Liquid supply system for gravity spray device

The present invention relates to a spray device and a ventilation system using a liquid supply container in the spray device.

Spray coating equipment is used for spray coating on a wide variety of targets. The spray coating device may include many reusable parts, such as a container for holding a liquid coating material (eg, paint) in a gravity spray device. It takes a considerable amount of time to clean these reusable parts. In addition, the liquid coating material may be moved from the stirring cup to a container that is joined to the gravity spray device. Also, it takes a considerable amount of time to move the liquid coating material.

<p num="0003"><patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-265750</text></patcit></p>

<p num="0004"> In a first embodiment, the system comprises a container cover having a buffer chamber, a liquid flow path extending into the liquid container, a first vent conduit extending into the buffer chamber, and a liquid container from the buffer chamber. Consisting of a second vent conduit extending into, the container cover further comprises an alignment guide for adjusting the position of the second vent conduit with respect to the spray gun, and the alignment guide is an alignment recess located in the container cover. To be equipped with. Alternatively, the container cover constitutes an inner cover and an outer cover surrounding the buffer chamber, the liquid flow path is joined to the inner cover and the outer cover, the first ventilation conduit is joined to the outer cover, and the first ventilation The conduit extends into the buffer chamber to the first opening end between the outer and inner covers, the second vent conduit is joined to the inner cover and the second vent conduit is separated from the inner cover second. Extending to the open end, the inner cover comprises a protrusion located close to the first open end of the first ventilation conduit.</p><p num="0005"> A second embodiment includes a volumetric spray coating supply container, an inner cover with a first inner wall, an outer cover with a second inner wall, and a liquid flow path joined to the inner cover and the outer cover. A spray coating system comprising, and a spray coating supply container cover configured to be joined to a gravity spray gun, and a thin tube operation ventilation system to be joined to the spray coating supply container. The liquid flow path has a first end and a second end, and the second end is joined to the inner cover and does not protrude from the first outer wall of the inner cover. The liquid flow path is configured to penetrate the inside of the spray coating supply container cover and guide the liquid to the outside of the spray coating supply container, and the thin tube operation ventilation system includes the first inner wall of the inner cover and the said one. A buffer chamber between the second inner wall of the outer cover, a first capillary joined to the outer cover, and a second capillary joined to the inner cover are provided, and the first capillary tube is the outer side. The second inner wall of the outer cover and the first inner wall of the inner cover project from the second inner wall of the cover into the buffer chamber toward the first inner wall of the inner cover. , before SL along the axis of the first capillary tube, spaced apart in a first axial distance, said first capillary tube, along said axis of said first capillary tube, from the second inner wall of said outer cover, The inside of the buffer chamber is extended toward the first inner wall of the inner cover at a second axial distance, and the second axial distance is at least 50% of the first axial distance. As described above, the second capillary tube extends from the buffer chamber into the spray coating supply container so as to be able to flow through the spray coating container.</p><p num="0006"> A third embodiment includes a gravity spray gun, a volumetric spray coating supply container, an inner cover having a first inner wall, an outer cover having a second inner wall, and the inner cover and the outer cover. A spray coating system comprising a spray coating supply container cover comprising a liquid flow path to be joined and a capillary operating ventilation system joined to a gravity spray gun, wherein the liquid flow path is at the first end. It has a portion and a second end, the second end is joined to the inner cover and does not protrude from the first outer wall of the inner cover, and the liquid flow path is the spray coating supply. It is configured to penetrate the inside of the container cover and guide the liquid out of the spray coating supply container, and the capillary operation ventilation system is formed on the first inner wall of the inner cover and the second inner wall of the outer cover. A buffer chamber between them, a first capillary bonded to the outer cover, and a second capillary bonded to the inner cover are provided above the gravity spray gun, and the first capillary is provided. The second inner wall of the outer cover projects into the buffer chamber toward the first inner wall of the inner cover, and the second inner wall of the outer cover and the first inner wall of the inner cover. The inner wall is separated by a first axial distance along the axis of the first capillary, and the first capillary is along the axis of the first capillary from the second inner wall of the outer cover. The inside of the buffer chamber is extended toward the first inner wall of the inner cover at a second axial distance, and the second axial distance is at least 50 of the first axial distance. % Or more, and the second capillary extends from the buffer chamber into the spray coating supply container so that it can flow through the spray coating container.</p>

These and other features, circumstances, and advantages of the present invention are fully understood by reading the following detailed description in accordance with the accompanying figures. The same reference numerals represent the same parts throughout the drawings.

