A liquid application device

Abstract

A liquid guiding portion (114) of a liquid application device (100), wherein the liquid guiding portion (114) comprises an inlet (116) configured to allow inflow of the liquid into the liquid guiding portion (114), and an outlet (118) configured to allow outflow of the liquid from the liquid guiding portion (114). The liquid guiding portion (114) is characterized in that the liquid guiding portion (114) is formed from a first component (120) and a second component (122), wherein the first component (120) comprises a rigid structure which is configured to provide structural rigidity to the liquid guiding portion (114), and wherein the second component (122) comprises a frost compensating material, and is configured to change its volume due to a temperature change. Further, the first component (120) is integrally formed with the second component (122).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid guiding portion of a liquid application device as well as a liquid application device, with protection against frost.BACKGROUND

[0002] Gardening and yard maintenance, like so many other pursuits, are made easier and more enjoyable when the right tools are available to the gardener for each job. Every garden or yard needs suitable and effective liquid application, particularly water application. When mother nature is not cooperative, or for covered areas, a liquid application device may be necessary to provide adequate liquid supply.

[0003] A spray gun, spray nozzle, spray lance, and the like are often used to apply liquid from a tap to a garden, plant or other target using a hose connected to the spray gun, spray nozzle by using a quick connect assembly. However, even with an improved ability to fluidically couple the spray gun easily with the hose, gardeners often prefer to leave the spray gun or other water application device, as well as the hose in fluidly coupled state. Thus, for example, gardeners may leave a particular spray nozzle attached to a particular hose that is further attached to a particular tap. This particular setup may be frequently used (or at least most frequently used) or otherwise convenient for the gardener.

[0004] When gardeners become used to leaving the liquid application device and the hose in the fluidly coupled state, they may forget to pay attention to certain situations that may arise and damage the liquid application device and / or the hose. For example, if the temperature drops and a frost occurs, residual water left in the water application device and / or the hose expands due to the frost and damage the water application device and / or the hose. In particular, again as an example, if the spray nozzle dangles from a hose reel, the liquid may rest in the spray nozzle (e.g., near the lowest point) and expand due to frost. If the liquid volume happens to be sufficient to initially fill a void space in the spray nozzle, the expansion due to the frost may damage components forming or connected to the void space in question and the spray nozzle may be ruined. While the problem may be avoided with extra effort and attention on the part of the gardener, it may be desirable to provide the gardener with a technical solution instead.

[0005] An example of a liquid application device is provided in Japanese Patent JP 5,645,805 B2 (hereinafter referred to as '805 reference). The '805 reference provides a water spray nozzle. The water spray nozzle includes: a grip formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending upward from a base end at which a connection port for water introduction is formed, and for a user to hold; a substantially cylindrical nozzle extending forward from a substantially upper end of the grip, and having a water spraying port formed at a tip end; a water flow path extending from the connection port of the grip to the water spraying port of the nozzle; and a curved nozzle body disposed in the flow path, and having a water stopping valve for opening / closing the flow path. A separate freezing and breaking prevention part is provided in the flow path in front of the valve of the water stopping valve, and for reducing an amount of staying water remaining in the flow path.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a liquid application device being frost-resistant.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, a liquid guiding portion of a liquid application device is provided. The liquid guiding portion comprises an inlet configured to allow inflow of a liquid into the fluid guiding portion, and an outlet configured to allow outflow of the liquid from the liquid guiding portion. The liquid guiding portion is characterized in that the liquid guiding portion is formed from a first component and a second component, wherein the first component comprises a rigid structure which is configured to provide structural rigidity to the liquid guiding portion, wherein the second component comprises a frost compensating material, and is configured to change its volume due to a temperature change, and wherein the first component and the second component are integrally formed.

