a coating material wiping head assembly into a base unit via an actuator. The method also includes heating the coating material wiping head assembly via a heating element within the base unit. The method also includes moving the heated coating material wiping head assembly out of the base unit via the actuator. The method also includes receiving an applicator head via the heated coating material wiping head assembly.

[0075] The above examples may also include any one of the following examples or a combination of more than one examples: the method of the above examples, wherein receiving the applicator head by the heated coating material wiping head assembly includes: receiving the applicator head in a first direction; and receiving the applicator head in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The method of the above examples, wherein receiving the applicator head by the heated coating material wiping head assembly includes receiving the nozzle tip of the applicator head by a cleaning component of the heated coating material wiping head assembly. The method of the above examples includes removing the coating material received from the applicator head by the heated coating material wiping head assembly by a cleaning curtain connected to the base unit. The method of the above examples, wherein moving the coating material wiping head assembly by the actuator includes moving the coating material wiping head assembly along a first direction, and receiving the applicator head by the heated coating material wiping head assembly includes moving the applicator head along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0076] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first element can be named as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be named as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0077] It should be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is referred to as being “on” or “extending onto” another element, it can be directly on or directly extending onto the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “extending directly onto” another element, there are no intervening elements. Similarly, it should be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is referred to as being “over” or “extending over” another element, it can be directly over or directly extending over the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly over” or “extending directly over” another element, there are no intervening elements. It should also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0078] Relative terms, such as "below" or "above" or "up" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical", may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element, layer or region to another element, layer or region as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0079] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "having," and / or "containing" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0080] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should also be understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense (unless explicitly defined as such herein).

[0081] It should also be noted that the software implementation of the present invention as described herein is optionally stored on a tangible storage medium, such as: a magnetic medium, such as a disk or tape; a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as an optical disk; or a solid-state medium, such as a memory card or other packaged component that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other rewritable (volatile) memories. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other independent information archive or collection of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Thus, the present invention is considered to include tangible storage media or distribution media, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the implementation software herein is stored.

[0082] In addition, various aspects of the present invention can be implemented in non-general purpose computers. Furthermore, as is apparent from the disclosure herein, various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein improve the functionality of a system. Furthermore, various aspects of the present invention relate to computer hardware that is specifically programmed to solve the complex problems addressed by the present invention. Thus, various aspects of the present invention generally improve the functionality of a system, in its specific embodiments, to perform the processes set forth by the present invention and as defined in the claims.

[0083] Aspects of the present invention may be implemented in any type of computing device with wired / wireless communication capabilities via a communication channel, such as a desktop computer, personal computer, laptop / mobile computer, personal data assistant (PDA), mobile phone, tablet computer, cloud computing device, etc.

[0084] Artificial intelligence and / or machine learning can utilize any number of approaches, including one or more of cybernetic and brain simulation, symbolic, cognitive simulation, logic-based, anti-logic, knowledge-based, sub-symbolic, embodied intelligence, computational intelligence and soft computing, machine learning and statistics, etc.

[0085] The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description herein and, thus, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described and, therefore, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A coating material wiping device, comprising: a coating material wiping head assembly configured to remove coating material from the applicator head; a base unit comprising a first heating element configured to heat the coating material wiping head assembly from a first temperature to a second temperature higher than the first temperature; as well as An actuator, wherein, in response to the coating material wiping head assembly reaching at least the second temperature, the actuator is configured to move the coating material wiping head assembly from a heating position to a cleaning position different from the heating position.

2. The coating material wiping device according to claim 1, wherein In the cleaning position, the coating material wiper head assembly is configured to remove coating material from the applicator head. 3 . The coating material wiping apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a cleaning curtain configured to remove coating material removed from the applicator head by the coating material wiping head assembly.

4. The coating material wiping device according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning curtain, wherein In response to the actuator moving the coating material wiping head assembly from the cleaning position to the heating position, the cleaning curtain is configured to remove coating material removed from the applicator head by the coating material wiping head assembly. 5 . The coating material wiping apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising a holding plate coupling the cleaning curtain with the base unit.

6. The coating material wiping device according to claim 5, wherein: The retaining plate is configured to at least partially cover the cleaning curtain.

7. The coating material wiping device according to claim 4, wherein: The cleaning curtain comprises rubber.

8. The coating material wiping device according to claim 4, wherein The cleaning curtain comprises a polymer-based material.

9. The coating material wiping device according to claim 4, wherein The base unit includes a reservoir configured to receive coating material removed by the cleaning curtain.

10. The coating material wiping device according to claim 4, wherein The base unit includes a reservoir configured to receive coating material from the coating material wiping head assembly.

11. The coating material wiping device according to claim 1, wherein The coating material wiping head assembly includes a cleaning lip configured to contact a nozzle tip of the applicator head.

12. The coating material wiping device according to claim 1, wherein The coating material wiping head assembly includes a cleaning member configured to contact the applicator head.

13. The coating material wiping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a chamber configured to receive the applicator head.

14. The coating material wiping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a chamber configured to receive the applicator head, the chamber comprising a second heating element configured to heat the applicator head.

15. The coating material wiping device according to claim 1, wherein The applicator head includes a nozzle head, a slot coater applicator, a metered slot coater applicator, a ribbon coater dispenser, a ribbon coater applicator, a glue applicator, an adhesive applicator, a hot melt glue applicator, and / or a hot melt adhesive applicator.

16. The coating material wiping device according to claim 1, wherein The coating material includes glue, adhesive, hot melt glue and / or hot melt adhesive.

17. The coating material wiping device according to claim 1, wherein The actuators include linear actuators, electric actuators, pneumatic actuators, rotary actuators, hydraulic actuators, screw actuators, one or more motors, gears, clutches, drive mechanisms, and / or position sensors.

