Simplified airless spray gun

Abstract

A spray gun (306) is disclosed. The spray gun includes a fluid applicator configured to receive pressurized liquid through an inlet (108) and disperse the pressurized liquid through an outlet (110). The fluid applicator includes a body (212) defining a fluid path (302). The fluid applicator includes a valve assembly (304) including a first end (504) opposite a second end (502), the valve assembly configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. The second end (502) is configured to be in fluid contact with a pressurized liquid at a first location. Both the first end (504) and the second end (502) are configured to be in fluid contact with the pressurized liquid at a second location.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 201880058224.4, filed on March 6, 2020, entitled “Simplified Airless Spray Gun”. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to an airless spray gun. BACKGROUND

[0003] Many spray guns include a liquid applicator with a trigger. The trigger on the liquid applicator is often pressure actuated, e.g., a user’s hand or finger can apply force to the trigger and, as a result of the applied force, paint or another exemplary liquid flows out of an outlet of the liquid applicator. However, when the user releases the pressure on the trigger, the output flow stops. For at least some liquid applicators, the applied pressure corresponds to the pressure of the liquid exiting the liquid applicator. SUMMARY

[0004] A spray gun is presented. The spray gun includes a fluid applicator configured to receive pressurized liquid through an inlet and to dispense the pressurized liquid through an outlet. The fluid applicator includes a body defining a fluid path. The fluid applicator includes a valve assembly including a first end opposite a second end, the valve assembly configured to be movable between a first position and a second position. The second end is configured to be in fluid contact with the pressurized liquid at the first position. Both the first end and the second end are configured to be in fluid contact with the pressurized liquid at the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a spray gun according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0006] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a spray gun according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0007] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a spray gun according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0008] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a fluid applicator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0009] Figures 5A-5B is a cross-sectional view of a fluid applicator according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0010] Figures 6A-6B is a cross-sectional view of a fluid applicator according to an embodiment of the present application

[0011] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of dispensing liquid according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In operation, the spray gun requires pressure to be applied to actuate the trigger, which in turn drives the valve assembly toward the open (or second) position to allow the dispersion of the liquid. Alternatively, when the spray gun is not in use, the trigger is configured to maintain a non-actuated position to effectively hold the valve assembly in the closed (first) position to reduce the risk of accidental fluid discharge. However, during operation, this design results in user fatigue over the duration of the spray painting operation, as the user must consistently apply pressure to the trigger to maintain the valve assembly in the open position. Current attempts to offset the pressure of applying the force to keep the valve open include the use of a spring force to counteract the pressure that will move the valve to the closed position when the trigger is released. However, it is desirable to have a spray gun that effectively reduces the pressure (to keep the valve open) without the need for a spring (to offset the pressure to keep the valve open) proximate to the valve assembly. Some embodiments provided herein include a spray gun design that effectively reduces or eliminates the fluid pressure to keep the valve assembly in the open position. Additionally, some embodiments herein allow for a simplified spray gun with fewer components and a smaller design compared to known spray guns. This in turn results in a reduction in cost and / or weight borne by the end user.

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a spray gun, such as a spray gun configured to dispense paint, a coating, a texturizing material, a plurality of components, etc. While the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these applications, aspects of the present disclosure can be appreciated through a discussion of various examples, such as paint, in order to provide context.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a spray gun according to embodiments of the present invention. As exemplarily shown, the spray gun 100 includes a front end 106 configured to orient the dispersion of fluid in a particular direction, a fluid applicator 104 configured to receive a pressurized liquid stream from an inlet 108 and disperse the pressurized liquid stream through an outlet 110, and a handle 102 configured to be held by an operator during operation of the spray gun 100.

[0015] Figure 2is an exploded view of a spray gun according to an embodiment of the present application. The spray gun 100 includes a fluid applicator 104 having a body 212 defining a fluid path, the body 212 coupled to a receiving portion 210 having an inlet 108. In one embodiment, the body 212 is coupled to the receiving portion 210 at a coupling point 218 using threads. However, other coupling mechanisms can be used according to other embodiments. In operation, the fluid applicator 104 receives pressurized liquid from a pressurized liquid source through the inlet 108 of the receiving portion 210. The pressurized liquid then flows through the receiving portion 210 and the body 212, and is subsequently dispersed from the fluid applicator 104. Additionally, in one embodiment, the fluid applicator 104 includes a diffuser 206 configured to increase the static pressure and decrease the velocity of the pressurized liquid as it is dispersed from the fluid applicator 104.

