Paint spray nozzle for a paint spray system

Abstract

A paint spray tip is provided for a paint spray system. The tip includes a single-piece body having a conduit portion. The conduit portion includes a first surface defining a first passageway terminating at an orifice along a longitudinal axis and a second surface defining a second passageway along the longitudinal axis. The second passageway is fluidly connected to the orifice. The orifice is configured to direct paint along a flow path through the second passageway. The second surface defines an inlet cross-sectional width at the orifice and an outlet cross-sectional width at the outlet. The outlet cross-sectional width is greater than the inlet cross-sectional width such that paint accumulated on the second surface is positioned relative to the longitudinal axis to be reabsorbed into the flow path of the paint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a painting system for atomizing paint onto a motor vehicle, and more specifically to a painting system having a paint nozzle with a passageway that reduces paint buildup on the nozzle, improves the quality of the first coat of paint, increases the flow rate through the paint booth, and improves nozzle cleaning efficiency. Background Technology

[0002] Modern paint spraying systems may include a paint reservoir; a coating device fluidly connected to the reservoir; a nozzle for guiding paint from the coating device to the vehicle surface; a pressure source for removing paint from the reservoir through the coating device and the nozzle; and a power source for actuating the pressure source. The nozzle typically includes an inlet fluidly connected to the reservoir via one or more lines to receive the paint flow. The nozzle also includes a surface defining a channel extending along an axis from the inlet to an outlet. The outlet is defined by a flat tip or rim surface perpendicular to the channel, and the channel typically has a constant diameter from inlet to outlet. The viscosity and intermolecular forces of the paint can cause portions of the paint flowing along the surface of the conduit to deviate from the channel and form spherical deposits on the rim surface. Spherical deposits of one color of paint can mix with other colors, creating a mixed-color quality defect on an otherwise smooth painted surface. Dry or semi-dry portions of paint on the rim surface can adversely restrict or redirect the flow of paint applied to the vehicle and / or detach and accumulate on the painted surface during the painting process. These defects can reduce initial quality and ultimately affect production yield.

[0003] Therefore, while existing painting systems can achieve their intended purpose, a new and improved painting system is needed to address these issues. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to several aspects of this disclosure, a paint spray head for a spray painting system includes a one-piece body having a conduit portion; the conduit portion includes a first surface defining a first passage terminating at an orifice along a longitudinal axis. The one-piece body also includes a second surface defining a second passage along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second passage is fluidly connected to the orifice. The orifice is configured to guide paint along a flow path through the second passage. The second surface defines an inlet cross-sectional width at the orifice and an outlet cross-sectional width at an outlet, wherein the inlet and outlet are separated from each other along the longitudinal axis. The outlet cross-sectional width is greater than the inlet cross-sectional width, thereby positioning paint deposited on the second surface relative to the longitudinal axis for reabsorption into the paint flow path.

[0005] In one aspect, the conduit portion terminates at the outlet along the longitudinal axis.

[0006] On the other hand, the single-piece body also includes a shield that is radially separated from the conduit portion to define a gap between them, wherein the shield is arranged around a longitudinal axis to surround the conduit portion.

[0007] On the other hand, the second surface includes a truncated conical surface to define an inner diameter that increases linearly from the inlet cross-sectional width to the outlet cross-sectional width.

[0008] On the other hand, the first passage includes a first end and a second end along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second end is located downstream of the first end; and the conduit portion includes a cylindrical surface with a constant inner diameter along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end.

[0009] On the other hand, the truncated conical surface and the cylindrical surface are positioned coaxially with respect to each other.

[0010] On the other hand, the truncated conical surface is arranged at a 60-degree angle relative to the truncated conical surface.

[0011] On the other hand, the first and second surfaces face the longitudinal axis.

[0012] According to several aspects of the invention, a paint spraying system includes a paint reservoir and a paint spray head having a one-piece body. The one-piece body includes a conduit portion having a first surface; the first surface defines a first passage terminating at an orifice along a longitudinal axis. The one-piece body also includes a second surface defining a second passage along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second passage is fluidly connected to the orifice, and the orifice is configured to guide paint along a flow path through the second passage. The second surface defines an inlet cross-sectional width at the orifice and an outlet cross-sectional width at an outlet, wherein the inlet and outlet are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis. The outlet cross-sectional width is greater than the inlet cross-sectional width, thereby positioning paint deposited on the second surface relative to the longitudinal axis for reabsorption into the paint flow path. At least a portion of the second surface includes a paint-resistant material. The paint spraying system also includes a pump for pumping paint from the reservoir to the paint spray head.

