DE102008040082A1 - Paint application device and method for cleaning a paint application device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a paint applicator (10) for applying paint (38) to an object, comprising a hose (12), a peristaltic pump (28, 60) into which a portion of the hose (12) is insertable, and an inking unit (24) for applying the paint (38) to an object, wherein the paint application device (10) comprises a pig (23), and wherein the hose (12) is divided into at least two detachably interconnected hose sections (14, 16) and / or the peristaltic pump (60) has an actuating device (72) with the aid of which the peristaltic pump (60) is not squeezed out of a delivery position, in which the hose region arranged in the latter is at least partially squeezed, into a cleaning position in which the hose region arranged in this becomes, is convertible and vice versa.

Description

The The present invention relates to a paint application device for application of paint on an object, such as a wall or the like, and a method of cleaning such an inking device.

State of the art

Inking devices The aforementioned type are already known in various embodiments. They usually include a tube, a peristaltic pump to promote of paint through the hose and a paint application unit for application the color on an object. The hose serves as a connecting line between a color-containing paint container and the paint application unit. The peristaltic pump is a positive displacement pump, in which a section of the tube usually U-shaped guided is included. The hose supports outside on the inner housing the pump is turned off and inside the pump by turning on a rotor Crimping clamped off. Move with rotation of squeezing elements one or more pinch points along the tube and drive the color led in the hose. To this Way the can in the paint container be conveyed through the hose to the paint application unit. The paint application unit can be, for example, a commercially available paint roller or the like.

to Commissioning a paint application device with the previously described Construction, the free end of the tube is held in a paint container. Thereafter, the peristaltic pump is turned on so that the in the paint container included color required by the hose to the paint application unit becomes. Now the color can be raised with the help of the paint application unit an object can be applied.

to Cleaning the hose of the paint applicator becomes the hose end from the paint container taken, whereupon it is connected to a faucet. Further, the paint application unit is removed from the other end of the hose. Now, water can be passed through the hose to the in to rinse out the remaining color of the hose, the mixture consisting from water and residual paint is usually disposed of in a drain. This flushing lasts until no more traces of color are visible.

One Disadvantage of this cleaning method is, on the one hand, that the remaining paint in the hose during the flushing process Completely is discarded, which wastes a lot of color, especially with longer hoses becomes. Furthermore, the water consumption when cleaning the hose considerably. Finally is also the one to carry out the hose cleaning required time very high.

outgoing From this prior art it is an object of the present invention Invention, an applicator for applying paint to an object to provide, at least the disadvantages described above partially fixed.

to solution In accordance with this object, the present invention provides an inking device for applying paint to an object comprising a hose, a peristaltic pump into which an area of the tube can be inserted is, and a paint application unit for applying the color to a Object.

According to the invention the paint application device on a pig, so a fitting body, the under Application of an external pressure can be passed through the hose to clean it. The pig advantageously comprises at least one sealing section, in a state in which the pig is inserted into the hose is, sealingly against the inner tube wall to the pressure needed to build the pig through the hose to press. Furthermore, the pig preferably comprises a brush-like section for Cleaning the inner hose wall.

One Such pig could in the known paint application devices so far not be used, since this arranged in the peristaltic pump Hose area that is squeezed by the squeezing, could not happen.

to solution This problem is the hose of the paint application device according to the invention according to a first variant in two detachable with each other subdivided connected hose sections. Thus, at least the one Tube section that is not routed through the peristaltic pump, be cleaned with the help of the pig.

