JPS637863A - Pneumatic bearing rotary sprayer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a rotary sprayer for coating a workpiece, and more particularly to a rotary sprayer that improves the flow rate of coating material deposited on a workpiece through the sprayer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One type of conventional equipment used to apply coatings to workpieces is a rotary atomizer. Such an apparatus is particularly useful for painting large amounts of paint over a wide range of surfaces, such as painting automobile bodies. A disk or bell is driven in rotation by an air turbine motor. The paint is delivered to the inner surface of the bell and is ejected into small particles by centrifugal force. A high voltage, typically between 3 Qkv and 125 kv, is applied to the surface of the bell to electrostatically charge the paint particles.

One form of rotary atomizer is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,555. 0
It is disclosed in No. 58. This device typically produces 10,000
It has a bell that rotates at a high speed of 40,000 to 40,000 revolutions. The rotating bell has a plurality of paint openings connected to a paint source. Pressurized air is forced through additional openings in the front plate to direct the spray-forming air to the outside of the bell, thereby forming a stream of paint particles exiting the bell and toward the object to be painted. Point the particle at

U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,840 discloses an ultra-high speed rotating spray bell designed to eliminate air bubbles in the paint used. As the bell rotates at high speed, centrifugal force causes paint to flow through the distribution holes to the generally conical inner flow surface on the injection side of the bell.

Centrifugal force also causes the paint to flow in a continuous film along the inner conical surface to the sharp jet hole between the conical face and the forward end of the bell. The forward end of the bell has a predetermined wall thickness, the inner surface forms a sharp jet edge, and the outer surface is curved. Even if the rotary atomizing bell is operated at very high speeds, above about 40,000 revolutions per minute, the curvature of the outer spray end eliminates air or other air bubbles trapped in the paint used. Ru.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a rotary atomizer having a manifold removably connected to an outer casing or shroud containing a pneumatic bearing turbine arrangement. The manifold includes inlets for bearing air, braking air, spray forming air, turbine air and paint sources and holes for connection of the magnetic velocity pickup coil. The large diameter end of the outer casing, i.e. the shroud, is closed off by a rear cover plate which has a section from the facing surface of the manipold for sealingly receiving a corresponding fitting connected to the air inlet. A plurality of protruding holes are formed.

Paint is directed through a centrally located fluid supply tube that passes through a pneumatic turbine motor and is positioned in a paint chamber formed by the forward end of the motor, an atomizer bell, and an annular spray-forming air cap. It extends to the nozzle. The supply tube has a rear flange that is fitted into a false rear cover hole to accurately align the supply tube with the turbine-driven motor shaft.

A spray forming air cap and an annular spray forming air ring are threaded onto the small diameter end of the shroud. The mating taper formed on the inner surface of the knob and ring defines an annular aperture for spray forming air which is located at the outer edge of the atomizing bell of the inwardly directed flow path. The spray-forming air is directed in a uniform thin ring of air over the entire area.

A flexible cap retainer is attached to the front lid of the pneumatic turbine motor and separates the spray forming air flow path from the exhaust air flow path. In the event that the spray forming air cap becomes dislodged from its threaded mating spray forming air manifold, the cap retainer creates a resilient containment to retain the spray forming air cap.

Exhaust air exits the rear of the turbine and is drawn into the shroud, where it flows forward along the outside of the turbine to provide cooling air and remove paint between the spray-forming air cap and the rear of the spray bell. It is directed into the chamber and exits from there through an annular opening formed between the outer edge of the bell and the front edge of the cap. This air prevents paint from being blown back around the outside of the shroud or into the paint chamber. Use of this exhaust air reduces the amount of spray-forming air required and also reduces the required cleaning operations.

Furthermore, as the speed of the air turbine increases, the amount of exhaust air necessarily increases to compensate for the radial momentum of the paint particles.

A pickup coil is positioned adjacent to the path of travel of a magnet coupled to a loop of high voltage wire and mounted behind the turbine wheel of the motor. A wire extends from the atomizer through a toroidal coil to isolate the magnetically generated velocity signals from the effects of high voltages associated with the atomizer.

The above-described advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of what is presently considered to represent the most preferred embodiment, in light of the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A rotary atomizer 20 according to the present invention includes a housing assembly 22 removably secured to a manifold assembly 22. The housing arrangement 21 has a large diameter end for attachment to the manifold arrangement 2 and includes an outer casing or shroud 23 that tapers to an opposite small diameter front end.

An annular spray-forming air cap 24 abuts the opening at the small diameter end of shroud 23 . Attached to the cap 24 is an annular atomizing air ring 25 defining an opening in which an atomizing bell 26 is positioned.

