Paint pistol

Abstract

The invention relates to a paint pistol (100, 200) comprising: a paint pistol body (10); a digital unit (20, 120, 220) with a display (21, 121, 221); and an operating sensor (40) which is designed to detect at least one operating measurement value for operating the digital unit (20, 120, 220), wherein the digital unit (20, 120, 220) is designed to manipulate the contents of the display (21, 121, 221) on the basis of the at least one detected operating measurement value.

Description

[0001] paint spray gun

[0002] The invention relates to a paint spray gun, the use of a digital unit with a display in such a paint spray gun, the use of at least one of a pressure sensor and an operating sensor in such a paint spray gun, and a digital unit with a display, each with efficient operability.

[0003] Paint spray guns are generally well-known in the art and are used, for example, in automotive workshops for painting cars. Paint spray guns are used to atomize flowable material and apply it to a surface. The material to be applied can be either liquid or powder. Paint spray guns often have pressure sensors, particularly analog or digital pressure sensors. Painting work places increased demands on productivity while maintaining high quality. For this purpose, the pressure must be monitored by the user.

[0004] In this context, it has now become apparent that there is a further need to provide a paint spray gun, in particular there is a need to provide a paint spray gun with efficient operability.

[0005] These and other objects, which will be mentioned upon reading the following description or which may be recognized by a person skilled in the art, are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a paint spray gun is provided, comprising: a paint spray gun body, a digital unit with a display, an operating sensor configured to detect at least one operating measurement value for operating the digital unit, wherein the digital unit is configured to perform a manipulation of a content of the display based on the at least one detected operating measurement value.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a digital unit with a display is provided, comprising an operating sensor configured to detect at least one operating measurement value for operating the digital unit, wherein the digital unit is configured to perform a manipulation of a content of the display on the basis of the at least one detected operating measurement value.

[0008] The following statements apply to the paint spray gun according to the invention and to the digital unit according to the invention. The digital unit according to the invention can be used together with the paint spray gun according to the invention.

[0009] The term "paint spray gun" refers in particular to a hand-held paint dispensing unit with a trigger handle for actuating a valve designed to release a paint stream. The terms "paint gun", "paint nozzle" or other designations containing the terms "paint" or "color" are not to be understood as restricting these materials. The paint gun according to the invention can be used to spray, for example, paint, adhesive or varnish, in particular base and clear coat, both solvent-based and water-based, as well as liquids for the food industry, wood preservatives or other liquids. The said paint gun can be a hand-held paint gun, but also an automatic or robotic gun. Hand-held paint guns are primarily used by tradespeople, in particular painters, carpenters and varnishers.Automatic and robot guns are generally used in conjunction with a painting robot or a painting machine for industrial applications. However, it is also conceivable to integrate a manual spray gun into a painting robot or a painting machine. In particular, a paint gun according to the invention designed as a hand-held paint gun can be designed as a gravity-feed gun with a paint cup arranged above the paint gun body, from which the material to be sprayed flows into and through the paint channels essentially by gravity and by vacuum at the front end of the paint nozzle. However, the paint gun according to the invention can also be a side-feed gun, in which the paint cup is arranged on the side of the paint gun body, and in which the material is also fed to the gun by gravity and by vacuum at the front end of the material nozzle.However, the paint spray gun according to the invention can also be designed as a suction or suspended cup gun with a paint cup arranged below the paint gun body, from which the material to be sprayed is sucked out of the cup essentially by vacuum. Furthermore, it can be designed as a pressure cup gun, in which the cup is arranged below, above, or to the side of the paint gun body and is pressurized, whereupon the material to be sprayed is forced out of the cup. Furthermore, it can be a pressure-feed gun, in which the material to be sprayed is fed to the spray gun via a hose from a paint container or via a pump. The paint spray gun according to the invention can be a low-pressure gun, in particular an HVLP gun, with an internal nozzle pressure of a maximum of 10 psi or 0.7 bar, whereby transfer rates of more than 65% can be achieved.However, it can also be a compliant gun, which has an internal nozzle pressure of more than 10 psi or 0.7 bar, but still achieves a transfer rate of more than 65%. It can be an air-atomizing spray gun. It can be an air-assisted spray gun. It can be an airless gun. It can be a powder coating gun. It can be an electrostatic gun. It can be a rotary atomizer. However, it can also be a different type of spray gun.