In other words, the second tube section can be detached from the first tube section in order to clean it with the aid of the pig. For this purpose, for example, the free end, which was previously connected to the first tube section, connected to a faucet, which serves as a pressure source to drive the pig through the second tube can. Then, the paint application unit is removed from the other free end of the second tube, so that it can be held over a paint container. When turning on the faucet now the water pressure drives the pig through the second Hose section, so that the residual paint left in this is emptied into the paint container. In this way, a waste of color can be effectively counteracted. Also, the amount of water that is required to move the pig once from one end of the hose to the other, is very low, which is why the cleaning device of the second hose is environmentally friendly overall. By contrast, the first tube section is cleaned in the usual way by holding a free end of the first tube section in a water reservoir, whereupon the peristaltic pump is switched on to pass the water present in the water reservoir through the first tube for cleaning purposes.

alternative or additionally to the first variant described above, the invention provides a second variant, in which the peristaltic pump is an actuating device having the aid of the peristaltic pump from a delivery position, in which the arranged in this hose region at least partially is squeezed, in a cleaning position, in which in this arranged hose section is not crushed, is convertible and vice versa. Accordingly, the peristaltic pump can be used for cleaning the hose are transferred to their cleaning position by means of the fastening device, so that the pig the hose area recorded in the peristaltic pump without more can happen. In other words, the newt will carry out a Cleaning process used in a free end of the hose, whereupon this free end is connected to a pressure source, such as a faucet or the like. The other free End of the hose, however, is held over a paint container. If the pressure source is now connected, the pig moves from one free end of the hose to the other, taking the in the tube contained residual color in the direction of the paint container pushes the hose. A significant advantage over The first variant is thus to the effect that the entire tube of the Paint application device can be cleaned in one go.

Prefers is the hose or at least one hose section at least a free end with a connecting device for connecting a further fluid-carrying Component provided, for example, to connect a faucet, a another hose or hose section or the like. Corresponding can be made in a simple way fluid connections.

Further is at least one free end of a hose or hose section, which is advantageous to that end of the hose, the in the paint container hanged is preferably provided with a locking device, the prevents the pig used for cleaning in the hose emerges from this end of the hose. Accordingly, a leakage the pig moving the pressure medium can be prevented, so that For example, no water can get into the paint container.

The Connecting device and the locking device are according to a preferred embodiment of the invention designed as a common unit. You can Naturally also be provided separately and / or interchangeable.

Further are the connecting device and / or the locking device preferably solvable attached to the hose, so in case of replacement the hose can continue to be used.

The actuator according to the second Variant of the paint application device according to the invention is advantageously designed such that with their help at least one of the components of the peristaltic pump, the inside of the Peristaltic pump arranged squeeze hose area in the conveying position, and the tube section arranged in the peristaltic pump are movable to and away from each other. Through this relative movement between the squeezing component and the hose, the peristaltic pump from the funding position be transferred to the cleaning position and vice versa.

squeezing can in the form of rolling elements or may be provided. The squeezing elements are preferred however, formed in one piece, for example in the form of a plate-like, Quetschvorsprünge having deep-drawn part. In this way, the number of components be reduced, whereby the assembly cost is reduced.

The actuator advantageously has an actuating element to manually operate the same on, such as an operating lever or the like, in a simple manner handled by a user of the paint application device can be.

• a) Einsetzen eines Molches in einen zu reinigenden Schlauch;
• b) Anschließen eines Endes des zu reinigenden Schlauches an eine Druckquelle, insbesondere an einen Wasserhahn; und
• c) Bewegen des Molches durch den zu reinigenden Schlauch unter der Wirkung des von der Druckquelle erzeugten Druckes.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning a paint application device of the type described above, comprising the steps:

• a) inserting a pig into a hose to be cleaned;
• b) connecting one end of the hose to be cleaned to a pressure source, in particular to a faucet; and
• c) moving the pig through the hose to be cleaned under the effect of the pressure generated by the pressure source.

According to one Variant of the method according to the invention become interconnected hose sections of the hose detached from each other, before the pig under a hose section to be cleaned the action of the pressure generated by the pressure source is moved. Such a separation of tube sections is in particular then required if the peristaltic pump designed is that a pig not arranged in the peristaltic pump hose area can happen.

