Dual inline solenoid-actuated hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly

[0001] The present invention generally relates to dispense valve assemblies, and in particular to a new and improved double-row, solenoid-operated dispense valve assembly, hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material that is actuated by a pair of oppositely arranged in-line electromagnetic solenoid assemblies that operate properly and alternately on a pair of jumpers that are permanently mounted on the valve stem, on which the valve element is permanently mounted so as to quickly and reliably control the reciprocal movements of the valve stem and the valve element attached to it, in order to quickly and reliably move the valve element between its non-seated or OPEN position and its seated or CLOSED position, so that the dispense valve assembly can control the flow of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material through the dispensing nozzle of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. The coil spring also presses the valve stem and valve element to the seated or CLOSED position so that when both solenoid solenoid assemblies are electrically disconnected, the coil spring holds the valve element in the seated or CLOSED position on the valve seat. In addition, the armature positions with respect to solenoid solenoid assemblies can be accurately adjusted, as can the valve stem and valve member stroke between the respective seated or CLOSED position and the unseated or OPEN position so as to effectively optimize the operating cycles of the valve assembly dispensing hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Conventional hot-melt adhesive dispensing valve assemblies are of course well known in the art. One example of a pneumatically controlled hot melt dispensing valve assembly is disclosed in US Patent 6,315,168, which was issued to Bolyard Jr, et al. on November 13, 2001. While this metering valve assembly is completely satisfactory from the operating point of view, a special sealing cartridge for hot melt adhesive and air fluid control is required. In addition, the control valve assembly requires the implementation of special maintenance and service procedures, and the entire assembly is noisy. Solenoid-controlled dispense valve assemblies are in fact also known in the art, however they are underestimated due to several different operational disadvantages. For example, one type of conventional solenoid-controlled dispense valve assembly involves the use of a single solenoid solenoid assembly to move the dispense valve assembly from an in-mounted or CLOSED position to its in an unfolded or OPEN position, while the coil spring mechanism is used to move the dispense valve assembly from an un-fitted position or OPEN back to his position

- 2 inmates or CLOSED. As can be easily seen, however, the use of a coil spring mechanism as the only means to achieve a return stroke or movement of the dispense valve assembly from its in an unfolded position or OPEN back to its seated or CLOSED position is problematic for many reasons.

[0003] For example, to ensure that the movement of the dispense valve assembly from its non-seated OPEN position back to its seated or CLOSED position is in fact obtained in a relatively fast and responsive manner in order, in turn, to ensure that material discharge or dispensing hot melt adhesive, from the portion of the nozzle operatively associated with the dispense valve assembly is completed at a substantially precise point in time and without showing any tension of the hot melt adhesive material, the pressure force of the coil spring mechanism must necessarily be significant or substantial. Conversely, however, if the coil spring mechanism actually has a significantly greater biasing force oriented toward the seated or CLOSED position of the valve, then the stroke or movement of the dispensing valve assembly will be relatively slow, as the movement or stroke of the dispensing valve assembly must overcome a significantly greater compression force of the spring mechanism coil. Alternatively, a single solenoid solenoid assembly must be made in such a way that it is relatively large to produce a sufficiently high electromagnetic force that can easily, quickly and immediately overcome the aforementioned relatively high pressure force of the coil spring mechanism to ensure a precise and fast stroke or movement of the valve stem and the ball valve mounted on it, when the ball valve is to move from the seated or CLOSED position to its not seated or OPEN position.

[0004] There is therefore a need in the art for a new and improved electromagnetically actuated hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly or other thermoplastic material, wherein operational disadvantages of conventional prior art electromagnetic hot melt dispensing valve assemblies can be effectively overcome. In particular, there is a need in the field for a new and electromagnetically actuated hot melt adhesive dispensing valve assembly, wherein 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 unset position OPEN to the CLOSED position, can be reliably and quickly achieved without the need for a relatively large coil spring mechanism to generate a relatively high closing force of the valve and without the need for a relatively large solenoid solenoid assembly to generate a relatively high valve opening force to effectively overcome the relatively large closing force of the valve of the relatively large coil spring mechanism .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The above and other objects are achieved according to the knowledge and principles of the present invention as defined in claim 1, embodiments of the invention constituting new and

- 3 improved double-row, electromagnetically controlled hot melt dispensing valve assemblies or other thermoplastic material that are activated by a pair of oppositely arranged row electromagnetic solenoid assemblies that respectively and alternately act on a pair of jumpers that are permanently mounted on the valve stem on which the valve element is permanently mounted. In this way, a pair of solenoid solenoid assemblies can quickly and reliably control the mutual movement of the valve stem and the valve member attached thereto, to quickly and reliably move the valve element between its unseated or OPEN position and its seated or CLOSED position, so that the dispense valve assembly can control the flow of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material through the nozzle dispensing hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the coil spring also presses the valve stem and valve element towards the seated or CLOSED position so that when both solenoid solenoid assemblies are electrically disconnected, the coil spring is just strong enough to simply hold the valve element in place. its seated or CLOSED position on the valve seat. However, the biasing force of the coil spring mechanism is relatively small because it is not effectively applied in connection with the movement of the valve stem and valve element, from the non-seated or OPEN position to the seated or CLOSED position so as not to adversely affect the movement of the armature and the valve stem when the valve element is to be moved from the seated or CLOSED position to the unseated or OPEN position. In addition, the armature positions with respect to solenoid solenoid assemblies can be accurately adjusted, such as the stroke of the valve stem and valve element between the respective seated or CLOSED position and unseated position or OPEN so as to effectively optimize the operating cycles of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly .

[0007] The use of two coil assemblies is already known from the embodiment according to FIGURE 14 WO 02/076615 A2. This secondary document concerns a liquid drop dispensing assembly of 30 μl volume that is used in pharmaceutical, medical diagnostics and biotechnology applications. The said coil assemblies can move the spherical valve head in or against the valve seat. However, the embodiment of figure 14 of WO 02/076615 A2 does not disclose restrictive means for engaging a valve stem or valve seat member that is axially adjustable.

[0008] Another prior art document that utilizes two coil assemblies is known from US Pat. No. 3,412,971. The disclosed valve is used to form a sealing ring around the underside of the bottle caps. A valve seat component that is axially adjustable is not disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Various other features and associated advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying illustrations, in which the respective markings designate similar or corresponding parts in several views, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of new and improved double-row solenoid actuated valve assemblies for dispensing hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material constructed in accordance with the principles and knowledge of the present invention and exhibiting the same properties when assembled;

Figure 2 is an exploded drawing of a new and improved double-row, solenoid actuated valve assembly for dispensing hot melt or other thermoplastic material, as shown in FIGURE 1 and showing there mutually cooperating components therein;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the new and improved double-row solenoid actuated valve assembly for dispensing hot melt or other thermoplastic material, as shown in FIGURE 1 along lines 3-3 in FIGURE 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a new and improved dual-row solenoid actuated dispensing valve assembly hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, as shown in FIGURE 1 and along line 4-4 in FIGURE 1, the dispensing valve being illustrated in an in position or CLOSED;

Figure 5 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to that of FIGURE 4, however, the cover member has been disassembled and the dispensing valve has been depicted in an open or OPEN position to illustrate the flow of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material internally in the valve assembly dispensing from the inlet port to the dispensing nozzle;

Figure 6 is an enlarged partial sectional view similar to that of FIGURE 5, however, the dispensing valve is again shown in its SEATED or CLOSED position; and

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGURE 5, however, a second embodiment of the new and improved double row solenoid actuated dispensing valve assembly or other thermoplastic material constructed in accordance with the principles and knowledge of the present invention is shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MIRRORED VERSIONS [0010] Referring now to the drawings, and more in detail to their FIGURES 1,2 and 4, a new and improved double, row, solenoid actuated valve assembly for dispensing hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material made according to the principles and knowledge of the present invention is disclosed and is generally indicated by reference mark 100. More specifically, it is evident that the new and improved dual solenoid actuated, in-line dispense valve assembly 100 for dispensing glue

- meltable and other thermoplastic materials include a housing 102 in which a pair of oppositely arranged solenoid solenoid assemblies 104, 106 are mounted to be mounted so that they are effectively ring-spaced about the longitudinal axis 108 of the dual built-in solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses adhesive hot melt and other thermoplastic materials. As best seen in FIGURES 2 and 4, the housing 102 is equipped with a pair of opposing disposed stepped holes 110, 112 that extend axially inward to the housing 102 with a pair of opposing disposed outer end faces or wall elements 114, 116 and should be appreciated that large parts of the solenoid 104,106 solenoid assemblies will be adapted to be placed within the aforementioned stepped holes 110, 112 defined in housing 102. As can best be seen in FIGURE 4, each of the electro-magnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 effectively encapsulates the three-part structure, although it is possible that each of the solenoid solenoid assemblies 104, 106 could also effectively encompass the two-part structure, as will be discussed briefly below.

In particular, it is apparent, for example, that the solenoid solenoid assembly 104 consists of a radially inner, axially extending, annular or tubular core portion 118, a radially outwardly extending annular flange portion 120 integrally connected to the radially inner, axially extending annular core portion 118 and radially external, the annular cover member 122 disposed around and effectively covering both the radially inner, axially extending annular core portion 118 and the radially outwardly extending annular flange portion 120 integrally connected to the radially inner axially extending core portion 118 and the radially outer annular cover member 122 disposed around and effectively covering both radially inner, an axially extending annular core portion 118 and a radially outwardly extending annular flange portion 120, such as when defining by means of a radially inner, axially extending annular core portion 118 and an annually extending annular flange portion 120 of an annular pocket 124 that is open on one portion thereof end, inside which an annular electromagnetic coil 126 is placed. In a similar manner, the solenoid solenoid 106 includes a radially inner, axially extending annular core portion 128, a radially extending externally, annular flange portion 130 integrally connected to the radially inner, axially extending annular core portion 128 and a radially outer annular cover member 132 positioned around and effectively covering both radially, an inner axially extending annular or tubular core portion 128 and a radially extending externally extending annular flange portion 130 to define by means of a radially inwardly axially extending annular core portion 128 and radially outwardly

- an extending annular flange portion 130 an annular pocket 134 that is open on one end portion thereof in which the annular electromagnetic coil 136 is located. The electromagnetic coils 126, 136 are housed in annular pockets 124, 134 to seal them effectively against penetration of any hot melt adhesive and it is apparent that the free end portions or clamping elements 138, 140 of the electromagnetic coils 126, 136 run radially through the first slits 142, 144 properly defined inside the upper wall element 150 of the valve assembly housing 102.

