Laminated nozzle with thick plate

Abstract

The present invention provides a laminated nozzle assembly having one or more internal passages that enable increased passage size, increased fluid velocity, and a more direct flow path to the discharge orifice. [Solution] In the laminated nozzle assembly 110, the laminated nozzle comprises a first end plate 112 having first and second fluid inlets, a second end plate 114, a plurality of nozzle plates arranged and sandwiched between the first and second end plates, a first fluid passage formed in one or more of the plurality of nozzle plates and communicating with the first fluid inlet, a second fluid passage formed in one or more of the nozzle plates and communicating with the second fluid inlet, a first orifice 134 formed in one of the plurality of nozzle plates and communicating with the first fluid passage, and a second orifice 136 communicating with the second fluid passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 084,897, filed Nov. 26, 2014. The disclosure of this U.S. Provisional Patent Application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The following description relates to a stacked nozzle assembly including one or more thick plates.

Background Art

[0003] A stacked nozzle assembly can be used to discharge a hot melt adhesive onto a substrate. The substrate can be, for example, a layer of material such as a non - woven fabric or a strand of material such as an elastic strand applied onto an article such as a disposable hygiene product. The stacked nozzle assembly can have one or more first orifices for discharging the hot melt adhesive and one or more second orifices for discharging air. The hot melt adhesive discharged during application to the substrate is vibrated or swayed by the discharged air.

[0004] Figure 1 shows a partially exploded view of a conventional laminated nozzle assembly 10. Referring to Figure 1, the conventional laminated nozzle assembly 10 comprises a plurality of plates forming internal passages through which hot melt adhesive and air flow. Figure 2 is a plan view of the individual plates forming the conventional laminated nozzle assembly 10. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the conventional laminated nozzle assembly may comprise 11 plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 fixed between a first end plate 34 and a second end plate 36. A first internal passage 38 may be formed by passing through a plurality of the plates in order to deliver hot melt adhesive to a first orifice 40. The first passage 38 is formed by a plurality of aligned openings within the plate. A second internal passage 42 may also be formed by passing through a plurality of the plates in order to deliver air to a second orifice 44. The second passage 42 is formed by a plurality of aligned openings within the plate.

[0005] On the other hand, in conventional laminated nozzle assemblies 10, fluid can accumulate in various parts of the passages 38 and 42, which in the case of hot melt adhesives can cause clogging of the first passage. Fluid accumulation can occur due to narrow or small passages, indirect passages that reduce the fluid velocity, or excessive contact with the side walls of the passages (i.e., the parts surrounding the openings that form the passages of the plates).

[0006] Furthermore, if the chemical properties and manufacturing process of the discharged material (e.g., adhesive) are not adequately controlled, contaminants may be present in the material, and carbonization may occur at temperatures that are otherwise normal operating temperatures. The presence of contaminants, char products, and residues can further exacerbate blockage of the passages. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a laminated nozzle assembly having one or more internal passages that allow for increased passage size, increased fluid velocity, and a more direct flow path to the discharge orifice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one embodiment, a laminated nozzle assembly is provided. The laminated nozzle comprises a first end plate having a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet, a second end plate, a plurality but limited number of nozzle plates positioned and sandwiched between the first end plate and the second end plate, a first fluid passage formed in one or more of the nozzle plates communicating with the first fluid inlet, a second fluid passage formed in one or more of the nozzle plates communicating with the second fluid inlet, a first orifice formed in one of the nozzle plates communicating with the first fluid passage, and a second orifice formed in the same nozzle plate as the first orifice communicating with the second fluid passage.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first orifice and the second orifice are arranged on the same plane as each other. In one embodiment, the laminated nozzle assembly comprises fewer than eight nozzle plates. In one embodiment, the laminated nozzle assembly comprises five nozzle plates. The nozzle plates may have a plurality of first and second orifices. In one embodiment, at least some of the nozzle plates have a thickness of, for example, about 0.005 mm to about 1.00 mm, and more specifically, a thickness in the range of about 0.125 mm to 0.50 mm.

