Spray nozzle clamp

Abstract

To provide a nozzle clamp for an applicator assembly that is so configured as to apply a liquid material.SOLUTION: A nozzle clamp includes a body which defines a first surface and an opposing second surface. The nozzle includes an arm pivotably connected to the body and moves between a first position and a second position. The arm includes a bore penetrating through the arm, and a protrusion which is configured to contact the nozzle. The nozzle includes a fastener movable within the bore of the arm and configured to contact the second surface of the body. The clamp is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the clamp is in the first configuration, the fastener is in contact with the second surface of the body, and the arm is precluded from being rotated with respect to the body. When the clamp is in the second configuration, the fastener is not in contact with the second surface, and the arm is permitted to be rotated with respect to the body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamp for a nozzle of an applicator assembly configured to apply a liquid material.

Background Art

[0002] An applicator device or system is used to apply a liquid material, such as a hot melt adhesive, onto one or more substrates. Such an applicator system includes a body or housing, a nozzle assembly for dispensing the liquid material, and a dispensing assembly including a valve system for controlling the dispensing of the material. The nozzle can be removed from the housing for cleaning, repair, and / or replacement. The nozzle can be held in place by a clamping device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Typically, the clamping device is attached to the housing and engages with the housing while the clamping device holds the nozzle in place. When the clamping device engages with the nozzle in this way, the housing may be damaged, resulting in a decrease in clamping characteristics and / or malfunction of clamping. As a result, the positioning state of the nozzle relative to the housing may change, which may adversely affect material distribution, material dispensing, and / or nozzle alignment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The disadvantages of existing nozzle retaining clamps and systems are overcome by one or more clamp embodiments disclosed herein. According to aspects of this disclosure, a nozzle clamp configured to secure a nozzle to a housing of a dispensing assembly includes a body that defines a first surface configured to contact the housing and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The nozzle further includes an arm pivotably connected to the body and configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the body. The arm includes a bore passing through the arm and a projection extending from the arm and configured to contact the nozzle. The nozzle further includes a fastener that is movable within the bore of the arm and configured to contact the second surface of the body. The nozzle clamp is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the nozzle clamp is in the first configuration, the fastener contacts the second surface of the body and the arm cannot pivot relative to the body. When the nozzle clamp is in the second configuration, the fastener does not contact the second surface of the body and the arm can pivot relative to the body.

[0005] In another embodiment, a dispensing assembly for applying a material to a substrate includes a housing, a dispensing assembly configured to receive a material from a material source and dispense the material, and a nozzle configured to be fixed to the housing and to receive a material from the dispensing assembly and dispense the material. The dispensing assembly further includes a nozzle clamp configured to fix the nozzle to the housing. The nozzle clamp includes a body that defines a first surface configured to contact the housing and a second surface opposite the first surface. The nozzle clamp further includes an arm pivotably connected to the body and configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the body. The arm includes a bore passing through the arm and a projection extending from the arm and configured to contact the nozzle. The nozzle further includes a fastener that is movable within the bore of the arm and configured to contact the second surface of the body. The nozzle clamp is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the nozzle clamp is in the first configuration, the fastener contacts the second surface of the body and the arm cannot pivot relative to the body. When the nozzle clamp is in the second configuration, the fastener does not come into contact with the second surface of the main body, and the arm can pivotally rotate relative to the main body.

[0006] This application will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the subject matter for illustrative purposes, but the subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the specific methods, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an isometric view of a nozzle clamp according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Another perspective view of the nozzle clamp shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle clamp, without showing the associated fasteners. [Figure 4] This figure shows a fastener according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle clamp shown in Figure 1 in the first configuration according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle clamp showing how it moves between the first and second configurations. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the nozzle clamp shown in Figure 1, which is the second configuration. [Figure 8] This is an isometric view of a coating assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a side view of the applicator assembly in which the nozzle clamp is located in the first configuration. [Figure 10] Figure 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the applicator assembly, where the nozzle clamp is in the second configuration. [Figure 11] Figure 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the applicator assembly, where the nozzle clamp is in the second configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, aspects of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to drawings in which the same reference numbers indicate the same elements.

