Liquid spray gun nozzle assemblies and liquid spray gun assemblies

Abstract

The present invention discloses a liquid spray gun nozzle assembly, which includes: a spray gun connecting part, which is opposite to the coating liquid outlet part and is suitable for connecting the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to a compatible liquid spray gun body, the spray gun connecting part includes an outer wall, and the outer wall includes a radially outward surface; a first cam member and a second cam member, the first cam member and the second cam member are arranged on the radially outward surface, each cam member includes a first end, a second end and a cam surface facing the coating liquid outlet part; a first entry window, the first entry window separates the first end of the first cam member from the second end of the second cam member; and a second entry window, the second entry window separates the first end of the second cam member from the second end of the first cam member.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the applicant 3M Innovation Co., Ltd.'s PCT application with international application number PCT / IB2017 / 057667 and the invention patent application with application number 201780075485.2 that has entered the Chinese national phase. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to a liquid spray gun nozzle assembly and a liquid spray gun assembly. Background Art

[0003] Spray guns are known for applying coatings to various substrates. It is known to provide spray guns with removable nozzle assemblies to facilitate easier cleaning of the wetted portion and to allow for replacement of different types of nozzles for different applications. An improved connection between the removable nozzle assembly and the spray gun body is desired. Summary of the invention

[0004] Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the following listed embodiments, which may or may not be numbered for convenience. Several additional embodiments not specifically listed in this section are disclosed in the accompanying detailed description.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a liquid spray gun nozzle assembly for a liquid spray gun is provided, comprising:

[0006] a coating liquid inlet portion, the coating liquid inlet portion comprising a liquid connector for connecting to an external liquid source;

[0007] a coating liquid outlet portion, the coating liquid outlet portion comprising a liquid nozzle for spraying the coating liquid, the coating liquid is fed into the nozzle assembly through the coating liquid inlet portion, and the liquid nozzle is arranged along a spraying axis;

[0008] a coating liquid flow path fluidly connecting the coating liquid inlet portion to the liquid nozzle;

[0009] a spray gun connection portion, the spray gun connection portion opposite the coating liquid outlet portion, adapted to connect the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to a compatible liquid spray gun body, the spray gun connection portion including a nozzle assembly sealing surface, the nozzle assembly sealing surface adapted to seal the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to the compatible liquid spray gun body, the nozzle assembly sealing surface including a first sealing member and a second sealing member, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are each circular and concentric with each other,

[0010] Wherein, when connected to the compatible liquid spray gun body, a shaping air zone is concentric with and isolated between the first and second sealing members.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a liquid spray gun assembly is provided, comprising:

[0012] a liquid spray gun body; and

[0013] A liquid spray gun nozzle assembly as hereinbefore described.

[0014] Implementation :

[0015] 1. A liquid spray gun nozzle assembly, the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly comprising

[0016] a coating liquid inlet portion, the coating liquid inlet portion comprising a liquid connector for connecting to an external liquid source;

[0017] a coating liquid outlet portion, the coating liquid outlet portion comprising a liquid nozzle for spraying the coating liquid fed into the nozzle assembly through the coating liquid inlet portion, the liquid nozzle being arranged along a spraying axis;

[0018] a coating liquid flow path fluidly connecting the coating liquid inlet portion to the liquid nozzle;

[0019] A spray gun connection portion, the spray gun connection portion is opposite to the coating liquid outlet portion and is suitable for connecting the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to a compatible liquid spray gun body, the spray gun connection portion includes

[0020] an outer wall, the outer wall comprising a radially outward surface;

[0021] a first cam member disposed on the radially outward surface and comprising a first end, a second end, and a cam surface facing the coating liquid outlet portion;

[0022] A first access window is provided proximate the first end of the first cam member.

[0023] 2. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the spray gun connection portion further comprises

[0024] a second cam member including a first end, a second end, and a cam surface facing the coating liquid outlet portion; wherein the first access window separates the first end of the first cam member from the second end of the second cam member; and

[0025] A second access window separates the first end of the second cam member from the second end of the first cam member.

[0026] 3. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of embodiment 2, wherein the second radially outward cam surface includes a portion that is inclined relative to a base plane, the base plane being defined perpendicular to the spraying axis.

[0027] 4. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the liquid connector comprises a quick connect coupler.

[0028] 5. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the first radially outward cam surface includes a portion that is inclined relative to a base plane, the base plane being defined perpendicular to the spraying axis.

[0029] 6. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the spray gun connection portion comprises a nozzle assembly sealing surface adapted to seal the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to the compatible liquid spray gun body.

[0030] 7. A liquid spray gun nozzle assembly according to embodiment 6, wherein the first cam surface is suitable for interacting with a complementary cam lug on the compatible liquid spray gun body to pull the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly along the spray axis so as to position the nozzle assembly sealing surface in a sealing relationship with the compatible liquid spray gun body.

