Solvent metering for spray coater

Abstract

A spray coater is operable in a spray state during which the coater emits a multi-component material formed within a spray-coated mixing chamber and a purge state during which the spray coater emits compressed air from the mixing chamber. First and second portions of purge air are provided to the mixing chamber through separate flow paths and combine within the mixing chamber. Only one of the portions of purge air is directed through a metering chamber to entrain and carry solvent to the mixing chamber. The solvent aids in the removal of residue from the mixing chamber.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 196,965, filed June 4, 2021, entitled “Solvent Dosing for a Spray Applicator,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to fluid ejectors. More specifically, this disclosure relates to multi-component jet applicators. Background Technology

[0004] Multi-component sprayers are configured to produce and apply coatings to substrates, such as sprayed foam insulation and elastomer coatings. Sprayed foam insulation is applied to the substrate to provide thermal insulation against the environment. Elastomer coatings can be applied to the substrate to protect surfaces, such as sprayed truck bed liners. In multi-component spraying, two or more base components are mixed within the spray applicator, causing a chemical reaction that forms the multi-component material from the base component materials. The multi-component sprayer can emit purge air through the mixing zone and spray orifices to remove rapidly solidifying multi-component material from within the sprayer, thus preventing clogging. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an injection device includes: an injector body; a mixing chamber supported by the injector body; an injection valve supported by the injector body, wherein the injection valve is actuable between a first position associated with an injection mode and a second position associated with a purification mode; and a purified air path extending through the injector body. The purified air path includes a first passage extending to a first inlet port of the mixing chamber, the first passage being configured to provide a first portion of purified air to the mixing chamber through the first inlet port; and a second passage fluidly isolated from the first passage and extending to a second inlet port of the mixing chamber, the second passage being configured to provide a second portion of purified air to the mixing chamber through the second inlet port. Only one of the first and second passages is configured to receive solvent from a solvent reservoir.

[0006] According to an additional or alternative aspect of this disclosure, an injector device includes: an injector body; a mixing chamber supported by the injector body, the mixing chamber including a first inlet bore, a second inlet bore, and a mixing bore; a first material path extending through the injector body to the first inlet bore; a second material path extending through the injector body to the second inlet bore; a purge air path extending through the injector body; a solvent path formed in the injector body extending from a solvent reservoir to a holding chamber; and a metering rod supported by the injector body, wherein the metering rod is configured to provide a dose volume of solvent from the holding chamber to the metering chamber. The purified air path includes: a common passage configured to receive a supply of compressed air; a first passage extending from the common passage to a first inlet borehole of a mixing chamber, the first passage being configured to supply a first portion of compressed air to the mixing chamber through the first inlet borehole; and a second passage extending from the common passage to a second inlet borehole of the mixing chamber, the second passage being configured to supply a second portion of compressed air to the mixing chamber through the second inlet orifice. The second passage extends through a metering chamber at a location downstream of the intersection of the common passage, the first passage, and the second passage.

[0007] According to another additional or alternative aspect of this disclosure, a spraying method includes: placing a spray applicator in a spraying mode, wherein a spray valve of the spray applicator fluidly connects a first material path to a mixing chamber and a second material path to the mixing chamber when the spray applicator is in the spraying mode; launching a multi-component material formed in the mixing chamber by a first base component material supplied to the mixing chamber via the first material path and a second base component material supplied to the mixing chamber via the second material path through the spray applicator; shifting the spray valve from a first position associated with the spraying mode to a second position associated with a purification mode; allowing a first portion of purification air to flow into the mixing chamber via a first purification air path and a second portion of purification air to flow into the mixing chamber via a second purification air path when the spray applicator is in the purification mode; and entraining a dose volume of solvent in the second portion of the purification air at a location upstream of the mixing chamber and downstream of the intersection where the first purification air path and the second purification air path separate, such that the dose volume of solvent is supplied to the mixing chamber only via the second purification air path. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1A This is a schematic block diagram of the injection system.

[0009] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A schematic block diagram of the spraying system shows the flow path through the spray applicator.

[0010] Figure 2A This is an isometric view of the jet coater.

[0011] Figure 2B This is an isometric exploded view of the jet coater.

[0012] Figure 3A It is along Figure 3B The image shows a cross-sectional view of the jet coater taken by line AA, illustrating the jet coater in jet mode.

[0013] Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A The image shows a cross-sectional view of the jet coater taken by line BB, illustrating the jet coater in jet mode.

[0014] Figure 4A It is along Figure 4B The image shows a cross-sectional view of the jet coater taken by line AA, illustrating the jet coater in cleanup mode.

[0015] Figure 4B It is along Figure 4A The image shows a cross-sectional view of the jet coater taken by line BB, illustrating the jet coater in cleanup mode.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4B Detail 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This disclosure relates to a jet coater for applying a multi-component material to a substrate. The jet coater includes a mixing chamber configured to receive separate streams of different first and second base component materials to form a multi-component material. The jet coater emits the combined multi-component material during a jetting mode and emits purge air during a purge mode. A first purge air stream and a second purge air stream are provided to the mixing chamber to remove material residues from the mixing chamber. A solvent is injected into only one of the first and second purge air streams to be transported to the mixing chamber by that portion of the purge air. The solvent facilitates the removal of residues from the mixing chamber.

[0018] Figure 1A This is a schematic block diagram of the injection system 10. Figure 1B This is a schematic block diagram of the spraying system 10, showing the flow path through the spray applicator 12. Figure 1A and Figure 1BThis will be discussed together. The spraying system 10 includes a spray coater 12, material supply sources 14a and 14b, pumps 16a and 16b, and an air supply source 18. The spray coater 12 includes a body 20, a trigger 22, a spray valve 24, a control valve 26, a solvent reservoir 27, a mixing chamber 30, and a spray orifice 32. Figure 1B As shown, the jet coater 12 also includes a material path 34a, a material path 34b, a solvent path 36, and an air path 38. The air path 38 includes a common passage 40, a first passage 42, and a second passage 44.

[0019] The spraying system 10 is a system configured to generate a material jet and apply the material jet to a substrate. In some examples, the spraying system 10 is configured to combine two or more base component materials to generate a multi-component material for application to a substrate. In some examples, the spraying system 10 is configured to generate and apply a sprayed foam insulation material or elastomer coating to a substrate, among other spraying options.

