Electrostatic sprayer

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrostatic sprayer including an applicator rotatably mounted on a distal end of a turbine and a shaft, and an applicator cleaning element with solvent fluid lines configured to separately distribute a cleaning solvent to an outer applicator surface by an outer solvent line and to an inner applicator surface by an inner solvent line, the cup cleaning element being distinct from the coating fluid lines.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to an electrostatic sprayer, and more specifically, an electrostatic sprayer comprising an applicator rotatably attached to the distal end of a turbine and a shaft, and an applicator cleaning element comprising a solvent fluid line configured to separately dispense a cleaning solvent to the outer surface of the applicator by an outer solvent line and to the inner surface of the applicator by an inner solvent line, the cup cleaning element being different from the coating fluid line.

Summary of the Invention

[0002] A summary is presented below to provide a basic understanding of one or more embodiments of the present invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements, nor is it intended to delineate the scope of particular embodiments or claims. Its sole purpose is to present concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0003] In one or more embodiments, a device, a system, a computer-implemented method, and / or a computer program product are provided that facilitate an electrostatic sprayer. In one embodiment, an electrostatic sprayer includes an applicator rotatably attached to a distal end of a turbine and a shaft, and an applicator cleaning element having a solvent fluid line configured to separately dispense a cleaning solvent to an outer surface of the applicator via an outer solvent line and to an inner surface of the applicator via an inner solvent line. The cup cleaning element is different from a coating fluid line. In one embodiment, an electrostatic sprayer is provided in which a solvent source branches into an inner solvent line and an outer solvent line to configure the applicator to be cleaned. In one embodiment, an electrostatic sprayer is provided in which an outer solvent line passes through an outer solvent line cavity in a fluid tip and the outer solvent line cavity is upstream of a mounting member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004]

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[0005] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments and / or the application or uses of the embodiments. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied information presented in the foregoing Background or Summary of the Invention sections or the Detailed Description sections.

[0006] An electrostatic sprayer may include an air motor, and the air motor may include a turbine. The output shaft of the air motor can be connected to an applicator at its distal end, whereby the applicator can be driven to rotate by the rotational force from the air motor. The air motor can be housed within an air motor housing. The air motor housing can include a turbine air supply passage, a turbine air discharge passage, and a bearing air supply passage for a bearing to support the output shaft of the air motor in a floating state.

[0007] An electrostatic sprayer may include a shroud surrounding a body portion and a turbine provided within the body. The applicator can be a rotating spray bell cup operatively connected to an air turbine, and the connection is for rotation by the air turbine and atomization of the coating material supplied to the resulting rotating spray bell cup. The turbine can receive a supply of pressurized air through a pressurized air line that communicates with an air connector of a robot adapter and is supplied with pressurized air from a robot, a painting station, or a combination thereof. Additional pressurized air lines may be provided at various outlets of the shroud to supply shaping air to control and refine the pattern of the atomized coating material from the spray bell cup.

[0008] The atomized coating material is charged to have an electric potential so that the coating material can be attracted to the object to be coated, and the object to be coated is grounded, thereby reducing overspray and improving the coverage rate of an object having an irregular shape. In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer includes an applicator rotatably mounted at the distal end of a turbine and a shaft, and an applicator cleaning element including a solvent fluid line configured to separately distribute a cleaning solvent to the outer surface of the applicator via an outer solvent line and to the inner surface of the applicator via an inner solvent line. The cup cleaning element is different from the coating fluid line.

[0009] In some embodiments, the solvent line can enter the fluid tip through a fluid tube. The solvent line can be for cup inner cleaning that flows out from the front of the bell cup to clean the inner surface of the bell cup, and for cup outer cleaning that is directed to the outer surface of the groove in the applicator, thereby cleaning the outer surface of the applicator, and can be split. Branching thereby Bell cup of the applicator, thereby cleaning the outer surface of the applicator, and can be split.

[0010] According to a plurality of embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the outer solvent line branches from the solvent fluid line upstream of the attachment member. In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the outer solvent line branches from the solvent fluid line within the fluid tip. According to a plurality of embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the outer solvent line branches into a plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets, and the plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets are evenly spaced radially about the central axis of the fluid tip.

