Leakage detection in remote supply painting system

摘要

A painting apparatus has a peristaltic pump having a pump cavity in a pump body and a pumping tube in the cavity. The cavity is provided with an elongate drain passage. A photoelectric sensor is arranged to receive light from a light source, both being associated with the drain passage to sense any leakage of paint from the pumping tube draining into the drain passage and to thereupon stop the pump. An alert light may be provided for signalling that paint leakage has stopped the pump. Preferably, a funnel-like transparent container is removably fitted in the cavity below the pumping tube to receive the paint leakage. The container has a spout-like downward extension engaged in the drain passage but allowing transmission of light to the photoelectric sensor. The drain passage preferably has an open front to facilitate inspection and cleaning of the light source and photoelectric sensor, although presence of the removable container mitigates the need for such cleaning, and the container can be discarded and replaced when soiled with leakage paint.