Liquid spray gun, spray gun platform, and spray head assembly

European).

EP 2 389 255

LOWER SPRAY GUN, SPRAY GUN PLATFORM AND SPRAY HEAD TEAM

Described herein are liquid spray devices, such as liquid spray guns, platforms for liquid spray guns, and spray head assemblies.

Spray guns are commonly used in automotive workshops when repainting a vehicle with liquid coating agents, e.g. primer, paint and / or clearcoat. Typically, the spray gun is made of a solid metal body and an integrated handle that is drilled to form a compressed air inlet, air channels, a liquid nozzle assembly and to receive a trigger mechanism to release liquid into the air cap to discharge liquid in the form of a spray aerosol. In use, the coating means may collect on the outer and inner surface of the gun. If no thorough cleaning is carried out between the operations, the dried coating agents will accumulate,

The air cap and liquid nozzle assemblies can be detached so that they can be removed and disassembled for cleaning and subsequent reuse. Some air caps and air nozzle assemblies are made of plastic and are designed to be discarded after a single use. The single metal body and gun handle are not suitable for disassembly or single use. The removal of residual spray-dried material and solvent from a typical metal spray gun thus becomes a cumbersome and time-consuming operation for the user, but necessary to keep the spray gun in optimal operating condition and to avoid contamination in subsequent spray applications with displaced spray dried material.

In order to overcome these drawbacks some manufacturers have constructed spray guns from solvent-resistant molded plastic. Depending on the purpose and complexity, the guns are typically composed of two halves of a solid body and / or outer one

EP 2 389 255 of the coating. The mirror image forms may be permanently connected to each other or may be connected by means of mechanical fasteners, such as screws and / or snap catches. The first method of construction is suitable for disposable guns, while the second method provides for disassembly and reuse. The second method can also provide modular, interchangeable components for controlling the air and liquid flow. Nevertheless, reassembly of the gun body requires careful movement of the individual seals of the air and liquid channels.

US 2005/0145724 A1 describes a liquid spray gun 10 with a molded polymer body assembly through which a liquid is sprayed by a spray gun, which is manually released from the metal part of a platform spray gun through which air is supplied to the channels through the body assembly in for spraying liquids; non-cylindrical air ducts on air diffusers that provide improved shape and uniformity of the broad, elongated jet of liquid formed by the spray gun; and a portion of the air cap of the body assembly mounted to allow manual rotation of the nozzle portion of the body assembly between the positions defined by the bumpers and retaining it in these positions due to friction.

The present invention has been defined by the features of the claims.

The present description describes liquid spray guns comprising a spray gun platform and a spray head assembly. In some embodiments, the spray gun platforms may be formed of a molded plastic housing assembly and a spray head assembly that may be used to both supply air and spraying fluid in a manner that results in an acceptable spray coating.

The spray gun platforms described herein include air ducts for supplying compressed air to the spray head assembly attached to the platform of the spray gun. The spray gun platforms include a supply air distributor that supplies air to the air duct controlling the fan and the central air duct in which the air duct controlling the fan and the duct

The central air may be isolated from each other after separation in the air distribution manifold.

The spray head assemblies described herein are preferably constructed to receive air from the air channel controlling the fan and the air duct of the central platform of the spray gun to which they are attached. The spray head assembly includes a fan control air chamber that receives air to control the fan from the fan control air duct in the spray gun mounted platform, and a central air chamber that receives central air from the central air duct in the spray gun platform.

The platforms for liquid spray guns described herein are provided with fan control air ducts, central air ducts and / or air flow distributors that can be described with respect to relative volume ratios and / or dimensions. The spray gun platforms described herein may have significantly increased dimensions of the air channels. The actual volumes of the individual elements in the spray gun platforms may vary in various embodiments, however, the volume of the components in the spray gun platforms may be determined relative to each other. For example, the air channel controlling the fan in the spray gun platform has a volume that is greater than the volume of the control air channel, and the volume of the fan control air duct is 120% or more of the volume of the central air duct. In some embodiments, the volume of the fan control air channel may be 150% or more of the central air channel volume.

The spray gun platforms described in the present description may, in some embodiments, be volumetrically characterized in that the volume of the air channel controlling the fan and the total central air volume volume are smaller than the volume of the air flow distributor. The total volume of the air channel controlling the fan and the central air duct may be smaller than the volume of the air distributor in some embodiments, however, they may still have a lower limit. For example

In some embodiments, the volume of the air channel controlling the fan and the volume of the central air channel together may be 50% or more of the volume of the air flow divider. In other embodiments, the volume of the air channel controlling the fan and the total central air volume volume is 60% or more of the volume of the air flow divider. In yet other embodiments, the volume of the air channel controlling the fan and the total central air volume volume is 70% or more of the volume of the air distribution distributor.

The sets of spray heads described herein may in certain embodiments be characterized in terms of volume ratios and / or dimensions. For example, in some embodiments, a central air chamber in the spray head assemblies described herein may have a volume that is larger than the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan formed in the spray head assembly. In some embodiments, the central air chamber in the spray head assembly may have a volume that is 200% or more of the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly. In other embodiments, the central air chamber in the spray head assembly may have a volume that is

300% or more of the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan.

In some embodiments, the volume of the airflow elements in the platform of the spray gun to which the spray head assembly is attached can have a total volume of components in the spray head assembly. The total volumes may optionally have some advantages in terms of spraying performance of the liquid spray gun.

For example, in some embodiments of a liquid spray gun (which includes a spray gun platform and a spray head assembly described herein) the spray head assembly may have a central air chamber with a volume that is larger than the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly. This volume ratio can, in some embodiments, be adapted to the platform of the spray gun in which the fan control air duct has a volume that is larger than the volume of the central air channel extending through the platform of the spray gun.

EP 2 389 255

In other embodiments of the liquid spray gun described herein, the spray head assembly with a central air chamber having a volume that is larger than the volume of the fan control air chamber in the spray head assembly can be adapted to the spray gun platform in which the air channel controlling the fan and The fan control air chamber in the spray head assembly together has a total volume that is smaller than the total volume of the central air channel in the spray gun platform and the central air chamber in the spray head assembly.

In still other embodiments of the liquid spray gun described herein, the spray head assembly with a central air chamber having a volume that is larger than the volume of the fan control air chamber in the spray head assembly can be adapted to the platform of the spray gun in which the fan control air duct in the platform and the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly together they have a total volume, which is 75% or less of the total volume of the central air channel in the spray gun platform and the central air chamber in the spray head assembly.

In still other embodiments of the liquid spray gun described herein, the spray head assembly with a central air chamber having a volume that is larger than the volume of the fan control air chamber in the spray head assembly can be adapted to the platform of the spray gun in which the fan control air duct in the platform and the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly together they have a total volume, which is 50% or less of the total volume of the central air channel in the spray gun platform and the central air chamber in the spray head assembly.

In yet other embodiments of the liquid spray gun described herein, the spray head assembly with a central air chamber having a volume that is greater than the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly can be adapted to the platform of the spray gun in which the volume of the control air channel a fan in the spray gun platform and the volume of the air channel

At the same time, the central spray gun in the spray gun platform is smaller than the volume of the air supply distributor in the spray gun platform.