[0020] Material supply sources 14a and 14b store the supply of base component materials prior to spraying. A multi-component material, such as a sprayed foam or elastomer coating, is formed by mixing the base component materials within a mixing chamber 30. Sprayed foam insulation materials are discussed herein as examples, but it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to sprayed foam applications. For example, fluid supply source 14a may store a first base component material, such as a resin, and fluid supply source 14b may store a second base component material, such as a catalyst. In some examples, the first of the base component materials may be a polyol resin, and the second of the base component materials may be an isocyanate. The first and second base component materials are combined at the spray coater 12 (e.g., within the mixing chamber 30) and sprayed out from the spray coater 12 as a spray of the multi-component material. The spray coater 12 produces the spray of the multi-component material and coats the multi-component material onto a substrate. The spray coater 12 may alternatively be referred to as a mixer, mixing manifold, dispenser, and / or spray gun, etc.

[0021] Pump 16a is configured to draw a first base component material from fluid supply source 14a and transfer it downstream to spray coater 12. Pump 16b is configured to draw a second base component material from fluid supply source 14b and transfer it downstream to spray coater 12. Pumps 16a and 16b can be controlled by a system controller (not shown). The first base component material flows through material path 34a in spray coater 12. The second base component material flows through material path 34b in spray coater 12. The first base component material is fluidly isolated from the second base component material at a location upstream of mixing chamber 30.

[0022] An air supply source 18 is connected to the spray coater 12 and configured to provide a flow of compressed air to the spray coater 12. The air supply source 18 can be any suitable configuration for providing compressed air to the spray coater 12. For example, the air supply source 18 can be a compressor, a pressurized tank, or any other configuration suitable for providing pressurized pneumatic flow. The air supply source 18 provides pressurized air to the air path 38 via the spray coater 12. The pressurized air is initially provided to a common passage 40. The common passage 40 branches into a first passage 42 and a second passage 44 at a junction 46. The first passage 42 and the second passage 44 are configured to provide separate pressurized purified air flows to the mixing chamber 30. The first passage 42 is configured to provide a first portion of the pressurized purified air to the mixing chamber 30 through a port in the mixing chamber 30 that is the same port in the material path 34a that provides the first base component material. The second passage 44 is configured to provide a second portion of the pressurized purified air to the mixing chamber 30 through a port in the mixing chamber 30 that is the same port in the mixing chamber 30 that is the same port in the material path 34b that provides the second base component material.

[0023] The jet coater 12 is configured to generate and coat a jet of multi-component material. The body 20 of the jet coater 12 supports other components of the jet coater 12. A jet valve 24 is at least partially disposed within the jet coater 12. The jet valve 24 controls whether a first base component material and a second base component material flow into the mixing chamber 30, or whether a first purge airflow and a second purge airflow flow into the mixing chamber 30. A control valve 26 is at least partially disposed within the jet coater 12. The control valve 26 is operatively connected to the jet valve 24 to actuate the jet valve 24 between a jetting state and a purge state, as discussed in more detail below. The mixing chamber 30 is disposed downstream of material paths 34a, 34b, the first passage 42, and the second passage 44. A jet orifice 32 is formed in the mixing chamber 30. When the spray coater 12 is in spray mode, the mixing chamber 30 receives a first base component material and a second base component material, forming a multi-component material within the mixing chamber 30, and the multi-component material is ejected through the spray orifice 32. When the spray coater 12 is in purification mode, the mixing chamber 30 receives a first purification airflow and a second purification airflow, and purifies the air through the spray orifice 32. The purification air is configured to remove residues from the mixing chamber 30 to prevent the multi-component material from curing within the mixing chamber 30 and to prevent the spray orifice 32 from becoming clogged.

[0024] Trigger 22 is attached to and configured to control the spraying of the sprayer 12. Trigger 22 is configured to be actuated to switch the sprayer 12 between a spraying mode and a purification mode, during which a multi-component material is formed and emitted, and during the purification mode, purification air is emitted. A user can actuate trigger 22 to switch spray valve 24 to a spraying state, thereby fluidly connecting material paths 34a, 34b to the mixing chamber 30 and fluidly disconnecting the first passage 42 and the second passage 44 from the mixing chamber 30. The base component materials are combined within the mixing chamber 30 to form the multi-component material emitted from the spray orifice 32. The user releases trigger 22 to switch spray valve 24 to a purification state, thereby fluidly disconnecting material paths 34a, 34b from the mixing chamber 30 and fluidly connecting the first passage 42 and the second passage 44 to the mixing chamber 30. Purification air partially flows through the first passage 42 and the second passage 44 into the mixing chamber 30 and is emitted from the spray orifice 32. It should be understood that the trigger 22 can be any configuration suitable for enabling and disabling spraying of the spray applicator 12. Although the spray applicator 12 is described as a manually operated spray gun configured to be held and manipulated by a user, it should be understood that other examples of the spray applicator 12 can be automatic, such that the spray applicator 12 does not include a manually actuated trigger 22 or handle.

[0025] Solvent reservoir 27 is fluidly connected to mixing chamber 30 to supply solvent to mixing chamber 30. In cleanup mode, the solvent helps to clean mixing chamber 30 with spray applicator 12. For example, the solvent can slow down the reaction process to inhibit curing and can dissolve uncured multi-component materials. Solvent reservoir 27 may be disposed within spray applicator 12, such as within the handle of spray applicator 12. Solvent reservoir 27 contains solvent. In some examples, solvent reservoir 27 may be formed as a cartridge, which can be removed and replaced as a single unit. Solvent path 36 extends downstream from solvent reservoir 27 to air path 38. More specifically, solvent path 36 extends downstream of the intersection 46 between first passage 42 and second passage 44 into second passage 44 of air path 38. Positive pressure within air path 38 prevents solvent backflow into first passage 42.

[0026] The spray coater 12 is configured such that the solvent is supplied to the mixing chamber 30 via a second passage 44 instead of via a first passage 42. Supplying the solvent only through the second passage 44 prevents the solvent from mixing with the base component material supplied upstream of the mixing chamber 30 via material path 34a. For example, material path 34b can be configured to supply the resin base component material to the mixing chamber 30, while material path 34a can be configured to supply the isocyanate base component material. Isocyanates are moisture-sensitive and can cure when exposed to liquids such as solvents. Cured isocyanates form crystals that can cause scoring or other damage to soft seals and block the passage through the spray coater 12. By allowing the solvent to flow into the mixing chamber 30 through the same port as the resin, mixing of the solvent and isocyanate is prevented within the spray coater 12 upstream of the mixing chamber 30.

