Performance solenoid assembly

Abstract

To provide an improved adhesive dispensing assembly that allows better access to components while maintaining desired technical capabilities.SOLUTION: The adhesive dispensing assembly comprises a dispenser and an air supply subassembly. The dispenser is configured to receive a liquid material therein and to discharge the liquid material therefrom onto a substrate. The air supply assembly is configured to receive pressurized air therein and to direct the pressurized air to the dispenser to cause the liquid material to be discharged from the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a first coupler, and the air supply assembly comprises a second coupler that is configured to couple to the first coupler so as to positionally fix the dispenser and the air supply assembly to one another. At least one of the first and second couplers is formed from a thermally insulating material to thermally insulate the dispenser and the air supply assembly from one another when the first and second couplers are coupled to one another.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method for dispensing a liquid onto a substrate, and more particularly to a novel configuration for a pneumatically actuated dispensing valve for dispensing hot melt adhesives.

Background Art

[0002] In existing liquid dispensing systems actuated by air pressure, such as those designed to dispense liquid hot melt adhesives, pressurized air is often used to operate one or more components to dispense the liquid onto a substrate. An air supply device, such as an electric solenoid valve, can supply and switch the working air. When the solenoid is electrically actuated to supply pressurized air to the liquid dispensing valve, the pressurized air acts on an actuator such as a movable piston or diaphragm. This opens the liquid dispensing valve and enables the dispensing of the liquid.

[0003] In some conventional dispensing systems, it is difficult to service the assembly and maintain consistent and accurate dispensing of the liquid due to the arrangement and engagement of the air supply device and the liquid dispensing valve. Therefore, there is a need for an improved structure of a dispensing system that allows better access to the components while maintaining the desired technical capabilities.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In one example, an adhesive dispensing assembly includes a dispenser and an air supply subassembly. The dispenser is configured to receive a liquid material internally and discharge the liquid material from there onto a substrate. The air supply assembly is configured to receive pressurized air internally and guide the pressurized air to the dispenser, causing the liquid material to be discharged from the dispenser. The dispenser includes a first coupler, and the air supply assembly includes a second coupler configured to couple to the first coupler so as to fix the dispenser and the air supply assembly in position relative to each other. At least one of the first and second couplers is formed of a thermal insulating material and is configured to thermally insulate the dispenser and the air supply assembly from each other when the first and second couplers are coupled to each other.

[0005] In another example, an air supply assembly for an adhesive dispenser includes a control valve and a first coupler. The control valve defines an air inlet channel and at least one air channel configured to direct air to the adhesive dispenser. The control valve is configured to receive pressurized air from the air inlet channel and direct the pressurized air to at least one air channel. The first coupler is configured to releasably engage with a second coupler on the adhesive dispenser. The first coupler defines at least one air channel within it, configured to direct air between the adhesive dispenser and at least one air channel on the control valve. The first coupler is formed from a thermal insulating material and is positioned between the dispenser side and the control valve.

[0006] Another example is a method for connecting an air supply assembly to an adhesive dispenser. The air supply assembly has a first coupler, and the adhesive dispenser has a second coupler. At least one of the first and second couplers is formed from a thermal insulating material. The method includes coupling the first and second couplers together such that the dispenser and the air supply assembly are fixed in position relative to each other, the thermal insulating material is between the adhesive dispenser and the air supply assembly, and at least one air channel extending from the air supply assembly through the first coupler aligns with at least one air channel extending to the adhesive dispenser through the second coupler. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly as an example of disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the dispensing assembly, showing the dispenser separated from the air supply assembly. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispensing assembly. [Figure 4] This is a side cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to the disclosure example. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of an air supply assembly as an example of the disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the air supply assembly. [Figure 6A] Figures 5 and 6 show another perspective view of the air supply assembly. [Figure 7] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a dispensing assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 7A] Figure 7 is another perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the dispensing assembly. [Figure 8] A side cross-sectional view of a locking assembly according to an example of the disclosure, shown in an engaged configuration. [Figure 9] This is a side cross-sectional view of the locking assembly in Figure 8, shown in the disengaged configuration. [Figure 10] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a locking assembly, according to another example of the disclosure. [Figure 11] A perspective view of an air supply assembly, according to another example of disclosure. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the air supply assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] This application will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, the drawings show exemplary embodiments of the subject matter. However, the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the specific methods, apparatus, and systems disclosed.

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, and unless otherwise specified, similar reference numbers refer to the same elements throughout.

[0010] By operating a movable component to open and close the outlet of the dispensing head, liquid can be dispensed from the dispensing head. The liquid, such as a hot-melt adhesive, is supplied from a liquid source to the dispensing head, travels through the dispensing head, and is ejected onto a substrate from the outlet of the dispensing head. The dispensing speed and pattern can be controlled predetermined by the user, an electronic control unit, or both. It will be understood that various dispensing speeds and patterns can be achieved, and different liquids can be dispensed from the dispensing head disclosed herein.

[0011] The movement of the movable components can be controlled by pressurized air received into the dispensing head from an air source. An electrically operated air supply device can interact with various air passages to direct the flow of pressurized air.

[0012] Referring to Figures 1-3, an exemplary dispensing assembly 10 having a liquid material dispenser 100 and an air supply assembly 200 is shown. The dispenser 100 is configured to receive liquid material from a liquid material source to be dispensed onto a substrate. The air supply assembly 200 is configured to receive air from an air source 201 (Figure 3) and distribute the air to the dispenser 100 so that the liquid material is dispensed from there. The liquid material may be supplied to the dispenser 100 via a manifold (not shown) to which it is connected. The manifold may be heated. It will be understood that the liquid material dispenser 100 and the manifold may be integrated together or connected in any desired manner. In some embodiments, process or pattern air may be supplied to the dispenser 100 to act on the liquid material while the liquid material is in the process of being dispensed from the dispenser 100 toward the substrate, or when it has already been dispensed. In some embodiments, process or pattern air can be used to impart a number of patterns, such as swirling motion, to the discharged or extruded liquid, for example, a hot melt adhesive. This can be achieved by various known methods.