[0012] Alternatively, the free end portions or clamping elements 138, 140 of the electromagnetic coils 126, 136 may initially be guided axially and then radially. The cover element 152, having a vertical electrical connector 154 integrally formed with it, and adapted for electrical connection to the power supply and controller 155, is adapted so as not only to be permanently attached to the top of the housing by means of a pair of connecting screws 156, but additionally connecting screws 156 fasten the entire dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material on top of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material feeding unit, not shown, from which the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material is fed to the dispense valve assembly 100, which dispenses the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, as will be further illustrated below. It should further be noted that the cover member 152 has an internal passage 158 as defined herein in which electrical wires may be coupled to engage a pair of free end portions or clamping elements 138, 140 of the solenoid coils 126, 136 with the electrical connector 154. As already mentioned, in place of the core parts 118, 128 constituting separate structural elements with respect to the annular cover elements 122, 132, where the core parts 118, 128 could, for example, be fitted or otherwise attached to the annular cover elements 122, 132, parts the core elements 118, 128 and the annular cover elements 122, 132 could suitably be made in the form of integral one-piece elements.

[0013] Continuing and in connection with the current installation of solenoid solenoid assemblies 104, 106 in stepped holes 110, 112 of housing 102, it is apparent that stepped holes 110, 112 are suitably equipped with annular roll countersinks 160, 162 which run axially internally to housing 102 from a pair of opposing outer end surfaces or wall elements 114, 116 so to determine the radially extending annular ridge portions 164, 166 and in a suitable manner, the annular lid members 122, 132 also have graduated configurations so as to redefine the annular ridge portions 168, 170 appropriately, which are adapted to engage the previously described annular ridge portions 164, 166 areas with countersinking housing 160, 162. In this way, as can best be seen from FIGURE 4, when the solenoid solenoid assemblies 104, 106 are inserted into the housing 102 of the hot melt dispense valve assembly, they are positioned accurately or positioned in the housing 102. Still, for stable holding

- 7 solenoid solenoids 104, 106 in holes 110, 112 of housing 102, a pair of end plates 172, 174 are adapted to engage radially outwardly extending flange portions 120, 130 solenoid solenoids 104, 106, end plates 172, 174 attached to end surfaces face or wall elements 114, 116 of the housing 102 by means of a plurality of screw connectors 176, 178. In addition, it can also be seen that each of the end plates 172, 174 has a central hole 180, 182 as defined herein to allow axial external routing of the tubular or annular parts 184, 186 of the solenoid solenoid assemblies 104, 106 to their respective position, which can best be seen or evaluate based on FIGURES 2 and 4. Alternatively, the end plate 172, the radially outwardly extending flange portion 120 and the annular cover member 122 may comprise an integrated or one-piece structure, and similarly for the end plate 174, the radially outwardly extending flange portion 130 and the annular cover member 132.

[0014] In particular, it is apparent that the free or distal annular end section of the annular portion 184 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 104 has an internal thread as for 188, and the cylindrical or annular valve seat member 190 has an external thread as for 192. Valve seat member 190 includes valve seat 194, and holes 196 are provided in the outer end face of valve seat member 190 for receiving, for example, a wrench or the like, a rotary tool to effectively regulate the axial position of valve seat member 190 in the annular portion 184 of the electromagnetic assembly solenoid 104. Furthermore, the lock nut 198 is also threaded on the part with the external thread 192 of the valve seat member 190 and is adapted to engage with the outer annular end face 184 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 104 to permanently lock the valve seat member 190 in a given axial position with respect to to the solenoid solenoid 104. In a similar manner, it can be seen that the free or distal annular end section of the annular portion 186 has an internal thread, such as for 200, and the valve stroke adjustment stop 202 has an external thread, as for 204. The holes 206 are located in the outer end face of the valve stroke adjustment stop member 202 to receive, for example, a wrench or similar rotary tool to effectively adjust the axial position of the valve stroke adjustment stop member 202 such that how to couple the outer annular end face of the annular portion 186 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 and lock nut 208 is also threaded to the part with the outer thread of the portion 204 of the limiting member 202 of the valve stroke adjustment in such a manner, to connect the outer annular end face of the annular portion 186 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 and thereby permanently lock the valve stroke adjustment stop 202 in a given axially adjustable position relative to the solenoid assembly 106.

[0015] Continuingly, the valve seat member 190 is provided with an axially extending bore 210 and the dispensing nozzle 212 is adapted to be permanently mounted on the valve seat member 190 by means of an internally threaded lock nut 214 which is mounted on an externally threaded thread parts 192 of the valve member 190. Alternatively, the dispensing nozzle 212 and valve seat member 190 may consist of a one-piece integrated design, whereby the lock nut 214 can be effectively eliminated. Ball valve 216 is integrally mounted on the front or lower end portion of the valve stem 218, and it is apparent that the valve stem 218 extends axially in valve seat member 190 and the annular or cylindrical portion 118 of solenoid solenoid assembly 104. It is also apparent that the rear or front end portion of the valve stem 218 is externally threaded, and the pair of radially externally extending annular valves 224, 226 respectively positioned in a pair of radially oriented annular chambers 228, 230 defined in the housing 102, are internally threaded in such a manner, to connect with a thread on the front or distal end portion of valve stem 218 as for 220, 222. Other means can, of course, be implemented for the permanently attached valves 224, 226 on the valve stem 218, such as, for example, by fitting or the like. Still further it can be seen that the rear or front end portion of the valve stem 218 is cylindrical, as is the front end portion of the valve stroke adjustment stop member 202 and in this way, coil spring 232 can be located in both structures and components. It should be noted that in place of the axially separated annular valves 224, 226 located on the valve stem 218, a single annular valve having, for example, a substantially H-shaped cross-section configuration could be used and permanently mounted on the valve stem 218, or alternatively still further jumpers 224, 226 may include separate components, but need not be axially disposed on valve stem 218.