[0031] 8. According to the liquid nozzle described in embodiment 7, the liquid nozzle includes a second cam surface, wherein the first cam surface and the second cam surface are suitable for interacting with complementary cam lugs on the compatible liquid spray gun body to pull the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly along the spray axis so as to position the nozzle assembly sealing surface to be in a sealing relationship with the compatible liquid spray gun body.

[0032] 9. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of any one of embodiments 6-8, wherein the nozzle assembly sealing surface comprises a circular first sealing member.

[0033] 10. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of any one of embodiments 6-8, wherein the nozzle assembly sealing surface comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member that are each circular and concentric with each other.

[0034] 11. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of embodiment 10, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member are concentric about the spraying axis.

[0035] 12. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of any one of embodiments 10 or 11, wherein a shaping air zone is isolated between the first sealing member and the second sealing member when connected to the compatible liquid spray gun body.

[0036] 13. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of any of embodiments 10-12, wherein when connected to the compatible liquid spray gun body, a central air zone is isolated within the second sealing member.

[0037] 14. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of any one of embodiments 10-13, wherein the nozzle assembly sealing surface includes a third sealing member that is circular and concentric with the first and second sealing members.

[0038] 15. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of embodiment 14, wherein a shaping air zone is isolated between the second sealing member and the third sealing member when connected to the compatible liquid spray gun body.

[0039] 16. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of any of embodiments 14 or 15, wherein a liquid needle is isolated within the third sealing member when connected to the compatible liquid spray gun body.

[0040] 17. A liquid spray gun nozzle assembly according to any one of embodiments 1-16, wherein the first cam surface is adapted to interact with a complementary cam lug on the compatible liquid spray gun body so as to pull the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly along the spray axis and against the compatible liquid spray gun body without rotating the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly.

[0041] 18. A liquid nozzle according to embodiment 17, wherein the liquid nozzle includes a second cam surface, wherein the first cam surface and the second cam surface are suitable for interacting with complementary cam lugs on the compatible liquid spray gun body so as to pull the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly along the spray axis and against the compatible liquid spray gun body without rotating the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly.

[0042] 19. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of any one of embodiments 1-18, wherein the first access window provides access for a complementary camming lug on the compatible liquid spray gun body to reach the camming surface of the first radially outward camming member.

[0043] 20. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of embodiment 19, wherein the first and second access windows provide passages for complementary cam lobes on the compatible liquid spray gun body to reach the cam surfaces of the first and second radially outward cam members.

[0044] 21. A liquid spray gun assembly, comprising

[0045] a liquid spray gun body; and

[0046] A liquid spray gun nozzle assembly according to any one of embodiments 1-20.

[0047] 22. The liquid spray gun assembly of embodiment 21, wherein the liquid spray gun body comprises a captured rotatable locking ring for connecting the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly.

[0048] 23. The liquid spray gun assembly of embodiment 22, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring comprises a first cam lug and a second cam lug adapted to interact with the first cam surface and the second cam surface on the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly.

[0049] 24. The liquid spray gun assembly of embodiment 23, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring is rotatable about the spray axis to an assembly position and a locked position, wherein:

[0050] In the assembled position, the first cam lug and the second cam lug are aligned with the first access window and the second access window, respectively, to allow installation or removal of the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly; and

[0051] In the locked position, the first and second cam lobes abut the first and second cam surfaces, respectively, to lock the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to the liquid spray gun body.

[0052] 25. The liquid spray gun assembly of embodiment 24, wherein rotation of the captive rotatable locking ring from the assembled position to the locked position is less than 180 degrees about the spray axis.

[0053] 26. The liquid spray gun assembly of embodiment 25, wherein rotation of the captive rotatable locking ring from the assembled position to the locked position is less than 140 degrees about the spray axis.

[0054] 27. A liquid spray gun assembly according to any one of embodiments 22-26, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring can be installed to the liquid spray gun body by pushing the captured rotatable locking ring along the spray axis, and can be removed from the liquid spray gun body by pulling along the spray axis.

[0055] 28. A liquid spray gun assembly according to embodiment 27, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring can be rotated around the spray axis to an assembly position and a locking position, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring can be installed to and removed from the liquid spray gun body when rotated to the assembly position, but cannot be removed when rotated to the locking position.

[0056] 29. The liquid spray gun assembly of any one of embodiments 27-28, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring is mountable on and removable from the liquid spray gun body via a snapping feature.

[0057] 30. The liquid spray gun assembly of any one of embodiments 27-29, wherein the captive rotatable locking ring is mountable on and removable from the liquid spray gun body without the use of tools.

[0058] 31. A liquid spray gun body comprising a captive rotatable locking ring adapted to allow connection of a compatible liquid spray gun nozzle assembly, wherein the liquid spray gun body is devoid of a passageway for coating liquid.

[0059] 32. The liquid spray gun body of embodiment 31, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring includes a first cam lug adapted to interact with a first cam surface on a compatible liquid spray gun nozzle assembly.

[0060] 33. The liquid spray gun body of embodiment 32, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring includes a second cam lug adapted to interact with a second cam surface on a compatible liquid spray gun nozzle assembly.

