Hybrid hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensing system

The present invention generally relates to hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material supply systems, more specifically to which a metering head located in a first location and having a plurality of metering head supply modules is mounted on top of it. A weighing station and a pair of remote applicator heads located in a second location and having a pair of applicator head supply modules at substantially a plurality of different locations in relation to the underlying substrate, eg, a plurality. Realize different types of patterns, different types of coating techniques or processes, or deposits of different hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastics with different types of periodic movements at substantially the same time. Regarding new and improved hybrid hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material supply systems that can be used. Therefore, these deposits are substantially independent of each other and do not interfere with each other, which is important in relation to the manufacture or assembly of a particular product or product.

Often associated with the supply of hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastics in a variety of different applications related to the assembly of various products or articles in a variety of different production lines or in a variety of different locations or areas of a particular production line. Multiple different locations in substantially different locations in relation to the underlying substrate, eg, multiple different types of patterns, multiple different types of coating techniques or processes, or multiple different types of periodic movements. It is necessary to realize deposits of different hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials at substantially the same time. For example, in connection with the assembly of a particular product, often according to different patterns, by different coating techniques or processes, or by different periodic movements, a particular material is applied or deposited on the substrate of the underlying article. I need to let you. Furthermore, it is desirable that these operations or coating systems are relatively simple and cost effective. Of course, it would be possible to achieve deposits of several different hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastics, for example by using two completely different and separate systems, but this is very It will not be cost effective. Similarly, or in addition to this, this will also be a problem in terms of physical or operational logistics.

<p> Thus, in the art, in practice, at substantially different locations in relation to the underlying substrate, eg, different types of deposition patterns, different types of coating techniques or processes, or It is possible to realize deposits of different hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastics with different types of periodic movements at substantially the same time, and moreover, the whole system is relatively simple and cost effective. There is a need for new and improved hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material supply systems that excel in.</p>

<p> The above and other purposes are achieved in accordance with the teachings and principles of the present invention through the provision of a new improved hybrid hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic material supply system, which is a hot melt adhesive and other thermal. It has a thermoplastic material weighing station, which supplies or deposits a first portion of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material on the first region of the underlying substrate according to the first pattern and mode of operation. It has a metering head with a plurality of applicator modules mounted in a fixed state on top of it. In addition, the metering head is hot to supply or deposit a second portion of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material on the second region of the underlying substrate according to a second pattern or mode of operation. Appropriate hose connection to one or more applicator heads, each equipped with an applicator fixedly mounted on top of it, located away from the melt adhesive or other thermoplastic weighing station. Allows one or more hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic material transport modules to be mounted in a fixed state to transport the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. As a result, the plurality of applicator modules mounted on the weighing head and the applicator modules mounted on the applicator heads located at a distance substantially in relation to the underlying substrate. Of different hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic materials in different locations, eg, different types of deposition patterns, different types of coating techniques or processes, or multiple different types of periodic movements. Sediments can be realized at virtually the same time. In addition, both sets of applicator modules are supplied with hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastics from substantially the same weighing station, resulting in a cost-effective overall system. At the same time, it is relatively simplified in terms of behavior or logistics.</p><p> The various other features and concomitant benefits of the present invention are described in the following details by reference in the context of the accompanying drawings in which similar or corresponding parts are indicated by similar reference numerals in some drawings. It can be understood more fully from the explanation.</p>

<figref num="1">It is a perspective view of a novel improved hybrid hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic material supply system constructed according to the principle and teaching content of this invention, and shows each part which cooperates with it.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 1 is a plan view of the new improved hybrid hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic material supply system shown in FIG.</figref>

First, referring to the attached drawings, specifically FIGS. 1 and 2, a new improved hybrid hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material supply system based on the principles and teachings of the present invention is disclosed, and , The whole is indicated by reference numeral 100. More specifically, the new and improved hybrid hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic material supply system 100 has a hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic material weighing station 102, which has a weighing head 103 and, It is understood that a plurality of rotary gear type metering pump assemblies 106 have a drive gear manifold 104 mounted on top of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material to individually output towards the metering head 103. Will be done. Eight rotary gear type metering pump assemblies 106 are shown, but any number of rotary gear type metering pump assemblies 106 can be attached to the drive gear manifold 104 and of the rotary gear type metering pump assembly 106. It is further appreciated that each substantially has a three-piece or three-plate laminate structure in which the various gear members that make up each of the rotary gear type metering pump assemblies 106 are disposed therein. Further, a gear with respect to a drive shaft (not shown) in which the drive motor 108 is disposed within the drive gear manifold 104 and operably connected to each of the plurality of rotary gear type metering pump assemblies 106. An electrical connection box 114, which is connected by a box 110 and a coupling 32 and for supplying electric power to the drive motor, and a pair of pressure transformers 116 operate with the motor drive system. It will be understood that it is associated with possible.