[0027] During operation, the user actuates trigger 22 to switch the spray applicator 12 between spray mode and purification mode. Trigger 22 is operatively associated with control valve 26 to control the position of spray valve 24. In some examples, control valve 26 directs compressed air from air supply source 18 to spray valve 24 to drive spray valve 24 between positions associated with spray mode and purification mode. For example, control valve 26 may direct compressed air through a first internal path within spray applicator 12 to drive spray valve 24 from a first position associated with spray mode to a second position associated with purification mode. Control valve 26 may then switch positions to direct compressed air through a second internal path within spray applicator 12, thereby driving spray valve 24 from the second position to the first position.

[0028] The spray applicator 12 is initially in a purification mode, such that the first passage 42 and the second passage 44 are fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 30, and the spray applicator 12 emits purification air through the spray orifice 32. The user actuates trigger 22 to switch the spray valve 24 to a first position associated with the spray mode. With the spray valve 24 in the first position, material paths 34a, 34b are fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 30, while the first passage 42 and the second passage 44 are fluidly disconnected from the mixing chamber 30. The first and second base component materials flow into the mixing chamber 30 and mix within the mixing chamber 30 to form a multi-component material. The multi-component material is ejected from the spray orifice 32. The spray valve 24 remains in the spray state until the user releases trigger 22. Upon release of trigger 22, control valve 26 switches to direct pressurized air to the spray valve 24, causing the spray valve 24 to switch to a second position associated with the purification mode. With the injection valve 24 in the second position, the material path 34 is fluidly disconnected from the mixing chamber 30, and the air path 38 is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 30. More specifically, each of the first passage 42 and the second passage 44 is fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 30. Pressurized air flows into the mixing chamber 30 from the first passage 42 and the second passage 44 and is ejected through the injection port 32. A second portion of purge air supplied to the mixing chamber 30 via the second passage 44 carries the solvent from the solvent reservoir 27 into and through the mixing chamber 30. The solvent can dissolve any multi-component material within the mixing chamber 30 to prevent hardening and clogging. Solvent is supplied only through the second passage 44 to prevent contact between the solvent and the first base component material supplied via the material path 34a at an upstream position in the mixing chamber 30.

[0029] Figure 2A This is an isometric view of the spray applicator 12. Figure 2B This is an exploded isometric view of the spray applicator 12. Figure 2A and Figure 2B This will be discussed together. The jet coater 12 includes a body 20, a trigger 22, a jet valve 24, a solvent cartridge 28, a mixing chamber 30, a jet orifice 32, a cap 48, a material manifold 50, and an air receiver 52. The body 20 includes a support housing 54, a fluid cartridge 56, a retainer cap 58, and a handle 60. Shuttles 62a and 62b of the jet valve 24 are shown. The material manifold 50 includes a base component inlet 64a and a base component inlet 64b.

[0030] The body 20 supports other components of the spray applicator 12. The body 20 can be formed as a single unit or as multiple components fixed together. In the example shown, the support housing 54 supports and at least partially surrounds the components of the spray valve 24 and the control valve 26. The fluid cartridge 56 can be removably mounted to the support housing 54. A handle 60 extends from the support housing 54. The user can grasp the handle 60 to manipulate and orient the spray applicator 12. In some examples, the handle 60 can house other components of the spray applicator 12, such as the solvent cartridge 28. An exhaust port can be formed through the handle 60 to vent air from the spray valve 24. A trigger 22 is supported by the body 20 and can be connected to the body 20. More specifically, in the example shown, the trigger 22 is connected to the support housing 54. The trigger 22 is configured to control the spraying performed by the spray applicator 12. Outlet orifices 66a, 66b are formed through the support housing 54. The outlet orifice 66a forms part of the first passage 42 of the air path 38, and the outlet orifice 66b forms part of the second passage 44 of the air path 38. The outlet orifices 66a and 66b are the openings through which the first and second portions of purified air exit the support housing 54.

[0031] The spray valve 24 is supported by the spray applicator 12. In the example shown, the spray valve 24 is at least partially disposed within the support housing 54. The spray valve 24 includes shuttles 62a and 62b that extend from the support housing 54 and into the fluid cartridge 56. In the example shown, the shuttles 62a and 62b form flow control components of the spray applicator 12. The shuttles 62a and 62b are configured to be axially displaced relative to the spray axis SA to switch the spray applicator 12 between a spray mode and a cleaning mode.

[0032] The fluid cartridge 56 can be mounted to the support housing 54. The fluid cartridge 56 can be connected to the support housing 54 in any desired manner. For example, the fluid cartridge 56 can be connected to the support housing 54 via mating threads or the like. A portion of both material paths 34a, 34b and air path 38 is formed through the fluid cartridge 56. A cavity 68 is formed in the end of the fluid cartridge 56 opposite the end that abuts against the support housing 54. The cavity 68 accommodates the mixing chamber 30 during operation. An injection port 32 is formed in the end of the mixing chamber 30 oriented outside the cavity 68. In the example shown, the mixing chamber 30 is a stationary mixing chamber because it does not shift relative to the injection axis SA during injection operation. However, it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. As discussed in more detail below, the fluid cartridge 56 receives a first portion of purified air from the support housing 54 through an outlet port 66a and a second portion of purified air through an outlet port 66b. The first and second purified air sections are fluidly isolated from each other within the fluid box 56 until they are combined in the mixing chamber 30.

[0033] The cover 48 extends at least partially around the fluid cartridge 56. In the example shown, the cover 48 covers the interface between the fluid cartridge 56 and the support housing 54. The cover 48 may be attached to the support housing 54 and / or the fluid cartridge 56. A retainer cover 58 is attached to the fluid cartridge 56. The end of the fluid cartridge 56 with the cavity 68 formed may extend axially beyond the cover 48. A retainer cap 58 may be attached to the portion of the fluid cartridge 56 that protrudes beyond the cover 48. The retainer cap 58 may be attached to the fluid cartridge 56 by mating threads or the like. The retainer cap 58 is configured to secure internal components within the spray applicator 12, such as by securing the mixing chamber 30 within the cavity 68. However, it should be understood that the mixing chamber 30 may be secured to the body 20 in any suitable manner.

[0034] Material manifold 50 can be mounted to spray applicator 12. In the example shown, material manifold 50 abuts against fluid cartridge 56 to supply a first base component material and a second base component material to fluid cartridge 56. In the example shown, the first and second base component materials flow within fluid cartridge 56 but not within support housing 54. Material manifold 50 is mounted to support housing 54 via fastener 70, but it should be understood that other connection types are also possible. Base component inlet 64a is configured to connect to a hose or other fluid line to supply material from a first material supply source (e.g., fluid supply source 14a). Figure 1A and Figure 1B The accessory receives the first base component material. The base component inlet 64b is configured to connect to a hose or other fluid line to receive material from a second material supply source (e.g., fluid supply source 14b). Figure 1A and Figure 1B )) Receive accessories for the second basic component material.

