JP2002079143A - Method and device for measuring and adjusting liquid spray pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control system which is used in a liquid distribution system in order to measure and adjust a liquid spray pattern distributed from the liquid distribution system. SOLUTION: The control system ahs a sensor for detecting edge parts of the liquid spray pattern and further can be operated so as to adjust the liquid spray pattern to a pattern width set up to an operator from a position where these edge parts are detected. The control system also can be operated so as to measure width of the liquid spray pattern and deviation of the liquid spray pattern from a nozzle center line of the liquid distribution system and when measured value is not within a tolerance range, alarm is given.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a control system for a liquid dispensing device, and more particularly, to a control system and method for controlling a liquid spray pattern dispensed from a liquid dispensing system.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various liquid distribution systems have been developed for dispensing a liquid spray pattern from the outlet of a nozzle toward the surface of a support. For example, in conformal coating coatings, liquid distribution systems have been developed that dispense a flat, fan-shaped spray pattern of a similar coating material onto a surface of a support, such as a printed circuit board.
The dispensing nozzle of these systems is, for example, a cross-cut nozzle, a slit nozzle or an air-assisted slot nozzle, which sprays the paint as a spray, continuous band or sheet or fibrous web of a predetermined pattern width. It may be configured for distribution towards a circuit board. The dispensing nozzle is typically moved by the robotic motion platform relative to the circuit board in both front and rear directions so that parallel, similar coating tracks or bands are dispensed onto the circuit board, thereby providing a circuit. A uniform moisture barrier is obtained on the surface of the board. Alternatively, the circuit board may be moved with respect to the liquid distribution device, which may be fixed.

[0003] It is important that during a similar coating process, the coating tracks or bands contact or gather or slightly overlap along their adjacent edges, thus providing a complete coverage. A surface coating is provided on the circuit board. Otherwise, the circuit board may be separated by gaps left between the coating tracks or bands,
It will remain vulnerable to unwanted chemical or moisture attack. On the other hand, excessive overlap of adjacent edges can create unwanted air bubbles in the thickened coverage area at the overlap, which can jeopardize quality control. Therefore, a constant width of the liquid spray pattern is usually required to obtain a uniform layer of similar coating on the circuit board.

[0004] Unfortunately, liquid material dispensers can adequately and reliably distribute a uniform conformal coating layer on a circuit board in one continuous production, while changes in the viscosity and / or fluid pressure of the material are reduced. Often results in undesirable variations in the width of the liquid spray pattern. In addition, contamination or partial obstruction of the nozzle outlet causes the spray pattern to be biased with respect to the nozzle centerline. When this occurs, one edge of the liquid spray pattern is more spaced from the center line of the nozzle outlet than the other edge. If these changes are not detected prior to serial production, the improperly coated circuit board must be reclaimed and problems are encountered to obtain the desired pattern width and minimum bias. Expensive downtime of the analogous coating system is usually required to confirm and manually adjust the liquid distribution system. As those skilled in the art will readily recognize, pattern width control is also critical in other liquid dispensing applications, such as paint dispensing environments, flux dispensing environments, and hot melt adhesive dispensing environments. In each of these applications, the edge of the liquid pattern to be dispensed, relative to the surface of the support or to the next liquid pattern dispensed on the support, to obtain the desired material application Very often the position has to be adjusted and set correctly.

Accordingly, there is a need for a control system for use in a liquid dispensing system that improves the width control of the dispensed liquid spray pattern.

[0006] There is also a need for a control system used in a liquid dispensing system that enhances an operator's ability to easily identify problems in the dispensed liquid spray pattern.

[0007] There is a further need for a control system used in a liquid dispensing system that enhances the operator's ability to adjust the width of the liquid spray pattern to accommodate variations in the viscosity and pressure of the liquid material. , Exists.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above and other shortcomings and disadvantages of known liquid distribution control systems and methods are overcome by the present invention. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0009] The control system of the present invention is operable to measure and adjust the liquid spray pattern dispensed from the liquid dispensing system. In one embodiment of the present invention, a control system includes a sensor fixture located proximate a liquid distribution system, and an interface unit electrically and fluidly connected to the sensor fixture. are doing. The interface unit is also fluidly connected to the liquid distribution system and a supply air source, and further comprises an X-line coupled to the liquid distribution system.
It is electrically coupled to the robot controller of the YZ robot motion platform.