[0011] An advantage of the fluid chip of this embodiment may be the diversity of the solvent ports. The fluid chips of the prior art distribute the solvent from a single flow from a circular hole at the top of the fluid chip, enabling the cleaning of the inner surface of the applicator. This embodiment can have a plurality of elements. The plurality of elements can provide a ring having a plurality of holes in a substantially annular form centered on the central axis of the fluid chip for evenly distributing the solvent and for cleaning the inside of the cup. The solvent line of the fluid chip may be divided into an inner cup cleaning and an outer cup cleaning. The outer cup cleaning can be divided into two lines at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with respect to the central axis of the fluid chip. The lines can each be at 45 degrees and can be symmetric with respect to the central axis of the fluid chip. Those lines can evenly distribute the solvent into the grooves of the applicator used for outer cup cleaning.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that a plurality of the outer cup cleaning outlets are at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with respect to the central axis of the fluid chip. In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the fluid chip further includes a fluid chip insertion element that radially surrounds the outer cup cleaning outlet, and the fluid chip insertion element is configured to fit into a splash plate.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the applicator is a bell cup, the bell cup includes an outer cup cleaning groove surrounding the bell cup around the cup base, an inner cup cleaning groove surrounding the bell cup axis behind the cup base as viewed axially, and a bell cup threaded surface between the outer cup cleaning groove and the inner cup cleaning groove as viewed axially.

[0014] In some embodiments, the applicator may be a bell cup, and the bell cup may be about 65 millimeters in diameter. The bell cup can have a threaded surface for inserting a splash plate and can be configured to dispense cup outer wash from the bell cup instead of a separate fluid nozzle. The bell cup can include grooves positioned to align with a plurality, which can be two, of holes for cup outer wash within the fluid chip, at an angle of 40 to 50 degrees. These grooves can be rounded to facilitate the movement and accumulation of fluid and its exit from the cup at the curved periphery by a plurality, which can be ten, of radially uniformly spaced, angled passages or applicator holes extending from the cup inner wash. The holes can be arranged to interrupt the flow of fluid towards the back of the bell cup, thereby slowing down the flow of fluid and enabling it to be concentrated into a uniform coating of solvent flowing along the outer edge of the bell cup. The groove closest to these holes can assist in the process of uniformly collecting the fluid.

[0015] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the bell cup further includes a splash plate hard stop axially between the bell cup threaded surface and the cup outer wash groove as viewed axially. According to some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the bell cup threaded surface and the splash plate hard stop are centered radially about the bell cup central axis. In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may further include a splash plate system, the splash plate system including a splash plate base and a splash plate having a plurality of splash plate holes radially evenly spaced about a splash plate central axis.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the splash plate base Bell cup includes a splash plate thread portion configured to threadedly connect to the threaded surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the splash plate base includes a splash plate base protrusion configured to fit into the splash plate notch, and the splash plate base is fixed to the splash plate by a plurality of pins.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may further include a shaping air system for a coating sprayer, the shaping air system including a shroud, the shroud including holes on a plurality of concentric circles, a first concentric circle configured to direct shaping air toward an edge of an applicator, a second concentric circle configured to direct shaping air away from the edge of the applicator, and the plurality of concentric circles configured to create a spin of the shaping air opposite to a rotational direction of the applicator.

[0019] The shaping air shroud enables the manipulation and forced pressurization of air through a plurality of holes, which can be holes on multiple concentric circles, within the shaping air system. The holes on the multiple concentric circles can be on a single plane. The holes on the multiple concentric circles may be two sets of circumferential patterns evenly distributed radially around a central axis. The holes on the inner concentric circle may have a diameter between 6.604 cm and 7.336 cm (2.6 inches and 2.9 inches), may be between 6.858 cm and 7.112 cm (2.7 inches and 2.8 inches) in some embodiments, and may be between 7.0612 cm and 7.0866 cm (2.78 inches and 2.79 inches) in some embodiments, and can have 40 holes. In some embodiments, the holes on the outer concentric circle may have a diameter between 7.336 cm and 7.874 cm (2.9 inches and 3.1 inches), may have a diameter of 7.62 cm (3 inches) in some embodiments, and can have 40 holes. The holes on the inner concentric circle can be angled such that the air spins opposite to the rotation of the applicator. The holes on the inner concentric circle can be angled towards the edge of the applicator, thereby controlling paint particles closer to the central axis. In some embodiments, the holes on the outer concentric circle can be angled away from the upper edge of the applicator, controlling paint particles farther from the central axis. The paint can be dispersed along the concave surface of the applicator, thereby being atomized using the centrifugal force of rotation and becoming small particles in the air.

