FLUID SPRAY TIPS HAVING SECURING ELEMENTS FORMED IN THE FLUID SPRAY TIP BODY AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF

A spray tip includes a tip body having a longitudinal axis and a receiving channel extending between a front and back of the tip body transverse to the longitudinal axis. The spray tip further includes a tip piece, a pre-orifice element, and a sealing element between the tip piece and the pre-orifice element, at least the tip piece and the sealing element disposed in the receiving channel, the tip piece defining a first portion of a fluid channel extending from an inlet to an outlet. The spray tip further includes a first securing element downstream of at least a portion of the tip piece and the sealing element and a second securing element upstream of at least a portion of the sealing element and the tip piece, the first securing element and the second securing element securing at least the tip piece and the sealing element within the receiving channel.

BACKGROUND

Spray tips are typically used in a variety of applications to break up, or atomize, a fluid material for delivery in a desired spray pattern.

While examples described herein are in the context of applying paint to a surface, it is understood that the concepts are not limited to these particular applications. As used herein, paint includes substances composed of coloring matter, or pigments, suspended in a liquid medium as well as substances that are free of coloring matter or pigment. Paint may also include preparatory coatings, such as primers, and can be opaque, transparent, or semi-transparent. Some particular examples include, but are not limited to, latex paint, oil-based paint, stain, lacquers, varnishes, inks, etc.

SUMMARY

A spray tip includes a tip body having a longitudinal axis and a receiving channel extending between a front and back of the tip body transverse to the longitudinal axis. The spray tip further includes a tip piece, a pre-orifice element, and a sealing element between the tip piece and the pre-orifice element, at least the tip piece and the sealing element being disposed in the receiving channel, the tip piece defining a first portion of a fluid channel extending from an inlet to an outlet. The spray tip further includes a first securing element downstream of at least a portion of the tip piece and the sealing element and a second securing element upstream of at least a portion of the sealing element and the tip piece, the first securing element and the second securing element securing at least the tip piece and the sealing element within the receiving channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the examples illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, systems, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one example may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other examples of the present disclosure.

In a fluid application system, a pump receives and pressurizes a fluid, delivers the pressurized fluid to an applicator, which, in turn, applies the pressurized fluid to a surface using a spray tip having a geometry selected to emit a desired spray pattern (e.g., a round pattern, a flat pattern, or a fan pattern, etc.). The fluid may comprise any fluid applied to surfaces, including, but not limited to, for example, paint, primer, lacquers, foams, textured materials, plural components, adhesive components, etc.

FIG.1is a perspective view showing one example fluid application system1. Fluid application system1, illustratively shown as an airless fluid spraying system (e.g., a high efficiency airless spraying system), includes pump2that is mounted on a cart4and couples to applicator10through fluid delivery line6(e.g., a hose). Pump2includes a fluid intake8that is disposed within a fluid source (e.g., a five-gallon bucket of paint). Pump2pumps the fluid from the fluid source through fluid intake8and pumps the fluid at a given pressure to applicator10through fluid delivery line6. In one example, pump2can pressurize the fluid between 1500-3500 PSI.

FIG.2is a side view showing an example applicator10. Applicator10is used in a fluid spraying system (e.g., fluid application system1) to apply fluid to a surface (e.g., apply paint to a wall). The fluid enters through inlet20, and exits from outlet50, after passing through a fluid channel (not explicitly shown) within applicator10. Fluid inlet20may be coupled to a fluid delivery line, such as fluid delivery line6. Tip30is coupled to applicator10and has an outlet50. Tip30often is reversible (e.g., tip30can be rotated around its longitudinal axis such that the inlet and outlet are flipped in position (i.e., inlet facing away from applicator10and outlet facing towards applicator10)) or removable from applicator10. The reversibility of spray tip30can help with cleaning.

FIG.3is a perspective view showing an example spray tip30. Spray tip30includes flag32, tip stem34, and receiving channel36. Flag32can be coupled to tip stem34in various ways including, for example, but not by limitation, press fitting flag onto tip stem34or over molding flag32onto tip stem34. Flag32provides a convenient surface for handling spray tip30, particularly when spray tip30is installed in an applicator and can be used to indicate the directionality of spray tip30. Flag32can comprise various materials, for example, polymer. Tip stem34can comprise various materials, for example, metal such as stainless steel. A receiving channel36can be provided through tip stem34, such as by machining, cutting, etc. The receiving channel36extends a distance between a front of spray tip30and a rear (or back) of spray tip30. In some examples, the receiving channel36may extend from a front of spray tip30to a rear of spray tip30and yet, in other examples, the receiving channel36may extend some other distance. The receiving channel36will be shown in more detail below.

FIG.4is a partial front view showing example spray tip30. As illustrated inFIG.4, a tip piece60can be placed and retained within receiving channel36. As will be shown in more detail in figures below, various other items can be placed and retained within a receiving channel of a spray tip.

