Pellet loading system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adhesive pellet loading system (1) that can be secured to the upper part (9) of a molten adhesive tank (4) of a melter unit (2) comprising a supply duct (16) supplying adhesive in the form of pellets from an adhesive reservoir (13) to said tank (4). The pellet loading system is characterised in that it comprises an elongate inlet duct (5) having a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the supply duct (16). The supply duct (16) is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inlet duct (5) so that the outlet of said supply duct (16) opens into the inlet duct (5). The inlet duct (5) can be secured to the upper part (9) of the tank (4) to load pellets into the tank (4).

Description

[0001]

[0002] GRAND LOADING SYSTEM TECHNIQUE SECTOR

[0003] The present invention relates to the industry dedicated to the installation of adhesive application equipment, and more specifically to the technical sector of adhesive melting equipment and the feeding of the same with granule-shaped adhesive in order to have an efficient and automatic feeding system.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The use of automatic granule feeding systems for adhesives is a common practice in many installations where manual loading of the adhesive into the melter is not possible. An automatic loading system is installed that activates the granule feeding system based on the adhesive level in the melter's tank. This ensures that the maximum and minimum granule quantities in the tank are controlled, guaranteeing a constant supply of melted adhesive for uninterrupted machine operation.

[0006] The granule feeder consists of a granule "vacuum" located at one end of a flexible hose that is inserted into the bag of granulated adhesive, and the other end that is inserted into an opening in the lid or top of the tank. When the "vacuum" is activated by a signal from an adhesive detector inside the tank, the granules are drawn from the bag or bucket of adhesive into the tank, where they settle onto the melted adhesive.

[0007] Conventional granule loading systems have the drawback of adhesive accumulating on the lid and walls of the hopper due to vapors and splashes. When granules are loaded, the hopper is initially filled with a burst of cold air preceding the arrival of the granules from the hose. If the jet of air entering the hopper containing the molten adhesive strikes the adhesive surface with force, the turbulence and the air expelled from the hopper cause liquid adhesive to splash onto the lid and granule loader. This adhesive accumulates at the granule inlet of the hopper and clogs the granule loader.

[0008] Furthermore, when the hose is directly connected to the molten adhesive tank via an elbow or cap, vapors from the molten adhesive rise to the granule inlet, causing a temperature increase that is highly detrimental to the granule loader. Additionally, the intake of cold air from outside during granule loading causes hot air to escape through the internal filter area, resulting in energy losses in the melting unit.

[0009] Given the described disadvantage or limitation of the existing solutions, a solution is needed that allows automatic feeding of the fuser equipment, but at the same time prevents blockages due to the soiling of the elements that make up the granule loader or energy losses due to the coupling of the loader to the molten adhesive tank.

[0010] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In order to achieve this objective and solve the technical problems discussed so far, as well as provide additional advantages that may be derived later, the present invention provides a system for loading adhesive granules that can be attached to the top of a molten adhesive reservoir of a melting equipment that is fed by a feed conduit from a granule adhesive reservoir to said reservoir, where said granule loading system comprises an elongated inlet conduit with a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed conduit, thus achieving an inlet chamber,the feed duct being arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inlet duct such that the outlet of said feed duct flows into the inlet duct, and said inlet duct being fixable to the top of the tank such that the airflow passes from a smaller section of the feed duct to a larger section of the inlet duct and thus slows down said airflow.

[0012] The inlet duct is preferably cylindrical, matching the geometry of the feed duct, but with a larger diameter. With this configuration, and based on the relationship between flow rate, velocity, and cross-section, both the air velocity in the feed duct and the velocity of the adhesive granules arriving at the tank from the reservoir decrease due to the larger cross-section of the support chamber. This prevents splashing on the lid and walls caused by the impact of air and granules against the molten adhesive. Furthermore, energy losses are reduced because the cooler air arriving from the feed duct to the tank does not directly impact the surface of the molten adhesive, thus lowering its temperature.

[0013] According to a feature of the invention, the inlet duct has a first air outlet at a first end between the outer surface of the feed duct and the inner side surface of the inlet duct, which creates a first chamber and / or a side opening in the inlet duct that defines said first air outlet, thus guiding the air arriving from the feed duct to the outside and preventing it from advancing through the inlet chamber and reaching the inside of the molten adhesive deposit.

[0014] The first end of the inlet duct is understood to be the top of the inlet chamber, taking the vertical axis of the system as a reference, and the second end to be the bottom of the inlet chamber in the direction of the load flow.

[0015] Furthermore, this configuration prevents the gases generated by the adhesive, which contain particles and adhesive residue, from rising through the feed duct and clogging it, since these gases exit through the first end of the inlet duct.

[0016] Preferably, the first air outlet of the inlet duct has a first filter attached to it, configured to prevent solid adhesive particles from escaping. Preferably, this will be a mesh filter.