[0013] In one respect, the anti-coating material is either hydrophobic or hydrophilic.

[0014] On the other hand, the anti-paint material is a coating that is adhered to the second surface.

[0015] On the other hand, the coating includes at least one of polyurethane, nanoparticles, and fluorinated hydrocarbons.

[0016] On the other hand, the second surface includes an inlet surface portion adjacent to the orifice and an outlet surface portion adjacent to the outlet, and the coating covers the entire inlet surface portion.

[0017] On the other hand, the surface portion of the outlet is uncoated.

[0018] On the other hand, the second surface includes a plurality of capillary grooves that are radially spaced apart from each other around a longitudinal axis, for guiding paint toward the orifice and allowing it to flow through.

[0019] On the other hand, the conduit portion terminates at the outlet along the longitudinal axis.

[0020] On the other hand, the single-piece body also includes a shield that is radially separated from the conduit portion to define a gap between them, wherein the shield is arranged around a longitudinal axis to surround the conduit portion.

[0021] On the other hand, the second surface includes a truncated conical surface that defines an inner diameter that increases linearly from the inlet cross-sectional width to the outlet cross-sectional width.

[0022] According to several aspects of this disclosure, a method for operating a paint spray head is provided. The paint spray head includes a one-piece body having a conduit portion. The conduit portion includes a first surface defining a first passage terminating at an orifice along a longitudinal axis. The conduit portion also includes a second surface defining a second passage along the longitudinal axis. The second passage is flow-connected to the orifice, and the second surface defines an inlet cross-sectional width at the orifice and an outlet cross-sectional width at an outlet. The inlet and outlet are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis. The outlet cross-sectional width is greater than the inlet cross-sectional width. The method includes guiding paint along a flow path through the orifice of the second passage, and the second surface positioning paint deposited on the second surface relative to the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the paint to be reabsorbed into the paint flow path.

[0023] In one aspect, the orifice guides the cleaning solvent along the flow path through the second passage, and the second surface positions the paint deposited on the second surface relative to the longitudinal axis, thereby enabling the cleaning solvent to remove the paint from the second surface.

[0024] The further scope of application will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example of a paint spraying system having a spray nozzle for applying a layer of paint to a motor vehicle.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1An enlarged perspective view of the spray nozzle shows that the nozzle is a one-piece body with a conduit section and a shield.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the middle conduit section.

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another example of a conduit section.

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 End view of the middle conduit section.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a kind of operation Figure 1 A flowchart of an example of a method for a spray painting system. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses. While the accompanying drawings present examples, they are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be enlarged to better illustrate and explain specific aspects of the exemplary examples. Any or more of these aspects can be used alone or in combination with each other. Furthermore, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the precise form and construction disclosed in the drawings and the following detailed description. Exemplary examples are described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 A non-limiting example of the paint spraying system 100 includes a paint reservoir 102 and a coating device 104, the coating device 104 having one or more lines 106 for receiving paint from the reservoir 102. Non-limiting examples of the coating device 104 may include a gun, a wand, or an arm. The coating device 104 may include a paint spray nozzle 120 (“nozzle”) fluidly connected to lines for directing a flow of paint to a painted surface. As described below, the nozzle 120 is configured to control the spray pattern, droplet size, spray angle, and spray intensity. The system 100 also includes a pressure source 108, such as a compressor or pump, which causes paint to move from the reservoir 102 to the painted surface through the coating device 104 and the nozzle 120. The system 100 also includes a power source 108 coupled to the pressure source 108 for actuating the pressure source 108 to cause paint to flow through the coating device 104 and the nozzle 120. System 100 also includes a pump 110 for pumping paint from reservoir 102 to nozzle 120. Although this non-limiting example of the nozzle is a component of a paint spraying system for applying a paint coating to components of a vehicle and cleaning the nozzle, it should be considered that the nozzle could be a component of any other system for suitable fluid flow.

