EP3479906B1 - Spray nozzle with pre-atomisation narrowing, and spray head and spraying device comprising such a nozzle - Google Patents

Spray nozzle with pre-atomisation narrowing, and spray head and spraying device comprising such a nozzle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3479906B1
EP3479906B1 EP18204718.3A EP18204718A EP3479906B1 EP 3479906 B1 EP3479906 B1 EP 3479906B1 EP 18204718 A EP18204718 A EP 18204718A EP 3479906 B1 EP3479906 B1 EP 3479906B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spraying
nozzle
product
orifice
atomization
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
Application number
EP18204718.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3479906A1 (en
Inventor
Tarik Bennani
Thibault Cognon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Exel Industries SA
Original Assignee
Exel Industries SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Exel Industries SA filed Critical Exel Industries SA
Publication of EP3479906A1 publication Critical patent/EP3479906A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3479906B1 publication Critical patent/EP3479906B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
    • B05B7/08—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point
    • B05B7/0807—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point to form intersecting jets
    • B05B7/0815—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point to form intersecting jets with at least one gas jet intersecting a jet constituted by a liquid or a mixture containing a liquid for controlling the shape of the latter
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/02—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to produce a jet, spray, or other discharge of particular shape or nature, e.g. in single drops, or having an outlet of particular shape
    • B05B1/10—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to produce a jet, spray, or other discharge of particular shape or nature, e.g. in single drops, or having an outlet of particular shape in the form of a fine jet, e.g. for use in wind-screen washers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/02—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to produce a jet, spray, or other discharge of particular shape or nature, e.g. in single drops, or having an outlet of particular shape
    • B05B1/04—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to produce a jet, spray, or other discharge of particular shape or nature, e.g. in single drops, or having an outlet of particular shape in flat form, e.g. fan-like, sheet-like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B13/00—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00
    • B05B13/02—Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work
    • B05B13/0278—Arrangement or mounting of spray heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/0012—Apparatus for achieving spraying before discharge from the apparatus
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
    • B05B7/04—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge
    • B05B7/0416—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge with arrangements for mixing one gas and one liquid
    • B05B7/0483—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge with arrangements for mixing one gas and one liquid with gas and liquid jets intersecting in the mixing chamber
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
    • B05B7/06—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with at least one outlet orifice surrounding another approximately in the same plane
    • B05B7/062—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with at least one outlet orifice surrounding another approximately in the same plane with only one liquid outlet and at least one gas outlet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
    • B05B7/2402—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device
    • B05B7/2464—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device a liquid being fed by mechanical pumping from the container to the nozzle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
    • B05B7/2489—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device an atomising fluid, e.g. a gas, being supplied to the discharge device
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
    • B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
    • B05B9/04—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump
    • B05B9/0403—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump with pumps for liquids or other fluent material