[0010] The term "spray gun body" refers in particular to a housing designed to arrange the components of a spray gun relative to one another and to at least partially enclose them. The spray gun body in particular has a handle. The spray gun can have a compressed air connection, a paint needle, a trigger for opening an air valve and for moving the paint needle out of the outlet opening of the paint nozzle, a round-to-wide jet regulator for adjusting the ratio of atomizing air and horn air to shape the paint jet, an air micrometer for adjusting the spray pressure, a material flow regulator for adjusting the maximum material flow rate, a material connection, paint channels for directing the material to be sprayed from a material inlet to the material outlet opening, a suspension hook, and / or an analog or digital pressure measuring device.However, it can also comprise other components from the prior art. In or on the spray gun body, a needle valve for applying paint and, if applicable, an air valve for releasing compressed air, a compressed air connection, and a paint connection are arranged. Furthermore, a paint nozzle body is arranged on the spray gun body. The spray gun body has, in particular, an interface for the paint nozzle body, and the paint nozzle body has a corresponding interface. The interfaces are, in particular, designed as threads. The spray gun body can be made of plastic or metal.

[0011] The term “digital unit” refers in particular to a digital computing unit that is configured to process signals transmitted by sensors (e.g. pressure sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor) and to determine or calculate a physical quantity (e.g. pressure, temperature, humidity, lux) from these signals. The digital unit can also have interfaces for transmitting data or signals, a memory and / or a power supply. The digital unit is, for example, a microcontroller, a processor, an arithmetic logic unit, a digital signal processor, a system on chip, or a programmable logic unit. The digital unit is a unit that is configured to respond to commands and execute them in a specific way. The digital unit is, in particular, programmable. The digital unit can have a display for showing the specific physical quantity.The digital unit can be operated using gesture control, which allows the display to be manipulated.

[0012] The display can be located on the digital unit. The display can be located away from the digital unit and connected to the digital unit wirelessly or by cable.

[0013] The display may be an LCD display, in particular a ZBD LCD display, an OLED display, a TFT display, an e-paper display, a mixture of different

[0014] The term "operating sensor" refers in particular to a sensor for detecting an operating measurement value, with which a user can operate the digital unit. The operating sensor is, for example, an acceleration sensor, a position sensor, an inclination sensor, a gyro sensor and / or a light sensor. The operating sensor is, in particular, rigidly connected directly or indirectly to the paint gun. The operating sensor is, for example, arranged on the paint gun body. The operating sensor has a data interface to the digital unit. The operating sensor is configured, for example, to detect a movement of the paint gun. The movement includes, for example, a tilting process of the paint gun. The operating sensor is, for example, arranged in or on the digital unit.

[0015] The term “operating measured value” refers in particular to a measured value from a sensor with the help of which an operator can operate or control the digital unit. The operating measured value can, for example, comprise an acceleration and / or an inclination position (e.g. a jerky movement of the spray gun by the user). An inclination can in particular be understood as a tilt to the left, a tilt to the right, a tilt upwards and / or a tilt downwards. The terms “tilt”, “swivel” and / or “tilt” can be used synonymously here. The operating measured value can comprise a sequence of movements and / or a gesture, e.g. the movement of the spray gun in a circle, in particular along an imaginary vertical or an imaginary horizontal “O”, “X” or “L”. The operating measured value can be a light signal or the absence of a light signal. In particular, an operator can operate or control the digital unit.by placing at least part of their hand on at least part of the digital unit. An operating measured value can comprise a combination of the above. Different operating measured values ​​can result in different events, in particular different manipulations.

[0016] The term "manipulation" refers specifically to changing the content of the digital unit's display. This can, for example, involve navigating within a menu on the display. This can involve changing the display of a measured value, such as enlarging the font or selecting a unit. Manipulation can also, in particular, include operating the digital unit.