The housing device 21 is removably secured to the manifold device 23 by a plurality of latches, which latches include:
It has a first portion 27 attached to the outer surface of the shroud 23 and a second portion 28 attached to the outer surface of the manifold device 22.

As shown, three equally spaced latching mechanisms are used, but any convenient number and spacing of conventional latching mechanisms may be used as appropriate. The manifold apparatus 22 includes a generally cylindrical manifold body 29 having a second latch portion 2 on an outer curved surface of the body 29.
8 is fixed. Also secured to the outer curved surface of the manifold device body 29 is a radially extending stud device 30 for attachment to a device for positioning the rotary atomizer 20 on a workstation, such as an industrial robot or reciprocating mechanism (not shown). ing.

The manifold body 29 is formed with a central opening 31 for discharging paint into the housing device 21 as described below. Additionally, a plurality of pipe joints protrude from the surface of the manifold body 29 facing the large diameter end of the enclosure 23. These fittings are a spray forming air fitting 32, a discharge air fitting 33, a bearing air fitting 34, a turbine air fitting 35 and a brake air fitting 36. Manifold body 29 is also formed with a speed monitor access port 37 that is used to convey a signal representative of the speed of the pneumatic turbine motor. For example, a magnetic pickup may be attached to the pneumatic turbine motor that generates pulses representing the rotation of the turbine. Signal lines from the pickup extend through access port 37 to the high voltage isolation device and further to appropriate monitoring and display equipment (not shown).

The rotary atomizer 20 of FIG. 1 is shown in partial cross-section in FIG. Housing device 21 and manifold device 2
2 is a first latch portion 27 and a second latch portion 28
are shown connected by. The manifold body 29 has an outer planar surface 38 and an inner planar surface 39 generally parallel to the planar surface 38, with a plurality of holes forming passageways between the two planar surfaces for the various fluids supplied to the housing arrangement 21. is extending. Holes 40 are representative of five passageways for spray forming air, exhaust air, bearing air, turbine air, and brake air, respectively. The end of passageway 40 adjacent face 38 is internally threaded to receive a connection to a spray forming air source (not shown). Typically, a conventional source of pressurized air is connected to a conduit having a threaded fitting at the end to thread into the passageway 40. The end of the passage 40 adjacent the inner plane 39 is also internally threaded into which one end of the fitting 32 is screwed.

A ring 41 is held in a suitable groove in the protruding end of the pipe fitting 32, and the protruding end is inserted into a hole 42 formed in the mounting ring 43 extending along the inner circumference of the large diameter end of the pipe fitting 23. It is extending. A flat surface 44 of mounting ring 43 abuts surface 39 of manifold body 29 . The opening of the hole 42 on the surface 44 side is tapered so that the pipe fitting 32 and the O-ring 41
When the hole 42 is guided into the hole 42, the wall surface of the hole 42 is sealed with an O-ring. Thus, the manifold body 29 and the pipe fitting 3
゜2, ○ ring 41 and mounting ring 43 cooperate,
The spray-forming air passageway from the spray-forming air source through the manifold mount 22 to the housing W21 is sealed.

Similarly, sealed passages for brake air, exhaust air, turbine air and bearing air are formed in the rear lid of the housing. Removal of latching portions 27 and 28 facilitates removal of housing assembly 21 from manifold assembly 22 while still attached to a robot or reciprocating mechanism.

Attachment ring 43 engages a seven flange 45 formed at one end of pneumatic bearing turbine motor 46. Mounting ring 43 is attached to motor 46 by at least one screw fastener 47 extending through a radial hole formed in the ring and threaded into a threaded hole formed in flange 45 .

The rear cap 4 of the motor 46 within the central area of the ring 43
A plurality of holes (not shown) are formed in 8, into which the protruding ends of pipe fittings 33, 34, 35 and 36 are received. Thus, the end cap 48 and ring 43
It works together as a rear cover plate for 3. turbine motor 4
The other end of 6 passes through an annular spray forming air manifold 49. A spray forming air manifold 49 extends through radial holes formed in the manifold 49 and connects to the motor 46.
The motor 46 is attached to the motor 46 by at least one screw fastener 50 threaded into a threaded hole in the outer surface of the motor 46 .

Holes for radially extending stops 50 are formed in the large diameter portion 51 of the manifold 49. The large diameter portion 5l is connected to a small diameter portion 52 positioned close to the front end of the motor 46. The reduced diameter portion 52 is formed with external threads that engage internal threads formed on the inner surface of the annular spray forming air cap 24 . Cap 24 is manifold 4
90 portion 52, and a small diameter front portion 54 connected to both sides of the large diameter central portion 550. The rearwardly facing outer end of the central portion 55 is formed with a circumferential notch 56 for engaging and retaining the front end of the shroud 23. The small diameter forward portion 54 is formed with external threads that engage internal threads formed in the inner wall of the annular spray-forming air ring 25 .