[0010] The sensor fixture has a waste reservoir or receptacle for receiving and discharging liquid material dispensed from the liquid distribution system during the pattern measurement and adjustment procedure. The waste tank is fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir connected to the main system ventilation air. A pair of fiber optic sensors are mounted on opposite sides of the waste tank in a facing relationship. Each sensor is mounted within a sensor shroud that removably engages the waste reservoir via a pair of upstanding resilient fingers or clips formed on opposite sides of the waste reservoir. It is possible. The sensor shrouds each receive conditioned supply air from the interface unit, such that air flows toward the dispensed liquid spray pattern, such that during the measurement and conditioning procedure, the sensor becomes contaminated. Is kept free from

The control system interface unit has a voltage / pressure regulator which applies a regulated output air pressure to a pneumatically controlled fluid regulator associated with the liquid distribution system. Operable to supply the vessel. The regulated output air pressure supplied by the voltage / pressure regulator is
Controlled by the unit's pressure controller. The pressure controller is operable to receive a signal from the robot controller so that the regulated output air pressure supplied from the voltage / pressure regulator to the pneumatically controlled fluid regulator of the liquid distribution system is increased. Caused or lowered. The robot controller is operable to receive a signal from a fiber optical amplifier of the interface unit, which is electrically coupled to the pair of fiber optical sensors. The width of the liquid spray pattern dispensed from the nozzles of the liquid distribution system can be easily changed by changing the output air pressure supplied from the voltage / pressure regulator to the pneumatically controlled regulator of the liquid distribution system.

[0012] During the liquid spray pattern measurement and adjustment procedure, the sensors of the sensor fixture are operable to detect the presence or absence of an edge of the dispensed liquid spray pattern. According to one aspect of the invention, the nozzle of the liquid distribution system is moved to a predetermined position with respect to the sensor. The pattern width of the liquid spray pattern is automatically adjusted to the pattern width set by the operator by increasing or decreasing the width of the dispensed spray pattern until the presence or absence of an edge of the spray pattern is detected by a sensor. Is adjusted.

According to another aspect of the invention, the nozzle is moved relative to the sensor until both edges of the spray pattern are detected by the sensor. The position of each edge is
It is recorded at the position detected by the sensor. The control system is operable to measure the width of the dispensed spray pattern from the detected positions of the edges of the spray pattern. If the measured pattern width is out of tolerance, a warning is given to the operator. The control system is also operable to measure the bias of the spray pattern relative to the centerline of the nozzle from the position of the detected edge of the spray pattern. If the measured bias is out of tolerance, a warning is given to the operator.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, a liquid spray control system, generally indicated at 10, has a liquid spray distribution system, generally indicated at 12. Illustrated for use in the system. As described in the examples herein, the liquid spray dispensing system 12 includes a supply 14 of liquid material.
The supply unit 14 is connected to the pneumatically controlled regulator 16 in fluid communication. The adjuster 16
The fluid pressure of the liquid material in the dispensing barrel nozzle 18 of the dispensing device 19 is controlled so that the liquid material is in a flat, fan-shaped spray pattern 20 (FIGS. 1 and 8G-8J) on a support (not shown). G) can be distributed on top. Liquid distribution system 12
At Nordson C in Westlake, Ohio
manufactured and sold by the corporation.
Nordson Model SC105 Select
t Coat Dispensing System or Nordson Model SC205 Select
t Coat DispensingSystem. As is well known in the art,
The barrel nozzle 18 of the liquid distribution system is XYZ
Under the control of a robotic motion platform (not shown), it is moved in the XYZ direction relative to a support (not shown), so that, for example, in a similar coating process, it partially overlaps side by side. There is a track of liquid material on the support
A moisture-proof layer distributed over the surface (not shown) and uniformly coated is provided on the support.

