Material Sprayer with a Sliding Pump Mount

Abstract

A pump for use with a material sprayer, the pump comprising a cylinder, a piston, a pump head, first and second check valves, and an elbow connected to the cylinder. The cylinder and the piston are coaxial with the pump axis. The pump head is configured to be mechanically connected to a reciprocating drive mechanism such that the reciprocating drive mechanism reciprocates the piston along the pump axis. The elbow includes a first end, a second end, and an internal fluid passage. The first end is configured to be fluidly connected to a hopper. The second end is configured to be fixed relative to the cylinder. The internal fluid passage extends from the first end to the second end. The pump head and the first end of the elbow are configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected by a single linear motion of the pump.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the invention name of "Material Sprayer with Sliding Pump Mount" filed on January 25, 2018 and the application number of 201810073634.8. Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a material sprayer. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a slidable engagement of a pump with a material sprayer.

[0003] Material sprayers are used to spray fluids to reinforce and / or cover surfaces such as walls and ceilings, where the fluid dries in place to form a solid material. The sprayed fluid is typically viscous and can include gypsum, aggregates (such as polystyrene or vermiculite), wall and ceiling texture materials, joint compounds, paving materials, acrylic materials, textured elastomeric materials, and coating materials (such as non-slip floor coating materials). The materials for the sprayer are typically supplied in bags or buckets, mixed with water if necessary, fed into the sprayer, pressurized by a pump in the sprayer, and then sprayed from a spray gun or other outlet. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A pump for use with a material sprayer includes a cylinder, a piston disposed in the cylinder, a pump head attached to the piston, first and second check valves, and an elbow connected to the cylinder. The cylinder and the piston are coaxial with the pump axis of the pump. The pump head is configured to be mechanically connected to a reciprocating drive mechanism such that the reciprocating drive mechanism moves the piston reciprocally along the pump axis. The elbow includes a first end, a second end, and an internal fluid passage. The first end is configured to be fluidly connected to a hopper. The second end is configured to be fixed relative to the cylinder. The internal fluid passage extends from the first end to the second end and bends between the first end and the second end. The pump head and the first end of the elbow are configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected by a single linear motion of the pump.

[0005] A pump assembly for a material sprayer having a hopper and a reciprocating drive mechanism includes a pump and an elbow. The pump is configured to pressurize fluid and is mechanically attached to the reciprocating drive mechanism and fluidly connected to the hopper. The pump includes a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder and slidably engaging the cylinder, and a pump axis. The piston includes a pump head connected to the reciprocating drive mechanism. The cylinder and the piston are coaxial with the pump axis such that the piston reciprocates along the pump axis. The piston is connected to the reciprocating drive mechanism such that the piston is coaxial with the reciprocating drive mechanism and is driven by the reciprocating drive mechanism to reciprocate along the pump axis. The elbow is a bent tube configured to convey fluid therethrough and fluidly connect the pump to the hopper. The elbow includes a first end, a second end, and a bent portion. The first end is fluidly connected to a port of the hopper. The second end of the elbow is attached to the pump at a first end of the pump opposite the reciprocating drive mechanism. The bent portion extends between the first end and the second end of the elbow. The pump assembly is configured to be attached to or detached from the hopper and the reciprocating drive mechanism by a single linear movement of the pump assembly relative to the hopper and the reciprocating drive mechanism.

[0006] A method of installing a pump assembly onto a material sprayer having a hopper and a reciprocating drive mechanism includes inserting a first end of an elbow of the pump assembly into a port of the hopper. The pump assembly includes a pump and an elbow. The pump includes a cylinder and a piston disposed within the cylinder and slidably engaging the cylinder. The piston includes a piston head. The cylinder and the piston are coaxial with a pump axis. The elbow includes a first end, a second end, and a bent portion. The second end of the elbow is attached to the pump at a first end of the pump opposite the reciprocating drive mechanism. The bent portion of the elbow extends between the first end and the second end of the elbow. The piston head is inserted into a slot of a collar of the reciprocating drive mechanism. A dynamic mechanical connection is formed between the pump and the reciprocating drive mechanism. A fluid connection is formed between the pump and the port of the hopper. Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a material sprayer having a hopper, a reciprocating drive mechanism, and a pump assembly.

[0008] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the reciprocating drive mechanism and the pump assembly.

[0009] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pump and the elbow of the pump assembly.

[0010] Figure 4A is an enlarged perspective view of the pump assembly having clamps.

[0011] Figure 4B is a detailed view of a portion of the pump assembly with the clamps removed.

[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the pump assembly detached from the hopper and the reciprocating drive mechanism.

[0013] Figure 6 is a side view of the pump assembly removed from the hopper and the reciprocating drive mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the material sprayer 10 and shows the frame 12, wheels 14, hopper 16 (with port 18), fitting 20, hose 22, reciprocating drive mechanism 24, drive assembly 26, pump axis A P and the direction of gravity G. Port 18 is the fluid outlet of the hopper 16. Fitting 20 is a section of tubing or pipe that serves as a coupler. In this non-limiting embodiment, fitting 20 can be formed of a flexible material such as rubber. Hose 22 is an elongated tube for conveying fluid. The reciprocating drive mechanism 24 is a motor powered by gas, electricity, pneumatics or hydraulics. The pump assembly 26 is a component of a mechanical device that generates pressure to move fluid. The pump axis A P is the centerline axis of the pump assembly 26. Direction G is the approximate direction of gravity relative to the orientation of the material sprayer 10.

