Dual inline solenoid-actuated hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly

ES 2 397 288 T3

DESCRIPTION

Inline Dual Solenoid Actuated Hot Melt Dispensing Valve Assembly

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to dispensing or dispensing valve assemblies, and more particularly to a new and improved dispensing valve assembly for hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material actuated by a double in-line solenoid that is actuated by means of a pair of opposite in-line electromagnetic solenoid assemblies that act respectively and alternately on a pair of armatures that are fixedly mounted on a valve stem, onto which a valve member is fixedly attached, so that reciprocating or reciprocating movements of the valve stem, and the valve member attached thereto, are quickly and safely controlled, in order to quickly and safely move the valve member between its unseated or OPEN position and its seated or CLOSED position such that the dispensing valve assembly can control the discharge of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material through of a dispensing nozzle made of hot melt adhesive material or other thermoplastic material. A coil spring also biases the valve stem and valve member toward the seated or CLOSED position such that when both electromagnetic solenoid assemblies are de-energized, the coil spring holds the valve member in its seated or CLOSED position on the seat. valve. In addition, the positions of the armatures relative to the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies can be precisely adjusted, as can the stroke movement of the valve stem and valve member between the seated or CLOSED position and the CLOSED position. not seated or OPEN, so as to effectively optimize the operating cycles of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional hot melt dispensing valve assemblies are of course well known in the art. An example of a pneumatically controlled hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly is described within US Patent No. 6,315,168 which issued to Bolyard, Jr. et al. On November 13, 2001. Although this dispensing valve assembly is very satisfactory from an operational standpoint, a special sealing cartridge is required for the hot melt adhesive and control air fluids. In addition, the control valve assembly requires special maintenance procedures to be performed, and the overall assembly is noisy. Solenoid controlled electromagnetic dispensing valve assemblies are in fact also known in the art, however they suffer from several different operational drawbacks. For example, one type of conventional solenoid controlled electromagnetic dispense valve assembly comprises the use of a single electromagnetic solenoid assembly to move the dispense valve assembly from its seated or CLOSED position to its unseated or OPEN position, while a detent mechanism Coil spring is used to move the dispense valve assembly from its unseated or OPEN position back to its seated or CLOSED position. As can be readily appreciated, however, the use of the coil spring mechanism as the only means of bringing the return stroke or movement of the dispense valve assembly from its unseated or OPEN position back to its seated or CLOSED position is problematic. for several reasons.

For example, in order to ensure that the movement of the dispensing valve assembly from its unseated or OPEN position back to its seated or CLOSED position is in fact achieved relatively quickly and in response thereto in order to, in turn, ensuring that the discharge or dispensing of the hot melt adhesive material, from the nozzle portion operatively associated with the dispensing valve assembly, is terminated at a substantially precise point in time and without exhibiting stranding of the hot melt adhesive material, the loading force of the coil spring mechanism must necessarily be significant or substantially large. Conversely, however, if the coil spring mechanism does in fact have a significantly large loading force oriented in the valve seating or CLOSING direction, then the stroke or movement of the dispense valve assembly will be relatively slow because the movement o Stroke of the dispense valve assembly must overcome the significantly large loading force of the coil spring mechanism. Alternatively, the sole electromagnetic solenoid assembly must be manufactured to be relatively large in size in order to generate a sufficiently large electromagnetic force that it can easily, smoothly, and quickly overcome the above-noted substantially large loading force of the actuating mechanism. helical spring in order to ensure accurate and rapid stroke or movement of the valve stem, and the ball valve mounted on it, when the ball valve is to be moved from its seated or CLOSED position to its unseated or OPEN position.

There is therefore a need in the art for a new and improved hot melt adhesive or other inline double solenoid actuated thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly wherein the feature of

Operating drawbacks of conventional prior art solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assemblies can be effectively overcome. More particularly, there is a need in the art for a new and improved solenoid actuated hot melt dispensing valve assembly in which the movements or strokes of the valve stem and the ball valve mounted thereon, from the seated or CLOSED position to the unseated or OPEN position, as well as from the unseated or OPEN position to the seated or CLOSED position, can be achieved safely and quickly without the need for a relatively large coil spring mechanism to generate a relatively large valve closing load force, and without the need for a relatively large electromagnetic solenoid assembly to generate a relatively large valve opening force to effectively overcome the relatively large valve closing load force of the relatively large coil spring mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing and other objectives are achieved in accordance with the teachings and principles of the present invention as defined in claim 1, embodiments of the invention providing a new and improved inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly which is actuated by means of a pair of oppositely disposed inline electromagnetic solenoid assemblies acting respective and alternatively on a pair of armatures that are fixedly mounted on a valve stem to which a valve member is fixedly attached. In this way, the pair of electromagnetic solenoid assemblies can quickly and safely control the reciprocating movements of the valve stem, and the valve member attached to it, in order to quickly and safely move the valve member between its unseated or OPEN position and its seated or CLOSED position such that the dispensing valve assembly can control the discharge of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material through from a hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing nozzle.

