Dispensing system and method for delivering a flowable polymer material

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a dispensing system for delivering a flowable polymer material on a carrier (L), the dispensing system comprising: a vertical extruder unit (200) comprising a screw (32) being vertically arranged in a barrel (12), the barrel (12) defining a vertical material flow path from a top portion of the barrel (12) to a bottom portion of the barrel (12);a delivery unit (100) connected to the vertical extruder unit (200), the delivery unit (100) comprising a delivery channel (63) being inclined to the vertical material flow path defined by the barrel (12); a delivery nozzle (20) for delivering the flowable polymer material received from the delivery channel (63) on the carrier (L), the delivery nozzle (20) being in fluidic communication with the delivery channel (63).

Description

[0001] On Clouds GmbH 1 / 15

[0002] Dispensing System

[0003] Field of disclosure

[0004] The present disclosure lies in the field of extrusion technology for shoe components and relates to a dispensing system as well as a method to operate the dispensing system, respectively to the use of such a dispensing system.

[0005] Background, prior art

[0006] Shoes typically comprise a sole structure and an upper being made from a textile material. The sole structure typically comprises an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The function of the midsole is typically providing cushioning for cushioning impact forces during running. For this purpose, midsoles are typically made from foamed polymer materials. Upper materials are most commonly knitted, in particular flat knitted, and then lasted on a shoe last before they are adhered to the sole structure. Generally, uppers are cemented on the sole structure by human workforce. The common shoe manufacturing process requires many steps and lacks satisfying automation. In particular classical knitting of uppers is cumbersome and requires large and expensive knitting machines. It would therefore be desirable to provide a more efficient production of shoes.

[0007] Summary of disclosure

[0008] It is the general object of the present disclosure to advance the state of the art in the field of extrusion technology for shoe components and preferably to overcome the disadvantages known in the prior art fully or at least partially. In advantageous embodiments a dispensing system is provided which allows a more efficient shoe production, in particular upper production. In other advantageous embodiments, the time required to manufacture a whole shoe can be reduced. In further advantageous embodiments, the manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0009] The general object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments follow from the dependent claims and the overall disclosure.

[0010] The first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a dispensing system, which is particularly configured for delivering a flowable polymer material, in particular as a filament on a carrier. Thereby, a textile component, such as an upper may be formed. A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for delivering a flowable polymer material on a carrier. A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to the use of a dispensing system, such as a dispensing system according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect.On Clouds GmbH 2 / 15

[0011] The dispensing system for delivering a flowable polymer material, in particular as a filament, on a carrier may comprise in some embodiments an extruder unit, in particular a vertical extruder unit. The vertical extruder unit may for example comprise a screw which may be vertically arranged in a barrel. For example, the vertical extruder unit may be a screw and barrel extruder. In some embodiments, the barrel may define, respectively delimit, a material flow path. The material flow path may be a vertical material flow path. In some embodiments the material flow path may extend from a top portion of the barrel to a bottom portion of the barrel. The top portion and the bottom portion of the barrel may for example be arranged at opposite ends of the barrel, respectively of the vertical extruder unit. They may form the outermost delimitation of the extruder unit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the dispensing system may further comprise a delivery unit. The delivery unit may for example be connected, in particular directly mounted, to the extruder unit, in particular the vertical extruder unit. In some embodiments, the delivery unit may comprise a delivery channel. The delivery channel may for example be inclined to the material flow path which is defined by the barrel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the dispensing system may further comprise a delivery nozzle. The delivery nozzle may be configured for delivering the flowable polymer material received from the delivery channel on the carrier. The delivery nozzle may be in fluidic communication with the delivery channel.

[0014] The term “flowable polymer material” as used herein, means that the polymer material is in a state in which it can flow, respectively in which it can be extruded and / or delivered from the dispensing system on the carrier. For example, the flowable polymer material may be a molten polymer material. In particular, the flowable polymer material may be configured such that it can be brought into a solidified state. This may for example be achieved by cooling.

[0015] The term “filament” as used herein, refers to an elongated structure, in particular a single elongated structure. This can be made from the polymer material, in particular the molten polymer material.