The injection port 118 is also accessible by a suitable supply hose (not shown) to a remote adhesive supply unit (ASU), which is also not shown, for hot-melt adhesion. Agents and other thermoplastics can be supplied to the hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastics supply system 100 hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastics metering stations 102, and the injection port 118 is a pair of filters. It will be appreciated that the assemblies 122, 124 are mounted on the filter block 120 disposed therein. It will be appreciated that the filter block 120 is mounted on the drive gear manifold 104 and that a plurality of pressure monitoring devices or mechanisms 126 are disposed on the drive gear manifold 104. Multiple first hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials weighing, for example, six weighing head feeds or applicator modules, to substantially define the horizontal transverse arrangement of the metering head feed or applicator module 128. A head feed or applicator module 128 is mounted on the side wall surface 130 of the metering head 103 and a plurality of second hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material transport modules such as, for example, two transport modules 132. , 134 are also mounted on the side wall surface 130 of the metering head 103 so that they are disposed on both sides of the horizontal arrangement of the first hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material metering head supply or applicator module 128. It has become. All of the first hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic material weighing head supply or applicator module 128 and the pair of second hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic material transfer modules 132 and 134 are combined with the first hot melt adhesive. Agents and other thermoplastic materials Each one of the metering head supply or applicator module 128 and each of the pair of second hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material transfer modules 132 and 134 are rotary. Gear type weighing pump assembly 10

Further continuing, according to the principles and teachings of the present invention, the plurality of first hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material weighing head feeds or applicator modules 128 are each operably associated feed nozzle assembly. Having or comprising 135, in this case, the feed nozzle assembly 135, in fact, according to a predetermined first pattern 138, on a first predetermined relatively central region of the underlying substrate 136, A first predetermined weighed amount of hot melt adhesive or other according to a first predetermined technique or process, such as depositing a first predetermined weighed amount of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. It will be appreciated that the thermoplastic material of the above is to be supplied and deposited on the underlying substrate 136. The deposition technique or process may be, or instead of, any of a variety of non-contact spray type techniques or processes such as uniform fiber deposition, spiral spray, melt blown, or curtain coating techniques or processes. Note that the deposition technique or process can be any of a variety of contact techniques or processes, such as standard slot die coating, bead coating, or rotary pattern coating.

However, if further continued, unlike the plurality of first hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic metering head feeds or applicator modules 128 with the aforementioned feed nozzle 135 associated with operability, a pair of second It will be appreciated that hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic transfer modules 132, 34 do not have a feed nozzle assembly associated with operability. Conversely, each of the pair of second hot melt glue and other thermoplastic transport modules 132, 134 communicates with the first end of the hot melt glue and other thermoplastic transport hose assemblies 140, 141. The second end, located on the opposite side of each of the hot melt glue and other thermoplastic transport hose assemblies 140, 142, is the hot melt glue and other thermoplastic materials manifolds 148, 150 and filters. Blocks 152 and 154 communicate with hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material applicator heads 144 and 146, respectively.

The hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic material applicator heads 144 and 146 are provided with the hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic material supply or applicator modules 156 and 158 mounted on the top thereof in a fixed state, respectively. Each has or comprises feed nozzle assemblies 160, 162 operably associated, in which case the feed nozzle assemblies 160, 162 actually base the foundation according to a predetermined second pattern 164, 166. A second predetermined weighed amount on the second predetermined region of the underlying substrate 136, laterally or externally to the first relatively central region 138 of the forming substrate 136. A second predetermined weighed amount of hot melt adhesive, etc. on the underlying substrate 136, according to a second predetermined technique or process, to deposit the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. Is designed to supply or deposit thermoplastic materials. Similar to the deposition technology or process that characterizes the feed nozzle assembly 135, the deposition technology or process that characterizes the supply nozzle assemblies 160, 162 may include, for example, uniform fiber deposition, spiral spray, melt blown, or curtain coating technology or process. It can be any of a variety of non-contact spray type techniques or processes, or instead, the deposition technique or process can be, for example, a variety of standard slot die coatings, bead coatings, or rotary pattern coatings. It can be either a contact technique or a process.