[0020] In some prior art embodiments, a substantially conical-shaped applicator promotes the generation of turbulent vortices, low-pressure / turbulent regions below and / or behind the applicator. This can cause paint to be sucked back upstream, resulting in disruption and waste. An advantage of this embodiment may be that holes on the inner concentric circles direct air towards the edge of the applicator, limiting the size of these turbulent regions. To further reduce the formation of the low-pressure region, the shaping air lower element can limit the relative energy from the turbulent region, thereby limiting the transient negative pressure gradient below or beneath the outer surface of the applicator, specifically in the region near and behind / below the edge of the applicator. The flat surface of the shaping air lower element limits the turbulent region between the holes on the inner concentric circles and the rounded upper outer surface of the applicator. The kinetic energy of the turbulent flow can be limited by the presence of the angled wall of the applicator along the smooth edge and the parallel surface of the shaping air lower element. This can reduce the Reynolds number of the fluid, thereby limiting the energy due to turbulence.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may further comprise a shaping air lower element, the shaping air lower element being configured to limit the size of the negative pressure region behind the applicator, the shaping air lower element comprising a smooth inner surface substantially parallel to the inner surface of the applicator.

[0022] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may further comprise a high-voltage power source, an earthed robot manifold plate, and a coil tube, the coil tube separating the high-voltage power source from the robot manifold plate and the coil tube being in fluid communication with a solvent supply source.

[0023] The coil tubes of some of those embodiments may be advantageous when working with aqueous paints and are also compatible with solvent-based paints. In some prior art embodiments, the charged paint may accumulate in the paint line and cause an arc discharge to an earthed robot manifold plate. The coil tube can increase the distance between the paint on the line and the earthed plate and can collect the paint at the lowest point of each part of the coil. By separating the charged paint to the lowest points of different parts of the coil, it is possible to prevent the path of the charged paint to earth from being continuous and to prevent the charged paint from accumulating more concentratedly, thereby preventing a greater concentration of charge.

[0024] Some of the coil tubes of this embodiment can provide a high degree of dielectric protection by including or consisting of a perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA) tube inside a nylon sleeve. The coil tube can be produced by inserting a PFA tube inside a nylon sleeve, winding it around a mandrel, and heating it just below the melting point to form it into the shape of a tube. The coil tube can be attached by winding the coil tube around the paint inlet isolation tube that can be charged. Thereby, the potential difference between the coil tube and the paint inlet isolation tube is prevented, which prevents an arc discharge that can cause pinholes in the coil or the isolation tube.

[0025] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the solvent supply source branches into an inner solvent line and an outer solvent line to clean the applicator. In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can further include a paint inlet isolation tube, and the coil tube is wound around the paint inlet isolation tube. In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the coil tube includes a perfluoroalkoxy alkane polymer.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the coil tube is made of perfluoroalkoxy alkane polymer within the nylon outer tube.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the outer solvent line passes through the outer solvent line cavity within the fluid tip and the outer solvent line cavity is upstream of the mounting member.

[0028] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the applicator includes an applicator cavity. According to some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the applicator includes a plurality of applicator holes. In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the outer solvent line is configured to supply a cleaning solvent into the applicator cavity. In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the cleaning solvent is configured to move from the applicator cavity through the plurality of holes to the outer surface of the applicator.

[0029] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the inner solvent line branches from the solvent fluid line downstream of the mounting member. According to some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the applicator is a bell cup including a splash plate. In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the fluid path deflector includes an inner surface and an outer surface of the splash plate. In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the inner solvent line is configured to distribute a cleaning solvent upstream and downstream of the inner surface of the fluid path deflector.

[0030] According to some embodiments, an electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that a cleaning solvent from an inner solvent line passes, due to the rotational movement of the bell cup, over the inner surface of the applicator, the inner surface of the fluid path deflector, and the outer surface of the fluid path deflector. According to some embodiments, a method of cleaning an applicator of an electrostatic sprayer can include providing the electrostatic sprayer of the examples herein and passing a cleaning solvent through a cup cleaning element.

[0031] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can include a shaping air shroud, and the smooth inner surface is in contact with an expansion region that is configured to reduce the Reynolds number of the air flow around the edge of the applicator.

[0032] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can include a shaping air shroud, and the expansion region is defined in part by the flat front wall of the sprayer shroud. In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can include a shaping air shroud, and the expansion region is defined in part by the angled edge of the applicator. In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can include a shaping air shroud, and the expansion region is defined in part by the lower extension wall of the sprayer shroud. According to some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can include a shaping air shroud, and the lower extension wall is in contact with the flat front wall. In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the fluid tip further includes a fluid tip insertion element that radially surrounds the outer cup cleaning outlet, and the fluid tip insertion element is configured to fit into a splash plate.

[0033] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the fluid tip includes a notch surface and the outer cup cleaning outlet of the fluid tip is configured to deliver solvent through a portion of the notch surface. According to a plurality of embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the bell cup threaded surface is configured to receive or secure the splash plate by a threaded connection. In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that the outer cup cleaning groove is configured to receive solvent from a plurality of outer cup cleaning outlets. In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer can be configured such that a plurality of holes exit the splash plate at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with respect to the splash plate central axis.

