Method and apparatus for discharging a liquid material susceptible to problems associated with drying and/or clogging at the nozzle end

摘要

5 A method and apparatus for discharging a liquid material which includes volatile components comprises a gun body (12) for discharging the liquid from a nozzle orifice (30) at a nozzle end (32) thereof, and a hood (42) mounted to the nozzle end, the hood (42) defining an open inner space around the nozzle hole (30). The open space provided by the hood (42) maintains the nozzle end (32) in a state of relatively stable conditions to reduce viscosity changes and/or hardening of the liquid on the nozzle end, particularly during intermittent discharge operations. A water permeable liner (152) may be located in the hood to actively humidify the discharged liquid as it traverses the open space. A cleaning nozzle (254) may be aimed at the nozzle end of the gun body to direct a cleaning agent thereagainst, the cleaning agent being removed from the open space via an exhaust outlet aligned with the cleaning nozzle. One or more additional hoods may be used to provide further stages of protection.