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a spray nozzle for spraying a product, of the type defining a passage for the circulation of the product through the nozzle, said passage opening out to the outside of the nozzle, at an upstream end thereof. , by a wide connection orifice, and at a downstream end of the nozzle by a narrow spray orifice, suitable for spraying the product.
  • the invention also relates to a spray head for a product spraying device, of the type comprising an annular ring having a central orifice, and a spray nozzle of the aforementioned type housed in said central orifice, substantially coaxially with the annular ring.
  • the invention also relates to a spraying installation of the type comprising a source of product to be sprayed and a spray head of the aforementioned type, the source of product to be sprayed being fluidly connected to the connection orifice of the spray nozzle.
  • Spraying installations of the aforementioned type are known. They are intended to ensure the bursting of a coating product into fine droplets so as to coat a large surface with a small amount of product.
  • the coating material is supplied under pressure from a source and conveyed under pressure to a spray nozzle.
  • US 2012/097765 A1 discloses a fine finish tip spray apparatus with an atomizing section comprising a first fluid impact port, i.e., a pre-orifice, inclined towards an expansion chamber and a second fluid impact port. next fluid impact.
  • the coating product is supplied by the source with a very low overpressure relative to atmospheric pressure, typically between 0.5 and 1.5 bars. Compressed air is blown at the outlet of the nozzle and it is this compressed air which atomizes the liquid film ejected by the nozzle.
  • This solution has the advantage of having a very high quality of finish. It is also relatively inexpensive. However, it has the drawback of exhibiting a low transfer rate, a large amount of the coating product being dispersed in the environment without reaching the surface to be coated.
  • Another solution is airless spraying.
  • the coating product is supplied by the source at very high pressure, typically at a pressure of between 160 and 300 bars. It is then the narrowness of the spray orifice which causes the product to burst. There is no air involved.
  • This solution has the advantage of an excellent transfer rate.
  • it has the drawback of requiring pumping equipment capable of supplying the coating product at very high pressure, and involves very high compressed air consumption for supplying these pumps. This makes it an expensive technology.
  • a final solution consists of mixed spraying.
  • the coating product is supplied by the high pressure source, typically at a pressure of between 50 and 150 bars.
  • airless spraying then it is the narrowness of the spray orifice that causes the product to burst.
  • This spraying is not optimal, however, given the relatively low pressure at which the coating product is supplied by the source.
  • compressed air is blown out of the nozzle, as in pneumatic spray technology.
  • This solution makes it possible to obtain substantially the same quality of finish as with airless spraying, with a good transfer rate, while being more economical since the coating product is supplied at a lower pressure.
  • it has the drawback of remaining relatively expensive compared to the pneumatic spray solution.
  • the invention relates to a spray nozzle of the aforementioned type, in which the passage has, between the connection orifice and the spray orifice, at least one pre-atomization restriction capable of atomizing the product. , followed by a widening downstream of said pre-atomization constriction.
  • a subject of the invention is also a spray head of the aforementioned type, in which the spray nozzle consists of a nozzle as defined above.
  • a further subject of the invention is a spray gun comprising a spray head as defined above.
  • a further subject of the invention is a spraying installation of the aforementioned type, in which the spray head consists of a head as defined above.
  • a further subject of the invention is a spraying method of the aforementioned type, in which the spray nozzle consists of a nozzle as defined above.
  • the spraying installation 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises, in a known manner, a source 12 of coating product, a supply 13 of compressed gas, an applicator 14 for applying the coating product to a surface to be coated, a first fluidic link 15 fluidly connecting the source 12 to the 'applicator 14, and a second fluidic connection 16 fluidly connecting the supply 13 to the applicator 14.
  • the coating product is advantageously constituted by a fluid, for example by a paint, a tint, an adhesive, or a mastic having typically a viscosity between 20mPa.s and 500mPa.s
  • the source 12 is suitable for supplying the coating product at an outlet pressure of between 20 and 300 bars, in particular between 20 and 150 bars and advantageously between 20 and 80 bars.
  • the source 12 typically comprises a reservoir of coating product (not shown), and a pump (not shown) for pumping the coating product into the reservoir and delivering it to the fluidic connection 16 at the outlet pressure.
  • the supply 13 is suitable for supplying a gas, typically air, compressed, preferably at a pressure between 0.2 bar and 6 bar, advantageously between 0.2 bar and 2 bar.
  • the power supply 13 is for example constituted by an air compressor.
  • the first fluidic link 15 fluidly connects an outlet 17 of the source 12 to a first inlet 18 of the applicator 14. It is typically formed by a flexible pipe.
  • the second fluidic link 16 fluidly connects an outlet 19 of the supply 13 to a second inlet 20 of the applicator 14. It is typically formed by a flexible pipe.
  • the applicator 14 comprises a body 21 and a spray head 22 mounted on the body 20.
  • the body 21 carries the first inlet 18 of the applicator 14 and comprises a tube 23 internally defining a duct (not shown) fluidly connecting said inlet 18 to an orifice 24 for outlet of the coating product from the body 21, said orifice 24 defining the end of the tube 23.
  • the body 21 also carries the second inlet 20 and internally defines a cavity (not shown) fluidly connecting said inlet 20 to an orifice 26 for the outlet of compressed gas outside the body 21.
  • the orifice 26 is, in the example shown, arranged concentrically around port 24.
  • the applicator 14 consists of a spray gun.
  • the body 21 is therefore shaped in the form of a butt and carries a trigger 28 capable of actuating a valve (not shown) and of being moved relative to the body 21 between a position at rest, in which the valve closes the fluid connections between the inlets 18. , 20 and the outlet ports 24, 26, and an actuated position, in which the valve releases said fluid connections.
  • the spray gun 14 is typically a manual spray gun. Alternatively, the spray gun 14 is an automatic spray gun.
  • the spray head 22 comprises an annular ring 30 having a central orifice 32, and a spray nozzle 34 housed in said central orifice 32.
  • the annular ring 30 is centered on an axis A-A '. It comprises an annular body 36 defining the central orifice 32, and a skirt 38 rotatably mounted about the axis A-A 'relative to the body 36.
  • the body 36 has a downstream face 40, oriented away from the body 21, and an upstream face 42 facing the body 21.
  • the body 36 further defines a plurality of air channels 44 ( Figure 3 ), 46, rectilinear, opening into the upstream 42 and downstream 40 faces, each air channel 44, 46 being oriented in a converging direction, that is to say intersecting the axis A-A '.
  • the spray head 22 is mounted on the body 21 so that the air channels 44, 46 are fluidly connected to the outlet port 26. Thus, the air channels 44, 46 are fluidly connected to the source 13. of compressed gas.
  • the air channels 44, 46 in particular comprise first air channels 44, which converge on the nozzle 34, and second air channels 46, which converge downstream from the nozzle 34.
  • the skirt 38 projects upstream with respect to the body 36. It has an internal thread 50 able to cooperate with a complementary external thread 52 formed on the body 21 so as to be able to be screwed onto the body 21. It defines an upstream end. 54 for connecting the ring 30 to the body 21.
  • the downstream face 40 is oriented opposite this upstream end 54.
  • the spray nozzle 34 has an upstream end 56, oriented towards the body 21, and a downstream end 58, oriented away from the body 21.
  • the nozzle 34 also defines a passage 60 for the circulation of the coating product to through the nozzle 34, said passage 60 opening out to the outside of the nozzle 34, at the upstream end 56, by a wide connection orifice 62, and at the downstream end 58 by a narrow spray orifice 64, suitable for spray the product the coating product.
  • the spray orifice 64 typically has a diameter substantially between 0.3mm and 1.15mm.
  • the outer diameter of the nozzle 34 is, for its part, preferably less than 15 mm.
  • connection port 62 is fluidly connected to the outlet port 24 of the body 21.
  • the tube 23 is engaged in the passage 60 through the connection port 62.
  • connection orifice 62 is fluidly connected to the source 12 of coating product.
  • the passage 60 has, between the connection orifice 62 and the spray orifice 64, at least one pre-atomization constriction 66, capable of atomizing the product, the or each constriction 66 being followed by a widening 68 downstream of said constriction 66.
  • This pre-atomization restriction 66 makes it possible to obtain a finer spray at the outlet of the nozzle 34, and to lower the supply pressure of the nozzle 34 with coating product without adversely affecting the homogeneity of the jet of product in nozzle outlet 34.
  • the nozzle 34 comprises in particular a tubular body 70, a spray member 72, and a pre-atomization insert 74.
  • the body 70 is oriented in an axial direction B-B ', that is to say that the axial direction BB' forms the axis of the body 70.
  • the body 70 is in particular cylindrical of revolution about said axis B-B '.
  • the nozzle 34 is in particular arranged coaxially with the ring 30.
  • the axis B-B ' coincides with the axis A-A'.
  • the body 70 has a first axial end 76 defining the upstream end 56 of the nozzle 34, and a second axial end 78 opposite the first axial end 76.
  • the first axial end 76 is in particular planar and oriented transversely to the axial direction. B-B '.
  • the second axial end 78 is in particular frustoconical centered on the axis B-B '.
  • the body 70 internally defines a through duct 79 opening into the first axial end 76 through a first opening 80 and into the second axial end 78 through a second opening 82, the first opening 80 constituting, in the example shown, the orifice of connection 62.
  • the second opening 82 is in particular narrower than the first opening 80.
  • the through duct 79 has a first section 84 of large diameter and a second section 86 of small diameter.
  • the first section 84 opens to the outside of the body 70 through the first opening 80, and the second section 86 opens to the outside of the body 70 through the second opening 82.
  • the first section 84 has substantially the same diameter as the first opening 80.
  • the second section 86 has substantially the same diameter as the second opening 82.
  • the first and second sections 84, 86 are contiguous to one another and the body 70 defines, at the interface between the first and second sections 84, 86, a radial shoulder 88 oriented towards the first opening 80.
  • This shoulder 88 is in particular substantially plane and oriented transversely to the axis B-B '.
  • the spray member 72 has an upstream face 90, housed in the duct 79, and a downstream face 92, opposite the upstream face 90 and disposed outside the body 70.
  • the upstream face 90 is substantially planar and is disposed substantially transversely to the axis B-B '. It has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the first section 84 of the duct 79.
  • the downstream face 92 is in the form of a dome centered on the axis B-B 'and split with a slot 93 perpendicular to the axis B-B'. It is flush with the second axial end 78 of the body 70 at its periphery.
  • the slot 93 has lips which form an angle between them typically between 5 ° and 150 °, preferably between 20 ° and 110 °.
  • the spray member 72 defines the spray orifice 64.
  • the spray member 72 further comprises, from upstream to downstream, a cavity 94 of decreasing cross section downstream, followed by a channel 96 of substantially constant cross section fluidly connecting the cavity 94 to the spray orifice 64.
  • the cavity 94 opens into the upstream face 90, said upstream face 90 defining, around the cavity 94, an annular shoulder 97 oriented upstream.
  • the pre-atomization constriction 66 opens into the cavity 94, said cavity 94 defining the widening 68 downstream of said constriction 66.
  • the cavity 94 has, in the example shown, the shape of a bell.
  • the spray orifice 64 is formed by a constriction terminating the channel 96 and split by the slot 93. This constriction is in particular in the form of a dome.
  • the diameter of the spray orifice 64 is defined as being the major axis of the ellipse formed by the intersection of the slit 93 with said constriction.
  • the spray member 72 is in particular constituted by a spray insert attached to the body 70 and housed in part in the duct 79.
  • This insert 72 comprises a base 100 and, projecting axially from the base 100, along the axis B-B ', a finger 102 having a free end 104 opposite the base 100, said free end 104 defining the spray orifice 64 .
  • the base 100 is fully housed in the first section 84 of the duct 79. It has a cross section substantially complementary to that of said first section 84 and defines the upstream face 90. It also defines a radial shoulder 106, opposite the upstream face 90, resting against the shoulder 88 of the body 70.
  • the base 100 preferably has an axial thickness of less than 4 mm. It is in particular formed by a substantially planar plate orthogonal to the finger 102.
  • the finger 102 comprises a first section 108, cylindrical, and a second section 110 in the form of a dome.
  • the first section 108 is attached to the base 100. It is fully housed in the second section 86 of the duct 79. It has a cross section substantially equal to that of said second section 86.
  • the second section 110 is disposed outside the duct 79. It defines the free end 104 and the downstream face 92.
  • the pre-atomization insert 74 is attached to the body 70 by being housed in the duct 79, and defines the pre-atomization constriction 66.
  • the pre-atomization insert 74 comprises a base 112 and, projecting axially from the base 112, along the axis B-B ', a finger 114 having a free end 116 opposite the base 112, said free end 116 defining the pre-atomization shrinkage 66.
  • the base 112 is fully housed in the first section 84 of the duct 79. It has a cross section substantially complementary to that of said first section 84. It bears against the annular shoulder 97.
  • the base 112 also defines a downstream face 117 of the pre-atomization insert 74, oriented downstream and opposite to the annular shoulder 97.
  • the base 112 has at least one, in particular two, flat (s) 119, which prevents the insert 74 from rotating relative to the body 70.
  • the finger 114 is housed substantially entirely in the cavity 94.
  • the finger 114 comprises a first section 118 for connection to the base 112, and a second section 120 formed by the free end 116.
  • a first variant of the insert 74 shown in the figures. Figures 5 and 6 , it also comprises an intermediate section 122 between the first and second sections 118, 120.
  • the first section 118 is cylindrical. In the first variant, it extends from the base 112 to the intermediate section 122. In a second variant, shown in Figures 7 and 8 , it extends from the base 112 to the free end 116.
  • the free end 116 is in the form of a split dome with a slot 123 perpendicular to the axis B-B '. It is housed in the cavity 94 and is arranged so that the pre-atomization constriction 66 opens out at a distance from the channel 96 less than half the axial length of the cavity 94.
  • the slot 123 has lips which form between them an angle typically between 5 ° and 150 °, preferably between 20 ° and 110 °.
  • the intermediate section 122 when it exists, has a frustoconical shape and extends from the first section 118 to the second section 120.
  • the slot 123 extends into said intermediate section 122.
  • the pre-atomization insert 74 defines internally, from upstream to downstream, a cavity 124 of decreasing cross section downstream, followed by a channel 126 of substantially constant cross section fluidly connecting the cavity 124 to the constriction. pre-atomization 66.
  • the cavity 124 opens into the downstream face 117. It has, in the example shown, a downstream section 130, cylindrical, opening into the downstream face 117, and a frustoconical upstream section 132.
  • the pre-atomization constriction 66 is, in the example shown, formed by a hemispherical cavity 134 having a base 136 opening into the channel 126 and an apex 138, opposite the base 136, split by the slot 123. It has a diameter smaller than the cavity 94 of the spray member 72, this diameter being defined as being the major axis of the ellipse formed by the intersection of the slot 123 with the hemispherical cavity 134.
  • This specific shape of the pre-atomizing constriction 66 provides a finer spray and further lowers the feed pressure of the spray.
  • nozzle 34 made of coating product without adversely affecting the homogeneity of the jet of product leaving the nozzle 34.
  • the diameter of the pre-atomization constriction 66 is preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.15 mm and greater than or equal to the diameter of the spray orifice 64.
  • the diameter of the pre-atomization constriction 66 is such that the ratio of the diameter of the spray orifice 64 to the diameter of the pre-atomizing constriction 66 is between 0.5 and 1.0.
  • This ratio of diameters reinforces the fineness of the spraying and makes it possible to further lower the supply pressure of the nozzle 34 with coating product without adversely affecting the homogeneity of the jet of product at the outlet of the nozzle 34.
  • the passage 60 is thus formed successively, from upstream to downstream, by the cavity 124, followed by the channel 126, then by the pre-atomization constriction 66, before a downstream part of the cavity 94, followed by the channel 96 and , finally, the spray port 64.
  • the sources 12, 13 of coating material and compressed gas are activated.
  • the inlets 18, 20 of the body 21 are then supplied with coating product and pressurized gas.
  • a user actuates the trigger 28.
  • This has the effect of placing the inlets 18, 20 respectively in fluid communication with the outlets 24, 26.
  • the spray nozzle 34 is then supplied, through its connection orifice 62, with product. coating, said coating product being at a pressure of between 20 and 300 bars, in particular between 20 and 150 bars and advantageously between 20 and 80 bars.
  • the air channels 44, 46 are found supplied with pressurized gas.
  • the coating product arriving under pressure, is atomized a first time when it passes through the pre-atomization constriction 66. It then disperses in the form of droplets in the downstream part of the cavity 94, before entering the channel 96. and to be atomized a second time when it passes through the spray orifice 64. The coating product then disperses in the form of droplets in the space at the outlet of the nozzle 34. This dispersion is increased by the compressed gas. blown through the channels 44, 46 which strikes these droplets and burst them.
  • the compactness of the pre-atomization insert 74 makes it possible to use for the body 70 of the nozzle 34, the spray insert 72 and the ring 30 the same as those usually used for mixed spraying. It is thus possible to equip existing spraying installations very easily and inexpensively.
  • the compactness of the pre-atomization insert 74 makes it possible to minimize dead volumes and, thus, avoids unwanted flows when the trigger 28 is released, in particular when using very fluid products such as tints or top-coat paints for example.
  • the installation 10 does not include a source of compressed gas fluidly connected to the applicator 14.
  • the coating product is then sprayed without air.
  • the source 12 of coating product is suitable for supplying the coating product at a pressure greater than 20 bar, preferably greater than 100 bar, and the coating product is supplied at such a pressure during the spraying process. .
  • the invention here makes it possible, in airless spraying, to obtain a finish quality and a transfer rate similar to those usually encountered, however with a reduced coating product supply pressure. .
  • the compactness of the pre-atomization insert 74 allows the body 70 of the nozzle 34, the spray insert 72 and the ring 30 to be used the same as those usually used for airless spraying. It is thus possible to equip existing spraying installations very easily and inexpensively.
  • the compactness of the pre-atomization insert 74 makes it possible to minimize dead volumes and, thus, prevents unwanted flows when the trigger 28 is released, in particular when using very fluid products such as tints. or top-coat paints for example.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Spraying Of Liquid Fuel (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une buse de pulvérisation pour la pulvérisation d'un produit, du type définissant un passage pour la circulation du produit à travers la buse, ledit passage débouchant à l'extérieur de la buse, à une extrémité amont de celle-ci, par un orifice de raccordement large, et à une extrémité aval de la buse par un orifice de pulvérisation étroit, apte à pulvériser le produit.The present invention relates to a spray nozzle for spraying a product, of the type defining a passage for the circulation of the product through the nozzle, said passage opening out to the outside of the nozzle, at an upstream end thereof. , by a wide connection orifice, and at a downstream end of the nozzle by a narrow spray orifice, suitable for spraying the product.