[0013] The liquid material dispenser 100 includes a dispensing section 120 and an actuation section 140 (see Figure 3). In some embodiments, the dispensing section 120 may be spaced apart from the actuation section 140 along the vertical z direction. The material to be dispensed is introduced into the dispensing section 120 and dispensed from there. The dispensing section 120 is configured to be operably coupled to the actuation section 140, which is configured to control the dispensing of material from the dispensing section 120. This disclosure is not intended to limit the particular shape and / or dimensions of the actuation section 140, the dispensing section 120, or the relative arrangement and engagement between the dispensing section and the actuation section 120, 140. The description and accompanying drawings herein are illustrative, and it will be understood that other suitable configurations are assumed.

[0014] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, as in some examples, the actuation unit 140 includes a housing 142 having a first end 144 and a second end 146 opposite the first end 144. The housing 142 defines at least a first chamber 148 and a second chamber 150. The first and second chambers 148, 150 are separated from each other by a movable plunger 152 configured to move within the housing 142 between the first and second ends 144, 146. The first and second chambers 148, 150 are configured to receive air from an air supply assembly 200, as will be described in detail below. The first chamber 148 may be defined between the plunger 152 and the first end 144. The second chamber 150 may be defined between the plunger 152 and the second end 146. To prevent any air from passing between the housing 142 and the plunger 152 from the first chamber 148 to the second chamber 150, or vice versa, the plunger 152 may include a seal 154 above it.

[0015] The valve stem 156 may be located within the dispenser 100. The valve stem 156 may be located within and extend through the dispensing section 120 and the operating section 140. The valve stem 156 may be fixed to the plunger 152 such that the valve stem 156 moves when the plunger 152 moves. The plunger 152 is configured to move in a first direction from the first end 144 toward the second end 146, or in a second direction from the second end 146 toward the first end 144.

[0016] The dispensing unit 120 includes a valve body 122 that defines a dispensing chamber 124 therein. The dispensing chamber 124 is configured to receive the liquid material dispensed from the dispenser 100. The valve body 122 defines an outlet 126 therein. A valve seat 128 is defined in the valve body 122 adjacent to the outlet 126 and is configured to be selectively contacted by a valve stem 156. The outlet 126 is configured to be selectively opened and closed. When the outlet 126 is open, the liquid material in the dispensing chamber 124 can exit through the outlet 126 and leave the dispensing chamber 124. When the outlet 126 is closed, the liquid material in the dispensing chamber 124 is prevented from passing through the outlet 126. When the valve stem 156 contacts the valve seat 128, a liquid-tight seal is formed between the valve seat 128 and the valve stem 156, and the outlet 126 is closed. When the valve stem 156 is separated from the valve seat 128, no seal is formed between the valve stem 156 and the valve seat 128, and the outlet 126 is open. As described above, when the plunger 152 is moved in the first direction, the valve stem 156 is moved toward and contacts the valve seat 128. When the plunger 152 is moved in the second direction, the valve stem 156 is moved away from the valve seat 128.

[0017] The operation of the valve components and the selective opening and closing of the outlet 126 can be achieved in various ways, and different dispensing mechanisms and techniques can be utilized. The exemplary embodiments described herein refer to specific structures and methods for operating the valve to open and close the outlet 126, but the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular method or structure of the valve. In the exemplary embodiments described throughout this application, the selective opening and closing of the outlet 126 is achieved by moving the plunger 152 in the first or second direction, similar to the attached valve stem 156. The movement of the plunger 152 is caused by the introduction of pressurized gas into the first chamber 148 or the second chamber 150. In some embodiments, the pressurized gas can include air.

[0018] Air or other pressurized gas is introduced into the air supply assembly 200. The air supply assembly 200 is configured to receive air and direct the air to the first chamber 148 or the second chamber 150. The air supply assembly 200 includes a control valve 202. In the disclosed example, the control valve 202 can be a solenoid valve. Although the described embodiment relates to a solenoid valve, it will be understood that other suitable valves may be utilized.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the air supply assembly 200 is configured to receive air from an air inlet 204. The air supply assembly 200 includes a plurality of channels 206 extending therethrough, and the plurality of channels 206 generally extend between the air inlet 204 and a corresponding plurality of channels 160 extending through the dispenser 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of channels 206 can extend through the control valve 202. The plurality of channels 206 may further extend within and through a first coupler 210. In some examples, the plurality of channels 206 can extend within and through a second coupler 180. By operation of the control valve 202, one or more of the plurality of channels 206 within the control valve 202 move to align and / or misalign with one or more of the plurality of channels 160 within the air inlet 204 and the dispenser 100. This alignment / misalignment directs air from the air inlet 204, through the channels within the control valve 202, through the channels within the dispenser 100, to a desired location, e.g., the first chamber 148 or the second chamber 150.

[0020] The air supply assembly 200 is preferably operably connected to the liquid material dispenser 100 so that the air supply assembly 200 can supply air to the dispenser 100 and dispense the liquid material as described above. In some existing systems, the existing air supply assembly is located at a predetermined distance from the existing liquid material dispenser. The air supply assembly is connected to the liquid material dispenser via tubing, fittings, or other connectors. Therefore, in order to service the existing dispensing assembly, the individual tubing must be connected / disconnected in the required order and arrangement. The user must connect / disconnect the tubing individually by tightening or loosening fittings that secure the tubing to the air supply assembly at one end and to the liquid material dispenser at the other end. These procedures require additional time to ensure that the correct tubing is in place, that the appropriate force is applied to the fasteners, and that the tubing is connected to the correct connectors on each component. The more tubing present in the system, the longer the maintenance will take. Furthermore, the above process increases the risk of user error, such as improper connection / disconnection of tubes, damage to connectors due to overtightening of connections, leakage due to insufficient tightening of connections, or damage to tubes, fasteners, or other components due to carelessness. Therefore, it is desirable to have a dispensing assembly 10 that minimizes maintenance time, reduces the possibility of user error, and enables rapid, easy, and safe connection / disconnection of the air supply assembly 200 to / from the dispenser 100.

[0021] As schematically shown in Figures 1-10, an example of the dispensing assembly 10 is shown to have an exemplary coupling configuration that allows for faster and easier connection / disconnection of the air supply assembly 200 to / from the dispenser 100 compared to existing systems. The first coupler 210 is located in the air supply assembly 200 and is configured to releasably engage with a corresponding second coupler 180 located in the dispenser 100.