<figref num="1">A block diagram showing a spray coating system having a gravity-type container structure according to the present embodiment.</figref><figref num="2">Flow chart showing the spray painting process according to the present embodiment using the gravity type container structure of FIG.</figref><figref num="3">A cross-sectional view showing a spray coating apparatus according to the present embodiment in which the gravity-type container structure of FIG. 1 is connected.</figref><figref num="4">A cross-sectional view showing a spray gun connection structure to which a cover structure is connected, and showing a part of the gravity type container structure of FIG. 3 according to the present embodiment.</figref><figref num="5">An exploded perspective view showing a spray gun connection structure disassembled from the cover structure and showing a part of the gravity type container structure of FIG. 3 according to the present embodiment.</figref><figref num="6">A cross-sectional view showing a container and a cover structure in which a cover is arranged upward, and showing a heavy-duty container structure of FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment.</figref><figref num="7">A cross-sectional view showing a container and a cover structure in which a cover is arranged downward, and showing a gravity-type container structure of FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment.</figref><figref num="8">A cross-sectional perspective view of the cover structure of the gravity-type container structure of FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment, showing a buffer chamber having a tapered discharge flow path at the protrusion.</figref>

As described in detail below, the capillary-operated ventilation system according to the present invention is provided by ventilating the inside of a container while suppressing the leakage of liquid. In particular, embodiments of a tubule-operated ventilation system include a buffer chamber and one or more tubules. For example, the ventilation system includes two tubules that separate from the buffer chamber. The separation of the two tubules provides an intermediate ventilation path for air, while providing a volume that includes the volume of liquid leaking from one tubule. Each capillary is configured to prevent the liquid from flowing out of the container and to sufficiently retain the liquid in the container. For example, the open end of each capillary prevents the outflow of liquid due to the meniscus shape or surface tension. In some embodiments, the open end may be placed in close proximity to the surface to further prevent liquid outflow due to surface tension. Further, for example, the inner wall of each thin tube may be prevented from flowing out by surface tension. Each capillary may have a hollow annular structure, such as cylindrical or conical. The conical tubules provide additional resistance due to the reduced diameter of the open end at the tip.

Return to the description of the drawing. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the spray coating system 10 according to the present invention. The spray coating system 10 includes a spray coating gun 12 having a gravity-type container structure for applying a desired coating liquid to the target 14. The spray coating gun 12 is connected to various supply and control systems such as a liquid supply unit 16 having a gravity-type container structure according to the present invention, an air supply unit 18, and a control device 20. The control device 20 controls the liquid supply unit 16 and the air supply unit 18, and prepares a coating liquid that can be spray-coated on the target 14 in the spray coating gun 12. The control device 20 includes, for example, an automatic adjustment device 22, a position adjustment device 24, a liquid supply control unit 26, an air supply control unit 28, a computer 30, and a user interface 32. The control device 20 may be connected to the position adjusting device 34. The position adjusting device 34 moves the position of the target 14 with respect to the spray coating gun 12. The spray coating system 10 may also perform computer-controlled mixing of coating liquids, liquid and air flow rates, and spray patterns.