[0017] The invention is based on the realization that the measurement of physical variables (e.g. pressure) in or on the paint spray gun is necessary. Furthermore, the representation of the physical variable is of great importance to the user. Different requirements are placed on the representation. These requirements can change during the painting process. For this reason, it is useful to have the option of manipulating the representation while the paint spray gun is being operated during a painting process. For example, the physical variable may need to be represented in a different unit or the inclination of the paint spray gun may need to be displayed. For example, a new limit value for the physical variable may need to be specified.In order to make this manipulation(s) as simple as possible without having to interrupt the painting process for too long, and in particular without having to put the paint spray gun down, the invention proposes enabling the display to be manipulated using a gesture. To do this, the paint spray gun detects an operating measurement using an operating sensor, for example if a user wants to enlarge the font size. To do this, the user then tilts the paint spray gun at a specific angle, for example 45° or 90° compared to a normal orientation. The operating sensor, for example a gyro sensor with a built-in gyroscope, detects this inclination and transmits it to the digital unit in the form of a signal. The digital unit processes the received signal. To do this, for example, the signal is compared with a reference table and the display is modified accordingly based on the information in the reference table.This allows the user to manipulate the display with just one hand and a corresponding gesture, which involves holding or guiding the spray gun. This impacts the usability, efficiency, and quality of the painting process.

[0018] In one embodiment, the operator control measurement represents at least one of the following: a position of the spray gun, a movement of the spray gun, an acceleration of the spray gun, an inclination of the spray gun, a covering of the spray gun.

[0019] The position can in particular be a position of the paint spray gun in space. The position can in particular be a height. The position can in particular be a relative position with respect to a starting position. The position can be detected, for example, using an acceleration sensor. The movement particularly refers to a gesture performed with the paint spray gun. The movement can, for example, comprise a circular shape or an L-shape. The movement can also be any desired sequence of partial gestures, whereby the combination of the partial gestures can be characteristic of an operating action. This is detected, for example, using a motion sensor or an acceleration sensor. The acceleration can, for example, be an excessively fast or jerky movement. The acceleration can, for example, be an impulse on the paint spray gun, for example a tap.A single tap or multiple taps can be provided. The latter has the advantage of reducing the risk of an unintentional tap being registered as an operating measurement. The acceleration can be measured, for example, using an acceleration sensor. The inclination refers in particular to a deviation of the paint spray gun from a position with respect to one or more axes in a coordinate system. The inclination can, for example, be an inclined position of the paint spray gun. The inclination can, for example, be measured using a gyroscope. Covering the paint spray gun, in particular part of the paint spray gun, in particular part of the digital unit, can be achieved, for example, by placing at least part of a user's hand on at least part of the paint spray gun, in particular part of the digital unit.

[0020] In this way, the display of the digital unit can be manipulated without any additional tools using simple gestures performed with the hand that guides the spray gun.

[0021] Several similar and / or several different sensors can be provided.

[0022] The digital unit can be operated without tilting. In particular, when the digital unit is not pressurized, a bar symbol can flash on the display, signaling to the user that a window for manipulating the display has opened. Manipulation can then be performed purely by an operating value other than tilting, e.g., by acceleration, in particular by tapping, especially by repeated tapping.

[0023] In one embodiment, the manipulation includes navigating within a menu of the display.

[0024] For example, repeatedly tilting the spray gun forward or backward can be used to navigate within a displayed menu. For this purpose, a tilt is stored in the digital unit's memory, which stores navigation up or down in the menu as a command. The digital unit then changes the selected menu item according to the detected command. This makes it easier for the operator to navigate through the menu.

[0025] In one embodiment, the manipulation includes adjusting a display area of ​​the display.

[0026] For example, the pressure display range for a pressure sensor is changed from bar to psi. For this purpose, a movement or movement pattern is stored in the memory of the digital unit, which refers to a command that involves changing the display range from bar to psi. The digital unit then changes the display according to the detected command. A change in the display can always be accompanied by a change in how the digital unit or sensor records and / or calculates physical quantities. If the display is changed from psi to bar, for example, the digital unit or sensor no longer records and / or calculates the pressure in psi but in bar.

[0027] For example, the temperature display range for a temperature sensor is changed from °C to °F.

[0028] This makes it easier to navigate the digital unit display menu.

[0029] In one embodiment, the manipulation comprises setting a range of values ​​of the display.

[0030] For example, a limit value within which the pressure can be located can be adjusted. For example, the limit value for a pressure sensor is changed from 1.5 bar to 2.5 bar to 1.5 bar to 3.0 bar. This can be done, for example, by navigating in the menu and then setting the new limit value. Here, for example, the menu can be navigated using a detected inclination of the paint spray gun. The menu item “Set limit value” can then be selected, for example by moving the paint spray gun. The limit value can then be set again, for example by tilting the paint spray gun.

[0031] In this way, a range of values ​​can be set in a simplified manner.

