EP3177431B1 - Apparatus for cleaning surfaces - Google Patents
Apparatus for cleaning surfaces Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3177431B1 EP3177431B1 EP15766621.5A EP15766621A EP3177431B1 EP 3177431 B1 EP3177431 B1 EP 3177431B1 EP 15766621 A EP15766621 A EP 15766621A EP 3177431 B1 EP3177431 B1 EP 3177431B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- duct
- abrasive material
- tank
- compressed air
- flow
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims description 18
- 239000003082 abrasive agent Substances 0.000 claims description 64
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 claims description 45
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 65
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 36
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium bicarbonate Chemical compound [Na+].OC([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 6
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 5
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005488 sandblasting Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000030 sodium bicarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 235000017557 sodium bicarbonate Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- UONOETXJSWQNOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten carbide Chemical compound [W+]#[C-] UONOETXJSWQNOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000004649 carbonic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010755 mineral Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001464 adherent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011256 aggressive treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004579 marble Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009827 uniform distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
- B24C5/00—Devices or accessories for generating abrasive blasts
- B24C5/02—Blast guns, e.g. for generating high velocity abrasive fluid jets for cutting materials
- B24C5/04—Nozzles therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
- B24C7/00—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
- B24C7/0046—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier
- B24C7/0053—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier with control of feed parameters, e.g. feed rate of abrasive material or carrier
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
- B24C9/00—Appurtenances of abrasive blasting machines or devices, e.g. working chambers, arrangements for handling used abrasive material
Definitions
- the present invention concerns an apparatus for cleaning metallic and non-metallic surfaces.
- the sandblasting consists in propelling a jet of compressed air and abrasive material on the surface to be treated to remove the superficial layer of material.
- sandblasting can be used for creating inscriptions or images on marble, stone, wood or glass.
- Traditional cleaning apparatuses comprise a tank for abrasive material connected, through a mixing valve, to a mixing chamber in which a predetermined flow of compressed air, generally produced by a compressor, is conveyed.
- a sprayer gun provided with commands for spraying, through a suitable nozzle, a jet of air and abrasive material is connected with the mixing chamber through a suitable duct.
- Patent US 2014/0065933 discloses a type of cleaning apparatus comprising a hopper, associated at its top with a framework, predisposed to contain a sandy material.
- a mixing chamber is placed, being predisposed to receive the sandy material and air.
- a vertical duct is inserted for the access of the air, connected with an air regulation system.
- the chamber is connected, through an outlet duct, with a sprayer gun so as to allow the passage of the flow of air and sand.
- a duct for the water supplied by a suitable pump is connected as well with the gun in order to allow spraying of a flow of air, sand and water through a nozzle placed at one end of the sprayer gun.
- Patent WO 2008/035236 on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, discloses a further apparatus for cleaning surfaces comprising a tank for containment of an abrasive material and a duct for the flow of compressed air, which extends adjacent to the tank.
- a mixing valve is associated with the tank for the mixing of the abrasive material with the compressed air.
- Such mixing valve is connected with a sprayer gun of a flow of compressed air and abrasive material through connection means.
- DE 20 2005 007 320 U1 discloses a mixing valve where the abrasive duct communicates with the compressed air duct at an acute angle.
- Cleaning apparatuses generally use silica abrasives.
- carbonates are used, for example baking soda, which is preferable from an ecological point of view and particularly efficient as it leaves unaltered the support, even in case of polished surfaces.
- cleaning apparatuses are predisposed for working with baking soda either accompanied by mineral materials or by vegetal materials, since these materials, having very different physical, mechanical and granulometric characteristics, require different types of apparatuses.
- a further problem complained in the field is the fact that the abrasive material, in particular the material consisting of grains of small size, tends to remain adherent to the walls of the tank, especially at the perimetral edge of a lower base of the tank, with consequent waste of material and discontinuity in the flow of abrasive material released from the tank.
- the task of the present invention is that of solving the cited problems, devising an apparatus for cleaning surfaces which allows the continued and constant spraying of material from the sprayer guns, whenever it is required, as well as the correct storage, inside the suitable tank, of the chosen material.
- a further task of the present invention is that of providing a portable apparatus for cleaning surfaces which eases the transport and the manoeuvrability of the same apparatus.
- a further task of the present invention is that of providing an apparatus of simple constructive and functional conception, provided with a surely reliable functioning, versatile use as well as relatively economic cost.
- the cited tasks are attained, according to the present invention, by the apparatus for cleaning surfaces according to claim 1.
- the apparatus for cleaning surfaces comprises a mixing valve for mixing an abrasive material with a flow of compressed air.
- the mixing valve comprises a first inlet duct for the passage of the flow of compressed air and a central duct which extends along a central axis and defines a mixing chamber.
- the central duct is connected with the first inlet duct.
- the mixing valve comprises a second inlet duct for the passage of the abrasive material, communicating with the central duct.
- the second inlet duct extends along a longitudinal axis inclined with respect to the central axis of the central duct according to an acute angle.
- such acute angle is comprised in a range between 30° and 45°.
- the mixing valve is associated with a tank for containing the abrasive material.
- the apparatus comprises a body which comprises the above mentioned tank and a first duct for a flow of compressed air which may extend adjacent to the tank, along the whole length of the tank.
- the duct is predisposed for allowing the flow of compressed air both directly inside the tank, for allowing an efficient storage of the abrasive material inside the tank, and towards the mixing valve.
- the apparatus comprises a conveying member mounted inside the tank, in a lower position, having a hollow conical shape, asymmetric with respect to the revolution axis.
- the conveying member shapes at its top a collecting opening for the abrasive material contained in the tank and an opposite eccentric opening toward which said abrasive material is conveyed.
- the apparatus comprises a second duct which extends inside said tank along a longitudinal direction, substantially parallel to said first duct, predisposed to convey compressed air towards said second inlet duct of the mixing valve so as to ease the passage of said abrasive material towards said mixing valve and reducing the occlusion phenomena.
- the second duct comprises an inlet portion which extends superiorly with respect to said abrasive material contained in said tank so as to allow the inlet of a part of compressed aid inside said second duct and an outlet portion which is inserted in a discharge opening which is connected with said second inlet duct of the mixing valve to convey the compressed air to the second inlet duct.
- Sprayer means are connected with the mixing valve.
- the sprayer means have at one end a spraying nozzle, predisposed to spray the flow of compressed aid mixed with the abrasive material on a surface to be treated.
- the spraying nozzle comprises a hollow cylindrical body, having an inlet opening and an opposite outlet opening.
- the spraying nozzle comprises a portion of narrowed transversal section, starting from which a guide channel is shaped, having a shape diverging towards the end for the exit of the flow of compressed air and abrasive material.
- the guide channel diverges of an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the spraying nozzle so as to spray a jet of substantially conical shape having a homogeneous distribution of the abrasive material in the volume of the same jet.
- the acute angle is comprised in a range between 2° and 8°.
- the guide channel has a substantially cylindrical shape and such configuration allows to obtain a jet of outgoing air comprising particles of abrasive material having a higher propagation speed.
- a suitable shutter member is arranged coaxially to the second inlet duct of the mixing valve.