The spray coating system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is applicable to a variety of applications, liquids, targets, and spray coating gun 12 types / forms. For example, the user may select the desired liquid 40 from a plurality of different coating liquids 42 that differ in coating type, color, performance and various material properties such as wood and metal. In addition, the user may select a desired object 36 from various different objects 38 having different materials and product types. The spray coating gun 12 may be composed of various different components applied to the target 14 selected by the user and the liquid supply unit 16 and a spray forming mechanism. For example, the spray coating gun 12 may be composed of an air injection device, a swirl injection device, an electrostatic injection device, and various other applicable spray forming mechanisms.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a suitable example of the spray coating step 50 for applying the desired spray coating liquid to the target object 14. As shown in the figure, step 50 proceeds to identify the target 14 to be coated with the desired liquid (block 52). Step 50 then proceeds to select the desired liquid 40 to adapt to the spray surface of the target 14 (block 54). The user then configures the spray paint gun 12 against the identified target 14 and selected liquid 40 (block 56). When the user uses the spray paint gun 12, step 50 proceeds to the next generation of a spray of the selected liquid 40 (block 58). The user applies a spray spray onto the desired surface of the target 14 (block 60). Step 50 then proceeds to cure / dry the coated portion coated on the desired surface (block 62). If an additional coating of the selected liquid 40 is requested by the user (YES in block 64), step 50 returns to blocks 58, 60, 62 to perform other coatings in the selected liquid 40. If the user does not request additional painting of the selected liquid 40 (NO in block 64), step 50 proceeds to block 66 to determine if painting of the new liquid is required by the user. If the user requests painting of a new liquid (YES in block 66), step 50 returns to blocks 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 using the newly selected liquid used for spray painting. If the user does not require painting with a new liquid (NO in block 66), step 50 ends at block 68.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a spray coating gun 12 according to the present embodiment, which is joined to the liquid supply unit 16. As shown, the spray paint gun 12 includes a spray end structure 80 joined to the body 82. The spray end structure 80 includes a liquid discharge end structure 84, and the liquid discharge end structure 84 may be removably inserted into a socket 86 of the main body 82. For example, various different forms of the spray coating device may be configured to be used with the liquid discharge end structure 84 attached. The spray end structure 80 includes a spray forming structure 88 joined to the liquid discharge end structure 84. The spray forming structure 88 includes various spray forming mechanisms such as a pneumatic type, a swivel type, and an electrostatic injection mechanism. However, the spray forming structure 88 shown in the figure constitutes an air spray cup 90. The air spray cup 90 is detachably fixed to the main body 82 via the holding nut 92. The air spray cup 90 includes various air spray orifices, such as the central spray orifice 94 located from the liquid discharge end structure 84 to the liquid end outlet 96. The air spray cup 90 may include one or more spray-formed air orifices, such as the spray-formed orifice 98, where the spray-formed orifice 98 is an air jet for forming the spray into the desired spray pattern (eg, uniform pattern). Is used. The spray forming structure 88 may include various other spray mechanisms to provide the desired spray pattern and droplet application.

The body 82 with the spray coating gun 12 includes various control and supply mechanisms for the spray end structure 80. As shown, the body 82 includes a liquid discharge structure 100 having a liquid conduit 102 extending from a liquid inlet 104 to a liquid discharge end structure 84. The liquid discharge structure 100 also includes a liquid valve structure 106 for controlling the flow of liquid through the liquid conduit 102 and the flow of liquid reaching the liquid discharge end structure 84. The illustrated liquid valve structure 106 includes a needle valve 108 that movably extends through the body 82 between the liquid discharge end structure 84 and the liquid valve adjuster 110. The liquid valve adjusting portion 110 can be rotatably adjusted with respect to a spring 112 arranged between the rear 114 of the needle valve 108 and the internal 116 of the liquid valve adjusting portion 110. The needle valve 108 is joined to the trigger 118 so that when the trigger 118 is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the pivot joint 120, the needle valve 108 is moved inward away from the liquid discharge end structure 84. However, any valve that is compatible and can be opened internally or externally may be used within the scope of current technology. The liquid valve structure 106 may include various packing and seal structures, such as the packing structure 122 arranged between the needle valve 108 and the body 82.

The air supply structure 124 is arranged in the body 82 to form the spray in the spray forming structure 88. The illustrated air supply structure 124 extends from the air inflow joint 126 through the air conduits 128 and 138 to the air spray cup 90. The air supply structure 124 includes various seal structures, air valve structures, air pressure and air valve adjusters that maintain and regulate the flow of air through the spray coating gun 12. For example, the illustrated air supply structure 124 includes an air valve structure 132 joined to a trigger 118 so that rotation of the trigger 118 with respect to the pivot joint 120 allows air to flow from the air conduit 128 to the air conduit 130. The air valve structure 132 is opened. The air supply structure 124 includes an air valve adjusting unit 134 that regulates the flow of air to the air spray cup 90. As shown, the trigger 118 is joined to both the liquid valve structure 106 and the air valve structure 132, and when the trigger 118 is pulled towards the handle 136 of the body 82, the liquid and air with respect to the spray end structure 80. Flow at the same time. Once activated, the spray paint gun 12 produces a spray-like spray with the desired spray pattern and droplet spraying.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the air supply unit 18 is joined to the air inflow joint 126 via the air conduit 138. The embodiment of the air supply unit 18 may include an air compressor, a compressed air tank, a compressed gas tank, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid supply unit 16 is mounted directly on the spray coating gun 12. The illustrated liquid supply unit 16 includes a container structure 140, and the container structure 140 includes a container 142 and a cover structure 144. In some embodiments, the container 142 may be a flexible cup made of a compatible material, such as polypropylene. Further, the container 142 may be disposable so that the user can dispose of the container 142 after use.

