US20040217201A1 - Spray gun container - Google Patents

Abstract

To further improve upon a spray gun container, according to the present invention a spray gun container, preferably a flow container, is used to accommodate coating materials whereby the spray gun container has a container part and a fixed container insert.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of prior filed copending PCT International application no. PCT/DE02/04036, filed Oct. 29, 2002, which designated the United States and on which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and which prior filed copending PCT International application no. PCT/DE02/04036, filed Oct. 29, 2002, claims the benefit of prior filed U.S. provisional Application No. 60/364,393, filed Mar. 14, 2002, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and which prior filed copending PCT International application no. PCT/DE02/04036, filed Oct. 29, 2002, claims the priority of German Patent Applications, Serial Nos. 101 55 766.3, filed Nov. 14, 2001, 102 11 769.1, filed Mar. 14, 2002, and 102 13 715.3, filed Mar. 26, 2002, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates, in general, to a spray gun container, and more particularly to a flow container for accommodating paints and coating materials.[0002]
• Such spray gun containers are known from the state of the art, and the spray gun containers are available in a variety of embodiments from various manufacturers. A spray gun container is mounted on a spray gun and can be filled with lacquers or other coloring agents. The spray gun container is an important component of a spray apparatus in conjunction with the design described here.[0003]
• It would be desirable and advantageous to provide an improved spray gun container to obviate prior art shortcomings.[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• According to one aspect of the present invention, a spray gun container, preferably a flow container, for accommodating paints and coating materials, has a container part and a fixed container insert, wherein the container insert is introduced into the container part of the spray gun container so that the spray gun container part no longer comes in contact with the coating materials or does so only as an exception.[0005]
• The container insert is preferably designed as an inexpensive disposable part, so that time-consuming cleaning processes which are required with a traditional spray gun container may be omitted. When a spraying operation is concluded, the container part including the container insert is removed from the spray gun, for example, and the container insert is removed from the container part without contaminating the container part with coating material. Of course, it is not absolutely necessary to dispose of the container insert after one painting operation. The container insert is advantageously then also suitable for being cleaned after one painting operation.[0006]
• If this is the case, it is advantageous to use much less cleaning agent after a spraying operation for cleaning the spray apparatus than is the case with the usual spray equipment, because the coating material that is left over remains in the fixed container insert, which can be replaced easily by another fixed container insert. Several container inserts may optionally be cleaned together at a later point in time, so that consumption of cleaning agent may be reduced.[0007]
• In particular, this results in a much shorter period of contact with the cleaning agents, such as solvents, for the operating personnel after a painting operation. This improves labor conditions to the extent that it yields advantages for the operating personnel with regard to toxic exposure.[0008]
• Another important advantage provided by the container insert can be seen by the fact that a change in color between individual painting operations can be performed much more easily and thus more rapidly and effectively. When changing colors, it is now no longer necessary to clean the spray gun container and thus to prepare it for another painting operation with a different coating material, but instead only the container insert which contains a first coating material need be removed from the container part of the spray gun container and replaced by a different container insert which contains another coating material. The spray gun as well as the adapter may optionally be cleaned by using a cleaning agent from a washing bottle. To eliminate any contamination of the spray gun container, an intermediate cleaning of the container with the cleaning agent from the washing bottle may optionally also be performed.[0009]
• To remove a container insert from the container part especially easily, it is advantageous if the container insert projects above the top edge of the container part. This makes it possible for the container insert to be gripped by the operator by simply grasping the projecting area and removing it from the container part.[0010]
• To ensure clarity, it is necessary to establish the definition of several important terms and expressions that will be used throughout this disclosure. The term “flow container” relates to a container which is arranged above the actual spray gun in a painting operation in particular and from which the coating material flows into the spray gun.[0011]