[0015] The material sprayer 10 is a modular unit that can be operated near the work site as needed. The frame 12 is disposed throughout the material sprayer 10 and is connected to the various elements of the material sprayer 10, such as the wheels 14, hopper 16, pump 22, and reciprocating drive mechanism 24. The wheels 14 are mounted to the frame 12 via axles. The hopper 16 is mounted to a portion of the frame 12. Port 18 is disposed on the gravity bottom portion of the hopper 16 (towards the Figure 1 bottom). Port 18 is fluidly connected to the hopper 16 and the pump 10. Port 18 is also fluidly connected to the cavity of the hopper 16. Fitting 20 connects port 18 of the hopper 16 to the pump assembly 26. Hose 22 is fluidly connected to the inner chamber of the pump assembly 26. The reciprocating drive mechanism 24 is mounted to the frame 12 and is mechanically connected to the pump assembly 26. The pump assembly 26 is fluidly connected to port 18 of the hopper 16. The pump assembly 26 is also mechanically connected to the reciprocating drive mechanism 24.

[0016] The material sprayer 10 is configured to spray a pressurized fluid onto a surface. The frame 12 holds all the components of the material sprayer 10 together and supports all the components of the material sprayer 10. The wheels 14 rotate so that the material sprayer 10 can be moved to a new location. The hopper 16 contains the material within the hopper 16. During operation of the material sprayer 10, the hopper 16 guides the material within the hopper 16 in a downward direction to the port 18. The port 18 conveys the fluid from the hopper 16 to the pump assembly 26. The fitting 20 forms a fluid seal between a portion of the port 18 and a portion of the pump assembly 26. The hose 22 conveys the pressurized fluid from the pump assembly 26 to the spray handle or other fluid outlet. The reciprocating drive mechanism 24 is driven to cause the pump assembly 26 to generate pressure within the pump assembly 26. The pump assembly 26 pressurizes the fluid received from the hopper 16 and transfers the pressurized fluid to the hose 22.

[0017] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 and the pump assembly 26, which shows the hopper 16, the port 18, the fitting 20, the reciprocating drive mechanism 24, the pump assembly 26 (having the pump 28, the first end 28A of the pump 28, the second end 28B of the pump 28, the cylinder 30, the lower section 32, the elbow 34, the first end 34A of the elbow 34, the curved portion 34B of the elbow 34, the second end 34C of the elbow 34, the pump mounting frame 36, the door 38, the clamp 40, the clamp 42, the clamp 44, and the clamp 46), the pump axis A P , the direction of gravity G, and the angle θ.

[0018] The pump 28 is a mechanical device that generates pressure to move the fluid. In this non-limiting embodiment, the pump 28 is a double-displacement pump that uses two check valves to control the fluid flow during operation (see, for example, Figure 3 ). In another non-limiting embodiment, the pump 28 can be a single-displacement pump. The first end 28A and the second end 28B are the distal ends of the pump 28. The cylinder 30 and the lower section 32 are tubes made of solid material with passages therethrough. The elbow 34 is a bent-shaped tube having an internal fluid passage and is configured to convey fluid therethrough. In one non-limiting embodiment, the elbow 34 can be formed of a polymer or metal. The first end 34A and the second end 34C are the ends of the elbow 34. The curved portion 34B is the bent-shaped portion of the elbow 34.

[0019] The pump mounting frame 36 is a structural frame made of solid material. The door 38 is a movable partition made of solid material. The clamps 40 and 46 are over center cam clamps, or alternatively sanitary clamps. The clamp 42 is a sanitary clamp. The clamp 44 is a hand-release clamp with a handle. In other non-limiting embodiments, any one of the clamps 40, 42, 44, and / or 46 can be an over center cam clamp, a sanitary clamp, or another type of releasable or non-releasable clamp. The angle θ is the angle between the pump axis A P and the direction of gravity G.

[0020] The first end of the fitting 20 is attached to the port 18 of the hopper by the clamp 40. The second end of the fitting 20 is attached to the first end 34A of the elbow 34 by the clamp 46. The pump 28 is fluidly connected to the elbow 34. The first end 28A of the pump 28 is physically connected and attached to the second end 34B of the elbow 34 via the clamp 42. The second end 28B of the pump 28 is physically connected and attached to the pump mounting frame 36 via the clamp 44. The cylinder 30 is attached and connected to the second end 34C of the elbow 34 and attached and connected to the pump mounting bracket 36. The cylinder 30 surrounds and encloses the piston. The lower section 32 is connected and attached to the cylinder 30 and connected and attached to the second end 34C of the elbow 34.

[0021] The elbow 34 is fluidly connected to the port 18 of the hopper 16 and fluidly connected to the pump 28. The internal fluid passage of the elbow 34 extends from the first end 34A to the second end 34C and bends between the first end 34A and the second end 34C. The first end 34A of the elbow 34 is connected and attached to the port 18 of the hopper 16 via the fitting 20 and the clamps 40 and 46. The bent portion 34B of the elbow 34 connects the first end 34A and the second end 34C of the elbow 34 and is located between the first end 34A and the second end 34C of the elbow 34. In this non-limiting embodiment, the bent portion 34B includes a bend of approximately 90 degrees. The second end 34C of the elbow 34 is connected and attached to the first end 28A of the pump 28.

