U.S. patent application number 15/494466 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-10 for jetting devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is NORDSON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Stanley C. Aguilar, David N. Padgett.
Application Number | 20170225180 15/494466 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50239961 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170225180 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Aguilar; Stanley C. ; et
al. |
August 10, 2017 |
JETTING DEVICES
Abstract
Jetting devices and methods for dispensing a fluid material from
a fluid supply. A jetting device includes a fluid module configured
to be coupled with the fluid supply and to dispense the fluid
material. The fluid module includes a valve seat and a valve
element configured to move relative to the valve seat over a stroke
length, and a valve stop configured to position the valve element
relative to the valve seat for determining the stroke length. The
jetting device further includes a drive module configured to
actuate the fluid module and includes a drive pin configured to
move the valve element toward the valve seat. The drive pin is
configured to be rotated to cause rotation of the valve stop for
adjustment of the stroke length. The drive pin may be rotated by a
rotation device comprising a motor.
Inventors: |
Aguilar; Stanley C.; (El
Cajon, CA) ; Padgett; David N.; (Carlsbad,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NORDSON CORPORATION |
WESTLAKE |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50239961 |
Appl. No.: |
15/494466 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13795581 |
Mar 12, 2013 |
|
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|
15494466 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 31/1221 20130101;
B05B 9/0413 20130101; Y10T 137/0402 20150401; B05B 1/304 20130101;
B05C 5/0225 20130101; F16K 31/04 20130101; B05C 11/1034
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B05B 1/30 20060101
B05B001/30; F16K 31/04 20060101 F16K031/04; B05C 11/10 20060101
B05C011/10; B05B 9/04 20060101 B05B009/04; B05C 5/02 20060101
B05C005/02 |
Claims
1. A jetting device for dispensing a fluid material from a fluid
supply, the jetting device comprising: a fluid module configured to
be coupled with the fluid supply and to dispense the fluid
material, the fluid module including a valve seat and a valve
element configured to move relative to the valve seat over a stroke
length, and a valve stop configured to be rotated to adjustably
position the valve element relative to the valve seat for
determining the stroke length; and a drive module configured to
actuate the fluid module and including a drive pin extending
through an opening in the valve stop, the drive pin configured to
move the valve element toward the valve seat.
2. The jetting device of claim 1, wherein the fluid module includes
a bore and the valve stop is positioned in the bore, and the valve
stop is configured to be rotated in the bore to position the valve
stop.
3. The jetting device of claim 2, wherein the drive pin includes a
first engagement portion shape-matched with a portion of the
opening of the valve stop, and the drive pin is configured to be
rotated to cause rotation of the valve stop.
4. The jetting device of claim 3, further comprising: a rotation
device configured to rotate the drive pin and including a chuck
having a socket, wherein the drive pin includes a second engagement
portion shape-matched with the socket, and the chuck is configured
to be rotated to cause rotation of the drive pin.
5. The jetting device of claim 4, wherein the rotation device
comprises a motor.
6. The jetting device of claim 1, wherein the fluid module includes
a module body having a first portion providing a fluid inlet
configured to receive the fluid material from the fluid supply and
a second portion supporting the valve seat, the second portion
threadably coupled with the first portion.
7. The jetting device of claim 1, wherein the valve stop includes a
first body portion, a second body portion, a transverse slot
between the first body portion and the second body portion, and a
threaded locking bore partially in the first body portion,
partially in the second body portion, and extending across the
transverse slot.
8. The jetting device of claim 7, wherein the valve stop further
includes a threaded fastener positioned in the threaded locking
bore, the threaded fastener configured to be tightened in the
threaded locking bore to prevent the valve stop from rotating in
the threaded locking bore.
