JP2006518268A - Easy to clean spray gun - Google Patents

Abstract

A spray gun 101 has a spray head 150 connected to a body 102 of the spray gun 101 and a reservoir 156 connected to the spray head 150 for supplying liquid to a spray nozzle 153 of the spray head 150. The spray head 150 is arranged so that liquid from the reservoir 156 is delivered to the spray nozzle 153 without passing through the spray gun body 102 in response to actuation of the spray gun 101 via a trigger 105. The spray head 150 is releasably secured and can be detached from the spray gun body 102 and thrown away after use. The reservoir 156 is mounted on the spray head 150 and can be removed and thrown away with the spray head 150 after use.

Description

  The present invention relates to improvements in liquid spray devices such as spray guns, or improvements relating to such devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for supplying a liquid to be sprayed. The present invention has particular application to spray heads to reduce the amount of spray gun cleaning at the end of spraying and / or when replacing the spray gun to spray a different liquid.

  Spray guns are widely used in body repair shops when spraying vehicles repaired after an accident again. In known spray guns, liquid is contained in a container attached to the gun, from which liquid is supplied to a spray nozzle. When ejected from the spray nozzle, the liquid is atomized by the compressed air applied to the nozzle to form a spray. The liquid is gravity fed or sucked, or more recently pumped from the compressed air line to the spray gun by an air bleed line to the container.

  Conventionally, liquid is contained in a rigid tub removably attached to the spray gun and supplied to the spray nozzle under the control of a manually actuated trigger mechanism of the gun. At the end of spraying, the sputum is removed and the gun and scissors are cleaned for reuse.

  In this configuration, the gun and sputum are thoroughly cleaned with solvent to remove all traces of liquid and prevent cross-contamination with the next sprayed liquid. Special problems arise when cleaning the gun to ensure that no deposits that affect gun operation are formed in the gun. As a result, the spray nozzle needs to be disassembled to allow the gun spray nozzle and internal passages to be properly cleaned. This is time consuming and the use of solvents is undesirable in view of health and safety and causes problems with disposal of the solvent after use.

  The inventors of the present application recently developed a device that reduces the amount of cleaning required at the end of spraying by disposing the container after use. However, with this device, the spray gun, including the spray nozzle, must still be cleaned before removing the gun or spraying another liquid to remove all traces of liquid.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks of existing supply devices for spraying liquids.

  In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide an improved liquid supply for use with a spray gun, thereby cleaning the spray gun at the end of the spray and / or when replacing the spray gun to spray a different liquid Becomes easier.

  Specifically, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid supply apparatus including a spray head, wherein liquid is supplied to a spray nozzle from a container connected to the spray head without passing through the spray gun body. .

  Further, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid supply device wherein the spray head is removable from the spray gun and can be discarded after use to reduce the amount of solvent used to clean the spray gun. I will provide a.

  In addition, at least one embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid supply apparatus in which a container of liquid to be supplied is attached to the spray head and can be removed with the spray head from the spray gun.

  Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, a spray gun including a body, a spray head including a body removably coupled to the spray gun body and further including a spray nozzle, and a spray head for supplying liquid to the spray nozzle And a liquid container connected to the main body.

  As used herein, the term “liquid” refers to paint, primer, base coat, lacquer, varnish, and similar paint-like materials, as well as adhesives, sealers, fillers, putty, powder paints, sprays. Spray, including (without limitation) powders, abrasive slurries, mold release agents, and other materials such as casting dressings that are applied in a mist or non-mist depending on the properties of the material and / or intended application It refers to any form of flowable material that can be applied to a surface using a gun (whether or not intended to color the surface), and the term “liquid” should be construed accordingly.

  By connecting the container to the spray head and configuring the spray head to be removable from the spray gun, cleaning of the spray gun is simplified. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of solvent used to clean the spray gun.

  More specifically, liquid drawn from the container during use is supplied to the spray nozzle through the spray head body without passing through the spray gun body. In this way, the extent to which the spray gun body is contaminated by the liquid and the amount of cleaning required at the end of the spray or when replacing the spray gun to spray another liquid is reduced.