[0016] While the complete cyclic operation of the new and improved dual-row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material will be described below, it should be noted at this point that, when the electromagnetic solenoid 126 solenoid assembly 104 is electrically connected, jumper 224 will be magnetically attracted to electromagnetic coil 126, to effectively move the valve stem 218 to the left, as shown in FIGURE 4, according to which the ball valve 216 will be seated on the valve seat 194. Alternatively, when the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 is electrically connected electromagnetic coil 136, the armature 226 will magnetically pull toward the solenoid coil 136 so as to effectively displace the valve stem 218 to the right, as shown in FIGURE 4, against the compression force of the coil spring 232, which will be squeezed between the valve stem 218 and the limiting element 202 of the valve stroke adjustment, the ball valve 216 will not be blown out of valve seat 194. Then, when the solenoid coil 136 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 is disconnected

9 electrically, and the solenoid solenoid assembly 104 of the solenoid assembly 104 is electrically reconnected, the ball valve 216 will be re-seated in the valve seat 194, and further, after the electric disconnection of the solenoid assembly 104 of the solenoid assembly 104, the coil spring 232 is sufficiently strong, to keep the ball valve 216 seated on valve seat 194. It can therefore be seen that, while electromagnetic coils 126, 136 are used in such a way as to provide fast and instantaneous travel of the valve stem 218 and ball valve 216 with respect to the seated or CLOSED position and the non-seated or OPEN position, the electromagnetic coil 126 does not need to be electrically connected to keep the ball valve 216 in the CLOSED position. It should be noted that the previously indicated electrical connection, electrical disconnection and electrical reconnection of the operating cycles of the solenoid solenoids 104, 106 are of course controlled by the previously described power source and controller 155.

[0017] Referring further to FIGURE 4 and with additional reference to FIGURES 5 and 6, it should be noted that when the new and improved double-row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive is pre-mounted as shown in FIGURES 4 and 6, the first and second predetermined slots or spaces 234, 236 are respectively defined between the right-hand end face of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104, and the armature 224 and between the left front end portion of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 and the armature 226, while a third predetermined gap or space 238 is defined between the rear or upper end portion of the valve stem 218 and the front end portion of the valve stroke adjustment limiter 202. More specifically, the first and second predetermined slots and spaces 234, 236 may be in the range of, for example, 0.203 - 0.762 mm (0.008-0.030 inches), while the third predetermined slit or space 238 may be in the range of example, 0.203 - 0.389 mm (0.0080.015 inches).

[0018] However, when the ball valve 216 is actually seated in valve seat 194, as shown in FIGURES 4 and 6, it is preferred, for example, that the first predetermined gap 234 is about 0.229 mm (0.009 inch), the second with the predetermined gap 236 will be approximately 0.432 mm (0.017 inch) and the third predetermined gap 238 that effectively determines the stroke of the valve stem 218 and ball valve 216 relative to valve seat 194, it will be approximately 0.203 mm (0.008 inches). When the electromagnetic coil 136 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 is electrically connected so as to magnetically attract the armature 226 to it and thereby move the ball valve 216 from its seated or CLOSED position to its unseated or OPEN position as shown in the FIGURE 5, the first predetermined gap or space 234 will now be approximately 0.432 mm (0.017 inch), the second predetermined gap or space 236 will now be approximately 0.229 mm (0.009 inches), and the third predetermined gap or space 238 will now be zero, as the right end portion of the surface

- the valve stem 218 is in contact with and adheres to the left end portion of the valve surface restriction member 202 of the valve stroke adjustment.

[0019] The previously described, predetermined slots or spaces 234, 236, 238 can in fact be precisely defined because various parameters are known. For example, because the exact position of the solenoid solenoid assembly 104 inside the housing 102 is known and knowing that the left armature 224 is mounted by means of a threaded connection in the exact position on the rear or front end portion of the valve stem 218 and knowing, in addition, pitch of threads defined between the internally threaded portion 188 of the annular portion 184 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 104 and the portion with the external thread 192 of the valve seat member 190, the axial position of the valve seat member 190 in the solenoid assembly 104 can be properly adjusted. Accordingly, the position of the ball valve 216 seated on the valve seat 194 and the position of the valve stem 218 with the armature 224 permanently attached thereto will be predetermined to predetermine the first gap or space 234. In a similar manner, because the right armature 226 is then, by means of a thread, placed in a precise position on the rear or front end portion of the valve stem 218, and also because the position of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 in the housing 102 is known, predetermined or precisely located, the second gap or the space 236 is also precisely predetermined. Further analyzing, since the thread pitch defined between the internal thread portion 200 of the annular end portion 186 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 and the external thread portion 204 of the valve stroke adjustment stop 202 is also known, the axial position of the valve pitch control stop 202 in the solenoid solenoid 106 can be precisely adjusted so to determine the third gap or space 238 and thus the stroke of the valve stem 218 and the ball valve 216 between their seated or CLOSED positions and their non-seated or OPEN positions.