FIGS.5A-11Bare cross-sectional views showing example spray tips. It will be understood that the spray tips illustrated inFIGS.5A-11Bare example embodiments of spray tip30and can thus be used with a fluid applicator, such as fluid applicator10, and in a fluid applicator system, such as fluid application system1. It will be noted that the example spray tips shown inFIGS.5A-11Bhave their respective flags removed for convenience of illustration, but it will be understood that each of the example spray tips can include a flag, such as flag32.

FIGS.5A-5B(collectively referred to herein asFIG.5) are cross-sectional views showing example spray tip130. As illustrated inFIG.5, spray tip130includes tip stem134with a receiving channel136provided therein, transverse to the longitudinal axis131of the tip stem134. Receiving channel136extends between a front170of spray tip130and a back180of spray tip130. It can be seen inFIG.5that a tip piece160, a pre-orifice element in the form of a pre-orifice piece162, and a sealing element164are placed within receiving channel136from the back180of spray tip130and are retained within receiving channel136. The geometry of receiving channel136forms a shoulder138against which an outer surface of tip piece160abuts. Sealing element164(illustratively an O-ring) fits around pre-orifice piece162(a portion of pre-orifice piece162is disposed within a hole of sealing element164). Sealing element164abuts an outer surface of pre-orifice piece162, an outer surface of tip piece160, and a wall of receiving channel136. An outer surface of pre-orifice piece162abuts an outer surface of tip piece160. Tip piece160and pre-orifice piece162form a fluid channel163having variable geometry extending from an inlet151to an outlet150. Fluid, to be sprayed, is received though the inlet151and exits through the outlet150. A recess140is provided from and in to the back180of spray tip130which forms an annular projection142.

A swaging tool190is provided. Swaging tool190includes a swaging body192, a biased member194, and a biasing member196. In the illustrated example, biasing member196is a spring. Swaging tool190is pressed, from the back180of spray tip130, against spray tip130such that biased member194contacts pre-orifice portion162, and such that swaging body192fits within recess140and contacts annular projection142to deform (or crimp) annular projection142against pre-orifice piece162. Biased member194contacts pre-orifice portion162and drives pre-orifice portion162to and against sealing element164and thereby crushes sealing element164such that sealing element164forms a seal against an outer surface of pre-orifice piece162, a seal against an outer surface of tip piece160, and a seal against a wall of receiving channel136. The deformed annular projection142(shown inFIG.5B) and the shoulder138retain pre-orifice portion162, sealing element164, and tip piece160within receiving channel136.

In one example, tip piece160can be formed of a metal, such as carbide. In one example, pre-orifice piece162can be formed of a metal, such as carbide or stainless steel, such as hardened stainless steel. In one example, sealing element164can be formed of a polymer, such as an elastomer (e.g., rubber, etc.).

FIG.6A-6B(collectively referred to herein asFIG.6) are cross-sectional views showing example spray tip230. As illustrated inFIG.6, spray tip230includes tip stem234with a receiving channel236provided therein, transverse to the longitudinal axis231of the tip stem234. Receiving channel236extends from a front270to a pre-orifice element in the form of a pre-orifice portion262. Pre-orifice portion262is formed within tip stem234, such as by machining, and includes a shoulder238. It can be seen inFIG.6that a tip piece260and a sealing element264are placed within receiving channel236from the front270of spray tip230and are retained within receiving channel236. Sealing element264(illustratively a gasket) abuts shoulder238, an outer surface of tip piece260, and a wall of receiving channel236. Tip piece260, pre-orifice portion262, and sealing element264form a fluid channel263having variable geometry extending from an inlet251to an outlet250. Fluid, to be sprayed, is received through inlet251and exits through outlet250. A recess240is provided from and in the front270of spray tip230which forms an annular projection242.

A swaging tool290is provided. Swaging tool290includes a swaging body292, a biased member294, and a biasing member296. In the illustrated example, biasing member296is a spring. Swaging tool290is pressed, from the front270of spray tip230, against spray tip230such that biased member294contacts tip piece260and such that swaging body292fits within recess240and contacts annular projection242to deform (or crimp) annular projection242against tip piece260. Biased member294contacts tip piece260and drives tip piece260to and against sealing element264and thereby crushes sealing element264such that sealing element264forms a seal against an outer surface or tip piece260, a seal against shoulder238, and a seal against a wall of receiving channel236. The deformed annular projection242(shown inFIG.6B) and shoulder238retain tip piece260and sealing element264within receiving channel236. As can be seen inFIG.6, biased member294is shaped to fit around a portion of tip piece260.

In one example, tip piece260can be formed of a metal, such as carbide. In one example, pre-orifice portion262(as well as tip stem234) can be formed of stainless steel, such as hardened stainless steel. In one example, sealing element264can be formed of a polymer, such as plastic or an elastomer (e.g., rubber, etc.).