  The spray head is preferably disposable and can be discarded after use. In this way, the spray head can be dispensed with and the spray gun can be replaced by attaching a new spray head to a clean spray nozzle connected to the liquid container to supply another liquid. Can do.

  Conveniently, the spray head body and spray gun body comprise a matable structure for removably securing the spray head to the spray gun. For example, the matable structure forms a bayonet type connection that facilitates quick connection / disconnection of the spray head with a simple push and twist action. Other suitable types of matable structures are used that provide a detachable connection.

  The container is located at a remote location and is connected to the spray head by a flexible supply line. The supply line preferably includes a manually operated valve to close the supply line when separated from the spray head.

  Alternatively, the container is attached to the spray head. For example, the spray head body includes an inlet connected to the container. In one configuration, the connection between the container and the spray head is detachable, such as a bayonet connection, so that the container can be removed from the spray head. In this way, the container can be reused. More preferably, the container, or at least part of the container contaminated by contact with the liquid, is disposable and can be discarded after use. In this way, contaminated parts are discarded and the spray gun is reused with a new spray head and container. As a result, the amount of cleaning required at the end of the spray or when replacing the liquid to be sprayed is reduced.

  As the liquid is withdrawn during use, the container is foldable and supplied empty for the end user to fill or pre-filled with liquid for connection to a spray head. When the container is prefilled, the liquid outlet is provided with a lid to seal the container until it is necessary to fit the container to the spray head.

  The spray nozzle is preferably adapted to atomize the liquid to form a spray. For example, the spray nozzle is configured to mix liquid ejected from the nozzle with supplied compressed air.

  In a preferred configuration, the spray nozzle is for compressed air, located on both sides and spaced in front of the central hole, surrounded by a central hole for liquid surrounded by a concentric annular opening for compressed air. A pair of opposed inward openings. In this way, the liquid ejected from the central hole is mixed with the airflow ejected from the concentric annular opening and the inward opening to atomize the liquid and form a fine spray for application to the substrate.

  The airflow from the inward opening can be adjusted to fit the spray nozzle to supply different liquids. For example, the inward opening is provided by a member attached to the spray head body, and a set of replaceable members are provided for detachable connection to the spray head body, for example, spray parameters or spray patterns Change as required.

  For some applications, nebulization of the liquid is not required, when the air supply is omitted or separated. For example, when an adhesive, sealer, putty, filler or the like is supplied.

  The spray gun preferably includes a trigger mechanism to control the supply of liquid and, if necessary, the air supply to the spray nozzle to atomize the liquid. The trigger mechanism operates a member for opening and closing the passage to the spray head in order to control the flow of liquid to the spray head.

  For example, the member comprises a needle-like member that is received in the passage and operatively coupled to the trigger mechanism such that when the trigger mechanism is driven, the member is moved from an advanced position that closes the passage to a retracted position that opens the passage. . With this arrangement, the needle needs to be wiped clean when the spray head is removed, which is a simple task and is accomplished without the use of solvents.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a spray head for attachment to a spray gun body is provided, the spray head having a spray nozzle for supplying liquid supplied to the spray head, where the spray head is a spray gun. A body that can be coupled to the body is adapted to be coupled to the liquid container such that liquid from the container is supplied to the spray nozzle through the spray head without passing through the spray gun body.

  The spray head body is preferably detachably connected to the spray gun body. In this way, the spray head can be removed and discarded after use. As a result, the amount of cleaning required at the end of the spray and / or when replacing the spray gun to spray another liquid is reduced.

  The spray head is used with a gravity supply, pressure supply, or suction supply type spray gun. Existing spray guns with an inlet for connection to a liquid container are changed for use with a spray head, for example with a blanking plug, by closing the inlet. Optionally, an adapter is provided to connect the spray head body to the spray gun body.

  A container for the liquid to be dispensed is attached to the spray head such that it is removed from the spray gun along with the spray head. The container is removably connected to the spray head and can be disposable or reused. Alternatively, the spray head and container are coupled so that they cannot be removed.