• The term “spray gun container” is used here in a generic sense and relates not only to known flow containers mentioned above, but also to any other container suitable for accommodating coating materials, including, for example, a suction pot, which may also be situated on a spray gun and represents an alternative container to the flow container described above in particular.[0012]
• The term “paint and coating material” relates to any paint, varnish, lacquer or lacquer-like coating materials which are suitable for being applied to an object by means of a spray gun.[0013]
• The term “fixed container insert” relates to a structure which independently retains a shape imparted to it. The container insert may be produced from a variety of materials. An important criterion is that the material used must be at least temporarily solvent-resistant. In particular, plastics such as polypropylene are suitable for this purpose. A fixed container insert guarantees a uniform supply of coating material with respect to a spray gun because then it cannot collapse due to a reduced pressure that develops with the removal of the coating material. Instead, the shape of the container insert remains rigid even at an advanced stage of removal of coating material from the container. In addition, the fixed container insert can be handled well because it can be gripped reliably. This is advantageous in particular when changing the coating material and in subsequent storage of container inserts.[0014]
• Of course the fixed container insert may be made of materials similar to those also used with traditional spray gun containers. The container insert is advantageously made of materials which can be cleaned to remove the coating materials especially easily.[0015]
• Due to the container insert which is inserted into the container part of the spray gun container, the overall structure of the spray gun container now has a double wall, so that coating materials can no longer reach the actual spray gun container.[0016]
• The container insert thus forms an inside wall of the spray gun container. The inside wall can be divided from the outside wall of the spray gun container, so that the advantages already mentioned above can be achieved especially easily.[0017]
• To secure the container insert with respect to the container part of the spray gun container especially well, it is advantageous if the container part of the spray gun container has a fastening means with which the container insert is secured with respect to the container part. Such a means of securing it is also advantageous because when the container insert is full, it has a relatively great weight, so that it is advantageous if the container insert is secured with respect to the container part of the spray gun container.[0018]
• It is advantageous here if the fastening means has a coupling ring. A coupling ring is especially suitable for securing the container insert with respect to the container part of the spray gun container, because it can be mounted on the container part of the spray gun container like a traditional spray gun container closure. A thread or a flange which is already provided on the spray gun container and would otherwise accommodate a spray gun container closure can be used for this purpose to advantage.[0019]
• As an alternative or in addition to the fastening means of the container part, it is advantageous if the container insert of the spray gun container has a fastening device with which the container insert can be secured with respect to the container part.[0020]
• According to one variant of the present invention, the fastening device has at least one fastening strap. The container insert advantageously has two fastening straps which communicate with a corresponding groove in the container part at least when installed. This makes it possible to establish an especially secure connection between the container part and the container insert.[0021]
• It is advantageous that the container insert has at least two openings. A second opening of the container insert is advantageous to prevent a reduced pressure in the container insert due to removal of the coating material during a painting operation. It is advantageous if this “air following flow opening” is designed so that although air can flow in or follow into the container insert from the outside air, no ingredients and/or coating materials from the container insert can escape to the outside. Therefore, at least one opening may have a valve to ensure this.[0022]
• To bring the coating materials, which are in the container insert, up to the spray gun, it is advantageous if at least one opening in the container insert communicates with a liquid supply of a spray gun.[0023]
• It is advantageous here if in the area of at least one first opening, a fastening means with which the container insert can be secured on the spray gun is provided. Suitable fastening means include virtually all devices with which a frictionally locked, form-fitting or force-locked connection can be established between the container insert and the spray gun. These may include, for example, traditional fast closures, bayonet closures, screw closures or plug closures. It is self-evident that the fastening means and/or the connecting possibilities are not limited to the devices mentioned here.[0024]
• In addition, it is also advantageous if at least the first opening has a closure. This is especially advantageous, for example, when a coating material has not been applied completely in one operation and must now be stored inside the container insert. In particular the plug devices, screw devices, stopper devices or reverse drawing devices which are capable of guaranteeing a secure and reliable closure of these openings are suitable for closing and opening of a container insert.[0025]
