EP2726212B2 - Easy-to-clean spray gun, attachments for the same, and mounting and demounting methods - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a spray gun that is easy to clean.

Known spray guns essentially consist of a base body with handle and head and compressed air channels located therein, a set of nozzles, a compressed air connection, a trigger guard, an air control system with an air valve, an air nozzle and a mechanism for adjusting the quantity and pressure of the air flowing through the compressed air channels as well a material control system with paint needle and a mechanism for adjusting the amount of material. The spray gun head has a material-carrying area through which the material to be sprayed flows from a spray agent inlet to a spray agent outlet, which is generally designed as a material nozzle. A material supply is provided at the spray agent inlet, which can be present, for example, in the form of a reservoir or a supply line from an external material store. Typical storage containers are, for example, flow cups, suction cups or side cups. The pressure difference can be generated, for example, by a material conveying device or by air flowing past an opening in the material supply. All free-flowing materials can be used as sprays, for example paints, varnishes, adhesives or others.

The compressed air required for spraying is supplied to the air connection, which is located on or in the pistol grip. The air valve is opened by actuating the trigger guard up to a first pressure point. When the trigger guard is pulled further, the paint needle is also pulled out of the spray nozzle. The spray then flows out of the material nozzle as a result of gravity or a pressure difference and is atomized by the compressed air flowing out of the air nozzle.

Such spray guns have proven themselves in practice over many decades. The disadvantage, however, is that they require careful cleaning of the material-carrying areas after each use or before each material change, since otherwise the areas can become clogged and the spray agent can be contaminated. According to the prior art, this problem is solved in that the material guide is used as a cartridge, ie as an exchangeable insert or exchangeable spray agent guide device, which is preferably designed as a disposable item. Such an advantageous spray gun with a holding area and with a head which is equipped with a cartridge, the cartridge having an inlet area for a material-carrying channel which ends in an outlet area and the inlet area of the cartridge being connected to a reservoir for the material to be sprayed or is connectable and the cartridge preferably leads at least one material-carrying component of the spray gun is, for example, from the EN3016419C2 known. This spray gun has a two-part head with a rear area in the spraying direction and a front area in the spraying direction. The rear end of the front area of the two-part head is equipped with a plug-in seat for a cartridge, which has a tubular, material-carrying channel extending in the direction of the spray jet, inside which a nozzle or paint needle is arranged. The nozzle needle can be moved back and forth in the direction of the spray jet by means of a lever and spring mechanism, so that the material to be sprayed can pass through a nozzle arranged in the outlet area for processing. The cartridge is held in the head by means of plug-in pin connections. After use, the pin connections can be released, the two head areas can be folded away from each other, the cartridge including the paint needle can be removed from the head and then thrown away. A new cartridge can then be attached to or in the spray gun. Cleaning the material-carrying areas of the spray gun is therefore not necessary. However, the pin connections are relatively complicated, difficult to make and loosen, and also do not always ensure trouble-free operation.

Another spray gun with a replaceable cartridge is in the DE 10 2004 027 789 A1 described. The subject of this publication is a two-part spray gun, each of the two parts having a recess for accommodating an exchangeable coating medium guide device. The exchangeable paint guide device is inserted into the receptacle of the first part of the gun. The second pistol part is then placed on the first part and fixed with a screw. The start-up of the spray gun is very tedious and time-consuming due to this large number of preparatory steps. Furthermore, the two-part nature of the gun requires an immense additional outlay during manufacture, since the two gun parts are not identical and two production lines are therefore required. This increases the manufacturing costs of the spray gun. Sealing the gun cavities from the outside air is also difficult.

Another embodiment of a spray gun with replaceable cartridge is in WO 2009/015260 A2 disclosed. Here, too, the pistol essentially consists of two parts, a front and a rear part, which are connected to one another via a hinge. To insert the cartridge, the front part is folded down, exposing the cartridge holder. After inserting the cartridge, the front part is folded back up and connected to the rear part with a snap lock. Although this enables the cartridge to be inserted into the pistol more quickly than in the prior art described above, very high demands are made on the quality of the hinge, in particular on its accuracy and strength place. This means that the production costs are very high compared to a conventional spray gun and significant additional costs are incurred during production.

The EP 1 964 616 A2 , the U.S. 2009/266915 A1 , the WO2009015260 and the FR 398 333 A also disclose spraying devices with interchangeable paint guiding devices, which, however, are constructed in a relatively complicated manner.

An object of the present invention is therefore to create a spray gun of the type mentioned that is cheaper to produce, that works reliably at all times and on or in which a cartridge or other type of replaceable insert is less complicated but can be securely attached and removed again her or can be solved from her.

The first object is achieved by means of a spray gun according to claim 1, which, among other things, has a one-piece base body, a trigger guard, a paint needle actuating element coupled to the trigger guard, a paint needle coupled to the paint needle actuating element and a replaceable spray agent guide device whose inlet area is connected to a material feed device for the material to be sprayed or can be connected, wherein the base body has a spray agent inlet area and a recess for receiving the replaceable spray agent guide device, the recess being arranged on the upper side of the base body in the area of the spray agent inlet of the base body, the base body being designed in such a way that the replaceable spray agent guide device via the spray agent inlet area of the base body can be arranged in the spray gun, and wherein no parts of the base body have to be moved to insert or remove the replaceable spray agent guide device, and wherein the paint needle actuating element is arranged coaxially with the paint needle. The spray gun with a one-piece base body is distinguished in comparison with the spray guns known according to the prior art in that the base body of the gun consists of a single part. In order to insert or remove the exchangeable spray medium guide, no parts of the base body have to be moved, for example folded over, unscrewed or screwed on, clipped on, or glued on. Attachments remain unaffected by this one-piece design, i.e. the spray gun can have several attachments such as trigger guard, round/wide jet regulation, locking screw, air micrometer, material quantity regulation or other.

Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The one-piece body spray gun can be configured for use with any liquid or aerosol, such as for applying paint, varnish, or glue to objects.

The spray gun according to the invention with a one-piece base body has a recess which is designed in such a way that it can accommodate an exchangeable spray agent guide device. During operation, the replaceable spray agent guide device is supplied with a spray agent via an inlet area. The spray agent flows through the replaceable spray agent guide device to a paint outlet, where it exits the spray gun after the nozzle, atomized under the action of compressed air, or is atomized near the spray gun. The atomization can also be carried out by at least one electric field, by ultrasound, by high rotation or by another method or by a combination of several different methods. The inlet area of the replaceable spray agent guide device can be connected or can be connected to a material feed device. This can be, for example, at least one gravity cup, suction cup or side cup, or a supply line that is or can be connected to an external material store such as a paint, varnish or adhesive container. A combination of these material feed devices is also conceivable. The material feed device can also be connected not only to the inlet area of the replaceable spray agent guide device, but also to an inlet area of the base body, which can be formed by the recess. The spray agent can then flow via this inlet area of the base body into the inlet area of the replaceable spray agent guide device.

The replaceable spray agent guide device can be designed as a disposable part that is disposed of after use. To use the spray gun again, a new, replaceable spray agent guide device is inserted into the recess in the spray gun. However, it is also conceivable to remove the replaceable spray agent guide device from the gun after use for cleaning purposes and then to reinsert it.

The recess is arranged on the top of the base body. A recess located on the top of the base body is to be provided in particular if the spray gun is to be used with a flow cup. An external material feed device in the sense of a so-called boiler gun can be attached to any type of recess.

The recess preferably extends from a spraying agent inlet to a spraying agent outlet of the base body. This makes it possible to convey the spray from a material feed device to the nozzle of the spray gun.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the recess has at least one concave area. This makes it suitable for accommodating a cylindrical, conical or tapering replaceable spray agent guide device.

The at least one concave area is preferably on its side facing the spray agent outlet, on its side facing away from the spray agent outlet, open downwards or upwards. Several open sides or sloping openings are also conceivable.

Preferably, the at least one concave area at least partially has an opening angle of less than 180° and particularly preferably an opening angle of between 100° and 179°. As a result, the replaceable spray agent guide device is introduced into the recess with little elastic deformation, where it is held in a form-fitting manner without external force being applied. It can be removed from the recess again with little elastic deformation by the application of external force by a user.

The recess can be designed in such a way that the spray device cannot be inserted into the base body or attached to it or removed from it by a purely linear movement, but the introduction and removal movement must include at least one rotational component such as a pivoting movement. This has the advantage that the replaceable spray agent guide device is held in a form-fitting manner by the base body without additional fixing means.

The recess is preferably designed in such a way that the replaceable spray agent guide device can be pivoted or pushed into the recess or can be arranged in or on the recess by means of several superimposed or sequential movements.

The insertion of a replaceable spray agent guide device into a recess located on the upper side of the base body can, for example, proceed as follows: The replaceable spray agent guide device is approached to the recess with the spray agent outlet of the replaceable spray agent guide device in front, essentially coaxially with the recess axis (spray agent inlet axis) or parallel to it . If the spray agent outlet of the replaceable spray agent guide device is approximately at the same height as the spray agent outlet of the base body, a pivoting movement takes place in order to align the spray agent outlet of the replaceable spray agent guide device coaxially with the spray agent outlet of the base body. The replaceable spray agent guide device can then be moved or pushed in coaxially in the direction of the spray agent outlet of the base body. To remove the replaceable spray guide, perform the steps in reverse order and in the opposite direction.

In a further embodiment of the spray gun according to the invention with a one-piece base body, in which the recess is located essentially on the side of the base body and extends to its top and/or its bottom, the replaceable spray agent guide device is inserted as described below: The replaceable spray agent guide device is fitted with its Spray outlet ahead pivoted in the direction of the spray outlet of the base body. The spray agent inlet of the replaceable spray agent guide device can be inclined with respect to its intended use orientation. The insertion process can then include moving or pushing in the replaceable spray agent guide device in the direction of the spray agent outlet of the base body, for example until the replaceable spray agent guide device is at least partially in contact with a contact area of the base body or an attachment. The insertion process can also include folding the replaceable spray agent guide device, in particular its spray agent inlet, into the position appropriate for use. When using a flow cup, this is essentially directed upwards or diagonally upwards and in another direction. When using a suction cup or an external material supply device, the spray medium inlet of the replaceable spray medium guide device is directed essentially downwards or diagonally downwards and in another direction. When using a side cup, the exchangeable spray agent guide device can be swiveled in from above or below and then folded over to the side. In any case, it is also possible for the recess to be designed in such a way that the replaceable spray agent guide device can be swiveled in from another side or from any desired side and then folded into the position appropriate for use.

The material feed device can either be attached to the replaceable spray agent guide device before the insertion of the replaceable spray agent guide device into the recess of the base body or afterwards. In the first case, the assembly consisting of the material feed device and the replaceable spray agent guide device is arranged together in or on the recess.

The introduction of the paint needle can also be done before inserting the exchangeable spray medium guide or afterwards. It is conceivable that the paint needle is introduced into the replaceable spray agent guide device before it is arranged in or on the recess. The paint needle is then detachably or non-detachably connected to the paint needle actuating element via a coupling element. The paint needle actuator can either reside permanently in the spray gun or can be inserted before or after the paint needle is installed. It is just as conceivable that the paint needle is introduced into the replaceable spray agent guide device only after it has been arranged. This can be done together with the paint needle actuating element if the paint needle and paint needle actuating element are assembled before they are inserted. Alternatively, the paint needle can first be inserted into the replaceable spray medium guide before the paint needle actuating element is connected to the paint needle.