In a preferred embodiment, a coil spring also biases the valve stem and valve member toward the seated or CLOSED position such that when both electromagnetic solenoid assemblies are de-energized, the coil spring is just strong enough to hold simply the valve member in its seated or CLOSED position on the valve seat. However, the loading force of the coil spring mechanism is relatively small as it is not used effectively in connection with the movement of the valve stem, and the valve member, from the unseated or OPEN position to the seated or CLOSED position. , so that it does not adversely affect the movement of the valve stem and armature when the valve member is to be moved from its seated or CLOSED position to its unseated or OPEN position. In addition, the positions of the armatures with respect to the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies can be adjusted exactly, as can the travel of the valve stem and valve member between the seated or CLOSED position and the respective unseated or OPEN position, so that the operating cycles of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensing valve assembly are effectively optimized.

The use of two coil assemblies is already known from an embodiment according to fig. 14 of WO 02/076615 A2. This non-generic document refers to a dispenser set for liquid droplets of the order of 30 pl in volume, which is used for the development of drugs in pharmaceutical, medical diagnostics and biotechnology applications. Such coil assemblies can move a ball valve boss closer to or further away from a valve seat. However, the embodiment according to fig. 14 of WO 02/076615 A2 also does not disclose stop means for engaging a valve stem or a valve seat member that is axially adjustable.

Another prior art document using coil assemblies is known from fig. 1 of US 3,412,971. The described valve is used to form a sealing ring around the underside of bottle caps. A valve seat member that is axially adjustable has not been described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other related features and advantages other than the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which similar reference characters designate similar or corresponding parts throughout the various views, and in those who:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a new and improved inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly when constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention and showing the same in its assembled state;

ES 2 397 288 T3

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the new and improved inline dual solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly as illustrated within FIG. 1 and showing the component parts of the same cooperating in different ways;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the new and improved inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly as illustrated within FIG. 1 and is taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the new and improved inline dual solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly as illustrated within FIG. 1 and is taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1, in which the dispensing valve is illustrated in its seated or CLOSED position;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 4, in which, however, the cover member has been removed and the dispensing valve is illustrated in its unseated or OPEN position so as to illustrate the flow of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material internally within the dispensing valve assembly. from the inlet port or orifice to the dispensing nozzle;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 5, in which, however, the dispensing valve is again illustrated in its SEATED or CLOSED position; Y

Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view, similar to that of FIG. 5, in which, however, there is illustrated a second embodiment of a new and improved inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly, when constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly initially to Figs. 1, 2 and 4 thereof, a new and improved inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly has been described and indicated generally with reference character 100, when constructed of in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention. More particularly, it has been seen that the new and improved inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 comprises a housing 102 within which a pair of assemblies 104 are fitted, 106 oppositely arranged electromagnetic solenoid units to be mounted so as to be effectively annularly arranged about longitudinal axis 108 of inline dual solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100. As can best be appreciated from Figs. 2 and 4, housing 102 is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed stepped bores 110, 112 extending axially inward of housing 102 from a pair of opposingly disposed outer end faces or wall members 114, 116, and has It should be appreciated that substantial portions of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 are adapted to be disposed within the aforementioned stepped bores 110, 112 defined within the housing 102. As can best be appreciated from FIG. 4, each of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 effectively comprises a three-piece structure, although it is possible that each of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 could also effectively comprise a two-piece structure, as will be discussed in brief below.

More particularly, it has been seen, for example, that the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 comprises an axially extending radially inner tubular or annular core portion 118, a radially outward extending annular skirt or flange portion 120 connected integrally to the axially extending radially inner annular core portion 118, and a radially outer annular cover member 122 disposed around and effectively covering both the axially extending radially inner annular core portion 118 and the radially outward extending annular skirt portion 120 so as to define with the annular core portion 118, radially inward, extending axially, and the annular skirt portion 120, extending radially outward, an annular cavity 124, which is open on an end portion thereof, within which an annular electromagnetic coil 126 is arranged. Similarly, the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 comprises an axially extending radially inner annular core portion 128, a radially outward extending annular skirt portion 130 integrally connected to the radially extending annular core portion 128 axially extending interior, and a radially outer annular cover member 132 disposed around and effectively covers both the radially inner, axially extending tubular or annular core portion 128 and the radially outwardly extending annular skirt portion 130 so that define with the radially inner annular core portion 128 extending axially and the annular skirt portion 130 extending radially outward an annular cavity 134, which 4

ES 2 397 288 T3 is open on an end portion thereof, within which an annular electromagnetic coil 136 is arranged. Electromagnetic coils 126, 136 are embedded within annular cavities 124, 134 so as to effectively seal them against ingress of any hot-melt adhesive material, and it has been found that free end portions or end members 138 , 140 of electromagnetic coils 126, 136 extend radially through first slots 142, 144 respectively defined within annular cover members 122, 132 and through second grooves 146, 148 respectively defined within the upper wall member 150 of the valve assembly housing 102.

Alternatively, the end portions or free end members 138, 140 of the electromagnetic coils 126, 136 may be routed initially axially and then radially. A cover member 152, having an erect electrical connector 154 integrally formed therewith and adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply and controller 155, is adapted not only to be fixedly secured above the housing by means of of a pair of 156 bolt fasteners, but also, bolt fasteners 156 secure the complete hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 on top of a hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic supply unit, not shown, from which the hot melt adhesive material or other thermoplastic material is supplied to the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensing valve assembly 100 as will be more fully described below. It has further been seen that the cover member 152 has an internal conduit 158 ​​defined therein within which the electrical wiring can be deposited, which interconnects the pair of free end parts or terminal members 138, 140 of the electromagnetic coils 126, 136 to electrical connector 154. As highlighted, instead of the core portions 118, 128 which are separate structural parts from the annular cover members 122, 132 in which the core portions 118, 128 would be, for example, snap-fitted or Otherwise attached to the annular cover members 122, 132, the core portions 118, 128 and the annular cover members 122, 132 could be manufactured respectively as single integral components.