FIGS.7A-7B(collectively referred to herein asFIG.7) are cross-sectional views showing example spray tip330. As illustrated inFIG.7, spray tip330includes tip stem334with a receiving channel336provided therein, transverse to the longitudinal axis331of the tip stem334. Receiving channel336extends between a front370of spray tip330and a back380of spray tip330. It can be seen inFIG.7that a tip piece360, a pre-orifice element in the form of a pre-orifice piece362, and a sealing element364are placed within receiving channel336from the back380of spray tip330and are retained within receiving channel336. The geometry of receiving channel336forms a shoulder338against which an outer surface of tip piece360abuts. Sealing element364(illustratively a gasket) abuts an outer surface of pre-orifice piece362, an outer surface of tip piece360, and a wall of receiving channel336. Tip piece360, pre-orifice portion362, and sealing element364form a fluid channel363having variable geometry extending from an inlet351to an outlet350. Fluid, to be sprayed, is received though the inlet351and exits through the outlet350. As can be seen inFIG.7, receiving channel336is provided with threads337and pre-orifice piece362is provided with threads363. Threads363and threads337mate.

A rotatable driving tool390is provided. In the illustrated example, rotatable driving tool390is provided, from the back380of spray tip330, and into the fluid channel of pre-orifice piece362. Rotatable driving tool390, while disposed within the fluid channel of pre-orifice piece362, is rotated, as indicated by arrow395, to drive pre-orifice piece362within receiving channel336, via threads363and337, towards sealing element364and to contact and crush sealing element364such that sealing element364forms a seal against an outer surface of pre-orifice piece362, a seal against an outer surface of tip piece360, and a seal against a wall of receiving channel336. The threaded connection between pre-orifice piece362and receiving channel336(shown inFIG.7B) retains pre-orifice piece362within receiving channel336. Thus, tip piece360, pre-orifice portion362, and sealing element364are retained within receiving channel336by shoulder338and the threaded connection between pre-orifice piece362and receiving channel336(as shown inFIG.7B).

In one example, tip piece360can be formed of a metal, such as carbide. In one example, pre-orifice piece362can be formed of a metal, such as stainless steel, for instance hardened stainless steel. In one example, pre-orifice piece362is a set screw, such as a hardened stainless steel set screw. In one example, sealing element364can be formed of a polymer, such as plastic or an elastomer (e.g., rubber, etc.).

FIGS.8A-8B(collectively referred to herein asFIG.8) are cross-sectional views showing example spray tip430. As illustrated inFIG.8, spray tip430includes tip stem434with a receiving channel436provided therein, transverse to the longitudinal axis431of the tip stem434. Receiving channel436extends between a front470of spray tip430and a back480of spray tip430. It can be seen inFIG.8that a tip piece460, a pre-orifice element in the form of a pre-orifice piece462, and a sealing element464are placed within receiving channel436from the back480of spray tip430and are retained within receiving channel436. The geometry of receiving channel436forms a shoulder438against which an outer surface of tip piece460abuts. Sealing element464(illustratively a gasket) abuts an outer surface of pre-orifice piece462, an outer surface of tip piece460, and a wall of receiving channel436. Tip piece460, pre-orifice portion462, and sealing element464form a fluid channel463having variable geometry extending from an inlet451to an outlet450. Fluid, to be sprayed, is received though the inlet451and exits through the outlet450. As can be seen inFIG.8, tip stem434is provided with a recess440that extends radially from receiving channel436and forms a shoulder443.

A press tool490is provided. In the illustrated example, press tool490is provided, from the back480of spray tip430, and into the fluid channel of pre-orifice piece462. Press tool490, while disposed within the fluid channel of pre-orifice piece462, is driven to press pre-orifice piece462towards and against sealing element464to crush sealing element464such that sealing element464forms a seal against an outer surface of pre-orifice piece462, a seal against an outer surface of tip piece460, and a seal against a wall of receiving channel436. Insertion of the press tool490into the fluid channel of pre-orifice piece462deforms a wall442of pre-orifice piece462such that pre-orifice portion462expands in diameter and is disposed within recess440and abuts shoulder443(as shown inFIG.8B). Thus, tip piece460, pre-orifice portion462, and sealing element464are retained within receiving channel436by shoulder438and the contact between the deformed wall442(shown inFIG.8B) of pre-orifice piece462and the shoulder443.

In one example, tip piece460can be formed of a metal, such as carbide. In one example, pre-orifice piece462can be formed of a metal, such as stainless steel. In one example, sealing element464can be formed of a polymer, such as plastic or an elastomer (e.g., rubber, etc.).

FIGS.9A-9B(collectively referred to herein asFIG.9) are cross-sectional views showing example spray tip530. As illustrated inFIG.9, spray tip530includes tip stem534with a receiving channel536provided therein, transverse to the longitudinal axis531of the tip stem534. Receiving channel536extends between a front570of spray tip530and a back580of spray tip530. It can be seen inFIG.9that a tip piece560, a pre-orifice element in the form of a pre-orifice piece562, a sealing element564, and a retaining ring565are placed within receiving channel536from the back580of spray tip530and are retained within receiving channel536. The geometry of receiving channel536forms a shoulder538against which an outer surface of tip piece560abuts. Sealing element564(illustratively a gasket) abuts an outer surface of pre-orifice piece562, an outer surface of tip piece560, and a wall of receiving channel536. Tip piece560, pre-orifice portion562, and sealing element564form a fluid channel563having variable geometry extending from an inlet551to an outlet550. Fluid, to be sprayed, is received though the inlet551and exits through the outlet550. As can be seen inFIG.9, tip stem534is provided with a recess540which extends radially from receiving channel536and forms a shoulder543. Retaining ring565, when installed, abuts pre-orifice piece562.