[0020] Referring now to FIGURES 3, 5 and 6, it should be recalled that the dispensing valve assembly 100 that dispenses the hot melt adhesive is adapted to be permanently attached to the top of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material feed unit, not shown, by means of connecting screws 156 so that feeding of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material can be provided to the dispense valve assembly 100 which dispenses the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. In this regard, it can be seen that the bottom wall element 240 is equipped with a substantially centrally located hot melt adhesive port or other thermoplastic material or channel 242 that passes vertically up into the housing 102, and the first and second, upper and lower arcuate channels 244 , 246 is located in the housing 102 so that they are respectively positioned between the upper wall element 150 of the housing 102 and the rear or upper end portion of the valve stem 218, and also between the bottom wall element 240 of the housing 102 and the rear or front end portion of the valve stem 218. In addition, it can also be seen that the upper and lower arcuate channels 244, 246 have

- 11 predetermined axial areas in order to fluidly connect fluid chambers 228, 230, in which the armature 224, 226 are positioned, and further the annular channel 248 is placed in the housing 102 in such a way that it is annularly positioned around the rear or front end portion valve stem 218.

[0021] Auxiliary fluid channels 250, 252, which are effective internal extensions of the inlet power port or channel 242, are also located in the housing 102 for interconnecting the fluid bottom arc passage 246 to the annular channel 248 and the annular channel 248 to the upper arc passage 244 . In addition, it can be seen that the armature 224 is equipped with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, axially oriented holes 254 and an annular, cupped or recessed part 256 which is located in the face of the armature 224 which is oriented towards the solenoid assembly 104 so that the annular part 256 armature 224 was effectively radially aligned with the electromagnetic coil 126. Similarly, the armature 226 is equipped with a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially oriented holes 258, and an annular, cupped or countersunk portion 260 that is disposed in the face of the armature 226 that is positioned towards the solenoid solenoid assembly 106, so that the annular portion 260 armature 224 was effectively radially aligned with the electromagnetic coil 136. In this way, it can be seen that as a result of providing different fluid channels 242-250 and holes 254, 258 and recessed parts 256, 260 jumper 224, 226, incoming or fed hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material can quickly flow to all parts of chambers 228, 230 so as to completely fill them, with the armature 224, 226 placed in chambers 228, 230, respectively, completely immersed in the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material.

[0022] Continuing and with reference to FIGURES 5 and 6, we also see that as a result of the aforementioned structure including all of the solenoid solenoids 104, 106, all of the solenoid jumpers 224, 226 and relative spacing of the jumpers 224, 226 with respect to the electromagnetic assemblies solenoid 104, 106, you can easily understand and evaluate the defined electromagnetic interaction between the electromagnetic assemblies of solenoid 104, 106 and jumpers 224, 226. In particular, it can be seen that the radially inner, axially passing, annular or cylindrical core portion 118 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 104 includes the radially inner annular end face 262, and that the radially outer annular cover element 122 of the electromagnetic solenoid assembly 104 includes the radially outer annular end face 264 . In a similar manner, the radially inner, axially extending tubular or annular core portion 128 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 includes the radially inner annular end portion 266, and this radial, outer, annular cover member 132 of the solenoid assembly 106 includes the radially outer annular end portion 268 . Accordingly, it can be seen that the radially inner annular portion of the armature 224 embraces radially

- an inner, annular, end face 270, and this radially outer annular portion 224 includes a radially outer annular end face 272. In a similar manner, the radially inner annular portion of armature 226 includes a radial, inner, annular face 274, and this radially the outer annular portion of the armature 226 includes a radially outer annular end face 276.

[0023] It should also be noted that while the radial thickness of the radially inner, axially extending annular or cylindrical core parts 118, 128 of the solenoid solenoid assemblies 104, 106, and their end annular faces 262, 266 are greater than the radially outer thickness the annular cover member 122, 132 of the solenoid solenoid 104, 106 and these annular end faces 264, 268, thickness dimensions of radially internal, axially extending annular or tubular core parts 118, 128 and radially external annular cover members 122, 132 of solenoid electromagnetic assemblies 104, 106 are pre-selected so that surface areas of radially outer, annular, end faces 264 , 268 radially outer annular cover elements 122, 132 are substantially equal to the surface areas of the radially inner annular end faces 262, 266 of the radially inner, axially extending annular or tubular core portions 118, 128. This is due to greater radial, radially outer, annular, end faces 264, 268 distances from the radially outer, annular cover members 122, 132 with respect to radial distances, radially inner end faces 262, 266 from radially inner, axially running annular or cylindrical core parts 118, 128, measured from the longitudinal axis 108 of the dispensing valve assembly 100, which dispenses hot melt adhesive, but it should be remembered that the surface area of ​​the circular geometric figure is directly proportional to the square of the radius.

[0024] Similar surface area characteristics are analogous to those applied to or typical of the radially inner annular end face 270 of the radially inner annular portion of the armature 224 with respect to the radially outer annular end face 272 of the radially outer annular portion of the armature 224 and similarly in relation to radially inner, of the 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. In addition, the radial thickness and surface areas of the radially inner, annular radially inner faces 262, 266, axially extending, annular or cylindrical core portions 118, 128 are substantially equal to the radial thicknesses and the radially inner annular end surfaces

- 13 faces 270, 274 of radially inner annular parts 224, 226 and similarly radial thicknesses and surface areas of radially outer annular end faces 264, 268 of radially outer annular cover members 122, 132 are substantially equal to radial thicknesses and radially outer surface areas . annular end faces 272,276 radially outer annular parts of the armature 224,226. Continuing, it should also be emphasized that the armature 224, 226 includes radially outer, conical structures so that the axial thickness of the armature 224, 226 gradually decreases when running in the radially outer direction. In this way, the density characteristics of the armature stream 224, 226 are substantially constant in their structure.

