Liquid injector

Abstract

A portable battery-powered liquid injector includes a supply canister assembly, a base assembly, and a stem. The supply tank assembly contains a liquid to be ejected. The base assembly is selectively coupled to the supply canister assembly. The base assembly accommodates and supports a motor, a pump driven by the motor, and a rechargeable battery powering the motor. A motor drives the pump to drive the liquid from the supply canister assembly and eject the liquid from the hose based on a signal provided by a pressure switch that detects the outlet pressure of the pump. A battery is removably coupled to the base assembly and is operable to power the motor. The rod is connected to the outlet of the pump via a flexible hose such that the rod is in fluid communication with the supply canister assembly.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A handheld (e.g., portable) powered liquid sprayer is used to spray or otherwise discharge a liquid agent onto an object or surface. A powered liquid sprayer may include a liquid supply tank that stores the liquid to be sprayed and a power unit that receives the liquid from the tank and directs the fluid to a spray bar that terminates at a nozzle. Sprayers typically transfer the liquid from the tank to the object using a pump, vacuum, or any other device that is capable of creating a pressure differential between the reservoir and an area outside the reservoir, thereby propelling the liquid to an area outside the reservoir. The liquid may be any type of liquid, including water, pesticides, fertilizers, insecticides, termiticides, fungicides, or other chemical agents. Summary of the invention

[0002] A portable battery-powered liquid sprayer includes a supply tank assembly, a base assembly, and a rod. The supply tank assembly contains the liquid to be sprayed. The base assembly is selectively and removably connected to the supply tank assembly. The base assembly surrounds and supports a motor and a pump. The motor receives power from the battery and drives the pump to supply water from the tank to a handheld applicator such as a rod. A pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure of a fluid supply line connecting the pump to the rod, and a controller selectively drives the motor (and therefore the pump) based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to transfer liquid from the supply tank assembly and spray liquid from the hose. The battery is removably connected to the base assembly and is operable to supply power to the motor. The rod is movable relative to the base assembly and is in fluid communication with the supply tank assembly. The rod itself is removable and includes a nozzle. In some embodiments, the sprayer may include a frame connected to the base, which may be configured for a backpack, while in other embodiments, wheels may be connected to the base, whereby the sprayer has a cart configuration. The tank is also removable. Having a removable tank allows for less chance of cross contamination between chemicals and also allows different sized tanks to be used with the base assembly.

[0003] In some aspects, a portable liquid sprayer includes a base assembly configured to be connected to a base fluid outlet line and a supply tank configured to store liquid to be sprayed. The supply tank is detachably connected to the base assembly and supported on the base assembly. The base assembly includes a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, and a battery disposed in the housing. The battery is configured to supply power to the motor. The base assembly includes a pump disposed in the housing, the pump being configured to be driven by the motor and outputting fluid to the base fluid outlet line via a pump fluid outlet line disposed inside the housing. The base assembly includes a pressure sensor configured to detect the fluid pressure of the pump fluid outlet line and output a fluid pressure signal corresponding to the detected fluid pressure. In addition, the base assembly includes a controller configured to receive the fluid pressure signal and start the motor based on the detected fluid pressure.

[0004] In some embodiments, the ejector includes a base fluid outlet line having a first end connected to the base assembly and a second end opposite and spaced from the first end. The second end of the base fluid outlet line includes a rod assembly that receives fluid from the supply tank via the base fluid outlet line and is configured to selectively eject the received fluid.

[0005] In some embodiments, the jet injector includes a base fluid outlet line having a first end connected to the base assembly and a second end opposite and spaced from the first end. The second end of the base fluid outlet line terminates in a quick-connect mechanical fluid connector.

[0006] In some embodiments, the housing includes an opening and a fitting mounted in the opening, the fitting being configured to provide a fluid connection between the base fluid outlet line and the pump outlet line.

[0007] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive a fluid pressure signal from a pressure sensor. When the detected fluid pressure is less than a predetermined pressure, the controller allows power to be supplied to the motor and the pump is driven by the motor. In addition, when the detected fluid pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure, the controller prevents power from being supplied to the motor, and the pump is not driven by the motor.

[0008] In some embodiments, the supply tank is connected to the pump via a pump fluid inlet line disposed in the base assembly.