A press tool590is provided. In the illustrated example, press tool590is provided, from the back580of spray tip530, and into a hole of retaining ring565. Press tool590, while disposed within the hole of retaining ring565, is driven to press retaining ring565towards and against pre-orifice portion562which drives pre-orifice portion562towards and against sealing element564to crush sealing element564such that sealing element564forms a seal against an outer surface of pre-orifice piece562, a seal against an outer surface of tip piece560, and a seal against a wall of receiving channel536. Insertion of the press tool590into the hole of retaining ring565deforms a wall567of retaining ring565such that retaining ring565expands in diameter and is disposed within recess540and abuts shoulder543(as shown inFIG.9B). Thus, tip piece560, pre-orifice portion562, sealing element564, and retaining ring565are retained within receiving channel536by shoulder538and the contact between the deformed wall567(shown inFIG.9B) of retaining ring565and the shoulder543.

In one example, tip piece560can be formed of a metal, such as carbide. In one example, pre-orifice piece562can be formed of a metal, such as carbide or stainless steel, such as hardened stainless steel. In one example, sealing element564can be formed of a polymer, such as plastic or an elastomer (e.g., rubber, etc.). In one example, retaining ring565can be formed of metal, such as stainless steel, for instance hardened stainless steel.

FIGS.10A-10B(collectively referred to herein asFIG.10) are cross-sectional views showing one example spray tip630. As illustrated inFIG.10, spray tip630includes tip stem634with a receiving channel636provided therein, transverse to the longitudinal axis631of the tip stem634. Receiving channel636extends between a front670of spray tip630and a back680of spray tip630. It can be seen inFIG.10that a tip piece660, a pre-orifice element in the form of a pre-orifice piece662, a sealing element664, and a snap ring665are placed within receiving channel636from the back680of spray tip630and are retained within receiving channel636. The geometry of receiving channel636forms a shoulder638against which an outer surface of tip piece660abuts. Sealing element664(illustratively a gasket) abuts an outer surface of pre-orifice piece662, an outer surface of tip piece660, and a wall of receiving channel636. Tip piece660, pre-orifice portion662, and sealing element664form a fluid channel663having variable geometry extending from an inlet651to an outlet650. Fluid, to be sprayed, is received though the inlet651and exits through the outlet650. As can be seen inFIG.10, tip stem634is provided with a recess640which extends radially from receiving channel636and forms a shoulder643. Receiving channel636further includes a ramp647which narrows as it extends from the back680of spray tip630towards the front670of spray tip630. Snap ring665, when installed, abuts pre-orifice piece662.

A press tool690is provided. In the illustrated example, press tool690is provided, from the back680of spray tip630, and into a hole of snap ring665. Press tool690, while disposed within the hole of snap ring665, is driven to press and drive snap ring665along ramp647towards and against pre-orifice portion662which drives pre-orifice portion662towards and against sealing element664to crush sealing element664such that sealing element664forms a seal against an outer surface of pre-orifice piece662, a seal against an outer surface of tip piece660, and a seal against a wall of receiving channel636. Driving snap ring665along ramp647progressively reduces the diameter of snap ring665until snap ring665passes ramp647at which point snap ring665snaps back to its original (or at least a wider) diameter and is thus disposed within recess640and abuts shoulder643(as shown inFIG.10B). Thus, tip piece660, pre-orifice portion662, sealing element664, and snap ring665are retained within receiving channel636by shoulder638and the contact between snap ring665and the shoulder643.

In one example, tip piece660can be formed of a metal, such as carbide. In one example, pre-orifice piece662can be formed of a metal, such as carbide or stainless steel, such as hardened stainless steel. In one example, sealing element664can be formed of a polymer, such as plastic or an elastomer (e.g., rubber, etc.). In one example, snap ring665can be formed of metal, such as stainless steel, for instance hardened stainless steel.

FIGS.11A-11B(collectively referred to herein asFIG.11) are cross-sectional views showing example spray tip730. As illustrated inFIG.11, spray tip730includes tip stem734with a receiving channel736provided therein, transverse to the longitudinal axis731of the tip stem734. Receiving channel736extends between a front770of spray tip730and a back780of spray tip730. It can be seen inFIG.11that a tip piece760, a pre-orifice element in the form of a pre-orifice piece762, and a sealing element764are placed within receiving channel736from the back780of spray tip730and are retained within receiving channel736. The geometry of receiving channel736forms a shoulder738against which an outer surface of tip piece760abuts. Sealing element764fits around pre-orifice piece762(a portion of pre-orifice piece762is disposed within a hole of sealing element764). Sealing element764comprises a ductile or elastomeric material such as a polymer (e.g., acetal, etc.) or various other ductile or elastomeric materials. Sealing element764abuts an outer surface of pre-orifice piece762, abuts an outer surface of tip piece760, and abuts a wall of receiving channel736. Tip piece760and pre-orifice piece762form a fluid channel763having variable geometry extending from an inlet751to an outlet750. Fluid, to be sprayed, is received though the inlet751and exits through the outlet750. A recess740is provided from and in the back780of spray tip730which forms an annular wall742.

