Fluid injector

Abstract

A fluid injector (10) includes a lance (14) configured to output a fluid jet for application on a substrate. A trigger (34) of the lance is operatively connected to a controller (28) to control actuation of a pump (24) that drives spray fluid to the lance (14). The solenoid (38) is connected to an injection valve (36) of the lance (14) to actuate the injection valve (36) to open, thereby causing injection of the fluid injector (10).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 318,330, filed on March 9, 2022, entitled “Fluid Injector,” and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 426,593, filed on November 18, 2022, entitled “Fluid Injector,” and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 433,337, filed on December 16, 2022, entitled “Fluid Injector,” and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 438,144, filed on January 10, 2023, entitled “Fluid Injector,” the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid ejectors. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to airless fluid ejectors. Background Art

[0004] The fluid ejector includes a pump that pressurizes the ejection fluid and drives the ejection fluid to the nozzle to output the ejection fluid as an atomized fluid ejection. The fluid ejector includes a spray gun that can be held and manipulated by a user. The spray gun includes an internal valve that controls the flow of the pressurized fluid to the nozzle. The trigger controls the actuation of the valve between an open state and a closed state. Typically, the trigger is mechanically connected to the valve so that the user needs to physically displace the valve from the closed state to the open state. Displacing the valve to the open state requires the user to overcome the hydraulic pressure of the ejection fluid, which can lead to user fatigue and inefficient ejection operation. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a spray gun for spraying liquid includes: a gun body, which includes a gun handle for grasping and supporting the spray gun; a spray valve, which is configured to be closed in a closed state to stop the flow of liquid, and to be opened in an open state to allow liquid to flow through the spray valve; a nozzle, which is configured to atomize the liquid into a spray pattern; a solenoid; and an actuator, which is configured to be pressed so that the solenoid moves the spray valve from a closed state to an open state, and the actuator is configured to be released to return the spray valve to a closed state.

[0006] According to an additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid spraying system for spraying liquid includes a spray gun, a pump module, and a hose for delivering liquid output by the pump to the spray gun. The spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle for grasping and supporting the spray gun; a spray valve supported by the gun body, the spray valve being configured to be closed in a closed state to stop the flow of liquid, and to be opened in an open state to allow liquid to flow through the spray valve; a nozzle configured to atomize the liquid into a spray pattern; and an actuator causing one or both of the opening and closing of the spray valve. The pump module is remote from the spray gun, and the pump module includes: a motor; and a pump driven by the motor.

[0007] According to another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid injection system includes a pump module and a spray gun. The pump module includes: a motor; and a pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor. The spray gun is fluidly connected to the pump to receive the injection fluid from the pump, and the spray gun includes a gun body, which includes: a gun handle; a trigger; an injection valve that can be actuated between a closed state and an open state; and a solenoid that is connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from a closed state to an open state. The controller is operatively connected to the motor to control the activation of the motor, and is operatively connected to the solenoid to control the activation of the solenoid, and the controller is configured to: receive an injection signal indicating the actuation of the trigger from the fluid injector; based on the injection signal, direct power to the motor so that the motor drives the pump to pump the injection fluid; and based on the injection signal, direct power to the solenoid so that the solenoid actuates the injection valve to an open state.

[0008] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid injection system includes a pump module, a spray gun, a solenoid, and a controller. The pump module includes: a motor; and a pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the injection fluid. The spray gun is fluidly connected to the pump to receive the injection fluid from the pump, and the spray gun includes: a gun body; a gun handle protruding from the gun body; a trigger; and an injection valve that can be actuated between a closed state and an open state. The solenoid is connected to the injection valve to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state. The controller is operatively connected to the motor to control activation of the motor and operatively connected to the solenoid to control activation of the solenoid, the controller being configured to: receive an injection signal indicating actuation of the trigger; direct power to the motor based on the injection signal so that the motor drives the pump; direct power to the solenoid based on the injection signal so that the solenoid actuates the injection valve to an open state; and sequentially control power supply to the motor and the solenoid so that a delay period occurs between powering one of the motor and the solenoid and powering the other of the motor and the solenoid.

[0009] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for spraying with a fluid spray system, the fluid spray system having a pump module and a handheld spray gun, the method comprising: generating a spray signal based on actuation of a trigger of the handheld spray gun, and providing the spray signal to a controller of the spray system; starting a motor of the pump module by the controller based on the spray signal so that the motor drives the pump, thereby causing the pump to pump the spray fluid from a reservoir to the handheld fluid sprayer; and starting a solenoid by the controller based on the spray signal so that the solenoid actuates a spray valve of the handheld spray gun from a closed state to an open state, and the spray fluid can flow through the spray valve and flow to the nozzle of the handheld fluid sprayer to be sprayed from the handheld spray gun when the spray valve is in the open state.

[0010] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid spray system includes: a pump module; a spray gun, which is fluidly connected to the pump through a conduit to receive the spray fluid from the pump; and a solenoid. The pump module includes: a motor; and a pump, which is connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the spray fluid. The spray gun includes: a gun body, which has a gun handle protruding from the gun body; and a trigger; a spray valve, which can be actuated between a closed state and an open state, in which the spray valve prevents the spray fluid from flowing to the nozzle, and in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle. The solenoid is connected to the spray valve and is configured to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state. A first controller is operatively connected to the solenoid to control the activation of the solenoid, and the gun controller is configured to: direct power to the solenoid based on receiving a spray signal indicating actuation of the trigger, so that the solenoid actuates the spray valve to the open state; and de-energize the solenoid based on the release of the trigger to return the spray valve to the closed state.

[0011] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body including a protruding gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; a spray valve that can be actuated between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle in the open state and the spray valve prevents the spray fluid from flowing to the nozzle in the closed state; and a solenoid connected to the spray valve and configured to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state.

[0012] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; a spray valve that can be actuated between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle in the open state and the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle in the closed state; a solenoid; and a spring. The spray valve is formed at an interface between a seat and a needle assembly that can move along an axis relative to the seat, the needle assembly engages with the seat when the spray valve is in the closed state and disengages from the seat when the spray valve is in the open state. The solenoid is connected to the needle assembly and configured to displace the needle assembly along the axis to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid including: a stator; and a moving iron core connected to the needle assembly, the moving iron core configured to be displaced by an electromagnetic field generated by the stator. The spring is connected to the needle assembly interface and is configured to displace the needle assembly to actuate the injection valve from an open state to a closed state, and the spring displaces the moving iron core via the needle assembly.

[0013] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; a spray valve that can be actuated between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle, and a closed state in which the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle; a solenoid; and a spring. The solenoid includes: a stator; and a moving iron core connected to the spray valve to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state, wherein the moving iron core is configured to be displaced in a first direction along an axis by an electromagnetic field generated by the stator. The spring is configured to actuate the spray valve from the open state to the closed state, and to displace the moving iron core in a second direction along the axis, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

[0014] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; a spray valve actuable between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle and in which the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle, the spray valve being disposed in a fluid housing supported by the gun body, the fluid housing defining a wet chamber upstream of the nozzle and through which the spray fluid flows; and a solenoid connected to the spray valve and configured to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid being disposed in the solenoid housing. The solenoid housing is mounted to the fluid housing at a housing interface, and the solenoid housing is disposed around the fluid housing at the housing interface.

[0015] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an assembly housing supported by the gun body, the assembly housing at least partially formed of a thermally conductive material, the assembly housing defining a wet chamber through which the spray fluid flows; a spray valve disposed within the assembly housing, the spray valve being actuatable between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow from the wet chamber to the nozzle, and in which the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle; and a solenoid connected to the spray valve and configured to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state, the stator of the solenoid being mounted to the assembly housing. A heat path from the stator to the wet chamber is formed through the thermally conductive material of the assembly housing.

[0016] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; a spray valve actuable between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle and in which the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle, the spray valve being disposed in a fluid housing supported by the gun body, the fluid housing defining a wet chamber through which the fluid flows to the nozzle; and a solenoid connected to the spray valve and configured to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid being disposed in a solenoid housing mounted to the fluid housing. The fluid housing is formed of a first thermally conductive material, and the solenoid housing is formed of a second thermally conductive material, such that a heat path is from the solenoid through the solenoid housing and the fluid housing to the spray fluid.

[0017] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; a spray valve actuable between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle in the open state and the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle in the closed state, the spray valve being disposed in a fluid housing supported by the gun body, the fluid housing defining a wet chamber through which the spray fluid flows to the nozzle; and a solenoid. The spray valve is formed at an interface between: a seat supported by an assembly housing; and a needle assembly connected to the solenoid for movement along an axis, the needle assembly engaging with the seat when the spray valve is in the closed state and disengaging from the seat when the spray valve is in the open state. The solenoid is connected to the needle assembly and configured to displace the needle assembly to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid being disposed in a solenoid housing mounted to the fluid housing. The fluid housing and the solenoid housing are thermally conductive such that a first thermal path is formed from the solenoid via the solenoid housing and the fluid housing to the injection fluid for cooling of the solenoid.

[0018] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized fluid spray; a spray valve that can be actuated between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle and in which the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle, the spray valve being disposed in a fluid housing; and a solenoid connected to the spray valve and configured to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid being disposed in a solenoid housing. The solenoid includes: a stator configured to generate an electromagnetic field; and a moving iron core that reacts to the electromagnetic field to be displaced along an axis by the electromagnetic field. An axial gap is formed between the moving iron core and the stator, the axial gap sets the distance that the spray valve can be displaced between the closed state and the open state, the axial gap is opened when the spray valve is in the closed state, and the axial gap is closed when the spray valve is in the open state. The solenoid housing is mounted to the fluid housing at a housing interface that sets the size of the axial clearance.

[0019] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a method for setting an opening distance of a spray valve of a handheld fluid spray gun comprises: aligning a first assembly component with a second assembly component along an axis, wherein: the first assembly component comprises a stator of a solenoid mounted to a solenoid housing, and the second assembly component comprises: a fluid housing; a needle assembly of the spray valve, the needle assembly extending from inside a wet chamber in the fluid housing to outside the wet chamber; and a moving iron core of the solenoid, the moving iron core being connected to the needle assembly and disposed outside the wet chamber; engaging a housing interface between the solenoid housing and the fluid housing so that the moving iron core at least partially extends into the stator, and an axial length of the housing interface sets the distance that the needle assembly can be displaced to open the spray valve.

[0020] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body; a gun handle protruding from the gun body; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an assembly housing supported by the gun body; a spray valve that can be actuated between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle and in which the spray valve is prevented from flowing to the nozzle, the spray valve being disposed in a wet chamber formed in the assembly housing; and a solenoid connected to the spray valve and configured to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid being disposed in a dry chamber formed in the assembly housing, the dry chamber being fluidly isolated from the wet chamber.

[0021] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; a spray valve that can be actuated between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle and in which the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle; and a solenoid connected to the spray valve and configured to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state. The solenoid includes: a stator configured to generate an electromagnetic field; and a moving iron core that reacts to the electromagnetic field to be displaced along an axis by the electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic force acting on the moving iron core is greater when the spray valve is in the closed state than when the spray valve is in the open state.

[0022] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun comprises: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized fluid spray; a spray valve that can be actuated between an open state and a closed state, in which the fluid can flow to the nozzle in the open state and the fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle in the closed state; and a solenoid connected to the spray valve and configured to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state, wherein the electromagnetic force acting on the moving iron core of the solenoid is maximum when the spray valve is in the open state.

[0023] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a spray system includes a handheld fluid spray gun, a solenoid, and a controller. The handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; and a spray valve that can be actuated between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle, and in which the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle. The solenoid is connected to the spray valve and configured to actuate the spray valve from a closed state to an open state. The controller is connected to the solenoid to control the activation of the solenoid, and the controller is configured to provide a first power level to the solenoid so that the solenoid actuates the spray valve from a closed state to an open state, and is configured to provide a second power level different from the first power level to the solenoid so that the solenoid maintains the spray valve in an open state.

[0024] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a spray system includes a pump module, a handheld fluid spray gun, and a controller. The pump module includes: a motor; and a pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the spray fluid. The handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of the spray fluid; and a spray valve that can be actuated between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle and in which the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle. The controller is operatively connected to the trigger to receive a spray signal from the trigger, and the controller is configured to start the motor based on the receipt of the spray signal to cause pumping of the pump. The trigger is not mechanically connected to the spray valve, so that the trigger does not directly mechanically actuate the spray valve to the open state.

[0025] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld fluid spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; a spray valve actuable between an open state and a closed state, in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle and in which the spray fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle; and a solenoid connected to the spray valve and configured to actuate the spray valve from the closed state to the open state. The solenoid includes: a stator configured to generate an electromagnetic field; and a moving iron core that reacts to the electromagnetic field to be displaced along an axis by the electromagnetic field, the moving iron core being connected to a needle assembly of the spray valve to actuate the needle assembly of the spray valve along the axis. The moving iron core includes: a moving iron core shaft, which is at least partially arranged in the stator; a moving iron core shoulder, the moving iron core shaft extends from the moving iron core shoulder, the moving iron core shoulder is at least partially arranged inside, and the moving iron core shoulder has a larger diameter than the moving iron core shaft; and; and a moving iron core flange, the moving iron core flange extends radially outward from the moving iron core shoulder, and the moving iron core shoulder extends axially between the moving iron core flange and the moving iron core shaft.

[0026] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a pump module configured to pump a spray fluid to a handheld spray gun for spraying by the handheld spray gun includes: a module housing; a motor disposed in the module housing; a pump supported by the module housing, the pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the spray fluid; and a fluid reservoir supported by the module housing. The fluid reservoir includes: a basin connected to a pump body of the pump; and a tube tank that can be mounted to the basin and extends along the reservoir axis, the tube tank being configured to store a reserve of the spray fluid.

[0027] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a pump module configured to pump a spray fluid to a handheld spray gun for spraying by the handheld spray gun includes: a module housing; a motor disposed within the module housing; a pump supported by the module housing, the pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the spray fluid; and a fluid reservoir supported by the module housing. The fluid reservoir includes: a basin connected to a pump body of the pump, the basin including a mounting slot formed in a wall of the basin; and a tube tank that can be mounted to the basin and extends along the axis of the reservoir, the tube tank including a protrusion extending outward from the outside of the tube tank, the tube tank being configured to store a reserve of the spray fluid. During installation and removal of the tube tank from the basin, the protrusion is in contact with the mounting slot, and the mounting slot is angled so that during installation and removal of the tube tank from the basin, when the tube tank is rotated along the axis of the reservoir, the mounting slot causes the tube tank to be axially displaced.

[0028] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a pump module configured to pump a spray fluid to a handheld spray gun for spraying by the handheld spray gun, the pump module comprising: a module housing; a motor, the motor being disposed in the module housing; a pump, the pump being supported by the module housing, the pump being connected to the motor to be driven by the motor; and a fluid reservoir, the fluid reservoir being supported by the module housing. The fluid reservoir comprises: a basin, the basin being connected to a pump body of the pump; and a tube tank, the tube tank being mountable to the basin and extending along the axis of the reservoir, the tube tank body being configured to store a reserve of the spray fluid. The tube tank is configured to be mounted to the basin by the tube tank rotating along the reservoir axis and axially displacing along the reservoir axis.

[0029] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a pump module is provided, the pump module being configured to pump a spray fluid to a handheld spray gun for spraying by the handheld spray gun, the pump module comprising: a module housing; a motor disposed within the module housing; a pump supported by the module housing, the pump being connected to the motor to be driven by the motor; and a fluid reservoir supported by the module housing, the fluid reservoir comprising a tube tank configured to store a reserve of the spray fluid, the tube tank comprising an inlet opening at a first axial end of the tube tank and an outlet opening at a second axial end of the tube tank.

[0030] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a pump module configured to pump a spray fluid to a handheld spray gun for spraying by the handheld spray gun comprises: a module housing; a motor disposed in the module housing; a pump supported by the module housing, the pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor; and a fluid reservoir supported by the module housing. The fluid reservoir comprises: a basin connected to a pump body of the pump, the basin comprising a basin rim disposed around a mounting opening of the basin; and a tube tank that can be mounted to the basin and extends along a reservoir axis, the tube tank protruding from the basin through the mounting opening, the tube tank configured to store a reserve of the spray fluid.

[0031] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a spray system includes a pump module and a handheld spray gun. The pump module includes: a module housing; a module mount formed on the module housing; a motor disposed in the module housing; and a pump supported by the module housing and connected to the motor to be driven by the motor. The handheld spray gun is fluidly connected to the pump to receive a spray fluid from the pump, and the handheld spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a gun mount formed on the gun body; and a trigger configured to control the spraying of the spray fluid by the handheld spray gun. The gun mount is configured to dock with the module mount to support the handheld spray gun on the pump module.

[0032] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a spray gun connected to a conduit that supplies a spray fluid via a fluid hose having a hose fitting and having a wire connector for a plurality of wires, one or more of the plurality of wires supplying electrical energy, the spray gun comprising: a gun body including a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to emit an atomized spray of the spray fluid; a spray valve that controls the flow of the spray fluid to the nozzle; and a solenoid configured to actuate the spray valve. The gun handle includes a door that covers an internal fluid fitting and an internal electrical connector and exposes the internal fluid fitting and the internal electrical connector when removed, the internal fluid fitting being connectable to the fluid hose, and the internal electrical connector being connectable to the plurality of wires.

[0033] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a method of maintaining a spray gun configured to receive a spray fluid and electricity from a conduit, the method comprising: actuating a door forming part of a gun handle of the spray gun from a closed state to an open state to open a cavity within the gun handle; inserting a portion of the conduit into the cavity through the opening, the opening being uncovered when the door is in the open state; forming a first interface between a fluid fitting of the spray gun and a hose fitting of the conduit within the cavity, the first interface being exposed when the door is in the open state and being sealed when the door is in the closed state; and forming a second interface between an electrical connector of the spray gun and a wire connector of the conduit within the cavity, the second interface being exposed when the door is in the open state and being sealed when the door is in the closed state.

[0034] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a sprayer includes: a pump module; a spray gun; and a conduit extending between the pump module and the spray gun. A first electrostatic core is exposed on the spray gun, and a second electrostatic core is exposed on the pump module, and the first electrostatic core and the second electrostatic core are configured to dissipate static electricity.

[0035] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, an ejector includes: a pump module; a fluid reservoir connected to the pump module; and a cover sealing an inlet opening of the fluid reservoir, wherein the cover and the pump module have a mating feature that allows the cover to be mounted on the pump module without sealing the inlet opening of the fluid reservoir.

[0036] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a method of using an ejector includes removing a cover from a fluid reservoir to expose an inlet opening; installing the cover on a pump module; and reinstalling the cover on the fluid reservoir.

[0037] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid sprayer includes: a pump module; a fluid reservoir supported by the pump module; a spray gun; a conduit extending between the pump module and the spray gun, the conduit fluidly connecting the pump module and the spray gun; a band configured to be attached to a user; and a clip that attaches the pump module to the band and detaches the pump module from the band, wherein the clip includes a push-out piece that orients the fluid reservoir upright when the pump module is mounted on the clip.

[0038] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a pump module for a fluid injector comprises: a pump comprising a pump housing and at least one piston rod, the piston rod extending so that the piston rod is partially located within the pump housing and partially located outside the pump housing; a pump casing, which contains at least a portion of the pump; and a module casing, which contains both the pump and the pump casing.

[0039] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a spray system includes a pump module, a spray gun, a transducer, and a controller. The pump module includes: a motor; and a pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the spray fluid. The spray gun is fluidly connected to the pump through a conduit to receive the spray fluid from the pump, and the spray gun includes: a gun body having a gun handle; a trigger; and a spray valve, which can be actuated between a closed state and an open state, in which the spray valve prevents the spray fluid from flowing to the nozzle, and in which the spray fluid can flow to the nozzle. The transducer is configured to generate parameter information about the spray fluid at a downstream position of the pump. The controller is operatively connected to the motor to control the start of the motor, and to direct power to the motor based on at least one of the parameter information and the spray signal generated by the trigger.

[0040] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a spray gun connected to a conduit that supplies a spray fluid via a fluid hose having a hose fitting and having a wire connector for a plurality of wires, one or more of the plurality of wires supplying electrical energy, the spray gun comprising: a gun body including a gun handle; a trigger supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to emit an atomized spray of the spray fluid; a spray valve that controls the flow of the spray fluid to the nozzle; and a solenoid configured to actuate the spray valve. The gun handle includes a door that covers an internal fluid fitting and an internal electrical connector and exposes the internal fluid fitting and the internal electrical connector when removed, the internal fluid fitting being connectable to the fluid hose, and the internal electrical connector being connectable to the plurality of wires.

[0041] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a method of maintaining a spray gun configured to receive spray fluid and electricity from a conduit includes actuating a door forming part of a gun handle of the spray gun from a closed state to an open state to open a cavity within the gun handle; inserting a portion of the conduit into the cavity through the opening, the opening being uncovered when the door is in the open state; forming a first interface between a fluid fitting of the spray gun and a hose fitting of the conduit within the cavity, the first interface being exposed when the door is in the open state and being sealed when the door is in the closed state; and forming a second interface between an electrical connector of the spray gun and a wire connector of the conduit within the cavity, the second interface being exposed when the door is in the open state and being sealed when the door is in the closed state.

[0042] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a sprayer includes: a pump module; a spray gun; and a conduit extending between the pump module and the spray gun. A first electrostatic core is exposed on the spray gun, and a second electrostatic core is exposed on the pump module, and the first electrostatic core and the second electrostatic core are configured to dissipate static electricity.

[0043] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, an ejector includes: a pump module; a fluid reservoir connected to the pump module; and a cover that seals an inlet opening of the fluid reservoir. The cover and the pump module have mating features that allow the cover to be mounted on the pump module without sealing the inlet opening of the fluid reservoir.

[0044] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid sprayer includes: a pump module; a fluid reservoir supported by the pump module; a spray gun; a conduit extending between the pump module and the spray gun, the conduit fluidly connecting the pump module and the spray gun; a strap configured to be attached to a user; and a clip that attaches the pump module to the strap and detaches the pump module from the strap, wherein the clip includes a push-out piece that orients the fluid reservoir upright when the pump module is mounted on the clip.

[0045] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a pump module for a fluid injector comprises: a pump, the pump comprising a pump housing and at least one piston rod, the piston rod extending so that the piston rod is partially located inside the pump housing and partially located outside the pump housing; a pump housing, the pump housing containing at least a portion of the pump; and a module housing, the module housing containing both the pump and the pump housing.

[0046] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid spray assembly includes a spray gun configured to receive pressurized spray fluid through a conduit; and a power source electrically connected to the spray gun via a wire extending between the power source and the spray gun, wherein the power source is configured to be mounted to the conduit.

[0047] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid injection system includes: a pump module, the pump module is configured to pump an injection fluid from a fluid reservoir, the pump module includes a pump and a motor, the motor is configured to drive the pump; a spray gun, the spray gun is fluidly connected to the pump module to receive the injection fluid from the pump module, the spray gun includes an injection valve and a solenoid, the solenoid is configured to actuate the injection valve from a closed state to an open state; a first power supply, the first power supply is electrically connected to the motor to supply power to the motor; and a second power supply, the second power supply is electrically connected to the solenoid to supply power to the solenoid.

[0048] According to yet another additional or alternative aspect of the present disclosure, an injector for injecting fluid includes: a motor configured to start to output a rotational motion and stop to stop outputting the rotational motion; a driver that receives the rotational motion from the motor and converts the rotational motion into a linear reciprocating motion; a pump having a fluid displacer, the pump receiving the linear reciprocating motion to cause the fluid displacer to reciprocate linearly to pump the fluid; a fluid hose that receives the fluid from the pump; a spray gun having a trigger that outputs a first signal based on actuation of the trigger, the spray gun being configured to receive the fluid output by the pump via the fluid hose and to inject the fluid based on actuation of the trigger; a transducer configured to output a second signal based on a sensed parameter of the fluid output by the pump; and a controller configured to supply power to the motor to operate the pump, the controller being configured to start supplying power to the motor to operate the pump based on the first occurrence of either the first signal indicating actuation of the trigger or the second signal indicating a first change in the parameter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a fluid ejector.

[0050] Figure 2 is a simplified diagram of a fluid ejector.

[0051] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a fluid ejector.

[0052] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spray gun.

[0053] Figure 5A is an isometric view of the spray assembly of the spray gun.

[0054] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An exploded view of the jetting assembly is shown in FIG.

[0055] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A partially exploded cross-sectional view of an injection control assembly is shown.

[0056] Figure 5DIt is along Figure 5A A cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG.

[0057] Fig. 6A is a top view of the pump module.

[0058] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A Isometric view of the pump module shown in .

[0059] Figure 6C It is along Fig. 6A Cross-sectional view of the pump module taken along line CC in FIG.

[0060] Fig.6D is an isometric view of the pump module 12 showing portions of the reservoir 16 exploded from one another.

[0061] Figure 7 is an isometric view of the pump module with the reservoir sections disassembled.

[0062] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of the pump module taken along line 8-8 in FIG.

[0063] Fig.9A is an isometric view of a fluid sprayer showing the spray gun mounted to a pump module in a first orientation.

[0064] Fig. 9B is an isometric view of the fluid sprayer showing the spray gun mounted to the pump module in a second orientation.

[0065] Fig. 9C is an isometric view of a fluid sprayer showing the spray gun mounted to a pump module in a third orientation.

[0066] Fig.9D is an isometric view of a fluid sprayer showing the spray gun mounted to a pump module in a fourth orientation.

[0067] Fig. 10A is an isometric view of another fluid ejector.

[0068] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A A cross-sectional view of a pump module of a fluid ejector is shown in FIG.

[0069] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a spray gun.

[0070] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a spray gun.

[0071] Fig.13A It is along Fig. 13BA cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid reservoir taken along line AA in FIG.

[0072] Fig. 13B It is along Fig.13A The line BB in Fig.13A A cross-sectional view of a fluid reservoir is shown in FIG.

[0073] Fig.14 yes Fig.13A An enlarged cross-sectional exploded view of a portion of a fluid reservoir is shown in FIG.

[0074] Fig.15 It is shown Fig.13A An enlarged isometric view of the tank lock of the fluid reservoir shown in FIG.

[0075] Fig.16 is a schematic block diagram of a fluid ejector.

[0076] Fig.17 is a schematic block diagram of a fluid ejector.

[0077] Fig.18A is an isometric view of the spray gun with the nozzle assembly removed.

[0078] Fig.18B is an isometric view of the spray gun showing the door removed from the gun handle.

[0079] Fig.18C is an isometric view of the spray gun showing the door removed from the gun handle and the fluid connector and electrical connector from the conduit disconnected from the spray gun.

[0080] Fig.19 is an isometric view of the pump module with the panels removed.

[0081] Fig. 20A A first isometric view of the pump housing and pump disassembled from the pump module is shown.

[0082] Fig. 20B A second isometric view showing the pump housing and pump disassembled from the pump module.

[0083] Fig. 20C A third isometric view shows the pump housing and pump disassembled from the pump module.

[0084] Fig.20D A fourth isometric view shows the pump housing and pump disassembled from the pump module.

[0085] Fig.21 is an exploded isometric view showing the pump housing exploded away from the pump.

[0086] Fig.22A is an isometric view of the pump module with the cover removed from the reservoir, exposing the inlet opening of the reservoir.

[0087] Fig. 22B yes Fig.22A Magnified view of detail B.

[0088] Fig. 22C yes Fig.22A Magnified view of detail C.

[0089] Fig.23A is a top view of the pump module with the cover removed from the reservoir, exposing the inlet opening of the reservoir.

[0090] Fig. 23B yes Fig.23A Magnified view of detail B.

[0091] Fig.24A Shown is the installation of the pump module on the clip.

[0092] Fig. 24B The pump module is shown removed from the clamp.

[0093] Fig.25A is a block diagram showing a power supply assembly for a spray gun.

[0094] Fig.25B is an axial end view of a power supply for a spray gun.

[0095] Fig.25C is a side view of a power supply for a spray gun. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] The present disclosure relates to fluid ejectors. The fluid ejector according to the present disclosure includes a pump that pressurizes an ejection fluid (such as paint, varnish, lacquer, finish and other coatings and other options) and drives the ejection fluid through a conduit (such as a hose) to a sprayer (such as a spray gun). The spray gun includes an ejection valve that can be actuated between a closed state and an open state to control the ejection fluid from the spray gun. The trigger of the spray gun is mechanically disconnected from the ejection valve so that the spray gun does not mechanically displace the ejection valve.

[0097] The spray gun may include a solenoid operatively connected to the injection valve to actuate the injection valve from a closed state to an open state. The spray gun includes a trigger operatively connected to the solenoid to cause actuation of the solenoid, thereby causing actuation of the injection valve. Actuating the trigger may cause activation of a motor driving the pump and cause the solenoid to actuate to an open state for spraying. Releasing the trigger may cause de-energization of the motor and closure of the solenoid to stop spraying.

[0098] The spray gun may include a solenoid, an injection valve and a nozzle coaxially arranged along an injection axis. The injection valve may include a needle assembly that is movable relative to a seat along the injection axis. The needle assembly may be coaxially arranged with an armature of the solenoid so that the needle assembly and the armature are coaxially displaced.

[0099] The spray gun may include a spring configured to urge the injection valve to a closed state. The spring may be disposed in a flow path of an injection fluid through the fluid injector such that the spring is exposed to the injection fluid. The spring may displace an armature of the solenoid to reset the solenoid by displacing a movable valve member of the injection valve connected to the armature by the spring. The spring may be the only spring acting on the injection valve and the solenoid.

[0100] The spray gun may include a fluid housing and a solenoid housing containing a solenoid, through which the spray fluid is routed. The solenoid housing may be mounted to a valve housing such that a portion of the solenoid housing extends around a portion of the valve housing. Some examples of the present disclosure include a fluid housing and a solenoid housing formed of a thermally conductive material such that a thermal path is formed from the solenoid through the solenoid housing and the fluid housing to the spray fluid for cooling the solenoid.

[0101] The spray valve of the spray gun is configured to open a certain distance to provide a high quality spray of the spray fluid. The axial gap between the armature of the solenoid and the stator of the solenoid can set the distance that the spray valve can open. The size of the axial gap can be set by the degree of overlap between the fluid housing and the solenoid housing.

[0102] The solenoid can be configured so that when the injection valve is fully open, the maximum relative electromagnetic force is applied to the armature of the solenoid. Therefore, when the injection valve is in a closed state, the electromagnetic force acting on the armature can be at a relatively weak level. Such a configuration saves power when the solenoid holds the injection valve open because the holding power can be set to a lower level than the power required to pull the injection valve open from the closed state.

[0103] The present invention further relates to the control of the solenoid of the spray gun and / or the motor of the pump module. The operation of the solenoid and the motor can be controlled in sequence so that a delay period is provided between the activation of the solenoid and the activation of the motor. The motor can be configured to be turned on before the solenoid is turned on to build pressure in the fluid circuit. The solenoid can be de-energized to close the injection valve when the motor is at least partially powered, or when the motor is de-energized but the rotor of the motor continues to coast to drive the pump to build pressure in the fluid circuit for subsequent injection operations.

[0104] The controller can be configured to dynamically change the power to the motor and solenoid. The controller can be based on user input and / or sensed factors of the injection system (such as measured deadband and / or parameters of the injection fluid (e.g., flow, pressure, viscosity, etc.)).

[0105] The controller may be configured to adjust the power level provided to the solenoid based on the operating state of the solenoid, such as whether the solenoid is causing the injection valve to open or holding the injection valve open. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the controller may provide a first power level to the solenoid when the solenoid is initially activated to cause the injection valve to transition to an open state, and may provide a second power level different from the first power level to the solenoid to cause the solenoid to hold the injection valve in an open state.

[0106] The controller may be configured to adjust a power level provided to the solenoid based on a voltage control, wherein a first voltage level is provided to the solenoid to cause the solenoid to actuate the injection valve to an open state, and a second voltage level is provided to the solenoid to cause the solenoid to maintain the injection valve in an open state.

[0107] The controller may be configured to adjust a power level provided to the solenoid based on a current control, wherein a first current level is provided to the solenoid to cause the solenoid to actuate the injection valve to an open state, and a second current level is provided to the solenoid to cause the solenoid to maintain the injection valve in an open state.

[0108] The present disclosure further relates to a pump module for a fluid injector. The pump module includes a motor and a pump, the pump being connected to the motor to be driven by the motor. The pump module may include a fluid reservoir supported by the pump module. The pump module is fluidly connected to the spray gun to provide a spray fluid to the spray gun for spraying through a nozzle of the spray gun. The fluid reservoir may include a tube tank, the tube tank including openings at two axial ends, one opening for receiving the spray fluid into the tube tank, and the other opening for outputting the spray fluid from the tube tank to the pump.

[0109] The tube canister may be mounted to a basin that is itself mounted to the pump body of the pump so that the tube canister is supported relative to the pump but not directly mounted to the pump. The basin may be wider than the tube canister so that the tube canister extends into the basin to rest within the basin. The tube canister may be mounted to the basin at a tab-slot interface in the slot, which provides a mechanical advantage for removing the tube canister from the basin.

[0110] The spray gun can be mounted to the pump module in multiple orientations so that the spray gun is supported by the pump module. The user can then carry the spray gun and the pump module by carrying the pump module with the spray gun mounted to the pump module. The pump module can be worn by the user during operation to move with the user at the work site. The spray gun can be mountable to either lateral side of the pump module to accommodate wearing of the pump module on either side of the user. The spray gun can be mounted on either lateral side in a forward or rearward orientation to accommodate the user's preference.

[0111] The present invention further relates to independent control of the motor and the solenoid. The spray gun may include a controller responsive to a signal from a trigger, the controller controlling the activation of the solenoid for actuating the injection valve to an open state. The pump module may include another controller that controls the operation of the motor to control the pumping of the pump. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the controllers may be communicatively connected via wired or wireless communications such that the pump module controller controls the operation of the motor based on a signal from the trigger. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the controllers may be communicatively disconnected such that the pump module controller controls the operation of the motor based on a sensed parameter of the system (such as a change in fluid pressure or fluid flow).

[0112] When the components are arranged at a common axial position along the axis, the components may be considered to overlap radially. A radial line extending orthogonally from the axis will extend through each of the radially overlapping components. When the components are arranged at a common radial and circumferential position relative to the axis, the components may be considered to overlap axially. An axis parallel to the axis will extend through the axially overlapping components. When aligned about the axis, the components may be considered to overlap circumferentially so that a circle centered on the axis passes through the circumferentially overlapping components.

[0113] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a fluid sprayer 10. The fluid sprayer 10 includes a pump module 12, a spray gun 14, a reservoir 16, and a conduit 18. The pump module 12 includes a module housing 20, a motor 22, a pump 24, a power source 26, and a controller 28. The spray gun 14 includes a gun body 30 having a gun handle 32, a trigger 34, a spray valve 36, a solenoid 38, and a nozzle 40.

[0114] The fluid ejector 10 is configured to generate a pressurized jet of fluid for spraying onto a substrate, such as a surface. The fluid ejector 10 may also be referred to as a spray system. The pump module 12 is configured to pressurize a spray fluid (typically a liquid) from a reservoir 16 and drive the spray fluid downstream through a conduit 18 to a spray gun 14. The conduit 18 extends between the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14 and fluidly connects the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14. A pump 24 of the pump module 12 is fluidly connected to the reservoir 16 to receive the spray fluid from the reservoir 16. The pump 24 is fluidly connected to the spray gun 14 to pump the spray fluid to the spray gun 14 and pump it through a nozzle 40 for spraying, such as Figure 1 SF in FIG. In some examples, reservoir 16 may be mounted to pump module 12 or otherwise integrated with pump module 12, as discussed in more detail below. In some examples, reservoir 16 may be separate from pump module 12. For example, reservoir 16 may be formed as a barrel or other container for storing a reserve of injection fluid. In such an example, a portion of pump 24 (such as a suction tube) may extend into reservoir 16 to draw injection fluid from reservoir 16.

[0115] The module housing 20 may at least partially enclose and may support other components of the pump module 12. For example, electrical components of the pump module 12 (e.g., the controller 28 and the motor 22) may be disposed within the module housing 20. The pump 24 may be at least partially disposed within the module housing 20 and / or may be supported by the module housing 20. In some examples, the module housing 20 may be formed as a clamshell housing.