[0010] In one embodiment, the laminated nozzle assembly minimizes the number of nozzle plates, comprising eight or fewer, preferably five or fewer, nozzle plates.

[0011] These features and advantages of the present invention, as well as other features and advantages, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a partially exploded view of a conventional laminated nozzle assembly. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a plan view of the individual plates that form the conventional laminated nozzle assembly. [Figure 3] This is a partially exploded view of a laminated nozzle assembly according to one embodiment described herein. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a plan view of the individual plates that form the laminated nozzle assembly. [Figure 5a] Figure 1 is a bottom view of a conventional laminated nozzle assembly. [Figure 5b] This is a bottom view of the laminated nozzle assembly shown in Figure 3, according to one embodiment described herein. [Figure 6a] This is a color perspective view of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly. [Figure 6b] This is a color perspective view of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the fluid flow in a laminated nozzle assembly according to one embodiment described herein. [Figure 7a] This is a color cross-sectional view of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly. [Figure 7b] This is a color cross-sectional view of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the fluid flow in a laminated nozzle assembly according to one embodiment described herein. [Figure 8a] This is a color side cross-sectional view of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly. [Figure 8b] This is a color side cross-sectional view of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the fluid flow in a laminated nozzle assembly according to one embodiment described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] While this device can be implemented in various forms, a currently preferred embodiment is shown in the drawings and described below. It should be understood that this disclosure is illustrative of the device and is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiment shown.

[0014] Figure 3 is an exploded view of a laminated nozzle assembly 110 according to one embodiment described herein. Figure 4 is a plan view of the individual plates forming the laminated nozzle assembly of Figure 3. The laminated nozzle assembly 110 can be formed of, for example, six or fewer nozzle plates positioned between a first end plate and a second end plate. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in one embodiment the laminated nozzle assembly 110 may comprise a first end plate 112, a second end plate 114, and five nozzle plates 116, 118, 120, 122, and 124 positioned between the first end plate 112 and the second end plate 114.

[0015] Referring to Figure 4, a first fluid inlet 126 can be formed in the first end plate 112. A first fluid passage 128 can be formed in the first end plate 112 and / or in one or more nozzle plates from among the nozzle plates 116, 118, 120, 122, and 124. In one embodiment, the first fluid passage 128 is formed in the nozzle plates 116, 118. The first fluid passage 128 can be formed by aligned or partially aligned openings in the nozzle plates 116, 118. One or more openings of the first fluid passage 128 in one plate communicate with one or more openings of the first fluid passage 128 in the immediately adjacent plate. The first fluid passage 128 communicates with the first fluid inlet 128 and receives the first fluid from the first fluid inlet 128. The first fluid can be, for example, a hot melt adhesive, cold melt adhesive, or other fluid in the range of 0 cP to 100,000 cP. It will be understood that the aligned or partially aligned openings forming the first fluid passage 128 may be of different shapes or sizes from one or more openings on each plate, insofar as one or more openings on the adjacent plate communicate with one or more openings on the adjacent plate.

[0016] The first end plate 112 can further have a second fluid inlet 130. The second fluid inlet 130 communicates with a second fluid passage 132 formed in one or more nozzle plates 116, 118, 120, 124, 126. Alternatively, at least a part of the second fluid passage 132 can be formed in at least one of the first end plate 112 and / or the second end plate 114. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second fluid passage 132 is formed by openings formed in each of the plates 116, 118, 120, 122, 124. The second fluid passage 132 communicates with the second fluid inlet 130 and receives the second fluid from the second fluid inlet 130. Further, the openings forming the second fluid passage are aligned or partially aligned with each other and communicate with each other. It will be understood that the size and position of the openings forming the second fluid passage can be changed as long as one or more openings formed in one plate communicate with one or more openings formed in the immediately adjacent plate. The second fluid can be, for example, air.

