Quick connect mounting assembly for use with hot melt applicator solenoid valve

Abstract

A mounting assembly capable of connecting a solenoid valve to a hot melt applicator. A mounting assembly body with a proximal portion, an elongated central portion, and a distal portion. A clamp having a flared end portion; the clamp being configured to be affixed to the proximal portion of the body with the flared end disposed toward the elongated central portion of the body. An L-shaped catch with a flange disposed toward the top of a catch main body and a threaded opening through the catch main body. A clamping screw having a threaded portion; wherein the clamping screw is configured to be disposed in the distal portion of the mounting assembly body and move the catch from a first, locked, position to a second, unlocked position, by turning it in a first direction.

Description

QUICK CONNECT MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH HOT MELT APPLICATOR SOLENOID VALVERELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 568,205, entitled Quick Connect Mounting Assembly for Use with Hot Melt Applicator Solenoid Valve, filed on March 21, 2024, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.RELATED TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The disclosure relates to a solenoid valve mounting assembly for use with a hot melt applicator. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a quick connect mounting assembly configured to connect a solenoid valve to a hot melt applicator.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many hot melt applicators for the packaging market are pneumatically actuated. Solenoid valves may be used to control the compressed air necessary for the use of the applicator and are usually connected to the applicator with metal tubing or with rigid pipe. Typically, replacing a solenoid valve requires disassembly of the valve from the tubes or pipes. Under ideal conditions, this is a is time consuming and laborious job. In confined installations where there is not adequate space to access the fittings, it can become very difficult.

[0004] It would be beneficial to provide an easier way to attach and remove a solenoid valve to an applicator without requiring much room for access or a number of tools.SUMMARY

[0005] In one embodiment, a mounting assembly capable of connecting a solenoid valve to a hot melt applicator is provided. In one embodiment, the mounting assembly includes a mounting assembly body with a proximal portion, an elongated central portion, and a distal portion. The mounting assembly may also include a clamp having a flared end portion, theclamp being configured to be affixed to the proximal portion of the body with the flared end disposed toward the elongated central portion of the body.

[0006] The assembly may also include an L-shaped catch with a flange disposed toward the top of a catch main body and a threaded opening through the catch main body. The assembly may also include a clamping screw having a threaded portion; wherein the clamping screw is configured to be disposed in the distal portion of the mounting assembly body. The clamping screw may also include a head, a neck, a shank, and a retaining ring receiving portion disposed between the neck and a chamfer.

[0007] In one embodiment the mounting assembly further comprises a retaining ring configured to be disposed within the retaining ring receiving portion of the clamping screw, enabling the clamping screw to be removably affixed to the distal portion of the mounting assembly body when the shank is inserted through a first opening the distal portion of the body.

[0008] The threaded portion of the clamping screw may include a left-handed thread which is disposed about a central portion of a shank of the clamping screw.

[0009] In one embodiment, the mounting assembly further includes a wedge block comprising a first fluted end portion, a second fluted end portion, and at least one air port; wherein the wedge block is configured to be removably affixed to the base of the solenoid valve.

[0010] The mounting assembly may also include at least one tubular member extending between the elongated central portion of the mounting assembly body and a mounting pedestal. An inner passage withing the at least one tubular member may be configured to facilitate fluid communication between the hot melt applicator and the solenoid valve.

[0011] In another embodiment, a method of attaching a solenoid valve to a hot melt applicator is provided. In this embodiment, the method includes providing a mounting assembly in an unlocked position, the assembly including a mounting assembly body having a proximal portion, an elongated central portion, and a distal portion; a clamp including a substantially flat base and a flared end portion and configured to be affixed to the proximal portion of the mounting assembly body with the flared end disposed toward the elongated central portion of the body. The assembly may also include a catch comprising a flange disposed toward the top of a catch main body; wherein the catch main body further includes a threaded opening therethrough, and a clamping screw comprising a threaded portion. The catch may be generally configured to be disposed in the distal portion of the mounting assembly body.

[0012] The method may also include attaching a wedge block with a first fluted end portion, a second fluted end portion, and at least one air-port to a base portion of the solenoid valve; positioning the wedge block within the mounting assembly body by fitting the first fluted end between the flared end portion of the clamp and the elongated central portion of the mounting assembly body; and moving the mounting assembly body from the unlocked position to a locked position by turning the clamping screw in a first direction and moving the flange of the catch over the second fluted end of the wedge block.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a solenoid valve mounted to a quick connect mounting assembly;

[0014] FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of the solenoid valve and mounting assembly of FIGURE 1;

[0015] FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a solenoid valve connected to a hot melt applicator with a quick connect mounting assembly;

[0016] FIGURE 4 is perspective view of multiple solenoid valves connected to a hot melt applicator using quick connect mounting assemblies;

[0017] FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of a solenoid valve and a wedge block configured to be used with the quick connect mounting assembly;

[0018] FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view of a solenoid valve attached to w edge block and a quick connect mounting assembly.