  The spray head is adapted to atomize the supplied liquid. For example, the spray nozzle is configured to supply an opposing inward airflow to mix the concentric flow of liquid and the air ejected from the spray nozzle to atomize the liquid and generate a spray. . The spray parameter or spray pattern is controlled by adjusting the inward airflow.

  In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a spray gun comprising a spray head comprising a body with a spray nozzle and adapted to be removably coupled to the spray gun body, and a container for the liquid to be supplied. A liquid supply device is provided and the container is coupled to the spray head so that liquid drawn from the container during use is supplied to the spray nozzle through the spray head body without passing through the spray gun body.

  The spray head and container may be “integrated”.

  Other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, a typical prior art paint spray gun 1 is shown.

  The gun 1 includes a main body 2, a handle 3 that extends downward from the rear portion of the main body 2, and a spray nozzle 4 at the front portion of the main body 2. The spray gun 1 is manually operated by a trigger 5 pivoted on the side of the gun 1.

  A paint container (not shown) is detachably fixed to the gun 1 by an inlet 7 threaded inside the upper portion of the gun 1. The container has an externally threaded outlet for screwing directly into the inlet 7 or screwing into an adapter (not shown) threaded into the inlet 7. The container is of any known construction and supplies paint to the spray nozzle 4 via an internal passage 8 formed in the body 2 of the gun 1.

  The spray nozzle 4 includes an internal component 11 and an external component 12 that is screwed into the front portion of the main body 2 of the gun 1 and holds the internal component 11.

  The internal part 11 has a through hole 13 that ends at the front of the hole 10. The rear part of the hole 13 communicates with the passage 8.

  The trigger 5 extends through the passage 8 and is received in the hole 13 in the inoperative position of the trigger 5 and is connected to the rear of the needle 9 that closes the hole 10 and prevents leakage of the paint from the passage 8.

  The front of the inner part 11 is received in a central opening (not shown) in the outer part 12 and defines an annular opening that is concentric with the hole 10. The external component 12 includes a pair of horns 17 that extend forward from the spray nozzle 4 on the opposite side of the hole 10. The horn 17 includes an opposing inward opening 17a.

  In use, the spray gun 1 is connected to a compressed air source (not shown) via a fitting at the bottom of the handle 3. Air is supplied to the spray nozzle 4 via the handle 3 of the gun 1 and the internal passages 14a, b, c of the main body 2 in response to driving of the trigger 5.

  The air flow is controlled by an on / off valve 15 operated by a trigger 5 and by flow regulating valves 6a, 6b that adjust to set the flow rate using the rotation control knobs 16a, b.

  The trigger 5 is biased to an inoperable position where the needle 9 closes the spray nozzle 4 to prevent leakage from the paint hole 10 and the valve 15 is closed to shut off the air supply to the spray nozzle 4. .

  When the user pulls the trigger 5, the needle 9 is retracted to a position where the tapered tip 9 a of the needle 9 is received at the rear of the hole 13 and the spray nozzle 4 is opened. As a result, liquid flows from the passage 8 through the hole 13 and ejects from the hole 10. At the same time, the valve 15 is opened to supply air to the spray nozzle 4, where the air is expelled from an opening concentric with the hole 10 and from the opposite opening 17 a of the horn 17 opposite the spray nozzle 4.

  The horn 17 directs the airflow inward, where it mixes with the concentric paint / air flow emanating from the spray nozzle 4 and atomizes it to form a spray. The rate of paint release and air flow is controlled by the displacement of trigger 5 from the inoperable position under user control to produce the desired spray.

  After use, the container can be removed from the spray gun 1 for cleaning or disposal depending on the type of container used. The spray gun 1 must then be cleaned to remove all traces of paint from the internal passage 8 connecting the spray nozzle 4 to the inlet 7 and from the needle 9 in the passage 8 and the spray nozzle 4 itself.

  Usually this may cause deposits in the gun 1 that may cause cross-contamination when spraying another liquid or may affect the performance of the gun. In order to ensure that nothing remains, it is necessary to disassemble and reassemble the spray nozzle 4 after cleaning.