The turbine motor 46 includes a front cover 57 that cooperates with the motor housing to form a radially extending a58. Groove 58 connects retainer 5 of the annular spray-forming air cap.
Holds the inner end of 9.

The outer end of camp retainer 59 engages the inner surface of spray forming air cap 24 . The front end of the screw drive shaft 60 projects from the lid plate 57 to which the spray bell 26 is attached.

Pressurized air R (not shown) is connected to the piston chamber of a conventional fluid valve 61, which is connected to a valve fluid system 62. Valve fluid system 62 includes at least one radially extending valve for connection to a paint pump (not shown).
The valve fluid device 62 extends into and is threaded into the central hole 31 formed in the manifold body 29. The valve piston device 6l extends through the valve fluid device [62]. In addition, it is provided with a stem 61a extending as far as the sealing element 6lb which cooperates with the sealing surface formed in the hole 3l.
1, the valve 61 opens and the valve fluid system 1if
62, thereby pumping the paint through the central hole 31 of the manifold arrangement 22. The end of central hole 31 adjacent surface 39 receives one end of a rigid fluid supply tube or conduit 64. The fluid conduit 64 holds an O-ring 65 in an outer O-ring groove to seal the inner surface of the central hole 3l. The fluid conduit 64 has a flange 45,
It passes through the center of the fluid motor and through the drive shaft 60 and extends to the front end of the drive shaft. Fluid nozzle 66 connects to fluid conduit 64
attached to and protruding from the inside of the The spray bell 26 has a central hole adjacent to a circular splash plate 67 . As described later, the splash plate 67
has an inwardly facing conical central portion that extends into the open end of the fluid nozzle 66 which tapers inwardly to match the taper of the splash plate 67 .

Hole 42 in mounting ring 43 is connected to barbed fitting 68 . The barbed end of the pipe fitting 68 connects a certain length of flexible pipe 6.
It is inserted into one end of 9. The barbed end of the second barbed fitting 70 is inserted into the other end of the flexible tube 69. The barbed fitting 70 connects the large diameter portion 5l of the spray forming air manifold 49.
The hole 71 is connected to the hole 71 formed in the hole 71 . Bore 71 extends longitudinally through spray forming air manifold 49 and into a cavity 72 defined by spray forming air manifold 49 , spray forming air cap 24 , spray forming air cap retainer 59 and the housing of turbine motor 46 . It's open. A longitudinally extending passageway 73 is formed through the small diameter forward portion 54 and the large diameter central portion 55 of the spray forming air cap 24 .
The outer surface of the small diameter forward portion 54 of 4 and the spray forming air ring 2
A cavity 74 formed between the cavity 74 and the inner surface of the cavity 72 is communicated with each other.

The spray-forming air ring 25 is threaded onto the spray-forming air cap 24 so that the outer surface of the spray-forming air ring 25 forward of the cavity 74 is in abutting engagement with the inner surface of the forward end of the spray-forming air cap 24. , no spray-forming air exits the cavity 74. However, a plurality of grooves or slots 74 (shown in FIG. 4)
4 are formed at equal intervals throughout the outer surface of the front end. These slots 75 allow the spray-forming air to enter the cavity 7 between the cap 24 and the ring 25.
4 and flows into an annular space 75a between the spaced apart front ends of cap 24 and ring 25. The spray-forming air exits from the front edge of the annular space 75 a adjacent the outer edge 76 of the atomizing bell 26 . The slots 75 are formed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the housing arrangement 21 to create a spray-forming air flow path directed inwardly from the periphery of the perimeter 76 . The slot 75Xt and the annular space 75a form a spray or air into a thin ring shape,
It compensates for the momentum of the atomized paint particles leaking radially from the edge of the bell 26. By directing the atomizing air inward, the atomizing air can be given a smaller pattern and greater efficiency to control the radiation pattern of the atomized fluid.

