JP2003513769A - How to apply viscous fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] A surface application device for a viscous liquid includes a wand having a handle, an elongated tubular barrel, an angled adapter, and a spray tip. One of the barrel and the adapter is directly connected to the handle, and the barrel and the adapter The other is directly connected to the tip. The handle, barrel, and adapter are arranged such that when the handle is held in an ergonomic position by the operator, the axis of the adhesive spray is diverged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the surface. Have been. The elongated tubular barrel has a length of about 1.5 to about 4 feet.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to methods of applying viscous liquids such as adhesives or sealants to floors and walls.

Description of the Prior Art When installing carpets, it is common practice to use adhesives to bond the carpet to the floor or wall surface. Hand troweling is an excellent way to apply adhesive to such surfaces. However, troweling is labor intensive, slow, ergonomically unfavorable, and viewed for these reasons as economically disadvantageous.

A system for spraying liquid adhesives onto floor and wall surfaces, known as the Roberts Momobond spray adhesive system, is included in the prior art. Figure 1 Robert
FIG. 1 is a highly stylized schematic diagram of the spray bonding system of s Momobond. Such a system comprises a high pressure pump P, which pumps the adhesive V from a reservoir R through a flexible hose F, a spray wand device shown as letter W.
Typically, the adhesive is a solvent based adhesive. The pressure of the adhesive is controlled by a pump pressure regulator, indicated by the letter G. The spray wand W has a trigger handle H connected to the spray tip T via an extension barrel B. A system such as that shown in FIG. 1 would be associated with some disadvantages.

Adhesives applied by known spray systems have a tendency to splash, which makes precise application difficult. By "jumping" is meant the undesired application of liquid to any nearby surfaces, including adjacent wall or floor surfaces, clothing, operator's feet, etc., other than the intended surface. Bounce is due to the rebound of larger size droplets when hitting the surface, which is a disadvantage, especially in the floor area near the wall surface or adjacent to the current velvet area.

Known systems also generate large amounts of fog. Fog causes overspray, which is the deposition of a fringe-like liquid on the area immediately surrounding the desired application area. Inhalation of mist is harmful to the operator and requires the use of respirator equipment.
Fog often causes adhesive deposits on walls, furniture and clothing, thus requiring a protective cover. Solvent based adhesives, the most commonly used adhesives, give off volatile organic compounds. As a result, it is often necessary to empty the building area during adhesive application. Cleaning solvent-based adhesives is difficult and requires a large amount of solvent to be pumped through the spray system to flush the adhesive from the device.

Moreover, known spray systems appear to have ergonomic problems.
The system is typically configured for the operator to bend the wrist of the arm and grab the handle at an uncomfortable angle to provide a vertical spray to the floor (to minimize bounce). In addition, the operator must bend over to bring the tip within a reasonably close distance from the surface. Known systems also often spray the tip of the operator's foot during use.

In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a system and method for the application of viscous liquids such as adhesives and sealants that overcome the above disadvantages.

[0008] One form of the SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a method, other forms is directed to apparatus, both of the surface of the viscous liquid shear thinning, such as an adhesive or sealant an aqueous spray This is for coating.

According to the method form of the present invention, at a shear rate of 10 per second, a low shear rate viscosity in the range of about 0.1 Pascal seconds to about 10 Pascal seconds and about 0.2 to 0.6. With the exponential law index of shear thinning viscosity in the range of and a shear rate of 20000 per second,
Viscous liquids with high shear rate viscosities in the range of approximately 0.05 pascal seconds to approximately 0.5 pascal seconds and surface tensions in the range of approximately 15 dyn / cm. To approximately 60 dyn / cm. In the range of 500 pounds / inch ² to approximately 1400 pounds / inch ² , and more preferably in the range of approximately 800 pounds / inch ² to approximately 1400 pounds / inch ² .
Pressurized. After that, the liquid is approximately 100 pounds / inch ² to approximately 1000 pounds / inc.
Sprayed at a dynamic pressure in the range up to h ² , more preferably in the range of about 400 lbs / inch ² to about 1000 lbs / inch ² , so that the viscous liquid is emitted as a spray through the tip of the applicator wand. , So that substantially no fog is generated during the emission of the liquid from the tip. The spray tip has a diameter in the range of approximately 0.025 inches to approximately 0.065 inches. As the operator traverses the floor surface, a liquid coating is applied thereto.