[0061] 34. The liquid spray gun body of any one of embodiments 31-33, wherein the captive rotatable locking ring is rotatable to an assembly position and a locked position, wherein:

[0062] In the assembled position, the compatible liquid spray gun nozzle assembly is installable and removable; and

[0063] In the locked position, the compatible liquid spray gun nozzle assembly may be locked onto the liquid spray gun body.

[0064] 35. The liquid spray gun body of embodiment 34, wherein rotation of the captive rotatable locking ring from the assembled position to the locked position is less than 180 degrees about the spray axis.

[0065] 36. The liquid spray gun body of embodiment 35, wherein rotation of the captive rotatable locking ring from the assembled position to the locked position is less than 140 degrees about the spray axis.

[0066] 37. A liquid spray gun body according to any one of embodiments 31-36, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring can be installed on the liquid spray gun body by pushing the captured rotatable locking ring onto the liquid spray gun body, and can be removed from the liquid spray gun body by pulling from the liquid spray gun body.

[0067] 38. A liquid spray gun body according to embodiment 37, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring can be rotated around the spray axis to an assembly position and a locking position, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring can be installed to the liquid spray gun body and removed from the liquid spray gun body when rotated to the assembly position, but cannot be removed when rotated to the locking position.

[0068] 39. The liquid spray gun body of any one of embodiments 37-38, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring is mountable on and removable from the liquid spray gun body via a snap feature.

[0069] 40. The liquid spray gun body of any one of embodiments 37-39, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring is installable on and removable from the liquid spray gun body without the use of tools.

[0070] 41. A method of using a liquid spray gun, the method comprising mounting the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly according to any one of embodiments 1-20 to the liquid spray gun body according to any one of embodiments 31-40.

[0071] 42. The method of embodiment 41, comprising removing the liquid nozzle assembly from the liquid spray gun body.

[0072] 43. A method of using a liquid spray gun body according to any of embodiments 37-40, the method comprising removing the captured rotatable locking ring from the liquid spray gun body for cleaning, and then reinstalling the captured rotatable locking ring onto the liquid spray gun body.

[0073] 44. A method of using a liquid spray gun assembly according to any one of embodiments 31-30, the method comprising

[0074] placing the captured rotatable locking ring in the assembled position;

[0075] aligning the first cam lug with the first access window;

[0076] translating the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly along the spray axis to cause the first cam lobe to pass through the first access window;

[0077] rotating the captured rotatable locking ring about the spray axis to cause the first cam lobe to engage the first cam surface; and

[0078] Continued rotation of the captive rotatable locking ring to the locked position causes the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to be locked in sealing relationship with the liquid spray gun body.

[0079] 45. The method according to embodiment 44, comprising

[0080] aligning the second cam lug with the second access window;

[0081] translating the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly along the spray axis to cause the second cam lobe to pass through the second access window; and

[0082] The captured rotatable locking ring is rotated about the spray axis to cause the second cam lobe to engage the second cam surface.

[0083] 46. ​​The method according to any one of embodiments 44-45, comprising

[0084] rotating the captive rotatable locking ring from the locked position to the assembled position; and

[0085] The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly is pulled along the spray axis to remove the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly from the liquid spray gun body.

[0086] 47. The method according to embodiment 46, comprising

[0087] After removing the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly from the liquid spray gun body, the captured rotatable locking ring is removed from the liquid spray gun body by pulling along the spray axis.

[0088] 48. The method according to embodiment 47, comprising

[0089] After removing the captured rotatable locking ring from the liquid spray gun body, the captured rotatable locking ring is reinstalled onto the liquid spray gun body by pushing along the spray axis.

[0090] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments described herein that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. In addition, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present invention.

[0091] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a", "an" or "the" component may include one or more components known to those skilled in the art or their equivalents. Additionally, the term "and / or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0092] It is noteworthy that the term "comprises" and its variations are not intended to have a limiting meaning when these terms appear in the appended claims. In addition, "a / an", "the", "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably herein.

[0093] Relative terms such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, side, upper, lower, horizontal, vertical, etc. may be used herein, and if so, they are from the perspective observed in a specific drawing. However, these terms are only used to simplify the description and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0094] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," "one or more embodiments," or "an embodiment" mean that the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, phrases such as "in one or more embodiments," "in certain embodiments," "in one embodiment," or "in an embodiment" that appear in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0095] The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the reservoir and related exhaust assembly described herein. Rather, a more complete understanding of the present invention will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments and the claims in light of the accompanying drawings.

[0096] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description. However, in no event should the above summary be construed as limiting the claimed subject matter, which is defined solely by the appended claims as may be amended during prosecution. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0097] Throughout the specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0098] Figures 1 to 3 depicts an exemplary liquid spray gun according to the present invention;

[0099] Figure 4 and Figure 5 depicts an exemplary liquid spray gun wherein the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly has been removed;

[0100] Figure 6 depicts a nozzle assembly connection portion in an assembled position;

[0101] Fig. 6A depicts a nozzle assembly connection portion in a locked position;

[0102] Figures 7 to 12 depicts an exemplary liquid spray gun wherein the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly and locking ring have been removed;

[0103] Figures 13 to 16 depicts an exemplary spray gun nozzle assembly according to the present invention;

[0104] Fig.17 is Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of the spray gun nozzle assembly taken at 17-17;

[0105] Fig.18 and Fig.19 depicts an exemplary locking ring according to the present invention;

[0106] Fig. 20 is Fig.19 A cross-sectional view of the locking ring taken at 20-20 of FIG.