Despite describing the elements in connection with each other in the present description, each of the herein described platforms for liquid spray guns and sprayhead assemblies may be used separately with other elements to provide a liquid spray gun. For example, the liquid spray gun platforms described herein may be used together with any spray head assembly that is designed to be operatively connected to a drum joint of the liquid spray assembly. Similarly, spray head assemblies may be used together with other liquid spray gun platforms that have a drum connection designed to take the spray head assemblies described herein.

The spray gun platforms described herein and the spray head assemblies may be used in a liquid aerosol delivery system in which a container with a dispensing liquid is mounted on the spray head assembly. The liquid container can advantageously be detached from the spray head assembly, which is also detachable from the platform of the spray gun. After connecting the container to the spray head assembly and preparing the spray head assembly so that it can be detached from the spray gun platform, the liquid sucked from the container in use is supplied to the nozzle in the spray head assembly without flow through the spray gun platform. In this way, you can reduce the degree to which the spray gun platform is contaminated with liquid agents,

The spray head assemblies described herein are adapted to spray liquid to form an aerosol. For example, the spray head assembly can be adapted to mix liquid flowing out of the nozzle with a source of compressed air. The liquid escaping from the nozzle is mixed with air streams directed towards the liquid on both sides to spray the liquid and form the shape of the spray jet. The air streams can be adjusted to adapt the head assembly

EP 2 389 255 for dispensing various agents. The spray head assemblies described herein are provided in the form of a combined product formed by means of a drum and an air cap mounted on the drum, however, in other embodiments, the spray head assemblies may be provided as a single "one piece" article.

The liquid spray guns, platform guns and spray head assemblies described herein can be advantageously adapted for use as a hand spray gun and can be used in methods that require spraying one or more selected liquids by means of the liquid spray guns described herein. , spray gun platforms and sprayer heads.

In one aspect, some embodiments of the liquid spray gun platforms described herein include: a housing with a drum connection; an air supply distributor located in the housing, the air supply distributor comprising an inlet port; a fan control air channel in fluid communication with the air supply manifold, wherein the fan control air duct passes through the housing from the inlet end at the airflow distributor to the outlet end at the drum connection; a central air channel in fluid communication with the air distribution manifold, the central air passage passing through the housing from the inlet end at the air supply distributor to the outlet end at the drum connection; in which the air channel controlling the fan contains volume,

In some embodiments of the liquid spray gun platforms described herein, the volume of the fan control air duct is 120% or more of the central air duct volume. In other embodiments, the volume of the fan control air duct is 150% or more of the volume of the central air duct.

In some embodiments of the liquid spray gun platforms described herein, the volume of the air channel controlling the fan and the total central air volume volume are smaller than the volume of the air flow distributor. In some embodiments, a volume of air channel controlling a fan

EP 2 389 255 and the volume of the central air duct total amount to 50% or more of the volume of the air distributor. In other embodiments, the volume of the air channel controlling the fan and the total central air volume volume is 60% or more of the volume of the air flow divider. In yet other embodiments, the volume of the air channel controlling the fan and the total central air volume volume is 70% or more of the volume of the air distribution distributor.

In some embodiments of the liquid spray gun platforms described herein, the housing includes a central body and a lid attached to the central body defining at least a portion of one of the air channel controlling the fan and central air duct through the housing. In some embodiments, the lid is attached to the central body along the air channel weld line, the air channel weld line extending along the convex rib on the cover and wherein the convex rib forms a closed geometric figure on the cover.

In some embodiments of the liquid spray gun platforms described herein, the housing includes a central body, a first cover, and a second cover; wherein the first cover is attached to the first side of the central body defining at least a portion of the air channel controlling the fan through the housing; and wherein the second cover is attached to the second side of the central body defining at least a portion of the central air channel through the housing. In some embodiments, the central body, first cover and second cover are formed of molded plastic. In some embodiments, the first cover is attached to the central body along the heat sealing line of the fan control air duct,

EP 2 389 255

In a first aspect, some embodiments of the liquid spray head assemblies described herein include a drum and an air cap attached to the drum. The spray head assemblies further comprise a liquid channel in the drum, characterized in that the liquid channel extends from the inlet end to the liquid nozzle opening; a central air chamber that extends from the drum inlet to the central air outlet, the central air outlet being formed between the nozzle opening in the air cap that surrounds the liquid nozzle orifice in the drum, the central air chamber including the nozzle cavity located between the air cap and a drum, a drum reel located inside the drum, and a lot of holes formed in the drum, through which air flows into the nozzle recess from the drum recess for delivery to the central air outlet during use of the spray head assembly and wherein the nozzle recess, liquid nozzle opening and nozzle opening are shaped to direct air at a greater than atmospheric pressure toward the liquid the liquid leaving the nozzle opening to propel the liquid outwardly from the liquid nozzle opening during the formation of the liquid into a substantially conical flow about the axis passing through the liquid nozzle aperture; and a fan control air chamber extending from the end of the inlet channel of the fan control drum formed in the drum to the openings provided on the diffusers protruding beyond the opening of the liquid nozzle, the openings in the diffusers being located on opposite sides of the axis, so that the air flowing through the air chamber controlling the fan at a greater than atmospheric pressure flows towards the opposite sides of the liquid stream formed by the air flowing through the central air chamber. The central air chamber in the spray head assembly has a volume that is larger than the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the spray head assemblies described herein, the volume of the central air chamber in the spray head assembly is 200% or more of the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan. In other embodiments, the volume of the central air chamber in the spray head assembly is 300% or more of the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan.

EP 2 389 255

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the spray head assemblies described herein, the drum includes a drum housing and a seal element. The drum housing includes a coupling tab that includes an opening formed in the wall of the drum housing; a lever element disposed in the opening, the lever element having a first end connected to the drum housing, a free end and a pair of side edges extending from the first end towards the free end; wherein the sealing element closes the opening around the side edges and the free end of the lever element of the connecting hitch.

In some embodiments of the first aspect of the spray head assemblies described herein, the drum housing is formed of a first plastic and the sealing member is formed of a second plastic, the second plastic of the sealing member being attached to the first plastic of the drum housing. In some embodiments, the aperture includes an aperture formed by the wall of the drum housing, and the engagement tab comprises a strut connecting the side edge of the lever member to the opposite edge of the aperture, the spacer being positioned closer to the free end of the lever member than the first end of the lever member and the hole being open around a lever element in the absence of a second plastic sealing element.