[0034] One or more embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. In so doing, like reference numerals will be used throughout to refer to like elements. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It will be evident, however, in various instances, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0035] FIGS. 1 through 8 are examples and illustrate a non-limiting electrostatic sprayer 10 of the embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may include an air motor, which may include a turbine. The output shaft of the air motor can be connected to an applicator at its distal end, whereby the applicator 20 can be driven to rotate by the rotational force from the air motor. The air motor can be housed within an air motor housing. The air motor housing can include a turbine air supply passage, a turbine air discharge passage, and a bearing air supply passage for a bearing for supporting the output shaft of the air motor in a floating state.

[0036] The electrostatic sprayer 10 may include a shroud surrounding the body portion and a turbine provided within the body. The applicator may be a rotary spray bell cup 20 operatively connected to the air turbine, the connection being for rotation by the air turbine and atomization of the coating material supplied to the resulting rotary spray bell cup. The turbine can receive a supply of pressurized air through a pressurized air line that communicates with the air connector of the robot adapter and is supplied with pressurized air from a robot, a painting station, or a combination thereof. An additional pressurized air line may be provided at various outlets of the shroud to supply shaping air for controlling and refining the pattern of the atomized coating material from the spray bell cup 20.

[0037] The atomized coating material can be charged to have an electric potential and the object to be coated can be grounded so that the coating material is attracted to the object, thereby reducing overspray and improving the coverage rate of objects having irregular shapes.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, in a particular embodiment, the electrostatic sprayer 10 includes an applicator 20 rotatably mounted at the distal end of the turbine and shaft 35, and an applicator cleaning element 50 having a solvent fluid line 51 configured to separately distribute a cleaning solvent to the outer surface 52 of the applicator by an outer solvent line 53 and to the inner surface 54 of the applicator by an inner solvent line 55, the cup cleaning element 50 being different from the coating fluid line 56.

[0039] According to a plurality of embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the outer solvent line 53 branches from the solvent fluid line 51 upstream of the mounting member 60.

[0040] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the outer solvent line 53 branches from the solvent fluid line 51 within the fluid tip 80.

[0041] According to a plurality of embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the outer solvent line 53 branches into a plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets 90, and the plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets 90 are evenly radially spaced about the fluid tip central axis 100.

[0042] In one embodiment, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets 90 are at an angle 110 between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with respect to the fluid tip central axis 100.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 further includes a fluid tip insertion element 120 that radially surrounds the cup outer cleaning outlet 90, and the fluid tip insertion element 120 is configured to fit into a splash plate 130. The fluid tip 80 may further be configured to include a fluid tip base 512.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the electrostatic sprayer 10 has an applicator 20 that is a bell cup 20. The bell cup 20 includes a cup outer cleaning groove 140 that surrounds the bell cup 20 around the cup base 150, and a cup inner cleaning groove 160 that surrounds a bell cup central axis 170 behind the cup base 150 when viewed axially. The bell cup 20 may be configured to include a bell cup threaded surface 260 between the bell cup threaded surface 260 and the cup outer cleaning groove 140 when viewed axially.

[0045] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the bell cup 20 further includes a splash plate hard stop 200 between the bell cup threaded surface 260 and the cup outer cleaning groove 140 when viewed axially.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10, the bell cup 20 screw surface 260 and the splash plate hard stop 200 may be configured such that they are centered around the bell cup central axis 170 in the radial direction.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may further include a splash plate system 210, and the splash plate system 210 includes a splash plate base 220, and a splash plate 130 having a plurality of splash plate holes 230 that are evenly spaced radially around the splash plate central axis 240.

[0048] In one embodiment, the electrostatic sprayer 10, the splash plate base 220 Bell cup 20 may be configured to include a splash plate screw portion 250 configured to be screwed to the screw surface 260.

[0049] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10, the splash plate base 220 may be configured to include a splash plate base protrusion 270 configured to fit into a splash plate notch 280, and the splash plate base 220 may be configured to be fixed to the splash plate 130 by a plurality of pins 290.

[0050] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may further include a shaping air system 300 for a coating sprayer, the shaping air system 300 includes a shroud, the shroud includes holes 320 on a plurality of concentric circles, a first concentric circle 330 is configured to direct shaping air towards an edge of the applicator 20, and a second concentric circle 340 is configured to direct shaping air away from the edge of the applicator 20, and the plurality of concentric circles are configured to create a spin 360 of the shaping air opposite to the rotation direction 370 of the applicator 20.