9. A method of adjusting the stroke length of a valve in a fluid
module of a jetting device configured to dispense a fluid material,
the fluid module including a module body having a bore and a valve
stop positioned in the bore, the method comprising: rotating the
valve stop in the bore to move the valve stop toward or away from
the valve.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the jetting device includes a
drive module configured to actuate the valve and the valve includes
a valve element and a valve seat, the drive module including a
drive pin engaged with the valve element of the valve and extending
through the valve stop, and rotating the valve stop comprises:
rotating the valve stop with the drive pin of the drive module.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein rotating the valve stop
comprises operating a rotation device to rotate the drive pin.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the rotation device comprises a
motor.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the valve stop includes first
and second body portions separated by a transverse slot and a
threaded fastener in a locking bore extending in the first and
second body portions, and the method further comprising: before
rotating the valve stop, loosening the threaded fastener in the
locking bore; and after rotating the valve stop, tightening the
threaded fastener in the locking bore.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/795,581, filed Mar. 12, 2013, and published as U.S.
Patent App. Pub. No. 2014/0263738 on Sep. 18, 2014, the entire
disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates generally to the application of fluid
materials and, in particular, to devices for use in jetting fluid
materials.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Jetting devices may require different types of dispensing
valves, or dispensing valve components, that are dedicated to
different types of dispensing applications in electronic industry
applications in which minute amounts of a fluid material are
applied onto a substrate. A "jetting device" is a device which
ejects, or "jets", a droplet of material from a dispenser nozzle to
land on a substrate, and wherein the droplet disengages from the
dispenser nozzle before making contact with the substrate. Thus, in
a jetting type dispenser, the droplet dispensed is "in-flight"
between the dispenser and the substrate, and not in contact with
either the dispenser or the substrate, for at least a part of the
distance between the dispenser and the substrate. Numerous
applications exist for jetting devices that dispense underfill
materials, encapsulation materials, surface mount adhesives, solder
pastes, conductive adhesives, and solder mask materials, fluxes,
and thermal compounds. As the type of application for the jetting
device changes, the type of jetting device must also adapt to match
the application change.
[0004] One type of jetting device includes a valve device having a
valve element configured to selectively engage a valve seat. During
a jetting operation, the valve element of the jetting device is
moved relative to the valve seat by a driving mechanism. Contact
between the valve element and the valve seat seals off a discharge
passage from a fluid chamber supplied with fluid material under
pressure. Thus, to dispense droplets of the fluid material, the
valve element is retracted from contact with the valve seat to
allow a finite amount of the fluid material to flow through the
newly formed gap and into the discharge passage. The valve element
is then moved rapidly toward the valve seat to close the gap, which
generates pressure that accelerates the finite amount of fluid
material through the discharge passage and causes a droplet of the
material to be ejected, or jetted, from an outlet of the discharge
passage.
[0005] Jetting devices are configured for controlled movements
above the substrate and the fluid material is jetted to land on an
intended application area of a substrate. By rapidly jetting the
material "on the fly" (i.e., while the jetting device is in
motion), the dispensed droplets may be joined to form a continuous
line. Jetting devices may therefore be easily programmed to
dispense a desired pattern of fluid material. This versatility has
made jetting devices suitable for a wide variety of applications in
the electronics industry. For example, underfill material can be
applied using a jetting device to dispense fluid material proximate
to one or more edges of a chip, with the material then flowing
under the chip by capillary action.
[0006] In conventional jetting devices, the valve element and the
valve seat may tend to wear over time and with usage. As a
consequence of this wear, the shape of the valve element and the
valve seat are changed, and these shape changes can influence the
characteristics of the fluid material being dispensed. For example,
the size, shape, and weight of the fluid material dispensed during
a jetting operation can vary as the shape of the valve element and
the valve seat change. Changes in the size, shape, or weight of the
dispensed fluid material are generally disfavored, as such changes
disrupt the consistency of products treated with the jetting
devices.
[0007] Moreover, conventional jetting devices are difficult to
clean and maintain because their components are not constructed in
a manner that allows simply disassembly and maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention, a jetting
device is provided for dispensing a fluid material from a fluid
supply. The jetting device includes a fluid module configured to be
coupled with the fluid supply and to dispense the fluid material.
The fluid module includes a valve seat, a valve element configured
to move relative to the valve seat over a stroke length, and a
valve stop configured to position the valve element relative to the
valve seat for determining the stroke length. The jetting device
further includes a drive module configured to actuate the fluid
module. The drive module has a drive pin configured to move the
valve element toward the valve seat. The drive pin is configured to
be rotated to cause rotation of the valve stop for adjustment of
the stroke length. The drive pin may be rotated using a rotation
device, which may comprise a motor.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, a jetting
device is provided for dispensing a fluid material from a fluid
supply. The jetting device includes a fluid module configured to be
coupled with the fluid supply and to dispense the fluid material.