According to one Another variant of the method according to the invention is the peristaltic pump of Paint application device from a conveying position, in the squeezing act on the arranged in this hose area, transferred to a cleaning position, in the squeezing is canceled by the squeezing before the pig through the hose to be cleaned under the action of the pressure source generated pressure is moved. This way you can the pig the arranged in the peristaltic pump hose area easily happen. The transfer of the Peristaltic pump from the delivery position in the cleaning position is preferably done manually by a User or is initiated by a user. For this purpose, the Peristaltic pump have appropriate tools, such as a motor that realizes the relative movement, a switch and / or a remote control for operating the motor through the Users, etc.

following The present invention is based on preferred embodiments described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In it is:

1 a schematic view of a first embodiment of a paint application device according to the present invention;

2 a schematic view showing the cleaning of in 1 illustrated paint application device is explained;

3 a schematic sectional view of a hose region in which a pig is arranged;

4 a schematic exploded view, with reference to which the construction of a peristaltic pump of a paint application device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is explained; and

5 a schematic view of in 4 shown peristaltic pump in the assembled state, which shows a delivery position and a cleaning position of the peristaltic pump.

The same Reference numerals refer to the same or similar below Components.

1 FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an inking apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral in the figure 10 is designated. The paint application device 10 includes a hose 12 in two tube sections 14 and 16 is divided. The hose sections 14 and 16 are by means of a connection device 18 releasably connected to each other, wherein the connecting means 18 through at the respective free ends of the tube sections 14 and 16 fastened fasteners 20 is formed. At the other free end of the hose section 16 is a locking device 22 provided during a cleaning process of the hose section 16 the escape of a pig 23 prevents what is explained in more detail below. Furthermore, the paint application device comprises 10 a paint application unit 24 detachable with the free end of the hose section 16 connected and designed as a paint roller. An area of the hose section 14 is through a peristaltic pump 26 led, which is also a component of the paint application device 10 forms. The peristaltic pump 26 includes squeezing elements 28 in the form of rotatable rollers, in turn, at one about an axis of rotation 30 rotatable rotor 32 are held. As soon as the rotor 32 around the axis of rotation 30 is rotated, the squeezing roll 28 one after the other in the peristaltic pump 26 arranged hose area, so that in a paint container 36 included color 38 into which the free end of the hose section 14 is dipped, from the paint container 36 in the direction of the arrows 40 through the tube sections 14 and 16 to the paint application unit 24 is encouraged. Accordingly, with the help of the paint application unit 24 continuously apply paint to an object, such as a wall to be painted or the like.

2 is a schematic view by which the cleaning of the hose section 16 of the hose 12 the in 1 illustrated paint application device 10 is described. To carry out the cleaning process of the hose section 16 First, the fasteners 20 separated from each other, which the hose sections 14 and 16 connect with each other. Subsequently, a pig 23 who is closer in 3 is shown, starting from the side of the connecting element 20 in the hose section 16 used, whereupon the connecting element 20 to a tap 42 connected as it is in 2 is shown. Then the ink application unit 24 from the other free end of the hose section 16 removed, whereupon this free end in the paint container 36 is held. Now the newt will be 23 after turning on the tap 42 due to the water pressure acting on them in the direction of the arrows 44 through the hose section 16 moved, the pig 23 in the hose section 16 The rest of the color is floating in front of it, so that it is in the paint container 36 is emptied. The locking device 22 having an opening smaller than the diameter of the pig 23 is, prevents the newt 23 the hose section 16 leaves as soon as the newt 23 at the free end of the hose section 16 has arrived.

3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an exemplary embodiment of a pig 23 pointing in the hose section 16 is used. The newt 23 includes a sealing portion 46 , which seals against the inner tube wall 48 the hose section 16 is applied. On this sealing section 46 works with the help of the faucet 42 generated water pressure in the direction of the arrows 50 so that the newt 23 through the hose section 16 is pressed. The sealing section prevents this 46 that the water can pass the pig. Beside the sealing section 46 includes the newt 23 further, a brush-like portion 52 , which is for cleaning the hose wall 48 serves.

After that in the hose section 16 Containing residual color with the help of the pig 23 in the paint container 36 has been emptied, the locking device can 22 together with the newt 23 from the free end of the hose section 16 be removed. Subsequently, the hose section 16 rinse with water again, if necessary, with the free end of the tube section 16 then in the sink 54 is held so that the water can drain.

