EP0028173A1 - Apparatus for the application of a liquid or pasty product - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for the application of a liquid or pasty product contained in a reservoir enclosing a delivery piston capable of being subjected to a pneumatic pressure created by a pump provided in the apparatus. This pump consists of a peristaltic pump which is in continuous operation when the apparatus is in use and the outlet conduit of which is subdivided into two branches, namely a first branch (25) connected to the base of the reservoir (9) containing the product to be expelled and a second branch (33) which opens out freely to the atmosphere. Moreover, a closure member (34) is provided which makes it possible to close this second branch so that the air delivered by the pump can be directed into the base of the reservoir (9) in order to control the expulsion of the product to be applied. This apparatus may be used for applying, under pressure, all kinds of pasty or liquid product, for example wax finishing, a sealing mastic, adhesive, etc. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a portable device capable of being used for the application of a product, liquid or pasty, contained in a reservoir containing a delivery piston.

There are already many devices of this kind in which the delivery piston can be subjected either to the action of a pressure spring, or to a pneumatic pressure generated by a pump provided in the device. The first solution has the disadvantage that the product to be expelled is constantly subjected to a discharge pressure, so that it tends to flow continuously out of the device. However, for certain uses, it is necessary to be able to interrupt at will the flow of the product to be applied.

Devices of the second type meet this objective, since it suffices to interrupt the operation of the delivery pump to stop the expulsion of the product to be applied. Thus, in French patent 79 00142, the Applicant has already described a portable device of this kind in which the discharge pressure is generated by a small pump capable of being actuated by hand. However, this does not allow the use of such an apparatus for certain applications where it is necessary to have a relatively high discharge pressure. In addition, the operation of this device proves impractical.

This is why the present invention aims to achieve an apparatus of the type mentioned above, but which is designed so that one can have a sufficiently high discharge pressure and that, moreover, the operation of this device is extremely easy.

To this end, the pneumatic pump provided in the apparatus according to the invention consists of a roller pump operating continuously when the apparatus is used and the outlet conduit of which is subdivided into two branches, namely a first branch connected to the bottom of the tank containing the product to be expelled, and a second branch opening freely to the atmosphere. Furthermore, a shutter member is provided on this second branch so that the air discharged by the pump can be directed at will into the bottom of the tank at will in order to control the expulsion of the product to be applied. It therefore suffices to act on the shutter thus provided to control or interrupt the output of this product.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present apparatus, this shutter is constituted, or actuated, by a push button or the like capable of ensuring, moreover, the closing of the motor control circuit driving the roller pump, the arrangement of this push button being such that in a first partial insertion position, it ensures that this motor is put into operation, while in a second complete insertion position, it controls the closing of the second branch of the outlet conduit of the roller pump, while keeping the drive motor in operation.

Under these conditions, the operation of the present apparatus is considerably facilitated since a single member makes it possible to control both the starting of the delivery pump and the output of the product to be expelled.

• La figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'une première forme de réalisation de l'appareil selon l'invention dans laquelle celui-ci comporte par ailleurs, des organes rotatifs d'enduction et de lustrage entraînés par le même moteur que la pompe de refoulement ;
• La figure 2 est une vue partielle en coupe d'un détail du présent appareil;
• La figure 3 est une vue schématique illustrant le mode de fonctionnement de cet appareil ;
• La figure 4 est une vue en coupe d'une autre forme de réalisation de l'appareil selon l'invention.

However, other features and advantages of the present device will become apparent from the following description of two different embodiments thereof. This description is given with reference to the attached drawing for information only and in which:

• Figure 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention in which it further comprises, rotary coating and buffing bodies driven by the same motor as the pump repression;
• Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of a detail of the present apparatus;
• Figure 3 is a schematic view illustrating the mode of operation of this device;
• Figure 4 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

The device shown in Figures 1 to 3 is a portable device intended to be used for the application of shoe polish, or other pasty maintenance product, on shoes or leather articles as well as for the subsequent polishing of the product thus applied. This device is of the type described in French patent 75 00265 of the Applicant, because it comprises a coating pad 1 and a buffing brush 2, both driven in rotation by a motor 3 and which can be one or the other brought into the projecting working position by reversing the direction of rotation of this motor.

This device comprises a casing 4 containing all of the members thereof. This casing has an opening 5 outside which can protrude either the coating pad 1, or the annular buffing brush 2 disposed around it, a cap 6 ensuring the closing of the casing when the device is not not used.

As described in French patent 75 00265 already mentioned, the annular brush 2 is carried by a sleeve 7 rotatably mounted inside a fixed bush 8, integral with the casing. In addition, this sleeve is arranged around the cylindrical body of a central reservoir containing the product to be expelled, and which is itself rotatably mounted inside the casing. However, it should be observed that the sleeve 7 is also capable of sliding in the axial direction and that it is connected to the reservoir 9 by a quick-pitch thread consisting of a thread 10 on the internal wall of this sleeve, and a projecting thread correspondent on the tank 9.