[0009] In some embodiments, the battery is removably coupled to the base assembly.

[0010] In some embodiments, the injector is configured so that a user-operated power switch mounted on an outer surface of the housing determines the connection between the motor and the battery, and when the power switch is in the on position, the motor is operable to drive the pump based on the detected fluid pressure, and when the power switch is in the off position, the motor is inoperable.

[0011] In some embodiments, the injector includes a display. The controller is configured to monitor a state of charge of the battery and output a control signal corresponding to the state of charge of the battery to the display, and the display is configured to display a representation of the state of charge of the battery based on the control signal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sprayer includes a selector device mounted on the housing to allow manipulation by a user of the sprayer. The selector device is electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to control the speed of the motor based on the configuration of the selector device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base assembly includes a back frame connected to the housing, the back frame being configured to transport the injector between use locations.

[0014] In some embodiments, the back frame is configured to convert between a first use mode and a second use mode. The first use mode includes a harness configuration that can be worn on the body of a user of the jet, and the second use mode includes a wheeled cart configuration that can be pulled or pushed along the ground by the user of the jet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a liquid ejector.

[0016] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the ejector.

[0017] Figure 3 is an exploded rear perspective view of the injector.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of certain internal components of the injector base assembly, with the reservoir of the supply tank represented by dashed lines.

[0019] Figure 5 is an exploded front perspective view of the injector.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of certain internal components of an injector base assembly, with the housing of the base assembly represented by dashed lines.

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of components of an injector, wherein electrical connections are shown with solid arrows and fluid connections are shown with hollow arrows.

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a base outlet fluid line of a base assembly showing the presence of a valve disposed inside the hose portion of the line.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the injector.

[0024] Fig.10 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment injector.

[0025] Fig.11 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment injector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] See also Figure 1-Figure 4, the portable battery-powered liquid sprayer 1 includes a supply tank 50 removably mounted on the upper surface of the base assembly 10. The base assembly 10 is configured to support the supply tank 50 and form a sealed fluid connection with the fluid supply tank 50. The base assembly 10 includes a motor 26 and a fluid pump 30 driven by the motor 26. The fluid pump 30 receives fluid from the supply tank 50 and delivers it to a base fluid outlet line 60 on a connector 20 removably fixed to the base assembly housing 12. In some embodiments, the base fluid outlet line 60 can be connected to a power tool (not shown), so that the sprayer 1 can be used to deliver cooling fluid to a cutting blade of the power tool, for example. In other embodiments, the base fluid outlet line 60 may include a handheld rod assembly 200, which is configured to receive the fluid and spray and distribute the fluid as a spray. The details of the base assembly 10, the supply tank 50, and the base fluid outlet line 60 are described in detail below.

[0027] The supply tank 50 is a generally hollow rigid structure, and the interior space of the supply tank defines a reservoir 51 for receiving the liquid to be sprayed. Although the supply tank 50 is illustrated herein as having a generally rectangular shape, the supply tank 50 is not limited to any particular shape. The supply tank 50 is detachably coupled and supported on the upper surface of the base assembly 10. Relative directions referenced herein, such as up, down, above, below, top, bottom, above, below, front, rear, etc., are for the purpose of description relative to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The orientation of the sprayer 1 is shown for purposes of illustration and is not intended to be limiting. The supply tank 50 has a tank outlet opening 59 on its lower surface that allows fluid communication between the reservoir 51 and the pump fluid inlet line 31 disposed in the base assembly 10. In particular, a fluid seal 57 is present between the supply tank 50 and the base assembly 10 that provides a sealed connection between the tank outlet opening and the pump fluid inlet line 31. Because the supply tank 50 is removable, one supply tank 10 can be substituted for another supply tank on the base assembly 10. This interchangeability allows different chemicals to be used with the same base assembly 10, each contained in its own supply tank 10. And, or alternatively, allows supply tanks 10 of different sizes to be used with the same base assembly 10. In some embodiments, such as where the liquid to be sprayed is a corrosive chemical, the supply tank 10 can be formed of metal. In other embodiments, the supply tank 50 can be formed of plastic.