[0022] Referring particularly to Figures 6-9, the first coupler 210 may be a separate component fixed to the control valve 202, as shown in the figures. Alternatively, the first coupler 210 may be integrated with the housing of the control valve 202 and / or other components of the air supply assembly 200, as shown in Figure 11. Similarly, the second coupler 180 may be a separate component fixed to the dispensing unit 120 or the operating unit 140. Alternatively, at least a portion of the second coupler 180 may be integrated with the housing of the dispenser 100, as shown in Figure 2. In some configurations, it will be understood that the first coupler 210 may be alternatively located in the air supply assembly 200, and the second coupler 180 may be alternatively located in the dispenser 100.

[0023] The first coupler 210 may be detachably attached to an air supply assembly 200, such as a control valve 202, via one or more fasteners 214. As shown in the figure, for example, the first coupler 210 may be fixed to the control valve 202 via three fasteners 214. It will be understood that other fastening mechanisms such as rivets, welds, clamps, adhesives, or other fastening components are also envisioned.

[0024] The first coupler 210 may include a first dispenser side 218 and a second supply side 222 opposite to the first side 218. The first side 218 may include an engagement portion configured to face the dispenser 100 in the longitudinal direction y (see Figure 3). When the first coupler 210 is attached to the control valve 202, the second side 222 is configured to face the control valve 202. The second side 222 can directly contact a portion of the control valve 202. The first side 218 may be positioned opposite the second side 222 and spaced apart from the second side 222 along the longitudinal direction y perpendicular to the vertical direction z. When the first and second couplers 210, 180 engage with each other, the first side 218 is configured to face the dispenser 100. The first side 218 can directly contact the dispenser 100, for example, at an engagement surface 184 defined on the dispenser 100. When the first and second couplers 210 and 180 are in contact, the engagement surface 184 is configured to face the first coupler 210 and / or the control valve 202.

[0025] Referring to the examples shown in Figures 1-7, the first side 218 and the second side 222 are positioned in a plane defined by the vertical direction z and the short direction x, which is perpendicular to both the vertical direction z and the longitudinal direction y. It will be understood that the specific shapes and orientations of the first and second sides 218 and 222, respectively, depend on the type of dispenser 100 and air supply assembly 200, as well as the relative orientation and arrangement of the dispenser 100 and air supply assembly 200 and their associated components.

[0026] The first coupler 210 can be configured to engage with the second coupler 180 via various coupling mechanisms, such as fasteners, hinges, friction mats, clamps, joints, or other suitable couplers. In some examples, as illustrated, one of the first and second couplers 210 and 180 may define a plug, and the other of the first and second couplers 210 and 180 may define a receptacle that receives the plug. The first and second couplers 210 and 180 may be movable between a non-engaging configuration, an engaged configuration, and a locked configuration. In the non-engaging configuration, the first and second couplers 210 and 180 do not engage with each other. In the engaged configuration, the first and second couplers 210 and 180 engage and contact each other, and relative movement between the first and second couplers 210 and 180 is excluded along at least one direction, but not all directions. In one example, relative movement along the short direction x and the longitudinal direction y can be eliminated, but relative movement along the vertical direction z is not eliminated. However, in another example, it will be understood that relative movement in any one or any pair of the short direction x, the vertical direction z, and the longitudinal direction y can be eliminated. In a locked configuration, the first and second couplers 210, 180 can engage with each other such that relative movement between the first and second couplers 210, 180 is prevented in all directions. It will be understood that the present application is not limited to a specific first or second connector, and various embodiments are expected. Several exemplary embodiments are described below and shown in the referenced figures.

[0027] Referring particularly to the examples shown in Figures 6-9, the coupler 210 may be configured to engage with the coupler 180 in a releasably manner via the engagement of a complementary joint. The joint may be a dovetail joint or other suitable joint. For example, the first coupler 210 may include a first connector defining at least one of a projection and a recess. The second coupler 180 may include a first connector defining the other of the projection and recess. The first connectors of the first and second couplers 210, 180 are configured to connect with each other. For example, the recess is configured to receive the projection. The projection may extend along the vertical direction z, and the recess may be configured to receive the projection along the vertical direction z. In the examples of Figures 6-9, the first coupler 210 has a projection 226 (shown in Figure 6) extending from the first side surface 218. The projection 226 may also extend away from the first side surface 218. The second coupler 180 defines a recess 192 configured to receive the projection 226 when the first and second couplers 210 and 180 are in an engaged configuration.

[0028] If necessary, the first connectors of the first and second couplers 210 and 180 may include protrusions and define recesses. For example, the first connector of the first coupler 210 may further define a recess 230 between the first protrusion 226 and the first side surface 218. Furthermore, the second coupler 180 may include a protrusion 188 extending away from the engagement surface 184, where the recess 192 is defined between the protrusion 188 and the engagement surface 184. The recess 230 is configured to receive the protrusion 188 when the first and second couplers 210 and 180 are in an engaged configuration. In some embodiments, the recess 192 may be configured to receive the protrusion 226 therein, such that the protrusion 226 is at least partially positioned between the engagement surface 184 and the protrusion 188. Similarly, in some embodiments, the recess 230 may be configured to receive the projection 188 therein, such that the projection 188 is at least partially positioned between the first side surface 218 and the projection 226.

[0029] As described above, the first coupler 210 can be detachably fixed to the second coupler 180 by the engagement of the first and second protrusions 226 and 188 with the first and second recesses 230 and 192. When the first and second couplers 210 and 180 are fixed in this manner, the first connectors of the first and second couplers 210 and 180 will not move along the longitudinal direction y and separate. In order to connect the first and second couplers 210 and 180, one of the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200 can be moved along the longitudinal, transverse, and vertical directions x, y, and z so that the first protrusion 226 and the second recess 192 are aligned along the longitudinal direction y and transverse direction x and separated along the vertical direction z. Then, as described above, at least one of the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200 can be moved along the vertical direction z toward the other until the first protrusion 226 enters the second recess 192. To disconnect the first and second couplers 210, 180, the above steps can be reversed. For example, one of the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200 can be moved along the vertical z away from the other, thereby moving the first projection 226 out of the second recess 192. If the first projection 226 is not in the second recess 192, the liquid material dispenser 100 and / or the air supply assembly 200 can be moved further away from each other along the short direction x and / or the longitudinal direction y.