[0025] After describing essentially all of the applicable structure characteristics of the new and improved double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, the operation of the new improved double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that will dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. Therefore, with reference to FIGURES 5 and 6, it is apparent that before starting the dispensing cycle of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, the various parts of the components of the new and improved dual solenoid actuated, in-line metering valve assembly 100 which dispenses the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material are in their positions shown in the FIGURE. 6, i.e., both of the solenoid coils 126, 136 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 104, 106 have been electrically disconnected, and the ball valve 216 is seated on its valve seat 194 under the force of the coil spring 232.

[0026] When there is a need to initiate a metering cycle for hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, the electromagnetic coil 136 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 will be electrically connected, and therefore, as a result of magnetic attraction of the armature 226 to the solenoid assembly 106 due to magnetic flow means, for example, through the axially extending annular or cylindrical core portion 128 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 through the slit 236, through the armature 226 back through the slit 236, through the radially outer, annular cover member 132, and through the radially outwardly extending annular flange portion 130, the armature 226 will be moved into right, as seen in FIGURES 5 and 6, where the valve stem 218 will be moved to the right again, contrary to the bias force of the coil spring 232, until the front or rear end portion of the valve stem 218 makes contact with the front end portion of the valve stroke adjustment stop 202. As a result of the clockwise movement of the valve stem 218, the ball valve 216, mounted on the valve stem 218, will be moved to its non-seated or OPEN position with respect to its valve seat 194, while hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material may be discharged and dispensed from the nozzle dispensing 212, such an operation or dispensing cycle for hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material from a nozzle

The dispensing 212 continues until the solenoid coil 136 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 106 is maintained in its state for electrical connection.

[0027] In particular, as can best be seen in FIGURE 5, while in fact the ball valve 216 has been moved to its non-seated or OPEN position with respect to valve seat 194, as already mentioned, hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic supplied to a new and improved double-row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100, which dispenses the hot melt adhesive or thermoplastic material through the inlet port or channel 242, will flow into the bottom channel 246 and there will be essentially divided into three fluid stream flows. The first fluid flow will enter the bottom portion, the final chamber 228 will flow around the bottom end portion of the armature 224 and will enter the bottom portion of the end slot 234. The second fluid flow will continue upward through fluid channels 250, 248, 252, 244 and in turn will be divided so as not only to enter the upper end portion of the chamber 228 so as to flow around the upper end portion of the armature 224, as well as to flow through the holes 254 defined in the coil 224 to enter the upper end portion of the slot 234, but in addition, it will flow into the upper end portion of the chamber 230. The third fluid flow will enter the lower end portion of the chamber 230 so as not only to flow around the lower end portion of the armature 226, but additionally, it will flow into the openings 258 located in the armature 226 so as to get into the cup-like part 260, the armature 226 and bottom of the end slot 236. In addition, it is apparent that the front end portion of the valve stroke adjustment restriction element 202 has a split configuration, which can best be seen in FIGURE 2, in which a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending projections 278 that effectively form a recessed chamber within which the rear end portion is mounted coil spring 232, also defines circumferentially spaced slots 280 between them.

[0028] In addition, a portion of the valve stem 218 is also observed, inside which the front end portion of the coil spring 232 is mounted, which is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes 282. In connection with the above, it should be further noted that hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensed in the gap 236 may enter the slots 280 defined in the front end portion of the limiting element 202 of the valve stroke adjustment in such a way as to enter the inner part of the coil spring 232, from which it can then be exited through the holes 282, to enter the annular space 284 defined between the radial inner core portion 118 of the solenoid solenoid assembly 104 and the valve stem 218. Similarly, hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensed in the gap 234 will also enter the annular space 284, with the combined flows the fluid will follow the dispensing nozzle 212. Finally, it is noted that the front end portion of the valve stem 218 is equipped with a star-like structure, with a multitude of circumferentially spaced leg components 286 of this star structure effectively supporting the front portion

The valve stem 218 in the valve seat member 190, as well as guiding them during the mutual stroke movements of the valve stem 218 with respect to the valve seat member 190.

[0029] The spacing 288 defined between the leg components 286 and in the inner chamber of the valve seat member 190, in which the front end portion of the valve stem 218 is located, allows the aforementioned combined flow of hot melt adhesive fluid or other thermoplastic material through them and into the axially extending hole 210 valve seat element 190. It should be noted that providing different previously described fluid flow divisions through the structure of a new and improved in-line double electromagnetic dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material prevents the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic materials from stagnating, thereby effectively preventing carbonization. It should also be noted that a plurality of suitable sealing elements or O-rings 290, 292, 294, 296 are located in strategic places of the solenoid actuated dispensing valve assembly 100 which dispenses hot melt adhesive or thermoplastic in such a way as to effectively prevent external leakage of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material from a solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or a thermoplastic.