[0019] FIGURE 7 A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the quick connect mounting assembly;

[0020] FIGURE 7B is a perspective view' of another embodiment of the quick connect mounting assembly;

[0021] FIGURE 8 is a side view7of one embodiment of a clamping screw;

[0022] FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping screw of FIGURE 8;

[0023] FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a mounting ring;

[0024] FIGURE 11 is a front view7of one embodiment of a clamp;

[0025] FIGURE 12 is a side view' of the clamp of FIGURE 11;

[0026] FIGURE 13 is a perspective view' of one embodiment of a catch;

[0027] FIGURE 14 is a side cross-sectional view' of one embodiment of a solenoid valve connected to a quick connect mounting assembly in an unlocked position;

[0028] FIGURE 15A is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a solenoid valve connected to a quick connect mounting assembly in a locked position; and

[0029] FIGURE 15B is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a solenoid valve connected to a quick connect mounting assembly in a locked position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, solenoid valves 10 may be used to provide the pneumatic actuation, i.e. compressed air, to a hot melt applicator 12. In one embodiment, a quick connect mounting assembly 14 is provided to facilitate the connection of the valve 10 to the applicator 12 without the need for disassembling the metal tubing that traditionally connects the two components. In this embodiment, the metal tubing 16 may be integrally formed or permanently connected to the mounting assembly 14. It should be appreciated that the metal tubing 16 may also be formed separately from the mounting assembly 14. However, in either embodiment, the mounting assembly 14 enables the tubing 16 to remain in place and connected to the applicator 12 while the solenoid valve 10 is replaced or repaired.

[0031] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the quick connect mounting assembly 14 maybe used to connect a solenoid valve 10 to a hot melt applicator (not shown) via a pair of metal tubes 16. In one embodiment, the mounting assembly 14 may include a mounting block (or w edge block) 18 that is removably affixed to the base of the solenoid valve 10, as shown in Figure 2. In one embodiment, the wedge block 18 may be made, molded, or formed of a plastic material, however it should be understood that the wedge block 18 may be made of any suitable material for the conditions to which it will be subjected. In another embodiment, the wedge block 18 is integrally formed as part of the solenoid valve 10 and constructed of the same or different material as that of the valve 10 body.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the wedge block 18 may be configured to include a first fluted end 20 and a second fluted end 22, each extending laterally from a central block portion 24. The central block 24 may also include a set of air ports 26a and 26b that are configured to provide a fluid channel from the air ports (not shown) at the base of thesolenoid valve 10. In one embodiment, a pair of O-rings 28a and 28b may be provided to seal the connection between the wedge block 18 and the valve 10. In one embodiment, the wedge block 18 may be removably affixed to the valve 10 using a set of screws 30a and 30b disposed through a corresponding pair of openings 32a and 32b disposed through the central block 24.

[0033] It should be understood that the solenoid valve 10 may be manufactured with the necessary attachment holes and air ports to mate with the air ports 26. holes 32 and screw s 30 in the wedge block 18 or the valve 10 may be retrofitted to meet the necessary attachment specifications using known manufacturing techniques.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the wedge block 18 is configured to fit within the mounting assembly 14 and be locked into place therein using a clamping screw 34, a catch 36, and a clamp 38 disposed within the mounting assembly 14. When locked into place, the wedge block 18 secures the solenoid valve 10 to the mounting assembly 14, and also to the metal tubing 16, and provides fluid communication from the valve 10 to the applicator (not shown) through the wedge block 18, the mounting assembly 14, the tubing 16.

[0035] Referring now to Figures 7A and 7B, the quick connect mounting assembly may include a mounting assembly body 40 that is integrally formed with a pair metal tubing members 16a and 16b and a mounting pedestal 42. In one embodiment, the mounting assembly body 40 may include a proximal portion 44, an elongated central portion 46, and a distal portion 48. The body 40 may also be bounded by an outer rim 50 that extends upw ardly from a body base 52. The mounting assembly body 40, tubing members 16, and pedestal 42 configured to be affixed to the applicator (not shown). The mounting assembly body 40, tubing members 16, and pedestal 42 may be formed of a metal material, such as aluminum, steel, thermoset and thermoplastic polymers, other suitable materials, orcombinations thereof. They may be integrally formed as a single component or may be made separately and affixed to one another using any known attachment techniques, such as adhesive, soldering, welding, brazing, threading, press fit. and pinning.

[0036] As shown in Figure 7A and 7B. the body base 52 may include a set of openings 54a and 54b, sealed by a set of O-rings, providing access to the internal surfaces of the tubing members 16.