[0008] The present disclosure provides an improved liquid guiding portion having the frost compensation function on its own, without necessarily requiring any external frost compensator component to be coupled to the liquid application device. Thereby, a cost-efficient and robust liquid application device may be providable, which comprises a part of itself being additionally formed to provide frost compensation. The liquid guiding portion is advantageously composed by two-component injection molding of the first component and the second component that respectively functions to provide rigidity to the liquid guiding portion and protect the liquid guiding portion from damage due to frost formation. The second component of the liquid guiding portion is made of frost compensating material to compensate for potential expansion of liquid left in the liquid application device, and / or the liquid guiding portion when freezing conditions are encountered. The second component of the liquid guiding portion is capable of enduring repeated cycles of compression. For example, if the liquid is frozen in the liquid guiding portion, the second component of the liquid guiding portion may be compressed (i.e., undergo volumetric contraction) to compensate for the volumetric expansion of the freezing liquid and avoid possible damage to liquid guiding portion, and / or the liquid application device.

[0009] The frost compensation material according to the present invention may be a material, particularly a specifically designed material, having frost compensation characteristics. Alternatively, the frost compensation material may be made of a different material than the first component, in particular having a softer structure.

[0010] The liquid guiding portion having an inlet and an outlet according to the present disclosure may denote that the liquid guiding portion is formed between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the outlet and the inlet are fluidly coupled with each other. The liquid guiding portion may be a part of a liquid guiding component of the liquid application device and may be located anywhere in the liquid application device depending upon the type, structure, and design of the liquid application device. Further, the liquid guiding portion may have any shape and size feasible to be fitted into a part of any of the liquid guiding components of the liquid application device.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid guiding portion is formed by two-component injection molding. Particularly, the first component and the second component are integrally formed by two-component injection molding. Two-component injection molding may provide a reliable and effective way to form the liquid guiding portion. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid application device may entirely constitute the liquid guiding portion. In other words, the liquid guiding portion may span across the volume of the liquid application device, such that the liquid guiding portion may engage with the body of the liquid application device, such that the first component of the liquid guiding portion may also serve as an inner layer of the body of the liquid application device and may thereby structurally strengthen the liquid application device.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rigid structure of the first component of the liquid guiding portion is made of hard plastic, particularly acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0013] Hard plastic according to the present invention may denote a plastic which is a more rigid plastic, respectively which is a thermoplastic or a thermoset.

[0014] The acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic is temperature resistant, corrosion resistant as well as weathering and aging resistant. The ABS may provide the necessary strength and rigidity as well as an increased impact strength to the liquid guiding portion. At the same time, the ABS may be easily connected / combined with the other material of the first component and may have various post-processing possibilities. Furthermore, ABS may be sourced in sufficient quantities and cost-efficient.

[0015] The polyvinyl chloride plastic is corrosion resistant, lightweight, cost-effective, strong, and easy to handle. The polyvinyl chloride plastic may provide necessary strength and rigidity to the liquid guiding portion. Alternatively, another hard plastic, such as, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide, or methacrylate may be used for forming the first component of the liquid guiding portion. Forming the first component from polycarbonate may result in a liquid guiding portion with increased impact resistance and increased heat resistance. Forming the first component from polyoxymethylene may result in a liquid guiding portion with increased rigidity and increased hardness. Forming the first component from polyamide may result in a liquid guiding portion with increased strength and increased durability. Forming the first component from polyphenylene sulfide may result in a liquid guiding portion with increased temperature resistance and increased chemical resistance. This is used when the liquid guiding portion and hence the liquid application device is used in difficult conditions, particularly extreme conditions.

[0016] The hard plastic used to form the first component, is selected dependent on the intended use case of the liquid application device and dependent on the compatibility with the second component.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the frost compensating material of the second component of the liquid guiding portion is a soft plastic, particularly thermoplastic elastomer.