[0035] An air receiver 52 is mounted to the spray coater 12 and provides a location for compressed air to enter the spray coater 12. In the example shown, the air receiver 52 is mounted to the rear end of the support housing 54, while the fluid cartridge 56 is mounted to the front end of the support housing 54. The air receiver 52 is configured to connect to a hose, pipe, tube, or other air line to draw air from an air source (e.g., air supply source 18). Figure 1A and Figure 1B Accessories for receiving pressurized air.

[0036] Solvent cartridge 28 can be mounted to the jet coater 12. Solvent cartridge 28 forms the solvent reservoir 27 of the jet coater 12. In the example shown, solvent cartridge 28 is configured to be mounted within handle 60. As discussed in more detail below, solvent cartridge 28 provides solvent to second passage 44 at a location within body 20. More specifically, solvent is provided to second passage 44 within support housing 54 and upstream of fluid cartridge 56. Second purge air section entrains a dose of solvent and transports the solvent downstream out of support housing 54, through fluid cartridge 56, and into mixing chamber 30. First purge air section and second purge air section are fluidly isolated within fluid cartridge 56.

[0037] During operation, a first base component material is supplied to the spray coater 12 at base component inlet 64a, a second base component material is supplied to the spray coater 12 at base component inlet 64b, and compressed air is supplied to the spray coater 12 at air receiver 52. Spray valve 24 controls the flow of the base component material and compressed purified air into the mixing chamber 30. Trigger 22 controls the actuation of spray valve 24 to place the spray coater 12 into spray and purified states. When spray valve 24 is in a first position associated with the spray mode, the first and second base component materials flow into the mixing chamber 30 and mix within the mixing chamber 30, and the resulting multi-component material is emitted through spray orifice 32. Shuttles 62a and 62b prevent the first and second purified air portions from flowing into the mixing chamber 30 when the spray coater 12 is in the spray state. With the jet valve 24 in its second position associated with the purification mode, the first and second purified air portions flow into the mixing chamber 30 and mix within it, and the resulting air-solvent combination is emitted through the jet orifice 32. Shuttles 62a and 62b prevent the first and second base component materials from flowing into the mixing chamber 30 when the jet coater 12 is in purification mode. Shuttles 62a and 62b may also be referred to as needles.

[0038] Figure 3A This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the spray applicator 12, which is shown along... Figure 3B Line AA in the image captures and shows the spray applicator 12 in spray mode. Figure 3B This is a partial schematic diagram of a cross-section, which is along... Figure 3A The line BB in the image shows the spray applicator 12 in spray mode. Figure 4A This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the spray applicator 12, which is shown along... Figure 4B Line AA in the image shows the spray applicator 12 in clean mode. Figure 4BThis is a partial schematic diagram of a cross-section, which is along... Figure 4A Line BB in the image shows the spray applicator 12 in clean mode. Figures 3A-4B We will discuss this together.

[0039] The jet coater 12 includes a body 20, a trigger 22, a jet valve 24, a control valve 26, a solvent cartridge 28, a mixing chamber 30, a jet orifice 32, a cap 48, a material manifold 50, an air receiver 52, sealing cartridges 72a and 72b, and an exhaust device 74. The body 20 includes a support housing 54, a fluid cartridge 56, a retainer cap 58, and a handle 60. Solvent paths 36, air paths 38, material paths 34a and 34b, and a pressurization passage 76 are shown. A common passage 40, a first passage 42, and a second passage 44 of the air path 38 are shown. The first passage 42 includes an upstream portion 78a and a downstream portion 80a. The second passage 44 includes an upstream portion 78b and a downstream portion 80b. The upstream portion 78b includes an inlet portion 82, a metering chamber 84, and an outlet portion 86. The solvent path 36 includes a flow passage 88 and a retaining chamber 90. The jet valve 24 includes shuttles 62a and 62b, a piston head 92, and a metering rod 94. Metering rod 94 includes a groove 96. Mixing chamber 30 includes injection hole 32, inlet ports 98a and 98b, and mixing borehole 100. Handle 60 includes receiving chamber 102.

[0040] The jet coater 12 is configured to receive separate streams of a first base component material and second base component materials 116a, 116b, and to eject a multi-component material 118 formed by mixing the first and second base component materials within a mixing chamber 30. The body 20 supports the other components of the jet coater 12. A fluid cartridge 56 is mounted to a support housing 54. The mixing chamber 30 is supported by the fluid cartridge 56. The support housing 54 may also be referred to as an air housing or air head because compressed air, rather than the base component material, flows within the support housing 54. The fluid cartridge 56 includes flow paths for both the liquid base component material and the compressed purified air.

[0041] The spray valve 24 and control valve 26 are at least partially disposed within and supported by the support housing 54. A trigger 22 extends relative to the body 20 and is pivotally supported by the body 20. The trigger 22 is spaced apart from the handle 60 and can be actuated by the hand of a user gripping the handle 60. The trigger 22 engages with the valve member of the control valve 26 to actuate the spray applicator 12 between spray mode and purging mode.

[0042] A handle 60 extends from a support housing 54. The handle 60 is configured to be gripped by a user's hand to support and manipulate the spray applicator 12. A receiving chamber 102 extends from the lower end of the handle 60 into the handle 60. A solvent cartridge 28 can be installed within the receiving chamber 102. For example, the solvent cartridge 28 can be installed via a mating thread, etc. In some examples, the solvent cartridge 28 can be connected and disconnected via a quarter turn (e.g., 90-degree rotation), etc. An exhaust device 74 extends through the handle 60 and terminates at a port located at the lower end of the handle 60. The exhaust device 74 is configured to vent air from the spray valve 24 when the spray valve 24 is switched between positions associated with spray mode and purging mode.

[0043] Material manifold 50 is mounted to spray applicator 12. In the example shown, material manifold 50 abuts against support housing 54 and fluid cartridge 56. Material manifold 50 is fluidly connected to fluid cartridge 56 to supply first and second base component materials to portions of material paths 34a, 34b within fluid cartridge 56. Material manifold 50 is secured to body 20 by fasteners 70 extending through the body of material manifold 50 into air housing.

[0044] Air receiver 52 is mounted to the main body 20. More specifically, air receiver 52 is mounted to the support housing 54. Air receiver 52 is an accessory configured to connect to an air supply source 18 to provide compressed air 120 to the jet applicator 12. In the example shown, air receiver 52 is mounted at the end of valve bore 104. The compressed air 120 supplied by air receiver 52 is configured to displace jet valve 24 between a jetting state and a purging state, pressurize receiving chamber 102, and form purified air.