[0028] The supply tank 50 includes a filling opening 52 in its upper surface. The filling opening 52 is surrounded by an upstanding annular protrusion 53 having an external thread. A cover 54 having a complementary internal thread can be fixed to the protrusion 53, whereby the filling opening 52 can be closed in a fluid-tight manner. In the embodiment shown, the cover 54 includes a handle 55. When the supply tank 50 is removed from the base assembly 10, the supply tank 50 can be carried by the handle 55.

[0029] The supply tank 50 may include features that allow it to be removably secured to the base assembly 10. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the supply tank 50 is removably connected to the base assembly 10 using a metal buckle 58. In this example, the buckle 58 is provided on each of the front side 2 and the rear side 3 of the injector 1. The front buckle 58f is provided on the injector front side 2 at a location near the connection between the supply tank 50 and the base assembly housing 12. One of the protruding or recessed portions of the buckle 58f may be provided on the supply tank 50, while the other of the protruding or recessed portions of the buckle 58f may be provided on the base assembly housing 12. In addition, the rear buckle 58r is provided on the injector rear side 3 of the upper portion of the supply tank 50. One of the protruding or recessed portions of the buckle 58r may be provided on the supply tank 50, while the other of the protruding or recessed portions of the buckle 58 may be provided on the back frame 300, which will be described below. The buckle 58 allows the supply tank 50 to be selectively attached and detached from the base assembly 10 without the use of tools.

[0030] See also Figure 1-Figure 2 and Figure 5-Figure 7 The base assembly 10 is configured to be located below the supply tank 50 and to form a fluid connection with the reservoir 51 via the lower side of the fluid supply tank 50. The base assembly 10 includes a housing 12 surrounding the working elements of the injector 10. The housing 12 may include a base 13, a cover 15 covering the base 13, and a side wall 14 extending around the periphery of the base 13 and the cover 15 and connecting the base 13 to the cover 15.

[0031] The upper surface 11 of the base assembly housing 12 (e.g., the outer surface of the cover 15) can include features that enhance the proper positioning and / or location of the supply tank 50 relative to the base assembly 10 and / or facilitate a secure connection between these structures, including shaped surface structures that are complementary in shape and / or configured to engage with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 11 of the housing 12 includes an upstanding protrusion 19 extending along the periphery of the housing 12. The upstanding protrusion 19 and the housing upper surface 11 cooperate to define a tray that receives the lower portion of the supply tank 50 therein.

[0032] The cover 15 includes a housing inlet opening 16 that receives a pump fluid inlet line 31. The sidewall 14 includes a housing outlet opening 18 that receives and supports a fitting 20. The fitting 20 is configured to provide a connection between a pump fluid outlet line 32 disposed inside the housing 12 and a base fluid outlet line 60 disposed outside the housing 12. In some embodiments, the fitting 20 can provide a threaded connection between the respective lines 32, 60 and the fitting 20. In other embodiments, the fitting 20 can provide a quick connect / disconnect and / or swivel of a pressurized line. The fitting 20 can be located on the front side 2 of the injector 1.

[0033] The housing 12 contains the working elements of the injector 10, which include a motor 26, a pump 30 driven by the output shaft of the motor 26, a pressure sensor 34, a rechargeable battery 40, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 35. The PCB 35 supports a controller 36, a battery monitoring system (BMS) 41, and other auxiliary electronic components required for the operation of the injector 1. In addition, the housing sidewall 14 supports an on / off switch 42 that controls the electrical connection between the battery 40 and the motor 26, a display or human machine interface (HMI) 46, and a fluid pressure level selector 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid pressure level selector 44 is a knob, but the injector 1 is not limited to this type of selector.

[0034] The motor 26 may be a brushless DC motor and is controlled by the controller 36 through a circuit including an on / off switch 42 and a battery 40 .

[0035] The pump 30 may be a double diaphragm pump, which may provide improved life in the presence of chemicals over other types of pumps. However, the pump 30 is not limited to a double diaphragm pump, and the type of pump used may depend on the specific application. The pump 30 is driven by the output shaft of the motor 26. The pump 30 is connected to the tank outlet opening 59 via a pump fluid inlet line 31 so that the pump 30 can draw fluid from the tank reservoir 51. The pump 30 is connected to an internal portion of the connector 20 via a pump fluid outlet line 32 so that the pump 30 can deliver fluid to the base fluid outlet line 60.