[0051] According to a plurality of embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may further include a shaping air lower element 380, the shaping air lower element 380 is configured to limit the size of a negative pressure region behind the applicator 20, and the shaping air lower element 380 includes a smooth inner surface 400 substantially parallel to the inner surface of the applicator 20.

[0052] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may further include a high-voltage power source 410, an earthed robot manifold plate 420, and a coil tube 430, the coil tube 430 separates the high-voltage power source 410 from the robot manifold plate, and the coil tube 430 is in fluid communication with a solvent supply source.

[0053] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that a solvent supply source branches into an inner solvent line 55 and an outer solvent line 53 to clean the applicator 20.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may further include a paint inlet isolation tube 531, and the coil tube 430 is wound around the paint inlet isolation tube 531.

[0055] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the coil tube 430 comprises a perfluoroalkoxy alkane polymer.

[0056] According to a plurality of embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer may be configured such that the coil tube 430 consists of a perfluoroalkoxy alkane polymer within the nylon outer tube.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the outer solvent line 53 passes through the outer solvent line cavity 57 within the fluid tip 80 and the outer solvent line cavity 57 is upstream of the mounting member 60.

[0058] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the applicator 20 comprises an applicator cavity 58.

[0059] According to a plurality of embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the applicator 20 comprises a plurality of applicator holes 59.

[0060] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the outer solvent line 53 is configured to supply a cleaning solvent into the applicator cavity 58.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the cleaning solvent is configured to move from the applicator cavity 58 through a plurality of holes to the outer surface of the applicator 20.

[0062] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the inner solvent line 55 branches from the solvent fluid line 51 downstream of the mounting member 60.

[0063] According to a plurality of embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the applicator 20 is a bell cup 20 comprising a splash plate 130.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the fluid path deflector comprises an inner surface 131 and an outer surface 132 of the splash plate.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the inner solvent line 55 is configured to distribute the cleaning solvent upstream and downstream of the inner surface of the fluid path deflector.

[0066] According to multiple embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that the cleaning solvent from the inner solvent line 55 passes through the inner surface 54 of the applicator, the inner surface of the fluid path deflector, and the outer surface of the fluid path deflector by the rotational movement of the bell cup 20.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, according to multiple embodiments, a method of cleaning the applicator 20 of the electrostatic sprayer 10 may include providing the electrostatic sprayer 10 of the examples herein and passing a cleaning solvent through the cup cleaning element.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may include a shaping air shroud 310, the smooth inner surface 400 is in contact with the expansion region 511, and the expansion region 511 is configured to reduce the Reynolds number of the air flow around the edge of the applicator 20.

[0069] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 can include a shaping air shroud 310, and the expansion region 511 is at least partially defined by the flat front wall 500 of the sprayer shroud. In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 can include a shaping air shroud 310, and the expansion region 511 is at least partially defined by the angled edge 350 of the applicator 20. In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 can include a shaping air shroud 310, and the expansion region 511 is at least partially defined by the lower extension wall 510 of the sprayer shroud. According to multiple embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 can include a shaping air shroud 310, and the lower extension wall 510 is in contact with the flat front wall 500.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 can be configured such that the fluid tip 80 further includes a fluid tip insertion element 120 that radially surrounds the cup outer wash outlet 90, and the fluid tip insertion element 120 is configured to fit into a splash plate 130.

[0071] In some embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 can be configured such that the fluid tip 80 includes a notch surface, and the cup outer wash outlet 90 of the fluid tip 80 is configured to deliver solvent through a portion of the notch surface.

[0072] According to multiple embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 can be configured such that the bell cup 20 thread surface 260 is configured to receive or secure a splash plate 130 by a threaded connection.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 can be configured such that the cup outer wash groove 140 is configured to receive solvent from a plurality of cup outer wash outlets 90.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the electrostatic sprayer 10 may be configured such that a plurality of holes exit the splash plate 130 at an angle 450 between 40 degrees and 45 degrees with respect to the splash plate central axis 240.

Example

[0075] In a first embodiment, there is provided an electrostatic sprayer comprising an applicator rotatably mounted at a distal end of a turbine and a shaft, and an applicator cleaning element having a solvent fluid line configured to separately distribute a cleaning solvent to an outer surface of the applicator by an outer solvent line and to an inner surface of the applicator by an inner solvent line, wherein the cup cleaning element is different from a coating fluid line.

[0076] The first embodiment, or any of the previously or subsequently described embodiments, may provide that the outer solvent line branches from the solvent fluid line upstream of the mounting member.

[0077] The first embodiment, or any of the previously or subsequently described embodiments, may provide that the outer solvent line branches from the solvent fluid line within the fluid tip.

[0078] The first embodiment, or any of the previously or subsequently described embodiments, may provide that the outer solvent line branches into a plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets, and the plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets are evenly radially spaced about the fluid tip central axis.