The cover structure 144 includes a liquid flow path 146 and a ventilation system 148. The ventilation system 148 includes a buffer chamber 150 located between the outer cover 152 and the inner cover 154. The liquid flow path 146 is joined to the inner cover 154 and the outer cover 152, and the liquid flow path 146 cooperates with the buffer chamber 150 and extends in the buffer chamber 150 without releasing the liquid. The ventilation system 148 has a first ventilation conduit 156 joined to the outer cover 152 and terminated in the buffer chamber 150 and a second ventilation conduit 158 joined to the inner cover 154 and terminated outside the buffer chamber 150 and in the container 142. Also includes. That is, the first and second ventilation conduits 158 open in cooperation with each other via the buffer chamber 150.

In certain embodiments, all or some of the components of the vessel structure 140 are disposable and / or reusable members, such as transparent or translucent plastics, fibrous or cellulosic materials, non-metallic materials, or combinations thereof. Made of. For example, the container structure 140 may be made entirely or substantially (eg, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 99 percent or more) of disposable and / or reusable members. In the embodiment of the plastic container structure 140, a material composition consisting essentially or completely of a polymer (eg, polyethylene) is included. In embodiments of the fibrous container structure 140, essentially or completely from natural fibers (eg, vegetable fibers, wood fibers, animal fibers, mineral fibers) or synthetic / artificial fibers (eg, cellulose, minerals, or polymers). Includes material composition consisting of. Examples of cellulose fibers include modal or bamboo. Examples of polymer fibers include nylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefins, aramids, polyethylene, elastomers and polyurethanes. In certain embodiments, the cover structure 144 is designed for single use, while the container 142 may be used to hold a liquid (eg, a paint mixture) with different cover structures 144 for different applications. good. In another embodiment, both the container 142 and the cover structure 144 may be designed to be used once or multiple times before being disposable or discarded.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the container structure 140 is joined onto the spray coating gun 12 in a gravity configuration. In the setup, the container structure 140 may be filled with a paint liquid (eg, paint) with the cover facing up, removed from the spray paint gun 12. The container structure 140 is then flipped down with a cover to connect to the spray paint gun 12. When the container 142 is turned over, some of the coating liquid leaks or flows into the buffer chamber 150 through the ventilation conduit 158, resulting in a first liquid volume 160 inside the container 142 and into the buffer chamber 150. It becomes a certain second liquid capacity 162. However, at least a part of the liquid stays in the ventilation conduit 158 due to the attraction in the container 142, the surface tension in the ventilation conduit 158, and the surface tension in the opening at the end of the ventilation conduit 158. Since the container 142 is rotated between the upward and downward positions, the buffer chamber 150 is configured to hold the liquid volume 162 leaked from the container 142. While the spray paint gun 12 is in use, the paint liquid flows from the container 142 to the spray paint gun 12 along the flow direction 164 of the fluid. At the same time, air passes through the ventilation system 148 and enters the container 142 along the air flow direction 166. That is, the air enters the first vent conduit 156, through the buffer chamber 150, through the second vent conduit 158, and into the container 142. As described below, the arrangement of the buffer chamber 150 and the ventilation conduits 156 and 158 maintains the air flow direction 166 (eg, ventilation path) in all arrangements in the container structure 140 and the spray coating gun 12, and the ventilation conduits 156 and 158. Holds a coating liquid (eg, a second liquid capacity 162) that has leaked away from the opening of the. For example, the ventilation system 148 maintains an air flow direction of 166 and a liquid capacity of 162 in the buffer chamber 150 when the vessel structure 140 is rotated from approximately 0 to 360 degrees in a horizontal, vertical, or any other plane. To hold.

FIG. 4 shows a part of a cross-sectional view of the gravity-type container structure 140 according to the present embodiment of FIG. 3, and shows a spray gun connection structure 170 connected to the cover structure 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the spray gun connection structure 170 includes a tapered contact surface 181 and a spray gun connection 180 joined to the cover structure 144 via a ventilation alignment guide 182 and a positive locking function 183. For example, the tapered contact surface 181 is defined by the tapered outer surface 172 of the liquid flow path 146 (eg, the conical outer surface) and the tapered inner surface 174 of the connection 180 (eg, the conical inner surface). .. Further, for example, the ventilation alignment guide 182 is defined by a first alignment mechanism 176 arranged on the connection 180 and a second alignment mechanism 178 arranged on the outer cover 152. Further, for example, the positive locking function 183 is located on the tapered outer surface 172 of the liquid flow path 146 with a positive locking function (eg, a sharp protrusion) and on the tapered inner surface 174 of the connection 180. It may include a joint locking mechanism (eg, a sharp recess).

