ES2593408T3 - Gun equipment and procedure for modular spraying - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular spray gun apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a handle module (110) and a head module (130) that is removeably coupled to the handle module. The head module includes a first housing (112) having an inlet (114) adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized gas (102), a flow passage extending between the inlet and an outlet, and a first coupling member proximate the outlet. Similarly, the head module includes a second housing (132) having a second coupling member (136) removeably coupled to the first coupling member of the first housing, a nozzle (170) fluidly communicating with a spray outlet, and a needle assembly operatively associated with the nozzle to control a flow of liquid material and pressurized gas emanating from a mixing passage through the nozzle.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Gun and procedure equipment for modular spraying

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an equipment for the application of liquid coating materials on a surface, and more particularly, to an equipment and method of a gun for modular spraying.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of spray equipment is known for the application of liquids, such as paints, varnishes, cleaning solvents, or other liquid materials to a surface. Typically, these spray equipment includes a spray gun that has a needle assembly, a flow nozzle and an air valve that are selected as an operating assembly based on the viscosity of the liquid being sprayed. For example, when painting a car, a first operating assembly of the needle assembly, flow nozzle and air valve can be used to apply a base coat, a second operating set of these components can be used to apply a layer superior, and a third operational set of these components can be used to apply transparent coating.

Spray apparatus of the prior art, such as that disclosed in US 5 454 517 A, is generally characterized by having many individual parts that are assembled together in a complex, very interdependent manner in a single casing When using a prior art spray apparatus, when an operator decides to change one or more of the parts, such as the needle assembly, the operator must laboriously disassemble into numerous other parts of the spray apparatus to reach the assembly of the needle. Thus, in the above-mentioned example of painting a car, when an operator wishes to change from a first operating set (i.e., a needle, nozzle and air valve assembly) to a second operating set, the spraying apparatus must Thoroughly disassemble and each individual component (needle assembly, flow nozzle and air valve) be replaced individually. Then, before using the spray equipment, all replacement components of the second operating set must be reinstalled in the housing. This process consumes considerable time and effort each time the operator wishes to change from one operating set to another, thus decreasing the operational efficiency of the spraying equipment and increasing the cost of carrying out the work.

Another consideration is that the needle assembly typically includes a very fine tip needle, which serves as a fluid valve, and that functions to provide a finely measured flow of liquid material through the nozzle. During the disassembly and empunadura of the plurality of components of the spraying apparatus of the prior art, there is an increased risk of coffee, or other bad needling of the fine pointed needle, which can result in damage, thereby negatively affecting to the performance and operating capacity of the spray set.

Therefore, it is convenient to provide an improved spraying apparatus that allows an easier exchange of one or more of its parts, in particular of its needle assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gun apparatus and methods for modular spraying. In one aspect, a modular spray apparatus includes a handle module and a head component that are removable coupled to the handle module. The head module includes a first housing that has an inlet adapted to be coupled to a pressurized gas source, a flow passage that extends between the inlet and an outlet, and a first coupling element near the outlet. Similarly, the head module includes a second housing that has a second detachable coupling member coupled to the first coupling element of the first housing, the second housing that includes a first input port in communication the output of the module Empunadura, a second input port adapted to be coupled to a source of liquid material, and a mixing conduit in fluid communication with the first and second input ports and with a spray outlet. The head module also includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the spray outlet, and a needle assembly operatively coupled to the second housing and operatively associated with the nozzle to control a flow of liquid material and pressurized gas emanating from the passage mixing through the nozzle

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The head module is detachably coupled to the empunadura module and can be decoupled from the empunadura module without disassembly of the head module or the empunadura module.

The present invention relates to a modular spraying apparatus, comprising:

a handle module that includes a first housing that has an inlet adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized gas, a flow passage that extends between the inlet and an outlet, and a first coupling element near the outlet; Y

a head component that includes a second housing having a second coupling member detachably coupled to the first coupling element of the first housing, the second housing including a first input port adapted to be coupled to a source of liquid material , a second input port in fluid communication with the outlet of the empunadura module, a mixing conduit in fluid communication with the first and second input ports and with a spray outlet, the head module that also includes a nozzle in communication fluid with the spray outlet, and a needle assembly operatively coupled to the second housing and operatively associated with the nozzle to control a flow of liquid material and pressurized gas emanating from the mixing passage through the nozzle, so that the second coupling member of the head module can be decoupled from the first coupling part d the empunadura module without the need to disassemble them from the head module. The handle module also includes a trigger movably coupled to the first housing, the needle assembly detachably coupled to the trigger.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first coupling member comprises a first coupling thread placed around the outlet and the second coupling member comprises a threaded coupling ring placed around the second inlet port.