[0107] Fig.21 depicts a locking ring according to the present disclosure; and

[0108] Fig. 22 is Fig.19 A cross-sectional view of the locking ring taken at 22-22. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0109] refer to Figures 1 to 3, various exemplary embodiments of a liquid spray gun 2 are shown. The liquid spray gun 2 includes a handle 4, a trigger 5, a connection for an external pressure source 6, a liquid spray gun body 3, a liquid needle adjustment knob 9, a shaping air control knob 8, and a liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 includes a spray gun connection portion 120 that is removable and attachable to a nozzle assembly connection portion 200 on the spray gun body 3.

[0110] The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 includes one end of a liquid spray gun coating liquid connector 104 (located at the coating liquid inlet portion 102), through which the coating liquid is supplied from an external liquid source 6' to the liquid spray gun 2. As shown in the figure, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 3In the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid connector 104 includes a quick connect coupler 105. Such a quick connect coupler is described, for example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 430,388 (3M Docket No. 77385US002), entitled “Paint Spray Gun Coating Liquid Connector,” filed on December 6, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Other liquid connectors are possible. For example, the liquid connector 104 may include a connection or connection features described in WO2017 / 123707; WO2017 / 123714; WO2017 / 123715; WO2017 / 123718; and / or U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2013 / 0221130 A1 (“Spray gun with built-in quick-fit connector”); 2004 / 0016825 A1 (“Mixing cup adapting assembly”); 2015 / 0090614 A1 (“Apparatus for spraying liquids,and adaptersand liquid reservoirs suitable for use therewith”); 2006 / 0065761 A1 (“Easy clean spray gun with built-in quick-fit connector”); gun (easy to clean spray gun)"); 2016 / 0052003 A1 ("Liquid Spray Gun, Spray Gun Platform, and Spray Head Assembly (Liquid Spray Gun, Spray Gun Platform and Spray Head Assembly)"); and / or 2015 / 0028131 ("Spray gun having internal boost passageway (spray gun having internal boost passageway)"), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Specifically, the liquid connector 104 may include a gravity-fed spray gun paint reservoir connector, an example of which is Figure 2 Shown in.

[0111] Within the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 is a coating liquid flow path 110 through which coating liquid flows from the liquid spray gun coating liquid connector 104 to the liquid nozzle 108 (see, e.g., Fig.19). In operation, the coating liquid passes along the coating liquid flow path 110 from the coating liquid inlet portion 102, along the spray axis 101 parallel to the liquid needle 9', and is finally discharged from the liquid nozzle 108 when the trigger 5 is pressed. When the spray gun is idle (i.e., not spraying), the liquid needle 9' usually closes the liquid nozzle 108. The liquid needle is sealed by one or more liquid needle sealing elements 111 toward the rear end of the coating liquid flow path 110 (e.g., such as Fig.17 108, thereby allowing the coating liquid to pass through. At the same time, pressing the trigger activates a pressurized air supply to assist (depending on the gun type) in pushing the coating liquid through and / or from the liquid nozzle 108, atomizing the coating liquid, or shaping the coating liquid (e.g., via the air cap 115, as described below). The stroke of the liquid needle 9' and the total air flow through the gun are adjusted via the liquid needle adjustment control 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the relative volume of the air flow between the air cap 115 (for shaping purposes) and the central air outlet 107 (for atomization purposes) is controlled via the air adjustment control 8. The front end of the nozzle body 100' includes a nozzle plate 108', which includes the liquid nozzle 108 and an air guide device to guide the shaping air and atomizing air to the shaping air zone 442 and the central air zone 444 (described elsewhere) in the assembled air cap 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle plate 108' is optionally provided as a separate piece that is sealingly secured to the nozzle body 100' by adhesive, welding, etc. In other embodiments, the nozzle plate 108' is integral with the nozzle body 100'.