L'invention concerne également une tête de pulvérisation pour un dispositif de pulvérisation de produit, du type comprenant une bague annulaire présentant un orifice central, et une buse de pulvérisation du type précité logée dans ledit orifice central, sensiblement coaxialement à la bague annulaire.The invention also relates to a spray head for a product spraying device, of the type comprising an annular ring having a central orifice, and a spray nozzle of the aforementioned type housed in said central orifice, substantially coaxially with the annular ring.

L'invention concerne encore une installation de pulvérisation du type comprend une source de produit à pulvériser et une tête de pulvérisation du type précité, la source de produit à pulvériser étant raccordée fluidiquement à l'orifice de raccordement de la buse de pulvérisation.The invention also relates to a spraying installation of the type comprising a source of product to be sprayed and a spray head of the aforementioned type, the source of product to be sprayed being fluidly connected to the connection orifice of the spray nozzle.

L'invention a enfin pour objet un procédé de pulvérisation d'un produit de revêtement, du type comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  • alimentation d'une buse de pulvérisation du type précité, par son orifice de raccordement, avec le produit de revêtement,
  • première atomisation du produit de revêtement lors de la traversée, par ledit produit de revêtement, du rétrécissement de pré-atomisation, et
  • deuxième atomisation du produit de revêtement lors de la traversée, par ledit produit de revêtement, de l'orifice de pulvérisation.
Finally, a subject of the invention is a method for spraying a coating product, of the type comprising the following steps:
  • supplying a spray nozzle of the aforementioned type, through its connection orifice, with the coating product,
  • first atomization of the coating product when said coating product passes through the pre-atomization shrinkage, and
  • second atomization of the coating product when said coating product passes through the spray orifice.

Les installations de pulvérisation du type précité sont connues. Elles sont destinées à assurer l'éclatement d'un produit de revêtement en fines gouttelettes de manière à revêtir une grande surface avec une faible quantité de produit. A cet effet, le produit de revêtement est fourni sous pression par une source et conduit sous pression jusqu'à une buse de pulvérisation.Spraying installations of the aforementioned type are known. They are intended to ensure the bursting of a coating product into fine droplets so as to coat a large surface with a small amount of product. For this purpose, the coating material is supplied under pressure from a source and conveyed under pressure to a spray nozzle.

Plusieurs solutions concurrentes existent pour effectuer cette pulvérisation.Several competing solutions exist for carrying out this spraying.

US 2012/097765 A1 décrit un appareil de pulvérisation une pointe de finition fine avec une section d'atomisation comprenant un premier orifice d'impact de fluide, c'est-à-dire un pré-orifice, incliné vers une chambre de détente et un second orifice d'impact de fluide suivant. US 2012/097765 A1 discloses a fine finish tip spray apparatus with an atomizing section comprising a first fluid impact port, i.e., a pre-orifice, inclined towards an expansion chamber and a second fluid impact port. next fluid impact.

On citera tout d'abord la pulvérisation pneumatique. Selon cette solution, le produit de revêtement est fourni par la source avec une surpression par rapport à la pression atmosphérique très faible, typiquement comprise entre 0,5 et 1,5 bars. De l'air comprimé est soufflé à la sortie de la buse et c'est cet air comprimé qui vient atomiser le film liquide éjecté par la buse. Cette solution a l'avantage de présenter une très haute qualité de finition. Elle est en outre relativement bon marché. Elle a toutefois l'inconvénient de présenter un taux de transfert faible, une grande quantité du produit de revêtement étant dispersé dans l'environnement sans atteindre la surface à revêtir.First of all, pneumatic spraying will be mentioned. According to this solution, the coating product is supplied by the source with a very low overpressure relative to atmospheric pressure, typically between 0.5 and 1.5 bars. Compressed air is blown at the outlet of the nozzle and it is this compressed air which atomizes the liquid film ejected by the nozzle. This solution has the advantage of having a very high quality of finish. It is also relatively inexpensive. However, it has the drawback of exhibiting a low transfer rate, a large amount of the coating product being dispersed in the environment without reaching the surface to be coated.

Une autre solution est constituée par la pulvérisation sans air. Selon cette solution, le produit de revêtement est fourni par la source à très haute pression, typiquement à une pression comprise entre 160 et 300 bars. C'est alors l'étroitesse de l'orifice de pulvérisation qui provoque l'éclatement du produit. Il n'y a pas d'air mis en jeu. Cette solution présente l'avantage d'un excellent taux de transfert. Elle a toutefois l'inconvénient de nécessiter des équipements de pompage capables de fournir le produit de revêtement à très haute pression, et implique une consommation en air comprimé très importante pour l'alimentation de ces pompes. Cela en fait une technologie coûteuse.Another solution is airless spraying. According to this solution, the coating product is supplied by the source at very high pressure, typically at a pressure of between 160 and 300 bars. It is then the narrowness of the spray orifice which causes the product to burst. There is no air involved. This solution has the advantage of an excellent transfer rate. However, it has the drawback of requiring pumping equipment capable of supplying the coating product at very high pressure, and involves very high compressed air consumption for supplying these pumps. This makes it an expensive technology.

Une dernière solution est constituée par la pulvérisation mixte. Selon cette technologie, le produit de revêtement est fourni par la source à haute pression, typiquement à une pression comprise entre 50 et 150 bars. Tout comme dans le cas de la pulvérisation sans air, c'est alors l'étroitesse de l'orifice de pulvérisation qui provoque l'éclatement du produit. Cette pulvérisation n'est toutefois pas optimale, compte-tenu de la pression relativement faible à laquelle le produit de revêtement est fourni par la source. Pour améliorer l'atomisation du produit, de l'air comprimé est soufflé à la sortie de la buse, comme dans la technologie de pulvérisation pneumatique. Cette solution permet d'obtenir sensiblement la même qualité de finition qu'avec la pulvérisation sans air, avec un bon taux de transfert, en étant plus économique puisque le produit de revêtement est fourni à une pression moindre. Elle présente toutefois l'inconvénient de rester relativement coûteuse par rapport à la solution de pulvérisation pneumatique.A final solution consists of mixed spraying. According to this technology, the coating product is supplied by the high pressure source, typically at a pressure of between 50 and 150 bars. As with airless spraying, then it is the narrowness of the spray orifice that causes the product to burst. This spraying is not optimal, however, given the relatively low pressure at which the coating product is supplied by the source. To improve the atomization of the product, compressed air is blown out of the nozzle, as in pneumatic spray technology. This solution makes it possible to obtain substantially the same quality of finish as with airless spraying, with a good transfer rate, while being more economical since the coating product is supplied at a lower pressure. However, it has the drawback of remaining relatively expensive compared to the pneumatic spray solution.

Un objectif de l'invention est de réduire la pression à laquelle le produit de revêtement doit être fourni lorsque l'on travaille en pulvérisation sans air ou en pulvérisation mixte, tout en conservant les taux de transfert et les qualités de finition habituellement obtenues avec ces technologies.It is an object of the invention to reduce the pressure at which the coating material must be supplied when working in airless spraying or in mixed spraying, while retaining the transfer rates and finish qualities usually obtained with these. technologies.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une buse de pulvérisation du type précité, dans laquelle le passage présente, entre l'orifice de raccordement et l'orifice de pulvérisation, au moins un rétrécissement de pré-atomisation apte à atomiser le produit, suivi d'un élargissement en aval dudit rétrécissement de pré-atomisation.To this end, the invention relates to a spray nozzle of the aforementioned type, in which the passage has, between the connection orifice and the spray orifice, at least one pre-atomization restriction capable of atomizing the product. , followed by a widening downstream of said pre-atomization constriction.

Selon des modes de réalisation particuliers de l'invention, la buse de pulvérisation présente également une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prise(s) isolément ou suivant toute(s) combinaison(s) techniquement possible(s) :

  • la buse de pulvérisation comprend un corps tubulaire orienté suivant une direction axiale et définissant intérieurement un conduit traversant débouchant dans une première extrémité axiale du corps par une première ouverture constituant l'orifice de raccordement, la buse de pulvérisation comprenant en outre un insert de pré-atomisation, logé dans ledit conduit traversant, définissant le rétrécissement de pré-atomisation ;
  • le rétrécissement de pré-atomisation est formé par une cavité hémisphérique fendue par une fente ;
  • la buse de pulvérisation comprend un organe de pulvérisation définissant l'orifice de pulvérisation, ledit organe de pulvérisation comprenant, de l'amont vers l'aval, une cavité de section transversale décroissante vers l'aval, suivie d'un canal de section transversale sensiblement constante raccordant fluidiquement la cavité à l'orifice de pulvérisation, le rétrécissement de pré-atomisation débouchant dans ladite cavité ;
  • l'insert de pré-atomisation comprend un socle et, faisant saillie axialement depuis le socle, un doigt présentant une extrémité libre opposée au socle, ladite extrémité libre définissant le rétrécissement de pré-atomisation, le doigt étant logé sensiblement intégralement dans la cavité de l'organe de pulvérisation ;
  • le socle présente une section transversale complémentaire à une section transversale du conduit ;
  • l'organe de pulvérisation présente une face amont dans laquelle débouche la cavité, ladite face amont définissant un épaulement annulaire autour de la cavité, le socle étant en appui contre ledit épaulement annulaire ;
  • le rétrécissement de pré-atomisation débouche à une distance du canal inférieure à la moitié de la longueur axiale de la cavité ;
  • l'organe de pulvérisation est constitué par un insert de pulvérisation logé au moins en partie dans le conduit ; et
  • le rapport du diamètre de l'orifice de pulvérisation sur le diamètre du rétrécissement de pré-atomisation est compris entre 0,5 et 0,8.
According to particular embodiments of the invention, the spray nozzle also has one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination (s):
  • the spray nozzle comprises a tubular body oriented in an axial direction and internally defining a through duct opening into a first axial end of the body through a first opening constituting the connection orifice, the spray nozzle further comprising a pre-insert. atomization, housed in said through duct, defining the pre-atomization constriction;
  • the pre-atomization constriction is formed by a hemispherical cavity split by a slit;
  • the spray nozzle comprises a spray member defining the spray orifice, said spray member comprising, from upstream to downstream, a cavity of decreasing cross section downstream, followed by a channel of cross section substantially constant fluidly connecting the cavity to the spray orifice, the pre-atomization constriction opening into said cavity;
  • the pre-atomization insert comprises a base and, projecting axially from the base, a finger having a free end opposite the base, said free end defining the pre-atomization constriction, the finger being housed substantially entirely in the cavity of the base. the spray unit;
  • the base has a cross section complementary to a cross section of the duct;
  • the spray member has an upstream face into which the cavity emerges, said upstream face defining an annular shoulder around the cavity, the base resting against said annular shoulder;
  • the pre-atomization narrowing opens at a distance from the channel less than half the axial length of the cavity;
  • the spraying member consists of a spray insert housed at least in part in the duct; and
  • the ratio of the diameter of the spray orifice to the diameter of the pre-atomization constriction is between 0.5 and 0.8.