The arrangement thus provided allows that by rotating the reservoir 9 in a determined direction, this causes the displacement of the sleeve 7 and of the brush 2 forwards, so that the latter comes in projecting position relative to the coating pad 1. Of course, the reversal of the direction of rotation of the reservoir 9 has the effect to control the backward movement of the brush 2 in the withdrawal position.

It should also be noted that the central reservoir 9 consists of a cartridge removably mounted inside the casing 4, and which can be easily removed therefrom with the sleeve 7 and the brush 2 carried by the latter. At its opposite end to the coating buffer 1, the cartridge is closed by a head 11 carrying a collar 12 intended to be engaged in _'inside a fixed sleeve 13, forming a bearing, which is fixed to the housing. In addition, this head 11 carries an external skirt 14 capable of being fitted around a drive bush 15, carried by a toothed ring 16, the rotationally joining of the skirt 14 and the bush 15 being ensured by flats complementary provided on these two bodies. The crown 16 is driven by the motor 3, the output shaft 17 of which carries a pinion 18 meshing therewith.

Opposite the head 11 of the cartridge 9, an expulsion pusher 19 is provided arranged in an opening made in the corresponding part of the casing 4 and which is thus accessible from the outside. This pusher carries push rods 20 capable of acting on the collar 12 of the head 11 when a thrust is exerted on it, so as to expuse the cartridge 9 outside the device, a spring 21 then ensuring the return of the pusher to its rest position.

The removable cartridge 9 contains a piston 22 intended to ensure the delivery of the pasty product to be expelled, in this case shoe polish 23, placed in the front part of this cartridge and which is capable of coming out by an adjustment 24 to impregnate the pad with coating 1.

In the bottom of the cartridge housing, there is a fixed nozzle 25 on which can be fitted the collar 12 of the head 11 thereof. This adjustment is connected to an air delivery pump thereby enabling pneumatic pressure to be exerted on the piston 22 in order to expel the product to be applied.

In accordance with the essential characteristic of present device, the pneumatic pump provided therein consists of a roller pump, permanently driven by the same motor as the coating pad and the buffing brush and this, permanently during the use of the device . This pump is constituted by a flexible tube 26 arranged in an arc of a circle around three rollers 27 carried by the ring gear 16. A rigid retaining wall 28 is arranged around the tube 26 in its part in an arc of a circle, so that each rollers 27 can cause localized crushing of this tube, as shown in FIG. 3.

The rotation of the crown 16, in the direction of the arrow F has the effect of ensuring a discharge of air along the arrow F1 at the outlet 29 of the tube 26. However, this outlet is connected to a connector 30 in the form of T. Thus, the output of the roller pump is subdivided into two branches corresponding to the two outputs 31 and 32 of this connector.

On the first outlet thereof, is connected the fixed fitting 25, which opens into the bottom of the cartridge 9 when the latter is in place inside the device. As for the second outlet 32 of the connector, it carries a tube 33 opening freely to the atmosphere. However, a shutter member is disposed opposite this tube to close the exhaust to the atmosphere at will.

Under these conditions, although the roller pump is constantly in operation during the use of the device, the air discharged by it has no effect on the expulsion piston 22 as long as the second outlet branch 33 opens freely to the atmosphere. However, it suffices to close this outlet branch so that the air discharged by the pump is directed into the bottom of the cartridge 9 and thus acts on the piston 22 to expel the product to be applied.

In the operating diagram of FIG. 3, the shutter member of the second outlet branch 33 of the pump consists of a pusher 34 distinct from the engine control member of the device. But, in the form of advantageous embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shutter of the second outlet branch of the pump is constituted by a push button 35 which is also arranged to control the start-up as well as the reversal of rotation of the motor 3 of the device.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, this push button extends transversely inside the corresponding part of the casing and its ends 35a and 35b protrude outside through openings provided in the corresponding walls thereof. This push button carries a finger 36 disposed opposite the outlet branch 33 of the air delivery pump and which is capable of crushing the flexible tube constituting this branch, so as to close it. To this end, it suffices to push the push button completely in the direction of the arrow Fa by exerting a push on its end 35a.

However, the pusher 35 is moreover coupled with a rotary disc 37 carrying electrical contacts for starting and reversing the direction of rotation of the motor 3. For this purpose, this disc 37 carries a projecting arm 38 which is engaged in a transverse notch 39 of the pusher 35. Thus, the movement of the latter is capable of rotating the disc 37 in one direction or the other.

• - une première position d'enfoncement partiel correspondant à une rotation suffisante du disque 37 pour fermer le circuit de commande du moteur 3 de façon que celui-ci tourne dans le sens voulu pour maintenir la brosse de lustrage 2 en position de retrait, le tampon d'enduction 1 étant seul en position de travail ;
• - une seconde position d'enfoncement complet dans laquelle le doigt 36 de ce poussoir vient . écraser le tube 33 en obturant ainsi la seconde sortie de la pompe à galets pendant que les contacts actionnés par le disque 37 maintiennent le moteur 3 en fonctionnement dans le même sens.