Continuing further, and in connection with the actual installation of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 within the stepped bores 110, 112 of the housing 102, it has been seen that the stepped bores 110, 112 are respectively provided with counterbored annular regions 160 , 162 extending axially inward to the housing 102 from the pair of outer end faces or wall members 114, 116 arranged facing each other so as to define the radially extending annular rim portions 164, 166 and in a corresponding manner, the annular cover members 122, 132 also have stepped configurations so as to respectively define annular step portions 168, 170 that are adapted to engage the aforementioned annular rim portions 164, 166 of the counterbored regions 160, 162 of the housing. Thus, as can best be appreciated from FIG. 4, when the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 are inserted into the housing of the hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly 102, they will be precisely positioned or positioned within the housing 102. Still further, in order to securely retain electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 within bores 110, 112 of housing 102, a pair of end plates 172, 174 are adapted to engage portions 120, 130 with skirt or flange extending radially outward of electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106, end plates 172, 174 being attached to end faces or wall members 114, 116 of the housing 102 by means of a plurality of bolt fasteners 176, 178. In addition, it has also been seen that each of the end plates 172, 174 has a central opening 180, 182 defined therein in order to allow parts annular or tubular 184, 186 extending axially outward from electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 protrude therethrough as best seen or appreciated from FIGS. 2 and 4. Alternatively, the end plate 172, the radially outwardly extending skirt portion 120, and the annular cover member 122 may comprise an integrated or one-piece structure, and similarly the end plate 174, the end plate portion 130 with radially outwardly extending skirt and annular cover member 132.

More particularly, it has been seen that the free or distal annular end section of the annular portion 184 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 is internally threaded as at 188, and a tubular or annular valve seat member 190 is externally threaded as at 192. . The valve seat member 190 comprises a valve seat 194, and bores 196 are provided within the outer end face of the valve seat member 190 to receive, for example, an adjustable spanner or similar tool rotatable so as to adjust effectively the axial position of the valve seat member 190 within the annular portion 184 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104. In addition, a locknut 198 is also threaded onto the externally threaded portion 192 of the valve seat member 190 and is adapted to engage the outer annular end face of the annular portion 184 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 so as to interlock. sets valve seat member 190 in an axially adjusted position relative to electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104. In a similar manner, the free or distal annular end section of annular portion 186 has been seen to be internally tapped as at 200, and

ES 2 397 288 T3 a valve stroke adjusting stop member 202 is externally threaded at 204. Bores 206 are provided within the outer end face of valve travel adjusting stop member 202 to receive, for example, an adjustable wrench or similar tool rotatable so that it effectively adjusts the axial position of the valve stroke adjusting stop member 202 within the annular portion 186 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 and a locknut 208 is also threaded onto the externally threaded portion 204 of valve stroke adjusting stop member 202 so as to engage the outer annular end face of annular portion 186 of assembly 106 solenoid valve and thereby fixedly lock the valve travel adjusting stop member 202 in a particular axially adjusted position relative to the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106.

Continuing further, the valve seat member 190 is provided with an axially extending bore 210, and a dispensing nozzle 212 is adapted to be fixedly mounted on the valve seat member 190 by means of an internally tapped locknut 214. which is threaded onto the externally threaded portion 192 of the valve seat member 190. Alternatively, the dispensing nozzle 212 and valve seat member 190 may comprise an integral one-piece structure whereby the locknut 214 can be effectively eliminated. A ball valve 216 is integrally mounted on a forward or downstream end portion of a valve stem 218, and the valve stem 218 is seen to extend axially within the valve seat member 190 and portion 118 annular or tubular of electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104. It has also been seen that the rear or upstream end portion of the valve stem 218 is externally threaded and a pair of annular armatures 224, 226, extending radially outward, respectively disposed within a pair of annular chambers 228, 230 radially oriented, defined within housing 102, are internally tapped so as to be threaded onto the upstream or rear end portion of valve stem 218 as at 220, 222. Other means can of course be used to securely secure the armatures 224, 226 on the valve stem 218, such as, for example, by press-fit or the like. Still further, it has also been seen that the rear or upstream end portion of the valve stem 218 is tubular, as is the front end portion of the valve stroke adjusting stop member 202, and thus , a coil spring 232 is capable of being accommodated within both structures or components. It is to be noted that instead of the axially spaced annular armatures 224, 226 disposed on the valve stem 218, a single annular armature, having, for example, an H-shaped cross-sectional configuration, could be used and secured accordingly. fixed way on the valve stem 218, or alternatively still more, the armatures 224, 226 they may comprise separate components but need not necessarily be axially spaced on the valve stem 218.