The fluid module includes a valve seat and a valve element
configured to move relative to the valve seat over a stroke length.
The fluid module further includes a valve stop configured to be
rotated to adjustably position the valve element relative to the
valve seat for determining the stroke length. The jetting device
further includes a drive module configured to actuate the fluid
module. The drive module has a drive pin configured to extend
through an opening in the valve stop and to move the valve element
toward the valve seat.
[0010] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a
method is provided for adjusting the stroke length of a valve in a
fluid module of a jetting device configured to dispense a fluid
material. The fluid module includes a module body having a bore and
a valve stop positioned in the bore. The method includes rotating
the valve stop in the bore to move the valve stop toward or away
from the valve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the invention and, together with a general
description of embodiments of the invention given above, and the
detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles
of the embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a jetting device in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 in which an
outer housing of the jetting device has been removed for purposes
of description.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
3-3 in FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a valve
in an open position.
[0016] FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view like FIG. 3A but
showing the valve in a closed position.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view like FIG. 3 but showing an
alternative embodiment of a jetting device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Generally, the embodiments of the invention are primarily
directed to a dispensing valve in the form of a jetting device. The
jetting device includes a fluid module having a valve, and the
fluid module provides structure for adjusting the distance between
a valve element and a valve seat of the valve. In some embodiments,
this adjustment can be performed automatically without removing the
fluid module from the jetting device. In other embodiments, the
adjustment can be performed manually after the fluid module is
removed from the jetting device.
[0019] With reference to FIGS. 1-3 and in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention, a dispensing valve in the
representative embodiment of a jetting device 10 is shown. The
jetting device 10 generally includes a cartridge or fluid module
12, a drive module 14, a fluid supply 16, and a controller 18. The
fluid module 12, drive module 14, and controller 18 are enclosed
within a housing 20, and the fluid supply 16 is positioned
generally outside the housing 20. The fluid module 12, drive module
14, and controller 18 are supported by internal members 22 of the
jetting device 10. The fluid module 12 is configured to receive
fluid material from the fluid supply 16 and to dispense the fluid
material. The drive module 14 is configured to interact with the
fluid module 12 to dispense fluid material therefrom. Particularly,
the drive module 14 is configured to actuate a valve of the fluid
module. The controller 18 provides control features for the jetting
device 10, such as for the drive module 14 and for other
components, as will be discussed below.
[0020] The jetting device 10 is supplied with pressurized fluid
material from the fluid supply 16 which includes a syringe 24. The
syringe 24 is supported by a syringe holder 26 mounted as an
appendage to the housing 20. Generally, the fluid material in the
syringe 24 may be any material or substance known by a person
having ordinary skill in the art to be amenable to jetting and may
include, but is not limited to, solder flux, solder paste,
adhesives, solder mask, thermal compounds, oil, encapsulants,
potting compounds, inks and silicones. The syringe 24 operates as a
fluid supply 16 for the jetting device 10.
[0021] In the embodiment shown, the fluid module 12 resides in a
heater device 28 of the jetting device 10 for maintaining an
operational temperature of the fluid material. Advantageously, the
fluid module 12 can be removed from the heater device 28.
[0022] The jetting device 10 may be installed in a machine or
system (not shown) for intermittently jetting amounts of a fluid
material onto a substrate and may be moved relative to the
substrate as the amounts of fluid material are jetted. The jetting
device 10 may be operated such that a succession of jetted amounts
of the fluid material are deposited on the substrate as a line of
spaced-apart material dots. The substrate targeted by the jetting
device 10 may support various surface mounted electronic
components, which necessitates non-contact jetting of the minute
amounts of fluid material rapidly and with accurate placement to
deposit fluid material at targeted locations on the substrate. As
detailed hereinbelow, the fluid module 12 is accessible for easy
removal from the jetting device 10.