[0034] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The nozzle 120 includes a one-piece body 122 having a conduit portion 124. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the conduit portion 124 includes an inlet 126, which is fluidly connected to the reservoir 102. Figure 1 The conduit portion 124 is used to receive paint flow from the reservoir 102. The conduit portion 124 also includes a first surface 128 defining a first passage 130 terminating at an orifice 132 along a longitudinal axis 134. The first surface 128 faces the longitudinal axis 134, and the first passage 130 includes a first end 136 and a second end 138 along the longitudinal axis 134, wherein the second end 138 is downstream of the first end 136. The conduit portion 124 includes a cylindrical surface 140 defining a constant inner diameter along the longitudinal axis 134 from the first end 136 to the second end 138.

[0035] The conduit portion 124 also includes a second surface 142 facing the longitudinal axis 134 and defining a second passage 144 along the longitudinal axis 134, wherein the second passage 144 is fluidly connected to an orifice 132. The orifice 132 is configured to guide paint along the flow path through the second passage 144. The second surface 142 defines an inlet cross-sectional width at the orifice 132 and an outlet cross-sectional width at an outlet 146, wherein the inlet 126 and the outlet 146 are separated from each other along the longitudinal axis 134. The second surface 142 is a truncated conical surface 148, the inner diameter of which increases linearly from the inlet cross-sectional width to the outlet cross-sectional width. The outlet cross-sectional width is greater than the inlet cross-sectional width, thereby positioning the paint deposited on the second surface 142 relative to the longitudinal axis 134 for reabsorption into the paint flow path. The truncated conical surface 148 is arranged at a 60-degree angle relative to the truncated conical surface 148. The truncated conical surface 148 and the cylindrical surface 140 are positioned coaxially relative to each other. It is worth considering that other instances of the second surface may be angularly spaced between the cylindrical surface and the surface, with an angle greater than or less than 60 degrees.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the single-piece body 122 also includes a shield 150, which is radially spaced outward from the conduit portion 124 to define a gap 152 between them. The shield 150 is disposed around a longitudinal axis 134 to surround the conduit portion 124 and protect it from paint flow to the painted surface. The shield 150 has an inner diameter coaxial with the cylindrical surface 140 and the truncated conical surface 148 around the longitudinal axis 134. It is conceivable that other examples of the spray head may include a shield as a separate component adjacent to and / or attached to the conduit portion.

[0037] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Another non-limiting example of the paint spray head 220 is... Figure 3 Similar to the spray nozzle 120 in this example, and including similar components identified by the same number increasing by 100. In this example, at least a portion of the second surface 242 includes a paint-resistant material 254, which facilitates the reabsorption of paint deposited on the paint-resistant material 254 by the paint flow. More specifically, the second surface 242 includes an inlet surface portion 256 adjacent to the orifice 232 and an outlet surface portion 258 adjacent to the outlet 246, and the paint-resistant material 254 is a coating adhered to the entire inlet surface portion 256 of the second surface, while the outlet surface portion 258 is uncoated. The coating may be a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material. Non-limiting examples of the coating include polyurethane, nanoparticles, and fluorinated hydrocarbons. It is contemplated that other examples of the nozzle may include a paint-resistant material coated on any portion of the outlet surface portion, and that any portion of the outlet surface portion may be uncoated.

[0038] Furthermore, in this example, the inlet surface portion 256 of the second surface 242 includes a plurality of capillary grooves 260, which are radially spaced from each other about a longitudinal axis 234, for guiding paint toward the orifice 132 by capillary action, wherein the paint flow is capable of reabsorbing paint deposited on the second surface 242. Each groove may be linear, and its width along its length from the outlet surface portion 258 to the orifice 232 is constant. It is conceivable that other instances of the grooves may be non-linear, and / or their width from the outlet surface portion to the orifice may decrease or increase.

[0039] refer to Figure 6 An operation Figure 3 The method 300 of the painting system 100 begins at frame 302, wherein power supply 108 supplies power to pressure source 108.

[0040] In frame 304, in response to receiving power from power source 108, pressure source 108 moves paint from reservoir 102 into coating device 104 and nozzle 120.

[0041] In frame 306, the first passage 130 and the orifice 132 of the nozzle 120 guide the paint along the flow path through the second passage 144.