[0112] In some embodiments, the liquid spray nozzle assembly includes an air cap 115 fixed to its spraying end. When provided, the air cap 115 can advantageously direct pressurized air to the coating liquid stream when the pressurized air is discharged from the liquid nozzle 108, for example, via one or more shaping air outlets 116 located in one or more air horns 117, so as to help atomize the coating liquid and shape the coating liquid jet into the desired spray pattern for a given application. In or near the air cap, the central air outlet 107 guides air around the liquid outlet 108 to extract the coating liquid from the liquid nozzle 108 and (if necessary) also impact the coating liquid to atomize it, thereby producing a fine mist of droplets. Optionally, one or more auxiliary air outlets 118 can be provided in the air cap 115 to further assist in shaping the spray pattern.The air cap 115, the center air outlet 107, the liquid nozzle 108, the air horn 117, the auxiliary air outlet 118 and the shaping air outlet 116 can be configured as described in the following patents: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 430,393 (3M Docket No. 79035US002), entitled "Spray Gun Air Cap Retention Means", filed on December 6, 2016, and / or U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2016 / 0052003A1 ("Liquid Spray Gun, Spray Gun Platform, and Spray Head Assembly"); 2013 / 0327850 A1 ("Nozzle tips and spray head assemblies for liquid spray guns"); 2014 / 0246519 A1 ("Spray head assembly with integrated air nozzle and spray head assembly for liquid spray guns"); cap / nozzle fora liquid spray gun"); 2013 / 0092760A1 ("Spray head assemblies for liquid spray guns"); 2015 / 0069142 A1 ("Spray gun barrel with inseparable nozzle"); 2016 / 0151797 A1 ("Air caps with face geometry inserts for liquid spray guns"); 2016 / 0175861 A1 ("Nozzle assemblies, systems and related methods"); and / or WO2015 / 191323; and / or WO2016 / 191240), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the illustrated embodiment, the coating liquid is completely contained within the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100, thereby generally avoiding the need to clean the liquid spray gun body 3 after use.

[0113] The external liquid source 6' may be a container that is directly attached to the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 (see, e.g. Figure 2), or may include a remote reservoir connected to the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 by a hose. In some embodiments, the external liquid source is remotely pressurized (via a pressurized tank, a remote pump, etc.) to force the coating liquid into the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100. In other embodiments, the coating liquid is forced into the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 under the action of gravity (again, see Figure 2 ), by negative pressure induced by a venturi at the liquid nozzle 108, by a local pump, or by a combination of the above, the coating liquid can be forced or pulled into the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100. Because the external liquid source can vary as described, it is Figure 1 and Figure 3 Shown in schematic form.

[0114] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the liquid needle 9' is attached to the liquid spray gun body 3 so that cleaning of the liquid spray gun body 3 is generally limited to wiping or otherwise cleaning the tip of the liquid needle after disassembling the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100. In other embodiments, the liquid needle can be encapsulated in the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 so that it can be removed from the liquid spray gun body 3 together with the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100. In either case, if disposable, the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 can be discarded after use so that no further cleaning is required. Alternatively, if reusable, the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 is the only part of the liquid spray gun 2 left to be cleaned. Both configurations can reduce cleaning time and materials (such as solvents) compared to what is typically required in conventional spray guns.

[0115] The exemplary nozzle assembly connection portion 200 facilitates attachment of the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 to the liquid spray gun body 3 via a captive rotatable locking ring 210, such as Figures 4 to 6 shown. Figure 6 The nozzle assembly connection portion 200 is shown viewed along the spray axis 101. As shown, there are shaping air ports 202 and center air ports 204 through which shaping air and center air are respectively supplied to the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100. A liquid needle port 206 is also provided in which the liquid needle 9' is located. Fig.13 A corresponding view of the spray gun connection portion 120 of the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 is shown in FIG.

[0116] Referring now to the interaction between the nozzle assembly connection portion 200 and the spray gun connection portion 120, further reference is made to Figure 6 and Fig.13 When the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 is attached to the nozzle assembly connection portion 200, the various sealing features interact to isolate the various zones, thereby allowing proper control of air flow. For example, the interactions occur according to the following table:

[0117] Table 1

[0118]

[0119]

[0120] Providing the above-mentioned seals allows isolation of the shaping air zone 176, the central air zone 180 and the liquid needle zone 186. In other words, after connection and sealing, the shaping air port 202 supplies air to the shaping air zone 176, the central air port 204 supplies air to the central air zone 180, and the liquid needle port 206 facilitates the provision of the liquid needle 9' in the liquid needle zone 186. It should be understood that the third sealing member 184 and the third sealing seat 284 are optional, because a seal around the liquid needle 9' is usually already provided (e.g., a packing (not shown)), and therefore the coating liquid and the compressed air are already fluidly isolated without the need for additional sealing of the air in the central air zone. In such a case, a corresponding structure as shown at 184 can still exist (see, for example Fig.17 ), but it does not need to implement the sealing function.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first sealing member 168 and the second sealing member 172 are substantially concentric. In some embodiments, the second sealing member 172 and the third sealing member 184 are substantially concentric. In some embodiments, the first sealing member 168 and the third sealing member 184 are substantially concentric. In some embodiments, the first sealing member 168, the second sealing member 172 and the third sealing member 184 are substantially concentric. In some embodiments, the first sealing member 168, the second sealing member 172 and the third sealing member 184 are substantially concentric. As used herein, "substantially concentric" means that the described features surround and share a common axis (e.g., the spray axis 101) and are circular, thereby allowing irregularities in circular shapes. An example of an irregularity within the scope of the above definition is a nozzle alignment feature 185, which corresponds to a gun alignment feature 285 in the nozzle assembly connection portion 200. This irregularity helps to enhance the rotational alignment of the spray gun nozzle assembly 100 relative to the spray gun body 3.