[0030] In some examples, the first and second couplers 210 and 180 may each have a first connector and a second connector offset from the other along the vertical z direction. For example, the first coupler 210 may include a second connector spaced apart from the first connector of the first coupler 210 along the vertical z direction, and the second coupler 180 may include a second connector spaced apart from the first connector of the second coupler 180 along the vertical z direction, and the second connectors of the first coupler 210 and the second coupler 180 may be configured to engage with each other. In the engaging configuration, the first connectors of the first and second couplers 210 and 180 may engage with each other such that relative movement between the first and second couplers 210 and 180 is hindered along at least one, but not all, directions. In a locked configuration, the second connectors of the first and second couplers 210 and 180 can engage with each other to eliminate relative movement between the first and second couplers 210 and 180 along any direction.

[0031] The second connector of the first coupler 210 may include at least one of a projection and a recess. The second connector of the second coupler 180 may include the other of the projection and recess. The second connectors of the first and second couplers 210 and 180 are configured to connect with each other. For example, the projection is configured to be received by the recess. The projection may extend along the vertical z direction, and the recess may be configured to receive the projection along the vertical z direction. In the example of Figures 6-9, the first coupler 210 has a projection 228 (shown in Figure 9) extending from the first side surface 218. The projection 228 may also extend away from the first side surface 218. The second coupler 180 defines a recess 244 configured to receive the first projection 228 when the first and second couplers 210 and 180 are in a locked configuration.

[0032] If necessary, the second connectors of the first and second couplers 210 and 180, respectively, may include protrusions and define recesses. For example, the second connector of the first coupler 210 may further define a recess 232 between a protrusion 228 and the first side surface 218. Furthermore, the second connector of the second coupler 180 may include a protrusion 240 extending away from the engagement surface 184, with a recess 244 defined between the protrusion 240 and the engagement surface 184. The recess 232 is configured to receive the protrusion 240 when the first and second couplers 210 and 180 are in an engaged configuration. In some embodiments, the recess 244 is configured to receive the first protrusion 228, so that the protrusion 228 is at least partially positioned between the engagement surface 184 and the protrusion 240. Similarly, in some embodiments, the recess 232 may be configured to receive the projection 240 therein, such that the projection 240 is at least partially positioned between the first side surface 218 and the projection 228.

[0033] In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to releasably secure the first coupler 220 to the second coupler 180 in a locked configuration when the couplers engage with each other. The first coupler 210 or the second coupler 180 may include a locking assembly 234 configured to selectively lock and unlock the engagement between the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200. For example, in Figure 3, the second coupler 180 can be considered a second connector of the second coupler 180 because it includes the locking assembly 234. As another example, in Figure 11, the first coupler 210 can be considered a second connector of the first coupler 210 because it includes the locking assembly 234. The locking assembly 234 is configured to releasably engage with the fastener receptacle 196. The locking assembly 234 may include a body 236 configured to contact the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200. In some embodiments, the body 236 may be an integrated part of a single component of the air supply assembly 200 or the dispenser 100. Alternatively, the body 236 may be a component physically separated from the air supply assembly 200 and the dispenser 100.

[0034] The lock assembly 234 may include a fastener 238 positioned on it. The fastener may be positioned on the body 236. In some examples, the fastener 238 may be configured to be received within an opening in the body 236. In some embodiments, the fastener 238 may be detachable from the body 236. Alternatively, the fastener 238 may be configured to move relative to the body 236 but not to be completely detachable from the body. The fastener 238 is configured to move within the fastener receptacle 196. In some embodiments, the lock assembly 234 may include multiple fasteners 238. The fastener 238 may include a variety of different fastening mechanisms such as screws or bolts, clamps, pins or dowels, buckles, clips, ties, latches, or other suitable fasteners. For example, as shown in the exemplary configurations shown in Figures 7 and 7A, the fastener 238 may be a screw, such as a tightening screw, configured to be removably inserted into the fastener receptacle 236. In another configuration, for example, as shown in Figure 10, the fastener 238 may be a threaded stud having a floating nut.

[0035] The lock assembly 234 can be configured to move selectively to engage with and disengage from the fastener receptacle 196. The lock assembly 234 can be located on one of the dispenser 100 (shown in Figure 2) and the air supply assembly 200 (shown in Figure 11), while the fastener receptacle 196 can be located on the other of the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200. When the lock assembly 234 engages with the fastener receptacle 196, the dispenser 100 is secured to the air supply assembly 200. In some embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 7-10, the lock assembly 234 may be separated from the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200, or it may be configured to contact both the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200 when engaged with the fastener receptacle 196. In another embodiment, for example as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the lock assembly 234 may be located on the air supply assembly 200, and the fastener receptacle 196 may be located on the dispenser 100. It will be understood that the relative arrangement of the components can be reversed, for example, so that the lock assembly 234 is located on the dispenser 100 while the fastener receptacle 196 is located on the air supply assembly.

[0036] In some embodiments, the dispensing assembly 10 may include multiple locking assemblies 234, and the disclosure is not intended to limit the use of a specific number of locking assemblies. In some examples, for example as shown in the figures, the dispensing assembly 10 may include a single locking assembly 234. In some embodiments, the single locking assembly 234 may include a single fastener 238. Having a system with a single locking assembly 234 and / or a single fastener 238 allows for easy and quick locking or unlocking of the dispenser 100 and air supply assembly 200 compared to the longer, more cumbersome, and more complex processes described above in relation to existing systems that connect components via multiple tubes and fasteners.

[0037] In practice, after the components are positioned and oriented to the desired operational configuration, the user can move the lock assembly 234 so that it aligns with the fastener receptacle 196 in order to secure the dispenser 100 to the air supply assembly 200. The user can then move the fastener 238 into the fastener receptacle 196. The lock assembly 234 can then make contact with the fastener receptacle 196. To release the components from each other, the user can remove the fastener 238 from the fastener receptacle 196. Once the fastener 238 is removed from the fastener receptacle 196, the lock assembly 234 moves away from the fastener receptacle 196, separating the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200.

[0038] In some embodiments, the lock assembly 234 may be a component physically separate from the air supply assembly 200 and the dispenser 100, and may be configured to releasably contact both the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200 when the dispenser 100 is secured to the air supply assembly 200. The lock assembly 234 may be configured to be secured to the dispenser 100 via an engagement between a fastener 238 and a fastener receptacle 196. The lock assembly 234 may be configured to be secured to the air supply assembly 200 via a clamp engagement between the body 236 and the first coupler 210.