A spray applicator device according to a device form of the present invention includes a handle, an elongated tubular barrel, an angled adapter, and an acute angled spray tip. One of the barrel or adjustable adapter is directly connected to the handle and the other of the barrel or adjustable adapter is directly connected to the tip. When the handle is held in an ergonomic position by the operator, the tip of the adhesive spray radiates onto the surface at an angle of approximately 90 degrees,
The handle, barrel and adapter are arranged so that splashing does not substantially occur upon contact of liquid with the surface. The device further includes a pump for pressurizing the viscous liquid to the static pressure and the dynamic pressure.

[0011] a detailed illustration 2 generally is highly stylized illustrates a spray system shown by the reference character 10 schematic diagram illustrating the present invention, the spray system 10 for spray coating of the viscous liquid to the floor and wall Based on the inventive apparatus form being beneficial, it includes an apparatus 18 according to the inventive method form.

The system 10 has a pump 12 whose inlet end 12I has a viscous liquid 15
Is plunged into the liquid reservoir 14 containing. The pump 12 has a switching valve 12V. By adjusting the switching valve 12V, the viscous liquid is recirculated to the reservoir 14 via the bleed line 12B or is output from the pump P via the pump outlet port 12P. The outlet port 12P of the pump 12 is connected via a hose 16 to a spray device, a wand indicated by the reference character 18. The pressure gauge 12G is installed on the line of the output port 12P and indicates the pressure at this position. The pressure gauge 12G helps to set the static pressure accurately and controls not only the amount of liquid applied but also the spray mist generation. According to a preferred practice of the invention, the pump inlet 1 is provided in the pump 12 to prevent shear agglomeration.
A filter is included in addition to the coarse 12 mesh filter at 2I. Also, the system eliminates the large exit filter that contains any other "dead space." Eliminating dead space facilitates flushing and cleaning and prevents clogging of the system.

The spray wand 18 includes a trigger handle 2 connected to a long tubular barrel 22.
0, it has an angled adapter 24 connected to the spray tip 26. Figure 2
The barrel 22 is shown directly connected to the handle 20 and the adapter 24
Is connected to the tip 26. However, the order of these parts is such that the adapter 24 is connected to the handle 20 and the barrel 22 is connected to the tip 26.
It should be understood that they may be interchanged. Both configurations are recognized as providing the advantages described herein.

The viscous liquid reservoir 14 is preferably implemented using a commonly sold container for the viscous liquid. The system 10 may use any viscous liquid 15 having a relatively high viscosity (viscosity), and in a preferred implementation of the system 10, the floor and walls are sprayable with a highly viscous aqueous solution prior to carpet installation. Apply adhesive or sealant. "High viscosity" means a low shear rate viscosity of about 0.1 Pascal seconds to about 10 Pascal seconds at a shear rate of 10 per second, and a viscosity of about 0.2 to about 0.6. Has exponential law index of shear thinning, 20000 per second
With a shear rate of about 0.05 Pascal seconds to about 0.5 Pascal seconds and a high shear rate viscosity, and a surface tension of about 15 dyn / cm. To about 60 dyn / cm. I am saying. The index of the power law is the shear stress versus shear rate slope in a log-log plot. That is, the shear stress is n
It is proportional to the multiplied (shear rate). n is an exponential law exponent. A suitable adhesive is a product AAT from advanced Air Tech Adhesives Inc of Dalton, Georgia.
Available as 677. It may seem convenient to apply a high viscosity sealant using the present spray system 10.