  Such cleaning is time consuming and exposes the user to solvents commonly used for cleaning. The use of solvents presents health and safety hazards to users and causes problems with disposal after use of the solvent. All of this significantly increases operating costs.

  Referring now to FIGS. 3-6 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a gravity fed spray gun according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein like reference numerals in the 100 series correspond to the spray guns shown in FIGS. Used for convenience to show the parts.

  In this embodiment, a gravity supply spray gun 101 includes a main body 102, a handle 103 extending downward from the main body 102, and a trigger 105 pivotally supported on the main body 102 to control the operation of the spray gun 101 as described below. .

  A removable spray head 150 is attached to the body 102 of the gun 101 by a bayonet type connection that allows the spray head 150 to be removed from the gun 101. In this embodiment, the spray head 150 is made from a light plastic material, for example by molding, but it will be appreciated that other materials may be used.

  The spray head 150 includes a socket 151 (FIGS. 4 to 6) at the rear and a spray nozzle 153 at the front. A paint container 156 is attached to the spray head 150 and connects the outlet 155 to the inlet 154 between the front and rear for supplying paint to the spray nozzle 153 as described below.

  The wall of the socket 151 includes a pair of opposed bayonet grooves 152 (only one shown) including a shaft guide portion 152a ending at the inner end of the peripheral holding portion 152b.

  The front portion of the body 102 of the gun 101 includes a pair of outwardly extending ledges (not shown) that engage the groove 152 in a push and twist motion to secure the spray head 150 to the spray gun 101. It will be appreciated that other types of removable connections are provided between the spray head 150 and the gun 101.

  As optimally shown in FIG. 6, the spray head 150 includes a hollow tubular body 158, an insertion portion 159, and a pair of air horn members 160 and 161.

  The socket 151 is provided at the rear portion of the main body 158, and the insertion portion 159 is pushed into the main body 158 from the rear portion. An annular flange 162 at the rear of the insertion portion 159 engages with the base of the socket 151 to place the insertion portion 159 in the body 158 in the axial direction.

  The insertion portion 159 has an axial through hole 157 that receives a tapered tip of a needle (not shown) that controls the flow of paint from the container 156. The hole 157 communicates with a radial inlet pipe 163 connected to the main body 158 via a radial hole in the middle between both ends of the insertion portion 159.

  Insert portion 159 and body 158 are provided with a cooperating configuration (not shown) to place insert portion 159 in the required angular orientation and align the radial holes with radial inlet tube 163.

  The inlet pipe 163 is connected to the outlet pipe 164 of the paint container 156 for supplying paint to the spray nozzle 153. The inlet tube 163 includes a radial ledge 165 adjacent to the tip that is received in the first axial slot 166 in the wall of the outlet tube 164 and angularly places the container 156 relative to the spray head 150. To do.

  A retainer ring 167 has an axial leg 168 that fits into the outer end of the outlet tube 164 and is received in a second axial slot 169 in the wall of the outlet tube 164 that is angularly offset from the first slot 166. .

  The retainer ring 167 has a central hole 170 and a radial slot 171 that allows the inlet tube 163 to pass through the ring 167 prior to installing the ring 167 in the outlet tube 164. When the leg 168 is received in the second axial slot 169, the radial slot 171 is angularly offset with respect to the first axial slot 166.

  As a result, the inlet tube 163 is rotated to a position where the ledge 165 is angularly offset with respect to the radial slot 171 to allow the leg 168 to be installed in the second axial slot 169. The In this way, the container 156 is installed and held on the spray head 150 in the required angular direction.

  The trigger 105 is connected to a rear portion of a needle (not shown) received in the through hole 157 of the insertion portion. The needle is movable in the axial direction of the hole 157 between an advanced position where it covers the radial hole and a retracted position where it does not contact the radial hole in response to actuation of the trigger 105.

  In this way, the flow of paint from the container 156 to the spray nozzle 153 is blocked at the needle advance position and is possible at the retract position. In addition, the needle seals the inner end of the hole 157 at both positions to prevent contamination of the spray gun body 102 due to leakage of paint from the hole 157 into the socket 151.

