WO2018104826A1

WO2018104826A1 - Paint spray gun coating liquid connector

Info

Publication number: WO2018104826A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/057491
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brady P. Haislet; Bryan J. HAYWARD
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2016-12-06
Filing date: 2017-11-29
Publication date: 2018-06-14

Abstract

A paint spray gun coating liquid connector is disclosed comprising a first connector portion on one of a paint spray gun nozzle assembly or an external paint source. The first connector portion comprises a catch member. A second connector portion on the other of the paint spray gun nozzle assembly or the external paint source is adapted to establish a sealed liquid connection upon installation to the first connector portion. The second connector portion comprises a locking member that is movable to an assembly position and a locked position. In the assembly position, first connector portion can be installed onto and removed from the second connector portion, and, when in the locked position, the locking member engages the catch member such that the first connector portion is securely retained in sealing relation against the second connector portion.

Description

PAINT SPRAY GUN COATING LIQUID CONNECTOR

Background

Liquid spray guns are generally known. In practice, it is typically necessary to connect and disconnect a liquid supply from a liquid spray gun in order to change liquids and/or clean the spray gun and associate liquid paths. Connections from a liquid supply to the spray gun should generally secure enough to maintain the coating liquid within the appropriate flow paths and prevent accidental disconnection. Known liquid supply connections can be difficult to assemble and disassemble, sometimes requiring the use of tools. Moreover, such connections can be difficult and/or time consuming to clean.

Because of the difficulty in cleaning, liquid residue is often left behind, resulting in potential contamination and increased difficulty in assembly. In some cases, excessive contamination and or assembly difficulty requires replacement of the liquid supply connection. There is a need for improved liquid supply connections to address these and other problems.

Summary of the Invention

Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the embodiments listed below, which may or may not be numbered for convenience. Several additional embodiments, not specifically enumerated in this section, are disclosed within the accompanying detailed description.

Embodiment 1 :

1. A paint spray gun coating liquid connector comprising

a first connector portion on one of a paint spray gun nozzle assembly or an external paint source;

a second connector portion on the other of the paint spray gun nozzle assembly or the external paint source adapted to establish a sealed liquid connection upon installation to the first connector portion; and

a latch mechanism adapted to secure the first connector portion relative to the second connector portion, wherein;

the first connector portion comprises

a socket comprising a socket opening and an internal socket wall surrounding a liquid flow axis, the internal socket wall comprising a socket sealing surface; and the second connector portion comprises

a plug adapted to be inserted into the socket, the plug comprising an outer plug wall comprising a plug sealing surface adapted to seal against the socket sealing surface; and

the latch mechanism comprises

on either the first connector portion or the second connector portion, an arm comprising a catch member on a distal end thereof; and

on the other of the first connector portion or the second connector portion, an arm receiver to receive the arm when the plug is inserted into the socket; and a locking member that is movable to an assembly position and a locked position, wherein, in the assembly position, the arm can be inserted into and removed from the arm receiver, and, when in the locked position, the locking member engages the catch member such that the arm is securely retained in the arm receiver. 2. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of Embodiment 1 wherein the arm is on the first connector portion and the arm receiver is on the second connector portion.

3. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of Embodiment 1 wherein the arm is on the second connector portion and the arm receiver is on the first connector portion.

4. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of Embodiments 1-3 wherein the first connector portion is on the paint spray gun nozzle assembly and the second connector portion is on the external paint source. 5. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of Embodiments 1-3 wherein the first connector portion is on the external paint source and the second connector portion is on the paint spray gun nozzle assembly.

6. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of Embodiments 1-5 wherein the locking member comprises a ring that is movable by rotation to the assembly position and the locked position. 7. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of Embodiment 6 further comprising a detent feature interacting with the locking member to provide tactile feedback that the locking member is in one of the assembly position or the locked position. 8. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of Embodiments 6-7 wherein the ring is removable from the paint spray gun coating liquid connector for cleaning without the use of tools.

9. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of Embodiments 6-9 wherein the ring comprises an interrupted annulus and is resiliently deformable to an expanded state and a stable state, such that the ring can be deformed to the expanded state to be removed from and installed onto the paint spray gun coating liquid connector, and will revert to the stable state to be retained thereon. 10. A paint spray gun coating liquid connector comprising

a first connector portion on one of a paint spray gun nozzle assembly or an external paint source, the first connector portion comprising a catch member;

a second connector portion on the other of the paint spray gun nozzle assembly or the external paint source adapted to establish a sealed liquid connection upon installation to the first connector portion, the second connector portion comprising a locking member that is movable to an assembly position and a locked position;

wherein, in the assembly position, first connector portion can be installed onto and removed from the second connector portion, and, when in the locked position, the locking member engages the catch member such that the first connector portion is securely retained in sealing relation against the second connector portion.

11. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of Embodiment 10 wherein the locking member comprises a ring that is movable by rotation to the assembly position and the locked position. 12. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of Embodiment 11 further comprising a detent feature interacting with the locking member to provide tactile feedback that the locking member is in one of the assembly position or the locked position.

13. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of Embodiments 10-11 wherein the locking member is removable from second connector portion for cleaning without the use of tools.

14. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of Embodiments 10-13 wherein the locking member comprises an interrupted annulus and is resiliently deformable to an expanded state and a stable state, such that the locking member can be deformed to the expanded state to be removed from and installed onto the second connector portion, and will revert to the stable state to be retained thereon.

15. A paint spray gun nozzle assembly comprising a first connector portion of a paint spray gun coating liquid connector, the first connector portion comprising

a socket comprising a socket opening and an internal socket wall surrounding a liquid flow axis, the internal socket wall comprising a socket sealing surface; and

a first arm proximate the socket and comprising a catch member on a distal end thereof.

16. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of Embodiment 15 comprising

a sealing plane oriented normally to the liquid flow axis and intersecting the socket sealing surface, the socket sealing surface comprising a socket diameter; and

a latching plane oriented normally to the liquid flow axis and intersecting a catch surface of the catch member;

wherein the sealing plane and the latching plane offset from one another by a distance along the liquid flow axis in a range from 1 to 2 times the socket diameter.

17. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of Embodiments 15-16 wherein the first arm extends beyond the socket opening in the direction of the liquid flow axis. 18. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of Embodiments 15-17 wherein the catch member comprises a catch surface defined at least in part by a portion of the catch member extending radially-outwardly from the first arm with respect to the liquid flow axis.

19. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of Embodiments 15-18 wherein a coating liquid flow path is formed within the paint spray gun nozzle assembly between the paint spray gun coating liquid connector and a liquid nozzle such that the entire coating liquid flow path is formed within the paint spray gun nozzle assembly.

20. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of Embodiments 15-19 further comprising a spray gun connection portion adapted to connect the paint spray gun nozzle assembly to a compatible paint spray gun body. 21. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of Embodiments 15-20 wherein the first connector portion further comprises a second arm offset from the first arm, the second arm being proximate the socket and comprising a catch member on a distal end thereof.

22. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of Embodiment 21 wherein the second arm is located opposite the liquid flow axis with respect to the first arm.

23. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of Embodiments 21-22 comprising a sealing plane oriented normally to the liquid flow axis and intersecting the socket sealing surface, the socket sealing surface comprising a socket diameter; and a latching plane oriented normally to the liquid flow axis and intersecting

(i) a catch surface of the catch member on the first arm; and

(ii) a catch surface of the catch member on the second arm;

wherein the sealing plane and the latching plane offset from one another along the liquid flow axis.

24. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of Embodiments 15-23 wherein the socket sealing surface is cylindrical. 25. A method of assembling a paint spray gun coating liquid connector comprising on a second connector portion on one of a paint spray gun nozzle assembly or an external paint source, positioning a locking member in an assembly position;

moving a first connector portion on the other of the paint spray gun nozzle assembly or the external paint source toward the second connector portion such that a plug on one of the first connector portion or the second connector portion sealingly engages with a socket on the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion; and

moving the locking member to a locked position to engage a catch member on the first connector portion such that the first connector portion is securely retained in sealing relation against the second connector portion.

