Dispenser and method of dispensing and controlling with a flow meter

摘要

Systems and methods related to dispensing fluid and controlling a dispensing operation. The system includes a fluid dispenser including an inlet and an outlet, the dispenser being operable to start and stop the flow of the fluid from the outlet onto a substrate. A fluid supply reservoir adapted to hold the fluid, and having an outlet coupled in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid dispenser to establish a flow path for the fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and the outlet of the fluid dispenser. The fluid supply reservoir further includes a pneumatic input coupled to an air flow path adapted to receive pressurized air for forcing the fluid from the outlet of the reservoir. An electronic air mass flow meter device is operatively coupled to the air flow path to produce electrical output signals proportional to the mass flow rate of the air flowing through the pneumatic input. Components and methods are provided to accurately determine the volume of the fluid in the reservoir, and to set the stroke length of a valve used in the system.

主权项

1. A fluid dispensing system for accurately dispensing fluid and controlling a dispensing operation, the system comprising:
a fluid dispenser including an inlet and an outlet, the dispenser being operable to start and stop a flow of the fluid from the outlet onto a substrate; a fluid supply reservoir adapted to hold the fluid, and having an outlet coupled in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid dispenser to establish a flow path for the fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and the outlet of the fluid dispenser, the fluid supply reservoir further including a pneumatic input coupled to an air flow path adapted to receive pressurized air for forcing the fluid from the outlet of the reservoir; an electronic air flow meter device operatively coupled to the air flow path to produce electrical output signals proportional to the flow rate of the air flowing through the pneumatic input; a pressure regulator operatively coupled to the air flow path; a pressure low pass filter coupled downstream of the pressure regulator and upstream of the pneumatic input in the air flow path; and a control operatively coupled to the electronic air flow meter device, the control receiving and processing the electrical output signals, and using the electrical output signals to determine a volume value associated with the fluid.