Although a complete cyclical operation of the new improved inline dual solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 will be described below, it is to be appreciated at this particular time that when the electromagnetic coil 126 of solenoid assembly 104 electromagnetic is excited, armature 224 will be magnetically attracted to electromagnetic coil 126 so as to effectively move valve stem 218 to the left as seen in FIG. 4 whereby the ball valve 216 will be seated on the valve seat 194. Alternatively, when electromagnetic coil 136 of electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 is energized, armature 226 will be magnetically attracted toward electromagnetic coil 136 so as to effectively move valve stem 218 to the right as seen in FIG. 4, against the biasing force of the coil spring 232 which will be compressed between the valve stem 218 and the valve travel adjusting stop member 202, whereby the ball valve 216 will be lifted from the valve seat 194. Next, when the electromagnetic coil 136 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 is de-energized, and the electromagnetic coil 126 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 is energized again, the ball valve 216 will be seated again on the valve seat 194, and furthermore, upon de-excitation of the electromagnetic coil 126 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104, coil spring 232 is strong enough to keep ball valve 216 seated on valve seat 194. It can therefore be appreciated that although the electromagnetic coils 126, 136 are used in such a way as to ensure agile and rapid stroke movements of the valve stem 218 and of the ball valve 216 with respect to the seated or CLOSED position and to the unseated or non-seated opposition. OPEN, electromagnetic coil 126 need not be energized to hold ball valve 216 in its seated or CLOSED position. It is to be noted that the above-noted energizing, de-energizing and re-energizing operating cycles for the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 are of course controlled by means of the aforementioned power supply and controller 155.

Still referring to FIG. 4, and with further reference being made to FIGS. 5 and 6, it is to be appreciated that when the new improved inline dual solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly 100 is initially assembled, as illustrated within FIGS. 4 and 6, a first and second predetermined gaps or spaces 234, 236 are defined respectively between the right end face part of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 and the armature 224, and between the left end face part of the assembly 106 electromagnetic solenoid and armature 226, while a third 6

ES 2 397 288 T3 predetermined gap or space 238 is defined between the rear or upstream end portion of the valve stem 218 and the front end portion of the valve travel adjusting stop member 202. More particularly, the first and second predetermined gaps or spaces 234, 236 may be within the range of, for example, 0.203-0.762 mm, while the third predetermined gap or gap 238 may be within the range of, for example, 0.203-0.389 mm.

However, when the ball valve 216 is in fact seated on the valve seat 194 as illustrated within FIGS. 4 and 6, it is preferred, for example, that the first predetermined space 234 will be approximately 0.229 mm, the second predetermined space 236 will be approximately 0.432 mm, and the third predetermined space 238, which effectively defines the movement stroke of the stem. 218 valve and ball valve 216 relative to valve seat 194, it will be approximately 0.203 mm. When electromagnetic coil 136 of electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 is energized so as to effectively magnetically attract armature 226 to it and thereby lift ball valve 216 from its seated or CLOSED position to its unseated or OPEN position as shown. illustrated within fig. 5, the first predetermined gap or space 234 will now be approximately 0.432mm, the second predetermined gap or space 236 will be approximately 0.229mm, and the third predetermined gap or space 238 will now be zero as a result of the face portion of Right end of valve stem 218 is disposed in contact with, and abutting, the left end face portion of valve stroke adjusting stop member 202.

The aforementioned predetermined gaps or spaces 234, 236, 238 may in fact be precisely defined in view of the fact that various parameters are known. For example, as the precise location of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 within the housing 102 is known, and knowing the fact that the left armature 224 is located by threading in a precise position on the rear or upstream end portion of the stem 218 of valve, and knowing, even more, the thread pitch of the threads defined between the internally threaded part 188 of the annular part 184 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104, and the externally threaded portion 192 of the valve annular seat member 190, the axial position of the valve annular seat member 190 within the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 can be precisely adjusted. Accordingly, the arrangement of the ball valve 216, seated on the valve seat 194, and the arrangement of the valve stem 218, which has the armature 224 fixedly disposed therein, will be predetermined so that it is actually determined the first interstice or space 234. In a similar manner, as the right armature 226 is then threadedly positioned at a precise position on the rear or upstream end portion of the valve stem 218, and as the position of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 within the housing 102 is Known, predetermined, or precisely located, the second gap 236 is similarly precisely predetermined. Still further, as the thread pitch defined between the internally threaded portion 200 of the annular end section of the annular portion 186 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 and the exteriorly threaded portion 204 of the valve travel adjusting stop member 202 is also known, The axial location of the valve stroke adjusting stop member 202 within the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 can be precisely adjusted to define the third gap 238, and thereby the movement stroke of the stem 218 of valve and ball valve 216 between their seated or CLOSED positions and their unseated or OPEN positions.

Referring now to Figs. 3, 5 and 6, it will be recalled that the hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly 100 is adapted to be fixedly secured on top of a hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic supply unit, not shown, by means of fasteners. bolt 156 such that a supply of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material can be fed to the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensing valve assembly 100. Accordingly, it has been found that the bottom wall member 240 is provided with a substantially centrally located hot melt adhesive material or other thermoplastic inlet feed port or passage 242 extending vertically upwardly to the housing 102, and the first and second steps 244, 246 The upper and lower arc-shaped are defined within the housing 102 so as to be interposed respectively between the upper wall member 150 of the housing 102 and the rear or upstream end portion of the valve stem 218, and between the member bottom wall 240 of housing 102 and the rear or upstream end portion of valve stem 218. Furthermore, it has also been seen that the upper and lower passageways 244, 246 configured in an arc shape have predetermined axial extensions or extensions so as to hydraulically interconnect the fluid chambers 228, 230 within which the armatures 224, 226 are arranged. , and even more, An annular passage 248 is defined within housing 102 so that it is annularly disposed around the rear or upstream end portion of valve stem 218.