In one embodiment, the needle assembly detachably coupled to the trigger is projected from the head module.

In one embodiment of the invention, the clamp module also includes at least one valve assembly that includes a control button protruding from the first housing, an adjustment screw coupled to the control button, and a central body coupled to the screw jack that controls a pressurized gas flow between a first and second portion of the flow passage.

In one embodiment of the invention, the head module also includes an air valve coupled to the second housing next to the nozzle.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a supply container coupled to the first inlet port.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a source of pressurized gas coupled to the inlet of the empunadura module.

The present invention also relates to a set for the application of liquid material, comprising: a source of liquid material; a source of pressurized gas; and a spraying device coupled to the source of liquid material and to the source of pressurized gas, the spraying device comprising a flush module that includes a first housing having an inlet adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized gas, a flow passage extending between the input and an output, and a first coupling element near the output; and a head component that includes a second housing having a second detachable coupling member coupled to the first coupling element of the first housing, the second housing including a first input port adapted to be coupled to a source of material liquid, a second input port in fluid communication with the outlet of the empunadura module, a mixing conduit in fluid communication with the first and second input ports and with a spray outlet, the head module that also includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the spray outlet, and a needle assembly operatively coupled to the second housing and operatively associated with the nozzle to control a flow of liquid material and pressurized gas emanating from the mixing passage through the nozzle. The handle module also includes a trigger movably coupled next to the first housing, the needle assembly detachably coupled to the trigger. The second coupling member of the head module can be disengaged from the first coupling piece of the handle module without disassembly of the head module.

In one embodiment of the assembly, the first coupling member comprises a first coupling thread placed around the outlet and the second coupling member comprises a threaded coupling ring disposed around the second inlet port.

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In an embodiment of the assembly of the needle assembly detachably coupled to the trigger is projected from the head module.

In one embodiment of the assembly, the clamp module also includes at least one valve assembly that includes a control button protruding from the first housing, an adjustment screw coupled to the control button, and a central body coupled to the adjustment screw that controls a pressurized gas flow between a first and second portion of the flow passage.

In an embodiment of the assembly the head module also includes an air valve coupled to the second housing next to the nozzle.

The present invention also relates to a process for applying a liquid material to a surface, comprising:

providing a handle module that includes a first housing having an inlet adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized gas, a flow passage that extends between the inlet and an outlet; the empunadura module that also includes a mobilely coupled trigger next to the first housing;

providing a head component that includes a second housing detachably coupled to the first housing, the second housing including a first input port adapted to be coupled to a source of liquid material, a second input port adapted to communicate in a manner fluid with the outlet of the empunadura module, and a mixing conduit in fluid communication with the first and second input ports and with a spray outlet, the head module that also includes a nozzle in fluid communication with the spray outlet, and a needle assembly operatively coupled to the second housing and operatively associated with the nozzle to control a flow of liquid material and pressurized gas emanating from the mixing passage through the nozzle, whereby the header module can be decoupling of the handle module without disassembly of the head module;

attach the head module to the handle module;

detachably attach the needle assembly to the trigger;

coupling a source of pressurized gas to the entrance of the empunadura module;

coupling a source of liquid material to the first input port of the head module;

flow liquid material from the source of liquid material through the first inlet port and into the mixing conduit;

pressurized gas to flow from the source of pressurized gas through the empunadura module and into the mixing duct; Y

flow a mixture of liquid material and pressurized gas from the mixing duct through the nozzle of the header module.

In an embodiment of the coupling procedure of the head module to the empunadura module comprises threadedly coupling the head module to the empunadura module.

In one embodiment, the method comprises decoupling the head module from the empunadura module without disassembling the head module.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises attaching a second head module to the handle module.

In one embodiment of the procedure, the coupling of a source of liquid material to the first input port of the head module comprises coupling a gravity supply container to the first input port of the head module.

In an embodiment of the method of coupling a source of pressurized gas to the inlet of the empunadura module comprises coupling an air compressor to the entrance of the empunadura module.

In an embodiment of the process of flowing liquid material from the source of liquid material through the first inlet port and into the mixing conduit, it comprises flowing a coating material through the first inlet port and the mixing conduit.