26. The method of Embodiment 25 comprising

moving the locking member from the locked position to the assembly position such the locking member no longer engages the catch member;

moving the first connector portion away from the second connector portion to separate the first connector portion from the second connector portion.

27. A method of assembling the paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of Embodiments 10-14 comprising

positioning the locking member in the assembly position;

installing the second connector portion against the first connector portion to establish a sealed liquid connection; and

moving the locking member to the locked position.

28. The method of Embodiment 27 comprising

removing the locking member without the use of tools.

29. The method of Embodiment 28 comprising

cleaning the locking member after it is removed; and

reinstalling the locking member. 30. The method of any of Embodiments 28-29 comprising

deforming the locking member from a stable state to an expanded state to remove the locking member. 31. The method of any of Embodiments 29-30 comprising

deforming the locking member to an expanded state to reinstall the locking member; and

allowing the locking member to deform to its stable state to be retained on the paint spray gun coating liquid connector.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments described herein that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a" or "the" component may include one or more of the components and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Further, the term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

It is noted that the terms "comprises" and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the accompanying description. Moreover, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably herein.

Relative terms such as left, right, forward, rearward, top, bottom, side, upper, lower, horizontal, vertical, and the like may be used herein and, if so, are from the perspective observed in the particular figure. These terms are used only to simplify the description, however, and not to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "certain

embodiments," "one or more embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as "in one or more embodiments," "in certain embodiments," "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the reservoirs and associated vent assemblies described herein. Rather, a more complete understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following Description of Illustrative Embodiments and claims in view of the accompanying figures of the drawing.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may be amended during prosecution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Throughout the specification, reference is made to the appended drawings, where like reference numerals designate like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary paint spray gun;

FIG. 2 depicts the paint spray gun of FIG. 1 having a paint spray gun nozzle assembly removed therefrom;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary paint spray gun nozzle assembly comprising a paint spray gun coating liquid connector;

FIG. 4 depicts the paint spray gun nozzle assembly of FIG. 3 wherein a paint spray gun coating liquid connector is disassembled;

FIG. 5 is a cross section view of a paint spray gun nozzle assembly taken at 5-5 of FIG. 2 wherein a locking member is in the locked position;

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of a paint spray gun nozzle assembly taken at 5-5 of FIG. 2 wherein a locking member is in the assembly position;

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of a paint spray gun nozzle assembly taken at 7-7 of

FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a cross section view of a paint spray gun nozzle assembly taken at 8-8 of

FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict a paint spray gun nozzle assembly having a second connector portion removed therefrom;

FIG. 11 is a cross section view taken at 8-8 of FIG. 6 having a second connector portion removed therefrom; FIG. 12 depicts a paint spray gun nozzle assembly having a second connector portion removed therefrom;

FIGS. 13-16 depict a second connector portion;

FIG. 17 is a cross section view of a second connector portion taken at 17-17 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a cross section view of a second connector portion taken at 18-18 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a cross section view of a second connector portion taken at 19-19 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a second connector portion;

FIG. 21 depicts a locking member;

FIG. 22 depicts a locking member in a stable state;

FIG. 22A depicts a locking member in an expanded state;

FIG. 23 depicts a locking member;

FIG. 24 is a cross section view of a locking member taken at 24-24 of FIG. 23; and FIG. 25 depicts a locking member.

Detailed Description

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary paint spray gun 2 is shown. The paint spray gun 2 comprises a handle 4, a trigger 5, a connection for an external pressure source

6, a paint spray gun body 3, a liquid needle adjustment knob 9, a shaping air control knob 8, and a paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10. In this embodiment, the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10 is removable and is attached at a nozzle assembly connection portion

7. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10 is shown removed in FIG. 2. As shown, the nozzle assembly connection portion 7 facilitates the attachment of the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10 to the paint spray gun body 3 by way of a locking ring 210 as described in U.S. provisional patent application number 62/430,383 (3M Docket No. 77384US002), entitled "Spray Gun and Nozzle Assembly Attachment," filed December 6, 2016, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, the connection between the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10 and the paint spray gun body 3 may be carried out by other means, such as, for example, a threaded collar, by one or more lever elements 130 as described, for example, in U.S. patent 8,590,809 B2 to Escoto, Jr. et al., by manually operable means for releasably mounting as described in U.S. patent number 6,971,590 B2 to Blette et al., or by releasable mounts as described in U.S. patent publication number 2006/0065761 Al to Joseph et al., the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In other embodiments not shown herein, the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10 is integral with (or at least not readily removable from) the spray gun body.

The paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10 comprises one end of a paint spray gun coating liquid connector 100, through which a coating liquid is supplied to the paint spray gun 2 from an external liquid source. Within the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10 is a coating liquid flow path 12 through which the coating liquid flows from the paint spray gun coating liquid connector 100 to a liquid nozzle 14. In operation, the coating liquid is propelled from the liquid nozzle 14 upon depressing the trigger 5.

In some embodiments, the liquid spray nozzle assembly comprises an air cap 15 affixed to the spraying end thereof. When provided, an air cap 15 can direct pressurized air advantageously toward the stream of coating liquid, e.g., via one or more shaping air outlets located in one or more air horns, as it is expelled from the liquid nozzle 14 to assist in atomization of the coating liquid and shaping of the coating liquid jet into the desired spray pattern for a given application. Within the air cap or proximate the air cap, the center air outlet directs air around the liquid outlet 14 to draw the coating liquid from the liquid nozzle 14 and (if desired) also impinges upon the coating liquid to atomize it, creating a fine mist of droplets. Optionally, one or more auxiliary air outlets may be provided in the air cap 15 to further assist in shaping the spray pattern. The air cap 15, the center air outlet, the liquid nozzle 14, the air horns, the auxiliary air outlets, the shaping air outlets, and all other features of the air cap 15 may be configured according to the air cap 115 as described in U.S. provisional patent application number 62/430,393 (3M Docket No. 79035US002), entitled "Spray Gun Air Cap Retention Means," filed December 6, 2016, and/or in U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2016/0052003 Al ("Liquid Spray gun, spray gun platform, and spray head assembly"); 2013/0327850 Al ("Nozzle tips and spray head assemblies for liquid spray guns"); 2014/0246519 Al ("Spray head assembly with integrated air cap/nozzle for a liquid spray gun"); 2013/0092760 Al ("Spray head assemblies for liquid spray guns"); 2015/0069142 Al ("Spray gun barrel with inseparable nozzle"); 2016/0151797 Al ("Air caps with face geometry inserts for liquid spray guns"); 2016/0175861 Al ("Nozzle assemblies, systems and related methods"); and/or in WO 2015/191323; and/or WO2016/191240), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the embodiments shown, the coating liquid is contained entirely within the liquid spray gun nozzle assembly 100, thus generally avoiding the need to clean the liquid spray gun body 3 after use.

As shown in FIG. 2, a liquid needle 9' is affixed to the paint spray gun body 3, such that cleaning of the paint spray gun body 3 is generally limited to wiping or otherwise clearing the tip of the liquid needle after detaching the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10. In other embodiments, the liquid needle may be housed in the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10 such that it is removable from the paint spray gun body 3 along with the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10. In either case, the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10, if disposable, may be discarded after use such that no further cleanup is required. Alternatively, the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10, if reusable, is the only portion of the paint spray gun 2 left to clean. Both configurations can result in reduced cleanup time and materials, such as solvents, compared to what is typically required in a conventional spray gun.

The external liquid source 6' (see, e.g., FIG. 1) may be a container that is directly affixed to the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10, or may comprise a remote reservoir that is connected to the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10 by way of a hose. In some embodiments, the external liquid source is remotely pressurized (via a pressurized canister, a remote pump, or the like) to force the coating liquid into the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10. In other embodiments, the coating liquid may be forced or pulled into the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10 under the force of gravity, by way of a negative pressure induced by a venturi at the liquid nozzle 14, by a local pump, or through a combination of the above. Because the external liquid source can vary as described, it is shown in schematic form in FIG. 1.