[0045] A pressurization passage 76 extends between the valve bore 104 and the receiving chamber 102. The pressurization passage 76 is configured to supply compressed air 120 to the receiving chamber 102. The compressed air 120 pressurizes the receiving chamber 102 and acts on the piston 106 of the solvent cartridge 28, causing the piston 106 of the solvent cartridge 28 to drive solvent 122 out of the solvent cartridge 28 and into the spray applicator 12. A solvent path 36 extends from the receiving chamber 102 to the rod bore 108 to supply solvent to the metering rod 94. More specifically, a flow passage 88 extends from the receiving chamber 102, through the handle 60, and into the support housing 54. The flow passage 88 extends from the receiving chamber 102 to the holding chamber 90. The holding chamber 90 forms the downstream end of the solvent path 36. In the example shown, the holding chamber 90 is formed as part of the rod bore 108.

[0046] Air path 38 is configured to guide a purified air portion of compressed air into mixing chamber 30. A common passage 40 extends downstream from valve borehole 104. The common passage 40 branches into a first passage 42 and a second passage 44 at a crossover 46. In the illustrated example, crossover 46 is disposed within support housing 54. First passage 42 extends from crossover 46 to fluid borehole 110a. A first purified air portion flows through first passage 42 to fluid borehole 110a. Second passage 44 extends from crossover 46 to fluid borehole 110b. A second purified air portion flows through second passage 44 to fluid borehole 110b. First passage 42 and second passage 44 are fluidly isolated such that the first and second purified air portions do not mix downstream of crossover 46 until they meet within mixing chamber 30.

[0047] The upstream portion 78a is part of the first passage 42 formed within the support housing 54. The upstream portion 78a extends from the intersection 46 through the support housing 54 to the outlet orifice 66a. The downstream portion 80a is part of the first passage 42 formed within the fluid chamber 56. The downstream portion 80a extends from the inlet orifice 112a formed in the fluid chamber 56 to the fluid borehole 110a. The inlet orifice 112a is formed in the surface of the fluid chamber 56 opposite to the surface into which the cavity 68 extends.

[0048] The upstream portion 78b is part of a second passage 44 formed within the support housing 54. The upstream portion 78b extends from the intersection 46 through the support housing 54 to the outlet orifice 66b. The upstream portion 78b is formed by an inlet portion 82, a metering chamber 84, and an outlet portion 86. The metering chamber 84 is formed as a radially enlarged portion of the rod bore 108. In the example shown, the metering chamber 84 is an annular chamber extending around the metering rod 94. The metering chamber 84 is axially positioned between the chamber holding the chamber 90 and the chamber containing the piston head 92 of the injection valve 24, which reciprocates within it. A second purified air portion flows around the metering rod 94 between the intersection 46 and the fluid bore 110b. The inlet portion 82 extends from the intersection 46 to the metering chamber 84. The inlet portion 82 provides the second purified air portion to the metering chamber 84. The inlet portion 82 extends vertically to the metering chamber 84. The outlet portion 86 extends from the metering chamber 84 to the outlet orifice 66b. The outlet portion 86 extends vertically downward (downstream) from the metering chamber 84 to the outlet orifice 66b. This downward extension of the outlet portion 86 from the metering chamber 84 inhibits solvent backflow into and from the metering chamber 84. As discussed in more detail below, the inlet portion 82 intersects the metering chamber 84 vertically above the point where the outlet portion 86 intersects with it, further preventing solvent flow upstream from the metering chamber 84. The downstream portion 80b is part of a second passage 44 formed within the fluid cartridge 56. The downstream portion 80b extends from the inlet orifice 112b formed in the fluid cartridge 56 to the fluid borehole 110b. The inlet orifice 112b is formed in the surface of the fluid cartridge 56 opposite the surface into which the cavity 68 extends.

[0049] The second purified air section is configured to entrain a certain dose of solvent within the metering chamber 84 and transport the entrained solvent 124 downstream to the fluid borehole 110b and thus to the mixing chamber 30. The entrained solvent 124 is transported from the metering chamber 84 by the second purified air section, transported through the outlet section 86 and the downstream section 80b, and transported to the fluid borehole 110b.

[0050] Control valve 26 is at least partially disposed within the main body 20. More specifically, the valve member of control valve 26 is disposed within a valve bore 104 formed in the support housing 54. Control valve 26 controls the flow of compressed air 120 to injection valve 24 to actuate injection valve 24 between positions associated with injection mode and purging mode. Control valve 26 directs compressed air 120 to a first chamber on the first axial side of piston head 92, causing moving parts of injection valve 24 (e.g., shuttles 62a, 62b, piston head 92, and metering rod 94) to displace in the first axial direction AD1 and to guide... Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe position shown is used to place the spray applicator 12 into spray mode. Control valve 26 directs compressed air 120 to the second chamber on the second axial side of piston head 92, causing the moving part of spray valve 24 to shift in the second axial direction AD2 and be guided to... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The position shown is used to place the spray applicator 12 into the clean mode. Although the spray applicator 12 is described as being pneumatically driven between the spray mode and the clean mode, it should be understood that the spray applicator 12 can be configured in any desired manner suitable for actuating the spray applicator 12 between the spray mode and the clean mode. For example, in some examples, the trigger 22 can mechanically displace the moving parts of the spray valve 24, etc.

[0051] The injection valve 24 is at least partially disposed within the body 20. A piston head 92 is disposed within the body 20. A metering rod 94 is connected to the piston head 92 to move with it. In the example shown, the metering rod 94 is disposed on and coaxial with the injection axis SA. The metering rod 94 reciprocates along the injection axis SA. However, it should be understood that the metering rod 94 may protrude from any desired portion of the piston head 92. The metering rod 94 may be connected to the piston head 92 in any desired manner, such as by mating threads. The metering rod 94 extends from the piston head 92 into the rod bore 108. A groove 96 is formed on the end of the metering rod 94 opposite to the piston head 92. In the example shown, the groove 96 extends circumferentially around the metering rod 94. In the example shown, the groove 96 is shallower than the sealing groove formed in the metering rod 94, which supports elastomeric seals on the metering rod 94 that abut against a portion of the defining rod bore 108 of the support housing 54 for sealing. The groove 96 is axially disposed between two sealing grooves. Metering rod 94 is configured such that groove 96 is in the spraying state in spray applicator 12. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The groove 96 is set within the holding chamber 90 and configured such that the spray applicator 12 is in a clean state when the groove 96 is in a clean state. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The metering chamber 84 is configured to pick up a dose volume of solvent 122 from the holding chamber 90 and transfer the solvent 122 to the metering chamber 84, such that the solvent 122 is entrained in the second purge air section flowing through the second passage 44. The metering chamber 84 is fluidly isolated from the holding chamber 90 throughout operation. In the example shown, the metering chamber 84 is fluidly isolated from the holding chamber 90 through a dynamically sealed interface between the metering rod 94 and the support housing 54.