[0079] The first embodiment, or any of the previously or subsequently described embodiments, may provide that the plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets are at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with respect to the fluid tip central axis.

[0080] The first embodiment, or any of the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the fluid chip further includes a fluid chip insertion element that radially surrounds the outer cup cleaning outlet, and the fluid chip insertion element is configured to fit into the splash plate 130.

[0081] The first embodiment, or any of the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the applicator is a bell cup, the bell cup includes an outer cup cleaning groove surrounding the bell cup around the cup base, an inner cup cleaning groove surrounding the bell cup central axis behind the cup base when viewed axially, and a threaded surface between the outer cup cleaning groove and the inner cup cleaning groove when viewed axially.

[0082] The first embodiment, or any of the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the bell cup further includes a splash plate hard stop 200 between the threaded surface and the outer cup cleaning groove when viewed axially.

[0083] The first embodiment, or any of the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the threaded surface and the splash plate hard stop 200 are centered around the bell cup central axis in the radial direction.

[0084] The first embodiment, or any of the embodiments described above or below, may further provide that it includes a splash plate system 210, and the splash plate system 210 includes a splash plate base 220, a splash plate 130 having a plurality of splash plate holes 230 that are evenly spaced radially around the splash plate central axis 240.

[0085] The first embodiment, or any of the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the splash plate base 220 includes a threaded portion configured to be threadedly connected to the bell cup threaded surface.

[0086] The first embodiment, or any of the foregoing or following embodiments, may provide that the splash plate base 220 is provided with a splash plate base 220 protrusion configured to fit into the splash plate 130 notch, and that the splash plate base 220 is fixed to the splash plate 130 by a plurality of pins.

[0087] The first embodiment, or any of the foregoing or following embodiments, may further comprise a shaping air system for a coating sprayer, the shaping air system comprising a shroud, the shroud comprising holes on a plurality of concentric circles, a first concentric circle being configured to direct shaping air towards an edge of the applicator, and a second concentric circle being configured to direct shaping air away from the edge of the applicator, and the plurality of concentric circles being configured to create a spin of the shaping air opposite to the direction of rotation of the applicator.

[0088] The first embodiment, or any of the foregoing or following embodiments, may further comprise a shaping air lower element, the shaping air lower element being configured to limit the size of a negative pressure region behind the applicator, the shaping air lower element comprising a smooth inner surface substantially parallel to an inner surface of the applicator.

[0089] The first embodiment, or any of the foregoing or following embodiments, may further comprise a high voltage power source, an earthed robot manifold plate, and a coil tube, the coil tube separating the high voltage power source from the robot manifold plate, the coil tube being in fluid communication with a solvent supply source.

Embodiment

[0090] In a second embodiment, there is provided an electrostatic sprayer configured to clean an applicator by branching a solvent supply source into an inner solvent line and an outer solvent line.

[0091] The second embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may further provide that the paint inlet isolation tube is further provided, and the coil tube is wound around the paint inlet isolation tube.

[0092] The second embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the coil tube contains a perfluoroalkoxy alkane polymer.

[0093] The second embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the coil tube is made of a perfluoroalkoxy alkane polymer inside the nylon outer tube.

Embodiment

[0094] In the third embodiment, an electrostatic sprayer is provided in which the outer solvent line passes through the outer solvent line cavity in the fluid tip, and the outer solvent line cavity is upstream of the mounting member.

[0095] The third embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the applicator includes an applicator cavity.

[0096] The third embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the applicator includes a plurality of applicator holes.

[0097] The third embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the outer solvent line is configured to supply a cleaning solvent into the applicator cavity.

[0098] The third embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may provide that the cleaning solvent is configured to move from the applicator cavity through a plurality of holes to the outer surface of the applicator.

[0099] The third embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may further provide the electrostatic sprayer according to claim 1. At this time, the inner solvent line branches from the solvent fluid line downstream of the mounting member.

[0100] In a third embodiment, or in the embodiments described above or below, the applicator may provide a bell cup having a splash plate 130.

[0101] In a third embodiment, or in the embodiments described above or below, it may further be provided that the fluid path deflector comprises an inner surface and an outer surface of the splash plate 130.

[0102] In a third embodiment, or in the embodiments described above or below, it may further be provided that the inner solvent line is configured to distribute a cleaning solvent upstream and downstream of the inner surface of the fluid path deflector.

[0103] In a third embodiment, or in the embodiments described above or below, it may be provided that the cleaning solvent from the inner solvent line is configured to pass through the inner surface of the applicator, the inner surface of the fluid path deflector, and the outer surface of the fluid path deflector by the rotational movement of the bell cup.