[0023] As best seen in FIG. 3, the fluid module 12 includes a
module body 30. The module body 30 provides a fluid connection
interface 32 having a fluid inlet 34 for connecting with the fluid
supply 16. The module body 30 also provides an internal fluid
passageway 36 and a fluid chamber 38. The passageway 36 couples the
fluid inlet 34 with the fluid chamber 38. A fluid conduit 40 (FIG.
2) extends between the fluid supply 16 and the fluid module 12, in
particular from the syringe 24 to the fluid connection interface
32. The conduit 40 allows fluid material to be supplied under
pressure from the syringe 24 to the fluid inlet 34. In this
embodiment, the fluid conduit 40 is typically a length of tubing
directly connecting the outlet of the syringe 24 with the fluid
connection interface 32 without any intervening structure. In one
embodiment, the fluid connection interface 32 includes a threaded
fitting, for example.
[0024] The syringe 24 may be configured to use pressurized air to
direct the fluid material to flow toward the fluid inlet 34 and
ultimately to the fluid chamber 38 of the fluid module 12. The
pressure of the pressurized air, which is supplied to the head
space above the fluid material contained in the syringe 24, may
range from five (5) psig to sixty (60) psig. Typically, a wiper or
plunger (not shown) is disposed between the air pressure in the
head space and the fluid material level inside the syringe 24, and
a sealing cap (not shown) is secured to the open end of the syringe
barrel for supplying the air pressure.
[0025] In the embodiment shown, the module body 30 comprises
several portions, including a first portion 42 having a neck 44,
and second and third portions 46, 48. The second and third portions
46, 48 are coupled with the neck 44 of the first portion, as shown.
In particular, the second and third portions 46, 48 include
threaded portions 46a, 48a that are threaded onto a threaded
portion 44a of the neck 44. It will be appreciated that the
position of the second and third portions 46, 48 can be adjusted
with respect to the first portion 42, such as to adjust the spacing
between components supported or provided by those portions 42, 44,
46. Alternatively, the module body 30, including the portions 42,
46, 48 could be made as a single unified piece.
[0026] The fluid module 12 also includes a nozzle 50 which is
supported by the third portion 48. The nozzle 50 is configured for
dispensing fluid material from the fluid module 12, and includes a
nozzle outlet 52.
[0027] The fluid module 12 further includes a valve 60 for
regulating the flow of fluid material through the fluid module 12.
The valve 60 is disposed between the fluid inlet 34 and the nozzle
outlet 52. In particular, the valve 60 includes a valve element 62
and a valve seat 64. The valve seat 64 includes an opening 66 in
fluid communication with both the fluid chamber 38 and the nozzle
outlet 52. The valve seat 64 is supported by the third portion 48.
The valve 60 can be in open and closed positions to allow and
prevent, respectively, the flow of fluid material out of the nozzle
outlet 52. The fluid chamber 38 communicates with the nozzle outlet
52.
[0028] The valve 60 further includes a moveable element 68 which
carries the valve element 62. A biasing element 70 peripherally
contacts the moveable element 68 and is configured to apply an
axial spring force to the moveable element 68. In particular, the
biasing element 70 is connected with the first portion 42 of the
module body 30 and with the moveable element 68. For example, the
biasing element 70 can include a diaphragm spring. The moveable
element 68 is moveable with respect to the module body 30. A
sealing device 72, such as an O-ring, is supported by the module
body 30 and generally surrounds the moveable element 68, as shown.
The moveable element 68 includes a strike surface 74 that is
configured to be engaged by a drive pin for moving the valve
element 62, as will be discussed further below. The moveable
element 68 also includes a contact surface that is configured to
engage a valve stop for limiting the movement of the valve element
62, as will also be discussed further below.
[0029] The valve element 62 is carried by, or attached, to the
moveable element 68 and is located inside the fluid chamber 38 at a
location between the strike surface 74 of the moveable element 68
and the valve seat 64. Alternatively, the valve element 62 and
moveable element 68, including the strike surface 74 and contact
surface 76, may be made as a single unified piece. The biasing
element 70 exerts a biasing force on the moveable element 68 in the
upward direction, such that the valve element 62 is moved away from
the valve seat 64 by the biasing element 70.