The arrangement is such that in its direction of movement along the arrow Fa, the pusher 35 has two useful successive positions, namely:

• - A first partial insertion position corresponding to sufficient rotation of the disc 37 to close the motor control circuit 3 so that it rotates in the desired direction to maintain the buffing brush 2 in the withdrawn position, the pad coating 1 being alone in the working position;
• - A second fully inserted position in which the finger 36 of this pusher comes. crush the tube 33 thereby closing the second outlet of the roller pump for that the contacts actuated by the disc 37 keep the motor 3 running in the same direction.

Thus, in the first of the two positions described above, the roller pump has no effect on the delivery piston. However, it suffices for the user to push the plunger 35 a little more strongly in the direction of the arrow Fa to thereby cause air to flow back into the bottom of the cartridge 9 in order to control the expulsion of the product to be applied. A spring 40a ensures the return of the pusher 35 to its first position as soon as the user slightly releases the pressure on the pusher 35, a complete relaxation determining the return of this pusher to its normal rest position.

When this pusher is actuated in the opposite direction, that is to say in the direction of the arrow Fb, by pushing on its end 35b, it turns the disc 37 in the opposite direction.

The latter then controls the closing of the contacts determining the operation of the motor 3 in the opposite direction. As described above, this therefore causes the brush 2 to move outward so that the latter comes into the working position while continuing to rotate on itself.

Of course, the coating pad 1 also continues to rotate on itself. But it is then neutralized since it is set back relative to the buffing brush 2.

Furthermore, the roller pump, which also continues to rotate, is completely neutralized due to the reversal of the direction of rotation of the crown 16.

Because of its design, the present device has the advantage that the operation of a single member makes it possible to control the operation of the engine in one direction and in the other as well as the sending of pressurized air to the piston of repression. As a result, this device is very easy to maneuver.

Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the device according to the invention. It is then a much simpler device, having no rotary working element, unlike what is the case in the device described above.

Indeed, the device illustrated in Figure 4 is simply intended to allow the application under pressure, of a liquid or pasty product 23a of any kind. This product is contained inside a reservoir 9a formed by the casing 4a of the device and which also contains a delivery piston 22a. The output of the product to be expelled is effected by an adjustment 24a capable of being closed by a plug or cap and through which the filling of the reservoir 9a can also be carried out.

In the bottom of this tank opens a nozzle 25a connected to the first branch of the outlet pipe of a roller pump, such as that shown in FIG. 3. The second branch of the outlet pipe of this pump opens freely, but can be closed by the operation of a pusher 34a, accessible outside the device.

• - dans une première position d'enfoncement partiel, il commande simplement la mise en fonctionnement du moteur 3a par action sur l'interrupteur 37a
• - dans une seconde position d'enfoncement complet, il commande l'obturation de la seconde sortie 33a de la pompe à galets, tout en continuant à assurer le fonctionnement du moteur 3a.

The rotary plate 16a of the roller pump thereof is driven by a small electric motor 3a. Preferably, this is also controlled by the push button 34a. In this case, the arrangement of the latter is such that:

• - In a first partial insertion position, it simply controls the starting of the motor 3a by action on the switch 37a
• - In a second fully inserted position, it controls the closing of the second outlet 33a of the roller pump, while continuing to ensure the operation of the motor 3a.

In this second position, the product to be expelled is therefore repelled by the air pressure which is exerted on the delivery piston 22a, and it suffices to release the plunger 34a to stop this expulsion of product.

Again, this device is extremely easy to maneuver. Now this device can be used to apply many products of a very different nature, for example a sealant or similar, glue, etc.

It goes without saying that the apparatus according to the invention is not limited to the two embodiments which have been described above simply by way of examples. Moreover, this device can be the subject of many different embodiments.

Claims (3)

1. Apparatus for applying a liquid or pasty product, contained in a reservoir containing a delivery piston which can be subjected to a pneumatic pressure generated by a roller pump operating continuously when the apparatus is used, characterized in that the outlet pipe of the roller pump is subdivided into two branches, namely a first branch connected to the bottom of the tank containing the product to be expelled and a second branch opening out freely to the atmosphere, a shutter member being provided on this second branch so that the air discharged by the pump can be directed into the bottom of the tank in order to control the expulsion of the product to be applied. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the shutter of the second branch of the outlet pipe of the roller pump is constituted, or actuated, by a push button or the like capable of ensuring, moreover, the closing of the control circuit for the drive motor of this pump, the arrangement of this push button being such that in a first partial insertion position, it ensures that this motor is put into operation, while in a second insertion position complete, it controls the closing of the second branch of the outlet pipe of the roller pump, while keeping the drive motor thereof in operation. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control push button can be actuated in two opposite directions, the arrangement being such that in a first direction, it can successively control the starting of the engine, then the sending of pressurized air against the delivery piston and that in the opposite direction, it controls the reversal of the direction of rotation of the motor, the roller pump then being somehow neutralized due to its rotation in reverse.

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