Universal air close module for use with adhesive dispensing systems

Abstract

An air close dispensing module for use with an adhesive dispensing system is provided. In one embodiment, the module includes a module body with a first outer surface, the first outer surface having a primary air port, a secondary air port, and a liquid port. The first outer surface may also include a recess disposed about the secondary air port, the recess including a substantially circular portion extending around at least a portion of an opening in the secondary air port and a recessed vent portion configured to provide fluid communication from the opening in the secondary air port to a second outer surface of the module body.

Description

UNIVERSAL AIR CLOSE MODULE FOR USE WITH ADHESIVE DISPENSING SYSTEMSRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 541,587, filed on September 29, 2023, and entitled Universal Air Close Module for use with Adhesive Dispensing Systems, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.RELATED TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The disclosure relates to a dispensing module for use with an adhesive dispensing system. Specifically, the disclosure relates to an air-close module that may be used with either a spring close or air close manifold in an adhesive dispensing system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Viscous liquids or fluids, such as hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic materials, may be applied by dispensers to a surface of a substrate in a variety of dispensing applications employed in the manufacture of products and product packaging. Many thermoplastic materials exist in a solid form at room or ambient temperature and must be heated to create a flowable viscous liquid. If supplied in a solid form, the material may be placed in a holding tank having heated walls and may be melted by heating the solid material above its melting point to form a viscous liquid.

[0004] The viscous liquid is pumped in a molten state under pressure from the holding tank through a supply conduit to a manifold block, sometimes referred to as a gun manifold or gun body. The manifold block may have one or more liquid passageways connected in fluid communication with the dispensing orifice of one or more dispensing modules.

[0005] The dispensing modules are typically connected to the gun manifold by way of screws or bolts that extend through the module and into threaded holes in the face of thegun manifold. Typically, the dispensing modules are eitherL‘air-close’?or “spring-close’?in design. That is. that the mechanism or valve that effectuates the closure of the dispensing module is either operated pneumatically (by air) or mechanically (by a spring assembly). And, in general, a module that is air-close must be used with an air-close gun manifold, which is specifically designed to allow air to vent from the face of the module to the atmosphere and a module that is spring-close must be used with a spring-close gun manifold.

[0006] It is not uncommon to replace the module of dispensing systems, while the gun manifold may last for the life of the applicator or gun. Because it has been found that airclose modules have superior performance to spring close modules, it would be beneficial to have an air close module that could be used on either an air close gun manifold or a spring close gun manifold, simplifying the types of parts needed and improving the overall performance of the replacement modules.SUMMARY

[0007] An air close dispensing module for use with an adhesive dispensing system is provided. In one embodiment, the module is configured to dispense an adhesive composition and is configured to be opened and closed using air-actuation. The module includes a module body with a first outer surface, the first outer surface having a primary air port, a secondary air port, and a liquid port. The first outer surface may also include a recess disposed about the secondary air port, the recess including a substantially circular portion extending around at least a portion of an opening in the secondary air port and a recessed vent portion configured to provide fluid communication from the opening in the secondary air port to a second outer surface of the module body.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first outer surface further includes a second recess disposed about the primary port and a third recess disposed about the liquid port. Therecesses in the first outer surface of the module may be configured to receive O-rings within each of the recesses.

[0009] In another embodiment, the module further includes a set of connection bolts configured to removably attach the module to a gun manifold.

[0010] In another embodiment, the module further includes at least a first and second O-ring, and the second recess and the third recess are configured to receive the first and second O-rings. The module may also include a third O-ring configured to be received within the first recess around the secondary air port.

[0011] In another embodiment, an adhesive dispensing system including either a spring close or air close gun manifold; and an air close dispensing module is provided. In this embodiment, the module includes a module body having a first outer surface with a primary air port, a secondary7air port, and a liquid port; and wherein the first outer surface has a recess disposed about the secondary7air port having a substantially circular portion extending around at least a portion of an opening in the secondary air port and a recessed vent portion configured to provide fluid communication from the opening in the secondary air port to a second outer surface of the module body.

