DE102008000399B4 - spray gun - Google Patents

Abstract

Spray gun (10) comprising a housing (18) on which a handle (20) is formed, a spray unit (14) which comprises the spray nozzle (26) of the spray gun (10), and a connecting device (16) for releasable connection a connection area (32) of the housing (18) with a connection area (30) of the spray unit (14), the connection area (32) of the housing (18) and the connection area (30) of the injection unit (14) being such that they can be plugged into one another and connected to one another while executing a straight relative movement, and wherein the connecting device (16) has at least one locking element which is designed such that it fixes a predetermined relative position and orientation of the connecting areas (30, 32), characterized in that, that the at least one locking element is a latching element (44) engaging in at least one recess (40, 42), and the latching element (44) is annular and is applied e is designed to be deformable in force, the latching element (44) engaging in the at least one recess (40, 42) in the non-deformed state and in the ...

Description

The present invention relates to a spray gun for dispensing spray, comprising a housing on which a handle is arranged, a spray unit comprising the spray nozzle of the spray gun, and a connecting means for releasably connecting a connecting portion of the housing with a connecting portion of the spray unit.

Spray guns of the type mentioned are known in the prior art in a variety of configurations. With such spray guns sprayed can be sprayed, in particular water-dilutable and solvent-containing spray, such as paints, varnishes, glazes, primers, stains and wood preservatives, to name but a few. The spraying method used is usually the low-pressure spraying method, which is a method in which sprayed material sprays at a low pressure of about 0.2 to about 0.5 bar and with a high volume of air at about 200 liters per minute becomes. This HVLP spraying process achieves a low overspray, i. H. because of its low spray losses, coating levels up to about 65%, and thus superior to conventional processes that achieve coating levels between about 20 and about 35%. Characteristic of the method is the air surrounding the spray material, which reduces overspray and color fog. This results in advantages such as paint savings and low solvent emissions, which have a particularly environmentally friendly effect.

Such spray guns are divided into two main parts, namely a housing, on which a handle is formed, and in a spray unit, which can be connected to each other by means of a connecting device and separated from each other. Such subdivision of the spray gun is advantageous in that the spray unit can be separated from the housing, so that the spray unit can be cleaned more easily. In addition, there is no risk during cleaning of the spray unit that the housing comes into contact with spray water during the cleaning process of the spray unit. The latter is particularly advantageous when the housing forms an electrical unit having electrical components, such as a compressed air generating device for generating the pressure under which the sprayed material is discharged from the spray gun.

In a known spray gun, the spray unit and the housing are fastened together by first associating a connecting portion of the housing and a connecting portion of the spray unit with each other in a first step, and then, in a second step, by using an adjusting screw provided on the connecting portions An approximately 90 ° rotation are attached to each other. In accordance with the reverse order of the steps, the housing and the spray unit can then be separated again. In this case, however, in particular the assembly of the components is a problem, since the assignment of the housing and the spray unit can only be completed in a narrow angular range. This requires a lot of tact despite the existing markings. In addition, the direction of rotation during disassembly of both components is explanatory. As a result, a user who rarely operates the spray gun will have to make some attempts before the component separation is successful. In addition, a twisting of both components against each other involves the risk that obliquely holding the spray unit, is attached to the normally the sprayed material-containing spray material container, sprayed into those areas of the spray unit or even of the housing, which are provided only for the transport of air.

Subsequent cleaning of these areas is extremely cumbersome.

Other spray guns are in DE 10 2004 027 551 A1 . DE 195 07 365 A1 and DE 36 24 040 A1 disclosed.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a spray gun of the type mentioned, which has an alternative structure and at least partially solves the problems described above.

Disclosure of the invention

To achieve this object, the present invention provides a spray gun with a housing, on which a handle is formed, a spray unit, which comprises the spray nozzle of the spray gun, and a connection device for releasably connecting a connection region of the housing with a connection region of the spray unit.

According to the invention, the connection region of the housing and the connection region of the injection unit are such that they can be inserted into one another and connected to one another while carrying out a straight-line relative movement. In other words, therefore, the known rotational relative movement of the components during their assembly and disassembly by a straight-line relative movement, whereby the above-mentioned Disadvantages associated with the rotational relative motion can be eliminated.