The paint needle can be arranged in the replaceable spray agent guide device, for example by friction, such that it presses against the outlet opening of the replaceable spray agent guide device and thus closes it even after the replaceable spray agent guide device has been removed from the recess. As a result, the replaceable spray agent guide device can serve as a cup closure. Further closure means can thus be omitted.

The process of inserting and removing the replaceable spray agent guide device can in any case also include an actuation of the trigger guard in order, for example, to move the paint needle actuating element out of the path of the replaceable spray agent guide device.

The replaceable spray agent guide device is preferably held in the recess by means of a form fit, tapering or bracing. As a result, an initial fixation is possible without further means.

At least one contact area in or on the recess preferably ensures that the replaceable spray agent guide device is fixed radially and/or axially in the recess. The contact area can have, for example, a shoulder, a ring, a cone, a web, a hook and/or an eyelet, which can be arranged on the replaceable spray agent guide device and/or on the base body. Furthermore, a contact element can be arranged on the replaceable spray agent guide device and a counter-element can be arranged on the base body. The contact area can also be formed in one piece with the base body and can include a sealing element or itself act as a seal and as a guide.

The base body preferably has one or more compressed air ducts, which preferably run in at least one part of the base body that has no recess. This allows compressed air to be routed from a compressed air port to an air nozzle, regardless of the size, shape, or location of the cutout.

In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the replaceable spray agent guide device can be locked on or in the base body via at least one fixing means. In addition to an initial fixation, this ensures that the replaceable spray agent guide device is held securely. The fixing means can have, for example, a mechanical, magnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic element. It can include a positive or non-positive connection, a film hinge, a snap-in mechanism, an eccentric element or a screw mechanism.

Furthermore, the replaceable spray agent guide device can be fixed in or on the base body by means of the material feed device. This can be done, for example, by bracing, i.e. the diameter of the spray agent inlet of the exchangeable spray agent guide device increases when the material feed device is attached, for example when screwing in or on or inserting or attaching a cup, as a result of which the outer wall of the spray agent inlet of the exchangeable spray agent guide device presses against an area of the spray agent inlet of the body is pressed.

Furthermore, the fixing can take place in or on the base body by means of a cover which is arranged or can be arranged on the base body. An air distributor ring or a set of nozzles, which can be screwed to the base body or arranged in some other way, for example by means of an air nozzle ring, can be mentioned as an example for this purpose. This or these components can also be designed as a disposable part for single use and can be made of metal and/or plastic.

Magnetic elements can be, for example, magnets or magnetic adhesive tapes, which are arranged or can be arranged on the replaceable spray agent guide device and/or on the base body. In addition, it is conceivable that the replaceable spray agent guide device and/or the base body itself are magnetic or can be magnetized or at least have corresponding areas.

At least one pneumatic and/or hydraulic element, for example a cylinder, a pneumatic muscle or an air cushion or oil cushion, can be or can be arranged on the replaceable spray agent guide device and/or on the base body and, when activated, can lock the replaceable spray agent guide device on the base body.

The at least one pneumatic element can be connected or can be connected to a separate compressed air supply. This can be a compressor, for example, which is connected to the pneumatic element via an air-guiding device. In addition, in the area of the compressed air supply line or distribution or on a compressed air generator such as a compressor, a branching off of the supply line can be provided, with one supply line supplying the compressed air channels and another supply line supplying the pneumatic element with air. The individual supplies can have common or separate means for adjusting the amount of air and/or the air pressure.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one pneumatic element can be connected to the same compressed air supply as the compressed air channels in the base body. This means that compressed air flows from a compressed air connection of the spray gun both into the compressed air channels in the base body and into the pneumatic element. The advantage of this embodiment is that the pneumatic element can be activated with only one compressed air connection, which locks the replaceable spray agent guide device. The pneumatic element can already be designed to be activated by connecting an air supply to the compressed air connection of the spray gun. Furthermore, can activated by operating the trigger guard or by means of a separate activation mechanism.

The replaceable spray agent guide device and the at least one fixing means can either be formed in one piece or the replaceable spray agent guide device can be detachably or non-detachably connected or connectable to the at least one fixation means. For example, the fixing means can be manufactured together with the replaceable spray agent guide device, it can be injection molded, glued, welded, soldered, clipped on, plugged in or plugged on, melted on or connected or connectable in some other way.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least a part of the paint needle extends through the replaceable spray agent guide device. In order to prevent spray from escaping undesirably, at least one sealant can be arranged or can be arranged between the paint needle and the replaceable spray agent guide device. This at least one sealant can be connected to the replaceable spray agent guide device or to the paint needle or to both. In the latter case, the sealant must be large enough to allow movement between the replaceable spray agent guide device and the paint needle. The at least one sealing means can be, for example, an injection-molded sealing lip, a foil seal, a pierceable membrane, a corrugated membrane, a bellows membrane, a sealing ring or another sealing means.

The paint needle can be designed in one piece or in multiple pieces and can consist of a metal or a metal alloy and/or a plastic, a plastic mixture, a plastic alloy and/or a reinforced plastic or a plastic compound. The plastic can be reinforced, for example, with glass fibers or carbon fibers, with other fibers or with particles such as nanoparticles, in particular small carbon nanotubes. It is conceivable that different areas of the paint needle consist of different materials.

The paint needle actuating element can be detachably coupled to the paint needle or can be permanently connected to the paint needle. The coupling can take place, for example, via a tooth system, via a bolt coupling, via a ball coupling or via a prismatic coupling. Combinations of different couplings are also conceivable.

The paint needle actuating element and the paint needle can preferably be coupled, coupled, connected or connectable to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. Twisting the components could make it difficult to remove them or unintentionally loosen the coupling.