The hose section 14 can be cleaned, for example, by the free end, which previously, as it is in 1 is shown in the paint container 36 was held, is placed in a corre sponding water reservoir. Then the peristaltic pump can 26 be turned on, so that the water contained in the water reservoir through the hose section 14 is passed to the in the hose section 14 rinse out remaining paint. The other free end of the hose section 40 can then turn in the sink 54 be held so that the water can run off together with the flushed paint.

The in 1 illustrated construction of the paint application device 10 According to the present invention, it is advantageous in that at least that residual color, which in the normally very long hose section 16 contained, can be recovered. Furthermore, much less water is required than conventional paint applicators to the hose section 16 to clean. In addition, the division of the hose allows 12 into the tube sections 14 and 16 a problem-free replacement of the through the peristaltic pump 26 guided hose section 14 due to the squeezing elements 28 is exposed to large loads and thus a correspondingly large wear.

The 4 and 5 Figure 9 are schematic views showing essential components of an alternative peristaltic pump 60 that instead of in 1 shown peristaltic pump 26 can be used. It is 4 an exploded view, the essential components of the peristaltic pump 60 shows, and 5 is a top view of the in 4 illustrated components, wherein the left side in 5 a funding position and the right side in 5 shows a cleaning position.

The peristaltic pump 60 includes a first disc 62 and a second disc arranged substantially parallel thereto 64 between which is the hose 12 U-shaped extends. The first disc 62 is designed as a deep-drawn part and includes raised areas 66 starting from a pivot point 68 to get the first disc 62 can be driven by means of a motor, not shown, extend radially outward and in the direction of the second disc 64 protrude. These sublime areas 66 serve as squeezing when turning the first disc 62 around the fulcrum 68 on the hose 12 act to get one in the hose 12 existing liquid in the direction of the arrows 70 to promote. The second disc 64 is essentially parallel to the first disc 62 arranged and rotationally fixed in the housing of the peristaltic pump, not shown 60 held. On the outside of the second disc 64 is an actuator 72 arranged in the form of a lever, by a user of the paint application device 10 can be operated. With the help of this actuator 72 can the second disc 64 in the direction of the arrow 74 between two predefined positions are reciprocated and locked, namely between a conveying position, in which the between the discs 62 and 64 arranged area of the hose 12 through the sublime areas 66 the first disc 62 is squeezed, and a cleaning position, in which the between the discs 62 and 64 arranged area of the hose 12 not through the sublime areas 66 the first disc 62 is squeezed, what is below with reference to 5 will be described in more detail.

5 shows a plan view of in 4 illustrated arrangement, wherein the left side in 5 (to the left of the midline 76 ) the promotion position and the right side in 5 (to the right of the midline 76 ) shows the cleaning position. In the conveying position is the actuating device 72 arranged such that it is the second disc 64 towards the first disc 62 pushes, causing the between the discs 62 and 64 arranged area of the hose 12 through one or more of the raised areas 66 the first disc 62 is squeezed. In this position, one in the hose 12 existing liquid according to in the direction of 4 illustrated arrows 70 promoted as soon as the first disc 62 turning around the fulcrum 68 with the help of the unspecified motor of the peristaltic pump 60 is driven.

Will the actuator 72 starting from the left part of the 5 illustrated promotion position of a user around the pivot point 78 in the direction of the arrow 80 turned, so the second disc moves 64 in the direction of the arrow 74 from the first disc 62 away, reducing the bruising between the discs 62 and 64 arranged area of the tube 12 through the sublime areas 66 the first disc 62 will be annulled. This condition is in the right part of the 5 shown and is referred to as cleaning position.

In this cleaning position can now a pig 23 through the in the peristaltic pump 60 arranged area of the hose 12 be guided, so unlike the in 1 shown peristaltic pump 26 a cleaning of this hose area with the help of a pig 23 is possible. The Aretierungseinrichtung 22 , as described above, falling out of the pig 23 from the hose 12 Prevented here is designed as a crimp terminal, which compresses the hose end. Such a crimping clamp is particularly advantageous in that it is inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily assembled and disassembled.