[0016] The fluid applicator 104 includes a trigger 216 coupled to the body 212 using a coupling mechanism 208. The trigger 216 is configured to actuate or otherwise drive a valve assembly within the body 212 between a first position and a second position. In one embodiment, as exemplarily shown, the trigger 216 is biased toward a non-actuated position when the spray gun 100 is not in use, such that the valve assembly within the body 212 remains in the first position, thereby preventing the dispersion of liquid from the outlet 110. In one embodiment, the trigger 216 is biased toward the non-actuated position via a biasing member 220 configured to couple to the body 212 and the coupling mechanism 208. Upon the application of pressure to the trigger 216, the trigger 216 moves to an actuated position, simultaneously driving the valve assembly to the second position, thereby allowing the dispersion of liquid from the outlet 110. In one example, while the valve assembly is in the first position, pressurized liquid is retained within the body 212 and the receiving portion 210 and is not dispersed because the valve assembly blocks the pressurized liquid from the outlet 110. Subsequently, by moving the valve assembly to the second position, the valve assembly does not block the outlet 110, and the pressurized liquid within the body 212 and the receiving portion 210 is able to be dispersed.

[0017] As exemplarily shown, the spray gun 100 includes a handle 102, which in one embodiment includes a first housing 200 and a second housing 202 configured to couple together with the fluid applicator 104. The second housing 202 includes a trigger guard 204 coupled to the second housing 202 using a fastening mechanism 214. The trigger guard 204 is configured to prevent the accidental actuation of the trigger 108. In one example, both the first housing 200 and the second housing 202 are configured to be coupled to the body 212 and the receiving portion 210 of the fluid applicator 104 simultaneously. However, in other embodiments, the handle 102 is a single piece configured to be coupled to the fluid applicator 104.

[0018] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of a spray gun according to an embodiment of the present invention. Spray gun 306 is similar to spray gun 100 and therefore includes components with similar numbers. As exemplarily shown, spray gun 306 includes a fluid applicator 104 configured to receive pressurized fluid from a pressurized liquid source through an inlet 108 of a receiving portion 210. The pressurized fluid then travels along a fluid path 302 through the receiving portion 210 and the body 212 and is configured to be dispersed through an outlet 110.

[0019] The fluid applicator 104 includes a valve assembly 304 within a body 212, the valve assembly being configured to move between a first position and a second position. As illustrated by example, the first position of the valve assembly 304 blocks the dispersion of pressurized fluid from the outlet 110 of the fluid applicator 104. Alternatively, moving the valve assembly 304 to the second position includes moving the valve assembly 304 laterally along an axis 308 such that pressurized fluid can be dispersed from the outlet 110 of the fluid applicator 104.

[0020] Valve assembly 304 is coupled to actuation mechanism 300 within the body 212 of fluid applicator 104. Actuation mechanism 300 is configured to effectively move trigger 216 from a non-actuated position (as exemplarily shown) to an actuated position based on pressure applied by the operator to trigger 216, while selectively moving valve assembly 304 between a first position and a second position. In this example, trigger 216 uses a coupling mechanism (e.g., Figure 2 The connecting mechanism 208 is connected to the actuating mechanism 300.

[0021] In operation, when pressure is applied to trigger 216, force is subsequently generated and transmitted through a coupling mechanism (e.g., such as...). Figure 2 The connecting mechanism 208 (shown) transmits force to the actuating mechanism 300. Upon receiving force, the actuating mechanism 300 moves the valve assembly 304 from a first position to a second position to allow pressurized fluid to disperse from the outlet 110. However, to maintain the dispersion of the pressurized fluid, the valve assembly 304 must remain in the second position. As a result, this requires constant pressure from the user to hold the trigger 216 in the actuated position. However, maintaining pressure on the trigger 216 throughout the fluid application process can lead to user fatigue. Specifically, as the pressurized fluid travels along the fluid path 302 and disperses from the outlet 110, the pressurized fluid acts on the second end or the rear seal portion, thus requiring greater pressure from the user to counteract the spring force required to close the valve upon trigger release.