[0039] To position the first and second couplers 210, 180 relative to each other in all directions, the lock assembly 234 can be moved to a configuration that intercepts and locks with the first coupler 210. For example, to securely hold or clamp the lock assembly 234 to the air supply assembly 200 through physical engagement between the third projection 228 and the fourth projection 240, the lock assembly 234 is configured to be fixed to the dispenser 100 by moving the fastener 238 into the fastener receptacle 196, and thus securely holds or clamps the lock assembly 234 to the dispenser 100 via the lock assembly 234. Fixation can be caused by the physical interaction of a joint between the lock assembly 234 and the air supply assembly 200. Such engagement is shown, for example, in Figure 8. As described above, when the first and second couplers 210 and 180 engage, the dispenser 100 and the air supply assembly 200 are fixed in position relative to each other with respect to the short, long, and vertical directions x, y, and z. To detach the dispenser 100 from the air supply assembly 200, the body 236 can be moved so as not to interfere with the coupler 210. For example, the body 236 can be moved by moving the fastener 238 away from the fastener receptacle 196, moving the fourth projection 240 away from the third recess 232, while moving the third projection 228 away from the fourth recess 244. The disengaged lock assembly 234 is shown in Figure 9.

[0040] When the dispenser 100 comes into contact with the air supply assembly 200 such that the first coupler 210 is fixed to the second coupler 180 as described above, various channels extending through the air supply assembly 200 can be aligned with channels extending through the dispenser 100. This can be referred to as a locked or engaged configuration for the purposes of this explanation. For the purposes of this explanation, the aligned channels are configured to be in fluid communication with each other, and air can move between the air supply assembly 200 and the dispenser 100 through the aligned channels. Referring again to Figures 3-7, several channels 206 in the air supply assembly 200 can be aligned with several channels 160 in the dispenser 100. Several channels 206 in the air supply assembly 200 can extend through the control valve 202 and the first coupler 210. In some embodiments, the first coupler 210 may include a first channel 206a extending through it and a second channel 206b extending through it. The first and second channels 206a and 206b are configured to fluidly communicate with at least some of the multiple channels 206 in the air supply assembly 200, for example, some of the channels in the control valve 202. The specific alignment of the first and second channels 206a and 210b in the first coupler 210 with the other channels in the multiple channels 206 in the air supply assembly 200 may depend on the operation and position of the control valve 202.

[0041] Multiple channels 160 within the dispenser 100 may extend through a second coupler 180. The second coupler 180 may include a first channel 160a extending through it and a second channel 160b extending through it. The first channel 160a may be in fluid communication with the first chamber 148. The second channel 160b may be in fluid communication with the second chamber 150. When the air supply assembly 200 engages with the dispenser 100, the first channel 206a in the first coupler 210 may be in fluid communication with the first channel 160a of the second coupler 180, and the second channel 206b may be in fluid communication with the second channel 160b. The fluid communication between each of the first channels 206a, 160a and between each of the second channels 206b, 160b may be configured to be airtight so that air can move between aligned channels with virtually no leakage. In some aspects, the seal 248 may be positioned between aligned channels. The seal 248 may be a gasket. The seal 248 may be an O-ring, a flat seal, or other suitable shape. The seal 248 may be held in a compressed state between the first coupler 210 and the second coupler 180 when the air supply assembly 200 and the dispenser 100 are engaged together.

[0042] The first coupler 210 is configured to align with the second coupler 180 such that its first side surface 218 contacts the engagement surface of the second coupler 180, and the first coupler 210 is also aligned along both the short-side x and vertical z directions such that its channels 206a and 206b align with the channels 160a and 160b of the second coupler 180, respectively. Alignment along the vertical z direction can be facilitated by the interaction between the first projection 226 of the first coupler 210 and the second projection 188 of the second coupler 180. The first projection 226 can contact the second projection 188 along the vertical z direction and thus acts as a physical stop that restricts the movement of the first coupler 210 relative to the second coupler 180 along the vertical z direction. To facilitate the alignment of the two couplers in the short direction x, one of the first and second couplers 210, 180 may have a wall positioned on it that is configured to contact the other of the first and second couplers 210, 180. As shown in the example in Figure 2, the wall 182 may be defined on the second coupler 180. The wall 182 may be configured to contact the first coupler 210 so as to act as a physical stop along the short direction x when the first side surface 218 of the first coupler 210 contacts the engagement surface 184 of the second coupler 180.

[0043] The embodiments described herein offer the advantage that selective engagement and disengagement of the air supply assembly 200 with the dispenser 100 can be performed quickly by the user by operating fewer components compared to existing systems. For example, in some of the disclosed examples, in order to engage the components, the user needs to align the first coupler 210 with the second coupler 180 so that they are locked together, and position the air supply assembly 200 relative to the dispenser 100 so that a desired channel in the plurality of channels 206 is aligned with a desired channel in the plurality of channels 160, and further secure the first coupler 210 to the second coupler 180 (and thus the air supply assembly 200 to the dispenser 100) via the locking assembly 234. In such a configuration, the user does not need to align and connect the individual channels of the air supply assembly 200 with connecting tubes and fasteners, and then align and connect these tubes at their other ends with the individual channels on the dispenser 100. This results in time savings, reduced training requirements, fewer users, a lower likelihood of user errors and improper connections, a reduced number of potentially damaged connection components, and / or a lower likelihood of fluid leaks.

[0044] The advantages described above also apply to detaching or removing the air supply assembly 200 from the dispenser 100. To disengage the components, the user can activate the lock assembly 234 by, for example, moving the fastener 238 from the fastener receptacle 196, and then moving at least one of the air supply assembly 200 and the dispenser 100 so that the first and second couplers 210, 180 are separated.

[0045] In some embodiments, a single dispenser 100 may be configured to selectively engage with a plurality of different air supply assemblies 200, for example, having different shapes, different control valves, and / or different channel arrangements. In some embodiments, a single air supply assembly 200 may be configured to selectively engage with a plurality of different liquid material dispensers 100, for example, having different shapes, different operating mechanisms, different distribution configurations, and / or different channels extending through them. In some embodiments, a first coupler 210 may be removed from the air supply assembly 200 and replaced with a different first coupler 210. In some embodiments, a second coupler 180 may be removed from the dispenser 100 and replaced with a different second coupler 180. The embodiments described throughout this disclosure are interchangeable in their components.