In a second aspect, some embodiments of the liquid spray head assemblies described herein include a drum and an air cap attached to the drum. The spray head assemblies further comprise: a liquid channel in the drum, characterized in that the liquid channel extends from the inlet end to the liquid nozzle opening; a central air chamber that extends from the drum inlet to the central air outlet, the central air outlet being formed between the nozzle opening in the air cap that surrounds the liquid nozzle orifice in the drum, the central air chamber including the nozzle cavity located between the air cap and a drum, a drum cavity located inside the drum, and a plurality of holes formed in the drum through which air flows into the cavity of the nozzle from the cavity

And the nozzle cavity, liquid nozzle hole and nozzle opening are shaped to direct air at a pressure greater than atmospheric in the direction of the liquid flowing out of the liquid nozzle opening. in order to propel the liquid outwardly from the liquid nozzle opening during the formation of the liquid into a substantially conical stream about an axis passing through the opening of the liquid nozzle; and a fan control air chamber extending from the end of the inlet channel of the fan control drum formed in the drum to the openings provided on the diffusers protruding beyond the opening of the liquid nozzle, the openings in the diffusers being located on opposite sides of the axis,

The drum includes a drum housing and a sealing element. The drum housing includes a coupling tab that includes: an opening formed in the wall of the drum housing, the drum housing having a continuous edge of the inlet end defining the closed skirt; a lever element disposed in the opening, the lever element having a first end connected to the drum housing, a free end, and a pair of side edges extending from the first end towards the free end. The sealing element closes the opening around the side edges and the free end of the lever element of the connecting hitch.

In some embodiments of the second aspect of the spray head assemblies described herein, the central air chamber in the spray head assembly has a volume that is larger than the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan. In some embodiments, the central air chamber in the spray head assembly has a volume that is 200% or more of the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan. In other embodiments, the central air chamber in the spray head assembly has a volume that is 300% or more of the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan.

In some embodiments of the second aspect of the spray head assemblies described herein, the drum housing is formed of a first plastic and the sealing member is formed

EP 2 389 255 from a second plastic, the second plastic of the sealing element being attached to the first plastic of the drum housing. In some embodiments, the aperture includes an aperture formed by the wall of the drum housing, and the engagement tab comprises a strut connecting the side edge of the lever member to the opposite edge of the aperture, the spacer being positioned closer to the free end of the lever member than the first end of the lever member and the hole being open around a lever element in the absence of a second plastic sealing element. In some embodiments, the spacer is made of a first plastic and is surrounded by a second plastic of a sealing member.

In some embodiments of the second aspect of the spray head assemblies described herein, the drum housing is formed of a first plastic and the sealing member is formed of a second plastic, the second plastic of the sealing member being attached to the first plastic of the drum housing. Furthermore, the opening comprises an opening formed by the wall of the drum housing, and the connecting hook comprises a first strut connecting the first lateral edge of the lever member to the opposite edge of the hole and a second strut connecting the second side edge of the lever member with the opposite edge of the hole. Both the first strut and the second strut are located closer to the free end of the lever element than the first end of the lever element, and the opening is open around the lever element in the absence of a second plastic sealing element. In some embodiments, the first spacer and the second spacer are made of a first plastic and are surrounded by a second plastic of the sealing member.

Some embodiments of the spray head assemblies described herein include a gasket that extends around the edge of the inlet end of the drum housing.

In another aspect, some embodiments of the liquid spray guns described herein include a liquid spray gun platform described herein and any of the spray head assemblies described herein. In some embodiments, the liquid spray gun platforms include:

EP 2 389 255 housing with a drum connection; an air supply distributor located in the housing, the air supply distributor having an inlet port; a fan control air channel in fluid communication with the air supply manifold, wherein the fan control air duct passes through the housing from the inlet end at the airflow distributor to the outlet end at the drum connection; and a central air channel in fluid communication with the air distribution distributor, wherein the central air passage extends through the housing from the inlet end at the airflow distributor to the outlet end at the drum connection.

The fan control air duct has a volume that is larger than the volume of the central air duct. In some embodiments, the spray head assemblies include a drum and an air cap attached to the drum, the spray head assembly being attached to the platform joint of the liquid spray gun barrel. The spray head assemblies further comprise: a liquid channel in the drum, characterized in that the liquid channel extends from the inlet end to the liquid nozzle opening; a central air chamber that extends from the drum inlet to the central air outlet, the central air outlet being formed between the nozzle opening in the air cap that surrounds the liquid nozzle opening, the central air chamber including the nozzle recess located between the air cap and the drum . a drum cavity located inside the drum and a plurality of holes formed in the drum through which air flows into the nozzle recess from the drum cavity to provide central air outlet during use of the spray head assembly, and wherein the nozzle recess, liquid nozzle opening, and nozzle opening are shaped to direct air at a greater than atmospheric pressure towards the liquid flowing out of the liquid nozzle opening to propel the liquid outwardly from the liquid nozzle opening during fluid formation into a substantially conical flow about the axis passing through the liquid nozzle aperture; and a fan control air chamber extending from the end of the inlet channel of the fan control drum formed in the drum to the openings provided on the diffusers protruding beyond the opening of the liquid nozzle,

EP 2 389 255 from the atmospheric flows towards the opposite sides of the liquid stream formed by the air flowing through the central air chamber. The central air chamber in the spray head assembly has a volume that is larger than the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan.

In some embodiments of the liquid spray guns described herein, the air channel controlling the fan in the platform and the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly have a total volume that is less than the total volume of the center air channel in the platform and the central air chamber in the spray head assembly . In some embodiments, the fan air duct in the platform and the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly have a total volume that is 75% or less of the total volume of the central air duct in the platform and the central air chamber in the spray head assembly.

In some embodiments of the liquid spray guns described herein, the volume of the air channel controlling the fan and the volume of the center air channel together are smaller than the volume of the air flow distributor. In some embodiments, the volume of the central air chamber in the spray head assembly is 200% or more of the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan. In other embodiments, the volume of the central air chamber in the spray head assembly is 300% or more of the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan.

In some embodiments of the liquid spray guns described herein, the spray head assembly is operably attached to the platform joint of the liquid spray gun barrel with a protrusion that mates with an opening positioned in the liquid spray gun platform. In addition, the drum of the spray head assembly includes a drum housing; a sealing element attached to the drum housing; and a connecting tab that includes the projection. The connecting tab further comprises an opening formed in the wall of the drum housing, the drum housing

EP 2 389 255 has a continuous edge of the inlet end defining a closed rim; a lever element disposed in the opening, the lever element comprising a first end connected to the drum housing, a free end and a pair of side edges extending from the first end towards the free end.

The sealing element closes the opening around the side edges and the free end of the lever element of the connecting hitch. In some embodiments, the drum housing is formed of a first plastic and the sealing member is formed of a second plastic, the second plastic of the sealing member being attached to the first plastic of the drum housing.

In some embodiments of the liquid spray guns described herein, the opening includes an opening formed by the wall of the drum housing, and the connecting tab includes a strut connecting the side edge of the lever member to the opposite edge of the hole, the spacer being positioned closer to the free end of the lever member than the first end of the element. and the opening is open around the lever element in the absence of a second plastic sealing element. In some embodiments, the spacer is made of a first plastic and is surrounded by a second plastic of a sealing member.

In some embodiments of the liquid spray guns described herein, the seal extends around the edge of the inlet end of the drum housing.

The term "liquid" as used herein refers to all forms of liquid materials that can be applied to the surface by means of a spray gun (regardless of whether they are designed to color the surface), including (without limitation) paints, paints, etc. primers, primers, varnishes, varnishes and similar paint-like materials as well as other materials, such as adhesives, sealing agents, fillers, putties, powder coatings, mining ashes, abrasive powder suspensions in liquid, mold release agents and black holes, which can be applied in a sprayed or non-sprayed form depending on the properties and / or the intended use

EP 2 389 255, the term "liquid" should be interpreted in a suitable manner.