[0032] In one embodiment, the digital unit is configured to manipulate the content of the display based on at least one detected operating measurement value and an associated detected time period. By taking the time period into account, accidental or unwanted commands can be prevented or suppressed. For example, the paint spray gun must be tilted for a longer period of time, e.g. 3 seconds, to trigger an associated manipulation command. The digital unit therefore checks, for example, in addition to the operating measurement value, at least the associated time period. If the time period is too short, it does not execute the command, for example. The target time period, in particular the time period required to manipulate the content of the display and / or the actual time period, in particular the time period that has currently elapsed and / or which part of the target time period has currently elapsed, can be displayed graphically.For example, a circle can be shown on the left side of the display and a circle on the right side of the display, with the circles connected by an empty bar or by a bar with a line in the middle. When the spray gun is tilted to the right, the bar fills from the middle towards the right circle. When the bar is filled up to the right circle, the target time period has elapsed and the display content is manipulated. The running of the time period can be indicated by an acoustic signal. The expiration of the target time period can be confirmed by a visual and / or acoustic signal.

[0033] In this way, operating errors can be avoided and the efficiency and operating safety of the paint spray gun can be increased.

[0034] In one embodiment, the digital unit is configured to be activated from a sleep mode by at least one of a switch position, the operating measured value, and the pressure measured value.

[0035] Sleep mode specifically refers to a state upon delivery of the paint spray gun. In order to activate gesture control, this must be ended and the digital unit must, so to speak, transition from sleep mode to operating mode. This can be done using a switch, for example. The switch can be a push button, a toggle switch, a rocker switch, a pressure switch, a slide switch, a latching switch, or a rotary switch. The switch can be a magnetic switch, for example. The magnetic switch can be actuated, for example, by removing or applying a magnet to or from the digital unit. Transferring the digital unit from sleep mode to operating mode can, for example, be done using at least one special movement. Transferring the digital unit from sleep mode to operating mode can, for example, also be done by applying pressure.The pressure can, for example, be the pressure in the compressed air supply and / or in the material supply to which the paint spray gun is connected. The presence of light can transition the digital unit from sleep mode to operating mode, in particular using a light sensor. Optionally, the digital unit can also be put into sleep mode via the aforementioned elements. In particular, the absence of light can transition the digital unit from operating mode to sleep mode, in particular using a light sensor.

[0036] In this way, the functionality of the digital unit can be easily started or stopped.

[0037] In one embodiment, the operating sensor is arranged on the spray gun body of the spray gun.

[0038] The operating sensor is located, for example, on the handle. The operating sensor is located, for example, in the area of ​​the paint nozzle interface on the spray gun body. The operating sensor can be located at any rigid point on the spray gun body, thus allowing reliable detection of an operator gesture, such as tilting the spray gun.

[0039] Preferably, the operating sensor is arranged in the digital unit.

[0040] The digital unit is supplied with electrical energy by a battery or accumulator, preferably a button cell.

[0041] The housing of the digital unit can consist of an inner and an outer part, wherein the inner part is made of a transparent plastic, in particular injection-molded, and wherein the outer part is made of a softer plastic, in particular injection-molded. Preferably, the inner part is injection-molded first, which is then encapsulated with the softer outer part. The outer part has a window through which part of the inner part, which forms the display, can be seen. The housing can have a separate rear part which has at least part of a bayonet connection, by means of which the digital unit can be connected to the paint spray gun body or a connecting element which in turn is connected to the paint spray gun.

[0042] In one embodiment, the operating sensor is at least one of the following: position sensor, motion sensor, acceleration sensor, tilt sensor, gyro sensor, light sensor.

[0043] In one embodiment, the paint gun further comprises a sensor configured to determine a physical quantity within the paint gun and / or on the paint gun and to convert the physical quantity into a signal; and wherein the digital unit is configured to determine the physical quantity based on the signal and to display the determined physical quantity on the display.

[0044] The term sensor refers in particular to a measuring device that is designed to measure a physical variable within the compressed air flow and / or in a material flow of the paint spray gun or at interfaces of the supply lines for material and / or compressed air for the paint gun. The signal can be analog or digital. The sensor can be arranged within the material flow in the paint gun and / or the compressed air flow in the paint gun. The sensor can be arranged in a supply line to a paint gun. One example of this is the compressed air hose to which the paint gun is connected. Another example is a material hose that transports the paint, whereby the material hose is connected to the paint gun via an interface. The sensor can be arranged in the interface of the paint feed (generally the material feed) or the compressed air feed.The sensor can be located near the interface between the spray gun body and the digital unit. The sensor can, in particular, be configured to transmit the signal to the digital unit (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection, e.g., via radio).