[0016] The directional indication “vertical” or “vertically”, as used herein, typically refers to a direction along the gravitational force vector.

[0017] In some embodiments, the delivery nozzle may be movable, in particular rotatable, with respect to the delivery unit. Such a movement may allow to modify the shape of and / or the path along which the flowable polymer material is delivered on the carrier.

[0018] In some embodiments the delivery nozzle is configured such that it can deliver the flowable polymer material, as a filament and as a helical shape between the delivery nozzle and the carrier. Thus, in such embodiments the flowable polymer material is present as a helix at least in a sub-section, or in the in all sections, of the space betweenOn Clouds GmbH 3 / 15

[0019] the delivery nozzle and the carrier. A helical shape of the flowable polymer material can for example be achieved by corresponding movement of the delivery nozzle. Alternatively, it may also be possible that the delivery nozzle comprises air exit openings being arranged around a material outlet of the nozzle and by impinging air onto the flowable polymer material via the air exit openings, such that the flowable polymer material forms a helical shape. Thereby, the flowable polymer material will form a plurality of overlapping loops on the carrier. The flowable polymer material may be a molten polymer material. It may for example exit the delivery nozzle as a flowable (or molten) polymer filament.

[0020] In some embodiments, the delivery nozzle comprises a material outlet. The delivery nozzle may for example further comprise and nozzle flow path to the material outlet. In some embodiments the nozzle flow path may for example be inclined with respect to the delivery channel of the delivery unit. An inclination angle by which the nozzle flow path may be inclined with respect to the delivery channel may be 20° to 90° in particular 30° to 70°, in particular 30° to 60°. Provide providing such an inclined nozzle flow path allows to easily dispense the flowable polymer material towards and onto the carrier.

[0021] In some embodiments, the nozzle comprises an air inlet tube being connected to an air supply. The air inlet tube may be configured such that it can inject heated air on the flowable polymer material before exiting the delivery nozzle.

[0022] In some embodiments, the flowable polymer material undergoes at least two changes of directions from the vertical material flow path until being delivered by the delivery nozzle, respectively upon being expelled therefrom.

[0023] In some embodiments the nozzle flow path may extend from the delivery channel, respectively its end portion, towards the material outlet of the delivery nozzle.

[0024] In some embodiments the delivery unit may be arranged downstream of the vertical extruder unit and upstream of the delivery nozzle. Therefore, the delivery unit may be arranged between the vertical extruder unit and the delivery nozzle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the delivery unit may comprise an inclined planar surface. The delivery nozzle may for example be mounted to and / or in direct contact with the inclined planar surface. In some embodiments the inclined planar surface may be inclined with respect to the delivery channel and / or with respect to a horizontal plane (being perpendicular to the vertical direction) by an inclination angle. The inclination angle may be 90° to 160° , in particular 100° to 160°, in particular 120° to 150°. In some embodiments, the delivery nozzle may be moveable, in particular rotatable, with respect to the inclined planar surface.

[0026] In some embodiments, the delivery unit may comprise two protrusions which are arranged on the inclined planar surface. These two protrusions may for example define aOn Clouds GmbH 4 / 15

[0027] gap between them. In some embodiments the delivery nozzle may be arranged inside this gap. Thereby, it may be possible that the delivering nozzle is at least partially encompassed by the two protrusions. In some embodiments the gap may be slightly larger than the width of the delivery nozzle. As the delivery nozzle is in some embodiments movable with respect to the planar surface, in particular also with respect to the two protrusions, the protrusions can in such embodiments limit the movement, in particular the rotational degrees of freedom, of the delivery nozzle. In other words, the two protrusions may be configured such that they allow a limited movement, in particular a limited rotation, of the delivery nozzle, but act as a stop. In particular, the protrusions may act as a stop beyond a certain movement limit.

[0028] In some embodiments, the delivery unit comprises one or more heating elements. The one or more heating elements may be configured to heat the delivery unit and / or a flowable polymer material inside the delivery channel.