  Horn members 160, 161 are similar semi-cylindrical shapes that fit into and surround the front of body 158 of spray head 150. The members 160, 161 have external axial ledges 172 with horns 173 on both sides of the spray nozzle 153.

  The ledge 172 is formed with an internal air passage 174 that leads to an opening 175 that the horn 173 faces at one end. At the other end, the passage 174 is formed with an inlet hole 176 (only one shown) leading to an air chamber formed between the members 160, 161 and the body 158.

  The rear portion of the insertion portion 159 communicates with an air supply passage (not shown) of the spray gun body 102. The insertion portion 159 has a radial hole 177 through which air can enter the space between the insertion portion 159 and the body 158 in the spray head 150 and be ejected from the annular opening 178 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The opening 178 is concentric with the hole 157a in the front portion of the hole 157 from which the liquid is ejected.

  The body 158 communicates with the air chamber and allows air to enter the ledge 172 along the passage 174 and has a radial hole 179 that ejects from the opening 175 of the horn 173.

  In use, a compressed air line (not shown) is connected to the lower end of the handle 103 and the trigger 105 operates to drive an on / off valve (not shown) of the spray gun body 102 to the spray head 150. Control the air supply.

  When the user pulls on the trigger 105, the needle retracts and opens the hole 157 in the insertion portion 159, allowing paint supplied to the spray head 150 to be ejected from the hole 157 a in the spray nozzle 153. At the same time, the trigger 105 drives an on / off valve to supply air to the spray head 150 via an internal passage (not shown) of the spray gun body 102. The air passes through the spray head 150 and is ejected from the opening 178 concentric with the hole 157 a and from the opening 175 of the horn 173. Horn 173 directs air inward, where it mixes with the concentric paint / air stream emanating from the front of nozzle 153, atomizing the paint and forming a spray.

  The horn 173 is detachably fixed to the front portion of the spray head main body 158 by any appropriate means. For example, the members 160 and 161 attach the spray head body 158 with a clip. In this way, the spray head 150 is adapted by selecting and mounting the appropriate pair of members 160, 161 according to the desired spray parameters or spray pattern of the paint to be sprayed, and the size of the horn 173 and The flow rate and / or direction of air ejected from the horn can be controlled to change position and / or mix with the paint / air flow ejected from the nozzle 153.

  As will be appreciated, paint flows directly from the container 156 to the spray nozzle 153 through the spray head 150 and not through the spray gun body 102. As a result, at the end of spraying or when changing spray paint, spray head 150 and container 156 are removed from spray gun body 102, the needle is wiped clean, and a new spray head / container combination is attached to spray gun body 102. It is done. In this way, the amount of cleaning required is reduced and the spray gun 101 can be quickly replaced to spray another liquid with minimal interruption.

  In this embodiment, the container 156 includes an open top container 181 that is closed by a lid 182. The container 181 is made of plastic and has a flexible wall so that it can be folded during use. The lid 182 is also made of plastic and is stiff enough to maintain its shape during use. The lid is frustoconical and an outlet tube 164 is provided at the tip of the lid 182 for connection to the inlet tube 163 of the spray head 150. The peripheral edge of the container 181 is fixed so as not to be removed from the edge of the lid 182 by, for example, bonding or welding.

  Container 156 is supplied pre-filled with paint or other liquid to be supplied, and a removable covering such as a screw cap (not shown) is attached to outlet tube 164. Alternatively, the lid 182 may include a filling port (not shown) separate from a removable covering such as an outlet tube and a screw cap (not shown). In this way, the container 156 is supplied empty and filled with paint or other liquid to be sprayed by the end user. The fill port also allows refilling of the container 156 and is arranged such that this is performed while the container 156 is attached to the spray head 150 of the spray gun 101. A filter (not shown) may be incorporated under the lid 182 to eliminate contaminant particles before the paint reaches the spray nozzle 153.