In the preferred case, the tubular barrel 22 has a length of 1.5 to 4 feet, and more preferably 2.5 to 3.5 feet. Tubular barrel 22
Part No. 224-41 by Graco Inc of Minneapolis, Minn.
It is preferred to use a 3 foot long extension tool manufactured as 5. The angle adapter 24 is preferably Part No. 224- by Graco Inc.
It is implemented using a 45 degree fixed angle adapter manufactured as 399.

To practice the method aspects of the present invention, the tip 26 may be implemented using any spray tip having an orifice size in the range of approximately 0.025 inches to approximately 0.065 inches. Good. Part number 221-635 available from Graco Inc
It is preferred to use a splay tip with a 0.035 inch orifice known as the "Reverse-A-Clean Tip".

In the embodiment of the device form of the invention shown in FIG. 2, the tip 26 is implemented by using a sharp edged splay tip. For "sharp edges", a type that allows adjustment of the laying arrangement of liquid adhesive or sealant so that a coating with sharp, sharp edges is formed at the applied coating boundaries. Means the tip of. Suitable sharp-edged spray tips are available from Graco Inc as part numbers LLT327, LLT625.
, LLT355.

The pump 12 is conveniently mounted on a wheeled carrier 28. According to the method aspect of the present invention, the pump 12 may include approximately 500 pounds / inch ² to approximately 1400.
In pre-set static pressure ranging pounds / inch ^2, more preferably, at pre-set static pressure in the range from approximately 800 lbs / inch ² to approximately 1400 lbs / inch ^2, and about 100 lbs / preset dynamic pressures ranging from inch ² to about 1000 pounds / inch ² , more preferably about 400 pounds / inch ² to about 1000 pounds / inc.
Pressurized with highly viscous liquids (as described above) with preset dynamic pressures in the range up to h ² .

A pump suitable for use with the present system 10 must be able to hold a substantially constant hydraulic pressure over the entire dynamic pressure range. For better coating uniformity, high pressure values within a defined range (which do not conflict with minimization of fog) should be used. As a pump 12 with such control, it is preferable to use a pump manufactured by Graco Inc, part number 231-358 and sold as "Ultra-Plus 600" model. This pump model has a 0.25 inch hose (Gr
aco Inc part number 231-358) and a handle useful as handle 20. A 3/16 inch, 3 foot whip hose is attached between the hose and the handle to provide flexibility.

According to the method aspect of the present invention, a common problem of atomization of liquid, such as that generated from the spray tip 26, is to use a highly viscous liquid pressurized to static and dynamic pressures in the ranges described above. That is essentially excluded. Furthermore, in a special embodiment of the device according to the invention,
Using a sharp-edged spray tip makes it possible to achieve a uniform viscous liquid coating with sharp edges.

The spray gun handle 20, tubular barrel 22, and adapter 24 allow the centerline A of the liquid spray L to be flush with the floor surface when the handle 20 of the wand 18 is comfortably grasped by an operator standing upright. They are arranged with respect to each other so as to emanate from the tips 26 at approximately 90 degrees. If spray centerline A
However, if a spray other than approximately 90 degrees to the surface is attempted, splashing will occur.

The handle 20, barrel 22, and angled adapter 24 are sized to characterize the ergonomic spray wand 18, thereby making them typically required in conventional spray systems. The spray tip 26 can be positioned within the optimum distance preset by the operator from the surface F without the need for any bowing. In the ergonomic spray system 10 of the present invention, the tip 26 is preferably a preset distance D from the floor surface when the handle 20 is grasped by an operator standing substantially upright as shown in FIG. It is in. The distance D is within 2 feet, more preferably about 1 foot from the floor surface. By keeping the tip 26 at such a preset optimum distance, the operator can more easily control the angle at which the centerline A is directed at the floor surface. Also, holding the tip 26 within these distances from the floor surface minimizes the possibility of any splashes or fog. Holding the wand 18 with one hand on the handle 20 and the other on the barrel 22 allows the operator to swing and spray the spray wand (by turning the wrist), as shown. Prevents the centerline from moving from its vertical position. Instead, using a more convenient side-to-side swing motion (by rotating the torso at the waist) allows for sweep coverage with the centerline held in the desired vertical position. .