[0116] The motor 22 is operatively connected to the pump 24 to power the pumping of the pump 24. For example, the motor 22 can be connected to the fluid displacer (e.g., one or more diaphragms, one or more pistons, etc.) of the pump 24 to cause reciprocating motion of the fluid displacer. The motor 22 can be any desired configuration suitable for displacing the fluid displacer. For example, the motor 22 can be an electric motor (DC (brushless or brushless) or AC, as well as other options). In some examples, the motor 22 can be connected to the pump 24 via a drive (e.g., a swing drive, a crank, an eccentric wheel, a Scotch yoke, etc.), which converts the rotational output of the motor 22 into a reciprocating linear input provided to the fluid displacer of the pump 24 to cause reciprocating motion of the fluid displacer.

[0117] The spray gun 14 is configured to receive the pressurized fluid output by the pump 24 through the conduit 18, and the spray gun 14 is configured to output an atomized spray of the spray fluid. The pump module 12 and the spray gun 14 are arranged away from each other. The gun body 30 can at least partially enclose and / or support other components of the spray gun 14. For example, the gun body 30 can be formed as a clamshell housing that at least partially or completely encloses other components of the spray gun 14. The gun handle 32 can be formed as a part of the gun body 30. The gun handle 32 protrudes relative to the main housing portion of the gun body 30. The spray gun handle 32 is configured to be held in the hand of the user, so that the spray gun 14 can be considered to form a handheld spray gun. For example, the user can grasp the gun handle 32 with a single hand to aim the spray gun 14 and control the spray of the spray gun 14.

[0118] The trigger 34 is configured to be manipulated by the user to cause the spray gun 14 to fire a spray fluid. The trigger 34 may be considered to form at least a portion of an actuator of the spray gun 14. For example, the trigger 34 may be configured to toggle a switch to generate a signal provided to the controller 28. The switch may be communicatively connected to the controller 28 to provide a signal to the controller 28 indicating that the trigger 34 is actuated. In such an example, the trigger 34 and the switch may be considered to form an actuator.

[0119] In the example shown, the trigger 34 is located beside or is part of the gun handle 32. Actuation of the trigger 34 causes the spray gun 14 to fire fluid through the nozzle 40. In the example shown, the trigger 34 is a button that can be pressed, but it should be understood that the trigger 34 can take different forms. For example, the trigger 34 can be formed as a lever arm pulled by the user's finger. The trigger 34 is mounted on the spray gun 14. In this way, since the conduit 18 extends away from the pump module 12 to the spray gun 14 including the trigger 34, 34 can be separate from the pump module 12.

[0120] The trigger 34 is communicatively connected to the controller 28 to provide a signal to the controller 28. For example, the trigger 34 can be communicatively connected to the controller 28 via a wired connection or a wireless connection. In some examples, the wired connection can be formed by one or more wires extending along the conduit 18 between the spray gun 14 and the pump module 12. In some examples, the wired connection can include wires extending from the solenoid 38 and the trigger 34 to the pump module 12. The conduit 18 can include an outer sheath enclosing the wires for the wired connection (in examples including a wired connection). The conduit includes a fluid delivery hose that delivers the injection fluid from the pump module 12 to the spray gun 14 under pressure. Therefore, some examples include a conduit 18 that delivers communication signals, power signals, and injection fluid between the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14.

[0121] The nozzle 40 is formed as an aperture of the spray gun 14, which is configured to emit a jet of fluid. The nozzle 40 can be configured to emit a liquid jet of fluid in a jet pattern. The nozzle 40 can be shaped to form a spray pattern emitted by the spray gun 14. For example, the nozzle 40 can be configured to produce a spray fan. A fluid flow path is formed between the conduit 18 and the nozzle 40 through the spray gun 14, and the conduit 18 inputs the jet of fluid to the spray gun 14, and the nozzle 40 outputs the jet of fluid from the spray gun 14.

[0122] The spray valve 36 is disposed within the spray gun 14. The spray valve 36 is disposed upstream of the nozzle 40. The spray valve 36 is configured to control the flow of spray fluid to the nozzle 40 for firing from the spray gun 14. The spray valve 36 is actuatable between a closed state, in which the spray valve 36 prevents the spray fluid from flowing to the nozzle 40, and an open state, in which the spray fluid can flow through the spray valve 36 to the nozzle 40 for firing from the spray gun 14.

[0123] The solenoid 38 is operatively connected to the injection valve 36 to control the actuation of the injection valve 36 between the closed state and the open state. For example, the armature of the solenoid 38 can be connected to a movable valving component of the injection valve 36 (e.g., the armature can be connected to a needle, among other valve component options) such that movement of the armature causes movement of the valve component of the injection valve 36. In some examples, the solenoid 38 is connected to the injection valve 36 to actuate the injection valve 36 from the closed state to the open state. In some examples, the solenoid 38 is a single-acting solenoid, and a spring returns the injection valve 36 from the open state to the closed state. In some examples, the solenoid 38 is a double-acting solenoid configured to drive the injection valve 36 from the closed state to the open state and from the open state to the closed state. The solenoid 38 can be supported by the gun body 30, but it should be understood that not all examples are so limited.

[0124] The power source 26 is configured to provide power to the electrically powered components of the fluid ejector 10 (e.g., the controller 28, the motor 22, and the solenoid 38). The power source 26 may be formed as a battery (e.g., a rechargeable lithium-ion based battery, among other options). The battery may be removable. In some examples, the power source 26 may be formed as a power cord configured to be plugged into an electrical outlet. The power source 26 may be any desired configuration for providing power to the electrically powered components of the fluid ejector 10. In some examples, the fluid ejector 10 may include a plurality of discrete power sources 26. For example, a first power source 26 may be associated with the pump module 12 to provide power to components of the pump module 12 (e.g., the controller 28 and / or the motor 22), and a second power source 26 may be associated with the spray gun 14 to provide power to components of the spray gun 14 (e.g., the solenoid 38, and in some examples, the controller of the spray gun 14). In some examples, the first power source 26 may be one of a battery and a power cord, and the second power source 26 may be one of a battery and a power cord.

[0125] Controller 28 is operatively connected to other components of fluid sprayer 10 to control the operation of other components of fluid sprayer 10. Controller 28 is operatively connected to motor 22 in electrical and / or communicative connection to control the operation of motor 22. Controller 28 may be operatively connected to trigger 34 in electrical and / or communicative connection to receive control signals from trigger 34. For example, trigger 34 may be configured to provide a spray signal to controller 28. In some examples, a first spray signal from trigger 34 may cause controller 28 to activate motor 22 to cause pump 24 to pump, and a second spray signal from trigger 34 or cessation of the first spray signal may cause controller 28 to deactivate motor 22 to stop pump 24 from pumping. Controller 28 is operatively connected to solenoid 38 in electrical and / or communicative connection to control the activation of solenoid 38 and thereby control the actuation of spray valve 36 between states. A first injection signal from the trigger 34 may cause the controller 28 to activate the solenoid 38 to actuate the injection valve 36 to an open state, and a second injection signal from the trigger 34 or cessation of the first injection signal may cause the controller 28 to deactivate the solenoid 38 to allow the spring to actuate the injection valve 36 to a closed state (e.g., in a single-acting solenoid example), or may cause the controller 28 to change the power supplied to the solenoid 38 so that the solenoid 38 actuates the injection valve 36 to a closed state (e.g., in a double-acting solenoid example).

[0126] The controller 28 is configured to store software, implement a set of functions, and / or process instructions. The controller 28 is configured to perform any of the functions discussed herein, including receiving outputs from any sensors referenced herein, detecting any conditions or events referenced herein, and controlling the operation of any components referenced herein. The controller 28 may have any suitable configuration for controlling the operation of components of the fluid ejector 10 (e.g., the motor 22 and / or the solenoid 38), receiving signals from components of the fluid ejector 10 (e.g., the trigger 34), collecting data, processing data, etc. The controller 28 may include hardware, firmware, and / or stored software, and the controller 28 may be installed in whole or in part on one or more boards. The controller 28 may be of any type suitable for operating according to the techniques described herein. The controller 28 may be one or more circuits for receiving (e.g., from inputs, sensors, power supplies, etc.), regulating, and / or sending signals (e.g., outputs, commands, power signals). The controller 28 is one or more different circuits. The controller 28 may be one or more different boards. The controller 28 may include digital logic circuits, such as chips containing program instructions, for performing any of the functions described herein. Although controller 28 is shown as a single unit, it should be understood that controller 28 can be formed as multiple discrete controllers. For example, a first controller 28 can be operably associated with components of pump module 12, and a separate second controller 28 can be operably associated with components of spray gun 14. The first and second controllers 28 can be communicatively connected via wired or wireless communications. In some examples, controller 28 can be implemented as multiple discrete circuit subassemblies.

[0127] In some examples, controller 28 includes and / or is operably coupled to a display device and / or user interface elements (e.g., buttons, dials, graphical control elements presented at a touch-sensitive display, or other user interface elements) to enable a user to interact with controller 28, such as for initialization, monitoring, and / or control of the system.

[0128] During operation, the user sprays the spray fluid onto the substrate through the spray gun 14. The user can support the spray gun 14 and manipulate the orientation of the spray output by grasping the spray gun handle 32. In some examples, the user can grasp the gun handle 32 with a single hand of the user and operate the spray gun 14. The user starts spraying by actuating the trigger 34 (e.g., by pressing the trigger 34 with a finger). The trigger 34 can generate a spray signal and send the spray signal to the controller 28. The controller 28 causes the motor 22 to start, and the motor 22 drives the pump 24 to cause the pump 24 to pump. The pump 24 draws the spray fluid from the reservoir 16 and drives the spray fluid downstream from the pump module 12 to the spray gun 14 through the conduit 18.

[0129] The solenoid 38 is activated by the controller 28 in response to actuation of the trigger 34 and causes the spray valve 36 to transition from a closed state to an open state, thereby opening a flow path to the nozzle 40. For example, the controller 28 may provide an activation signal to the solenoid 38 to energize the coil of the stator of the solenoid 38 to displace the armature of the solenoid 38, which actuates the spray valve 36 to the open state. The activation signal may be power provided from the power source 26 to the coil of the stator of the solenoid 38. The spray valve 36 transitioning to the open state allows the pressurized spray fluid to flow to the nozzle 40 to be output from the spray gun 14 as an atomized fluid spray.

[0130] The controller 28 can be configured to provide different power levels (e.g., different voltage or current levels) to the solenoid 38 depending on the operating state of the solenoid 38. For example, the controller 28 can provide a first power level to the solenoid 38 so that the solenoid 38 initially actuates the injection valve 36 from a closed state, and can provide a second power level to the solenoid 38 so that the solenoid 38 maintains the injection valve 36 in an open state. The pull strength of the solenoid 38 is based on the distance of the armature from the coil. The pull strength increases as the armature is closer to the coil because the electromagnetic field is stronger, and decreases as the armature is farther away from the coil because the electromagnetic field is weaker. In some examples, such as in high pressure injection applications (e.g., greater than about 20.68 megapascals (MPa) (about 3000 pounds per square inch (psi)) to about 51.71 MPa (about 7500 psi)), the solenoid 38 can be configured so that the armature distance is at a relatively shortest length when the injection valve 36 is in a closed state, and at a relatively maximum length when the injection valve 36 is in an open state. In such an example, the solenoid 38 will therefore have the greatest driving force on the armature when the injection valve 36 is initially lifted from the closed state. Having a relatively strong pulling strength to open the injection valve 36 from the closed state helps overcome the high hydraulic pressure acting on the injection valve 36 to maintain the injection valve 36 in the closed state. This configuration allows a smaller and less expensive solenoid 38 to be used in high pressure injection applications. However, it should be understood that not all examples are so limited.

[0131] The user releases trigger 34 to stop ejecting fluid from spray gun 14. In some examples, the release of trigger 34 can generate a second ejection signal that is provided to controller 28 to cause controller 28 to de-energize motor 22, such as by stopping the supply of electrical drive power to motor 22 or reducing the power to an idle level so that the rotor of motor 22 is not rotationally driven. In other examples, controller 28 can be configured to de-energize motor 22 based on the ejection signal no longer being received from spray gun 14. For example, the ejection signal can be generated and provided to controller 28 during the entire period that trigger 34 is actuated to cause ejection, and the release of trigger 34 can cause the ejection signal to no longer be generated or provided to controller 28.

[0132] The user releasing the trigger 34 also closes the injection valve 36, thereby cutting off the fluid path to the nozzle 40. The injection valve 36 that is converted to the closed state stops the injection fluid from the spray gun 14. For example, de-triggering the trigger 34 can cause the solenoid 38 to be converted to a non-injection state. The controller 28 is configured to stop the power transmission to the coil of the solenoid 38, or only cause a low level of power that is not enough to move the armature or keep the armature in a displaced position to be provided to the coil when the solenoid 38 is in a non-injection state. The de-energized solenoid 38 allows the injection valve 36 to be converted to a closed state. For example, a spring can move the injection valve 36 from an open state to a closed state. In some examples, the solenoid 38 can be configured as a double-acting solenoid 38, wherein the solenoid 38 is actively powered to actuate the injection valve 36 from a closed state to an open state and from an open state to a closed state. In such an example, powering the first coil of the solenoid 38 causes the solenoid 38 to switch the injection valve 36 to the open state, and powering the second coil of the solenoid 38 causes the solenoid 38 to switch the injection valve 36 to the closed state. In such an example, the controller 28 provides power to the solenoid 38 when the solenoid 38 is in the non-injection state so that the solenoid 38 drives the injection valve 36 to the closed state. The solenoid 38 includes at least one coil and may include more than one coil.

[0133] Fluid sprayer 10 provides significant advantages. A user may trigger spray gun 14 hundreds or thousands of times a day to spray spray fluid. Spray gun 14 includes trigger 34, which generates an electrical signal to cause actuation of spray valve 36. The user does not need to physically overcome the fluid pressure acting on spray valve 36 to actuate spray valve 36 to an open state. Instead, power is supplied to solenoid 38 based on user actuation of trigger 34, and solenoid 38 actuates spray valve 36 to an open state. This configuration significantly reduces the physical effort required by the user to operate spray gun 14, thereby reducing fatigue and providing more efficient spraying.

[0134] Figure 21 is a simplified diagram of a fluid sprayer 10. The fluid sprayer 10 includes a pump module 12, a spray gun 14, a power source 26, and a conduit 18. The reservoir 16, module housing 20, module handle 42, and mounting 44 of the pump module 12 are shown. The gun body 30, trigger 34, and nozzle 40 of the spray gun 14 are shown. The gun housing 31 and the gun handle 32 of the gun body 30 are shown.

[0135] The pump module 12 includes a pump powered by a motor to pump the spray fluid from the pump module 12 to the spray gun 14 through a conduit 18. The conduit 18 extends between and connects the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14. The conduit 18 fluidly connects the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14. In some examples, the conduit 18 electrically connects the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14.

[0136] In the example shown, the fluid sprayer 10 is a handheld sprayer that can be fully supported by a person while carrying it during spraying. Some parts of the fluid sprayer 10 can be supported by the user's body. The fluid sprayer 10 includes a spray gun 14, which includes a gun handle 32 for grasping by the user's hand, so that the fluid sprayer 10 can be operated by one hand of the user. The gun body 30 supports the other parts of the spray gun 14. The gun housing 31 is configured to accommodate various parts of the spray gun 14. The gun handle 32 can be considered to form a part of the gun body 30. In the example shown, the gun handle 32 protrudes from the gun housing 31. The gun handle 32 can be integrally formed with the gun housing 31 or separate from the gun housing 31. In some examples, some parts of the gun handle 32 can be integrally formed with some parts of the gun housing 31.

[0137] The fluid sprayer 10 includes a pump module 12 that can be supported by a user during spraying so that the pump module 12 is movable and carried by the user. A module housing 20 can house and support the components of the pump module 12. Among other options, the module housing 20 can be formed of a polymer. In some examples, the module housing 20 can be formed as a clamshell housing.

[0138] In the example shown, the pump module 12 is configured to be supported by the user during operation so that the pump module 12 is carried by the user. The example shown includes the pump module 12 attached to a belt 46 for holding the pump module 12 to the user. In this case, the belt 46 is a belt that can be worn around the waist of the user, however other options are possible, such as a shoulder strap or a backpack, among other options. In each case, the pump module 12 that pressurizes the spray fluid can be supported by the user to move with the user without occupying the user's hands, and the spray gun 14 that emits the fluid spray can be supported, operated and manipulated by a single hand of the user.

[0139] Fluid sprayer 10 includes power source 26. In this embodiment, power source 26 is a removable battery (eg, a rechargeable lithium-ion based battery), but in various other versions, power source 26 may be a cord for plugging into an electrical outlet, such as a wall socket.

[0140] The fluid ejector 10 includes a fluid reservoir 16. The fluid reservoir 16 can contain the fluid to be ejected. In the example shown, the fluid reservoir 16 is fully supported on the pump module 12. In this embodiment, the fluid reservoir 16 is mounted on the top of the pump module 12. However, it should be understood that in various other embodiments, the fluid reservoir 16 can be on the side and / or below the pump module 12, or fully integrated into the module housing 20 of the pump module 12.

[0141] The fluid sprayer 10 includes a conduit 18 extending from the pump module 12 to the spray gun 14. The conduit 18 is flexible and includes a hose for directing the spray fluid under pressure. As further discussed herein, the conduit 18 can have one or more wires integrated into the conduit 18 to transmit electrical signals (including power and / or communication) between the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14. The wires can be disposed between the outer sheath of the conduit 18 and the fluid delivery hose of the conduit 18.

[0142] The fluid sprayer 10 includes a trigger 34. In the example shown, the trigger 34 is configured as a component of the spray gun 14. In the example shown, the trigger 34 is located next to or is part of the gun handle 32. Actuation of the trigger 34 causes the fluid sprayer 10 to fire a fluid jet from a nozzle 40 of the spray gun 14. In the example shown, the trigger 34 is configured as a button that can be pressed, but the trigger 34 can take different forms. In the example shown, the trigger 34 is mounted on the spray gun 14. In this way, the trigger 34 can be separated from the pump module 12 when the conduit 18 extends away from the pump module 12 to the spray gun 14.

[0143] The trigger 34 can be electrically connected to the controller 28 within the pump module 12, such as through a wired connection or a wireless connection. The trigger 34 can be considered to form an electrical switch. The actuation of the trigger 34 can generate a spray signal, which is provided to the controller 28 to cause the controller 28 to start the motor and pump through the pump of the pump module 12, and can cause the spray valve in the spray gun 14 to be toggled to an open state so that the fluid sprayer 10 sprays the fluid from the nozzle 40.

[0144] In the example shown, the pump module 12 includes a module handle 42 for manually supporting the body of the pump module 12. The module handle 42 shown includes two support legs and a gripping portion extending between the two support legs. The two support legs extend vertically upward from the main body of the module housing 20. In the example shown, the module handle 42 extends from the same side of the module housing 20 as the reservoir 16, but it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. The module handle 42 can be formed of the same material as the module housing 20. The module handle 42 can be considered to form a part of the module housing 20.

[0145] In the example shown, the pump module 12 includes at least one mounting member 44. The mounting member 44 may also be referred to as a module mounting member or a pump mounting member. In the example shown, the mounting member 44 is formed on the module handle 42; however, it should be understood that the mounting member 44 can be located at other locations on the pump module 12. The mounting member 44 can include a receiver for receiving a portion of the spray gun 14 for securing the spray gun 14 to the pump module 12. In this way, a user can connect the spray gun 14 to the pump module 12 at the mounting member 44 and then carry both the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14 by carrying the pump module 12, such as via the module handle 42, wherein the spray gun 14 is connected at the mounting member 44. In some examples, a snap-fit ​​connection can be established between the spray gun 14 and the pump module 12 for connecting the spray gun 14 to the mounting member 44, such as by engagement of tabs and recesses of the respective housings of the spray gun 14 and the pump module 12. In some examples, the slot and tab engagement can be used to establish and disconnect the connection by relative sliding between the spray gun 14 and the pump module 12. In some examples, the mount 44 may be formed as a recess configured to receive a portion of the spray gun 14 for mounting the spray gun 14 to the pump module 12 .

[0146] In some examples, the pump module 12 may include mounts 44 on both lateral sides of the pump module 12, such that the spray gun 14 may be mounted on either lateral side of the pump module 12, depending on which side of the user's body the pump module 12 is mounted on. Thus, the spray gun 14 may be mounted on either lateral side of the pump module 12.

[0147] In some examples, the complementary mounts may be located on both lateral sides of the lance 14 to connect with both lateral sides of the pump module 12. In some examples, the lance 14 may include a single complementary mount that may be connected to either of the mounts 44 of the pump module 12. When the lance 14 is mounted on either lateral side of the pump module 12, the lance 14 may point in either direction, such as forward or rearward relative to the pump module 12.

[0148] For example, when the pump module 12 is worn on the right side of the user, such as on the right hip of the user, the spray gun 14 can be mounted so that the gun handle 32 can point forward (e.g., toward the front end of the pump module 12 from which the conduit 18 extends) or backward (e.g., away from the front end of the pump module 12 from which the conduit 18 extends, depending on the user's preference). Similarly, when the spray gun 14 is worn on the left side of the user, such as on the left hip of the user, the spray gun 14 can be mounted so that the gun handle 32 can point forward or backward, depending on the user's preference. In some examples, this is achieved by having complementary mounting members 44 on both lateral sides of the spray gun 14, which are selectively connected to the mounting members on both lateral sides of the pump module 12. In some examples, this is achieved by a single mounting member on the spray gun 14, which can be selectively connected to the mounting members on both lateral sides of the pump module 12, but the spray gun 14 is oriented in either direction (forward or backward).

[0149] Figure 3 1 is an isometric view of a fluid sprayer 10. The fluid sprayer 10 includes a pump module 12, a spray gun 14, a power source 26, and a conduit 18. The reservoir 16, module housing 20, module handle 42, and mount 44 of the pump module 12 are shown. The reservoir 16 includes a basin 48, a tube canister 50, a cover 52, and a canister lock 54. The gun body 30 having a gun housing 31 and a gun handle 32, a trigger 34, a nozzle 40, a spray setting input 56, a tip assembly 58, and a gun mount 60 of the spray gun 14 are shown. The tip assembly 58 includes a nozzle housing 62 and a nozzle 64.

[0150] The pump module 12 houses and supports various components of the fluid injector 10. In the example shown, the pump module 12 is configured to house and support components that pressurize the injection fluid and drive the injection fluid downstream through the conduit 18 to be ejected by the spray gun 14. More specifically, the module housing 20 can support and enclose the various components of the pump module 12. In some examples, the module housing 20 can be formed by half (e.g., a clamshell) and other components. Some components 12 of the pump module are contained within the module housing 20, and other components 12 of the pump module are mounted on the outside of the module housing 20 or are separated from the module housing 20. Some components of the pump module 12 can be partially disposed within the module housing 20 and partially disposed outside the module housing 20.

[0151] The pump module 12 includes a valve knob 66. The valve knob 66 ​​may be connected to a priming valve inside the pump module 12. The valve knob 66 ​​may actuate the priming valve between a priming state, in which spray fluid may be circulated from the pump back to the reservoir 16 to prime the pump, and a spraying state, in which the spray fluid is directed to the conduit 18 and thus to the spray gun 14 for spraying. The valve knob 66 ​​may be rotated or otherwise manipulated between different orientations to actuate the priming valve between the priming state and the spraying state.

[0152] The module handle 42 protrudes outwardly relative to the main body of the module housing 20. The module handle 42 is configured to be grasped by a user's hand so that the user can carry and manipulate the pump module 12 with a single hand. In the example shown, the module handle 42 extends from the top side of the pump module 12.

[0153] A mounting member 44 is formed on the pump module 12. In the example shown, the pump module 12 includes a mounting member 44 disposed on each lateral side of the pump module 12. More specifically, the mounting member 44 is disposed on each lateral side of the module handle 42. The mounting member 44 forms a receiver that is configured to engage with a portion of the spray gun 14 to support the spray gun 14 on the pump module 12. In the example shown, the mounting member 44 is formed on each lateral side of the pump module 12, but it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. The user can mount the spray gun 14 on the pump module 12 at the mounting member 44 and then carry the pump module 12, the spray gun 14, and the catheter 18 by grasping the module handle 42.

[0154] The reservoir 16 is supported by the module housing 20. A basin 48 protrudes from the module housing 20. In the example shown, a portion of the groove 48 extends into the module housing 20 to engage with a pump body of a pump of the pump module 12 at a position within the module housing 20, as discussed in more detail below. A tube tank 50 is connected to and supported by the basin 48. The tube tank 50 is configured to store a reserve of injection fluid drawn from the tube tank 50 by the pump. In the example shown, the tube tank 50 extends into the basin 48 so that the basin 48 at least partially surrounds a portion of the tube tank 50. Any injection fluid that may overflow from the tube tank 50 will flow into the gap formed between the basin 48 and the tube tank 50 and will be contained within the basin 48. This configuration prevents the injection fluid from flowing to the electrical or other fluid-sensitive components of the pump module 12.

[0155] The can lock 54 is configured to interface with a portion of the tube can 50 to lock the tube can 50 on the basin 48. In the example shown, the can lock 54 is formed as a levered catch that is configured to engage with a portion of the tube can 50 to secure the tube can 50 on the basin 48. In some examples, the can lock 54 may include a spring configured to engage the can lock 54 with the tube can 50 to retain the tube can 50 on the basin 48. A user may depress a lever of the can lock 54 to overcome the can lock spring and unlock the tube can 50 from the basin 48 to remove the tube can 50 from the basin 48. However, it should be understood that the can lock 54 may have any desired configuration suitable for securing the tube can 50 relative to the basin 48.

[0156] A cap 52 may be mounted to the canister 50. The cap 52 is configured to enclose the spray fluid within the canister 50. The cap 52 may be removably mounted to the canister 50. The cap 52 may be removed to allow the reservoir 16 to be filled with the spray fluid, and remounted to the canister 50 to prevent the spray fluid from spilling.

[0157] In the example shown, the storage valve 68 is formed on the lid 52. The storage valve 68 can be actuated between an open reservoir state (shown) in which the interior of the reservoir 16 is open to the atmosphere through the storage valve 68 and a closed reservoir state in which the interior of the reservoir 16 is not open to the atmosphere. In the example shown, the storage valve 68 is formed as a plug that can be inserted into or removed from an aperture through the lid 52. During injection, the storage valve 68 can be placed in the open reservoir state to prevent a vacuum from forming within the reservoir 16. The storage valve 68 can be placed in the closed reservoir state to seal the reservoir 16 and prevent the injection fluid within the reservoir 16 from solidifying, and to prevent the injection fluid from overflowing from the reservoir 16 during storage and transportation. With the storage valve 68 in the closed reservoir state, the user can store the pump module 12 with the injection fluid still within the reservoir 16, and the reservoir 16 is sealed from the atmosphere to prevent the injection fluid from solidifying. The user can resume spraying by opening the storage valve 68 .

[0158] The spray gun 14 is fluidly connected to the pump module 12 via a conduit 18. The conduit 18 can extend between a fitting on the pump module 12 (which can be inside the module housing 20) and a fitting on the spray gun 14 (which can be inside the gun body 30). The fitting can include a fluid connection for directing the pumped injection fluid from the pump module 12 to the conduit 18 and from the conduit 18 to the spray gun 14. The fluid connection can be a threaded interface, etc. The fitting can also facilitate multiple electrical connections between the pump module 12 and the conduit 18 and between the spray gun 14 and the conduit 18. For example, the fitting can be configured to include conductive contacts that can be aligned to form electrical connections.

[0159] The gun body 30 can support and enclose other components of the spray gun 14. Among other options, the gun body 30 can be formed of a polymer. Among other options, the gun body 30 can be formed as a clamshell housing. A gun handle 32 protrudes from the gun housing 31 portion of the gun body 30. The gun handle 32 is configured to be held by a single hand of a user, so that the user can aim the spray gun 14 and cause the fluid sprayer 10 to fire a spray fluid by grasping the gun handle 32 with a single handle. The gun handle 32 can be considered to form a part of the gun body 30. In some examples, the gun handle 32 is formed separately from the gun housing 31 and connected to the gun housing 31. In some examples, all or part of the gun handle 32 can be integrally formed with the gun housing 31, such as by molding. A trigger 34 extends from the gun handle 32. The trigger 34 is configured to be actuated by the user to control the spraying of the fluid sprayer 10.

[0160] The tip assembly 58 is mounted to the spray gun 14, such as to the gun body 30 or to a housing protruding from the gun body 30, as discussed in more detail below. The tip assembly 58 can be removably connected to the spray gun 14, such as by a threaded interface and other options. More specifically, the tip housing 62 of the tip assembly 58 is configured to be mounted to the spray gun 14. The spray tip 64 is supported by the tip housing 62. The nozzle 40 of the spray gun 14 is formed as a part of the nozzle 64. In the example shown, the barrel of the spray tip 64 extends into a hole formed in the tip housing 62. The nozzle 40 is supported by the barrel.

[0161] In the example shown, the spray tip 64 can be rotated between the spray state and the de-blocking state. For example, the spray tip 64 can be rotated 180 degrees between the spray state and the de-blocking state. In the spray state, the spray channel of the nozzle 40 is directed outward from the spray gun 14 to spray the spray fluid as an atomized fluid spray. In the de-blocking state, the spray hole of the nozzle 40 is directed into the spray gun 14 so that the spray hole receives the spray fluid from the spray gun 14, and the spray fluid is emitted from the relative opening in the spray tip 64. When the spray tip is in the de-blocking state, any obstruction can be blown out from the spray tip 64 without having to remove and manually clean the spray tip 64, thereby facilitating quick maintenance and returning to the spraying operation.

[0162] A gun bracket 60 is formed on the gun body 30. The gun mount 60 may also be referred to as a gun mating part. In the example shown, the gun mount 60 is formed as a hook protruding from the top side of the gun body 30. However, it should be understood that the gun mount 60 can be any desired configuration suitable for mounting the spray gun 14 on the pump module 12. In the example shown, the gun mount 60 extends from the side of the gun body 30 opposite the gun handle 32. The gun mount 60 protrudes from the side of the gun housing 31 opposite the gun handle 32. The gun mount 60 is configured to extend into any of the mounts 44 of the pump module 12 to mount the spray gun 14 to the pump module 12. The gun mount 60 can engage with any of the mounts 44 on either lateral side of the pump module 12, with the gun handle 32 oriented forward or rearward, as shown with respect to FIG. 9A to 9F Thus, in the example shown, the spray gun 14 can be mounted to the pump module 12 in four different orientations. The spray gun 14 can be mounted on a first side of the pump module 12 with the spray gun handle 32 oriented forward (toward the front end of the pump module 12 from which the conduit 18 extends) or rearward (toward the rear end of the pump module 12 where the power source 26 is mounted), and can be mounted on a second side of the pump module 12 with the gun handle oriented forward or rearward.

[0163] In the example shown, the spray setting input 56 is formed as a component of the spray gun 14. The spray setting input 56 is configured to provide a spray setting signal to the controller 28 to control the parameters of the spray fluid pumped to the spray gun 14 by the pump module 12. For example, the spray setting input 56 can be configured to generate a spray setting signal indicating the desired speed of the motor of the pump module 12, indicating the desired pressure of the spray fluid, etc. The spray setting input 56 can be a potentiometer dial, a digital input, a slider, one or more buttons, or other types of inputs. In the example shown, the spray setting input 56 is a dial partially exposed on the back side of the spray gun 14. Generally, the user can turn the spray setting input 56 to a higher level to obtain a greater pressure, and to a lower level to obtain a lower pressure. The flow of the spray fluid, especially the pattern of the atomized spray fan, depends on the fluid pressure. The spray setting input 56 can be operably electrically connected and / or communicatively connected to the controller 28 disposed at the pump module 12, for example, by a wired connection extending along the conduit 18. The controller 28 can control the operation of the motor 22 based on the spray setting signal received from the spray setting input 56.

[0164] In the example shown, the spray setting input 56 is provided at the spray gun 14, which is provided at the end of the conduit 18 opposite the pump module 12. In the example shown, the controller 28 that controls the operation of the motor 22 is provided at the pump module 12. The spray setting input 56 regulates the operation of the motor 22, which is provided at the end of the conduit 18 opposite the spray gun 14 where the spray setting input 56 is provided.

[0165] In some examples, the spray setting input 56 is communicatively connected to the controller 28 via a wired connection. The wired connection may be formed by a wire extending along the conduit 18 between the spray setting input 56 and the controller 28. For example, a wire transmitting a spray setting signal may extend within the outer sheath of the conduit 18 at a location between the fluid delivery hose of the conduit 18 and the outer sheath. In some examples, the spray setting input 56 may be wirelessly connected to the controller 28 to provide the spray setting input to the controller 28 via wireless communication.

[0166] The power source 26 is configured to provide power to the electrical components of the fluid ejector 10. In the example shown, the power source 26 is supported by the module housing 20. In the example shown, the power source 26 is formed as a removable battery, but it should be understood that the power source 26 can be formed as a cord configured to be plugged into an outlet, such as a wall outlet.

[0167] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spray gun 14. The gun body 30 including the gun housing 31 and the gun handle 32, the trigger 34, the spray setting input 56, the tip assembly 58, the gun mount 60 and the spray control assembly 70 of the spray gun 14 are shown. The gun housing 30 includes a gun top side 72, a gun bottom side 74, a gun rear side 76 and a gun front side 78. The gun handle 32 includes a handle front side 80 and a handle rear side 82. The tip assembly 58 includes a tip housing 62 and a spray tip 64, and the spray tip 64 includes the nozzle 40.

[0168] The injection control assembly 70 includes the injection valve 36, the solenoid 38, the assembly housing 84, the spring 86, the needle assembly 104 and the seat 106. The assembly housing 84 includes a fluid housing 88 and a solenoid housing 90. The fluid housing 88 includes a valve housing 92 and a seal housing 94. The solenoid housing 90 includes a housing body 96 and a plate 98. The solenoid 38 includes a stator 100 and a moving iron core 102. The injection valve 36 is formed at the interface between the needle assembly 104, which includes a ball 108 and a needle 110. The needle 110 includes a needle head 112 and a needle shaft 114.

[0169] The spray gun 14 is configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid for spraying on a substrate. The gun body 30 supports other components of the spray gun 14. In the example shown, the gun frame 60 protrudes from the gun top side 72. In the example shown, the gun handle 32 protrudes from the gun bottom side 74. The gun front side 78 is oriented along the spray axis SA in a first axial direction AD1, and the gun rear side 76 is oriented along the spray axis SA in a second axial direction AD2. In the example shown, the gun front side 78 is open so that components of the spray gun 14 can protrude through the gun front side 78.

[0170] The gun handle 32 protrudes from the gun bottom side 74. The gun handle 32 can extend radially and axially relative to the injection axis SA from the interface between the gun housing 31 and the gun handle 32 to the distal end of the gun handle 32. The handle front side 80 is oriented in the first axial direction AD1. The handle rear side 82 is oriented in the second axial direction AD2.

[0171] The trigger 34 protrudes outwardly relative to the spray gun handle 32 and is configured to be actuated by one or more fingers of the user to cause spraying of the spray gun 14. In the example shown, the trigger 34 extends from the handle front side 80 of the gun handle 32 along the first axial direction AD1. During operation, the user can grasp the gun handle 32 with the user's left hand or right hand, so that the user's finger engages with the trigger 34 to actuate the trigger 34, and so that the user's other fingers surround the handle front side 80. The handle front side 80 is disposed vertically below the trigger 34. The handle front side 80 is disposed radially outside the trigger 34 relative to the spray axis SA.

[0172] The spray setting input 56 is supported by the gun body 30. The spray setting input 56 is exposed on the spray gun rear side 76. The spray setting input 56 can be configured to generate a spray setting signal indicating a desired speed of the motor of the pump module 12, indicating a desired pressure of the spray fluid, etc. A spray setting line 143 extends from the spray setting input 56 to the electrical connector 139. The spray setting line 143 can transmit the spray setting signal from the spray setting input 56 to the controller 28.

[0173] The spray control assembly 70 is at least partially disposed within the spray gun body 30. In the example shown, the spray control assembly 70 is at least partially disposed within the spray gun housing 31. The spray control assembly 70 is configured to control the discharge of the spray fluid from the spray gun 14.