[0029] In some embodiments the delivery unit may comprise a plurality of heating elements which are configured to provide at least two, in particular at least three heating zones. It may for example be possible that each heating zone of the plurality of heating zones may be configured to provide a heating zone such that each heating zone has a different temperature. In some embodiments the delivery unit comprises a first heating zone being configured to provide for a first temperature and a second heating zone being configured for providing a second temperature, being in particular different from the first temperature. The first heating zone may be arranged closer to the delivery nozzle as the second heating zone. Thereby, a controlled delivery of the flowable polymer material to the carrier is possible. For example, the first temperature may be 200 °C to 250 °C, in particular 220 °C to 235 °C. The second temperature may be 180 °C to 230 °C, in particular 190 °C to 220 °C. In particular however, the second temperature may be lower than the first temperature. The heating elements may be distributed over the entire delivery unit.

[0030] In some embodiments the vertical extruder unit and in particular the barrel, may comprise one or more heating elements. The heating elements of the vertical extruder unit, in particular the barrel, may be configured to heat polymer material being fed into the barrel. In some embodiments, these heating elements may be configured to provide a temperature inside the barrel of 170 °C to 200 °C, in particular 180 °C to 190 °C. This temperature may be considered as the barrel temperature, or as a third temperature. In some embodiments, the barrel temperature, or the third temperature, may be lower as the first temperature and / or the second temperature.

[0031] In some embodiments, each of the two protrusions of the delivery unit may comprise at least one heating element. Such embodiments are desirable, because theyOn Clouds GmbH 5 / 15

[0032] allow heating the delivery nozzle and avoid that the flowable material solidifies inside the delivery nozzle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the delivery unit may comprise a flushing channel. The flushing channel may for example extend from a branching position to a flushing outlet. The branching position may in some embodiments be connected to the delivery channel. In some embodiments both the delivery channel and the flushing channel are connected to, respectively meet at, the branching position. For example, the branching position may be considered as an intersection.

[0034] In some embodiments, the delivery unit may comprise a supply channel. The supply channel may for example extend from the vertical extruder unit, respectively the barrel, in particular the bottom portion of the barrel, to the branching position. In some embodiments, the supply channel may extend in parallel to the vertical material flow path defined by the barrel. It may for example be possible, that the supply channel and the vertical material flow path are coaxially arranged to each other. In some embodiments the supply channel may be vertically arranged. In some embodiments an angle between the supply channel and the delivery channel, and / or an angle between the flushing channel and the supply channel may be between 80° to 120°, in particular 80° to 100°, in particular 90°.

[0035] In some embodiments, the delivery unit may comprise a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be configured to measure the pressure exerted by the vertical extruder unit and / or of the flowable polymer material being fed into the delivery unit.

[0036] In some embodiments the delivery channel and the flushing channel may extend in opposite directions. For example, the delivery channel and the flushing channel may be coaxially arranged, and / or may be arranged in an angle of 180° to each other. In some embodiments, the flushing channel, the delivery channel, and the supply channel may form together a T-shape. It is understood that the branching position may be the position at which the delivery channel, the flushing channel and the supply channel meet. In some embodiments, the delivery channel and the flushing channel may form a straight line together. It may in some embodiments be possible that the flushing channel and the delivery channel are arranged in a single horizontal plane. It is understood that the vertical direction is perpendicularly arranged to the horizontal plane.

[0037] In some embodiments, the heating elements are configured such that the temperature at the branching position is lower than the temperature in the delivery channel, respectively than the first temperature and / or the second temperature.

[0038] In some embodiments, the dispensing system further comprises a flushing nozzle. The flushing nozzle is typically different from the delivery nozzle. The flushing nozzle may for example be fluidly connected to the flushing outlet. Thereby, the flushing nozzle is inOn Clouds GmbH 6 / 15

[0039] direct fluid communication with the flushing channel. Such a flushing nozzle allows to discharge flowable polymer material which is not intended to be provided to the carrier.

[0040] In some embodiments the delivery channel is longer than the flushing channel. For example, the delivery channel may be at least 2 times longer, in particular at least 3 times longer, in particular at least 5 times longer than the flushing channel. This allows for example to pass the flowable polymer material to be applied to the carrier along a sufficient long path, in which it can be heated to the desired temperature with which the flowable polymer material should be delivered to the carrier.