- the shutter is associated with a regulation valve, which allows to adjust, by operating the same valve, the transversal section of the second inlet duct and, thereby, the quantity of abrasive material to be mixed with the flow of compressed air.
- the apparatus 1 comprises a tank 2 predisposed to contain an abrasive material, closed at its top by a lid 3 provided with a refill opening 4 for the replenishment and the further refills of material.
- a spring door 3 is placed so as to hermetically close the refill opening 4 and allowing the opening of the lid 3 exclusively towards the inside of the tank 2.
- the used abrasive material is different depending on the type of working to be carried out.
- Such material can be, for example, of the mineral or vegetal or iron metal type.
- carbonates can be used such as baking soda.
- the above mentioned materials con be used singularly or, alternatively, combined one another thus creating a blend.
- the size of the grains of the above mentioned materials can be bigger than 0,06 mm, preferably in the range 0,06 - 1,50 mm.
- the tank 2 comprises a hollow cylindrical body preferably obtained through extrusion of aluminium, for making the apparatus lighter and for easing the transport, making it possible also by shoulder.
- the tank 2 is associated at the top with the above mentioned lid 3 and at the bottom with a base 6 through assembling means 7 comprising a series of tie-rods which extend longitudinally, along the whole length of the cylindrical body, so as to shape a steady and durable tank 2, able to support the high pressure attained inside the same tank.
- the tie-rods 7 are fixed to the lid 3, at one end, through hook means 8 of the screw type.
- the tie-rods have portions 7a suitably manufactured, for example threaded, predisposed to be inserted in corresponding seats 9 of conjugated shape obtained on the base 6.
- the base 6 has an emptying opening 10 closed by a suitable emptying valve 11.
- the base 6 comprises as well a discharge opening 12 for the abrasive material and a further discharge opening 13 for the compressed air.
- a couple of feet 14 for supporting the apparatus 1 is frontally associated with the base 6.
- a couple of wheels 15 is mounted so as to ease the transport of the apparatus.
- the lid 3 and the base 6 are, for example, made up of a plate preferably made of aluminium, which gives further lightness.
- the tank 2 shapes an upper portion, predisposed to contain compressed air, which constitutes a compression chamber so as to exert a constant pressure on the introduced material and, hence, carry out the correct storage of the same material inside the tank 2.
- a conveying member 16 is mounted, having a hollow conical shape asymmetric with respect to the revolution axis.
- the conveying member 16 shapes at the top a receiving opening 17, which coincides with the base of the cone, through which the material contained inside the tank 2 is collected and suitably guided towards an eccentric opening 18 opposite to the receiving opening 17 (see figures 6 - 9 ).
- the eccentric opening 18 is placed above the discharge opening 12.
- a first duct 19 Adjacent to the tank 2, a first duct 19 extends for the whole length of the cylindrical body of the tank 2, the first duct 19 communicating with the compression chamber, and being predisposed to allow the passage of compressed air.
- a second duct 20 is arranged, extending along a longitudinal direction, substantially parallel to the first duct 19, predisposed to convey compressed air towards the discharge opening 12.
- the second duct 20 is provided with an inlet portion 200 protruding with respect to the abrasive material, that is, which extends superiorly with respect with the abrasive material contained in the tank 2 so as to allow the access of a part of the compressed air introduced in the chamber inside the second same duct 20.
- Such duct 20 has as well an outlet portion 201, which is inserted in the discharge opening 12 of abrasive material, to convey the compressed air in an inlet duct of the abrasive material, towards a mixing chamber, as it is better explained in the following, so as to ease the passage of the material in the above mentioned chamber and reduce the occlusion phenomena (see figure 10 ).
- the first duct 19 comprises, at the top, a first transversal hole 21 and a second transversal hole 22.
- a valve 23 for the entry of pressurized air both in the duct 19 and inside the tank 2 and a safety valve 24 for the exit of air, in case of overpressure in the tank 2, are respectively applied.
- the first duct 19 is provided with a third hole 25, arranged below the second hole 22, which puts in connection the duct 19 with the outside.
- a discharge valve 26 is provided, predisposed to allow the discharging of air under pressure remaining in the tank 2 whenever stopping the spraying, as it is better explained in the following (see figure 1 ). In this way, the working time is reduced as the exceeding air is quickly expelled from the tank 2, and then the pressure value of the air in the chamber in rest condition of the apparatus 1 is promptly restored.
- the pressurized air is supplied by a compressor, not shown in the figures, through a supply duct 27 communicating at a terminal part with an anti-condensation filter 28.
- the anti-condensation filter 28 is placed below a flow control valve 29 of the compressed air, for example of pneumatic type, which is connected with a connection duct 30.
- the connection duct 30 is associated at an opposite end with a pressure regulator 31, connected with the valve 23 for the entry of pressurized air.
- the pressurized air can reach pressure values higher than 0.2 bar, preferably in the range between 0.2 bar and 10 bar.
- a mixing valve 31 is associated with the tank 2 and is predisposed to receive the abrasive material and, in case the second duct 20 is provided, also pressurized air, through the discharge opening 12 and the sole flow of compressed air through the further discharge opening 13 obtained at a terminal part of the duct 19.
- the mixing valve 31 is placed below the base 6.
- the mixing valve 31 comprises a body 32 internally shaping a first inlet duct 33 for the passage of the flow of compressed air communicating, by means of a central duct 34, with a second inlet duct 35 for the abrasive material or of the abrasive material with compressed air.
- the central duct 34 extends along a central axis B in a direction transversal, preferably orthogonal, to the first inlet duct 33 and defines a mixing chamber for the compressed air and the abrasive material.
- the central duct 34 shapes a connection portion 36 predisposed to allow the coupling of the mixing valve 31 with a join member 37 for a flexible rubber pipe 38.
- connection portion 36 internally, has a threading so that a corresponding portion of conjugated shape 37a of the join member 37 can be inserted by screwing (see figure 12, 14 e 15 ).
- join member 37 is fixed to the valve 31 through suitable join means 39.
- connection portion 36 has a threading made on an internal surface thereof, so that it can be coupled, by screwing, to the above-mentioned join means 39 (see figure 13 ).
- the join means 39 comprise a ferrule, provided with an inner threading having shape conjugated with the shape of the connection portion 36, arranged coaxial to the join member 37 and, in an assembled configuration, in abutment with the body 32 of the mixing valve 31. Between the ferrule 39 and the join member 37 a seal 40 is interposed, for example of the O-ring type.
- the join member 37 is made of a material having high hardness and resistance to abrasion, for example steel or tungsten carbide.
- the second inlet duct 35 extends from the discharge opening 12 to the central duct 34 along a longitudinal axis A inclined by an acute angle ⁇ with respect to the central axis B of the central duct 34.
- the acute angle ⁇ is preferably comprised in the range between 30° and 45° (see figure 17 ), for which optimal results are obtained for the efflux regularity.
- a suitable shutter member 41 is placed, which allows to adjust, upon activation of a regulation valve 42 associated therewith, the cross-section of the same second inlet duct 35 and, hence, the amount of abrasive material to be mixed with the compressed air flow.