[0174] The assembly housing 84 is at least partially disposed within the gun body 30. In the example shown, the assembly housing 84 is at least partially disposed within the gun housing 31. In the example shown, the assembly housing 84 does not extend into the gun handle 32. In the example shown, the assembly housing 84 protrudes outwardly from the gun front side 78 of the gun body 30 in the first axial direction AD1. In the example shown, no portion of the assembly housing 84 extends through the gun rear side 76.

[0175] The supply tube 118 extends from the assembly housing 84. The supply tube 118 extends from the interface with the assembly housing 84 into the gun handle 32. A gun fitting 120 is formed at the end of the supply tube 118 opposite the end of the supply tube 118 connected to the assembly housing 84. The gun fitting 120 is configured to dock with a fitting of the conduit 18 to fluidly and mechanically connect the supply tube 118 to the fluid delivery hose of the conduit 18. The gun fitting 120 may also be referred to as a fluid fitting. Although the supply tube 118 is shown as being formed separately from the assembly housing 84 and removable from the assembly housing 84, it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. The supply tube 118 defines a portion of the fluid circuit between the pump 24 and the nozzle 40.

[0176] In the example shown, the mounting end 122 of the assembly housing 84 is disposed outside the interior of the gun body 30. The mounting end 122 is configured to engage with a portion of the tip assembly 58 to support the tip assembly 58 relative to the gun body 30. For example, the mounting end 122 may include threads formed on an exterior of the mounting end 122 that are configured to engage with internal threads on a component of the tip assembly 58. In the example shown, the tip housing 62 is mounted to the assembly housing 84 with a butted threaded connection formed therebetween.

[0177] The tip assembly 58 includes a nozzle 40 configured to atomize a spray fluid into a fluid jet. The tip housing 62 forms a support body for the tip assembly 58. The tip housing 62 is mounted to the spray gun 14 at the assembly housing 84. The spray tip 64 is supported by the tip housing 62. The barrel 124 of the nozzle 64 is disposed in a pore of the nozzle housing 62. The nozzle 40 is at least partially disposed in the barrel 124 and supported by the barrel 124. The barrel 124 can be rotated in the tip housing 62 so that the outlet channel of the nozzle 40 can be oriented in the first axial direction AD1 when the spray tip 64 is in the spraying state, and the outlet channel of the nozzle 40 can be oriented in the second axial direction AD2 when the spray tip 64 is in the de-blocking state.

[0178] The fluid housing 88 and the solenoid housing 90 are connected together to form the assembly housing 84. Although the assembly housing 84 is shown as being formed of a plurality of housing portions connected together, it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, in some examples, the fluid housing 88 and the solenoid housing 90 can be formed as a unitary structure. In the example shown, the fluid housing 88 is connected to and supported by the gun body 30. More specifically, the fluid housing 88 is connected to the gun housing 31. In the example shown, the solenoid housing 90 is cantilevered from the fluid housing 88.

[0179] The fluid housing 88 contains a wet chamber 126 and the spray valve 36 and other components shown. The fluid housing 88 defines the wet chamber 126 of the assembly housing 84. The wet chamber 126 is a portion of the assembly housing 84 through which the spray fluid can flow during spraying. The wet chamber 126 forms a portion of a fluid path through the spray gun 14. In various embodiments, the fluid housing 88 is configured to maintain a hydraulic pressure within the wet chamber 126 without rupture, such as at least about 3.44 megapascals (MPa) (about 500 pounds per square inch (psi)) and up to about 20.68 MPa (about 3000 psi) or more.

[0180] The solenoid housing 90 contains a dry chamber 128 and the solenoid 38 and other components shown. The solenoid housing 90 at least partially defines the dry chamber 128 of the assembly housing 84. The dry chamber 128 is a portion of the assembly housing 84 that is isolated from the injection fluid and the injection fluid does not flow through the dry chamber. The dry chamber 128 can be formed as a sealed chamber. In some examples, the dry chamber 128 can be hermetically sealed. In the example shown, the solenoid 38 is directly mounted to the solenoid housing 90.

[0181] The solenoid housing 90 is fixed to the valve housing 92 at the housing interface 130. The interface can be a pin, a set screw, a clamp, a crimp, a weld, a press fit, a threaded connection, or other attachment methods. In the example shown, the housing body 96 of the solenoid housing 90 is connected to the fluid housing 88 at the housing interface 130. In the example shown, the housing body 96 is connected to the valve housing 92 of the fluid housing 88. The solenoid housing 90 can be connected to the fluid housing 88 in any desired manner. In the example shown, the solenoid housing 90 is connected to the fluid housing 88 by a butt-jointed threaded connection. In the example shown, the axial position of the solenoid housing 90 is fixed relative to the fluid housing 88 by a set screw extending through the housing body 96 to engage the valve housing 92. In the example shown, the housing body 96 includes an internal thread that is configured to engage with an external thread formed on the exterior of the valve housing 92. In the example shown, the solenoid housing 90 extends around a portion of the fluid housing 88 at the housing interface 130. As such, a portion of the solenoid housing 90 may be considered to radially enclose a portion of the fluid housing 88 .

[0182] A portion of the solenoid housing 90 radially overlaps a portion of the fluid housing 88. In the example shown, the housing body 96 extends around a portion of the valve housing 92 such that at least a portion of the fluid housing 88 is radially disposed within the solenoid housing 90. The radial overlap between the solenoid housing 90 and the fluid housing 88 secures the housing body 96 to the fluid housing 88.

[0183] It should be noted that the housing interface 130 includes an overlap so that the position of the solenoid housing 90 can be adjusted relative to the valve housing 92 compared to an adjacent interface without such adjustment. As shown, the solenoid housing 90 is radially wider than the valve housing 92 at the housing interface 130. This allows for a larger circumferential housing interface 130, which helps support the loads generated by the solenoid 38 when activated.

[0184] The housing seal 137 is disposed between the fluid housing 88 and the solenoid housing 90 and is configured to seal the dry chamber 128. In the example shown, the housing seal 137 is radially disposed between the valve housing 92 and the housing body 96. The housing seal 137 can be any desired configuration suitable for sealing the dry chamber 128. For example, the housing seal 137 can be an elastomeric seal. In some examples, the housing seal 137 is an o-ring seal.

[0185] The position of the solenoid housing 90 can be locked relative to the fluid housing 88 to fix the position of the solenoid 38 relative to the injection valve 36, as discussed in more detail below. In the example shown, the position of the solenoid housing 90 is locked relative to the fluid housing 88 by a set screw extending through the housing body 96 and abutting against the outer surface of the valve housing 92.

[0186] The plate 98 is connected to the housing 96 to enclose the dry chamber 128 within the solenoid housing 90. The plate 98 may be press-fit, threaded, welded, or crimped to connect with the housing body 96, among other connection methods. In the example shown, the tab 132 protrudes from the housing body 96. As shown, the tab 132 is configured to be bent radially inward to axially overlap the plate 98 and prevent the plate 98 from moving in the second axial direction AD2.

[0187] The spray valve 36 is disposed within the fluid housing 88. The spray valve 36 is actuatable between an open state, in which the spray fluid can flow from the wet chamber 126, through the outlet aperture 133 of the assembly housing 84, and to and through the nozzle 40 to be atomized into a fluid spray, and a closed state, in which the spray fluid is prevented from flowing out of the wet chamber 126 and to the nozzle 40. The spray fluid is configured to exit the assembly housing 84 through the outlet aperture 133. With the spray valve 36 in the closed state, the needle assembly 104 is engaged with the seat 106. With the spray valve 36 in the open state, the needle assembly 104 is disengaged from the seat 106.

[0188] The seat 106 is disposed within the fluid housing 88. In some examples, the seat 106 can interface directly with the fluid housing 88. Among other options, the seat 106 can be formed of carbide. For example, among other options, the seat 106 can be formed of tungsten carbide.

[0189] The needle assembly 104 is configured to be axially displaced along the injection axis SA when the injection valve 36 is actuated between the open state and the closed state. The needle assembly 104 is configured to be pulled away from the seat 106 of the injection valve 36 by the solenoid 36 .

[0190] In the example shown, the ball 108 of the needle assembly 104 is configured to engage with the seat 106 when the injection valve 36 is in a closed state to cut off the flow of fluid through the injection valve 36. The ball 108 is disposed at an axial end of the needle assembly 104. The ball 108 is disposed at the end of the needle assembly 104 opposite to the solenoid 38. In the example shown, the ball 108 is mounted on the needle 110. Among other options, the ball 108 can be formed of carbide. For example, the ball 108 can be formed of tungsten carbide or the like.

[0191] The needle 110 extends from the ball 108 along the second axial direction AD2. The needle 110 is elongated along the injection axis SA. The needle head 112 is disposed at the axial end of the needle 110. The needle head 112 extends from the ball 108 along the second axial direction AD2. The needle shaft 114 extends axially from the needle head 112. The needle shaft 114 extends from the needle head 112 along the second axial direction AD2. In the example shown, the needle shaft 114 extends through the needle seal 134 between the wet chamber 126 and the dry chamber 128. The needle seal 134 fluidically separates the wet chamber 126 from the dry chamber 128. The needle assembly 104 contacts the needle seal 134 to seal the needle seal 134. Therefore, the needle assembly 104 extends from the wet chamber 126 into the dry chamber 128. The needle seal 134 closes a portion of the needle assembly 104 so that a first portion of the needle assembly 134 is exposed to the injection fluid and a second portion of the needle assembly 134 is not exposed to the fluid. Needle seal 134 is located between the first portion and the second portion of needle assembly 134 .

[0192] The needle 110 is configured to slide relative to the needle seal 134. The needle assembly 104 is partially disposed within the wet chamber 126 and partially disposed within the dry chamber 128. The needle assembly 104 is slidable relative to the needle seal 134. The solenoid 36 is configured to pull the needle assembly 104 halfway to the needle seal 134.

[0193] The needle seal 134 is disposed within and supported by the seal housing 94. The seal housing 94 is mounted to the valve housing 92 and supports the needle seal 134. In the example shown, the seal housing 94 extends into the valve housing 92 so that at least a portion of the seal housing 94 is disposed within the valve housing 92. In the example shown, the seal housing 94 is a cylindrical member extending into a hole in the valve housing 92. Among other options, the seal housing 94 can be connected to the valve housing 92 via a threaded interface. The housing interface 130 can radially overlap the interface between the seal housing 94 and the valve housing 92. This configuration provides a compact arrangement of the spray gun 14.

[0194] The needle 110 interfaces with the needle seal 134 to prevent the jetted fluid in the wet chamber 126 from traveling backward along the second axial direction AD2 past the needle seal 134. The needle seal 134 fluidly separates the wet chamber 126 and the dry chamber 128 to prevent any jetted fluid from migrating into the dry chamber 128. In some examples, the needle seal 134 is configured as a wiping seal that wipes the jetted fluid from the needle 110 when the needle 110 transitions along the second axial direction AD2, thereby preventing the jetted fluid from being carried by the needle 110 into the dry chamber 128.

[0195] The fluid seal 136 is disposed between the valve housing 92 and the seal housing 94 and is configured to prevent the injection fluid from flowing from the wet chamber 126 to the dry chamber 128 through the interface between the valve housing 92 and the seal housing 94. In the example shown, the fluid seal 136 is radially disposed between the valve housing 92 and the seal housing 94. The fluid seal 136 can be any desired configuration suitable for preventing fluid from flowing between the valve housing 92 and the seal housing 94. For example, the fluid seal 136 can be an elastomeric seal. In some examples, the fluid seal 136 is an o-ring seal.

[0196] In the example shown, the spring support 138 is mounted to the seal housing 94. The spring support 138 can be mounted to the seal housing 94 in any desired manner, such as by a butted threaded connection, etc. In the example shown, the spring support 138 at least partially defines a chamber in which the needle seal 134 is disposed. The spring support 138 is mounted to the seal housing 94 at the end of the hole in which the needle seal 134 is disposed. The spring support 138 can prevent the needle seal 134 from moving along the first axial direction AD1. The spring support 138 provides a surface against which the spring 86 can butt to define the limit of the spring 86 along the second axial direction AD2.

[0197] The spring 86 is at least partially disposed within the gun body 30. In the example shown, the spring 86 is partially disposed within the gun body 30 and partially disposed outside the gun body 30. In the example shown, the spring 86 is partially within the gun housing 31 and partially outside the gun housing 31. In the example shown, the spring 86 does not extend into the gun handle 32 and is not disposed within the gun handle 32.

[0198] The spring 86 is disposed within the fluid housing 88. More specifically, the spring 86 is disposed within the valve housing 92 of the fluid housing 88. In the example shown, the spring 86 is disposed within the wet chamber 126 so that the spring 86 is exposed to the injection fluid. The spring 86 interfaces with the needle assembly 104 to bias the needle assembly 104 in the first axial direction AD1. In the example shown, the spring 86 interfaces with the needle 110 of the needle assembly 104. In the example shown, the spring 86 interfaces with a surface of the needle 112, which is oriented in the second axial direction AD2.

[0199] The coupler 116 is connected to the needle 110. The coupler 116 is disposed at the axial end of the needle 110 opposite to the ball 108. The seal housing 94 includes a cavity into which the coupler 116 extends. However, it should be understood that in various examples, the coupler 116 may not extend into the cavity of the seal housing 94 and / or the seal housing 94 may not include a cavity oriented in the second axial direction AD2. The coupler 116 is mounted to the needle 110 so that the coupler 116 and the needle 110 move together along the injection axis SA. The coupler 116 can be connected to the needle 110 in any desired manner suitable for locking the needle 110 and the coupler 116 together to move simultaneously, such as by a pin, a set screw, a clamp, a crimp, a weld, a press fit, a threaded connection or other attachment means. In the example shown, the coupler 116 is connected to the needle 110 by a set screw, which extends through the coupler 116 and engages the surface of the needle shaft 114.

[0200] The coupler 116 is disposed within a dry chamber 128 formed within the solenoid housing 90. In the example shown, the coupler 116 is isolated from and does not contact the injection fluid. The coupler 116 is disposed between the needle assembly 104 and the solenoid 38. In the example shown, the coupler 116 is positioned to radially overlap the housing interface 130. In the example shown, the coupler 116 secures the needle assembly 104 and the moving iron core 102 of the solenoid 38 together for simultaneous movement. In the example shown, the coupler 116 is positioned to radially overlap the housing interface 130.

[0201] The moving iron core 102 forms the armature of the solenoid 38. The moving iron core 102 has a magnetically attracted part (e.g., a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, etc.) that is electromagnetically moved by the stator 100. The coupling 116 is connected to the moving iron core 102 so that the coupling 116 and the moving iron core 102 move simultaneously along the injection axis SA. The coupling 116 connects the moving iron core 102 and the needle 110 together so that the needle 110 and the moving iron core 102 move together along the injection axis SA. The coupling 116 can be connected to the moving iron core 102 in any desired manner suitable for locking the moving iron core 102 and the coupling 116 together for simultaneous movement, such as by a pin, a set screw, a clamp, a crimp, a weld, a press fit, a threaded connection, or other attachment means. In the example shown, the coupling 116 is connected to the moving iron core 102 by a set screw that extends through the coupling 116 and engages the surface of the moving iron core 102.

[0202] The solenoid 38 is disposed within the solenoid housing 90. The solenoid 38 is disposed within a dry chamber 128 formed within the solenoid housing 90. The dry chamber 128 is a sealed chamber that isolates the solenoid 38 from any spray fluid flowing through the spray gun 14. The dry chamber 128 can be a sealed chamber that isolates the solenoid 38 from any environmental intrusion. For example, sealing the dry chamber 128 can inhibit any environmental contaminants (e.g., overspray, which is spray fluid that does not adhere to the target surface but is in the atmosphere, dust, grease, moisture, etc.). In some examples, the dry chamber 128 is hermetically sealed.

[0203] The solenoid 38 includes a stator 100 and a moving iron core 102. The stator 100 includes one or more coils that generate an electromagnetic field when current flows through the one or more coils. The coils may be coaxially disposed with the injection axis SA and extend around the injection axis SA. The moving iron core 102 reacts to the electromagnetic field generated by the stator 100 to be displaced along the axis SA by the electromagnetic field. In some examples, the solenoid 38 is a double-acting solenoid, in which the electromagnetic field generated by the stator 100 displaces the moving iron core 102 in the first axial direction AD1 and the second axial direction AD2. In such an example, the solenoid 38 may include a pair of coils, one of which is charged to displace the moving iron core 102 in the first axial direction AD1, and the other coil is charged to displace the moving iron core 102 in the second axial direction AD2. In some examples, the solenoid 38 is a single-acting solenoid, in which the electromagnetic field generated by the stator 100 displaces the moving iron core 102 in one or the other of the first axial direction AD1 and the second axial direction AD2. Then, the moving core 102 may be mechanically displaced in another axial direction, for example by the spring 86. In the example shown, the stator 100 is configured to electromagnetically displace the moving core 102 in the second axial direction AD2, and the spring 86 is configured to mechanically displace the moving core 102 in the first axial direction AD1.

[0204] In the example shown, the stator 100 is mounted to the plate 98. The stator 100 can be mounted directly to the plate 98 to contact the plate 98. In particular, the stator 100 can be bolted to the plate 98, among other options. In the example shown, the post 140 extends from the stator 100 and passes through the plate 98. The post 140 can be threaded to engage with a threaded nut to secure the stator 100 to the plate 98. However, it should be understood that the stator 100 can be secured within the dry chamber 128 in any desired manner. In some examples, the opening through the plate 98 through which the post 140 extends can be sealed with epoxy or another sealant to hermetically seal the opening through the plate 98. The solenoid wire 142 extends from the stator 100 and is configured to provide power to the coils of the stator 100. The solenoid wire 142 can include two wires for each coil, which represent the ends of the coil. The solenoid wire 142 extends through the hole in the plate 98 and out of the dry chamber 128. The hole through which the solenoid wire 142 extends may be sealed with epoxy or another sealant to hermetically seal the opening. The stator 100 remains stationary relative to the solenoid housing 90 , the fluid housing 88 , and the nozzle 40 .

[0205] The moving iron core 102 extends at least partially within the stator 100. The moving iron core 102 can be considered to form an armature of the solenoid 38. The moving iron core 102 is configured to be displaced by an electromagnetic field generated by the stator 100. The moving iron core 102 can include one or more magnetically attractive parts, such as permanent magnets, which are affected by the electromagnetic field selectively generated by the stator 100 when activated (e.g., current flows through the coil). The moving iron core 102 can be formed of a conductive material that responds to the electromagnetic field generated by the stator 100. For example, the moving iron core 102 can be formed of an iron material (such as soft iron) as well as other conductive materials.

[0206] The moving core 102 is connected to the needle 110 so that displacement of the moving core 102 along the axis SA causes displacement of the needle 110 along the axis SA. Similarly, displacement of the needle 110 along the axis SA causes displacement of the moving core 102 along the axis SA. In the example shown, the moving core 102 is connected to the needle 110 by a coupler 116 connected to both the needle 110 and the moving core 102. The connection between the moving core 102 and the needle 110 is located within the dry chamber 128, and the connection point is isolated from the spray fluid flowing through the spray gun 14.

[0207] The moving iron core 102 is coaxially arranged on the injection axis SA with the injection valve 36. The moving iron core 102 is coaxially arranged on the injection axis SA with the needle assembly 104. In the example shown, the moving iron core 102 and the needle assembly 104 are configured to be displaced simultaneously along the injection axis SA. The moving iron core 102 and the needle assembly 104 are coaxially arranged. The moving iron core 102 and the needle assembly 104 are coaxially arranged with the outlet channel 133. In the example shown, the moving iron core 102 and the needle assembly 104 are coaxially arranged with the nozzle 40 that produces the atomized fluid injection. In the example shown, the nozzle 40, the injection valve 36, the needle assembly 104 and the solenoid 38 are coaxially arranged with each other on the injection axis SA. The injection valve 36, the needle assembly 104 and the solenoid 36 are all coaxially positioned along a common axis, which is formed by the injection axis SA in the example shown.

[0208] In the example shown, the movable core 102 is biased by the spring 86 in the first axial direction AD1 and away from the stator 100 via the needle assembly 104 and the coupling 116. The spring 86 engages with the needle assembly 104 to bias the needle assembly 104 in the first axial direction AD1 and toward the seat 106. In the example shown, the spring 86 pushes the injection valve 36 to the closed state. In the example shown, the spring 86 is the only spring that urges the injection valve 36 to the closed state. In the example shown, no other springs push the injection valve 36 to the closed state except the spring 86. The spring 86 interfaces with the needle 110 and biases the needle 110 toward the seat 106, and due to the connection of the needle 110 and the movable core 102, it also pushes the movable core 102 in the first axial direction AD1 and toward the seat 106.

[0209] The spring 86 is used to close the injection valve 36 and return the solenoid 38 to the non-injection state. During operation, the moving iron core 102 is pulled in the second axial direction AD2 by the electromagnetic field generated by the stator 100. The moving iron core 102 is moved back in the first axial direction AD1 by the spring 86 to reset the solenoid 38. The spring 86 is disposed in the wet chamber 126 and is exposed to the injection fluid flowing through the spray gun 14. The solenoid 38 disposed in the dry chamber 128 is reset by the spring 86, which is disposed in the wet chamber 126 and exposed to the injection fluid, while the components of the solenoid 38, including the moving iron core 102 operatively associated with the spring 86, are disposed in the dry chamber 128 and isolated from the injection fluid. In the example shown, the single spring 86 of the spray gun 14 returns the injection valve 36 to the closed state to stop the spraying of the spray gun 14, and returns the moving iron core 102 away from the stator 100 to reset the solenoid 38 for subsequent activation.

[0210] During operation, electrical energy is provided to the solenoid 38 to energize the coil of the stator 100, thereby causing the spray valve 36 to open and spray from the spray gun 14. The user depresses the trigger 34 to generate a spray signal. The spray signal can be transmitted to the electrical connector 139 via the trigger line 141. The electrical connector 139 can be connected to an electrical wire extending to the spray gun 14 via the conduit 18. In the example shown, the electrical connector 139 is disposed within the gun handle 32, as shown in FIG. 18A to 18C The injection signal is provided to a controller, such as controller 28 or a controller on the spray gun 14, and the controller 28 causes electrical energy to be provided to the coils of the stator 100. The stator 100 generates an electromagnetic field that pulls the moving core 102 in the second axial direction AD2.

[0211] The electromagnetic force applied to the moving iron core 102 is sufficient to overcome the biasing force applied by the spring 86 in the first axial direction AD1. The moving iron core 102 is thus displaced in the second axial direction AD2. Due to the connection between the moving iron core 102 and the needle assembly 104 formed by the coupling 116, the moving iron core 102 pulls the needle assembly 104 in the second axial direction AD2. The solenoid 38 is configured to pull the needle assembly 104 halfway to the needle seal 134. The moving iron core 102 displaces the needle assembly 104 in the second axial direction AD2 to compress the spring 86. Each of the moving iron core 102, the coupling 116, and the needle assembly 104 simultaneously moves backward in the second axial direction AD2. The ball 108 is pulled away from the seat 106 and disengaged therefrom, thereby opening a fluid flow path through the injection valve 36. The injection fluid flows through the wet chamber 126, through the opened injection valve 36, out of the assembly housing 84 through the outlet orifice 133, and flows downstream to the nozzle 40. The spray fluid is emitted as an atomized fluid jet through the nozzle 40. During spraying, the needle assembly 104 remains in the open state. During spraying, the needle assembly 104 does not reciprocate or move when in a position associated with the fully open state.

[0212] To stop the injection, the user releases the trigger 34, causing the controller 28 to de-energize the stator 100, for example, by reducing or stopping the supply of electrical energy to the stator 100. The stator 100 is de-energized so that the moving iron core 102 is not held in a displaced state by the electromagnetic field of the stator 100. The spring 86 exerts an axial driving force on the needle 112 and drives the needle assembly 104 in the first axial direction AD1. The spring 86 actuates the injection valve 36 to the closed state. In the example shown, the spring 86 drives the needle assembly 104 in the first axial direction AD1 so that the ball 108 engages with the seat 106, thereby placing the injection valve 36 in the closed state.

[0213] The spring 86 that displaces the needle assembly 104 in the first axial direction AD1 also displaces the movable iron core 102 in the first axial direction AD1. When the injection valve 36 is actuated to a closed state by the spring 86, the movable iron core 102 is pulled toward the nozzle 40 in the first axial direction AD1. In the example shown, the movable iron core 102 is axially pulled away from the stator 100 by the spring 86.

[0214] In the example shown, the spring 86 both actuates the injection valve 36 to the closed state and resets the solenoid 38 for subsequent actuation. In the example shown, the spring 86 is axially disposed between the injection valve 36 and the solenoid 38. Such a configuration provides a compact spray gun 14. Although the spring 86 that actuates both the components of the injection valve 36 and the components of the solenoid 38 is shown as being disposed in the wet chamber 126 to be exposed to the injection fluid, it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, the spring 86 can be disposed in the dry chamber 128, among other options. In such an example, the spring 86 isolated from the injection fluid resets the solenoid 38 and actuates the injection valve 36 exposed to the injection fluid to the closed state.

[0215] In the example shown, when the stator 100 is in the non-injection state, the spring 86 moves the movable iron core 102 in a first direction toward the injection valve 36 in the closed state, and when the stator 100 is in the non-injection state, the stator 100 moves the movable iron core 102 in a second direction toward the injection valve 36 in the open state. Startup state.

[0216] The spray gun 14 provides significant advantages. The solenoid 38, the injection valve 36 and the nozzle 40 are coaxially arranged on the injection axis SA. The spring 86 is also coaxially arranged on the injection axis SA with the solenoid 38 and the injection valve 36. The coaxial configuration of the fluid control components and the actuation components of the spray gun 14 provides a compact spray gun 14. The compact spray gun 14 is easy to grasp and manipulate with a single hand by the user during spraying. The spray gun 14 includes a single spring 86, which actuates the injection valve 36 to a closed state and resets the solenoid 38 for subsequent actuation. The spray gun 14 shown does not include an additional spring operatively connected to the injection valve 36 or the solenoid 38, but it should be understood that not all examples are so limited.

[0217] The trigger 34 is not mechanically connected to the spray control components of the spray gun 14. Instead, the trigger 34 is operatively connected to the controller 28, which is operatively connected to the solenoid 38 to control the power to the solenoid 38. The user can press and release the trigger 34 without having to physically overcome the hydraulic pressure within the wet chamber 126. The solenoid 38 actuates the spray valve 36 to an open state. The solenoid configuration of the spray gun 14 reduces user fatigue, provides a more efficient spraying operation, and allows the user to perform longer and / or more complex spraying jobs. The solenoid configuration of the spray gun 14 helps reduce downtime and can allow a single user to operate the spray gun 14 for a longer period of time without interruption.

[0218] The configuration of the injection control assembly 70 facilitates cooling of the electrical components of the spray gun 14. The solenoid 38 generates heat during operation. The stator 100 generates heat due to the electrical energy provided to the stator 100 during operation. The solenoid housing 90 is in direct contact with the valve housing 92 at the housing interface 130. The solenoid housing 90 and the fluid housing 88 can both be formed as thermally conductive components, thereby providing thermally conductive continuity between the solenoid housing 90 and the fluid housing 88. For example, the solenoid housing 90 and the valve housing 92 can both be formed of thermally conductive materials. In some examples, the solenoid housing 90 and the valve housing 92 can both be formed as metal components, thereby providing metal continuity between the solenoid housing 90 and the valve housing 92. In addition, both the plate 98 and the housing body 96 can be formed as metal components. The stator 100 is directly mounted to the plate 98, thereby providing a direct thermal path from the stator 100 to the valve housing 92 via the plate 98 and the housing body 96. The housing body 96 may also absorb heat from within the dry chamber 128 .

[0219] The continuity between the solenoid housing 90 and the valve housing 92 provides a thermal path that facilitates cooling of the solenoid 38. Heat generated by the solenoid 38 can be transferred through the solenoid housing 90 to the valve housing 92, and then from the valve housing 92 to the spray fluid within the wet chamber 126. When the spray fluid is emitted as a fluid jet, the spray fluid carries the heat out of the spray gun 14. Such a configuration provides effective cooling of the solenoid 38. Such cooling further allows the solenoid 38 to be disposed in a sealed dry chamber 128, since air flow cooling is not required to effectively cool the solenoid 38, thereby providing a simpler, more compact and less expensive configuration of the spray gun 14. Such a configuration also protects the solenoid 38 from environmental contaminants.

[0220] The moving iron core 102 may also experience induction heating during operation. The needle assembly 104, the coupler 116, and the moving iron core 102 may each be formed as a thermally conductive component. The needle assembly 104, the coupler 116, and the moving iron core 102 may each be formed as a metal component. The thermally conductive components of the needle assembly 104, the coupler 116, and the moving iron core 102 may be the same or different materials as the thermally conductive components of the solenoid housing 90 and the valve housing 92. The needle assembly 104 is exposed to the jet fluid within the wet chamber 126. A thermal path may be created between the moving iron core 102 and the jet fluid through the needle 110, so that the heat generated by the stator 100 may be transferred to the jet fluid through the moving iron core 102 and the needle assembly 104 to provide cooling for the solenoid 38.

[0221] The spray gun 14 is configured as a handheld sprayer because a user may grasp the handle 32 to aim the spray gun 14 and may actuate the trigger 34 with the same hand that grasps the handle 32 .

[0222] The solenoid 38 is disposed axially rearward of the handle front side 80. The stator 100 and the moving iron core 102 are spaced apart from the handle front side 80 in the second axial direction AD2. In the example shown, the stator 100 does not radially overlap the handle front side 80. In the example shown, the dry chamber 128 does not radially overlap the handle front side 80. The solenoid housing 90 is spaced apart relative to the handle front side 80 in the second axial direction AD2. In the example shown, the stator 100 is disposed axially rearward relative to at least a portion of the handle rear side 82 in the second axial direction AD2. In the example shown, at least a portion of the stator 100 does not radially overlap the handle rear side 82. The stator 100 does not radially overlap at least a portion of the handle rear side 82. However, in the example shown, a portion of the stator 100 radially overlaps a portion of the handle rear side 82, but does not radially overlap the entire handle rear side 82. The solenoid 38 does not radially overlap the trigger 34. The position of the solenoid 38 and solenoid housing 90 relative to the gun handle 32 balances the weight of the spray gun 14 and facilitates efficient and ergonomic use of the spray gun 14 .

[0223] The injection valve 36 is disposed on an axial side of the spray gun handle 32 opposite to the solenoid 38. The injection valve 36 is disposed axially forward of the handle rear side 82. In the example shown, the injection valve 36 is disposed axially forward of the handle front side 80. The injection valve 36 is spaced apart relative to the handle rear side 82 in the first axial direction AD1. In the example shown, the injection valve 36 formed at the interface between the needle assembly 104 and the seat 106 does not radially overlap with the gun handle 32. In the example shown, the injection valve 36 does not radially overlap with the handle front side 80. In the example shown, the injection valve 36 is spaced apart relative to the trigger 34 in the first axial direction AD1. In the example shown, the injection valve 36 does not radially overlap with the trigger 34. The injection valve 36 is spaced apart from the handle front side 80 in the first axial direction AD1, and the solenoid 38 is spaced apart from the handle front side 80 in the second axial direction AD2.

[0224] In the example shown, the spray valve 36 and the solenoid 38 are disposed on opposite axial sides of the spray gun handle 32. The spray valve 36 is spaced apart in a first axial direction AD1 relative to the gun handle 32, and the solenoid 38 is spaced apart in a second axial direction AD2 relative to the gun handle 32. The spray valve 36 is disposed in front of the handle front side 80, and the solenoid 38 is disposed behind the handle front side 80. In the example shown, the spray valve 36 is spaced apart from the handle front side 80 in the first axial direction AD1, and the solenoid 38 is spaced apart from the handle front side 80 in the second axial direction AD2. The spray valve 36 is disposed in front of the handle front side 80, and the solenoid 38 is disposed behind the handle front side 80. Disposing the spray valve 36 and the solenoid 38 on opposite axial sides of the gun handle 32 provides a balanced, ergonomic spray gun 14 that reduces user fatigue and provides a more efficient spraying operation.

[0225] Although the spray valve 36 does not radially overlap the gun handle 32 in the illustrated example, the needle assembly 104 forming the valve interface extends to radially overlap the spray gun handle 32. A portion of the needle assembly 104 radially overlaps the gun handle 32, and a portion of the needle assembly 104 does not radially overlap the gun handle 32.

[0226] The nozzle 40, the injection valve 36, the needle assembly 104, the spring 86, the needle seal 134, the seal housing 94, the valve housing 92, the plunger 102 and / or the stator 100 may each be disposed coaxially with respect to the axis SA.

[0227] Figure 5A is an isometric view of injection control assembly 70 with supply tube 118 attached. Figure 5B is an exploded view of injection control assembly 70 . Figure 5C is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of injection control assembly 70 . Figure 5D It is along Figure 5A8 is a cross-sectional view of injection control assembly 70 taken along line DD in FIG. 5 and also illustrating a portion of tip assembly 58 . FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D The injection control assembly 70 includes a solenoid 38, an injection valve 36, an assembly housing 84, and a spring 86. The assembly housing 84 includes a fluid housing 88 and a solenoid housing 90. The fluid housing 88 includes a valve housing 92 and a seal housing 94. The solenoid housing 90 includes a housing body 96 and a plate 98. The solenoid 38 includes a stator 100 and a moving iron core 102. The injection valve 36 is formed at an interface between a needle assembly 104 and a seat 106. The needle assembly 104 includes a ball 108 and a needle 110. The needle 110 includes a needle head 112 and a needle shaft 114.

[0228] The assembly housing 84 contains and supports the flow control and flow actuation components of the spray gun (e.g., spray gun 14). In the example shown, the assembly housing 84 is formed by a fluid housing 88 and a solenoid housing 90 connected together. The fluid housing 88 includes a valve housing 92 that forms an exterior portion of the fluid housing 88. A seal housing 94 is mounted to the valve housing 92 to enclose a wet chamber 126 within the fluid housing 88. The seal housing 94 is axially disposed between the wet chamber 126 and the dry chamber 128. The wet chamber 126 is a chamber through which the spray fluid flows during operation. The wet chamber 126 forms a portion of the fluid flow path of the fluid sprayer.

[0229] The injection valve 36 is disposed within the fluid housing 88. The injection valve 36 can be actuated between an open state and a closed state to control the injection of the injection fluid, in which the needle assembly 104 is disengaged from the seat 106 and in which the needle assembly 104 is engaged with the seat 106. The solenoid 38 is operatively connected to the needle assembly 104 to control the actuation of the needle assembly 104 along the injection axis SA. In the example shown, the solenoid 38 is configured to displace the needle assembly 104 along the second axial direction AD2 to actuate the injection valve 36 to the open state. In the example shown, the spring 86 is configured to displace the needle assembly 104 along the first axial direction AD1 to actuate the injection valve 36 to the closed state. However, it should be understood that in various other examples, the solenoid 38 can be a double-acting solenoid that displaces the needle assembly 104 from the open state to the closed state along the first axial direction AD1 and from the closed state to the open state along the second axial direction AD2. Such examples including a double acting solenoid may not include spring 86 .

[0230] The movable iron core 102 is a movable component of the solenoid 38. The movable iron core 102 is configured to be axially displaced relative to the stator 100 along the injection axis SA. The movable iron core 102 can be considered to form an armature of the solenoid 38. In the example shown, the movable iron core 102 is formed by a movable iron core shaft 144, a movable iron core shoulder 146, a movable iron core flange 148 and a connector shaft 150. The movable iron core shaft 144 extends axially within the stator 100. In some examples, the movable iron core shaft 144 can extend completely axially through the stator 100. The movable iron core shoulder 146 protrudes radially outward from the movable iron core shaft 144. The movable iron core shoulder 146 has a larger diameter than the movable iron core shaft 144. The movable iron core shoulder 146 is at least partially disposed in a stator cavity 152 within the stator 100. The movable iron core shaft 144 and the movable iron core shoulder 146 radially overlap the stator 100. One or both of the rotor shaft 144 and the rotor shoulder 146 may radially overlap the coils of the stator 100 .