[0041] In some embodiments, the vertical extruder unit may comprise a hopper for feeding polymer material into the barrel. The hopper may for example comprise a funnel shape. In some embodiments, the hopper may define an inclined feeding path for feeding polymer material into the barrel. The polymer material may for example be filled as a solid into the barrel. In some embodiments, the inclined feeding path may be inclined with respect to the vertical material flow path in an angle of 10° to 70°, in particular 30° to 70°, or 10° to 50°, in particular 20° to 40°. In general, the barrel may comprise, respectively define, a loading compartment inside the barrel. The loading compartment may be the compartment in which the polymer material becomes flowable, and / or is melted. In some embodiments, also the screw may be arranged in the loading compartment.

[0042] In some embodiments, the dispensing system further comprises a first valve which may be associated with the delivery nozzle and / or with the delivery channel. The first valve may be configured to prevent or allow delivery of flowable polymer material via the delivery nozzle. For example, the first valve is switchable between an open position in which delivery of flowable polymer material via the delivery nozzle is possible and a closed position in which delivery of flowable polymer material via the delivery nozzle is prevented. In some embodiments the dispensing system further comprises a second valve, which may be associated with the flushing channel and / or the flushing nozzle. The second valve may for example be configured to prevent or allow flushing flowable polymer material out of the dispensing system via the flushing channel, and / or the flushing outlet and / or the flushing nozzle. The second valve may in some embodiments be switchable between an open position in which flushing of the flowable polymer material out of the dispensing system is possible and the closed position in which flushing or flowable polymer material out of the dispensing system is prevented.

[0043] In some embodiments, the dispensing system further comprises a control unit. The control unit may for example be configured to control the first valve and / or second valve. In particular, the control unit may for example be configured to switch the first valve and / or the second valve between their open position and closed position.On Clouds GmbH 7 / 15

[0044] In some embodiments, the barrel may be made from a single piece, thereby preventing leakage of flowable polymer material from the barrel.

[0045] The method for delivering a flowable polymer material on a carrier according to the second aspect of the disclosure may comprise the step of providing a dispensing system according to any of the embodiments as described herein above, in particular with respect to the first aspect.

[0046] In some embodiments, the polymer material may be fed into the barrel, in particular via the hopper, and may be brought into a flowable state inside the barrel. As the skilled person understands, this may be achieved by the action of the screw and / or heating elements of the barrel. In some embodiments, the polymer material may be fed into the barrel as a solid and may thus be a solid polymer material. For example, the polymer material may be fed into the barrel in the form of pellets or a granulate. In some embodiments, the polymer material may be molten in the barrel.

[0047] The method may further comprise the step of feeding the flowable polymer material from the barrel vertically into the delivery unit and into the delivery channel.

[0048] Feeding the flowable polymer material may for example occur along the vertical material flow path defined by the barrel. The barrel, respectively its bottom section, may be in fluid communication with the delivery unit, in particular with the delivery channel.

[0049] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise feeding the flowable polymer material from the delivery channel to the delivery nozzle. From the delivery nozzle the flowable polymer material may be delivered on the carrier by the delivery nozzle.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of flushing flowable polymer material out of the dispensing system via the flushing channel, in particular via the flushing nozzle. To do so, the first valve which is associated with the delivery nozzle may be switch from the open position to the closed position and the second valve which is associated with the flushing channel may be switched from the closed position to the open position.

[0051] In some embodiments, the carrier may be mounted to a robotic arm being movable in the three-dimensional space. The robotic arm may for example be part of the dispensing system.

[0052] In some embodiments, the flowable polymer material is fed into the delivery unit with a temperature being lower than the temperature of the flowable polymer material when it is delivered via the delivery nozzle.

[0053] In some embodiments a uniform temperature gradient is provided through the delivery unit. Typically, the uniform temperature gradient is configured such that the temperature rises towards the delivery nozzle.On Clouds GmbH 8 / 15

[0054] In some embodiments, the method, such as the method steps or the operating sequence, may be controlled by the control unit.

