liquid jet protection device

Abstract

A device (2) for protecting a liquid jet emitted by a pressurized liquid spraying device comprises an adapter (21), a protective bell (23) and a device for assembling the protective bell to the adapter. The assembly device comprises a first assembly portion (211c and / or 212c, 24) and a second assembly portion (231). The adapter comprises an upper jaw (211) and a lower jaw (212) of a jaw, a removable clamping device ((211e) and / or (212e), 24) and the first assembly portion is formed at least in part on at least one of the upper jaw (211c) and the lower jaw (212c). The liquid jet protection bell (23) comprises a collar (231) and the second assembly portion (232). The assembly device can take a locked position and an unlocked position in which the first assembly portion and the second assembly portion are free relative to each other.Figure for abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for protecting a jet of liquid FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for spraying liquid such as paint onto a surface to be covered.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a device for protecting the jet of liquid at the outlet of an airless pressurized liquid spraying device (“airless®”). TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0003] In the field of construction, it is known to use mechanized devices for applying liquid paints, in particular by pneumatic spraying or by airless spraying ("airless®"), with the aim of improving the speed and / or efficiency of the transfer of material onto the surface to be painted, and / or of improving the quality of the finish.

[0004] Airless spraying uses a high-pressure fluid supply (up to 200 bars, or even 500 bars), without mixing with compressed air, the fluid pressure being high. At the outlet of the spray nozzle, the friction between the fluid jet and the atmosphere disperses the jet into small particles, thus allowing the atomization of the fluid. The nozzle size and the pressure determine the flow rate of the product. The jet profile depends on the fluid pressure, so the latter must not be too low. Furthermore, the higher the viscosity of the product, the higher the pressure must also be.

[0005] Airless spraying is used in particular for the application of medium to high viscosity fluids such as dyes, lacquers and varnishes, or thicker liquids, such as latex paint for buildings.

[0006] This technique has the advantage of allowing great speed of application and good transfer efficiency, combined with a quality result.

[0007] To obtain the most uniform application of the liquid possible, the nozzle of the spraying device is directed towards the surface to be covered and moved parallel to this surface, without contact with it. Typically, the nozzle outlet is placed approximately 10 cm to 50 cm from the surface to be covered.

[0008] In cases where the application takes place outdoors, for example during renovation operations, the paint jet can be deflected from the desired direction by disturbing elements over this distance of 10 to 50 cm to be covered between the nozzle outlet and the surface to be covered. In particular, in the event of wind, the quality of the application is reduced, because it becomes inhomogeneous. The jet can also be deflected towards the operator or other persons or objects, vehicles, woodwork, dwellings, etc., located nearby.

[0009] It is known to add devices for protecting the liquid jet against the wind.

[0010] Thus, document KR2013 / 0125343 describes a device for protecting the paint jet at the outlet of an “airless®” type spray gun. The protection device is intended to be mounted on the nozzle holder by means of a clamping ring, itself tightened by means of a screw on the spray gun. It comprises a flexible sheet (vinyl, fabric, net), stiffened by a helical elastic structure, so that it forms a truncated cone. An opening is provided on the sheet to allow the nozzle to pass through.

[0011] However, the implementation of this device requires: - either unscrew the nozzle holder if the flexible sheet is not sufficiently extensible for the diameter of the circular opening to be placed on the gun to increase sufficiently to be slid over the rigid nozzle protection of the nozzle holder, - either use a sheet made from a stretchy or very flexible material, which will make it uncomfortable to handle and will lead to risks of tearing, particularly during cleaning operations under a jet of water or using a painter's knife.

[0012] The invention thus aims to propose a “universal” liquid jet protection device, i.e. one which can be adapted to a wide range of nozzle holders intended to equip a spray gun, in a removable manner and without screwing or unscrewing a part of the gun, while being, if possible, resistant and easy to clean. Summary of the invention

[0013] Thus, the invention relates to a device for protecting a jet of liquid emitted by a device for spraying liquid under pressure. The protection device extends along a first axis intended to be identical to an axis of emission of the jet of liquid and comprises an adapter, a protection bell and a device for assembling the protection bell to the adapter such that: • the assembly device comprises a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion, • the adapter includes: • an upper jaw and a lower jaw of a jaw intended to grip a portion of the spraying device whose jet emission axis is arranged along the first axis, • a removable clamping device along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis so that the upper and lower jaws can either be separated from each other or attached to each other with a variable spacing between a minimum spacing and a maximum spacing along the second axis, called the clamping axis, • the first assembly portion of the assembly device, formed at least in part on at least one of the upper jaw and the lower jaw • the liquid jet protection bell includes: • a tubular or truncated cone-shaped collar with the first axis • the second assembly portion of the assembly device, • the assembly device can take two positions: • a locked position in which the first assembly portion is fixed relative to the second assembly portion at least in translation relative to the first axis so that, when the upper jaw and the lower jaw are attached to each other, the protective bell is fixed relative to the adapter at least in translation relative to the first axis, • an unlocked position in which the first assembly portion and the second assembly portion are free relative to each other.

[0014] Thanks to these provisions, it is possible to removably mount the liquid jet protection device on a spray gun. The implementation of both a clamping device and an assembly device, a portion of which is formed on at least one of the jaws in the form makes it possible to adapt the protection device to a wide range of spray devices.

[0015] The device for assembling the protective bell to the adapter also allows, if necessary, to change only the protective bell (and possibly its shape and size).

[0016] Furthermore, the locking of the assembly device makes it possible to limit the degrees of freedom of movement of the collar relative to the spray gun. This allows the operator to work comfortably.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the device for protecting a jet of liquid, the removable clamping device is itself formed of two devices called left and right symmetrical to each other with respect to the clamping axis.