[0030] Because the second and third portions 46, 48 of the module
body 30 are moveable, as discussed above, the relative position of
the valve seat 64 and the valve element 62 can be adjusted. For
example, the third portion 48 can be moved downwardly on the neck
44 of the first portion 42, such as to move the valve seat 64
downwardly and increase the distance between the valve element 62
and the valve seat 64. The second portion 46 can be moved into
position adjacent the third portion 48 to prevent subsequent upward
movement of the third portion 48. Thereby, the second portion 46
serves the function of a lock nut for constraining the movement of
the third portion 48. In addition, the third portion 48 can be
removed from the first portion 44, thereby facilitating maintenance
of the components of the fluid module 12.
[0031] The fluid module 12 further includes a valve stop 80
configured for limiting the extent of movement of the valve 60. In
particular, the valve stop 80 interacts with the moveable element
68 to limit the range of upward movement of the valve element 62.
Generally the amount the valve element 62 moves with respect to the
valve seat 64 is referred to as the stroke length of the valve 60.
By limiting the range of upward movement of the valve element 62,
the valve stop 80 can influence the stroke length.
[0032] The valve stop 80 is positioned in a bore 82 of the module
body 30. In particular, the bore 82 is provided in the first
portion 42 and includes an engagement portion 84 configured for
engaging the valve stop 80. As shown, the engagement portion 84
includes threads 86.
[0033] The valve stop 80 includes a body 88 that includes a stop
surface 90 near a lower region thereof. The stop surface 90 is
configured to engage the contact surface 76 of the moveable element
68. The body 88 further includes an engagement portion 92
configured for engaging with the engagement portion 84 of the bore
82. As shown, the engagement portion 92 includes threads 94 for
threading engagement with the threads 86 of the engagement portion
84 of the bore 82. The body 88 further includes a generally
centrally-disposed bore or opening 96 configured to receive a drive
pin, as will be discussed further below. Moreover, the opening 96
is configured to be shape-matched with the drive pin, as will also
be discussed further below. The valve stop 80, including the stop
surface 90, is spaced from a base region 98 of the bore 82.
[0034] As shown, the valve stop 80 has a generally cylindrical
overall shape, but other shapes are possible. For example, the body
88 could have one or more flanges that define one or more
engagement portions or the stop surface. In addition, while the
valve stop 80 has a generally continuous circular outer
circumference, the body 88 could have a plurality of lobes or
extensions that define one or more engagement portions or the stop
surface.
[0035] The drive module 14 is configured to operate, or actuate,
the valve 60. In particular, the drive module includes a drive
mechanism (not shown) that is configured to cause a drive
transmission link 100 to move. The drive transmission link 100, in
turn, imparts movement to the moveable element 68 of the valve 60.
In the embodiment shown, the drive transmission link 100 includes a
drive pin 102. It will be appreciated that any suitable drive
mechanism may be used. Movement imparted to the moveable element 68
causes the valve element 62 to move into contact with the valve
seat 64.
[0036] The drive pin 102 projects into the bore 82 in the module
body 30 and through the opening 96 of the valve stop 80. A tip 104
of the drive pin is located adjacent to the strike surface 74 of
the moveable element 68 and on an opposite side of the strike
surface 74 from the valve element 62.
[0037] The drive pin 102 is indirectly coupled with the valve
element 62 and operates as a component of the drive module 14. In
particular, the drive pin 102 and the valve element 62 jointly
cooperate to dispense fluid material by jetting fluid material from
the jetting device 10. When the drive pin 102 is moved to cause the
valve element 62 to contact the valve seat 64, the tip 104 of the
drive pin 102 operates much like the operation of a hammer by
striking the strike surface 74 of the moveable element 68 to
transfer its force and momentum to the strike surface 74. This in
turn causes the valve element 62 to rapidly strike the valve seat
64 and jet a droplet of material from the jetting device 10.
Specifically, the valve element 62, which is not directly connected
with the drive pin 102, is configured to be moved into contact with
the valve seat 64 by an impulse imparted by the tip 104 of the
actuated drive pin 102. Again, the drive pin 102 is caused to move
by the driving mechanism of the drive module 14 and the drive
transmission link 100.