The term "plastic" as used herein refers to any polymeric material that is sufficiently hard, robust and stiff under operating conditions, including polyurethanes, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters or fluoropolymers. Preferred embodiments include nylon, in particular a nylon filled fiberglass, glass or polymeric vesicles or microbubbles, electrically conductive additives and / or electrostatic dissipative dispersants, such as very fine metals, metal salts, metal oxides, carbon or graphite.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of liquid spray guns and components described herein, which may offer certain advantages under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred in the same or different circumstances. Furthermore, the enumeration of one or more preferred embodiments does not mean that other embodiments are not useful, and are not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used throughout this specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms in the English language "a", "an" and "the" include references to the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a" or "the" may include one or more elements and equivalents known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the term "and / or" means one or all of said elements or a combination of any at least two said elements.

It should be noted that the term "comprising" and its variants have no limiting significance in the places in which they appear in the attached description. In addition, English articles such as "a", "an", "the", and terms such as "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably.

Relative terms such as left, right, front, posterior, up, down, side, top, bottom, horizontal, vertical and the like may be used in the present description and in this case result from the point of view apparent in the particular figure. These terms, on the other hand, are used solely for the sake of simplifying the description and not for limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

EP 2 389 255

The purpose of the above summary is not to describe each embodiment of the invention or any implementation of the spray gun systems described herein. A more complete understanding of the invention will, however, become evident and appreciated by referring to the following description of illustrative embodiments and claims with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a liquid spray gun described herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid spray gun of FIG. 1 after folding.

FIG. FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the platform of the liquid spray gun of FIG. 1 visible from the left side of the platform.

FIG. FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the platform of the liquid spray gun of FIG. 1 visible from the right side of the platform.

FIG. 4 shows the volume of the airflow distributor, the central air channel and the air channel controlling the fan within the platform of the liquid spray gun of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the platform of the liquid spray gun shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the platform of the liquid spray gun of FIG. 1 and 2 taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of one embodiment of the spray head assembly described herein.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a drum routed from line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a drum routed from line 9-9 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the spray head assembly of FIG. 7 in a folded condition.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the air cap assembly of the spray head assembly of FIG. 10 taken out of the drum.

EP 2 389 255

FIG. 12 shows the volume of the central air chamber and the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly in the assembled state of FIG. 5.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a drum casing and a sealing member used to form the drum used in the spray head assembly described herein.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the drum housing of FIG. 13.

Description of the multiple-use embodiments

In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of spray guns for liquids and elements, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof and which show for example specific embodiments in which the liquid spray guns and elements described herein can be implemented.

It should be understood that there may be other embodiments and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

One embodiment of the liquid spray gun described in the present description is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 1. The same liquid spray gun is shown in folded condition in FIG. 2. The liquid-spray gun includes a plurality of elements, including a liquid spray gun platform 10 and spray head assembly 60, which is preferably releasably attached to the liquid spray gun platform 10 on the drum joint 11. The spray head assembly 60 is preferably removably attached to the liquid spray gun. of the platform 10 and provides means that control the flow of both the spraying fluid and the air used to spray the liquid as described herein. Preferably, the spray head assembly 60 is disposable and may be discarded after use (although in some cases it may be reused). If discarded after use, you can avoid cleaning the spray head assembly and replace the spray gun to dispense another liquid by attaching another spray head assembly connected to the same or a different liquid container.

The combination of the spray head assembly 60 with the drum joint 11 of the platform of the spray gun 10 can be obtained by any suitable method.

EP 2 389 255

For example, the connection structures on the spray head assembly 60 may cooperate (e.g., lock mechanically) with the openings 11a and 11b on the drum joint 11 to hold the spray head assembly 60 on the platform of the spray gun 10 described herein. Many other joining methods and / or joining constructions can be used in place of those described herein, e.g. bayonet connections, which allow quick connection / disconnection of the spray head assembly by simply pressing or pressing with a twist, clamps, screw connections, etc.

The spray gun platform 10 may also include an optional handle 19 that overlaps the spindle portion 13 of the housing 12. The handle 19 may, in some embodiments, have a non-standard design in accordance with the operator's preferences, including non-standard fastening with a thermosetting resin. Handles with non-standard fastening can reduce operator fatigue by allowing the adaptation of the grip surface, which can be specially formed, to the hand of the individual user. The handle can be made of a thermosetting resin, so the target user of the spray gun can grip the handle when the resin is in the uncured state to give the profiled surface a handle that fits the user's hand. In these embodiments,

The platform 10 includes a housing 12, a left cover 14, a right cover 16 and a drum connector plate 18. Lids 14 and 16 and the drum connector plate 18 are shown in a state attached to the housing 12 in FIG. 1 and 2, but disconnected from the housing 12 in FIG. 3A and 3B. Individual elements can be combined with each other by any convenient method or combination of methods. Examples of some potentially preferred joining methods may include, e.g., heat (thermal, chemical, etc.), adhesives (epoxides, etc.), mechanical fasteners, etc. In some embodiments, the housing 12, covers 14 and 16 and the drum connector plate 18 are all created from one or more

EP 2 389 255 of the number of plastics that are susceptible to thermal welding, such as e.g. ultrasonic welding.

The platform 10 may preferably be made of plastics, however, the spray gun platforms described herein may be formed of any suitable material that may be formed, cast, etc. to form the elements described herein. Examples of some potentially preferred materials may include, for example, metals, metal alloys, plastics (e.g., polycarbonates, nylons (e.g., amorphous nylons), polypropylenes, etc.) and others. When plastics are used for the platform, the plastic may comprise any preferred additives, fillers, etc. The choice of materials used in the platforms described herein may advantageously be based at least in part on the compatibility of the selected materials with the materials to be sprayed (e.g.

The spray gun platform 10, in the folded state, defines a plurality of cavities that, taken together, form channels that supply air to the spray head assembly. FIG. 4 shows the air cavities / ducts formed in the platform of the spray gun 10, with the structure surrounding the platforms 10 removed for clarity. Among the recesses / ducts formed in the platform of the spray gun 10 there is an air supply distributor 20, a fan control air duct 30 and a central air duct 40.

The air distributor 20 can be seen in cross-section in FIG. 6, which is taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5. The air supply distributor 20 comprises an end portion 21, which connects the air channel controlling the fan 30 and the central air channel 40. Referring to FIG. 1, the air supply distributor 20 includes an inlet connector 22, which may include a connector 24, such that an air supply distributor 20 can be connected to an air source (not shown) that supplies air to the air distribution manifold 20 at a higher than atmospheric pressure.

EP 2 389 255

The cross-section of FIG. 6 also shows the needle channel 56 formed by the housing 12 allowing passage of the needle 52 (see FIG 1) to the spray head assembly attached to the drum connector.