In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid flow path 146 includes a liquid conduit 184 and a terminal 186 that includes one or more mouths 188 that extend outward sharply from the liquid flow path 146. That is, the mouth 188 sharply protrudes outward from the tapered outer surface 172. The connection 180 includes an inner conduit 190 configured to receive the liquid flow path 146, as shown in FIG. As shown, the conduit 190 has a tapered inner surface 174, which constitutes a mechanism for sliding on a wedge and / and attaching to the tapered outer surface 172 of the liquid flow path 146. .. The connection 180 also includes a groove 192 located on the stroke 194 along the inner conduit 190. In some embodiments, the port 188 may be located in a groove 192 that blocks the axial movement of the liquid flow path 146 with respect to the connection 180.

The ventilation alignment guide 182 is configured to adjust the position of the first ventilation conduit 156, the second ventilation conduit 158, or a combination thereof with respect to the spray coating gun 12. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the ventilation alignment guide 182 may include a first alignment guide 176 and a second alignment guide 178 that are configured to align with each other between the connection 180 and the outer cover 152. .. In the illustrated embodiment, the first alignment guide 176 includes a ring 196 having an inner holding finger 197 and an alignment tab 198. For example, by bending the ring 196 slightly so that it is inserted out of the connection 180, the inner retaining finger 197 is compressed against the connection 180 and joined to the ring 196, thereby 180 to the adapter. Is supplied with a radial internal holding force (eg, spring force). As further illustrated, the second alignment guide 178 includes an alignment recess 200 located in the outer cover 152. In some embodiments, the alignment tab 198 is configured to fit within the alignment recess 200 when the connection 180 is joined to the liquid flow path 146 as shown in FIG. That is, in the present embodiment, the ventilation alignment guide 182 may be a ring 196 having an alignment tab 198, an alignment recess 200, or a combination thereof. The ventilation alignment guide 182 provides a unique effect in this embodiment. For example, the ventilation alignment guide 182 causes the second ventilation conduit 158 to be in the highest position in the container 142 when the container 142 is joined to the spray coating gun 12 (shown in FIG. 3). This feature has the effect of minimizing the liquid volume 162 placed in the buffer chamber 150 during use.

In use, the connection 180 joins the liquid flow path 146 to the spray paint gun 12, and the ventilation alignment guide 182 adjusts the position of the gravity container 142 with the gravity spray paint gun 12. That is, when the spray coating gun 12 is joined to the container 142 (shown in FIG. 3), the ventilation alignment guide 182 orients the second ventilation conduit 158 so as to be in the upper position in the container 142. The above-mentioned feature has the effect of ensuring that the air flow direction 166 is correctly established during use of the spray gun and maintaining the operability of the ventilation system 148. Further, during use, the groove 192 in the connection 180 may be configured to contact the port 188 of the liquid flow path 146 when the container 142 begins to be disengaged from the spray coating gun 12. That is, if the liquid flow path 146 separates from the spray coating gun 12 and begins to move in the direction of arrow 202 during use, the liquid flow path 146 prevents the port 188 from reaching the end of the groove 192 and disconnecting from the connection 180. Such a feature has the effect of a safety connection between the gravity vessel 142 and the gravity spray coating gun 12 in use.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the gravity type container structure 140 of FIG. 3 according to the present embodiment, and shows a spray gun connection structure 170 disassembled from the cover structure 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection structure 170 includes a connection 180 (eg, a first component) and a first alignment guide 176 (eg, a second component). The connection portion 180 includes a first screw portion 214 (for example, a mail-type annular screw portion), a groove 192, a hexagonal protrusion 216 (for example, a tool head), a fixing portion 218 (for example, a mail-type annular screw portion), and a connection portion 180. Includes a central conduit 220 that extends longitudinally through it. The first threaded portion 214 is fitted and joined to the spray coating gun 12 when the container 142 is in the in-use position. Further, the fixing portion 218 is configured to mesh with the first alignment guide 176. The first alignment guide 176 includes an alignment ring 196 with an inner holding finger 197 and an alignment tab 198. The inner holding finger 197 is configured to be pressed against and fitted to the fixing portion 218 so as to hold the first alignment guide 176 in a position above the connecting portion 180.