However, as used herein, the term “liquid spray dispensing system” never refers to a liquid dispensing system used in a similar coating process or a liquid dispensing system that atomizes dispensed liquid. Not limited. Rather, the term "liquid spray dispensing system" as used herein refers to any liquid material dispensing system that is wider and operable to dispense liquid material in a predetermined pattern width in a direction toward a support. Thus, for example, the liquid spray control system 10 of the present invention is a liquid material dispensing device that supports, for example, a paint, adhesive, sealant or flux positioned in relation to a dispensing nozzle of the dispensing system. Can be used with those that spray on the body. The spray pattern dispensed from the liquid dispensing device may be atomized or a continuous band or ribbon of dispensed liquid material, and a fibrous web or band of liquid material, wherein a predetermined pattern is provided from a dispensing nozzle. It can form something that emanates in width. Furthermore,
The liquid distribution pattern may be a flat fan-shaped pattern, as described in the embodiments described in detail herein, or may be elliptical in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the support. It may have a shaped, circular, rectangular, square, or other cross section. Thus, as described in detail below, the liquid spray control system 10 of the present invention measures and adjusts the distribution pattern of the liquid material emanating from the nozzle 18 and the center line 22 of the distribution nozzle 18 (FIG. 8A). It is particularly configured to measure the degree of alignment of the pattern of the dispensed liquid material with respect to.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid spray control system 10 includes an interface unit 24 (FIG. 2) which is attached to a sensor mount 26 (FIG. 1). Electrically and fluidly connected. Interface unit 2
4 is also connected to the liquid distribution system 12 and the supply air source and is also electrically coupled to a robot controller 28 (FIG. 2),
-Associated with a YZ robot motion platform (not shown). More specifically, the sensor fixture 26
Has a waste tank or waste container 30 made of DELRIN (registered trademark) or a similar material. The waste tank or waste container 30 is a liquid material, and is used for pattern measurement and measurement. It has a recessed chamber or sump 32 for receiving and discharging what is dispensed by the liquid spray dispensing system 12 during the adjustment procedure.
The waste tank 30 has a mounting bracket 34 connected to the lower end thereof. The mounting bracket 34 is configured such that the waste tank 30 is connected to a line conveyor by screws (not shown).
(Not shown) or at other convenient locations within the workcell area. The waste liquid tank 30 is N
nipple 36 and tube 38 made of ylon®
Is connected to a liquid reservoir 40, and the liquid reservoir 40 is connected to the main system ventilation air through a through tube (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid spray control system 10 includes a fiber light emitter 42a mounted on one side wall 44 of the waste tank 30 and a side wall 44 opposite the waste tank 30. And a fiber optical receiver 42b mounted in such a relationship. Suitable fiber optic emitters and fiber optic receivers are available from Keyen
Although commercially available from ce as part number FU-77, other fiber optic emitters and fiber optic receivers can be used. As is well known in the art, the emitter 42a is operable to emit a beam of light, the beam of light being transmitted to a receiver 42b.
Is received by the Each of fiber optic emitter 42a and fiber optic receiver 42b has a sensor 46 (FIGS. 2 and 3) coupled to a fiber optic cable 48. The sensor 46 is threaded into a generally cylindrical sensor shroud 50 (FIGS. 1 and 3) and a lock nut 5
2 fixed at a predetermined place. Waste liquid tank 30
Are formed on each side wall 44 of the waste liquid tank 30.
A pair of upstanding resilient fingers or clips 54;
The fingers or clips 54 are configured to resiliently engage an annular recess 56 (FIG. 3) formed in the sensor shroud 50. In this manner, the sensor shrouds and their respective sensors 46 are easily and fixedly mounted in aligned and opposed relation to the side walls 44 of the waste tank 30 without the use of tools or adjustments. obtain.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-3, the interface unit 24 of the liquid spray control system 10
Has a fiber optic digital amplifier 58, which is coupled via a pair of fiber optic cables 48 to a fiber optic emitter 42a and a fiber optic receiver 42b. Suitable fiber optic digital amplifiers are available from Keyence
Commercially available as part number FS-V1,
Other fiber optic digital amplifiers can be used.
Each of the sensor shrouds 50 is fluidly connected to the interface unit 24 via an air purge tube 60,
Extends from the fluid connection fitting 62 on the interface unit 24 to an air purge fitting 64 (FIG. 3) associated with each sensor shroud 50. The sensor shrouds 50 each receive conditioned supply air from the interface unit 24 such that air is distributed through an annular chamber 66 formed around each of the respective sensors 46. The liquid flows toward the liquid pattern 20 (FIG. 1). In this manner, the sensor 46 is connected to the liquid spray control system 1 described below in detail.
During the use of zero, it is kept free from material contamination. A cable clip 68 is attached to each side wall 44 of the waste tank 30, so that the fiber optic cable 4
8 and the air purge tube 60
Is held against the side wall 44 of the waste liquid tank at a position in the vicinity of.

Referring to FIG. 2, the interface unit 24 receives supply air from a supply air source 70,
This supply air source 70 is fluidly connected to the interface unit 24 via a coupling 72. At one location within the interface unit 24, the supply air is fluidly connected to an input 74 of a voltage / pressure regulator 75. A suitable voltage / pressure regulator is commercially available from SMC as part number ITV2030-31N2L4, but other voltage / pressure regulators can be used. The supply air is also supplied to the air purge tube 6 via a regulator 76 and an adjustable needle valve 78.
It is fluidly connected to a joint 62 tied to zero. Regulator 76 and needle valve 78 allow the purge air pressure supplied to sensor shroud 50 to be manually adjusted or controlled. A pressure gauge 80 provides an interface between regulator 76 and needle valve 78.
Provided in unit 24, the operator is provided with a readable value of the purge air pressure provided to sensor shroud 50. As will be described in greater detail below, voltage / pressure regulator 75 provides a regulated air pressure at its output 8.
The output 82 is fluidly connected to a three-way solenoid valve 84 and a coupling 86 in the interface unit 24. Pressure gauge 8
8 is provided on the interface unit 24 so that the operator is provided with a readable value of the regulated output air pressure supplied by the voltage / pressure regulator 75. The pneumatically controlled fluid regulator 16 of the liquid distribution system 12 converts the conditioned air into a voltage / pressure regulator 7.
5 is fluidly coupled to fitting 86 via tube 90.