The replaceable spray agent guide device can be designed in one piece or in multiple pieces and can be made of different materials. For example, the replaceable spray agent guide device can be assembled or manufactured from different metals and/or plastics. Different areas of the one-part, as well as the multi-part exchangeable spray agent guide device can be colored differently. For example, the area through which the paint needle passes can be one color or transparent, while the spray inlet area is a different color. The colors can be applied or introduced during the manufacturing process or subsequently, or they can be created using in-mold labeling. In a preferred embodiment, different materials are colored differently, at least in part. For example, a plastic can be a different color than another plastic, a metal can be a different color than another metal, or a metal can be a different color than a plastic.

Advantages of the one-piece embodiment include simple and inexpensive manufacture and no assembly required.

The replaceable spray agent guide device can consist of at least two components that are connected or can be connected to one another in a detachable or non-detachable manner. A component can be a functional component that has another function instead of or in addition to the spray agent guide. Such a function can be, for example, the locking of the replaceable spray agent guide device in the base body or the attachment of a material feed device to the replaceable spray agent guide device. It is also conceivable that one component is designed as a disposable item and another component is intended for repeated use. One component may be made of a harder and/or stronger material than another component. In particular, the needle-guiding area can be harder or firmer than the spray agent inlet area, at least in part or in areas, or vice versa. As a result, tribological, manufacturing or tolerance requirements can be met better or more easily.

The replaceable spray agent guide device can have at least one nozzle that can be attached in a detachable or non-detachable manner. The nozzle is of outstanding importance for the quality of the spray gun and the spraying result achieved with it. That is why it has to meet the highest standards of manufacturing tolerance and dimensional stability. It can therefore be expedient to manufacture the nozzle separately and then to attach it to another, less critical part of the replaceable spray agent guide device. Furthermore, the use of different nozzle sizes is made possible by exchangeable nozzles. The nozzle preferably consists of a harder and/or stronger material than the first part of the replaceable spray agent guide device. This makes it more dimensionally stable and less sensitive to the effects of force. Here, too, one part can be disposable and another part can be used several times intended use. The one-piece, replaceable spray agent guide device can also be provided or be providable with a separate nozzle.

A part of the replaceable spray agent guide device can consist of an elastic material or a material that can be deformed in some other way in order to be able to insert it more easily into the base body. It is conceivable that at least part of the replaceable spray agent guide device is designed to be inflatable. Thus, for example, it can be arranged in or on the recess before it is connected to an air supply. This air supply can either be a separate air supply, but it is also conceivable that the inflatable, replaceable spray agent guide device is inflated by the air supply that also supplies the spray gun with air. A combination of the two supplies is also conceivable, for example a separate preliminary supply, which is maintained until the replaceable spray agent guide device can be inflated by means of the air flowing through the spray gun.

The replaceable spray agent guide device can consist of at least a first part, which can be introduced into the base body in the area of the spray agent outlet or can be arranged on it, and a second part, which can be introduced into the base body in the area of the spray agent inlet or can be arranged on it. Thus, for example, a part can be introduced into the base body from the front through the spray outlet and another part from above through a spray inlet. The two parts may meet and intersect in an area and be connectable to each other. This ensures that the assembled, replaceable spray agent guide device is held in a form-fitting manner in the base body.

In the case of a multi-part exchangeable spray agent guide device, at least one sealant can be arranged or can be arranged in the connection region of the parts in order to prevent the spray agent from escaping undesirably.

In a preferred embodiment of the spray gun with a one-piece base body, the replaceable spray agent guide device has at least one element for connection to a material feed device. As a result, the material feed device can be attached directly to the replaceable spray agent guide device. A connection to the base body can be omitted. The element can have at least one latching mechanism, at least one connecting rail, at least one thread or at least one thread segment. As an alternative or in addition to this, the replaceable spray agent guide device can be glued, soldered, welded, plugged on or plugged into the material feed device.

The replaceable spray agent guide device can be connected to the material feed device and locked to it. However, it can also be fixed to the base body and connected only indirectly to the material feed device.

At least one sealing means, for example a sealing ring, can be arranged between the replaceable spray agent guide device and the material feed device. However, the seal can also be provided by the material feed device and/or the exchangeable spray agent guide device, for example if at least one of the two devices is made of a softer material, or by the connection between the two devices, for example by the thread.

The replaceable spray agent guide device and the material feed device can be designed in one piece. This is particularly advantageous when both the replaceable spray agent guide device and the material feed device, for example a cup, are intended as disposable items for single use. If the replaceable spray agent guide device is designed in several parts, part of the replaceable spray agent guide device can be detachably or non-detachably connected or connectable to the material feed device. The other part of the replaceable spray agent guide device can in turn be connected or connectable to this connection.

The replaceable spray medium guide device can consist of a metal or a metal alloy and/or a plastic, a plastic mixture, a plastic alloy or a reinforced plastic or a plastic compound. Here, too, the plastic can be reinforced, for example, with glass fibers or carbon fibers, with other fibers or with spherical or differently shaped particles such as nanoparticles, in particular small carbon nanotubes. Other reinforcements or stabilizations are also possible.

The replaceable spray agent guide device preferably extends beyond the recess in the area of the spray agent outlet of the base body. As a result, contact of the spray agent with the recess can be avoided, which means that cleaning of the recess can be omitted.

As an alternative to this, the replaceable spray agent guide device can end in the area of the spray agent outlet of the base body in front of the recess or with it.

In the area of the spray agent inlet of the base body, too, the replaceable spray agent guide device can extend beyond the recess. This makes it easier to connect the replaceable spray agent guide device to a material feed device.

However, the replaceable spray agent guide device can also end in the area of the spray agent inlet of the base body in front of the recess or with it. Thus, only part of the recess has to be cleaned after contact with a spray.

The recess can be different for the recording large replaceable spray agent guide devices.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the spray gun with a one-piece base body, at least one sealant is arranged or can be arranged between the replaceable spray agent guide device and the base body. As a result, an undesired flow of material and/or air can be avoided and a firm seat of the replaceable spray agent guide device in the recess can be ensured. The at least one sealing means can be fixedly or detachably arranged on the replaceable spray agent guide device or on the base body. In both cases, the at least one sealant can be injected or glued on. Alternatively or additionally, at least one sealant can be loosely inserted into at least one area of the recess.