- the shutter member 41 is made of steel, to confer optimal abrasion resistance.
- the flexible tube 38 is associated at one end with the join member 37 and at the opposite end to suitable sprayer means 43 constituted for example by a sprayer gun 44.
- the sprayer gun 44 comprises a series of elements, not illustrated for simplicity, suitably assembled so as to give the sprayer gun 44 itself an ergonomic configuration. These elements are preferably obtained by extrusion of aluminium.
- the sprayer gun 44 has at one end a spraying nozzle 45, through which a jet of air and abrasive material is sprayed on the surface to be treated.
- the spraying nozzle 45 comprises a hollow cylindrical body 46 having an inlet opening 47 and an opposed outlet opening 48 for the flow of air and abrasive material.
- the spraying nozzle 45 is made of a material with high hardness and abrasion resistance, preferably tungsten carbide.
- the spraying nozzle 45 comprises a cross-section narrowing portion 49, starting from which the thickness of the cylindrical body 46 progressively reduces until the exit end 48, thus shaping a guide channel 50 for the flow.
- the guide channel 50 diverges with an acute angle ⁇ with respect to a longitudinal axis C of the spraying nozzle 45 so as to shape a channel of substantially conical shape, diverging towards the exit, for a jet of compressed air and abrasive material. Thanks to this conformation, the distribution of the outgoing material is particularly homogeneous, giving rise to a jet of substantially conical shape, with a homogeneous distribution of the material in the volume occupied by the jet itself (see figure 18 ).
- the diverging angle ⁇ is preferably comprised in a range between 2° and 8°, in which the homogeneity of the distribution is optimal.
- the nozzle 45 shapes, towards the entrance, at the side opposite to the outlet channel 50, a converging inlet channel 51, so as to determine, in combination with the above-mentioned portions of the nozzle 45, a Venturi effect.
- the thickness of the cylindrical body 46 gradually decreases towards the inlet opening 47 thus shaping the convergent inlet channel 51, for the entrance of the flow of compressed air and abrasive material.
- the thickness of the cylindrical body 46 starting from the above mentioned narrowing portion 49 towards the outlet opening 48, remains unchanged, therefore the shaped guide channel 50 is substantially cylindrical (see figure 19 ).
- the configuration of the guide channel 50 allows to obtain an outgoing air jet comprising particles of abrasive material provided with a higher propagation speed.
- Such kind of flow is suitable in case a particularly aggressive treatment is required for the surface.
- the sprayer gun 44 is provided as well with suitable command means 52, which can be operated by the user to operate or deactivate the spraying of compressed air and abrasive material through the spraying nozzle 45.
- command means 52 are associated with the valve 29 of regulation of the flow through connection means 53, for example of the type of connection pipes, to send control signals to the valve 29 to set it in a closure or opening configuration.
- the command means 52 comprise a lever member operable by hand.
- a jet of compressed air flows from the supply duct 27 through the anti-condensation filter 28 and, in succession, to the regulation valve 29 of the compressed air flow and to the pressure regulation device 31, until the inlet valve 23, from which the flow is distributed in the first duct 19 and in the tank 2.
- the compressed air occupies the upper portion of the tank so as to exert a constant pressure on the material.
- the compressed air is introduced as well in the second duct 20 and eases the flowing of the abrasive material from the tank 2 to the second inlet duct 35 until the central duct 34 of the mixing valve 31 where it is suitably mixed with the flow of compressed air introduced through the first duct 19.
- the flow of compressed air and abrasive material mixed in the mixing valve 31 is conveyed through the flexible pipe 38 to a sprayer gun 44 which, when activated by the operator, sprays the jet on the surface to be treated.
- the command means 52 of the sprayer gun 44 send a command signal to the valve 29 of regulation of the flow so as to set it in a closure configuration and thus stop the passage of compressed aid from the compressor to the inlet valve 23.
- the exceeding air remaining in the tank 2 at the end of the spraying is automatically expelled through the discharge valve 26 allowing a quick restoration of the air pressure value, in rest conditions, in the chamber of the tank 2 and then making the apparatus ready to use in a quick time.
- the apparatus for cleaning surfaces therefore attains the scope of allowing the continued and constant emission of the material from the sprayer gun whenever it is necessary.
- the inclination of the guide channel of the nozzle of the sprayer gun is optimal in terms of homogeneity of the product jet at the exit.
- the abrasive material is in fact uniformly distributed in the volume of the obtained conical jet, thus ensuring a uniform distribution of the abrasive material on the surface to be treated.
- Another important aspect is represented by the fact that the uniform thrust exerted by the air fed into the compression chamber makes constant the outflow of material from the tank towards the mixing chamber and allows a proper storage of the material in the tank.
- This aspect is particularly advantageous in case a material consisting of grains of reduced size is used and low pressure is used for compression on the material, as well as in case it is required to frequently replace the type of used abrasive material and then to minimize the adherence of the material to the tank to ease its replacement.
- a further aspect to be underlined is that the apparatus allows to reduce working time, in particular the discharge time of the exceeding compressed air and therefore the time required between two subsequent sprayings, thanks to the discharge valve which allows to quickly discharge air remaining in the tank at the end of each spraying.
- the discharge valve which allows to quickly discharge air remaining in the tank at the end of each spraying.
- the present invention attains also the scope of providing a versatile apparatus that can be used for materials having different mechanical, physical and granulometric characteristics, thanks to the above-mentioned mixing valve, which allows to suitably dose the quantity of abrasive material to be mixed by means of the regulation valve.
- the apparatus for cleaning surfaces also allows an easy transport mainly thanks to the use of materials, such as aluminium, which significantly lighten the overall weight of the apparatus and make also possible alternative mode of use thereof.
- the operator can easily support the weight of the apparatus, for example by loading it on his shoulder.
- the ergonomic features of the sprayer gun also gives the apparatus an easy manoeuvrability.
- a further aspect to be underlined is the use of materials of high hardness and abrasion resistance, in particular tungsten carbide, for the realization of members such as the obstruction unit, the spraying nozzle and the connection member, particularly subjected to abrasion phenomena. In this way, a greater reliability and durability is given to the apparatus.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Nozzles (AREA)
- Cleaning And De-Greasing Of Metallic Materials By Chemical Methods (AREA)
- Mechanical Treatment Of Semiconductor (AREA)
- Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
- Crystals, And After-Treatments Of Crystals (AREA)
Description
- The present invention concerns an apparatus for cleaning metallic and non-metallic surfaces.
- It has been known the use of apparatuses for cleaning surfaces through a process known as sandblasting.
- The sandblasting consists in propelling a jet of compressed air and abrasive material on the surface to be treated to remove the superficial layer of material. Alternatively, sandblasting can be used for creating inscriptions or images on marble, stone, wood or glass.
- Traditional cleaning apparatuses comprise a tank for abrasive material connected, through a mixing valve, to a mixing chamber in which a predetermined flow of compressed air, generally produced by a compressor, is conveyed. A sprayer gun provided with commands for spraying, through a suitable nozzle, a jet of air and abrasive material is connected with the mixing chamber through a suitable duct.