[0038] When contact between the drive pin 102 and the strike
surface 74 is removed, the axial spring force applied by the
biasing element 70 acts to move the moveable element 68 (and the
valve element 62) away from the valve seat 64 in a direction
aligned with the longitudinal axis of the drive pin 102. The
moveable element 68 is directed upwardly until its contact surface
76 encounters the stop surface 90 provided by the valve stop 80.
The contact surface 76 cannot proceed past the stop surface 90, and
thereby the valve stop 80 limits the range of upward movement of
the moveable element 68, and thereby the valve element 62.
[0039] Each reciprocating cycle of the drive pin 102 and valve
element 62 jets a droplet of the fluid material. The cycle is
repeated to jet sequential droplets of fluid material as
required.
[0040] A lower surface 62a of the valve element 62 faces the valve
seat 64. The lower surface 62a and the valve seat 64 may have
corresponding shapes or curvatures. As a result, a fluid seal is
temporarily formed when the valve element 62 has a contacting
relationship with the valve seat 64 during jetting. Establishment
of the fluid seal during motion of the valve element 62 helps halt
the flow of fluid material from the fluid chamber 38 past the valve
seat 64.
[0041] Advantageously, the valve stop 80 is moveable in the module
body 30 so as to change the position of the stop surface 90. Again,
the interaction between the stop surface 90 of the valve stop 80
and the contact surface 76 of the moveable element 68 influences
the range of motion of the valve element 62. In particular,
rotation of the valve stop 80 with respect to the module body 30
causes an engagement between the threads 86 of the bore 82 with the
threads 94 of the valve stop 80. This allows the valve stop 80 to
be moved upwardly or downwardly in the bore 82.
[0042] Advantageously, the drive pin 102 can be used to rotate the
valve stop 80. In particular, the drive pin 102 includes a first
engagement portion 106 proximate the tip 104 that is shape-matched
with at least a portion of the opening 96 of the valve stop 80. In
the embodiment shown, the first engagement portion 106 and the
opening 96 have generally corresponding hexagonal shapes. This type
of shape-matching allows relative longitudinal movement between the
drive pin 102 and the valve stop 80, but prevents relative
rotational movement. In other words, the drive pin 102 is free to
move up and down in the opening 96 without causing movement of the
valve stop 80. However, because of the shape-matching between the
first engagement portion 106 and the opening 96, rotation of the
drive pin 102 causes corresponding rotation of the valve stop 80.
More particularly, the distance between the valve stop 80/stop
surface 90 and the base region 98 can be adjusted.
[0043] The drive pin 102 further includes a second engagement
portion 108 that is configured to be engaged and rotated by a
rotation device 110 of the jetting device 10. The rotation device
110 is an electronic device that includes a drive motor 112
operatively coupled with a chuck 114. The chuck 114 is configured
to rotate and to engage the drive pin 102, and in particular, the
second engagement portion 108. The drive motor 112 can be used to
cause rotation of the chuck 114. The chuck 114 includes a socket
116 that is shape-matched to the second engagement portion 108. In
the embodiment shown, the socket 116 and the second engagement
portion 108 have generally corresponding hexagonal shapes, like the
first engagement portion 106 and the opening 96 discussed above.
This type of shape-matching allows relative longitudinal axial
movement between the socket 116 of the rotation device 110 and the
drive pin 102, but prevents relative rotational movement. In other
words, the drive pin 102 is free to move up and down in the socket
116. However, because of the shape-matching between the second
engagement portion 108 and the socket 116, rotation of the chuck
114 causes corresponding rotation of the drive pin 102. The
rotation device 110 tends to prevent the drive pin 102 from
rotating unless the drive motor 112 is actuated to rotate the chuck
114.
[0044] Thereby, actuation of the rotation device 110 induces
rotation in the drive pin 102, which induces rotation in the valve
stop 80, which adjusts the position of the stop surface 90.