[0036] The battery 40 is configured to power the motor 26 and the electronic devices supported on the PCB 35 (including the controller 36 and the BMS 41). In some embodiments, the battery 40 cannot be removed from the housing 12 and can be recharged via a housing plug (not shown). In other embodiments, the battery 40 is detachable from the housing 12 and can be removed from the housing 12 for charging and / or replacement through a door (not shown) provided in the housing 12. The BMS 41 can be configured to monitor the state of charge (SOC) of the battery 40 and provide an SOC signal to the controller 36. In turn, the controller 36 can control the display 46 to provide a representation of the SOC to the user during operation of the injector 1. As used herein, the term "battery" refers to a group of individual battery cells; however, the monitoring and control functions of the BMS 41 are specifically applied to a single battery cell or a group of battery cells called a module in the entire battery pack assembly.

[0037] The pressure sensor 34 is supported in the housing 12 at a position close to the pump 30. The pressure sensor 34 is configured to detect the fluid pressure of the pump fluid outlet line 32 and output a fluid pressure signal corresponding to the detected fluid pressure to the controller 36. The controller 36 is configured to receive the fluid pressure signal and activate the motor 26 based on the detected fluid pressure. The operating details of the injector 1 are described in detail below.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the BMS 41 is a software module of the controller 36. The BMS 41 may, for example, monitor the battery, provide battery protection, estimate the operating state of the battery, optimize battery performance, and / or report the operating state of the battery to the controller 36.

[0039] The controller 50 is communicatively coupled to the pressure level selector 44 and the display 46. The pressure level selector 44 can be a manually adjustable mechanical input device, such as a rotary switch or a sliding switch. The display 46 can be used, for example, to indicate the on (on) / off (off) state of the injector 1 and provide a representation of the charge state of the battery 40. The display (also referred to as a human-machine interface) 46 can be color, non-color (e.g., grayscale), or a combination of both. The display 46 can be implemented as any type of display, including LCD, LED, VGA, OLED, SVGA, CRT, or any other alternative configuration known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the display 46 can provide a touch screen function, and the pressure level selector can be integrated into the display 46.

[0040] The controller 36 may also be communicatively coupled to various operating components of the injector 1, including, but not limited to, the motor 26 and the pressure sensor 34. As used herein, the term "communicatively coupled" may refer to a direct wired connection via, for example, conductive signal lines, a shared communication bus, or alternatively may refer to a wireless connection. Thus, the controller 36 may receive information from these devices and selectively activate and operate various operating components.

[0041] In some embodiments, the controller 36 includes one or more memory devices 38 and one or more processors 39. The processor 39 may be any combination of a general or special purpose processor, a CPU, etc., which is capable of executing programmed instructions or control codes related to the operation of the injector 1. The memory device (i.e., memory) 38 may represent a random access memory such as a DRAM or a read-only memory such as a ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor 39 executes programmed instructions stored in the memory 38. The memory 38 may be a separate component from the processor 39, or may be included onboard the processor 39. Alternatively, the controller 36 may be constructed without the use of a processor 39, for example using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits (e.g., switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip flops, AND gates, etc.) to perform control functions, rather than relying on software.

[0042] In some embodiments, the controller 36 includes a network interface so that the controller 36 can be connected to one or more networks (not shown) and communicate through the network. The controller 36 can also include one or more transmitting, receiving or transceiving components for sending and / or receiving communications with other devices that are communicatively coupled to the injector 1. In addition, or alternatively, the transmitting, receiving or transceiving components can be located outside the controller 36. In general, the controller 36 can be located at any suitable location throughout the base assembly 10.

[0043] The various functions performed by the controller 36 can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed by a computer-readable program code and contained in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, processes, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data or parts thereof suitable for implementation with suitable computer-readable program codes. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD) or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable media excludes wired, wireless, optical or other communication links that transmit temporary electrical signals or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media include media in which data can be permanently stored and media in which data can be stored and rewritten later, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable memory devices.

[0044] Reference Figure 5-Figure 7 and Figure 8 In addition to the base assembly 10 and the supply tank 50, the injector 1 also includes a base fluid outlet line 60, which is used by the operator of the injector 1 to guide the fluid output from the injector 1 to the area to be injected. The base fluid outlet line 60 includes a first end 61 and a second end 64 opposite the first end 61. The first end 61 includes a connector 62, which is detachably connected to the external portion of the connector 20 provided on the side wall 14 of the base assembly 10. For example, if the external portion of the connector 20 provides external threads, the first end 61 including the connector 62 may have internal threads, which are configured to engage with the connector external threads and form a sealed connection.