- Patent
US 2014/0065933 discloses a type of cleaning apparatus comprising a hopper, associated at its top with a framework, predisposed to contain a sandy material. In a lower part of the hopper, a mixing chamber is placed, being predisposed to receive the sandy material and air. In the chamber a vertical duct is inserted for the access of the air, connected with an air regulation system. The chamber is connected, through an outlet duct, with a sprayer gun so as to allow the passage of the flow of air and sand. A duct for the water supplied by a suitable pump is connected as well with the gun in order to allow spraying of a flow of air, sand and water through a nozzle placed at one end of the sprayer gun. - Patent
WO 2008/035236 , on which the preamble ofclaim 1 is based, discloses a further apparatus for cleaning surfaces comprising a tank for containment of an abrasive material and a duct for the flow of compressed air, which extends adjacent to the tank. A mixing valve is associated with the tank for the mixing of the abrasive material with the compressed air. Such mixing valve is connected with a sprayer gun of a flow of compressed air and abrasive material through connection means.DE 20 2005 007 320 U1 discloses a mixing valve where the abrasive duct communicates with the compressed air duct at an acute angle. - Cleaning apparatuses generally use silica abrasives. Alternatively, carbonates are used, for example baking soda, which is preferable from an ecologic point of view and particularly efficient as it leaves unaltered the support, even in case of polished surfaces.
- Furthermore, cleaning apparatuses are predisposed for working with baking soda either accompanied by mineral materials or by vegetal materials, since these materials, having very different physical, mechanical and granulometric characteristics, require different types of apparatuses.
- This is to the detriment of the practicality of use and entails high costs for the management of a plurality of different apparatuses.
- A further problem complained in the field is the fact that the abrasive material, in particular the material consisting of grains of small size, tends to remain adherent to the walls of the tank, especially at the perimetral edge of a lower base of the tank, with consequent waste of material and discontinuity in the flow of abrasive material released from the tank.
- Occlusion phenomena have also been observed at the mixing valve, compromising the continued spraying and increasing working time.
- The task of the present invention is that of solving the cited problems, devising an apparatus for cleaning surfaces which allows the continued and constant spraying of material from the sprayer guns, whenever it is required, as well as the correct storage, inside the suitable tank, of the chosen material.
- A further task of the present invention is that of providing a portable apparatus for cleaning surfaces which eases the transport and the manoeuvrability of the same apparatus.
- A further task of the present invention is that of providing an apparatus of simple constructive and functional conception, provided with a surely reliable functioning, versatile use as well as relatively economic cost.
- The cited tasks are attained, according to the present invention, by the apparatus for cleaning surfaces according to
claim 1. - The apparatus for cleaning surfaces comprises a mixing valve for mixing an abrasive material with a flow of compressed air.
- The mixing valve comprises a first inlet duct for the passage of the flow of compressed air and a central duct which extends along a central axis and defines a mixing chamber.
- The central duct is connected with the first inlet duct.
- The mixing valve comprises a second inlet duct for the passage of the abrasive material, communicating with the central duct. The second inlet duct extends along a longitudinal axis inclined with respect to the central axis of the central duct according to an acute angle.
- Preferably, such acute angle is comprised in a range between 30° and 45°.
- The mixing valve is associated with a tank for containing the abrasive material.
- The apparatus comprises a body which comprises the above mentioned tank and a first duct for a flow of compressed air which may extend adjacent to the tank, along the whole length of the tank. The duct is predisposed for allowing the flow of compressed air both directly inside the tank, for allowing an efficient storage of the abrasive material inside the tank, and towards the mixing valve.
- The apparatus comprises a conveying member mounted inside the tank, in a lower position, having a hollow conical shape, asymmetric with respect to the revolution axis.
- Preferably, the conveying member shapes at its top a collecting opening for the abrasive material contained in the tank and an opposite eccentric opening toward which said abrasive material is conveyed.
- Alternatively, the apparatus comprises a second duct which extends inside said tank along a longitudinal direction, substantially parallel to said first duct, predisposed to convey compressed air towards said second inlet duct of the mixing valve so as to ease the passage of said abrasive material towards said mixing valve and reducing the occlusion phenomena.
- Preferably, the second duct comprises an inlet portion which extends superiorly with respect to said abrasive material contained in said tank so as to allow the inlet of a part of compressed aid inside said second duct and an outlet portion which is inserted in a discharge opening which is connected with said second inlet duct of the mixing valve to convey the compressed air to the second inlet duct.
- Sprayer means are connected with the mixing valve.
- Advantageously, the sprayer means have at one end a spraying nozzle, predisposed to spray the flow of compressed aid mixed with the abrasive material on a surface to be treated.
- Preferably, the spraying nozzle comprises a hollow cylindrical body, having an inlet opening and an opposite outlet opening.
- Preferably, the spraying nozzle comprises a portion of narrowed transversal section, starting from which a guide channel is shaped, having a shape diverging towards the end for the exit of the flow of compressed air and abrasive material.
- Advantageously, the guide channel diverges of an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the spraying nozzle so as to spray a jet of substantially conical shape having a homogeneous distribution of the abrasive material in the volume of the same jet.
- Preferably, the acute angle is comprised in a range between 2° and 8°.
- Alternatively, the guide channel has a substantially cylindrical shape and such configuration allows to obtain a jet of outgoing air comprising particles of abrasive material having a higher propagation speed.
- Advantageously, a suitable shutter member is arranged coaxially to the second inlet duct of the mixing valve. The shutter is associated with a regulation valve, which allows to adjust, by operating the same valve, the transversal section of the second inlet duct and, thereby, the quantity of abrasive material to be mixed with the flow of compressed air.
- Details of the invention shall be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for cleaning surfaces according to the invention, illustrated for indicative purposes in the attached drawings, wherein:
-
figure 1 shows a perspective view of the apparatus; -
figure 2 shows a vertical cross-section view of the apparatus according to the invention; -
figure 3 shows a down-up view of the apparatus; -
figures 4 and 5 show a view of the apparatus respectively according to the tracing planes IV-IV and V-V offigure 1 ; -
figure 6 shows a longitudinal cross-section view of the apparatus according to an embodiment; -
figures 7, 8, 9 show respectively a perspective, lateral and top-down view of a detail of the apparatus shown infigure 6 ; -
figure 10 shows a longitudinal cross-section view of the apparatus according to a different embodiment in a load step of the apparatus; -
figure 11 shows a perspective exploded view of a detail of the apparatus shown infigure 10 ; -
figure 12 shows a perspective exploded view of a mixing valve of the apparatus according to the invention; -
figure 13 shows a perspective exploded view of a different embodiment of the mixing valve; -
figure 14 shows a lateral view of a magnified detail of the mixing valve shown infigure 12 , indicated with D; -
figure 15 shows a cross-section view of the detail shown infigure 14 ; -
figure 16 shows a front view of a detail of the apparatus; -
figure 17 shows a view of the above mentioned detail of the apparatus according to the tracing plane XVII-XVII; -
figure 18 shows a longitudinal cross-section view of a further detail of the apparatus; -
figure 19 shows a longitudinal cross-section view of a different embodiment of the above mentioned detail. - With particular reference to such figures, the apparatus for cleaning surfaces according to the present invention has been indicated in its entirety with 1.