[0231] The moving iron core flange 148 protrudes radially outward from the moving iron core shoulder 146. The moving iron core flange 148 can form the largest diameter portion of the moving iron core 102. In some examples, the moving iron core flange 148 can be butted against the axial end of the stator 100 to define the limit of movement of the moving iron core 102 along the second axial direction AD2. The connector shaft 150 extends axially in the first axial direction AD1 relative to the moving iron core flange 148. In the example shown, the connector shaft 150 extends in the opposite axial direction relative to the moving iron core flange 148 compared to the moving iron core shoulder 146 and the moving iron core shaft 144. The connector shaft 150 is connected to the connector 116 to fix the moving iron core 102 to the connector 116. In the example shown, the connector shaft 150 extends into the connector 116 to connect with the connector 116. In the example shown, the needle assembly 104 similarly extends into the connector 116. In the example shown, the connector shaft 150 is connected to the coupling 116 via a set screw, but it will be appreciated that other connection types are possible.

[0232] An axial gap 154 ​​is formed between the movable core 102 and the stator 100. In the example shown, the axial gap 154 ​​is at a maximum size when the injection valve 36 is in a closed state. The axial gap 154 ​​is maintained between the movable core 102 and the stator 100 via the spring 86 that biases the movable core 102 in the first axial direction AD1. However, when the stator 100 is activated, the electromagnetic field generated by the stator 100 pulls the movable core 102 in the second axial direction AD2 and toward the stator 100. This movement of the movable core 102 toward the stator 100 closes the gap 154, overcomes the spring 86 and opens the injection valve 36. In some embodiments, the movement of the movable core 102 in the second axial direction AD2 is stopped by the movable core 102 engaging the stator 100. For example, the movable core flange 148 can engage the axial face of the stator 100. In some examples, the movable core shoulder 146 can bottom out within the stator cavity 152. In some examples, solenoid 38 may be sized so that plunger flange 148 engages stator 100 before plunger shoulder 146 bottoms out within stator cavity 152. Thus, axial gap 154 ​​may be considered closed even if axial gap 154 ​​maintains a certain axial length greater than zero.

[0233] As long as the stator 100 is energized, the axial gap 154 ​​remains closed. Once the stator 100 is de-energized so that it no longer applies electromagnetic pulling force on the moving iron core 102, the spring 86 pulls the moving iron core 102 in the first axial direction AD1 and away from the stator 100 to open the axial gap 154. The distance of the axial gap 154 ​​can be important because the size of the axial gap 154 ​​determines the degree of opening of the injection valve 36 and is ideally set for optimal injection, not too large or too small. If the axial gap 154 ​​is too large, it may be difficult for the stator 100 to electromagnetically pull the moving iron core 102 in a responsive manner because the distance reduces the electromagnetic flux. In addition, the injection valve 36 may open to too large an extent, affecting the quality of the injection mass. If the axial gap 154 ​​is too short, the injection valve 36 is not opened wide enough for proper injection.

[0234] The axial gap 154 ​​can be set by the interface between the solenoid housing 90 and the valve housing 92. Greater or less axial overlap increases or decreases the axial gap 154, thereby increasing or decreasing the degree of opening of the injection valve 36. In the example shown, the size of the axial gap 154 ​​between the plunger 102 and the stator 100 is set by the degree of overlap between the solenoid housing 90 and the fluid housing 88.

[0235] The solenoid 38 is configured so that the force applied to the moving iron core 102 varies depending on the degree of overlap between the stator 100 and the moving iron core 102. The strength of the electromagnetic force on the moving iron core 102 decreases as the moving iron core 102 moves away from the stator 100. The strength of the electromagnetic force on the moving iron core 102 increases as the moving iron core is displaced toward the stator 100. The electromagnetic force on the moving iron core 102 is based on the axial distance between the magnetically attractive parts of the moving iron core 102 and the electromagnetic field generated by the coil of the stator 100. In the example shown, the solenoid 38 is configured so that the electromagnetic force on the moving iron core 102 is the largest when the axial gap 154 ​​is closed and the electromagnetic force on the moving iron core 102 is the weakest when the axial gap 154 ​​is open. In the example shown, the solenoid 38 is configured so that the maximum force on the moving iron core 102 is when the injection valve 36 is displaced to the open state along the second axial direction AD2. In the example shown, the solenoid 38 is configured such that the minimum force on the plunger 102 is when the injection valve 36 is in the closed state.

[0236] When the injection valve 36 is closed, the solenoid 38 exerts a weak electromagnetic force on the moving iron core 102. The weak electromagnetic force is the force that initially lifts the injection valve 36 to the open state, and as the moving iron core 102 is displaced in the second axial direction AD2, the electromagnetic force on the moving iron core 102 increases. When the injection valve 36 is in the fully open position and the moving iron core 102 is displaced the farthest distance in the second axial direction AD2, the electromagnetic force is at the maximum relative force, which allows a smaller power to be supplied to the solenoid 38 to maintain the injection valve 36 in the open state. In addition, the hydraulic pressure in the wet chamber 126 is used to help maintain the injection valve 36 in the open state, which can further reduce the amount of power required to keep the injection valve 36 in the open state. Reducing the amount of power that needs to be supplied to the solenoid 38 to maintain the injection valve 36 in the open state reduces the heat generated by the solenoid 38. Therefore, the operating efficiency of the solenoid 38 (which can decrease as the heat rises) is maintained at a higher efficiency for a longer period of time, thereby providing a more efficient operation of the solenoid 38.

[0237] Relative to the opposite configuration in which the electromagnetic force is weakest when the injection valve 36 is in the open state, the maximum electromagnetic force that occurs when the injection valve 36 is in the open state reduces the amount of power that needs to be provided to the solenoid 38 to maintain the injection valve 36 in the open state. Reducing the amount of power provided to the solenoid 38 to maintain the injection valve 36 in the open state saves cost and energy. In an example in which the power source for the solenoid 38 is a battery, having the maximum electromagnetic force acting on the moving iron core 102 when the injection valve 36 is in the open state reduces battery consumption because less power is required to maintain the injection valve 36 in the open state. Reducing battery consumption provides longer operating time, reduces downtime, and provides a more efficient injection operation.

[0238] During assembly, the position of the solenoid housing 90 can be adjusted relative to the valve housing 92 until the appropriate axial clearance 154 is achieved. The axial length of the axial clearance 154 sets the distance that the needle assembly 104 can be axially displaced relative to the seat 106 to open the flow path through the injection valve 36. For example, the housing interface 130 can include threads so that the solenoid housing 90 can be overlapped and rotated relative to the valve housing 92 until the appropriate size of the axial clearance 154 is achieved. The housing interface 130 can then be nailed, welded, bonded with an adhesive, crimped, press-fitted, or other more permanent fixing means to maintain the axial clearance 154 at the desired size. The size of the axial clearance 154 can be considered to be set by the axial length of the housing interface 130, such that the longer the axial length of the housing interface 130, the smaller the size of the axial clearance 154.

[0239] Examples of setting the size of the axial gap 154 ​​are discussed in more detail. Portions of the injection valve 36 are assembled into a first assembly component 156a and a second assembly component 156b, which are then positioned relative to each other to set the size of the axial gap 154 ​​(at Figure 5B and Figure 5C 98 and the solenoid housing 90 form the first assembly 156a.

[0240] The spring 86 is positioned around the needle assembly 104, and the needle shaft 114 passes through the needle seal 134 and the seal housing 94 so that the needle 110 completely protrudes through the seal housing 94. The seal housing 94 is connected to the valve housing 92 in any desired manner. In the example shown, the seal housing 94 is screwed into the valve housing 92. The connector 116 is connected to the needle assembly 104 in any desired manner, such as pinning, welding, bonding with adhesive, crimping, press fitting, threading or other more permanent fixing methods. In the example shown, a portion of the needle 110 is inserted into the bore in the connector 116 so that the connector 116 surrounds a portion of the needle 110. In the example shown, the set screw is screwed into the connector 116 and engages with the outer surface of the needle 110. The set screw fixes the connector 116 and the needle assembly 104 together.

[0241] The moving core 102 is connected to the connector 116. The connector 116 is connected to the moving core 102 in any desired manner, such as pinning, welding, bonding with an adhesive, crimping, press fitting, threading or other more permanent fixing methods. For example, a portion of the moving core 102 can be inserted into a portion of the connector 116 at the connection interface between the moving core 102 and the connector 116. The example shown includes a connector shaft 150 of the moving core 102 inserted into a bore in the connector 116. In the example shown, a set screw is screwed into the connector 116 and engages with the outer surface of the moving core 102. The set screw secures the connector 116 and the moving core 102 together. The needle assembly 104, the fluid housing 88, the connector 116 and the moving core 102 form a second assembly component 156b.

[0242] The first assembly component 156a is aligned with the second assembly component 156b along the injection axis SA. The solenoid housing 90 interfaces with the valve housing 92 at the housing interface 130. The first assembly component 156a is displaced in the first axial direction AD1 relative to the second assembly component 156b until the axial gap 154 ​​is at a desired size.

[0243] Adjusting the position of the solenoid housing 90 relative to the valve housing 92 sets both the valve distance that the needle assembly 104 can be displaced relative to the seat 106 and the lift distance that the moving iron core 102 can be displaced relative to the stator 100. The solenoid housing 90 can be rotated relative to the valve housing 92 to set these two distances. In the example shown, the solenoid housing 90 can be displaced in two axial directions to set the opening distance (valve and lift distance). The solenoid housing 90 can be displaced in a first axial direction AD1 relative to the valve housing 92 to reduce the opening distance, and can be displaced in a second axial direction AD2 to increase the opening distance. Adjusting the position of a single component (in this example, the solenoid housing 90 relative to the valve housing 92) sets the operating opening distance of both the injection valve 36 and the solenoid 38.

[0244] The solenoid housing 90 is displaced relative to the valve housing 92 to adjust the opening distance to have a desired distance, and the solenoid housing 90 and the valve housing 92 can then be fixed together to lock the opening distance. For example, the solenoid housing 90 can be locked to the valve housing 92 by set screws, welding, adhesives, etc. The needle distance and the lift distance are set by adjusting the solenoid housing 90, and then the position is locked to lock the needle and lift distances at the desired distances.

[0245] In some examples, the solenoid housing 90 and / or the valve housing 92 may include indicators configured to indicate the magnitude of the opening distance when the solenoid housing 90 is mounted on the valve housing 92. For example, the valve housing 92 may have a screw opening formed on the exterior of the valve housing 92, the screw opening configured to receive a set screw. In such an example, the set screw extends through the solenoid housing 90 and into the screw opening to indicate the desired alignment for setting the desired opening distance.

[0246] Fig. 6A is a top view of the pump module 12 . Figure 6B is an isometric view of the pump module 12 . Figure 6C It is along Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of the pump module 12 taken along line CC in FIG. Fig.6D is an isometric view of the pump module 12 showing portions of the reservoir 16 exploded from one another. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D The pump module 12 includes a reservoir 16, a module housing 20, a motor 22, a pump 24, a controller 28, a module handle 42, a mount 44, a valve knob 66, a driver 158, and a module accessory 160. The reservoir 16 includes a basin 48, a tube canister 50, a cover 52, and a canister lock 54. The pump 24 includes a pump body 162, a fluid displacer 164, and a pump valve 166.

[0247] Pump module 12 is configured to store a reserve of spray fluid and pump the spray fluid under pressure for spraying by a spray gun, such as spray gun 14. The electrical components of pump module 12 are at least partially disposed within module housing 20. In the example shown, power supply 26 is supported by module housing 20.

[0248] The motor 22 is configured to provide power to the pump 24 to power the pumping of the pump 24. Among other options, the motor 22 can be an electric motor. The motor 22 is configured to generate a rotational output based on a signal provided by the controller 28. The motor 22 is connected to the driver 158 to provide a rotational input to the driver 158. The driver 158 is configured to convert the rotational motion from the motor 22 into a reciprocating linear motion provided to the pump 24. In the example shown, the driver 158 is configured as an oscillating drive, but it should be understood that the driver 158 can be any desired configuration for converting the rotational output of the motor 22 into a reciprocating linear input of the pump 24. The pinion 21 of the motor 22 is shown as docking with the gear 169 of the driver 158.

[0249] The pump 24 is at least partially disposed within the module housing 20. A pump body 162 supports the other components of the pump 24. The pump body 162 defines a passage 168 between the reservoir 16 and one or more pump chambers in which the injection fluid is pressurized by one or more fluid displacers 164 of the pump 24. The pump body 162 includes a pump neck 170 that extends upward toward the top side of the module housing 20, from which the module handle 42 also extends.

[0250] A plurality of channels 168 extend from exposure to the reservoir 16 to the cylinder containing the fluid displacer 164. Each channel 168 is a separate aperture. It should be noted that each of the channels 168 includes its own independent opening for receiving fluid from the reservoir 16 to be directed along the corresponding aperture to the corresponding fluid displacer 164. The channels 168 do not branch from a common opening within the pump body 162 that receives fluid from the reservoir 16. The channels 168 may be offset from the central axis RA of the reservoir 16.

[0251] The fluid displacer 164 is a moving part of the pump 24 that is configured to reciprocate to pressurize and pump the injection fluid. The fluid displacer 164 is connected to the driver 158 to reciprocate linearly by the driver 158. Although a single fluid displacer 164 of the pump 24 is shown, it should be understood that examples of the pump 24 may include multiple fluid displacers 164 connected to the driver 158 to reciprocate by the driver 158. For example, the pump 24 may include one, two, three or more fluid displacers 164. In the example shown, the fluid displacer 164 is configured as a piston that reciprocates along the piston axis to pump the fluid. However, it should be understood that the fluid displacer 164 can have any desired configuration for pumping the injection fluid. For example, the fluid displacer 164 can be a diaphragm, etc.

[0252] A pump valve 166 is disposed downstream of the fluid displacer 164. The pump valve 166 is a check valve that allows the ejected fluid to flow out of the pump 24 while preventing the ejected fluid from flowing back into the pump 24. In the example shown, the pump valve 166 is formed as a ball check valve, but it should be understood that the pump valve 166 can be a one-way valve of any desired configuration. The module fitting 160 provides a location for the conduit 18 to be connected to the pump module 12. For example, the module fitting 160 can be configured as a fluid fitting of a fluid delivery hose that can be connected to the conduit 18. In the example shown, the module fitting 160 is mounted to the pump body 162. In the example shown, the module fitting 160 is mounted to the pump body 162 at the pump outlet 171. In some examples, the interface between the module fitting 160 and the conduit fitting 159 of the conduit 18 is completely located within the module housing 20, so that the conduit 18 is exposed only from an orifice in the module housing 20. This allows one or more wires that are part of the conduit 18 to be separated from the fluid-bearing portion of the conduit 18 within the module housing 20, which helps to protect the one or more wires.

[0253] The pump 24 draws fluid from the fluid reservoir 16 and places the spray fluid under pressure, passing the spray fluid through the pump valve 166 (having a ball and seat in the example shown), and then outputs it through the pump outlet 171 to the fitting of the conduit 18, the fluid delivery hose of the conduit 18, and then to the spray gun 14. The fluid hose 1006 and the sheath 1010 are Figure 6C Although the sheath 1010 is shown as extending only partially along the length of the fluid hose 1006 for ease of viewing, it should be understood that the sheath 1010 can extend the entire length between the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14. For example, the sheath 1010 can extend from a position within the module body 20 to a position within the gun body 30.

[0254] In the example shown, the power source 26 is supported by the module housing 20. As shown, the power source 26 is a battery that is removable from the pump module 12. However, it should be understood that the power source 26 can be any desired configuration suitable for providing power to the electrical components of the pump module 12. For example, the power source 26 can be configured as a power cord that can be plugged into an electrical outlet, such as a wall outlet.

[0255] The reservoir 16 is configured to hold a reserve of spray fluid for spraying by the spray gun 14. The reservoir 16 extends along a vertical reservoir axis RA. In the example shown, the reservoir 16 is located directly above the pump 24. In particular, the reservoir 16 is located directly above the fluid displacer 164 and the pump valve 166. This allows gravity to feed the fluid within the interior of the reservoir 16 directly to the pump 24 through the channel 168 directed directly downward, and any air that might otherwise interfere with priming and pumping rises to the top of the reservoir 16 to not interfere. Direct gravity feeding facilitates a consistent, continuous flow of fluid to the pump 24.

[0256] The basin 48 extends outward from the top side of the module housing 20. In the example shown, the basin 48 is mounted to the pump body 162. The basin 48 is mounted to the pump neck 170 of the pump body 162. In the example shown, a basin seat 178 interfaces with the pump neck 170 to mount the basin 48 to the pump 24. The basin seat 178 may also be referred to as a basin throat. The basin seat 178 receives a portion of the pump neck 170 within the basin seat 178 so that a portion of the basin 48 extends around a portion of the pump body 162. For example, among other options, the basin 48 can be mounted by a bayonet connection. The basin 48 extends outward from the pump body 162 and is exposed to the exterior of the module housing 20 and is not completely disposed within the module housing 20. In some examples, the basin 48 can be permanently fixed to the pump body 162.

[0257] The tube canister 50 is configured to be mounted to the basin 48. The tube canister 50 is configured to hold a reserve of injection fluid. The tube canister 50 extends at least partially into the basin 48 so that the basin 48 is disposed outside and around a portion of the tube canister 50. The tube canister 50 is in contact with and supported by the basin 48. In some examples, the tube canister 50 does not contact or in contact with the pump body 162. In such an example, the basin 48 connects the tube canister 50 to the pump body 162. The basin 48 can be radially wider than the tube canister 50 so that the tube canister 50 can be received inside the basin 48.

[0258] The pipe tank 50 includes a tank body 172, a tank shoulder 174 and a tank neck 176. In the example shown, the tank body 172 is a cylindrical body. The tank shoulder 174 extends between the tank body 172 and the tank neck 176 and connects them. The tank shoulder 174 defines the inclined inner surface of the pipe tank 50. When the tank shoulder 174 extends between the tank body 172 and the tank neck 176, the tank shoulder 174 narrows radially. When the injection fluid flows to the pump body 162 to enter the channel 168 of the pump body 162, the inclined surface of the tank shoulder 174 radially guides the injection fluid inward. The tank neck 176 is arranged in the basin 48 and can be connected to the basin 48. In the example shown, the basin neck 176 is connected to the basin seat 178. A reservoir seal 180 (such as an elastomeric seal, such as an O-ring seal) is arranged between the tank neck 176 and the basin 48 to seal the interface. The reservoir seal 180 can extend annularly around the can neck 176. In the example shown, the reservoir seal 180 is mounted to and supported by the can neck 176, but it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, the reservoir seal 180 can be mounted to and supported by the basin 58 so that the tube can 50 moves into or out of engagement with the reservoir seal 180 during installation and removal.

[0259] The inlet opening 175 is formed at the first axial end of the tube can 50. The outlet opening 177 is formed at the second axial end of the tube can 50. The inlet opening 175 is an opening through which the tube can 50 is configured to receive the injection fluid. The cover 52 is configured to be mounted to the tube can 50 to cover the inlet opening 175. The cover 52 can be threaded (among other fixing options) onto the top end of the tube can 50 to seal the cover 52 to the tube can 50. The outlet opening 177 is an opening of the tube can 50 through which the tube can 50 is configured to emit fluid to enter the pump 24. The outlet opening 177 is disposed within the basin 48, wherein the tube can 50 is mounted to the basin 48, and the inlet opening 175 is disposed outside the basin 48, wherein the tube can 50 is mounted to the basin 48. The tube can 50 is configured so that the tube can 50 is hollow and open at each axial end. The tube can 50 is mounted to the basin 48 so that the tube can 50 is spaced apart from the pump body 162. As such, outlet opening 177 is configured to output the sprayed fluid into basin 48, and such fluid then flows to and enters pump body 162. In the example shown, outlet opening 177 has a smaller diameter than inlet opening 175.

[0260] Fins 182 are provided on the exterior of the tube canister 50. The fins 182 protrude from the exterior of the tube canister 50 and are configured to interface with the basin 48. The fins 182 can interface with the interior surface of the basin 48. In the example shown, the tube canister 50 includes an array of fins 182 disposed around the exterior of the tube canister 50. The fins 182 support the tube canister 50 on the basin 48 to prevent the tube canister 50 from rocking. The fins 182 are discrete protrusions extending from the exterior of the tube canister 50. The fins 182 provide stability and support for the tube canister 50 relative to the basin 48.

[0261] An annular gap 184 is formed between the exterior of the tube canister 50 and the interior surface of the basin 48. In the example shown, the annular gap 184 is formed between the exterior surface of the canister 172 and the interior surface of the basin 48. The annular gap 184 provides space for any injection fluid on the exterior surface of the tube canister 50 to flow into the basin 48, thereby preventing the injection fluid from flowing onto the module housing 20.

[0262] A collection chamber 186 is formed within the basin 48 and between the exterior of the tube canister 50 and the interior of the basin 48. The collection chamber 186 is formed as an annular chamber around the tube canister 50. The fins 182 extend within the collection chamber 186 to interface with the basin 48. The collection chamber 186 provides a location for any jet fluid to accumulate within the interior of the basin 48, such as jet fluid that overflows on the exterior of the tube canister 50 and flows downward through the annular gap 184. The collection chamber 186 is formed between the exterior of the canister shoulder 174 and the interior surface of the basin 48. The exterior of the tube canister 50 is separated from the interior of the basin 48 by the collection chamber 186. The size of the collection chamber 186 is designed to capture any overflow of the jet fluid while also preventing the jet fluid from solidifying between the tube canister 50 and the basin 48, so that the tube canister 50 can be effectively glued to the basin 48. Therefore, the collection chamber 186 facilitates the quick and efficient removal of the tube canister 50 from the basin 48 without worrying that the jet fluid can act as an adhesive that will prevent such removal. When the canister 50 is removed from the basin 48 , any injection fluid within the collection chamber 186 may flow to the pump body 162 and into the pump 24 .

[0263] A protrusion 189 (also referred to as a tab) extends outward from the exterior of the tube can 50. The protrusion 189 is configured to interface with a mounting slot 190 formed in the basin 48. The slot 190 is angled so that when the tube can 50 is rotated, the protrusion 189 forces the tube can 50 to move axially upward relative to the basin 48 to separate the basin neck 176 from the basin seat 178 during disassembly. The protrusion 189 is tilted to match the angle of the angled slot 190 to facilitate relative sliding of the protrusion 189 within the slot 190. The angled slot 190 also guides the tube can 50 axially downward into the basin 48 during installation to form a mating connection between the basin neck 176 and the basin seat 178. The mounting slot 190 can be considered to extend partially around the basin 48 spirally, but not all examples are so limited. This allows the can neck 176 and the reservoir seal 180 to fit tightly in the basin seat 178 to promote sealing, but this interference may resist separation. The engagement of the protrusion 189 with the angled mounting slot 190 during relative rotation provides a mechanical advantage for the axial separation of the tube can 50 from the basin seat 178. Similarly, when the can neck 176 is moved axially downward into the basin seat 178 for interference fit, rotating the tube can 50 relative to the basin 48 provides a mechanical advantage. In this way, the user does not need to push or pull the tube can 50 axially when engaging or disengaging the interference between the can neck 176 and the basin seat 178. Instead, the user can simply rotate the tube can 50, and due to the interface between the protrusion 189 and the mounting slot 190, the angled slot 190 will cause axial displacement of the tube can 50. Therefore, it can be considered that the tube can 50 is mounted to the basin 48 at the tab-slot interface, which provides a mechanical advantage for removing the tube can 50 from the basin 48.

[0264] The mounting recess 194 is formed as a vertical path in the wall of the basin 48. The protrusion 189 can be moved into or out of the mounting slot 190 through the mounting recess 194. The mounting recess 194 is configured as an outward bow in the wall of the basin 48 that accommodates the radial diameter of the protrusion 189 through which the tube canister 50 passes when it moves upward or downward relative to the basin 48 during installation and removal. When the tube canister 50 is connected and disconnected from the basin 48, the protrusion 189 interfaces with the mounting slot 190.

[0265] During installation and removal, the tube pot 50 can be rotated relative to the basin 48. In the example shown, the relative rotation does not engage the threaded interface. Instead, the relative rotation engages the interference fit between the pot neck 176 and the basin seat 178.

[0266] The can lock 54 is configured to interface with the protrusion 189 to secure the tube can 50 to the basin 48 by forming an interference fit between the can neck 176 and the basin seat 178. The can lock 54 can be actuated to an unsecured state to allow the protrusion 189 to pass through the can lock 54 during removal of the tube can 50 from the basin 48.

[0267] The filter 188 is disposed in the tube tank 50. The filter 188 is at least partially disposed in the tank neck 176 of the tube tank 50. In addition to other options, the filter 188 can be a mesh filter, such as a steel mesh. The filter 188 can be used for several purposes. One purpose is to strain the fluid being pumped, such as non-sprayable particles in paint. The filter 188 can be removed for cleaning and reinsertion. One purpose is to cover the entrance of the channel 168 so that the pressure in the pump 24 does not cause an undesirable reverse flow through the channel 168, which will protrude from the tube tank 50 if the cover 52 is not tightened. The filter 188 blocks the trajectory of the fluid ejected from the channel 168. In the example shown, the filter 188 includes an axial protrusion aligned along the reservoir axis RA. The axial protrusion can be referred to as a head. The head can block the axial flow directly toward the pump 24 in the reservoir 16 and force the head of the filter 188 to flow instead. If liquid flows directly axially into pump 24 along reservoir axis RA, the suction created by passage 168 can create a fluid void in the center along axis RA and, despite the fluid being on the sides of reservoir 16, can cause air to be drawn into passage 168 to relieve the priming of pump 24, particularly when spraying slower flowing viscous fluids near walls (such as thicker paints). Figure 6CThe electrostatic core 129 is shown partially exposed on the exterior of the pump module 12. In particular, the electrostatic core 129 is supported by the module housing 20 to support a wire extending from the interior of the module housing 20 so that its tip is exposed on the exterior of the pump module 12. Among other options, the electrostatic core 129 can be a conductive wire, such as formed of copper. The electrostatic core 129 can be electrically connected to any ground wire within the fluid ejector 10.

[0268] Return to reference Figure 4 , a similar electrostatic core 127 is exposed to the outside of the gun body 30. The electrostatic core 127 of the spray gun 14 also refers to a wire extending inside the gun body 30 and having its tip exposed to the outside of the gun body 30. The electrostatic core 127 can be electrically connected to a ground wire. The electrostatic cores 127, 129 can be electrically connected to each other. The active end of each electrostatic core 127, 129 is exposed to the air. The electrostatic cores 127, 129 are configured to release electrostatic potential energy into the air around their free ends. Therefore, the fluid ejector 10 may include one or more conductive electrostatic cores 127, 129, one or more conductive electrostatic cores 127, 129 having a first end connected to a component of the ejector 10 and a second end exposed to the atmosphere, where a charge can accumulate. Each electrostatic core 127, 129 can be formed by a single small diameter wire, a plurality of wires, or any other conductive geometric object, the purpose of which is to release electrostatic energy to the surrounding air rather than by connecting to the ground.

[0269] Electrostatic core 127,129 can dissipate the static electricity generated in the ejector into the atmosphere, such as due to the flow of fluid to metal parts. The double electrostatic cores 127,129 separated from each other can increase their ability to dissipate static electricity due to the position being far away from each other, so that their magnetic fields will not interfere with each other. On the contrary, the electrostatic cores that are closer to each other on the same body may interfere, and may not get any benefit because of the presence of multiple electrostatic cores. But several shells (e.g., module body 20 and gun body 30) separated by conduit 18 allow the corresponding shells to be separated far enough from each other so that each shell can play the role of dissipating static electricity. It should be noted that static electricity can be generated at spray gun 14 or at pump module 12, and any one or both of electrostatic cores 127,129 can dissipate such energy. Alternatively, electrostatic core 127 can mainly or only dissipate the static electricity generated at spray gun 14, and electrostatic core 129 can mainly or only dissipate the static electricity generated at pump module 12. Thus, the fluid ejector 10 includes an electrostatic discharge protection system that prevents the accumulation and release of electrostatic energy in the fluid ejector 10 without a ground connection. The system includes electrostatic cores 127, 129 that help prevent the accumulation and release of static energy that can create a safety hazard.

[0270] Figure 7FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the pump module 12 with the canister 50 removed from the pump module 12. Figure 7 The pipe canister 50 is not shown in the figure. The mounting slot 190 and the basin rim 192 of the basin 48 are shown. The basin rim 192 is formed as an annular lip that defines an opening of the basin 48 through which the pipe canister 50 can be inserted and removed. The basin rim 192 includes a mounting recess 194, a lower lip 196, and an upper lip 198. In the example shown, the mounting slot 190 is formed through the basin 48 and extends completely through the basin 48.

[0271] The basin rim 192 defines a mounting opening 193 through which the tube canister 50 can be inserted into and removed from the basin 48. The basin rim 192 includes an inclined portion between an upper lip 198 and a lower lip 196. The upper lip 198 is the vertically highest portion of the basin rim 192. The lower lip 196 is the vertically lowest portion of the basin rim 192. The upper lip 198 is disposed vertically higher than the lower lip 196. The upper lip 198 is vertically spaced from the lower lip 196 so that the upper lip 198 does not radially overlap with the lower lip 196 relative to the reservoir axis RA.

[0272] Basin rim 192 is shaped and configured to direct any fluid overflow away from moisture sensitive components of pump module 12. Vent 200 through module housing 20 provides an opening for cooling airflow into and out of module housing 20 for cooling electrical components of pump module 12 disposed within module housing 20. Vent 200 is positioned between the rear end of module housing 20 and basin 48. Upper lip 198 is formed on a side of basin 48 oriented toward the rear end of module housing 20, and lower lip 196 is formed on a side of basin 48 oriented toward the front end of module housing 20 and away from the rear end of module housing 20. If jetted fluid overflows basin 48, the rising fluid level will encounter lower lip 198 before encountering upper lip 196. Such jetted fluid will overflow lower lip 196, which is oriented to direct such overflow toward the front end of module housing 20 and away from vent 200. Thus, the contour of basin rim 192 is designed to protect moisture sensitive components by directing injected fluid away from such moisture sensitive components.

[0273] The mounting recess 194 is formed as a radial enlargement at the basin rim 192. The mounting recess 194 extends radially outward relative to the rest of the basin rim 192. The mounting recess 194 provides an opening through which the protrusion of the tube canister 50 can pass to move into or out of the mounting slot 190. The mounting recess 194 forms a vertical path through which the protrusion of the tube canister 50 can be displaced. The mounting recess 194 can be considered to form an outward bow in the wall of the basin 48 that accommodates the radial diameter of the protrusion of the tube canister 50.

[0274] A mounting slot 190 is formed on the basin 48. In the example shown, the mounting slot 190 is formed completely through the basin 48 between the interior surface of the basin 48 and the exterior surface of the basin 48, but it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. The mounting slot 190 is angled to extend axially relative to the reservoir axis RA and circumferentially around the reservoir axis RA. The mounting slot 190 is angled so that when the tube canister 50 is rotated during installation or removal, the protrusion of the tube canister 50 travels along the angled mounting slot 190 to force the tube canister 50 to move axially upward relative to the basin 48 during installation, and to force the tube canister 50 to move axially downward during installation to help form or break a seal between the tube canister 50 and the basin 48.

[0275] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6B 8, which shows a portion of the pump module 12. The tube canister 50 is mounted to the basin 48 and is fixed to the basin 48 by a canister lock 54. When the tube canister 50 is displaced to engage with the basin 48, the canister lock 54 engages with the protrusion 189 of the tube canister 50. In the example shown, the canister lock 54 is a spring-actuated lever arm. The protrusion 189 of the tube canister 50 can pass under the lever arm 55 of the canister lock 54 to force the lever arm 55 outward to allow the protrusion 189 to pass under the lever arm 55. The protrusion 189 passes under the retaining hook 59 of the lever arm 55, and then the locking spring 57 can snap the lever arm 55 back into place. The retaining hook 59 overlaps the protrusion 189 circumferentially relative to the reservoir axis RA, so that the lever arm 55 prevents the tube canister 50 from rotating relative to the basin 48 when the tube canister 50 is mounted to the basin 48. The locking spring 57 snaps the lever arm 55 into place so that the can lock 54 snaps to engage and retain the tab 189 without the user having to manipulate the can lock 54. The user can depress the lever arm 55 to uncover the tab 189 and release the tube can 50 for removal from the basin 48.

[0276] Fig.9A is an isometric view of fluid sprayer 10 showing spray gun 14 mounted to pump module 12 in a first orientation. Fig. 9B is an isometric view of fluid sprayer 10 showing spray gun 14 mounted to pump module 12 in a second orientation. Fig. 9C is an isometric view of fluid sprayer 10 showing spray gun 14 mounted to pump module 12 in a third orientation. Fig.9D is an isometric view of fluid sprayer 10 showing spray gun 14 mounted to pump module 12 in a fourth orientation. Fig.9E A top view of the spray gun 14 is shown mounted in a third orientation. Fig.9F A top view of the spray gun 14 is shown mounted in a fourth orientation.

[0277] The spray gun 14 can be mounted to the pump module 12 so that the spray gun 14 is fully supported by the pump module 12. The user can then lift the pump module 12 by grasping the grip 43 of the module handle 42. The legs 45 of the module handle protrude away from the top side of the module housing 20 to separate the grip 43 from the main body of the module housing 20. Mounting members 44 are provided on the module handle 42. In the example shown, the pump module 12 includes a pair of mounting members 44 provided on each lateral side of the module handle 42. The mounting members 44 are formed in a recess that is spaced laterally outward from the grip 43 of the module handle 42.

[0278] In the example shown, the spray gun 14 can be mounted to the pump module 12 via a gun mount 60 extending into the mount 44. The mount 44 can be a hollow cavity with an open top. The user can connect the spray gun 14 to the pump module 12 at the mount 44 by inserting the gun mount 60 into the mount 44, and then carry both the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14 by carrying the pump module 12 (such as via the module handle 42), wherein the spray gun 14 is connected at the mount 44.

[0279] As described above, the pump module 12 is configured to be worn on the user's body during operation. The pump module 12 can be supported by a belt, such as belt 46, which can be worn around the user's waist (among other belt options). The spray gun 14 that can be mounted on either lateral side of the pump module 12 allows the user to mount the spray gun 14 to the pump module 12 regardless of whether the user wears the pump module 12 on the user's right hip or left hip.

[0280] exist Fig.9A In the first orientation shown, the spray gun 14 is mounted on a first lateral side of the pump module 12 with the gun handle 32 oriented rearwardly relative to the pump module 12. Fig. 9B In the second orientation shown, the spray gun 14 is mounted on a first lateral side of the pump module 12 with the gun handle 32 oriented rearwardly relative to the pump module 12. Fig. 9C In the third orientation shown, the spray gun 14 is mounted on a second lateral side of the pump module 12 with the gun handle 32 oriented rearwardly relative to the pump module 12. Fig.9D In the fourth orientation shown, the spray gun 14 is mounted on a second lateral side of the pump module 12, with the gun handle 32 oriented forward relative to the pump module 12. Thus, in the example shown, the spray gun 14 can be mounted on the pump module 12 in four different orientations.

[0281] Fig. 10A is an isometric view of the fluid ejector 210 . Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the pump module 212 of the fluid ejector 210. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B. The pump module 212, spray gun 214, and conduit 218 of the fluid sprayer 210 are shown. The reservoir 216, module housing 220, motor 222, pump 224, power supply 226, controller 228, module handle 242, mount 244, strap 246, tube canister 250, cover 252, valve knob 266, driver 358, and module fitting 360 of the pump module 212 are shown. The pump body 362, fluid displacer 364, pump valve 366, passage 368, and pump neck 370 of the pump 224 are shown. The gun body 230 including the gun housing 231 and the gun handle 232, the trigger 234, the tip assembly 258, and the gun mount 260 of the spray gun 214 are shown.

[0282] The fluid ejector 210 is substantially similar to the Figure 3 1 and reference numerals designating parts of fluid ejector 210 that are the same or similar to fluid ejector 10 are incremented by two hundred relative to reference numerals designating parts of fluid ejector 10. All parts and functions are the same unless otherwise noted and are shown as different.