[0018] This arrangement makes it possible to distribute the bending forces exerted on the adapter due to the tightening along the width, and to better control the positioning of this adapter in relation to the spray gun.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the device for protecting a jet of liquid, a male portion and a female portion are defined among the first portion of the assembly device and the second portion of the assembly device. The male portion is constituted by at least two separate projecting elements, the female portion is consisting of at least two disjointed hollow elements, and the male and female portions cooperate by their shapes for the assembly of the first and second portions. Each jaw comprises at least one of the disjointed elements constituting the first portion of the assembly device, and the assembly device is locked at least when the spacing between the two jaws is minimal.

[0020] Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to assemble the bell to the adapter when the jaws are not fully tightened and to cause the assembly device to move from the protective bell to the adapter by tightening the jaws. The protective device can thus be adapted to different types of spray guns.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the device for protecting a jet of liquid, the at least two separate elements of the female portion form a symmetrical assembly with respect to the clamping axis and / or with respect to an axis orthogonal to the first axis and to the clamping axis.

[0022] Thanks to this arrangement, the assembly device has common symmetry elements with the spray gun on which it is to be adapted.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the device for protecting against a jet of liquid, the collar is rigid.

[0024] In this way, the collar resists any shocks that it may suffer during handling and / or between two handlings.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the device for protecting a jet of liquid, the collar comprises a recess allowing a nozzle of the spray gun to be manipulated.

[0026] Thanks to this arrangement, the operator does not need to dismantle the protective device to clean or change the nozzle, or to adjust the jet of liquid.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the liquid jet protection device, the latter can be mounted on the pressurized liquid device without dismantling one or more elements of the pressurized liquid device.

[0028] Thanks to this arrangement, the manipulations on the spray gun are reduced, and therefore the handling time for the operator is reduced, as are the risks of breakage or premature wear of certain of its parts, such as the nozzle holder or the nozzle.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the device for protecting a jet of liquid, the device for assembling the protective bell to the adapter comprises a device for adjusting the relative positions of the protective bell to the adapter along the first axis.

[0030] Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to position the protection device more or less close to the nozzle orifice and therefore to adapt its position to the type of gun. spray and / or the shape of the liquid jet.

[0031] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a device for protecting a liquid jet to a device for spraying liquid under pressure, the protection device extending along a first axis intended to be identical to an axis of emission of the liquid jet and comprising an adapter, a protection bell and a device for assembling the protection bell to the adapter. The method comprises the following steps: a. of positioning the jaws, in which the jaws of the adapter, initially completely separate, are placed on either side of a spray gun 1, so as to form a jaw enclosing the spray gun and so that the jaws are placed on either side of a horizontal plane containing the axis of the jet; b. setting up the clamping device, in which the jaw clamping device is set up and partially clamped, so that the jaws are attached to each other with play and so that they do not need to be held by an operator to remain around the nozzle holder; c. assembly, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the protective bell assembly device to the adapter are assembled; d. clamping, in which the clamping device is tightened until the spray gun is embedded in the jaw.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the assembly method, a step c is carried out between said assembly steps c and tightening steps d, during which the assembly device is placed in the locked position.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the assembly method, the tightening step d causes the assembly device to move from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the assembly method, the method further comprises the steps: 1. a device is provided for assembling the protective bell (23) to the adapter (21) comprising a device for adjusting the relative positions of the protective bell and the adapter along the first axis; 2. the relative positions of the protective bell and the adapter are adjusted along the first axis. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:

[0036] [Fig-1] shows a side view of a spray gun equipped with a liquid jet protection device.

[0037] [Fig.2] represents a front view of the adapter of the liquid jet protection device ready to be mounted on a spray gun whose jet has as its axis an axis (Oz) perpendicular to the plane (xOy) of the diagram.

[0038] [Fig.3] represents a front view of the liquid jet protection device mounted on a spray gun whose jet has as its axis an axis (Oz) perpendicular to the plane (xOy) of the diagram.

[0039] [Fig.4] represents a rear view of the collar.

[0040] [Fig.5] shows a front view of the adapter of the jet protection device of liquid mounted on a spray gun with a diameter greater than the minimum accepted diameter.

[0041] [Fig.6] represents a top view of the upper jaw of the liquid jet protection device.

[0042] In the drawings, like references designate identical or similar objects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The invention relates to a device for protecting the liquid jet emitted by a device for spraying a liquid material onto a surface under high pressure and without the addition of compressed air, as well as a process for assembling the liquid jet protection device to a spraying device.

[0044] For example, the spraying device is of the Graco® or Wagner® brand.

[0045] The liquid material to be sprayed is in particular a wall paint in aqueous or organic phase, a lacquer, a varnish, or even a thicker or viscous liquid, such as a liquid used for coating exterior walls.

[0046] The spraying device comprises a suction pump connected by a hose to a spray gun 1. This spray gun 1, shown in [Fig.l], comprises a nozzle 11 and a nozzle holder 12, optionally comprising a nozzle guard 122, a handle 13, a trigger 14 possibly provided with a guard 15.

[0047] The liquid jet is flat or conical. In both cases, it has a main axis of symmetry, coincident with an axis of symmetry of the nozzle opening, which will be called the “jet axis” hereinafter.

[0048] In the figures showing front and side views of the spray gun 1, the jet axis is a horizontal axis. In the figures, the jet axis is the axis (Oz), O being any point on the jet axis, for example the center of the nozzle orifice.

[0049] The liquid jet protection device 2 comprises an adapter 21 and a protection bell 23 each extending along a first axis.

[0050] The adapter 21 comprises two jaws 211 and 212 of a jaw intended to grip a portion of the spray gun 1, so that the direction of the first axis is identical to the axis of the jet.

[0051] When the protective device 2 is mounted on the spray gun 1, the two jaws 211 and 212 of the adapter 21 may be substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to a mediator plane, this plane containing the axis of the jet. If the nozzle holder 12 of the spray gun I comprises a nozzle guard 122, the mediator plane is then also a mediator plane for the nozzle guard 122. For the sake of clarity, in the following, an upper jaw 211 and a lower jaw 212 are defined, the upper jaw 211 being intended to be arranged on the spray gun on the same side of the mediator plane as that comprising the handle 11b of the nozzle 11.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the portion of the spray gun 1 intended to be gripped is cylindrical in shape. This is for example the nozzle holder 12.

[0053] The two jaws 211 and 212, shown in front view in [Fig.2], form in this case a pipe clamp vice or equivalently a pipe clamp jaw.

[0054] It is however possible to adapt the device to portions of the protection device intended to be enclosed with varied sections, for example polygonal, simply by adapting the shape of the recesses of the jaws described below.

[0055] The two jaws 211 and 212 of the jaw are at least partially formed from a rigid material, such as a plastic (PVC, etc.) or metallic material. Each jaw comprises a central part (211a, respectively 212a) comprising a so-called main recess, for example in the form of a half-cylinder (211b, respectively 212b).

[0056] The main recess may be covered with a flexible material such as rubber, polyurethane or polyethylene foam to limit wear of the spray gun 1 by friction when it is gripped by the jaws 211 and 212 of the jaw. This arrangement also makes it possible to block rotation around the axis of the jet of the spray gun 1 relative to the protection device 2, in particular in the case where the main recess of each of the jaws is semi-cylindrical and where the portion of the spray gun 1 gripped by the jaws is grooved or has a polygonal section.

[0057] Optionally, the dimensions, and possibly the shape of the main recess, can be modified temporarily or permanently by adding an insert made of flexible or rigid material, for example neoprene in one and / or the other of the main recesses of the jaws 211 and 212. The insert itself comprises a recess. Once the insert is positioned in the main recess of a jaw, the main recess of the assembly {bit + insert} corresponds to the main recess of the insert and has dimensions, and possibly a shape, different from those of the main recess of the bit alone.

[0058] This arrangement makes it possible to increase the adaptability of the protection device 2 to various models of spray gun 1.

[0059] The two jaws 211 and 212 can either be completely separated from each other, in particular when the protection device 2 is not used, or attached to each other by means of a removable clamping device along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.

[0060] The clamping device makes it possible to attach the two jaws to each other with a variable spacing between a minimum spacing and a maximum spacing along the second axis, known as the clamping axis.

[0061] When the two jaws of the tube clamp 211 and 212 are assembled by the clamping device and brought as close as possible to each other, they define an empty volume of axis the first axis in which the portion of the spray gun intended to be clamped is placed.

[0062] The two jaws define, for example, an empty volume of cylindrical shape, into which the nozzle holder 12 of a spray gun I can be inserted.

[0063] The shape of the contour of the main recesses 211b and 212b, whether semi-cylindrical or not, is chosen so as to be able to accommodate the nozzle holders 12 most commonly used in the building sector.

[0064] At least a first part 21e of the clamping device is placed on one of the jaws 211 and 212 and at least a second part 212e of the clamping device is placed on the second of the jaws 211 and 212.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the clamping device is itself formed of two clamping devices called left and right. For example, each jaw comprises on either side of the central part, in a second direction orthogonal to the first axis (for example the axis of the semi-cylindrical recess), called left-right direction, a first extension called left and a second extension called right, so that: - the left extension of the first (respectively second) jaw forms the first (respectively second) part of the left clamping device. - the right extension of the first (respectively second) jaw forms the first (respectively second) part of the right clamping device.

[0066] The left clamping device makes it possible to bring the left extension of the jaw 211 and the left extension of the jaw 212 closer to or further apart from each other in a direction, called the clamping direction, which is orthogonal both to the axis of the jet and to the left-right direction.

[0067] The right clamping device makes it possible to bring the right extension of the jaw 211 and the right extension of the jaw 212 closer to or further apart from each other depending on the clamping direction.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the left and right extensions 211e of the jaw 211 each comprise a threaded recess 211f with an axis parallel to the clamping direction. In this case, the left and right extensions 212e of the jaw 212 also each comprise a threaded recess 212f with an axis parallel to the clamping direction.

[0069] A first screw 22 for tightening the jaws 211 and 212 can be screwed both into the threaded recesses 21 If of the left extension of the jaw 211 and 212f of the left extension of the jaw 212 placed opposite each other.

[0070] A second screw 22 for tightening the jaws 211 and 212 can be screwed both into the threaded recesses 21 If of the right extension of the jaw 211 and 212f of the right extension of the jaw 212 placed opposite each other.

[0071] As a variant, the left and right extensions 211e of the jaw 211 each comprise a tapped or untapped recess 21If with an axis parallel to the clamping direction. The left and right extensions 212e of the jaw 212 also each comprise a tapped or untapped recess 212f with an axis parallel to the clamping direction. As a further variant, only the recesses of one of the two jaws 211, 212 are tapped, the recesses of the other jaw not being tapped. Preferably, it is the recesses 212f of the lower jaw 212 which are tapped, the recesses 21If of the upper jaw 211 being without tapping.

[0072] A first clamping screw 22 can be inserted both into the tapped or untapped recesses 21 If of the left extension of the jaw 211 and 212f of the left extension of the jaw 212 placed opposite each other.

[0073] A nut 22b can then be placed on the side opposite the head of the clamping screw 22, so that the two tapped or untapped recesses 21 If of the left extension of the jaw 211 and 212f of the left extension of the jaw 212 are located between the head of the clamping screw 22 and the nut 22b. Screwing the clamping screw 22 into the nut 22b causes the left extensions of the jaws 211 and 212 to move together.

[0074] The same procedure is followed for the right extensions of jaws 211 and 212.

[0075] In this embodiment, the nut 22b may be in the form of a cap having a base, intended to come into contact with one of the extensions. The base of the nut 22b is preferably wide to facilitate tightening, distribute the supports and obtain the positioning of the two right (respectively left) extensions opposite each other during the last tightening step of this device described later. The nut is preferably placed on the side of the upper jaw.

[0076] In particular, this arrangement is implemented for carrying out the fourth step of this method, the tightening step which causes the device to pass of assembly of the protective bell 23 to the adapter 21 in the locked position.

[0077] The clamping device therefore comprises in the example described above the left and right clamping devices and the clamping screws 22. It is removable thanks to the clamping screws 22 which can be completely unscrewed.

[0078] In the absence of the clamping screws 22, the two jaws are independent of each other and can therefore be placed around a spray gun without the size limitations that would arise if these two jaws were non-removably connected to each other.

[0079] Alternatively, the clamping screws 22 may be fixed rigidly, removably using a tapping / threading system as presented above, or non-removably, for example by gluing or welding, on a first of the two jaws 211, 212, and the second jaw is mounted on the clamping screws 22 so as to be able to adjust its distance with the first jaw as explained.

[0080] Furthermore, as soon as the screws 22 for tightening the jaws 211 and 212 connect the two jaws, it is understood that the spacing between the two jaws can be adjusted by screwing or unscrewing the two jaws.

[0081] This embodiment therefore allows a great deal of latitude in adapting the adapter to the spraying device intended to be enclosed.

[0082] This embodiment in two left and right clamping devices also makes it possible to obtain a more durable clamping, for example than in the case of a central clamping device, during a spraying operation. Indeed, the spraying device working with high pressures, it is subject to significant vibrations. Distributing the clamping over two left and right devices limits the progressive loosening during spraying.

[0083] Furthermore, in the case where the recesses 21 If and / or 212f are not tapped, these recesses may have a characteristic dimension greater than the diameter of the rod of the screw 22 which must be inserted therein, so that the position of this rod is not totally constrained by the recess. This situation is shown in [Fig.6].

[0084] For example, the section of one or more of these recesses in a plane orthogonal to the tightening direction may be of elongated shape, for example rectangular or oblong, of width slightly greater than the diameter of the screw shank 22 and of length along the axis of the jet greater (for example at least 1.1 times, or even twice greater) than the diameter of the screw shank. At least one of the jaws 211, 212 comprises recesses 21 If, 212f of elongated shape, for example the upper jaw 211. Thanks to this arrangement, when assembling the two jaws by means of the tightening device, the jaws can partially tilt relative to each other, which allows the adaptation of the protection device to a wide variety of guns spraying 1 according to the method described below.

[0085] In particular, this arrangement is implemented for carrying out the third step of this method, a step during which the first portion and the second portion of the device for assembling the protective bell 23 to the adapter 21 are assembled.

[0086] The central part 211a (respectively 212a) of the jaw 211 (respectively 212) is for example in the shape of a rectangular U whose central branch comprises the main recess 211b (respectively 212b), for example semi-cylindrical. The plane (xOy) of the rectangular U is therefore orthogonal to the first axis, for example the axis (Oz) of the half-cylinder.

[0087] The central part 211a (respectively 212a) of the jaw 211 (respectively 212) extends in the left-right direction, but also in the clamping direction.

[0088] For example, the central part 211a (respectively 212a) of the jaw 211 (respectively 212) is in the shape of a rectangular U whose central branch has the left-right direction and whose two lateral branches extend in the direction of clamping of the jaws.

[0089] In the case where the central parts of the jaws have the shape of rectangular U, the height H of the central branch of the rectangular U of each of the jaws 211 and 212 can be chosen so as to be greater than the radius R of the main recess 211b (respectively 212b) if it is semi-cylindrical, or at a height h characteristic of the main recess 211b (respectively 212b) in general, but also to be sufficiently low to allow the nozzle 11 to be rotated by any angle around its axis, identical to the axis Oy when the device is installed.

[0090] In particular, the lever 11b of the nozzle 11 must be able to be positioned above the main branch of the rectangular U of one of the two jaws, in the case of figure [Fig.3] above the main branch of the rectangular U of the jaw 21. This arrangement allows the nozzle 11 to be manipulated even when the jet protection device 2 is mounted on the spray gun 1.

[0091] In other embodiments of the central parts 211a and 212a of the jaws, the central part of a jaw may not be in the shape of a rectangular U but a recess other than the main recess 211b (respectively 212b) may be provided so as to allow rotation of the handle 11b of the nozzle 11.

[0092] In these embodiments, the recess allowing rotation of the lever 11b of the nozzle 11 allows sufficient air circulation to balance the pressures between the inside of the protective bell, where the jet is formed, and the outside. This air circulation is necessary for the proper functioning of the spraying device.

[0093] The recesses of the central part 211a (respectively 212a) of a jaw other than the main recess 211b (respectively 212b) also make it possible to lighten the protective device. Typically, an operator may be required to spray paint for several hours a day with a spraying device equipped with a protective device 2. It is therefore important to reduce the mass of the protective device 2 as much as possible. To give an order of magnitude, a protective device 2 according to the invention may have a mass of less than 500g, or even 400g.

[0094] Still with the aim of lightening, the central parts 211a and 212a of the jaws 211 and 212 may be different from one another. For example, if these central parts are in the shape of a rectangular U, the height of the central branch of the rectangular U of the jaw intended to be placed under the protection device, called the “low jaw”, may be less than that of the central branch of the rectangular U of the jaw intended to be placed under the protection device, called the “high jaw”. This arrangement also makes it easier to insert the “low” jaw between the nozzle holder 12 of a spray gun 1 and the possible trigger protection 15 of this gun.

[0095] The height of the central branch of the rectangular U of the “high” jaw will be chosen as low as possible but in such a way that the “high” jaw can withstand the bending imposed by the presence of a spray gun 1 placed between the two jaws and gripped by them thanks to the tightening of the jaw tightening device (21 le and 212e).

[0096] Generally speaking, the dimensions of the central part of the "top" jaw can be greater than those of the "bottom" jaw. Indeed, since the tightening of the jaw tightening device (21 le and 212e) is easier from top to bottom, it is the "top" jaw which supports most of the bending imposed by the presence of the spray gun, as shown in [Fig.5].

[0097] The material constituting the central parts 211a (respectively 212a) of the jaw 211 (respectively 212) is also sufficiently rigid to ensure that the protective device 2 is held fixed relative to the spray gun 1 with which it is fitted, but sufficiently flexible to be able to deform elastically without breaking when the clamping device of the jaws (211e and 212e) is sufficiently tight to ensure this hold. This is understood under normal conditions of use, that is to say in the entire range of spray guns 1 on which the spray device 2 can be adapted.

[0098] The protective bell 23 comprises a collar 231.

[0099] The protective collar 231 extending in an identical main direction to the first axis. The main direction of the protective collar 231 is therefore intended to be identical to the jet axis (Oz) when the protective bell is installed on the spraying device 1.

[0100] The protective collar 231 has a section of any shape along a plane perpendicular to this main direction. The section of the collar 231 in a plane perpendicular to the main direction in the shape of a circle or polygon.

[0101] In the example shown in [Fig.l], the main direction is the axis (Oz) and the collar 231 is frustoconical.

[0102] The size and / or shape of the collar 231 can be adapted in particular according to the opening angle of the jet formed by the spray gun 1.

[0103] The collar 231 may be formed from a flexible or rigid material.

[0104] By rigid collar is meant here a collar which does not tear in the normal conditions of use, for example under the pressure of the liquid jet or during its installation or cleaning. This does not exclude a capacity for temporary deformation.

[0105] A rigid material but having a certain elasticity has the advantage of making the device resistant to shocks, possibly frequent during spraying or when an operator temporarily places the spray gun 1 equipped with the protection device 2.

[0106] For example, it is made of PVC, or any material suitable for 3D printing, such as polylactic acid (PLA). PLA has the advantage of being completely biodegradable.

[0107] A rigid material facilitates in particular the maintenance of the collar 231 between two sprays and limits the risks of tearing or tearing under the pressure of the jet for example or during handling.

[0108] The thickness of the material constituting the collar 231 may be of the order of 1.5 mm or less.

[0109] The collar 231 can be manufactured using a 3D printer.

[0110] The protective bell 23 can be assembled to the adapter 21 by means of of an assembly device comprising a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion. The first assembly portion is formed at least in part on at least one of the jaws 211 and 212, and the second assembly portion 232 is formed on the protective bell 23.

[0111] The device for assembling the protective bell 23 to the adapter 21 is, in a particular embodiment, a device for assembly by cooperation of shapes, comprising a male portion and a female portion.

[0112] The male portion and the female portion may be the first portion and the second assembly portion or conversely the second portion and the first assembly portion.

[0113] For simplicity, it is decided for the following that the male portion is the first assembly portion, formed at least in part on at least one of the jaws 211 and 212 and that the female portion is the second assembly portion 232, formed on the protective bell 23. It is understood that this embodiment is not limiting.

[0114] The male portion of the shape-cooperation assembly device may be formed by at least one projecting element 24. For example, the male portion of the shape-cooperation assembly device comprises at least one assembly screw 24 of the protective bell 23 to the adapter 21. In this case, at least one of the jaws 211 and 212 comprises a threaded recess 211c (respectively 212c) with an axis parallel to the first axis, i.e. the axis (Oz), into which an assembly screw 24 can be screwed.

[0115] The male portion of the assembly device, in this case the first portion of the assembly device, therefore comprises all of the assembly screws 24 thus connected to one or other of the jaws and the threaded recesses 21 If and 212f of axis (Oz).

[0116] In one embodiment, the male portion comprises a single projecting element 24, placed on one or the other of the jaws.

[0117] In a particular embodiment, the male portion may be composed of a plurality of disjointed protruding elements 24, just as the female portion may be composed of a plurality of disjointed recesses 232a. The female portion thus comprises several hollow elements 232a.

[0118] For example, the male portion comprises two assembly screws 24.

[0119] In this case, each of the jaws 211 and 212 may comprise at least one of the projecting elements 24 separate from the male portion.

[0120] In this case, the jaw 211 comprises a threaded recess 211e into which an assembly screw 24 is screwed and the jaw 212 comprises a threaded recess 212c into which another assembly screw 24 is screwed.

[0121] The threaded recesses 21 le and 212 c can be placed on the axis (Oy) corresponding to the tightening direction.

[0122] In one embodiment, the central parts 211a and 212a of the jaws comprise all of the projecting elements 24 separate from the male portion, and the assembly portion 232 comprises all of the recesses 232a separate from the female portion.

[0123] Alternatively, the male portion comprises four assembly screws 24. In this case, the central parts of the jaws may be rectangular U-shaped. The two lateral branches of the rectangular U of each of the jaws (211, respectively 212) each comprise a threaded recess (211c, respectively 212c) with an axis parallel to the first axis, i.e. the axis (Oz) of the jet, a threaded recess into which a screw can be screwed.

[0124] A screw 24 for assembling the protective bell 23 to the jaws 211 and 212 is screwed into each of the threaded recesses with axis (Oz) 211c and 212c of the jaws 211 and 212, so that the heads of these screws 24 are placed towards the front of the adapter 21, that is to say on the side of the orifice of the nozzle 12 when the adapter 21 is mounted on the spray gun 1.

[0125] The length of the screws 24 for assembling the protective bell 23 to the jaws can be chosen so that the head of the assembly screws 24 protrudes from the adapter 21, for example by a few centimeters, as shown in [Fig.l].

[0126] This embodiment of the male part in the form of one or more assembly screws 24 makes it possible to assemble the protective bell 23 to the adapter 21 by hooking the protective bell 23 onto the head of the screws 24 for assembling the collar to the jaws, while leaving an empty space between the adapter 21 and the protective bell 23, in particular for manipulating the lever 11b for adjusting the flow rate of the nozzle 11. This manipulation may be necessary and useful in the case of a reversible nozzle, or if the operator wishes to change the nozzle.

[0127] This embodiment of the male part in the form of assembly screws 24 also provides a fairly wide latitude for adapting the protection device to the various spray guns 1 on the market, since the distance between the protection bell 23 and the adapter 21 can be reduced or increased by screwing or unscrewing the screws 24.

[0128] Finally, this embodiment makes it possible to limit the size of the device when it is not in use, the assembly screws 24 being able to be either completely screwed onto the adapter 21 or completely unscrewed for storing the latter.

[0129] The screws 24 are preferably all screwed to the same depth.

[0130] The embodiment of the male and female portions in the form of separate elements makes it possible to stabilize the position of the collar 231 during operation of the spraying device 1, which is known to cause significant vibrations. Indeed, in this case, the protective bell 23 comes to bear on the adapter 21 at the level of the plurality of separate elements of the male part. An embodiment in the form of four separate projecting elements 24 will thus allow better stability of the protective bell 23 than two separate projecting elements 24, which will themselves allow better stability than with a male portion formed from a single projecting element 24.

[0131] The protruding element(s) 24 separate from the male portion of a given jaw are placed at a certain distance from the center of the recess of the jaw along the direction of clamping of the jaws, among other things so as not to limit the movement of the lever 11b of the nozzle 11.

[0132] The position of the protruding elements 24 separate from the male (respectively female) portion on the jaws 211 and 212 is chosen so that the nozzle holder 12, possibly including nozzle protection 122, and the nozzle 11 of the gun 1 of a spraying device commonly used in the building sector can be inserted between these protruding elements when the jaws of the jaw 211 and 212 enclose the nozzle holder 12.

[0133] The elements 211a to 211f and 212a to 212f can form a substantially symmetrical assembly with respect to the plane (xOz) when the jaws 211 and 212 are clamped as tightly as possible against each other so as to grip the gun 1 of the spraying device.

[0134] In this case, the forces applied to the protection device 1 due to the vibrations of the spray gun will be distributed, and in a relatively homogeneous manner, over the different male portions. This arrangement makes it possible to increase the service life of the protection device 2.

[0135] In the case where each jaw comprises at least one projecting element 24 separate from the male portion of the device for assembling the protective bell 23 to the adapter 21, when the jaws are tightened or loosened relative to each other, the relative distances between the projecting elements 24 separate from the male portion of one of the jaws and the projecting elements 24 separate from the male portion of the other jaw vary.

[0136] This arrangement allows flexibility in adapting the protection device 2 to a wide variety of spray guns 1, with a simple assembly method, as will be seen later.

[0137] The second assembly portion 232 of the device for assembling the protective bell 23 to the adapter 21 is formed on the protective bell 23.

[0138] In the case of a shape-cooperation assembly device comprising a male part and a female part, the second assembly portion 232 may be the female part.

[0139] In this particular embodiment, the female element of the assembly device by cooperation of shapes is therefore the assembly portion 232 of the collar 23. The second assembly portion 232 can thus comprise one or more recesses 232a, each comprising at least a first portion 232a 1 of shape complementary to a projecting element 24 with which it is intended to cooperate.

[0140] In the case where the male portion comprises four assembly screws 24 placed on the lateral branches of the U-shaped central parts 211a and 212a, the second assembly portion 232 comprises four recesses 232a.

[0141] The first portion 232a 1 of shape complementary to that of the male element intended to be inserted there. This portion is therefore, for example, the complement of the screw head of an assembly screw 24 of the protective bell 23 to the adapter 21.

[0142] At least one of the recesses 232a further comprises, in a particular embodiment, a second portion 232a2 extending from the first portion 232a1 in the tightening direction and in continuity with the first portion 232al. At least one characteristic dimension of the second portion 232a2 is less than a characteristic dimension of the portion 232al.

[0143] Thanks to this arrangement, a projecting element 24 can slide in the clamping direction of the first portion 232al towards the second portion 232a2 to move from an unlocked position to a locked position. The unlocked position allows the assembly or disassembly of the male and female portions by translation of the protective bell 23 relative to the adapter 21 along the first axis. In the locked position, the translational movement of the protective bell 23 relative to the adapter 21 along the first axis is blocked.

[0144] In one embodiment, the transition from the locked position to the unlocked position is carried out by the operator, for example by a rotational movement around the first axis of the protective bell 23 relative to the adapter 21, in particular in the case of a bayonet assembly device.

[0145] The transition from the unlocked position to the locked position can in another embodiment be obtained by tightening the tightening element in the tightening direction.

[0146] In this other embodiment, the transition from the locked position to the unlocked position can be obtained by loosening the clamping element in the clamping direction.

[0147] The material forming the jaws may have a certain flexibility, so that elastic deformation of the jaws is possible during tightening. This arrangement makes the protective device adaptable to different types of spray guns.

[0148] In a particular embodiment, in the locked position, the protective bell 23 can be embedded in the adapter 21, that is to say that no relative movement of the protective bell 23 with respect to the adapter 21 is possible.

[0149] For example, when the clamping of the jaw is sufficient, it causes the assembly screws 24 to be tensioned so that the protective bell 23 can bear on these assembly screws 24. The friction of the protective bell 23 on the assembly screws 24, possibly combined with the fact that the direction of the tensioned assembly screws 24 may not be parallel with the axis of the jet, is sufficient to ensure the embedding connection.

[0150] In particular, in the case of a female portion comprising four recesses 232a, the second portions 232a2 of these recesses may for example form a square with axis (Oz) when the jet protection device 2 is installed on the spray gun, as shown in [Fig. 4]. The length a of the side of the square is in this case equal to the distance d between the centers of the two recesses 211c (or equivalently 212c) of the jaw 211 (or equivalently of the jaw 212). In this case, two first portions 232al of two different recesses 232a placed on an axis parallel to the tightening direction may for example be spaced apart by a distance in less than the distance between the two male elements which are inserted into the relevant recesses.

[0151] In the case of a female portion comprising four recesses 232a, the second portions 232a2 of these recesses can also form a rectangle of axis (Oz) when the jet protection device 2 is installed on the spray gun, as shown in [Fig.4]. A rectangle of height of the order of 80 mm and width of the order of 60 mm to 80 mm is for example suitable. In this case, the collar 231 can take a frustoconical shape, the smallest diameter of which is of the order of 30 to 35 mm and the largest diameter of the order of 120 to 140 mm, the length of the collar 231 being able to be of the order of 5 cm to 40 cm.

[0152] In this way, when the device is sufficiently tightened, the male elements are necessarily at the level of the second portions 232a2 and therefore in the locked position.

[0153] Thanks to all of these arrangements, it is possible to easily mount and dismount the protection device 2 on a spray gun 1. It will be noted that to install the wind protection device 2 on a spray gun 1, no unscrewing or dismounting of the elements of this gun is necessary thanks to the two-part design of the adapter 21.

[0154] The mounting method can be as follows.

[0155] In a first step, the jaws 211 and 212 of the adapter 21, which are completely separate, are placed on either side of a spray gun 1, so as to form a jaw enclosing the spray gun and so that the jaws 211 and 212 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the horizontal plane containing the axis of the jet.

[0156] In a second step, the clamping device of the jaws 211 and 212 is partially clamped, so that the jaws 211 and 212 are loosely assembled to each other and to the spray gun 1, i.e. they do not need to be held by an operator to remain around the nozzle holder 12 but retain a certain freedom of movement relative to each other.

[0157] In a third step, the first portion and the second portion of the device for assembling the protective bell 23 to the adapter 21 are assembled.

[0158] For example, if the first assembly portion is made up of projecting elements 24, these are inserted into the first portions 232a 1 of the recesses 232a of the second assembly portion which are complementary to them.

[0159] This step is of course carried out without difficulty if the first portion comprises a single projecting element 24. In this case, an intermediate step of locking the assembly device is necessary.

[0160] If, on the contrary, the first portion comprises several salient elements, such as the dimensions of the contour formed by the first portions 232a 1 are for some smaller than those of the contour formed by the projecting elements 24 to allow subsequent locking, the freedom of movement provided by the partial tightening of the clamping device is used. For example, it is possible to firstly insert the projecting elements 24 of the jaw 211 into the first portions 232al of the recesses 232a which are complementary to them, then in a second stage, by a rocking movement of the second jaw 212, place the projecting elements 24 of the jaw 212 opposite the first portions 232al which are complementary to them and proceed with the insertion of these projecting elements 24.

[0161] In a fourth step, the clamping device is tightened until the spray gun is embedded in / rigidly fixed on the jaw.

[0162] It is understood that this tightening causes the assembly device of the protective bell 23 to move to the adapter 21 in the locked position, so that the locking step is not necessary.

[0163] The clamping can be chosen from the entire range of positions of the jaws relative to each other corresponding to this locked position, which allows the protective device to adapt to different spray guns. In this sense, the protective device is therefore "universal".

[0164] This range of positions is of course defined by the shape of the second portions 232a2, which may be a disc portion, or rectangular and each extend on one side of a given first portion 232a2 or on both sides in the clamping direction.

[0165] It is therefore possible to envisage various shapes and dimensions for the second portions 232a2.

[0166] It is notably possible that two given recesses 232a have different second portions 232a2 (and / or first portions 232al), in which case the corresponding projecting elements 24 also have different shapes and / or dimensions.

[0167] This arrangement can facilitate the assembly of the protection device 2 by helping the operator to identify the elements intended to cooperate.

[0168] Otherwise, the jaws 211 and 212 of the protection device 2 have the advantage of being interchangeable.

[0169] The exchange of the two jaws 211 and 212 between the top and the bottom is however only possible in the embodiments where these jaws are both configured to withstand the bending which can be imposed on them when a spray gun 1 is clamped between these two jaws. Thus, if the central part of the two jaws 211 and 212 is in the shape of a rectangular U, the exchange is not always possible if the central branches of the rectangular U of the two jaws 211 and 212 do not have the same height.

[0170] The recesses 232a may be through-holes.

[0171] They may also be open only on the side through which the complementary projecting element 24 is to be inserted. In the latter case, the depth of the recess in the direction of the jet axis is limited and may for example be chosen so that the projecting element 24 can slide in the recess 232a in a direction perpendicular to the jet axis, but that its translation along the jet axis is limited in the range of locked positions. List of reference signs

[0172] 1: gun of a spraying device

[0173] 11: nozzle

[0174] 1 la: opening of the nozzle 11

[0175] 11b: nozzle lever 11

[0176] 12: nozzle holder

[0177] 122: nozzle protection

[0178] 13: handle

[0179] 14: trigger

[0180] 15: trigger protection

[0181] 2: jet protection device

[0182] 21: adapter

[0183] 211: first jaw of the adapter jaw 21

[0184] 21 la: central part of the bit 21

[0185] 211b: main recess of the bit 21

[0186] 21 le: threaded recess of axis (Oz) of jaw 21

[0187] 21 le: first part of the clamping device of the jaw 211 with the jaw 212

[0188] 21 If: threaded recess of axis (Oy) of the device 212e

[0189] 212: second jaw of the adapter jaw 21

[0190] 212a: central part of the jaw 212

[0191] 212b: main recess of the jaw 22

[0192] 212c: threaded recess of axis (Oz) of jaw 212

[0193] 212e: second part of the clamping device of the jaw 212 with the jaw 211

[0194] 212f: threaded recess of axis (Oy) of device 212e

[0195] 22: clamping screws for the jaws 211 and 212 of the jaw of the adapter 21

[0196] 22b: nut

[0197] 23: protective bell

[0198] 231: protective collar

[0199] 232: second assembly portion of the bell assembly device protection 23 to adapter 21

[0200] 232a: recess forming at least in part the female element of the device assembly of the collar 23 to the adapter 21

[0201] 232al: first portion of the recess 232a, of a shape complementary to that of a male element 24

[0202] 232a2: second portion of the recess 232a

[0203] 24: assembly screw (projecting element forming at least in part the male element of a device for assembling the collar 23 to the adapter 21)

Claims

Claims

1. Protection device (2) for a jet of liquid emitted by a pressurized liquid spraying device, the protection device extending along a first axis intended to be identical to an emission axis of the jet of liquid and comprising an adapter (21), a protection bell (23) and a device for assembling the protection bell to the adapter: a) the assembly device comprising a first assembly portion (21 le and / or 212c, 24) and a second assembly portion (232), (b) the adapter comprising: - an upper jaw (211) and a lower jaw (212) of a jaw intended to grip a portion of the spraying device whose jet emission axis is arranged along the first axis, - a removable clamping device ((21 le) and / or (212e), 24) along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis so that the upper (211) and lower (212) jaws can be either separated from each other or attached to each other with a variable spacing between a minimum spacing and a maximum spacing along the second axis, called the clamping axis, and - said first assembly portion formed at least in part on at least one of the upper jaw (211c) and the lower jaw (212c), c) the protective bell (23) of the liquid jet comprising: - a tubular or truncated cone-shaped collar (231) with the first axis, and - the second assembly portion (232), the assembly device can take two positions: - a locked position in which the first assembly portion is fixed relative to the second assembly portion at least in translation relative to the first axis so that, when the upper jaw and the lower jaw are attached to each other, the protective bell is fixed relative to the adapter at least in translation relative to the first axis, - an unlocked position in which the first assembly portion and the second assembly portion are free relative to each other, the passage of the device for assembling the protective bell to the adapter from the unlocked position to the locked position being obtained by tightening the clamping element in the tightening direction and the passage of the device for assembling the protective bell to the adapter from the locked position to the unlocked position being obtained by loosening the clamping element in the tightening direction.

2. Device for protecting a jet of liquid according to claim 1 characterized in that the removable clamping device is itself formed of two devices called left and right symmetrical to each other with respect to said clamping axis.

3. Device for protecting a jet of liquid according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterized in that a male portion and a female portion are defined among the first portion of the assembly device and the second portion of the assembly device and in that - the male portion is constituted by at least two disjointed projecting elements (24), - the female portion is constituted by at least two disjointed hollow elements (232a), - the male and female portions cooperating by their shapes for the assembly of the first and second portions, - each jaw comprising at least one of said disjointed elements constituting the first portion of the assembly device, - the assembly device being locked at least when the spacing between the two jaws is minimal.

4. Device for protecting a jet of liquid according to claim 3 characterized in that the at least two separate elements of the female portion (232a) form a symmetrical assembly with respect to said clamping axis and / or with respect to an axis orthogonal to said first axis and clamping axis.

5. Device for protecting a jet of liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the collar (231) is rigid.

6. Device for protecting a jet of liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the collar (231) comprises a recess for manipulating a spray gun nozzle.

7. A liquid jet protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it can be mounted on said pressurized liquid device without dismantling one or more elements of the pressurized liquid device.

8. Device for protecting a jet of liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device for assembling the protective bell (23) to the adapter (21) comprises a device for adjusting the relative positions of the protective bell to the adapter along the first axis.

9. Device for protecting a jet of liquid emitted by a pressurized liquid spraying device according to any one of the preceding claims configured to fit on a pressurized liquid spraying device comprising a nozzle (11) and a nozzle holder (12) and optionally a nozzle guard (122) and / or a trigger guard (15).

10. Method for assembling a device for protecting a liquid jet to a device for spraying liquid under pressure, the protection device extending along a first axis intended to be identical to an emission axis of the liquid jet and comprising an adapter (21), a protection bell (23) and a device for assembling the protection bell to the adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising the steps of: a. positioning the jaws, in which the jaws (211, 212) of the adapter (21), initially completely separate, are placed on either side of a spray gun 1, so as to form a jaw enclosing the spray gun and so that the jaws (211, 212) are placed on either side of a horizontal plane containing the axis of the jet; b.of setting up the clamping device, in which the clamping device of the jaws (211, 212) is set up and partially tightened, so that the jaws (211, 212) are attached to each other with play and so that they do not need to be held by an operator to remain around the nozzle holder (12);. c. assembly, in which the first portion and the second portion of the device for assembling the protective bell (23) to the adapter (21) are assembled; d. of clamping, in which the clamping device is tightened until the spray gun is embedded in the jaw, the clamping step d causing the assembly device to move from the unlocked position to the locked position.

11. Method of assembling a device for protecting a liquid jet to a device for spraying liquid under pressure, claim 10 characterized in that it further comprises the steps: 1) a device for assembling the protective bell (23) to the adapter (21) is provided, comprising a device for adjusting the relative positions of the protective bell (23) and the adapter (21) along the first axis; 2) the relative positions of the protective bell (23) and the adapter (21) are adjusted along the first axis.

Images