[0022] The pump mounting frame 36 is rigidly attached, directly or indirectly, to the frame 12 of the material sprayer 10. The door 38 is removably attached to the pump mounting frame 36. The clamp 40 is clamped onto portions of the fitting 20 and the port 18 and around portions of the fitting 20 and the port 18. The clamp 42 is clamped onto portions of the second end 34C of the elbow 34 and the first end 28A of the pump 28 and around portions of the second end 34C of the elbow 34 and the first end 28A of the pump 28. The clamp 44 is clamped onto portions of the second end 28B of the pump 28 and the pump mounting frame 36 and around portions of the second end 28B of the pump 28 and the pump mounting frame 36. The clamp 46 is clamped onto portions of the fitting 20 and the first end 34A of the elbow 34 and around portions of the fitting 20 and the first end 34 of the elbow 34. In this non - limiting embodiment, the angle θ between the pump axis A P and the direction of gravity G is approximately 45 degrees. In other non - limiting embodiments, the angle θ between the pump axis A P and the direction of gravity G can be from approximately 15 to 65 degrees.

[0023] The fitting 20 allows for a slight adjustment and misalignment in the positioning of the hopper 16 and the elbow 34 (and the pump 28 attached to the elbow 34). The pump 28 pressurizes the fluid received from the port 18 of the hopper 16 and transfers the pressurized fluid to a hose 22 ( Figure 2 not shown). The cylinder 30 contains the dynamic elements of the pump 28 and the fluid pressurized by the pump 28. The lower section 32 physically and mechanically connects the pump 28 to the elbow 34. The elbow 34 conveys fluid from the port 18 of the hopper 16 to the pump 28. The pump mounting frame 36 stably connects the pump assembly 26 to the frame 12 of the material sprayer 10. The door 38 blocks access to the reciprocating components of the pump 28 and prevents the removal of the pump 28 until the door 38 is removed. The clamp 40 is attached between portions of the fitting 20 and the port 18 and forms a sealed interface between portions of the fitting 20 and the port 18. The clamp 40 is fastened to the fitting 20 to fix and seal the fitting 20 around the port 18 of the hopper 16. The clamp 40 also attaches the fitting 20 and the port 18 together and prevents any fluid leakage at the interface between the fitting 20 and the port 18.

[0024] The clamp 42 is attached between a portion of the second end 34C of the elbow 34 and a portion of the first end 28A of the pump 28 and forms a sealed interface between the portion of the second end 34C of the elbow 34 and the portion of the first end 28A of the pump 28. The clamp 44 is attached between a portion of the second end 28B of the pump 28 and a portion of the pump mounting frame 36 and forms a sealed interface between the portion of the second end 28B of the pump 28 and the portion of the pump mounting frame 36. The clamp 46 is attached between a portion of the assembly 20 and a portion of the first end 34A of the elbow 34 and forms a sealed interface between the portion of the assembly 20 and the portion of the first end 34A of the elbow 34. The clamp 46 is tightened on the assembly 20 to fix and seal the assembly 20 around the elbow 34, thereby joining the assembly 20 and the elbow 34 together and preventing any fluid leakage at the interface between the assembly 20 and the elbow 34.

[0025] The inclined pump axis A of the pump assembly 26 relative to gravity (or relative to the ground) P Allows the hopper 16 and the pump 28 to be lower to the ground to maximize the compactness of the material sprayer 10, and allows the lower center of gravity of the material sprayer 10 to have increased stability, both of which are beneficial for transporting the material sprayer 10 near the work site. The inclined pump axis A of the pump assembly 26 relative to gravity (or relative to the ground) P Also eliminates the need to use a spring in the check valve within the pump 28, since the ball element of the check valve can seat due to the vertical component of gravity. The ability to use the pump 28 without a spring eliminates the concurrent problems associated with using a spring in the check valve, such as leakage, blockage, and spring failure.

[0026] Figure 3 Is a cross-sectional view of the pump assembly 26 and shows the hopper 16 (with port 18), the assembly 20, the hose 22, the connector 48, the pump assembly 26 (with pump 28, the first end 28A of the pump 28, the second end 28B of the pump 28, the cylinder 30, the piston 50, the first check valve 52, the output port 54, the lower section 32, the second check valve 56, the inlet 58, the annular flange 60, the annular protrusion 62, the encapsulated ring stack 64, the elbow 34, the first end 34A of the elbow 34, the centerline axis A of the first end 34A C 、the curved portion 34B of the elbow 34, the second end 34C of the elbow 34, the annular flange 66, the O-ring 68), the pump mounting frame 36, the head 70, the collar 72, the connecting arm 74, the groove 76, the clamp 40, the clamp 42, the clamp 44, the clamp 46 and the pump axis A P .

[0027] Centerline axis A CIs an axis passing through the center point of the first end 34A of the elbow 34. The connector 48 is a device configured to connect or attach two elements together. The piston 50 is an elongated rod including features at opposite ends. In one non-limiting embodiment, the material of the piston 50 may include metal. The first check valve 52 and the second check valve 56 are fluid valves having a ball and a valve seat. The output port 54 is a fluid outlet. The inlet 58 is a fluid inlet. The annular flange 60 and the annular flange 66 are protrusions of annular shapes made of solid material. The annular protrusion 62 is an annular extension made of solid material. The encapsulation ring stack 64 is a stack of sealing rings. In other non-limiting embodiments, the encapsulation ring stack 64 may include a single seal or bushing instead of a ring stack. The O-ring 68 is a gasket. The head 70 is the distal end of the piston 50. The collar 72 is a ring or band made of solid material. The connecting arm 74 is an elongated member supported by a solid material. The groove 76 is a hole or slit.