[0030] Finally, when it is desired to terminate a given cycle or hot melt dispensing operation, the regulator 155 operates to effectively disconnect electrical power from the electromagnetic coil 136 of the solenoid assembly 106 and provide electrical power to the electromagnetic coil 126 of the solenoid assembly 104. The armature 224 will therefore be magnetically attracted to solenoid solenoid 104 and the valve stem 218 having the ball valve 216 mounted thereon will be moved from the right position position disclosed in FIGURE 5 to the left position position disclosed in FIGURE 6, with the ball valve 216 being moved from the unarmed or OPEN position to its embedded or CLOSED position. It should be noted that due to such movement of the armature 224 towards the solenoid assembly 104, the gap 234 will be effectively reduced from its previously stated maximum dimension, e.g., 0.432 mm (0.017 inches), to its minimum dimension, e.g., 0.229 mm (0.009 inch) while at the same time, gap 236 will be increased or widened accordingly. It has also been observed that as an effect, for example, gap 236 always fluidly connected to annular chamber 230 and inlet feed port 242 of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material will usually enter the gap 236, thus destroying any tendency of armature 226 to remain in its adjacent extreme right position, for example, to the electromagnetic coil 136 due to suction, capillary or similar fluid adhesive properties interacting between armature 226 and solenoid 106 solenoid assembly.

[0031] Furthermore, while the armature 224 is in such a right-to-left motion, the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensed in the gap 234 will be effectively squeezed or compressed. Such extrusion or compression of the fluid material effectively creates resistance forces to stop, slow down or damp the left arm movement of the armature 224 towards the final position in order to allow the ball valve 216 to be placed in the seated or CLOSED position. However, it has also been noted that providing, for example, an annular cupped portion recessed 256 in coil 224 allows the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material to be rapidly dispersed from the gap 234, wherein the armature 224 can actually reach its final position quickly without causing the rebound of the ball valve 216 with respect to its valve seat 194. These controlled movements are desirable to achieve a positive and accurate end to dispensing of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, and, as previously noted, coil spring 232 will hold ball valve 216 seated on its valve seat 194 when electrical power to solenoid 126 has been cut off using controller 155. Similar movement and fluid characteristics are of course typical in connection with the movement of the armature 226 inside its chamber 230 from left to right. It was also noted that providing holes 254, 258 in jumpers 224, 226, tapered structures of jumpers 224, 226 and providing annular, cup-recessed parts 256, 260 in jumpers 224, 226, in addition to their various operational functions, reduces the weight of such jumper structures 224, 226, however, rapid movements during valve opening and closing cycles and dispensing operations of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material may be provided.

Finally, with reference to FIGURE 7, a second embodiment of a new and improved double row solenoid actuated dispensing valve assembly hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material that has also been constructed in accordance with the principles and knowledge of the present invention is disclosed and is commonly designated by reference number 300. It should also be understood that the second version of the dual, row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 300 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material is conceptually similar to the first version of the double, row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other material thermoplastic, so a detailed description of the second version of the double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 300 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material will be omitted in the interest of brevity, a description of the second version of the double row solenoid actuated dispensing valve assembly 300, which dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material will generally be limited to structural differences between the first and second versions of the double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assemblies 100, 300 that dispense hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. It should also be noted that the components of the second version of the double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly

- 17 300, which dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material that correspond to similar components of the first version of the double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material will be placed at the appropriate reference numbers except when they will be in the 300, 400 and 500 series.

In particular, one of the first structural differences existing between the first and second embodiments of double, row solenoid actuated dispense valve assemblies 100, 300 that dispense hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material is that, unlike dispensing nozzle 212 comprising a separate component of valve seat member 190, wherein the lock nut 214 was required to attach the dispensing nozzle 212 to the valve seat member 190, in accordance with the principles and knowledge of the structure including the first version of the double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, dispensing nozzle 412 according to a second embodiment of the double embedded solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 300, which dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material has been successfully formed as an integral part of the valve seat member 390, thus preventing the need to separate the lock nut. In addition, it is also apparent that instead of the ball valve as well as the axially oriented opening 210 extending between the valve seat 194 and the dispensing nozzle 212, as was characteristic of the structure including the first version of the double version of the embedded solenoid actuated dispensing valve assembly 100 which dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, valve seat 394 of valve seat member 390 of the second embodiment of the dual embedded solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 300 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material is positioned directly in front of dispensing nozzle 412, and ball valve 216 is effectively replaced by a conically configured needle valve 416. Thus, it can be seen that by providing the conically configured needle valve 416 in place of the ball valve 216, and in particular because the conically configured needle valve 416 is located directly in front of the dispensing nozzle 412, the axially oriented opening 210 of the first embodiment, a dual built-in solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material can be removed, hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material cannot accumulate, e.g., in an axially oriented hole 210, whereby the application of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material after the conically configured needle valve element 416 moves to its CLOSED position is effectively blocked.

[0034] Continuing, another basic difference between structures respectively including the first and second embodiments of double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assemblies 100, 300 that dispense hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material is housed in a structure containing the containment element

- 18 valve stroke adjustment. In particular, it should be recalled that the valve stroke adjustment limiting element 202, typical of the first embodiment of a double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, in accordance with FIGURES 4 and 5, comprising a plurality of circumferentially distributed, axially extending protrusions 278 that have effectively formed a recessed chamber in which the rear end portion of the coil spring 232 is seated, wherein, moreover, circumferentially spaced slots 280 have been arranged between axially extending projections 278 so as to determine fluid flow paths for the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material from the fluid chamber 230 and the slot 236. Conversely, according to the principles and knowledge of the second version of the invention, a dual, solenoid-operated dispense valve assembly 300 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, axially extending projections 278, and multiple circumferentially spaced slots 280 have been removed, and a cylindrical configured tubular portion 478 has been provided on the front end portion of the limiting element 402 for adjusting the valve stroke.