The paint needle of a particularly advantageous spray gun with a one-piece base body is equipped with at least one return or actuating spring, which preferably runs within the replaceable spray agent guide device. The spring can be supported on a stopper which can be provided on the paint needle and integrally formed on the paint needle.

The spring may be interposed between the stopper and a coupling member.

The stopper can be designed, for example, as a cone or as a disk and can be arranged inside or outside the replaceable spray agent guide device.

Arranging an exchangeable spray agent guide device in or on a spray gun with a one-piece base body can include at least one rotational movement. This can be, for example, a rotary movement, a tilting movement or a pivoting movement. Combinations of these movement types are also possible.

Arranging a replaceable spray agent guide device in or on a spray gun with a one-piece base body preferably comprises at least the following steps: The replaceable spray agent guide device is approached to the recess with the spray agent outlet of the replaceable spray agent guide device in front, essentially coaxially with the recess axis (spray agent inlet axis) or parallel to it. If the spray agent outlet of the replaceable spray agent guide device is approximately at the same height as the spray agent outlet of the base body, a pivoting movement takes place in order to align the spray agent outlet of the replaceable spray agent guide device coaxially with the spray agent outlet of the base body.

Pivoting of the replaceable spray agent guide device can also be provided with its spray agent outlet ahead in the direction of the spray agent outlet of the base body.

The spray agent inlet of the replaceable spray agent guide device can be inclined, at least temporarily, with respect to its orientation for use during the arrangement.

The replaceable spray agent guide device can be displaced or pushed in coaxially in the direction of the spray agent outlet of the base body.

The replaceable spray agent guide device, in particular its spray agent inlet, is particularly preferably folded into the position appropriate for use. The replaceable spray agent guide device can also be brought into a position suitable for use by means of another movement, for example by rotation.

The removal of the replaceable spray agent guide device from or from the spray gun with a one-piece base body can include at least one rotational movement. This can be, for example, a rotary movement, a tilting movement or a pivoting movement. Combinations of these movement types are also possible. Linear movement of the replaceable spray guide can often be unintentional, which can cause inadvertent detachment of the replaceable spray guide from or from the one-piece body spray gun. A required rotary component reduces the risk of the exchangeable spray medium guide device being removed unintentionally from or out of the spray gun with a one-piece base body.

The removal of a replaceable spray agent guide device from or from a spray gun with a one-piece base body preferably comprises at least the following steps: The replaceable spray agent guide device is pivoted until the spray agent outlet of the replaceable spray agent guide device is coaxial with the spray agent inlet axis of the recess or parallel to it. The replaceable spray agent guide device is then removed from or away from the recess essentially coaxially with the spray agent inlet axis of the recess or parallel to it.

The spray agent inlet of the replaceable spray agent guide device can be inclined at least at times with respect to its orientation for use during the removal of the replaceable spray agent guide device from or from the spray gun with a one-piece base body.

The replaceable spray agent guide device can be shifted or pushed away or pulled coaxially out of the direction of the spray agent outlet of the base body.

The replaceable spray agent guide device, in particular its spray agent inlet, is preferably folded over from the position appropriate for use.

Fig. 1

den Grundkörper eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Spritzpistole in Seitenansicht

Fig. 2

den Grundkörper des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Spritzpistole in Draufsicht

Fig. 3

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Spritzpistole einschließlich Anbauteile und Becher in Seitenansicht im Schnitt

Fig. 4

den Grundkörper eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Spritzpistole in Seitenansicht

Fig. 5

den Grundkörper des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Spritzpistole in Draufsicht

Fig. 6

das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Spritzpistole einschließlich Anbauteile und Becher in Seitenansicht im Schnitt

Fig. 7 bis 10

verschiedene auswechselbare Spritzmitteleiteinrichtungen zum Einsatz in unterschiedliche Ausführungsformen der Spritzpistole mit einteiligem Grundkörper mit verschiedenen Kopplungselementen zwischen der Farbnadel und dem Farbnadelbetätigungselement

Individual exemplary embodiments of the spray gun with a one-piece base body are explained in more detail below with reference to 10 drawings. It shows:

1

the main body of a first embodiment of a spray gun according to the invention in side view

2

the base of the first embodiment of a spray gun according to the invention in plan view

3

the first embodiment of a spray gun according to the invention including attachments and cup in side view in section

4

the main body of a second embodiment of a spray gun according to the invention in side view

figure 5

the main body of the second embodiment of a spray gun according to the invention in plan view

6

the second embodiment of a spray gun according to the invention including attachments and cup in side view in section

Figures 7 to 10

various interchangeable spray medium guide devices for use in different embodiments of the spray gun with a one-piece base body with different coupling elements between the paint needle and the paint needle actuating element

In the 1 and 2 a one-piece base body 1a of a spray gun according to the invention is shown, which has a handle area 2 and a head 3 . As usual, these two sections 2 and 3 run at an angle of about 104 degrees to one another. The body 1a has several openings for different, in the 1 and 2 attachments not shown, for example an opening 100 for a compressed air connection, an opening 200 for an air micrometer, an opening 300 for a material quantity regulation, openings 400, 401 for a trigger and opening 500 for a round/broad jet regulation. Furthermore, the base body 1a has a suspension hook 7, a spray agent inlet area 600, a spray agent outlet area 700 and a thread 10 for fastening an air nozzle ring.