[0012] In another embodiment, a method for venting air from an air close dispensing module to an ambient atmosphere is provided. The method includes providing either a spring close or air close providing a gun manifold and an air close dispensing module. In this embodiment, the air close dispensing module includes a module body having a first outer surface, the first outer surface having a primary air port, a secondary^ air port, and a liquid port; and wherein the first outer surface includes a recess disposed about the secondary air port. In one embodiment, the recess includes a substantially circular portion extending around at least a portion of an opening in the secondary air port and a recessedvent portion configured to provide fluid communication from the opening in the secondary air port to a second outer surface of the module body.

[0013] The method may further include attaching the air close dispensing module to either the spring close or air close gun manifold by positioning at least a portion of the first outer surface of the module against an outer surface of the gun manifold; and expelling air from the secondary air port.

[0014] In one embodiment, the gun manifold is a spring close gun manifold, and the air is expelled from the secondary' air port to the ambient atmosphere through the recessed vent portion.

[0015] In another embodiment, the gun manifold is an air close gun manifold, and the air close dispensing module includes an O-ring disposed within the substantially circular portion of the recess around the secondary air port. In this embodiment, the method includes expelling air from the secondary' air port through an opening in the air close gun manifold.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIGURE 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of an adhesive dispensing assembly;

[0017] FIGURE 2 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an air-close dispensing module;

[0018] FIGURE 3 is a rear view of the air-close dispensing module of FIGURE 2;

[0019] FIGURE 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the air-close dispensing module;

[0020] FIGURE 5 is a rear view of the air-close dispensing module of FIGURE 4;

[0021] FIGURE 6 is a right side view of the air-close dispensing module of FIGURE 4;

[0022] FIGURE 7 is a top view of the air-close dispensing module of FIGURE 4;

[0023] FIGURE 8 is a botom view of the air-close dispensing module of FIGURE 4;

[0024] FIGURE 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a prior-art dispensing module affixed to a spring-close gun manifold; and

[0025] FIGURE 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the air-close dispensing module of FIGURE 2 affixed to a spring-close gun manifold.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment, an adhesive dispensing system 100 includes a gun manifold 102 connected to a dispensing module 104. This system 100 is typically connected to a source of melted adhesive (not shown) and a pressurized air source (not shown). In packaging applications, the system 100 may be mounted and a substrate moves in relation the system; in other applications, the system 100 is mounted on a movable platform and controlled by a robot or other automated positioning system.

[0027] In one embodiment, the gun manifold 102 includes a substantially planar face 106 that is connectedly atached to a corresponding outer surface 108 (Figure 2) of the dispensing module 104. In one embodiment, the dispensing module 104 may include a nozzle 110 through which adhesive may be dispensed.

[0028] The gun manifold 102 may typically be connected to a source of pressurized air and pressurized liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, at its proximal end. As such, the manifold 102 may include at least a first and second passageway that communicate the air and liquid from the manifold 102 to the dispensing module 104. It should be understood that existing gun manifolds may be specifically designed to communicate with either an air-close or spring close dispensing module. Therefore, it should be understood that the manifold 102 may include one or more passageways for air and / or one or more passageways for liquid, depending upon the design of the dispensing system 100.

[0029] In one example of a manifold 102, a first passageway (not shown) may provide pressurized air to a corresponding passageway in the module 104. Similarly, a second passageway (not shown) provides liquid to a corresponding passageway in the module 104. In addition to these passageways, the manifold 102 may include a number of other passageways.

[0030] Referring now to Figures 2-9, in various embodiments, an air-open / air-close module 104 for use in an adhesive dispensing system is provided. The module is configured to be capable of being used with both an air-close manifold and a spring-close manifold. The air-close dispensing module 104 may include a module body 116 with an outer surface 108 and a set of connection bolts 118a,b configured to removably attach the module 104 to the gun manifold 102. In one embodiment, the bolts 118a, b are slidably disposed through the module body 116. In another embodiment, the bolts 118a,b are integrally formed to the module body 116.