[0052] Shuttles 62a and 62b are connected to piston head 92 to move together with piston head 92. Shuttles 62a and 62b extend from piston head 92 in a first axial direction AD1. Shuttles 62a and 62b extend through support housing 54 and into fluid box 56.

[0053] In the example shown, the fluid cartridge 56 is mounted to and can be removed from the support housing 54. However, it should be understood that in some examples, the fluid cartridge 54 may be formed together with the support housing 54. Sealing cartridges 72a and 72b are respectively disposed within fluid boreholes 110a and 110b. Fluid boreholes 110a and 110b are formed within the fluid cartridge 56. The heads 114a and 114b of shuttles 62a and 62b abut with sealing cartridges 72a and 72b respectively to control the flow of base component material and purified air to the mixing chamber 30. A cavity 68 is disposed within the fluid cartridge 56, and the mixing chamber 30 is disposed within the cavity 68. Inlet ports 98a and 98b extend through the mixing chamber 30 to the mixing borehole 100. The mixing borehole 100 may be coaxially disposed with the injection axis SA. The mixing borehole 100 extends to the injection port 32.

[0054] During operation, the spray coater 12 is placed in spray mode to generate and emit multi-component material 118 from the spray orifice 32. The spray coater 12 is also placed in purification mode to emit purified air from the spray orifice 32. To place the spray coater 12 in spray mode, the user presses trigger 22, causing control valve 26 to direct drive air into the chamber where piston head 92 is disposed. The drive air applies force to piston head 92, causing the moving part of spray valve 24 to displace in the first axial direction AD1. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The location shown.

[0055] When shuttles 62a and 62b are in Figure 3A and Figure 3BIn the position shown, the heads 114a, 114b of shuttles 62a, 62b are positioned on the first axial side of inlet ports 98a, 98b and abut against sealing boxes 72a, 72b for sealing. For example, heads 114a, 114b can directly engage with the body of sealing boxes 72a, 72b, or directly engage with a sealing member (e.g., an elastomeric sealing member, such as an O-ring) supported by sealing boxes 72a, 72b or heads 114a, 114b. The interface between heads 114a, 114b and sealing boxes 72a, 72b fluidly isolates the first and second purified air flows from the mixing chamber 30, while the first and second base component material flows are fluidly connected to the mixing chamber 30. The first base component material can flow through sealing box 72a and enter the mixing chamber 30 through inlet port 98a. The second base component material can flow through sealing box 72b and enter the mixing chamber 30 through inlet port 98b. The first and second basic component materials interact within the mixed borehole 100 to form a multi-component material emitted through the jet hole 32.

[0056] The spray applicator 12 is detrimentalized (e.g., the user releases trigger 22) to switch the spray applicator 12 from spray mode to spray mode. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The purification mode is shown. Control valve 26 moves to direct driven air into the chamber where piston head 92 is located. The driven air applies force to piston head 92, causing the moving part of injection valve 24 to displace in the second axial direction AD2, thereby positioning the spray applicator 12... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The spray pattern is shown. Control valve 26 connects a portion of the chamber in which piston head 92 is disposed to exhaust device 74 to discharge driving air that switches spray coater 12 to spray mode when spray coater 12 is switched to purification mode.

[0057] When shuttles 62a and 62b are in Figure 4A and Figure 4BIn the position shown, heads 114a and 114b are positioned on the second axial side of inlet ports 98a and 98b and abut against sealing boxes 72a and 72b for sealing. For example, heads 114a and 114b may directly engage with the body of sealing boxes 72a and 72b, or directly engage with a sealing member (e.g., an elastomeric sealing member, such as an O-ring) supported by sealing boxes 72a and 72b or heads 114a and 114b. The interface between heads 114a and 114b and sealing boxes 72a and 72b fluidly connects the first and second purified air flows to the mixing chamber 30, while the first and second base component materials 116a and 116b fluidly isolate the mixing chamber 30 from the first base component material. A portion of the first purified air flows through sealing box 72a and enters the mixing chamber 30 through inlet port 98a. A second pneumatically purified portion, including a solvent-entrained portion 124, flows through sealing box 72b and enters the mixing chamber 30 through inlet port 98b. The first and second pneumatic purification sections interact within the mixing borehole 100 and are emitted through the injection hole 32.

[0058] When the spray applicator 12 switches from spray mode to purification mode, the piston head 92 pulls the metering rod 94 in the second axial direction AD2. A recess 96 is located within the holding chamber 90 and is exposed to solvent when the spray applicator 12 is in spray mode. When the spray applicator 12 switches to purification mode, a dose of solvent 122 is retained in the recess 96 and pulled by the recess 96 in the second axial direction AD2 towards the metering chamber 84. A dynamic sealing interface between the metering rod 94 and the body 20 prevents the solvent 122 in the recess 96 from flowing back into the holding chamber 90 when the spray applicator 12 switches to purification mode. The metering rod 94 continues to move in the second axial direction AD2, and the recess 96 is fluidly connected to the metering chamber 84 and supplies a dose of solvent 122 to the metering chamber 84. A second purification air section entrains the solvent and transports the entrained solvent 124 downstream from the metering chamber 84. The second purified air section carries the entrained solvent 124 through the outlet section 86, downstream section 80b, sealing box 72b, and inlet port 98b to the mixing borehole 100. The second purified air section, including the entrained solvent 124, combines with the first purified air section within the mixing borehole 100 and is ejected through the injection port 32. The solvent inhibits the curing of the multi-component material within the mixing chamber 30, thereby preventing curing within the mixing chamber 30 and preventing blockage of the mixing chamber 30. In the example shown, the spray applicator 12 is configured such that when the spray applicator 12 is detrimentalized along the figure, a dose of solvent is provided to the second purified air section and thus to the downstream of the mixing chamber 30.