Exhaust air from turbine motor 46 typically exits flat end 48
through holes (not shown) into the fitting 33 and further through the manifold body 29 to an exhaust line (not shown).
is discharged to. However, it is also possible to vent the exhaust air through at least one hole 45 a of the flange 45 into a cavity 77 formed between the motor 46 and the enclosure 23 . A passageway 78 passes through the large diameter central portion 55 of the spray forming air cap 24 and communicates the cavity 77 with a cavity or chamber 79 formed between the inner surface of the spray forming air cap 24 and the outer surface of the atomizing bell 26. let As the exhaust air passes through cavity 77, it cools turbine motor 46 and reduces the heat generated by the pneumatic bearings installed therein. Exhaust air is directed to the forward end of the atomizing air cap 24 and the outer edge 76 of the atomizing bell 26.
exiting the cavity 79 between the cylindrical and cylindrical surfaces, helping the spray-forming air to flow out of the annular space 75a. This spray-forming air prevents paint from blowing back around the outside of the shroud 23 or into the chamber 79. Additionally, because the exhaust air exits forward, less jet-forming air is required to drive the paint toward the object. Also, as the rotational speed of the atomizer increases, more spray forming air is required to compensate for the increased paint particle momentum. As the speed of the turbine motor 46 increases, the exhaust air volume increases so that any need for more atomization air is met by the increased exhaust air.

FIG. 3 shows surface 38 of manifold body 29 and stud arrangement 30 in more detail.

Stud assembly 30 includes a generally cylindrical post 80 extending radially from a semicircular mounting bracket 81 secured to the outer circumferential surface of manifold body 29 by a pair of stops 82 . As mentioned above, the stud device 30 is adapted to be attached to the arm of a robot or reciprocating mechanism.

Also shown in FIG. 3 are a threaded passageway 83 for connection to an exhaust line and a threaded passageway 84 for connection to a bearing air source.
, a threaded passage 85 for connecting to a turbine air source, and a threaded passage 86 for connecting to a brake air source. Exhaust air can be directed to the space 77 by blocking the exhaust hole 83 or by providing a rectifier valve.

FIG. 4 shows the keyup 24, ring 25, bell 26 and splash plate 67 as well as the vacuum chamber 7 of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a part of FIG.

The main body of the splash prevention plate 670 is disc-shaped and has a V-shaped groove 90 formed on its periphery. Groove 90 engages a radially extending flange 90a formed in the opening of spray bell 26. The splash plate 67 is thus snapped into the opening. A conical extension 92 is positioned at the center of the rearward facing surface 91 of the splash shield plate 67. A pair of diametrically opposed passageways 93 are formed across the conical extension 192 and extend through the forward facing surface 9 of the splash screen 67.
It communicates with a hole 94 formed in 5.

During rotation of the spray bell 26 and splash plate 67, paint exits the fluid nozzle 66 and spreads over the surface of the conical extension 92. Centrifugal force causes paint to flow onto the rear facing surface 96 of the splash plate 67 and onto the rear facing surface 96 of the spray bell 26. The paint then flows through passage 97,
, this passage 97 is representative of a plurality of equally spaced circumferential passages, and the surface 96 is connected to the spray bell 26.
The outer edge 76 of the outer edge 76 communicates with the forward facing surface of the outer edge 76 . A small portion of paint also passes through passageway 93 and flows into hole 94 . This fluid flows from the holes 94 onto the forward facing surface 9 of the splash plate 67.
5 and flows toward passageway 97 onto the forward facing surface of spray bell 26 . Therefore, the wet paint is maintained as a thin film on the central portion, and when painting is completed, the central portion of the spray bell 26 and the splash plate 67 is covered with the wet inner and outer surfaces of the bell 26. Helps clean with solvents.

As shown in FIG. 2, at least one generally radially extending hole 98 is formed in the outer surface of the atomizing air ring 25. As shown in FIG. Hole 98 can be engaged with a suitable tool for threading ring 25 onto map 24 and removing it from cap 24. Corresponding holes may be formed in the outer surface of the cap 24 for threading the cap 24 into and out of the manifold 49.

5 is a schematic diagram of the speed monitoring circuit of the rotary atomizer of FIG. 1; FIG. The motor 46 includes a turbine wheel 1014 attached to the drive shaft 6o. A pair of permanent magnets 1
02 are mounted at diametrically opposed locations on the turbine wheel.

Although one magnet is sufficient to generate the speed signal, two or more magnets are typically used to maintain balance of the turbine wheel 101.

A pickup coil 103 including a magnetic core 104 is
It is positioned adjacent to the moving path of the magnet 102. Both ends of the pickup coil 103 are connected to both ends of a single loop of a series of loop-shaped dielectrically insulated high voltage wires 105. Pickup coil 103 and magnetic core 104 are positioned inside motor 46 . The high voltage wire 105 is inserted through a hole (not shown) formed in the end cap 48 and further into the manipold body 29.
It extends through a hole 37 formed in the hole 37 . Typically, the high voltage wire 105 is at least about 6 volts from the rotating atomizer 20.
0 cm (approximately 2 feet) long, toroid-shaped coil 1
It passes through the center of 06. Both ends of the isolation coil 106 are connected to a conventional speed monitoring device 107.