L'invention a également pour objet une tête de pulvérisation du type précité, dans laquelle la buse de pulvérisation est constituée par une buse telle que définie ci-dessus.A subject of the invention is also a spray head of the aforementioned type, in which the spray nozzle consists of a nozzle as defined above.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, la tête de pulvérisation présente également la caractéristique suivante :

  • la bague présente une extrémité amont de raccordement à un corps du dispositif de pulvérisation et une face aval orientée à l'opposé de ladite extrémité amont, et définit au moins un canal d'air rectiligne destiné à recevoir un gaz comprimé et débouchant dans la face aval, ledit canal d'air étant orienté suivant une direction convergente.
According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the spray head also has the following characteristic:
  • the ring has an upstream end for connection to a body of the spraying device and a downstream face oriented opposite said upstream end, and defines at least one rectilinear air channel intended to receive a compressed gas and opening into the face downstream, said air channel being oriented in a converging direction.

L'invention a encore pour objet un pistolet de pulvérisation comprenant une tête de pulvérisation telle que définie ci-dessus.A further subject of the invention is a spray gun comprising a spray head as defined above.

L'invention a en outre pour objet une installation de pulvérisation du type précité, dans lequel la tête de pulvérisation est constituée par une tête telle que définie ci-dessus.A further subject of the invention is a spraying installation of the aforementioned type, in which the spray head consists of a head as defined above.

Selon des modes de réalisation particuliers de l'invention, l'installation de pulvérisation présente également une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prise(s) isolément ou suivant toute(s) combinaison(s) techniquement possible(s) :

  • la source de produit à pulvériser est apte à fournir le produit à pulvériser avec une pression supérieure 20 bars, avantageusement supérieure à 100 bars, et
  • la source de produit à pulvériser est apte à fournir le produit à pulvériser avec une pression comprise entre 20 et 300 bars, avantageusement comprise entre 20 et 150 bars.
According to particular embodiments of the invention, the spraying installation also has one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination (s):
  • the source of product to be sprayed is suitable for supplying the product to be sprayed with a pressure greater than 20 bars, advantageously greater than 100 bars, and
  • the source of product to be sprayed is suitable for supplying the product to be sprayed with a pressure of between 20 and 300 bars, advantageously between 20 and 150 bars.

L'invention a encore pour objet un procédé de pulvérisation du type précité, dans lequel la buse de pulvérisation est constituée par une buse telle que définie ci-dessus.A further subject of the invention is a spraying method of the aforementioned type, in which the spray nozzle consists of a nozzle as defined above.

Selon des modes de réalisation particuliers de l'invention, le procédé de pulvérisation présente également une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prise(s) isolément ou suivant toute(s) combinaison(s) techniquement possible(s) :

  • le produit de revêtement est fourni à la buse à une pression supérieure à 20 bars, avantageusement supérieure 100 bars, et
  • le produit de revêtement est fourni à la buse à une pression comprise entre 20 et 300 bars, avantageusement comprise entre 20 et 150 bars.
According to particular embodiments of the invention, the spraying process also has one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination (s):
  • the coating product is supplied to the nozzle at a pressure greater than 20 bars, advantageously greater than 100 bars, and
  • the coating product is supplied to the nozzle at a pressure of between 20 and 300 bars, advantageously between 20 and 150 bars.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins, dans lesquels :

  • la Figure 1 est une vue schématique d'une installation de pulvérisation selon l'invention,
  • la Figure 2 est une vue éclatée et en perspective, de trois-quarts avant, d'un applicateur de l'installation de pulvérisation de la Figure 1,
  • la Figure 3 est une vue en perspective, de trois-quarts avant, d'une tête de pulvérisation de l'applicateur de la Figure 2,
  • la Figure 4 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la tête de pulvérisation de la Figure 3, le plan de coupe étant matérialisé par le plan IV-IV sur la Figure 3,
  • la Figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une buse de pulvérisation de la tête de pulvérisation de la Figure 3,
  • la Figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'un insert de pré-atomisation de la buse de pulvérisation de la Figure 5,
  • la Figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'une variante de l'insert de pré-atomisation de la Figure 6, et
  • la Figure 8 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de l'insert de pré-atomisation de la Figure 7.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the drawings, in which:
  • the Figure 1 is a schematic view of a spraying installation according to the invention,
  • the Figure 2 is an exploded and perspective view, three-quarter front, of an applicator of the spray installation of the Figure 1 ,
  • the Figure 3 is a perspective, three-quarter front view of a spray head of the applicator of the Figure 2 ,
  • the Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spray head of the Figure 3 , the section plane being materialized by the IV-IV plan on the Figure 3 ,
  • the Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a spray nozzle of the spray head of the Figure 3 ,
  • the Figure 6 is a perspective view of a pre-atomization insert of the spray nozzle of the Figure 5 ,
  • the Figure 7 is a perspective view of a variant of the pre-atomization insert of the Figure 6 , and
  • the Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pre-atomization insert of the Figure 7 .

L'installation de pulvérisation 10 représentée sur la Figure 1 comprend, de manière connue, une source 12 de produit de revêtement, une alimentation 13 en gaz comprimé, un applicateur 14 pour l'application du produit de revêtement sur une surface à revêtir, une première liaison fluidique 15 reliant fluidiquement la source 12 à l'applicateur 14, et une deuxième liaison fluidique 16 reliant fluidiquement l'alimentation 13 à l'applicateur 14. Le produit de revêtement est avantageusement constitué par un fluide, par exemple par une peinture, une teinte, une colle, ou un mastic ayant typiquement une viscosité comprise entre 20mPa.s et 500mPa.sThe spraying installation 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises, in a known manner, a source 12 of coating product, a supply 13 of compressed gas, an applicator 14 for applying the coating product to a surface to be coated, a first fluidic link 15 fluidly connecting the source 12 to the 'applicator 14, and a second fluidic connection 16 fluidly connecting the supply 13 to the applicator 14. The coating product is advantageously constituted by a fluid, for example by a paint, a tint, an adhesive, or a mastic having typically a viscosity between 20mPa.s and 500mPa.s

Dans la suite, les termes d'orientation « amont » et « aval » s'entendent en référence au sens de circulation du produit du revêtement dans l'installation 10, ledit produit de revêtement s'écoulant de l'amont vers l'aval.In the following, the terms of orientation “upstream” and “downstream” are understood with reference to the direction of circulation of the coating product in the installation 10, said coating product flowing from upstream to downstream. .

La source 12 est adaptée pour fournir le produit de revêtement à une pression de sortie comprise entre 20 et 300 bars, en particulier entre 20 et 150 bars et avantageusement entre 20 et 80 bars. A cet effet, la source 12 comprend typiquement un réservoir de produit de revêtement (non représenté), et une pompe (non représentée) pour pomper le produit de revêtement dans le réservoir et le refouler vers la liaison fluidique 16 à la pression de sortie.The source 12 is suitable for supplying the coating product at an outlet pressure of between 20 and 300 bars, in particular between 20 and 150 bars and advantageously between 20 and 80 bars. To this end, the source 12 typically comprises a reservoir of coating product (not shown), and a pump (not shown) for pumping the coating product into the reservoir and delivering it to the fluidic connection 16 at the outlet pressure.

L'alimentation 13 est adaptée pour fournir un gaz, typiquement de l'air, comprimé, de préférence à une pression comprise entre 0,2 bar et 6 bars, avantageusement comprise entre 0,2 bar et 2 bars. A cet effet, l'alimentation 13 est par exemple constituée par un compresseur à air.The supply 13 is suitable for supplying a gas, typically air, compressed, preferably at a pressure between 0.2 bar and 6 bar, advantageously between 0.2 bar and 2 bar. To this end, the power supply 13 is for example constituted by an air compressor.

La première liaison fluidique 15 relie fluidiquement une sortie 17 de la source 12 à une première entrée 18 de l'applicateur 14. Elle est typiquement constituée par une conduite flexible.The first fluidic link 15 fluidly connects an outlet 17 of the source 12 to a first inlet 18 of the applicator 14. It is typically formed by a flexible pipe.

La deuxième liaison fluidique 16 relie fluidiquement une sortie 19 de l'alimentation 13 à une deuxième entrée 20 de l'applicateur 14. Elle est typiquement constituée par une conduite flexible.The second fluidic link 16 fluidly connects an outlet 19 of the supply 13 to a second inlet 20 of the applicator 14. It is typically formed by a flexible pipe.

En référence à la Figure 2, l'applicateur 14 comprend un corps 21 et une tête de pulvérisation 22 montée sur le corps 20.With reference to the Figure 2 , the applicator 14 comprises a body 21 and a spray head 22 mounted on the body 20.

Le corps 21 porte la première entrée 18 de l'applicateur 14 et comprend un tube 23 définissant intérieurement un conduit (non représenté) raccordant fluidiquement ladite entrée 18 à un orifice 24 de sortie du produit de revêtement hors du corps 21, ledit orifice 24 définissant l'extrémité du tube 23.The body 21 carries the first inlet 18 of the applicator 14 and comprises a tube 23 internally defining a duct (not shown) fluidly connecting said inlet 18 to an orifice 24 for outlet of the coating product from the body 21, said orifice 24 defining the end of the tube 23.