[0059] Both the first base component material and the first purified air section flow through a common portion of the sealed container 72a and through the inlet port 98a. Thus, the sealed container 72a and the inlet port 98a define portions of both the material path 34a and the first passage 42. Both the second base component material and the second purified air section flow through a common portion of the sealed container 72b and the inlet port 98b. Thus, the sealed container 72b and the inlet port 98b define portions of both the material path 34b and the second passage 44. The solvent is transported to the mixing chamber 30 via the second purified air section. The first purified air section is fluidly isolated from the solvent at a location upstream of the mixing chamber 30. In the example shown, the first and second purified air sections originate from the same compressed air supply source (e.g., from air supply source 18) upstream of the spray coater 12 and the same supply route (e.g., common passage 40) within the spray coater 12. The pneumatic pressure is balanced across the first and second purified air sections to prevent the first purified air section from flowing over and through inlet port 98b, and to prevent the second purified air section from flowing over and through inlet port 98a. The balanced pressure prevents solvent transported by the second purified air section from flowing to inlet port 98a, and upstream of inlet port 98a, such as into the sealed container 72a, material path 34a, or other parts of the first passage 42.

[0060] The spray applicator 12 offers significant advantages. The solvent is delivered to the mixing chamber 30 via a second purge air section, rather than a first purge air section. This isolates the solvent from the first portion 42 of the air path 38 at all locations upstream of the mixing chamber 30. Consequently, the solvent is isolated from the first base component material. The spray applicator 12 is configured such that the moisture-sensitive component of the base component material is the first base component material. For example, the first base component material could be an isocyanate, which is moisture-sensitive and cures upon exposure to a liquid (such as a solvent). Such curing can form crystals that can cause scratches, blockages, or otherwise adversely affect spraying and soft sealing. Allowing the solvent to flow into the mixing chamber 30 through the same port as the second non-moisture-sensitive base component material (e.g., resin) prevents any mixing of the solvent with the moisture-sensitive material upstream of the mixing chamber 30, thereby preventing undesirable mixing between the solvent and the moisture-sensitive base component material. Preventing the solvent from mixing with the moisture-sensitive base component materials extends the service life of the fluid cartridge 56 and the seals within the fluid cartridge 56, thereby saving costs and materials.

[0061] The first and second purified air sections, obtained from the common passage 40, balance the air pressure between them, preventing solvent from crossing from fluid borehole 110b to fluid borehole 110a, and further isolating the moisture-sensitive base component material from the solvent. The portions of the first passage 42 and second passage 44 within the fluid cartridge 56 (e.g., downstream portions 80a, 80b) are fluidly isolated at all locations within the fluid cartridge 56 and upstream of the mixing chamber 30. This fluid isolation of downstream portions 80a and 80b prevents the base component material from mixing within the air path 38 in the event of a leak, thereby preventing the formation of multi-component material within the air path 38 and allowing the fluid cartridge 56 to be cleaned and reused.

[0062] Metering rod 94 provides a specific dose of solvent each time the spray coater 12 is de-triggered. Therefore, a specific dose of solvent is supplied to the purge air each time the spray coater 12 switches to purge mode. The solvent dissolves the multi-component material and prolongs the reaction time between the base component materials. Providing solvent to the purge air and thus to the mixing chamber 30 each time the spray coater 12 switches to purge mode prevents undesirable curing of the multi-component material within the mixing chamber 30, thereby preventing blockage. Providing a specific dose of solvent each time the spray coater 12 switches to purge mode provides a longer operating life, saves costs, reduces downtime, increases operating efficiency, and offers other advantages.

[0063] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4B An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the spray applicator 12, taken by line 5-5. The support housing 54 of the main body 20, the second passage 44, the metering rod 94, and the rod drill hole 108 are shown. A groove 96 in the metering rod 94 is shown. The inlet portion 82, the metering chamber 84, and the outlet portion 86 of the second passage 44 are shown.

[0064] Spray coater 12 in Figure 5 The metering chamber 84 is in a purified state, such that the groove 96 is positioned within the metering chamber 84. The inlet portion 82 extends into the metering chamber 84 to provide a second purified air portion to the metering chamber 84. The second purified air portion entrains the solvent within the metering chamber 84 and transports the entrained solvent downstream through the outlet portion 86. In the example shown, the inlet portion 82 intersects the metering chamber 84 at a position vertically above where the outlet portion 86 intersects with the metering chamber 84. The relative positions of the inlet portion 82 and the outlet portion 86 with the metering chamber 84 inhibit the upstream flow of solvent from the metering chamber 84 to the intersection 46. Figure 3A and Figure 4AIn the cross section 46, the solvent can be picked up by the first purified air section. When the pneumatic pressure is removed from the spray coater 12, the relative position prevents the solvent from evacuating into the first passage 42.

[0065] In the example shown, inlet portion 82 intersects metering chamber 84 in the upper half of metering chamber 84 (e.g., vertically above the injection axis SA), and outlet portion 86 intersects metering chamber 84 in the lower half of metering chamber 84 (e.g., vertically below the injection axis SA). In some examples, both inlet portion 82 and outlet portion 86 intersect metering chamber 84 in the same vertical half (e.g., both inlet portion 82 and outlet portion 86 intersect metering chamber 84 in the upper or lower half). In the example shown, outlet portion 86 is located at the bottom dead center of metering chamber 84. Positioning outlet portion 86 at the bottom dead center of metering chamber 84 facilitates solvent evacuation after operation.

[0066] The relative positioning of the inlet portion 82 and the outlet portion 86 provides significant advantages. The outlet portion 86 extends from the metering chamber 84 at a position vertically below the inlet portion 82, thereby inhibiting solvent upstream through the inlet portion 82. Relative positioning prevents solvent from draining into the first passage 42, where it could be transported downstream to interact with the moisture-sensitive base component material upon restarting spraying. This relative positioning thus inhibits undesirable curing of the moisture-sensitive base component material. Furthermore, due to gravity-assisted solvent outflow, relative positioning facilitates the complete removal of a given dose of solvent from the metering chamber 84 during operation. Relative positioning allows for the use of less solvent per dose, resulting in material and cost savings. Additionally, it prevents solvent buildup within the metering chamber 84, thus preventing old solvent from remaining in the spray applicator 12 during prolonged periods of inactivity.

[0067] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather that the invention encompass all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A spraying device, the device comprising: Injector body; A solvent reservoir configured to hold solvent; A mixing chamber supported by the injector body, the mixing chamber including a mixing bore extending to the injection orifice; An injection valve, supported by the injector body, wherein the injection valve is actuable between a first position associated with an injection mode and a second position associated with a purification mode; and Purified air path, the purified air path extending through the injector body, the purified air path comprising: A first passage, extending fluidly into the mixing chamber and connected to a first inlet port of the mixing borehole, the first passage being configured to provide a first purified air portion to the mixing chamber through the first inlet port; and A second passage, fluidly isolated from the first passage and extending to a fluidly connected second passage to a second inlet port of the mixing borehole, the second passage being configured to provide a second purified air portion to the mixing chamber through the second inlet port; In this configuration, only the second passage of the first and second passages is fluidly connected to the solvent reservoir to receive solvent from the solvent reservoir, such that the solvent enters the mixing chamber only through the second inlet port.