[0283] The fluid sprayer 210 is a handheld sprayer because it can be fully supported by a person while carrying it. In addition, the fluid sprayer 210 can be supported by the user's body. The fluid sprayer 210 includes a spray gun 214, which includes a gun handle 232 for hand gripping so that the fluid sprayer 210 can be operated with one hand. The gun handle 232 protrudes from the gun housing 231. The fluid sprayer 210 includes a pump module 212.

[0284] Fluid ejector 210 includes power source 226. In this embodiment, power source 226 is a removable battery (eg, a rechargeable lithium-ion based battery), but in various other versions, power source 226 may be an electrical cord for plugging into a standard electrical outlet.

[0285] The fluid ejector 210 includes a fluid reservoir 216. The fluid reservoir 216 can contain the fluid to be ejected. In this example, the fluid reservoir 216 is fully supported by the pump module 212. In this example, the fluid reservoir 216 is mounted on the top of the pump module 212, however in various other examples, the fluid reservoir 216 can be on the side and / or below the pump module 212, or fully integrated into the module housing 220 of the pump module 212.

[0286] Fluid sprayer 210 includes a conduit 218 extending from pump module 212 to spray gun 214. Conduit 218 is flexible and includes a fluid delivery hose for directing fluid under pressure.

[0287] As discussed further herein, conduit 218 may have one or more wires integrated therein to transmit electrical signals (including power) between pump module 212 and spray gun 214 .

[0288] The conduit 218 is connected to the pump module 212 at the module fitting 360. The fitting of the conduit 218 interfaces with the module fitting 360. The fitting of the conduit 218 can be threaded to connect and disconnect with the module fitting 360 of the pump module 212. The assembly of the conduit 218 can include fluid connections for directing the pumped paint from the pump module 212 to the spray gun 214. The assembly of the conduit 218 can also facilitate multiple electrical connections of the conduit 218 to the pump module 212, such as by aligning conductive contacts.

[0289] The pump module 212 includes a valve knob 266. The valve knob 266 may be connected to a priming valve inside the pump module 212 that may recirculate fluid output from the pump back to the reservoir 216 for priming or, depending on the orientation of the valve knob 266, direct paint through the module fitting 360 to the conduit 218 for spraying.

[0290] The pump module 212 includes a module housing 220 that can house components and support components. The module housing 220 can be formed of halves and other components. Therefore, some examples of the module housing 220 can be formed as a clamshell housing. Some components of the pump module 212 can be contained within the module housing 220, and other components can be mounted on the outside of the module housing 220 or separated from the module housing 220. Some components of the pump module 212 can be partially disposed within the module housing 220 and partially disposed on the outside of the module housing 220. The module housing 220 can be a polymer, such as a polymer clamshell.

[0291] The pump module 212 can be attached to a belt 246 for holding the pump module 212 to the user. In this case, the belt 246 is a belt that can be worn around the user's waist, but other options are also possible, such as a shoulder strap or a backpack, among other options.

[0292] The fluid sprayer 210 includes a trigger 234. In this embodiment, the trigger 234 is located next to or is part of the handle 232 of the spray gun 214. Actuation of the trigger 234 causes the spray gun 214 to fire a fluid jet from a nozzle of the spray gun 214 (similar to the nozzle 40). In this case, the trigger 234 is a button that can be pressed, but the trigger 234 can take a different form. The trigger 234 is mounted on the spray gun 214. In this way, the trigger 234 can be separated from the pump module 212 when the conduit 218 is extended away from the pump module 212.

[0293] The trigger 234 can be electrically connected to the controller 228 within the pump module 212, such as through a wired connection or a wireless connection. The trigger 234 can be an electrical switch. Actuation of the trigger 234 causes the fluid ejector 210 to emit an atomized spray of ejection fluid.

[0294] The motor 222 can be electrically connected to a controller 228. The controller 228 can be one or more circuits for receiving (e.g., from an input, sensor, power source, etc.), regulating, and / or sending signals (e.g., outputs, commands, power signals). The controller 228 is one or more different circuits. The controller 228 can be one or more different boards. The controller 228 can include digital logic circuits, such as a chip containing program instructions, for performing any of the functions described herein.

[0295] The controller 228 receives an actuation signal from the trigger 234. Upon receiving the actuation signal, the controller 228 is powered from the power supply 226, which is connected to the motor 222 that outputs a rotary motion. The driver 358 receives the rotary output from the motor 222 and converts the motion into a reciprocating motion. The reciprocating motion output by the driver 358 is input to the pump 224 to operate the pump 224. The pump 224 includes one or more fluid displacers 264, such as pistons. Although in Fig. 10B 218, the pump 224 draws fluid from the fluid reservoir 216 and places it under pressure, passes the fluid through the pump valve 366 (with a ball and seat in the example shown), and then outputs it through the pump outlet 371 to the fitting of the conduit 218, the fluid delivery hose of the conduit 218, and then outputs it to the spray gun 214.

[0296] In some embodiments, the interface between the module fitting 360 and the fitting of the conduit 218 is located entirely within the module housing 220, such that the conduit 218 emerges only from an aperture in the module housing 220. This allows one or more wires that are part of the conduit 218 to be separated from the fluid-carrying portion of the conduit 218 within the module housing 220, which helps protect the one or more wires.

[0297] The reservoir 216 is directly above the pump 224. In particular, the reservoir 216 is located directly above the fluid displacer 364 and the pump valve 366. This allows gravity to feed fluid within the interior of the reservoir 216 directly to the pump 224 through the directly downwardly directed passage 368, while any air that might otherwise interfere with priming and pumping rises to the top of the reservoir 216 to not interfere. The direct gravity feed facilitates a consistent, continuous flow of fluid to the pump 224.

[0298] The reservoir 216 includes a tube can 250. The tube can 250 includes a top and bottom opening, similar to a tube, which can be sealed at both ends by a cover 252 and a pump body 362 to contain fluid. The cover 252 can be threadedly connected to the top of the tube can 250 to seal the cover 252 to the tube can 250, as well as other fixing options. The bottom end of the tube can 250 can be opposite to the pump body 362 to install and seal the connection between the pump body 362 and the reservoir 216. In the example shown, the tube can 250 is directly mounted to the pump neck 370. In other options, the connection between the tube can 250 and the pump body 362 can be threaded.

[0299] A plurality of channels 368 extend from exposure to the reservoir 216 to the cylinder containing the fluid displacer 264. Each channel 368 is a separate aperture. It should be noted that each of the channels 368 includes its own independent opening for receiving fluid from the reservoir 216 to be directed along the corresponding aperture to the corresponding fluid displacer 364. The channels 368 do not branch from a common opening for receiving fluid from the reservoir 216. The channels 368 may be offset from the central axis of the canister 250.

[0300] The pump module 212 optionally includes a module handle 242 for manually supporting the body of the pump module 212. The module handle 242 includes two support legs and a gripping portion extending between the two support legs. The two support legs extend vertically upward.

[0301] The module handle 242 can be formed of the same material as the module housing 220 of the pump module 212. In this embodiment, the module handle 242 includes a mounting member 244, which can also be referred to as a module mounting member, although the mounting member 244 can be located at other locations on the pump module 212. The mounting member 244 can include a receiver for receiving a portion of a gun mounting member 260 of the spray gun 214 for securing the spray gun 214 to the pump module 212. A snap-fit ​​connection can be established between the spray gun 214 and the pump module 212 for connecting the gun mounting member 260 (also referred to as a gun mating part) to the mounting member 244, such as by engagement of tabs and recesses of the respective housings of the spray gun 214 and the pump module 212. Slot and tab engagement can alternatively be used to establish and disengage a connection by relative sliding. The mounting member 244 can be located on both lateral sides of the pump module 212 so that the spray gun 214 can be mounted on either lateral side of the pump module 212, depending on which side of the user's body the pump module 212 is mounted on. Likewise, the gun mount 260 can be located on both lateral sides of the spray gun 214 to connect with both lateral sides of the pump module 212. Thus, the spray gun 214 can be mounted on either side of the pump module 212. In addition, when mounted on either side, the spray gun 214 can point in either direction. For example, when the spray gun 214 is worn on the right side of the user, the spray gun 214 can be mounted so that the gun handle 232 can point forward or backward according to the user's preference. For example, when the spray gun 214 is worn on the left side of the user, the spray gun can be mounted so that the gun handle can point forward or backward according to the user's preference. This is achieved by having complementary gun mounts 260 on both lateral sides of the spray gun 214, which are selectively connected to the mounts 244 on both lateral sides of the pump module 212.

[0302] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a spray gun 414. Spray gun 414 is substantially similar to spray gun 14 shown as previously described, and reference numerals designating parts of spray gun 414 that are the same or similar to spray gun 14 are incremented by four hundred relative to reference numerals designating parts of spray gun 14. All parts and functions are identical unless otherwise noted and are shown as different.

[0303] The spray gun 414 includes a gun body 430 having a gun housing 431 and a gun handle 432 extending from the gun housing 431. In the example shown, the trigger 434 extends outwardly relative to the gun handle 432. The fluid housing 488 is at least partially disposed within the gun body 430 and defines a wet chamber 526 in which the spray fluid can flow. The spray gun includes a reversible nozzle tip 464 supported by a tip housing 462 mounted to the fluid housing 488. The nozzle tip 464 can be inserted into an aperture in the tip housing 462 and can be rotated 180 degrees to reverse the flow direction through the nozzle tip 464. The nozzle 440 is contained within the nozzle tip 464 and is configured to atomize the fluid under pressure into a spray fan.

[0304] Spray gun 414 includes spray valve 436. In the example shown, spray valve 436 opens under pressure from the spray fluid pumped through conduit 418 for spraying when the pressure of the spray fluid within wet chamber 526 is above a threshold level that overcomes spring 486. When the pressure drops enough that the pressure no longer overcomes spring 486, spring 486 closes spray valve 436, and spring 486 pushes needle assembly 504 forward to close spray valve 436, thereby stopping spraying. Spray gun 414 differs from spray gun 14 in that spray gun 414 does not include a solenoid to actuate spray valve 436.

[0305] The needle assembly 504 extends through the wet chamber 526. The needle assembly 504 can be operatively connected to a tension spring 485 that balances the spring 486 so that sufficient pressure must be reached in the wet chamber 526 to overcome the spring 486 and open the injection valve 436. The tension knob 487 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to change the tension of the spring 486 relative to the position of the tension spring 485 to adjust the threshold level at which the pressure of the fluid in the wet chamber 526 overcomes the spring 486, thereby opening the injection valve 436 for injection and closing the injection valve 436. It should be noted that in this example, the spring 486, needle assembly 504, tension spring 485, and tension knob 487 are all coaxial.

[0306] In this example and various other examples, trigger 434 does not directly or manually open spray valve 436. There is no direct mechanical connection that causes spray valve 436 to move with trigger 434. Instead, actuation of trigger 434 causes a controller (e.g., controller 28, controller 228) to power a motor (e.g., motor 22, motor 222) to drive a pump (e.g., pump 24, pump 224) to increase fluid pressure within conduit 418 and wet chamber 526 to overcome spring 486 to open spray valve 436 so that fluid is sprayed from nozzle 440. Release of trigger 434 causes the controller to reduce power to the motor, which reduces hydraulic pressure in conduit 418 and wet chamber 526, which allows spring 486 to close spray valve 436 to stop spraying from nozzle 440.

[0307] The spray gun 414 includes a spray setting input 456. The spray setting input 456 can be an interface, such as a dial, switch, knob, or other input that is in electrical communication with the controller (wired or wireless). The spray setting input 456 can receive input from a user, indicating the level of power delivered to the motor. Such a power level can be selected by the spray setting input 456 to control the pressure, spray volume, spray fan size, or other measurement of the output of the spray gun 414. A signal can be transmitted between the spray setting input 456 and the controller. Further, a signal can be transmitted between the trigger 434 and the controller. The signal can be transmitted at least in part by one or more wires extending along the conduit 418. Alternatively, the signal can be transmitted wirelessly.

[0308] Fig.12 An alternative design of a spray gun 614 is shown. Spray gun 614 is substantially similar to spray gun 14 shown as previously described, and reference numerals referring to parts of spray gun 614 that are the same or similar to spray gun 14 are increased by six hundred relative to reference numerals referring to parts of spray gun 14. All components and functions are the same unless otherwise indicated, then shown as different. Spray gun 614 differs from spray gun 14 in that spray gun 614 does not include a separate dry chamber within a housing within gun body 630. Instead, a solenoid 638 of spray gun 614 is disposed within gun body 630, which facilitates air cooling of solenoid 638. Solenoid 638 remains isolated from the injection fluid. Spray gun 614 differs from spray gun 414 in that spray gun 614 includes a solenoid 638 for actuating injection valve 636.

[0309] The spray gun 614 includes a gun body 630 having a gun housing 631 and a gun handle 632, and the gun handle 632 extends from the gun housing 631. In the example shown, the trigger 634 extends outwardly relative to the gun handle 632. The fluid housing 688 is at least partially disposed within the gun body 630 and defines a wet chamber 726 in which the spray fluid can flow. The spray gun includes a reversible nozzle tip 664 supported by a tip housing 662 mounted to the fluid housing 688. The nozzle tip 664 can be inserted into an aperture in the tip housing 662 and can be rotated 180 degrees to reverse the flow direction through the nozzle tip 664. The nozzle 640 is contained within the nozzle tip 664 and is configured to atomize the fluid under pressure into a spray fan. The spray setting input 656 is supported by the gun body 630 and can provide a spray setting signal to the controller to adjust the operation of the pump that provides the spray fluid to the spray gun 614 through the conduit 618.

[0310] In this embodiment, instead of or in addition to the pressure within the wet chamber 726, the solenoid 638 pulls back the needle assembly 704 to open the spray valve 636. In the example shown, the solenoid 638 is coaxially arranged with the needle assembly 704, the spray valve 636 and the nozzle 640. In operation, actuation of the trigger 634 sends a signal to a controller (e.g., controller 28, controller 228) along a wire or wirelessly. The controller causes the pump 24 to pump by means of a wire (a wire is understood to include multiple independent and isolated electrical connections to conduct multiple independent signals simultaneously) or wirelessly to activate the solenoid 638 to pull back the needle assembly 704 to overcome the spring 686 and open the spray valve 636 to release the fluid within the wet chamber 726 from the nozzle 640 as an atomized spray. As long as the trigger 634 continues to be actuated, the spraying continues. When the user releases the trigger 634, a signal is sent to the controller (or the previous signal is interrupted), and the controller de-energizes the solenoid 638, thereby allowing the spring 686 to return the needle assembly 704 to the forward position, closing the spray valve 636 to stop spraying from the nozzle 640. Each time the trigger 634 is pulled and released, the cycle is repeated.

[0311] Fig.13A It is along Fig. 13B A cross-sectional view of an alternative reservoir 816 taken along line AA in FIG. Fig. 13B It is along Fig.13A A cross-sectional view of the reservoir 816 taken along line BB in FIG.

[0312] Fig.14 is an enlarged cross-sectional exploded view of the reservoir 816 showing the tube canister 850 removed from the basin 848. Fig.15 is an enlarged isometric view showing the can lock 854 of the reservoir 816. FIG. 13A to FIG. 15Reservoir 816 is substantially similar to reservoir 16 shown as previously described, and reference numerals designating parts of reservoir 816 that are the same or similar to reservoir 16 are incremented by eight hundred relative to reference numerals designating parts of reservoir 816. All components and functions are identical unless otherwise noted and are shown as different.

[0313] Although some details may differ, this embodiment may be used as a reservoir for the pump module 12 or pump module 212 previously shown and referenced. This embodiment includes several features. One feature is a basin 848 in which the tube canister 850 is placed. The basin 848 can be permanently fixed to the module housing (e.g., module housing 20 or module housing 220) and / or the pump (e.g., pump 24 or pump 224), such as directly fixed to the pump body (e.g., pump body 162 or pump body 362). The pump neck 970 of the pump body 962 of the pump (substantially similar to pump 24, pump 224) is Fig.13A and Fig. 13B 848. The tube canister 850 can be lifted and released from the basin 848. The docking between the protrusion 989 and the mounting slot 990 selectively fixes the tube canister 850 on the basin 848 and releases the tube canister 850 from the basin. The tube canister 850 includes a can neck 976, which may also be referred to as a tapered portion. The reservoir seal 980 is disposed between the can neck 976 and the basin seat 978 for sealing with the basin seat 978 of the basin 848. The wall of the basin 848 is radially outside the wall of the tube canister 850 to radially contain the fluid in the basin 848 between the walls.

[0314] The passage 968 through the pump body 962 is not aligned with the vertical reservoir axis RA of the tube canister 850. Specifically, the passage 968 is offset from the vertical reservoir axis RA of the tube canister 850.

[0315] Located just above the entrance to the passage 968 is a filter 988. The filter 988 is mushroom-shaped with a wider filter head 995 and a narrower filter base 997. The filter base 997 is formed by a plurality of legs, between which a mesh material extends to filter the paint. In the example shown, the filter base 997 of the filter 988 is press-fit into the cavity of the pump body 962. The press-fit allows the filter 988 to be removed for cleaning and reinsertion. The filter base 997 of the filter 988 may alternatively have a threaded connection for connecting to the pump body 962, as well as other options for facilitating the connection of the filter 988 to the base pump body 962.

[0316] Filter 988 can be used for several purposes. One purpose is to strain the fluid being pumped, such as non-sprayable particles in paint. As previously mentioned, filter 988 can be removed for cleaning and reinserted.

[0317] One purpose of the filter 988 is to cover the outlet of the passage 968 so that the pressure within the pump 824 does not cause an undesirable reverse flow through the passage 968 that would protrude out of the canister 850 if the cap 852 was not tightened. The filter 988 blocks the trajectory of fluid ejected from the passage 968. In particular, the filter head 995 blocks any fluid that is pushed upward along the reservoir axis RA.

[0318] In one purpose, the filter head 995 of the filter 988 is rounded and causes the fluid within the tube canister 850 to flow around the filter head 995 of the filter 988 rather than flowing directly downward (through the filter head 995 of the filter 988) to flow into the passage 968. Alternatively, if the fluid flows directly downward rather than around the filter head 995, the suction created by the passage 968 can create a void of fluid in the center along the axis RA and cause air to be drawn into the passage 968 to relieve the priming of the pump 824 despite the fluid being on the sides of the reservoir 816, particularly when viscous fluids such as thicker paints are sprayed, which flow more slowly near the walls.

[0319] Basin 848 can be permanently fixed to pump 824. Basin 848 can be radially wider than tube tank 850 so that tube tank 850 can be received inside basin 848. Basin 848 is circular with high walls to capture and contain any fluid that falls from tube tank 850 to prevent fluid from dripping onto other parts of pump module (e.g., pump module 12, pump module 212). If fluid drips into basin 848, the fluid can either flow downward toward channel 968 to be removed by pump 824 or pour out from spout 849. Spout 849 is the lower portion of the annular wall of basin 848 to facilitate pouring from a specific circumferential portion of basin 848, while higher walls 848 at other locations around the basin prevent fluid from escaping from basin 848. Spout 849 can be oriented forward on the pump module to direct any fluid away from the side and / or rear (where the controller, handle and / or battery are located).

[0320] The mounting slot 990 is angled so that when the tube tank 850 is rotated, the protrusion 989 forces the tube tank 850 to move axially upward relative to the basin 848 to separate the basin neck 976 from the basin seat 978 during disassembly. The mounting slot 990 is angled so that when the tube tank 850 is rotated, the protrusion 989 forces the tube tank 850 to move axially downward during installation. This allows the tank neck 976 and the reservoir seal 980 to fit tightly in the basin seat 978 to promote sealing, but this interference may resist separation. However, the docking of the protrusion 989 with the inclined mounting slot 990 during relative rotation provides a mechanical advantage for the axial separation of the tube tank 850 from the basin seat 978. Similarly, when the tank neck 976 moves axially downward into the basin seat 978 for interference fitting, the rotation of the tube tank 850 relative to the basin 848 provides a mechanical advantage. In this way, the user does not need to push or pull the tube canister 850 axially when engaging or disengaging the interference between the canister neck 976 and the basin seat 978.

[0321] The protrusion 989 can move in and out of the mounting slot 990 through a mounting notch 994 that forms a vertical path. The mounting notch 994 is an outward bow in the wall of the basin 848 that accommodates the radial diameter of the protrusion 989 that passes when the tube pot 850 moves up or down relative to the basin 848.

[0322] Fig.15 The wall of the basin 848 is shown bowed to form a mounting recess 994. The protrusion 989 includes a locking aperture 991a to align with a locking aperture 991b in a protrusion 999 in the basin 848 to allow a fastener 987 to temporarily lock the position of the tube canister 850 relative to the basin 848. In this case, the fastener 987 is a pin, however other options are possible. In the example shown, the fastener 987 extending through the protrusion 989 and the protrusion 999 forms a canister lock 854 for the reservoir 816.

[0323] Fig.161 is a schematic block diagram of a fluid injector 1000. The fluid injector 1000 is substantially similar to the fluid injector 10 previously shown and described. The fluid injector 1000 includes a pump module 12, a spray gun 14, a reservoir 16, and a conduit 18. The pump module 12 includes a motor 22, a pump 24, a power source 26, and a controller 28. The controller 28 includes a control circuit 1002 and a memory 1004. The spray gun 14 includes a gun body 30 having a gun handle 32, a trigger 34, a spray valve 36, a solenoid 38, a nozzle 40, and a spray setting input 56. The conduit 18 includes a fluid hose 1006, a wire 1008, and a sheath 1010. Although the fluid injector 1000 is described with respect to the pump module 12, the spray gun 14, the reservoir 16, and the conduit 18, it should be understood that the fluid injector 1000 may include any one or more of the disclosed pump modules, spray guns, reservoirs, and conduits, including any features of such components.

[0324] The reservoir 16 is configured to store a reserve of spray fluid for spraying by the spray gun 14. The reservoir 16 may be supported by the pump module 12 or may be formed separately from the pump module 12. The pump module 12 is configured to pump the spray fluid from the reservoir 16 under pressure to the spray gun 14, as shown by the flow arrows FA. The spray gun 14 is configured to emit an atomized spray of the spray fluid for spraying on a target surface.

[0325] The conduit 18 extends between the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14. The sheath 1010 encloses the other components of the conduit 18. The hose 1006 extends between the pump 24 and the spray gun 14 to deliver the spray fluid under pressure from the pump 24 to the spray gun 14. The wires 1008 extend between the electrical components of the spray gun 14 and the controller 28. In the example shown, the wires 1008 are disposed outside the hose 1006 and are not exposed to the spray fluid flowing within the hose 1006. In the example shown, one or more wires 1008 may extend between the trigger 34 and the controller 28, between the solenoid 38 and the controller 28, and between the spray setting input 56 and the controller 28. The sheath 1010 encloses the wires 1008 and the hose 1006. The wires 1008 are configured to transmit signals (communication and / or power) between the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14.

[0326] Transducer 1012 is shown. It should be understood that transducer 1012 may not be present in various examples of fluid ejector 1000. Transducer 1012 is operatively associated with the ejected fluid downstream of pump 24 and upstream of spray gun 14. Transducer 1012 is configured to generate information about one or more properties of the ejected fluid. In some examples, transducer 1012 may be configured as a pressure sensor configured to generate information about the pressure of the ejected fluid. In some examples, transducer 1012 may be configured as a flow sensor configured to generate information about the flow of the ejected fluid (e.g., flow rate, among other options). It should be understood that some examples including transducer 1012 may include both a pressure sensor and a flow sensor, as well as other sensor options. Transducer 1012 is configured to generate parameter information about the ejected fluid at a location downstream of pump 24 and upstream of nozzle 40.

[0327] The motor 22 is configured to power the pumping of the pump 24. The motor 22 can be configured to generate a rotational output that causes the pumping of the fluid displacer or pump 24. In some examples, the fluid displacer of the pump 24 is configured to reciprocate linearly to pump the injection fluid. For example, the pump 24 can be configured as a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, or a reciprocating pump in other ways. A driver such as the driver 158 can connect the motor 22 and the pump 24 to provide a rotational output from the motor 22 to the pump 24 so as to cause the linear reciprocating motion of the fluid displacer of the pump 24. The driver can convert the rotational motion from the motor 22 into a linear reciprocating motion provided to the pump 24 to power the pumping of the pump 24.

[0328] The pump 24 is configured to draw the spray fluid from the reservoir 16 , pressurize the spray fluid to a desired pressure for spraying, and drive the spray fluid downstream through the hose 1006 to the spray gun 14 for spraying by the spray gun 14 .

[0329] The spray gun 14 is configured to receive pressurized fluid pumped by the pump 24 through the hose 1006 and output an atomized spray of spray fluid. The spray gun 14 is operatively connected to the controller 28 for controlling the discharge of the spray fluid from the spray gun 14.

[0330] The trigger 34 is operatively connected to the controller 28 to provide a spray signal to the controller 28. In the example shown, the trigger 34 is connected to the controller 28 via a wired connection, but it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, the trigger 34 can be wirelessly connected to the controller 28 to communicate with the controller 28. Actuation of the trigger 34 generates a spray signal that is transmitted to the controller 28 to cause the controller 28 to initiate the spraying of the fluid sprayer 1000, as discussed in more detail below. The spray signal can be transmitted via the wire 1008. Pressing the trigger 34 can cause the controller 28 to direct power to the motor 22 and / or the solenoid 38. When the trigger 34 is released, the controller 28 can reduce the power to the motor 22 and / or the solenoid 38.

[0331] The nozzle 40 is configured to emit the spray fluid as an atomized fluid spray. The nozzle 40 forms an outlet of the spray gun 14 through which the spray fluid is ejected. The nozzle 40 can be shaped to form a spray pattern emitted by the spray gun 14.

[0332] The spray valve 36 is disposed within the spray gun 14. The spray valve 36 is disposed upstream of the nozzle 40. The spray valve 36 is configured to control the flow of spray fluid to the nozzle 40 for firing from the spray gun 14. The spray valve 36 is actuatable between a closed state, in which the spray valve 36 prevents the spray fluid from flowing to the nozzle 40, and an open state, in which the spray fluid can flow through the spray valve 36 to the nozzle 40 for firing from the spray gun 14.

[0333] The solenoid 38 is operatively connected to the injection valve 36 to control actuation of the injection valve 36 between a closed state and an open state. For example, an armature (e.g., a moving iron core 102) of the solenoid 38 can be connected to a movable component (e.g., a needle assembly 104) of the injection valve 36 so that movement of the armature causes movement of a valve component of the injection valve 36. The solenoid 38 can be configured as a single-acting solenoid that displaces the injection valve 36 from one state to another state (e.g., from a closed state to an open state) or a double-acting solenoid that displaces the injection valve 36 from an open state to a closed state and from a closed state to an open state. The solenoid 38 can be operatively connected to the pump module 12 via wires to receive power and / or communication signals from the power source 26.

[0334] The power source 26 is configured to provide power to the electrically powered components of the fluid injector 1000 (e.g., the controller 28, the motor 22, and the solenoid 38). The power source 26 can be formed as a battery (e.g., a rechargeable lithium-ion based battery, among other options). The power source 26 can be formed as a power cord configured to be plugged into an electrical outlet. The power source 26 can be any desired configuration for providing power to the electrically powered components of the fluid injector. Although the fluid injector 1000 is shown as including a signal power source 26, it should be understood that some examples can include separate power sources 26 for the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14. For example, a first power source 26 (e.g., a battery or a power cord) can be configured to provide power to the components of the pump module 12, and a second power source 26 (e.g., a battery or a power cord) can be configured to provide power to the components of the spray gun 14.

[0335] Controller 28 is operatively connected to the other components of fluid sprayer 1000 to control the operation of the other components of fluid sprayer 1000. Controller 28 is operatively connected to motor 22 and / or communicatively connected to control the operation of motor 22. Controller 28 can be operatively connected to trigger 34 and / or communicatively connected, such as via wire 1008, to receive control signals from trigger 34. For example, trigger 34 can be configured to provide a spray signal to controller 28 so that controller 28 activates motor 22 to cause pump 24 to pump. Controller 28 can be operatively connected to solenoid 38 and / or communicatively connected, such as via wire 1008, to control the activation of solenoid 38 and thereby control the actuation of injection valve 36. Controller 28 can be operatively connected to spray setting input 56 and / or communicatively connected, such as via wire 1008, to receive spray setting information regarding desired properties of the spray fluid for injection.

[0336] The controller 28 is configured to store software, implement a set of functions, and / or process instructions. The controller 28 is configured to perform any of the functions discussed herein, including receiving outputs from any sensors referenced herein, detecting any conditions or events referenced herein, and controlling the operation of any components referenced herein. The controller 28 may have any suitable configuration for controlling the operation of components of the fluid ejector 1000 (e.g., the motor 22 and / or the solenoid 38), receiving signals from components of the fluid ejector 1000 (e.g., the trigger 34 and / or the spray setting input 56 and / or the transducer 1012), collecting data, processing data, etc. The controller 28 may include hardware, firmware, and / or stored software, and the controller 28 may be mounted in whole or in part on one or more boards. The controller 28 may be of any type suitable for operating according to the techniques described herein.

[0337] In one example, the control circuit 1002 is configured to implement a set of functions and / or process instructions. For example, the control circuit 1002 can process instructions stored in the memory 1004. Examples of the control circuit 1002 can include one or more of a processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuits. The control circuit 1002 can be fully or partially mounted on one or more circuit boards.

[0338] The memory 1004 may be configured to store information before, during, and / or after operation. In some examples, the memory 1004 is described as a computer-readable storage medium. In some examples, the computer-readable storage medium may include a non-transient medium. The term "non-transient" may indicate that the storage medium is not contained in a carrier or propagation signal. In some examples, a non-transient storage medium may store data that may change over time (e.g., in a RAM or cache). In some examples, the memory 1004 is a temporary memory, which means that the main purpose of the memory 1004 is not long-term storage. In some examples, the memory 1004 is described as a volatile memory, which means that when the power of the controller 28 is turned off, the memory 1004 does not retain the stored content. Examples of volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memory. In some examples, the memory 1004 is used to store program instructions executed by the control circuit 1002. In one example, the memory 1004 is used by software or an application to temporarily store information during program execution.

[0339] In some examples, memory 1004 also includes one or more computer-readable storage media. Memory 1004 can be configured to store a larger amount of information than volatile memory. Memory 1004 can be further configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, memory 1004 includes a non-volatile storage element. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements can include a magnetic hard disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, or an electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or an electrically erasable programmable (EEPROM) memory.

[0340] The controller 28 is operatively connected to the motor 22 to control the pumping of the pump 24 , and the controller 28 is operatively connected to the solenoid 38 to control the actuation of the injection valve 36 between an open state and a closed state.

[0341] The user depresses the trigger 34 to initiate the spraying of the fluid sprayer 1000. The actuation of the trigger 34 sends the spraying signal to the controller 28 along the wire 1008, but in some examples, the spraying signal can be transmitted wirelessly. The controller 28 sends a signal back through the wire 1008 (the wire 1008 is understood to contain multiple independent and isolated electrical connections to conduct multiple independent signals at the same time) or wirelessly to activate the solenoid 38 to actuate the spray valve 36 to the open state (for example, by pulling the needle assembly 104 backward to overcome the spring 86) to release the fluid in the wet chamber of the spray gun 14 from the nozzle 40 as an atomized spray. As long as the trigger 34 continues to be actuated, the spraying continues. When the user releases the trigger 34, a signal is sent to the controller 28 (or the previous signal is interrupted), which causes the solenoid 38 to be placed in the non-spraying state, thereby allowing the spray valve 36 to return to the closed state (for example, by the spring 86 returning the needle assembly 104 to the forward position) to stop spraying from the nozzle 40. Each time the trigger 34 is pulled and released, this cycle is repeated.

[0342] Based on the controller 28 receiving the spray signal indicating actuation of the trigger 34, in addition to causing the solenoid 38 to open the spray valve 36, the controller 28 also powers the motor 22 to operate the pump 24 to increase the fluid pressure within the hose 1006 and the wet chamber 126 of the spray gun 14 and drive the spray fluid under pressure to the spray gun 14. Based on the controller 28 recognizing an interruption in the signal, or the controller 28 receiving a different signal indicating the release of the trigger 34, the controller 28 reduces the power to the motor 22 to stop the operation of the pump 24. Each time the trigger 34 is pulled and released, the cycle is repeated.

[0343] The controller 28 can be configured to control the sequential control of the activation of the motor 22 and the activation of the solenoid 38. When the injection valve 36 is initially actuated to the open state, the sequential control of the activation of the motor 22 and the activation of the solenoid 38 can reduce the pressure drop, thereby providing a higher quality injection at the beginning of injection and providing more efficient injection through the fluid injector 1000.

[0344] The user presses the trigger 34 to cause the trigger 34 to generate a spray signal that is transmitted to the controller 28. In some examples, the controller 28 causes the motor 22 to be activated before the solenoid 38 is activated to displace the spray valve 36 to the open state. For example, the controller 28 can generate a drive signal based on receiving the spray signal from the trigger 34 and send the drive signal to the motor 22, and the drive signal can be electricity from the power supply 26. The drive signal causes the rotor of the motor 22 to begin to rotate rapidly, generating a rotational output and causing the pump 24 to pump. In some examples, the controller 28 can implement a delay between receiving the spray signal from the trigger 34 and starting the motor 22. Implementing such a delay can ensure that the actuation of the trigger 34 is purposeful and used for spraying, rather than an unintentional trigger.

[0345] The controller 28 can implement a delay between powering the motor 22 and providing the activation signal to the solenoid 38. In this way, the solenoid 38 can remain in a closed state when the motor 22 begins to rotate and the pump 24 begins to pump the injection fluid. As a result, the controller 28 can start the motor 22 to start rotating before activating the solenoid 38 to open the injection valve 36. Therefore, the controller 28 can start the motor 22 to rotate quickly before the solenoid 38 opens the injection valve 36, so as to increase the pressure in the wet chamber 126 before the injection valve 36 opens to ensure that there is sufficient pressure for injection.

[0346] The pump 24 increases the fluid pressure within the fluid circuit between the pump 24 and the injection valve 36. With the motor 22 energized, the controller 28 provides an actuation signal to the solenoid 38 so that the solenoid 38 actuates the injection valve 36 to an open state. The solenoid 38 actuates the injection valve 36 to an open position, wherein the pump 24 is powered by the motor 22 and the pressurized injection fluid is emitted through the nozzle 40. The actuation of the motor 22 and the solenoid 38 is controlled in sequence to provide a high quality injection while reducing any "dead zone". The dead zone is the period of time after the injection control valve is actuated to the open state and before the injection system senses that the injection valve is open. Such a situation creates a pressure drop before the pump starts and increases the pressure again to the level required for injection. The dead zone can be detrimental to the injection quality.

[0347] It should be understood that in some examples, controller 28 activates solenoid 38 to open spray valve 36 before motor 22 starts (or before motor 22 reaches full speed expected for the current spray output level). Such a configuration can prevent over-pressurization of the fluid circuit between pump 24 and spray gun 14.

[0348] In some examples, controller 28 may simultaneously provide an activation signal to solenoid 38 and power motor 22 to activate motor 22. Controller 28 may activate motor 22 to begin rotating at the same time as activating solenoid 38 to open injection valve 36. In some examples, controller 28 opens injection valve 36 by activating solenoid 38 at the same time as motor 22 begins rotating.

[0349] In some examples, controller 28 may activate solenoid 38 to open injection valve 36 based on a determined speed (e.g., a measured or calculated rotational speed) of motor 22. For example, controller 28 may activate solenoid 28 when motor 22 reaches full speed for the current injection output level.

[0350] When the trigger 34 is released, the controller 28 can control the de-energization of the motor 22 and the solenoid 38 in a sequence. For example, in some examples, the controller 28 can reduce or stop the power to the motor 22 before deactivating the solenoid 38. In this way, before the injection valve 36 is actuated to the closed state, power can be removed from the motor 22 to avoid operating the pump 24 when the fluid circuit is closed, which may otherwise risk over-pressurizing the system. In some examples, the controller 28 can deactivate the solenoid 38 before reducing or stopping the power to the motor 22. In such an example, when the injection valve 36 is actuated to the closed state, the motor 22 can continue to drive the pump 24, and then the motor 22 can be deactivated after the injection valve 36 is closed. The controller 28 can cause the solenoid 38 to close the injection valve 36 before the pump 24 stops pumping. Such a configuration can facilitate the establishment of pressure in the fluid circuit to prime the system with pressure for subsequent injection of the spray gun 14, thereby reducing or eliminating dead zones. For example, controller 28 may close injection valve 36 by de-energizing solenoid 38 prior to de-energizing motor 22 to ensure that sufficient pressure is available for injection until injection valve 36 is closed.