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In one embodiment of the process of flowing liquid material from the source of liquid material K through the first inlet port and into the mixing conduit, it comprises flowing a liquid cleaning material through the first inlet port and into the mixing conduit. .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a spray assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a bottom elevational view of the sprayer assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top elevational view of the spray assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the sprayer assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a partially disassembled side elevation view of the sprayer assembly of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present description generally refers to a new gun apparatus and modular spraying process. Many specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in figures 1 through 5 to provide a thorough understanding of said embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the present invention may have additional embodiments or that the present invention may be practiced without several of the details described in the following description.

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a sprayer assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figures 2 and 3 are top and bottom elevational views, respectively, of the sprayer assembly of Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the sprayer assembly 100 includes a handle module 110 and a module head 130. As described more fully below, the head module 130 of the sprayer assembly 100 of the invention is detachably coupled to the handle module 110, and can be disengaged from the handle module 110 without disassembling the head module 130 or the empunadura module 110.

As shown further in Figures 1 through 3, the recess module 110 includes a first housing 112 having an inlet 114 arranged in a lower portion thereof. The inlet 114 is adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized gas 102 (Figure 1), such as an air compressor, a gas cylinder or the like. A first control button 116 is operatively coupled to the first housing 112, near the entrance 114. A second control button 117 and a third control button 118 are also operatively coupled to the first housing 112. As more fully described in Then, the control buttons and 116 and 118 allow an operator (not shown) to control a pressurized gas flow from the pressurized gas source 102 controlably through the groove module 110. A trigger 119 is pivotally engaged. to the first housing 112 by turning bolts 121.

The head module 130 includes a second housing 132, which has a first input port 134 adapted to be coupled to a source of liquid material 104 (Figure 1). The source of liquid material 104 may be any type of known source such as, for example, a gravity-fed supply container to a pressurized container, a supply hose or any other source capable of supplying a liquid material that is suitable for application sprayable on a surface including, for example, paint, varnish, transparent coating, wax, dye, water, detergent, separator and solvent. The head module 130 additionally includes a threaded coupling member 136 that couples the head module 130 to the handle module 110, as described more fully below.

Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the sprayer assembly 100 of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a partially elevational side elevation view of the sprayer assembly of 100 of Figures 1-4. As best shown in Figure 4, the grip module 110 has a flow passage 120 disposed therethrough which extends from the inlet 114 to an outlet 122. A threaded coupling portion 124 is arranged circumferentially around the outlet 122 and threadedly engages the threaded coupling member 136 of the head module 130. Similarly, the head module 130 includes a second inlet hole 138 disposed within the threaded coupling member 136 and aligned with the outlet 122 of the module with a groove 110. The first and second inlet ports 134, 138 are fluidly coupled to a mixing conduit 140 having a spray outlet 142. As shown in Figure 5, one or more

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Crane pins 139 (two shown) can project outwards from the head module 130 and can be slidably received in the corresponding receptacle crane 125 arranged in the first housing 112 of the handle module 110.

It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the head module 130 can be detachably coupled to the handle module 110 using any suitable fixing device including, for example, quick disconnect couplings. Also, the threaded coupling member 136 could be part of the handle module 110 and the threaded gear portion 124 could be part of the head module 130, or both the head and the handle modules could include a threaded coupling portion 124 , and the threaded coupling member 136 could be a separate component. Alternatively, the grna bolts 139 and the grna receptacles 125 can be removed. Any other type of suitable coupling assembly could be used.

As further shown in Figure 4, the head module 130 also includes a needle assembly 160 and a nozzle 170 coupled to the spray outlet 142. The needle assembly 160 includes a needle 162, a deflection spring 164 and a base member 166. The needle 162 has a first end 163 detachably coupled to the trigger 119, and a second end 165 operatively engaged to the nozzle 170. A deflection spring 164 is placed around the nozzle 162, and deflects the needle 162 away from the base member 166 towards the nozzle 170. An air valve 144 is coupled to the second housing 132 and is positioned around the spray outlet 142.

During operation, the sprayer assembly 100 is coupled to the source of pressurized gas 102 and the source of liquid material 104. The deflection spring 164 deflects the needle 162 to engage the nozzle 170, thereby closing the outlet of spraying 142 and preventing any liquid material from emanating from the head module 130. When the operator wishes to apply the liquid material, pull the trigger 119 in a first direction S, towards the first housing 112 of the handle module 110, pushing the needle 162 away from the nozzle 170 and opening the spray outlet 142. Pressurized gas from the source 102 flows through the flow passage 120 and out of the outlet 122 of the groove module 110, to the second inlet port 138 of the module head 130. The liquid material is directed from the supply of liquid material 104 to the first inlet port 134, and mixed with the pressurized gas in the mixing conduit 140. The mixture of liquid material and pressurized gas then flows through the spray outlet 142 and expands outwardly, through the nozzle 170 and the air valve 144 in a desirable spray pattern. When the operator releases the trigger 119, the deflection spring 164 forces the needle 162 to reengage with the nozzle 170, moving the trigger 119 in a second direction N, and closing the mixed flow of liquid material and gases emanating from sprayer outlet 142.