[0022] However, according to embodiments of the present application, the configuration of the fluid path 302 allows for mitigation of the pressure required to maintain the valve assembly 304 in the second position (and thus, the trigger 216 in the actuated position). For example, by receiving pressurized liquid via the inlet 108 located at the distal portion of the spray gun 306, the pressurized liquid is configured to travel through the rear portion of the body 212, through the handle 102, and into contact with the second end of the valve assembly 304, as will be discussed in Figures 5A-5B more detail below. Additionally, the pressurized liquid can travel in the recess 310 within the body 212. By bringing the pressurized fluid into contact with the second end of the valve assembly 304, when the pressurized fluid is dispersed through the outlet 110, the pressurized fluid can counteract the pressure exerted on the first end (or blocking portion). In one example, equal pressure is then exerted on all sides of the valve assembly 304 within the pressure vessel, which eliminates the pressure for maintaining the valve assembly 304 in the second position. By effectively reducing or eliminating the pressure to keep the valve assembly in the second (open) position, a strong spring is not required according to the present application, which in turn eliminates fatigue for the user when performing liquid spray applications.

[0023] Figure 4 An exploded view of a fluid applicator of a spray gun according to embodiments of the present application is shown. The fluid applicator 434 is similar to the fluid applicator 104, and thus includes similar numbered components. As exemplarily shown, the fluid applicator 434 includes the diffuser 206, the gasket 402, the seat 404, and the valve assembly 304.

[0024] The gasket 402 and the seat 404 are configured to be housed within the diffuser 206-body 212 coupling, and along with the valve assembly 304 in the first position, block the dispersion of pressurized fluid from the outlet. As exemplarily shown, the valve assembly 304 includes a blocking member 406, a guide 408, and a biasing member 410. The blocking member 406 is configured to be coupled to the guide 408, and in the first position, abuts against the central bore of the seat 404 that acts as a block to the pressurized liquid. In the second position, the blocking member 406 and the guide 408 are configured to move laterally such that the blocking member 406 moves away from the central bore of the seat 404, allowing the pressurized liquid to be dispersed through the outlet of the fluid applicator 434. The biasing member 410 is coupled to the guide 408, and is configured to compress between the guide 408 and the body 212 while the blocking member 406 and the guide 408 remain in the second position. In this embodiment, a biasing force is generated and acts on the valve assembly 304 in a direction generally toward the outlet of the fluid applicator 434. In one embodiment, the biasing member 410 is configured to remove any friction within the system.

[0025] The guide 408 includes a recess 430 configured to receive a flow of pressurized liquid when the pressurized liquid is dispensed from the fluid applicator 434. Although two elongated recesses are illustratively shown, the guide 408 can include any number of recesses 430. Further, the guide 408 includes a radial recess 432 configured to couple to the actuation mechanism 300. However, in other embodiments, the guide 408 can be coupled to the actuation mechanism 300 in various ways.

[0026] As illustratively shown, the fluid applicator 434 also includes the actuation mechanism 300 and the sealing mechanism 414. The actuation mechanism 300 includes a protrusion configured to couple to the radial recess 432 of the valve assembly 304 and an arm configured to couple to the sealing mechanism 414. The sealing mechanism 414 includes a seal 416, a bushing 418, and a retainer 420 and is configured to prevent the pressurized liquid from leaking from the body 212 of the fluid applicator 434. The actuation mechanism 300 is a cam configured to receive a rotational force provided from the trigger 216 and convert the rotational force to linear motion to selectively drive the valve assembly 304 from the first position to the second position. Further, in one embodiment, the actuation mechanism 300 is configured to be housed within a bore of the body 212. The sealing mechanism 414 is configured to couple to opposite sides of the actuation mechanism 300 and is configured to provide a secure seal between the body 212 and the coupling mechanism 208. However, although the sealing mechanism 414 is illustratively shown to include the seal 416, the bushing 418, and the retainer 420, it is readily contemplated that other sealing components can be used to ensure that the pressurized liquid does not leak from the body 212 during operation.