[0017] According to another feature of the invention, the adhesive granule loading system comprises a second filter that surrounds the outside of the inlet duct and / or the first air outlet, generating a chamber between the outer surface of the inlet duct and the inner surface of the second filter, said second filter defining a second air outlet to the outside.

[0018] This creates an outlet chamber between the first and second air outlets, allowing air to move to the lower area of ​​the second air outlet, thus maximizing the air outlet load from the granule transport hose and directing the air in a controlled manner to the outside.

[0019] Preferably, around the second filter, there is an outlet housing arranged, covering at least partially the camera, on the inside or outside of said second filter.

[0020] Preferably, to improve gas flow and prevent it from being directed towards the inlet tube, the granule loading system has a housing that covers the second air outlet and, by sealing the housing in its upper area, ensures that the filtered air exits through the lower part of the housing, thus preventing the inlet tube from heating up since that filtered air comes out hot from inside the molten adhesive tank.

[0021] Preferably, the second air outlet covers the entire outer surface of the device to have a larger surface area for filtering and air circulation.

[0022] The granule loading system in another feature of the invention comprises a closure flange fixable to the top of the tank and / or to the inlet duct for fixing the feed duct.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, the adhesive granule loading system is characterized in that the feed conduit comprises a hose and / or a hose with an inlet tube fixable to the end of said hose, for fixing to the closing flange.

[0024] Preferably, the adhesive granule loading system comprises a coupling fitting from the feed pipe to the enclosure flange and / or a coupling fitting between the hose and the inlet tube for quick coupling.

[0025] The inlet duct and / or the outlet of the feed duct are arranged perpendicular to the molten adhesive reservoir of the fuser equipment, thus preventing the adhesive particles from hitting the walls and thus preventing them from sticking to them.

[0026] Likewise, the granule loading system includes a first insulating element between the inlet duct and the top of the melting unit's tank. This prevents energy losses caused by the heating of the loading system due to the temperature that the melting unit's chamber must reach to melt the adhesive.

[0027] Additionally, it includes a second insulating element attached to the sealing flange, preventing heat conduction and the escape of air from the inlet duct into the pellet loading system. This prevents the fitting and hose from overheating, thus extending their lifespan. Furthermore, this insulation prevents vapor from escaping from the top, directing the air outwards and passing it over the entire surface of the first and second air outlets.

[0028] Given the described disadvantage or limitation of the existing solutions, a solution is needed to overcome these drawbacks.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the granule loader in a melting unit, with the granule transport hose, inlet tube, and granule adhesive reservoir.

[0031] Figure 1B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the granule loader in a melting unit, with an alternative embodiment of the granule feeding from the adhesive reservoir.

[0032] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the pellet loader.

[0033] Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view for the detailed configuration of the pellet loader.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the pellet loader in a melting machine, where the airflow in the pellet load to the tank is represented by arrows.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a view of the pellet loader with the casing.

[0036] Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C show different configurations of the inlet duct along with the inlet hose or tube. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The present invention relates to a granule loading system (1) for adhesive, which is attached to the upper part (9) of a molten adhesive reservoir (4) of a melting unit (2). The granules are loaded from a granule-shaped adhesive reservoir (13) into said reservoir (4) by means of a feed conduit (16).

[0038] The granule loading system comprises an elongated, preferably cylindrical and hollow inlet duct (5) with a cross-sectional area greater than that of the feed duct (16) and which acts as an inlet chamber for the granules into the tank (4), the feed duct (16) being arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inlet duct (5) so that the outlet of said feed duct (16) flows into the inlet duct (5) and said inlet duct (5) is fixed to the top (9) of the tank (4) for the entry of material at a second end (5.2).

[0039] In turn, the feed pipe (16) is fixed to the tank (4) preferably by means of a sealing flange (12) fixed to the tank by means of rods with internal thread.

[0040] Preferably, the feed conduit (16) consists of a transport hose (8) and an inlet tube (6) as shown in Figure 1A.

[0041] In this preferred embodiment, the inlet tube (6) is fixed to the closure flange (12) and to make the coupling of the hose (8) with the inlet tube (6) quick, there is a fitting (10) or a flange at the upper end of the inlet tube (6).

[0042] In another preferred embodiment in which there is no inlet tube as shown in Figure 1B, the fitting (10) is located in the closure flange (12) to which the hose (8) is directly connected.

[0043] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 1A and 3, the inlet duct (5) and the inlet tube (6) will be cylindrical and concentric.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet tube (6) is metallic for greater durability against the temperatures to which it is subjected during operation. Furthermore, the inlet tube (6) is dimensioned so that the height of the outlet of the inlet tube (6) with respect to the molten adhesive of the tank (4) ensures that when the granules fall, the splashes do not reach the top (9) or lid of the tank (4), taking into account the suction speed of the granules and the air from the reservoir (13).