[0017] One plate of the stacked nozzle assembly 110 can have a plurality of orifices for discharging the first fluid and the second fluid. In one embodiment, the centrally disposed plate 120 can have one or more first orifices 134 and one or more second orifices 136. However, it will be understood that the first orifice 134 and the second orifice 136 can be disposed on another plate that is not disposed at the center of the nozzle assembly 110. The first orifice 134 communicates with the first fluid passage 128 and receives the first fluid from the first fluid passage 128. The second orifice 136 communicates with the second fluid passage 132 and receives the second fluid from the second fluid passage 132. In one embodiment, the first orifice 134 and the second orifice 136 are disposed in a plane parallel to the abutting surface of the plate of the nozzle assembly 110. That is, as can be understood from FIGS. 3, 4 and 5b, the first and second orifices 134, 136 are disposed in the same plane.

[0018] In one embodiment, the two second orifices 136 can be associated with each first orifice 134. For example, each first orifice 134 can be disposed between a pair of second orifices 136. Thus, between adjacent first orifices 134 formed in the same plate 120, two second orifices (one second orifice 136 from each adjacent pair of second orifices 136) can be disposed. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second orifices 136 corresponding to each first orifice 134 can be provided such that the first orifices 134 and the second orifices 136 are alternately arranged along the nozzle assembly 110. In such an embodiment, three orifices (two second orifices 136 and one first orifice 134) are arranged in the same plane.

[0019] According to one embodiment, in use, a first fluid, such as a hot melt adhesive, is received at the first fluid inlet 126. Next, the first fluid can be received in the first fluid passage 128. Next, the first fluid can flow from the first fluid passage 128 to one or more first orifices 134 and be discharged from the nozzle assembly 110. A second fluid, such as air, is received at the second fluid inlet 130 and can flow in the second fluid passage 132. In one embodiment, the flow path in the second passage 132 can extend in a first direction through the plates 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a third direction generally opposite to the first direction (i.e., flowing back towards the plate 120). One or more second orifices 136 can receive the second fluid from the second passage and discharge the second fluid from the nozzle assembly 110.

[0020] In the embodiments described above, the number of plates can vary. It will be understood that the number of plates in the nozzle assembly 110 can be reduced by providing a first fluid plenum and / or a second fluid plenum on either of the end plates 112, 114. In one example, the number of plates between the end plates 112, 114 may be reduced to three or four.

[0021] Figure 5a is a bottom view of a conventional laminated nozzle assembly 10, and Figure 5b is a bottom view of a laminated nozzle assembly 110 described herein. Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, it can be seen that even if the thickness of the individual nozzle plates in the laminated nozzle assembly 110 is increased, the overall thickness "t1" of the nozzle assembly 110 can be reduced compared to the thickness "t2" of the conventional nozzle assembly 10 (Figure 5a) by reducing the number of plates. For example, while a conventional nozzle assembly may have a thickness "t2" of approximately 11.1 mm, the nozzle assembly 110 described herein may have a thickness of, for example, 9.5 mm.

[0022] In one embodiment, the laminated nozzle assembly 110 described herein can operate at atmospheric pressures of about 0.3 bar to 2.1 bar at temperatures up to about 218°C. However, it will be understood that this description is not limited to these ranges, and the laminated nozzle assembly 110 described herein can be designed and manufactured to adapt to varying operating temperatures and atmospheric pressures. In one embodiment, individual laminated nozzle plates may have a thickness in the range of 0.005 mm to 1.00 mm, for example, more specifically, a thickness in the range of about 0.125 mm to 0.50 mm. It will be understood that the thickness of the nozzle plates can be varied, and in other embodiments, may be less than 0.005 mm or greater than 1.00 mm.

[0023] Figures 6a and 6b are perspective views of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly 10 (Figure 6a) and a perspective view of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the fluid flow in a laminated nozzle assembly 110 according to one embodiment described herein (Figure 6b). Figures 7a and 7b are cross-sectional views of the CFD model of the fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly 10 (Figure 7a) and a cross-sectional view of the CFD model of the fluid flow in a laminated nozzle assembly 110 according to one embodiment described herein (Figure 7b). Figures 8a and 8b are side cross-sectional views of the CFD model of the fluid flow in a conventional laminated nozzle assembly 10 (Figure 8a) and a side cross-sectional view of the laminated nozzle assembly 10 according to one embodiment described herein (Figure 8b).