As those skilled in the art will recognize, the width of the liquid spray pattern 20 dispensed from the nozzle 18 is
It can be easily controlled by varying the air pressure supplied by the voltage / pressure regulator 75 to the pneumatically controlled fluid regulator 16 of the liquid distribution system 12. The regulated output air pressure provided by the voltage / pressure regulator 75 is applied to the pressure controller 9 of the interface unit 24.
4 through an analog voltage input signal 92 received by the regulator 75. More specifically,
Pressure controller 94 is the interface between robot controller 28 and voltage / pressure regulator 75. The pressure controller 94 receives and interprets the digital input signal 96 from the robot controller 28 to provide a regulated output to the pneumatically controlled fluid regulator 16 from a voltage / pressure regulator 75. Increase or decrease air pressure.
The pressure controller 94 converts the digital signal received from the robot controller 28 into an analog signal, and the analog signal is supplied to the voltage / pressure regulator 75. An analog signal proportional to the desired pressure setting is applied to a voltage / pressure regulator 75 to set the pressure. A suitable pressure controller is available from Z-World, part number 101-02.
Although commercially available as 67, other pressure controllers can be used.

Here, the liquid spray control system 10 including the sensor fixture 26, the robot controller 28 and the interface unit 24, and the liquid distribution system 1
The second operation is the measurement and adjustment of the dispensed liquid spray pattern 20 (FIG. 1) and will be described in connection with the principles of the present invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the robot controller 28 is operable to execute the software routine of FIGS. 4-7 or the software routine of FIG. 9 to perform the following three functions. It is. That is, those three functions are: 1) automatically adjust the width of the dispensed liquid spray pattern to a value selected by the operator, and 2) automatically measure the width of the liquid spray pattern and determine the value. Is compared with a predetermined allowable pattern width range set by the operator, and if the value is out of the allowable range, a warning is given to the operator. 3) The center line of the barrel nozzle 18 (FIG. 8A) ) Automatically measures the deviation of the liquid spray pattern, compares the value with a predetermined permissible pattern deviation range set by the operator, and alerts if the value is outside the permissible range. To give to others. Software is connected to the robot controller, memory (RAM / ROM)
Those skilled in the art will recognize and / or that the location of the software may reside on a tape, disk or diskette, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Not limited.

Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 8A-8F, the "Distributor / Sensor Activation Routine" 100 will be described. The purpose of this routine is primarily
The purpose is to positionally associate the centerline 22 of the nozzle 18 (FIG. 8A) with the vertical centerline 102 of the sensor 46 (FIG. 8A). In step 104, the operator detects the sensor 46.
(Ie, fiber optic receiver 42b)
B, through the command of a keyboard (not shown) or keypad (not shown), barrel nozzle 1
8 in the XYZ directions. As used herein, a "trigger" is a state of a sensor 46 in which a light beam is directed from its absence to fiber optical receiver 42b to that of fiber optical receiver 42b. Transitions to a state where is present, or from a state where it is present to the fiber optical receiver 42b to a state where it is not present to the fiber optical receiver 42b. Each of these transitions causes one of the sensors 46 (fiber optical receiver 42b) to "trigger" and couple the signal to the digital fiber optical amplifier 58. The light beam sensitivity of the sensor 46 is adjustable in the digital fiber optical amplifier 58. When the sensor is "triggered", indicating that the barrel nozzle 18 is located between the sensors 46 as shown in FIG. 8B, the XY- The Z position is learned and stored.

When the barrel 18 is located by the sensor 46, a "barrel centerline finding routine" 106 is executed. In step 108, as shown in FIG.
Is moved from the sensor center line 102 in the + Y direction. In step 112, the side edge 11 of the barrel 18
A determination is made whether sensor 46 has been triggered by 4a. If sensor 46 has not been triggered, control returns to step 108 and barrel 18 continues to move from sensor centerline 102 in the + Y direction. On the other hand,
As shown in FIG. 8C, when the sensor 46 is triggered by the barrel side edge 114a, the detected + Y position of the barrel edge 114a is recorded at step 116.

Thereafter, in step 118, FIG.
The barrel 18 is moved in the -Y direction, as shown in FIG. At step 122, a determination is made whether the sensor 46 has been triggered by the opposite barrel side edge 114b. If the sensor 46 has not been triggered, control will:
Returning to step 118, the barrel 18 continues to move in the -Y direction. If the sensor 46 has been triggered, the -Y position of the opposite barrel side edge 114b is recorded at step 124. At step 126, from the recorded + Y and -Y positions, the position of barrel center line 22 is calculated as one half of the sum of the + Y and -Y values.
Thereafter, at step 128, barrel 18 is moved such that barrel centerline 22 coincides with sensor centerline 102 as shown in FIG. 8E. Next, at step 130, the arrow 132 shown in FIG.
, The barrel 18 is moved in the + Z direction. At step 134, a determination is made whether the sensor 46 has been triggered by the barrel end 136. Sensor 46 is at barrel end 136
If not, control returns to step 130 and barrel 18 continues to move in the + Z direction. If sensor 46 is triggered by barrel end 136, the + Z position of barrel end 136 will be
Recorded at 38. At step 140, the desired air pressure value for fluid regulator 16 is received from the operator, or the set air pressure is used. Finally, in step 142, the "Distributor / Sensor Activation Routine" is terminated, and control proceeds to the "Pattern Setting Routine" 144 of FIG.