How to implement the system of the present invention for applying the viscous liquid 15 to the floor surface in anticipation of carpet installation will be understood from the following discussion. Prior to implementation, as described above, the optimal equipment elements are selected that are consistent with ergonomic considerations, size, and productivity parameters of the particular coating at hand. High viscosity liquid reservoir 1
The 4 is placed in the carrier 28 (as described above) and safely held within the immediate vicinity of the area to be coated (within the length of the hose).

When the switching valve 12V is in the active position, the pump pressure is adjusted from its minimum set pressure to a desired static pressure within a preset static pressure range. No liquid flow occurs while the trigger on the handle is not asserted. Therefore, the pressure value indicated on the gauge 12G is a static pressure value. After that, the trigger of the handle 20 is asserted, and the viscous liquid having the dynamic pressure within the preset dynamic pressure range is pump 1
It is pumped by 2 and reaches the wand 18 through the hose 16. The liquid is emitted as a spray through the tip 26 of the wand 18. The actual pressure values for static and dynamic pressures are set high enough so that the liquid flow is stable, while low enough that virtually no fog is produced (and consequently no overspray). The pressure applied is determined empirically.

The operator applies the liquid 15 to the floor surface while the spray gun handle 20 is held in the ergonomic position. The ergonomic position is defined as the position where physical pressure (stress) and fatigue on the operator are minimized, allowing the operator to work comfortably over a relatively long period of time. For example, while the spray gun handle 20 is held, the operator's wrist should be held relatively straight, while the shoulders should be relaxed and the elbow should be kept in its natural position. The operator should stand upright so that any pressure on the waist is minimized.

As described above, the wand has the tip 26 within 2 feet from the floor surface, more preferably about 1 foot, and the center line A of the spray of the viscous liquid emitted from the spray tip 26 is the floor surface. When held at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to, substantially no bounce occurs. As the operator traverses the floor surface, the liquid coating is applied in a generally rectangular pattern S to the area to be coated. The dimensions of the pattern S depend on the distance D and the spray tip used. When it is desired to apply the coating to the portion of the wall surface adjacent the floor, the operator's posture and the orientation of the wand 18 are adjusted appropriately.

The sharp edges of the liquid applied by use of the system of the present invention reduce the amount of overlap required between successive liquid passages at the spray tip. The uniform coating of liquid provided by the use of the present invention reduces the need for manual refilling of non-spray areas. These advantages appear to provide increased productivity compared to current systems.

The greasy problems of walls and furniture are avoided since fog and splashes are substantially eliminated. When the system of the present invention is used, the need to cover the wall and floor surfaces near the area to be coated to prevent splashing and fog is eliminated. Eliminating this step provides increased productivity compared to current systems.

The use of the preferred aqueous adhesive as a viscous liquid avoids the problems associated with excluded solvent-based systems such as volatile organics. As discussed here,
Implementation of the method of the present invention reduces fog and overspray resulting in walls, furniture,
Adhesive coating on clothing is avoided. Second, water-based adhesives allow easier cleaning of spray devices when they are finished using. In solvent-based systems, expensive, noxious solvents are pumped through the instrument after use to remove the adhesive. In an aqueous system according to the present invention, after use, the device is flushed through the system with flushing water to remove residual viscous liquid. This is followed by flushing with inorganic diluent to prevent rusting of pump and spray system components.

Given the ergonomic advantages offered by the particular embodiments of the device described herein, its use is preferred. However, the method aspects of the invention may be practiced with any spray device, including spray devices configured as shown in the prior art.