The two connection regions are preferably designed as ring-like connecting elements which can be plugged into one another, the contour of the inner circumference of one connecting element at least partially corresponding to the contour of the outer circumference of the other connecting element. In this case, the ring-like connecting elements may for example have a circular or a polygonal contour. In this regard, it should be clear that the clearance between the inner circumference of one connecting element and the outer circumference of the other connecting element on the one hand should be sufficiently large to ensure easy nesting of the connecting elements, but on the other hand should be sufficiently low to allow a relative movement between the connecting elements in mounted Preventing the condition of the components, so that no unwanted wobbling movements between the housing and the spray unit are generated during use of the spray gun.

Advantageously, a guide device is provided, which is designed such that it guides the connection region of the housing and the connection region of the spray unit during its relative movement. Such a guide device can already be produced in that the connecting elements, as described above, are polygonal, whereby rotation of the connecting portions relative to each other during the insertion movement is prevented. However, in this case there is the possibility that the connecting elements are aligned incorrectly to each other by the user already at the beginning of the insertion process, so that the connection areas are not inserted into each other in the desired position. The guide device is therefore preferably such that it predetermines a clear relative orientation of the connection regions at the time of the insertion process. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide device therefore comprises at least one groove and at least one projection, wherein the at least one projection is guided during the relative movement in the at least one groove. In this way, a clear relative alignment of the connection areas during the insertion process can be achieved.

The connecting device comprises at least one blocking element, which is arranged such that it fixes a predetermined relative position and orientation of the connecting regions. The blocking element thus prevents a relative movement of the connecting regions in the assembled state.

The at least one blocking element is a locking element which engages in at least one recess and which is designed to be deformable in the form of a ring and with the application of a force, wherein the locking element engages in the non-deformed state in the at least one recess and is decoupled from the recess in the deformed state.

Furthermore, at least one actuating element for actuating the blocking element is preferably provided, such as, for example, a pushbutton accessible from the outside of the housing or the like. For safety reasons, however, advantageously several actuators are provided, which must be operated together to release the locking element from its locked position. Accordingly, the risk is reduced that the locking position of the locking element is accidentally canceled. For example, two push buttons can be provided, which are arranged at different positions on the spray gun and must be operated together to actuate the locking element.

Finally, the connecting device according to the present invention preferably comprises at least one stop against which one of the connecting regions abuts at the end of the insertion movement and which defines the position of the fixing by the blocking element.

embodiment

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In it is:

1 a perspective view of a spray gun according to an embodiment of the present invention in the assembled state;

2 a side view of in 1 illustrated spray gun in the disassembled state;

3 a partially sectioned and enlarged side view of connecting portions of the in the 1 and 2 illustrated spray gun, which are used for mounting and dismounting the spray gun;

4A is a sectional view of a first connection region along the line IV-IV in FIG 3 ;

4B is a sectional view of a second connection region along the line VV in FIG 3 wherein a latching element of the second connection region is in a non-deformed state;

5A is a sectional view corresponding 4A ; and

5B is a sectional view of the second connection area along the line VV in 3 , wherein a latching element of the second connection region is in a deformed state.

Like reference numerals refer to like components below.

1 FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a low pressure spray method (HVLP) spray gun. FIG 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in the assembled state. The spray gun 10 in the present case consists of two main units, namely an electrical unit 12 and from a spray unit 14 using a connection device 16 releasably fastened to each other, which is described below with reference to 2 will be described in more detail. The electric unit 12 includes a housing 18 which has a receiving space for the electrical components of the spray gun 10 defined, in particular for a compressed air generating device, not shown, which generates the pressure under which the sprayed material from the spray gun 10 is delivered. In one piece with the housing 18 is an ergonomically shaped handle 20 trained by a user to operate the spray gun 10 can be gripped comfortably. For switching the spray gun on and off 10 is on the handle 20 an operating switch 22 intended. About a cable 24 at the bottom of the handle 20 is arranged, the electric unit 12 supplied with the required electrical energy.