• The area around the opening, in particular around the first opening is optionally designed so that this area is a type of cylindrical tube or the like. For example, a thread may easily be provided on such an area, thus implementing one possibility of connection to the spray gun and/or a closure device.[0026]
• According to one embodiment of the present invention, a screen may be provided at least in the area of one opening. In particular for the case when coating materials that have not been prescreened are used for processing, it is advantageous if a screen is provided, e.g., at the opening, which communicates with the fluid supply of the spray gun or at least faces the fluid supply of the spray gun. This makes it possible for the coating material flowing to the spray gun to be screen before it enters the spray gun.[0027]
• Of course, such a screen may also be provided in an area of the container insert. For example, the screen is situated on a refilling opening so that a coating material, which is added to the container insert, is screened directly on addition.[0028]
• According to another variant of the present invention, the container insert and the screen may be designed in one piece. Advantageously the container insert and the screen may be manufactured as a single part through an injection molding operation. This greatly reduces the manufacturing cost because no additional part need be used to filter the coating material. Instead, it is possible to eliminate the external part “screen,” which further simplifies handling of a spray gun container with a screen.[0029]
• The screen is preferably arranged on the opening of the container insert which faces the spray gun, so that the coating material is filtered before it flows directly into the spray gun.[0030]
• It is advantageous if the screen is situated inside this opening or in front of this opening within the container insert. Either the screen is designed as a three-dimensional structure or as a flat membrane. A three-dimensional screen has the advantage of a larger surface area available for filtering the coating material.[0031]
• It is also advantageous for simple filling of the container insert or for especially simple cleaning of the container insert if the container insert has a cover for sealing at least one opening. This cover may be attached by snap-on connection, screw-on connection or by some other advantageous means.[0032]
• In this connection it is advantageous if the cover of the container insert has at least one closable through-bore. By means of this closable through-bore it is possible to ensure that, for example, enough air can flow into the container insert subsequently during the removal of the coating materials. Of course, the through-bore can also be closed with one of the closure devices of the openings of the container insert as already mentioned above.[0033]
• In particular when changing a container insert, it is advantageous if the through-hole in the cover, which is usually opened during the spraying process, can be closed. The spray gun is usually rotated 180° after sealing the through-hole when changing and/or removing the container part with the container part situated on it and the container insert so that the spray gun is located above the container part and the container insert. Then either the container part including the container insert is released from the spray gun or the container part remains on the spray gun and only the container insert is removed from the container part. Then the container insert may be disposed of or used for storing residues of paint and coating material. In the last variant, the first opening described above is closed with the above-mentioned closure.[0034]
• To be able to arrange a compressed air tubing, for example, on the spray gun container and/or on the cover of the spray gun container, it is advantageous if the through-hole has a receptacle on which a medium supply device may be arranged. If the compressed air tubing is connected to this receptacle, the spray gun container may also be use to advantage in a low-pressure spraying process.[0035]
• In addition, it is also possible to provide on the receptacle a tubing with which the supply of coating materials into the container insert can be facilitated.[0036]
• In addition, it is desirable if the cover is situated on an opening of the container insert which is opposite a container insert opening, the container insert opening being provided in particular for communication with a fluid supply to a spray gun. This makes it possible to implement an especially simple design variant.[0037]
• To make it possible for the container part together with the container insert to be mounted on different spray guns, it is advantageous if the container insert and/or the container part has/have an adapter which provides a secure but detachable connection between the spray gun and the container part of the spray gun container. In addition, there is also a loose connection between the container insert and the spray gun and/or the adapter. This ensures a very intimate and thus very sturdy and secure connection between the spray gun and the container part of the spray gun container, preventing unintentional detachment of the container part from the spray gun. Moreover, a loose but tight connection is created between the container insert and the spray gun and/or the adapter, making it possible to replace different container insert rapidly.[0038]