The airflow distributor 20 is in fluid communication with the air channel controlling the fan 30 and the central air channel 40 within the platform of the spray gun 10, so that air entering the air supply manifold 20 can be distributed to the air channel controlling the fan 30 and central air channel 40. distributing air from the air supply distributor 20 to the air channel controlling the fan 30 can be carried out by means of any advantageous constructions.

Referring to FIG. 1 and 2, both the regulation of the air flow and the liquid flow of the liquid spray gun is, in the embodiment shown, provided by a trigger 50 that is pivotally connected to the spray gun platform 10 with the retaining pin 51a and terminal 51b (although it can be used any other preferred connecting mechanism). The needle 52 passes through the spray head assembly 60 in a manner similar to that described, e.g. in U.S. Patent No. 7,022,839. The trigger 50 is preferably deflected to a rest position in which the needle 52 closes the liquid nozzle aperture in the spray head assembly 60, and closes the air supply valve 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing force is transmitted by a coil spring 55,

When the trigger 50 is pulled, the needle 52 is retracted to a position where the conical front end 52a allows liquid to flow through the liquid nozzle aperture in the spray head assembly 60. At the same time the air supply valve 54 also opens to supply air to the spray head assembly 60 from the distributor 20. The air and liquid flow can also be adjusted by means of a fan control air unit 32 that regulates the flow of air supplied to the air channel controlling the fan 30 from the air distributor 20, and the central air regulator assembly 42, which regulates the air flow supplied to the fan. of the central air channel 40 from the air supply distributor 20. In particular the regulator unit 42

EP 2 389 255 controls the central / liquid air flow emanating from the spray head assembly, and the controller assembly 32 controls the air flow to the ventilators of the spray head assembly 60 to regulate the geometry of the shape of the spray jet. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the central air regulator 42 may have an effect on the air flow through the fan control air assembly 32.

The air channel of the central platform 30 of the spray gun 10 includes a first portion 33 which is in fluid communication with the air distributor 20 in a position 26 (see e.g. FIG. 4). The first portion 33 of the fan control air duct 30 leads to the second portion 34, followed by the third portion 35 and the fourth portion 36. The fourth portion 36 is positioned behind the coupling plate of the drum 18 of the platform of the spray gun 10 (see e.g. FIG. 3A). In the embodiment shown, the second portion 34 of the fan control air channel 30 provides space for the controller assembly 32. The air flowing through the air channel controlling the fan 30 thus flows from the air supply distributor 20 to and through the individual parts of the air channel controlling the fan 30, until it leaves the air channel controlling the fan 30 through the fan air outlet 37 formed in the drum connection plate 18. The air channel controlling the fan 30 of the spray gun platform 10 is determined, in the illustrated embodiment, by the platform housing 12, the left cover 14 and the connector plate drum 18 when these elements are connected to each other. It may be advantageous for the left cover 14 to include one or more elements designed to cooperate with one or more recesses in the housing 12 to form individual portions of the air channel controlling the fan 30. For example, the lid 14 can include a convex rib 33a (see FIG. 3B). which, in combination with the recess 33b (see Fig. 3A), defines a first portion 33 of the air channel controlling the fan 30.

EP 2 389 255 provided in the form of closed geometric figures and sealed around the edges of the corresponding recesses 33b and 34b, forming portions 33 and 34 of the air channel controlling the fan 30. The sealing can be performed by any preferred method or combination of methods, e.g. welding (thermal, chemical) etc.), adhesives (epoxies, etc.), mechanical fasteners, etc.

The air channel 40 of the platform of the spray gun 10 includes a first portion 43 that is in fluid communication with the end portion 21 of the air distributor 20 in a position 27 (see e.g., FIG. 4). The first portion 43 of the central air channel 40 leads to the second portion 44. The second portion 44 of the central air channel 40 is positioned behind the coupling plate of the drum 18 of the platform of the spray gun 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 3A). The air flowing through the central air channel 40 thus flows from the air flow distributor 20 to and through the central air channel part 40 until it leaves the central air channel 40 through the central air channel outlet 47 formed in the drum connector plate 18.

The air channel 40 of the platform of the spray gun 10 is determined, in the illustrated embodiment, by the platform housing 12, the right cover 16 and the drum connector plate 18 when the elements are connected to each other. It may be preferred that the right cover 16 includes one or more elements designed to cooperate with one or more recesses in the housing 12 to form individual portions of the central air channel 40. For example, the cover 16 may include a convex rib 43a (see FIG. 3A), which, in combination with recess 43b (see Fig. 3B), defines the first central air channel part 43. The fin 43a can preferably be provided in the form of a closed geometrical figure that is sealed around the edge of the cavity 43b to form central air channel part 43. .

In the case of welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding) for attaching the left cover 14 to the housing 12 along the convex ribs 33a and 34a, one or both of the connections between the housing 12 and the convex ribs 33a and 34a can be defined as defining a welding fan air control line at which is the weld line

In the case of welding (e.g. ultrasonic welding), for attaching the right cover 16 to the housing 12 along the convex rib 43a, the connection between the housing and the housing 12 forms a closed geometrical figure between the left cover 14 and the housing 12. Similarly

12 and the convex rib 43a may be defined as defining a central air sewer line, where the central air sewer line forms a closed geometrical figure between the right cover 16 and the housing 12. Using a seam line to seal the sewers of the spray gun platform can provide advantages over comparison. for other sealing methods, such as gaskets etc., which can further improve the air flow performance in the spray gun platform 10.

The illustrated embodiment of the spray gun platform 10 includes a housing 12 and two covers 14 and 16, however, in other embodiments including a housing construction and a cover, the spray gun platform may include only one cover defining one or more channels in connection with the housing. In yet other embodiments, the housing may be connected to three or more covers to provide a complete platform for the spray gun.

In yet other embodiments, the housing can be formed in one or more parts such that no covers are needed to provide a complete platform for the spray gun.

As discussed herein, the spray gun platform 10 can provide advantages over standard spray gun platforms. Some potential benefits can be provided by molding the platform 12 of the platform of the plastic spray gun 10 such that the housing 12 is provided in the form of a single-piece, fully integral body with recesses defining the individual air ducts formed by the platform 10 if necessary. The forming process can provide the opportunity reducing the amount of sharp edges and other elements along the channels that may have an adverse effect on the flow of liquid through the channels. Forming the housing 12 can also provide an opportunity to reduce or eliminate additional machining operations while providing

Also, the internal surfaces of the air channels are smoother and more conducive to the flow of liquid through the platform.

Another feature of the spray gun platform shown in FIG. The dimensions of the air ducts formed in the platform 10 are considerably increased compared to standard spray gun platforms. Referring to FIG. 4, the platform 10 may, for example, comprise a supply air distributor 20, which has a volume of approximately 8.8 cubic centimeters (cm³) (0.536 cal³), a fan control air duct 30 that has a volume of about 4.2 cm³ (0.258 cal³) and central air channel 40, which has a volume of about 2.5 cm³ (0.154 cal³).

The actual volumes of individual components in the spray gun platform 10 may vary in various embodiments, however, the volume of the elements in the platform 10 can be determined relative to each other. For example, in some embodiments, the fan control air duct 30 includes a volume that is larger than the central air channel volume 40. In some embodiments, the volume of the fan control air duct 30 is 120% or more of the central air channel volume 40. In other embodiments, the duct volume the air controlling the fan 30 is 150% or more of the volume of the central air channel 40.