[0028] In this non-limiting embodiment, the centerline axis A of the first end 34A is C With pump axis A P The connector 48 connects the hose 22 to the output port 54 of the pump 28 using a threaded interface. The piston 50 is disposed in the cylinder 30 and slidably engaged therewith. The piston 50 is mounted to the collar 72 via the head 70 of the piston 50. The piston 50 is aligned with the pump axis A. P coaxially (eg, axially aligned) such that the piston 50 is aligned along the pump axis A P Reciprocating motion. The piston 50 and the cylinder 30 are aligned with the pump axis A. P Coaxial. A first check valve 52 is housed within the lower section 32. An output port 54 is formed in a portion of the cylinder 30 of the pump 28. The output port 54 is fluidly connected to the cylinder 30 and is connected to the hose 22 via the connector 48. A second check valve 56 is housed at the bottom end of the piston 50. In another non-limiting embodiment, the second check valve 56 may be mounted to the cylinder 30 (rather than the piston 50) as part of the output port 54 of the pump 28. An inlet 58 is formed in the lower section 32 of the pump 28 by an annular protrusion 62 and is fluidly connected to the elbow 34.

[0029] The annular flanges 60 and 66 complementarily fit flush with each other. As shown, the annular flanges 60 and 66 are assembled within the clamp 42. The annular projection 62 is formed by a portion of the lower section 32 and defines a portion of the opening of the inlet 58 of the pump 28. The annular projection 62 extends beyond (e.g., below) the annular flange 60. The annular projection 62 is assembled within the elbow 34. The encapsulation ring stack 64 is disposed directly between the piston 50 and the cylinder 30. The O-ring 68 is positioned between the annular flanges 60 and 66. The head 70 is located at the second end of the piston 50. When the piston assembly 26 engages with the reciprocating drive mechanism 24, the head 70 of the piston 50 is disposed or received within the groove 76 of the collar 72. The head 70 of the piston 50 is attached to the collar 72 of the reciprocating drive mechanism 24.

[0030] The collar 72 supports beneath the head 70 of the piston 50. The connecting arm 74 is physically connected to the collar 72 and is mounted within a portion of the pump mounting frame 36. The groove 76 is disposed in a portion of the collar 72. In other non-limiting embodiments, in addition to the collar 72 and the head 70, alternative mechanical elements may be connected to the piston 50 to the reciprocating drive mechanism 24. For example, a metal pin extending through aligned holes in the collar 72 and the piston 50 may couple the collar 72 and the piston 50, where the holes extend transversely to the long axes of the collar 72 and the piston 50.

[0031] The clamp 42 presses and holds the annular flanges 66 and 60 against each other to seal the joint between the elbow 34 and the pump 28 (and / or the lower section 32). The connector 48 on the hose 22 allows the hose 22 to be attached to and easily removed from the connection with the pump 28. The piston 50 linearly moves with the collar 72 driven by the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 to operate the pump 28. During the upward stroke of the piston 50, when fluid is drawn from the inlet 58 through the valve seat and the ball of the first check valve 52 and further into the lower section 32, the ball of the first check valve 52 is pushed away from its valve seat. Also during the upward stroke of the piston 50, the ball is pushed to the valve seat of the second check valve 56 to prevent the fluid that has flowed through the second check valve 56 from flowing back through the second check valve 56.

[0032] During the downward stroke of the piston 50, the ball of the first check valve 52 seals against its valve seat during the downward stroke of the piston 50 to prevent the fluid from flowing back through the inlet 58. At the same time during the downward stroke, when the fluid that has passed through the first check valve 52 during the upward stroke is forced into the inlet on the surface of the piston 50 and through the second check valve 56, the ball of the second check valve 56 is pushed away from its valve seat. The encapsulation ring stack 64 seals between the piston 50 and the cylinder 30 to force the fluid through the inlet on the surface of the piston 50.

[0033] The use of the second check valve 56 in the piston 50 provides a double displacement action of the pump 28, whereby the pump 28 discharges fluid during both the upward stroke and the downward stroke of the piston 50. Thus, during both the upward and downward strokes, fluid is forced through the output port 54 formed in the cylinder 30 and the pumped fluid is output under pressure through the hose 22 for spraying through a spray gun or other outlet. In a non-limiting embodiment in which the second check valve 56 is installed to the cylinder 30, the pump 28 can be a single displacement pump that draws fluid into the pump 28 during the upward stroke of the piston 50 and discharges fluid from the pump 28 during the downward stroke of the piston 50.

[0034] The annular flanges 66 and 60 engage each other to seal the junction between the elbow 34 and the pump 28. The annular projection 62 aligns the lower section 32 of the pump 28 with the second end 34C of the elbow 34 and allows for rotational misalignment between the pump 28 and the elbow 34. The encapsulating ring stack 64 seals between the dynamic surfaces of the pump 28 to force fluid through the inlet 58 on the surface of the piston 50. The O-ring 68 seals the interface between the annular flanges 60 and 66. The pump head 70 and the first end 34A of the elbow 34 are configured to effect both mechanical and fluid connections through a single linear motion of the pump 28. During operation, the collar 72 moves the piston 50 up and down. The collar 72 reciprocates through the connecting arm 74. In one non-limiting embodiment, the connecting arm 74 is part of a crank connected to an eccentric that is rotated by the motor of the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 to convert the rotational motion of the eccentric into the linear reciprocating motion of the collar 72. In another non-limiting embodiment, a brake yoke can convert the rotational motion of the eccentric into the linear reciprocating motion of the collar 72 in order to drive the piston 50. The slot 76 is configured to receive or accommodate the head 70 of the piston 50.