[0009] Figures 1 to 3 show a clamp 100 having a body 104 and an arm 150 configured to pivot relative to the body 104. The clamp 100 may be configured to releasably secure a nozzle to a dispensing assembly, as detailed below in relation to Figures 9 to 11. As shown in Figure 2, the body 104 may include a rear wall 116 configured to contact the dispensing assembly. This disclosure refers to various axes and directions relating to the components described. The coordinates described are for reference only, and this disclosure should be understood as not being limited to the specific axes, directions, or planes described. A first axis A is defined as extending substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 116 of the body 104. A second axis B extends perpendicular to the first axis A. A third axis C extends perpendicular to the first axis A and the second axis B. Accordingly, the plane defined by the first axis A and the second axis B is perpendicular to the third axis C, the plane defined by the first axis A and the third axis C is perpendicular to the second axis B, and the plane defined by the second axis B and the third axis C is perpendicular to the first axis A. In this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, references to one or more directions along the first, second and / or third axes A, B, and C include both opposite directions. That is, for example, a reference to a direction along the first axis A includes the direction from a first point to a second point along the first axis A and the direction from a second point to a first point. Furthermore, references to directions along one or more of the first axis A, the second axis B, and the third axis C may include directions that coincide with the reference axis and directions that are offset from the reference axis but substantially parallel to the reference axis. For example, a reference to a direction along the first axis A may include a direction that coincides with the first axis A, or a direction that is offset from the first axis A and parallel to it.

[0010] A front wall 124 is defined on the main body 104, opposite the rear wall 116. The front wall 124 is spaced apart from the rear wall 116 along the first axis A. The surface of the front wall 124 may be parallel to the surface of the rear wall 116. The main body 104 may also include sides extending between the front wall 124 and the rear wall 116. An arm 150 can be movably attached to the main body 104. At least a portion of the arm 150 may be positioned on the opposite side of the front wall 124 along the first axis A. In some embodiments, the arm 150 may be pivotally connected to the main body 104 so that it can move toward and / or away from the front wall 124. The main body 104 and / or the arm 150 may include pins 122 extending from or passing through them. The arm 150 may include an opening 152 configured to receive the pins 122 internally. Specifically, the opening 152 can be defined by a surface located within the arm 150 and configured to receive the pin 122. The pin 122 may have a press-fit configuration with respect to the opening 152. The body 104 may also include an opening 172 configured to receive the pin 122 internally. Specifically, the opening 172 can be defined by a surface located within the body 104 and configured to receive the pin 122. The pin 122 may have a press-fit configuration with respect to the opening 172. The arm 150 can rotate about a pivot D defined through the pin 122 and the opening 152. The pivot D may be parallel to a second direction B. The arm 150 can be configured to pivot about pivot D in a first direction D1 and / or in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. When the arm 150 pivots in the first direction D1, at least a portion of the arm 150 moves toward the front wall 124. When the arm 150 pivots in the second direction D2, at least a portion of the arm 150 moves away from the front wall 124.

[0011] In some embodiments, the body 104 may include two pins 122 on either side of the arm 150, with one pin 122 spaced apart from the other along a second axis B. The arm 150 may include two openings 152, with one opening 152 spaced apart from the other along the second axis B, thereby configuring each mounting of the openings 152 to receive one pin 122 internally. Similarly, the body 104 may include two openings 172, with one opening 172 spaced apart from the other along the second axis B, thereby configuring each mounting of the openings 172 to receive one pin 122 internally. Other pin and opening configurations are also conceivable, for example, a configuration in which one or more pins 122 are located on the arm 150 and each of the one or more openings 152 is located on the body 104.