Advantageously, rotation of the drive pin 102 by the rotation
device 110 can be performed while the drive pin 102 is also being
moved up and down axially by the drive module 14. Thereby, the
position of the valve stop 80 can be adjusted while the jetting
device 10 is being used to dispense fluid material. This allows
adjustments to the position of the stop surface 90 to be made while
the valve element 62 is actively being used for jetting fluid
material. Additionally or alternatively, rotation of the drive pin
102 by the rotation device 110 can be performed while the drive pin
is not being moved up and down.
[0045] Adjustment of the position of the valve stop 80 may be made
on any appropriate basis. For example, it may be appropriate or
desired to adjust the valve stop 80 in the case of wear of the
components of the valve 60. If the valve element 62 or the valve
seat 64 changes shape as a result of use, adjustment of the valve
stop 80 may be necessary to adjust the size, weight, or shape of
the fluid material being dispensed from the jetting device 10. For
example, moving the valve stop 80 upwardly away from the base
region 98 will increase the stroke length of the valve 60, thereby
increasing the amount of fluid material that is dispensed during a
jetting operation. Or, the valve stop 80 can be moved downwardly
toward the base region 98 to decrease the stroke length of the
valve 60, thereby decreasing the amount of fluid material that is
dispensed during a jetting operation. Advantageously, the position
of the valve stop 80 can be adjusted, as necessary, in order to
maintain a consistent size, weight, or shape of fluid material that
is dispensed.
[0046] The amount of adjustment of the position of the valve stop
80 may be determined based on a number of factors. For example, it
may be determined that the valve stop 80 moves a certain distance
up or down in the bore 82 per rotations of the valve stop 80.
Thereby, the valve stop may be rotated by any whole or fractional
number of rotations in order to achieve a desired movement
distance.
[0047] While the generally hexagonal components provided the
shape-matching features discussed above, other configurations that
allow for relative longitudinal movement while preventing relative
rotational movement are also possible. For example, and without
limitation, square components would be suitable, as would
components with corresponding complementary keys and keyways.
[0048] The rotation device 110 may be coupled with the controller
18 to control the operation of the rotation device 110. The
controller 18 may comprise any electrical control apparatus
configured to control one or more variables based upon one or more
inputs. The controller 18 can be implemented using at least one
processor 120 selected from microprocessors, micro-controllers,
microcomputers, digital signal processors, central processing
units, field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices,
state machines, logic circuits, analog circuits, digital circuits,
and/or any other devices that manipulate signals (analog and/or
digital) based on operational instructions that are stored in a
memory 122. The memory 122 may be a single memory device or a
plurality of memory devices including but not limited to random
access memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static
random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM),
flash memory, cache memory, and/or any other device capable of
storing digital information. The controller 18 has a mass storage
device 124 that may include one or more hard disk drives, floppy or
other removable disk drives, direct access storage devices (DASD),
optical drives (e.g., a CD drive, a DVD drive, etc.), and/or tape
drives, among others.
[0049] The processor 120 of the controller 18 operates under the
control of an operating system 126, and executes or otherwise
relies upon computer program code embodied in various computer
software applications, components, programs, objects, modules, data
structures, etc. The program code 128 residing in memory 122 and
stored in the mass storage device 124 also includes control
algorithms that, when executing on the processor 120, control the
operation of the rotation device 110 and, in particular, provide
control signals to the rotation device 110 for operating the drive
motor 112 to rotate the chuck 114. The computer program code
typically comprises one or more instructions that are resident at
various times in memory 122, and that, when read and executed by
the processor 120, causes the controller 18 to perform the steps
necessary to execute steps or elements embodying the various
embodiments and aspects of the invention.
[0050] Various program code described herein may be identified
based upon the application within which it is implemented in a
specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should be
appreciated that any particular program nomenclature that follows
is used merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not
be limited to use solely in any specific application identified
and/or implied by such nomenclature. Furthermore, given the
typically endless number of manners in which computer programs may
be organized into routines, procedures, methods, modules, objects,
and the like, as well as the various manners in which program
functionality may be allocated among various software layers that
are resident within a typical computer (e.g., operating systems,
libraries, API's, applications, applets, etc.), it should be
appreciated that the invention is not limited to the specific
organization and allocation of program functionality described
herein.