At the front end of the spray unit 14 is a spray nozzle 26 arranged, with the help of which the shape and direction of the spray gun 10 exiting spray jet is adjustable. So can the spray nozzle 26 for example, be configured such that a user can choose between an exit beam in the form of a point, a horizontally extending ellipse or a vertically extending ellipse. Accordingly, the shape of the discharge jet can be adapted to the respective application. At the bottom of the spray unit 14 is detachable a spray container 28 attached, which receives the spray stock. The sprayed material may be, for example, paints, varnishes, glazes, primers, stains and wood preservatives, to name only a few possibilities. The attachment of the spray container 28 at the spray unit 14 can be done for example by means of a screw, a connector, a snap-in connection or the like.

2 is a side view of in 1 illustrated spray gun 10 in the disassembled state, ie in the state in which the spray unit 14 from the electrical unit 12 is disconnected.

For releasably connecting the two units 12 and 14 includes the spray unit 14 a first connection area 30 and the electrical unit 12 a second connection area 32 , wherein the second connection area 32 the electrical unit 12 in the illustration according to 2 through the housing 18 hidden and not visible accordingly. The first connection area 30 and the second connection area 32 together form the connecting device 16 , with reference to the following 3 . 4A . 4B . 5A and 5B will be explained in more detail.

3 is a partially sectioned side view of the connecting device 16 ; 4A is a sectional view of the first connection area 30 along the line IV-IV in 3 ; 4B is a sectional view of the second connection area 32 along the line VV in 3 , wherein a latching element of the second connection area 32 is in a non-deformed state; and 5A is a sectional view corresponding 4A ; and 5B is a sectional view of the second connection area 32 along the line VV in 3 , wherein a latching element of the second connection area 32 in a deformed state.

The connection areas 30 and 32 are each provided as annular connecting elements with a substantially circular cross-section. In this case, the maximum outer diameter d _{a max .} of the first connection area 30 slightly smaller than the minimum inner diameter d _{i min.} of the second connection area 32 formed so that the first connection area 30 in the second connection area 32 can be inserted. The clearance between the maximum outside diameter d _{a max.} and the minimum inner diameter d _{i min.} should be chosen such that it is sufficiently large to allow easy insertion of the first connection area 30 in the second connection area 32 but it should also be sufficiently small that in the inserted state of the connection areas 30 and 32 no particular wobbly movements between the connection areas 30 and 32 can arise.

The first connection area 30 includes two diametrically opposed guide grooves 34 during the insertion process of the first connection area 30 in the second connection area 32 with two guide projections 36 come into engagement, that of the inner diameter of the second connecting portion 32 at corresponding diametrically opposite Protrude positions. The guide grooves 34 and the guide projections 36 Together, they form a guiding device, which ensures that the first connection area 30 in a predetermined orientation in the second connection region 32 is inserted. The guide grooves 34 and / or the guide projections 36 For example, in those portions which first engage with each other, a chamfer (not shown) may be provided which introduces the guiding projections 36 in the guide grooves 34 facilitate.

At this point it should be clear that the guide grooves 34 and the guide projections 36 Alternatively, in each case diametrically offset from each other can be arranged, so do not have to face each other. In addition, it should be clear that optionally only one guide groove and only one guide projection or more than two guide grooves and two guide projections can be provided.

At the outer periphery of the first connection area 30 is an annular seal 38 arranged, which the space between the first connection area 30 and the second connection area 32 seals in the inserted state. The seal 38 prevents corresponding leakage of compressed air from the connection areas 30 and 32 ,

Further, on the inner periphery of the second connection portion 32 a stop in the form of a circlip 39 provided to the first connection area 30 at the end of the insertion movement strikes.

At the outer periphery of the first connection area 30 are two diametrically opposed groove-shaped recesses 40 intended. Similar are also on the outer circumference of the second connection area 32 two diametrically opposed groove-shaped recesses 42 arranged. In these groove-shaped recesses 42 engages an annular locking element 44 a, which is formed deformable by applying a force. In its non-deformed state, the locking element engages 44 both in the groove-shaped recess 42 of the second connection area 32 as well as in the groove-shaped recess 40 of the first connection area 30 if the first connection area 30 in the second connection area 32 is inserted, wherein it is in its deformed state out of engagement with the groove-shaped recess 40 of the first connection area 30 comes. The aligned in the radial direction arrangement of the groove-shaped recesses 40 and 42 with the locking element 44 becomes by the serving as Anaschlag Seegering 39 guaranteed.