The purpose of the "pattern setting routine" 144 is to set the desired sector width ("F
W ") and sector height (" FH "). To this end, as shown in FIG. 5, in step 146 of the "pattern setting routine" 144, the sector width ("FW") and sector height ("FH") values are provided by the operator. Received. In step 148, the "Pattern Setting Routine" 144 is terminated and control is passed.
Proceed to "Sector Width Calibration Routine" 150 shown in FIG.

The purpose of the "sector width calibration routine" 150 is to
Automatically adjusting the actual width of the sector to the programmed sector width ("FW") value. Referring to FIG. 6, in step 152, as shown in FIG.
The barrel 18 is moved in the + Z direction to a sector height ("FH"). At step 154, as shown in FIG. 8G, barrel 18 has a -Y corresponding to "FW" / 2.
It is moved in the −Y direction to the position. In step 156, the air pressure value to the fluid regulator 16 is set at a value selected by the operator or a set air pressure value. Next, in step 158, the distribution device 19 is turned on. In one step 160, a determination is made whether the sensor 46 is triggered by the fan spray edge 162. If the sensor 46 has not been triggered by the fan spray edge 162, indicating that the edge 162a is not located between the sensors 46, control is at step 164 and indicated by the arrow 166. To increase the sector width ("FW") as described, the air pressure supplied to the fluid regulator 16 is increased by 2 PSI increments. Of course, other increments may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The rise in pneumatic pressure of the fluid regulator 16 is a result of an electrical signal being coupled from the amplifier 58 to the robot controller 28, which has a digital input signal 9.
6 to the pressure controller 94. The pressure controller 94 converts the digital input signal 96 to an analog signal 92, which, as described in detail above, includes a voltage /
It is applied to the pressure regulator 75. At step 160, a determination whether the sensor 46 has been triggered by the fan spray edge 162, thereby indicating that a properly adjusted fan width ("FW") has been set. Made. If yes, the dispensing device 19 is turned off at step 168.

At step 170, a determination is made whether sensor 46 was triggered by fan spray edge 162 when dispensing device 19 was turned on. FIG.
If the sensor 46 is triggered by the fan spray edge 162, as can be caused by the fan edge 162b in G, the pressure regulator 16 will cause the fan edge 162b to narrow as indicated by the arrow 174. Is reduced in step 172 by 2 PSI increments. Sector edge 16
Once the correct edge positions of the two have been adjusted, the dispensing device 19
Turned off at step 168 and the "Span Width Calibration Routine" 150 is terminated at step 176, and control then proceeds to the "Sector Width and Offset Detection Routine" 178 shown in FIG.

The purpose of the "sector width / bias detection routine" 178 is to automatically measure the actual sector width ("FW") and the deviation of the sector pattern relative to the barrel centerline 22. As shown in FIG. 7, in step 180, the dispensing device 19 is turned on. Next, step 1
At 82, barrel 18 is moved in the + Y direction, as indicated by arrow 184 in FIG. 8G. In step 186, fan spray edge 1
A determination is made by 62 whether the sensor 46 has been triggered. If sensor 46 has not been triggered, control returns to step 182 and barrel 18 returns
Continue moving in the Y direction. If sensor 46 is triggered by fan spray edge 162, as seen in FIG.
Recorded in Next, at step 190, the barrel 18 is moved in the -Y direction, as indicated by the arrow 191 in FIG. 8H. In step 192, the opposite fan spray edge 16
The determination whether sensor 46 has been triggered by 2
Done. If sensor 46 has not been triggered by fan spray edge 162, control proceeds to step 190
And the barrel 18 continues to move in the -Y direction. However, as seen in FIG. 8I, when the sensor 46 is triggered by the opposite fan spray edge 162, the -Y position of the barrel 18 is recorded at step 194. In step 196, the actual sector width is calculated as the difference between the stored + Y and -Y values.

At step 198, a determination is made whether the measured sector width is within an acceptable range. If the actual sector width is not within the acceptable range, control proceeds to step 200 where a warning is given to the operator to clean and inspect the nozzle. In step 202, a determination is made whether the worker wants to continue. If no, control returns to "start". Otherwise, if the actual sector width is within the acceptable range,
Or, if the operator has chosen to continue, control proceeds to step 204 and the sector deviation is calculated as the sum of the stored + Y and -Y values, center line 22 of barrel 18. Is calculated for At step 206, a determination is made whether the sector bias is within an acceptable range. If no, control proceeds to step 208, where a warning is given to the operator to clean and check the nozzles. Thereafter, a determination is made at step 210 as to whether the operator wants to continue. If no, control returns to "start". If not, the pressure is set and control is returned to the application program. If a determination is made in step 206 that the fanout is within an acceptable range, the pressure is set, and again control is passed to the application program.