[0042] In frame 308, the second surface 142 positions the paint deposited on the second surface 142 relative to the longitudinal axis 134, thereby allowing the paint to be reabsorbed into the paint flow path. In this non-limiting example, the second surface 142 defines a second passage 144 along the longitudinal axis 134, wherein the second passage 144 is fluidly connected to an orifice 132. The orifice 132 is configured to guide paint along the flow path through the second passage 144. The second surface 142 defines an inlet cross-sectional width at the orifice 132 and an outlet cross-sectional width at the outlet 146, wherein the inlet 126 and the outlet 146 are separated from each other along the longitudinal axis 134. The second surface 142 is a frustoconical surface 148 whose inner diameter increases linearly from the inlet cross-sectional width to the outlet cross-sectional width. The outlet cross-sectional width is greater than the inlet cross-sectional width, thereby allowing the paint deposited on the second surface 142 to be positioned relative to the longitudinal axis 134 for reabsorption into the paint flow path. The truncated conical surface 148 is arranged at a 60-degree angle relative to the cylindrical surface 140, and the truncated conical surface 148 and the cylindrical surface 140 are coaxially positioned relative to each other.

[0043] In frame 310, during the cleaning of conduit portion 124, the first passage 130 and the orifice 132 of nozzle 120 guide the cleaning solvent along the flow path through the second passage 144.

[0044] In box 312, similar to box 308, when applying a paint coating to a surface (e.g., a vehicle component surface), the second surface 142 of the nozzle 120 positions the paint deposited on the second surface 142 relative to the longitudinal axis 134, thereby allowing cleaning solvents to remove any residual paint from the second surface 142.

[0045] Regarding the media, processes, systems, methods, and inspirations described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of these processes are described as occurring in a certain order, in practice, these processes may be performed in an order other than that described herein. It should also be understood that some steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or some steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the process descriptions provided herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way.

[0046] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. After reading the above description, many embodiments and applications will become apparent to those skilled in the art, in addition to the examples provided. The scope of the invention should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of protection claimed therein. It is anticipated and planned that further developments will occur in the techniques discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods can be incorporated into such future embodiments. In summary, it should be understood that the invention is capable of modifications and variations and is limited only by the following claims.

[0047] All terms used in the claims should be given their simple and common meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, unless otherwise expressly indicated herein. In particular, unless a claim states an explicit limitation to the contrary, it should be read that the singular forms such as “a”, “the”, and “said” are used to refer to one or more of the indicated elements.

Claims

1. A paint spray nozzle for a painting system, the paint spray nozzle comprising: A single-piece main body, having a conduit portion, the conduit portion comprising: A first surface, defining a first passageway terminating along the longitudinal axis at the orifice; and A second surface defines a second passage along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second passage is fluidly connected to the orifice; The orifice is configured to guide paint along the flow path through the second passage; The second surface defines an inlet cross-sectional width at the orifice and an outlet cross-sectional width at the outlet, wherein the inlet and the outlet are separated from each other along the longitudinal axis, and the outlet cross-sectional width is greater than the inlet cross-sectional width, thereby positioning the paint deposited on the second surface relative to the longitudinal axis so as to be reabsorbed into the paint flow path; Wherein, at least a portion of the second surface includes a paint-resistant material; The second surface includes an inlet surface portion adjacent to the orifice and an outlet surface portion adjacent to the outlet, wherein the anti-paint material is a coating covering the entire inlet surface portion, and the outlet surface portion does not contain a coating.

2. The paint spray head according to claim 1, wherein, The conduit portion terminates at the outlet along the longitudinal axis.

3. The paint spray head according to claim 2, wherein, The single-piece body also includes a protective cover that is radially separated from the conduit portion to define a gap between them, wherein the protective cover is arranged around the longitudinal axis to surround the conduit portion.

4. The paint spray head according to claim 3, wherein, The second surface includes a truncated conical surface, the inner diameter of which increases linearly from the inlet cross-sectional width to the outlet cross-sectional width.

5. The paint spray head according to claim 4, wherein, The first passage includes a first end and a second end along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second end is located downstream of the first end; and the conduit portion includes a cylindrical surface with a constant inner diameter along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end.

6. The paint spray head according to claim 5, wherein, The truncated conical surface and the cylindrical surface are positioned coaxially with respect to each other.

7. The paint spray head according to claim 6, wherein, The truncated conical surface is arranged at a 60-degree angle relative to the cylindrical surface.

8. The paint spray head according to claim 7, wherein, The first surface and the second surface face the longitudinal axis.

Images