[0045] In one embodiment, the sensor is one of the following: temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor.

[0046] The pressure sensor can, for example, be in fluidic contact with the material flow or the compressed air flow via an interface, so that the pressure sensor can also measure the pressure without being located directly in the actual flow channel.

[0047] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor has a separate temperature sensor.

[0048] The separate temperature sensor is located, for example, in the paint spray gun body. The separate temperature sensor is located, for example, in the compressed air flow channel, in the paint flow channel, in an interface for the compressed air flow channel, and / or in an interface for the paint flow channel. The separate temperature sensor can provide additional temperature measurements that enable the pressure to be measured or determined more precisely. The separate temperature sensor can also enable the recording of a temperature profile at the respective position in or on the paint spray gun. The separate temperature sensor is located, for example, in the digital unit. The separate temperature sensor can record the temperature of the air flowing through the paint spray gun. The separate temperature sensor can record the temperature of the ambient air.The separate temperature sensor can measure the temperature of the material flowing through the spray gun.

[0049] This increases the accuracy of the pressure measurement. Furthermore, conclusions can be drawn about the operating mode of the spray gun. This can increase the efficiency of the spray gun.

[0050] However, a temperature measurement can also be recorded or determined without a separate temperature sensor, particularly by a pressure sensor. Pressure sensors often record the temperature together with a voltage applied to the sensor due to pressure, in order to take the temperature into account when determining the pressure. A temperature measurement can be determined as a byproduct of the pressure sensor and, if necessary, output.

[0051] In one embodiment, the content of the display includes at least one of the following: pressure, pressure history, temperature, temperature history, service life, inclination of the spray gun, and number of times a trigger of the spray gun has been pulled.

[0052] This enables the spray gun user to perform condition monitoring of the painting process itself. This can increase the efficiency and quality of the spray gun's operation.

[0053] In one embodiment, the paint spray gun further comprises an interface with a separable connection between the digital unit and one of the group of the following: the paint spray gun body, an adapter on the paint spray gun body, a connecting element arranged between a compressed air hose and the paint spray gun body, and a connecting element arranged between a material hose and the paint spray gun body.

[0054] The term “interface” in this case means an interface that is designed to structurally connect the digital unit to the paint spray gun. The interface can, for example, have a snap-in connection, a bayonet lock, or a plug-in connection. The interface can, for example, also be designed to provide access to the area for pressure measurement. For this purpose, the interface has, for example, a valve that is open when connected. In such an example, the pressure sensor is then arranged in the digital unit. The interface can also be designed to transmit signals from a pressure sensor and / or temperature sensor, which are arranged inside the paint spray gun, to the digital unit. The interface can therefore be both a structural interface for connection and an analog or digital interface for data transmission. The interface is rigid orrigidly connected to the spray gun body or indirectly connected to the spray gun body.

[0055] The term "adapter" in this case refers to an additional device designed to attach the digital unit to the spray gun body. The adapter has an interface that corresponds to the spray gun or the spray gun body and an interface that corresponds to the digital unit.

[0056] The term “connecting element” in this case means a coupling that is designed to connect the compressed air hose and / or the paint supply (such as a paint hose or paint container) to the paint spray gun body.

[0057] In this way, the interface and thus the layout of the digital unit can be changed or selected according to user requirements. This can increase the efficiency of the spray gun's operation.

[0058] In one embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor and is arranged in the digital unit, wherein the sensor is in contact with a compressed air channel and / or a material channel via the interface for measuring the pressure prevailing within the paint spray gun and / or the pressure applied to the paint spray gun, in particular the pressure of a compressed air flow and / or a material flow.

[0059] This allows the spray gun to be designed purely mechanically, without any electrical or mechatronic components. This can have a positive impact on maintenance and service life.