A peen tool790is provided (as part of an orbital forming machine). Peen tool790is used, in an orbital forming process, to deform annular wall742. Peen tool790is pressed, from the back780of spray tip730, against spray tip730such that peen tool790fits within recess740, contacts annular wall742to deform (or crimp) annular wall742against pre-orifice piece762(as shown inFIG.11B). Peen tool790is caused to actuate in a circular, or orbital, motion (as indicated by arrow795) to progressively collapse (deform or crimp) annular wall742against pre-orifice piece762. The deformation (or crimping) of annular wall742against pre-orifice piece762drives pre-orifice piece762to and against sealing element764and thereby crushes sealing element764such that sealing element764forms a seal against an outer surface of pre-orifice piece762, a seal against an outer surface of tip piece760, and a seal against a wall of receiving channel736. The deformed annular wall742(shown inFIG.11B) and the shoulder738retain pre-orifice piece762, sealing element764, and tip piece760within receiving channel736.

In one example, tip piece760can be formed of a metal, such as carbide. In one example, pre-orifice piece762can be formed of a metal, such as carbide or stainless steel, such as hardened stainless steel. In one example, sealing element764can be formed of a polymer, such as an elastomer (e.g., rubber, etc.).

FIGS.12A-12B(collectively referred to herein asFIG.12) are cross-sectional views showing example spray tip830. As illustrated inFIG.12, spray tip830includes tip stem834with a receiving channel836provided therein, transverse to the longitudinal axis831of the tip stem834. Receiving channel836extends between a front870of spray tip830to a pre-orifice element in the form of a pre-orifice portion862. Pre-orifice portion862is formed within tip stem834, such as by machining. It can be seen inFIG.12that a tip piece860and a sealing element864are placed within receiving channel836from the front870of spray tip830and are retained within receiving channel836. The geometry of receiving channel836forms a shoulder838. Sealing element864abuts shoulder838, an outer surface of tip piece860, and a wall of receiving channel836. Sealing element864comprises a ductile or elastomeric material such as a polymer (e.g., acetal, etc.) or various other ductile or elastomeric materials. Tip piece860. sealing element864, and pre-orifice portion862form a fluid channel863having variable geometry extending from an inlet851to an outlet850. Fluid, to be sprayed, is received though the inlet851and exits through the outlet850. A recess840is provided from and in the front880of spray tip830which forms an annular wall842.

A peen tool890is provided (as part of an orbital forming machine). Peen tool890is similar to peen tool790except that peen tool890includes a recess configured to receive a portion of tip piece860. Peen tool890is used, in an orbital forming process, to deform annular wall842. Peen tool890is pressed, from the front870of spray tip830, against spray tip830and against tip piece860such that peen tool890fits within recess840, contacts annular wall842to deform (or crimp) annular wall842against tip piece860(as shown inFIG.12B). Peen tool890is caused to actuate in a circular, or orbital, motion (as indicated by arrow895) to progressively collapse (deform or crimp) annular wall842against tip piece860. The deformation (or crimping) of annular wall842against tip piece860drives tip piece860to and against sealing element864and thereby crushes sealing element864such that sealing element864forms a seal against an outer surface of pre-orifice element862or shoulder838, a seal against an outer surface of tip piece760, and a seal against a wall of receiving channel836. The deformed annular wall842(shown inFIG.12B) and the shoulder838retain tip piece860and sealing element864within receiving channel836.

In one example, tip piece860can be formed of a metal, such as carbide. In one example, pre-orifice piece862can be formed of a metal, such as carbide or stainless steel, such as hardened stainless steel. In one example, sealing element864can be formed of a polymer, such as an elastomer (e.g., rubber, etc.).

FIG.13is a block diagram showing one example fluid application system1000. Fluid application system1000can include one or more pumps1002, a fluid source1003, a pump support structure1004, a fluid delivery line1006, a fluid applicator1010, a spray tip1030, and can include various other items1012, including, but not limited to, other items discussed or shown herein.

Pumps1002, in one example, can be similar to pump2, or can be other type of pumps. A fluid source1003can be a fluid container, such as a paint bucket (e.g., 5-gallon paint bucket, etc.). Pump support structure1004can be similar to cart4or can be other types of pump support structures. Fluid delivery line1006can be similar to fluid delivery line6or can be another type of fluid delivery line. Fluid applicator1010can be similar to fluid applicator10or can be another type of fluid applicator. Pumps1002pump and pressurize fluid from fluid source1003and deliver the pressurized fluid to fluid applicator1010via fluid delivery line1006. The pumps1002can be supported by a pump support structure1004, such as a cart (e.g.,4) or other pump support structure.