- The
apparatus 1 comprises atank 2 predisposed to contain an abrasive material, closed at its top by alid 3 provided with arefill opening 4 for the replenishment and the further refills of material. - Under the
lid 3, aspring door 3 is placed so as to hermetically close therefill opening 4 and allowing the opening of thelid 3 exclusively towards the inside of thetank 2. - The used abrasive material is different depending on the type of working to be carried out. Such material can be, for example, of the mineral or vegetal or iron metal type. As an alternative, carbonates can be used such as baking soda. The above mentioned materials con be used singularly or, alternatively, combined one another thus creating a blend. The size of the grains of the above mentioned materials can be bigger than 0,06 mm, preferably in the range 0,06 - 1,50 mm.
- The
tank 2 comprises a hollow cylindrical body preferably obtained through extrusion of aluminium, for making the apparatus lighter and for easing the transport, making it possible also by shoulder. - The
tank 2 is associated at the top with the above mentionedlid 3 and at the bottom with abase 6 through assembling means 7 comprising a series of tie-rods which extend longitudinally, along the whole length of the cylindrical body, so as to shape a steady anddurable tank 2, able to support the high pressure attained inside the same tank. - The tie-rods 7 are fixed to the
lid 3, at one end, through hook means 8 of the screw type. - At the opposite end the tie-rods have
portions 7a suitably manufactured, for example threaded, predisposed to be inserted in correspondingseats 9 of conjugated shape obtained on thebase 6. - The
base 6 has an emptyingopening 10 closed by asuitable emptying valve 11. - The
base 6 comprises as well adischarge opening 12 for the abrasive material and a further discharge opening 13 for the compressed air. - A couple of
feet 14 for supporting theapparatus 1 is frontally associated with thebase 6. - At a rear part of the
base 6, a couple ofwheels 15 is mounted so as to ease the transport of the apparatus. - The
lid 3 and thebase 6 are, for example, made up of a plate preferably made of aluminium, which gives further lightness. - The
tank 2 shapes an upper portion, predisposed to contain compressed air, which constitutes a compression chamber so as to exert a constant pressure on the introduced material and, hence, carry out the correct storage of the same material inside thetank 2. - Inside the
tank 2, inferiorly, a conveyingmember 16 is mounted, having a hollow conical shape asymmetric with respect to the revolution axis. - The conveying
member 16 shapes at the top a receivingopening 17, which coincides with the base of the cone, through which the material contained inside thetank 2 is collected and suitably guided towards aneccentric opening 18 opposite to the receiving opening 17 (seefigures 6 - 9 ). Theeccentric opening 18 is placed above thedischarge opening 12. - Adjacent to the
tank 2, afirst duct 19 extends for the whole length of the cylindrical body of thetank 2, thefirst duct 19 communicating with the compression chamber, and being predisposed to allow the passage of compressed air. - According to an embodiment, inside the tank 2 a
second duct 20 is arranged, extending along a longitudinal direction, substantially parallel to thefirst duct 19, predisposed to convey compressed air towards thedischarge opening 12. - More in detail, the
second duct 20 is provided with aninlet portion 200 protruding with respect to the abrasive material, that is, which extends superiorly with respect with the abrasive material contained in thetank 2 so as to allow the access of a part of the compressed air introduced in the chamber inside the secondsame duct 20. -
Such duct 20 has as well anoutlet portion 201, which is inserted in the discharge opening 12 of abrasive material, to convey the compressed air in an inlet duct of the abrasive material, towards a mixing chamber, as it is better explained in the following, so as to ease the passage of the material in the above mentioned chamber and reduce the occlusion phenomena (seefigure 10 ). - The
first duct 19 comprises, at the top, a firsttransversal hole 21 and a secondtransversal hole 22. Thefirst hole 21, obtained at the above mentioned compression chamber, connects the outside with the inside of the tank 2 (seefigure 4 ) while thesecond hole 22 connects the outside with the sole first duct 19 (seefigure 5 ). - In the
aforementioned holes valve 23 for the entry of pressurized air both in theduct 19 and inside thetank 2, and asafety valve 24 for the exit of air, in case of overpressure in thetank 2, are respectively applied. - It is possible to provide that the
first duct 19 is provided with athird hole 25, arranged below thesecond hole 22, which puts in connection theduct 19 with the outside. At thethird hole 25, adischarge valve 26 is provided, predisposed to allow the discharging of air under pressure remaining in thetank 2 whenever stopping the spraying, as it is better explained in the following (seefigure 1 ). In this way, the working time is reduced as the exceeding air is quickly expelled from thetank 2, and then the pressure value of the air in the chamber in rest condition of theapparatus 1 is promptly restored. - The pressurized air is supplied by a compressor, not shown in the figures, through a
supply duct 27 communicating at a terminal part with ananti-condensation filter 28. - The
anti-condensation filter 28 is placed below aflow control valve 29 of the compressed air, for example of pneumatic type, which is connected with aconnection duct 30. Theconnection duct 30 is associated at an opposite end with apressure regulator 31, connected with thevalve 23 for the entry of pressurized air. - The pressurized air can reach pressure values higher than 0.2 bar, preferably in the range between 0.2 bar and 10 bar.