[0055] In some embodiments, during or after feeding the polymer material into the barrel it is determined whether the vertical screw is rotating or not. For example, this may be performed by the pressure sensor. If the pressure sensor determines a pressure which is higher than a predetermined value, it is determined that the screw is rotating. If this is the case, the flowable polymer material is fed from the barrel into the delivery channel. This determination may be performed by the control unit.

[0056] In some embodiments, before feeding the flowable polymer material to the delivery nozzle, it is determined whether a textile component, in particular a shoe component such as an upper, shall be manufactured or not. For example, this step may comprise determining whether the robotic arm and / or the carrier is moved in the three-dimensional space or not. If they are moved, that textile component shall be manufactured. In some embodiments, if it is determined that a textile component shall be manufactured, the flow of polymer material is fed to the delivery nozzle.

[0057] In some embodiments, the dispensing system comprises an emergency program. If it is determined that the dispensing system must be stopped immediately, both the first valve and second valve are switched to the open position. Thereby, any flowable polymer material is expelled from the dispensing system. Additionally, any pressure may be released from the dispensing system.

[0058] In some embodiments the dispensing system comprises a flushing program. Such a flushing program allows a planned inspection of the dispensing system. If the flushing program is activated, the first valve is switched to the closed position and the second valve is switched to the open position. Thereby, the flowable polymer material, in particular all of the flowable polymer material within the dispensing system, is discharged via the flushing channel and the flushing outlet, in particular the flushing nozzle.

[0059] Brief description of the figures

[0060] The herein described disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying figures which should not be considered limiting to the disclosure described in the appended claims. The figures are showing:

[0061] Fig. 1 a view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0062] Fig. 2 a detailed view of a delivery unit as can be used in some embodiments of the disclosure;On Clouds GmbH 9 / 15

[0063] Fig. 3 a view of a dispensing system according to another embodiment of the disclosure

[0064] Fig. 4 a sectional view of the dispensing system of Fig. 3 along line I V-l V.

[0065] Exemplary embodiments

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a dispensing system for delivering a flowable polymer material 1000 as a filament on a carrier L. The dispensing system comprises vertical extruder unit 200 and delivery unit 100. The dispensing system further comprises a delivery nozzle (not shown in Fig. 1 , see Fig. 2). It can be seen that vertical extruder unit extends along the vertical direction z. The dispensing system further comprises robotic arm H and the carrier L, which in this embodiment is a shoe last. The flowable polymer material 1000 which is delivered by the dispensing system on carrier L is delivered as a helical filament. It can be seen that the flowable polymer material 1000 is a filament having a helical shape between the delivery nozzle and the carrier L. Robotic arm H can move carrier L in the three-dimensional space. For example, it can be rotated as indicated by the rotational arrow. Thereby, the flowable polymer material 1000 is distributed over carrier L. It can further be seen that delivery unit 100 is inclined, in this embodiment by 90°, with respect to vertical extruder unit 200 and its vertical material flow path (see Fig. 3 and 4)

[0067] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of delivery unit 100. Delivery unit 100 comprises multiple heating elements 80, 82 which are configured to heat delivery unit 100, and in particular its delivery channel. Fig. 2 further shows delivery nozzle 20 which has material outlet 21. The flowable polymer material can be delivered to the carrier by delivery nozzle 20 and through material outlet 21. The delivery nozzle 20 is in fluidic communication with the delivery channel defined by delivery unit 100. Delivery unit 100 further comprises inclined planar surface 1031 which is inclined by an angle 01 (see Fig. 3) with respect to the horizontal plane defined by directions x and y and in this embodiment also with respect to the delivery channel defined by the delivery unit 100. The term “horizontal” means that the plane is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The angle 01 may be 30° to 60°. Delivery unit 100 additionally comprises two protrusions 1033 which are arranged directly on the inclined planar surface 1031. These protrusions define a gap between them within which delivery nozzle 20 is arranged. As can be seen, the dispensing system, in particular the delivery unit, comprises a first valve 70 and a second valve 71. First valve 70 is associated with delivery nozzle 20 and is configured to prevent or allow delivery of flowable polymer material via delivery nozzle 20. Second valve 71 is associated with the flushing channel of the delivery unit and is configured to prevent or allow flowable polymer material out of the dispensing system. The dispensing system further comprises flushing nozzle 30 which is oppositely arranged to delivery nozzle 20.On Clouds GmbH 10 / 15