Spray tip1030is installed in fluid applicator1010. Spray tip1030can be similar to spray tip30, spray tip130, spray tip230, spray tip330, spray tip430, spray tip530, spray tip630, spray tip730, or spray tip830, or can be another type of spray tip. Pressurized fluid is delivered through fluid applicator to spray tip1030. Spray tip1030breaks up, or atomizes, the fluid to deliver the fluid in a desired spray pattern.

Spray tip1030can include a tip body (or stem)1034, a flag1032, a receiving channel1036, one or more recesses1040, a tip piece1060, a pre-orifice element1062, one or more sealing elements1064, one or more securing elements1042, an outlet1050, an inlet1051, a fluid channel1063, and can include various other items1099as well, including but not limited to, other items discussed or shown herein.

Tip body (or stem)1034can be similar to stem34, stem134, stem234, stem334, stem434, stem534, stem634, stem734, or stem834, or can be another type of tip body (or stem). Flag1032can be similar to flag32or can be another type of flag. Receiving channel1036can be similar to receiving channel36, receiving channel136, receiving channel236, receiving channel336, receiving channel436, receiving channel536, receiving channel636, receiving channel736, or receiving channel836, or can be another type of receiving channel.

Recesses1040can be similar to recess140, recess240, recess440, recess540, recess640, recess740, or recess840, or can be another type of recess or other types of recesses.

Tip piece1060can be similar to tip piece60, tip piece160, tip piece260, tip piece360, tip piece460, tip piece560, tip piece660, tip piece760, or tip piece860, or can be another type of tip piece. Pre-orifice element1062can be similar to pre-orifice piece162, pre-orifice portion262, pre-orifice piece362, pre-orifice piece462, pre-orifice piece562, pre-orifice piece662, pre-orifice piece762, or pre-orifice portion262, or can be another type of pre-orifice element. Sealing elements can be similar to sealing element164, sealing element264, sealing element364, sealing element464, sealing element564, sealing element664, sealing element764, or sealing element864, or can be another type of sealing element or other types of sealing elements.

Securing elements1042can be similar to shoulder138and deformed projections142, to shoulder238and deformed projections242, to mating threads363, mating threads337and shoulder338, to shoulder438, shoulder443, and deformed wall442, to shoulder538, shoulder543, and ring565, to shoulder638, shoulder643, and ring665, to shoulder738and deformed wall742, or to should838and deformed wall842, or another type of securing element or other types of securing elements.

Outlet1050can be similar to outlet50, outlet150, outlet250, outlet350, outlet450, outlet550, outlet650, outlet750, or outlet850, or another type of outlet. Inlet1051can be similar to inlet151, inlet251, inlet351, inlet451, inlet551, inlet651, inlet751, or inlet851, or can be another type of inlet. Fluid channel1063can be similar to fluid channel136, fluid channel236, fluid channel336, fluid channel436, fluid channel536, fluid channel636, fluid channel736, or fluid channel836, or another type of fluid channel. Fluid channel1036extends between inlet1051and outlet1050and can have variable geometry. In some examples, fluid channel1036can be stepped, or can otherwise progressively widen from an upstream end to a downstream point and then progressively narrow from the downstream point to a downstream end.

It will be understood that spray tip1030can be reversible (e.g., can be rotated about its longitudinal axis). That is, the spray tip can be rotated between a first operating posture (normal operation posture) in which the outlet1050is facing away from the applicator1010and inlet1051is facing towards the applicator1010and a second operating posture (cleaning operation posture) in which the outlet is facing towards the applicator1010and the inlet is facing away from the applicator1010.

FIG.14shows a flowchart showing one example method1300of manufacturing a spray tip, such as spray tip1030.

At block1301a tip body1034is provided. As indicated by block1302, the tip body1034can be a stem, such as stem34, stem134, stem234, stem334, stem434, stem534, stem634, stem734, or stem834, or another type of stem. The tip body1034can be other types of tip bodies, as indicated by block1304.

At block1306, at receiving channel1036and a securing element1042is provided in tip body1034. The receiving channel1036can be receiving channel36, receiving channel136, receiving channel236, receiving channel336, receiving channel436, receiving channel536, receiving channel636, receiving channel736, or receiving channel836, or another type of receiving channel. In some examples, the receiving channel1036is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tip body1034. The securing element1042at block1306can be shoulder138, shoulder238, shoulder338, shoulder438, shoulder538, shoulder638, shoulder738, or shoulder838, or can be another type of securing element. In some examples, providing the receiving channel1036also provides the securing element1042at block1306, for instance, the geometry of the receiving channel1036may define the securing element1042at block1306. As indicated by block1308, the receiving channel or the securing element1042, at block1306, can be provided by machining. As indicated by block1310, the receiving channel or the securing element1042, at block1306, can be provided in various other ways.

In some examples, an additional securing element1042is provided at block1312. As indicated by block1314, the additional securing element1042can be threads formed in the tip body1034. The threads can be threads337, or can be other threads. As indicated by block1316, the additional securing element1042can be a shoulder of a recess formed in the tip body1034. The shoulder of the recess can be shoulder443of recess440, shoulder543of recess540, or shoulder643of recess640, or can be another shoulder of another recess. The additional securing element1042can be various other securing elements, as indicated by block1318. As indicated by block1320, the additional securing element can be provided by machining. As indicated by block1322, the additional securing element can be provided in various other ways.