[0351] In some examples, controller 28 is configured to de-energize motor 22 and simultaneously deactivate solenoid 38. In examples where the rotor of motor 22 continues to rotate after motor 22 is de-energized, such a configuration may allow pump 24 to continue pumping even after injection valve 36 is closed. Controller 28 may cause solenoid 38 to close injection valve 36 before pump 24 stops pumping.

[0352] In some examples, controller 28 begins de-energizing motor 22 (i.e., reduces and / or stops power) before closing valve 36 by de-energizing solenoid 38. In some examples, controller 28 begins de-energizing motor 22 while closing valve 36 by de-energizing solenoid 38. Controller 28 may cause solenoid 38 to close injection valve 36 while pump 24 stops pumping.

[0353] In some examples, the motor 22 is configured to coast when power is removed from the motor 22. In such an example, after the motor 22 is powered off, the rotor of the motor 22 will continue to rotate for a period of time. The continued rotation of the rotor means that the motor 22 will continue to produce a rotational output that powers the pump 24, and the pump 24 will continue to pump the injection fluid even after the motor 22 is powered off. In such an example, the controller 28 can be configured to de-energize the solenoid 38, thereby causing the injection valve 36 to close while the rotor of the motor 22 continues to rotate. This deactivation of the solenoid 38 can occur before, at the same time, or after the motor 22 is powered off. Closing the injection valve 36 while the rotor of the motor 22 continues to rotate, even if this rotation is not powered rotation, allows the pump 24 to build up pressure in the fluid circuit for subsequent injection operations.

[0354] In some examples, based on the detection of the release of the trigger 34, the controller 28 simultaneously de-energizes the solenoid 38 and the motor 22. In some examples, although the solenoid 38 can release its holding force immediately when it is de-energized, the hydraulic pressure in the wet chamber 126 can resist the spring 86 to prevent the injection valve 36 from closing until the pressure drops below the threshold amount. The threshold amount can be greater than 250psi and less than 2000psi, as well as other pressure threshold selections. In one example, when the controller 28 receives a spray signal indicating the actuation of the trigger 34 from the trigger 34, the controller 28 continues to monitor the spray signal from the trigger 34 for a first time window, such as less than 50 milliseconds (e.g., between 5 milliseconds and 30 milliseconds) to ensure the continued actuation of the trigger 34. The spray signal forms a first signal from the spray gun 14 to the pump module 12 based on the user's finger pressing the trigger 34. If the spray signal fails to confirm the continuous actuation of the trigger 34 during the first time window, no action is taken, and the controller 28 continues to monitor future situations of continued actuation. If the signal confirms that trigger 34 is continuously actuated throughout the first time window, controller 28 delivers operational power to motor 22 to accelerate, achieve, and maintain operational pumping of pump 24 during a second time window.

[0355] The second time window begins after the first time window closes, such as immediately after the first window closes, and in some cases can begin simultaneously with the closing of the first window. During the second time window, the controller 28 does not deliver operating power sufficient to actuate the solenoid 38 to the solenoid 38. The motor 22 can reach the full speed of the current injection setting from the injection setting input 56 during the second time window, or can reach at least 50% of the full speed when the second time window is closed, or can reach at least 75% of the full speed when the second time window is closed. The second time window can be opened for 20 milliseconds to 80 milliseconds, as well as other options. After the second time window closes (or when the second time window is closed), the third time window (e.g., simultaneously with or immediately after the closing of the second time window, as well as other options) opens.

[0356] During the third time window, the controller 28 continues to send operating power to drive the motor 22, while also starting to deliver operating power to the solenoid 38 to move the armature of the solenoid 38 to open the injection valve 36. During the third time window, the controller 28 delivers a first level of power signal to the solenoid 38, which can be voltage or current controlled. The first power level signal to the solenoid 38 is sufficient to actuate the solenoid 38 from the first position to the second position. When or after the third time window closes, the fourth time window opens.

[0357] During the fourth time window, the controller 28 continues to deliver operating power to the motor 22, but reduces the power delivered to the solenoid 38 to a second power level. The second power level corresponds to a holding power sufficient to hold the solenoid 38 in a position where the spring 86 continues to be overcome and the valve 36 remains open. The fourth time window can continue until the controller 28 senses the release of the trigger 34.

[0358] The trigger 34 may, based on the trigger 34 being released by the user, do one or both of the following: send a second signal from the spray gun 14 to the pump module 12 and stop sending the first signal to the pump module 12. Based on one or both of the following: receiving the second signal and no longer receiving the first signal from the trigger 34, the controller 28 reduces the power delivery to the solenoid 38 to close the injection valve 36, and reduces the power delivery to the motor 22 to stop the pump 24 from pumping.

[0359] In some examples, the controller 28 can actively control the sequential control of the motor 22 and the solenoid 38 based on parameters of the system (such as parameters sensed by the transducer 1012 or set by the injection setting input 56). In some examples, the controller 28 can change the delay period between powering the motor 22 and powering the solenoid 38 based on the sensed parameters of the system. In some examples, the controller 28 can change the order of powering the motor 22 and powering the solenoid 38 (e.g., causing the motor 22 to be powered before the solenoid 38 is powered based on certain operating conditions, and causing the motor 22 to be powered after the solenoid 38 is powered based on other operating conditions). For example, the controller 28 can actively control any delay between powering the motor 22 and powering the solenoid 38 based on data provided by the transducer 1012, such as the flow rate of the injection fluid and / or the pressure of the injection fluid. In some examples, the controller 28 can actively control the delay based on the pressure of the injection fluid.

[0360] In some examples, controller 28 may control the delay based on the pressure data generated by transducer 1012. For example, controller 28 may be configured to implement a larger delay between starter motor 22 and starter solenoid 38 based on a smaller sensed pressure, and may implement a shorter delay between starter motor 22 and starter solenoid 38 based on a larger sensed pressure.

[0361] In some examples, the controller 28 can control the delay based on the injection setting information provided by the injection setting input 56. For example, the controller 28 can implement a larger delay between the starter motor 22 and the starter solenoid 38 based on an injection setting input indicating a lower desired pressure, and can implement a shorter delay between the starter motor 22 and the starter solenoid 38 based on an injection setting input indicating a larger desired pressure. Thus, the controller 28 can be configured to adjust the delay period based on user input.

[0362] In some examples, various potential delay periods may be stored in memory 1004, and controller 28 may select a desired delay period based on various parameters of fluid ejector 1000. For example, a user may input information about fluid ejector 1000 during setup, such as the size of the orifice of nozzle 40, the length of hose 1006, the type of fluid being ejected (e.g., paint, lacquer, etc.), etc. Controller 28 may then call a delay period from memory 1004 based on the information provided by the user, and control activation of motor 22 and activation of solenoid 38 based on the delay period called from memory 1004.

[0363] The controller 28 may be configured to control the power provided to the solenoid 38 during operation depending on the operating state of the solenoid 38. For example, the controller 28 may be configured to provide a first power level to the solenoid 38 when the solenoid 38 is initially powered to actuate the injection valve 36 from a closed state, and the controller 28 may be configured to provide a second, different power level to the solenoid 38 when the solenoid 38 is maintaining the injection valve 36 in an open state.

[0364] In one example, the controller 28 is configured to control the operation of the solenoid 38 based on the voltage level of the power provided to the solenoid. For example, the controller 28 can be configured to maintain a constant voltage level (e.g., a set current or a current within a desired range) of the power provided to the solenoid 38. The constant voltage level can vary depending on the operating state of the solenoid 38, such as whether the solenoid 38 lifts the injection valve 36 from a closed state or maintains the injection valve 36 in an open state. The controller 28 can be configured to provide a first voltage level (e.g., a first voltage or a voltage within a first range) to the solenoid 38 when the solenoid 38 initially lifts the injection valve 36 from a closed state when the solenoid 38 is activated. The controller 28 can also be configured to provide a second voltage level (e.g., a second voltage or a voltage within a second voltage range) to the solenoid 38 when the solenoid 38 maintains the injection valve 36 in an open state.

[0365] As previously described, the solenoid 38 may be configured such that the electromagnetic force acting on the armature is at a relatively weakest level when the injection valve 36 is in a closed state, and the electromagnetic force acting on the armature is at a relatively strongest level when the injection valve 36 is held in an open state. In such a configuration, the controller 28 may be configured to provide a relatively high voltage level to the solenoid 38 at the initial activation of the solenoid 38 to lift the injection valve 36 from the closed state. Then, when the solenoid 38 holds the injection valve in an open state, the controller 28 may provide a relatively low voltage level to the solenoid 38. The controller 28 dynamically changes the voltage based on the operating state of the solenoid 38, which saves power and reduces the heat generated by the solenoid 38 during operation.

[0366] In some examples, the controller 28 is configured to control the operation of the solenoid 38 based on the current level provided to the solenoid 38. For example, the controller 28 can be configured to maintain a constant current level (e.g., a set current or a current within a desired range) of the power provided to the solenoid 38. The constant current level can vary depending on the operating state of the solenoid 38, such as whether the solenoid 38 is lifting the injection valve 36 from a closed state or maintaining the injection valve 36 in an open state. Current is proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance. When heat rises, such as due to current through the coil of the stator 100 of the solenoid 38, the resistance will increase. The controller 28 can adjust the voltage provided to the solenoid 38 to maintain the current at a desired current level throughout the operation, taking into account the varying resistance in the coil and compensating for the reduced solenoid strength due to the heat rise. Controlling the operation of the solenoid 38 based on the current to the solenoid 38 allows for continuous, efficient operation of the solenoid 38, even when heat rises due to the operation of the solenoid 38. Controller 28 may vary the voltage provided to solenoid 38 to maintain the current at a desired current level.

[0367] In some examples, controller 28 may be configured to provide a first current level when solenoid 38 initially lifts injection valve 36 from a closed state and throughout operation while solenoid 38 holds injection valve 36 in an open state.

[0368] In some examples, controller 28 can be configured to provide a first current level (e.g., a set current or a current within a first current range) to solenoid 38 when solenoid 38 initially lifts injection valve 36 from a closed state when solenoid 38 is activated. Controller 28 can be further configured to provide a second current level (e.g., a set current or a current within a second current range) to solenoid 38 when solenoid 38 holds injection valve 36 in an open state.

[0369] As previously described, the solenoid 38 may be configured such that the electromagnetic force acting on the armature is at a relatively weakest level when the injection valve 36 is in a closed state, and the electromagnetic force acting on the armature is at a relatively strongest level when the injection valve 36 is held in an open state. In such a configuration, the controller 28 may be configured to supply a relatively high current to the solenoid 38 at the initial start-up of the solenoid 38 to lift the injection valve 36 from the closed state. Then, when the solenoid 38 holds the injection valve in an open state, the controller 28 may supply a relatively low current to the solenoid 38. The controller 28 dynamically changes the current based on the operating state of the solenoid 38, which saves power and reduces the heat generated by the solenoid 38 during operation.

[0370] In some examples, controller 28 can be configured to dynamically adjust the power level (e.g., current or voltage) provided to solenoid 38 based on operating parameters of fluid injector 1000. As described above, controller 28 can be configured to provide a first power level to solenoid 38 at startup when injection valve 36 is initially lifted from a closed state, and can provide a second power level to solenoid 38 during a hold period. Controller 28 can be configured to adjust various parameters of those power levels during operation, as discussed in more detail below.

[0371] For example, the controller 28 can reduce the time period for which the first level of power is provided to the solenoid 38 based on a parameter of the fluid injector 1000 (e.g., based on a sensed fluid parameter from the transducer 1012, such as fluid pressure, based on a set fluid parameter, such as a desired injection pressure from the injection setting input 56, based on a physical characteristic of the fluid injector 1000, such as the length of the hose 1006 or the size of the orifice of the nozzle 40, etc.). In one example, the controller 28 can be configured to vary the time period for the first level of power based on the fluid pressure, such as having a shorter time period for lower pressure operation and a longer time period for higher pressure operation.

[0372] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 28 may be configured to dynamically adjust the first power level itself (e.g., increase or decrease the current level or voltage level) based on parameters of the fluid injector 1000. For example, less power may be required to lift the injection valve 36 from a closed state when injecting at a lower pressure than when injecting at a higher pressure. The controller 28 may be configured to adjust the power level based on fluid pressure (either sensed (e.g., based on information from the transducer 1012) or desired (e.g., based on information from the injection setting input 56)) such that the controller 28 will provide relatively less power to cause the solenoid 38 to switch the injection valve 36 to an open state at lower fluid pressure levels because the solenoid 38 must overcome less hydraulic resistance and provide greater power to cause the solenoid 38 to switch the injection valve 36 to an open state at higher pressure levels when the solenoid 38 must overcome greater hydraulic resistance.

[0373] In some examples, controller 28 may be configured to adjust the duration and level of power provided to solenoid 38 to transition injection valve 36 from the closed state. For example, controller 28 may provide less power for a shorter duration based on a lower fluid pressure to cause solenoid 38 to actuate injection valve 36 to the open state, and may similarly be configured to provide more power for a longer duration based on a higher fluid pressure to cause solenoid 38 to actuate injection valve 36 to the open state.

[0374] In some examples, the controller 28 can be configured to adjust the power provided to the solenoid 38 to determine the power level required for the solenoid 38 to switch the injection valve 36 to the open state. For example, the controller 28 can initially provide a relatively low power level to the solenoid 38 (e.g., based on current or voltage control), and then ramp the power level until the solenoid 38 actuates the injection valve 36 to the open state. The controller 28 can then save the power level that actually caused the injection valve 36 to switch to the open state in the memory 1004, and use the power level for subsequent actuation of the injection valve 36 to the open state. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 28 can monitor the time period for which power is provided to the solenoid 38 to actually switch the injection valve 36 to the open state. The controller can then adjust one or both of the power level provided to the solenoid 38 and the time period for which power is provided to adjust the lifting power provided to the solenoid 38 to generate sufficient lifting force to switch the injection valve 36 to the open state for subsequent actuation of the injection valve 36.

[0375] Controller 28 can be configured to dynamically control the power provided to solenoid 38. For example, controller 28 can be configured such that a first power level is provided to solenoid 38 to initiate movement of injection valve 36, and a second power level is provided to solenoid 38 when a moving component of injection valve 36 reaches a position associated with a fully open state of injection valve 36.

[0376] The controller 28 can be configured to dynamically change the power level provided to the solenoid 38 based on variables of the fluid injector 1000. The variables can be based on user input, based on sensed parameters, etc. The variables can be based on fluid parameters, electrical parameters, time parameters, etc. The fluid parameters can be fluid pressure, fluid flow rate, etc. The electrical parameters can be current draw, etc. The time parameters can be lift time, which is the time period between applying power to the solenoid 38 to actuate the injection valve 36 and the injection valve 36 being in a fully open state, as well as other time parameters.

[0377] In some examples, controller 28 may be configured to adjust the power level based on input from spray setting input 56. For example, a user may provide a desired fluid pressure to controller 28, such as via spray setting input 56. Controller 28 may adjust the power level based on the input from the user, such as by providing a relatively higher power level based on a relatively higher desired pressure and providing a relatively lower power level based on a relatively lower desired pressure.

[0378] The variable may be based on a sensed parameter of fluid ejector 1000. For example, controller 28 may adjust the power level based on a sensed pressure, a sensed current draw, etc.

[0379] In some examples, controller 28 can be configured to control the operation of solenoid 38 based on a desired lift time. During operation, controller 28 can determine the actual lift time based on an operating parameter of fluid injector 1000. The operating parameter can be a fluid parameter or an electrical parameter, among others. The fluid parameter can be based on pressure or flow rate. The electrical parameter can be a measured current draw, which can indicate the state of a moving component of injection valve 36.

[0380] In some examples, the controller 28 is configured to power the motor 22 to begin powering the motor 22 to operate the pump 24 based on the first occurrence of either receiving a first signal from the spray gun 14 indicating actuation of the trigger 34 or receiving a second signal from the transducer 1012 indicating a first change in a sensed parameter (e.g., pressure, among other options) of the fluid downstream of the pump 24. The controller 28 can be configured to reduce power to the motor 22 to stop operating the pump 24 based on both a second change in the second signal and the absence of an indication from the first signal that the trigger 34 is actuated. The controller 28 can be configured to reduce power to the motor 22 to stop operating the pump 24 based on the first occurrence of either a second change in the second signal or the absence of an indication from the first signal that the trigger 34 is actuated when the motor 22 is powered to operate the pump 24. The first change in the signal from the transducer 1012 can be a decrease in the parameter below a threshold, such as a decrease in pressure below a threshold. The second change in the signal from the transducer 1012 can be an increase in the parameter above a threshold, such as an increase in pressure above a threshold. The threshold for the first change and the threshold for the second change may be the same or different parameter levels.

[0381] In some examples, the controller 28 can be configured to dynamically adjust the order in which power is directed to the motor 22 and the solenoid 38 is directed such that for a first injection event, the motor 22 is powered before the solenoid 38 is powered, and for a second injection event, the solenoid 38 is powered before the motor 22 is powered. In some examples, the controller 28 is configured to dynamically adjust the order in which power is directed to the motor 22 and the solenoid 38 is directed based on a parameter of the injected fluid, such as sensed by the transducer 1012 or set by the injection setting input 56. In some examples, the controller 28 is configured to change the delay period between the controller 28 directing power to the motor 22 and the controller directing power to the solenoid 38. The controller 28 can be configured to change the delay period based on an injection setting signal from the injection setting input 56 configured to be set by a user. In some examples, the controller 28 is configured to control the powering of the motor 22 and the powering of the solenoid 38 in sequence such that the delay period is zero.

[0382] Fig.171 is a schematic block diagram of a fluid sprayer 1100. The fluid sprayer 1100 is substantially similar to the fluid sprayer 10 and fluid sprayer 1000 shown and discussed previously, except that the spray gun 14 includes a gun controller 1112 and a gun power supply 1114. The fluid sprayer 1100 includes a pump module 12, a spray gun 14, a reservoir 16, a conduit 18, and a transducer 1012. The pump module 12 includes a motor 22, a pump 24, a power supply 1104, and a module controller 1102. The module controller 1102 includes a module control circuit 1106, a module memory 1108, and a module communication circuit 1110. The spray gun 14 includes a gun body 30 having a gun handle 32, a trigger 34, a spray valve 36, a solenoid 38, a nozzle 40, a gun controller 1112, and a gun power supply 1114. The gun controller 1112 includes a gun control circuit 1116, a gun memory 1118, and a gun communication circuit 1120. Although fluid ejector 1100 is described with respect to pump module 12, spray gun 14, reservoir 16, and conduit 18, it should be understood that fluid ejector 1100 may include any one or more of the disclosed pump modules, spray guns, reservoirs, and conduits, including any features of such components.

[0383] The reservoir 16 is configured to store a reserve of injection fluid. The reservoir 16 may be a component of the pump module 12, such as supported by a housing of the pump module 12, or may be formed separately from the pump module 12.

[0384] The pump module 12 is configured to draw the spray fluid from the reservoir 16 and pump the spray fluid to the spray gun 14 through the conduit 18. The spray gun 14 is configured to produce an atomized fluid spray. Specifically, the motor 22 of the pump module 12 is configured to power the pumping of the pump 24. The motor 22 can be an electric motor 22. The pump 24 can be any desired configuration for pressurizing the spray fluid and driving the spray fluid under pressure to the spray gun 14 for spraying, such as a reciprocating piston pump or a reciprocating diaphragm pump, etc.

[0385] The module power supply 1104 is configured to provide power to the electrical components of the pump module 12. For example, the module power supply 1104 can provide power to the motor 22 and the module controller 1102, as well as other components. The module power supply 1104 can be formed as a battery (e.g., a rechargeable lithium-ion based battery, among other options). The battery can be removable. The battery can be replaceable. The module power supply 1104 can be formed as a power cord configured to be plugged into an electrical outlet. The module power supply 1104 can be any desired configuration for providing power to the electrical components of the pump module 12. In some examples, the module power supply 1104 is not electrically connected to the spray gun 14 and does not provide power to the spray gun 14.

[0386] The transducer 1012 is operatively associated with the injection fluid downstream of the pump 24 and upstream of the spray gun 14. The transducer 1012 is configured to generate information about one or more properties of the injection fluid. In some examples, the transducer 1012 can be configured as a pressure sensor configured to generate pressure information about the pressure of the injection fluid. In some examples, the transducer 1012 can be configured as a flow sensor configured to generate flow information about the flow rate (e.g., flow rate, among other options) of the injection fluid. It should be understood that some examples including the transducer 1012 can include both a pressure sensor and a flow sensor, as well as other sensor options.

[0387] The module controller 1102 is operatively connected to the other components of the pump module 12 to control the operation of the other components of the pump module 12. The module controller 1102 is operatively connected to the motor 22 electrically and / or communicatively connected to control the operation of the motor 22. The module controller 1102 can be operatively connected to the transducer 1012 electrically and / or communicatively connected to receive parameter signals from the transducer 1012. For example, the transducer 1012 can be configured to provide pressure data, flow data, etc. to the module controller 1102. The module controller 1102 can be configured to direct power to the motor 22 based on the parameter information generated by the transducer 1012.

[0388] The module controller 1102 is configured to store software, implement a function set and / or process instructions. The module controller 1102 is configured to perform any function discussed herein, including receiving outputs from any sensor cited herein, detecting any condition or event cited herein, and controlling the operation of any component cited herein. The module controller 1102 can be any suitable configuration for controlling the operation of components of the pump module 12, receiving signals from components of the pump module 12, collecting data, processing data, etc. The module controller 1102 can include hardware, firmware and / or stored software, and the module controller 1102 can be installed in full or in part on one or more boards. The module controller 1102 can be any type suitable for operating according to the technology described herein. Although the module controller 1102 is shown as a single unit, it should be understood that the module controller 1102 can be formed as a plurality of discrete controllers. In some examples, the module controller 1102 can be implemented as a plurality of discrete circuit sub-assemblies. The module controller 1102 can be configured similarly or identically to the controller 28.

[0389] The spray gun 14 is fluidly connected to the pump module 12 via the conduit 18 to receive the pressurized spray fluid output by the pump module 12. The spray gun 14 is configured to produce an atomized fluid spray. The nozzle 40 is formed as an orifice of the spray gun 14, and the orifice is configured to emit the spray fluid. The nozzle 40 can be shaped to form a spray pattern emitted by the spray gun 14. For example, the nozzle 40 can be configured to produce a spray fan. A fluid flow path is formed between the conduit 18 and the nozzle 40 through the spray gun 14, and the conduit 18 inputs the spray fluid to the spray gun 14, and the nozzle 40 outputs the spray fluid from the spray gun 14.

[0390] The trigger 34 is configured to be manipulated by the user to cause the spray gun 14 to emit a spray fluid. In the example shown, the trigger 34 is located next to the gun handle 32 or is a part of the gun handle 32. The actuation of the trigger 34 causes the spray gun 14 to emit fluid through the nozzle 40. More specifically, the actuation of the trigger 34 causes the solenoid 38 to actuate the spray valve 36 to an open state. In the example shown, the trigger 34 is a button that can be pressed, but it should be understood that the trigger 34 can take different forms. For example, the trigger 34 can be formed as a lever arm pulled by the user's finger. The trigger 34 is mounted on the spray gun 14. The trigger 34 is communicatively connected to the gun controller 1112 to provide a signal to the gun controller 1112.

[0391] The injection valve 36 is disposed within the spray gun 14. The injection valve 36 is disposed upstream of the nozzle 40. The injection valve 36 is configured to control the flow of the injection fluid to the nozzle 40 for firing from the spray gun 14. The injection valve 36 is actuatable between a closed state, in which the injection valve 36 prevents the injection fluid from flowing to the nozzle 40, and an open state, in which the injection fluid can flow through the injection valve 36 to the nozzle 40 for firing from the spray gun 14. The injection valve 36 can be any desired configuration for controlling the flow of the injection fluid through the nozzle 40, such as a needle valve, among other options.

[0392] The solenoid 38 is operatively connected to the injection valve 36 to control the actuation of the injection valve 36 between the closed state and the open state. For example, the armature of the solenoid 38 can be connected to the injection valve 36 so that movement of the armature causes movement of a valve component of the injection valve 36 (e.g., the armature displaces the needle assembly 104). In some examples, the solenoid 38 is a single-acting solenoid that is connected to the injection valve 36 to actuate the injection valve 36 from the closed state to the open state. The spring can be configured to return the injection valve 36 to the closed state. In some examples, the solenoid 38 is a double-acting solenoid that is configured to actuate the injection valve 36 from the closed state to the open state and from the open state to the closed state.

[0393] The gun power supply 1114 is configured to provide power to the electrically powered components of the spray gun 14 (e.g., the gun controller 1112 and the solenoid 38). The gun power supply 1114 may be formed as a battery (e.g., a rechargeable lithium-ion based battery, among other options). The battery may be removable. The battery may be supported by the spray gun 14, or may be separate from the spray gun 14 and supported by the user, supported by the conduit 18, and the like. For example, the gun power supply 1114 may be mounted to the spray gun 14, worn by the user, or connected to the conduit 18 to be supported by the conduit 18, among other options. In some examples, the gun power supply 1114 may be formed as a power cord configured to be plugged into an electrical outlet. The gun power supply 1114 may be any desired configuration for providing power to the electrically powered components of the spray gun 14. In some examples, the gun power supply 1114 is not electrically connected to the pump module 12 and does not provide power to the pump module 12.

[0394] It should be understood that the spray gun 14 can be connected to the pump module 12 by a wired connection that provides communication but not power signals to the spray gun 14. The spray gun 14 can be connected to the power module 12 with a wire, but not powered by the power module 12.

[0395] The gun controller 1112 is operatively connected to the other components of the spray gun 14 to control the operation of the other components of the spray gun 14. The module controller 1112 is operatively connected to the motor 38 electrically and / or communicatively to control the operation of the motor 38. The controller 1112 can be operatively connected to the trigger 34 electrically and / or communicatively to receive control signals from the trigger 34.

[0396] The module controller 1112 is configured to store software, implement a function set and / or process instructions. The module controller 1112 is configured to perform any function discussed herein, including receiving outputs from any sensor cited herein, detecting any condition or event cited herein, and controlling the operation of any component cited herein. The module controller 1112 can be any suitable configuration for controlling the operation of components of the pump module 14, receiving signals from components of the pump module 14, collecting data, processing data, etc. The module controller 1112 can include hardware, firmware and / or stored software, and the module controller 1112 can be installed in full or in part on one or more boards. The module controller 1112 can be any type suitable for operating according to the technology described herein. Although the module controller 1112 is shown as a single unit, it should be understood that the module controller 1112 can be formed as a plurality of discrete controllers. In some examples, the module controller 1112 can be implemented as a plurality of discrete circuit sub-assemblies. The module controller 1112 can be configured similarly or identically to the controller 28.

[0397] The pump module 12 and the spray gun 14 can be directly or indirectly connected in communication. The module communication circuit 1110 of the pump module 12 and the gun communication circuit 1120 of the spray gun 14 can be configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication. For example, the module communication circuit 1110 can facilitate radio frequency communication and / or can facilitate communication through a network (such as a local area network, a wide area network, a cellular network and / or the Internet). The gun communication circuit 1120 can facilitate radio frequency communication and / or can facilitate communication through a network (such as a local area network, a wide area network, a cellular network and / or the Internet). Although the pump module 12 and the spray gun 14 are described as being connected in communication, it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, the components of the spray gun 14 can be controlled independently of the components of the pump module 12, and the components of the pump module 12 can be controlled independently of the components of the spray gun 14 without communication or power signals transmitted between them.

[0398] In some examples, the module controller 1102 and the gun controller 1112 can be configured to communicate wirelessly via radio frequency communications. For example, the module controller 1102 and the gun controller 1112 can communicate using short wavelength ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band (2.400-2.525 GHz) (e.g., In another example, the module communication circuit 1110 and the gun communication circuit 1120 can be configured to communicate using super high frequency (SHF) radio waves in the 5 GHz band. However, it should be understood that in examples including wireless communication, the module controller 1102 and the gun controller 1112 can be configured to communicate using any suitable frequency in any desired manner.

[0399] In one example, the module control circuit 1106 and / or the gun control circuit 1116 are configured to implement a set of functions and / or process instructions. For example, the module control circuit 1106 may be capable of processing instructions stored in the module memory 1108. The gun control circuit 1116 may be capable of processing instructions stored in the gun memory 1118. Examples of the module control circuit 1106 and / or the gun control circuit 1116 may include one or more of a processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuits. The module control circuit 1106 may be mounted in whole or in part on one or more circuit boards. The gun control circuit 1116 may be mounted in whole or in part on one or more circuit boards.

[0400] The module memory 1108 and the gun memory 1118 may be configured to store information before, during, and / or after operation. In some examples, the module memory 1108 and the gun memory 1118 are described as computer-readable storage media. In some examples, the computer-readable storage media may include non-transitory media. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the storage medium is not contained in a carrier or propagating signal. In some examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that may change over time (e.g., in RAM or cache). In some examples, the module memory 1108 and / or the gun memory 1118 are temporary memories, meaning that the primary purpose of the memory is not long-term storage. In some examples, the module memory 1108 and / or the gun memory 1118 are described as volatile memories, meaning that the memory does not maintain the stored contents when the power is turned off. Examples of volatile memories may include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memory. In some examples, the module memory 1108 is used to store program instructions executed by the module control circuit 1106. In some examples, the gun memory 1118 is used to store program instructions executed by the gun control circuit 1116. In one example, the module memory 1108 and / or the gun memory 1118 are used by software or an application to temporarily store information during program execution.

[0401] In some examples, the module memory 1108 and / or the gun memory 1118 also include one or more computer-readable storage media. The module memory 1108 and / or the gun memory can be configured to store a larger amount of information than a volatile memory. The module memory 1108 and / or the gun memory 1118 can be further configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, the module memory 1108 and / or the gun memory 1118 include a non-volatile storage element. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements can include a magnetic hard disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, or an electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or an electrically erasable programmable (EEPROM) memory.

[0402] During operation, the user actuates the trigger 34 to initiate spraying. The trigger 34 generates a spray signal and transmits the spray signal to the gun controller 1112. In some examples, the gun controller 1112 can be configured to generate a firing signal and transmit it to the module controller 1102. The firing signal notifies the module controller 1102 that the trigger 34 has been actuated to cause spraying of the spray gun 14. For example, the gun controller 1112 can wirelessly transmit the firing signal to the module controller 1102 through communication between the gun communication circuit 1120 and the module communication circuit 1110.

[0403] The gun controller 1112 is further configured to generate and provide an activation signal to the solenoid 38, such as by providing power to the solenoid 38 from the gun power supply 1114, so that the solenoid 38 actuates the injection valve 36 from the closed state to the open state. The injection valve 36 transitioning to the open state opens a flow path through the injection valve 36 for the injection fluid to flow to the nozzle 40 to be atomized into a fluid spray.

[0404] The module controller 1102 is configured to power the motor 22 based on receiving a start signal from the gun controller 1112. Powering the motor 22 causes the motor 22 to drive the pump 24 to pump the spray fluid to the spray gun 14.

[0405] The gun controller 1112 and the module controller 1102 may be configured to sequentially control the activation of the motor 22 and the solenoid 38. Sequentially controlling the actuation of the motor 22 and the solenoid 38 provides a high quality spray while reducing any "dead zone." Sequentially controlling the actuation of the motor 22 and the solenoid 38 may eliminate or reduce an undesirable pressure drop that may occur when the injection valve 36 is actuated to an open state before the pump 24 begins to deliver pressurized injection fluid.

[0406] In some examples, the module controller 1102 can be configured to send a confirmation signal back to the gun controller 1112 indicating receipt of the firing signal. In some examples, the confirmation signal can be based on the module controller 1102 activating the motor 22. The gun controller 1112 can be configured to activate the solenoid 38 based on receipt of the confirmation signal from the module controller 1102. Thus, the fluid sprayer 1100 can be configured such that activation of the motor 22 and activation of the solenoid 38 are controlled sequentially, as described above with respect to Fig.16 discussed.

[0407] In some examples, the gun controller 1112 is configured to activate the solenoid 38 based on a delay period after sending the start signal. The delay period can be timed to allow the activation of the motor 22 so that the pump 24 begins to output the pressurized injection fluid before the solenoid 38 switches the injection valve 36 to the open state. In some examples, the delay period can be adjusted based on the characteristics of the fluid injector 1100 (such as the length of the conduit 18, the desired injection pressure, etc.). For example, a longer conduit 18 will require more time for the pump 24 to drive the injection fluid to the spray gun 14, so that it may take longer to increase the pressure to a sufficient level to offset any pressure drop. In such an example, the longer the length of the conduit 18, the longer the delay period can be, and the shorter the length of the conduit 18, the shorter the delay period can be.

[0408] The user can stop spraying from the spray gun 14 by releasing the trigger 34. The release of the trigger 34 can send a signal to the gun controller 1112 or stop transmitting the spray signal to the gun controller 1112, and the gun controller 1112 can actuate the spray valve 36 to the closed state. For example, the gun controller 1112 can stop or reduce the power to the solenoid 38 to allow the spring to return the spray valve 36 to the closed state, or can send power through another coil of the solenoid 38 to cause the solenoid 38 to actuate the spray valve 36 to the closed state.

[0409] In some examples, the gun controller 1112 can generate and send a completion signal to the module controller 1102 to indicate that the trigger 34 has been released. The module controller 1102 can de-energize the motor 22 based on receiving the completion signal.

[0410] In some examples, the module controller 1102 can be configured to control the operation of the motor 22 regardless of whether the module controller 1102 is communicatively connected to the gun controller 1112. For example, the module controller 1102 can be configured to control the activation of the motor 22 in a connected mode and an independent mode. In the connected mode, the module controller 1102 activates the motor 22 based on a firing signal received from the gun controller 1112. In the independent mode, the module controller 1102 activates the motor 22 based on parameter information received from the transducer 1012.

[0411] For example, the gun controller 1112 and the module controller 1102 may become communicatively disconnected, such as when the gun controller 1112 moves out of range of the module controller 1102 or the operator moves around an obstacle (such as a wall), which may block the wireless communication signal. For example, some examples of the length of the conduit may be 50 feet, 100 feet, 150 feet, 200 feet, 250 feet, 300 feet, or longer. If the module controller 1102 is communicatively disconnected from the gun controller 1112, the gun controller 1112 may not provide a start signal to the module controller 1102. However, it is desirable that the fluid ejector 1100 remain operable in such a situation.

[0412] In standalone mode, the module controller 1102 is configured to activate the motor 22 based on parameter information from the transducer 1012. Actuation of the trigger 34 by the user will cause the gun controller 1112 to activate the solenoid 38, thereby actuating the spray valve 36 to an open state. The spray valve 36 actuated to an open state releases spray fluid from the spray gun 14, causing the fluid pressure in the fluid circuit between the pump 24 and the spray gun 14 to drop, and initiates flow through the fluid circuit due to at least the remaining pressurized fluid in the fluid circuit. The transducer 1012 will sense the pressure drop, and the module controller 1102 can activate the motor 22 based on the sensed pressure drop. The pressure drop detected by the sensor 1012 indicates that the spray valve 36 is open and spraying has begun at the spray gun 14. The module controller 1102 activates the motor 22 based on the pressure drop sensed by the transducer 1012 to cause pumping of the pump 24. In an example where the transducer 1012 is a flow meter, the transducer 1012 will sense the fluid flow within the fluid circuit based on the injection valve 36 switching to an open state. The flow sensed by the transducer 1012 indicates that the injection valve is open and injection has been initiated by the spray gun 14. The module controller 1102 activates the motor 22 to cause the pump 24 to pump based on the fluid flow sensed by the transducer 1012.

[0413] The module controller 1102 can be configured to operate in both a connected mode and a standalone mode. For example, the module controller 1102 can monitor for a start signal from the gun controller 1112 and, if no such signal is received, default to standalone mode and activate the motor 22 based on a change in a sensed fluid parameter (e.g., a sensed fluid flow rate or a sensed pressure drop).