[0035] It should be noted that the axial length of the tubular portion 478 of the forwardly extending valve stroke adjustment limiting element 402 is significantly greater than the axial length determined by the axially extending projections 278 of the valve stroke adjustment limiting element 202, and thus a larger axially extending portion of the coil spring 432 will be seated or inserted into the inner opening of the tubular portion of the forwardly extending 478 of the valve stroke adjustment limiter 402. Furthermore, it is apparent that a plurality of, e.g., three circumferentially spaced, axially extending grooves 480 are disposed on portions of the outer surface of tubular portion 478, and that a plurality, e.g., three, circumferentially spaced radially extending apertures 582 are disposed in the limiting element 402 adjusting the valve stroke so that they are properly fluidly connected at their first end portions to the plurality of axially extending grooves 480. The first axially extending fluid channel 584 is effectively positioned in a first axially extending opening formed in the valve stroke adjustment restriction element 402 to connect the tidal second end portions of the plurality of radially extending holes 582 to the opening in which the coil spring 432 is located and the threaded set screw or the plug 586 is located in the limiting element 402 of the valve stroke adjustment such that to close the rear end portion in which the axially extending fluid channel 584 is located. In a similar manner, the second axially extending fluid channel 588 is effectively positioned in a second axially extending opening formed in the valve stem 418, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes 482 are also positioned in the valve stem 418 in such a way as to smoothly connect the second axially extending fluid channel 588 to the space ring 484 effectively surrounding the valve stem 418.

[0036] In this way, when the valve stem 418 and its needle valve 416 are moved back to their OPEN position, hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material dispensed in the gap 436 can flow through a plurality of

- 19 axially grooves 480, for radially extending holes 582, to the first axially extending fluid channel 584, through the inner portion of the coil spring 432, through the second axially extending fluid channel 588, outward through a plurality of holes 482 and in the annular space 484 around the valve stem 418 in such a way as to effectively merge with other flows of hot melt glue or other thermoplastic material as previously described, in connection with the first embodiment of a double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, such fluid flows may then be routed to internal chamber 488 defined in valve seat member 390 so that hot melt adhesive or other the thermoplastic material may have been discharged from the dispensing nozzle 412. It should also be noted that the positions and positions of the various O-rings 292, 294, 296 in the first version of the double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material have been moved or displaced in accordance with the principles and knowledge of the second version double row solenoid actuated dispensing valve assembly 300 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, which is respectively illustrated at 492, 494, 496.

[0037] The last structural difference between the second version of the double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 300 that dispenses hot melt or other thermoplastic material and the first version of the double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt or other thermoplastic material consists of on the modification of the structure including the electromagnetic solenoid assemblies 104, 106 and end plates 172, 174 used in conjunction with solenoid 104, 106 solenoid assemblies. In particular, as can be seen from FIGURE 7, according to the structure of the second version of the double row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 300, which dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, in place of, for example, the use of separate radially outer cover members 122, 132 and end plates 172, 174, as shown in FIGURE 1, in connection with the first embodiment of a double-row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 100 that dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, radially outwardly extending annular flange parts 120, 130 have been effectively connected to end plates 172, 174 to effectively create new end wall elements 590, 592 in the second embodiment of the double-row solenoid actuated dispense valve assembly 300, which dispenses hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material, and in addition, it can be seen that the new gable wall elements 590, 592 also integrally integrate radially inner, axially extending annular or tubular core parts 318, 328 and radially outer annular cover elements or parts 322 , 332 in single or one-piece structures. Such modifications simplify the entire structure of the housing portion of the solenoid 304, 306 solenoid assemblies in which the solenoid coils 326, 336 are located.

[0038] Thus, it can be seen that, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, new and improved double row solenoid actuated dispensing valve assemblies, hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material are disclosed, which are actuated by a pair of opposed row electromagnetic coil assemblies, which work properly and alternately with a pair of valves that are permanently mounted on the valve stem, on which the valve element is permanently attached. In this way, a pair of solenoid solenoid assemblies can quickly and reliably control the reciprocal movements of the valve stem and the valve member attached to it, to quickly and reliably move the ball valve between its non-seated or OPEN position and the seated or CLOSED position so that the dispense valve assembly can control the flow of hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material through the nozzle dispensing the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material. The coil spring also presses the valve stem and valve element towards the seated or CLOSED position so that when both solenoid solenoid assemblies are electrically disconnected, the coil spring is simply strong enough to hold the valve element in its seated or CLOSED position. valve. However, the pressure force of the coil spring mechanism is relatively small because it is not effectively utilized in connection with the movement of the valve stem and valve element, from the non-seated or OPEN position to the CLOSED position so as not to adversely affect the movement of the armature and the valve stem when the valve element is to be moved from the seated or CLOSED position to the unseated or OPEN position. In addition, the armature positions with respect to solenoid solenoid assemblies can be accurately adjusted, as can the valve stem and valve member stroke between the respective seated or CLOSED position and the unseated or OPEN position so as to effectively optimize the operating cycles of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic dispensing valve assembly .

[0039] Of course, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in view of the foregoing knowledge. In this connection, it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced in a different manner to what is specifically described.

Prepared and verified

Dorota Rzążewska

Patent Attorney