  In use, the container 181 folds inward as the paint is drawn from the container 156 and the spray head 150 and container 156 can be removed from the spray gun 101 at the end of spraying. Any paint remaining in the container 156 is stored for a short period of time, and the spray head 150 may be reattached to the spray gun 101 to use the paint. If container 156 is empty or does not require any remaining paint, spray head 150 and container 156 can be discarded as an assembly or separately. In this way, the contaminated parts of the paint supply device are discarded after use.

  Referring now to FIG. 7 of the drawings, a modification to the container for storing paint or other liquid to be supplied is shown. For convenience, similar reference numerals in the 200 series are used to indicate parts corresponding to the previous embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, the lid 282 is separate from the collapsible container, and the container 256 includes an outer casing 290 in which a flexible container is received. The lid 282 is secured to the flexible container by a collar 291 that fits the periphery of the lid 282 and is screwed into the upper end of the outer casing 290 to tighten and seal the lid 282 against the container.

  The flexible container gives the outer casing 290 a lining, the lid 282 and the flexible container are discarded after use, and the outer casing 290 and collar 291 are re-used with a new clean lid and flexible container. Can be used. In use, the flexible container folds as the paint is drawn from the container 256, and the outer jar 290 prevents the vacuum that forms in the jar 290 and allows the container to fold. An air hole 292 is provided in the base.

  The outer collar 290 and the flexible container are transparent or translucent, allowing the contents to be visually inspected and a scale to be applied to the collar 290 to indicate the amount of contents. In this configuration, the flexible container is supported in the outer casing and paint or other liquid can be added to the container and mixed prior to attaching the lid 282.

  In other aspects, the configuration and operation of spray head 250 and container 256 are similar to the previous embodiment and will be understood from the description of FIGS.

  Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative configuration for removably securing the container to the spray head is shown. For convenience, similar reference numerals in the 300 series are used to indicate parts corresponding to the previous embodiment.

  In FIG. 8, the lid 382 of the container 356 has an outlet tube 364 that is pushed into the inlet tube 363 of the spray head 350 and sealed by an annular ledge 394. The inlet tube 363 has an outer flange 395 at the tip, and the lid 382 has a pair of hook members 396 that engage the flange 395 to secure and hold the container 356 to the spray head 350.

  As shown, the flange 395 has a pair of opposing indentations 397 that lead to a flat portion 398 via a cam lobe 399. In use, the hook member 396 is aligned with the indentation 397 to pass the flange 395 when the container 356 is pushed into the spray head 350. The container 356 is then rotated to engage the hook member 396 with the cam lobe 399, bend the hook member 396 outward, rebound, and engage the tip 396a after the flat portion 398 to engage the container 356. Is fixed to the spray head 350.

  In other aspects, the configuration and operation of spray head 350 and container 356 are similar to the previous embodiment and will be understood from the description of FIGS.

  Referring now to FIG. 9, a suction supply spray gun according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which similar reference numerals in the 400 series are used to indicate parts corresponding to the first embodiment. The configuration of the spray head 450 and container 456 in this embodiment is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, in which the spray head 450 and container 456 contaminated with paint are disposable and discarded after use to clean the spray gun. The amount of can be reduced. The operation of this embodiment will be apparent to those skilled in the art who are familiar with suction feed spray guns without further explanation.

  Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, various modifications of the paint supply apparatus of FIGS. 3-6 using various types of paint containers in combination with disposable spray heads are shown. The spray head used in each of these variations is similar to that described in the previous embodiment, and for convenience, similar reference numerals in the 500 series are used to indicate corresponding parts in each of the figures. Is done.

  In FIG. 10, a spray head 550 connected to a reusable paint container 540 is shown. The spray head 550 has a threaded inlet connector tube 541 inside, and the container 540 has a rigid rod 542 having an outlet tube 543 with an outer thread 544 that engages the inner thread of the inlet connector tube 541. It is. After use, the spray head 550 is separated from the container 540 and discarded, and the container 540 is cleaned for reuse with another spray head. In this configuration, the total amount of cleaning required is much less than in some existing devices where paint or other liquid is supplied to the spray head through the internal passages of the spray gun body that need to be cleaned. .