[0045] The base fluid line second end 64 is opposite the first end 61 and is spaced apart from the first end 61 by a hose portion 68. The second end 64 includes a connector 65 that enables the base fluid outlet line 60 to be removably connected to an external device, such as a rod assembly (shown) or a power tool (not shown). For example, the connector 65 can have internal or external threads that are configured to engage with a fitting of an external device and form a sealed connection. In another example, the connector 65 can be configured to engage a high pressure quick connector to allow engagement with a mating connector of an external device.

[0046] The hose portion 68 may be a flexible tube configured to contain a pressurized fluid. In addition, the connectors 62, 65 and the hose portion 68 of the base fluid outlet line 60 may be formed of one or more materials that are impermeable to chemicals such as, but not limited to, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and / or concrete-related chemicals such as curing and sealing chemicals, etchants, forming oils, hydrochloric acid, xylene, and the like.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5-Figure 6 , the sprayer 1 may include a rod assembly 200 that is detachably connected to the base fluid outlet line second end 64, receives fluid from the supply tank 50 via the hose portion 68, and is configured to selectively spray the received fluid. The rod assembly 200 includes a handle 201 connected to the hose portion 68 and a rigid tubular rod 202 protruding from the handle 201. The rod 202 terminates in a spray nozzle 203, which may be adjustable to allow a spray pattern to be selected. The size and shape of the handle 201 are designed to be grasped by the hand of an operator of the sprayer 1. The handle 201 includes a normally closed fluid control valve 266 and a protruding trigger 204. The trigger 204 is configured to open and / or close the fluid passage between the hose portion 68 and the nozzle 203 via the control valve 266. For example, the operator of the sprayer 1 can press the trigger 204 to allow fluid to flow through the rod assembly 200.

[0048] In embodiments where the rod assembly 200 is detached from the base fluid outlet line second end 64 and the base fluid outlet line 60 is connected to the power tool using a quick connector, such a connector may include a normally closed internal valve that mechanically opens when the base fluid outlet line connector 65 is securely connected to the power tool. Additionally, the power tool may include an internal valve that controls the passage of fluid through the fluid passage of the tool.

[0049] Reference again Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the base assembly 10 includes a back frame 300 connected to the housing 12 and the supply tank 50. The back frame 300 is used to transport the injector between locations of use. In the illustrated embodiment, the back frame 300 serves as a wheeled cart that allows the injector 1 to be easily moved from one place to another. In addition, the back frame 300 stably supports the base assembly 10 (and therefore the supply tank 50) on the ground.

[0050] The back frame 300 includes a support plate 302 having a front surface 303 facing the ejector 1, a rear surface 304 opposite to the front surface 303, and a relatively narrow outer peripheral surface 305 extending between the wide front surface 303 and the rear surface 304. The back frame 300 includes a cylindrical sleeve 306 extending along the lower portion of the outer peripheral surface 305. The sleeve 306 receives and supports the wheel axle 307 passing therethrough. A wheel 308 is coupled to each of the opposite ends of the wheel axle 307, and the wheels 308, 308 support the support plate 302 relative to the ground. The upper portion of the outer peripheral surface 305 is formed as a cart handle 309.

[0051] The front surface 303 of the support plate 302 includes a wedge-shaped protrusion 310 configured to fix the injector 1 to the back frame 300. The protrusion 310 is linear and elongated in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis 307. The protrusion 310 has a uniform cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis 307. In addition, the protrusion 310 tapers in a direction perpendicular to the front surface 303 so as to be narrowest at a position spaced apart from the front surface 303. The protrusion 310 has a sufficient length in a direction perpendicular to the wheel axis 307 to engage the recess 22, 70 provided in the rear surface of each of the base assembly 10 and the supply tank 50. Since the wheels 308, 308 are provided along the lower rear edge of the base assembly 10, the base assembly housing 12 may include a pair of feet 311, 311 that support the lower front edge of the housing 12 when the back frame 300 is not in use. In use, the back frame 300 supports the sprayer 1 and allows a user of the sprayer 1 to pull or push the sprayer 1 along the ground.