• It may also be conceivable to provide the adapter with connecting devices which include the connection possibilities already described above such as a fast-snap closure, a bayonet closure, a screw closure or a plug closure. The adapter may have a detachable but secure and tight connection with respect to the container part of the spray gun container and also such a secure and tight connection with respect to the spray gun.[0039]
• In addition it is advantageous if the easily detachable and loose connection between the adapter and the container insert is secured by means of an above mentioned fastening means, preferably in the form of the coupling ring. This makes it possible to detach the container insert easily and quickly from the adapter and thus remove it from the container part of the spray gun container. For example, then a replacement container insert containing another coating material can again be introduced into the container part and secured in the area of the adapter.[0040]
• In addition there is the possibility of releasing the container part and the container insert completely from the spray gun and/or the adapter of the spray gun and replacing it by another container part having a container insert. This is advantageous in particular in the case of several coating material color changes in succession, because the only the actual spray gun need be cleaned between these changes.[0041]
• To seal the container insert well, it is advantageous if at least one sealing means, preferably at least one ring gasket is provided in the area of at least one opening. This pertains in particular to the opening, which faces the spray gun fluid supply. Because of the corresponding sealing means, the risk of coating material reaching the container part of the spray gun container is especially low. For example, the sealing means by consist of a plurality of sealing rings which are arranged in the area of the above mentioned opening and establish a type of squeeze connection between the container insert and the inside bore of the adapter.[0042]
• However, any other tight but rapidly releasable type of connection may also be provided for connecting the container insert rapidly and promptly to the adapter or releasing it from the adapter.[0043]
• According to another variant of the present invention, the volume of the container insert may have at least more than 60%, preferably more than 80% of the volume of the container part. This also results in optimum utilization of the volume of the spray gun container.[0044]
• To utilize the volume of the spray gun container especially well, it is advantageous if the container insert has an outside contour, which corresponds to the inside contour of the container part.[0045]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
• Other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent upon reading the following description of currently preferred exemplified embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:[0046]
• FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional side view of a first spray gun container comprising a container part and a container insert, in accordance with the present invention;[0047]
• FIG. 2 is an exploded illustration of a second spray gun container having another container part and another container insert and a spray gun in accordance with the present invention;[0048]
• FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional side view of a spray gun container comprising a container part and a one part container insert,[0049]
• FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded illustration of another embodiment of a spray gun container on a spray gun, in accordance with the present invention;[0050]
• FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional illustration of a spray gun container having a compressed air tubing for a low-pressure spray process;[0051]
• FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional side view of a spray gun container having a container part and a container insert loosely connected to the container part;[0052]
• FIG. 7 is a schematic detailed view of the loose connection between the container part and the container insert of the spray gun container of FIG. 6;[0053]
• FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of a container insert having two opposing fastening straps;[0054]
• FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional side view of a spray gun container in which a container insert is loosely connected to a container part by means of two opposing fastening straps; and[0055]
• FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional side view of the spray gun container of FIG. 9 with an additional coupling ring.[0056]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The depicted embodiments are to be understood as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting in any way. It should also be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.[0057]
• The[0058]spray gun container1 shown in FIG. 1 includes acontainer part2 and acontainer insert2A having avolume3. Thevolume3 is used to accommodate coating materials (not shown here). Thecontainer insert2A includes twoopenings4 and5, whereby theopening4 is sealed with acover6. Thecover6 has anopening7, which is connected to thecover6 by means of aclosure8 by using a form-fitting connection9. The opening5 includes ascreen10 with which the coating materials (not shown here) are filtered and/or screened through the opening5 before leaving thecontainer insert2A. Thescreen10 is detachably secured on thecontainer insert2A in area11 so that thescreen10 can be replaced if needed.