[0122] In one embodiment, the respective sealing members and sealing seats provide a sealing function by means of a resiliently compressible material such as a gasket. Such a gasket may be provided as a separate part on either or both of the components attached by, for example, snaps or adhesives. Alternatively, the gasket may be overmolded or insert molded onto (or inside) one or both components.

[0123] In yet another embodiment, the sealing function is provided by deformation of one or more components themselves. In such embodiments, the relative geometries and materials of the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 and the nozzle assembly connection portion 200 are selected to interact to produce a seal without the need to provide separate components or special gasket materials. For example, Fig.17 As can be seen in the figure, the first sealing member 168 and the second sealing member 172 are configured as tapered rims terminating in pointed profiles. These pointed profiles interact with the corresponding first and second sealing seats 268, 272 so that (depending on the relative hardness of the selected materials) (i) the pointed profiles slightly "wrinkle" to form a seal; or (ii) the pointed profiles slightly bite or dig into the sealing seat. In some embodiments, the wrinkling and digging are consistent. In the embodiments described in this paragraph, it is possible to simplify and manufacture the components in a less expensive manner because no additional sealing material or components are required. Although the tapered rims are as shown in FIG. Fig.17 They are shown as having a single conical surface terminating at an apex, but they may alternatively be configured to have two conical surfaces intersecting at an apex, etc.

[0124] In some embodiments, the sealing seat is configured as a blind recessed receiving port into which the sealing member can slide a distance before fully abutting against the blind end of the seat. In such embodiments, friction alone can provide sufficient sealing, or it can be assisted or provided alone by wrinkling and / or digging as described above, or by sealing or gasketing materials as described above.

[0125] Regardless of the nature of the particular seal selected, the seal may be configured as a sliding seal (e.g., a piston seal) (see Figure 6 and Fig.17 The interaction between the third seal 184 and the third seal seat 284 depicted in FIG), the face seal (see Figure 6 and Fig.17 The interaction between the first sealing member 168 and the second sealing member 172 and the first sealing seat 268 and the second sealing seat 272 depicted in FIG. 1 ), or a combination thereof.

[0126] like Fig.18 value Fig. 20 As shown, the locking ring 210 includes one or more cam lugs 230. As shown in the depicted embodiment, two cam lugs 230 are positioned opposite each other and are equally spaced around the circumference of the locking ring 210. Each cam lug 230 includes a lug cam surface 232 that is positioned to interact with a cam surface 148 on a cam member (132, 136) located on the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100.

[0127] like Fig.18 and Fig. 20As shown, the locking ring 210 also includes one or more guide features 240 to help retain the locking ring 210 on the spray gun body 3 and guide the controlled rotation of the locking ring. The guide member may optionally also include one or more snap features 242 to facilitate removable retention of the locking ring 210. The outer surface of the locking ring may include a hand grip feature that allows the locking ring 210 to be moved to the assembly position 214 and the locking position 218 without the use of tools.

[0128] Now turn to Figures 7 to 12 , the nozzle assembly connection part 200 is shown with the locking ring 210 removed. One or more snap windows 246 are provided corresponding to the circumferential positions of the guide feature 240 and the snap feature 242. The locking ring 210 can be assembled to the nozzle assembly connection part 200 by aligning the guide member 240 with the snap window 246 (corresponding to the assembly position 214) and translating the locking ring 210 onto the spray gun body 3 along the spray axis 101 so that the guide feature 240 passes through the snap window 246. When the locking ring is fully moved to the installation position, one or more snap features snap into the snap track 244, thereby holding the locking ring 210 on the spray gun body 3 in a retaining relationship while still allowing rotation. A ring track 211 is also provided, in which the guide feature 240 can ride when the locking ring 210 rotates. It can be seen that the snap feature 242 can also rotate within the snap track 244.

[0129] In the embodiment shown, when Figure 6 and Fig. 6A The locking ring can then be rotated in a clockwise direction until the guide feature 240 contacts the distal ring rotation stop 213' when viewing the nozzle assembly connection portion along the spray axis 101. Conversely, the locking ring 210 can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction until the guide feature 240 contacts the proximal ring rotation stop 213 (again corresponding to the assembly position 214).

[0130] When the locking ring is in the assembly position 214, the locking ring 210 can be removed from the spray gun body 3 by pulling outward along the spray axis 101, thereby disengaging the snap feature 242 from the snap track 244 and allowing the guide feature to translate outward through the snap window 246. In this way, if necessary, the locking ring can be easily removed without the use of tools for cleaning or replacement. This is an advantage of the disclosed system, whereby moving parts that may be contaminated by the coating liquid over time can be easily accessed for cleaning or replacement. If desired, the locking ring 210 can be advantageously provided as a disposable part, thereby minimizing replacement costs. In addition, the locking ring 210 can be made of an elastic material (such as an injection molded polymer) so as to not only reduce costs, but also provide the necessary elasticity required to perform the snap function as described herein (i.e., allowing the snap feature 242 to move slightly to snap in and out of the snap track 244).