  In FIG. 11, a spray head 550 is shown connected to a remote paint container (not shown) via a flexible line 545. Line 545 has a connector 546 that is screwed into the inlet connector tube 541 of the spray head 550. Alternatively, a bayonet or tapered push-type connection is provided. After use, line 545 can be removed from spray head 550 and the spray head can be removed from the spray gun and discarded. On the other hand, the amount of spray gun cleaning is reduced and line 545 can be connected to another spray head as required. A remote container is a bulk storage container for a large amount of paint that can be used for several spray operations and discarded after use or further cleaned to refill the paint.

  In FIG. 12, a spray head 550 connected to a foldable paint container 547 in the form of a pouch or bag 548 is shown. The bag 548 has a threaded connector 549 that is screwed into the inlet connector tube 541 of the spray head 550. Bag 548 is prefilled with paint and sealed by any suitable closure device until required to attach container 542 to spray head 550. In this way, the end user can purchase a pre-packaged paint container 547 filled with paint for use with the spray head 550 so that after use, the amount of spray gun cleaning is reduced. The contaminated spray head 550 and container 547 can be discarded. This configuration is suitable for supplying a paint that is stable in normal storage conditions until it needs to be used. The container is made of any suitable material that is flexible and resistant to tearing, such as single or multiple sheets of metal foil or plastic.

  As will be appreciated, the present invention provides a paint supply device for a spray gun that can reduce the amount of spray gun cleaning at the end of the spray or when replacing the spray gun to spray a different liquid To do. Thus, it will be appreciated that by connecting the container to the spray head, the liquid is supplied to the spray nozzle through the spray head without passing through the spray gun. In this way, contamination of the spray gun body due to contact with the liquid to be sprayed can be reduced, which simplifies cleaning of the spray gun, reduces the amount of any solvent or other cleaning material used, This is especially the case when both the spray head and the paint container are disposable.

  The exemplary embodiments described herein are intended to illustrate different scopes and applications of the present invention, and the features of the embodiments may be separately or combined with other features of the same or different embodiments. It will be understood that it is used.

  Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiments described and illustrated are believed to represent the best means presently known to the applicant, the present invention is not so limited and various changes and modifications may occur to the present invention. It will be understood that this can be done within the spirit and scope of the invention as generally described in the specification.

  For example, the needle used to control the supply of liquid from the spray nozzle is omitted and replaced by other suitable means to prevent liquid leakage when the spray gun is not in use. Such means are incorporated as part of the spray head and / or container so as to be disposable together. In this way, it is possible to completely remove any paint-contaminated parts that need to be cleaned when the spray head is replaced.

  Existing spray guns such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be modified for use with the spray head of the present invention. For example, the inlet of the spray gun body for connection to the paint container may be closed with a blanking plug, for example, and an adapter with a plug ridge is screwed into the front of the spray gun body to attach the spray head There is also a possibility. Alternatively, the spray head body socket may be provided with internal threads to allow the spray head to be screwed into the spray gun body.

  Other modifications and variations apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims.

1 is a side view of a prior art gravity fed spray gun showing components of a spray nozzle removed from the body of the spray gun. FIG. It is a side view which shows the partial cross section of the main body of the spray gun shown in FIG. 1 is a side view of a gravity supply spray gun embodying the present invention. It is a perspective view of the spray head and container shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the spray head and the lid of the container shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the spray head and lid shown in FIG. 5. It is a perspective view which shows the alternative container attached to the spray head shown to FIGS. 4-6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an alternative connection between the spray head and the container shown in FIG. 7. 1 is a side view of a suction supply spray gun embodying the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an alternative arrangement for supplying liquid to be sprayed to the spray head. FIG. 6 shows an alternative arrangement for supplying liquid to be sprayed to the spray head. FIG. 6 shows an alternative arrangement for supplying liquid to be sprayed to the spray head.