[0037] In addition to the mounting body 40, the metal tubing members 16, and the pedestal 42, the quick connect mounting assembly body 14 may also include locking components configured to secure the wedge block 18 (not shown) within the mounting assembly body 14. As shown in Figure 7A and 7B, the locking components may include a clamping screw 34, a catch 36, and a clamp 38.

[0038] In one embodiment, the clamp 38 may include be disposed at the proximal portion or end 44 of the mounting assembly body 40. It may be formed of a metal material that is the same or different from the material used to form the mounting assembly body 40. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 7A, 11 and 12, the clamp 38 may include a substantially flat base 56 and a flared end portion 58. In one embodiment, the flared end portion 58 is flared at an angle A of about 15° from the surface of the body base 52 of the mounting assembly body (See Figure 12). However, it should be understood that the flared end portion 58, may be positioned at any angle relative to the body base 52 that is sufficient to accommodate the insertion of the first fluted end 20 of the wedge block 18. For example, it is contemplated that the flared end 58 may be substantially parallel with, but spaced apart from, the body base 52 of the mounting assembly body 14. In this embodiment, it is possible that at least the first fluted foot 20 may extend from the end of the w edge block 18 at about a 90° angle and fit beneath the flared end portion 58.100391 The clamp 38 may be secured to the body base 52 with an attachment screw 60 or other suitable attachment mechanisms or means. In one embodiment, the attachment screw 60 is disposed through an opening 62 in the substantially flat base 56 and a corresponding opening in the proximal portion of the body base 52. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGURES 7B and 15B, the clamp may be integrally formed with the mounting assembly body 40. In this embodiment the clamp 38 may include flared portion 58 integrally formed in the proximal portion 44 of the assembly, which is spaced apart from the body base 52. The integrally formed flared portion 58 is configured to accommodate the first fluted end 20, as shown in Figure 15B. In this embodiment, the clamp 38 will be made of the same material as the mounting assembly body 40.

[0040] As shown in Figures 7A, 7B,and 13, the catch 36 may be formed of a suitable metallic material. It may be formed in the shape of an “L” or a “7”, with a flange 64 extending at a substantially perpendicular angle from the catch main body 66. The catch 36 may also include a threaded opening 68 disposed through the catch main body 66. As shown in Figure 7, the catch 36 is configured to be disposed within the distal portion 48 of the mounting assembly body 40.

[0041] In one embodiment, the mounting assembly body 40 includes an opening 70 in the outer rim 50, at its distal , that is configured to be aligned with the threaded opening 68 in the catch 36, and a second opening 72 disposed through an inner wall 74 of the elongated central portion 46.

[0042] Finally, the locking components may also include a clamping screw 34 that is configured to be disposed through the opening 70 in the distal end of the outer rim 50, threaded through the threaded opening 68 in the catch 3 , and the second opening 72 through the inner wall of the elongated central portion 46. In use the clamping screw 34 isconfigured to move the catch 36 from a first (unlocked) position to a second (locked) position as it is turned in a first direction (See also Figure 14) and from the second (locked) position to the first (unlocked) position as it is turned in a second direction (See also Figures 15A and B).

[0043] Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, the clamping screw 34. moving longitudinally from one end to the other, includes a head 76, a neck portion 78, a retaining ring receiving portion 80, a chamfer 82. a shank 84, and a threaded portion 86 disposed about the shank 84. In one embodiment, the threaded portion 86 is a left-handed thread, so that when the clamping screw 34 is turned in a clockwise direction, it moves the catch 36 from an unlocked position to a locked position. And, when turned in a counterclockwise direction, moves the catch 36 from a locked position to an unlocked position, as will be further described with reference to Figures 14 and 15 A and B.

[0044] The clamping screw 34 may be rotatably secured to the mounting assembly body 40 with a retaining ring 88, as shown in Figures 7, 10, 14, 15A and 15B. In use, when the clamping screw 34 is placed through the opening 70, the retaining ring 88 may be snap fitted around the screw 34 within the retaining ring receiving portion 80. The screw 34 may then rotate freely within the mounting assembly body 40, with the head 76 of the screw 34 on the outside of the mounting assembly body 40 and the shank 84 and threaded portion 86 within the distal portion 48. The screw 34 may then be further stabilized by inserting the end opposite the head 76 within the opening 72 in the inner wall 74 of the elongated central portion of the body 40, as shown in Figures 14, 15 A, and 15B .

[0045] Referring now to Figures 14, 15A and 15B, the solenoid valve 10 may be removably secured to the metal tubing 16 and the applicator (not shown) using the quick connect mounting assembly 14. When in an unlock position (Figure 14), the first fluted end20 of the wedge block 18 is placed under the flared end 58 of the clamp 38, positioning the wedge block 18 within the mounting assembly body 40. The openings 54a and 54b within the body base 52 are aligned with the corresponding air ports 26a and 26b of the wedge block 18 and air ports 90a and 90b the valve 10, providing fluid communication from the valve 10 to the applicator attached to the pedestal 42 of the mounting assembly 14.