[0012] The arm 150 can define a bore 154 configured to receive fastening elements internally. At least a portion of the bore 154 can be positioned along the first axis A opposite the front wall 124. The bore 154 can be defined between a first end 155 and a second end 157 spaced apart from the first end 155. The first end 155 and the second end 157 can define surfaces parallel to the surfaces of the front wall 124 and the rear wall 116. A bore axis E can be defined through the bore 154, extending between the first end 155 and the second end 157. At some positions of the arm 150, the bore axis E can be substantially parallel to the first axis A. When the arm 150 pivots around the pin 122, the bore axis E can be angularly offset from the first axis A. The bore axis E can be perpendicular to the pivot D.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fastening element may include screws, fasteners and / or bolts, which will be referred to below as bolts 200. The bolts 200 can move parallel to each other within the bore 154 along the bore axis E. The bolts 200 can move toward and away from the front wall 124. The bolts 200 can rotate in both directions within the bore 154 about the bore axis E in order to move toward and away from the front wall 124.

[0014] Continuing with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and further with reference to Figure 4, the bolt 200 may have a first end 208 and a second end 212 opposite the first end 208. The bolt 200 may include a tool contact surface 220 configured to engage with a tool (not shown). The tool contact surface 220 may be adjacent to the second end 212. The tool contact surface 220 may be configured to engage with a tool to move the bolt 200 along the bore 154, rotate within the bore 154, and / or move both relative to the bore 154. In some embodiments, the tool contact surface 220 may have a geometric shape corresponding to a preferred tool geometric shape, such as a triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, or another preferred shape. The bolt 200 may also be configured to be operated with a screwdriver, wrench, or another preferred tool, and this disclosure is not limited to any particular tool or any respective shape of the tool contact surface 220. In some embodiments, a user can directly contact and / or manipulate the tool contact surface 220 without using a separate tool. For example, in some embodiments, a user can use their hand to translate and / or rotate the bolt 200 relative to the bore 154. In this regard, the tool contact surface 220 may include a handle or other surface for direct user operation.

[0015] The bolt 200 may include a head 216 adjacent to the first end 208. The head 216 may have a contact surface 228 at one end. The contact surface 228 may be located on or adjacent to the first end 208. The contact surface 228 may be configured to move selectively to contact and / or not contact the front wall 124 as the bolt 200 moves toward or away from the front wall 124 of the clamp body 104.

[0016] A retaining surface 232 can be defined on the opposite side of the head 216 from the contact surface 228. The retaining surface 232 can be configured to contact the arm 150 as the bolt 200 moves away from the body 104 through the bore 154. The contact between the retaining surface 232 and the arm 150 can prevent the bolt 200 from moving beyond a desired distance relative to the bore 154 and can also prevent the bolt 200 from being completely removed from the bore 154.

[0017] The bolt 200 may include an intermediate segment 204 positioned between a first end 208 and a second end 212. The intermediate segment 204 may be positioned between the head 216 and the tool contact surface 220. In some embodiments, the intermediate segment 204 may include a thread 224. The thread 224 may be configured to engage with a corresponding thread 156 defined in a bore 154 (shown in Figure 3). In one or more embodiments, the bolt 200 may be configured as a male component and the bore 154 as a female component. The intermediate segment 204 may have a cross-sectional dimension D3. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension D3 may be a diameter D3.

[0018] The head 216 can have a cross-sectional dimension D4. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension D4 can be a diameter D4. The diameter D4 of the head 216 can be made larger than the diameter D3 of the intermediate segment 204. The bolt 200 can translate within the bore 154 between the retaining surface 232 on the head 216 and the second end 212 of the bolt 200. Thus, the head 216 can be prevented from entering the bore 154. This can be advantageous for preventing the bolt 200 from inadvertently separating completely from the clamp 100.