[0046] In some existing systems, the material to be dispensed must be heated. The high temperature required to liquefy the material can damage the control valve and other components. For this reason, the control valve is often mounted at a predetermined distance from the heating element, which is considered sufficient to protect the components from heat. Placing the air supply assembly 200 far from the dispenser 100 requires additional components (e.g., a tube to carry air from the air supply assembly 200 to the dispenser 100). Such a placement also results in a larger footprint and requires more space in the manufacturing facility. To reduce the space required for the entire dispensing assembly 10 and eliminate the need for additional connecting components, it is desirable to use a system in which the air supply assembly 200 is located close to or very close to the dispenser 100. Such exemplary systems are described above.

[0047] Examples of dispensing assemblies 10 described throughout this application include insulating components configured to thermally insulate the air supply assembly 200, particularly the control valve 202, thereby protecting heat-sensitive components from heat in or associated with the dispenser 100. In some embodiments, the first coupler 210 can also function as an insulating material to thermally insulate at least a portion of the air supply assembly 200 from heat supplied by the dispenser 100. In some examples, the first coupler 210 may be positioned between the control valve 202 and the dispenser 100. The first coupler 210 is configured to protect the control valve 202 from heat radiated from the heated dispenser 100. The specific material used to form the first coupler 210 should be sufficient to insulate the control valve 202, and it will be understood that the material may be selected to depend on the desired temperature range of the heated liquid material dispenser, the duration of heating while the air supply assembly 200 is engaged with the liquid material dispenser, the presence of any additional insulating components, the heat resistance of the control valve 202, and / or other aspects indicating the required insulation quality. Similarly, the dimensions of the first coupler 210 may be determined by one or more of the elements described above. It will be understood that the larger the size of the first coupler 210 (for example, measured along the longitudinal direction y between the first side 218 and the second side 222 of the coupler), the higher the insulation performance.

[0048] In some embodiments, components within the liquid material dispenser 100 and / or air supply assembly 200 may be formed from or contain insulating material. While this disclosure is not limited to specific insulating materials, suitable materials include plastics, ceramics, or other non-metallic insulating materials (e.g., PPS). As used herein, the term “non-metallic” encompasses materials that contain no metal at all, such as plastics, composite materials that may contain small amounts of metal, such as composite materials with fibers added to reinforce components, or materials that are primarily composed of non-metallic materials.

[0049] As described above, by incorporating insulating components, the air supply assembly 200 can be positioned closer to the dispenser 100 than in existing systems. This reduces the required footprint of the entire dispensing assembly 10. In some examples, the air supply assembly 200 may be positioned directly adjacent to the dispenser 100, along with insulating components (e.g., a first coupler 210) positioned between the control valve 202 and the dispenser 100.

[0050] In some embodiments, a separate insulating component may be located on the control valve 202 or adjacent to the control valve 202 between the control valve and the dispenser 100. A separate insulating component may also be located between the control valve 202 and the first coupler 210. In addition, or alternatively, an insulating component may be located between the first coupler 210 and the dispenser 100. In some embodiments, multiple insulating components can be located between the control valve 202 and the heated portion of the dispenser 100. In some preferred embodiments, as shown in Figures 1-10, the insulating component may be part or all of the first coupler 210. Placing the first coupler 210 between the dispenser 100 and the control valve 202 helps to insulate the control valve 202 from the heat within the dispenser 100.

[0051] Referring to the examples shown in Figures 11 and 12, the air supply assembly 200 may include a first coupler 210 configured to surround at least a portion of the control valve 202. In such an embodiment, the first coupler 210 must not be configured to be isolated from the rest of the air supply assembly 200. The first coupler 210 may include insulating material as described above. The first coupler 210 may define a chamber 250 that extends through it and is configured to receive at least a portion of the control valve 202 therein. As shown in the figures, the first coupler 210 may be configured to wrap at least a portion of the control valve 202 radially (extending in a plane defined by the short and long directions x and y from the control valve 202). Surrounding at least a portion of the control valve 202 with the first coupler 210 having insulating material helps to insulate the control valve 202 from undesirable high temperatures due to heat radiated from the dispenser 100 when the dispenser 100 engages with the air supply assembly 200.

[0052] As illustrated in the examples shown in Figures 11 and 12, the lock assembly 234 may be integrated with the air supply assembly 200. For example, the lock assembly 234 may be part of an integrated component that includes the first coupler 210 and the lock assembly 234.

[0053] As described above, pressurized air is introduced in the disclosed embodiments to control the distribution of material from the dispenser 100. In some of the disclosed examples, pressurized air may be selectively directed by a control valve 202 into a first chamber 148 or a second chamber 150 of the dispenser 100. By moving the air into the first chamber 148, the plunger 152 and the connected valve stem 156 move in a first direction away from the valve seat 128, thereby allowing material in the dispensing chamber 124 to exit the dispenser. Conversely, by moving the air into the second chamber 150, the plunger 152 and the connected valve stem 156 move in a second direction opposite to the first direction, moving toward the valve seat 128 and contacting the valve seat 128 to form a liquid-tight seal, thereby preventing material in the dispensing chamber 124 from moving out of the dispenser 100. After the desired movement of the plunger 152 and valve stem 156 is achieved, the air introduced into the first and second chambers 148 and 150 that caused the desired movement needs to be discharged from the dispensing assembly 10. To exit the dispensing assembly 10, the air from the first chamber 148 can move through the first channel 160a of the second coupler 180, through the first channel 206a of the first coupler 210, through the control valve 202, and to the first air outlet channel 262a (shown in Figure 3). Similarly, the air from the second chamber 150 can move through the second channel 160b of the second coupler 180, through the second channel 206b of the first coupler 210, through the control valve 202 and connected channel 206, and to the second air outlet channel 262b. The first and second air outlet channels 262a and 262b may be open to the atmosphere so that air moving through them can exit the dispensing assembly 10.

[0054] In some conventional dispensing systems, the movement of pressurized air as it exits the dispensing system generates high noise output, which adversely affects manufacturing conditions. To reduce undesirable noise, some systems may include noise reduction components. Referring to Figures 5-7, an example of a dispensing assembly 10 described throughout this application may include a silencer 260 positioned on it and configured to reduce noise associated with the pressurized air exiting the dispensing assembly 10. The dispensing assembly 10 may include one or more silencers 260. Each silencer 260 may be in fluid communication with a channel configured to receive pressurized air internally. The dispensing assembly 10 may include one or more silencers 260 on the liquid material dispenser 100, on the air supply assembly 200, or both. In some embodiments, the dispensing assembly 10 may include one or more silencers 260 on the liquid material dispenser and one or more silencers 260 on the air supply assembly 200. The silencer 260 on the air supply assembly 200 may be located in or adjacent to one or more of the multiple channels 206, or otherwise communicated with fluid. The silencer 260 on the dispenser 100 may be located in or adjacent to one or more of the multiple channels 160, or otherwise communicated with fluid.

[0055] Referring to Figures 5-7, for example, a plurality of silencers 260 are shown arranged on the air supply assembly 200. Each silencer 260 is at least partially located within an air outlet channel, shown in Figures 7 and 7A as the first air outlet channel 262a and the second air outlet channel 262b. Incorporating multiple silencers 260 allows for quieter air release compared to existing systems with one or no silencers, while maintaining the desired air pressure within the system. Some existing systems do not use silencers, or use a single silencer per outlet channel. This results in louder operating noise, which is undesirable. One way to reduce noise is to use smaller silencers. However, if the silencers are too small, the air in the dispensing assembly 10 cannot exit the assembly fast enough to maintain the desired dispensing rate. According to some embodiments disclosed in this application, it is preferable to use two silencers 260 for each air outlet channel 262. Each silencer 260 is smaller than the silencers used in existing systems, but having multiple such silencers allows pressurized air to exit the dispensing assembly 10 at a desired flow rate. In some specific examples, each silencer 260 may be formed from a metal, primarily bronze, brass, or stainless steel. In some specific non-limiting embodiments, each silencer 260 may include an M5 size screw. It will be understood that this application is not intended to limit the embodiments disclosed by any particular number of silencers 260. It will also be understood that the size, shape, and composition of each silencer 260 may depend on the intended application, the degree of noise reduction desired, the amount of air passing through each silencer 260, and / or other operating parameters.

[0056] To achieve a desired dispensing rate, it may be advantageous to minimize the total amount of pressurized air moving toward and away from the first and second chambers 148, 150. The lower the total amount of air moving through the control valve 202, the connected channel 206, and the chambers 148, 150, the faster the dispensing process can be controlled. Therefore, the disclosed embodiment having an air supply assembly 200 that is directly coupled to the dispenser 100 (rather than being connected via a tube or other conduit) provides a shorter path for movement between the air supply assembly 200 and the respective first or second chambers 148, 150. The shorter path reduces the total amount of air required to achieve the dispensing operation described above, compared to existing systems.

[0057] It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the embodiments shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure envisions a variety of examples. Furthermore, it should be understood that the concepts described in the embodiments described above can be used alone or in combination with any of the other embodiments described above. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, it should be understood that the various alternative examples described above with respect to one of the illustrated examples are applicable to all examples described herein.

[0058] Conditional language used herein, in particular, such as “can,” “possible,” “possible,” “might,” and “for example,” is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not, unless otherwise stated or understood in the context in which they are used. Therefore, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are required in any way to one or more examples, or that one or more examples necessarily include these features, elements, and / or steps. Terms such as “constitute,” “include,” and “have” are synonymous and are used in a non-limiting, inclusive manner, without excluding additional elements, features, actions, operations, etc.

[0059] While several examples have been described herein, these examples are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Therefore, the foregoing description is not intended to suggest that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or essential. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in various other forms, and furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications of the methods and systems described herein can be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the specific inventions disclosed herein.

[0060] The steps of the exemplary methods described herein do not necessarily have to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps in such methods should be understood to be merely illustrative. Similarly, in methods consistent with various embodiments of the present invention, such methods may include additional steps, and certain steps may be omitted or combined.

[0061] The elements of the claims for the following methods are described in a specific order, along with the corresponding labelings, if any; however, unless the description of the claims implies a specific order for carrying out some or all of those elements, they are not necessarily intended to be limited to being carried out in that specific order.

[0062] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 079,833, filed on 17 September 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. Adhesive dispensing assembly, A dispenser configured to receive a liquid material and dispense the liquid material onto a substrate, An air supply assembly configured to receive pressurized air therein, the air supply assembly includes a control valve defining a first channel and a second channel, each of the first channel and the second channel configured to direct the pressurized air towards the dispenser and cause the liquid material to be discharged from the dispenser, the air supply assembly further includes a first coupler configured to be removably coupled to a second coupler of the dispenser to positionally fix the dispenser and the air supply assembly relative to each other, the control valve configured to move at least between a first position configured to direct the pressurized air towards the first channel and a second position configured to direct the pressurized air towards the second channel, Equipped with, An adhesive dispensing assembly wherein at least one of the first coupler and the second coupler is formed from a thermal insulating material configured to thermally insulate the dispenser and the air supply assembly from each other when the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled together.

2. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein one of the first coupler and the second coupler defines a plug, and the other of the first coupler and the second coupler defines a receptacle configured to receive the plug.

3. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first coupler includes a connector defining at least one of a protrusion and a recess, and the second coupler includes a connector defining the other of the protrusion and the recess configured to connect the first coupler and the second coupler to each other.

4. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 3, wherein the connectors of the first coupler and the second coupler each include a protrusion and a recess, the protrusion of the first coupler is configured to be received in the recess of the second coupler, and the protrusion of the second coupler is configured to be received in the recess of the first coupler.

5. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first coupler comprises a second connector disposed at a distance from the connector of the first coupler along a first direction, and the second coupler comprises a second connector disposed at a distance from the connector of the first coupler along the first direction and configured to engage with the second connector of the first coupler.

6. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second connector of the first coupler defines at least one of a protrusion and a recess, and the second connector of the second coupler defines the other of the protrusion and the recess, configured to connect the first coupler and the second coupler to each other.

7. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 6, wherein each of the second connector of the first coupler and the second connector of the second coupler includes a protrusion and a recess, the protrusion of the second connector of the first coupler is configured to be received in the recess of the second connector of the second coupler, and the protrusion of the second connector of the second coupler is configured to be received in the recess of the second connector of the first coupler.

8. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first coupler and the second coupler are movable between a non-engaging configuration, an engaged configuration and a locked configuration.