At block1324a pre-orifice element1062, a sealing element1064, and a tip piece1060is provided.

In one example, as indicated by block1326, providing the pre-orifice element1062can comprise forming (e.g., by machining, etc.) the pre-orifice element1062in the tip body1034, such as the example pre-orifice portion262in the tip body234inFIG.6or the example pre-orifice portion862in the tip body834inFIG.12. In such examples, providing the sealing element1064and providing the tip piece1060can comprise placing the sealing element1064and the tip piece1060into the receiving channel1036(from the front of the tip body as indicated by block1332). In such examples, the tip piece1060is upstream of the pre-orifice element1062and the tip piece1060, or at least a portion of the tip piece1060, is upstream of the sealing element1064. In such examples, the sealing element1062is upstream of the pre-orifice element1062, or at least a portion of the pre-orifice element1062. In such examples, the pre-orifice element1062, or at least a portion of the pre-orifice element1062, is upstream of the receiving channel1036.

In one example, as indicated by block1328, providing the pre-orifice element1062can comprise placing the pre-orifice element in the receiving channel1036, such as the example pre-orifice pieces162,362,462,562,662, and762inFIGS.5and7-11, respectively. In such examples, providing can comprise placing the sealing element1064and the tip piece1060into the receiving channel1036(from the front of the tip body as indicated by block1332or from the back of the tip body as indicated by block1334). In such examples, the tip piece1060is upstream of the pre-orifice element1062and the tip piece1060, or at least a portion of the tip piece1060, is upstream of the sealing element1064. In such examples, the sealing element1062is upstream of the pre-orifice element1062, or at least a portion of the pre-orifice element1062. For instance, in some examples, the sealing element1064may be disposed around the pre-orifice element1062such that a portion of the sealing element is disposed in a hole of the sealing element1064. In such examples, the pre-orifice element1062, or at least a portion of the pre-orifice element1062, is downstream of the receiving channel1036.

In some examples, two or more of the pre-orifice element1062, the sealing element1064, and the tip piece1060may be provided together (e.g., placed in the receiving channel1036together), as indicated by block1330. For instance, the sealing element1064and the pre-orifice element1062can, in some examples, be provided together (e.g., placed in the receiving channel1036together). For instance, the sealing element1064may be fit around a portion of the pre-orifice element1062and then the sealing element1064and the pre-orifice element1062may be provided together (e.g., placed in the receiving channel1036together). For instance, in the examples shown inFIGS.5and11, the sealing element1064and the pre-orifice element1062may be provided together (e.g., placed in the receiving channel1036together). Of course, in instances, the sealing element1064and the pre-orifice element1062need not be provided together. For instance, the sealing element1064and the pre-orifice element1062need not be provided together in the examples shown inFIGS.5and11.

In some examples, the pre-orifice element1062, the sealing element1064, and the tip piece1060may be provided separately. For instance, in the examples shown inFIGS.6-10and12, the pre-orifice element1062, the sealing element1064, and the tip piece1060may be provided separately.

The pre-orifice element1062, the sealing element1064, and the tip piece1060may be provided in various other ways, as indicated by block1336.

At block1340an additional securing element1042is provided to secure at least tip piece1060and sealing element1064(and in some examples also pre-orifice element1062) within receiving channel1036and to form seals. In some examples, the additional securing element1042is provided to secure the pre-orifice element1062, the sealing element1064, and the tip piece1060in the receiving channel, such as in the examples shown inFIGS.5and7-11(e.g., examples where the pre-orifice element1062is a pre-orifice piece, such as pre-orifice piece162, pre-orifice piece362, pre-orifice piece462, pre-orifice piece562, pre-orifice piece662, or pre-orifice piece762, respectively). In some examples, the additional securing element1042is provided to secure only the tip piece1060and the sealing element1064in the receiving channel1036, such as in the examples shown inFIG.6andFIG.12(e.g., examples where the pre-orifice element1062is a pre-orifice portion formed in the tip body1034, such as pre-orifice portion262and pre-orifice portion862, respectively). Providing the additional securing element1042causes the formation of seals by causing compression of sealing element1064(e.g., by driving movement of the tip piece1060or the pre-orifice portion1062to reduce the distance between the tip piece1060and the pre-orifice element1062). The seals can include two or more of a seal between sealing element1064and pre-orifice element1062, a seal between sealing element1064and tip piece1060, and a seal between sealing element1064and tip body1034.

In some examples, providing the additional securing element1042at block1340can comprise deforming a portion of the tip body1034, as indicated by block1342, such as in the examples of deformed projections142and242shown inFIGS.5and6, respectively, and in the examples of deformed walls742and842shown inFIGS.11and12, respectively.