The spray gun platform 10 may further be volumetrically characterized in that the volume of the air channel controlling the fan 30 and the volume of the central air channel 40 together are smaller than the volume of the air supply distributor 20. The total volume of the air channel controlling the fan 30 and the central air channel 40 may be smaller than the volume of the air distributor 20, however, they can still have a lower limit. For example, in some embodiments, the volume of the air channel controlling the fan 30 and the volume of the central air channel 40 in total is 50% or more of the volume of the air flow distributor 20.

EP 2 389 255

In addition to the volumetric parameters described herein, the air channel controlling the fan 30 may have an average cross-sectional area (wherein the mean cross-sectional area is measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of air flow through the channel in the geometric center of the measurement site), which is the same , greater than or less than the average cross-sectional area of ​​the central air channel 40.

After describing the platform of the spray gun 10 and its individual components in this way, illustrative embodiments of the spray head assemblies 60 can be described that can be used with the spray gun platforms 10 to provide a complete liquid spray gun. The embodiment of the spray head assembly 60 described herein may advantageously be used together with the spray gun platforms 10, however other sets of spray heads may be replaced with the assemblies described herein to provide a complete liquid spray gun.

As seen in FIG. 1 and 7, the spray head assembly 60 can be provided in the form of a combination of two different elements that are connected to each other to form the spray head assembly 60. More specifically, the spray head assembly 60 can include both the drum 70 and the air cap 80. The drum 70 and the cap The air 80 of the spray head assembly 60 preferably merge, forming cavities that provide the central air and the air controlling the fan in a manner substantially isolated by the spray head assembly.

Referring to FIG. 7-10, the drum 70 includes a drum inlet 71 which, in the illustrated embodiment, preferably seals the inside of the drum joint 11 on the platform of the spray gun 10. The inlet of the drum 71 is formed by the wall of the drum 72, which in the illustrated embodiment is largely in the form of a drum. straight circular cylinder (although other shapes may be used).

The drum 70 also includes means that define the liquid channel (see FIG. 10) that terminates in the liquid nozzle hole 92 through which the atomising fluid exits the drum 70. The liquid enters the liquid channel 91 from the liquid inlet channel 93, which is supplied by the liquid port 94. The liquid passage 91 passing through the drum 70 is probably best seen

EP 2 389 255 in cross-section in FIG. 10 (although it should be understood that the air cap 80 has been rotated ninety degrees about the axis of the liquid spray 100 in cross-section). The liquid channel 91 defined in the drum 70 is preferably largely isolated from the drum chamber 73 formed in the wall of the drum 72. The liquid channel 91 is preferably adapted to receive the needle 52 (see e.g. FIG. 1) that is suitable for closing the liquid nozzle opening 92 when extended in the forward direction (to the left in the views depicted in FIGS. 1 and 10) and opening the liquid nozzle hole 92 after retracting in the reverse direction (clockwise in FIGS. 1 and 10). The fluid passage 91 may further include an extension of the needle housing 95 that extends toward the rear of the housing 70 and may preferably fit the needle channel 56 into the housing 12 (see, e.g., FIG. 6).

The wall 72 of the drum 70 defines a drum cavity 73 that surrounds the fluid channel 91. The drum cavity 73 receives air discharged from the central air channel outlet 47 (see e.g. FIG 1) in the drum joint 11 of the platform of the spray gun 10. As a result, the drum cavity 73 delimits part of the central air chamber in the spray head assembly 60. Central air entering the drum cavity 73 flows through the drum 70 and exits the drum cavity 73 through openings 74 located in the drum 70.

The wall of the drum 72 is attached to the wall of the liquid channel 91 by additional stiffening ribs 77 that provide additional structural strength to the drum 70, but which are not large enough to divide the drum cavity 73 into independent recesses in the drum 70. Two of these stiffening ribs 77 are shown in cross-section in FIG. 10, which shows that they do not extend over the entire length of the drum cavity 73. As a result, the entire volume of air in the drum cavity 73 can be delivered to the cavity of the nozzle 75 through the openings 74 discussed herein.

The openings 74 in the drum 70 provide central air exiting from the drum cavity 73 to the nozzle cavity 75 formed between the air cap.

80 and the front wall 76 of the drum 70. Air entering the nozzle cavity 75 flows through the nozzle cavity 75 until it exits the nozzle cavity 75 through the central air outlet 62 formed between the nozzle opening 82 in the air cap 80 and the fluid nozzle hole 92. Central air outlet 62 may advantageously surround the liquid nozzle opening 92 so that the central air

EP 2 389 255 passing through the central air outlet 62 can convert liquid flowing through the liquid nozzle hole 92 into a substantially conical flow.

The drum cavity 73 and the nozzle cavity 75 join together to form what can be termed the air chamber of the central spray head assembly

60. As described herein, the central air chamber essentially extends from the inlet of the drum 71 to the central air outlet 62 of the spray head assembly 60. The central air outlet 62 is formed between the nozzle opening 82 in the air cap 80 that surrounds the liquid nozzle hole 92. The central air chamber includes a nozzle cavity 75 between the air cap 80 and the drum 70. The central air chamber also includes a drum cavity 73 inside the drum 70 and openings 74 formed by the front wall 76 of the drum 70 through which air flows into the nozzle cavity 75 from the drum cavity 73 to provide central air outlet 62 during use of the spray head assembly 60. Nozzle cavity 75, liquid nozzle opening

92 and the nozzle opening 82 are shaped to direct the central air at a greater than atmospheric pressure towards the liquid flowing out of the liquid nozzle hole 92 to propel the liquid outwardly from the liquid nozzle hole 92 while forming the liquid into a substantially conical flow about the axis 100 passing through the liquid nozzle opening 92.

The air nozzle 80, which is provided in the form of a portion of the spray head assembly 60, is shown in FIG. 1, 7, 10 and 11. The air nozzle 80 is preferably attached to the drum 70 in a manner that allows rotation of the air cap 80 about an axis 100 relative to the drum 70. Examples of such rotation are shown in the form of rotation of the air cap 80 on an arc ninety degrees from its position in FIG. 7 to its cross-sectional orientation of FIG. 10. Rotation of the air cap 80 can be used to change the orientation of the shape of the aerosol sprayed from the spray head assembly 60 relative to the axis 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the air cap 80 is held in place on the front wall 76 of the drum 70 by the locking system of the annular cavity 78 on the drum 70 (see e.g. FIGS. 7 and 10) and the complementary convex annular ridge 88 on the inner surface of the air cap ring 81 80 (see e.g., Figures 10 and 11). The connection between the ring 81 of the air cap 80 and the drum 70 may preferably

EP 2 389 255 is characterized by a limited clearance so as to limit the release of air controlling the fan through this connection and / or to create some friction to provide a resistance force against rotation of the air cap 80 about the axis 100 (but not so much force to prevent rotation of the cap) 80 without tools). In some embodiments, a gasket, O-ring, or other sealing member may be arranged in connection between the air cap 80 and the drum 70 to provide additional leakage and / or rotation resistance control.