9. In the non-engaging configuration, the first coupler and the second coupler do not engage with each other. In the engagement configuration, the first coupler and the second coupler engage and contact each other, and relative movement between the first coupler and the second coupler is prevented along at least one direction, not all directions. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 8, wherein in the locking configuration, the first coupler and the second coupler engage with each other such that the relative movement between the first coupler and the second coupler is prevented in all directions.

10. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the dispenser is a hot melt adhesive dispenser.

11. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first coupler is removably coupled to the housing of the control valve.

12. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first coupler is integrated with the housing of the control valve.

13. The adhesive dispensing assembly defines an air outlet channel configured to discharge the pressurized air through it from the adhesive dispensing assembly. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the adhesive dispensing assembly includes a silencer positioned within the air outlet channel and configured to allow the pressurized air to pass through therein.

14. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 13, wherein the air outlet channel includes a first outlet opening and a second outlet opening, the air outlet channel is configured to receive the pressurized air therein and to guide the pressurized air to each of the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening, and each of the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening includes a silencer therein.

15. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a seal disposed on at least one of the first coupler and the second coupler, wherein the seal is configured to form an airtight seal between a channel extending through the air supply assembly and a channel extending through the dispenser when the first coupler is in contact with the second coupler.

16. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein one of the first coupler and the second coupler is configured to fix the first coupler and the second coupler in a releasable manner to each other such that the first coupler and the second coupler are positionally fixed to each other in all directions.

17. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 16, wherein the locking assembly includes a fastener, and one of the air supply assembly and the dispenser includes a receptacle configured to receive the fastener internally.

18. The adhesive dispensing assembly according to claim 17, wherein the fastener is a screw.

19. An air supply assembly for an adhesive dispenser, wherein the air supply assembly comprises: A control valve defining an air inlet channel, a first air channel, and a second air channel, wherein each of the first air channel and the second air channel is configured to direct air to the adhesive dispenser, and the control valve is configured to move at least between a first position in which the control valve is configured to receive pressurized air from the air inlet channel and direct the pressurized air to the first air channel, and a second position in which the control valve is configured to receive the pressurized air from the air inlet channel and direct it to the second air channel, A first coupler configured to be releasably engaged with a second coupler of the adhesive dispenser, the first coupler being formed of a thermal insulating material and positioned between the side of the dispenser and the control valve, having an air channel therein defined therein configured to guide air between the adhesive dispenser and the first air channel and the second air channel of the control valve, An air supply assembly equipped with [the necessary components].

20. The air supply assembly according to claim 19, wherein the first coupler defines one of a plug and a receptacle, and the one of the plug and the receptacle is configured to engage with the other of the plug and the receptacle defined by the second coupler.

21. The air supply assembly according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the first coupler includes a connector, the connector defining at least one of a protrusion and a recess, and at least one of the protrusion and the recess is configured to engage with the other of the protrusion and the recess defined by the second coupler.

22. The air supply assembly according to claim 21, wherein the connector defines both a protrusion and a recess, the protrusion being configured to be received in the recess of the second coupler, and the recess being configured to receive the protrusion of the second coupler.

23. The air supply assembly according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the first coupler comprises a second connector spaced apart from the connector along a first direction, the connector being configured to engage with the first connector of the second coupler, and the second connector being configured to engage with the second connector of the second coupler.

24. The air supply assembly according to claim 23, wherein the second connector of the first coupler defines at least one of a protrusion and a recess, and the at least one of the protrusion and the recess is configured to engage with the other of the protrusion and the recess of the second connector of the second coupler.

25. The air supply assembly according to claim 24, wherein the second connector of the first coupler includes a protrusion and a recess, the protrusion being configured to be received in the recess of the second connector of the second coupler, and the protrusion being configured to be received in the recess of the second connector of the first coupler.

26. The air supply assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the first coupler is integrated with the housing of the control valve.

27. The air supply assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the air supply assembly includes a locking assembly configured to releasably secure the first coupler and the second coupler to each other such that the air supply assembly and the adhesive dispenser are positionally fixed to each other in all directions.

28. The air supply assembly defines an air outlet channel configured to receive the pressurized air from the control valve and discharge the pressurized air from the air supply assembly. The air supply assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein the air supply assembly includes a silencer disposed within the air outlet channel and configured to receive the pressurized air as the pressurized air is discharged from the air outlet channel.

29. The air supply assembly according to claim 28, wherein the air outlet channel defines a plurality of outlet openings, each of the outlet openings having a silencer inside.

30. A method for connecting an air supply assembly to an adhesive dispenser, wherein the air supply assembly has a first coupler and a control valve, and the adhesive dispenser has a second coupler, and at least one of the first coupler and the second coupler is formed from a thermal insulating material, the method is: The adhesive dispenser and the air supply assembly are fixed in position relative to each other, the thermal insulating material is located between the adhesive dispenser and the air supply assembly, and the control valve is positioned at a first position where a first air channel extending from the air supply assembly through the first coupler aligns with a first air channel extending to the adhesive dispenser through the second coupler, the first coupler and the second coupler are removably coupled to each other, A method of connecting an air supply assembly to an adhesive dispenser, wherein the control valve is movable to a second position in which a second air channel extending from the air supply assembly through the first coupler is aligned with a second air channel extending to the adhesive dispenser through the second coupler.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein one of the first coupler and the second coupler defines a plug, the other of the first coupler and the second coupler defines a receptacle, and coupling the first coupler and the second coupler together includes receiving the plug in the receptacle.

32. The method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein coupling the first coupler and the second coupler together involves engaging the first connector of the first coupler with the first connector of the second coupler such that relative movement between the air supply assembly and the adhesive dispenser is prevented along at least one direction.

33. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein coupling the first coupler and the second coupler toward each other includes aligning the first air channel extending from the air supply assembly through the first coupler with the second air channel extending through the second coupler to the adhesive dispenser.

34. The method according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein coupling the first coupler and the second coupler together includes locking the first coupler and the second coupler together by engaging the second connector of the first coupler with the second connector of the second coupler such that relative movement between the air supply assembly and the adhesive dispenser is prevented along all directions.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein locking the first coupler and the second coupler together includes acting on a locking assembly of one of the first coupler and the second coupler to engage the second connector of the first coupler with the second connector of the second coupler.

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