- A mixing
valve 31 is associated with thetank 2 and is predisposed to receive the abrasive material and, in case thesecond duct 20 is provided, also pressurized air, through thedischarge opening 12 and the sole flow of compressed air through the further discharge opening 13 obtained at a terminal part of theduct 19. In particular, the mixingvalve 31 is placed below thebase 6. - The mixing
valve 31 comprises abody 32 internally shaping afirst inlet duct 33 for the passage of the flow of compressed air communicating, by means of acentral duct 34, with asecond inlet duct 35 for the abrasive material or of the abrasive material with compressed air. - The
central duct 34 extends along a central axis B in a direction transversal, preferably orthogonal, to thefirst inlet duct 33 and defines a mixing chamber for the compressed air and the abrasive material. - At one end, the
central duct 34 shapes aconnection portion 36 predisposed to allow the coupling of the mixingvalve 31 with ajoin member 37 for aflexible rubber pipe 38. - The
connection portion 36, internally, has a threading so that a corresponding portion ofconjugated shape 37a of thejoin member 37 can be inserted by screwing (seefigure 12, 14 e15 ). - Alternatively, the
join member 37 is fixed to thevalve 31 through suitable join means 39. In particular, theconnection portion 36 has a threading made on an internal surface thereof, so that it can be coupled, by screwing, to the above-mentioned join means 39 (seefigure 13 ). - The join means 39 comprise a ferrule, provided with an inner threading having shape conjugated with the shape of the
connection portion 36, arranged coaxial to thejoin member 37 and, in an assembled configuration, in abutment with thebody 32 of the mixingvalve 31. Between theferrule 39 and thejoin member 37 aseal 40 is interposed, for example of the O-ring type. - The
join member 37 is made of a material having high hardness and resistance to abrasion, for example steel or tungsten carbide. - The
second inlet duct 35 extends from thedischarge opening 12 to thecentral duct 34 along a longitudinal axis A inclined by an acute angle α with respect to the central axis B of thecentral duct 34. - The acute angle α is preferably comprised in the range between 30° and 45° (see
figure 17 ), for which optimal results are obtained for the efflux regularity. - At the
second inlet duct 35, asuitable shutter member 41 is placed, which allows to adjust, upon activation of aregulation valve 42 associated therewith, the cross-section of the samesecond inlet duct 35 and, hence, the amount of abrasive material to be mixed with the compressed air flow. - Preferably, the
shutter member 41 is made of steel, to confer optimal abrasion resistance. - The
flexible tube 38 is associated at one end with thejoin member 37 and at the opposite end to suitable sprayer means 43 constituted for example by asprayer gun 44. - The
sprayer gun 44 comprises a series of elements, not illustrated for simplicity, suitably assembled so as to give thesprayer gun 44 itself an ergonomic configuration. These elements are preferably obtained by extrusion of aluminium. - The
sprayer gun 44 has at one end a sprayingnozzle 45, through which a jet of air and abrasive material is sprayed on the surface to be treated. - The spraying
nozzle 45 comprises a hollowcylindrical body 46 having aninlet opening 47 and an opposed outlet opening 48 for the flow of air and abrasive material. - Preferably, the spraying
nozzle 45 is made of a material with high hardness and abrasion resistance, preferably tungsten carbide. - The spraying
nozzle 45 comprises across-section narrowing portion 49, starting from which the thickness of thecylindrical body 46 progressively reduces until theexit end 48, thus shaping aguide channel 50 for the flow. - More in particular, the
guide channel 50 diverges with an acute angle β with respect to a longitudinal axis C of the sprayingnozzle 45 so as to shape a channel of substantially conical shape, diverging towards the exit, for a jet of compressed air and abrasive material. Thanks to this conformation, the distribution of the outgoing material is particularly homogeneous, giving rise to a jet of substantially conical shape, with a homogeneous distribution of the material in the volume occupied by the jet itself (seefigure 18 ). - The diverging angle β is preferably comprised in a range between 2° and 8°, in which the homogeneity of the distribution is optimal.
- Starting from the narrowing
portion 49, thenozzle 45 shapes, towards the entrance, at the side opposite to theoutlet channel 50, a converginginlet channel 51, so as to determine, in combination with the above-mentioned portions of thenozzle 45, a Venturi effect. - In practice, the thickness of the
cylindrical body 46 gradually decreases towards the inlet opening 47 thus shaping theconvergent inlet channel 51, for the entrance of the flow of compressed air and abrasive material. - According to a different embodiment, the thickness of the
cylindrical body 46, starting from the above mentioned narrowingportion 49 towards theoutlet opening 48, remains unchanged, therefore the shapedguide channel 50 is substantially cylindrical (seefigure 19 ). In such case, the configuration of theguide channel 50 allows to obtain an outgoing air jet comprising particles of abrasive material provided with a higher propagation speed. Such kind of flow is suitable in case a particularly aggressive treatment is required for the surface. - The
sprayer gun 44 is provided as well with suitable command means 52, which can be operated by the user to operate or deactivate the spraying of compressed air and abrasive material through the sprayingnozzle 45. - In particular, these command means 52 are associated with the
valve 29 of regulation of the flow through connection means 53, for example of the type of connection pipes, to send control signals to thevalve 29 to set it in a closure or opening configuration. - Preferably, the command means 52 comprise a lever member operable by hand.
- The functioning of the apparatus for cleaning surfaces is easy to understand from the preceding description.
- When starting the compressor, a jet of compressed air flows from the
supply duct 27 through theanti-condensation filter 28 and, in succession, to theregulation valve 29 of the compressed air flow and to thepressure regulation device 31, until theinlet valve 23, from which the flow is distributed in thefirst duct 19 and in thetank 2. In particular, the compressed air occupies the upper portion of the tank so as to exert a constant pressure on the material. In case asecond duct 20 is present, the compressed air is introduced as well in thesecond duct 20 and eases the flowing of the abrasive material from thetank 2 to thesecond inlet duct 35 until thecentral duct 34 of the mixingvalve 31 where it is suitably mixed with the flow of compressed air introduced through thefirst duct 19. - The flow of compressed air and abrasive material mixed in the mixing
valve 31 is conveyed through theflexible pipe 38 to asprayer gun 44 which, when activated by the operator, sprays the jet on the surface to be treated. - When the user wishes to stop the outgoing jet of compressed air and abrasive material, he operates the command means 52 of the
sprayer gun 44. The command means 52 send a command signal to thevalve 29 of regulation of the flow so as to set it in a closure configuration and thus stop the passage of compressed aid from the compressor to theinlet valve 23. - The exceeding air remaining in the
tank 2 at the end of the spraying is automatically expelled through thedischarge valve 26 allowing a quick restoration of the air pressure value, in rest conditions, in the chamber of thetank 2 and then making the apparatus ready to use in a quick time. - The apparatus for cleaning surfaces therefore attains the scope of allowing the continued and constant emission of the material from the sprayer gun whenever it is necessary.
- It has been observed, in fact, that the inclination of the second inlet duct of the mixing valve with respect to the central duct of an angle comprised in the range between 30° and 45° allows to significantly reduce the phenomena of occlusion of abrasive material, thus allowing a constant flow of material towards the mixing chamber. Moreover, in the embodiment comprising the second duct, the feeding of the abrasive material to the mixing valve is eased by the above mentioned second duct that introduces compressed air in the feeding duct of the abrasive material, thus considerably reducing the occlusion phenomena, which are frequent mostly in case of use of abrasive material having grains of reduced size.
- In this way, continuity in the flow of abrasive material and compressed air outgoing from the mixing valve is ensured, with consequent optimization of production times.
- It has been observed, as well, that the inclination of the guide channel of the nozzle of the sprayer gun is optimal in terms of homogeneity of the product jet at the exit. The abrasive material is in fact uniformly distributed in the volume of the obtained conical jet, thus ensuring a uniform distribution of the abrasive material on the surface to be treated.
- Another important aspect is represented by the fact that the uniform thrust exerted by the air fed into the compression chamber makes constant the outflow of material from the tank towards the mixing chamber and allows a proper storage of the material in the tank.
- In this respect, a significant contribution to the regularity of the above-mentioned flow is due to the use of the conveying member, which permits to prevent problems of adhesion of the material to the tank, in particular at the peripheral edge of the base of the tank, easing the outflow of the material towards the discharge opening.
- This aspect is particularly advantageous in case a material consisting of grains of reduced size is used and low pressure is used for compression on the material, as well as in case it is required to frequently replace the type of used abrasive material and then to minimize the adherence of the material to the tank to ease its replacement.
- A further aspect to be underlined is that the apparatus allows to reduce working time, in particular the discharge time of the exceeding compressed air and therefore the time required between two subsequent sprayings, thanks to the discharge valve which allows to quickly discharge air remaining in the tank at the end of each spraying. Thus it is also achieved a saving of abrasive material since, in the absence of such a valve, the exceeding air is expelled, at the end of each spraying, through the nozzle of the sprayer gun together with the abrasive material. The reduction of the discharge time increases, at the same time, the safety of the user since the jet exiting from the sprayer gun is stopped in a reduced time.