At the time of use, the connecting structure 170 is joined to both the spray painting gun 12 and the container structure 140. As mentioned above, the alignment tab 198 is located in the alignment recess 200 so that the liquid flow path 146, the first vent conduit 156, the second vent conduit 158, or a combination thereof is aligned with respect to the spray paint gun 12. Be placed. That is, the alignment tab 198 is fitted into the alignment recess 200 when the spray gun connection 180 is joined to the liquid flow path 146. As shown, the alignment recess 200 is located between the liquid flow path 146 and the second vent conduit 158, and the liquid flow path 146 is located between the first and second vent conduit 158. For example, in the present embodiment, the liquid flow paths 146, the first and second ventilation conduits 156 and 158, and the ventilation alignment guides 182 (for example, the first and second alignment guides 176 and 178) are on the same plane, etc. Arranged in a row.

The embodiment of the ventilation system 148 can be operated at any position of the container structure 140, but to illustrate the operation of the ventilation system 148, FIGS. 6 and 7 show positions of the container structure 140 in opposite directions. Illustrated. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the spray coating gun 12 to which the liquid supply portion 16 of FIG. 1 is joined, and shows the gravity-type container structure 140 according to the present invention having the cover structure 144 and the container 142 in which the cover is arranged upward. Illustrated. In particular, the cover structure 144 is placed on the container 142 after the container 142 is filled with the fluid capacity 160. The cover structure 144 includes a liquid flow path 146 and a ventilation system 148 connected to and extends through the inner and outer covers 152 and 154. The ventilation system 148 includes a buffer chamber 150 located between the outer cover 152 and the inner cover 154. The ventilation system 148 includes a tapered outer ventilation conduit 232 coupled to the outer cover 152 and a tapered inner ventilation conduit 234 coupled to the inner cover 154. The ventilation system 148 further includes a protrusion 236 (eg, a liquid shield) located on the inner cover 154, which faces in the immediate vicinity of the tapered outer ventilation conduit 232. The air flow direction 238 is established through the ventilation system 148 when the container 142 is placed in the orientation shown in FIG. Similarly, the liquid path 240 is established in the container 142 with the liquid supply 16 oriented as shown.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tapered outer vent conduit 232 extends into the buffer chamber 150 between the outer cover 152 and the inner cover 154 towards the open end 242. The open end 242 of the outer ventilation conduit 232 is in close proximity to the protrusion 236 (eg, liquid shield) of the inner cover 154. That is, the open end 242 of the outer ventilation conduit 232 is located at a first distance 244 (ie, the length of the pipe 232) from the outer cover 152 along the first arrow 246 of the outer ventilation conduit 232. In addition, the inner cover 154 is located at a distance of 248 (ie, overall cover spacing) from the outer cover 152 along the first arrow 246 of the outer vent conduit 232. That is, the separation distance 248 is the total distance between the inner cover 154 and the outer cover 152, and the first distance represents the total length of the outer ventilation conduit 232 protruding from the outer cover 152 toward the inner cover 154. In some embodiments, the first distance 244 (ie, the length of the tube 232) is at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% of the separation distance 248 (ie, the overall cover spacing). , 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% or more. For example, in one embodiment, the first distance 244 is at least about 50% or more of the separation distance 248. Further, for example, in other embodiments, the first distance 244 is at least 75% or more of the separation distance 248. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the first distance 244 is at least about 95% or more of the separation distance 248. The open end 242 of the outer vent conduit 232 is in close proximity to the inner cover 154 while ventilating through the vent system 148 to increase the liquid capacity held by the buffer chamber 150. Further, the proximity of the outer vent conduit 232 to the protrusion (eg, liquid shield) of the open end 242 from the buffer chamber 150 to the outer vent conduit, eg, while the gravity vessel structure 140 is moving (eg, vibrating). Sufficiently suppress liquid from entering 232. For example, the proximity of the open end 242 to the protrusion further provides surface tension to sufficiently hold the liquid.

In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer vent conduit 232, the inner vent conduit 234, the liquid flow path 146, or a combination thereof is tapered. For example, the outer vent conduit 232 tapers from the outer cover 152 toward the open end 242 so that the diameter of the tube 232 decreases. Further, for example, in some embodiments, the liquid flow path 146 tapers from the inner cover 154 toward the end 186 having the illustrated port 188 so that the diameter of the flow path 146 decreases. In some embodiments, the tapered liquid flow path 146 fits snugly into the tapered inner conduit of the gravity spray coating gun 12 (eg, the tapered inner surface 174 of the conduit 190 through the connection 180). , Tight fit or friction fit), the mouth 188 is configured to fit into the groove of the tapered inner conduit (eg, groove 192 of the conduit 190). In some embodiments, the inner vent conduit 234 tapers from the inner cover 154 toward an open end 249 at a distance of 250 so that the diameter of the tube 234 decreases. In some embodiments, the taper of the outer vent conduit 232, the taper of the inner vent conduit 234, the taper of the liquid flow path 146, or a combination thereof has a taper angle of 0 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less. Further, for example, the taper angles are at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 degrees or more or equal. In an embodiment in which the ventilation conduit 232 and the ventilation conduit 234 taper, a narrower portion of the tube suppresses or reduces the ingress of liquid to maintain a more effective ventilation path. That is, the reduced diameter of the open end 242 of the vent conduit 232 and the open end 249 of the vent conduit 234 reduces the area through which the liquid flows and increases the surface tension, thus to the vent conduit 232 and the vent conduit 234. It will reduce the amount of liquid that can enter.