As shown in FIG. 9, another software program for execution by the liquid spray control system 10 is provided.
The program is shown. In step 212, the "Distributor / Sensor Activation Routine" described in detail above in connection with FIG. 4 is executed. Next, step 214
In the process, the “pattern setting routine” described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 is executed. In step 216, the "fan width calibration routine" described in detail above in connection with FIG. 6 is performed. Thereafter, control proceeds to step 218.
At this point, the process proceeds to a "sector width / bias detection routine" according to another embodiment of the present invention. In step 220, the distribution device 19 is turned on. Then, in step 222, the barrel 18 is moved in the + Y direction, as shown in FIG. 8G and indicated by arrow 184.

In step 224, a determination is made whether sensor 46 has been triggered by fan spray edge 162. If no, control returns to step 222 and barrel 18 continues to move in the + Y direction. If the sensor 46 is triggered by the fan spray edge 162, as shown in FIG. 8H, at step 226, the + Y position of the barrel 18 is recorded. Next, at step 228, barrel 18
Is moved in the -Y direction at a known constant speed, and a timer (not shown) is started. Step 230
At, a determination is made whether the sensor 46 has been triggered by the opposite fan spray edge 162. If no, return to step 228, barrel 18
Continue to move in the -Y direction at a known constant speed. FIG.
If the sensor 46 is triggered by the opposite fan spray edge 162, as seen in I, control then proceeds to step 232 and barrel 1
The -Y position of 8 is recorded and the timer is stopped. In step 234, the actual sector width is calculated as the product of the known speed and the elapsed time established by the timer.

At step 236, a determination is made as to whether the actual sector width is within an acceptable range. If no, at step 238 a warning is given to the operator to clean and check the nozzle. At step 240, a determination is made whether the worker wants to continue. If no, control returns to "start". Otherwise, if the operator has chosen to continue, or if the actual sector width is within the acceptable range, control proceeds to step 242 and
Then, the deviation of the sector pattern with respect to the center line 22 of the barrel 18 is calculated as the sum of the stored + Y position value and -Y position value.

At step 244, a determination is made whether the sector deviation is within an acceptable range. If no, a warning is given to the operator at step 246 to clean and check the nozzle. Step 24
At 8, a determination is made whether the operator wants to continue. If no, control is returned to "start". If not, the pressure is set and control is returned to the application program. If the sector deviation is within the acceptable range, again the pressure is set and control returns to the application program. Of course,
Those skilled in the art will readily recognize hardware and software modifications that can be made to the liquid spray control system 10. Accordingly, changes in hardware and software may be made to liquid spray control system 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, while a fiber optic sensor is described, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of sensor devices that can be substituted in the present invention. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, liquid distribution system 12 responds to the air pressure provided by voltage / pressure regulator 75, while those skilled in the art will recognize many other adjustments that may be substituted in the present invention. Devices that control fluid pressure in the liquid distribution system 12 will be readily recognized.

As described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the liquid spray control system 10 of the present invention automatically performs the function of adjusting the width of the spray pattern 20 to a value set by the operator. , Will be easy to understand. For example, if the fan width is initially too narrow, the liquid spray control system 10 will gradually increase the air pressure supplied to the fluid regulator 16 to widen the fan width as indicated by arrow 166 in FIG. 8G. Let it.
On the other hand, if the fan width is initially too wide, the liquid spray control system 10 will cause the fluid regulator 1 to reduce the fan width as indicated by the arrow 174 in FIG. 8G.
By gradually reducing the air pressure supplied to 6, the sector width is automatically reduced to a set value. In addition, the liquid spray control system 10 automatically measures the actual sector width and determines whether the actual sector width is within an acceptable range. In this way, if the actual sector width is outside the acceptable range, the operator is automatically given a warning and a decision whether to continue. Thus, wasteful application continuous production time is avoided. In addition, the liquid spray control system 10 automatically measures the deviation of the fan pattern from the centerline of the barrel 18. If the measured bias is out of tolerance, the operator is again automatically given a warning and a decision whether to continue the application process.
Accordingly, the liquid spray control system 10 of the present invention improves the width control of the dispensed liquid pattern. The liquid spray control system 10 also enhances the operator's ability to easily identify problems in the dispensed liquid spray pattern. Further, the liquid spray control system 10 of the present invention enhances the operator's ability to adjust the width of the liquid spray pattern to accommodate variations in the viscosity and pressure of the liquid material.

While the present invention has been described by various embodiments and has been described in considerable detail, it is intended that the scope of the appended claims be limited to such details or in all respects. Limiting is not the intent of the applicant. Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the barrel nozzle 18 is described in detail as moving with respect to the sensor fixture 22, but instead the barrel nozzle 18 is fixed to measure and adjust the dispensed liquid spray pattern. It will be appreciated that the sensor mount 22 is configured to move in the XYZ directions. Therefore,
The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific, detailed, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, new developments from such details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial schematic view of a liquid spray control system according to the principles of the present invention for use in a liquid distribution system for dispensing a liquid spray pattern toward a support.