Each time one of the magnets 102 passes the pickup coil 103, an electrical pulse is generated in the coil 103 and sent through the high voltage wire 105. The pulses are inductively connected to a toroidal coil 106 and the speed monitoring device 1
Sensed by 07. High voltage wire 105 and toroidal isolation coil 106 isolate the speed monitoring circuit from a high voltage power source (not shown) connected to the rotary atomizer in a conventional manner to electrostatically charge the paint. ing.

Fluid valve 61 and valve fluid device 62 shown in Figure 2
can be used to control the flow of multiple colors of paint and cleaning solvent to the rotary atomizer 20. Referring to FIG. 6, a schematic diagram of a valve control circuit in which multicolor paint source 111 supplies paint to rotary atomizer 20 is shown. paint ii1
11 is typically a conventional paint source with a plurality of paint reservoirs separately storing each color of paint to be sprayed and connected via valves to a manifold. The outlet from paint source 111 communicates with valve 112, which comprises the combination of fluid valve 61 and valve fluid system 62 described above. Valve 112 communicates with an inlet of adapter 113 which has an outlet communicating with rotary atomizer 20 . The outlet of the adapter 113 is threaded into a central hole 3l formed in the manifold body 29.

Another valve 114 connects the paint source 111 to the valve 11.
2 and the waste reservoir 115. Valve 114 may be a combination of fluid valve 61 and valve fluid device 62. A similar valve 116 is connected between adapter 113 and solvent source 117.

When the rotary sprayer 20 is used to paint an object, such as an automobile, paint of a selected color is applied to the paint source 1 via a valve 112 that is pneumatically actuated to the open position.
11 and is pressed out. For paint, use adapter 1
13 to a rotary atomizer 20. Typically, the next car body to be painted receives a different color of paint. Paint source 111 cuts off the supply of paint for the color being used and injects a coupled solvent through conduit toward valve 112. However, valve 112 is closed and waste valve 114 is opened to waste reservoir 115. Thus, the paint residue of the sprayed color flows to the waste reservoir and the coupled solvent cleans the lines. The coupled solvent is followed by a new color paint to be sprayed, and the waste valve 114 is not closed and the first valve The operation timing is such that 112 is not opened.

As soon as a different color paint is applied, valve 116 is opened and solvent is ejected and forced from solvent reservoir 117 through adapter 113 and rotary atomizer 20 for a short period of time at high pressure to clean the paint flow path and spray bell. . Valve 112 is then reopened for a new color of paint after valve 116 is closed.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent laws, the invention has been described in terms of what are considered to be its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is an exploded perspective view of a rotary atomizer according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the rotary atomizer shown in FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is a side view of the rotary atomizer shown in FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of the forward end of the rotary atomizer of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a side view of a speed sensing circuit of the rotary atomizer of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a valve system for the rotary atomizer of FIG. 1; FIG. 21... Housing, 26... Spray bell, 64... Supply pipe, 67... Splash shielding plate FIG. IFIG. 2

Claims (47)