[0060] The paint spray gun and / or the digital unit can comprise a device for recognizing a paint spray gun and / or for recognizing use of the digital unit with different paint spray guns. This device can comprise, for example, a position sensor, a motion sensor, an acceleration sensor, an inclination sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, or a humidity sensor. The digital unit can be configured such that, based on the data acquired by at least one sensor, it recognizes that it is being used, in particular connected, with a specific paint spray gun and / or that it is being used, in particular connected, with a different paint spray gun than during a previous use. The aforementioned device can be used to personalize the paint spray gun and / or the digital unit.The device mentioned can be used to determine service and / or maintenance intervals. The digital unit can be designed such that it detects that it has been disconnected from a paint spray gun, in particular based on the measurement data of a pressure sensor, in particular based on the fact that no pressure is applied to the digital unit. The digital unit can be designed such that it detects that it has been reconnected to a paint spray gun, in particular based on the measurement data of a pressure sensor, in particular based on the fact that pressure is again applied to the digital unit. The digital unit can be designed such that it queries which paint spray gun it is connected to. The selection can be made using an aforementioned operating measured value.The device for recognizing a paint spray gun and / or for recognizing use of the digital unit on different paint spray guns can comprise an RFID chip and / or a device for capturing data from an RFID chip. The device for recognizing a paint spray gun and / or for recognizing use of the digital unit on different paint spray guns can comprise at least one magnet and / or a device for capturing magnetic fields. The device for recognizing a paint spray gun and / or for recognizing use of the digital unit on different paint spray guns can comprise at least one pin and / or a device for recognizing at least one pin and / or a specific combination of pins.The device for detecting a paint spray gun and / or for detecting use of the digital unit with different paint spray guns can comprise at least one electrical resistance and / or a device for determining and / or detecting at least one electrical resistance. The features mentioned in this paragraph are also considered a separate invention on their own, i.e., even without the features mentioned previously and subsequently.

[0061] The paint spray gun according to the invention or the digital unit according to the invention can be designed such that when the actuating bracket element is actuated, all values ​​that are less relevant for the operation of the paint spray gun are hidden or reduced on the display and relevant values, in particular the air pressure, are shown enlarged.

[0062] The digital unit can comprise a housing with an arrangement of electronic components, e.g. circuit board, pressure sensor, motion sensor, gyroscope, several capacitors, in particular ceramic capacitors, battery contacts, battery, display, in particular LC (liquid crystal) display or “memory in pixel” display, socket, in particular zero-force socket, in particular for connecting the display to a circuit, diode, in particular protective diode, damping bead, fuse, microcontroller, magnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, quartz crystal, resistor, in particular sheet resistor. The circuit board can be a multi-circuit board. The circuit board can consist of several layers. The circuit board can have at least one rigid part, in particular two rigid parts, and at least one flexible part. The rigid parts can be connected to one another by the flexible part.The circuit board can be bent along the flexible part, and the battery can be clamped between the battery contacts on the rigid parts of the circuit board. The display can be connected to one of the rigid parts of the circuit board. The battery can be inserted into the digital unit through an opening, e.g., on the underside of the housing. This opening can be covered by a cover that can be screwed to the housing. The digital unit can be connected to a personal dashboard on a PC or smartphone via cable or wirelessly. In particular, the digital unit can send data, especially usage data, to a personal dashboard on a PC or smartphone. The personal dashboard is a digital control center in which the most important parameters and / or statistics of the painting process can be stored and evaluated.The data is transmitted via a QR code that is displayed on the display of the digital unit.

[0063] Another aspect concerns the use of a digital unit with display in a spray gun as described in more detail above.

[0064] A further aspect relates to the use of at least one of a sensor and an operating sensor in a paint spray gun described in more detail above.

[0065] The features described above, including those from different embodiments, can also be combined with each other, resulting in synergistic interactions that go beyond the sum of the individual effects.

[0066] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments, which are described with reference to the following figures:

[0067] Figure 1 shows an exemplary paint spray gun according to the invention or a paint spray gun with an exemplary digital unit according to the invention;

[0068] Figure 2 shows a display of an exemplary paint spray gun according to the invention or a display of an exemplary digital unit according to the invention; and Figure 3 shows an exemplary gesture for changing a display of an exemplary paint spray gun according to the invention or an exemplary digital unit according to the invention.

[0069] Figure 1 shows an exemplary paint spray gun 100 according to the invention or a paint spray gun 100 with an exemplary digital unit 20 according to the invention. The paint spray gun 100 has a paint spray gun body 10. In the present case, a needle valve for applying paint and for releasing compressed air is arranged in the paint spray gun body 10. The paint spray gun 100 further comprises a paint nozzle body 70 (not visible in Figure 1), which is detachably connected to the paint spray gun body 10 via a thread. The paint spray gun 100 further comprises an actuating bracket element 71. By actuating the actuating bracket element 71, the needle valve for applying paint and releasing compressed air is actuated.