[0131] In alternative embodiments, the installation and / or removal of the locking ring 210 can be performed in a position other than the assembly position. For example, in some embodiments, the locking ring can be further rotated to a locking ring removal position different from the above-mentioned assembly position. In one such embodiment, rotating from the assembly position through (and therefore passing through) the locking position can bring the locking ring to the locking ring removal position. Since the rotation of the locking ring is stopped by the interference of the cam member, this position cannot usually be reached when the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly is installed (i.e., because the locking ring will not rotate beyond the locked state). Therefore, in such an embodiment, it is impossible to remove the locking ring when the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly is installed.

[0132] Now turn to Figures 13 to 17 , further describes the spray gun connection portion 120 of the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100. The spray gun connection portion 120 includes an outer wall 124, which includes a radially outward surface 128. The radially outward surface 128 includes at least a first cam member 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the radially outward surface 128 includes a second cam member 136. Each cam member (132, 136) includes a cam surface 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam surface 148 faces generally axially away from the spray gun connection portion 120 (i.e., away from the nozzle assembly connection portion 200 when the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly is mounted on the spray gun body 3). One or both of the corresponding cam surfaces 148 (and / or the lug cam surface 232 on the locking ring 210) include an inclined portion 160 to facilitate cam interaction.

[0133] like Fig.15 and Fig.16As shown, the base plane 101' is defined perpendicular to the spray axis 101. It can be seen that the inclined portion 160 includes a portion inclined at an angle α relative to the base plane 101'. Although the inclined portion 160 is shown as a flat surface (i.e., linearly inclined so that the entire inclined surface 160 is inclined at an angle α), the inclined surface 160 can also be set as a curved or other non-flat (i.e., non-linear) surface so that only a portion of the inclined surface 160 is set at an angle α. The angle α is selected to provide sufficient cam action to reliably pull the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 toward the spray gun body 3, while allowing the locking ring 210 to rotate around the angle when traveling from the assembly position 214 to the locked position 218. Perform sufficient rotation (see e.g. Figure 6 and Fig. 6A ). In some embodiments, the angle α In the range of about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees, including for example 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle In the range of about 15 degrees to about 180 degrees, including, for example, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 11, 120, 130, 135, 140, 150, or 160 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle In the range of about 45 degrees to about 140 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle α is about 5 degrees, and the angle About 90 degrees (as shown in the figure, along Fig. 6A In another embodiment, the angle α is about 5 degrees, and the angle It will be appreciated that for any given configuration, the locking contacts may be at slightly varying angles. The following occurs, depending on the angle α, the interaction between the cam lobe 230 and the cam member 132, and the tolerances of the cooperating parts.

[0134] Each cam member (132, 136) includes a cam member first end 140 and a cam member second end 144. An access window (152, 156) is located circumferentially between the cam member second end 144 and the cam member first end 140. In the illustrated embodiment, a first cam member 132 and a second cam member 136 are provided, thereby providing a first access window 152 and a second access window 156.

[0135] Now back to Figures 7 to 12, the nozzle assembly connection portion may also be provided with one or more nozzle keys 212. The nozzle keys are aligned with the first and / or second access windows (152, 156) on the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 to prevent the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 from rotating relative to the spray gun body 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle key 212 fits tightly between the cam surface first end 140 and the cam surface second end 144. In this way, the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100 is held in a rotationally fixed manner while the locking ring 210 is rotated to the assembly position 214 and the locking position 218. The nozzle keys 212 cooperating with the first and / or second access windows (152, 156) further provide useful alignment to ensure that the spray gun nozzle assembly 100 is correctly rotationally positioned for mounting to the nozzle assembly connection portion 200 of the spray gun body 3.

[0136] The locking ring 210 can be rotated to an assembled position 214 (see Figure 6 ) and locked position 218 (see Fig. 6A ). In the illustrated embodiment, in the assembly position 214, the one or more cam lugs 230 are positioned so that they correspond in position to the one or more nozzle keys 212. Then, the first and / or second access windows (152, 156) are positioned adjacent to the one or more cam lugs 230 and the nozzle keys 212. Then, by translating the spray gun nozzle assembly toward the nozzle assembly connection portion 200, the one or more cam lugs 230 and the nozzle keys 212 pass through the first access window and / or the second access window.

[0137] Then, when the spray gun nozzle assembly 100 is properly positioned against the nozzle assembly connection part 200 (when the locking ring 210 is in the assembly position 214), the locking ring 210 can be rotated to the locking position 218 to securely hold the spray gun nozzle assembly 100 thereon. During the rotation of the locking ring 210 from the assembly position 214 to the locking position 218, the lug cam surface 232 engages the cam surface 148 on the spray gun nozzle assembly, thereby interacting with the inclined portion 160 to pull the spray gun nozzle assembly 100 axially (along the spray axis 101) toward the spray gun body 3. At the same time, one or more nozzle keys 212 hold the spray gun nozzle assembly in a rotational position relative to the nozzle assembly connection part 200. The locking ring 210 is rotated from the assembly position 214 by a manual rotational force (i.e., manually) until sufficient axial force is generated to generate a sufficient operating seal between the various sealing members and the sealing seat described elsewhere herein. This is the locking position. Sufficient friction is generated by the interaction of lug cam surface 232 and cam surface 148 to retain locking ring in locked position 218 until a user desires to remove the spray gun nozzle assembly.