During use, and upon disconnection and re-connection of an external liquid supply from a spray gun, it is common for coating liquid to contaminate interior and exterior surfaces of whatever type of liquid connection is used. Such contamination can result in several problems. For example, contamination can compromise the ability to reconnect the ends of a connector due to mechanical interference caused by built-up, dried, or cured coating material. Similarly, seals can be compromised due to incomplete seating of components (caused by such interference) or by degradation of the sealing surfaces themselves. Moreover, to the extent any remaining coating materials are not removed, they can contaminate future paint jobs either by contaminating fresh coating liquid as it flows through the connector or by falling onto a fresh paint job from the exterior of the connector (such as by dried paint particles becoming dislodged during gun operation). The above described problems may be compounded when catalyzed coatings are sprayed, since such coating may begin to harden quickly and be very difficult to remove if not dealt with immediately. To avoid these problems, the connector needs to be frequently cleaned. However, complex connection geometries and moving parts (especially internal moving parts such as springs and check valves that are wetted by the coating liquid in operation) can be difficult and time consuming to clean. The result is that such connectors, which can be expensive, may ultimately need to be replaced when cleaning is no longer feasible.

As shown throughout the appended figures, the paint spray gun coating liquid connector 100 comprises a first connector portion 110 and a second connector portion 160. One of the first connector portion 110 or the second connector portion 160 resides on the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10, and the other on the external liquid source. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector 100 facilitates quick connection and disconnection of the external liquid source to the paint spray gun nozzle assembly 10.

In one embodiment (for example, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 11), the first connector portion 110 comprises a socket 114 into which a plug 164 on the second connector portion 160 is installable such that the plug 164 is retained in sealing relation in the socket 114, and such that the coating liquid can flow through the paint spray gun coating liquid connector 100 along a liquid flow axis 101 in a sealingly contained manner. As best seen in FIG. 11, the socket 114 comprises a socket opening 118 surrounding the liquid flow axis 101, an internal socket wall 122, and a socket sealing surface 126. In the embodiments shown (i.e., wherein the internal socket wall 122 is cylindrical), the internal socket wall 122 comprises a socket diameter 130.

The plug 164 comprises an outer plug wall 168 that corresponds in shape to the internal socket wall 122 at least at a portion that engages the socket sealing surface 126. In the embodiments shown, the plug 164 comprises a sealing member 176 that sealingly engages with the socket sealing surface 126 to form a liquid-tight seal. The depicted sealing member 176 comprises an o-ring, but it should be understood that the sealing member 176 could additionally or alternatively comprise a gasket, an integrally formed sealing ring (e.g., an overmolded member), a deformable sealing structure (e.g., an annular ring), a friction fit, or any other known sealing means that may or may not comprise a component that is independent of the underlying structure. It should also be understood that, although the sealing member 176 is shown as residing on the plug 164, it could alternatively reside on the internal socket wall 122. It should also be understood that, although the depicted sealing member 176 is configured to seal in a radial fashion (i.e., a piston-type seal), it could also be configured to seal in an axial manner (i.e., a face seal), or a combination of axial and radial sealing, such as could be attained by a conical or hemispherical shape.

As described herein, the paint spray gun coating liquid connector 100 may comprise a latch mechanism 102 configured to retain the first and second connector portions in sealing relation and against accidental disconnection. In one embodiment, a first arm 134 is located proximal the socket opening 114 and comprises a distal end 142. In some embodiments, the first arm 134 extends along the liquid flow axis 101 from an area proximal the socket 114 opening from a proximal end 138 to a distal end 142 (i.e., the distal end 142 may optionally be proud of the socket opening 114, rather than flush with or recessed behind it as in other embodiments). The distal end 142 of the first arm 134 comprises a catch member 146. As shown, the catch member 146 extends in a radially- outward direction from the first arm 134 with respect to the liquid flow axis 101 and comprises a catch surface 150 generally facing in the direction of the socket 114 opening. The catch member 146, when engaged with a locking member 184 on the other of the first or second connector portion 160, acts to retain the first connector portion 110 against the second connector portion 160 such that the two cannot be separated from one another along the liquid flow axis 101.