18. The coating material wiping device according to claim 12, wherein The cleaning member comprises a cleaning surface, a cleaning blade and / or a cleaning lip.

19. The coating material wiping device according to claim 12, wherein The cleaning member is formed from a rubber and / or polymer-based material.

20. A slitting machine comprising the coating material wiping device according to claim 1, and further comprising the applicator head.

21. The slitting machine according to claim 20, wherein: Use a variety of applicator tips.

22. A coating machine comprising the coating material wiping device according to claim 1, and further comprising the applicator head.

23. The coating machine according to claim 22, wherein: Use a variety of applicator tips.

24. A coating material wiping device, comprising: A coating material wiping head assembly configured to remove coating material from an applicator head, the coating material wiping head assembly comprising: First structure; The second structure; and a cleaning member positioned between the first structure and the second structure; and an actuator configured to: moving the coating material wiping head assembly into a base unit to heat the cleaning member; and The coating material wiping head assembly is moved out of the base unit so that the cleaning member is in position for contacting the applicator head.

25. The coating material wiping device according to claim 24, wherein: The first structure includes a first inclined surface, The second structure includes a second inclined surface, and In response to the cleaning member contacting the applicator head, the cleaning member removes coating material from the applicator head, and at least one of the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface receives the removed coating material. 26 . The coating material wiping device of claim 25 , further comprising a reservoir configured to receive removed coating material from the first inclined surface and / or the second inclined surface.

27. The coating material wiping device according to claim 24, wherein: The first structure includes a first obliquely inclined surface, The second structure includes a second obliquely inclined surface, and In response to the cleaning member contacting the applicator head, the cleaning member removes coating material from the applicator head, and at least one of the first obliquely deflected surface or the second obliquely deflected surface receives the removed coating material.

28. The coating material wiping apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a reservoir configured to receive removed coating material from the first obliquely deflected surface and / or the second obliquely deflected surface.

29. The coating material wiping device according to claim 24, wherein The actuator is also configured to cause the coating material wiping head assembly to contact a cleaning curtain to remove coating material from the coating material wiping head assembly. 30 . The coating material wiping apparatus according to claim 29 , further comprising a holding plate configured to couple the cleaning curtain with the base unit.

31. The coating material wiping device according to claim 24, wherein The base unit includes a heating element configured to heat the cleaning member.

32. The coating material wiping device according to claim 24, wherein The base unit includes a heating element configured to heat the cleaning member to a temperature that causes the coating material to flow.

33. A slitting machine comprising the coating material wiping device according to claim 24, and further comprising the applicator head.

34. The slitting machine according to claim 33, wherein: Use a variety of applicator tips.

35. The coating material wiping device according to claim 24, wherein The applicator head includes a nozzle head, a slot coater applicator, a metered slot coater applicator, a ribbon coater dispenser, a ribbon coater applicator, a glue applicator, an adhesive applicator, a hot melt glue applicator, and / or a hot melt adhesive applicator.

36. The coating material wiping device according to claim 24, wherein The coating material includes glue, adhesive, hot melt glue and / or hot melt adhesive.

37. The coating material wiping device according to claim 24, wherein The actuators include linear actuators, electric actuators, pneumatic actuators, rotary actuators, hydraulic actuators, screw actuators, one or more motors, gears, clutches, drive mechanisms, and / or position sensors.

38. The coating material wiping device according to claim 24, wherein The cleaning member comprises a cleaning surface, a cleaning blade and / or a cleaning lip.

39. The coating material wiping device according to claim 24, wherein The cleaning member is formed from a rubber and / or polymer-based material.

40. A coating machine comprising the coating material wiping device according to claim 24, and further comprising the applicator head.

41. The coating machine according to claim 40, wherein Use a variety of applicator tips.

42. A method for cleaning an applicator head, the method comprising: moving the coating material wiping head assembly into the base unit via an actuator; heating the coating material wiping head assembly via a heating element within the base unit; moving the heated coating material wiping head assembly out of the base unit via the actuator; as well as The applicator head is received by a heated coating material wiper head assembly.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein Receiving the applicator head via a heated coating material wiping head assembly includes: receiving the applicator head in a first orientation; and The applicator head is received in a second orientation opposite the first orientation.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein: Receiving the applicator head with the heated coating material wiper head assembly includes receiving the nozzle tip of the applicator head with a cleaning component of the heated coating material wiper head assembly.

45. The method of claim 42, further comprising: Coating material received from the applicator head by the heated coating material wiper head assembly is removed by a cleaning curtain coupled to the base unit.

46. ​​The method of claim 42, wherein: Moving the coating material wiping head assembly via the actuator includes moving the coating material wiping head assembly in a first direction, and Receiving the applicator head by the heated coating material wiping head assembly includes moving the applicator head in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

47. The method of claim 42, wherein: The applicator head includes a nozzle head, a slot coater applicator, a metered slot coater applicator, a ribbon coater dispenser, a ribbon coater applicator, a glue applicator, an adhesive applicator, a hot melt glue applicator, and / or a hot melt adhesive applicator.

48. The method of claim 42, wherein The coating material includes glue, adhesive, hot melt glue and / or hot melt adhesive.

49. The method of claim 42, wherein The actuators include linear actuators, electric actuators, pneumatic actuators, rotary actuators, hydraulic actuators, screw actuators, one or more motors, gears, clutches, drive mechanisms, and / or position sensors.

50. The method of claim 44, wherein The cleaning member comprises a cleaning surface, a cleaning blade and / or a cleaning lip.

51. The method of claim 44, wherein: The cleaning member is formed from a rubber and / or polymer-based material.

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