[0070] The interface 60 for the paint supply is also arranged on the paint spray gun body 10. The interface 61 for the compressed air supply is also arranged on the paint spray gun body 10. A swivel joint 63 is arranged below the interface 61 for the compressed air supply. A compressed air hose (not shown) can be connected to the swivel joint 63 on the inlet side 62 of the swivel joint. The paint spray gun 100 in the present case has a digital unit 20. The digital unit 20 is rigidly connected to the paint spray gun body 10 via an interface 50. The interface 50 is located above the handle 11. Alternatively, the digital unit 20 can also be arranged on the paint spray gun body 10 via an adapter. The adapter can, for example, include a clamping device that is clamped onto the paint spray gun body 10. The digital unit 20 can then, for example, be connected to the adapter via a corresponding interface.The digital unit 20 can alternatively be arranged on a connecting element (not shown) between the interface 60 and a material hose. The connecting element then has a corresponding interface for the digital unit 20. The digital unit 20 can alternatively be arranged on a connecting element (not shown) between the interface 61 and the compressed air hose. The connecting element then has a corresponding interface for the digital unit 20. The paint spray gun 100 has a sensor 30, in particular a pressure sensor. Alternatively or in addition to the pressure sensor, the paint spray gun 100 can have a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a light sensor. The sensor 30, in particular a pressure sensor, is configured to determine a pressure measurement value and convert it into a signal. The sensor 30, in particular a pressure sensor, is presently arranged in the digital unit 20.The sensor 30, in particular a pressure sensor, measures the pressure in the compressed air flow within the paint spray gun 100 via a valve. The pressure sensor can alternatively be arranged directly within a compressed air flow channel. The pressure sensor can alternatively be arranged within the paint spray gun body. The pressure sensor can alternatively be arranged at the interface 61 for the compressed air connection. The pressure sensor can alternatively be arranged at the interface 60 for the paint supply or material supply. The sensor 30, in particular a pressure sensor, is configured to transmit the signals to the digital unit 20. This can be done via a cable or wirelessly, in particular via radio. The digital unit 20 is configured to determine the pressure based on the signal and to display it on a display 21. The display 21 is arranged on the digital unit 20.

[0071] The paint spray gun 100 comprises an operating sensor 40. The operating sensor 40 is arranged in the handle 11. The operating sensor 40 detects an operating value for the operation of the digital unit 20. The operating sensor 40 is an acceleration sensor that detects a movement of the operator. The detected movement can be used to change the content of the display 21. For example, the pressure display can be changed from bar to psi. To do this, the operator must, for example, perform a circular movement with the paint spray gun. For this purpose, the digital unit 20 has, for example, stored in a table in a memory, different movement patterns with associated commands for controlling the digital unit 20. By comparing the detected movement with the stored movement patterns, the corresponding command is selected and then executed by the digital unit 20.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the operating sensor 40 can measure a position, an acceleration, an inclination, and / or a covering of the paint spray gun. For this purpose, the operating sensor 40 can be a position sensor, a motion sensor, an inclination sensor, a gyroscope sensor, and / or a light sensor in addition to the acceleration sensor. The operating sensor 40 can also comprise multiple sensor types. Alternatively or in addition to changing the units of the display, the manipulation can comprise one or more of the following: navigating within a menu of the display, setting a value range of the display. Optionally, the digital unit is configured to additionally record the time span of a recorded operating measurement value. Depending on the recorded time span, a command associated with the recorded operating measurement value is executed or not.In addition to the pressure, the display 21 may additionally or alternatively include the following: pressure curve, temperature, temperature curve, service life, inclination of the spray gun, number of times a trigger of the spray gun has been pulled.

[0073] Figure 2 shows an exemplary display 121 of a paint spray gun 100 according to the invention or of an exemplary digital unit 120 according to the invention. A user holds the paint spray gun 100 in his right hand 127. The display 121 is arranged on the digital unit 120. In the present case, the paint spray gun 100 is arranged vertically, ie, without inclination, in the hand 127.

[0074] The display 121 shows the temperature 122, the pressure 123, an alarm 124 for the pressure, an artificial horizon 125 for the inclination and a battery indicator 126.