- It was also observed that the presence of the discharge valve considerably reduces the phenomena of turbulence that may occur at the compressed air inlet valve, which cause the accumulation of abrasive material in the feed circuit of compressed air, in particular in the pressure regulator device.
- The present invention attains also the scope of providing a versatile apparatus that can be used for materials having different mechanical, physical and granulometric characteristics, thanks to the above-mentioned mixing valve, which allows to suitably dose the quantity of abrasive material to be mixed by means of the regulation valve.
- The apparatus for cleaning surfaces also allows an easy transport mainly thanks to the use of materials, such as aluminium, which significantly lighten the overall weight of the apparatus and make also possible alternative mode of use thereof. In case of embodiments of the apparatus of small size, the operator can easily support the weight of the apparatus, for example by loading it on his shoulder.
- The ergonomic features of the sprayer gun also gives the apparatus an easy manoeuvrability.
- A further aspect to be underlined is the use of materials of high hardness and abrasion resistance, in particular tungsten carbide, for the realization of members such as the obstruction unit, the spraying nozzle and the connection member, particularly subjected to abrasion phenomena. In this way, a greater reliability and durability is given to the apparatus.
- The apparatus described as an example is susceptible of numerous modifications and variants according to the different exigencies.
- In practice, the embodiment of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and dimensions, may vary depending on the requirements. The scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims.
- Should the technical characteristics mentioned in each claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.
Claims (9)
- Apparatus for cleaning surfaces, comprising
a body (1) comprising a tank (2) for containing an abrasive material and a first duct (19) for a flow of compressed air;
a mixing valve (31), associated with said tank (2) for mixing said abrasive material with said flow of compressed air;
sprayer means (43) predisposed to be connected with said mixing valve (31); said first duct (19) being predisposed for allowing the flow of said compressed air both directly into said tank (2) so as to allow an efficient storage of said abrasive material inside said tank (2), and towards said mixing valve (31),
characterized in that
said mixing valve (31) comprises a first inlet duct (33) for the passage of said flow of compressed air,
a central duct (34) extended along a central axis (B), shaping a mixing chamber and communicating with said first inlet duct (33);
a second inlet duct (35) for the passage of said abrasive material, communicating with said central duct (34), extending along a longitudinal axis (A) inclined with respect to the said central axis (B) of said central duct (34) of an acute angle (α) and characterized in that it comprises a conveying member (16) mounted inside said tank (2), in a lower position, having a hollow conical shape being asymmetric with respect to its revolution axis. - Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said conveying member (16) defines in an upper part a receiving opening (17) for said abrasive material contained in said tank (2) and an opposite eccentric opening (18) towards which said abrasive material is conveyed.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said acute angle (α) is comprised in a range between 30°and 45°.
- Apparatus according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said sprayer means (43) have at one end a spraying nozzle (45), predisposed to spray said flow of compressed air mixed with said abrasive material on a surface to be treated, comprising a hollow cylindrical body (46) having an inlet opening (47) and an opposite outlet opening (48).
- Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that said spraying nozzle (45) comprises a portion (49) having a narrowing of transversal section from which a guide channel (50) having a shape diverging towards said outlet opening (48) is defined for said flow of compressed air and abrasive material.
- Apparatus according to claim 5 characterized in that said guide channel (50) diverges of an acute angle (β) with respect to a longitudinal axis (C) of said spraying nozzle (45) so as to spray a jet having a substantially conical shape with an homogeneous distribution of said abrasive material in the volume of said jet.
- Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that said acute angle (β) is comprised in a range between 2°and 8°.
- Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a shutter member (41), arranged inside said second inlet duct (35), associated with a regulation valve (42), which allows to adjust, upon activation of said same regulation valve (42), a transversal section of said second inlet duct (35).
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said first duct (19) for a flow of compressed air extends adjacent to said tank (2) along the whole length of said tank (2).
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL15766621T PL3177431T3 (en) | 2014-08-08 | 2015-08-06 | Apparatus for cleaning surfaces |
HRP20191158TT HRP20191158T1 (en) | 2014-08-08 | 2019-06-27 | Apparatus for cleaning surfaces |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
ITBO20140459 | 2014-08-08 | ||
PCT/IB2015/055980 WO2016020877A1 (en) | 2014-08-08 | 2015-08-06 | Apparatus for cleaning surfaces |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3177431A1 EP3177431A1 (en) | 2017-06-14 |
EP3177431B1 true EP3177431B1 (en) | 2019-03-27 |
Family
ID=51753280
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15766621.5A Active EP3177431B1 (en) | 2014-08-08 | 2015-08-06 | Apparatus for cleaning surfaces |
Country Status (13)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20170225295A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3177431B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106573360A (en) |
BR (1) | BR102014023615A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2954147C (en) |
DK (1) | DK3177431T3 (en) |
HR (1) | HRP20191158T1 (en) |
HU (1) | HUE044420T2 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3177431T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT3177431T (en) |
RU (1) | RU2658522C1 (en) |
TR (1) | TR201909125T4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016020877A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU200116U1 (en) * | 2020-03-04 | 2020-10-07 | Валерий Михайлович Башков | Steam abrasive blasting nozzle |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11219981B2 (en) | 2017-09-12 | 2022-01-11 | Eclipse Surface Technologies, LLC | Portable surface cleaning apparatus |
DK3706956T3 (en) * | 2017-11-06 | 2021-12-06 | Ibix Srl | Portable device for cleaning surfaces |
EP3492222A1 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2019-06-05 | Ibix S.r.l. | Portable apparatus for cleaning surfaces |
RU2664349C1 (en) * | 2017-12-26 | 2018-08-16 | Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Нефтесервис-НОРД" | Blasting nozzles |
Family Cites Families (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3251512A (en) * | 1965-02-12 | 1966-05-17 | Baker Perkins Inc | Feeder means |
SU1634464A1 (en) * | 1988-08-23 | 1991-03-15 | Предприятие П/Я А-7204 | Nozzle for abrasive machining of parts |
US5319894A (en) * | 1992-10-08 | 1994-06-14 | Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | Blast nozzle containing water atomizer for dust control |
US5618177A (en) * | 1995-05-08 | 1997-04-08 | Dove Systems, Inc. | Arrangement for feeding pressurized particulate material |
CN2225935Y (en) * | 1995-09-13 | 1996-05-01 | 张梦鱼 | Combined wet abrasive blasting nozzle |
US5899248A (en) * | 1995-11-06 | 1999-05-04 | Anderson; Craig Jamieson | Material dispenser |
CN2260684Y (en) * | 1996-05-10 | 1997-08-27 | 汪世学 | Mould sand-blower |
DE50302893D1 (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2006-05-18 | Kipp Jens Werner | BEAM PROCESS AND DEVICE |
CN2585735Y (en) * | 2002-12-27 | 2003-11-12 | 吴成辉 | Sand ejector |
DE202005007320U1 (en) * | 2005-05-09 | 2005-07-07 | Günther Böhler GmbH | Device for abrasive blasting of workpieces |
ITRA20060055A1 (en) * | 2006-09-18 | 2008-03-19 | Tecno Supply S R L | METHOD AND RELATIVE PORTABLE EQUIPMENT FOR THE CLEANING OF SURFACES. |