[0046] The wedge block 18 may be locked in to place by turning the clamping screw 34 in a first direction (for example, clockwise). When the screw 34 is turned, the threaded portion 86 of the screw 34, which has been threaded through the threaded opening 68 (Figures 7 A and 13) in the main body 66 of the catch 36, moves the catch 36 from a first position (unlocked) laterally to a second position (locked) (as shown in Figures 15A and B). In the second position, the flange 64 will be moved to a position over the second fluted end 22 of the wedge block 18.

[0047] In this embodiment, the user may employ a single tool, a wrench configured to fit within the head 76 of the clamping screw, 34 to open and close the mounting assembly 14 and repair or replace a valve that would otherwise require the disassembly of many additional parts.

[0048] 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. A mounting assembly capable of connecting a solenoid valve to a hot melt applicator, the mounting assembly comprising: a mounting assembly body comprising a proximal portion, an elongated central portion, and a distal portion; a clamp comprising an end portion; wherein the clamp is configured to be in the proximal portion of the body with the end portion extending toward the elongated central portion of the body and spaced apart from a body base of the mounting assembly body; a catch comprising a flange disposed toward the top of a catch main body; wherein the catch main body further comprises a threaded opening therethrough; and a clamping screw comprising a threaded portion and configured to be disposed in the distal portion of the mounting assembly body.

2. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamping screw further comprises a head, a neck, a shank, and a retaining ring receiving portion disposed between the neck and a chamfer.

3. The mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises a retaining ring configured to be disposed within the retaining ring receiving portion of the clamping screw.

4. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the threaded portion of the clamping screw comprises a left-handed thread and is disposed about a central portion of a shank of the clamping screw.

5. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises a wedge block comprising a first fluted end portion, a second fluted end portion,and at least one air port; wherein the wedge block is configured to be affixed to the base of the solenoid valve.

6. The mounting assembly of claim 5. wherein the end portion of the clamp is a flared end portion extending toward the elongated central portion at an angle from the body base of the mounting assembly body.

7. The mounting assembly of claim 6, wherein the clamp is removably affixed to the body base of the mounting assembly body.

8. The mounting assembly of claim 6. wherein the clamp is integrally formed withing the proximal portion of the mounting assembly body.

9. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises at least one tubular member extending between the elongated central portion and a mounting pedestal.

10. The mounting assembly of claim 9, wherein an inner passage within the at least one tubular member is configured to facilitate fluid communication between a hot melt applicator and the solenoid valve.

11. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp further comprises a substantially flat base that is configured to be adjoined to the body base of the mounting assembly body.

12. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp is integrally formed in the proximal portion of the mounting assembly body.

13. A method of attaching a solenoid valve to a hot melt applicator comprises: providing a mounting assembly in an unlocked position, the assembly comprising:a mounting assembly body having a proximal portion, an elongated central portion, and a distal portion; a clamp comprising an end portion; wherein the clamp is configured to be in the proximal portion of the body with the end portion extending toward the elongated central portion of the body and spaced apart from a body base of the mounting assembly body; a catch comprising a flange disposed toward the top of a catch main body; wherein the catch main body further comprises a threaded opening therethrough; and a clamping screw comprising a threaded portion and configured to be disposed in the distal portion of the mounting assembly body; attaching a wedge block comprising a first fluted end portion, a second fluted end portion, and at least one air port to a base portion of the solenoid valve; positioning the wedge block within the mounting assembly body by fitting the first fluted end between the end portion of the clamp and a body base of the mounting assembly body; and moving the mounting assembly body from the unlocked position to a locked position by turning the clamping screw in a first direction to move the flange of the catch to a position over the second fluted end of the wedge block.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the clamping screw further comprises a head, a neck, a shank, and a retaining ring receiving portion disposed between the neck and a chamfer.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises a retaining ring configured to be disposed within the retaining ring receiving portion of the clamping screw.

16. The method of claim 13. wherein the threaded portion of the clamping screw comprises a left-handed thread and is disposed about a central portion of a shank of the clamping screw.

17. The method of claim 13. wherein the end portion of the clamp is a flared end portion extending toward the elongated central portion at an angle from the body base of the mounting assembly body.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the clamp is integrally formed withing the proximal portion of the mounting assembly body.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the mounting assembly further comprises at least one tubular member extending between the elongated central portion and a mounting pedestal.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein an inner passage within the at least one tubular member is configured to facilitate fluid communication between a hot melt applicator and the solenoid valve.

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