[0051] The controller 18 may include a human machine interface
(HMI) that is operatively connected to the processor 120 in a
conventional manner. The HMI (not shown) may include output
devices, such as alphanumeric displays, a touch screen, and other
visual indicators, and input devices and controls, such as an
alphanumeric keyboard, a pointing device, keypads, pushbuttons,
control knobs, etc., capable of accepting commands or input from an
operator and communicating the entered input to the processor 120,
and of displaying information to the operator.
[0052] The controller 18 may optionally be used to control the
operation of devices supporting the operation of a manufacturing
tool that embodies the jetting device 10 of the embodiments of the
invention. In addition and as mentioned above, the drive module 14
may be coupled with the controller 18 to control the operation of
the drive module 14 and movement of the drive transmission link 100
and the drive pin 102. Further still, the controller 18 can be used
in conjunction with devices that measure the size, shape, or weight
of fluid material dispensed from the jetting device 10 in order to
control the adjustment of the valve stop 80. For example, an
optical sensor or weight measuring sensor can be used to determine
the size, shape, or weight of fluid material dispensed from the
jetting device 10 and can be associated with the controller 18.
Based on information relating the size, shape, or weight of fluid
material, the controller 18 could provide control signals to the
rotation device 110 for operating the drive motor 112 to rotate the
chuck 114 in order to adjust the position of the valve stop 80 in
order to adjust the size, shape, or weight characteristics of the
fluid material dispensed.
[0053] Referring next to FIG. 4, features of a jetting device 10'
are shown and include a fluid module 12' having a valve stop 80'
constructed according to a further embodiment of the invention. The
jetting device 10' does not include a rotation device for rotating
the valve stop 80' when the fluid module 12' is situated in the
jetting device 10'. Rather, the fluid module 12' must be removed
from the jetting device 10' in order for the valve stop 80' to be
adjusted. It will be appreciated that the features of the jetting
device 10' are substantially similar to the features of the jetting
device 10 discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1-3B, except as
further described.
[0054] The valve stop 80' includes features for locking or
preventing the rotational movement thereof in the bore 82'. In
particular, the body 88' of the valve stop 80' includes a locking
bore 140 and a generally-transverse slot 142 positioned between
body portions 144, 146. A threaded fastener 148, such as a socket
head screw, is received in the locking bore 140, and tightening of
the locking bolt 148 causes the body portions 144, 146 to deflect
toward one another, thereby tightening the grip of the engagement
portion 92' of the valve stop 80' with the engagement portion 84'
of the bore 82'. This tends to prevent the valve stop 80' from
being rotated in the bore 82'.
[0055] When the threaded fastener 148 is loosened in or removed
from the locking bore 140, the grip between the engagement portions
92', 84' is relaxed, and the valve stop 80' is permitted to rotate
in the bore 82'.
[0056] Since the fluid module 12' does not include a rotation
device, it is not necessary for the drive pin 102' to include
engagement portions that are shape-matched with the opening 96' of
the valve stop 80'. Moreover, because the drive pin 102 described
above generally prevents the valve stop 80 from rotating unless the
rotation device 110 is operated, it is not necessary for the valve
stop 80 to include the features shown in FIG. 4 for locking the
rotational movement of the valve stop 80.
[0057] References herein to terms such as "vertical", "horizontal",
"upper", "lower", "raise", "lower", etc. are made by way of
example, and not by way of limitation, to establish a frame of
reference. It is understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art
that various other frames of reference may be equivalently employed
for purposes of describing the embodiments of the invention.
[0058] It will be understood that when an element is described as
being "attached", "connected", or "coupled" to or with another
element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other
element or, instead, one or more intervening elements may be
present. In contrast, when an element is described as being
"directly attached", "directly connected", or "directly coupled" to
another element, there are no intervening elements present. When an
element is described as being "indirectly attached", "indirectly
connected", or "indirectly coupled" to another element, there is at
least one intervening element present.
[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes", "having",
"has", "with", "composed of", or variants thereof are used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the open-ended term
"comprising."
[0060] While the present invention has been illustrated by a
description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have
been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of
the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited
to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and
illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or
scope of applicants' general inventive concept.
* * * * *