[0027] The fluid applicator 434 includes the coupling mechanism 208, which includes an arm 424, a top 426, and fastening members 422 and 428. The coupling mechanism 208 is configured to couple the trigger 216 to the actuation mechanism 300. In operation, the trigger 216 is coupled to the arm 424 of the coupling mechanism 208 using the fastening member 422. Further, in one embodiment, the arm of the actuation mechanism 300 is configured to be coupled to the arm 424-top 426 coupling of the coupling mechanism 208 using the fastening member 428. Although the coupling mechanism 208 is illustratively shown to include the arm 424 and the top 426 as separate pieces, it is readily contemplated that the arm 424 and the top 426 can also be a single piece in some embodiments. Additionally, although the actuation mechanism 300 is illustratively shown to be separate from the valve assembly 304 and configured to be coupled to the valve assembly 304, in other embodiments, the actuation mechanism 300 and the valve assembly 304 are a single piece configured to move within the body 212 between the first position and the second position.

[0028] Figures 5A-5B is a cross-sectional view of a fluid applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. AsFigures 5A-5B As exemplarily shown in the middle, the fluid applicator 434 includes a valve assembly 304 and an actuation mechanism 300 within the body 212 of the fluid applicator 434. As Figure 5A As exemplarily shown in the middle, when the valve assembly 304 is in the first position and the trigger 216 is in the non-actuated position, the outlet 110 is blocked. However, while the valve assembly 304 is in the first position, the second end 502 of the valve assembly 304 is configured to be in fluid contact with the pressurized fluid when the pressurized fluid is received from the fluid path 302. Further, the pressurized fluid can contact the groove of the valve assembly 304. Additionally, the pressurized fluid is also configured to contact the notch 310 adjacent to the second end 502 of the valve assembly 304. However, in other embodiments, the notch 310 can include a groove or any other cavity configured to receive the pressurized fluid.

[0029] Once moved to the actuated position by the trigger 216, the valve assembly 304 is moved to the second position, as Figure 5B As exemplarily shown in the middle, the first end 504 is configured to be in fluid contact with the pressurized fluid as it flows along the groove 430 of the guide 408 and subsequently disperses from the outlet 110. In one embodiment, equal pressure is then exerted on all sides of the valve assembly 304 within the pressure vessel, thereby eliminating the pressure used to maintain the valve assembly 304 in the second position within the pressure vessel. This eliminates the need for a strong spring, which in turn removes or eliminates the pressure needed to maintain the trigger in the actuated position, as Figure 5B As exemplarily shown in the middle.

[0030] Figures 6A-6B is a cross-sectional view of a fluid applicator in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 6A As exemplarily shown in the middle, the valve assembly 304 is coupled to the actuation mechanism 300 while the sealing mechanism 414 provides a secure seal between the actuation mechanism 300 and the coupling mechanism 208. While in the first position, the valve assembly 304 exemplarily blocks the central bore of the seat 404 such that pressurized liquid does not disperse from the outlet. Alternatively, Figure 6B The valve assembly 304 is exemplarily shown in the second position, which allows the pressurized fluid to disperse from the outlet.

[0031] Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of dispersing a liquid in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. The method 700 begins at block 702: receiving pressurized fluid. This includes a notch within the fluid applicator receiving the pressurized fluid, as indicated in block 704. Alternatively, this can also include a second portion of a valve assembly receiving the pressurized fluid, as indicated in block 706. However, other sections of the spray gun can receive the pressurized fluid, as indicated in block 708.

[0032] The method then proceeds to block 710: moving the valve assembly from the first position to the second position. The valve assembly is moved using an actuation mechanism, as indicated in block 712. However, other mechanisms can be used to move the valve assembly between the first position and the second position, as indicated in block 714.

[0033] The method then returns to block 716: the pressurized fluid is dispensed from the outlet. In one embodiment, this includes the first portion of the valve assembly being in contact with the pressurized fluid, as indicated in block 718. However, other portions of the spray gun can be in contact with the pressurized fluid as the pressurized fluid is dispensed, as indicated in block 720.

Claims

1. A spray gun, comprising: A fluid applicator configured to receive a pressurized liquid through an inlet and disperse the pressurized liquid through an outlet, the fluid applicator comprising: The body, which defines the fluid path; and A valve assembly including a first end opposite to a second end, the valve assembly being configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the second end is configured to contact the pressurized liquid fluid at the first position, and both the first end and the second end are configured to contact the pressurized liquid fluid at the second position; An actuation mechanism is coupled to the valve assembly and configured to selectively move the valve assembly between a first position and a second position; A trigger configured to move the valve assembly between a first position and a second position. The pressurized fluid travels along a fluid path located in the receiving portion of the spray gun through the receiving portion and the body. The valve assembly blocks the pressurized fluid in a first position and allows the pressurized fluid to be dispersed in a second position. The body has a notch at the rear of the second end of the valve assembly, thereby reducing or eliminating the pressure required to hold the trigger in the actuated position.