Le corps 21 porte également la deuxième entrée 20 et définit intérieurement une cavité (non représentée) reliant fluidiquement ladite entrée 20 à un orifice 26 de sortie de gaz comprimé hors du corps 21. L'orifice 26 est, dans l'exemple représenté, disposé concentriquement autour de l'orifice 24.The body 21 also carries the second inlet 20 and internally defines a cavity (not shown) fluidly connecting said inlet 20 to an orifice 26 for the outlet of compressed gas outside the body 21. The orifice 26 is, in the example shown, arranged concentrically around port 24.

Dans l'exemple représenté, l'applicateur 14 est constitué par un pistolet de pulvérisation. Le corps 21 est donc conformé en forme de crosse et porte une gâchette 28 apte à actionner une soupape (non représentée) et à être déplacée relativement au corps 21 entre une position au repos, dans laquelle la soupape obture les connexions fluidiques entre les entrées 18, 20 et les orifices de sortie 24, 26, et une position actionnée, dans laquelle la soupape libère lesdites connexions fluidiques.In the example shown, the applicator 14 consists of a spray gun. The body 21 is therefore shaped in the form of a butt and carries a trigger 28 capable of actuating a valve (not shown) and of being moved relative to the body 21 between a position at rest, in which the valve closes the fluid connections between the inlets 18. , 20 and the outlet ports 24, 26, and an actuated position, in which the valve releases said fluid connections.

Le pistolet de pulvérisation 14 est typiquement un pistolet de pulvérisation manuel. En variante, le pistolet de pulvérisation 14 est un pistolet de pulvérisation automatique.The spray gun 14 is typically a manual spray gun. Alternatively, the spray gun 14 is an automatic spray gun.

En référence à la Figure 3, la tête de pulvérisation 22 comprend une bague annulaire 30 présentant un orifice central 32, et une buse de pulvérisation 34 logée dans ledit orifice central 32.With reference to the Figure 3 , the spray head 22 comprises an annular ring 30 having a central orifice 32, and a spray nozzle 34 housed in said central orifice 32.

La bague annulaire 30 est centrée sur un axe A-A'. Elle comprend un corps 36 annulaire définissant l'orifice central 32, et une jupe 38 montée rotative autour de l'axe A-A' relativement au corps 36.The annular ring 30 is centered on an axis A-A '. It comprises an annular body 36 defining the central orifice 32, and a skirt 38 rotatably mounted about the axis A-A 'relative to the body 36.

Comme visible sur la Figure 4, le corps 36 présente une face aval 40, orientée à l'opposé du corps 21, et une face amont 42 faisant face au corps 21. Le corps 36 définit en outre une pluralité de canaux d'air 44 (Figure 3), 46, rectilignes, débouchant dans les faces amont 42 et aval 40, chaque canal d'air 44, 46 étant orienté suivant une direction convergente, c'est-à-dire coupant l'axe A-A'.As visible on the Figure 4 , the body 36 has a downstream face 40, oriented away from the body 21, and an upstream face 42 facing the body 21. The body 36 further defines a plurality of air channels 44 ( Figure 3 ), 46, rectilinear, opening into the upstream 42 and downstream 40 faces, each air channel 44, 46 being oriented in a converging direction, that is to say intersecting the axis A-A '.

La tête de pulvérisation 22 est montée sur le corps 21 de sorte que les canaux d'air 44, 46 soient raccordés fluidiquement à l'orifice de sortie 26. Ainsi, les canaux d'air 44, 46 sont raccordés fluidiquement à la source 13 de gaz comprimé.The spray head 22 is mounted on the body 21 so that the air channels 44, 46 are fluidly connected to the outlet port 26. Thus, the air channels 44, 46 are fluidly connected to the source 13. of compressed gas.

Les canaux d'air 44, 46 comprennent en particulier des premiers canaux d'air 44, qui convergent sur la buse 34, et des deuxièmes canaux d'air 46, qui convergent en aval de la buse 34.The air channels 44, 46 in particular comprise first air channels 44, which converge on the nozzle 34, and second air channels 46, which converge downstream from the nozzle 34.

La jupe 38 fait saillie vers l'amont par rapport au corps 36. Elle présente un taraudage intérieur 50 apte à coopérer avec filetage extérieur 52 complémentaire formé sur le corps 21 de manière à pouvoir être vissée sur le corps 21. Elle définit une extrémité amont 54 de raccordement de la bague 30 au corps 21. La face aval 40 est orientée à l'opposé de cette extrémité amont 54.The skirt 38 projects upstream with respect to the body 36. It has an internal thread 50 able to cooperate with a complementary external thread 52 formed on the body 21 so as to be able to be screwed onto the body 21. It defines an upstream end. 54 for connecting the ring 30 to the body 21. The downstream face 40 is oriented opposite this upstream end 54.

En référence à la Figure 5, la buse de pulvérisation 34 présente une extrémité amont 56, orientée vers le corps 21, et une extrémité aval 58, orientée à l'opposé du corps 21. La buse 34 définit par ailleurs un passage 60 pour la circulation du produit de revêtement à travers la buse 34, ledit passage 60 débouchant à l'extérieur de la buse 34, à l'extrémité amont 56, par un orifice de raccordement 62 large, et à l'extrémité aval 58 par un orifice de pulvérisation 64 étroit, apte à pulvériser le produit le produit de revêtement. A cet effet, l'orifice de pulvérisation 64 a typiquement un diamètre sensiblement compris entre 0,3mm et 1,15mmWith reference to the Figure 5 , the spray nozzle 34 has an upstream end 56, oriented towards the body 21, and a downstream end 58, oriented away from the body 21. The nozzle 34 also defines a passage 60 for the circulation of the coating product to through the nozzle 34, said passage 60 opening out to the outside of the nozzle 34, at the upstream end 56, by a wide connection orifice 62, and at the downstream end 58 by a narrow spray orifice 64, suitable for spray the product the coating product. For this purpose, the spray orifice 64 typically has a diameter substantially between 0.3mm and 1.15mm.

Le diamètre extérieur de la buse 34 est, quant à lui, de préférence inférieur à 15 mm.The outer diameter of the nozzle 34 is, for its part, preferably less than 15 mm.

L'orifice de raccordement 62 est raccordé fluidiquement à l'orifice 24 de sortie du corps 21. A cet effet, le tube 23 est engagé dans le passage 60 à travers l'orifice de raccordement 62.The connection port 62 is fluidly connected to the outlet port 24 of the body 21. For this purpose, the tube 23 is engaged in the passage 60 through the connection port 62.

Ainsi, l'orifice de raccordement 62 est raccordé fluidiquement à la source 12 de produit de revêtement.Thus, the connection orifice 62 is fluidly connected to the source 12 of coating product.

Selon l'invention, le passage 60 présente, entre l'orifice de raccordement 62 et l'orifice de pulvérisation 64, au moins un rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66, apte à atomiser le produit, le ou chaque rétrécissement 66 étant suivi d'un élargissement 68 en aval dudit rétrécissement 66.According to the invention, the passage 60 has, between the connection orifice 62 and the spray orifice 64, at least one pre-atomization constriction 66, capable of atomizing the product, the or each constriction 66 being followed by a widening 68 downstream of said constriction 66.

Ce rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66 permet d'obtenir une pulvérisation plus fine en sortie de la buse 34, et d'abaisser la pression d'alimentation de la buse 34 en produit de revêtement sans nuire à l'homogénéité du jet de produit en sortie de la buse 34.This pre-atomization restriction 66 makes it possible to obtain a finer spray at the outlet of the nozzle 34, and to lower the supply pressure of the nozzle 34 with coating product without adversely affecting the homogeneity of the jet of product in nozzle outlet 34.

Dans l'exemple représenté, la buse 34 comprend en particulier un corps 70 tubulaire, un organe de pulvérisation 72, et un insert de pré-atomisation 74.In the example shown, the nozzle 34 comprises in particular a tubular body 70, a spray member 72, and a pre-atomization insert 74.

Le corps 70 est orienté suivant une direction axiale B-B', c'est-à-dire que la direction axiale B-B' forme l'axe du corps 70. Le corps 70 est en particulier cylindrique de révolution autour dudit axe B-B'.The body 70 is oriented in an axial direction B-B ', that is to say that the axial direction BB' forms the axis of the body 70. The body 70 is in particular cylindrical of revolution about said axis B-B '.

La buse 34 est notamment disposée coaxialement à la bague 30. Ainsi, l'axe B-B' est confondu avec l'axe A-A'.The nozzle 34 is in particular arranged coaxially with the ring 30. Thus, the axis B-B 'coincides with the axis A-A'.

Le corps 70 présente une première extrémité axiale 76 définissant l'extrémité amont 56 de la buse 34, et une deuxième extrémité axiale 78 opposée à la première extrémité axiale 76. La première extrémité axiale 76 est en particulier plane et orientée transversalement à la direction axiale B-B'. La deuxième extrémité axiale 78 est en particulier tronconique centrée sur l'axe B-B'.The body 70 has a first axial end 76 defining the upstream end 56 of the nozzle 34, and a second axial end 78 opposite the first axial end 76. The first axial end 76 is in particular planar and oriented transversely to the axial direction. B-B '. The second axial end 78 is in particular frustoconical centered on the axis B-B '.

Le corps 70 définit intérieurement un conduit traversant 79 débouchant dans la première extrémité axiale 76 par une première ouverture 80 et dans la deuxième extrémité axiale 78 par une deuxième ouverture 82, la première ouverture 80 constituant, dans l'exemple représenté, l'orifice de raccordement 62.The body 70 internally defines a through duct 79 opening into the first axial end 76 through a first opening 80 and into the second axial end 78 through a second opening 82, the first opening 80 constituting, in the example shown, the orifice of connection 62.

La deuxième ouverture 82 est en particulier plus étroite que la première ouverture 80.The second opening 82 is in particular narrower than the first opening 80.

Le conduit traversant 79 présente un premier tronçon 84 de grand diamètre et un deuxième tronçon 86 de petit diamètre. Le premier tronçon 84 débouche à l'extérieur du corps 70 par la première ouverture 80, et le deuxième tronçon 86 débouche à l'extérieur du corps 70 par la deuxième ouverture 82.The through duct 79 has a first section 84 of large diameter and a second section 86 of small diameter. The first section 84 opens to the outside of the body 70 through the first opening 80, and the second section 86 opens to the outside of the body 70 through the second opening 82.