[0052] Reference Fig. 9 , the operation of the injector 1 is as follows.

[0053] In step 500, when the on / off switch 42 is in the "off" position, the battery 40 does not provide power to the controller 36 or other electrical components of the injector 1 (e.g., the motor 26, the pressure sensor 34, the BMS 41, etc.), and the injector 1 does not operate (step 501).

[0054] If the on / off switch 42 is in the "on" position, power is supplied to the controller 36 and other electrical components of the injector 1 (step 502). The controller 36 may then receive information from the BMS 41, such as SOC information, and display the information on the display / HMI 46. In addition, the controller 36 may receive information from the pressure sensor 34. The motor 26 receives power from the battery 40 and drives the pump 30 to draw fluid from the supply tank 50 and supply it to the base fluid outlet line 60.

[0055] In step 503, after the controller 36 and the pressure sensor 34 receive energy from the battery 40, the pressure sensor 34 detects the pressure P D The controller 36 outputs the detected pressure P D With the predetermined threshold pressure P T Specifically, the controller determines the detected pressure P D Is it equal to or greater than the threshold pressure P? T . Threshold pressure P T It may be, for example, in the range of 80 psi to 135 psi. The specific threshold pressure P T Determined by the requirements of the specific application.

[0056] In step 504, if the rod assembly 200 is connected to the base assembly 10 via the base fluid outlet line 60, the control valve 266 of the handle 201 prevents fluid from flowing through the rod 202. The pressure in the pump fluid outlet line 32 increases because the control valve 266 is normally closed. When the pressure in the pump fluid outlet line 32 increases to a value greater than the threshold pressure P T When the pressure reaches 0.1°C, the controller 36 stops the flow of power to the motor 26 , which in turn stops the operation of the pump 30 .

[0057] If the trigger 204 of the rod assembly 200 is depressed, the control valve 266 opens and allows fluid to flow through the rod 202 and out of the nozzle 203. In this case, the pressure in the pump fluid outlet line 32 decreases, and P D becomes smaller than P T The controller 36 continues to detect the pressure P D With threshold pressure P T is compared, and as long as the pressure in the pump fluid outlet line 32 remains at the threshold pressure P T At or below the threshold pressure P T , the pump 30 continues to deliver fluid to the rod assembly 200.

[0058] If the base fluid outlet line 60 is connected to a power tool via a quick connector, the fluid control mechanism of the connector allows fluid to flow to the power tool when connected. However, the power tool may include an internal valve that controls the flow of fluid through the tool. If the internal valve is open, the pressure in the pump fluid outlet line 32 remains below the threshold pressure P T In this case, the pump drives the fluid through the power tool.

[0059] In both the case of the lever assembly 200 and the power tool, upon release of the trigger, the pressure in the pump fluid outlet line 32 increases to a value greater than the threshold pressure P T The pressure is reduced and the controller 36 stops the flow of power to the motor 26 , which in turn stops the operation of the pump 30 .

[0060] If the base fluid outlet line 60 is not connected to the base assembly 10, the detected pressure P D will be less than the threshold pressure P T , for example, is zero. In this case, the motor and pump are allowed to operate until the reservoir 51 of the supply tank 50 is empty.

[0061] Therefore, in the injector 1, the fluid pressure sensor 34 is configured to detect the fluid pressure of the pump fluid outlet pipeline 32 and to generate a signal corresponding to the detected fluid pressure P D The fluid pressure signal is output to the controller 36. In addition, the controller 36 receives the fluid pressure signal and is configured to activate the motor 26 based on the detected fluid pressure.

[0062] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the back frame 400 of the alternative embodiment is similar to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The back frame 300 is shown in the figure, and common reference numerals are used to indicate common elements. The back frame 400 is similar to the back frame 300 of FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is different because the sleeve 306, axle 307 and wheels 308, 308 are omitted and the rear surface 304 of the support plate 302 is provided with a flexible back strap 402 including padded shoulder straps 403, 403 of adjustable length. With this configuration, the back frame 400 provides a backpack that allows the sprayer 1 to be worn on the user's body and carried by the user's shoulders during transport.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the supply tank 50 has a tank outlet opening 59 in its lower surface that allows fluid communication between the reservoir 51 and the pump fluid inlet line 31 disposed in the base assembly 10. However, the injector 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the supply tank 50 may have a tank outlet opening located on the upper back side thereof. In this example, the fluid line extending between the tank outlet opening and the pump fluid inlet line 31 may be disposed within a wedge-shaped protrusion 310 that is used to secure the injector 1 to the back frame 300.