2. The spray gun according to claim 1, wherein, The first end of the valve assembly includes a portion of a blocking member configured to contact a seat when the valve assembly is in a first position.

3. The spray gun according to claim 2, wherein, The second end of the valve assembly includes the distal portion of the guide.

4. The spray gun according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid applicator also includes: A coupling mechanism configured to connect the trigger to the actuation mechanism.

5. The spray gun according to claim 4, wherein, The actuation mechanism includes a cam configured to convert rotational motion received from the coupling mechanism into linear motion to selectively move the valve assembly between a first position and a second position.

6. The spray gun according to claim 1, wherein, The body includes a notch adjacent to the second end of the valve assembly.

7. A spray gun, comprising: A fluid applicator configured to receive pressurized liquid through an inlet and dispense the pressurized liquid through an outlet, the fluid applicator comprising: The body defines the fluid path to the outlet; A receiving portion, configured to be connected to the body and to receive the pressurized liquid from the inlet and to supply the pressurized liquid to the body; A valve assembly coupled to the body includes a first end opposite to a second end. The valve assembly is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the second end is configured to contact the pressurized liquid fluid at the first position, and both the first end and the second end are configured to contact the pressurized liquid fluid at the second position. An actuation mechanism is coupled to the valve assembly and configured to selectively move the valve assembly between a first position and a second position; A trigger, the trigger being movable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position; and A handle, configured to connect simultaneously to both the receiving portion and the body. The pressurized fluid travels along a fluid path located in the receiving portion of the spray gun through the receiving portion and the body. The valve assembly blocks the pressurized fluid in a first position and allows the pressurized fluid to be dispersed in a second position. The body has a notch at the rear of the second end of the valve assembly, thereby reducing or eliminating the pressure required to hold the trigger in the actuated position.

8. The spray gun according to claim 7, wherein, The fluid applicator also includes: A diffuser configured to increase the static pressure of the pressurized liquid and decrease the velocity of the pressurized liquid.

9. The spray gun according to claim 7, further comprising: The front end is connected to the fluid applicator and is configured to orient the pressurized liquid in a predetermined direction.

10. The spray gun according to claim 7, wherein, The handle includes a first housing and a second housing, which are configured to be simultaneously connected to the receiving portion and the body.

11. The spray gun according to claim 10, wherein, The main body is configured to be connected to the receiving portion at the connection point using a threaded connection.

12. The spray gun according to claim 7, wherein, The fluid applicator also includes: A coupling mechanism configured to connect the trigger to the actuation mechanism, wherein the non-actuated position selectively holds the valve assembly in a first position, and the actuated position selectively moves the valve assembly to a second position.

13. The spray gun according to claim 12, wherein, The fluid applicator also includes: A sealing mechanism configured to provide a robust seal between the actuation mechanism and the coupling mechanism.

14. A spray gun, comprising: A fluid applicator configured to receive pressurized liquid through an inlet and dispense the pressurized liquid through an outlet, the fluid applicator comprising: The body defines the fluid path to the outlet; A valve assembly coupled to the body, the valve assembly including a first end and a second end opposite to the second end, the valve assembly being configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the second end is configured to contact the pressurized liquid fluid at the first position, and both the first end and the second end are configured to contact the pressurized liquid fluid at the second position; An actuation mechanism configured to be coupled to the valve assembly within the body and to move the valve assembly between a first position and a second position; A trigger, the trigger being configured to selectively move between an actuated position and an unactuated position; and A coupling mechanism configured to simultaneously connect to both the trigger and the actuation mechanism. The pressurized fluid travels along a fluid path located in the receiving portion of the spray gun through the receiving portion and the body. The valve assembly blocks the pressurized fluid in a first position and allows the pressurized fluid to be dispersed in a second position. The body has a notch at the rear of the second end of the valve assembly, thereby reducing or eliminating the pressure required to hold the trigger in the actuated position.

15. The spray gun according to claim 14, wherein, Moving the trigger from the non-actuated position to the actuated position drives the valve assembly from the first position to the second position.

16. The spray gun according to claim 14, wherein, The actuation mechanism includes a cam configured to convert rotational motion into linear motion to move the valve assembly between a first position and a second position.

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