Air is supplied into each applicator head 144, 146 to mix with the incoming hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic materials supplied by each hose assembly 140, 142 to each of the applicator heads 144, 146, respectively. Therefore, the upper part of each of the applicator heads 144 and 146 is provided with a first supply air coupling that is not visible, and is also an electrical connection to the supply air preheater mechanism (not shown). Further note that the first electrical connector for is indicated by reference numerals 168, 170. Furthermore, a second electrical connector for electrical connection to a hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic preheater mechanism, also not shown, is indicated by reference numerals 172, 174 and is not shown. Hot-melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials placed in the hot-melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials manifolds 148 and 150 to control the supply of hot-melt adhesives and other thermoplastics to the output or feed nozzle assemblies 160 and 162, respectively. Other Thermoplastic Materials Supply Control Valves Second and third pairs of air couplings to transfer control air into hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials manifolds 148, 150 to control the characteristics of the mechanism. 176, 178 and 180, 182 are provided.

Substantials of the new and improved hybrid hot melt adhesives of the invention and other structural components that make up the thermoplastic material supply system 100, constructed according to the principles and teachings of the invention and operably interengaged with each other. This is the end of the description of everything, and the practical and operational importance and advantages of the novel and improved hybrid hot melt adhesive and other thermoplastic material supply systems 100 of the present invention will be described below. I will do it. More specifically, for example, according to the principles and teachings of the present invention, for example, with a first set of hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic material weighing head feeds or applicator modules 128 and their feed nozzle assemblies 135. Hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material metering head feed or applicator module 128 and their feed nozzle assembly 135, when considered in the direction of motion of the underlying substrate 136 along the substrate movement path SFP. Hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials located away from and upstream of one set Applicator head feed or applicator modules 156, 158 and their feed nozzle assemblies 160, 162 With the second set, in two different locations or regions of the underlying substrate 136, or on top of it, two different types of hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials on the underlying substrate 136. It should be understood that deposits are feasible.

As mentioned above, the deposition process or technique for any of the set of supply nozzle assemblies 135 or supply nozzle assemblies 160, 162 may be, for example, uniform fiber deposition, spiral spray, melt blown, or curtain coating technology or process. It can be any of a variety of non-contact spray type techniques or processes, or instead, the deposition technique or process can be a variety of, for example, standard slot die coatings, bead coatings, or rotary pattern coatings. It can be either a contact technique or a process. Therefore, a plurality of applicator modules 128 mounted on the weighing head 103 and their supply nozzle assemblies 135, and applicator modules 156, 158 and 156 mounted on distant applicator heads 144, 146. With their feed nozzle assemblies 160, 162, at substantially multiple different locations in relation to the underlying substrate 136, eg, multiple different types of deposition patterns, multiple different types of coating techniques or processes, Or it should be understood that deposits of different hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials with different types of periodic movements can be realized substantially simultaneously and independently.

Further, for example, a plurality of metering head applicator modules 128 mounted on the metering head 103 and a first set of metering head applicator modules and metering feed nozzle assemblies similar to the metering head feed nozzle assembly 135 are separated. Placed Applicator Modules 156, 158 Mounted on Applicator Heads 144, 146 and Their Supply Nozzle Assemblies 160, 162 Alternately Placed Weighing Heads Applicator Modules and Weighing Head Supplies The second set of nozzle assemblies allows for substantially different locations in relation to the underlying substrate 136, eg, different types of deposition patterns, different types of coating techniques or processes, or more than one. Although it may be possible to achieve the aforementioned substrate deposition results with deposits of several different hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials, including different types of periodic operation, substantially simultaneously and independently. , Such systems become very expensive and separate weighing similar to weighing station 102 at each location where a particular independent deposition pattern, coating technique or process, or periodic operation is desired to be achieved. It should be understood that it is also a problem from a logistics point of view in view of the fact that stations must be arranged or placed. Therefore, multiple motor drives, multiple sets of rotary gear type weighing pump assemblies, multiple weighing heads, and similar ones of these will be required.

On the contrary, according to the novel improved hybrid hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material supply system 100 constructed according to the principles and teachings of the present invention, the above-mentioned hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material measuring head supply or Hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastics when considered in the direction of movement of the underlying substrate 135 along the substrate movement path SFP with the first set of applicator modules 128 and their feed nozzle assembly 135. Material Weighing Head Supply or Supply of Hot Melt Adhesives and Other Thermoplastic Materials Applicator Head Supply Located Separately from and Upstream from the First Set of Nozzle Assembly 135 and Supply of Applicator Modules 128. Or the weighing station 102 required to supply hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials to both the applicator modules 156, 158 and the second set of their supply nozzle assemblies 160, 162. There is only one. Therefore, the entire hybrid system is substantially very cost-effective and relatively simplified in terms of operation or logistics.