[Claims] (1) a spray bell having a generally cup-shaped member having an annular forward flow surface extending generally outwardly with respect to an axis of rotation and extending to an outer edge portion from which paint is sprayed; a housing that is rotatably supported adjacent to the cup-shaped member; an annular splash plate that is attached to the inside of the cup-shaped member and constitutes a rear surface and a front surface; a first passage means extending from the top of the cup for delivering paint to an annular forward flow surface of the cup-shaped member; a first passage means connected at one end to a source of paint and at the other end adjacent a central portion of the rear face of the splash plate; a supply pipe for feeding the paint, the supply pipe being positioned at the spray plate, and a second passage means extending through the splash plate for feeding a portion of the paint to a central portion of the front surface of the splash plate. The central portion of the rear surface is configured to receive paint and direct the paint from the central portion along the rear surface toward the outer portion of the splash prevention plate, A central portion of the aft face of the spray bell is provided with an outwardly extending generally conical projection, the second passage means being positioned on the aft face and spaced apart from the axis of rotation. Rotary atomizer for spraying paint, characterized in that it has an inlet. (2) The rotary atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the inlet of the second passage means is positioned on a side wall of the conical projection. (3) the second passage means comprises at least one inclined passageway having an inlet positioned on a side wall of the conical projection and an outlet terminating along the axis of rotation; A rotary atomizer according to claim (2). (4) The outlet of the inclined passage is formed along the axis of rotation and ends at a midpoint between the front surface and the rear surface of the splash shield plate, and is formed along the axis of rotation and extends forward from the exit of the inclined passage. The rotary atomizer according to claim 3, characterized in that it has a coaxial passage extending in all directions. (5) The rotary atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the conical projection extends into the outlet of the supply pipe. (6) The outlet of the supply pipe is provided with an annular wall that cooperates with the conical extension to form a paint flow path from the supply pipe to the rear surface of the splash shield and that tapers inward. A rotary atomizer according to claim (5), characterized in that: (7) an annular spray-forming air cap having an outer surface extending from the housing toward the peripheral portion of the bell and attached to one end of the housing; and in facing relationship with the outer surface of the air cap; an annular spray-forming air ring having an inner surface extending toward a peripheral portion of the bell and attached to the annular spray-forming air cap, an outer surface of the air cap and an inner surface of the air ring cooperating; a first chamber configured to receive the pressurized spray-forming air and configured to receive the spray-forming air from the first chamber; a second annular chamber for receiving the spray-forming air from the first chamber through the holes; and a second annular chamber for receiving the spray-forming air from the second chamber and directing the spray-forming air in a thin, uniform ring-shaped pattern. A rotary atomizer according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an annular space open adjacent to the peripheral part of the bell for pointing towards the peripheral part of the bell. (8) The air cap is provided with a first threaded portion that engages a cooperating threaded portion of the housing and a second threaded portion that engages a cooperating threaded portion of the air ring. Claim No. (7) characterized in that
Rotary atomizer as described in section. (9) The portions of the outer surface of the air cap and the inner surface of the air ring that cooperate with each other to constitute the annular array of holes are located between the portions of the outer surface and the inner surface that constitute the annular space. Claim No.
) The rotary atomizer described in paragraph (10) The annular space is of conical design in order to create a conical ring-shaped atomization air directed towards the axis of rotation. The rotary atomizer described in . (11) the air cap and the bell cooperate to define a third chamber therebetween; a pneumatic motor positioned in the housing and rotating the bell; means for connecting exhaust air of the motor to the third chamber formed by the bell and cap to maintain the pressure within the chamber at a predetermined positive pressure; and the third chamber has an annular opening formed between a peripheral portion of the bell and an adjacent edge of the cap to allow pressurized air within the chamber to be evacuated. A rotary atomizer according to claim (1). (12) a shroud surrounding the motor and the housing; a shroud configured to allow exhaust air to flow from the outlet to the third passage means over the outer surface of the motor and the housing through the shroud; The inner surface is the third
third passageway means positioned adjacent the opposite end of the motor for communicating with the chamber of the motor;
12. The rotary sprayer according to claim 11, wherein the motor is provided with a discharge port positioned at one end of the motor and opened on an inner surface of the shroud. (13) a motor positioned in the housing for rotating the atomizing bell; A retainer ring having an inner portion retained by the housing and an outer portion retained by the cap to prevent separation of the cap from the motor. range first (1