FIG. 2 is a complete block diagram of the liquid spray control system partially shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor and sensor shroud, taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a software flow chart of a “dispensing device / sensor activation routine” executed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a software flow chart of a “pattern setting routine” executed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a software flow diagram of a “fan width calibration routine” executed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a software flow chart of a “sector width / bias detection routine” executed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.

FIG. 8A illustrates a dispensing device and sensor activation routine performed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a barrel nozzle of a liquid distribution device.

FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a dispenser / sensor activation routine executed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a barrel nozzle of a liquid distribution device.

FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating a dispensing device and sensor activation routine executed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a barrel nozzle of a liquid distribution device.

FIG. 8D is a diagram illustrating a dispenser and sensor activation routine performed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a barrel nozzle of a liquid distribution device.

FIG. 8E illustrates a “dispensing device and sensor activation routine” performed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a barrel nozzle of a liquid distribution device.

FIG. 8F during a “dispensing device and sensor activation routine” executed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a barrel nozzle of a liquid distribution device.

FIG. 8G is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the barrel nozzle of the liquid dispenser during a “fan width calibration routine” performed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.

FIG. 8H is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the barrel nozzle of the liquid dispensing device during the “fan width and offset detection routine” performed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.

FIG. 8I is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of the barrel nozzle of the liquid dispensing device during the “fan width / skew detection routine” performed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a software flow diagram of another liquid spray control program executed by the liquid spray control system of the present invention.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Jeffrey Minnick United States 44035 Ohio, Elyria, Wesley Avenue 471 (72) Inventor John P. Buyers United States 44012 Ohio, Avon Lake, Moorewood Avenue 408 (72) Inventor Jack Mike, Netherlands Nuel-6126 EP Maastricht, Rongenstraat 13 (72) Inventor Mark Van der Hayden Netherland 6165 Abbe Geleen, Frinkstrut 4F term (reference) 2F065 AA00 AA07 AA12 BB15 DD00 FF02 FF67 HH13 HH15 JJ01 JJ09 KK01 LL02 MM03 QQ23 SS09 TT02 UU05 4D075 AA01 AA21 AA81 4F033 PB31 PD01

Claims (21)