[0018] Soft plastic according to the present invention may denote a plastic which is softer respectively which is flexible or pliable. The soft plastic, particularly the thermoplastic elastomer may provide necessary and repeated compression and / or volume change to prevent the liquid guiding portion from damage due to frost. Alternatively, another soft plastic, such as, a silicone, a polyolefin, or a soft PVC may be used for forming the second component of the liquid guiding portion. Further, preferably, the soft plastic may be decided based on the volume expansion properties of the liquid designated to be employed for application with the liquid application device.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second component of the liquid guiding portion forms an inner layer of the liquid guiding portion, and the first component of the liquid guiding portion forms an outer layer of the liquid guiding portion, and wherein the second component of the liquid guiding portion is configured to interact with the liquid flowing and / or remaining in the liquid guiding portion, and / or wherein the first component of the liquid guiding portion is configured to provide structural rigidity to the liquid guiding portion and / or the liquid application device. The liquid guiding portion may be a multi-layered component, particularly a two-layered component with the second component facing and interacting with the liquid flowing and / or remaining in the liquid guiding portion and the first component providing rigidity and stability to the liquid guiding portion. The first component may be formed grid shaped. Thereby, a necessary rigidity and at the same time a light weight and sufficient space for volume change of the second component may be provided.

[0020] Further, the second component of the liquid guiding portion may undergo volume change due to the temperature change inside the liquid guiding portion. When liquid is left in the liquid guiding portion during the non-operational phase of the liquid application device and the liquid may start to freeze due to reduction in temperature inside the liquid guiding portion, the second component may compress to accommodate volume change in the liquid left in the liquid guiding portion. Thereby, possible damage to the liquid guiding portion due to freezing liquid may be inhibited.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid guiding portion may be a cylindrical elongate body, the second component of the liquid guiding portion may be concentrically formed with the first component of the liquid guiding portion, and the first component may be positioned at an outside of the second component. Hence, the rigidity may be provided on an outer side of the cylindrical elongated body, e.g., grip-shaped, and at the same time the frost compensation may be provided at an inside of the cylindrical elongated body, e.g., in contact with the liquid.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second component of the liquid guiding portion and the first component of the liquid guiding portion may be formed parallel to one another.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a nominal thickness of the first component of the liquid guiding portion is greater than or equal to the nominal thickness of the second component of the liquid guiding portion. The nominal thickness of the first component and the second component may depend on design of the liquid application device, flow requirements of the liquid application device, structural stability of the liquid guiding portion, possible volume change in the second component, among other factors. The nominal thickness of the first component may preferably be greater than or equal to the nominal thickness of the second component to form a robust structure for the liquid guiding portion such that the liquid guiding portion may be able to withstand volume, and / or pressure changes inside the liquid guiding portion. When the second component is grid-shaped, its nominal thickness being greater than a nominal thickness of the cylindrically shaped first component may provide an increased rigidity combined with a needed frost compensation.

[0024] When the nominal thickness of the first component is substantially equal to the nominal thickness of the second component, a weight optimization combined with a needed frost compensation may be provided.

[0025] The nominal thickness of the first component and the second component according to the present disclosure may denote the actual thickness of the first component and the second component measured / set during the design phase of the liquid guiding portion and before undergoing any volume change due to change in temperature inside the liquid guiding portion. Furthermore; when the first component respectively the second component comprises different thicknesses at different parts of the component, a nominal thickness may correspond to the maximum thickness of the respective component.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second component of the liquid guiding portion is configured to change its volume due to a temperature change by at least 10%. The second component may compress by at least 10% to compensate for increase in volume of the liquid in the liquid guiding portion due to decrease in temperature inside the liquid guiding portion. Hence, the liquid guiding portion may be prevented from any damage due to increase in volume of the liquid in the liquid guiding portion.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second component of the liquid guiding portion is configured to change its volume due to a temperature change by at least 25%. The second component may compress by at least 25% to compensate for increase in volume of the liquid in the liquid guiding portion due to decrease in temperature inside the liquid guiding portion. Hence, the liquid guiding portion may be prevented from any damage due to increase in volume of the liquid in the liquid guiding portion.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the amount, or percentage by which the second component of the liquid guiding portion may undergo the volume change may depend on the volume expansion properties of the liquid that may occur due to temperature change in the liquid guiding portion, and / or the liquid application device. Particularly, the volume expansion versus temperature co-relation may be considered for selection of the material, particularly soft plastic for forming the second component of the liquid guiding portion.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a proportion of a volume of the first component in a total volume of the liquid guiding portion is less than a volume of the second component in the total volume of the liquid guiding portion.

[0030] The volume of the first component and the second component as well as the total volume of the liquid guiding portion according to the present disclosure may denote the actual volume measured / set during the design phase of the liquid guiding portion and before undergoing any volume change due to change in temperature inside the liquid guiding portion.

[0031] The volume of the first component may preferably be less than the volume of the second component to form a robust structure for the liquid guiding portion such that the liquid guiding portion may be able to withstand volume, and / or pressure changes inside the liquid guiding portion. Particularly, when the second component is grid-shaped, its volume being smaller than a volume of the cylindrically shaped first component may provide an optimized rigidity combined with an optimized frost compensation.

[0032] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second component of the liquid guiding portion comprises a plurality of hollow enclosed cells distributed throughout a volume of the second component. The plurality of hollow enclosed cells (or the enclosed gas volumes) may be compressible to further allow the second component to be compressed to allow for expansion of the liquid if ice is formed within the liquid guiding portion. The increase in volume (i.e., volumetric expansion) of the liquid may therefore be compensated for by corresponding volumetric compression of the second component of the liquid guiding portion. Then, if the ice melts, the enclosed gas volumes, or the hollow enclosed cells may expand to cause the second component of the liquid guiding portion to undergo volumetric expansion while the liquid converts back to the liquid phase and has less volume.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the hollow enclosed cells are liquid impenetrable. The hollow enclosed cells may be liquid impenetrable such that the freezing crystals of the liquid may not be formed within the hollow enclosed cells when the temperature of the liquid guiding portion drops. Hence, the frost compensation function of the liquid guiding portion, particularly the second component of the liquid guiding portion, may not be compromised.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid guiding portion is removably housed in the liquid application device. The liquid guiding portion may be removably housed in the liquid application device in a form-fitting manner or by using fasteners. Further, the liquid guiding portion may be removably housed in the liquid application device to allow easy maintenance and / or replacement of the liquid guiding portion, and / or to allow easy maintenance of the liquid application device. Furthermore, the liquid guiding portion may be embodied as a sub-component of the liquid application device.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid guiding portion at least partially houses a liquid flow regulating component proximal to the outlet of the liquid guiding portion. The liquid guiding portion at least partially houses the liquid flow regulating component, particularly the liquid flow regulating valve to alter the flow of the liquid and / or spray of liquid from the liquid application device. This may eliminate the need for accommodation of separate housing for the liquid flow regulating component in the liquid application device and may thus make for a light-weight liquid application device.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a liquid application device is provided. The liquid application device comprises an inlet section configured to receive a liquid, an outlet section configured to outflow the liquid out of the liquid application device, and a liquid guiding portion as described above. The liquid guiding portion is integrated into the liquid application device between the inlet section and the outlet section, wherein the inlet is fluidically connected to the inlet section of the fluid application device, wherein the outlet is fluidically connected to the outlet section of the fluid application device.

[0037] Hence, a liquid application device may be provided which needs low-maintenance and has an increased product life.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid application device is a spray gun, wherein the inlet section is an inlet port, and wherein the outlet section is a liquid applicator, particularly a spray head. The spray gun may be used for gardening and / or yard maintenance. Alternatively, the liquid application device may be formed as a single spray nozzle, a spray lance, and the like. All these devices may be vulnerable to damage due to frost formation inside the liquid guiding portion. Therefore, when the liquid guiding portion as defined above is installed in the respective liquid application device, the liquid application device may be robust and durable.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid application device further comprises a handle fluidly coupled to the outlet section, and the liquid guiding portion is integrated, particularly removably integrated, in the handle, and / or the outlet section.

[0040] The liquid guiding portion may be, particularly removably, integrated in the handle, and / or the outlet section, particularly formed as the liquid applicator, depending on the design of the liquid application device. The liquid guiding portion may prevent damage of the handle and / or the liquid applicator, and / or the entire liquid application device caused by frost formation inside the liquid guiding portion. Furthermore, the liquid guiding portion may additionally provide stability and / or rigidity to the handle and / or the liquid applicator and / or the entire liquid application device.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the liquid application device is at least one of a spray gun, a spray nozzle, a spray lance, a water tap (or a spigot), a hose reel, a pipeline.

[0042] According to the present invention, the liquid guiding portion may have the frost compensation functionality on its own, without necessarily requiring any external frost compensator component to be coupled to it. The liquid guiding portion may be composed by two-component injection molding of the first component and the second component. The first component provides rigidity to the liquid guiding portion. Further, the second component protects the liquid guiding portion from damage due to frost formation. Particularly, the second component of the liquid guiding portion is made of frost compensating material to compensate for potential expansion of liquid left in the liquid application device, and / or the liquid guiding portion when freezing conditions are encountered. The second component of the liquid guiding portion is capable of enduring repeated cycles of compression. For example, if the liquid is frozen in the liquid guiding portion several times, the second component of the liquid guiding portion may be compressed (i.e., undergo volumetric contraction) to compensate for the volumetric expansion of the freezing liquid and avoid possible damage to liquid guiding portion, and / or the liquid application device.

[0043] Before discussing the invention with the help of the drawings the invention will be briefly discussed in general. A liquid guiding portion having a frost-compensation function may comprise a stable / rigid basic structure made of hard plastic and processed with a soft plastic.

[0044] The liquid guiding portion according to the present invention may comprise a function of frost-compensation and an additional functionality as forming a housing for a liquid volume regulating valve, thereby allowing to omit an additional part.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid guiding portion having the frost-compensation function may be manufactured by a two-component injection molding method.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid guiding portion having the frost-compensation function may fulfill multiple functions such as, damage protection due to frost formation, valve, and liquid guidance.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the liquid guiding portion having the frost-compensation function may prevent structural losses to the liquid guiding portion and / or a liquid application device due to stable / rigid basic structure.

[0048] Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a liquid application device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a liquid guiding portion fluidly coupled with a housing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and / or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0051] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a liquid application device 100 being formed as a spray gun. The liquid application device 100 a handle 104 and an outlet section 106 fluidly coupled with the handle 104. The handle 104 is disposed at an angle, particularly substantially perpendicular, to the outlet section 106 when the handle 104 is fluidly coupled with the outlet section 106 to form a body 102 of the liquid application device 100. The handle 104 is configured to allow grabbing of the liquid application device 100 and / or perform spraying operation of the liquid application device 100. The outlet section 106 is configured to spray the liquid from the liquid application device 100 when spraying operation is performed.

[0053] Further, the handle 104 of the body 102 comprises a first end 108 and a second end 110 such that the first end 108 is at angle, particularly substantially perpendicular, to the second end 110. The first end 108 is configured to be fluidly coupled to an inlet section 112, preferably in a form-fitting manner. The second end 110 is configured to be fluidly coupled to the outlet section 106, preferably in the form-fitting manner. Further, the inlet section 112 is configured to receive liquid from an external liquid source and transfer the received liquid to the outlet section 106 of the liquid application device 100 via the handle 104 for spraying purpose. Inside the liquid application device 100 the liquid flows from the inlet section 112 via a liquid guiding portion 114 to an outlet section 106.

[0054] With continuous reference to FIG. 1, the liquid application device 100 comprises the liquid guiding portion 114 that is removably integrated in the handle 104 of the liquid application device 100. The liquid guiding portion 114 at least partially extend along the handle 104. The liquid guiding portion 114 comprises an inlet 116 and an outlet 118 such that the inlet 116 is configured to allow inflow of the liquid into the liquid guiding portion 114. The outlet 118 is configured to allow outflow of the liquid from the liquid guiding portion 114. The inlet 116 of the liquid guiding portion 114 is fluidly coupled to the inlet section 112 in a form-fitting manner to allow inflow of the liquid from the inlet section 112 into the liquid guiding portion 114. Further, the outlet 118 is configured to allow outflow of the liquid from the liquid guiding portion 114 to a liquid flow regulating component (not shown), particularly, a liquid flow regulating valve, more particularly, a pressure reducer valve and further to the outlet section 106 for spraying purpose. Hence, the outlet 118 is fluidically coupled to the outlet section 106.

[0055] Further, the outlet 118 of the liquid guiding portion 114 at least partially houses the liquid flow regulating component, or the pressure reducer valve proximal to the outlet 118 of the liquid guiding portion 114. In other words, the liquid guiding portion 114 houses at least some of the parts of the liquid flow regulating component proximal to the outlet 118 of the liquid guiding portion 114. Further parts of the liquid flow regulating component are housed in a further housing 124 fluidly coupled with the outlet 118 of the liquid guiding portion 114. The further housing 124 comprises an elongate channel 126 that extends into the outlet section 106 and / or is removably coupled with the outlet section 106 in a form-fitting manner when the further housing 124 is mounted inside the body 102 of the liquid application device 100. The channel 126 is configured such that the further housing 124 fluidly couples the outlet 118 of the liquid guiding portion 114 with the outlet section 106 of the liquid application device 100.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the liquid guiding portion 114 fluidly coupled with the housing 124. The liquid guiding portion 114 is a cylindrical elongate structure comprising the inlet 116 and the outlet 118. The inlet 116 is configured to be coupled to the inlet section 112, such that the liquid from the external liquid source enters the liquid guiding portion 114 via the inlet 116. Further, the liquid flowing in the liquid guiding portion 114 is guided towards the outlet 118 of the liquid guiding portion 114, and further to the liquid flow regulating component. Then, afterwards, the liquid is guided further to the further housing 124 and finally towards or into the outlet section 106 of the liquid application device 100 via the channel 126 of the further housing 124.

[0057] The liquid guiding portion 114 is formed from a first component 120 and a second component 122, particularly by two-component injection molding of the first component 120 and the second component 122. The first component 120 is a rigid structure, particularly a cylindrical elongate grid-shaped rigid structure. Further, the first component 120 is configured to provide structural rigidity to the liquid guiding portion 114 whereas the second component 122 is configured to change its volume due to a temperature change. Further, the second component 122 is a cylindrical elongate structure formed from a frost compensating material.

[0058] Furthermore, the rigid structure of the first component 120 of the liquid guiding portion 114 comprises a grid-like structure. Further, the rigid structure of the first component 120 of the liquid guiding portion 114 is made of hard plastic, particularly polyvinyl chloride. The frost compensating material of the second component 122 of the liquid guiding portion 114 is a soft plastic, particularly thermoplastic elastomer. Further, the second component 122 of the liquid guiding portion 114 comprises a plurality of hollow enclosed cells distributed throughout a volume of the second component 122 such that the hollow enclosed cells are liquid impenetrable.

[0059] With continuous reference to FIG. 2, the second component 122 of the liquid guiding portion 114 forms an inner layer of the liquid guiding portion 114, and the first component 120 of the liquid guiding portion 114 forms an outer grid-shaped layer of the liquid guiding portion 114. In other words, the second component 122 of the liquid guiding portion 114 interact with the liquid flowing and / or remaining in the liquid guiding portion 114, and the first component 120 of the liquid guiding portion 114 provide structural rigidity to the liquid guiding portion 114 and / or the liquid application device 100.

[0060] During operation of the liquid application device 100, the liquid guiding portion 114 receives liquid from the external liquid source via the inlet section 112 as well as the inlet 116. Further, the liquid flows through the liquid guiding portion 114 towards the outlet section 106 via the outlet 118, the liquid flow regulating component, and the channel 126 of the further housing 124.

[0061] The liquid guiding portion 114 comprises respectively is formed of the first component 120 (or the outer layer of the liquid portion 114) and the second component 122 (or the inner layer of the liquid portion 114) integrally formed with the first component 120 using two-component injection molding. The first component 120 comprises the rigid structure made of hard plastic, particularly polyvinyl chloride, and provides structural rigidity to the liquid guiding portion 114. Further, the second component 122 comprises the frost compensating material, particularly the soft plastic, more particularly the thermoplastic elastomer, and changes its volume due to the temperature change.

[0062] Further, during non-operation of the liquid application device 100, when the temperature decreases and the liquid left inside the liquid guiding portion 114 freezes and undergoes an increase in volume, the second component 122 of the liquid guiding portion 114 interacts with the liquid. The second component 122 compresses respectively decreases in volume due to the freezing temperature to accommodate the increased volume of the liquid left in the liquid guiding portion 114.

[0063] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.LIST OF ELEMENTS

[0064] 100 Liquid Application Device 102 Body 104 Handle 106 outlet section 108 First End 110 Second End 112 Inlet section 114 Liquid Guiding Portion 116 Inlet 118 Outlet 120 First Component 122 Second Component 124 Further Housing 126 Channel

Claims

1. A liquid guiding portion (114) of a liquid application device (100), wherein the liquid guiding portion (114) comprises an inlet (116) configured to allow inflow of a liquid into the liquid guiding portion (114), and an outlet (118) configured to allow outflow of the liquid from the liquid guiding portion (114), characterized in that: the liquid guiding portion (114) is formed from a first component (120) and a second component (122), wherein the first component (120) comprises a rigid structure which is configured to provide structural rigidity to the liquid guiding portion (114), wherein the second component (122) comprises a frost compensating material, and is configured to change its volume due to a temperature change, and wherein the first component (120) is integrally formed with the second component (122).

2. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to claim 1 wherein the liquid guiding portion (114) is formed by two-component injection molding.

3. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rigid structure of the first component (120) of the liquid guiding portion (114) is made of hard plastic, particularly polyvinyl chloride.

4. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frost compensating material of the second component (122) of the liquid guiding portion (114) is a soft plastic, particularly thermoplastic elastomer.

5. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component (122) of the liquid guiding portion (114) forms an inner layer of the liquid guiding portion (114), and the first component (120) of the liquid guiding portion (114) forms an outer layer of the liquid guiding portion (114), and / or wherein the second component (122) of the liquid guiding portion (114) is configured to interact with the liquid flowing and / or remaining in the liquid guiding portion (114), and / or wherein the first component (120) of the liquid guiding portion (114) is configured to provide structural rigidity to the liquid guiding portion (114) and / or the liquid application device (100).

6. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a nominal thickness of the first component (120) of the liquid guiding portion (114) is greater than or equal to the nominal thickness of the second component (122) of the liquid guiding portion (114).

7. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component (122) of the liquid guiding portion (114) is configured to change its volume due to a temperature change by at least 10%, particularly by at least 25%.

8. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a proportion of a volume of the first component (120) in a total volume of the liquid guiding portion (114) is less than a volume of the second component (122) in the total volume of the guiding portion (114).

9. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component (122) of the liquid guiding portion (114) comprises a plurality of hollow enclosed cells distributed throughout a volume of the second component (122).

10. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to claim 9, wherein the hollow enclosed cells are liquid impenetrable.

11. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid guiding portion (114) is removably housed in the liquid application device (100).

12. The liquid guiding portion (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid guiding portion (114) at least partially houses a liquid flow regulating component proximal to the outlet of the liquid guiding portion (114).

13. A liquid application device (100), comprising: an inlet section (112) configured to receive a liquid, an outlet section (106) configured to guide the liquid out of the liquid application device (100), and a liquid guiding portion (114) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid guiding portion (114) is integrated into the liquid application device (100) between the inlet section (112) and the outlet section (110), wherein the inlet (116) is fluidically connected to the inlet section (112) of the fluid application device (100), and wherein the outlet (118) is fluidically connected to the outlet section (106) of the fluid application device (100).

14. The liquid application device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid application device (100) is a spray gun, wherein the inlet section (112) is an inlet port (112), and wherein the outlet section (106) is a liquid applicator (106), particularly a spray head (106).

15. The liquid application device (100) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the liquid application device (100) further comprises a handle (104) fluidly coupled to the outlet section (106), and wherein the liquid guiding portion (114) is integrated, particularly removably integrated, in the handle (104) and / or the outlet section (106).

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