• The[0059]container insert2A also has three ceiling rings12,13 and14 in the cylindrical area5A of the opening5. First, these three sealing12,13 and14 seal the interface between thecontainer insert2A and anadapter15 with respect tocontainer part2 of thespray gun container1. Secondly, thecontainer insert2A is detachably connected to theadapter15 in the manner of a squeeze connection by means of the three ceiling rings12,13 and14. Theadapter15 has afine thread17 on one side16 with which it can be attached to a spray gun (26, see FIG. 2).
• The[0060]adapter15 is joined in a form-fitting manner to thecontainer part2 of thespray gun container1 on aside18 of theadapter15, which is opposite the side16. This connection is preferably accomplished by means of a known bayonet closure (27A, FIG. 2).
• In the area of the[0061]upper opening4, thecontainer part2 of thespray gun container1 has anoutside thread19 by means of which the spraygun container part2 can accommodate acoupling ring20. In the tightened state, thecoupling ring20 presses theperipheral edge21 of thecontainer insert2A against the upper edge22 of the spraygun container part2 and also presses thecover6 against theperipheral edge21 of thecontainer insert2A. Thecoupling ring20 secures not only thecontainer insert2A with respect to the spraygun container part2 but also secures thecover6 with respect to thecontainer insert2A.
• The spray gun container[0062]23 (FIG. 2) includes acontainer part24, a fixedcontainer insert25 and aspray gun26. Thespray gun container23 is mounted on thespray gun26 by means of anadapter27. By replacing theadapter27 with another adapter (not shown here), it is possible to mount thespray gun container23 on different spray guns (not shown here). Thecontainer insert25 includes a sealingcap29 for itsopening28, which faces thespray gun26. Anotheropening30 on thecontainer insert25 is sealed with acover31. Thecover31 also has aclosure32 which seals abore33 provided in thecover31.
• By means of the sealing[0063]cap29, theopening28 is sealed when thecontainer insert25 is not in use, thus permitting simple and reliable storage of coating material (not shown here) within thecontainer insert25. First, thebore33 in thecover31 is closed because thespray gun26 is upside down to remove thecontainer insert25, optionally in combination with thecontainer part24, so that thecover31 with itsbore33 retains the coating material in thecontainer insert25. Thecontainer insert25 also includes ascreen34 that can be arranged in theopening28 to thus clean a coating material (not shown here), which is flowing through theopening28.
• If the[0064]container insert25 is installed in thecontainer part24 of thespray gun container23, thecontainer insert25 as well as itscover31 are secured on the spraygun container part24 by means of acoupling ring35. Thecontainer insert25 makes it possible to remove a first coating material (not shown here) rapidly and cleanly from the spraygun container part24 and to replace it with another container insert (not shown here) without the contents of the container inserts25 coming in contact with thecontainer part24 of thespray gun container23.
• The[0065]spray gun container36 shown in FIG. 3 has anopen container part37 in which is arranged a one-piece fixedcontainer insert38. Thecontainer part37 is arranged on anadapter40 by means of aconnector39. Theconnector39 establishes a detachable connection between thecontainer part37 and theadapter40 and also clamps thecontainer insert38 with afirst edge area41 on afrontal part42 so that thecontainer insert38 and thefrontal part42 are tight in thearea41. Two sealing rings43 and44 are advantageously arranged inarea41, which additionally increases the sealing reliability. Thefrontal part42 has three sealingrings45,46 and47 with respect toadapter40 so that thefrontal part42 has a loose connection with respect toadapter40 and also provides a very reliable sealing device.
• In addition, a[0066]screen48 is provided on thefrontal part42, screening acoating material38A which flows out of ahollow space49 of thecontainer part38 through thefrontal part42 and through theadapter40 into aspray26 or59 (see FIG. 2 or4).
• In order to prevent development of a reduced pressure in the[0067]hollow space49 ofcontainer insert38 ascoating material38A flows out, thecontainer insert38 has anopening51 in the area of a bottom50 which can be sealed by means of aclosure52. Theclosure52 is fastened by means of afastening53 on a borehole54 in the bottom50 of the container part. Thecontainer insert38 has a second edge area in the form of acollar55 in the area of a bottom50. By means of thecollar55, thecontainer insert38 may be placed on a substrate to advantage. Since thecollar55 extends beyond the height of theclosure52, theclosure52 does not prevent secure placement of the fixedcontainer insert38 on a substrate.
• In order to store a[0068]coating material38A in the fixedcontainer insert38 in the least complicated way possible, for example, theconnector39 is released by athread56 of theadapter40 which faces thecontainer insert38 so that aconnector39 together with thecontainer part37, thecontainer insert38 and thefunnel part42 can be removed from theadapter40 as a unit. Anopening57 in thefrontal part42 is sealed tightly by means of a closure29 (see FIG. 2) so that thecoating material38A can be stored well in the fixedcontainer insert38.