[0035] Figure 4A is an enlarged perspective view of the pump assembly 26 with the door 38 removed and shows the hopper 16, the port 18, the fitting 20, the reciprocating drive mechanism 24, the pump assembly 26, the pump 28, the cylinder 30, the lower section 32, the elbow 34, the pump mounting frame 36, the clamp 40, the clamp 42, the clamp 44, the clamp 46, the head 70, the collar 72, and the slot 76. Figure 4B is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of the pump assembly 26 and shows the slot engagement between the head 70 and the slot 76 (the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 and the door 38 are removed for clarity). Figure 4B Shows a portion of the pump assembly 26, the pump 28, the cylinder 30, the lower section 32, the pump mounting frame 36, the piston 50, the head 70, the collar 72, the connecting arm 74, the slot 76, the rib 78, and the shelf 80. Figure 4A and Figure 4B include the same or similar elements and will be discussed consistently.

[0036] The rib 78 is a ring made of solid material. The shelf 80 is an annular lip or shoulder made of solid material. The groove 76 receives and accommodates the head 70 of the piston 50. The shape of the groove 76 matches and / or conforms to the shape of the head 70 such that the head 70 can linearly translate in and out of the groove 76. When inserted into the groove 76, the head 70 contacts the collar 72. The rib 78 extends completely annularly around the pump 28 and extends radially outward from the cylinder 30. In one non-limiting embodiment, the groove 76 can be formed as part of the cylinder 30 or can be attached to the top end of the cylinder 30. The shelf 80 contacts the rib 78.

[0037] Each of the groove 76 and the pump mounting frame 36 forms a recess into which the clamp 44 projects to secure the pump 28 to the pump mounting frame 36. This interface supports the movement of the pump 28 while the collar 72 reciprocates the piston 50 within the pump 28. The groove 76 also forms a receiving space configured to receive the head 70 of the piston 50. When the head 70 of the pump 50 is mounted into the groove 76, the head 70 is fully inserted into the groove 76, forming a dynamic mechanical connection between the pump 28 and the reciprocating drive mechanism 24. The rib 78 cooperates with the shelf 80 of the pump mounting frame 36 to support the cylinder 30 onto the pump mounting frame 36. The clamp 44 (as Figures 2 to 4A shown) fits over and around the rib 78 and the shelf 80 to hold the rib 78 to the shelf 80 and secure the cylinder 30 to the pump mounting frame 36. The shelf 80 forms a shoulder against which the rib 78 is pressed.

[0038] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the pump assembly 26 removed from the hopper 16 and the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 and shows the frame 12, hopper 16, port 18, fitting 20, reciprocating drive mechanism 24, pump assembly 26, pump 28, pump axis A P 、the first end 28A of the pump 28, the second end 28B of the pump 28, the cylinder 30, the lower section 32, the elbow 34, the first end 34A of the elbow 34 (having a tapered end 82), the curved portion 34B of the elbow 34, the second end 34C of the elbow 34, the pump mounting frame 36, the clamps 40, 42, 46, the piston 50, the head 70, the collar 72, the groove 76, the rib 78, the shelf 80, and the opening 84. The tapered end 82 is the tapered end of the first end 34A of the elbow 34 and is configured to be inserted into the opening 84 of the port 18. The opening 84 is the fluid outlet of the port 18 and is configured to receive the tapered end 82 of the first end 34A of the elbow 34.

[0039] As Figure 5As shown, the pump assembly 26 having the pump 28 and the elbow 34 has been removed from the remaining components of the material sprayer 10. In one non - limiting embodiment, the clamp 46 is loosened to unfasten the fitting 20 around the first end 34A of the elbow 34 to facilitate such removal. The pump 28 and the elbow 34 slide out from their mechanical connection with the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 and from the fitting 20 in a single linear motion. Specifically, the tapered end 84 of the elbow 34 slides out of the opening 82 of the fitting 20 in the same linear motion as when the head 70 of the piston 50 slides out of the slot 76 of the collar 72. Similarly, due to the same linear motion, the rib 78 slides partially out of the shelf 80 around which the pump 28 is supported. This single linear motion breaks both the dynamic mechanical connection between the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 and the piston 50 and the cylinder 30, and the fluid connection between the fluid reservoir of the hopper 16 and the inlet 58. This linear motion is shown conversely in Figure Six a side view. In one non - limiting embodiment, the clamps 44 and 46 can be loosened and / or removed prior to the linear removal motion to remove the pump assembly 26. In other non - limiting embodiments, depending on the tightness of the interfaces between the tapered end 84 of the elbow 34 and the opening 82 of the fitting 20 and between the slot 76 and / or other components of the cylinder 30 and other components of the shelf 80 or the pump mounting frame 36, the clamps 44 and 46 may be unnecessary.

[0040] The single linear motion removal allows for the quick removal of the pump assembly 26 from the hopper 16. If the pump 28 is not removed together with the elbow 34, the pump 28 will be stuck because decoupling of the head 70 from the collar 72 requires a linear sliding motion, yet the pump 28 (especially the lower section 32) cannot be removed from the elbow 34 in the same linear sliding motion. Removal of the pump assembly 26 allows for cleaning and repair of the pump assembly 26, such as disassembling the components of the pump assembly 26 and replacing worn components, such as the first and second check valves 52 and 56 and the encapsulation ring stack 64. In another non - limiting embodiment, the pump assembly 26 can be removed in this single linear motion manner for replacement by an updated, cleaner, or alternatively configured pump (e.g., a larger or smaller pump and a pump suitable for different fluids or pressures).

[0041] Figure 6 is a side view of the pump assembly 26 and shows the pump assembly 26 moving towards the hopper 16 to be re - attached to the hopper 16. Figure 6 shows the port 18, the fitting 20, the reciprocating drive mechanism 24, the axis A of the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 DM 、the pump assembly 26, the pump 28, the pump axis A P, cylinder 30, lower section 32, elbow 34, first end 34A of elbow 34 (having a tapered end 82), curved portion 34B of elbow 34, second end 34C of elbow 34, pump mounting frame 36, clamp 40, clamp 42, clamp 46, piston 50, head 70, collar 72, connecting arm 74, groove 76, rib 78, shelf 80, and opening 84. Axis A DM is the centerline axis of the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 along which the connecting arm 74 translates.