[0075] Figure 3 shows an example gesture for changing the display 221 of the paint spray gun 200 or the digital unit 220. The display 221 is in turn arranged on the digital unit 220. The hand 227, in which the paint spray gun 200 is arranged, is tilted to the right in this case. This tilt changes the display range 228 for the pressure measurement from psi to bar. The tilt is detected, for example, using a gyro sensor.

[0076] Reference symbol

[0077] Spray gun body

[0078] 11 Handle

[0079] 20, 120, 220 digital unit

[0080] 21, 121 , 221 Advertisement

[0081] 30 sensors

[0082] 40 Operating sensor

[0083] 50 interface

[0084] 60 Interface for paint supply

[0085] 61 Interface for compressed air

[0086] 62 Input side of the swivel joint

[0087] 63 Swivel joint

[0088] 70 paint nozzle bodies

[0089] 71 Actuating bracket element

[0090] 100, 200 paint spray gun

[0091] 122 Temperature

[0092] 123 print

[0093] 124 Alarm

[0094] 125 Horizon

[0095] 126 Battery indicator

[0096] 127, 227 Hand

[0097] 228 Display Pressure

Claims

Claims 1. A paint spray gun (100, 200), comprising: a paint spray gun body (10); a digital unit (20, 120, 220) with a display (21, 121, 221); an operating sensor (40) configured to detect at least one measured operating value for operating the digital unit (20, 120, 220); wherein the digital unit (20, 120, 220) is configured to manipulate a content of the display (21, 121, 221) based on the at least one detected measured operating value.

2. The paint spray gun (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the operating measurement value represents at least one of the following: a position of the paint spray gun, a movement of the paint spray gun, an acceleration of the paint spray gun, an inclination of the paint spray gun, a covering of the paint spray gun (100, 200).

3. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the manipulation comprises navigating within a menu of the display (21, 121, 221).

4. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the manipulation comprises adjusting a display range of the display (21, 121, 221).

5. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the manipulation comprises setting a value range of the display (21, 121, 221).

6. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital unit (20, 120, 220) is configured to carry out the manipulation of the content of the display (21, 121, 221) on the basis of the at least one detected operating measurement value and an associated detected time period.

7. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital unit (20, 120, 220) is configured to be activated from a sleep mode by at least one of a switch position, the operating measured value and the pressure measured value.

8. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating sensor (40) is arranged on the paint spray gun body (10) of the paint spray gun (100, 200).

9. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating sensor (40) is at least one of the following: position sensor, motion sensor, acceleration sensor, inclination sensor, gyroscope sensor and / or light sensor.

10. The paint spray gun (100, 200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor (30) configured to determine a physical quantity within the paint spray gun (100, 200) and / or on the paint spray gun (100, 200) and to convert the physical quantity into a signal; and wherein the digital unit (20, 120, 220) is configured to determine the physical quantity based on the signal and to display the determined physical quantity on the display (21, 121, 221).

11. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to claim 10, wherein the sensor (30) is one of the following: temperature sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor.

12. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the content of the display (21, 121, 221) comprises at least one of the following: pressure, pressure profile, temperature, temperature profile, service life, inclination of the paint spray gun, number of actuations of a trigger of the paint spray gun.

13. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an interface (50) with a separable connection between the digital unit (20, 120, 220) and one of the following: the paint spray gun body (10), an adapter on the paint spray gun body, a connecting element arranged between a compressed air hose and the paint spray gun body (10), and a connecting element arranged between a material hose and the paint spray gun body (10).

14. Paint spray gun (100, 200) according to claim 13, wherein the sensor (30) is a pressure sensor and is arranged in the digital unit (20, 120, 220) and is in contact with a compressed air channel and / or a material channel via the interface (50) for measuring the pressure prevailing within the paint spray gun (100, 200) and / or the pressure applied to the paint spray gun (100, 200), in particular the pressure of a compressed air flow and / or a material flow.

15. Use of a digital unit (20, 120, 220) with display (21, 121, 221) in a Paint gun (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and / or use at least one of a sensor (30) and an operating sensor (40) in a paint spray gun (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A digital unit (20, 120, 220) with a display (21, 121, 221), comprising: an operating sensor (40) configured to detect at least one measured operating value for operating the digital unit (20, 120, 220); wherein the digital unit (20, 120, 220) is configured to manipulate a content of the display (21, 121, 221) based on the at least one detected measured operating value.

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