In some examples, providing the additional securing element1042at block1340can comprise providing threads of a pre-orifice element1062, such as in the example of threads363of pre-orifice piece336shown inFIG.6. In such an example, the threads of the pre-orifice element1062are mated with threads of the tip body1034(e.g., threads337) such as those provided at block1314. The pre-orifice element1062is thus threadably coupled to the tip body1034and acts as an additional securing element1042to secure pre-orifice portion1062, tip piece1060, and sealing element1064in the receiving channel1036. Thus, providing the pre-orifice portion1062and the additional sealing element1042at block1340can occur together as indicated by arrow1038.

In some examples, providing the additional securing element1042at block1340can comprise deforming a portion of the pre-orifice element1062, as indicated by block1346, such as in the example of deformed wall442shown inFIG.8. In such an example, the deformed portion of pre-orifice element1062may be deformed to be disposed within a recess (e.g., recess440) of the tip body1034and to be disposed against another securing element1042, such as a shoulder of the tip body1034(e.g., shoulder443) such as the shoulder of the recess provided at block1316.

In some examples, providing the additional securing element1042at block1340can comprise providing a ring, as indicated by block1348, such as in the example of ring565and ring665show inFIGS.9and10, respectively. In one example, the ring (e.g., ring565) is moveable between a first diameter and a second diameter. The ring is caused to compress to the first, smaller diameter, until aligned with a recess (e.g., recess540) wherein the ring will snap back to its second, larger diameter, to be disposed in the recess and disposed against another securing element1042, such as a shoulder of the tip body (e.g., shoulder543) such as the shoulder of the recess provided at block1316. In another example, a portion (e.g., wall667) of the ring (e.g., ring665) is deformed to be disposed with a recess (e.g., recess640) of the tip body1034and to be disposed against another securing element1042, such as a shoulder of the tip body1034(e.g., shoulder643) such as the shoulder of the recess provided at block1316.

Providing the additional securing element1042at block1340can include the use of a tool, as indicated by block1350, such as a swaging tool (e.g., swaging tool190or swaging tool290), a rotatable driving tool (e.g., rotatable driving tool390), a press tool (e.g., press tool490, press tool590, or press tool690), a peen tool (e.g., peen tool790or peen tool890), or another type of tool.

Providing the additional securing element1042to secure at least the tip piece1060and the sealing element1064(and in some examples also the pre-orifice element1062) within the receiving channel1036and to form seals at block1340can be done in various other ways, as indicated by block1352.

As can be seen, a spray tip can include a tip body (e.g., tip stem) having a longitudinal axis and a receiving channel, formed in the tip stem transverse to the longitudinal axis. The spray tip can further include a tip piece disposed within the receiving channel, a sealing element disposed within the receiving channel and upstream of the tip piece, and a pre-orifice element upstream of the tip piece. The spray tip can also include a fluid channel of variable geometry extending between an upstream end of the pre-orifice element and a downstream end of the tip piece. The spray tip can further include a first securing element downstream of the tip piece, or at least a portion of the tip piece and downstream of the sealing element, and a second securing element upstream of the sealing element, or at least a portion of the sealing element, and upstream of the tip piece. In one example, the second securing element is upstream of the pre-orifice element. In one example, the sealing element forms a portion of the fluid channel. In one example, the first securing element comprises a shoulder of the tip body defined by the receiving channel. In one example, the first securing element comprises a deformed portion of the tip body. In one example, the second securing element comprises a shoulder of the tip body defined by the receiving channel. In one example, the second securing element comprises a deformed portion of the tip body. In one example, the second securing element comprises a ring. In one example, the second securing element comprises threads of the pre-orifice element and threads of the tip body. In one example, the second securing element comprises a deformed portion of the pre-orifice element. In one example, the tip body includes a recess extending radially from the receiving channel, the recess configured to receive the second securing element. In one example, the recess includes a shoulder. In one example, the second securing element abuts the shoulder of the recess. In one example, the pre-orifice element comprises hardened stainless steel. In one example, the receiving channel includes threads and the pre-orifice element includes threads, the threads of the pre-orifice element and the threads of the receiving channel being configured to mate. In one example, the pre-orifice element comprises a set screw. In one example, the pre-orifice element is configured to receive a press tool to deform the portion of the pre-orifice element to form the second securing element. In one example, the pre-orifice element is configured to receive a rotatable drive tool. In one example, the pre-orifice element is configured to receive a biased element of a swaging tool. In one example, the tip piece is configured to receive a biased element of a swaging tool. In one example, the tip body is configured to receive a swaging tool to deform the portion of the tip body to form the first securing element. In one example, the tip body is configured to receive a swaging tool to deform the portion of the tip body to form the second securing element. In one example, the second securing element is configured to receive a press tool to cause the second securing element (e.g., ring, portion of pre-orifice element) to be disposed in a recess and to abut a shoulder of the recess. In one example, the tip body is configured to receive a peen tool to deform the portion of the tip body to form the second securing element. In one example, the, the tip body is configured to receive a peen tool to deform the portion of the tip body to form the first securing element.

Additionally, while a particular order of steps has been described for the sake of illustration, it is to be understood that some or all of these steps can be performed in any number of orders.