[0042] In one non - limiting embodiment, the pump assembly 26 is reinstalled onto the material sprayer 10 by a linear motion that is substantially similar but opposite to that Figure 5 described. The pump assembly 26 having the pump 28 and the elbow 34 is slid in a single linear motion to establish (or re - establish) a dynamic mechanical connection between the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 and the piston 50 and cylinder 30, as well as a fluid connection between the fluid reservoir of the hopper 16 and the inlet 58 of the pump 28. Specifically, the tapered end 84 of the elbow 34 moves into the opening 82 of the fitting 20 in the same linear motion as when the head 70 moves into the groove 76 of the collar 72. Similarly, the rib 78 moves to mate with the shelf 80. In one non - limiting embodiment, the clamps 44 and 46 can be placed around the pump assembly 26 and / or tightened after the linear motion to mount the pump assembly 26. In some non - limiting embodiments, depending on the tightness of the interfaces between the tapered end 84 of the elbow 34 and the opening 82 of the fitting 20, and between the groove 76 and / or other components of the cylinder 30 and other components of the shelf 80 or the pump mounting frame 36, the clamps 44 and 46 may not be necessary.

[0043] In another non - limiting embodiment, the method of mounting the pump assembly 26 onto the material sprayer 10 includes aligning the first end 34A of the elbow 34 with the port 18, and aligning the head 70 of the piston 50 with the groove 76. The pump axis A P is aligned with the axis A of the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 DM In one non - limiting embodiment, the pump axis A P can be oriented at 15 to 65 degrees relative to the direction of gravity. In another non - limiting embodiment, the pump axis A PIt can be oriented at approximately 45 degrees relative to the vertical gravity direction. The first end 34A of the elbow 34 is inserted into the port 18 of the hopper 16. The pump assembly 26 translates in a linear motion relative to the hopper 16 and the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 such that the head 70 is inserted into the slot 76 of the collar 72 of the reciprocating drive mechanism 24. The pump 28 engages with the reciprocating drive mechanism 24 and the elbow 34 engages with the hopper 16. A dynamic mechanical connection is formed between the pump 28 and the reciprocating drive mechanism 24. A fluid connection is formed between the pump 28 and the port 18. The port 18 is clamped to the fitting 20 using the clamp 40. The head 70 is clamped into the slot 76 using the clamp 44.

[0044] The reconnection with a single linear motion allows for a quick reinstallation of the pump assembly 26. If the pump assembly 26 is not reinstalled together with the elbow 34, the head 70 of the piston 50 cannot slide into the slot 76 of the collar 72 because the lower section 32 will intersect the elbow or the elbow 34 cannot slidably connect to each of the second end of the fitting 20 (e.g., the tapered end 82 received within the opening 82) and the first end 28A of the pump 28 ( Figure 6 not shown in the figure), and these openings are 90 degrees apart.

[0045] Discussion of possible embodiments

[0046] The following is a non-exclusive description of possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] In a first example, a pump for use with a material sprayer includes a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder, a pump head connected to the piston, first and second check valves, and an elbow connected to the cylinder. The cylinder and the piston are coaxial with the pump axis of the pump. The pump head is configured to make a mechanical connection with a reciprocating drive mechanism such that the reciprocating drive mechanism reciprocates the piston along the pump axis. The elbow includes a first end, a second end, and an internal fluid passage. The first end is configured to make a fluid connection with a hopper. The second end is configured to be fixed relative to the cylinder. The internal fluid passage extends from the first end to the second end and is curved between the first end and the second end. The pump head and the first end of the elbow are configured to make both a mechanical connection and a fluid connection through a single linear motion of the pump.

[0048] The material sprayer of the foregoing paragraph may optionally, additionally, and / or alternatively include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components.

[0049] In the first example, the elbow can fluidly connect the pump to the hopper, where the elbow can be a curved tube configured to convey fluid therethrough, the elbow can include a first end fluidly connected to the port of the hopper, a second end attached to the pump at an end of the pump opposite the reciprocating drive mechanism, and / or a curved portion extending between the first end and the second end of the elbow.

[0050] In the first example, the pump axis can be oriented at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the vertical gravitational direction.

[0051] In the first example, the first ball check valve can be disposed within the lower section of the pump, and / or the second ball check valve can be disposed together with a portion of the first end of the piston.

[0052] In the first example, the first ball check valve and the second ball check valve can be coaxially oriented with the pump axis.

[0053] In the first example, the pump assembly can be configured to be attached to and / or detached from the hopper and the reciprocating drive mechanism by a single linear movement of the pump assembly relative to the hopper and the reciprocating drive mechanism.

[0054] In the first example, the single linear movement can slide the pump head into the reciprocating drive mechanism and / or can slide the first end of the elbow into the receiving port of the hopper.

[0055] In the first example, the material sprayer can have a reciprocating drive mechanism and / or a hopper.