) The rotary atomizer described in paragraph (14) An outer circumferential groove for holding an inner portion of the retainer ring is formed at one end of the housing, and an inner circumferential groove for holding an outer portion of the retainer ring is formed in the cap. A rotary atomizer according to claim (13). (15) The outer surface of the housing and the inner wall of the cap form part of a flow path for exhaust air, and the retainer ring separates the spray forming air flow path portion from the exhaust air flow path portion. A rotary atomizer according to claim (15). (16) an outer shroud surrounding the housing; a manifold having an inlet means coupled to a source of paint and an outlet means coupled to an inlet of the supply pipe; securing means for removably securing to the means, the supply tube being positioned within the shroud and having an inlet adjacent an outer surface of the shroud. The rotary atomizer according to item 1). (17) a motor positioned within the housing for rotating the bell; at least one magnetic means attached to the motor and rotating at a speed proportional to the rotational speed of the bell; a pickup coil positioned adjacent to the travel path; a series of looped insulated high voltage wires connected to the pickup coil and extending outside the housing; and a series of looped insulated high voltage wires connected to the pickup coil and extending outside the housing; 2. A rotary atomizer as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a separate coil surrounding the pickup coil for generating an electrical pulse each time said magnetic means passes said pick-up coil. (18) a first valve connected between the supply pipe and the paint source for selectively supplying paint to the supply pipe; and a first valve connected between the supply pipe and the solvent source; a second valve for selectively supplying solvent to the supply pipe; and a second valve coupled between the exhaust reservoir and the paint source for selectively coupling a paint source to the exhaust reservoir. Claim No. 3 (
The rotary atomizer according to item 1). (19) a housing supporting an atomizing bell adjacent one end thereof; and an annular atomizing air having an outer surface extending from the housing toward a peripheral portion of the bell and secured to the one end of the housing. a cap; an annular spray-forming air ring having an inner surface in facing relationship with an outer surface of the cap and extending toward a peripheral portion of the bell; and an annular spray-forming air ring secured to the spray-forming air cap; a first annular chamber for receiving a supply of pressurized spray-forming air formed by the cooperation of an outer surface of the air cap and an inner surface of the air ring; and a first annular chamber for receiving a supply of pressurized spray-forming air from the first chamber; an annular array of holes for receiving air; a second annular chamber for receiving the spray-forming air from the first chamber through the holes; and a second annular chamber for receiving the spray-forming air from the second chamber and surrounding the bell; and an annular opening adjacent to the peripheral portion of the bell for directing the spray-forming air in a thin uniform ring pattern towards the portion. Rotary sprayer for. (20) The air cap is provided with a first threaded portion that engages a cooperating threaded portion of the housing and a second threaded portion that engages a cooperating threaded portion of the air ring. Claim No. 1 (1) characterized in that
The rotary atomizer according to item 9). (21) The portions of the outer surface of the air cap and the inner surface of the air ring that cooperate with each other to constitute the annular array of holes are located between the portions of the outer surface and the inner surface that constitute the annular space. Claim 1 (
The rotary atomizer according to item 19). (22) The annular space is of conical design in order to create a conical ring of spray-forming air directed towards the axis of rotation. The rotary atomizer described in . (23) a housing supporting an atomizing bell adjacent to one end; the housing extending toward a peripheral portion of the bell to cooperate with the bell to define a chamber therebetween; and fixed to the one end of the housing. an annular spray-forming air cap positioned within the housing for rotating the bell and discharging pressurized air; A rotary atomizer for atomizing paint, characterized in that it comprises means for connecting the exhaust air of the motor to the chamber formed by the bell and the cap in order to maintain the pressure. (24) The chamber has an annular opening formed between a peripheral portion of the bell and an adjacent edge of the cap so that pressurized air within the chamber can be exhausted. A rotary atomizer according to claim (21). (25) A shroud that surrounds the motor and the housing, and passage means for communicating an inner surface of the shroud with the chamber, the motor having a discharge port opened on the inner surface of the shroud. A rotary atomizer according to claim 23, characterized in that the rotary atomizer is equipped with: (26) The rotary atomizer according to claim (23), wherein the passage means is formed in a cup shape. (27) said outlet is positioned at one end of said motor, said passage means being connected to said motor such that exhaust air flows through said shroud from said outlet to said passage means over an outer surface of said motor and said housing; A rotary atomizer according to claim 23, characterized in that it is positioned adjacent to the opposite end. (28) a spray bell having a generally cup-shaped member having an annular forward flow surface extending generally outwardly relative to the axis of rotation and extending to an outer edge portion that sprays paint; a housing that is rotatably supported adjacent to one end; an annular splash prevention plate that is attached to the inside of the cup-shaped member and constitutes a rear surface and a front surface; and a housing that penetrates through an outer portion of the splash prevention plate; a first passageway means extending from and for conveying paint to an annular forward flow surface of said cup-shaped member; one end connected to a source of paint and the other end connected to a central portion of said rearward surface of said splash plate; a supply pipe for delivering the paint positioned adjacently, the central portion of the rear surface comprising:
It is configured to receive paint and direct the paint from the central portion toward the outer portion of the splash shield,