[0138] To remove, the user rotates the locking ring 210 to the assembly position, thereby again aligning the one or more cam lugs 230 with the first and / or second access windows (152, 156). The spray gun nozzle assembly 100 can then be pulled away from the nozzle assembly connection portion 200, thereby passing the one or more cam lugs 230 through the first and / or second access windows (152, 156) to separate the components.

[0139] Providing a locking ring 210 and corresponding features as shown and described herein can allow for safe, easy, tool-free assembly and removal of the spray gun nozzle assembly 100 from the spray gun body 3. The illustrated and described embodiments can also provide for easy removal, cleaning, and cost-effective replacement of the locking ring 210, if necessary.

[0140] Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments merely illustrate the principles and applications of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the methods and apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated that the present invention includes modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid spray gun nozzle assembly for a liquid spray gun, comprising: a coating liquid inlet portion, the coating liquid inlet portion comprising a liquid connector for connecting to an external liquid source; a coating liquid outlet portion, the coating liquid outlet portion comprising a liquid nozzle for spraying the coating liquid, the coating liquid is fed into the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly through the coating liquid inlet portion, and the liquid nozzle is arranged along a spraying axis; a coating liquid flow path fluidly connecting the coating liquid inlet portion to the liquid nozzle; a spray gun connection portion, the spray gun connection portion opposite the coating liquid outlet portion, adapted to connect the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to a compatible liquid spray gun body, the spray gun connection portion including a nozzle assembly sealing surface, the nozzle assembly sealing surface adapted to seal the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to the compatible liquid spray gun body, the nozzle assembly sealing surface including a first sealing member and a second sealing member, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are each circular and concentric with each other, Wherein, when connected to the compatible liquid spray gun body, a shaping air zone is concentric with and isolated between the first and second sealing members.

2. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first sealing member and the second sealing member are concentric about a spraying axis.

3. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When connected to the compatible liquid spray gun body, the central air zone is isolated within the second sealing member.

4. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle assembly sealing surface includes a third sealing member that is circular and concentric with the first and second sealing members.

5. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly according to claim 4, wherein: When connected to the compatible liquid spray gun body, a central air zone is isolated between the second sealing member and the third sealing member.

6. The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly according to claim 4, wherein: When connected to the compatible liquid spray gun body, the liquid needle is isolated within the third sealing member.

7. A liquid spray gun assembly comprising a liquid spray gun body; and The liquid spray gun nozzle assembly of claim 1.

8. The liquid spray gun assembly of claim 7, wherein: The liquid spray gun body includes a captive rotatable locking ring for connecting the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly.

9. The liquid spray gun assembly of claim 8, wherein: The captured rotatable locking ring includes first and second cam lobes adapted to interact with first and second cam surfaces on the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly.

10. The liquid spray gun assembly of claim 9, wherein: The captured rotatable locking ring can be rotated around the spray axis to an assembly position and a locking position, wherein: In the assembled position, the first cam lug and the second cam lug are aligned with the first access window and the second access window, respectively, to allow installation or removal of the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly; and In the locked position, the first and second cam lobes abut the first and second cam surfaces, respectively, to lock the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to the liquid spray gun body.

11. The liquid spray gun assembly of claim 10, wherein: Rotation of the captive rotatable locking ring from the assembled position to the locked position is less than 180 degrees about the spray axis.

12. The liquid spray gun assembly of claim 11, wherein: Rotation of the captive rotatable locking ring from the assembled position to the locked position is less than 140 degrees about the spray axis.

13. The liquid spray gun assembly of claim 8, wherein: The captured rotatable locking ring is mountable to the liquid spray gun body by pushing the captured rotatable locking ring along the spray axis and is removable from the liquid spray gun body by pulling the captured rotatable locking ring along the spray axis.

14. The liquid spray gun assembly of claim 13, wherein: The captured rotatable locking ring is rotatable about the spray axis to an assembly position and a locked position, wherein the captured rotatable locking ring is mountable to and removable from the liquid spray gun body when rotated to the assembly position, but is not removable when rotated to the locked position.

15. The liquid spray gun assembly of claim 13, wherein: The captured rotatable locking ring is mountable on and removable from the liquid spray gun body via a snap feature.

16. The liquid spray gun assembly of claim 13, wherein: The captured rotatable locking ring is installable on and removable from the liquid spray gun body without the use of tools.

17. A method of using the liquid spray gun assembly of claim 7, comprising mounting the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly to the liquid spray gun body.

18. The method of claim 17, comprising removing the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly from the liquid spray gun body.

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