As discussed herein, the air cap 80 defines the nozzle cavity 80 in the front wall 76 of the drum 70. In addition, the air cap 80 also defines recesses that, taken together, form a portion of the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly 60. In particular, the ring portion 81 of the cap aerial 80 defines an annular cavity 84 between the annular portion 81 of the air cap 80 and the drum 70.

The air cap also includes a pair of air diffusers 83a and 83b, each defining a ventilating recess 85a and 85b (respectively) into which the fan air enters from the annular cavity 84. The fan control air supplied to the cavities of the air diffusers 85a and 85b exits the cavities through the openings. controlling the fan 86a and 86b on the air diffusers 83a and 83b. The openings 86a and 86b on the diffusers 83a and 83b are located on opposite sides of the axis 100, so that the air flowing through the air chamber controlling the fan at a greater than atmospheric pressure flows towards the opposite sides of the liquid stream formed by the air flowing through the central air chamber. The forces exerted by the air controlling the fan can be used to change the shape of the liquid stream to create the desired shape of the spray jet. The size, shape, position and other features of the fan control openings can be adjusted to achieve different fan control characteristics described, e.g. in US Patent No. 7.201.336 B2 (Blette). In the illustrated embodiment, the fan control openings 86a and 86b are in the form of circular openings.

The fan control air is supplied to the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly 60 from the gun platform

The fan-actuated air outlet 10 is caused by the fan air outlet 37 in the drum connection 11 (see e.g. FIG. 1). The isolation of the air controlling the fan from the central air can be maintained during the air flow controlling the fan through the drum 70 by directing the air controlling the fan through the channel of the drum controlling the fan 87 formed in the drum 70 (see e.g. FIG. 10). Air enters the fan control channel 87 through the inlet end 87a from the air outlet of the fan 37 of the platform 10 and is supplied to the annular cavity 84 for distribution into the cavities of the air diffusers 85a and 85b.

The fan control drum channel 87, the annular cavity 84 and the air-inlet cavities 85a and 85b taken together form the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly 60. FIG. 12 shows the air cavities / ducts formed in the spray head assembly 60, with the surrounding drum structure 70 and air cap 80 removed for clarity. The recesses / channels formed in the spray head assembly 60 include a drum cavity 73 and a nozzle cavity 75 that form part of the central air chamber described herein. The volumes / cavities that form the openings 74 through which the central air flows from the drum cavity 73 into the nozzle cavity 75 are obstructed by the nozzle cavity 75.

In FIG. 12 also shows an annular cavity 84 (shaded) and air-cavity cavities 85a and 85b (also shaded) that form a portion of the fan control air chamber designated in the spray head assembly 60. The volume / cavity formed by the fan control channel 87 (see e.g. FIG. 10) is not shown in FIG. 12, because it is covered by the annular cavity 84 and the drum cavity 73.

Among the features of the spray head assembly 60 shown in the figures, there can be mentioned the significantly increased dimensions of the air ducts formed in the spray head assembly as compared to standard spray gun platforms. Referring to FIG. 12, the spray head assembly 60 may, for example, comprise a central air chamber that has a volume of about 17.4 cm³ (1.059 cal³), and a fan control air chamber that has a volume of about 4.2 cm³ (0.255 cal³).

EP 2 389 255

The actual volumes of the individual components in the spray head assembly 60 may vary in various embodiments, however, the volume of the components in the spray head assembly 60 may be determined relative to each other. For example, in some embodiments, the air chamber of the central spray head assembly 60 may have a volume that is larger than the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan formed in the spray head assembly 60. In some embodiments, the central air chamber in the spray head assembly 60 may have a volume that is 200% or more of the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly 60. In other embodiments, the central air chamber in the spray head assembly 60 may have a volume,

In some embodiments, the volume of the air flow elements in the platform 10 to which the spray head assembly is attached

60, may have a total volume of components in the spray head assembly. The total volumes may optionally have some advantages in terms of the spraying efficiency discussed herein.

For example, in a liquid spray gun (which includes a spray gun platform and a spray head assembly) the spray head assembly can have a central air chamber with a volume that is larger than the volume of the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly. This volume ratio can, in some embodiments, be adapted to the platform of the spray gun in which the fan control air duct has a volume that is larger than the volume of the central air channel extending through the platform of the spray gun.

In other embodiments, the spray head assembly with a central air chamber having a volume that is greater than the volume of the fan control air chamber in the spray head assembly can be adapted to the platform of the spray gun in which the air channel controlling the fan and the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly taken together, they have a total volume that is smaller than the total volume of the central air channel in the spray gun platform and the central air chamber in the spray head assembly.

EP 2 389 255

In yet other embodiments, the spray head assembly with a central air chamber having a volume that is greater than the volume of the fan control air chamber in the spray head assembly can be adapted to the platform of the spray gun in which the air channel controlling the fan in the platform and the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly together has a total volume that is 75% or less of the total volume of the central air channel in the spray gun platform and the central air chamber in the spray head assembly.

In yet other embodiments, the spray head assembly with a central air chamber having a volume that is greater than the volume of the fan control air chamber in the spray head assembly can be adapted to the platform of the spray gun in which the air channel controlling the fan in the platform and the air chamber controlling the fan in the spray head assembly together has a total volume that is 50% or less of the total volume of the central air channel in the spray gun platform and the central air chamber in the spray head assembly.

In still other embodiments, the spray head assembly with a central air chamber having a volume that is larger than the volume of the fan control air chamber in the spray head assembly can be adapted to the spray gun platform in which the volume of the air channel controlling the fan in the spray gun platform and the channel volume the central air in the spray gun platform are taken together smaller than the volume of the air flow distributor in the spray gun platform.

In some embodiments, the drum 70 may include a gasket 111 that preferably extends around the edge of the inlet end 121 of the drum housing 120 so that the drum 70 can be sealed with the drum joint 11 (see e.g., FIGS. 1 and 13) after attaching the drum 70 to platform spray gun. The drums 70 may also include a fan control air channel seal 112 that provides a seal between the fan control channel 87 and the fan control air outlet 37 in the drum connector 11 (see e.g., FIGS 1 and 13).

The drums used in the spray head assemblies described herein may also include, as discussed above, a construction that facilitates the connection and maintenance of the spray head assembly.

EP 2 389 255 on the spray gun platform. In the embodiment of the drum 70 shown in FIG. 7, 13 and 14, the connecting structure may take the form of a pair of coupling fasteners (although in some embodiments, a single connecting tab and a cooperating lever member may optionally be used to form a connection).

Structures in the form of a coupling tab may advantageously be formed in the drum housing 120, which comprises an opening 122 formed in the wall of the drum 72. The opening 122 may advantageously be limited on all sides of the wall of the drum 72. In particular it may be advantageous (but not required) for the opening 122 to be limited along the edge of the inlet 121 of the drum housing 120 over the shoulder portion 123 covering the opposite edges of the opening 122 so that the edge of the inlet end 121 of the drum housing 120 is continuous such that the edge of the inlet end 121 of the drum housing 120 forms a closed rim at the drum end end 70. In In other embodiments, the orifice 122 may extend to the inlet end 121 of the drum housing 120, such that the edge of the inlet end 121 does not form a continuous edge or a closed rim.