[0024] In the above embodiment, an improved flow path can be provided. For example, a higher fluid velocity can be achieved through the nozzle 110, particularly in the fluid plenum plate (e.g., the central plate 120), compared to a conventional laminated nozzle assembly 10. Also, the size of the orifice entry passage can be increased, for example, by up to 50%, thereby increasing the flow rates of the first and second fluids through the nozzle assembly 110. This reduces nozzle clogging, thus reducing equipment downtime. Furthermore, the nozzle assembly 110 described herein may be easier to clean and maintain, thus reducing the required labor. In addition, the nozzle life can be extended, and the possibility of improving the chemical reaction process of the polyolefin adhesive can be realized. Moreover, a more direct flow path and a more uniform distribution can be achieved. The above benefits can be achieved as a result of the flow path in the nozzle assembly 110 described herein being more direct, resulting in fewer throttling and / or redirection in each of the first and second fluid flows. The laminated nozzle assembly 110 described herein can be implemented in a fluid application apparatus for applying a fluid, such as a hot melt adhesive, onto a substrate including a material layer or material strand, though this is not limited to such applications.

[0025] Those skilled in the art will understand that, compared to conventional laminated nozzle assemblies, the improved flow path makes this nozzle assembly less prone to clogging of the flow path due to contaminants that may be present in the material and carbonization that may occur at otherwise normal operating temperatures, thus making it more tolerable even when the chemical properties and manufacturing of the adhesive are not fully controlled.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will understand that terms relating to relative directions, such as "upper," "lower," "rear," and "front," are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0027] All patents referenced herein, whether or not they are cited in detail within this disclosure, constitute part of this specification by reference.

[0028] In this disclosure, expressions that do not specify a quantity (the words "a" or "an") are considered to include both singular and plural forms. Similarly, references to plural items include the singular form where appropriate. For example, in the above embodiments, one or more fasteners 16 may be used. Likewise, the die extruder may have one or more fastening bores and one or more insertion bores.

[0029] It is recognized above that numerous modifications and variations can be implemented without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of this disclosure. It will be understood that no limitation is intended to the specific embodiments shown, and no such limitation should be presumed. This disclosure is intended to encompass all modifications within the scope of the claims. Some aspects of the present invention are described below. [Aspect 1] In a laminated nozzle assembly, A first end plate having a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet, The second end plate, A plurality of nozzle plates are arranged and sandwiched between the first and second end plates, A first fluid passage is formed in one or more of the nozzle plates among the plurality of nozzle plates and communicates with the first fluid inlet, A second fluid passage is formed in one or more of the nozzle plates among the plurality of nozzle plates and communicates with the second fluid inlet, A first orifice formed in one of the plurality of nozzle plates between the first and second end plates, the first orifice communicating with the first fluid passage, and one end of the first orifice serving as an outlet for discharging the first fluid from the laminated nozzle assembly, A second orifice is formed in the same nozzle plate as the first orifice between the first and second end plates, the second orifice communicates with the second fluid passage, and one end of the second orifice serves as an outlet for discharging the second fluid from the laminated nozzle assembly. The nozzle plate has a first side facing the first end plate and a second side facing the second end plate. The first fluid passage is formed from the first fluid inlet to one or more nozzle plates positioned between the first end plate and the one nozzle plate, and the second fluid passage is formed from the second fluid inlet to one or more nozzle plates positioned between the first end plate and the one nozzle plate, the one nozzle plate, and one or more nozzle plates positioned between the one nozzle plate and the second end plate. The aforementioned single nozzle plate is a nozzle plate positioned in the center among the other nozzle plates of the plurality of nozzle plates, The first orifice receives the first fluid from the first fluid passage at the end opposite to the outlet, on the first side surface of the nozzle plate, and the second orifice receives the second fluid from the second fluid passage at the end opposite to the outlet, on the second side surface of the nozzle plate. The first fluid is a hot melt adhesive, and the second fluid is air. A laminated nozzle assembly in which the length of the first orifice between the end that receives the hot melt adhesive from the first fluid passage and the outlet is shorter than the length of the second orifice between the end that receives the air from the second fluid passage and the outlet. [Aspect 2] The laminated nozzle assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the plurality of nozzle plates include fewer than eight nozzle plates. [Aspect 3] The plurality of nozzle plates is a laminated nozzle assembly according to embodiment 1, comprising five or fewer nozzle plates. [Aspect 4] A laminated nozzle assembly according to embodiment 3, comprising three nozzle plates. [Aspect 5] A laminated nozzle assembly according to embodiment 1, comprising a plurality of first and second orifices. [Aspect 6] The laminated nozzle assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of nozzle plates have a thickness of 0.005 mm to 0.500 mm. [Aspect 7] The laminated nozzle assembly according to Embodiment 1, comprising one or both of a first fluid plenum and a second fluid plenum, wherein the first fluid plenum and / or the second fluid plenum are each located within the first end plate and / or the second end plate. [Aspect 8] A laminated nozzle assembly according to embodiment 7, comprising three nozzle plates. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0030] 10-Layer Nozzle Assembly 12 plates 14 plates 16 plates 18 plates 20 plates 22 plates 24 plates 26 plates 28 plates 30 plates 32 plates 34 First end plate 36. Second end plate 38 First aisle 40 First orifice 42 Second aisle 44. Second orifice 110 Laminated Nozzle Assembly 112 First end plate 114 Second end plate 116 Nozzle Plate 118 Nozzle Plate 120 Nozzle Plate (Center Plate) 122 Nozzle Plate 126 First fluid inlet 128 First fluid passage 130 Second fluid inlet 132 Second fluid passage 134 First Orifice 136 Second Orifice