In the embodiments shown, the liquid connector comprises a second arm 135 configured opposite (and as a rotationally symmetric image of) first arm 134. The provision of a second arm 135 can provide additional strength and stability to the liquid connection. Additional arms (beyond the first and or second arms) may optionally be provided as appropriate or desirable.

In one embodiment, a sealing plane 103 (oriented normally to the liquid flow axis 101) intersects the socket sealing surface 126 at a location where the sealing member 176 creates a fluid tight seal. Similarly, a latching plane 104 (oriented parallel to the sealing plane 103 and normal to the liquid flow axis 101) is defined along the catch surface 150 (or catch surfaces when a second arm 135 is provided comprising a catch surface 150). A first distance D is defined between the sealing plane 103 and the latching plane 104. A seal-to-latch ratio is defined as the ratio of the first distance D to the socket diameter 130 according to the following formula: seal-to-latch ratio = (first distance D / socket diameter) In embodiments where the socket is not cylindrical, the 'socket diameter' in the above equation can be substituted with an effective socket diameter, which is defined herein to mean the largest measured opening of the socket (from internal socket wall to internal socket wall) along the sealing plane.

The seal-to-latch ratio is in a range from 1 to 2, and in some embodiments in a range from 1.25 to 1.75. In a preferred embodiment, the seal-to-latch ratio is 1.5 +/- 10%. A seal-to-latch ratio in the described range reflects an advantageous relative axial separation between the region where a seal is created and the region where a retaining latch is created for a given socket diameter (or effective socket diameter). This relative axial separation can provide advantages in reducing relative movement of the connector components in the region where the seal is created, such a robust seal is maintained when the paint spray gun coating liquid connector 100 is subjected to off-axis forces (i.e., forces having a component that is normal to the liquid flow axis 101). Such off-axis forces may occur, for example, if an attached liquid container is forcibly rocked or struck against a hard surface, or if an attached liquid hose is pulled to the side. In the absence of a construction comprising the described seal-to latch ratio the first and second mating portions of a connector may allow increased relative rotation in response to such off-axis forces, resulting in an increased likelihood of a liquid seal being compromised. This effect may be magnified where one or both of the first and second mating portions are constructed from a relatively deformable material (e.g., a polymer as compared to a typically used metal such as stainless steel), as may be the case with disposable components. In one embodiment, the first connector portion 110, the second connector portion 160, or both are essentially comprised of one or more injection molded polymeric components.

As shown in FIGS. 13-19, the second connector portion 160 comprises an arm receiver 180 adapted to receive the above-described first arm 134 during connection. The arm receiver 180 is shaped to allow the first arm 134 to pass into engagement with the second connector portion 160 my translating the first connector portion 110 toward the second connector portion 160 along the liquid flow axis 101. When the first connector portion 110 is fully seated against the second connector portion 160, a locking member

184 may be moved from an assembly position 185 (in which the first arm 134 is permitted to move along the liquid flow axis 101) to a locked position 186. When the locking member 184 is moved to the locking position, the locking member 184 engages the catch member 146 on the first arm 134 to prevent separation of the first and second connector portions along the liquid flow axis 101.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 21-25, the locking member 184 comprises a captured but rotatable ring 184'. The locking member 184 may be captured in a chase 191 disposed on the outer surface of the second connector portion 160. The chase 191 permits the locking member to move (e.g., rotate) about the liquid flow axis 101, but resists movement of the locking member 184 along the liquid flow axis 101. In the embodiments shown, the locking member 184 (comprising a ring 184') is free to rotate within the chase 191 within a constrained arc such that it can be moved from an assembly position 185 to a locked position 186. A constrained arc may be facilitated by provision of a stop 199 provided in or at an end of the chase 191. The stop 199 is positioned to allow the moving locking member 184 to positively stop at the assembly position to correctly align itself (and the arm window 180') with the arm receiver(s) 180 such that they are available to receive the first and second arms 134 and 135 during assembly.