[0414] In some examples, the module controller 1102 may be configured to determine the connection status between the module controller 1102 and the gun controller 1112. If the module controller 1102 determines that it is communicatively disconnected from the gun controller 1112, the module controller 1102 may operate in a standalone mode until the connection is restored.

[0415] In some examples, the gun controller 1112 may be configured to determine the connection status between the module controller 1102 and the gun controller 1112. If the gun controller 1112 determines that it is communicatively disconnected from the module controller 1102, the gun controller 1112 may be operable to activate the solenoid 38 even if no response indicating receipt of the firing signal is received from the module controller 1102. However, it should be understood that, as described above, the gun controller 1112 may be configured to activate the solenoid 38 based on actuation of the trigger 34 even when the gun controller 1112 is communicatively connected to the module controller 1102, such as in examples where the module controller 1102 is not configured to generate and send a confirmation signal.

[0416] In standalone mode, module controller 1102 may deactivate motor 22 based on parameter information generated by transducer 1012. In some examples, transducer 1012 may indicate a pressure rise in the injection fluid, such as a spike in the pressure of the injection fluid as opposed to a steady rise, indicating that injection valve 36 is actuated to a closed state. Module controller 1102 may de-energize motor 22 based on such a sensed pressure rise. In some examples, transducer 1012 may indicate a cessation of flow of injection fluid, indicating that injection valve 36 is actuated to a closed state. Module controller 1102 may de-energize motor 22 based on such a sensed cessation of flow.

[0417] The spray gun 14 is suitable for use with pump modules other than the described pump module 12. For example, the spray gun 14 can be retrofitted to an existing spray system. In such an example, the gun controller 1112 controls the activation of the solenoid 38 based on the actuation of the trigger 34. The user actuates the trigger 34 to cause the gun controller 1112 to activate the solenoid 38 to shift the injection valve 36 to the open state. The user releases the trigger 34 causing the injection valve 36 to be actuated to the closed state, which is either due to the solenoid 38 being deactivated so that the spring can displace the injection valve 36 to the closed state, or due to the solenoid 38 driving the injection valve 36 back to the closed state. Based on the pressure drop in the conduit 18 caused by the injection valve 36 being actuated to the open state to open the flow path through the nozzle 40 to release the injection fluid through the nozzle 40, the motor 22 is activated to power the pump 24. Such a configuration can be referred to as a constant independent mode. In such a modified example, it should be appreciated that the gun controller 1112 may not include the communication circuit 1120, as the gun controller 1112 need not communicate with the controller of the pump module.

[0418] Fig.18A is an isometric view of the spray gun 14 with the tip assembly 58 removed. Fig.18B is an isometric view of the spray gun 14 showing the door 33 removed from the gun handle 32 . Fig.18C is an isometric view of the spray gun 14 showing the door 33 removed from the gun handle 32 and the fluid connector and electrical connector from the conduit 18 disconnected from the spray gun 14. 18A to 18C .

[0419] As described above, the spray gun 14 is fluidly connected to a fluid source, such as a pump module 12, to receive a spray fluid under pressure for atomization and spraying onto a surface. The spray gun 14 may be further electrically connected (e.g., to receive / send power, sensor signals, control signals, etc.) to the pump module 12. In the example shown, the electrical and fluid connections are formed inside the spray gun 14. Placing such connections inside the spray gun 14 may protect the connections from damage, such as due to undesired contact or impact.

[0420] In the example shown, the gun handle 32 includes a door 33. The door 33 is held on the gun handle 32 by a fastener 37. Specifically, the door 33 is mounted to a handle body 47 of the gun handle 32. In the example shown, the handle body 47 is formed as part of the gun body 30. For example, the handle body 47 can be integrally formed with the gun housing 31. The handle body 47 and the gun housing 31 can form an integral part of the gun body 30.

[0421] Although the door 33 is shown as being completely removable from the rest of the gun handle 32, it should be understood that not all examples are so limited. For example, the door 33 may be connected to the rest of the gun handle 32 via a hinge, such that the door 33 remains connected to the gun handle 33 even when released to allow the door 33 to open. In some examples, in addition to or as an alternative to the fastener 37, the door 33 may be fastened to the rest of the gun handle 32 via a tab and slot interface.

[0422] In the example shown, the door 33 is disposed on a lateral side of the gun handle 32. In the example shown, the door 33 forms a lateral side of the gun handle 32, wherein the door 33 is mounted to the gun handle 32. However, it should be understood that the door 33 can be disposed at any desired location on the gun handle 32, or in some examples extend into other portions of the gun body 30, such as the gun housing 31 in examples where fluid and / or electrical connections are formed within the gun housing 31.

[0423] Fig.18B The removal of the door 33 from the gun handle 32 is shown. In the example shown, the door 33 is removed after the fastener 37 is removed. When the door 33 is removed, the cavity 35 within the gun handle 32 is exposed. The opening 51 is exposed when the door 33 is in the open state, and is closed when the door 33 is in the closed state. The cavity 35 is open at the distal end of the gun handle 32 and away from the gun housing 31. The cavity 35 is open on the lateral side of the gun handle 32, with the door 33 in the open state through the opening 51. The cavity 35 accommodates the internal fluid fitting 120 and the internal electrical connector 139. The internal fluid fitting 120 can be connected to the hose fitting 161 of the conduit 18, and the internal electrical connector 139 can be connected to the wire connector 163 of the plurality of wires 1008 of the conduit 18.

[0424] Fig.18CThe hose fitting 161, the plurality of wires 1008, and the wire connector 163 are shown removed from the interior of the gun handle 32. The hose fitting 161 and / or the wire connector 163 may be too large to fit through the passage 83 formed through the bottom of the gun handle 32, such as when the door 33 is mounted to the gun handle 32. In the example shown, the passage 83 is partially defined by an integral part of the gun handle 32 and partially defined by the door 33, wherein the door 33 is mounted to the gun handle 32. Such a configuration prevents components from being accidentally removed from the gun handle 32 through the passage 83. However, the hose fitting 161 and the wire connector 163 are configured to be able to be laterally removed from the gun handle 32 to be separated from the gun handle 32 when the door 33 is removed. The edges of the passage 83 can pinch the conduit 18 to secure the components within the conduit 18 (e.g., the wires 1008 and the fluid hose 1006) relative to the rest of the spray gun handle 32 and the spray gun 14, but with the door 33 removed, the clamping force is released.

[0425] The fluid fittings (e.g., between hose fitting 161 and fluid fitting 120) can be threaded, and the electrical connections (e.g., between wire connector 163 and electrical connector 139) can be recess / receiver type with internal contacts. Removing door 33 can access the threaded connections and recess / receiver type connections. The recess receiver type connection forms a sliding interface. By removing door 33, such connections can be accessed for easy making or breaking. Door 33 encloses cavity 35 to protect the connection with door 33 in the closed state.

[0426] The door 33 can be removed to allow disconnection of the conduit 18, and the same or different conduit 18 can be reattached to the appropriate connector and the door 33 replaced. This can allow replacement of the conduit 18 or replacement of the spray gun 14.

[0427] The interface between the conduit 18 and the fluid fitting 120 and between the conduit and the electrical connector 139 is enclosed within the spray gun 14. With the door 33 mounted on the gun handle 32 to enclose the chamber 35 formed within the gun handle 32, the interface is not exposed to the outside of the spray gun 14. Such a configuration protects the fluid interface between the fluid fitting 120 and the hose fitting 161 and the electrical interface between the electrical connector 139 and the wire connector 163 from undesired contact that may cause disconnection or leakage. The door 33 can be easily disconnected from the gun handle 32 by simply removing the fastener 37 and pulling the door 33 off the gun handle 32. The fluid and electrical interfaces can then be accessed for maintenance or disconnection or connection. Therefore, the spray gun 14 can be easily and quickly removed and replaced with a new spray gun 14, and / or the conduit 18 can be easily and quickly removed and replaced with a new conduit 18.

[0428] Fig.19is an isometric view of the pump module 12 with the panel 21 removed. The panel 21 forms a portion of the module housing 20. The panel 21 may be secured to the remainder of the module housing 20 by fasteners 39, which may be similar or identical to fasteners 37. The panel 21 forms a removable portion of the module housing 20.

[0429] Removal of the panel 21 exposes the pump housing 165. The pump housing 165 accommodates the pump 24. The pump body 162 is at least partially disposed within the pump housing 165 and extends out of the pump housing 165. The pump housing 165 can hold the pump 24. The gear 169 of the pump can be exposed through the pump housing 165 to connect to the pinion 23 of the motor 22.

[0430] As shown, module fitting 160 (also referred to as pump outlet fitting) is mounted on the end of pump 24 left exposed by pump housing 165. Module fitting 160 is connected to conduit 18. This interface can be threaded. As shown, conduit 18 is composed of multiple wires 1008 and includes conduit fitting 159, which is formed at the end of conduit 18 opposite to hose fitting 161, and hose fitting 161 is connected to gun fitting 120 of spray gun 14. Multiple wires 1008 can be connected to the electrical components of pump module 12, and conduit fitting 159 can be connected to the fluid hose of conduit 18 to guide the pumped injection fluid from pump 24 to the fluid hose of conduit 18.

[0431] In the example shown, the pump housing 165 is disposed within the module housing 20 such that the pump housing 165, and therefore the pump 24, can be slid out of the module housing 20 with the panel 21 removed. In this manner, the pump 24 can be replaced by swapping a new pump 24 into the pump module 12. As shown, a portion of the reservoir 16 can be removed with the pump 24, such as by sliding it laterally out of an opening exposed by removing the panel 21. Removal of the panel 21 opens an opening through the module housing 20 through which the basin 48 protrudes, thereby allowing the reservoir 16 to be removed laterally from the pump module 12 with the pump 24.

[0432] Fig. 20A A first isometric view of the pump housing 165 and pump 24 disassembled from the pump module 12 is shown. Fig. 20B A second isometric view of the pump housing 165 and pump 24 disassembled from the pump module 12 is shown. Fig. 20C A third isometric view of the pump housing 165 and pump 24 is shown disassembled from the pump module 12 . Fig.20D A fourth isometric view of the pump housing 165 and pump 24 is shown disassembled from the pump module 12. FIG. 20A to FIG. 20D. Various components of the pump 24 are exposed through the pump housing 165. In the example shown, the module fitting 160 and the pump neck 170 are exposed through the pump housing 165. The pump neck 170 is exposed to facilitate interface with a reservoir (such as the basin 48 of the reservoir 16). A pump inlet 173 through which the injection fluid enters the pump 24 is formed at the distal end of the pump neck 170 and is exposed to the exterior of the pump housing 165. The module fitting 160 is exposed to facilitate interface with the conduit fitting 159 to form a fluid connection between the pump 24 and the conduit 18. In the example shown, the shaft of the priming valve connected to the valve knob 66 ​​is also exposed through the pump housing 165.

[0433] It will be appreciated that the pump includes a driver 158 that includes a gear 169 that receives a rotational output from the motor 22. The driver 158 is configured to convert the rotational motion output by the motor 22 into reciprocating motion of a fluid displacer 164 (e.g., a piston or diaphragm, etc.) of the pump 24. The pump housing 165 partially covers the driver 158 so that a portion of the gear 169 can be exposed as shown to connect with the pinion 23 to receive the input rotational motion from the motor 22. The gear 169 is exposed through a gear slot 179 formed through the pump housing 162. At any given time during operation of the pump module 12, only a portion of the gear 169 is exposed through the gear slot 179. A small portion of the toothed edge of the gear 169 is exposed through the gear slot 179.

[0434] The pump housing 165 en...

Claims

1. A spray gun for spraying liquid, the spray gun comprising: A gun body, the gun body comprising a gun handle for grasping and supporting the spray gun; an injection valve in the gun body, the injection valve being configured to close in a closed state to stop the flow of the liquid, and to open in an open state to allow the liquid to flow through the injection valve; a nozzle configured to atomize the liquid into a spray pattern; Solenoid; as well as An actuator is configured to be depressed to cause the solenoid to move the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, and the actuator is configured to be released to return the injection valve to the closed state.

2. The spray gun according to claim 1, further comprising: A spring urges the injection valve toward the closed state.

3. The spray gun according to claim 2, wherein: The spring is located within the gun body and further within the path of the liquid such that the spring is exposed to the liquid.

4. The spray gun according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein The solenoid comprises: a stator having at least one coil; and The moving iron core has a magnetic attraction part that is electromagnetically moved by the stator.

5. The spray gun of claim 4, wherein: When the stator is in a non-injection state, the spring causes the moving iron core to move along a first direction toward the injection valve in the closed state; and When the stator is in the activated state, the stator moves the moving iron core in the second direction toward the injection valve in the open state.

6. The spray gun according to claim 5, wherein: The spring is the only spring that urges the injection valve into the closed state.

7. A spray gun according to any preceding claim, further comprising: A needle assembly forms a portion of the injection valve, the needle assembly being configured to be pulled away from a seat of the injection valve by the solenoid.

8. The spray gun of claim 7, further comprising: A seal surrounds a portion of the needle assembly, wherein a first portion of the needle assembly is exposed to the liquid and a second portion of the needle assembly is not exposed to the liquid, the seal is located between the first portion and the second portion of the needle assembly, and the solenoid is configured to pull the needle assembly partially through the seal.

9. The spray gun according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein The injection valve, the needle, and the solenoid are all coaxially positioned along a common axis.

10. The spray gun according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a plate on which the solenoid is mounted; and a housing body, the solenoid being located inside the housing body, and the plate being mounted on the housing body.

11. The spray gun of claim 10, further comprising: A fluid housing is supported by the gun body, wherein the housing body is mounted to the fluid housing.

12. The spray gun according to claim 11, wherein The injection valve is located within the fluid housing, and the housing body and the fluid housing radially overlap each other to secure the housing body to the fluid housing.

13. A spray gun according to any preceding claim, wherein: The actuator includes a trigger and a switch toggled by the trigger.

14. The spray gun of claim 13, further comprising: A controller, wherein the switch is communicatively connected to the controller.

15. The spray gun of claim 14, wherein: The switch is communicatively connected to the controller via one of a wired connection and a wireless connection.

16. A fluid injection system, the injection system comprising: The spray gun according to any one of claims 1 to 13; A pump module, the pump module is far away from the spray gun, the pump module comprises: Electric motors; and a pump driven by the electric motor; and A hose is used to transport the liquid output by the pump to the spray gun.

17. The fluid ejection system of claim 16, wherein: The injection system is configured to inject in the following manner: the actuator sending a first signal from the spray gun to the pump module based on being depressed by a user's finger; A controller of the pump module receives the first signal, the controller sending power to the solenoid to open the injection valve and sending power to the motor to drive the pump based on receiving the first signal; The actuator performs one or both of the following operations based on the actuator being released by the finger of the user: sends a second signal from the spray gun to the pump module and stops sending the first signal; and The controller reduces power delivery to the solenoid to close the injection valve and reduces power delivery to the motor to stop pumping of the pump based on one or both of receiving the second signal and no longer receiving the first signal.

18. The fluid ejection system of claim 17, wherein: The controller sending power to the solenoid and the motor based on receiving the first signal includes the controller activating the motor to begin rotating before activating the solenoid to open the injection valve.

19. The fluid ejection system of claim 17, wherein: The controller sending power to the solenoid and the motor based on receiving the first signal includes the controller activating the motor to begin rotating while activating the solenoid to open the injection valve.

20. The fluid ejection system of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: The controller reducing power delivery to the solenoid to close the injection valve and reducing power delivery to the motor to stop pumping of the pump includes the controller causing the solenoid to close the injection valve before the pump stops pumping.

21. The fluid ejection system of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: The controller reducing power delivery to the solenoid to close the injection valve and reducing power delivery to the motor to stop pumping of the pump includes the controller causing the solenoid to close the injection valve while the pump stops pumping.

22. The fluid ejection system of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein: The pump module includes a replaceable rechargeable battery that powers the electric motor.

23. The fluid ejection system of any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein: A fluid reservoir is mounted on the pump module.

24. The fluid ejection system of claim 23, wherein: The fluid reservoir includes a cannula having a bottom opening through which the liquid can flow to the pump and a top opening for receiving the liquid, the top opening being sealed by a cap that is removable from the cannula.

25. The fluid ejection system of any one of claims 16 to 24, further comprising: A strap allows the pump module to be worn on the user's body.

26. The fluid ejection system of claim 25, wherein: The belt is a waist belt for extending around the waist of the user.

27. The fluid ejection system of any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein: The spray gun includes a gun mount; the pump module comprising a first module mount on a first lateral side of the pump module and a second module mount on a second lateral side of the pump module opposite the first lateral side; and The gun mount is configured to interface with each of the first module mount and the second module mount such that the spray gun can be mounted on the first lateral side or the second lateral side of the pump module.

28. The fluid ejection system of claim 27, wherein: the gun mount including a first gun mating part located on a first lateral side of the spray gun and a second gun mating part located on a second lateral side of the spray gun opposite the first lateral side; and Each of the first and second gun mating features is interfaceable with each of the first and second module mounts such that the spray gun is mountable on the first or second lateral side of the pump module.

29. A fluid spraying system for spraying a liquid, the spraying system comprising: A spray gun, comprising: A gun body having a gun handle for holding and supporting the spray gun; an injection valve supported by the gun body, the injection valve being configured to close in a closed state to stop the flow of the liquid and to open in an open state to allow the liquid to flow through the injection valve; a nozzle configured to atomize a liquid into a spray pattern; and an actuator that causes one or both of opening and closing of the injection valve; A pump module, the pump module is far away from the spray gun, the pump module comprises: Electric motors; and a pump driven by the electric motor; and A hose is used to transport the liquid output by the pump to the spray gun.

30. The fluid ejection system of claim 29, further comprising: A fluid reservoir is supported by the pump module and extends along a reservoir axis.

31. The fluid ejection system of claim 30, wherein: The fluid reservoir includes a canister having a top opening and a bottom opening.

32. The fluid ejection system of claim 31, wherein: The fluid reservoir further includes a basin mounted to the pump module, the canister being inserted into the basin.

33. The fluid ejection system of claim 32, wherein: When connecting and disconnecting the tube pot from the basin, the tabs engage the slots.

34. The fluid ejection system of claim 33, wherein: The slot is angled to provide a mechanical advantage for axial movement of the tube pot relative to the basin during rotation of the tube pot relative to the basin.

35. The fluid ejection system of any one of claims 30 to 34, further comprising: A filter is removably disposed within the fluid reservoir.

36. The fluid ejection system of claim 35, wherein: The filter is mushroom-shaped.

37. A fluid ejection system according to any one of claims 35 and 36, wherein: The filter blocks a backflow from the pump.

38. A fluid ejection system according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein: The filter blocks axial flow in the reservoir from flowing directly toward the pump and instead forces flow around the head of the filter.

39. A fluid ejection system according to any one of claims 29 to 38, wherein: The spray gun can be mounted on both the left and right sides of the pump module.

40. The fluid ejection system of claim 39, wherein: The spray gun is mountable in two orientations, a fore-and-aft orientation, on both the left side and the right side.

41. A fluid ejection system comprising: A pump module, the pump module comprising: Electric motors; and a pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor; a spray gun fluidly connected to the pump to receive a spray fluid from the pump, The spray gun comprises: A gun body, wherein the gun body includes a gun handle; trigger; and an injection valve actuatable between a closed state and an open state; a solenoid operatively connected to the injection valve to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state; and a controller operatively connected to the motor to control activation of the motor and operatively connected to the solenoid to control activation of the solenoid, the controller being configured to: receiving an injection signal from a fluid injector indicating actuation of the trigger; directing electric power to the motor based on the injection signal so that the motor drives the pump to pump the injection fluid; and Power is directed to the solenoid based on the injection signal to cause the solenoid to actuate the injection valve to the open state.

42. The fluid ejection system of claim 41, wherein: The controller is further configured to: reducing power directed to the motor upon release of the trigger to stop pumping of the pump; as well as Power to the solenoid is reduced upon release of the trigger to cause the injection valve to transition to the closed state.

43. The fluid ejection system of claim 42, wherein: Before the pump stops pumping, the injection valve switches to the closed state.

44. A fluid ejection system according to any one of claims 42 and 43, wherein: The controller is configured to simultaneously reduce power directed to the motor and reduce power directed to the solenoid.

45. A fluid ejection system according to any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein: The rotor of the electric motor is configured to continue to rotate rapidly after the controller reduces power drawn to the electric motor to stop pumping of the pump.

46. ​​A fluid ejection system according to any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein: The controller is configured to sequentially control the introduction of power to the motor and the introduction of power to the solenoid such that power is provided to one of the motor and the solenoid before the other of the motor and the solenoid is provided.

47. The fluid ejection system of claim 46, wherein: The controller is configured to direct power to the solenoid after directing power to the electric motor.

48. The fluid ejection system of claim 46, wherein: The controller is configured to dynamically adjust sequential control of directing power to the motor and directing power to the solenoid such that for a first injection event, the motor is powered before the solenoid is powered, and for a second injection event, the solenoid is powered before the motor.

49. The fluid ejection system of claim 48, wherein: The controller is configured to dynamically adjust sequential control of directing power to the motor and directing power to the solenoid based on a parameter of the injected fluid.

50. The fluid ejection system of any one of claims 46 to 49, wherein: The controller is configured to vary a delay period between when the controller directs power to the motor and when the controller directs power to the solenoid.

51. The fluid ejection system of claim 50, wherein: The controller is configured to vary the delay period based on an injection setting signal from an injection setting input configured to be set by a user.

52. The fluid ejection system of claim 51, wherein: The spray setting input is provided on the spray gun and the controller is provided at the pump module.

53. A fluid ejection system according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein: The controller is configured to vary the delay period based on a sensed parameter of the injected fluid.

54. A fluid ejection system comprising: A pump module, the pump module comprising: Electric motors; and a pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the injection fluid; a spray gun fluidly connected to the pump to receive the spray fluid from the pump, the spray gun comprising: Gun body; a gun handle, the gun handle protruding from the gun body; trigger; and an injection valve actuatable between a closed state and an open state; a solenoid connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state; and a controller operatively connected to the motor to control activation of the motor and operatively connected to the solenoid to control activation of the solenoid, the controller being configured to: receiving a spray signal indicative of actuation of the trigger; directing electrical power to the motor based on the injection signal so that the motor drives the pump; directing power to the solenoid based on the injection signal so that the solenoid actuates the injection valve to the open state; and Power supply to the motor and power supply to the solenoid are sequentially controlled so that a delay period occurs between power supply to one of the motor and the solenoid and power supply to the other of the motor and the solenoid.

55. The injection system of claim 54, wherein: The controller is configured to adjust the delay period.

56. The injection system of claim 55, wherein: The controller is configured to adjust the delay period based on user input.

57. The injection system of claim 56, wherein: The user input is generated by a spray setting input at the spray gun, the spray setting input being configured to provide a spray setting signal to the controller.

58. The injection system of claim 57, wherein: The controller is disposed at the pump module.

59. The injection system of any one of claims 55 to 58, wherein: The controller is configured to adjust the delay period based on a sensed parameter of the injected fluid.

60. The injection system of any one of claims 54 and 55, wherein: The controller is configured to coordinate sequential control of the motor and the solenoid such that for a first injection event, the motor is powered before the solenoid is powered, and for a second injection event, the solenoid is powered before the motor.

61. The injection system of claim 60, wherein: The injection system is configured to adjust the sequential control based on user input.

62. The injection system of claim 61, wherein: The user input is generated by a spray setting input at the spray gun, the spray setting input being configured to provide a spray setting signal to the controller.

63. The injection system of claim 62, wherein: The controller is disposed at the pump module.

64. The injection system of any one of claims 60 to 63, wherein: The controller is configured to adjust the sequential control based on a sensed parameter of the injected fluid.

65. The injection system of any one of claims 54 to 64, wherein: The controller is configured to sequentially control power supply to the motor and power supply to the solenoid such that the delay period is zero.

66. A method of spraying with a fluid spray system having a pump module and a handheld spray gun, the method comprising: generating a spray signal based on actuation of a trigger of the handheld spray gun and providing the spray signal to a controller of the spray system; activating, by the controller and based on the spray signal, a motor of the pump module so that the motor drives a pump to cause pumping of the pump so that the pump pumps spray fluid from a reservoir to a handheld fluid sprayer; as well as The solenoid is activated by the controller based on the spray signal so that the solenoid actuates the spray valve of the handheld spray gun from a closed state to an open state, and the spray fluid can flow through the spray valve and flow to the nozzle of the handheld fluid sprayer for spraying from the handheld spray gun when the spray valve is in the open state.

67. The method of claim 66, further comprising: The activation of the motor and the activation of the solenoid are sequentially controlled by the controller so that one of the motor and the solenoid is activated before the other of the motor and the solenoid is activated.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein: The controller sequentially controls the activation of the motor and the solenoid so that the other of the motor and the solenoid is activated after the activation of one of the motor and the solenoid, including: starting the motor by the controller; and The solenoid is activated by the controller after a delay period after activating the motor.

69. The method of claim 68, further comprising: The delay period is varied by the controller based on at least one of a user input and a sensed parameter of the injected fluid.

70. The method of any one of claims 66 to 69, further comprising: de-energizing the motor by the controller upon release of the trigger; as well as The solenoid is deenergized by the controller upon release of the trigger, so that the injection valve transitions from the open state to the closed state.

71. The method of claim 70, further comprising: The motor and the solenoid are simultaneously de-energized.

72. A fluid ejection system comprising: A pump module, the pump module comprising: Electric motors; and a pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the injection fluid; a spray gun fluidly connected to the pump via a conduit to receive the spray fluid from the pump, the spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; trigger; and an injection valve, the injection valve being actuatable between a closed state, in which the injection valve blocks the injection fluid from flowing toward the nozzle, and an open state, in which the injection fluid is able to flow toward the nozzle; a solenoid connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state; and a first controller operatively connected to the solenoid to control activation of the solenoid, the spray gun controller being configured to: directing power to the solenoid based on receipt of an injection signal indicative of actuation of the trigger so that the solenoid actuates the injection valve to the open state; and The solenoid is de-energized upon release of the trigger to return the injection valve to the closed state.

73. The fluid ejection system of claim 72, wherein: The pump module further comprises: A module controller is operatively connected to the electric motor and configured to direct power to the electric motor to cause pumping of the pump.

74. The fluid ejection system of claim 73, wherein: The module controller is communicatively connected to the first controller; and The module controller is configured to direct power to the electric motor based on the module controller receiving a crank signal from the first controller, the first controller generating the crank signal based on the first controller receiving the injection signal.

75. The fluid ejection system of any one of claims 73 and 74, further comprising: a transducer configured to generate parameter information about the ejected fluid at a location downstream of the pump and upstream of the nozzle; Wherein the module controller is configured to direct power to the electric motor based on the parameter information generated by the transducer.

76. The fluid ejection system of claim 75, wherein: The transducer is a pressure sensor configured to generate pressure information about the injected fluid; and The module controller is configured to direct electrical power to the electric motor based on the pressure information indicative of a drop in pressure of the injection fluid.

77. The fluid ejection system of claim 76, wherein: The module controller is configured to de-energize the electric motor based on the pressure information indicating a spike in pressure of the injection fluid.

78. The fluid ejection system of claim 75, wherein: The transducer is a flow sensor configured to generate flow information regarding a flow rate of the injected fluid; and The module controller is configured to direct electrical power to the electric motor based on the pressure information indicative of an increase in the flow rate of the injected fluid.

79. The fluid ejection system of claim 78, wherein: The module controller is configured to de-energize the electric motor based on the flow information indicating a decrease in a flow rate of the injected fluid.

80. The fluid ejection system of claim 72, wherein: The pump module further comprises: a module controller operatively connected to the electric motor and configured to direct power to the electric motor to cause pumping of the pump; wherein the module controller is operable in a connected mode in which the module controller directs power to the electric motor based on receipt of a start signal from the first controller; and Wherein the module controller is operable in a standalone mode in which the module controller directs electrical power to the electric motor based on parameter information regarding a parameter of the injection fluid.

81. The fluid ejection system of claim 80, wherein: The module controller is configured to operate in the connected mode and the standalone mode simultaneously.

82. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: a gun body, the gun body including a protruding gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an injection valve actuatable between an open state, in which the injection fluid is able to flow toward the nozzle, and a closed state, in which the injection valve prevents the injection fluid from flowing toward the nozzle; as well as A solenoid is connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state.

83. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 82, wherein: The nozzle, the injection valve, and the solenoid are coaxially arranged along an axis.

84. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 83, wherein: The injection valve includes a needle assembly actuatable along the axis, and the solenoid includes a moving iron core actuatable along the axis and disposed coaxially with the needle assembly.

85. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 84, wherein: A spring is coupled to the needle assembly, the spring being configured to actuate the injection valve to the closed state.

86. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 85, wherein: The spring is disposed in a flow path of the injection fluid such that the spring is exposed to the injection fluid.

87. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 85 and 86, wherein: The spring is configured to displace the moving iron core along the axis.

88. A handheld fluid spray gun according to any one of claims 85 to 87, wherein: The spring is disposed coaxially with the injection valve and the solenoid.

89. A handheld fluid sprayer according to any one of claims 85 to 88, wherein: The spring is disposed axially between the injection valve and the solenoid.

90. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 82, wherein: The gun handle includes a handle front side and a handle rear side, and the trigger protrudes outwardly relative to the handle front side; and The solenoid is configured to switch the injection valve from the closed state to the open state along an axis.

91. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 91, wherein: The stator of the solenoid radially overlaps at least a portion of the rear side of the handle.

92. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 91, wherein: The stator of the solenoid does not radially overlap at least a portion of the rear side of the shank.

93. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 91, wherein: The injection valve is spaced apart from the handle front side in a first axial direction, and the solenoid is spaced apart from the handle front side in a second axial direction.

94. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 93, wherein: The injection valve is disposed in front of the handle front side, and the solenoid is disposed in rear of the handle front side.

95. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 91, wherein: The injection valve is axially spaced from the trigger.

96. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 91, wherein: The injection valve does not radially overlap the trigger.

97. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 91, wherein: The injection valve does not radially overlap the gun handle.

98. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 91, wherein: The solenoid does not radially overlap the trigger.

99. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 82, further comprising: an assembly housing, wherein the injection valve is disposed within the assembly housing; The needle assembly of the spray valve extends from within a wet chamber within the assembly housing to the exterior of the wet chamber, the wet chamber forming part of a fluid flow path through the spray gun.

100. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 99, wherein: The needle assembly extends from within the wet chamber into a dry chamber disposed within the assembly housing, the dry chamber being isolated from the injection fluid.

101. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 100, wherein: The solenoid is disposed within the dry chamber.

102. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 100 and 101, wherein: The needle assembly passes through a seal that is disposed between the wet chamber and the dry chamber and fluidly separates the wet chamber and the dry chamber, and the needle assembly is slidable relative to the seal.

103. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 102, wherein: The component housing comprises: a valve housing in which the injection valve is disposed, wherein the injection valve controls flow of the injection fluid through an outlet aperture formed at a first end of the valve housing; and A seal housing is mounted to the valve housing at a second end of the valve housing, the seal housing supporting the seal.

104. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 103, wherein: The component housing further comprises: A solenoid housing is connected to the valve housing, the solenoid housing at least partially defining the dry chamber, and the solenoid is disposed within the solenoid housing.

105. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 104, wherein: The solenoid housing is mounted to the valve housing at a housing interface such that a portion of the solenoid housing extends around a portion of the valve housing.

106. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 105, wherein: The needle assembly is connected to a coupling disposed within the dry chamber, and a moving iron core of the solenoid is connected to the coupling, such that the coupling secures the needle assembly and the moving iron core together; and The coupler radially overlaps the housing interface.

107. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 103 to 105, wherein: The seal housing is at least partially disposed within the valve housing.

108. The handheld fluid sprayer of any one of claims 100-105 and 107, wherein: The needle assembly is connected to the moving iron core of the solenoid at a location within the dry chamber.

109. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 108, wherein: The needle assembly is connected to a coupling disposed in the dry chamber, and the moving iron core is connected to the coupling, the coupling fixing the needle assembly and the moving iron core together.

110. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 109, wherein: The needle assembly extends into the coupler.

111. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 109 and 110, wherein: The moving iron core extends into the coupling.

112. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 82, wherein: The solenoid is disposed in a solenoid housing; The injection valve is disposed in a fluid housing; and The solenoid housing is mounted to the fluid housing at a housing interface.

113. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 112, wherein: The solenoid housing extends around the fluid housing at the housing interface.

114. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 112 and 113, wherein: An axial gap between the moving iron core of the solenoid and the stator of the solenoid is set by the overlap degree between the solenoid housing and the fluid housing.

115. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; An injection valve, the injection valve being actuatable between an open state, in which the injection fluid is able to flow to the nozzle, and a closed state, in which the injection fluid is prevented from flowing to the nozzle, the injection valve being formed at an interface between: seat; as well as a needle assembly movable along an axis relative to the seat, the needle assembly being engaged with the seat when the injection valve is in the closed state and being disengaged from the seat when the injection valve is in the open state; a solenoid connected to the needle assembly and configured to displace the needle assembly along the axis to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid comprising: stator; and a moving iron core connected to the needle assembly, the moving iron core configured to be displaced by an electromagnetic field generated by the stator; and A spring is connected to the needle assembly and is configured to displace the needle assembly to actuate the injection valve from the open state to the closed state, wherein the spring displaces the movable iron core via the needle assembly.

116. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 115, wherein: The spring is exposed to the injection fluid.

117. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 115, wherein: The spring is disposed in a fluid path through the spray gun and upstream of the nozzle.

118. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 115, further comprising: an assembly housing supported by the gun body, the injection valve being disposed within the assembly housing, and the assembly housing defining a wet chamber configured to direct the injection fluid; Wherein, the spring is arranged in the wet chamber.

119. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 118, wherein: The assembly housing defines a dry chamber, and the solenoid is disposed within the dry chamber.

120. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 119, wherein: The needle assembly extends from within the wet chamber into the dry chamber through a seal; The needle assembly is slidable relative to the seal; and The needle assembly is connected to the moving iron core within the dry chamber.

121. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 115 to 120, wherein: The spring, the moving iron core and the needle assembly are coaxially arranged.

122. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 115 to 121, wherein: The spring is the only spring configured to displace the moving iron core.

123. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an injection valve actuatable between an open state, in which the injection fluid is enabled to flow to the nozzle, and a closed state, in which the injection fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle; A solenoid, the solenoid comprising: stator; and a moving iron core connected to the injection valve to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, wherein the moving iron core is configured to be displaced in a first direction along an axis by an electromagnetic field generated by the stator; and A spring is configured to actuate the injection valve from the open state to the closed state, and the spring is configured to displace the moving iron core along the axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

124. The handheld fluid sprayer of claim 123, wherein: The spring is disposed in a flow path of the injection fluid.

125. The handheld fluid sprayer of any one of claims 123 and 124, wherein: The spring is axially arranged between the injection valve and the moving iron core.

126. A handheld fluid sprayer according to any one of claims 123 to 125, wherein: The spring and the moving iron core are coaxially arranged along the axis.

127. A handheld fluid sprayer according to any one of claims 123 to 126, wherein: The spring is the only spring that displaces the moving iron core.

128. A handheld fluid sprayer according to any one of claims 123 to 127, wherein: The injection valve is formed at the interface between: Seat; and a needle assembly movable along the axis, the needle assembly being engaged with the seat when the injection valve is in the closed state and being disengaged from the seat when the injection valve is in the open state; Wherein, the spring is arranged around the needle assembly.

129. A handheld fluid sprayer according to any one of claims 123 to 128, wherein: The nozzle is coaxially disposed along the axis.

130. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an injection valve, the injection valve being actuatable between an open state and a closed state, wherein the injection fluid is able to flow toward the nozzle, and wherein the injection fluid is blocked from flowing toward the nozzle, the injection valve being disposed within a fluid housing supported by the gun body, the fluid housing defining a wet chamber, the wet chamber being upstream of the nozzle, the injection fluid flowing through the wet chamber; as well as a solenoid connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid being disposed within a solenoid housing; The solenoid housing is mounted to the fluid housing at a housing interface, and the solenoid housing is disposed around the fluid housing at the housing interface.

131. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 130, wherein: The housing interface is a threaded interface.

132. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 130 and 131, wherein: The solenoid housing is suspended from the fluid housing.

133. A handheld fluid spray gun according to any one of claims 130 to 132, wherein: The stator of the solenoid is mounted directly to the solenoid housing.

134. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 133, wherein: The solenoid housing comprises: a housing body mounted to the fluid housing at the housing interface; and a plate mounted to the housing; Therein, the stator is mounted directly to the plate.

135. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 130 to 134, wherein: The fluid housing comprises: a valve housing extending between a first end and a second end, the fluid housing being configured to output the injection fluid through an outlet port formed at the first end; and A seal housing is mounted to the valve housing, the seal housing supporting a first seal configured to prevent injection fluid from flowing through the second end.

136. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 135, further comprising: A second seal is disposed between an exterior of the seal housing and an interior of the valve housing.

137. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 135 and 136, wherein: The needle assembly of the injection valve extends from within the valve housing through the first seal and into the solenoid housing, and the needle assembly contacts the first seal and is slidable relative to the first seal.

138. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 137, wherein: The needle assembly is connected to a plunger of the solenoid on an axial side of the first seal opposite the first end, the plunger being configured to be displaced along an axis to displace the needle assembly.

139. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 138, wherein: The needle assembly is connected to a coupling, the moving iron core is connected to the coupling, the coupling connects the needle assembly to the moving iron core, and the coupling radially overlaps the housing interface.

140. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 139, wherein: The coupler extends at least partially into the seal housing.

141. A handheld fluid spray gun according to any one of claims 135 to 140, wherein: The housing interface radially overlaps an interface between the seal housing and the valve housing.

142. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 130 to 136, wherein: The solenoid housing is formed of a first thermally conductive material and the fluid housing is formed of a second thermally conductive material such that a first thermal path is formed from the solenoid through the solenoid housing and the fluid housing to the jetting fluid within the wet chamber.

143. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 142, wherein: The first thermally conductive material is metal.

144. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 142 and 143, wherein: The second thermally conductive material is metal.

145. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 142 to 144, wherein: The first thermally conductive material is the same as the second thermally conductive material.

146. A handheld fluid spray gun according to any one of claims 142 to 145, wherein: The injection valve comprises: a seat supported by the assembly housing; and a needle assembly connected to the movable iron core of the solenoid to move along the axis by movement of the movable iron core, the needle assembly being engaged with the seat when the injection valve is in a closed state and being disengaged from the seat when the injection valve is in an open state; Wherein, the needle assembly is at least partially formed of a third thermally conductive material such that a second thermal path is formed from the solenoid through the needle assembly to the injection fluid within the wet chamber.

147. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an assembly housing supported by the gun body, the assembly housing being formed at least in part from a thermally conductive material, the assembly housing defining a wet chamber through which the injection fluid flows; an injection valve disposed within the assembly housing, the injection valve being actuatable between an open state, in which an injection fluid is enabled to flow from the wet chamber to the nozzle, and a closed state, in which the injection fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle; as well as a solenoid connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, a stator of the solenoid being mounted to the assembly housing; Wherein a heat path is formed from the stator to the wet chamber through the thermally conductive material of the component housing.

148. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 147, wherein: The component housing comprises: a fluid housing, the wet chamber being disposed within the fluid housing; and A solenoid housing, the stator is mounted to the solenoid housing, the solenoid housing is mounted to the fluid housing at a housing interface.

149. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 148, wherein: The solenoid housing is disposed around the fluid housing at the housing interface.

150. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 148 and 149, wherein: The housing interface is a threaded interface.

151. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 147 to 150, wherein: The thermally conductive material is metal.

152. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an injection valve, the injection valve being actuatable between an open state, in which the injection fluid is able to flow to the nozzle, and a closed state, in which the injection fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle, the injection valve being disposed in a fluid housing supported by the gun body, the fluid housing defining a wet chamber through which the fluid flows to the nozzle; as well as a solenoid connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid being disposed within a solenoid housing mounted to the fluid housing; Wherein the fluid housing is formed of a first thermally conductive material and the solenoid housing is formed of a second thermally conductive material such that a heat path is from the solenoid through the solenoid housing and the fluid housing to the injection fluid.

153. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 152, wherein: The first thermally conductive material is a first metal, and the second thermally conductive material is a second metal.

154. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 153, wherein: The first metal is the same as the second metal.

155. A handheld fluid sprayer according to any one of claims 152 to 154, wherein: The solenoid is disposed within a sealed dry chamber defined at least in part by the solenoid housing.

156. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an injection valve, the injection valve being actuatable between an open state and a closed state, in which the injection fluid is able to flow to the nozzle and in which the injection fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle, the injection valve being disposed in a fluid housing supported by the gun body, the fluid housing defining a wet chamber through which the injection fluid flows to the nozzle, the injection valve being formed at an interface between: a seat supported by the fluid housing; and a needle assembly configured to move along an axis, the needle assembly being engaged with the seat when the injection valve is in the closed state and being disengaged from the seat when the injection valve is in the open state; as well as a solenoid connected to the needle assembly and configured to displace the needle assembly to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid being disposed within a solenoid housing mounted to the fluid housing; Wherein, the fluid housing and the solenoid housing are thermally conductive so that a first thermal path is formed from the solenoid via the solenoid housing and the fluid housing to the injection fluid for cooling of the solenoid.

157. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 156, wherein: The needle assembly is thermally conductive such that a second thermal path is formed from the solenoid via the needle assembly to the injection fluid for cooling of the solenoid.

158. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized fluid spray; an injection valve, the injection valve being actuatable between an open state and a closed state, in which the injection fluid can flow to the nozzle and in which the injection fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle, the injection valve being disposed in the fluid housing; as well as a solenoid connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid being disposed in a solenoid housing, the solenoid comprising: a stator configured to generate an electromagnetic field; and a moving iron core, the moving iron core reacting to the electromagnetic field so as to be displaced along the axis by the electromagnetic field; wherein an axial gap is formed between the moving iron core and the stator, the axial gap sets a distance by which the injection valve can be displaced between the closed state and the open state, the axial gap is opened when the injection valve is in the closed state, and the axial gap is closed when the injection valve is in the open state; Wherein, the solenoid housing is mounted to the fluid housing at a housing interface, and the housing interface sets the size of the axial gap.

159. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 158, wherein: The size of the axial gap is set by the axial length of the housing interface.

160. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 158 and 159, wherein: The housing interface is a threaded interface.

161. A method for setting the opening distance of a spray valve of a handheld fluid spray gun, the method comprising: Aligning the first assembly component with the second assembly component along an axis, wherein: The first assembly component includes a stator of a solenoid mounted to a solenoid housing; and The second assembly component includes: a fluid housing; a needle assembly of the injection valve, the needle assembly extending from the wet chamber in the fluid housing to the outside of the wet chamber; and a moving iron core of the solenoid, the moving iron core connected to the needle assembly and disposed outside the wet chamber; A housing interface is engaged between the solenoid housing and the fluid housing so that the plunger extends at least partially into the stator, and an axial length of the housing interface sets a distance that the needle assembly can be displaced to open the injection valve.

162. The method of claim 161, wherein: Engaging the housing interface between the solenoid housing and the fluid housing further comprises: displacing the solenoid housing relative to the fluid housing in a first axial direction along the axis until an axial gap between the moving iron core and the solenoid is closed; and The solenoid housing is displaced relative to the fluid housing in a second axial direction along the axis so that the axial gap opens to have an axial length corresponding to the distance.

163. The method according to any one of claims 161 and 162, wherein: Engaging the housing interface between the solenoid housing and the fluid housing includes engaging a butting threaded connection between the solenoid housing and the fluid housing.

164. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: Gun body; a gun handle, the gun handle protruding from the gun body; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an assembly housing, the assembly housing being supported by the gun body; an injection valve actuatable between an open state in which the injection fluid is enabled to flow to the nozzle and a closed state in which the injection fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle, the injection valve being disposed within a wet chamber formed within the assembly housing; as well as A solenoid connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state is disposed in a dry chamber formed in the assembly housing, the dry chamber being fluidly isolated from the wet chamber.

165. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 164, wherein: The dry chamber is hermetically sealed.

166. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 164 and 165, wherein: The component housing comprises: a fluid housing, the wet chamber being formed within the fluid housing and the injection valve being disposed within the fluid housing; and A solenoid housing, the dry chamber is formed in the solenoid housing, and the solenoid is disposed in the solenoid housing.

167. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 166, wherein: The solenoid housing comprises: a housing body mounted to the fluid housing; and A plate is mounted to the housing body, wherein a stator of the solenoid is mounted to the plate.

168. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 167, wherein: The stator is mounted to the plate by at least one post extending from the stator and through the plate.

169. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 164 and 165, wherein: The injection valve is formed at the interface between: a seat supported by the assembly housing; and a needle assembly connected to the solenoid to move along an axis, the needle assembly engaging with the seat when the injection valve is in the closed state and disengaging from the seat when the injection valve is in the open state, the needle assembly extending from within the wet chamber and into the dry chamber.

170. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 169, wherein: The needle assembly extends through a seal disposed along the axis between the wet chamber and the dry chamber, the seal engaging an exterior of the needle assembly.

171. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 170, wherein: The component housing comprises: a valve housing supporting the seat and at least partially defining the wet chamber, wherein the valve housing is configured such that the injected fluid exits the valve housing through an outlet aperture at a first end of the valve housing; and A seal housing is mounted to the valve housing, the seal housing supporting the seal, the seal being configured to prevent the injection fluid from flowing through the second end of the valve housing.

172. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 171, wherein: The needle assembly extends axially completely through the seal housing.

173. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 171 and 172, wherein: A second seal is disposed between and seals against the exterior of the seal housing and the interior of the valve housing.

174. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an injection valve actuatable between an open state, in which the injection fluid is enabled to flow to the nozzle, and a closed state, in which the injection fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle; as well as a solenoid connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid comprising: a stator configured to generate an electromagnetic field; and a moving iron core, the moving iron core reacting to the electromagnetic field so as to be displaced along the axis by the electromagnetic field; The electromagnetic force acting on the moving iron core is greater when the injection valve is in the closed state than when the injection valve is in the open state.

175. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 174, wherein: An axial gap is formed between the moving iron core and the stator, the axial gap sets a distance by which the injection valve can be displaced between the closed state and the open state, the axial gap is opened when the injection valve is in the closed state, and the axial gap is closed when the injection valve is in the open state.

176. The handheld fluid spray gun of any one of claims 174 and 175, wherein: A power level of electric energy supplied to the solenoid when the injection valve is in the closed state is greater than a power level of electric energy supplied to the solenoid when the injection valve is in the open state.

177. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 176, wherein: The power level is the current level.

178. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 176, wherein: The power level is a voltage level.

179. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized fluid spray; an injection valve actuatable between an open state in which fluid is able to flow to the nozzle and a closed state in which the fluid is prevented from flowing to the nozzle; as well as A solenoid is connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, wherein an electromagnetic force acting on a moving iron core of the solenoid is maximum when the injection valve is in the open state.

180. An injection system comprising: A handheld fluid spray gun, the handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; and an injection valve, the injection valve being actuatable between an open state, in which the injection fluid can flow to the nozzle, and a closed state, in which the injection fluid can flow to the nozzle. preventing the spray fluid from flowing to the nozzle; and a solenoid connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state; and a controller operatively connected to the solenoid to control activation of the solenoid, the controller being configured to provide a first power level to the solenoid so that the solenoid actuates the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, and being configured to provide a second power level different from the first power level to the solenoid so that the solenoid maintains the injection valve in the open state.

181. The injection system of claim 180, wherein: The first power level is a first voltage level, and the second power level is a second voltage level.

182. The injection system of claim 180, wherein: The first power level is a first current level and the second power level is a second current level.

183. The injection system of any one of claims 180 to 182, wherein: The first power level is greater than the second power level.

184. A spray system comprising: A pump module, the pump module comprising: Electric motors; and a pump connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the injection fluid; A handheld fluid spray gun, the handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an injection valve actuatable between an open state in which the injection fluid is enabled to flow to the nozzle and a closed state in which the injection fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle; and a controller operatively connected to the trigger to receive a spray signal from the trigger, the controller configured to activate the motor to cause pumping of the pump based on receipt of the spray signal; Wherein, the trigger is not mechanically connected to the injection valve, so that the trigger does not directly mechanically actuate the injection valve to the open state.

185. A handheld fluid spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to produce an atomized spray of a spray fluid; an injection valve actuatable between an open state, in which the injection fluid is enabled to flow to the nozzle, and a closed state, in which the injection fluid is blocked from flowing to the nozzle; as well as a solenoid connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state, the solenoid comprising: a stator configured to generate an electromagnetic field; and a moving iron core, the moving iron core reacting to the electromagnetic field to be displaced along the axis by the electromagnetic field, the moving iron core being connected to the needle assembly of the injection valve to actuate the needle assembly of the injection valve along the axis, wherein the moving iron core comprises: A moving iron core shaft, wherein the moving iron core shaft is at least partially disposed in the stator; a movable iron shoulder, the movable iron shaft extending from the movable iron shoulder, the movable iron shoulder being at least partially disposed in the inner portion, the movable iron shoulder having a larger diameter than the movable iron shaft; and A movable iron core flange extends radially outward from the movable iron core shoulder, and the movable iron core shoulder extends axially between the movable iron core flange and the movable iron core shaft.

186. The handheld fluid spray gun of claim 185, further comprising: A coupling is provided to which the needle assembly is connected and to which the moving iron core is connected, the moving iron core including a connector shaft extending axially from the moving iron core flange and entering the coupling.

187. A pump module for a fluid spraying system, the pump module being configured to pump a spraying fluid to a handheld spray gun for spraying by the handheld spray gun, the pump module comprising: module housing; an electric motor, the electric motor being disposed in the module housing; a pump supported by the module housing, the pump being connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the injection fluid; as well as a fluid reservoir supported by the module housing, the fluid reservoir comprising: a basin connected to a pump body of the pump; as well as A cannula is mountable to the basin and extends along a reservoir axis, the cannula being configured to store a reserve of the injection fluid.

188. A pump module according to claim 187, wherein The tube pot extends at least partially into the basin such that the basin extends around the exterior of the tube pot.

189. A pump module according to claim 188, wherein The tube can includes at least one fin protruding from an exterior of the tube can, the at least one fin being configured to interface with an interior surface of the basin to support the tube can relative to the basin.

190. A pump module according to claim 189, wherein A collection chamber is formed in the basin between an interior surface of the basin and an exterior of the tube pot.

191. A pump module according to claim 190, wherein The at least one fin extends into the collection chamber.

192. A pump module according to any one of claims 187 to 191, wherein An annular gap is formed between the tube pot and the basin.

193. A pump module according to any one of claims 187 to 192, wherein: a mounting slot formed in the basin, the mounting slot extending axially and circumferentially relative to the reservoir axis; and A protrusion extends from an exterior of the tube pot, the protrusion being configured to slide within the mounting slot during installation and removal of the tube pot from the basin.

194. A pump module according to claim 193, wherein The basin includes a basin rim disposed around a mounting opening of the basin, and the basin includes a basin seat mounted to a neck of the pump body, the basin seat being disposed at an end of the basin opposite to the mounting opening.

195. The pump assembly of claim 194, wherein: The neck of the pump body extends into the basin.

196. A pump module according to any one of claims 194 and 195, wherein The mounting slot extends from the basin rim and toward the basin seat.

197. A pump module according to any one of claims 194 to 196, wherein A radially protruding mounting recess is formed at the basin rim, the radially protruding mounting recess defining a vertical opening through which the protrusion can enter and exit the mounting slot.

198. The pump module of any one of claims 193 to 197, further comprising: A pot lock is configured to engage the protrusion to secure the pipe pot to the basin.

199. A pump module according to claim 198, wherein The jar lock includes a spring actuated lever.

200. A pump module according to any one of claims 187 to 199, wherein The tube pot includes an inlet opening at a first axial end of the tube pot and an outlet opening at a second axial end of the tube pot, the outlet opening being disposed within the basin.

201. A pump module according to claim 200, wherein The outlet opening has a smaller diameter than the inlet opening.

202. A pump module according to any one of claims 200 and 201, wherein: The tube tank comprises a tank body and a tank neck, wherein the outlet opening is formed in the tank neck; The basin includes a basin seat into which the pot neck extends.

203. A pump module according to claim 202, wherein A reservoir seal is annularly disposed about the tank neck and between the basin and the tank neck.

204. A pump assembly according to any one of claims 202 and 203, wherein: A filter is mounted to the tank neck, the filter covering the outlet opening.

205. The pump module of any one of claims 200 to 204, further comprising a cover mounted to the canister at the first axial end.

206. A pump module according to any one of claims 187 to 205, wherein: The tube canister does not contact the pump body.

207. A pump module according to any one of claims 187 to 206, wherein: The basin is in contact with the pump body at a position disposed within the module housing.

208. The pump module of any one of claims 187 to 207, further comprising: A battery is mountable to the module housing, the battery being configured to provide power to the electric motor.

209. A pump module for a fluid spraying system, the pump module being configured to pump a spraying fluid to a handheld spray gun for spraying by the handheld spray gun, the pump module comprising: module housing; an electric motor, the electric motor being disposed in the module housing; a pump supported by the module housing, the pump being connected to the motor to be driven by the motor to pump the injection fluid; as well as a fluid reservoir supported by the module housing, the fluid reservoir comprising: a basin connected to a pump body of the pump, the basin including a mounting slot formed in a wall of the basin; and a cannula mountable to the basin and extending along a reservoir axis, the cannula including a protrusion extending outwardly from an exterior of the cannula, the cannula being configured to store a reserve of the injection fluid; wherein, during installation and removal of the tube can from the basin, the protrusion abuts against the mounting slot, and the mounting slot is angled such that, during installation and removal of the tube can from the basin, the mounting slot causes the tube can to be axially displaced when the tube can is rotated along the reservoir axis.

210. A pump module according to claim 209, wherein The basin includes a plurality of the mounting slots, and the pipe pot includes a plurality of the protrusions.

211. A pump module according to any one of claims 209 and 210, wherein The tube canister does not contact the pump body.

212. A pump module according to any one of claims 209 to 211, wherein The basin extends into the module housing to interface with the pump body, and wherein the mounting slot is disposed outside the module housing.

213. A pump module according to any one of claims 209 to 212, wherein: The tube pot extends at least partially into the basin.

214. A pump module for a fluid spraying system, the pump module being configured to pump a spraying fluid to a handheld spray gun for spraying by the handheld spray gun, the pump module comprising: module housing; an electric motor, the electric motor being disposed in the module housing; a pump, the pump being supported by the module housing, the pump being connected to the motor to be driven by the motor; as well as a fluid reservoir supported by the module housing, the fluid reservoir comprising: a basin connected to a pump body of the pump; and a cannula mountable to the basin and extending along the reservoir axis, the cannula configured to store a reserve of the injection fluid; Wherein, the canister is configured to be mounted to the basin by the canister being rotated along the reservoir axis and axially displaced along the reservoir axis.

215. A pump module for a fluid spraying system, the pump module being configured to pump a spraying fluid to a handheld spray gun for spraying by the handheld spray gun, the pump module comprising: module housing; an electric motor, the electric motor being disposed in the module housing; a pump supported by the module housing, the pump being connected to the motor to be driven by the motor; and A fluid reservoir is supported by the module housing, the fluid reservoir comprising a canister configured to store a reserve of the injection fluid, the canister including an inlet opening at a first axial end of the canister and an outlet opening at a second axial end of the canister.

216. A pump module according to claim 215, wherein The fluid reservoir includes a cap mounted to the first axial end of the cannula.

217. A pump module according to any one of claims 215 and 216, wherein The diameter of the inlet opening is greater than the diameter of the outlet opening.

218. A pump module according to any one of claims 215 to 217, wherein The fluid reservoir further comprises: A basin is mounted to a pump body of the pump, and the tube canister is removably mounted to the basin.

219. A pump module according to claim 218, wherein The tube pot extends into the basin.

220. A pump module according to claim 219, wherein The outlet opening is disposed within the basin and the inlet opening is disposed outside the basin.

221. A pump module according to any one of claims 218 to 220, wherein The tube tank further comprises: a tank body extending axially from the first axial end; a tank neck disposed at the second axial end; and A tank shoulder extends between the tank body and the tank neck and connects the tank body and the tank neck, and the tank shoulder radially narrows between the tank body and the tank neck.

222. A pump module according to claim 221, wherein The tube can includes a plurality of fins protruding from the can shoulder, the plurality of fins being configured to interface with an interior of the basin to support the tube can relative to the basin.

223. A pump module according to any one of claims 221 and 222, wherein The tube can includes at least one protrusion extending outwardly from an exterior of the can body, the at least one protrusion being configured to slide within an angled mounting slot formed in the basin during installation and removal of the tube can from the basin.

224. A pump module according to any one of claims 221 to 223, wherein The tank neck is configured to interface with the basin with an interference fit.

225. A pump module according to any one of claims 214 to 220, wherein The tube tank further comprises: a tank body extending axially from the first axial end; a tank neck disposed at the second axial end; and A tank shoulder extends between the tank body and the tank neck and connects the tank body and the tank neck, and the tank shoulder radially narrows between the tank body and the tank neck.

226. A pump module for a fluid spraying system, the pump module being configured to pump a spraying fluid to a handheld spray gun for spraying by the handheld spray gun, the pump module comprising: module housing; an electric motor, the electric motor being disposed in the module housing; a pump, the pump being supported by the module housing, the pump being connected to the motor to be driven by the motor; as well as a fluid reservoir supported by the module housing, the fluid reservoir comprising: a basin connected to a pump body of the pump, the basin including a basin rim disposed around a mounting opening of the basin; as well as A cannula is mountable to the basin and extends along a reservoir axis, the cannula protruding from the basin through the mounting opening, the cannula being configured to store a reserve of the injection fluid.

227. The pump assembly of claim 226, wherein: The basin rim includes an upper lip and a lower lip, the upper lip being axially spaced from the lower lip along the reservoir axis.

228. A pump module according to claim 227, wherein: The module housing includes a module handle extending from the module housing; and The upper lip is disposed closer to the module handle than the lower lip.

229. A pump module according to any one of claims 227 and 228, wherein: The module housing includes at least one vent extending therethrough; and The upper lip is disposed between locations closer to the at least one vent than the lower lip.

230. An injection system comprising: A pump module, the pump module comprising: module housing; a module mounting member formed on the module housing; an electric motor disposed in the module housing; and a pump supported by the module housing and connected to the motor to be driven by the motor; A hand-held spray gun fluidly connected to the pump to receive a spray fluid from the pump, the hand-held spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; a gun mount formed on the gun body; and a trigger, the trigger being configured to control the spraying of the spray fluid by the handheld spray gun; Wherein, the gun mount is configured to interface with the module mount to support the handheld spray gun on the pump module.

231. The injection system of claim 230, wherein: The handheld spray gun further comprises: an injection valve actuatable between a closed state and an open state; and A solenoid is connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state.

232. The injection system of any one of claims 230 and 231, wherein: The handheld spray gun is mountable to the pump module in a plurality of orientations.

233. The injection system of claim 232, wherein: The plurality of orientations includes a first orientation in which the handheld spray gun is mounted on a first lateral side of the pump module and a second orientation in which the handheld spray gun is mounted on a second lateral side of the pump module.

234. The injection system of claim 232, wherein: The plurality of orientations include a first orientation in which the handle of the handheld spray gun is oriented toward a front end of the pump module and a second orientation in which the handle of the handheld spray gun is oriented toward a rear end of the pump module.

235. The injection system of claim 232, wherein: The multiple orientations include: a first orientation in which the handheld spray gun is mounted on a first lateral side of the pump module and the handle of the spray gun is oriented toward a front end of the pump module; a second orientation in which the handheld spray gun is mounted on the first lateral side of the pump module and the handle of the handheld spray gun is oriented toward a rearward end of the pump module; a third orientation in which the handheld spray gun is mounted on a second lateral side of the pump module and the handle of the handheld spray gun is oriented toward the front end of the pump module; and A fourth orientation in which the handheld spray gun is mounted on the second lateral side of the pump module and the handle of the handheld spray gun is oriented toward the rearward end of the pump module.

236. The injection system of any one of claims 230 and 231, wherein: The module mounts include a first module mount on a first lateral side of the pump module and a second module mount on a second lateral side of the pump module; and The gun mount is mountable to the first module mount in a plurality of orientations and is mountable to the second module mount in a plurality of orientations.

237. The injection system of any one of claims 230 to 236, wherein: The module housing includes a module handle, and wherein the module mount is formed on the module handle.

238. The injection system of claim 237, wherein: The module mount is formed as a recess disposed laterally outwardly from a grip of the module handle.

239. The injection system of claim 238, wherein: The gun mount is formed as a hook extending from the gun body, the hook being configured to extend into the recess.

240. The injection system of any one of claims 230 to 239, wherein: The gun mount is formed as a hook extending from the gun body.

241. The injection system of claim 240, wherein: The gun mount extends from a top side of the gun body, and the gun handle extends from a bottom side of the gun body.

242. An injection system comprising: A pump module, the pump module comprising: Electric motors; and a pump connected to the motor and driven by the motor to pump the injection fluid; a spray gun fluidly connected to the pump via a conduit to receive the spray fluid from the pump, the spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body has a gun handle; trigger; an injection valve actuatable between a closed state in which the injection valve blocks the injection fluid from flowing toward the nozzle and an open state in which the injection fluid is able to flow toward the nozzle; and a transducer configured to generate parameter information about the injected fluid at a location downstream of the pump; a controller operatively connected to the motor to control starting of the motor, the controller being configured to: Power is directed to the motor based on at least one of the parameter information and a firing signal generated by the trigger.

243. The injection system of claim 242, wherein: The spray gun further comprises: A solenoid is connected to the injection valve and configured to actuate the injection valve from the closed state to the open state.

244. The injection system of any one of claims 242 and 243, wherein: The controller is configured to direct electrical power to the electric motor based on the parameter information indicative of a drop in pressure of the injected fluid.

245. The injection system of any one of claims 242 to 244, wherein: The injection signal is transmitted wirelessly to the controller.

246. A spray gun connected to a conduit that supplies a spray fluid via a fluid hose, the fluid hose having a hose fitting and having a wire connector for a plurality of wires, one or more of the plurality of wires supplying electrical power, the spray gun comprising: A gun body, wherein the gun body includes a gun handle; a trigger, the trigger being supported by the gun body; a nozzle configured to emit an atomized spray of the injection fluid; an injection valve, the injection valve controlling the flow of the injection fluid to the nozzle; as well as a solenoid configured to actuate the injection valve; wherein the gun handle includes a door that covers an internal fluid fitting and an internal electrical connector and exposes the internal fluid fitting and the internal electrical connector when removed, the internal fluid fitting being connectable to the fluid hose, and the internal electrical connector being connectable to the plurality of wires.

247. The spray gun of claim 246, wherein The door is mounted to the handle of the gun grip by at least one fastener.

248. The spray gun of any one of claims 246 and 247, wherein The door forms a lateral side of the gun handle.

249. A spray gun according to any one of claims 246 to 248, wherein A cavity is formed in the gun handle, and wherein the door closes the cavity when installed.

250. The spray gun of any one of claims 246, 248 and 249, wherein A passage is formed at a distal end of the gun handle, the passage being defined in part by the door.

251. The spray gun of claim 250, wherein: The conduit is clamped within the passageway between the door and the body of the gun grip.

252. The spray gun of any one of claims 246 to 251, wherein The interface between the internal fluid fitting and the fluid hose is a threaded interface, and wherein the interface between the electrical connector and the plurality of wires is a sliding interface.

253. A method of using a spray gun according to any one of claims 246 to 252, comprising: moving the door relative to the gun body to expose the internal fluid fittings and the electrical connector; connecting the internal fluid fitting to the fluid hose and connecting the electrical connector to the plurality of wires; as well as The door is securely closed to cover the internal fluid fittings and the electrical connector.

254. A method of maintaining a spray gun, the spray gun being configured to receive a spray fluid and electrical power from a conduit, the method comprising: actuating a door forming part of a handle of the spray gun from a closed state to an open state to open a cavity within the handle; inserting a portion of the conduit into the cavity through an opening that is uncovered when the door is in the open state; forming a first interface between a fluid fitting of the spray gun and a hose fitting of the conduit within the cavity, the first interface being exposed when the door is in the open state and sealed when the door is in the closed state; and A second interface is formed between an electrical connector of the spray gun and a wire connector of the conduit within the cavity, the second interface being exposed when the door is in the open state and being sealed when the door is in the closed state.

255. The method of claim 254, further comprising: The door is actuated to the closed state to enclose the first and second interfaces within the cavity.

256. An ejector, comprising: Pump module; spray gun; as well as a conduit extending between the pump module and the spray gun, The first electrostatic core is exposed on the spray gun, and the second electrostatic core is exposed on the pump module, and the first electrostatic core and the second electrostatic core are configured to dissipate static electricity.

257. The injector of claim 256, wherein: The first electrostatic core and the second electrostatic core are electrically connected to each other.

258. An ejector, comprising: Pump module; a fluid reservoir connected to the pump module; as well as a cover sealing an inlet opening of the fluid reservoir; Wherein the cover and the pump module have mating features that allow the cover to be installed on the pump module without sealing the inlet opening of the fluid reservoir.

259. The injector of claim 258, wherein: The mating features allow the cap to be installed upside down relative to the position of the lid when the lid is installed on the fluid reservoir.

260. The injector of any one of claims 258 and 259, wherein: The mating features include at least one tab and at least one slot.

261. The injector of claim 260, wherein: The at least one tab is formed on the pump module and the at least one slot is formed on the cover.

262. The injector of claim 261, wherein: The at least one tab is formed on a module handle of the pump module.

263. The injector of claim 262, wherein: A mount is formed between the grip of the module handle and the at least one tab, and wherein a spray gun is configured to be mounted to the pump module with a gun mount of the spray gun extending into the mount.

264. A method of using an injector according to any one of claims 260 to 263, the method comprising: removing the cover from the fluid reservoir to expose the inlet opening; installing the cover on the pump module; as well as The lid is reinstalled on the reservoir.

265. A fluid ejector, comprising: Pump module; a fluid reservoir supported by the pump module; spray gun; a conduit extending between the pump module and the spray gun, the conduit fluidly connecting the pump module and the spray gun; a strap configured to be attached to a user; and A clip attaches the pump module to the strap and detaches the pump module from the strap, wherein the clip includes a pusher that orients the fluid reservoir upright when the pump module is mounted on the clip.

266. The fluid injector of claim 265, wherein: The clip includes a connector disposed vertically above the ejector such that the clip engages the pump module at a location disposed above where the ejector engages the pump module.

267. The fluid ejector of any one of claims 265 and 266, wherein: The pump module is mounted to the clip via a tongue and groove interface.

268. The fluid injector of any one of claims 265 to 267, wherein: The clip includes a detent configured to retain the pump module on the clip.

269. A method of using an injector according to any one of claims 265 to 268, the method comprising: engaging the clip with the pump module such that the ejector solely engages the pump module; as well as The clip is disengaged from the pump module to remove the pump module from the band.

270. A pump module for a fluid ejector, the pump module comprising: a pump comprising a pump housing and at least one piston rod extending such that the piston rod is partially within the pump housing and partially outside the pump housing; a pump housing, the pump housing containing at least a portion of the pump; as well as A module housing contains both the pump and the pump casing.

271. A pump module according to claim 270, wherein The pump includes a driver that converts a rotational motion input into a linear reciprocating motion of the piston rod, wherein the driver is at least partially located outside of the pump housing and further at least partially contained within the pump housing.

272. A pump module according to claim 271, wherein The driver includes a gear that is at least partially exposed outside the pump housing.

273. A pump module according to claim 272, wherein The gear is exposed through a gear slot formed in the pump housing.

274. A pump module according to claim 273, wherein A minority of the teeth of the gear are exposed through the gear slot.

275. A pump module according to any one of claims 272 to 274, wherein The gear is configured to interface with a pinion of an electric motor disposed within the module housing.

276. A pump module according to any one of claims 270 to 275, further comprising a removable panel in the module housing, the removable panel being removable to allow the pump housing to be removed from the module housing, the pump being removed together with the pump housing, and the panel blocking the removal of the pump housing and the pump when installed along the module housing.

277. A pump module according to any one of claims 270 to 276, wherein: The pump housing is formed as a clamshell housing.

278. A fluid ejection assembly comprising: a spray gun configured to receive a pressurized spray fluid through a conduit; as well as A power source is electrically connected to the spray gun via a wire extending between the power source and the spray gun, wherein the power source is configured to be mounted to the conduit.

279. The fluid jet assembly of claim 278, wherein: The power supply is configured to be mounted to the conduit via a clamp.

280. The fluid jet assembly of claim 278, wherein: The power source includes a rechargeable battery.

281. The fluid jet assembly of any one of claims 278 and 280, wherein: The power supply includes a housing having a groove formed in an exterior surface of the housing, the groove configured to receive the conduit to connect the power supply to the conduit.

282. The fluid jet assembly of claim 281, wherein: The groove is formed in one long side of the housing.

283. The fluid jet assembly of claim 281, wherein: The conduit is recessed from the exterior surface when disposed in the groove.

284. A fluid jet assembly according to any one of claims 278 to 283, wherein: The electrical wires are connected to the conduit by at least one strap.

285. The fluid jet assembly of any one of claims 178 to 283, wherein: The electrical wire has an adjustable length.

286. A fluid ejection system comprising: a pump module configured to pump the injection fluid from the fluid reservoir, the pump module comprising a pump and a motor configured to drive the pump; a spray gun fluidly connected to the pump module to receive the spray fluid from the pump module, the spray gun comprising an injection valve and a solenoid configured to actuate the injection valve from a closed state to an open state; a first power source electrically connected to the motor to supply power to the motor; as well as A second power source is electrically connected to the solenoid to provide power to the solenoid.

287. A fluid ejection system according to claim 286, wherein: The first power source is a battery.

288. A fluid ejection system according to any one of claims 286 and 287, wherein: The second power source is a battery.

289. A fluid ejection system according to any one of claims 286 to 288, wherein: The first power source is supported by a housing of the pump module, and wherein the electric motor is at least partially disposed within the housing.

290. A fluid ejection system according to any one of claims 286 to 289, wherein: The first power source is not electrically connected to the solenoid, and wherein the second power source is not electrically connected to the motor.

291. An injector for injecting a fluid, the injector comprising: an electric motor configured to start to output a rotational motion and to stop to stop outputting the rotational motion; a driver that receives the rotational motion from the motor and converts the rotational motion into linear reciprocating motion; a pump having a fluid displacer, wherein the pump receives the linear reciprocating motion to cause the fluid displacer to linearly reciprocate to pump the fluid; a fluid hose receiving the fluid from the pump; a spray gun having a trigger that outputs a first signal upon actuation of the trigger, the spray gun being configured to receive the fluid output by the pump via the fluid hose and to spray the fluid upon actuation of the trigger; a transducer configured to output a second signal based on a sensed parameter of the fluid output by the pump; as well as A controller is configured to supply power to the motor to operate the pump, the controller being configured to begin supplying power to the motor to operate the pump based on a first occurrence of either the first signal indicating actuation of the trigger or the second signal indicating a first change in the parameter.

292. The injector of claim 291, wherein: The controller is configured to reduce power directed to the motor to cease operating the pump based on both a second change in the second signal and an absence of an indication from the first signal that the trigger is actuated.

293. The injector of claim 291, wherein: The controller is configured to reduce power to the motor to stop operating the pump based on a first occurrence of either a second change in the second signal or an absence of an indication from the first signal that the trigger is actuated when the motor is powered to operate the pump.

294. The injector of any one of claims 291 to 293, wherein: The first change in the parameter is a decrease in the parameter below a threshold value.

295. The injector of any one of claims 291 to 294, wherein: The first parameter is pressure and the first change is a decrease in the pressure below the threshold.

296. The injector of any one of claims 292 to 295, wherein: The second change in the parameter is a rise in the parameter above the threshold.

297. The injector of any one of claims 291 to 296, wherein: The spray gun includes a valve, and the sprayer includes a solenoid configured to actuate the valve to spray and stop spraying the fluid based on actuation of the trigger.

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