When the gravity vessel structure 140 is placed with the cover facing up as shown in FIG. 6, the liquid volume 160 remains entirely in the vessel 142. Further, the second liquid volume 252 is arranged in the tapered inner ventilation conduit 234. The container 142 is rotated between the cover up position and the cover down position shown in FIG. 6 so that the capacities 160 and 252 are rearranged. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the spray coating gun 12 to which the liquid supply portion 16 of FIG. 1 is coupled, and is a gravity-type container structure 140 according to the present invention having a cover structure 144 and a container 142 in which the cover is arranged downward. Is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the container 142 is filled with a liquid volume 160, which is the inner vent conduit 234 minus the liquid volume 252, while the buffer chamber 150 is filled with a liquid volume 252 from the inner vent conduit 234. That is, when the container 142 is rotated from the cover upwards to the cover downwards, at least a portion of the liquid capacity 252 enters the inner ventilation conduit 234, enters the buffer chamber 150, and is maintained during operation. In some embodiments, at least part of the liquid volume 252 remains within the inner vent conduit 234 due to the pulling pressure of the container 142, the surface tension within the inner vent conduit 234, and the surface tension of the open end 249 of the tube 234. .. In some embodiments, the liquid volume 252 is only small relative to the total volume of the buffer chamber 150. For example, the volume of the inner ventilation conduit 234 is part of the volume of the buffer chamber 150, and the buffer chamber 150 is similarly filled with some liquid. In some embodiments, the volume of the inner vent conduit 234 is about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70% or less of the volume of the buffer chamber 150. That is, the volume of the buffer chamber 150 is at least about 2, 3, 4 or 5 times that of the inner ventilation conduit 234. As a result, a substantial portion of the buffer chamber 150 is emptied between the outer vent conduit 232 and the inner vent conduit 234, thus maintaining an open vent path between the atmosphere and the vessel 142 through the cover structure 144.

That is, while the liquid volume 252 is located in the buffer chamber 150, the ventilation system 148 operates to ventilate air into the container 142. That is, the air flow direction 166 (ie, the ventilation path) first enters the first outer opening 260 of the outer ventilation conduit 232 of the buffer chamber 150 and through the first inner opening 262 of the ventilation conduit 232 the buffer chamber. Enter 150. Once in the buffer chamber 150, the air flow direction 166 continues into the second inner opening 269 of the ventilation conduit 234 inside the buffer chamber 150. The air flow direction 166 passes through the ventilation conduit 234 and exits to the second outer opening 266 inside the container 142 on the outside of the buffer chamber 150. In this way, the first inner opening 262 and the second inner opening 264 are air-linked to each other through the buffer chamber 150, while the liquid volume 252 is arranged in the buffer chamber 150. As shown, the position of the liquid volume 252 in the buffer chamber 150 is maintained below the first inner opening 262 of the outer vent 232 and the second inner opening 264 of the inner vent 234. In one embodiment, the position of the liquid volume 252 is maintained below the openings 262 and 264 at any position of the gravity vessel structure 140 so that the air flow direction 166 is always open.

Although FIGS. 6 and 7 show only two directions of the gravity vessel structure 140, the ventilation system 148 allows air to pass through the outer ventilation conduit 232, the buffer chamber 150, and the inner ventilation conduit 234 in any position. It is configured to maintain a flow direction of 166. For example, the gravity vessel structure 140 moves approximately 0 to 360 degrees in the vertical plane, approximately 0 to 360 degrees in the horizontal plane, and 0 to 360 degrees in the other planes, while continuously maintaining the air flow direction 166. And keep the liquid volume 252 in the buffer chamber 150.