[0045] As shown in Figure 1A, the inlet duct (5) has a larger cross-sectional area than the diameter of the inlet pipe (6). With this configuration, and based on the relationship between flow rate, velocity, and cross-section, both the velocity of the air circulating through the hose (8) and inlet pipe (6), and the velocity of the adhesive granules reaching the tank (4) from the reservoir (13), decreases. This is due to the larger cross-section of the inlet chamber created by the inlet duct (5). This prevents splashing on the lid or top (9) and the inner walls of the inlet duct (5) caused by the impact of the air and granules against the molten adhesive.

[0046] Preferably, the adhesive granule loading system has an air outlet in the inlet duct (5). According to the preferred embodiment of Figures 1A to 4, this air outlet is located at the first end (5.1) of the inlet duct (5), between the outer surface of the inlet tube (6) and the inner lateral surface of the inlet duct (5) which has a larger diameter than the inlet tube (6), thus creating a space between them.

[0047] This achieves an expansion of the incoming air, slowing it down so that it exits through the first end (5.1), minimizing the amount of air circulating through the inlet chamber of the inlet duct (5). This minimizes the interaction of the outside air with the adhesive reservoir (4) and therefore prevents splashing that could contaminate the loading system (1). Furthermore, energy losses are reduced because the cold air arriving from the hose (8) to the reservoir (4) does not directly impact the surface of the molten adhesive, thus lowering its temperature.

[0048] In turn, an outlet air current is generated through the first end (5.1), as can be seen in the representation, with airflow arrows in Figure 3.

[0049] By redirecting the airflow in this way, the interior of the inlet duct (5) and the inlet tube (6) is prevented from becoming dirty and obstructed, as it prevents adhesive gases carrying particles from returning through the granule loader circuit. Following the exit of air, gases, and adhesive particles from the first end (5.1), the granule loading system (1) has a first filter (3.1) coupled to the first air outlet of the inlet duct (5), preferably in a vertical position. This filter is in the form of a cylindrical mesh and follows the upper contour of the inlet duct (5) up to the sealing flange (12). The filter (3.1) is configured to prevent solid adhesive particles from escaping.

[0050] According to the alternative embodiment of figures 5A, 5B, 5C, the outlet of the inlet tube (6) with respect to the inlet duct (5) can have different embodiments, without altering the object of the invention of avoiding splashing and overheating of the inlet tube by providing a greater distance between the outlet of the inlet tube (6) and the molten adhesive, and slowing the airflow with the change in section of the inlet duct (5).

[0051] According to the alternative embodiment of figure 5A the first air outlet occurs through the first end (5.1) with the filter (3.1) arranged in the gap between the inner contour of the inlet duct (5) and the outer contour of the inlet tube (6).

[0052] According to the alternative embodiment of Figure 5B, the inlet duct (5) extends to the sealing flange (12), and in this case, the first air outlet occurs on the side of the inlet duct (5) through a slot created for this purpose. In this case, the filter (3.1) would also surround the inlet duct as in the preferred embodiment of Figure 3, and specifically the point where the lateral slot of the first air outlet is located.

[0053] According to the alternative embodiment of figure 5C, it would be the same embodiment as that of figure 5B, except that in this case the outlet end of the inlet tube (6) is not below the first end (5.1) of the inlet duct (5), as in the previous embodiments.

[0054] In all these cases, there is an air outlet through the inlet duct (5) that facilitates the expulsion of gases.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, the filter (3.1) is annular in shape and is arranged between the first end (5.1) of the inlet duct (5), the inlet tube (6) and the closing flange (12). Furthermore, according to an alternative embodiment, the pellet loader comprises a second filter (3.2) that surrounds the inlet duct (5) along its entire length, generating a chamber (15) between the outer surface of the inlet duct (5) and the inner surface of said second filter (3.2), which is also preferably cylindrical in shape but configured to filter smaller particles than the first filter (3.1).

[0056] This configuration creates an outlet chamber (15) that allows air to circulate throughout its area, exiting through the second filter (3.2), which retains smaller particles such as dust and even vapors generated in the melting unit's (2) tank (4). This facilitates the rapid exhaust of air from the granule loading hose (8), minimizing the airflow reaching the adhesive tank (4).

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the pellet loading system comprises an outlet housing (11) that surrounds the second filter (3.2) and acts as a fastening reinforcement for the closing flange (12), as well as serving as a support for said filter (3.2). This outlet housing comprises a plurality of outlet holes distributed along its surface. These holes can take different configurations depending on the requirements, such as elongated or circular holes.

[0058] In order to maximize the effects of air and gas circulation and minimize splashing, the inlet duct (5) and the inlet tube (6) are arranged perpendicular to the molten adhesive reservoir (4) of the fuser equipment (2).