[0056] In the second example, a pump assembly for a material sprayer having a hopper and a reciprocating drive mechanism includes a pump and an elbow. The pump is configured to pressurize a fluid and is mechanically attached to the reciprocating drive mechanism and fluidly connected to the hopper. The pump includes a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder and slidably engaging the cylinder, and a pump axis. The piston includes a pump head connected to the reciprocating drive mechanism. The cylinder and the piston are coaxial with the pump axis such that the piston reciprocates along the pump axis. The piston is connected to the reciprocating drive mechanism such that the piston is coaxial with the reciprocating drive mechanism and is driven by the reciprocating drive mechanism to reciprocate along the pump axis. The elbow is a bent tube configured to convey fluid therethrough and fluidly connect the pump to the hopper. The elbow includes a first end, a second end, and a bent portion. The first end is fluidly connected to a port of the hopper. The second end of the elbow is attached to the pump at a first end of the pump opposite the reciprocating drive mechanism. The bent portion extends between the first end and the second end of the elbow. The pump assembly is configured to be attached to and detached from the hopper and the reciprocating drive mechanism by a single linear movement of the pump assembly relative to the hopper and the reciprocating drive mechanism.

[0057] The pump assembly of the foregoing paragraph can optionally, additionally, and / or alternatively include any one or more of the following features, configurations, and / or additional components.

[0058] In the second example, the second end of the elbow can be coaxial with the pump axis, wherein the first end of the elbow can include a centerline axis, and wherein the centerline axis of the first end of the elbow can be oriented at approximately 90 degrees relative to the pump axis.

[0059] In a second example, a first end of the elbow may include a tapered portion such that the first end of the elbow may be configured to be inserted into a port of the hopper.

[0060] In a second example, a second end of the elbow may include a first flange, wherein the pump may include a second flange, wherein the first flange and the second flange may contact each other, and further include a first clamp, wherein the first clamp may press and / or hold the first flange against the second flange.

[0061] In a second example, the lower section may be mounted to the cylinder at a first end of the pump, wherein the lower section may include an annular protrusion extending into a portion of the elbow, and wherein the second flange of the pump may surround a portion of the lower section of the pump.

[0062] In a second example, the annular fitting may include a first end and / or a second end; a second clamp may attach the first end of the annular fitting to the hopper; and / or a third clamp may attach the second end of the annular fitting to the first end of the elbow.

[0063] In a third example, a method of mounting a pump assembly to a material sprayer having a hopper and a reciprocating drive mechanism includes inserting a first end of an elbow of the pump assembly into a port of the hopper. The pump assembly includes a pump and an elbow. The pump includes a cylinder and a piston disposed in the cylinder and slidably engaged with the cylinder. The piston includes a piston head. The cylinder and the piston are coaxial with a pump axis. The elbow includes a first end, a second end, and a curved portion. The second end of the elbow is attached to the pump at a first end of the pump opposite the reciprocating drive mechanism. The curved portion of the elbow extends between the first end and the second end of the elbow. The piston head is inserted into a slot of a collar of the reciprocating drive mechanism. A dynamic mechanical connection is formed between the pump and the reciprocating drive mechanism. A fluid connection is formed between the pump and the port of the hopper.

[0064] The method of the foregoing paragraph may optionally, additionally, and / or alternatively include any one or more of the following steps, features, configurations, and / or additional components.

[0065] In a third example, the first end of the elbow may be aligned with the port of the hopper and / or the piston head of the pump may be aligned with the slot of the collar of the reciprocating drive mechanism.

[0066] In a third example, the port of the hopper may be clamped to an annular fitting that may be attached to the first end of the elbow using a first clamp, and / or the head of the piston may be clamped to the slot of the collar of the reciprocating drive mechanism using a second clamp.

[0067] In a third example, the axis of the pump may be aligned with the axis of the reciprocating drive mechanism such that the axis of the pump may be coaxial with the axis of the reciprocating drive mechanism.

[0068] In a third example, the piston may engage with a reciprocating drive mechanism such that the reciprocating drive mechanism may be configured to reciprocate the piston along a pump axis.

[0069] In a third example, the pump assembly may be translated in a linear motion relative to the hopper and / or the reciprocating drive mechanism to engage the pump with the reciprocating drive mechanism and / or to engage the elbow with the hopper.

[0070] In a third example, the pump axis may be oriented at 15 to 65 degrees relative to the direction of gravity.

[0071] In a third example, the pump axis may be oriented at approximately 45 degrees relative to the vertical direction of gravity.

[0072] In a third example, the tapered end of the first end of the elbow may be inserted into the opening of the port of the hopper.

[0073] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and elements thereof may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential scope. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A material sprayer, the material sprayer comprising: A frame; A hopper, the hopper being mounted to the frame, the hopper having an outlet port located near the gravity bottom of the hopper and oriented in an outlet direction; A drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being mounted to the frame, the drive mechanism including a reciprocating element arranged to reciprocate along a drive axis transverse to the outlet direction; A pump assembly, the pump assembly comprising: A piston translatable along a piston axis, the piston including a head; A cylinder surrounding the piston and oriented along a pump axis; A slot configured to receive and accommodate the head of the piston; A pump inlet oriented transverse to the piston axis and fluidly connected to the cylinder via an elbow; and A pump outlet located above the pump inlet, the pump outlet fluidly connecting the cylinder to a fluid outlet, wherein the head is capable of linearly translating in and out of the slot such that the pump assembly can laterally translate relative to the frame so as to create a fluid connection between the pump inlet and the outlet port when the pump inlet is aligned with the outlet port; A first clamp anchored to the frame and configured to fix the pump assembly to the drive mechanism while the piston cylinder is mechanically connected to the piston; and A second clamp anchored to the frame and arranged to fix the elbow to the outlet port while the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the pump inlet.

2. The material sprayer according to claim 1, wherein when the piston axis is aligned with the drive axis, the lateral translation of the pump assembly relative to the frame creates a mechanical connection between the drive mechanism and the piston.

3. The material sprayer according to claim 1, further comprising: A sprayer fluid outlet; And A hose fluidly connecting the pump outlet to the sprayer fluid outlet.