One of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the teachings of the invention as set forth herein may make many modifications thereto. Such modifications are intended to be within the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

The present invention will be fully understood from the detailed description set forth below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Figure 1]   1 is a highly stylized schematic view of a prior art spray device.

2 is generally similar to FIG. 1 and can be used to implement the method aspects of the invention,
FIG. 3 is a highly stylized schematic diagram showing a spray device according to a device aspect of the present invention.

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] January 26, 2001 (2001.1.26)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Title of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

Method of applying viscous fluid

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

[Claims]

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0002

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

Description of the Prior Art When installing carpets, it is common practice to use adhesives to bond the carpet to the floor or wall surface. Hand troweling is an excellent way to apply adhesive to such surfaces. However, troweling is labor intensive, slow, ergonomically unfavorable, and viewed for these reasons as economically disadvantageous. U.S. Pat. No. 4,323,196 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,309 are directed respectively to spray devices for applying paint and adhesive to surfaces.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), AU, BR, C A, JP (72) Inventor Ramachandran Seshadri             United States 30101 Georgia             Acworth Benbrook Court 1209 F-term (reference) 4D075 AA02 AA32 BB93X BB99X                       CA47 DA06 DC02 EA06 EA31                       EA35 EA39                 4F033 RA01 RA20

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A low-viscosity viscosity in the range of approximately 0.1 Pascal seconds to approximately 10 Pascal seconds at a shear rate of 10 per second, and shear in the range of approximately 0.2 to 0.6. Exponential law index of viscosity reduction and almost zero at a shear rate of 20,000 per second
． High shear rate viscosity in the range from 05 Pascal seconds to about 0.5 Pascal seconds,
The viscous liquid having a surface tension of about 60 dyn / cm. In the range of approximately 15dyn / cm., The steps of the static pressure pressurizes the range from approximately 500 lbs / inch ² to approximately 1400 lbs / inch ^2, (b ) Viscous liquid from about 100 lb / inch ² to radiate it as a spray through the spray tip of an applicator wand tip having an orifice size in the range of about 0.025 inch to about 0.065 inch. Spraying at a dynamic pressure in the range of up to approximately 1000 lbs / inch ² to produce substantially no fog during the emission of the liquid from the tip, and (c) applying a coating of liquid, Moving the wand with respect to the surface; and applying a shear thinning viscous liquid to the surface. 2. The applicator wand comprises a handle, an elongated tubular barrel, an angled adapter, and a spray tip, one of the barrel or angled adapter being directly connected to the handle. The other of the barrel or angled adapter is directly connected to the tip, and the handle, barrel, and adapter have a spray centerline of approximately 90 degrees when the handle is held in an ergonomic position by an operator. Arranged at an angle on the surface so as to be emitted from the tip, so that splashing does not substantially occur when the liquid comes into contact with the surface. The method described. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid is an aqueous adhesive. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid is a sealant. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the spray tip is held within 2 feet of the surface. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the spray tip is held approximately 1 foot from the surface. 7. Having a static pressure in the range of approximately 800 pounds / inch ² to approximately 1400 pounds / inch ² and a dynamic pressure in the range of approximately 400 pounds / inch ² to approximately 1000 pounds / inch ^2. The method of claim 1 characterized. 8. A handle, an elongated tubular barrel, an angled adapter, and an acute angle spray tip, one of said barrel or angled adapter being directly connected to said handle, said barrel or angled The other of the adapters comprises an applicator wand that is directly connected to the tip and, when the handle is held in an ergonomic position by the operator, the center of the adhesive spray from the tip to the surface. A spray applicator device for applying a shear thinning viscous liquid to a surface, comprising: the handle, barrel and adapter arranged to be emitted at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. . 9. The spray applicator system of claim 8, wherein the elongate tubular barrel has a length between approximately 1.5 feet and approximately 4 feet.