Le premier tronçon 84 a sensiblement le même diamètre que la première ouverture 80. Le deuxième tronçon 86 a sensiblement le même diamètre que la deuxième ouverture 82.The first section 84 has substantially the same diameter as the first opening 80. The second section 86 has substantially the same diameter as the second opening 82.

Les premier et deuxième tronçons 84, 86 sont accolés l'un à l'autre et le corps 70 définit, à l'interface entre les premier et deuxième tronçons 84, 86, un épaulement radial 88 orienté vers la première ouverture 80. Cet épaulement 88 est en particulier sensiblement plan et orienté transversalement à l'axe B-B'.The first and second sections 84, 86 are contiguous to one another and the body 70 defines, at the interface between the first and second sections 84, 86, a radial shoulder 88 oriented towards the first opening 80. This shoulder 88 is in particular substantially plane and oriented transversely to the axis B-B '.

L'organe de pulvérisation 72 présente une face amont 90, logée dans le conduit 79, et une face aval 92, opposée à la face amont 90 et disposée hors du corps 70.The spray member 72 has an upstream face 90, housed in the duct 79, and a downstream face 92, opposite the upstream face 90 and disposed outside the body 70.

La face amont 90 est sensiblement plane et est disposée sensiblement transversalement à l'axe B-B'. Elle présente un diamètre sensiblement égal au diamètre du premier tronçon 84 du conduit 79.The upstream face 90 is substantially planar and is disposed substantially transversely to the axis B-B '. It has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the first section 84 of the duct 79.

La face aval 92 est en forme de dôme centré sur l'axe B-B' et fendu d'une fente 93 perpendiculaire à l'axe B-B'. Elle affleure à sa périphérie la deuxième extrémité axiale 78 du corps 70.The downstream face 92 is in the form of a dome centered on the axis B-B 'and split with a slot 93 perpendicular to the axis B-B'. It is flush with the second axial end 78 of the body 70 at its periphery.

La fente 93 présente des lèvres qui forment entre elles un angle compris typiquement entre 5° et 150°, de préférence compris entre 20° et 110°.The slot 93 has lips which form an angle between them typically between 5 ° and 150 °, preferably between 20 ° and 110 °.

L'organe de pulvérisation 72 définit l'orifice de pulvérisation 64.The spray member 72 defines the spray orifice 64.

L'organe de pulvérisation 72 comprend par ailleurs, de l'amont vers l'aval, une cavité 94 de section transversale décroissante vers l'aval, suivie d'un canal 96 de section transversale sensiblement constante raccordant fluidiquement la cavité 94 à l'orifice de pulvérisation 64.The spray member 72 further comprises, from upstream to downstream, a cavity 94 of decreasing cross section downstream, followed by a channel 96 of substantially constant cross section fluidly connecting the cavity 94 to the spray orifice 64.

La cavité 94 débouche dans la face amont 90, ladite face amont 90 définissant, autour de la cavité 94, un épaulement annulaire 97 orienté vers l'amont.The cavity 94 opens into the upstream face 90, said upstream face 90 defining, around the cavity 94, an annular shoulder 97 oriented upstream.

Le rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66 débouche dans la cavité 94, ladite cavité 94 définissant l'élargissement 68 en aval dudit rétrécissement 66.The pre-atomization constriction 66 opens into the cavity 94, said cavity 94 defining the widening 68 downstream of said constriction 66.

La cavité 94 a, dans l'exemple représenté, une forme de cloche.The cavity 94 has, in the example shown, the shape of a bell.

L'orifice de pulvérisation 64 est formé par un rétrécissement terminant le canal 96 et fendu par la fente 93. Ce rétrécissement est en particulier en forme de dôme. Le diamètre de l'orifice de pulvérisation 64 est défini comme étant le grand axe de l'ellipse formée par l'intersection de la fente 93 avec ledit rétrécissement.The spray orifice 64 is formed by a constriction terminating the channel 96 and split by the slot 93. This constriction is in particular in the form of a dome. The diameter of the spray orifice 64 is defined as being the major axis of the ellipse formed by the intersection of the slit 93 with said constriction.

L'organe de pulvérisation 72 est en particulier constitué par un insert de pulvérisation rapporté au corps 70 et logé en partie dans le conduit 79.The spray member 72 is in particular constituted by a spray insert attached to the body 70 and housed in part in the duct 79.

Cet insert 72 comprend un socle 100 et, faisant saillie axialement depuis le socle 100, suivant l'axe B-B', un doigt 102 présentant une extrémité libre 104 opposée au socle 100, ladite extrémité libre 104 définissant l'orifice de pulvérisation 64.This insert 72 comprises a base 100 and, projecting axially from the base 100, along the axis B-B ', a finger 102 having a free end 104 opposite the base 100, said free end 104 defining the spray orifice 64 .

Le socle 100 est intégralement logé dans le premier tronçon 84 du conduit 79. Il présente une section transversale sensiblement complémentaire à celle dudit premier tronçon 84 et définit la face amont 90. Il définit également un épaulement radial 106, opposé à la face amont 90, en appui contre l'épaulement 88 du corps 70.The base 100 is fully housed in the first section 84 of the duct 79. It has a cross section substantially complementary to that of said first section 84 and defines the upstream face 90. It also defines a radial shoulder 106, opposite the upstream face 90, resting against the shoulder 88 of the body 70.

Le socle 100 a de préférence une épaisseur axiale inférieure à 4 mm. Il est en particulier formé par une plaque sensiblement plane orthogonale au doigt 102.The base 100 preferably has an axial thickness of less than 4 mm. It is in particular formed by a substantially planar plate orthogonal to the finger 102.

Le doigt 102 comprend un premier tronçon 108, cylindrique, et un deuxième tronçon 110 en forme de dôme.The finger 102 comprises a first section 108, cylindrical, and a second section 110 in the form of a dome.

Le premier tronçon 108 est accolé au socle 100. Il est intégralement logé dans le deuxième tronçon 86 du conduit 79. Il présente une section transversale sensiblement égale à celle dudit deuxième tronçon 86.The first section 108 is attached to the base 100. It is fully housed in the second section 86 of the duct 79. It has a cross section substantially equal to that of said second section 86.

Le deuxième tronçon 110 est disposé hors du conduit 79. Il définit l'extrémité libre 104 et la face aval 92.The second section 110 is disposed outside the duct 79. It defines the free end 104 and the downstream face 92.

L'insert de pré-atomisation 74 est rapporté au corps 70 en étant logé dans le conduit 79, et définit le rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66.The pre-atomization insert 74 is attached to the body 70 by being housed in the duct 79, and defines the pre-atomization constriction 66.

L'insert de pré-atomisation 74 comprend un socle 112 et, faisant saillie axialement depuis le socle 112, suivant l'axe B-B', un doigt 114 présentant une extrémité libre 116 opposée au socle 112, ladite extrémité libre 116 définissant le rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66.The pre-atomization insert 74 comprises a base 112 and, projecting axially from the base 112, along the axis B-B ', a finger 114 having a free end 116 opposite the base 112, said free end 116 defining the pre-atomization shrinkage 66.

Le socle 112 est intégralement logé dans le premier tronçon 84 du conduit 79. Il présente une section transversale sensiblement complémentaire à celle dudit premier tronçon 84. Il est en appui contre l'épaulement annulaire 97.The base 112 is fully housed in the first section 84 of the duct 79. It has a cross section substantially complementary to that of said first section 84. It bears against the annular shoulder 97.

Le socle 112 définit par ailleurs une face aval 117 de l'insert de pré-atomisation 74, orientée vers l'aval et opposée à l'épaulement annulaire 97.The base 112 also defines a downstream face 117 of the pre-atomization insert 74, oriented downstream and opposite to the annular shoulder 97.

En outre, comme visible sur les Figures 6 et 7, le socle 112 présente au moins un, en particulier deux, méplat(s) 119, ce qui évite la rotation de l'insert 74 par rapport au corps 70.In addition, as visible on the Figures 6 and 7 , the base 112 has at least one, in particular two, flat (s) 119, which prevents the insert 74 from rotating relative to the body 70.

Le doigt 114 est logé sensiblement intégralement dans la cavité 94.The finger 114 is housed substantially entirely in the cavity 94.

Le doigt 114 comprend un premier tronçon 118 de raccordement au socle 112, et un deuxième tronçon 120 constitué par l'extrémité libre 116. Dans une première variante de l'insert 74, représentée sur les Figures 5 et 6, il comprend également un tronçon intermédiaire 122 entre les premier et deuxième tronçons 118, 120.The finger 114 comprises a first section 118 for connection to the base 112, and a second section 120 formed by the free end 116. In a first variant of the insert 74, shown in the figures. Figures 5 and 6 , it also comprises an intermediate section 122 between the first and second sections 118, 120.

Le premier tronçon 118 est cylindrique. Dans la première variante, il s'étend depuis le socle 112 jusqu'au tronçon intermédiaire 122. Dans une deuxième variante, représentée sur les Figures 7 et 8, il s'étend depuis le socle 112 jusqu'à l'extrémité libre 116.The first section 118 is cylindrical. In the first variant, it extends from the base 112 to the intermediate section 122. In a second variant, shown in Figures 7 and 8 , it extends from the base 112 to the free end 116.

L'extrémité libre 116 est en forme de dôme fendu d'une fente 123 perpendiculaire à l'axe B-B'. Elle est logée dans la cavité 94 et est disposée de sorte que le rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66 débouche à une distance du canal 96 inférieure à la moitié de la longueur axiale de la cavité 94.The free end 116 is in the form of a split dome with a slot 123 perpendicular to the axis B-B '. It is housed in the cavity 94 and is arranged so that the pre-atomization constriction 66 opens out at a distance from the channel 96 less than half the axial length of the cavity 94.

La fente 123 présente des lèvres qui forment entre elles un angle compris typiquement entre 5° et 150°, de préférence compris entre 20° et 110°.The slot 123 has lips which form between them an angle typically between 5 ° and 150 °, preferably between 20 ° and 110 °.

Le tronçon intermédiaire 122, lorsqu'il existe, a une forme tronconique et s'étend depuis le premier tronçon 118 jusqu'au deuxième tronçon 120. En outre, la fente 123 se prolonge dans ledit tronçon intermédiaire 122.The intermediate section 122, when it exists, has a frustoconical shape and extends from the first section 118 to the second section 120. In addition, the slot 123 extends into said intermediate section 122.