[0019] The clamp 100 can be configured to have a first configuration in which the nozzle is held relative to the housing of the applicator assembly and a second configuration in which the nozzle is not held relative to the housing. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp 100 in the first configuration. In this configuration, the bolt 200 translates along the bore axis E towards the body 104 of the clamp 100 until it contacts the front wall 124 and the clamp 100 is in the first configuration. In this figure, the bore axis E can be substantially parallel to the first axis A. Specifically, the contact surface 228 of the head 216 can be configured to contact the front wall 124 of the body 104. At this point, the bolt 200 is disposed at the position farthest from the arm 150 along the bore axis E, that is, this position is the maximum distance between the second end 157 of the bore 154 and the head 216 of the bolt 200 when the bolt 200 is present within the bore 154. This position can be referred to as the maximum insertion position of the bolt 200. In this arrangement, the bolt 200 can be fixed to the arm 150 (e.g., via the threads 224 on the bolt 200 and the corresponding threads 156 inside the bore 154). When the bolt 200 is in contact with the front wall 124, the arm 150 is prevented from pivoting in at least one direction about the pivot D. For example, the arm 150 can be prevented from pivoting towards the front wall 124 along D1 about the pivot D. This is because the bolt 200 contacts the front wall 124 and physically blocks movement in this direction.

[0020] Figure 6 shows the bolt 200 moving away from the front wall 124 within the bore 154 along the bore axis E. The head 216 can be configured to contact the arm 150 adjacent to the bore 154. The retaining surface 232 can contact the arm 150 at the second end 157 of the bore 154 to prevent the head 216 from entering the bore 154. In this figure, the bolt 200 is shown at the most distant position within the bore 154 in the direction toward the first end 155 of the bore 154 along the bore axis E. This position can be referred to as the maximum extraction position of the bolt 200. The bolt 200 can move to any position between the maximum insertion position shown in FIG. 5 above and the maximum extraction position shown in this FIG. 6. Since the contact surface 228 of the head 216 is no longer in contact with the front wall 124 of the main body 104, the arm 150 is not prevented from rotating in the direction D1 toward the front wall 124 about the pivot D. At this position, the user can actuate the rotation of the arm 150 in the direction D1 by applying a force to the arm 150 along the first axis A toward the front wall 124 in order to arrange the clamp 100 in the second configuration.

[0021] Figure 7 shows the clamp 100 in a second configuration in which the arm 150 is pivoted toward the front wall 124 along a first rotational direction D1. The distance by which the arm 150 can pivot from the first configuration to the second configuration may depend on the distance between the front wall 124 and the head 216 of the bolt 200, the distance between the front wall 124 and the arm 150 (for example, the portion of the arm 150 adjacent to the second end 157 of the bore 154), or the distance between another portion of the body 104 and a portion of the arm 150 and / or the bolt 200. The arm 150 can pivot in the first rotational direction D1 until further movement is hindered by contact between one or more components of the body 104 and one or more components of the arm 150 and / or the bolt 200. In some embodiments, the distance by which the arm 150 can pivot along the first rotational direction D1 may be controlled by the distance the bolt 200 moves away from the front wall 124 along the bore axis E. For example, if the bolt 200 moves away from the front wall 124 along the bore 154 to its maximum extraction position (see Figure 6), this position can correspond to the maximum pivot distance of the arm 150 in direction D1. The bolt 200 can move along the bore axis E to a position between its maximum insertion position (shown in Figure 5) and its maximum extraction position (shown in Figures 6 and 7). Therefore, if the bolt 200 is not in its maximum extraction position, the distance that the arm 150 can pivot in direction D1 can be proportionally smaller than when the bolt 200 is in its maximum extraction position.

[0022] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the clamp 100 may include a nozzle engagement contact surface configured to releasably contact the nozzle of the applicator assembly. The engagement contact surface may include a first projection 162 that can extend from the arm 150. The first projection 162 can move when the arm 150 moves about pivot D. The first projection 162 may be of any preferred shape or size and should be configured to contact a portion of the nozzle, as will be described later. In some embodiments, the engagement contact surface may include a second projection 166 that can extend from the arm 150. The second projection 166 may be at least partially parallel to the first projection 162. The second projection 166 may be configured to contact another portion of the nozzle, as will be described later. Between the first projection 162 and the second projection 166, a recess 170 can be defined which can be configured to receive the nozzle internally.

[0023] Figures 8 to 11 show exemplary embodiments of a dispenser assembly 10 having a housing 14. One or more dispensing assemblies 18 can be arranged on or inside the housing 14. One or more dispensing assemblies 18 can be configured to receive a coating material from a material source (not shown) and guide the coating material to one or more connected nozzles 22. The coating material can be dispensed through the nozzles 22 onto a suitable substrate (not shown). Each nozzle 22 can be held against the housing 14 by a clamp 100 as described above. In some embodiments, the dispenser assembly 10 may include a single implementation of one of the dispensing assemblies 18 and a single implementation of a nozzle 22 held by a single implementation of the clamp 100. In other embodiments, the dispenser assembly 10 may include a plurality of dispensing assemblies 18, a plurality of clamps 100 and a plurality of nozzles 22. The plurality of dispensing assemblies 18, clamps 100 and nozzles 22 can be arranged in a continuous line along a second axis B, for example, as shown in Figure 8. Each nozzle 22 can be secured to the housing 14 using the individual configuration of the clamp 100. Alternatively, multiple nozzles 22 can be held by a single implementation of the clamp 100.

[0024] Figures 8 and 9 show a nozzle 22 secured to the housing 14 via a clamp 100. The clamp 100 is in a first configuration. The nozzle 22 can be held firmly in contact with the housing 14 at the nozzle contact surface 15. The nozzle contact surface 15 can be located below the housing 14 of the applicator assembly 10. It is important that the nozzle 22 is firmly secured to the nozzle contact surface 15 to ensure that the coating material is correctly dispensed from the dispensing assembly 18 to the nozzle 22. The clamp 100 can be secured to the housing 14 at the clamp surface 16. The clamp 100 can be secured to the housing 14 via one or more fasteners 101. The fasteners 101 can be any preferred fastener such as bolts, screws and / or clamps. The fasteners 101 can be removably connected to the housing 14 by passing through the body 104 or otherwise securing the body 104. The rear wall 116 of the main body 104 can be configured to reliably contact the clamp surface 16 of the housing 14 when the clamp 100 is fixed to the housing 14.

[0025] When the nozzle 22 is held against the nozzle contact surface 15 and the clamp 100 is in the first configuration, it is possible to prevent the nozzle 22 from moving away from the nozzle contact surface 15. The first projection 162 on the clamp 100 can be configured to contact the nozzle 22 and apply a clamping force to the nozzle 22 toward the nozzle contact surface 15 along the third axis C. This fixes the nozzle 22 to the nozzle contact surface 15 and prevents the nozzle 22 from moving away from the nozzle contact surface 15.

[0026] To release the nozzle 22 from the housing 14, the clamp 100 can be moved to the second configuration as described above. Figures 10 and 11 show the clamp 100 in the second configuration. When the arm 150 is pivoted to move the clamp 100 to the second configuration, the first projection 162 moves away from the nozzle 22. Once the first projection 162 moves away from the nozzle 22, it no longer applies a clamping force to the nozzle 22 toward the nozzle contact surface 15. At this point, the nozzle 22 is no longer fixed to the housing 14 and can be moved relative to the housing 14 or removed from the applicator assembly 10.

[0027] In some embodiments, the clamp 100 may include a second projection 166 positioned on the arm 150. When the clamp 100 moves to the second configuration, the second projection 166 contacts the nozzle 22, applying a force to the nozzle 22 away from the nozzle contact surface 15. This applies force to the nozzle 22, releasing it from the nozzle contact surface 15 and facilitating its removal and disengagement from the housing 14. The nozzle 22 can be positioned within a recess 170 defined between the first projection 162 and the second projection 166. When the clamp 100 is in the second configuration, the nozzle 22 can still be held within the recess 170, even if it is separated from the nozzle contact surface 15. This facilitates the positioning and disengagement of the nozzle 22 and prevents the nozzle 22 from falling from the housing 14 due to gravity when it is no longer clamped to the housing 14. Furthermore, by providing space for the nozzle 22 to be positioned before fixing the nozzle 22 to the housing 14, it is also possible to facilitate the introduction of nozzles 22 of different or new configurations.