[0068] Upon considering Fig. 1 and 2 it becomes clear that delivery unit 100 is arranged downstream of vertical extruder unit 200 and upstream of delivery nozzle 20 and therefore in between them. In figure 2 the entry into supply channel 40 which is vertically arranged can be seen. This entry is circumferentially encompassed by a pressure sensor of 50 which is configured to measure the pressure exerted by the vertical extruder unit.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows a dispensing system according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Vertical extruder unit 200 comprises barrel 12 and hopper 22 through which solid polymer material can be fed into barrel 12. In this figure the inclination angle 01 by which inclined planar surface 1031 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, respectively with respect to the delivery channel defined by delivery unit 100, is shown. Furthermore, the gap defined between the two protrusions 1033 is shown and it is indicated how delivery nozzle 20 is arranged inside this gap.

[0070] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing system shown in Fig. 3 along line IV. Delivery unit 100 comprises delivery channel 63 which extends from branching position 67 towards delivery nozzle 20 and is further in fluid communication with delivery nozzle 20. In addition, delivery unit 100 also comprises a flushing channel 65. Flushing channel 65 extends in an opposite direction of delivery channel 63. It extends from branching position 67 two flushing outlet 66 of delivery unit 100. Flushing nozzle 30 is in direct fluidic communication with flushing outlet 66. Therefore, flowable polymer material to be flushed out of the dispensing system can be fed from branching position 67 via flushing channel 65 through flushing outlet 66 into flushing nozzle 30 and from there be expelled from the dispensing system. It can further be seen that the length L63 of delivery channel 63 is significantly longer than the length L65 of flushing channel 65. Delivery unit 100 further comprises vertical supply channel 61, which opens into barrel 12, respectively into loading compartment 121 of vertical extruder unit 200. It further extends to branching position 67. Hence, in this embodiment three channels, namely supply channel 61 delivery channel 63 and flushing channel 65 meet and are connected with each other at branching position 67. Together, these three channels form a T-shape.

[0071] Barrel 12 comprises, respectively delimits, loading compartment 121. Screw 32 is arranged inside loading compartment 121 and is configured to pressurize flow of polymer material inside loading compartment 121. Loading compartment 121 can be divided into two sections, namely a top part 1211 and the bottom part 1213. Top part 1211 may in this, or any other embodiment described herein, be funnel shaped. Such a shape allows to efficiently feed the polymer material towards bottom part 1213. Vertical extruder unit 200 further comprises hopper 22 which defines an inclined feeding path. The feeding path may be inclined by an inclination angle 02 with respect to a horizontal plane, that is a plane being perpendicular to the vertical direction and therefore perpendicular to the verticalOn Clouds GmbH 11 / 15

[0072] material flow path defined by the barrel. For example, this inclination angle can be 50° to 80°, in particular 50° to 70°, in particular 60° to 70°.