Auxiliary fluid passages 250, 252, which are effectively inward extensions of inlet feed port or passage 242, are also provided within housing 102 so that they respectively hydraulically interconnect lower arched passage 246 to annular passage 248, and annular passage 248 to upper passage 244 arched. Still further, it has been seen that armature 224 is provided with a plurality of

ES 2 397 288 T3 axially oriented, circumferentially spaced bores 254 and a cup-shaped or recessed annular portion 256 that is defined within the face of armature 224 that is disposed toward electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 such that the annular portion 256 of armature 224 is effectively radially aligned with electromagnetic coil 126. In a similar manner, armature 226 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially oriented bores 258 and a cup-shaped or recessed annular portion 260 that is defined within the face of armature 226 that is disposed toward the assembly. 106 of electromagnetic solenoid such that annular portion 260 of armature 224 is effectively radially aligned with electromagnetic coil 136. Thus, it can be seen that as a result of the provision of the various fluid passages 242-250, as well as the bores 254, 258 and the recessed portions 256, 260 of the armatures 224, 226, the hot-melt adhesive material u Other incoming or supplied thermoplastic material can flow rapidly to all parts of the chambers 228, 230 so that it completely fills the same so that the armatures 224, 226, respectively arranged within the chambers 228, 230 they will be completely immersed within the hot melt adhesive material or other thermoplastic material.

Continuing still further, and still referring to Figs. 5 and 6, it has also been seen that as a result of the aforementioned structure comprising each of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106, each of the electromagnetic armatures 224, 226, and the relative arrangement of the armatures 224, 226 with With respect to electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106, the electromagnetic interaction defined between electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 and armatures 224, 226 it can be easily appreciated or understood. More particularly, it has been seen that the axially extending radially inner tubular or annular core portion 118 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 comprises a radially inner annular end face 262, and that the radially outer annular cover member 122 of the Electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 comprises a radially outer annular end face 264. Similarly, the axially extending radially inner annular or tubular core portion 128 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 comprises a radially inner annular end face 266, and that the radially outer annular cover member 132 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 The electromagnetic solenoid comprises a radially outer annular end face 268. Correspondingly, it has been seen that the radially inner annular portion of the armature 224 comprises a radially inner annular end face 270, and that the radially outer annular portion of the armature 224 comprises a radially outer annular end face 272. In a similar manner, the radially inner annular portion of the armature 226 comprises a radially inner annular end face 274, and that the radially outer annular portion of the armature 226 comprises a radially outer annular end face 276.

It should also be noted that while the radial thicknesses of the radially inner, annular or tubular core portions 118, 128, extending axially of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 and their annular end face 262, 266 are greater than the radial thicknesses of the radially outer annular cover member 122, 132 of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 and their annular end faces 264, 268, The radial thickness dimensions of the radially inner, axially extending tubular or annular core portions 118, 128 and of the radially outer annular cover members 122, 132 of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 are selected by default from such that the radially outer areas of the annular end faces 264, 268 of the annular cover members 122, 132 radially outer are substantially equal to the areas of the radially inner annular end faces 262, 266 of the radially inner annular or tubular core portions 118, 128, which extend axially. This is due to the greater radial distances of the radially outer annular end faces 264, 268 of the radially outer annular cover members 122, 132 relative to the radial distances of the radially inner annular end faces 262, 266 of the parts. annular or tubular core 118, 128 radially inner, extending axially, when measured from the longitudinal axis 108 of the hot melt dispensing valve assembly 100, remembering that the area of ​​a circular geometric figure is directly proportional to the square of the radius.

Similar area characteristics are similarly, or certainly applicable, to the radially inner annular end face 270 of the radially inner annular portion of the armature 224 relative to the radially outer annular end face 272 of the radially outer annular portion. of armor 224, and similarly with respect to the radially inner annular end face 274 of the radially inner annular portion of the armature 226 with respect to the radially outer annular end face 276 of the radially outer annular portion of the armature 226. Furthermore, the radial thicknesses and the radially inner annular end face 262, 266 areas of the radially inner, radially inner tubular or annular core portions 118, 128 are substantially equal respectively to the radial thicknesses and the areas of the radially inner annular end faces 270, 274 of radially inner annular portions of armatures 224, 226, and the like, the radial thicknesses and the radially outer annular end face 264, 268 areas of the radially outer annular cover members 122, 132 are substantially equal respectively to the radial thicknesses and the radially outer annular end face areas 272, 276 of the radially outer annular portions of the armatures 224, 226. Still further, 8

ES 2 397 288 T3 has also been highlighted that the frames 224, 226 comprise radially outwardly tapered or tapered structures such that the axial thicknesses of the frames 224, 226 progressively decrease as one advances in the radially outward direction. In this way the flux density characteristics of the trusses 224, 226 are substantially constant throughout their structures.