[Claims] The width of a liquid spray pattern having a first edge and a second edge is determined using a sensor and a liquid distribution device having a centerline, a first edge and an opposite second edge. A method for measuring, comprising: dispensing a liquid spray pattern from a liquid dispensing device; moving the liquid spray pattern in one direction with respect to a sensor; and sensing a first edge of the liquid spray pattern with a sensor. Detecting; tying a first edge of the detected liquid spray pattern to a first position; moving the liquid spray pattern in an opposite direction with respect to the sensor; Detecting the edge with a sensor, linking the second edge of the detected liquid spray pattern with the second position, and setting the width of the liquid spray pattern to the first position and the second position. How comprising the step of calculating you are, the. Determining a position of the sensor; determining a position of a center line of the dispensing device; linking a position of the center line of the dispensing device with a position of the sensor; Calculating the bias of the liquid spray pattern using the first position and the second position. 3. The step of determining the position of the center line of the dispensing device includes: moving the dispensing device in one direction with respect to the sensor; and detecting the first edge of the dispensing device with the sensor. Tying the detected first edge of the dispensing device to a third position; moving the dispensing device in an opposite direction with respect to the sensor; and sensing the opposite second edge of the dispensing device with the sensor. Detecting; linking the detected second edge of the dispensing device opposite to the fourth position; calculating the position of the center line of the dispensing device using the third and fourth positions. The method of claim 2, comprising: 4. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting a first edge of the liquid spray pattern comprises: propagating a light beam; moving the liquid spray pattern through the light beam; Generating a signal in response to one of the edges being present or absent in the light beam. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein detecting a second edge of the liquid spray pattern comprises: continuing to move the liquid spray pattern through the light beam; and a light beam at a second edge of the liquid spray pattern. Generating a signal in response to one of its presence or absence. 6. The width of a liquid spray pattern having a first edge and a second edge is determined using a liquid distribution device having a center line, a first edge and an opposite second edge, a sensor and a timer. And dispensing the liquid spray pattern from the liquid dispensing device; moving the liquid spray pattern in one direction relative to the sensor; and measuring the first edge of the liquid spray pattern. Detecting with a sensor; activating a timer when detecting a first edge of the liquid spray pattern; moving the liquid spray pattern with respect to the sensor at a constant speed in an opposite direction; Detecting a second edge of the liquid spray pattern with a sensor; stopping a timer when the second edge of the liquid spray pattern is detected; starting the timer and stopping the timer How to anda step of calculating using the steps of determining the elapsed time, the width of the liquid spray pattern, the elapsed time and the constant speed between the. 7. tying a first edge of the detected liquid spray pattern to a first position; tying a second edge of the detected liquid spray pattern to a second position; and determining a position of the sensor. Determining the position of the center line of the dispensing device; connecting the position of the center line of the dispensing device to the position of the sensor; 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising calculating using the position and the second position. 8. The step of determining the position of the center line of the dispensing device includes the steps of: moving the dispensing device in one direction with respect to the sensor; and detecting the first edge of the dispensing device with the sensor. Tying the detected first edge of the dispensing device to a third position; moving the dispensing device in an opposite direction with respect to the sensor; and sensing the opposite second edge of the dispensing device with the sensor. Detecting; linking the detected second edge of the dispensing device opposite to the fourth position; calculating the position of the center line of the dispensing device using the third and fourth positions. The method of claim 7, comprising: 9. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting a first edge of the liquid spray pattern comprises: propagating a light beam; moving the liquid spray pattern through the light beam; Generating a signal in response to one of the edges being present or absent in the light beam. 10. The method of claim 2, wherein detecting a second edge of the liquid spray pattern comprises: continuing to move the liquid spray pattern through the light beam; and a light beam at a second edge of the liquid spray pattern. Generating a signal in response to one of its presence or absence. 11. A method of adjusting the width of a liquid spray pattern using a liquid dispensing device and a sensor, comprising: positioning the liquid dispensing device in a predetermined position with respect to the sensor; Dispensing the pattern from the liquid dispensing device at a predetermined dispensing pressure; detecting the absence of the liquid spray pattern with a sensor; and dispensing the width of the liquid spray pattern until the liquid spray pattern is detected by the sensor. The step of elevating to spread. 12. A method for adjusting the width of a liquid spray pattern using a liquid dispensing device and a sensor, the method comprising: positioning the liquid dispensing device in a predetermined position relative to the sensor; Dispensing the pattern from the liquid dispensing device at a predetermined dispensing pressure; detecting the presence of the liquid spray pattern with a sensor; and adjusting the width of the liquid spray pattern until the absence of the liquid spray pattern is detected by the sensor. Narrowing by reducing the distribution pressure. 13. A liquid dispensing system for dispensing a variable width spray pattern having a first edge and a second edge, comprising: a liquid material source; and a dispensing nozzle connected to said liquid material source.
A liquid regulator capable of dispensing the liquid material as a liquid spray pattern having a predetermined spray pattern width; and a pressure regulator for regulating pressure, operatively coupled to the liquid material source and the dispensing nozzle. Wherein said liquid material is dispensed at said pressure by said dispensing nozzle,
A control circuit coupled to the pressure regulator and capable of varying the regulated pressure to increase or decrease the width of the liquid spray pattern, wherein the liquid material dispenses the dispensing nozzle at the regulated pressure. And a liquid dispensing system comprising: 14. The pneumatically controlled fluid further comprising an air source operatively connected to the control circuit, wherein the pressure regulator has an air inlet coupled to the air source. Equipped with a moderator,
The pneumatically controlled fluid regulator may raise or lower the pressure at which the liquid material is dispensed by the dispensing nozzle at that pressure by changing the pressure of the air at the air inlet. 14. The liquid distribution system of claim 13. 15. The pneumatically controlled fluid regulator at the air inlet to increase or decrease the pressure at which the liquid material is dispensed by the dispensing nozzle at the pressure. 15. The liquid distribution system according to claim 14, wherein the air pressure can be varied. 16. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a sensor coupled to the control circuit, the sensor being capable of detecting one of the presence or absence of a first edge and a second edge of the liquid spray pattern. Liquid distribution system. 17. The sensor may be responsive to the detection of one of the presence or absence of at least one of a first edge and a second edge to apply a signal to the control circuit. 17. A circuit, in response to receiving the signal, to change the pressure at which the liquid material is dispensed by the dispensing nozzle to increase or decrease the width of the liquid spray pattern. Liquid distribution system. 18. The liquid distribution system according to claim 17, wherein said sensor comprises a light beam emitter and a light beam receiver. 19. A fluid container defined by a bottom wall, a pair of upstanding side walls, and a pair of upstanding end walls, wherein said fluid material is dispensed from said dispensing nozzle. Further comprising an acceptor, wherein each of the side walls has a pair of resilient retaining members, the pair of resilient retaining members removably engaging the sensor therebetween. 17. The liquid distribution system of claim 16, wherein the system is obtained. 20. The liquid distribution system according to claim 19, wherein each of the pair of elastic holding members is formed on each of the side walls of the fluid container. 21. A shroud member mounted around the sensor, the shroud member defining an annular chamber around the sensor, wherein the shroud member is connected to the annular chamber and the air source. 17. The liquid distribution system of claim 16 having an air inlet connected thereto and capable of discharging air toward a liquid spray pattern.