The peristaltic pump 60 , whose basic structure in the 4 and 5 is shown opposite the in 1 shown peristaltic pump 26 the advantage that the entire hose 12 in a single pass with the help of a pig 23 can be cleaned. Furthermore, the entire color after use of the paint application device according to the invention 10 in the hose 12 remains to be recovered. Furthermore, it is not essential to the hose 12 in tube sections 14 and 16 to divide - so it can be a one-piece hose 12 be used. Shows the experience that passes through the peristaltic pump 60 guided area of the hose 12 Significantly greater wear than other hose sections of the hose 12 is subject to, so of course, a subdivision of the hose 12 in tube sections 14 and 16 Be useful to exchange the worn tube section as cost-effective.

It it should be clear that the embodiments described above the paint application device according to the invention merely serve as an example and are in no way limiting. Rather, modifications and changes are possible without the scope of protection to leave, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims (14)

Paint application device ( 10 ) for applying paint ( 38 ) to an object comprising a hose ( 12 ), a peristaltic pump ( 28 . 60 ) into which an area of the hose ( 12 ), and a paint application unit ( 24 ) for applying the paint ( 38 ) to an object, characterized in that the paint application device ( 10 ) a newt ( 23 ), wherein the hose ( 12 ) in at least two detachably interconnected hose sections ( 14 . 16 ), and / or the peristaltic pump ( 60 ) an actuating device ( 72 ), by means of which the peristaltic pump ( 60 ) From a conveying position in which the arranged in this hose region is at least partially squeezed, in a cleaning position, in which the arranged in this hose region is not crushed, can be transferred and vice versa. Paint application device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pig ( 23 ) at least one sealing section ( 46 ) in a state in which the pig ( 23 ) in the hose ( 12 ), sealingly against the inner tube wall. Paint application device ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pig ( 23 ) a brush-like section ( 52 ) for cleaning the inner tube wall. Paint application device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hose ( 12 ) or at least one tube section ( 14 . 16 ) at a free end with a connection device ( 18 ) is provided for connecting a further fluid-carrying component. Paint application device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one free end of the hose ( 12 ) or at least one tube section ( 14 . 16 ) with a locking device ( 22 ), which prevents one in the hose ( 12 ) inserted pig ( 23 ) out of the hose ( 12 ) exit. Paint application device ( 10 ) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the connecting device ( 18 ) and the locking device ( 22 ) are formed as a common entity. Paint application device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the connecting device ( 18 ) and / or the locking device ( 22 ) detachable on the hose ( 12 ) is attached. Paint application device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device ( 72 ) is designed such that with its help at least one of the components ( 62 . 64 ) of the peristaltic pump ( 60 ) within the peristaltic pump ( 60 ) hose section in the conveying position, and in the peristaltic pump ( 60 ) arranged hose portion towards and away from each other are movable. Paint application device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that integrally formed squeezing elements are provided. Paint application device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device ( 72 ) has an actuator for manually actuating the same. Method for cleaning a paint application device, in particular a paint application device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: a) inserting a pig ( 23 ) in a hose to be cleaned ( 12 ); b) connecting one end of the hose to be cleaned ( 12 ) to a pressure source, in particular to a faucet ( 42 ); and c) moving the pig ( 23 ) through the hose to be cleaned ( 12 ) and the effect of the pressure generated by the pressure source. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that prior to the implementation of step c) detachably interconnected hose sections ( 14 . 16 ) are separated from each other. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that before the implementation of step c) a peristaltic pump ( 60 ) of the paint application device ( 10 ), which promote color ( 38 ) through the hose ( 12 ) is provided, from a conveying position, act in the squeezing on the arranged in this hose area, is transferred to a cleaning position in which the pinch is canceled by the squeezing. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the transfer of the peristaltic pump ( 60 ) is carried out or initiated manually by an operator from the conveying position into the cleaning position.