The spraying device 100 has an improved operating efficiency with respect to the spraying apparatus of the prior art. When the operator wishes to switch to a different operating set (needle, nozzle and air valve) such as, for example, when exchanging a base coat for a top coat layer while painting a car, the operator simply removes the entire module from head 130 of the empunadura module 110, as a single unit. This is achieved by uncoupling (for example, unscrewing) the first end 163 of the needle 162 of the trigger 119 and uncoupling the threaded coupling member 136 of the threaded gear portion 124 of the handle module 110. The operator can then couple a second module of head (not shown) that has a different needle, nozzle and air valve assembly, suitable for the application of the top coating. Thus, by having a set of head modules suitable for the application of a variety of liquid materials, the operator can quickly and efficiently change the spray characteristics of the spraying device 100, to adapt to the viscosity of any liquid material that is had What to apply This process takes considerably less time and effort than changing the operational configuration of the spraying equipment of the prior art, thereby increasing operational efficiency and decreasing the cost of performing the work.

Also, because the needle assembly 160 remains inside the head module 130 as a unit, there is less chance of the needle 162 being damaged during changes of the head module 130. Because the needle assembly 160 remains inside of the head module 130 as a unit, it is not necessary to disassemble and manipulate the needle and other components of the operating assembly. In this way, the risk of coffee or other mishandling of the needle 162 is reduced or eliminated, thereby improving the operating capacity of the spray assembly.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the grip module 110 also includes a first valve assembly 126 coupled to the first control button 116, a second valve assembly 117 coupled to the second control button 117 and a third valve assembly 128 coupled to the third control button 118. Each of the first, second and third valve assemblies 126-128 includes an adjustment screw 150 fixed to the respective first or third control button 116-118, and a central body 152 coupled to the screw of adjustment 150. The valve assemblies 126-128 also include a sleeve 154 disposed around a portion of the adjustment screw 150 which is fixed relative to the first housing 112, and a toric joint 156 placed between the adjustment screw 150 and the sleeve 154 ..

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It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, valve assemblies 126-128 can be replaced with any suitable conventional valve assembly. As an alternative, valve assemblies 126-128 can simply be removed.

During operation, the first valve assembly 126 controls the flow of pressurized gas from a first portion 120a of the flow passage 120 to a second portion 120b of the flow passage 120. As the first control button 116 is rotated in a first direction 157 (or clockwise), the corresponding adjusting screw 150 of the first valve assembly 126 moves inward, causing the central body 152 to move inward, against a base 153 formed in the wall of the flow passage 120, thereby reducing the flow of pressurized gas from the first portion 120a to the second portion 120b of the flow passage 120. As the first control button 116 is rotated in a second direction 158 (or counterclockwise direction ), the corresponding adjusting screw 150 and the central body 152 of the first valve assembly 126 are removed away from the base 153, thus allowing more pressurized gas to flow from the first portion 120a to the second portion 120b. Similarly, the second valve assembly 127 is operated to control the flow of pressurized gas from the second portion 120b of the flow passage 120 to the third portion 120c using the second control button 117, and the third valve assembly 128 It is operated to control the flow of the third portion 120c out of the outlet 122, using the third control button 118.

The valve assemblies advantageously allow the pressurized gas flow to be controlled through the various portions of the flow passage 120. The control buttons, however, do not move in and out with respect to the first housing 112. Because each adjusting screw 150 moves its associated central body 152 in or out as its respective control button is rotated, the control button remains in a position near the first housing 112 and does not enter or leaves with the central body 152. This helps prevent damage to the control button and valve assemblies.

The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all the embodiments contemplated by the inventors that are within the scope of the claims. In fact, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the embodiments described above may be varied by combination or elimination to create additional embodiments, and such additional embodiments are within the scope of the claims of the claims. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described above may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the claims.

Thus, although the specific embodiments of the examples for the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, as recognized by those skilled in the relevant subject. The teachings provided herein may be applied to other modular spray gun apparatus and methods, and not only to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined from the following claims.