• In addition, the fixed[0069]container insert38 can be filled especially advantageous when it is placed on a fixed substrate by means of thecollar55 when theclosure52 is closed and thefunnel part42 is not arranged on it. The fixedcontainer insert38 can be filled here easily, cleanly and rapidly through itsarea41.
• The[0070]exemplary embodiment58 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes aspray gun59, anadapter60, aconnector61, ascreen62, afunnel part63, a fixedcontainer64 and acontainer part65. The fixedcontainer insert64 includes on its bottom side66 aclosure67. Theclosure67 is provided for closing aborehole68 in the container insert bottom66. Theadapter60 is screwed onto thespray gun59 by means of afirst thread60A. Theconnector61 is mounted on theadapter60 by means of a bayonet closure60B.
• The[0071]screen62 is arranged in theopening63A of thefunnel part63, whereby thefunnel part63 is inserted into theconnector61. Thefunnel part63 has threering gaskets63B,63C and63D in the area ofopening63A, so that a connection between thefunnel63 and theadapter60 is sealed.
• In addition, the fixed[0072]container insert64 is placed in thecontainer part65. Thecontainer part65 is screwed onto theconnector61 by means of athread65A. First, thefunnel part63 is pressed into the adapter and secured there in this way and secondly the fixedcontainer insert64 is pressed into and secured on thefrontal part63.
• The[0073]spray gun container69 shown in FIG. 5 has essentially the same parts as thespray gun containers1,23 and36 discussed above. Here again, thespray gun container69 comprises acontainer part70 and acontainer insert71, whereby thecontainer insert71 is already arranged in thecontainer part70. Thecontainer part70 and thecontainer insert71 are joined together in anarea72, which faces a spray gun26 (see FIG. 2) by means of anadapter73. Thecontainer part70 is connected here to a known bayonet closure (27A, FIG. 2).Container insert70 however, is connected to theadapter73 by means of three ring gaskets74 (assigned a number here only as an example). In this exemplary embodiment, theadapter73 has also afine thread76 with which it can be mounted on a spray gun (26, see FIG. 2). In addition, ascreen77 with which container insert contents can be filtered before flowing into a spray gun (26, see FIG. 2) is provided in thecontainer insert71.
• On the[0074]end78 of thecontainer part70 opposite theadapter73, thecontainer part70 has an at least partiallyperipheral groove79 in which fastening straps80A and80B of thecontainer insert71 are arranged at least in the installed state of thecontainer insert71. Theperipheral grooves79 may have a spiral pattern along the inside of thecontainer part70. Corresponding to thegroove79, thecontainer part70 has a peripheral elevation on its outside on which may be provided acoupling ring133 as needed (see FIG. 10). In addition to the loose connection by way of the sealing rings74, thecontainer insert71 is additionally fixedly but detachably connected to thecontainer part70 by means of this form-fitting connection.
• In the[0075]upper area78 thespray gun container69, in particular thecontainer insert71 is sealed by acover81. Thecover81 has aperipheral groove82 on its outer area, which accommodates an upperperipheral edge83 of thecontainer insert71, preferably in a form-fitting manner. Thecover81 is thereby secured on thespray gun container69. In addition, thecover81 has acentral opening84 through which spray gun container contents can be poured into thecontainer insert71. Theopening84 has areceptacle85 on the side facing away from thecontainer insert71. Thereceptacle85 is suitable for accommodating atubing86 so that thetubing86 is loosely connected to thespray gun container69.
• Air is supplied through the[0076]tubing86 to thecontainer insert71 in the direction ofarrow87 so that a slight excess pressure results inside of thecontainer insert71 and thespray gun container69 is thus suitable for use in a low-pressure spraying process.
• In addition, the[0077]cover81 has an at leasthemispherical recess88 in which may be arranged a receptacle of astopper103 corresponding to the inside contour of the recess (see FIG. 6). By means of thestopper103, theopening84 of thecover81 can be closed as needed so that the interior71A of thecontainer insert71 is also sealed completely in the area of thecover81.
• The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6 shows a[0078]spray gun container89 which, as already explained repeatedly, consists essentially of acontainer part90 and acontainer insert91. Again in this exemplary embodiment, thecontainer part90 is connected to thecontainer insert91 by anadapter92. To do so, thecontainer part90 has a form-fitting connection with respect to theadapter92 as already described in FIG. 5. Thecontainer insert91, however, as already described in FIG. 5, has only a loose connection by way of sealing rings93 (assigned a number here only as an example) to theadapter92. Ascreen95 which filters thecontainer insert contents96 before reaching a spray gun59 (FIG. 4) is also provided on anopening94 here.