Example

[0104] In a fourth embodiment, a method of cleaning an applicator of an electrostatic sprayer is provided. The method includes providing an electrostatic sprayer of an embodiment herein and passing a cleaning solvent through a cup cleaning element.

Example

[0105] In a fifth embodiment, an electrostatic sprayer is provided that includes a shaping air shroud, the smooth inner surface is in contact with an expansion region, and the expansion region is configured to reduce the Reynolds number of the air flow around the edge of the applicator.

[0106] In a fifth embodiment, or in the embodiments described above or below, it may further be provided that the shaping air shroud is included and the expansion region is at least partially defined by the flat front wall of the sprayer shroud.

[0107] The fifth embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may further provide that it includes a shaping air shroud, and the extended area is partially defined by the angled edge of the applicator.

[0108] The fifth embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may further provide that it includes a shaping air shroud, and the extended area is partially defined by the lower extension wall of the atomizer shroud.

[0109] The fifth embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may further provide that it includes a shaping air shroud, and the lower extension wall is in contact with the flat front wall.

Embodiment

[0110] In the sixth embodiment, a fluid chip is provided, and the fluid chip further includes a fluid chip insertion element that radially surrounds the outer cup cleaning outlet, and the fluid chip insertion element is configured to fit into the splash plate 130.

[0111] The sixth embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may provide that it further includes a notch surface, and the outer cup cleaning outlet of the fluid chip is configured to deliver the solvent through a portion of the notch surface.

Embodiment

[0112] In the seventh embodiment, a bell cup is provided, and the threaded surface is configured to receive or fix the splash plate 130 by a threaded connection.

[0113] The seventh embodiment, or the embodiments described above or below, may further provide that the outer cup cleaning groove is configured to receive the solvent from a plurality of outer cup cleaning outlets.

Embodiment

[0114] In the eighth embodiment, a splash plate system 210 is provided, and a plurality of holes exit the splash plate 130 at an angle between 40 degrees and 45 degrees with respect to the splash plate central axis 240.

[0115] What has been described above includes only examples of electrostatic sprayers, components, and methods. It is of course impossible to describe all possible combinations of components and methods for the purpose of describing this disclosure, but those skilled in the art will understand that many further combinations and substitutions of this disclosure are possible. Further, to the extent that the terms "comprising," "having," "possessing," or the like are used in the detailed description, claims, accompanying documents, and drawings, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same form as the term "comprising" is construed when used as a transitional term in a claim, as being inclusive.

[0116] The description of the various embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration but is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein have been selected either to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application to technologies found in the market, or the technical improvements thereof, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. Moreover, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. 〔Aspect 1〕 An electrostatic sprayer, wherein the electrostatic sprayer comprises: An applicator rotatably attached to the distal end of a turbine and a shaft; and An applicator cleaning element comprising a solvent fluid line configured to separately distribute a cleaning solvent to the outer surface of the applicator by an outer solvent line and to the inner surface of the applicator by an inner solvent line, the cup cleaning element being different from the coating fluid line, the electrostatic sprayer. 〔Aspect 2〕 The electrostatic sprayer according to Aspect 1, wherein the outer solvent line branches from the solvent fluid line upstream of the attachment member. 〔Aspect 3〕 The electrostatic sprayer according to Aspect 2, wherein the outer solvent line branches from the solvent fluid line within the fluid tip. 〔Aspect 4〕 The electrostatic sprayer according to Aspect 1, wherein the outer solvent line branches into a plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets, and the plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets are evenly spaced radially about the central axis of the fluid tip. 〔Aspect 5〕 The electrostatic sprayer according to Aspect 4, wherein the plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets are at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with respect to the central axis of the fluid tip. 〔Aspect 6〕 The electrostatic sprayer according to Aspect 4, wherein the fluid tip further comprises a fluid tip insertion element surrounding the cup outer cleaning outlet radially, and the fluid tip insertion element is configured to fit into a splash plate. 〔Aspect 7〕 The applicator is a bell cup, the bell cup comprising a cup outer cleaning groove surrounding the bell cup around the cup base, a cup inner cleaning groove surrounding the bell cup axis behind the cup base as viewed axially, and a threaded surface between the cup outer cleaning groove and the cup inner cleaning groove as viewed axially, the electrostatic sprayer according to Aspect 1. 〔Aspect 8〕 The electrostatic sprayer according to Aspect 7, wherein the bell cup further comprises a splash plate hard stop between the threaded surface and the cup outer cleaning groove as viewed axially. 〔Aspect 9〕 The electrostatic sprayer according to Aspect 8, wherein the threaded surface and the splash plate hard stop are centered about the bell cup axis radially. 〔Aspect 10〕 The electrostatic sprayer further comprises a splash plate system, and the splash plate system comprises a splash plate base, and a splash plate having a plurality of splash plate holes evenly spaced radially around a splash plate central axis, the electrostatic sprayer according to aspect 1. [Aspect 11] The electrostatic sprayer according to aspect 10, wherein the splash plate base comprises a threaded portion configured to be threadedly connected to a bell cup threaded surface. [Aspect 12] The electrostatic sprayer according to aspect 10, wherein the splash plate base comprises a splash plate base protrusion configured to fit into a splash plate notch, and the splash plate base is fixed to the splash plate by a plurality of pins. [Aspect 13] The electrostatic sprayer further comprises a shaping air system, and the shaping air system comprises a shroud having a plurality of holes on a plurality of concentric circles, the first concentric circle being configured to direct shaping air towards an edge of the applicator, and the second concentric circle being configured to direct shaping air away from the edge of the applicator, and the plurality of concentric circles being configured to create a spin of the shaping air opposite to the rotational direction of the applicator, the electrostatic sprayer according to aspect 1. [Aspect 14] The electrostatic sprayer according to aspect 13, further comprising a shaping air lower element configured to limit the size of a negative pressure region behind the applicator, the shaping air lower element having a smooth inner surface substantially parallel to an inner surface of the applicator. [Aspect 15] The electrostatic sprayer further comprises a high voltage power source, an earthed robot manifold plate, and a coil tube, the coil tube separating the high voltage power source from the robot manifold plate and being in fluid communication with a solvent supply source, the electrostatic sprayer according to aspect 1.