in the in 1 and 2 In the embodiment shown, the recess 61a is located on the upper side of the base body 1a in the area of the spray agent inlet 600 of the base body 1a. Through this recess 61a, an exchangeable spray agent guide device can be inserted from the rear and above in a pivoting movement into the base body 1a of the spray gun. The recess 61a is limited at the rear by a concave wall part 6a of the spray agent inlet area 600, which runs in the area of the openings 400, 401 for a trigger guard 40, not shown here. On the other hand, the recess 61a is delimited at the front by a concave wall part 6b of the spray agent inlet area 600, which runs in the area of the start of the thread 10 for fastening an air nozzle ring. The recess 61a is delimited at the bottom by the base part 6c of the spray gun base body 1a. In addition, the recess 61a can be delimited laterally by wall parts of the spray gun base body 1a. As an alternative to this, a lateral limitation can be dispensed with, at least in part. in the in 1 In the embodiment shown, a U-shaped area is cut out of the spray inlet area in comparison with a conventional spray inlet area. The recess 61a is widened forwards in the direction of the spray medium outlet and/or backwards compared to a spray medium inlet area that is usually present, in order to enable the insertion and removal of the replaceable spray medium guide device. The base body 1a has a groove 6d in the area of the cutout 61a, which serves to fix the replaceable spray agent guide device.

3 shows the first embodiment of the spray gun according to the invention with a one-piece body including attachments in a side view in section.

The base body 1a has a compressed air connection 20 at its lower end. Through the handle area 2 and through the head 3, several air ducts (not shown in full) extend from the compressed air connection 20 and end at the spray agent outlet area 700 of the head 3 of the spray gun. The quantity and the pressure of the air flowing through these air channels can be regulated in the usual way by means of an air micrometer 21 . The spray outlet portion 700 of the head 3 is equipped with an air nozzle 11 having protruding horns with openings. The spray gun is also equipped with an air nozzle ring 12.

A replaceable spray agent guide device 27 is inserted into the recess 61a and extends beyond the recess 61a in the area of the spray agent inlet 600 and in the area of the spray agent outlet 700 of the base body 1a. The outlet area 27c of the replaceable spray agent guide device 27 extends essentially to the outer end of the outlet of the air nozzle 11. The replaceable spray agent guide device 27 is pressed against the front wall part 6b by a fixing means 29 and is thus locked. In the exemplary embodiment shown, essentially the entire upper front area of the recess serves as a contact area for the replaceable spray agent guide device 27. This ensures that the replaceable spray agent guide device 27 is seated securely in the base body 1a.

The paint needle 26 is arranged within the replaceable spray agent guide device 27 and is guided therein by webs 26a. When the trigger guard 40 is not actuated, the outlet area 27c of the replaceable spray medium guide device 27 is closed by the paint needle 26 .

In the present exemplary embodiment, the spray medium guide device 27 has a thread 27a, via which a material feed device 28, in 3 a flow cup 28, shown only partially, can be screwed on or off. After the flow cup 28 filled with spray agent has been screwed or screwed onto the replaceable spray agent guide device 27, the spray agent runs out of the flow cup 28 into the inlet area 27b of the replaceable spray agent guide device 27, where it remains as long as the outlet area 27c of the replaceable spray agent guide device 27, which in the present case is designed as a nozzle, is closed by the paint needle 26.

By actuating the trigger guard 40 up to a first pressure point, the air valve 4 is opened. The compressed air is then routed to the air nozzle 11 via the compressed air channels. When the trigger guard 40 is pulled further, the paint needle actuating element 23 is moved, which moves the paint needle 26 out of the outlet area 27c of the replaceable spray agent guide device 27 via a coupling element 5a. Only now can the spray agent leave the exchangeable spray agent guide device 27 and be atomized by the compressed air emerging from the air nozzle 11 .

A spring 24 with a stopper 25 is arranged in some areas around the paint needle actuating element 23 and presses the paint needle 26 into the outlet of the air nozzle 11 when the trigger guard 40 is not actuated in order to close the outlet.

The Figures 4 to 6 show a further embodiment of a spray gun according to the invention. The 4 and 5 each show only the base body 1b, in 6 shows the spray gun including attachments and cup.

The main body of the second embodiment with handle area 2 and head 3 is constructed similarly to that of the first. The base body 1b has openings for attachments not shown here, including an opening 100 for a compressed air connection 20, an opening 200 for an air micrometer 21, an opening 300 for a material quantity regulator 22, openings 400, 401 for a trigger 40 and an in 4 invisible opening 500 for a round / wide beam regulation. Furthermore, the base body 1b has a suspension hook 7, a spray agent inlet area 600, a spray agent outlet area 700 and a thread 10 for fastening an air nozzle ring.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the base body 1b has a recess 61b with an inlet area 600 and an outlet area 700, which is suitable for receiving an exchangeable spray agent guide device. In the in the Figures 4 to 6 In the embodiment shown, the recess 61b is arranged essentially laterally on the base body 1b and extends to the top of the base body 1b. Compared with a conventional spray gun, a side portion of the head 3 is partially removed. The recess is delimited by a side part 6e and a bottom part 6f. The partially opened concave side part 6e has in figure 5 shown embodiment has an opening angle of about 180 °. However, the opening angle is preferably smaller and is particularly preferably between 100° and 179°. As a result, the recess is suitable for accommodating a cylindrical, replaceable spray agent guide device. With an opening angle of less than 180°, the replaceable spray agent guide device can be arranged in a form-fitting manner in the recess.

6 shows the second embodiment of the spray gun according to the invention, including attachments, in a sectional side view.

Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the base body 1b of this embodiment has a compressed air connection 20 at its lower end. Here, too, several air channels (not shown in full) extend through the handle area 2 and the head 3 from the compressed air connection 20 and end at the spray agent outlet area 700 of the head 3 of the spray gun. Furthermore, this exemplary embodiment also has an air micrometer 21 , an air nozzle 11 with protruding horns with openings and an air nozzle ring 12 .