4. The material sprayer according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wheels supported by the frame and located near the gravity bottom of the frame, extending below the hopper and the outlet port.

5. The material sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is configured to reciprocate along the drive axis so as to drive the piston along the piston axis while the pump assembly is engaged with the drive mechanism.

6. The material sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the elbow is a bent tube configured to redirect fluid from the outlet port substantially vertically into the cylinder.

7. The material sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the pump axis has an angular offset between 15 degrees and 65 degrees relative to the vertical direction.

8. A material sprayer, the material sprayer comprising: A wheeled cart; A hopper, the hopper being mounted to the wheeled cart and carried by the wheeled cart, the hopper including an outlet port arranged near the bottom of the hopper relative to a gravity reference direction, the outlet port being laterally oriented; A sprayer fluid outlet; A pump assembly is arranged between the outlet port of the hopper and the fluid outlet of the sprayer to drive fluid from the hopper to the fluid outlet of the sprayer. The pump assembly is arranged laterally outside the hopper and includes: A pump cylinder oriented along a pump axis, the pump axis having an angular offset between 15 and 65 degrees from the gravity reference direction; and An elbow configured to receive fluid from the outlet port and redirect the fluid against the gravity reference direction into the pump cylinder; and A drive mechanism configured to drive the pump assembly; Wherein the pump assembly is detachable by lateral translation relative to the hopper such that in the installed state the pump axis is aligned with the drive mechanism and the elbow engages the outlet port of the hopper, and such that lateral translation away from the hopper disengages the pump assembly from the drive mechanism and disengages the elbow from the outlet port.

9. The material sprayer according to claim 8, further comprising a first clamp located at the drive mechanism and configured to fix the pump assembly in mechanical engagement with the drive mechanism.

10. The material sprayer according to claim 8, further comprising a second clamp located at the outlet port and configured to fix the elbow of the pump assembly in fluid engagement with the outlet port.

11. The material sprayer according to claim 8, wherein the pump assembly is a single-stroke piston pump or a two-stroke piston pump.

12. The material sprayer according to claim 8, wherein the drive mechanism is a reciprocating axial drive mechanism mechanically coupled to the pump assembly.

13. A material sprayer, the material sprayer comprising: A cart frame; A plurality of wheels rotatably fixed to the cart frame; A fluid hopper supported by the cart frame and located inside the cart frame; A reciprocating drive mechanism supported by the cart frame and located outside the cart frame; A pump assembly including a pump cylinder located outside the cart frame and aligned with the reciprocating drive mechanism and an elbow connecting the hopper outlet port of the fluid hopper to the inlet of the pump cylinder; The fluid hopper extends from inside the cart frame to outside the cart frame such that the hopper outlet port of the fluid hopper extends laterally from the fluid hopper inside the cart frame to outside the cart frame to be fluidly connected to the inlet of the pump cylinder, the inlet of the pump cylinder being positioned higher than the hopper outlet port along the direction of gravity such that fluid is guided against gravity from the hopper outlet port to the inlet of the pump cylinder; and The pump outlet of the pump assembly, the pump outlet being positioned higher than the hopper outlet port along the direction of gravity; Wherein the pump assembly can be disassembled by lateral translation relative to the fluid hopper such that in the installed state the pump axis is aligned with the reciprocating drive mechanism and the elbow engages the hopper outlet port of the fluid hopper, and such that lateral translation away from the fluid hopper disengages the pump assembly from the reciprocating drive mechanism and disengages the elbow from the hopper outlet port; Wherein the reciprocating motion of the reciprocating drive mechanism drives the pump assembly to pump fluid out of the hopper outlet port and pump it upward along the direction of gravity to the inlet of the pump cylinder, and then pump it upward along the direction of gravity to the pump outlet.

14. The material sprayer according to claim 13, wherein the pump cylinder of the pump assembly is oriented along a pump axis, and the pump axis has an angular offset of 15 to 65 degrees from the vertical direction of gravity.

15. The material sprayer according to claim 13, wherein the elbow is located outside the cart frame and connects the hopper outlet port to the inlet of the pump cylinder.

16. The material sprayer according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of wheels includes two rear wheels and one front wheel, and the hopper outlet port is positioned closer to the front wheel than to either rear wheel.

17. The material sprayer according to claim 16, wherein the cart frame includes a structural support for supporting the front wheel, and the structural support extends between the hopper and the pump cylinder.

18. A material sprayer, the material sprayer comprising: A frame; A hopper mounted within the frame; A reciprocating drive mechanism mounted to the frame; A pump assembly having a pump fluidly attached to the hopper and mechanically coupled to the reciprocating drive mechanism, wherein the pump includes: A pump cylinder oriented along a pump axis, the pump axis being non-vertically oriented relative to the direction of gravity, and the pump cylinder being disposed laterally outside the frame and the hopper; A piston configured to reciprocate within the pump cylinder to pump fluid; and An elbow connecting the outlet of the hopper to the inlet of the pump cylinder, the outlet of the hopper and the inlet of the pump cylinder being located below the piston along the direction of gravity; Wherein the pump assembly can be disassembled by lateral translation relative to the hopper such that in the installed state the pump axis is aligned with the reciprocating drive mechanism and the elbow engages the outlet of the hopper, and such that lateral translation away from the hopper disengages the pump assembly from the reciprocating drive mechanism and disengages the elbow from the outlet.

19. The material sprayer according to claim 18, wherein the pump axis is oriented between 15 degrees and 65 degrees relative to the vertical direction of gravity.

20. The material sprayer according to claim 18, wherein the hopper extends from within the frame to be attached to the elbow outside the frame.

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