[0064] Although in the illustrated embodiment, the injector 1 employs the pressure sensor 34 in the base assembly 10, the injector 1 is not limited to including the pressure sensor 34. In other embodiments, for example, the injector 1 may include a pressure switch.

[0065] Selective illustrative embodiments of the portable power sprayer are described in detail above. It should be understood that only the structures considered necessary to illustrate the portable power sprayer have been described herein. Other conventional structures and the structures of the auxiliary and accessory components of the portable power sprayer are considered to be known and understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, although working examples of the portable power sprayer have been described above, the portable power sprayer is not limited to the above working examples, but various design changes can be made without departing from the device set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A portable liquid sprayer, comprising: a base assembly configured to be connected to a base fluid outlet line, and a supply tank configured to store liquid to be sprayed, the supply tank being detachably coupled to and supported on the base assembly, in, The base assembly comprises: case; a motor disposed in the housing; a battery disposed in the housing, the battery being configured to supply power to the motor; a pump disposed in the housing, the pump being configured to be driven by the motor and to output fluid to the base fluid outlet line via a pump fluid outlet line disposed inside the housing; a pressure sensor configured to detect a fluid pressure of the pump fluid outlet line and output a fluid pressure signal corresponding to the detected fluid pressure, and A controller is configured to receive the fluid pressure signal and activate the motor based on the detected fluid pressure.

2. The injector of claim 1, comprising a base fluid outlet line, wherein: The base fluid outlet pipeline comprises: a first end connected to the base assembly and a second end opposite and spaced from the first end, Wherein, the second end of the base fluid outlet line includes a rod assembly, the rod assembly receiving fluid from the supply tank via the base fluid outlet line and being configured to selectively spray the received fluid.

3. The injector of claim 1, comprising a base fluid outlet line, wherein: The base fluid outlet pipeline comprises: a first end connected to the base assembly and a second end opposite and spaced from the first end, Wherein, the second end of the base fluid outlet line terminates in a quick connect mechanical fluid connector.

4. The injector of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an opening and a fitting mounted in the opening, the fitting being configured to provide a fluid connection between the base fluid outlet line and the pump outlet line.

5. The injector of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to receive the fluid pressure signal from the pressure sensor, and When the detected fluid pressure is less than a predetermined pressure, the controller allows power to be supplied to the motor and the pump is driven by the motor, and When the detected fluid pressure is greater than the predetermined pressure, the controller prevents power from being supplied to the motor, and the pump is not driven by the motor.

6. The sprayer of claim 1, wherein the supply tank is connected to the pump via a pump fluid inlet line disposed in the base assembly.

7. The sprayer of claim 1, wherein the battery is removably coupled to the base assembly.

8. The sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the sprayer is configured so that a user-operated power switch mounted on an outer surface of the housing determines the connection between the motor and the battery, and When the power switch is in the on position, the motor is operable to drive the pump based on the detected fluid pressure, and when the power switch is in the off position, the motor is inoperable.

9. The injector of claim 1, comprising a display, wherein: The controller is configured to monitor a charging state of the battery and output a control signal corresponding to the charging state of the battery to the display, and The display is configured to display a representation of a charge status of the battery based on the control signal.

10. The sprayer of claim 1 including a selector device mounted on the housing to allow manipulation by a user of the sprayer, wherein: The selector device is electrically connected to the controller, and The controller is configured to control the speed of the motor based on the configuration of the selector device.

11. The sprayer of claim 1 , wherein the base assembly includes a back frame connected to the housing, the back frame being configured to transport the sprayer between use positions.

12. The injector according to claim 11, wherein: The back frame is configured to switch between a first use mode and a second use mode, The first mode of use comprises a harness configuration and the sprayer comprises a harness wearable on the body of a user of the sprayer, and The second mode of use includes a wheeled cart configuration, and the sprayer includes a wheeled cart assembly that can be pulled or pushed along a ground surface by a user of the sprayer.

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