A lever element 130 is disposed in the opening 122. The lever member 130 may preferably be supported in the opening 122 so that the lever member 130 has a first end connected to the drum wall 72 / drum housing 120 and a free end 131 that may not be connected to the shoulder portion. 123 comprising an opening 122 at the edge of the inlet end 121 of the drum housing 120. The lever member 130 also includes a pair of side edges 133 extending from the first end towards the free end 131, the lever member 130 may, in some embodiments, not be attached to the wall. drum 72 / drum housing 120 along side edges 133.

In the embodiment shown, the sealing member 114 is positioned near the aperture 122 around the lever member 130.

The seal member 114 may also facilitate pivoting of the lever elements 130 inwardly when attaching or detaching the spray head assemblies to the spray gun platform described herein (in addition to sealing the drum cavity 73 between the lever element 130 and the opening 122 in which it is located) .

EP 2 389 255

In some embodiments, the drum housing 120 may be formed (e.g., molded) from a first plastic, and the sealing member 114 may be formed (e.g., molded) from a second plastic, and the second plastic of the sealing member 114 may be attached to the first plastic. In embodiments where the sealing member 114 is formed of a material (e.g., plastic) that is different from the material used in the drum housing 120, fixing the sealing member 114 to the drum housing 120 to close the opening 122 can implement any preferred method or combination of methods, e.g. by means of molding (e.g. molding with a tab, over-molding, etc.), adhesives (epoxies, etc.), mechanical fasteners, etc.

The coupling fasteners can be referred to herein as incorporating a lever element 130 in the opening 122 with a sealing member 114 closing the hole 122 around the lever member 130, however in some embodiments the sealing member 114 and the drum housing 120 (including lever member 130) can be all formed (e.g., formed) from the same material, with a sealing element 114 disposed in the form of a thin material web comprising an opening 122 between the lever element 130 and the surrounding edges of the opening 122. The sealing member 114 may, due to its thinner construction, provide the flexibility required for moving the lever element 130 during attachment and removal of the drum 70 described herein. In some embodiments such as this one,

In some embodiments, the lever elements 130 may include one or more spacers 135 that connect the side edge 133 of the lever element 130 to the opposite edge of the opening 122 in which the lever element 130 is disposed. In some embodiments, the lever elements 130 may be connected to the surrounding the edges of the openings 122 with a pair of struts 135, each strut 135 joining one of the side edges 133 of the lever element 130 with the opposite edge of the opening 122. The strut or struts 135 may preferably be placed closer to the free

The end element 131 of the lever element 130 than the first end of the lever element 130 (i.e. the end of the supported element 130, which is attached to the drum housing 120). The spacer or struts 135 may, in some embodiments, be surrounded by the sealing member 114 so that the spacer is not exposed.

A strut or struts 135 may optionally be useful to control the bias of the lever element 130 in such a way that the sealing member 110 is not accidentally detached from the drum housing 120.

In some embodiments, the drum housing 120 may be formed of a first plastic, and the sealing member 111 may be formed of a second plastic that is not the same as the first plastic. In some embodiments, the second plastic may be more flexible than the first plastic, e.g. the second plastic may be referred to as a more elastomeric material as compared to the first plastic used to construct the drum housing. In some embodiments, the drum housing 120 may be formed of e.g. polypropylene, while the sealing member is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., SANTOPRENE, etc.). In other embodiments, the sealing means 114 may advantageously be formed of elastomeric plastics, such as e.g. thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, etc., however, other materials may be used as long as they provide a suitable seal. Another factor that can be used in the selection of materials for the drum housing and sealing elements can include compatibility of materials in a 2-molding process or other manufacturing process used to construct the drums described herein. In addition, the drum housing may be formed of one or more plastics, however, in certain embodiments, the drum housing may be formed of other materials, e.g. metals, metal alloys, etc. which may be used in the selection of materials for the drum housing and sealing elements, may include compatibility of materials in a 2-molding process or other manufacturing process used to construct the drums described herein. In addition, the drum housing may be formed of one or more plastics, however, in certain embodiments, the drum housing may be formed of other materials, e.g. metals, metal alloys, etc. which may be used in the selection of materials for the drum housing and sealing elements, may include compatibility of materials in a 2-molding process or other manufacturing process used to construct the drums described herein. In addition, the drum housing may be formed of one or more plastics, however, in certain embodiments, the drum housing may be formed of other materials, e.g. metals, metal alloys, etc.

In some embodiments, which include a seal member 114 that is formed of a material that is different from the one used to construct the drum housing 120, and wherein the seal member 114 is formed of an elastomeric plastic that provides sealed properties, the sealing means 114 can be

EP 2 389 255 formed in the same injection as the other sealing elements on the drum housing 120. In particular FIG. 13 illustrates one example of such a construction in which the gasket 111 at the edge of the inlet 121 of the drum housing 120, the sealing elements 114 and the air control gasket 112 are all formed in one injection of elastomeric plastic. In such an embodiment, the sealing means taken together can form a unitary sealing assembly 110.

The lever element 130 of the coupling hook preferably also includes a projection 136, the projection 136 extending outwardly from the inner housing portion of the drum 120 (see e.g., FIGS. 8 and 13). The protrusions 136 may be advantageously adapted and arranged in such a way that they fit into the openings 11a and 11b or other suitable structures formed by the platform of the spray gun 10, so that the openings 11a and 11b and the projections 136 cooperate with each other (e.g., lock mechanically). .

Embodiments of the lever elements 130 shown in connection with the spray head assemblies described herein may also include posts 139 that also extend outwardly from the lever elements to provide a user-friendly place for inserting fingers to bias the lever member 130 and associated from the projection 136 inwardly when attaching or detaching the spray head assemblies to the spray gun platform described herein.

The liquid spray guns, platform guns and spray head assemblies described herein may be used in spray gun systems that can be commonly referred to as gravity spray guns (in which the spraying fluid is supplied by gravity to the spray head assembly) from the tank), spray guns with siphon feed (in which the spraying liquid is supplied by a siphon to the spray head assembly from the tank) and / or pressure spray guns (in which the spraying liquid is supplied under pressure from the tank to the head unit) spray). In addition, additional components that can be used in conjunction with spray guns, gun platforms

EP 2 389 255 and spray head assemblies discussed herein together with suitable methods for their use may be described in more detail, e.g. in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,822,024 (Joseph et al.); 6,971,590 (Blette et al.); 7.032.839 (Blette et al.); 7.201.336 (Blette et al.); 7,484,676 (Blette et al.) And in patent application publications 2004/0140373 (Joseph et al.); 2006/0065761 (Joseph et al.) And 2006/0102550 (Joseph et al.), Etc.

Illustrative examples of liquid spray guns, platforms for liquid spray guns and sprayer heads for liquids are discussed, as well as methods of their use and reference is made to possible changes. These and other changes, combinations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention, and it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Instead, the invention is limited only by the claims set forth below and their equivalents.

EP 2 389 255