[0073] List of designations

[0074] 12 barrel

[0075] 20 nozzle

[0076] 21 material outlet

[0077] 22 hopper

[0078] 30 flushing nozzle

[0079] 32 screw

[0080] 40 supply channel

[0081] 50 pressure sensor

[0082] 63 delivery channel

[0083] 65 flushing channel

[0084] 66 flushing outlet

[0085] 67 branching position

[0086] 70 first valve

[0087] 72 second valve

[0088] 80, 82 heating element

[0089] 100 delivery unit

[0090] 121 loading compartment

[0091] 200 vertical extruder unit

[0092] 1000 flowable polymer material to be delivered

[0093] 1031 inclined planar surface

[0094] 1033 protrusion

[0095] 1211 top part of loading compartment

[0096] 1213 bottom part of loading compartment

[0097] H robotic arm

[0098] L carrier

[0099] RP polymer material to be fed

Claims

On Clouds GmbH 12 / 15Claims1. A dispensing system for delivering a flowable polymer material on a carrier (L), the dispensing system comprising:a. a vertical extruder unit (200) comprising a screw (32) being vertically arranged in a barrel (12), the barrel (12) defining a vertical material flow path from a top portion of the barrel (12) to a bottom portion of the barrel (12);b. a delivery unit (100) connected to the vertical extruder unit (200), the delivery unit (100) comprising a delivery channel (63) being inclined to the vertical material flow path defined by the barrel (12);c. a delivery nozzle (20) for delivering the flowable polymer material received from the delivery channel (63) on the carrier (L), the delivery nozzle (20) being in fluidic communication with the delivery channel (63).

2. The dispensing system according to claim 1 , wherein the delivery nozzle (20) is configured such that it can deliver the flowable polymer material as a helical shape between the delivery nozzle (20) and the carrier (L).

3. The dispensing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the delivery nozzle (20) comprises a material outlet (21) and a nozzle flow path to the material outlet (21), wherein the nozzle flow path is inclined with respect to the delivery channel (63) of the delivery unit (100).

4. The dispensing system according to claim 3, wherein the nozzle flow path is inclined with respect to the delivery channel (63) of the delivery unit (100) by an angle of 30° to 60°.

5. The dispensing system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the delivery unit (100) is arranged downstream of the vertical extruder unit (200) and upstream of the delivery nozzle (20).

6. The dispensing system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the delivery unit (100) comprises an inclined planar surface (1031) and wherein the delivery nozzle (20) is mounted to the inclined planar surface (1031).

7. The dispensing system according to claim 6, wherein the delivery unit (100) comprises two protrusions (1033) arranged on the inclined planar surface (1031) which define a gap between them, wherein the delivery nozzle (20) is arranged inside the gap.

8. The dispensing system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the delivery unit (100) comprises one or more heating elements (80, 82) being configured to heat a polymer material inside the delivery channel (63).On Clouds GmbH 13 / 159. The dispensing system according to claim 7 and 8, wherein each protrusion (1033) comprises at least one heating element (80).

10. The dispensing system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the delivery unit (100) comprises a flushing channel (65) which extends from a branching position (67) being connected to the delivery channel (63) and the flushing channel (65) to a flushing outlet (66).

11. The dispensing system according to claim 10, the dispensing system further comprising a flushing nozzle (30) being fluidically connected to the flushing outlet (66).

12. The dispensing system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the delivery channel (63) is longer, in particular at least 2x longer, as the flushing channel (65).

13. The dispensing system according to claim 8 and any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the heating elements (80, 82) are configured such that a temperature at the branching position (67) is lower than in the delivery channel (63).

14. The dispensing system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the vertical extruder unit (200) comprises a hopper (22) for feeding polymer material (RP) into the barrel (12), wherein the hoper (22) defines an inclined feeding path.

15. The dispensing system according to any of claims 10 to 14, further comprising a first valve (70) being associated with the delivery nozzle (20) and / or the delivery channel (63) and being configured to prevent or allow delivery of flowable polymer material via the delivery nozzle (20), and a second valve (72) being associated with the flushing channel (65) and / or the flushing nozzle (30) and / or the flushing outlet (66) and being configured to prevent or allow flushing flowable polymer material out of the dispensing system via the flushing channel (65) and / or the flushing nozzle (30) and / or the flushing outlet (66).

16. The dispensing system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the barrel (12) is made from a single piece.

17. A method for delivering a flowable polymer material on a carrier, the method comprisinga. Providing a dispensing system according to any of the previous claims; b. Feeding a polymer material into the barrel (12) and bringing the polymer material into a flowable state;c. Feeding the flowable polymer material from the barrel (12) vertically into the delivery unit (100) and then into the delivery channel (63), thereby optionally changing the flow direction of the flowable polymer material;On Clouds GmbH 14 / 15d. Feeding the flowable polymer material from the delivery channel (63) to the delivery nozzle (20) and delivering the flowable polymer material via the delivery nozzle (20) on the carrier (L).

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