• Also in this exemplary embodiment, the[0079]spray gun container89 is sealed by acover97. To do so, thecover97 includes a peripheral groove99 in itsedge area98. If thecover97 is placed on thespray gun container89, in particular on thecontainer insert91, aperipheral edge100 of thecontainer insert91 sits in the peripheral groove99 of the cover. With the sameperipheral edge100, thecontainer insert91 rests on theupper edge101 of the container part. Therefore thecontainer insert91 is further secured with respect to thecontainer part90.
• In contrast with the[0080]container parts2 and/or70 already described,container part90 in this exemplary embodiment has neither an outside thread19 (see FIG. 1) nor a groove79 (see FIG. 5). Thecontainer part90 is instead cylindrical in design in the area of thecover97 without any other structure.
• The[0081]cover97 also includes anopening102 in which astopper103 is arranged. In order for thestopper103 to also remain arranged on thecover97 when thestopper103 does not seal theopening102, thestopper103 also has a form-fitting connection104 with respect to thecover97. Thus thestopper103 remains situated on thecover97 even when thestopper103 is not in theopening102.
• The[0082]area105 shown inside the circle schematically in FIG. 6 is shown on an enlarged scale in FIG. 7. Essentially here (FIG. 7) the form-fitting connection between thecontainer part90 and theadapter92 and the loose connection between thecontainer insert91 and theadapter92 are shown in detail.
• To implement the form-fitting connection between the[0083]container part90 and theadapter92, the adapter has agroove107 in itsupper area106, corresponding to a type ofspring108 ofcontainer part90 and thereby forming the form-fitting connection between these twoparts90 and92.
• A[0084]peripheral groove110 is also arranged on a cylindrical inside109 of theadapter92. With thecontainer insert91 in place, a sealingring93 arranged on it is at least partially accommodated in thisperipheral groove110 so that at least one sealing93 of thecontainer insert91 is secured in aperipheral groove110 of theadapter92.
• The other sealing rings[0085]93A and93B, however, do not engage in aperipheral groove110 of theadapter92 but they also have a stabilizing effect so that thecontainer insert91 is supported on the cylindrical inside wall109 of theadapter92 in at least three areas spaced a distance apart from one another. Within thecontainer insert91 thescreen95 is detachably secured on theperipheral area111 of thecontainer insert91 in a friction-locked manner.
• FIG. 8 illustrates a conically tapered container insert[0086]112, which has two opposingfastening straps114 and115 on itsupper edge113. The fastening straps114 and115 correspond to an at least partially peripheral groove79 (see FIG. 5) of thecontainer part70 when the container insert112 is inserted. On the side of the container insert112 opposite theupper edge113 there is anopening116 through which the container insert contents96 (see FIG. 6) enter a spray gun59 (see FIG. 4). Theareas117,118 and119 show additional internal surfaces of the container insert112 which taper conically in stages from theupper edge113 to the opening160, resulting in gradually tapering cylindrical cross section of the container insert112 from top to bottom, i.e., running into the plane of the paper.
• FIGS. 9 and 10 each show a[0087]spray gun container120, which has essentially the same design as thespray gun container69 of FIG. 5. Thespray gun container120 also includes acontainer part121 in which is arranged acontainer insert122. The twoparts121 and122 are here again joined together by means of anadapter124 with aring gasket123. Thespray gun container120 also has ascreen125 and acover126. Astopper127, which seals anopening128 of thecover126, is arranged on thecover126. Thecontainer insert122 also has twofastening straps129 and130, each engaging in agroove131 and132 in the installed state.
• In addition, FIG. 10 shows a[0088]coupling ring133 which is arranged in the cover area of thespray gun container120 and secures first the cover with respect to thecontainer insert122 and secondly thecontainer insert122 with respect to thecontainer part121. To do so, apart134 of thecoupling ring133 engages behind a projectingedge135 of thecontainer part121 such that thecoupling ring133 is arranged in a form-fitting manner on thespray gun container120. Thecoupling ring133 here is made of an elastic material so that thearea134 can be pulled over theedge135 of thecontainer part121 when thecoupling ring133 is placed in position and then it can snap behind theedge135. Of course, it is also conceivable to screw thecoupling ring133 onto thecontainer part121.
• In addition, the[0089]coupling ring133 has a relativelyflat surface136 on which the entirespray gun container120 is placed on asubstrate137 and can optionally be stored for a long period of time. It is self-evident that the covers97 (see FIG. 6) and126 may have a tubing86 (see FIG. 5) so that thespray gun containers89 and120 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, respectively are also suitable at the same time for a low-pressure spraying process. To do so, thetubing86 may be inserted into theopening102 or128, or theopenings102 and128 may be prepared in such a way that they have a collar on which thetubing86 can be arranged, as is the case with the receptacle85 (see. FIG. 5).
• While the invention has been illustrated and described in connection with currently preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application to thereby enable a person skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.[0090]
• What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims and includes equivalents of the elements recited therein:[0091]