[0059] With this configuration, the outlet of the inlet pipe (6) is located as far as possible from the molten adhesive reservoir (4), thus minimizing the effects of gases and temperature on the inlet pipe (6). This is achieved thanks to the pre-designed spacing created by the length of the inlet duct (5) attached to the reservoir. This configuration also optimizes the recirculation of cold air, hot air, and gases, and prevents adhesive particles from hitting the walls as they fall through the loading system (1), thus preventing them from sticking.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, an insulating element (7.1) is provided, corresponding to the geometry of the inlet duct (5) at the junction between the melting unit (2) and the loading system (1), to prevent energy losses from the melting unit. These energy losses occur because an opening is made in the lid or top (9) of the tank (4) to accommodate the granule loading system (1).

[0061] The upper enclosure is created by attaching the sealing flange (12), thus forming the different chambers of the loading system (1), as shown in the various figures. This sealing flange (12) does not prevent air from escaping from the inlet duct of the granule system (1); therefore, a second insulating element (7.2) is installed.

[0062] This second insulating element (7.2) prevents the heat emitted by the melted adhesive in the tank from being transferred to the components that remain on the outside of the fuser equipment, such as the inlet tube (6) and the hose (8).

[0063] Furthermore, this insulating element (7.2) has the function of sealing the joining areas of the upper part of the pellet loader (1) to force the air to pass through the first (3.1) and second filter (3.2).

[0064] The insulating element (7.2) is fixed to the enclosure flange (12) serving as a support for the outlet housing (11), thus creating a compact charging system (1) that can be installed in any fuser equipment (2).

[0065] Finally, the granule loading system (1) has a housing (14) that covers the second filter (3.2). This housing is configured to direct the filtered air outlet towards the bottom of the housing (14), preventing the filtered hot air from the molten adhesive reservoir (4) from escaping through the top of the granule loader (1) and heating the inlet tube (6). This design further facilitates airflow, preventing the incoming air from reaching the reservoir (4) due to the negative pressure created by the air outlet at the bottom of the housing, as shown in Figure 3.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Granule loading system (1) of adhesive attachable to the top (9) of a molten adhesive tank (4) of a melting equipment (2) comprising a feed conduit (16) from a granule adhesive reservoir (13) to said tank (4), characterized in that it comprises an elongated inlet conduit (5) with a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed conduit (16), the feed conduit (16) being substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit (5) such that the outlet of said feed conduit (16) flows into the inlet conduit (5) and said inlet conduit (5) being attachable to the top (9) of the tank (4) for loading granules into the tank (4). 2.- Granule loading system (1) of adhesive according to claim 1, wherein the inlet duct (5) has a first air outlet at a first end (5.1) between the outer surface of the feed duct (16) and the inner side surface of the inlet duct (5), and / or a side opening in the inlet duct (5) that defines said first air outlet. 3.- Granule loading system (1) of adhesive according to the previous claim, comprising a first filter (3.1) coupled to the first air outlet of the inlet duct (5) configured to prevent the passage to the outside of solid adhesive particles. 4.- Granule loading system (1) of adhesive according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a second filter (3.2) that surrounds the outside of the inlet duct (5) and / or the first air outlet generating a chamber (15) between the outer surface of the inlet duct (5) and the inner surface of the second filter (3.2), said second filter defining a second air outlet to the outside. 5.- Granule loading system (1) of adhesive according to the previous claim, comprising an outlet housing (11) around the second filter (3.2) on its inner or outer side at least partially. 6.- Granule loading system (1) of adhesive according to any of claims 2 to 5, comprising a housing (14) that covers the second air outlet comprising a lower opening configured to direct the filtered air outlet through the lower part of the housing (14). 7.- Granule loading system (1) of adhesive according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a closure flange (12) fixable to the upper part (9) of the tank (4) and / or to the inlet duct (5) for fixing the feed duct (16). 8.- Granule loading system (1) of adhesive according to the previous claim, characterized in that the feed conduit (16) comprises a hose (8) and / or a hose (8) with an inlet tube (6) fixable to the end of said hose (8), for fixing to the closure flange (12). 9.- Granule loading system (1) of adhesive according to claim 8, comprising a fitting (10) for coupling the feed conduit (16) to the closure flange (12) and / or a fitting for coupling between hose (8) and inlet tube (6). 10.- Granule loading system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet conduit (5) and / or the outlet of the feed conduit (16) are arranged perpendicular to the molten adhesive tank (4) of the melting equipment (2). 11.- Granule loading system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first insulating element (7.1) between the inlet duct (5) and the upper part of the tank (4) of the melting equipment (2). 12.- Granule loading system (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, comprising a second insulating element (7.2) coupled to the closure flange (12) so as to prevent heat conduction to the feed duct (16).

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