Claims

1. In a laminated nozzle assembly, A first end plate located at the first end of the laminated nozzle assembly, having a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet, A second end plate located at the second end of the laminated nozzle assembly, opposite to the first end plate, A plurality of nozzle plates oriented parallel to each other between the first end plate and the second end plate, wherein the plurality of nozzle plates comprises five or fewer nozzle plates, at least some of the plurality of nozzle plates have a thickness of 0.125 mm to 0.50 mm, the plurality of nozzle plates have contact surfaces, these contact surfaces are in contact with the contact surfaces of adjacent nozzle plates, the plurality of nozzle plates comprises a plurality of openings extending through the plurality of nozzle plates, a first set of openings forming a first fluid passage communicating with a first fluid inlet, and another second set of openings forming a second fluid passage communicating with a second fluid inlet, Equipped with, The nozzle plate includes a first nozzle plate, the first nozzle plate includes a shorter, linear first orifice which is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage, and a longer, curved second orifice which is located on both sides of the first orifice and is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage, the first and second orifices being located in a plane parallel to the contact surface of the nozzle plate which is positioned in the center, The first nozzle plate has a first orifice outlet of the first orifice for discharging hot melt adhesive received from the first fluid inlet through the first fluid passage from the nozzle assembly, and the first nozzle plate has a second orifice outlet of the second orifice for discharging air received from the second fluid inlet through the second fluid passage. Laminated nozzle assembly.

2. The laminated nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid passage extends through fewer nozzle plates than the second fluid passage.

3. The laminated nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid passage extends from the first fluid inlet through a first group of the plurality of nozzle plates positioned between the first end plate and the first nozzle plate.

4. The laminated nozzle assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second fluid passage extends from the second fluid inlet through the first group of the plurality of nozzle plates, the first nozzle plate, and the second group of the plurality of nozzle plates positioned between the second end plate and the first nozzle plate.

5. The laminated nozzle assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second fluid passage is a flow path for air, defining a flow path that extends in a first direction through the first group of the plurality of nozzle plates, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and in a third direction opposite to the first direction.

6. The laminated nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first nozzle plate is positioned in the center between the first end plate and the second end plate.

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