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A spray gun container (1;23;36), preferably a flow container for accommodating coating materials (38A), characterized by a container part (2;24;37;65) and a fixed container insert (2A;25;38;64).

2. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 1, characterized in that the container part (2;24;37;65) of the spray gun container (1;23;36) has a fastening means with which the container insert (2A;25;38;64) is secured with respect to the container part (2;24;37;65).

3. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 2, characterized in that the fastening means has a coupling ring (20;35).

4. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 1, characterized in that the container insert (2A;25;38;64) of the spray gun container (1;23;36) has a fastening device with which the container insert (2A;25;38;64) can be secured with respect to the container part (2;24;37;65).

5. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 4, characterized in that the fastening device has at least one fastening strap (80A,80B;129,130).

6. The spray gun container (1;23;36) accordingclaim 1, characterized in that the container insert (2A;25;38;64) has at least two openings (4,5;28,30).

7. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 6, characterized in that at least one first opening (5;28) of the container insert (2A;25;38;64) communicates with a fluid supply (26A) of a spray gun (26;59).

8. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 7, characterized in that a fastening means with which the container insert (2A;25;38;64) can be secured on the spray gun (26;59) is provided at least in the area of one first opening (5;28).

9. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 7, characterized in that at least one opening (5;28;57), preferably the first opening (5;28;57), has a closure (29).

10. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 6, characterized in that a screen (10;34;48;62) is provided in the area of at least one opening (4,5;28,30;63A).

11. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 10, characterized in that the container insert (2A;25;38;64) and the screen (10;34;48;62) are in one piece.

12. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 6, characterized in that the container insert (2A;25;38;64) has a cover (6;31) for sealing at least one opening (4;30).

13. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 12, characterized in that cover (6;31) has at least one sealable through-bore (7;33).

14. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 13, characterized in that the through-bore (7;33) has a receptacle (85) on which a medium supply device may be provided.

15. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 12, characterized in that the cover (6;31) is arranged on an opening (4;30) of the container insert (2A;25;38;64) which is situated opposite a container insert opening (5;28;57), the container insert opening (5;28;57) being provided to communicate with a fluid supply (26A) of a spray gun (26;59).

16. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 7, characterized in that the container insert (2A;25;38;64) has an adapter (15;27;40;60) which forms a loose connection between the spray gun container (1;23;36) and the spray gun (26;59) and/or forms a loose connection between the container insert (2A;25;38;64) and the spray gun (26;59).

17. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 16, characterized in that the adapter (15;27;40;60) is arranged at least partially between the container insert (2A;25;38;64) and the container part (2;24;37;65).

18. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according to one ofclaim 6, characterized in that sealing means, preferably a ring gasket (12,13,14;43 to47;63B,63C,63D) is arranged in the area of at least opening (4,5;28,30).

19. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according toclaim 1, characterized in that the volume (3) of the container insert (2A;25;38;64) amounts to at least more than 60%, preferably more than 80% of the volume of the container part (2;24;37;65).

20. The spray gun container (1;23;36) according to one ofclaim 1, characterized in that the container insert (2A;25;38;64) has an outside contour which corresponds to the inside contour of the container part (2;24;37;65).

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