A replaceable spray agent guide device 27 is inserted into the recess 61b, which extends beyond the recess 61b in the area of the spray agent inlet 600 and in the area of the spray agent outlet 700 of the base body 1b. The outlet area 27c of the replaceable spray agent guide device 27 extends essentially to the outer end of the outlet of the air nozzle 11. The replaceable spray agent guide device 27 is held by a fixing means (not shown). This is preferably a film hinge, one end of which is firmly connected to the replaceable spray agent guide device 27, preferably injection molded, and the other end of which can be detachably connected to the base body 1b, preferably by a plug or clip connection. In the exemplary embodiment shown, essentially an entire lateral half of the recess serves as a contact area for the replaceable spray agent guide device 27. This ensures that the replaceable spray agent guide device 27 is seated securely in the base body 1b.

As in the first exemplary embodiment, the paint needle 26 is arranged within the replaceable spray medium guide device 27 and is guided therein by webs 26a. When the trigger guard 40 is not actuated, the outlet area 27c of the exchangeable spray medium guide device 27 is closed by the paint needle 26 .

In the present as well as in the first exemplary embodiment, the spray medium guide device 27 has a thread 27a, via which a material feed device 28, in 6 a flow cup 28, shown only partially, can be screwed on or off. After the flow cup 28 filled with spray agent has been screwed or screwed onto the replaceable spray agent guide device 27, the spray agent runs out of the flow cup 28 into the inlet area 27b of the replaceable spray agent guide device 27, where it remains as long as the outlet area 27c of the replaceable spray agent guide device 27, which in the present case is designed as a nozzle, is closed by the paint needle 26.

By actuating the trigger guard 40 up to a first pressure point, the air valve 4 is opened. The compressed air is then routed to the air nozzle 11 via the compressed air channels. When the trigger guard 40 is pulled further, the paint needle actuating element 23 is moved, which moves the paint needle 26 out of the outlet area 27c of the replaceable spray agent guide device 27 via a coupling element 5b. Only now can the spray agent leave the exchangeable spray agent guide device 27 and be atomized by the compressed air emerging from the air nozzle 11 .

A spring 24 with a stopper 25 is arranged in some areas around the paint needle actuating element 23 and presses the paint needle 26 into the outlet of the air nozzle 11 when the trigger guard 40 is not actuated in order to close the outlet.

on the in 6 Cups 28 shown in outline are arranged over predetermined breaking points closing elements 28a and 28b. If the cup is not completely emptied after use, such an element can be broken off the cup and applied to the outlet area of the cup to close it. This means that the spray agent in the cup can be preserved for later use.

The closing elements 28a and 28b can be omitted if the exchangeable spray agent guide device 27 can be closed by the paint needle 26, for example if the paint needle 26 is held by friction in the outlet area 27c of the exchangeable spray agent guide device 27.

7 shows a simple example of a replaceable spray agent guide device 27 without details regarding the fixing means and the coupling element. It essentially has two axes and consists of at least several assembled cylinders, cylinder parts and cones. A part of the replaceable spray agent guide device 27, which runs along an axis A, is penetrated by the paint needle 26. This part essentially consists of an elongate cylinder, another cylinder with a smaller diameter and length as a nozzle, which can also be in the form of a cone, and a cone arranged between the two cylinders through which the two cylinders merge. Along an axis B, which meets axis A at an angle which is preferably about 110°, are two other cylinders which have mutually similar diameters which are larger than the diameters of the cylinders on axis A. The larger of the two cylinders preferably points a thread through which a cup can be screwed. The thinner cylinder corresponds to a threadless connection of the cup and serves to further guide the same. Of course, all other types of connection can also be used. The cylinders of axes A and B are connected via at least one asymmetrical cone in such a way that a spray agent can flow from a cup via the cylinders of axis B into the cylinders of axis A with as little disruption as possible. For mechanical support of the transition area between the axes A and B, a support element 9 in the form of a triangular small plate is arranged at a small angle between the axes.

The paint needle 26 is preferably releasably connected to the paint needle actuating element 23 via a coupling element 5 . The paint needle actuator 23 has a stopper 25 on which a in the Figures 7 to 10 not shown spring 24 is applied.

Of course, the exchangeable spray medium guide device 27 can also consist of a larger or smaller number of cylinders and cones and of other shapes and combinations that can merge into one another both in stages and, for example, smoothly. The mechanical support can also have a different shape and be arranged on a different side.

Such a simple, exchangeable spray agent guide device 27 can be fixed in the base body, for example, by means of a film hinge. One end of which can be firmly connected to the replaceable spray agent guide device 27, preferably injection-moulded, and the other end can be releasably connected to the base body 1b, preferably by means of a plug-in or clip connection

Building on this basic form of a replaceable spray agent guide device, the Figures 8 to 10 further developments of the 7 shown version.

The in the Figures 8 to 10 illustrated embodiments have an attached nozzle 8, which can be attached to the replaceable spray agent guide device. The nozzle 8 can, for example, be placed on or inserted into the original nozzle, glued on or attached to it in some other way, but it can also be attached to an exchangeable spray agent guide device originally designed without a nozzle.

At the in 8 The arrangement shown is the coupling element between the paint needle 26 and the paint needle actuating element 23 in the form of a ball coupling 51 . One of the two parts to be coupled has a ball which can be inserted into a corresponding counter-element in such a way that the two elements are positively connected in at least one direction are. The counter-element is open in at least one other direction in order to enable the coupling to be released easily. The fixing element 291 of the replaceable spray agent guide device has a counter-element 291a for engaging in the in 1 shown groove 6d. When inserting the replaceable spray agent guide device 271 into the recess 61a of the base body 1a of a spray gun, this counter-element 291a snaps into the groove 6d and fixes the replaceable spray agent guide device 271 in a form-fitting manner in the base body 1a. For removal, flexible areas of the fixing element are pressed together, as a result of which the counter-elements 291a protrude inwards out of the groove 6d and release the exchangeable spray agent guide device 271. This can then be pulled out of the recess 61a. Of course, the counter-element 291a and the groove 6d can also have a different shape, for example as hooks and eyelets, and can be arranged at a different point in the recess 61a and the replaceable spray agent guide device 271. Also the one in the Figures 1 to 3 The base body 1b shown can have a groove for receiving the replaceable spray agent guide device 271.