In some embodiments, a rail 198 is provided in conjunction with the chase 191 to assist in supporting and guiding the movement of the locking member 184. As shown, the rail 198 is positioned in cooperation with a catch retainer 188 on the locking member. When the locking member 184 is in the assembly position 185, the catch retainer 188 rests along (or upon) the rail 198. When the locking member is in the locked position, the catch retainer 188 is exposed to interface with the catch surface 150 on a catch member 146, thereby preventing separation of the first and second connector portions 110 and 160 along the liquid flow axis 101.

As best seen in FIGS. 5, 6, 21, 23, and 24 the locking member 184 may

additionally comprise a detent feature 190 adapted to permit the locking member to be positively locked (or at least retained) in either or both of the assembly position or the locked position. As shown, the detent feature 190 is provided on the catch retainer 188. A cooperating feature (or features) may be provided on the rail 198 or on or adjacent to the catch member 146 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9, 10, and 12) of the first or second arm 134 or 135. The detent feature 190 is shown as a protrusion from the catch retainer 188, but could also be provided as a recess within the catch retainer 188. In the embodiments shown, the detent feature 190 on the locking member 184 rides up the detent ramp 152 on the catch member 146, and then over the catch surface 150, as the locking member is moved from the assembly position 185 to the locked position 186. When the locking member 184 reaches the locked position 186, the detent feature 190 drops just past the catch surface 150 (see FIG. 5), thereby resisting movement of the locking member 184 back to the assembly position 185. The detent feature not only provides a locking function to permit the locking member 184 to be positively positioned in either the assembly position or the locked position, but also provides the user with tactile feedback indicating that these positions have been reached.

As shown, the locking member 184 comprises a locking member arm window 180' that permits a catch member 146 of a second arm 135 to pass therethrough such that the second arm 135 can access its corresponding arm receiver 180 when assembling the first connector portion 110 to the second connector portion 160.

The ring 184' as shown is constructed with an interrupted annulus 192. The interrupted annulus acts as an additional window (opposite the arm window 180') to allow reception of the first arm 134. Additionally, when the locking member 184 is constructed from a sufficiently resiliently deformable material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like), the interrupted annulus 192 permits the locking member 184 to be deformed and removed from the paint spray gun coating liquid connector 100, thus permitting easy cleaning or replacement of the locking member 184 itself, and cleaning of any surfaces on the paint spray gun coating liquid connector 100 that are otherwise inaccessible while the locking member 184 is installed. When installed, the locking member 184 is in a stable state 196. For removal and installation, the locking member 184 is deformable to an expanded state 194 (see, e.g., FIGS. 22 and 22A).

The ability to remove the locking member 184, which in the embodiments shown is the only moving part in the paint spray gun coating liquid connector 100, results in improved ease of cleaning of both the locking member 184 and the remainder of the connector. This improved ease of cleaning may result in reduced time and cleaning material costs, reduced paint job contamination, and reduced connector costs in the long term.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A paint spray gun coating liquid connector comprising

the first connector portion comprises

the second connector portion comprises

a plug adapted to be inserted into the socket, the plug comprising an outer plug wall

comprising a plug sealing surface adapted to seal against the socket sealing surface; and

the latch mechanism comprises

on the other of the first connector portion or the second connector portion,

an arm receiver to receive the arm when the plug is inserted into the socket; and a locking member that is movable to an assembly position and a locked position, wherein, in the assembly position, the arm can be inserted into and removed from the arm receiver, and, when in the locked position, the locking member engages the catch member such that the arm is securely retained in the arm receiver.

2. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of claim 1 wherein the arm is on the first connector portion and the arm receiver is on the second connector portion.

3. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of claim 1 wherein the arm is on the second connector portion and the arm receiver is on the first connector portion.

4. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of claims 1-3 wherein the first connector portion is on the paint spray gun nozzle assembly and the second connector portion is on the external paint source.

5. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of claims 1-3 wherein the first connector portion is on the external paint source and the second connector portion is on the paint spray gun nozzle assembly.

6. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of claims 1-5 wherein the locking member comprises a ring that is movable by rotation to the assembly position and the locked position.

7. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of claim 6 further comprising a detent feature interacting with the locking member to provide tactile feedback that the locking member is in one of the assembly position or the locked position.

8. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of claims 6-7 wherein the ring is removable from the paint spray gun coating liquid connector for cleaning without the use of tools.

9. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of claims 6-8 wherein the ring comprises an interrupted annulus and is resiliently deformable to an expanded state and a stable state, such that the ring can be deformed to the expanded state to be removed from and installed onto the paint spray gun coating liquid connector, and will revert to the stable state to be retained thereon.

10. A paint spray gun coating liquid connector comprising

a second connector portion on the other of the paint spray gun nozzle assembly or the external paint source adapted to establish a sealed liquid connection upon installation to the first connector portion, the second connector portion comprising a locking member that is movable to an assembly position and a locked position; wherein, in the assembly position, first connector portion can be installed onto and removed from the second connector portion, and, when in the locked position, the locking member engages the catch member such that the first connector portion is securely retained in sealing relation against the second connector portion.

11. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of claim 10 wherein the locking member comprises a ring that is movable by rotation to the assembly position and the locked position.

12. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of claim 11 further comprising a detent feature interacting with the locking member to provide tactile feedback that the locking member is in one of the assembly position or the locked position.

13. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of claims 10-11 wherein the locking member is removable from second connector portion for cleaning without the use of tools.

14. The paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of claims 10-13 wherein the locking member comprises an interrupted annulus and is resiliently deformable to an expanded state and a stable state, such that the locking member can be deformed to the expanded state to be removed from and installed onto the second connector portion, and will revert to the stable state to be retained thereon.

16. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of claim 15 comprising

a sealing plane oriented normally to the liquid flow axis and intersecting the socket sealing surface, the socket sealing surface comprising a socket diameter; and a latching plane oriented normally to the liquid flow axis and intersecting a catch surface of the catch member;

17. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of claims 15-16 wherein the first arm extends beyond the socket opening in the direction of the liquid flow axis.

18. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of claims 15-17 wherein the catch member comprises a catch surface defined at least in part by a portion of the catch member extending radially-outwardly from the first arm with respect to the liquid flow axis.

19. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of claims 15-18 wherein a coating liquid flow path is formed within the paint spray gun nozzle assembly between the paint spray gun coating liquid connector and a liquid nozzle such that the entire coating liquid flow path is formed within the paint spray gun nozzle assembly.

20. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of claims 15-19 further comprising a spray gun connection portion adapted to connect the paint spray gun nozzle assembly to a compatible paint spray gun body.

21. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of claims 15-20 wherein the first connector portion further comprises a second arm offset from the first arm, the second arm being proximate the socket and comprising a catch member on a distal end thereof.

22. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of claim 21 wherein the second arm is located opposite the liquid flow axis with respect to the first arm.

23. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of claims 21-22 comprising

a latching plane oriented normally to the liquid flow axis and intersecting

(iii) a catch surface of the catch member on the first arm; and (iv) a catch surface of the catch member on the second arm;

24. The paint spray gun nozzle assembly of any of claims 15-23 wherein the socket sealing surface is cylindrical.

25. A method of assembling a paint spray gun coating liquid connector comprising on a second connector portion on one of a paint spray gun nozzle assembly or an external paint source, positioning a locking member in an assembly position;

26. The method of claim 25 comprising

27. A method of assembling the paint spray gun coating liquid connector of any of claims 10-14 comprising

positioning the locking member in the assembly position;

moving the locking member to the locked position.

28. The method of claim 27 comprising

removing the locking member without the use of tools.

29. The method of claim 28 comprising

cleaning the locking member after it is removed; and

reinstalling the locking member.

30. The method of any of claims 28-29 comprising

deforming the locking member from a stable state to an expanded state to remove the locking member.

31. The method of any of claims 29-30 comprising