L'insert de pré-atomisation 74 définit intérieurement, de l'amont vers l'aval, une cavité 124 de section transversale décroissante vers l'aval, suivie d'un canal 126 de section transversale sensiblement constante raccordant fluidiquement la cavité 124 au rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66.The pre-atomization insert 74 defines internally, from upstream to downstream, a cavity 124 of decreasing cross section downstream, followed by a channel 126 of substantially constant cross section fluidly connecting the cavity 124 to the constriction. pre-atomization 66.

La cavité 124 débouche dans la face aval 117. Elle présente, dans l'exemple représenté, un tronçon aval 130, cylindrique, débouchant dans la face aval 117, et un tronçon amont 132 tronconique.The cavity 124 opens into the downstream face 117. It has, in the example shown, a downstream section 130, cylindrical, opening into the downstream face 117, and a frustoconical upstream section 132.

Le rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66 est, dans l'exemple représenté, formé par une cavité hémisphérique 134 présentant une base 136 débouchant dans le canal 126 et un sommet 138, opposé à la base 136, fendu par la fente 123. Il a un diamètre inférieur à la cavité 94 de l'organe de pulvérisation 72, ce diamètre étant défini comme étant le grand axe de l'ellipse formée par l'intersection de la fente 123 avec la cavité hémisphérique 134.The pre-atomization constriction 66 is, in the example shown, formed by a hemispherical cavity 134 having a base 136 opening into the channel 126 and an apex 138, opposite the base 136, split by the slot 123. It has a diameter smaller than the cavity 94 of the spray member 72, this diameter being defined as being the major axis of the ellipse formed by the intersection of the slot 123 with the hemispherical cavity 134.

Cette forme spécifique du rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66 permet d'obtenir une pulvérisation plus fine et d'abaisser encore davantage la pression d'alimentation de la buse 34 en produit de revêtement sans nuire à l'homogénéité du jet de produit en sortie de la buse 34.This specific shape of the pre-atomizing constriction 66 provides a finer spray and further lowers the feed pressure of the spray. nozzle 34 made of coating product without adversely affecting the homogeneity of the jet of product leaving the nozzle 34.

Le diamètre du rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66 est de préférence compris entre 0,3 mm et 1,15 mm et supérieur ou égal au diamètre de l'orifice de pulvérisation 64. En particulier, le diamètre du rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66 est tel que le rapport du diamètre de l'orifice de pulvérisation 64 sur le diamètre du rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66 est compris entre 0,5 et 1,0.The diameter of the pre-atomization constriction 66 is preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.15 mm and greater than or equal to the diameter of the spray orifice 64. In particular, the diameter of the pre-atomization constriction 66 is such that the ratio of the diameter of the spray orifice 64 to the diameter of the pre-atomizing constriction 66 is between 0.5 and 1.0.

Ce rapport de diamètres renforce la finesse de la pulvérisation et permet d'abaisser toujours plus la pression d'alimentation de la buse 34 en produit de revêtement sans nuire à l'homogénéité du jet de produit en sortie de la buse 34.This ratio of diameters reinforces the fineness of the spraying and makes it possible to further lower the supply pressure of the nozzle 34 with coating product without adversely affecting the homogeneity of the jet of product at the outlet of the nozzle 34.

Le passage 60 est ainsi formé successivement, de l'amont vers l'aval, par la cavité 124, suivie du canal 126, puis du rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66, avant une partie aval de la cavité 94, suivie du canal 96 et, finalement, de l'orifice de pulvérisation 64.The passage 60 is thus formed successively, from upstream to downstream, by the cavity 124, followed by the channel 126, then by the pre-atomization constriction 66, before a downstream part of the cavity 94, followed by the channel 96 and , finally, the spray port 64.

Un procédé de pulvérisation de produit de revêtement au moyen de l'installation 10 va maintenant être décrit.A method of spraying coating product by means of the installation 10 will now be described.

Tout d'abord, les sources 12, 13 de produit de revêtement et de gaz comprimé sont activées. Les entrées 18, 20 du corps 21 sont alors alimentées en produit de revêtement et en gaz sous pression.First, the sources 12, 13 of coating material and compressed gas are activated. The inlets 18, 20 of the body 21 are then supplied with coating product and pressurized gas.

Ensuite, un utilisateur actionne la gâchette 28. Cela a pour effet de mettre en communication fluidique les entrées 18, 20 respectivement avec les sorties 24, 26. La buse de pulvérisation 34 se retrouve alors alimentée, par son orifice de raccordement 62, en produit de revêtement, ledit produit de revêtement étant à une pression comprise entre 20 et 300 bars, en particulier entre 20 et 150 bars et avantageusement entre 20 et 80 bars. Simultanément, les canaux d'air 44, 46 se retrouvent alimentés en gaz sous pression.Then, a user actuates the trigger 28. This has the effect of placing the inlets 18, 20 respectively in fluid communication with the outlets 24, 26. The spray nozzle 34 is then supplied, through its connection orifice 62, with product. coating, said coating product being at a pressure of between 20 and 300 bars, in particular between 20 and 150 bars and advantageously between 20 and 80 bars. Simultaneously, the air channels 44, 46 are found supplied with pressurized gas.

Le produit de revêtement, arrivant sous pression, est atomisé une première fois lors de sa traversée du rétrécissement de pré-atomisation 66. Il se disperse alors sous forme de gouttelettes dans la partie aval de la cavité 94, avant de pénétrer dans le canal 96 et d'être atomisé une deuxième fois lors de sa traversée de l'orifice de pulvérisation 64. Le produit de revêtement se disperse alors sous forme de gouttelettes dans l'espace en sortie de la buse 34. Cette dispersion est augmentée grâce au gaz comprimé soufflé par les canaux 44, 46 qui vient percuter ces gouttelettes et les éclater.The coating product, arriving under pressure, is atomized a first time when it passes through the pre-atomization constriction 66. It then disperses in the form of droplets in the downstream part of the cavity 94, before entering the channel 96. and to be atomized a second time when it passes through the spray orifice 64. The coating product then disperses in the form of droplets in the space at the outlet of the nozzle 34. This dispersion is increased by the compressed gas. blown through the channels 44, 46 which strikes these droplets and burst them.

On obtient alors, malgré la relativement faible pression d'alimentation en produit de revêtement, une excellente dispersion du produit de revêtement, semblable à celle que l'on peut observer habituellement en pulvérisation mixte avec les pressions d'alimentation classiques.In spite of the relatively low coating product feed pressure, an excellent dispersion of the coating product is then obtained, similar to that which can usually be observed in mixed spraying with conventional feed pressures.

Grâce à l'invention décrite ci-dessus, on obtient ainsi une qualité de finition et un taux de transfert semblables à ceux rencontrés habituellement en pulvérisation mixte, avec toutefois une pression d'alimentation en produit de revêtement réduite.Thanks to the invention described above, one thus obtains a quality of finish and a transfer rate similar to those usually encountered in mixed spraying, with, however, a reduced coating product supply pressure.

En outre, la compacité de l'insert de pré-atomisation 74 permet d'utiliser pour le corps 70 de la buse 34, l'insert de pulvérisation 72 et la bague 30 les mêmes que ceux habituellement utilisés pour la pulvérisation mixte. Il est ainsi possible d'équiper très facilement et à moindre coût des installations de pulvérisation existantes.In addition, the compactness of the pre-atomization insert 74 makes it possible to use for the body 70 of the nozzle 34, the spray insert 72 and the ring 30 the same as those usually used for mixed spraying. It is thus possible to equip existing spraying installations very easily and inexpensively.

Par ailleurs, la compacité de l'insert de pré-atomisation 74 permet de minimiser les volumes morts et, ainsi, évite des écoulements non désirés au relâchement de la gâchette 28, en particulier lors de l'utilisation de produits très fluides tels que des teintes ou des peintures top-coat par exemple.Furthermore, the compactness of the pre-atomization insert 74 makes it possible to minimize dead volumes and, thus, avoids unwanted flows when the trigger 28 is released, in particular when using very fluid products such as tints or top-coat paints for example.

Selon une variante (non représentée) de l'invention, l'installation 10 ne comprend pas de source de gaz comprimé raccordée fluidiquement à l'applicateur 14. La pulvérisation du produit de revêtement se fait alors sans air. Dans ce cas, la source 12 de produit de revêtement est apte à fournir le produit de revêtement à une pression supérieure à 20 bars, de préférence supérieure à 100 bars, et le produit de revêtement est fourni à une telle pression lors du procédé de pulvérisation.According to a variant (not shown) of the invention, the installation 10 does not include a source of compressed gas fluidly connected to the applicator 14. The coating product is then sprayed without air. In this case, the source 12 of coating product is suitable for supplying the coating product at a pressure greater than 20 bar, preferably greater than 100 bar, and the coating product is supplied at such a pressure during the spraying process. .

Comme pour le cas de la pulvérisation mixte, l'invention permet ici, en pulvérisation sans air, d'obtenir une qualité de finition et un taux de transfert semblables à ceux rencontrés habituellement, avec toutefois une pression d'alimentation en produit de revêtement réduite.As in the case of mixed spraying, the invention here makes it possible, in airless spraying, to obtain a finish quality and a transfer rate similar to those usually encountered, however with a reduced coating product supply pressure. .

En outre, la compacité de l'insert de pré-atomisation 74 permet d'utiliser pour le corps 70 de la buse 34, l'insert de pulvérisation 72 et la bague 30 les mêmes que ceux habituellement utilisés pour la pulvérisation sans air. Il est ainsi possible d'équiper très facilement et à moindre coût des installations de pulvérisation existantes.In addition, the compactness of the pre-atomization insert 74 allows the body 70 of the nozzle 34, the spray insert 72 and the ring 30 to be used the same as those usually used for airless spraying. It is thus possible to equip existing spraying installations very easily and inexpensively.

Enfin, la compacité de l'insert de pré-atomisation 74 permet de minimiser les volumes morts et, ainsi, évite des écoulements non désirés au relâchement de la gâchette 28, en particulier lors de l'utilisation de produits très fluides tels que des teintes ou des peintures top-coat par exemple.Finally, the compactness of the pre-atomization insert 74 makes it possible to minimize dead volumes and, thus, prevents unwanted flows when the trigger 28 is released, in particular when using very fluid products such as tints. or top-coat paints for example.