The coupling element in 9 consists of a bolt coupling 52. Two bolts protrude laterally from an element to be coupled and can engage in a corresponding receptacle on the other element to be coupled. The fixing means 292 of the replaceable spray agent guide device 272 has a latching mechanism 292a. This is a resilient area, the outer edge of which is at the same height as the outer edge of the replaceable spray agent guide device 272 when force is applied. When the resilient area is not actuated, there is a step 292b. When inserting the replaceable spray agent guide device 272 into a recess, the resilient area is pressed inwards. The recess is designed in such a way that the resilient area springs back into its initial position after it has been fully inserted and a step of the base body rests against the step 292b and fixes the replaceable spray agent guide device 272. The springy area has two wings that can be pushed inward to remove the replaceable spray agent guide device 272 from the recess. Other latching and removal mechanisms are also conceivable.

Another option for coupling the paint needle 26 to the paint needle actuating element 23 is shown in 10 partially visible. Here the connection takes place via a prism coupling 53. The first half of the coupling element consists of a prism which can be inserted into a corresponding counter-element from above. The replaceable spray agent guide device 273 has a fixing means 293 with an eccentric element 293a. The eccentric element 293a can be connected via a here in 10 not visible lever can be turned. When inserting the replaceable spray agent guide device 273 into the recess, the lever is in the position that the narrow side of the eccentric element 293a points outwards. After insertion, the lever is turned so that the wide side of the eccentric element 293a faces outwards and the replaceable spray agent guide device 273 is clamped in the recess.

The fixing element can, of course, also be designed differently, for example with a slide which braces the replaceable spray agent guide device when it is pushed into slots on the fixing element. Combinations of different fixing elements are also conceivable.

Substantially the same components, in particular the paint needle actuator 23 and the stopper 25 are in the Figures 7 to 10 provided with the same reference numbers.

Finally, it should be pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described describe only a limited selection of possible implementations and therefore do not represent any limitation of the present invention.

Claims (16)

1. Spray gun having a single-part main body (1a, 1b), a trigger (40), a paint needle activation element (23) which is coupled to the trigger (40), a paint needle (26) which is coupled to the paint needle activation element (23), and a replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27) of which the inlet region (27b) is connected, or able to be connected, to a material supply device (28) for the material to be sprayed, wherein the main body (1 a, 1b) has a spraying agent inlet region (600) and a recess (61a, 61b) for receiving the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27), characterized in that the recess (61a, 61b) is disposed on the upper side of the main body (1a, 1b) in the region of the spraying agent inlet (600) of the main body (1a, 1b), in that the main body (1a, 1b) is designed in such a manner that the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27) in the spray gun is able to be disposed via the spraying agent inlet region (600) of the main body (1 a, 1b), in that no parts of the main body (1a, 1b) have to be moved for inserting or removing the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27), and in that the paint needle activation element (23) is disposed so as to be coaxial with the paint needle (26).
2. Spray gun according to Claim 1, characterized in that the recess (61a, 61b) extends from a spraying agent inlet (600) to a spraying agent outlet (700) of the main body (1a, 1b).
3. Spray gun according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (61a, 61b) has at least one concave region (6a, 6b).
4. Spray gun according to Claim 3, characterized in that the at least one concave region (6a, 6b) is open at least partially on that side thereof that faces away from the spraying agent outlet (700), at least partially on that side thereof that faces the spraying agent outlet (700), at least partially laterally, at least partially towards the bottom, or at least partially towards the top.
5. Spray gun according to Claim 4, characterized in that the at least one concave region (6a, 6b) at least partially has an opening angle of less than 180°, in particular between 100° and 179°.
6. Spray gun according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (61a, 61b) is configured in such a manner that the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27) is able to be pivoted or slotted into the recess (61a, 61b), or is able to be disposed in or on the recess (61a, 61 b) by a plurality of superimposed or sequential movements.
7. Spray gun according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (61 a, 61 b) is configured in such a manner that the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27) is able to be disposed in or on the recess (61a, 61b) by means of a form-fit, by means of a taper, and/or by means of bracing.
8. Spray gun according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27) is able to be fixed in a radial and/or axial manner by way of at least one bearing region in or on the recess (61a, 61 b) and/or by at least one element.
9. Spray gun according to Claim 8, characterized in that the at least one element has a shoulder, a ring, a cone, a web, a hook and/or an eyelet.
10. Spray gun according to one of Claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the at least one element is disposed on the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (227) and/or on the main body (1a, 1b).
11. Spray gun according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that at least one element is disposed on the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27) and one counter-element is disposed on the main body (1a, 1b).
12. Spray gun according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (1a, 1b) has one or a plurality of compressed-air ducts which run in at least one part of the main body (1 a, 1b) that does not have a recess (61a, 61 b).
13. Spray gun according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27) is able to be locked on or in the main body (1a, 1b) by way of at least one fixing means (29).
14. Spray gun according to Claim 13, characterized in that the at least one fixing means (29) has at least one mechanical element, a force-fitting or form-fitting connection, an integral hinge, a latching mechanism, an eccentric element, or a screw mechanism.
15. Spray gun according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27) in the region of the spraying agent outlet (700) of the main body (1a, 1b) and/or in the region of the spraying agent inlet (600) of the main body (1a, 1b) reaches beyond the recess (61a, 61 b).
16. Spray gun according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the replaceable spraying agent directing installation (27) in the region of the spraying agent outlet (700) of the main body (1a, 1b) and/or in the region of the spraying agent inlet (600) of the main body (1a, 1b) terminates ahead of the recess (61a, 61b) or conjointly with the latter.

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