Having substantially described all pertinent features of the structure of the new and improved inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100, the operation of the new and improved hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly 100 or other thermoplastic material operated by double solenoid in line will be described below. Referring therefore to Figs. 5 and 6, it has been seen that prior to initiation of a hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing cycle, the various component parts of the new and improved inline dual solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 are in their respective positions illustrated within FIG. 6, that is, for example, both electromagnetic coils 126, 136 of electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 have been de-energized and ball valve 216 is seated on its valve seat 194 under the biasing force of coil spring 232.

When it is desired to initiate a dispensing cycle of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, the electromagnetic coil 136 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 will be energized, and consequently, as a result of the magnetic attraction of the armature 226 to the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106, when it is developed by means of flowing magnetic flux, for example, through annular or tubular core portion 128 extending axially from electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106, through gap 236, through armature 226, again through gap 236, through annular cover member 132 radially outer, and through annular skirt portion 130, extending radially outward, armature 226 will be moved to the right, as seen within FIGS. 5 and 6, whereby the valve stem 218 will be similarly moved to the right, against the biasing force of the coil spring 232, until the upstream or rear end portion of the valve stem 218 encounters the front end of valve stroke adjusting stop member 202. As a result of the rightward movement of the valve stem 218, the ball valve 216, mounted on the valve stem 218, will be moved to its unseated or OPEN position with respect to its valve seat 194 whereby the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material can be discharged and dispensed from the dispensing nozzle 212, such as a dispensing operation or cycle of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material from the dispensing nozzle 212 continuing while the electromagnetic coil 136 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 is held in its energized state.

More particularly, as can best be seen in FIG. 5, when in fact the ball valve 216 has been moved to its unseated or OPEN position with respect to the valve seat 194, as previously highlighted, the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, which is supplied to the new assembly and improved valve 100 dispenser of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material actuated by double solenoid in line through the inlet port or passage means 242, it will flow to underpass 246 and from there it will be divided into essentially three fluid streams. The first fluid flow will enter the lower end portion of chamber 228, flow around the lower end portion of armature 224, and enter the lower end portion of space 234. The second fluid flow will continue up through the fluid passages 250, 248, 252, 244 and will, in turn, be divided so that it not only enters through the upper end portion of the chamber 228 so that it flows around the upper end portion of the armature 224, and which also flows through the bores 254 defined within the armature 224 such that it enters the upper end portion of the space 234, but also, will also flow to the upper end portion of chamber 230. The third fluid flow will enter the lower end portion of chamber 230 so that it not only flows around the lower end portion of armature 226, but will, furthermore, it will flow to bores 258 defined within armature 226 so as to enter cup-shaped recessed portion 260 of armature 226 as well as the lower end portion of space 236. It is further seen that the forward end portion of the valve travel adjusting stop member 202 has a split or split configuration, as best seen in FIG. 2, whereby a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending projections 278 that effectively form a recessed chamber within which the rear end portion of the coil spring 232 sits, also defines the circumferentially spaced grooves 280 between they.

Furthermore, it has also been seen that the portion of the valve stem 218, within which the front end portion of the coil spring 232 sits, is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 282. Accordingly, it can be further appreciated that the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, disposed within the space 236, can enter the grooves 280, defined within the front end portion of the valve travel adjustment stop member 202, so that, in turn, it enters the inner part of the helical spring 232 from which it can then exit, through the aperture means 282, such that it enters the annular space 284 defined between the radially inner core portion 118

ES 2 397 288 T3 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 and the valve stem 218. In a similar manner, hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, disposed within space 234, will also enter annular space 284 whereby the combined fluid flows will advance toward dispensing nozzle 212. It is finally highlighted that the front end portion of the valve stem 218 is provided with a spider-like structure whereby a plurality of circumferentially spaced leg members 286 of such spider structure effectively supports the front end portion. of the valve stem 218 within the valve seat member 190 and also guides the same during the reciprocating strokes of the valve stem 218 with respect to the member 190 valve seat.

The spaces 288, defined between the leg members 286 and within the inner chamber of the valve seat member 190 in which the forward end portion of the valve stem 218 is disposed, allow the aforementioned combined fluid flow of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material flows past it and into the axially extending discharge bore 210 of the valve seat member 190. It should be noted that the provision of the aforementioned various divided fluid flows throughout the entire structure of a new and improved inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 prevents stagnation of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material so, in turn, carbonization thereof is effectively prevented. It has also been noted that a plurality of suitable sealing or O-ring members 290, 292, 294, 296 are arranged in strategic positions within the hot melt adhesive or other solenoid actuated thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 so as to effectively prevent any hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material from leaking out of the hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly 100 or other solenoid-actuated thermoplastic material.

Lastly, when it is desired to terminate a particular hot melt adhesive dispensing cycle or operation, the controller 155 is actuated so as to effectively terminate the electrical current to the electromagnetic coil 136 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106 and provide electrical current to the coil. electromagnet 126 of electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104. The armature 224 will thus be magnetically attracted to the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104, and the valve stem 218, which has the ball valve 216 mounted thereon, will be moved from the right-hand disposed position described within FIG. 5 to the left-hand position described within FIG. 6 whereby the ball valve 216 will be moved from its unseated or OPEN position to its seated or CLOSED position. It is noted that, in connection with such movement of armature 224 towards electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104, gap 234 will be effectively reduced from its aforementioned maximum dimension of, for example, 0.432mm, to its minimum dimension of for example, 0.229 mm, while at the same time the space 236 will be correspondingly increased or expanded. It has been further noted that as a result of, for example, the space 236 being always hydraulically connected to the annular chamber 230 and to the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic inlet supply port 242, the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material will tend to enter space 236 thereby negating any tendency for armature 226 to remain in its adjacent rightmost position, for example, to electromagnetic coil 136 due to similar suction, wicking, or fluid adhesion properties developed between armature 226 and electromagnetic solenoid assembly 106.