Claims (13)

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Apparatus for modular spraying (100), comprising: a handle module (110) that includes a first housing (112) having an inlet (114) adapted to be coupled to a source of pressurized gas (102), a flow passage (120) extending between an inlet ( 114) and an outlet (122) and a first coupling member (124) near the outlet (122); Y a head module (130) that includes a second housing (132) having a second coupling member (136) detachably coupled to the first coupling member (124) of the first housing (112), the second housing (132 ) It includes a first input port (134) adapted to be coupled to a source of liquid material (104), a second input port (138) in fluid communication with the output (122) of the empunadura module (110), a mixing duct (140) in fluid communication with the first and second inlet ports (134, 138) and having a spray outlet (142), the head module (130) which also includes an air valve (144) coupled to the second housing (132) and placed around the spray outlet (142), a nozzle (170) in fluid communication with the spray outlet (142), and a needle assembly (160) operatively to the second housing (132) and operatively associated with the nozzle (170) to control a flow of liquid material and pressurized gas emanating from the head module (130), the handle module (110) also includes a trigger (119) movably coupled to the first housing (112), the needle assembly (160) being detachably coupled to the trigger (119), characterized in that the first coupling member (124) of the handle module (110) and the second coupling member (136) of the head module (130) are operative to decouple each other without disassembling the head module (130), remaining the needle assembly (160) with the head module (130) as a unit. 2. Apparatus (100) according to claim 1 wherein the mixing conduit (140) communicates fluidly with the source of liquid material (104) through the first inlet port (134). 3. Apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a supply vessel coupled to the first inlet port (134). 4. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the first coupling member (124) is positioned around the outlet (122) of the handle module (110) and the first input port (134) of the head module (130) is placed inside the second coupling member (136). 5. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the needle assembly (160) is projected from the head module (130). 6. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in the handle module (110) also includes at least one valve assembly (126) which is configured to control a flow of pressurized gas between a first and second portions (120a, 120b) of the flow passage (120) and which includes a control button (116) protruding from the first housing (112). 7. Set for applying a liquid material, comprising: a source of liquid material (104); a source (102) of pressurized gas; Y 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 a spraying apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, spraying apparatus (100) which is coupled to the source of liquid material (104) and to the source (102) of pressurized gas. 8. Method for applying a liquid material to a surface, comprising: providing a handle module (110) that includes a first housing (112) having an inlet (114) adapted to be coupled to a source (102) of pressurized gas, a flow passage (120) extending between the inlet (114) and an outlet (122), the handle module (110) also includes a trigger (119) movably next to the first housing (112); providing a head module (130) that includes a second housing (132) detachably coupled to the first housing (112), the second housing (132) that includes a first input port (134) adapted to be coupled to a source of liquid material (104), a second input port (138) adapted to communicate fluidly with the outlet (122) of the flush module (110), and a mixing conduit (140) in fluid communication with the first and second inlet ports (134, 138) and having a spray outlet (142), The head module (130) also includes an air valve (144) coupled to the second housing (132) and arranged around the spray outlet (142), a nozzle (170) in fluid communication with the spray outlet ( 142), and a needle assembly (160) operatively coupled to the second housing (132) and operatively associated with the nozzle (170) to control a flow of liquid material and pressurized gas emanating from the head module (130) , whereby the head module (130) can be decoupled from the handle module (110) without disassembling the head module (130); couple the head module (130) to the handle module (110); detachably connect the needle assembly (160) to the trigger trigger (119); coupling a source (102) of pressurized gas to the inlet (114) of the empunadura module (110); coupling a source of liquid material (104) to the first input port (134) of the head module (130); flowing liquid material from the source of liquid material (104) through the first inlet port (134) and into the mixing conduit (140); pressurized gas to flow from the source (102) of pressurized gas through the empunadura module (110) and into the mixing duct (140); Y flow a mixture of liquid material and pressurized gas from the head module (130). 9. Method according to claim 8, further comprising coupling the mixing chamber to the source of liquid material (104) through the first inlet port (134). 10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the coupling of a source of liquid material (104) to the first input port (134) of the head module (130) comprises coupling a supply container to the first input port ( 134) of the head module (130). 11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the coupling of a source of liquid material (104) to the first input port (134) of the head module (130) comprises coupling a gravity supply container to the first input port ( 134) of the head module (130). 12. Method according to any of claims 8 to 11 wherein the flow of liquid material from the source of liquid material (104) through the first inlet port (134) and into the mixing conduit (140 ) comprises flowing a liquid coating material through the first inlet port (134) and into the mixing conduit (140). 13. Method according to any of claims 8 to 11 wherein the flow of liquid material from the source of liquid material (104) through the first inlet port (134) and into the mixing conduit (140) it comprises flowing a liquid cleaning material through the first inlet port (134) and into the mixing conduit (140).