[0028] To secure the nozzle 22 to the housing 14, the nozzle 22 can be positioned in the recess 170 when the clamp 100 is in the second configuration. The clamp 100 can then be moved to the first configuration by rotating the arm 150 in the second rotation direction D2, opposite to the first rotation direction D1, until the nozzle 22 makes full contact with the nozzle contact surface 15 and the first projection 162 firmly presses the nozzle 22 toward the nozzle contact surface 15 along the third axis C. To secure the clamp 100 to the first configuration, the bolt 200 can be moved to the maximum insertion position as described above.

[0029] When the bolt 200 is in its maximum insertion position, the head 216 of the bolt 200 contacts the front wall 124 at the contact surface 228 on the head 216 of the bolt 200. The front wall 124 may include a sturdy metal portion such as steel, which can prevent damage to the front wall 124 from repeated contact by the head 216 of the bolt 200. The bolt 200 may be configured to contact only the front wall 124 of the clamp 100 and not directly contact the housing 14. This configuration avoids and / or reduces the possibility of damaging the surface of the housing 14. If the bolt 200 contacts the housing 14, repeated contact may damage the structure of the housing 14, potentially forming dents, cuts and / or similar damage to the housing 14. The formation of such dents or cuts increases the insertion distance of the bolt 200 required to effectively hold the clamp 100 in the first configuration. As a result of this indentation, the clamp 100 moves from the first configuration earlier than desired over time, thereby releasing the clamping force applied to the nozzle 22 from the first protrusion 162 toward the nozzle contact surface 15. Consequently, the nozzle 22 is not fixed as securely to the nozzle contact surface 15 as desired, and material may leak from between the housing 14 and the nozzle 22, and / or undesirable pressure changes may occur as the material moves toward and through the nozzle 22. As a result, the material discharge effect onto the substrate may become undesirable. Furthermore, this may also cause the nozzle 22 to become misaligned.

[0030] Embodiments of the clamp 100 disclosed herein include a front wall 124 configured to be in contact with a bolt 200. The front wall 124 may be made of a material harder than the rest of the housing 14, such as steel. A steel front wall 124 does not wear as quickly or easily as the material of the housing 14, and thus dents and / or other damage caused by repeated contact and forces exerted by the bolt 200 when the clamp 100 is in the first configuration are substantially avoided.

[0031] In some embodiments, the clamp 100 may include one or more seals 130 positioned on the rear wall 116. The one or more seals 130 may be configured to engage in a sealing manner with corresponding air inlet holes (not shown) on the housing 14. The body 104 of the clamp 100 may include one or more studs or dowels 134 configured to be received into complementary openings (not shown) on the housing 14 to facilitate alignment between the clamp 100 and the housing 14.

[0032] While the system and method have been described in relation to various embodiments shown in various figures, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader inventive concept of these embodiments. Therefore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to also cover modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A nozzle clamp configured to secure a nozzle to the housing of a dispensing assembly, A body comprising a first surface configured to contact the housing, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, An arm is pivotally connected to the main body and configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the main body, The arm is equipped with, A bore that penetrates the aforementioned arm, A projection extending from the arm and configured to contact the nozzle, The nozzle clamp includes, The arm further comprises a single fastener movable within the bore, the fastener including a head having a contact surface and a retaining surface opposite the contact surface at its first end, the contact surface configured to contact the second surface of the body, and the retaining surface configured to contact the arm to prevent the fastener from being completely removed from the bore. The nozzle clamp is movable between the first configuration and the second configuration. When the nozzle clamp is in the first configuration, the contact surface of the head of the fastener is in contact with the second surface of the main body so that the arm cannot pivotally rotate relative to the main body. A nozzle clamp characterized in that, when the nozzle clamp is in the second configuration, the contact surface of the head of the fastener does not contact the second surface of the body so that the arm can pivotally rotate with respect to the body, and the holding surface of the head contacts the arm so as to prevent the head from entering the bore.

2. The nozzle clamp includes steel. The nozzle clamp according to claim 1.

3. The nozzle clamp according to claim 1, wherein the fastener includes threads, the bore includes complementary threads inside, and the threads on the fastener are configured to engage with the threads on the bore.

4. The nozzle clamp according to claim 1, wherein the projection on the arm is a first projection, the arm includes a second projection spaced apart from the first projection, and the second projection is configured to contact the nozzle.

5. The nozzle clamp according to claim 1, wherein the bore determines a first cross-sectional diameter, the fastener determines a second cross-sectional diameter, and the second cross-sectional diameter is smaller than the first cross-sectional diameter.

6. The nozzle clamp according to claim 5, wherein the fastener includes a head portion that determines a third cross-sectional diameter larger than the first cross-sectional diameter of the bore.

7. The nozzle clamp according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the main body faces the bore of the arm.

8. The nozzle clamp includes steel, The fastener includes threads, the bore includes complementary threads inside, and the threads on the fastener are configured to engage with the threads on the bore. The nozzle clamp according to claim 1, wherein the projection on the arm is a first projection, the arm includes a second projection spaced apart from the first projection, and the second projection is configured to contact the nozzle.

9. The nozzle clamp according to claim 1, wherein the holding surface of the head is positioned between the second surface of the main body and the bore of the arm.

10. A coating assembly for applying a material to a substrate, Housing and A dispensing assembly configured to receive material from a material source and dispense the material, A nozzle is configured to be fixed to the housing and to receive the material from the dispensing assembly and to dispense the material, A nozzle clamp configured to fix the nozzle to the housing, The nozzle clamp is equipped with, A body comprising a first surface configured to contact the housing, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, An arm is pivotally connected to the main body and configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the main body, The arm is equipped with, A bore that penetrates the aforementioned arm, A projection extending from the arm and configured to contact the nozzle, The nozzle clamp includes, The arm further comprises a single fastener movable within the bore, the fastener including a head having a contact surface and a retaining surface opposite the contact surface at its first end, the contact surface configured to contact the second surface of the body, and the retaining surface configured to contact the arm to prevent the fastener from being completely removed from the bore. The nozzle clamp is movable between the first configuration and the second configuration. When the nozzle clamp is in the first configuration, the contact surface of the head of the fastener is in contact with the second surface of the main body so that the arm cannot pivotally rotate relative to the main body. In the case where the nozzle clamp is in the second configuration, the applicator assembly is characterized in that the contact surface of the head of the fastener does not contact the second surface of the body so that the arm can pivotally rotate relative to the body, and the holding surface of the head contacts the arm so as to prevent the head from entering the bore.

11. The applicator assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a heater configured to heat the material moving within the applicator assembly.

12. The applicator assembly according to claim 10, wherein the nozzle clamp is made of steel.

13. The applicator assembly according to claim 10, wherein the fastener includes threads, the bore includes complementary threads inside, and the threads on the fastener are configured to engage with the threads on the bore.

14. The applicator assembly according to claim 10, wherein the projection on the arm is a first projection, the arm includes a second projection spaced apart from the first projection, and the second projection is configured to contact the nozzle.

15. The applicator assembly according to claim 10, wherein the bore determines a first cross-sectional diameter, the fastener determines a second cross-sectional diameter, and the second cross-sectional diameter is smaller than the first cross-sectional diameter.

16. The applicator assembly according to claim 15, wherein the fastener includes a head portion that determines a third cross-sectional diameter larger than the first cross-sectional diameter of the bore.

17. The applicator assembly according to claim 10, wherein the second surface of the main body faces the bore of the arm.

18. The nozzle clamp includes steel, The fastener includes threads, the bore includes complementary threads inside, and the threads on the fastener are configured to engage with the threads on the bore. The applicator assembly according to claim 10, wherein the projection on the arm is a first projection, the arm includes a second projection spaced apart from the first projection, and the second projection is configured to contact the nozzle.

19. The applicator assembly according to claim 10, wherein the holding surface of the head is positioned between the second surface of the main body and the bore of the arm.

Images