for spraying paint, characterized in that the central portion of the rear face of the spray bell is provided with a generally conical projection extending outwardly into the outlet of the supply pipe; Rotary sprayer. (29) At the outlet of the supply pipe, there is provided an annular wall that cooperates with the conical extension to form a paint flow path from the supply pipe to the rear surface of the splash prevention plate, and that tapers inward. The rotary atomizer according to claim (28), characterized in that: (30) A second passage means extending through the splash prevention plate for sending a portion of the paint on the rear surface to a central portion of the front surface of the splash prevention plate. A rotary atomizer according to claim (28). (31) said second passage means comprising at least one inclined passageway positioned on said rear surface and having an inlet spaced apart from said axis of rotation and an outlet terminating along said axis of rotation; A rotary atomizer according to claim (30), characterized in that: (32) A coaxial passage is formed along the axis of rotation from the outlet of the inclined passage to the front face, and the outlet of the inclined passage is located at a midpoint between the front face and the rear face along the axis of rotation. Rotary atomizer according to claim 31, characterized in that it ends with . (33) The rotary atomizer according to claim (31), wherein the inlet of the inclined passage is positioned on a side wall of the conical projection. (34) A rotary atomizing bell used in a rotary atomizer for atomizing paint, the bell having an inner annular flow surface extending generally outward with respect to the axis of rotation and extending to the outer edge portion where the paint is sprayed. a generally cup-shaped member; an annular splash plate forming rear and front surfaces and fixed within the cup-shaped member; and an annular splash plate extending through an outer portion of the splash plate. , a first passage means for delivering paint to an annular flow surface of said cup-shaped member; second passage means for conveying a portion of paint, said rear face having a central portion adapted to receive a supply of paint from an outlet of an adjacently positioned supply tube; The second passage means is adapted to direct paint from a central portion toward an outer portion of the splash plate, and the second passage means includes an inlet positioned on the rear surface and spaced apart from the axis of rotation; Rotary atomizer, characterized in that it comprises at least one inclined passageway with an outlet terminating along the axis of rotation. (35) The outlet of the inclined passage terminates at a midpoint between the front surface and the rear surface along the axis of rotation, extends from the outlet of the inclined passage to the front surface, and is coaxial with the axis of rotation formed along the axis of rotation. A rotary atomizer according to claim 34, characterized in that the rotary atomizer is provided with a passage. (36) A central portion of the rear surface is provided with an outwardly extending generally conical projection, and the inclined passageway has an inlet positioned in a side wall of the conical projection. Claim No. 3 (3)
The rotary atomizer described in item 4). (37) a hollow shroud rotatably supporting a spray bell at one end and having passage means for supplying paint to said spray bell; an inlet means adapted to be connected to a source of paint; and said passage means; a manifold having an outlet connected to an inlet of the shroud; and securing means for removably securing the shroud to the manifold, the passage means having an inlet adjacent an outer surface of the shroud. A rotary atomizer for atomizing paint, characterized in that it has an outlet adjacent to the atomizing bell. (38) said manifold is formed with at least one passageway adapted to be connected to a source of pressurized air at one end and carrying a fitting extending from a surface of said manifold at the other end; 38. A rotary atomizer according to claim 37, wherein the inlet constitutes a hole formed to receive the fitting. (39) a housing rotatably supporting a spray bell at one end; a motor positioned within the housing for rotating the spray bell; one end fixed to one end of the housing with a screw, and the other end fixed to the one end of the housing with a screw; an annular, hollow, atomizing air cap extending toward a peripheral portion of the bell, such that the housing does not separate from the cap;
A rotary atomizer for spraying paint, characterized in that it has an inner part held by the housing and an outer part held by the cap. (40) The rotary atomizer according to claim 39, wherein the housing is formed with an outer peripheral groove for holding the inner edge of the retainer ring. (41) the outer surface of the housing and the inner wall of the cap form part of a flow path for spray-forming air and part of a flow path for exhaust air; 39. A rotary atomizer as claimed in claim 39, characterized in that the spray forming air channel section is separated from the channel section. (42) a housing that rotatably supports a spray bell at one end; a motor positioned within the housing for rotating the spray bell; and a motor that is attached to the motor and has a speed proportional to the rotational speed of the bell. a pick-up coil positioned adjacent to the path of travel of said magnetic means; and an insulated high voltage connected to said pick-up coil in a series of loops and extending outside said housing. and a separation coil that surrounds the high voltage wire at a position outside the housing and generates an electric pulse each time the magnetic means passes the pickup coil. , rotary sprayer for spraying paint. (43) The rotary atomizer according to claim (42), wherein the pickup coil is wound around a magnetic core. (44) The separation coil is connected to means for sensing electric pulses,
The rotary atomizer according to item 42). (45) a housing rotatably supporting a spray bell at one end; and an outlet positioned adjacent to the spray bell;
a supply tube for supplying fluid; a first valve means having an outlet connected to an inlet of the supply tube and an inlet connected to a source of paint; and first valve means for selectively supplying paint to the supply tube; , having an outlet connected to the inlet of the supply tube and an inlet connected to a source of solvent, and second valve means for selectively supplying solvent to the supply tube. , rotary sprayer for spraying paint. (46) an adapter having an outlet communicating with the inlet of the supply pipe; a first inlet communicating with the outlet of the first valve means; and a second inlet communicating with the outlet of the second valve means. A rotary atomizer according to claim (45), comprising: (47) Third valve means having an inlet connected to the inlet of the first valve means and an outlet connected to a fluid reservoir, and supplying paint to the fluid reservoir. A rotary atomizer according to claim (46), characterized in that: