Sprayer comprising an air supply skirt and method of mounting such a skirt on a main body of such a sprayer

Abstract

Sprayer comprising an air supply skirt and method for mounting such a skirt on a main body of such a sprayer The present invention relates to a coating product sprayer (2) comprising a main body (4), an air supply skirt (6) attached to the main body and a means (112) of magnetic attraction between the magnetic body and the air supply skirt. The sprayer comprises a magneto-pneumatic or magneto-hydraulic system (100) which includes a magnetic device (100A) for attaching the air supply skirt (6) to the main body (4) and a pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism (100B) for locking and clamping the air supply skirt on the main body. Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Sprayer comprising an air supply skirt and method of mounting such a skirt on a main body of such a sprayer

[0001] The present invention relates to a coating product sprayer equipped with an air supply skirt which makes it possible to distribute, near a spraying member of the sprayer, an air flow for guiding or shaping a cloud of droplets of coating product leaving the spraying member. This spraying member may be a rotating bowl or a magnetic spray head.

[0002] It is known to mount an air intake skirt on the main body of a sprayer by screwing. This technique requires providing, on the outside of the air intake skirt, screwing notches so that a tool can exert a screwing or unscrewing torque. These notches are volumes of potential accumulation of coating product, which leads to risks of soiling the sprayer or the coated surfaces. In addition, tightening the skirt on the body of the sprayer is relatively slow and requires a tool, such as a dynamometer, to check that the tightening torque exerted is sufficient to ensure an airtight seal between the air intake skirt and the rest of the sprayer. Finally, screwing must most often be carried out manually, to the point that automating a process for changing the air intake skirt proves, in practice, very complex.

[0003] Some of these problems are solved by the sprayer described in EP3222360A1 which discloses a coating product sprayer equipped with a means of magnetic attraction between an air supply skirt and a fixed member. This solution is generally satisfactory. However, the forces required to seal the mounting of the air supply skirt on a body of a sprayer are significant, in particular to compress seals arranged at the interface between the air supply skirt and the main body of the sprayer. As a result, large magnets must be used and the forces exerted are intense, therefore potentially dangerous, in particular in the event of a user's finger or a tool carried by the user becoming trapped. Furthermore, the intensity of the magnetic forces is such that, in practice, specific tools must be used to dismantle the air supply skirt during a maintenance operation.

[0004] It is these drawbacks that the invention more particularly intends to remedy by proposing a new coating product sprayer in which the mounting of an air supply skirt on a main body is made easier and made safe for the operator, this mounting being able, to a large extent, to be automated.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a coating product sprayer comprising a main body, an air supply skirt attached to the main body and a means of magnetic attraction between the magnetic body and the air supply skirt, characterized in that the sprayer comprises a magneto-pneumatic or magneto-hydraulic system which includes

[0006] - a magnetic device for attaching the air intake skirt to the body main; and

[0007] - a pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism for locking and tightening the skirt air supply on the main body.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, the magneto-pneumatic or magneto-hydraulic system of the sprayer makes it possible to exert, in a first step, a magnetic force for attaching the air supply skirt to the main body and then, in a second step, a mechanical force for tightening the air supply skirt to the main body, which in particular makes it possible to compress sealing joints arranged between the skirt and the main body. This two-step operation allows the magnetic force exerted by the magnetic device to be relatively low intensity, which makes it less dangerous for a user handling the air supply skirt when it is mounted on the main body. The fact that this magnetic force is relatively low intensity makes it easier to disassemble the air supply skirt from the main body.Furthermore, this relatively low intensity magnetic force and the automatable nature of the magneto-pneumatic or magneto-hydraulic system make the sprayer compatible with a process for mounting or dismounting the air supply skirt on the main body of the sprayer by means of a robot.

[0009] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a sprayer may incorporate one or more of the following features taken in any technically admissible combination:

[0010] - The magnetic hooking device is configured to exert, between the skirt air supply skirt and the main body, an axial magnetic force, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sprayer, with a first intensity, the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism is configured to exert between the air supply skirt and the main body an axial mechanical force, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, with a second intensity and the second intensity is strictly greater than the first intensity.

[0011] - The sprayer comprises sealing gaskets arranged between the feed skirt air and the main body and the sealing gaskets compressed by the mechanical force exerted by the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism isolate the conforming air circulation ducts from the outside of the sprayer.

[0012] - The air intake skirt comprises a sleeve made of a ferroma material genetic, centered on a longitudinal axis of the sprayer in the mounted configuration of the air supply skirt on the main body and provided with at least one external relief for cooperation with the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism.

[0013] - The magnetic hooking device comprises a permanent magnet mounted on a support, movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sprayer and the permanent magnet or the support is configured to receive in support one end of the sleeve opposite a skirt body.

[0014] - The pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism comprises a piston, movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, inside a chamber selectively supplied with pressurized fluid, and the piston is equipped with members for engaging with the external relief of the sleeve.

[0015] - The engagement members are balls, the piston comprises surfaces of cam inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the sprayer and, when the air supply skirt is hooked onto the main body by the magnetic hooking device and when the piston is moved towards an end of the sleeve opposite a body of the air supply skirt, the cam surfaces exert on the balls an engagement force in the external relief of the sleeve, this force being centripetal relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] - The sprayer comprises at least one elastic member for returning the piston towards a position in which the engagement members are disengaged from the external relief of the sleeve.

[0017] - The sprayer includes a tool for removing the air supply skirt, this disassembly tool comprising hooking reliefs on the air supply skirt and being configured to exert on the air supply skirt a force parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sprayer and opposite to a magnetic force exerted on the air supply skirt by the magnetic hooking device.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of mounting an air supply skirt on a main body of a coating product sprayer as mentioned above, characterized in that it comprises at least successive steps consisting of:

[0019] a) introducing a sleeve of the air supply skirt into a central housing of the main body until the magnetic attachment device exerts a magnetic force for attaching the air supply skirt to the main body; and

[0020] b) supplying the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism with pressurized fluid until the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism exerts a mechanical clamping force on the air supply skirt on the main body.

[0021] Advantageously, the sprayer during step b), the piston moves the balls towards a bottom of the central housing, driving the sleeve with the balls engaged in the external relief.

[0022] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a partially exploded longitudinal section of a sprayer according to a first embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective longitudinal section of a magneto-pneumatic system belonging to the sprayer of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents, on two inserts A) and B), the sprayer of the [Fig.l] during a first stage of assembly of an air intake skirt on a main body, insert B) being a larger scale view of detail B on insert A); - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view similar to [Fig.3], during a second stage of the assembly process; - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a view similar to [Fig.3], during a third stage of the assembly process; - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.3], during a fourth step of the assembly process; - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the sprayer in the assembled state of the skirt on the main body, as well as a tool for removing the skirt; - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is an axial perspective section of the sprayer of the previous figures, in the process of dismantling the skirt; - [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a section similar to [Fig.l], for a sprayer in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and - [Fig.10] [Fig.10] is a view similar to [Fig.l], for a sprayer in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The coating product sprayer 2 shown in Figures 1 to 8 comprises a main body 4 formed by the assembly of an external part 42, an internal part 44 and a base 46.

[0024] For example, the coating product is a liquid paint, primer or varnish intended to be applied to a body or component of a motor vehicle.

[0025] Screws 48 secure the parts 42, 44 and 46 of the main body. These screws 48 protrude relative to a front face 428 of the external part 42.

[0026] The sprayer 2 is of the electrostatic type with internal charge and comprises a high-voltage unit, not shown, configured to bring the coating product sprayed by the sprayer 2 to a given electrical potential.

[0027] A2 is a longitudinal axis of the sprayer 2.

[0028] A front side of the sprayer 2 or of a component of this sprayer is defined. as a side facing a part to be coated, during use of the sprayer 2, and a rear side as a side facing away from the front side. In the figures, the front of the sprayer 2 is facing upwards and the rear is facing downwards.

[0029] An air supply skirt 6 is mounted on the main body 4 in the assembled configuration of the sprayer 2. This air supply skirt 6 comprises a skirt body 62 and a sleeve 64 screwed onto the skirt body 62.

[0030] Alternatively, the skirt body 62 and the sleeve are secured by crimping, welding and / or gluing.

[0031] The connection between the skirt body 62 and the sleeve 64 takes place at a front end 641 of the sleeve.

[0032] The sleeve 64 is made of a ferromagnetic material, for example steel.

[0033] A spray bowl 8 also belongs to the sprayer 2 and is intended to be driven in rotation, around the longitudinal axis A2, by a turbine of which the rotor 10 is denoted 10. The stator of the turbine is constituted by the internal part 44 of the main body 4 and carries a tip 12 equipped with a permanent magnet 14, of annular shape.

[0034] In the mounted configuration of the bowl 8 on the turbine rotor 10, an annular surface 82 of the bowl 8, which is made of a ferromagnetic material, comes opposite the permanent magnet 14, which has the effect of creating a magnetic bearing between the bowl 8 and the magnet 14, when an air flow is directed between the magnet 22 and the annular surface 82.

[0035] Alternatively, only a portion of the bowl 8 which defines the annular surface 82 is made of ferromagnetic material.

[0036] The sprayer 2 also comprises an injector 16 of coating product whose downstream end 162 penetrates into a central bore 84 of the bowl 8, in the mounted configuration of this bowl on the turbine rotor 10.

[0037] A cover 18 is mounted around the main body 4 and protects it against splashes of coating product.

[0038] The skirt body 62 is equipped with several channels 622 which pass right through it, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A2 in the mounted configuration of the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4, and which each feed an outlet orifice 624 through which air jets can be directed towards a cloud of coating product leaving an edge 86 of the bowl 8, in order to shape this jet of coating product and / or to direct it towards an object to be coated. The orifices 624 are provided on a circular front face 626 of the skirt body 62.

[0039] The skirt body 62 defines a hollow housing 628 in which a front portion of the external part 42 of the main body 4 is received in the mounted configuration of the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4. The hollow housing 628 is provided on the rear of the skirt body 62.

[0040] The external part 42 of the main body 40 comprises ducts 422 for conveying air towards the air supply skirt 6. These channels 422 are supplied with air by channels 442 which extend essentially in a plane different from that of figures 1 and 3 to 6 and of which only the downstream ends are visible in these figures.

[0041] The bottom 628a of the hollow housing 628 is equipped with two annular grooves 628c and 628d which serve as distributors to supply two groups of conduits 622 from the outlets 424 of the conduits 422. To ensure sealing against the passage of air between the conduits 422 and the grooves 628c and 628d, O-rings 20 are arranged in annular grooves 426 formed on the front face 428 of the external part 42 of the main body 4, that is to say in an interface zone between the main body 4 and the skirt 6. These O-rings 20 are intended to bear against the bottom 628a of the hollow housing 628 and to be compressed.

[0042] In the example of the figures, the O-rings 20 and the annular grooves 426 are concentric and three in number. In a variant not shown, the number and / or the shape of the O-rings 20 and the annular grooves 426 are different.

[0043] The sleeve 64 is intended to be engaged in a central housing L2 of the sprayer 2 which is defined, radially to the longitudinal axis A2, between the external part 42 and the internal part 44 of the main body 4.

[0044] 642 denotes the rear edge of the sleeve 64, that is to say the edge of this sleeve opposite the skirt body 62. 644 denotes the end of the sleeve 64 which is closest to the rear edge 642. The rear edge 642 delimits the rear end 644 opposite the skirt body 62. The rear end 644 is opposite the front end 641 of the sleeve 64.

[0045] S64 denotes the external radial surface of the sleeve 64. This external radial surface is provided with a peripheral groove 646 which forms a hollow housing on the outside of the sleeve 64. 646a denotes the rear edge of the peripheral groove 646, that is to say the edge of this groove closest to the end 644 of the sleeve 64.

[0046] 647 denotes an external peripheral rib of the sleeve 64 which separates the peripheral groove 646 from the end 644. 647a denotes the rear edge of this rib, that is to say the edge of this rib closest to the end 644 of the sleeve 64.

[0047] A magneto-pneumatic system 100 is provided in the central housing L2 to ensure attachment of the skirt 6 to the main body 4, as well as clamping of this skirt on this main body. The magneto-pneumatic system 100 comprises a magnetic attachment device 100A and a pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B of the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4.

[0048] The attachment, obtained thanks to the magnetic attachment device 100A, makes it possible to ensure that the air supply skirt 6 remains in position on the main body 4, including when the latter is moved by a multi-axis robot or a reciprocator on which the sprayer is mounted. The movements of the sprayer induce accelerations on the air supply skirt 6, which could have the effect of forcing the sleeve 64 out of the central housing L2. The magnetic attachment force is sized to resist these accelerations.

[0049] The clamping force makes it possible to finalize the positioning of the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4 and to compress the O-rings 20, thus ensuring the sealing of the circuit supplying the outlet orifices 624 with air for shaping the cloud of coating product.

[0050] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 extends along a longitudinal axis A100 which coincides with the longitudinal axis A2 of the sprayer 2 in the mounted configuration of the magneto-pneumatic system 100 in the sprayer 2.

[0051] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 comprises a cap 102 immobilized on the main body 4 by screws which pass through one or more tabs 102a provided on the outside of the cap 102. One of these screws is represented by its axis line 103 in [Fig.2],

[0052] The cap 102 defines an annular volume VI02 centered on the longitudinal axis A100 and which is bordered by an internal radial wall 102b and an external radial wall 102c.

[0053] A passage 102d is provided in the thickness of the external radial wall 102c and makes it possible to fluidically connect a conduit 446 provided in the internal part 44 of the main body 4 and the volume V102.

[0054] On the other hand, the internal wall 102b of the cover 102 ends with a chamfered edge 102e facing the volume V102 and converging towards the longitudinal axis A100 opposite the bottom 102f of the volume V102, that is to say in the direction of the rear of the cover 102.

[0055] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 also comprises a cup 104 placed on the rear bottom of the central housing L2. In the example of the figures, the bottom of the central housing L2 is opposite its front mouth and delimited by the internal part 44.

[0056] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 also comprises an annular piston 106 equipped with two sealing segments 107a and 107b. In the example, the sealing segments are made by two O-rings received in two peripheral grooves 106a and 106b, respectively external and internal, formed on the piston 106. The O-rings 107a and 107b are not shown in [Fig.l], which allows the grooves 106a and 106b to be better visualized.

[0057] Alternatively, the sealing segments are formed by lip seals. According to another alternative, they are mounted on the walls of the cap 102 opposite the piston 106.

[0058] The piston 106 is movable, parallel to the axes A2 and A100 combined, while being partially engaged in the volume V102 of the cap 102. Due to the engagement partial displacement of the piston 106 in the housing V102 and the bearing surface of the sealing segments 107a and 107b against the walls 102c and 102b, a variable volume sealed chamber C100 is defined between the elements 102 and 106. This variable volume chamber C100 is supplied with pressurized air coming from the conduit 446 through the passage 102d. Means not shown, such as a pressurized air source, a proportional valve and a purge valve make it possible to supply the variable volume chamber C100 with pressurized air or to vent it, depending on a sequence of assembly or disassembly of the skirt 6 on the main body 4. The pressure of the air present in the conduit 446 is controlled independently of the pressure of the drive air of the rotor 10 and the pressure of the skirt air in the conduits 442.

[0059] Alternatively, a portion of the drive air of the rotor 10 may be diverted to the duct 446. In this case, the variable volume chamber C100 may be supplied with pressurized air as soon as the turbine is in operation. According to another alternative, the duct 446 may be supplied with pressurized air from air used in the sprayer 2 for another function, for example from the skirt air circulating in the ducts 442.

[0060] The piston 106 also defines volumes VI06 for receiving balls 108 which constitute members for engaging the piston 106 with the external peripheral groove 646 of the sleeve 64.

[0061] Advantageously, a ball 108 is mounted in each volume V106.

[0062] Each ball 108 is received in a volume VI06 from which it may or may not protrude through an opening 0106 which constitutes the outlet of each volume V106 on the internal peripheral surface S106 of the piston 106.

[0063] Each volume V106 is defined, on its side opposite its opening 0106, by a surface S106 converging towards the front in the direction of the longitudinal axis A100 and inclined relative to this longitudinal axis by an angle of zero, preferably between 15° or 60°, more preferably between 30° and 50°.

[0064] The surfaces S106 of the different volumes V106 constitute cam surfaces for guiding the balls 108.

[0065] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 also comprises a support 110 which is also annular in shape centered on the longitudinal axis A100 and which is formed of a solid body 110a and a profile 110b, both made of a ferromagnetic material. The parts 110a and 110b of the support 110 are secured together by any suitable means, in particular by gluing, crimping and / or welding.

[0066] Alternatively, the support 110 is in one piece.

[0067] The support 110 is equipped with position indexing pins 110c, around the longitudinal axis A100, with respect to the piston 106.

[0068] The support 100 is also equipped with stops 110d intended to engage in the volumes V106 from the rear of the piston 106, to hold the balls 108 in position in these volumes.

[0069] The support 100 carries an annular permanent magnet 112 which is arranged on the internal radial side of the support 100. In the example, the permanent magnet is secured to the profile 110b, for example by gluing.

[0070] On the other hand, the support 100, more particularly its body 110a, defines a first frustoconical internal surface S110, centered on the longitudinal axis A100 and converging in the direction of the piston 106, and a second frustoconical internal surface S' 110, centered on the longitudinal axis A100 and diverging in the direction of the piston 106.

[0071] The magneto-pneumatic system 100 also comprises a plane spring 114 which forms an elastic member for returning the piston 106, and preferably the support 110, forward.

[0072] The flat spring 114 is formed by a steel blade. The use of a flat spring such as that shown in the figures has the advantage of allowing a relatively large axial stroke of the piston 106, while the axial size of the spring 114 is minimal.

[0073] Alternatively, the flat spring 114 can be replaced by another elastic member, in particular an elastomer block or a spiral spring.

[0074] A method of mounting the skirt 6 on the main body 4 will now be explained.

[0075] This assembly takes place by an axial translation movement of the skirt 62, parallel to the longitudinal axis A2. This axial translational movement is represented by the arrow T in Figures 1 and 3 to 6. No other movement of the air supply skirt 6 is necessary to mount it on the main body 4.

[0076] Thus, the mounting of the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4 results exclusively from a relative translational movement between these elements of the sprayer 2.

[0077] In a preliminary step shown in [Fig.l], the air supply skirt 6 is aligned on the axis A2 and brought closer to the main body 4 to reach the position of [Fig.3] which represents a first step of the assembly method. In this step, the rear end 644 of the sleeve 64 is engaged in the central housing L2, without being in contact with the components of the magneto-pneumatic system 100.

[0078] Continuing the assembly of the skirt 6 on the main body 4 brings the sleeve 64 to the step of [Fig.4], where its rear end 644 is supported by its edge 642 against the permanent magnet 112, while the edge 647a is supported against the surface S' 110, which avoids plastic deformation of the end 644 at the end of travel.

[0079] In this step, a closed magnetic flux FM is established through the rear end 644 of the sleeve 64, through the parts 110a and 110b of the support 110 and through the magnet 112, which has the effect of securing, by an axial magnetic force attraction, the air supply skirt 6 with the support 110, which is held in position in the central housing L2 since it is limited in its movements between the cap 102 and the cup 104. The axial magnetic attraction force between the parts 12 and 64 is parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, preferably centered on this axis, and results in a hooking of the air supply skirt on the main body. This force is therefore a hooking force of these parts together.

[0080] The permanent magnet 112 is chosen to exert on the sleeve 64 a magnetic attachment force of sufficient intensity to retain the air supply skirt 6 in position on the main body 4, including when the latter is moved, for example when it is mounted on the wrist of the arm of a multi-axis robot or on a reciprocator, which subjects the air supply skirt to these accelerations potentially directed in a direction of extraction of the sleeve 64 relative to the central housing L2.

[0081] In practice, the magnetic attachment force exerted by the permanent magnet on the sleeve has an intensity II of between 10 and 20 daN, preferably of the order of 15 daN, which allows effective attachment of the air supply skirt 6 to the main body 4. On the other hand, the relatively moderate value of this intensity II of the magnetic attachment force limits the risks of injury by pinching of an operator when the latter presents the air supply skirt 6 and engages the sleeve 64 in the central housing L2.

[0082] In the step of [Fig.4], the air supply skirt 6 is attached to the body main 4 thanks to the magnetic force, but the bottom 628a of the hollow housing 628 remains spaced from the front face 428 of the external part 42, by a non-zero axial distance d8, this distance d8 being measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A2. In particular, in this step, the seals 20 are not compressed and the seal between the air circuits, formed by the conduits 422 and 622 and the grooves 628c and 628d, is not ensured with respect to the outside.

[0083] In the steps of Figures 1, 3 and 4, the spring 114 exerts on the support 110 a force of separation relative to the cup 104, which has the effect of engaging the stops 110d in the different volumes V106, to the point that these stops 110d press on the balls 108 which themselves press on the cam surfaces S106 of the piston 106, which has the effect of pushing the latter towards the bottom 102f of the volume V102. The variable volume chamber C100 then has a minimum volume visible in particular at the insert B) of [Fig.3].

[0084] In this position, each ball 108 bears against the chamfered edge 102e of the cap 102, so that it is retained in position in the corresponding volume V106 without projecting radially from the wall 102b, in a direction radial to the longitudinal axis A100 and centripetal. Under these conditions, the balls 108 do not oppose the sliding of the sleeve 64 in the central housing L2, in particular during the succession of the steps of figures 1, 3 and 4. In particular, in the step of [Fig. 4], the balls 108 are not engaged in the external peripheral groove 646.

[0085] From the step of [Fig. 4], the passage 102d is supplied with pressurized air, which is represented by the arrow A in Figures 4 to 6. This has the effect of pressurizing the variable volume chamber C100, which expands, that is to say dilates, in the direction of the cup 104, as is apparent from the comparison of Figures 4 and 5. This axial expansion of the chamber C100 results from an axial displacement, parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, of the piston 106 in the direction of the cup 104, represented by the arrow D in Figures 5 and 6, this displacement being due to the difference between the pressure prevailing inside the variable volume chamber C100 and the external atmospheric pressure.

[0086] This movement D of the piston 106 has the effect of moving the different balls 108 in the direction of the cup 104, therefore the bottom of the central housing L2, which then become offset relative to the chamfered edge 102e of the wall 102b, this edge then no longer opposing a centripetal radial movement of the balls 108 through the openings 0106. However, taking into account the inclined nature of the cam surfaces S106 of the different volumes V106, the movement of the piston 106 in the direction of the cup 104 has the effect of exerting on the different balls 108 a centripetal force relative to the longitudinal axis A2, represented by the arrow F in [Fig.5] and directed towards the external peripheral groove 646. Thus, the air supply to the chamber C100 makes it possible to tighten different balls 108 around the sleeve 64, by engaging them, that is to say by making them penetrate at least partially into the external peripheral groove 646.The balls 108 therefore constitute members for engaging the piston 106 with the external relief of the sleeve 64 constituted by the peripheral groove 646.

[0087] During the succession of steps of figures 4 and 5, the balls 108 push the support 110 towards the cup 104, against the elastic force exerted by the spring 114, which has the effect of axially separating the spring 112 and the end 644 of the sleeve 64. In other words, in the step of [Fig.5], the rear edge 642 of the sleeve 64 is no longer in abutment against the magnet 112 and the edge 647a is no longer in abutment against the surface S' 110. This is not a problem since the balls 108 engaged in the external peripheral groove 646 then effectively retain the sleeve 64 in the central housing L2.

[0088] At the end of the step in [Fig.5], the value of the distance d8 has decreased compared to its value in the step in [Fig.4], but this value remains non-zero.

[0089] The continued supply of pressurized air to the variable volume chamber C100 through the passage 102d has the effect of continuing the movement of the piston 106 in the direction of the cup 104, against the elastic force exerted by the spring 114, in the direction of the arrow D in [Fig.6]. During this movement, the balls 108 come to bear against the rear edge 646a of the external peripheral groove 646 and transmit to the sleeve 64 the displacement force which they undergo due to the movement of the piston 106 in the direction of the arrow D. Thus, the sleeve 64 is displaced at the same time and over the same stroke as the piston 106, towards the bottom of the central housing L2, which is represented by the displacement arrow D' in [Fig.6].

[0090] This movement D' of the sleeve 64 inside the central housing L2 has the effect of firmly pressing the bottom 628a of the hollow housing 628 against the front face 428 of the external part 42 of the body 4 by compressing the seals 20, which fluidly isolates the conduits 422 and 622 and the grooves 628c and 628d from the outside. In other words, the pneumatic mechanism 100B exerts, on the sleeve 64 and by means of the balls 108, an axial mechanical clamping force, parallel to the longitudinal axis A2, which firmly presses the bottom 628a of the hollow housing 328 of the air supply skirt 6 against the front face 428.

[0091] Thus, the positioning and immobilization of the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4 is carried out in two stages thanks to the magneto-pneumatic system 100. The pneumatic mechanism 100B is therefore also a mechanism for locking the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4.

[0092] The mechanical attachment device 100A, which comprises the elements 110 and 112, makes it possible to hold the air supply skirt 6 in position on the body 2 before the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B, which comprises the elements 102, 106, 108 and 110, is used by supplying the variable volume chamber C100 with pressurized air to effectively clamp the air supply skirt 6 in place on the main body 4, in particular by compressing the seals 20. The cup 104 and the spring 114 are accessories of the mechanical attachment device 100A and the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B within the magneto-pneumatic system 100.

[0093] The mechanical clamping force obtained by means of the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B has an intensity 12 strictly greater than the intensity of the magnetic force mentioned above.

[0094] For example, the mechanical force obtained with the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B may have an intensity of between 80 and 200 daN, preferably between 100 and 150 daN, more preferably of the order of 120 daN.

[0095] A method of mounting the air intake skirt 6 on the main body 4 comprises two main steps, namely - Introducing the sleeve 64 into the central housing L2 until the rear edge 642 comes into contact with the permanent element 112, which allows the magnetic attachment device 100A to exert the attachment force of the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4, resulting from the magnetic flux FM shown in [Fig.4]; - Supplying pressurized air to the variable volume chamber C100 of the pneumatic clamping mechanism 100B, as shown by arrow A, which has the effect of moving the piston 106 and the sleeve 64, respectively in the direction of arrows D and D' in [Fig.6] and clamping the air supply skirt 6 onto the main body 4, in particular by compressing the seals 20.

[0096] When it is appropriate to dismantle the skirt 6 with respect to the main body 4, the supply of pressurized air to the variable volume chamber C100 is stopped and the passage 102d is exposed to the open air. The spring 114 then pushes the support 110, the balls 108 and the piston 106 towards the bottom 102f of the volume VI02, reducing the volume of the variable volume chamber C100.

[0097] The balls 108 then come into abutment against the chamfered edge 102e of the wall 102b, which has the effect of returning them towards the interior of the volumes V106, extracting them from the external peripheral groove 646. In other words, the balls 108 are no longer engaged with the external peripheral groove 646. Thus, the elastic force exerted by the spring 114 tends to return the piston to a position in which the balls 108 can be released from the external peripheral groove 646 of the sleeve 64.

[0098] By being pushed back by the spring 114, the support 110 carries with it the magnet 112 which comes into contact with the rear edge 642 of the sleeve 64, which has the effect of reactivating the magnetic attachment force between the sleeve 64 and the magnet 112. The magneto-pneumatic system 100 is then in a configuration similar to that of [Fig. 4] where the seals 20 are no longer compressed and where the air supply skirt 6 remains attached to the main body 4 by the magnetic force resulting from the magnetic flux FM represented by the arrows F. The air supply skirt 6 is reliably retained on the main body 4, for the reasons explained above.

[0099] It is then possible to extract the air supply skirt 6 by exerting an axial force in a direction opposite to that of the arrow T in Figures 1 and 3 to 6.

[0100] In this respect, it is possible to use for this purpose a disassembly tool 200 visible in figures 7 and 8, which is part of the sprayer 2, in the sense that it is included in the supply of this sprayer during its installation on a site for applying coating product, and which is provided with teeth 202 for hooking with the internal reliefs 648 of the sleeve 64, arranged at its front end 641. The reliefs 648 are inclined relative to a longitudinal axis A64 of the sleeve 64, by a non-zero angle [3, for example between 45 and 70°. The longitudinal axes A2, A64 and A100 are merged in the mounted configuration of the air supply skirt on the main body 4.

[0101] The disassembly tool 200 also comprises a handle 204 allowing it to be manipulated by hand. It is therefore a manual disassembly tool.

[0102] When it is necessary to remove the air supply skirt 6, the tool 200 is partially introduced into the sleeve 64, by an axial translation in the direction of the arrow T' in [Fig.7] then this tool is rotated around the longitudinal axis A2, in the direction of the arrow R in [Fig.7] to bring the reliefs 202 and 648 into engagement. The reliefs then bear against the end piece 12 and the permanent magnet 14. Given the inclined nature of the reliefs 648, the rotation of the tool 200 in the direction of the arrow R has the effect of exerting an axial separation force on the reliefs 648 and the end piece 12, which causes the rear edge 642 of the sleeve 64 to move away from the permanent magnet 112. The magnetic attachment force is thus greatly reduced in intensity, or even canceled. It is then possible to exert on the handle 204 of the tool 200 an axial force in the direction of the arrow T" in [Fig.8], in the opposite direction to that of the arrow T', which makes it possible to extract the air supply skirt 6, against the reduced magnetic force exerted by the magnet 112, or even in the absence of such a force.

[0103] According to a variant of the invention not shown, it is possible to replace the manual disassembly tool 200 with an automatic disassembly tool, mounted at the end of a robot arm and which executes movements according to the arrows T', R, and T", as explained above.

[0104] Whether with a manual disassembly tool or with an automatic disassembly tool, a method for disassembling the air supply skirt 6 relative to the main body 4 comprises successive steps consisting of - securing the disassembly tool 200 with the sleeve 64, in particular by cooperation of shapes by means of rotation; - exert on the dismantling tool an axial force T" to separate the sleeve 64 from the magnetic attachment device 100A.

[0105] Furthermore, the structure of the magneto-pneumatic system 100 of the invention is compatible with the installation of the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4 by means of a robot. Thus, according to a particular aspect, the present invention makes it possible to automate the assembly and disassembly of an air supply skirt on the main body of a sprayer.

[0106] The bowl 8 is not shown in Figures 3 to 8. It is placed in the central opening 06 of the air supply skirt 6 after the latter has been hooked and tightened onto the main body 4, at the end of the step shown in [Fig.6] and using the magnetic force between the magnet 14 and the ferromagnetic body of the bowl. The bowl 8 is removed before using the tool 200.

[0107] In the second and third embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 9 and 10, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear the same references. In the following, if a reference is used in the description without being shown in one of Figures 10 and 11 or if a reference is shown in one of these figures without being mentioned in the description, it concerns the same element as that bearing the same reference in the first embodiment.

[0108] In the second embodiment, the sprayer 2 is of the pneumatic type, without a rotating bowl comparable to the rotating bowl 8 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a spray head 9 is mounted on an air supply skirt 6 which comprises a skirt body 62 and a sleeve 64 comparable to those of the first embodiment. The main body 4 of the sprayer 2 defines conduits 422 intended to be connected to conduits 622 provided in the skirt body 62. A magneto-pneumatic system 100 similar to that of the first embodiment is provided and makes it possible to hook the air supply skirt 6 already equipped with the spray head 9 onto the main body 4, then to exert, by means of engagement members 108 engaged in a relief 646 of the sleeve 64, a clamping force which makes it possible in particular to compress O-rings 20.

[0109] In a variant not shown, the air supply skirt 6 is mounted and tightened on the main body 4 before mounting the spray head 9 on the air supply skirt. According to another variant, the spray head 9 is mounted on the main body 4 before mounting and tightening the air supply skirt 6 on the main body 4.

[0110] The shape of the main body 4 shown in [Fig.9] is not limiting. In particular, this main body 4 does not necessarily comprise a rotor and a fixed part forming a stator.

[0111] In the third embodiment, the annular permanent magnet 14 is carried by the air supply skirt 6, more particularly by the sleeve 64, at its front end 641. In particular, the bowl 8 bears on an internal radial collar 649 of the sleeve 64 in which the magnet 14 is integrated.

[0112] Thus, a subassembly formed from the air supply skirt 6 and the bowl 8 can be mounted on the main body 4, or disassembled from it, in a unitary manner.

[0113] The sprayer 2 of this third embodiment is equipped with a magneto-pneumatic system 100 similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0114] Alternatively, in the third embodiment, the air supply skirt 6 can be put in place, therefore, hooked and tightened on the main body 4 in a first step, the bowl 8 being attached to the air supply skirt in a second step.

[0115] In this regard, in the first embodiment, it is possible as a variant to hook and tighten the air supply skirt 6 onto the main body 4 while the bowl 8 is already engaged in the central opening 06 of the air supply skirt.

[0116] Alternatively and whatever the embodiment, sprayer 2 is of the electrostatic type with external charge and comprises a high-voltage unit and charging electrodes not shown, configured to bring the coating product sprayed by sprayer 2.

[0117] In a variant of the invention not shown, when the sprayer 2 comprises a spray bowl 8, the latter can be secured to the rotor 10 by means other than magnetic, for example by screwing.

[0118] According to another variant applicable to all embodiments, the sprayer is not of the electrostatic type.

[0119] According to another variant applicable to all embodiments, during the step of [Fig.4], the edge 642 of the sleeve 64 comes to bear against the support 110 and not against the magnet 112. This also makes it possible to create a closed magnetic flux of the type of closed magnetic flux FM represented in [Fig.4].

[0120] Whatever the embodiment, the magneto-pneumatic system 100 can be used automatically, using the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet 114 and controlling the supply of pressurized air into the variable volume chamber C100 or its evacuation by means of valves controlled by an electronic control unit not shown. Thus, the operation of the magneto-pneumatic system 100 during the assembly or disassembly of the air supply skirt 6 can be automated, which relieves an operator working near the sprayer 2 and makes his work less dangerous.

[0121] Whatever the embodiment, the variable volume chamber C100 of the magneto-pneumatic system 100 may, as a variant, be supplied with a pressurized gas other than air.

[0122] According to another variant of the invention not shown, the variable volume chamber C100 of the system 100 can be supplied with liquid, in particular water, to control the movement D of the piston 106. In this case, the system 100 is a magneto-hydraulic system.

[0123] As a variant applicable to all embodiments, the O-rings 20 are mounted in grooves provided on the bottom 628a of the hollow housing 628 and / or grooves equivalent to the grooves 628c and 628d are provided on the front face 428 of the external part 42 of the main body 4.

[0124] The invention is described above in the context of its use for spraying liquid coating product. It also applies to spraying powder coating product.

[0125] As far as technically possible, the embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined.

Claims

Claims

1. Coating product sprayer (2) comprising a main body (4), an air supply skirt (6) attached to the main body and a means (112) of magnetic attraction between the magnetic body and the air supply skirt, characterized in that the sprayer comprises a magneto-pneumatic or magneto-hydraulic system (100) which includes - a magnetic device (100A) for attaching the air supply skirt (6) to the main body (4); and - a pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism (100B) for locking and clamping the air supply skirt to the main body.

2. Coating product sprayer according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic attachment device (100A) is configured to exert, between the air supply skirt (6) and the main body (4), an axial magnetic force, parallel to a longitudinal axis (A2) of the sprayer, with a first intensity (II), in that the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) is configured to exert between the air supply skirt and the main body an axial mechanical force, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, with a second intensity (12) and in that the second intensity is strictly greater than the first intensity.

3. Coating product sprayer according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises seals (20) arranged between the air supply skirt (6) and the main body (4) and in that the seals compressed by the mechanical force exerted by the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) isolate conforming air circulation ducts (422, 622) arranged in the main body (4) and in a body (62) of the air supply skirt (6), from the outside of the sprayer (2).

4. Coating product sprayer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air supply skirt (6) comprises a sleeve (64) made of a ferromagnetic material, centered on a longitudinal axis (A2) of the sprayer (2) in the mounted configuration of the air supply skirt on the main body (4) and provided with at least an external relief (646) for cooperation with the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B).

5. Coating product sprayer according to claim 4, characterized in that the magnetic attachment device (100A) comprises a permanent magnet (112) mounted on a support (110), movable parallel to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the sprayer (2) and in that the permanent magnet or the support is configured to receive in support one end (644) of the sleeve opposite a skirt body (62).

6. Coating product sprayer according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) comprises a piston (106), movable parallel to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the sprayer (2), inside a chamber (C100) selectively supplied with pressurized fluid, and in that the piston is equipped with members (108) for engaging with the external relief (646) of the sleeve (64).

7. Coating product sprayer according to claim 6, characterized in that the engagement members are balls (108), in that the piston comprises cam surfaces (S 106) inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (A2) of the sprayer (2) and in that, when the air supply skirt (6) is hooked onto the main body (4) by the magnetic hooking device (100A) and when the piston (106) is moved (D) towards an end (644) of the sleeve opposite a body (62) of the air supply skirt (6), the cam surfaces exert on the balls an engagement force (F) in the external relief (646) of the sleeve, this force being centripetal relative to the longitudinal axis.

8. Coating product sprayer according to one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one elastic member (114) for returning the piston (106) to a position in which the engagement members (108) are released from the external relief (646) of the sleeve (64).

9. Coating product sprayer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a tool (200) for dismantling the air supply skirt (6), this dismantling tool comprising reliefs (202) for hooking onto the air supply skirt and being configured to exert on the air supply skirt a force (T") parallel to a longitudinal axis (A2) of the sprayer (2) and opposite to a magnetic force exerted on the air supply skirt by the device ma- hooking genetics (100A).

10. Method for mounting an air supply skirt (6) on a main body (4) of a sprayer (2) of coating product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least successive steps consisting of: a. introducing a sleeve (64) of the air supply skirt (6) into a central housing (L2) of the main body (4) until the magnetic attachment device (100B) exerts a magnetic force for attaching the air supply skirt to the main body; and b. supplying (A) the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) with pressurized fluid until the pneumatic or hydraulic clamping mechanism (100B) exerts a mechanical force for clamping the air supply skirt to the main body.

11. Mounting method according to claim 10, characterized in that the sprayer is according to claim 7 and in that during step b), the piston (106) moves the balls (108) towards a bottom of the central housing (L2), driving the sleeve (64) with the balls (108) engaged in the external relief (646).

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