During use, it is desirable that the above-mentioned features of the vessel structure 140 allow the user to shake the vessel 142 and agitate the components of fluid volumes 160 and 252 without loss of liquid. For example, one predominant feature of this embodiment includes proximity of the open end 242 (eg, mouth 262) of the tapered outer vent conduit 232 to the protrusion 236 (eg, liquid shield). That is, in certain embodiments, the distance between the open end 242 (eg, mouth 262) and the protrusion 236 is sufficient to limit or suppress the flow of liquid into the outer vent conduit 232. small. For example, surface tension holds the liquid along the protrusion 236 so that the liquid does not flow into the outer ventilation conduit 232. Moreover, in some embodiments, the gap spacing between the open end 242 and the protrusion 236 is less than or equal to about 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 millimeters. For example, in some embodiments, the gap spacing between the open end 242 and the protrusion 236 is about 3 millimeters or less.

Similarly, the tapered shape of the outer vent conduit 232 at the open end 242 (plus the reduced diameter of the mouth 262) adequately prevents liquid from flowing into the outer vent conduit 232. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the first inner opening 262 is less than or equal to about 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 millimeters. Further, for example, in one embodiment, the diameter of the first inner opening 262 is about 3 millimeters or less. Therefore, even if the user shakes the vessel structure 140 or otherwise moves the liquid to flow or splatter near position 242, the diameter of the tube 232 is small and the gap spacing associated with the protrusion 236 is narrow. Therefore, the liquid is sufficiently suppressed from flowing out through the outer ventilation conduit 232. In this manner, the container structure 140 sufficiently prevents liquid from leaking out of the buffer chamber 150 through the outer ventilation conduit 232. Also, the aforementioned features are effective in retaining the liquid volume 252 in the buffer chamber 150 during use, even when vibrations occur.

The tapered shape of the inner vent conduit 234 at the open end 249 (plus the reduced diameter of the mouth 266) adequately prevents liquid from flowing into the inner vent conduit 234. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the second outer opening 266 is less than or equal to about 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 millimeters. Further, for example, in one embodiment, the diameter of the second outer opening 266 is about 3 millimeters or less. For example, if the user shakes the vessel structure 140 or otherwise moves the liquid to flow or splatter near position 249, the diameter of the tube 234 is small and therefore the buffer chamber through the inner ventilation conduit 234. Sufficiently suppress the flow of liquid into 150. In this manner, the container structure 140 is sufficiently restrained from leaking liquid into the buffer chamber 150 through the inner ventilation conduit 234. The above-mentioned feature is effective in maintaining the liquid volume 160 in the container 142, with the exception of the liquid volume 252 leaking into the buffer chamber 150 during rotation (eg, flipping).

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cover structure 144 of FIGS. 6 and 7 and illustrates a buffer chamber 150 having a tapered outer vent conduit 232 in close proximity to a protrusion 236 (eg, a liquid shield) of the inner cover 154. As shown, the protrusion 236 is located close to the open end 242 (eg, mouth 262) of the tapered outer vent conduit 232. Also, the proximity of the open end 242 (eg, mouth 262) of the ventilation conduit 232 to the protrusion 236 prevents liquid from leaking through the ventilation conduit 232 during operation, while also the ventilation conduit 232. Reduce the possibility of liquid intrusion. In addition, FIG. 8 illustrates the location of the outer vent conduit 232 with respect to the liquid flow path 146 and the inner vent conduit 234. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer vent conduit 232 and the inner vent conduit 234 are located on opposite sides of the liquid flow path 146. In certain embodiments, the outer vent conduit 232, the inner vent conduit 234, and the liquid flow path 146 are coplanar and or have parallel cylindrical axes.

Although only the solid features of the invention are illustrated and described herein, modifications and modifications may occur within the skill of the art. Therefore, it is assumed that the claims to be added cover all modifications and modifications within the true meaning of the invention.

10 ......... Spray painting system 12 ......... Spray painting gun 14 ......... Target 16 ......... Liquid supply unit 18 ......... Air supply 20 ......... Control device 80 ......... Spray end structure 82 ......... Main body 84 ......... Liquid discharge end structure 124 ......... Air supply structure 140 ......... Gravity container structure 142 ......... Container 146 ......... Liquid flow path 148 ......... Ventilation system 150 ......... Buffer room 152 ......... outer cover 154 ......... Inner cover 156 ......... 1st ventilation vessel 158 ......... 2nd ventilation conduit 170 ......... Spray gun connection structure 176 ......... 1st Alignment Guide 178 ......... 2nd Alignment Guide 180 ......... Spray gun connection 182 ......... Ventilation Alignment Guide 232 ......... Tapered outer ventilation conduit 234 ......... Tapered inner ventilation conduit 236 ......... Protrusion