Furthermore, during the time that the armature 224 is undergoing such left and right movement, the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, disposed within the space 234, will be effectively squeezed or compressed. Such squeezing or compression of the flowable material effectively develops resistance forces that tend to stop, decelerate, or damp the leftward movement of armature 224 toward its final position in order to allow ball valve 216 to be disposed in position. seated or CLOSED. However, it has also been noted that the provision of, for example, cup-shaped recessed annular portion 256 within armature 224 allows hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material to be rapidly dispersed from space 234 so that the armature 224 can in fact reach its finalized position quickly and without causing ball valve 216 to bounce relative to its valve seat 194. These controlled movements are desirable in order to achieve positive and accurate completion of the dispensing of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, and as also noted previously, the coil spring 232 will then keep the ball valve 216 seated on its back. valve seat 194 after electrical current from electromagnetic coil 126 has been terminated by controller 155. Similar fluid and motion characteristics are of course true in connection with the motion of the armature 226 within its chamber 230 from left to right. It has also been emphasized that the provision of the bores 254, 258 inside the frames 224, 226, the tapered or conical structures of the frames 224, 226 and the provision of the annular cup-shaped recesses 256, 260 within trusses 224, 226, in addition to their aforementioned various operational functions, reduces the mass of such truss structures 224, 226 therefore, rapid movements thereof can be ensured during the valve opening and closing cycles of the hot-melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensing operations.

ES 2 397 288 T3

With reference finally to FIG. 7, a second embodiment of a new and improved inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly, as also constructed in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention, has been described and is generally indicated by the reference character 300. It is to be appreciated that the in-line double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 300 of the second embodiment is conceptually similar to the dual solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 in line of the first realization, and therefore a detailed description of the inline double solenoid actuated thermoplastic or hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly 300 of the second embodiment will be omitted for the sake of brevity, the description of the inline double solenoid actuated thermoplastic or hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly 300 of the second embodiment being substantially limited to structural differences between the hot melt adhesive or other material dispensing valve assemblies 100, 300 In-line double solenoid operated thermoplastic of the first and second embodiments. It has also been noted that the component parts of the inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 300 of the second embodiment that correspond to the similar component parts of the hot melt adhesive or other hot melt dispensing valve assembly 100. other inline double solenoid actuated thermoplastic material of the first embodiment will be designated by the corresponding reference numerals except that they will be within the 300, 400 and 500 series.

More particularly, one of the first structural differences that exist between the hot melt adhesive or other in-line double solenoid actuated thermoplastic dispensing valve assemblies 100, 300 of the first and second embodiments resides in the fact that, at Unlike the dispensing nozzle 212 which comprises a separate component of the valve seat member 190, wherein the lock nut 214 was required to secure the dispensing nozzle 212 onto the valve seat member 190, all in accordance with the principles and teachings of the structure comprising the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 in-line double solenoid actuated of the first embodiment, The dispensing nozzle 412 of the inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 300 of the second embodiment has been effectively manufactured as an integral part of the valve seat member 390 thereby obviating the need for a separate locknut. In addition, it has also been seen that, instead of the ball valve 216, as well as the axially oriented bore 210 that extends between the valve seat 194 and the dispensing nozzle 212, as was characteristic of the structure comprising the assembly 100 of the dispensing valve of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material operated by double in-line solenoid of the first embodiment, the valve seat 394 of the valve seat member 390 of the inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 300 of the second embodiment is disposed immediately upstream of the dispensing nozzle 412, and that the Ball valve 216 has been effectively replaced by means of a needle valve 416 configured as a cone. It can therefore be appreciated that as a result of the provision of the cone-shaped needle valve 416 instead of the ball valve 216, and more particularly, in view of the fact that the conically shaped needle valve 416 is disposed immediately upstream of the dispensing nozzle 412 whereby the axially oriented bore 210 of the dispensing valve assembly 100 of hot melt adhesive or other solenoid actuated thermoplastic material In-line double of the first embodiment is capable of being removed, the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material is not capable of accumulating, for example, within the axially oriented bore 210 whereby the formation of threads of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, subsequent to the movement of the conically shaped needle valve member 416 to its CLOSED position, is effectively prevented.

Continuing further, another primary difference between the structures comprising respectively the hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assemblies 100, 300 or other in-line double solenoid actuated thermoplastic material of the first and second embodiments resides in that the structure comprises the member valve stroke adjustment stopper. More particularly, it will be recalled that the valve stroke adjustment stop member 202, characteristic of the inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 of the first embodiment as illustrated within figs. 4 and 5, comprised the plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially extending projections 278 that effectively formed a recessed chamber within which the rear end portion of the coil spring 232 sits, and in which further, Circumferentially spaced grooves 280 were defined between axially extending projections 278 so as to define fluid flow paths for the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material from fluid chamber 230 and space 236. Rather, in accordance with the principles and teachings of the second embodiment, the inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 300 of the second embodiment, the axially extending projections 278 and the plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves 280 have been eliminated, and a cylindrically shaped tubular portion 478 has

ES 2 397 288 T3 has been provided on the front end portion of the valve stroke adjusting stop member 402.

The axial length of the tubular portion 478 extending forward from the valve stroke adjusting stop member 402 is seen to be substantially greater than the axial length defined by the axially extending projections 278 of the member 202 valve travel adjustment stopper, and consequently, A major portion of the axially extending coil spring 432 will be seated or accommodated within the inner bore of the forwardly extending tubular portion 478 of the valve travel adjusting stop member 402. Furthermore, it has been seen that a plurality, eg, three, of the circumferentially spaced, axially extending grooves 480 are defined within the outer surface portions of the tubular portion 478, and that a plurality, eg, three, of the souls 582 that extend radially, Circumferentially spaced are defined within the valve travel adjusting stop member 402 so as to be hydraulically connected respectively at the first end portions thereof to the plurality of axially extending grooves 480. A first axially extending fluid passage 584 is effectively defined within a first axially extending bore formed within the valve travel adjusting stop member 402 so as to hydraulically connect with the second end portions of the valve. the plurality of bores 582 extending radially with the bore within which the coil spring 432 is disposed, and a threaded adjusting screw or plug 586 is disposed within the valve travel adjusting stop member 402 so as to close the rear end portion of the bore within which the axially extending fluid passage 584 is defined. . In a similar manner, a second axially extending fluid passage 588 is effectively defined within a second axially extending bore formed within valve stem 418, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 482 are also defined within the valve stem 418 so as to hydraulically connect the second axially extending fluid passage 588 with the annular space 484 that effectively surrounds the valve stem 418.

In this manner, when the valve stem 418 and needle valve 416 thereof have been moved back to their OPEN positions, the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, disposed within the space 436, can flow through the plurality of radially extending grooves 480, to radially extending bores 582, to first fluid passage 584 extending axially, through the inner portion of coil spring 432, through the second axially extending fluid passage 588, out through the plurality of openings 482, and into the annular space 484 surrounding the valve stem 418 so as to effectively combine with the other adhesive fluid flows hot melt or other thermoplastic material, as previously described in connection with the in-line double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 of the first embodiment, whereby such fluid flows can then be led to the internal chamber 488 defined within valve seat member 390 such that hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material can be discharged from dispensing nozzle 412. It is also noted that the locations or positions of the various O-ring members 292, 294, 296 of the inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 of the first embodiment has been relocated or repositioned in accordance with the principles and teachings of the hot melt adhesive or other dispensing valve assembly 300 In-line double solenoid actuated thermoplastic material of the second embodiment as illustrated respectively at 492, 494, 496.

A final structural difference between the inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 300 of the second embodiment and the inline dual solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 100 of the first embodiment resides in a modification of the structure comprising the sets 104, 106 electromagnetic solenoid assemblies and end plates 172, 174 used in conjunction with electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106. More particularly, as can be seen in fig. 7, according to the structure of the inline double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 300 of the second embodiment, instead of, for example, the use of the annular cover members 122, 132 radially outer and end plates 172, 174, spaced apart as illustrated within FIG. 1 In connection with the inline double solenoid actuated thermoplastic or hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly 100 of the first embodiment, the radially outwardly extending annular skirt portions 120, 130 have been effectively combined with the end plates 172, 174 so that they effectively form new end wall members 590, 592 within the in-line double solenoid actuated hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly 300 of the second embodiment, and furthermore, it has been seen that the new end wall members 590, 592 integrally connect also together with the parts radially inner, annular or tubular core 318, 328, and the annular cover members or portions 322, 332, in single or one-piece structures. Such modifications simplify the overall structure of the housing portions of the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 304, 306 within which the electromagnetic coils 326, 336 are disposed.

Thus, it can be seen that according to one embodiment of the present invention, new and improved

ES 2 397 288 T3 in-line double solenoid actuated hot-melt adhesive dispensing valve assemblies or other thermoplastic material that are actuated by means of a pair of in-line electromagnetic solenoid assemblies arranged opposite each other and act respectively and alternately on a pair of armatures which are fixedly mounted on a valve stem to which a valve member is fixedly attached. In this way, the pair of electromagnetic solenoid assemblies can quickly and safely control the reciprocating movements of the valve stem, and the valve member attached to it, in order to quickly and safely move the ball valve between its unseated or OPEN position and its seated or CLOSED position such that the dispense valve assembly can control the discharge of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material through the the dispensing nozzle for hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. A coil spring also biases the valve stem and valve member toward the seated or CLOSED position such that when both electromagnetic solenoid assemblies are de-energized, the coil spring is just strong enough to simply hold the member in place. valve in its seated or CLOSED position on the valve seat. However, the loading force of the coil spring mechanism is relatively small as it is not used effectively in connection with the movement of the valve stem, and the valve member, from its unseated or OPEN position to its seated position. or CLOSED, so that it does not adversely affect the movement of the valve stem and armature when the valve member is to be moved from its seated or CLOSED position to its unseated or OPEN position. In addition, the positions of the armatures relative to the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies can be precisely adjusted, as can the stroke movement of the valve stem and valve member between the seated or CLOSED position and the unseated position. or OPEN, so as to effectively optimize the operating cycles of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly.

Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the framework of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced in a manner other than that specifically described herein.