CN201109072Y (en) * | 2007-12-06 | 2008-09-03 | 周高超 | Bamboo wood green-keeping carving machine |
CN201371418Y (en) * | 2009-03-05 | 2009-12-30 | 刘永钦 | Sand valve |
IT1394185B1 (en) * | 2009-05-08 | 2012-06-01 | Ibix Srl | METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR FLAME SPRAYING OF THERMOPLASTIC POWDERS |
CN202625911U (en) * | 2012-07-03 | 2012-12-26 | 中国大唐集团环境技术有限公司 | High-accuracy lime adding device |
US9849559B2 (en) | 2012-09-04 | 2017-12-26 | American Fab, Inc. | Sand blaster with reduced vibration and wear |
CN103447971A (en) * | 2013-09-12 | 2013-12-18 | 厦门四缘环保技术有限公司 | Sand sprayer |
CN203779339U (en) * | 2014-03-12 | 2014-08-20 | 四川西林石油物资装备有限公司 | Mobile sanding apparatus |
-
2014
- 2014-09-23 BR BR102014023615-5A patent/BR102014023615A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
2015
- 2015-08-06 EP EP15766621.5A patent/EP3177431B1/en active Active
- 2015-08-06 CA CA2954147A patent/CA2954147C/en active Active
- 2015-08-06 DK DK15766621.5T patent/DK3177431T3/en active
- 2015-08-06 HU HUE15766621 patent/HUE044420T2/en unknown
- 2015-08-06 CN CN201580042487.2A patent/CN106573360A/en active Pending
- 2015-08-06 TR TR2019/09125T patent/TR201909125T4/en unknown
- 2015-08-06 PT PT15766621T patent/PT3177431T/en unknown
- 2015-08-06 RU RU2017107230A patent/RU2658522C1/en active
- 2015-08-06 WO PCT/IB2015/055980 patent/WO2016020877A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-08-06 PL PL15766621T patent/PL3177431T3/en unknown
- 2015-08-06 US US15/502,333 patent/US20170225295A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2019
- 2019-06-27 HR HRP20191158TT patent/HRP20191158T1/en unknown
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU200116U1 (en) * | 2020-03-04 | 2020-10-07 | Валерий Михайлович Башков | Steam abrasive blasting nozzle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN106573360A (en) | 2017-04-19 |
PL3177431T3 (en) | 2020-04-30 |
BR102014023615A2 (en) | 2018-05-29 |
DK3177431T3 (en) | 2019-07-08 |
CA2954147C (en) | 2022-08-30 |
TR201909125T4 (en) | 2019-07-22 |
CA2954147A1 (en) | 2016-02-11 |
EP3177431A1 (en) | 2017-06-14 |
HRP20191158T1 (en) | 2019-10-18 |
PT3177431T (en) | 2019-07-08 |
WO2016020877A1 (en) | 2016-02-11 |
RU2658522C1 (en) | 2018-06-21 |
US20170225295A1 (en) | 2017-08-10 |
HUE044420T2 (en) | 2019-10-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3177431B1 (en) | Apparatus for cleaning surfaces | |
US3994097A (en) | Abrasive or sand blast apparatus and method | |
US10773359B2 (en) | Venturi action media blaster | |
US10471570B2 (en) | Wet abrasive blasting unit | |
US8696406B2 (en) | Device for blast-machining or abrasive blasting objects | |
US10610998B2 (en) | Slurry blasting assembly | |
US9802166B2 (en) | Vortex mixing system | |
EP3515661B1 (en) | Apparatus configured to provide both wet and dry blasting and method for oprrating such an apparatus | |
CN107406084B (en) | Pneumatic conveying device and metering device with injection pump for flowable material and sanding device | |
US4948054A (en) | Pneumatic drywall texture bazooka | |
JPH05111648A (en) | Novel spray system | |
US20160184847A1 (en) | Vortex mixing and ratio adjustment system | |
EP2094442B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces | |
EP3300836B1 (en) | Apparatus for spraying an abrasive mixture towards a delicate surface for removing writings, drawings or graffiti therefrom | |
EP3492222A1 (en) | Portable apparatus for cleaning surfaces | |
EP3706956B1 (en) | Portable apparatus for cleaning surfaces | |
EP2329886A2 (en) | Spray booth for coating products | |
KR101974712B1 (en) | Spray device | |
US9145255B2 (en) | Dispenser for dispensing a fluent material | |
CN207446547U (en) | A kind of radio suction valve | |
EP0749784A1 (en) | Device for the distribution of pasty products, such as plasters or mortars, particularly for building works | |
US20130065491A1 (en) | Grit Pickup Apparatus And Method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20170228 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20180227 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20181018 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1112499 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190415 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602015027226 Country of ref document: DE |
|
RAP2 | Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred) |
Owner name: IBIX S.R.L. |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HR Ref legal event code: TUEP Ref document number: P20191158 Country of ref document: HR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DK Ref legal event code: T3 Effective date: 20190704 Ref country code: PT Ref legal event code: SC4A Ref document number: 3177431 Country of ref document: PT Date of ref document: 20190708 Kind code of ref document: T Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION Effective date: 20190625 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: FP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: SE Ref legal event code: TRGR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: RO Ref legal event code: EPE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190627 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190628 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NO Ref legal event code: T2 Effective date: 20190327 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HR Ref legal event code: ODRP Ref document number: P20191158 Country of ref document: HR Payment date: 20190724 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HR Ref legal event code: T1PR Ref document number: P20191158 Country of ref document: HR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HU Ref legal event code: AG4A Ref document number: E044420 Country of ref document: HU |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190727 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602015027226 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20200103 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20190806 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190831 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190831 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190806 Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20190806 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HR Ref legal event code: ODRP Ref document number: P20191158 Country of ref document: HR Payment date: 20200730 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HR Ref legal event code: ODRP Ref document number: P20191158 Country of ref document: HR Payment date: 20210803 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20190327 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: UEP Ref document number: 1112499 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20190327 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HR Ref legal event code: ODRP Ref document number: P20191158 Country of ref document: HR Payment date: 20220728 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230403 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HR Ref legal event code: ODRP Ref document number: P20191158 Country of ref document: HR Payment date: 20230726 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Payment date: 20230726 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: RO Payment date: 20230727 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: NO Payment date: 20230831 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: NL Payment date: 20230830 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20230831 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: IE Payment date: 20230830 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: AT Payment date: 20230830 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Payment date: 20230830 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: PT Payment date: 20230727 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: PL Payment date: 20230726 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: HU Payment date: 20230726 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: HR Payment date: 20230726 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20230830 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: DK Payment date: 20230831 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230929 Year of fee payment: 9 Ref country code: BE Payment date: 20230830 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HR Ref legal event code: ODRP Ref document number: P20191158 Country of ref document: HR Payment date: 20240705 Year of fee payment: 10 |