Claims (42)

A spray gun having a main body, a main body detachably connected to the spray gun main body, a spray head having a spray nozzle, a liquid container connected to the spray head main body and supplying liquid to the spray nozzle;
A liquid spray apparatus comprising:   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spray head body and the spray gun body comprise a matable structure that removably secures the spray head to the spray gun.   The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the matable structure forms a bayonet-type connection.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spray head is connectable to a remote container.   The apparatus of claim 4, wherein a flexible supply line is provided between the container and the spray head.   6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the supply line comprises a manually operable valve that closes the supply line when separated from the spray head.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is attached to the spray head.   8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a detachable connection is provided between the container and the spray head so that the container can be removed from the spray head.   The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the connection is a bayonet type connection.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the container is reusable.   The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is disposable and can be discarded after use.   12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is foldable as liquid is withdrawn during use.   13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is supplied empty so as to be filled to an end user.   13. The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is supplied pre-filled and has an outlet with a lid that seals the container until it is necessary to fit the container to the spray head. The device according to item.   15. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spray head has a spray nozzle for discharging the liquid to be sprayed.   The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the spray nozzle is adapted to atomize the liquid to form a spray.   The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the spray nozzle is configured to mix liquid ejected from the nozzle with compressed supply air.   The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the spray nozzle provides a flow of compressed air concentrically with the liquid ejected from the nozzle.   The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the spray nozzle provides a pair of inward airflows on opposite sides of the liquid ejected from the nozzle.   The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the inward airflow is provided by a pair of horns extending forward of the liquid outlet emanating from the nozzle.   21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the horn is removable to cause the spray nozzle to emit various liquids.   The apparatus of claim 21, wherein a set of replaceable horns are removably coupled to the spray head to change spray parameters or spray patterns.   23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the spray gun has a trigger mechanism that controls the release of liquid.   24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a member for opening and closing a passage for the liquid through the spray head.   25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the member comprises a needle operably coupled to the trigger mechanism such that upon actuation of the trigger mechanism, the member is retracted to open the passage.   A spray head attached to a spray gun main body, having a spray nozzle for discharging liquid supplied to the spray head, and having a main body connectable to the spray gun main body. A spray head adapted to be connected to the liquid container so as to be supplied to the spray nozzle through a spray head without passing through a gun body.   27. A spray head according to claim 26 for use with a gravity-fed, pressure-fed or suction-fed spray gun.   28. A spray head according to claim 26 or 27, wherein a container for the liquid to be discharged is attached to the spray head so that it can be removed from the spray gun together with the spray head.   29. A spray head according to claim 28, wherein the spray head is detachably connected to the container.   The spray head according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the supplied liquid is atomized.   31. A spray head according to claim 30, configured to provide an air flow concentric with the liquid.   32. A spray head according to claim 31, wherein the spray head is configured to provide inward airflow into the discharged liquid from both sides.   33. A spray head according to claim 32, wherein the spray characteristics are controlled by adjusting one or more airflows.   34. The spray head according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the inward airflow is ejected from a pair of horns arranged on both sides of a central hole that discharges the liquid.   35. The spray head of claim 34, wherein the horn is removable for selectively attaching various horn pairs for changing the spray characteristics.   A spray gun liquid supply apparatus comprising: a spray head having a body having a spray nozzle and detachably connected to a spray gun body; and a container for a liquid to be discharged. A liquid supply, wherein the container is connected to the spray head such that liquid drawn from the container during use is supplied to the spray nozzle through the spray head body without passing through the spray gun body. apparatus.   A liquid spray apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 3-6 of the accompanying drawings.   7. A liquid spray apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS. 3-6 of the accompanying drawings, modified by any of FIGS. 7-12 of the accompanying drawings.   A spray head for attachment to a spray gun substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS. 4-6 of the accompanying drawings.   A spray head for mounting to a spray gun substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS. 4-6 of the accompanying drawings, modified by FIG. 8 of the accompanying drawings.   A liquid supply apparatus for a spray gun substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS. 3-6 of the accompanying drawings.   A liquid supply apparatus for a spray gun substantially as herein described with reference to FIGS. 3-6 of the accompanying drawings, modified by any of FIGS. 7-12 of the accompanying drawings.

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