Furthermore, when considered in the direction of movement of the underlying substrate 135 along the substrate movement path SFP, hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material weighing head feeds or applicator modules 128 and their feed nozzle assemblies. A hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material applicator head feed or applicator modules 156, 158 and their feed nozzle assemblies 160, 162, away from and upstream of the first set of 135. As a result of arranging the second set, for example, a specific hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material supplied from the second set of applicator head feeds or applicator modules 156, 158 and their feed nozzle assemblies 160, 162. The deposition pattern will not interfere with the particular deposition pattern supplied by, for example, the first set of hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic weighing head feeds or applicator modules 128 and their feed nozzle assemblies 135. Please also note the point. Furthermore, the reverse is also true, i.e., the particular deposition pattern supplied by the first set of hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic weighing head feeds or applicator modules 128 and their feed nozzle assemblies 135. Will also not interfere with the particular deposition pattern supplied by the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material applicator head feed or the second set of applicator modules 156, 158 and their feed nozzle assemblies 160, 162.

Furthermore, according to the specific structural requirements or properties of a particular product or product, a first set of hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic weighing head feeds or applicator modules 128 and their feed nozzle assemblies 135. Inevitably can be activated or operated according to a different operating mode than the second set of hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material applicator head feeds or applicator modules 156, 158 and their feed nozzle assemblies 160, 162. Please note that there is. For example, the first set of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic metering head feed or applicator module 128 and their feed nozzle assembly 135 is substantially continuous throughout the production or assembly of a particular product or product. The second set of hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material applicator head feeds or applicator modules 156, 158 and their feed nozzle assemblies 160, 162 is substantially intermittent. It is operational. In the context of such production line operation, hose assemblies 140, 142 can be flexible or rigid, depending on the particular material being transported for supply or deposition. It should be noted that it may or may not be heated and may have any length dimension, eg, in the range of 50 mm to 25 m. Finally, by incorporating the hose assemblies 140, 142 into the hybrid system 100 described above, the hose assemblies 140, 142 effectively function as a fluid accumulator, thereby providing a hot melt adhesive or the like. Hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials output by a plurality of rotary gear type metering pump assemblies 106 communicating with the thermoplastic material transfer modules 132, 134 in a desired amount and at the required supply pressure. In hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic materials applicator head supply or applicator modules 156, 158 and their supply

Therefore, according to the teachings and principles of the present invention, a new improved hybrid hot melt adhesive or other material supply system is provided, which has a hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material weighing station. The weighing station is mounted on top of the first region of the underlying substrate in a fixed state to supply or deposit a first hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material according to a first pattern or mode of operation. It will be appreciated that the metering head is equipped with a plurality of applicator modules. Furthermore, the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic for supplying or depositing the second hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material on the second region of the underlying substrate according to the second pattern or mode of operation. Hot melt adhesive with appropriate hose connections to one or more applicator heads, each equipped with an applicator module fixedly mounted on top of it, located away from the material weighing station. One or more hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastic material transfer modules are also mounted in a fixed state on top of the metering head to convey other thermoplastic materials. As a result, the plurality of applicator modules mounted on the weighing head and the applicator modules mounted on the applicator heads located at a distance substantially in relation to the underlying substrate. In multiple different locations, for example, multiple different types of deposition patterns, multiple different types of coating techniques or processes, or multiple different hot melt adhesives or other thermoplastic materials with different types of periodic operation. Sediments can be realized at virtually the same time. Also, both sets of applicator modules are substantially supplied with hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastics from the same weighing station, resulting in a cost-effective overall system. It is a thing, and it is relatively simplified in terms of operation and logistics.

It is a matter of course for those skilled in the art that a large number of modifications and modifications of the present invention can be made based on the above teaching contents. For example, while the present disclosure is intended for deposits of hot melt adhesives and other thermoplastics, the disclosed hybrid feed system also supplies other fluids with, for example, non-thermoplastic materials. Please note that it is possible to use it as much as possible. Therefore, it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced by methods other than those specifically described herein.

100 Hybrid Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Material Supply System 102 Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Material Weighing Station 103 Weighing Head 103 106 Weighing Pump Assembly 104 Drive Gear Manifold 108 Drive Motor 110 Gearbox 114 Electrical Connection Box 116 Pressure Transformer Duter 118 Injection Port 120 Filter Block 122 Filter Assembly 124 Filter Assembly 126 Mechanism 128 1st Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Material Weighing Head Supply Module 130 Side Wall Surface 132 2nd Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Material Transport Module 134 2nd Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Material Conveying Module 135 Feed Nozzle Assembly 136 Base Material 138 1st Pattern 140 Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Material Conveying Hose Assembly 142 Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Materials Transport Hose Assembly 148 Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Materials Manifold 150 Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Materials Manifold 152 Filter Block 154 Filter Block 156 Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Materials Supply Module 158 Hot Melt Adhesive Other Thermoplastic Materials Supply Module 160 Supply Nozzle Assembly 162 Supply Nozzle Assembly 164 Second Pattern 166 Second Pattern