4B shows the annular locking element 44 in the undeformed state. In synopsis with 4A is shown that the maximum distance a _max. between the opposite inner sides of the locking element 44 in the vertical direction in the non-deformed state of the locking element 44 smaller than the maximum outer diameter d _{a max.} of the first connection area 30 is why the locking element 44 in the assembled state of the two connection areas 30 and 32 in both of the aligned groove-shaped recesses 40 and 42 intervenes. This will be the first connection area 30 at the second connection area 32 held, so that in 1 illustrated assembled state of the spray gun 10 is achieved.

Will now be in the direction of in 4B with the reference number 46 marked arrows a pressure on the locking element 44 exerted, the maximum distance a _max. between the vertically opposite inner sides of the locking element 44 enlarged so that the residual element 44 out of engagement with the groove-shaped recess 40 of the first connection area 30 comes because a _max. greater than d _{a max.} will, as it is in the 5A and 5B is shown. Once the locking element 44 out of engagement with the groove-shaped recess 40 of the first connection area 30 comes, may be the first connection area 30 from the second connection area 32 be pulled out so that the in 2 illustrated disassembled state of the spray gun 10 results.

To exercise the force in the direction of 4B illustrated arrows 46 are, as it is in the 1 and 2 is shown, on both sides of the housing 18 the electrical unit 12 actuators 48 provided in the form of snaps. In the 5B illustrated deformation of the locking element 44 is therefore achieved when both of the controls 48 be operated at the same time.

It should be understood that the above-described embodiment of the device according to the invention is given by way of example only and is in no way limiting. Rather, modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims. In particular, the compressed air generating device does not have to be in the housing 18 be integrated. Alternatively, it may also be provided as a separate unit from the spray gun, wherein the compressed air is supplied to the compressed air in this case via a compressed air hose which is connected to the separate compressed air generating device.

Claims (6)

Spray gun ( 10 ), comprising a housing ( 18 ) on which a handle ( 20 ), a spray unit ( 14 ), which the spray nozzle ( 26 ) of the spray gun ( 10 ), and a connection device ( 16 ) for releasably connecting a connection area ( 32 ) of the housing ( 18 ) with a connection area ( 30 ) of the spray unit ( 14 ), where the connection area ( 32 ) of the housing ( 18 ) and the connection area ( 30 ) of the injection unit ( 14 ) are such that they can be plugged into each other while performing a rectilinear relative movement and connected to each other, and wherein the connecting device ( 16 ) has at least one blocking element arranged to have a predetermined relative position and orientation of the connecting regions ( 30 . 32 ), characterized in that the at least one blocking element is inserted into at least one recess ( 40 . 42 ) engaging detent element ( 44 ), and the locking element ( 44 ) is formed ring-shaped and deformable by applying a force, wherein the latching element ( 44 ) in the non-deformed state in the at least one recess ( 40 . 42 ) engages and in the deformed state not with the recess ( 40 ) is engaged. Spray gun ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two connection areas ( 30 . 32 ) are formed as ring-like, one another plug-in connection elements, wherein the contour of the inner periphery of the housing connecting element at least partially corresponds to the contour of the outer periphery of the injection unit connecting element. Spray gun ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a guide means is provided, which is arranged such that it covers the connection area ( 32 ) of the housing ( 18 ) and the connection area ( 30 ) of the spray unit ( 14 ) during their relative movement leads. Spray gun ( 10 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide device has at least one groove ( 34 ) and at least one projection ( 36 ), wherein the at least one projection ( 36 ) during the relative movement in the at least one groove ( 34 ) to be led. Spray gun ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one actuating device ( 48 ) is provided for actuating the blocking element. Spray gun ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stop ( 39 ) abuts the end of the insertion movement and defines the position of the fixation by the blocking element.

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