[0031] As discussed above, in one embodiment of the module 104, multiple passageways may be formed within the module body 116, including an air passageway terminating in a primary air port 112. The air passageway is configured to receive pressurized air from the corresponding air passageway in the manifold 102 through the primary air port 112. The module 104 also includes a liquid passageway terminating in liquid port 114, which is in fluid communication with the liquid passageway from the manifold 102, allowing the flow of adhesive material from the manifold 102 into the module 104 using known methods. The module 104 may also include a dispensing chamber that receives the air and the liquid, respectively, from the manifold via the aforementioned passageways. From the dispensing chamber, the liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, iscontrollably released through a dispensing orifice, such as a nozzle, typically by air actuation.

[0032] In addition, a second air passageway may be formed within the module body 116. terminating in secondary air port 120, which is configured to expel air from the airclose module 104 as the module 104 operates to dispense adhesive material.

[0033] The ports 112, 114, and 120 are disposed along and are recessed within outer surface 108. As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 10, each port sits within a circular, or substantially circular recess. In on embodiment, the module 102 further includes O-rings 122, 124 configured to be capable of being disposed within each recess and around each port 112, 114, and 120, respective.

[0034] Referring specifically to secondary air port 120, in one embodiment, the recess 128 disposed about the secondary air port 120 extends substantially around the opening in secondary' air port 120. In this embodiment, the recess 128 includes a vent 130 that provides fluid communication from the secondary air port 120 to the exterior of the module 102. As shown in Figure 2, the vent 130 is positioned to vent air in an upwards direction, however, it should be understood that the vent 130 may direct the air to the sides or bottom of the module body 116, or through the module body 116 itself, so long as the air expelled from secondary air port 120 in the module 102 may escape to the outside atmosphere when connected to the gun manifold 102.

[0035] Referring now- to Figures 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the air-close module 104 may include a cap 132 that is fastened to the top of the module body 116 with a set of screwtype fasteners 134 and 136. The cap 132 may include a base plate 138 and a round plunger 140 disposed through the top of the base plate 138. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in 4-7, the base plate and plunger may be replaced with an integral cap 132, formed of asingle piece of material, and similarly fastened to the top of the module body 116 with a set of screws. It should be understood that the cap 132 may take various shapes.

[0036] In certain circumstances, it may be desirable to replace an existing dispensing module, rather than replace an entire dispensing system. Typically, there are two types of modules, an air-open / air-close module design and an air-open / spring-close design. In some embodiments, air-open / air-close modules include an air port that is unnecessary for the air- open / spring-close module designs. As such, gun manifolds that are designed to be used with the air-open / spring-close modules are not designed to accommodate the additional air port. So existing air close modules may not be interchangeable with gun manifolds designed to be used with spring close modules, as shown in Figure 9.

[0037] Figure 9 is a side, cross-sectional view of a traditional air close module 200 attached to a spring close manifold 202. Figure 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the universal air close module 104 described above attached to a spring close manifold 202 (i.e. a gun manifold designed to be used with a traditional spring close module). In use, the O-ring configured to sit within recess 128 is removed. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when in use, the outer surfaces of the modules 200 and 104 are disposed flush with the planar surface of the gun manifold 202, with the primary' air port and the liquid ports of the modules in fluid communication with the corresponding passageways in the manifold (not shown).

[0038] When air is vented through the secondary air port 204 in the traditional air close module 200, it is blocked by the planar surface of the manifold 202 (Figure 9). So, the traditional air close module 200 is not compatible with a spring close manifold 202. However, as shown in Figure 10, when air is vented from the secondary air port 120, it flow's up through the vent 130 and is exhausted to the atmosphere outside the module 104, makingthe universal air close module 104 compatible to be used with an existing spring close gun manifold 202.

[0039] This written description sets forth the best mode of carrying out the invention and describes the invention so as to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, by presenting examples of the elements recited in the claims. The detailed descriptions of those elements do not impose limitations that are not recited in the claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

Claims1. An air close dispensing module for use with an adhesive dispensing system, wherein the air-close dispensing module is configured to dispense an adhesive composition and is configured to be opened and closed using air-actuation; and wherein the air close dispensing module comprises: an air-close module body comprising a first outer surface, the first outer surface having a primary air port, a secondary' air port, and a liquid port; and wherein the first outer surface comprises a recess disposed about the secondary air port, the recess comprising a substantially circular portion extending around at least a portion of an opening in the secondary air port and a recessed vent portion configured to provide fluid communication from the opening in the secondary air port to a second outer surface of the module body.

2. The air close dispensing module of claim 1, wherein the first outer surface further comprises a second recess disposed about the primary air port and a third recess disposed about the liquid port.

3. The air close dispensing module of claim 2, wherein the recesses in the first outer surface of the module are configured to receive O-rings within each of the recesses.

4. The air close dispensing module of claim 1, wherein the module further comprises a set of connection bolts configured to removably attach the module to a gun manifold.

5. The air close dispensing module of claim 2, wherein the module further comprises at least a first and second O-ring, and wherein the second recess and the third recess are configured to receive the first and second O-rings.

6. The air close dispensing module of claim 5, wherein the module further comprises a third O-ring, and wherein the first recess is configured to receive the third Ciring.

7. An adhesive dispensing system comprising: a gun manifold; and an air close dispensing module configured to dispense an adhesive composition and to be opened and closed using air-actuation, the air close module comprising: a module body comprising a first outer surface, the first outer surface having a primary' air port, a secondary' air port, and a liquid port; and wherein the first outer surface comprises a recess disposed about the secondary air port, the recess comprising a substantially circular portion extending around at least a portion of an opening in the secondary' air port and a recessed vent portion configured to provide fluid communication from the opening in the secondary' air port to a second outer surface of the module body.

8. The adhesive dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the first outer surface of the dispensing module further comprises a second recess disposed about the primary' port and a third recess disposed about the liquid port.

9. The adhesive dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the recesses in the first outer surface of the module are configured to receive O-rings within each of the recesses.

10. The adhesive dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the dispensing module further comprises a set of connection bolts configured to removably attach the module to a gun manifold.

11. The adhesive dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the dispensing module further comprises at least a first and second O-ring, and wherein the second recess and the third recess are configured to receive the first and second O-rings.

12. The adhesive dispensing system of claim 11, wherein the dispensing module further comprises a third O-ring, and wherein the first recess is configured to receive the third O-ring.

13. The adhesive dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the gun manifold is a spring close gun manifold.

14. The adhesive dispensing system of claim 13, wherein the air close dispensing module is configured to be used with the spring close gun manifold.

15. The adhesive dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the gun manifold is an air close gun manifold.

16. The adhesive dispensing system of claim 15, wherein the air close dispensing module is configured to be used with the air close gun manifold.

17. A method for venting air from an air close dispensing module to an ambient atmosphere, wh erein the method comprises: providing a gun manifold; providing an air close dispensing module configured to dispense an adhesive composition and to be opened and closed using air-actuation; the air close module comprising: a module body comprising a first outer surface, the first outer surface having a primary air port, a secondary air port, and a liquid port; and wherein the first outer surface comprises a recess disposed about the secondary air port, the recess comprising a substantially circular portion extending aroundat least a portion of an opening in the secondary air port and a recessed vent portion configured to provide fluid communication from the opening in the secondary air port to a second outer surface of the module body: attaching the air close dispensing module to the gun manifold by positioning at least a portion of the first outer surface of the module against an outer surface of the gun manifold; and expelling air from the secondary' air port.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the gun manifold is a spring close gun manifold and wherein the method further comprises expelling air from the secondary air port to the ambient atmosphere through the recessed vent portion.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the gun manifold is an air close gun manifold and wherein the air close dispensing module further comprises an O-ring disposed within the substantially circular portion of the recess around the secondary air port.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises expelling air from the secondary air port through an opening in the air close gun manifold.

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