Claims

1. An electrostatic sprayer, wherein the electrostatic sprayer comprises: a turbine and an applicator rotatably mounted at a distal end of a shaft; and an applicator cleaning element having a solvent fluid line configured to separately distribute a cleaning solvent to an outer surface of the applicator via an outer solvent line and to an inner surface of the applicator via an inner solvent line, wherein the applicator cleaning element is different from a coating fluid line; the outer solvent line branches into a plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets, and the plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets are evenly spaced radially about a fluid tip central axis; and a fluid tip further comprising a fluid tip insertion element surrounding the cup outer cleaning outlet radially, and the fluid tip insertion element is configured to fit into a splash plate. An electrostatic sprayer.

2. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the outer solvent line branches from the solvent fluid line upstream of a mounting member.

3. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 2, wherein the outer solvent line branches from the solvent fluid line within a fluid tip.

4. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cup outer cleaning outlets are at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees with respect to the fluid tip central axis.

5. The applicator is a bell cup, the bell cup comprising a cup outer cleaning groove surrounding the bell cup around a cup base, a cup inner cleaning groove surrounding a bell cup central axis behind the cup base as viewed axially, and a threaded surface between the cup outer cleaning groove and the cup inner cleaning groove as viewed axially. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 1.

6. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 5, wherein the bell cup further comprises a splash plate hard stop between the threaded surface and the cup outer cleaning groove as viewed axially.

7. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 6, wherein the threaded surface and the splash plate hard stop are centered about the bell cup central axis radially.

8. The electrostatic sprayer further comprises a splash plate system, the splash plate system comprising: a splash plate base; An electrostatic sprayer according to claim 1, comprising a splash plate having a plurality of splash plate holes evenly spaced radially about the center axis of the splash plate.

9. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 8, wherein the splash plate base portion comprises a threaded portion configured to be threadedly connected to the bell cup threaded surface.

10. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 8, wherein the splash plate base portion comprises a splash plate base projection configured to fit into a splash plate notch, and the splash plate base portion is fixed to the splash plate by a plurality of pins.

11. The electrostatic sprayer further comprises a shaping air system, the shaping air system comprises a shroud, the shroud comprises holes on a plurality of concentric circles, the first concentric circle is configured to direct shaping air towards the edge of the applicator, and the second concentric circle is configured to direct shaping air away from the edge of the applicator, and the plurality of concentric circles are configured to create a spin of the shaping air opposite to the rotational direction of the applicator. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 1.

12. The electrostatic sprayer further comprises a shaping air lower element, the shaping air lower element is configured to limit the size of the negative pressure region behind the applicator, and the shaping air lower element comprises a smooth inner surface substantially parallel to the inner surface of the applicator. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 11.

13. The electrostatic sprayer further comprises a high voltage power source, an earthed robot manifold plate, and a coil tube, the coil tube separates the high voltage power source from the robot manifold plate, and the coil tube is in fluid communication with a solvent supply source. The electrostatic sprayer according to claim 1.

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