2. The spraying device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A first material path extends to the first inlet port and is configured to provide a first base component material to the mixing chamber. A second material path extends to the second inlet port and is configured to provide a second base component material to the mixing chamber.

3. The spraying device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The second pathway is configured to receive the solvent from the solvent reservoir, wherein the first base component material is an isocyanate, and wherein the second base component material is a resin.

4. The spraying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The solvent reservoir is formed by a solvent cartridge that can be removably mounted to the injector body.

5. The spraying device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The injector body includes a handle defining a receiving chamber, wherein the solvent cartridge can be installed within the receiving chamber.

6. The spraying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The injection valve includes: Piston head; A first shuttle extends from the piston head to a first fluid borehole formed in the injector body; A second shuttle extends from the piston head to a second fluid borehole formed in the injector body; Specifically, when the spraying device is in the spraying mode, the first shuttle fluidly disconnects the first passage from the first inlet port, and when the spraying device is in the purification mode, fluidly connects the first passage to the first inlet port; and Specifically, when the spraying device is in the spraying mode, the second shuttle fluidly disconnects the second passage from the second inlet port, and when the spraying device is in the purification mode, the second passage fluidly connects to the second inlet port.

7. The spraying device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The injection valve also includes: A metering rod, which is connected to the piston head and extends into a rod bore formed within the injector body; The measuring rod has a groove formed on it; The metering rod is configured such that, when the spraying device is in the spraying mode, the groove is disposed in the holding chamber, which is fluidly connected to the solvent reservoir, and the metering rod is configured such that, when the spraying device is in the purging mode, the groove is disposed in the metering chamber; and The second passage extends through the metering chamber.

8. The spraying device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The air purification path also includes a common passage extending to the intersection, wherein the first passage and the second passage extend downstream from the intersection.

9. The spraying device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The air purification path also includes: A common pathway that extends to the intersection; The first passage and the second passage extend downstream from the intersection; and The second passage extends through the metering chamber at a position downstream of the intersection, such that the second purified air portion entrains the solvent in the metering chamber.

10. The spraying device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The injector body includes: Support shell; and A fluid cartridge, which is mounted to the support housing; The cross portion is formed within the support housing, and the mixing chamber is at least partially disposed within a cavity formed in the fluid box.

11. The spraying device as claimed in claim 10, wherein: The first passage includes a first upstream portion extending from the intersection to a first outlet orifice formed in the support housing, and the first passage includes a first downstream portion extending from a first inlet orifice formed in the fluid cartridge to the mixing chamber; and The second passage includes a second upstream portion extending from the intersection to a second outlet orifice formed in the support housing, and the second passage includes a second downstream portion extending from a second inlet orifice formed in the fluid cartridge to the mixing chamber.

12. The spraying device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The second upstream portion includes an inlet passage extending from the cross section to the metering chamber and a downstream passage extending from the metering chamber to the second outlet orifice.

13. The spraying device as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The inlet passage intersects the metering chamber at a first position, and the downstream passage intersects the metering chamber at a second position, wherein the first position is located vertically above the second position.

14. The spraying device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The second position is in the lower vertical half of the metering chamber.

15. The spraying device as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The second position is at the bottom dead center of the metering chamber.

16. The spraying device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, A metering rod is connected to the valve member of the injection valve to reciprocate together with the valve member, wherein the metering rod includes a groove, wherein, when the injection device is in the injection mode, the groove is disposed in a holding chamber, the holding chamber being fluidly connected to the solvent reservoir, and wherein, when the injection device is in the purification mode, the groove is disposed in the metering chamber.

17. The spraying device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A valve bore is formed in the injector body; as well as A control valve, at least partially disposed within the valve bore, wherein the control valve is configured to direct compressed air to the injection valve to actuate the injection valve between the first position and the second position; The purified air path extends from the valve borehole.

18. The spraying device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mixing chamber is a static mixing chamber.

19. An injector device, the injector device comprising: Injector body; A mixing chamber supported by the injector body, the mixing chamber including a first inlet borehole, a second inlet borehole, and a mixing borehole extending to an injection orifice, the injection orifice being configured to receive a first material from the first inlet borehole and a second material from the second inlet borehole; A first material path extends through the injector body to the first inlet borehole; A second material path extends through the injector body to the second inlet borehole; Purified air path, the purified air path extending through the injector body, the purified air path comprising: A common passage configured to receive a supply of compressed air; A first passage extending from the common passage to the first inlet borehole of the mixing chamber, the first passage being configured to provide a first portion of the compressed air to the mixing chamber through the first inlet borehole; and A second passage extends from the common passage to the second inlet borehole of the mixing chamber, the second passage being configured to provide a second portion of the compressed air to the mixing chamber through the second inlet borehole; Wherein, the first passage and the second passage are fluidly isolated from the mixing chamber at all locations in the purified air path at the intersection where the first passage and the second passage fork, such that the fluid passing through the first passage and the fluid passing through the second passage re-aggregate in the mixing borehole. A solvent path, formed within the injector body, extends from a solvent reservoir to a holding chamber; and A metering rod, supported by the injector body, wherein the metering rod is configured to supply a dose volume of the solvent from the holding chamber to the metering chamber; The second passage extends through the metering chamber at a location downstream of the intersection.

20. A method of spraying, the method comprising: The jet coater is placed in jet mode, wherein the jet valve of the jet coater fluidly connects a first material path to the mixing chamber and a second material path to the mixing chamber when the jet coater is in the jet mode; A multi-component material is emitted through the jet coater, the multi-component material being formed in the mixing chamber by a first base component material provided to the mixing chamber via a first material path and a second base component material provided to the mixing chamber via a second material path; The injection valve is shifted from a first position associated with the injection mode to a second position associated with the purification mode; When the spray coater is in the purification mode, a first portion of the purified air flows into the mixing chamber through a first purified air path and enters the mixing chamber through a first inlet hole, while a second portion of the purified air flows into the mixing chamber through a second purified air path and enters the mixing chamber through a second inlet hole; and At a location upstream of the mixing chamber and downstream of the intersection where the first purified air path and the second purified air path separate, a certain dose volume of solvent is entrained in the second portion of the purified air, such that the certain dose volume of solvent is supplied to the mixing chamber only through the second purified air path, and that the certain dose volume of solvent enters the mixing chamber only through the second inlet borehole.

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