Claims (16)

  1. A spraying nozzle (34) for spraying a product, defining a passage (60) for the circulation of the product through the nozzle (34), the passage (60) opening through a wide connecting orifice (62) to the outside of the nozzle (34) at an upstream end (56) thereof, and opening through a narrow spraying orifice (64), able to spray the product, at a downstream end (58) of the nozzle (34), the passage (60) having, between the connection orifice (62) and the spraying orifice (64), at least one pre-atomization narrowing (66) capable of atomizing the product, followed by a broadening (68) downstream of the pre-atomization narrowing (66), characterized in that the pre-atomization narrowing (66) is formed by a hemispherical cavity (134) slit by a slot (123).
  2. The spraying nozzle (34) according to claim 1, comprising a tubular body (70) oriented in an axial direction (B-B') and defining internally a through-duct (79) opening in a first axial end (76) of the body (70) through a first opening (80) constituting the connection orifice (62), wherein the spraying nozzle (34) further comprises a pre-atomization insert (74) housed in the through-duct (79) and defining the pre-atomization narrowing (66).
  3. The spraying nozzle (34) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a spraying member (72) defining the spraying orifice (64), wherein the spraying member (72) comprises, going from upstream to downstream, a cavity (94) with a cross-section that decreases downstream, followed by a channel (96) with a substantially constant cross-section that fluidly connects the cavity (94) with the spraying orifice (64), and wherein the preatomizing narrowing (66) opens into the cavity (94).
  4. The spraying nozzle (34) according to claim 3 taken in combination with claim 2, wherein the pre-atomization insert (74) comprises a base (112) and, protruding axially from the base (112), a finger (114) having a free end (116) opposite the base (112), wherein said free end (116) defines the pre-atomization narrowing (66), and wherein the finger (114) is substantially integrally housed in the cavity (94) of the spraying member (72).
  5. The spraying nozzle (34) according to claim 4, wherein the base (112) has a cross-section that is complementary to a cross-section of the duct (79).
  6. The spraying nozzle (34) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the spraying member (72) has an upstream face (90) into which the cavity (94) opens, wherein said upstream face (90) defines an annular shoulder (97) around the cavity (94), and wherein the base (112) bears against the annular shoulder (97).
  7. The spraying nozzle (34) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the pre-atomization narrowing (66) opens at a distance from the channel (96) that is less than half the axial length of the cavity (94).
  8. The spraying nozzle (34) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, taken in combination with claim 2, wherein the spraying member (72) is constituted by a spraying insert housed at least in part in the duct (79).
  9. The spraying nozzle (34) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the spraying orifice (64) to the diameter of the pre-atomization narrowing (66) is between 0.5 and 0.8.
  10. A spraying head (22) for a product spraying device (14), wherein the spraying head (22) comprises an annular ring (30) having a central orifice (32) and the spraying nozzle (34) according to any one of the preceding claims, housed in the central orifice (32) and substantially coaxial with the ring (30).
  11. The spraying head (22) according to claim 10, wherein the ring (30) has an upstream end (54) for connection to a body (21) of the spraying device (14) and a downstream face (40) that is oriented opposite the upstream end (54), and defines at least one rectilinear air channel (44, 46) intended to receive a compressed gas, and opening into the downstream face (40), wherein the air channel (44, 46) is oriented in a convergent direction.
  12. A spraying gun (14) comprising the spraying head (22) according to claim 10 or 11.
  13. A spraying installation (10) comprising a source of product to be sprayed (12) and the spraying head (22) according to claim 10, wherein the source of product to be sprayed (12) is able to provide the product to be sprayed at a pressure greater than 20 bar, preferably greater than 100 bar, while being fluidly connected to the connection orifice (62) of the spraying nozzle (34).
  14. A spraying installation (10) comprising a source of product to be sprayed (12), a source of compressed gas (13), and the spraying head (22) according to claim 11, wherein the source of product to be sprayed (12) is capable of supplying the product to be sprayed with a pressure comprised between 20 and 300 bar, preferably between 20 and 150 bar, and is fluidly connected to the connection orifice (62) of the spraying nozzle (34), and wherein the source of compressed gas (13) is fluidly connected to the, or each, air channel (44, 46) of the ring (30).
  15. A spraying method for spraying a coating product, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
    - supplying with the coating product the spraying nozzle (34) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, through its connection orifice (62), wherein the coating product is at a pressure greater than 20 bar, preferably greater than 100 bar,
    - first atomization of the coating product during passage of the coating product through the pre-atomization narrowing (66), and
    - second atomization of the coating product during passage of the coating product through the spraying orifice (64).
  16. The spraying method for spraying a coating product according to claim 15, wherein the coating product is at a pressure of between 20 and 300 bar, preferably between 20 and 150 bar.
EP18204718.3A 2017-11-07 2018-11-06 Spray nozzle with pre-atomisation narrowing, and spray head and spraying device comprising such a nozzle Active EP3479906B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1760419A FR3073155B1 (en) 2017-11-07 2017-11-07 SPRAY NOZZLE WITH PRE-ATOMIZATION SHRINKAGE, AND SPRAY HEAD AND SPRAY DEVICE INCLUDING SUCH A NOZZLE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3479906A1 EP3479906A1 (en) 2019-05-08
EP3479906B1 true EP3479906B1 (en) 2021-07-21

Family

ID=61027911

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18204718.3A Active EP3479906B1 (en) 2017-11-07 2018-11-06 Spray nozzle with pre-atomisation narrowing, and spray head and spraying device comprising such a nozzle

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US11065631B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3479906B1 (en)
JP (1) JP7343272B2 (en)
KR (1) KR102646878B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110026301A (en)
BR (1) BR102018072813A2 (en)
CA (1) CA3023570A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2883690T3 (en)
FR (1) FR3073155B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2018138829A (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110326803A (en) * 2019-07-18 2019-10-15 浙江省海洋水产研究所 A kind of aquatic feeds finish spray equipment
CN112337730B (en) * 2019-08-08 2022-05-27 3M创新有限公司 Dispensing nozzle and dispensing device
EP4197645A1 (en) * 2021-12-14 2023-06-21 Yara International ASA Coating device

Family Cites Families (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US25372A (en) * 1859-09-06 Gas-btjbneb
US2569251A (en) * 1946-01-17 1951-09-25 Colorator Ab Spraying device and operation thereof
US3709433A (en) * 1971-03-25 1973-01-09 Handaille Ind Inc Method of and apparatus for generating mist
IT992150B (en) * 1973-05-29 1975-09-10 Turbosol A I Srl SPRAYING HEAD OF CEMENTITIOUS MIXTURES FOR THE MECHANICAL APPLICATION OF PLASTERS
US4925101A (en) * 1988-08-26 1990-05-15 Nordson Corporation Wax spray gun and nozzle
JP2729395B2 (en) * 1989-03-08 1998-03-18 旭サナック株式会社 Nozzle tip for liquid pressurized spray
JP2710398B2 (en) * 1989-04-14 1998-02-10 株式会社いけうち Two-fluid nozzle
US5170941A (en) * 1989-04-20 1992-12-15 Iwata Air Compressor Mfg. Co., Ltd. Premixing-type spray gun
CA2039086A1 (en) * 1991-03-26 1992-09-27 Thomas Barty Spray gun nozzle head
DE4338585A1 (en) * 1993-11-11 1995-05-18 Graef Jordt Steffen Injector nozzle
GB2288348A (en) * 1994-04-13 1995-10-18 Graco Inc Spray tip assembly
US5829682A (en) * 1996-04-26 1998-11-03 Spraying Systems Co. Air-assisted spray nozzle assembly
US6267301B1 (en) * 1999-06-11 2001-07-31 Spraying Systems Co. Air atomizing nozzle assembly with improved air cap
US6478239B2 (en) * 2000-01-25 2002-11-12 John Zink Company, Llc High efficiency fuel oil atomizer
US7762476B2 (en) * 2002-08-19 2010-07-27 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Spray gun with improved atomization
JP4397608B2 (en) * 2003-03-18 2010-01-13 独立行政法人農業・食品産業技術総合研究機構 Spray nozzle
US7163163B2 (en) * 2003-07-07 2007-01-16 Hypro, Llc Wide angle nozzle for agricultural sprayers
US8545937B2 (en) * 2009-08-31 2013-10-01 Nordson Corporation Spray coating with uniform flow distribution
CN201702048U (en) * 2010-05-28 2011-01-12 精美铝业有限公司 Nozzle
US8814070B2 (en) * 2010-10-20 2014-08-26 Finishing Brands Holdings, Inc. Fine finish airless spray tip assembly for a spray gun
CN204620233U (en) * 2015-02-07 2015-09-09 恺霖卫浴科技（厦门）有限公司 A kind ofly can go out the water flowing out structure of candle flame shape shape water and the gondola water faucet of this structure is installed
CN104874498B (en) * 2015-05-11 2017-06-23 山东科技大学 Hybrid air atomizer spray nozzle inside and outside a kind of high-low pressure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN110026301A (en) 2019-07-19
RU2018138829A (en) 2020-05-15
JP7343272B2 (en) 2023-09-12
EP3479906A1 (en) 2019-05-08
US11065631B2 (en) 2021-07-20
ES2883690T3 (en) 2021-12-09
US20190151870A1 (en) 2019-05-23
RU2018138829A3 (en) 2021-12-14
KR20190051874A (en) 2019-05-15
FR3073155B1 (en) 2020-09-11
JP2019084529A (en) 2019-06-06
FR3073155A1 (en) 2019-05-10
KR102646878B1 (en) 2024-03-12
CA3023570A1 (en) 2019-05-07
BR102018072813A2 (en) 2019-10-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0125966B1 (en) Paint spraying apparatus
EP3479906B1 (en) Spray nozzle with pre-atomisation narrowing, and spray head and spraying device comprising such a nozzle
US6089471A (en) Fluid spray gun
JP2582150B2 (en) Spray gun
EP3296022B1 (en) Coating device
US4171096A (en) Spray gun nozzle attachment
CA2066362C (en) Baffle for hvlp paint spray gun
US6971590B2 (en) Liquid spray gun with manually rotatable frictionally retained air cap
EP2429716B1 (en) Projector and member for spraying a coating material, and spraying method using such a sprayer
US8814070B2 (en) Fine finish airless spray tip assembly for a spray gun
CA2048313C (en) Integrated valve nozzle
US6951310B2 (en) Spray head and air atomizing assembly
EP1900437B1 (en) Dispensing mechanism for a liquid product, dispenser comprising such a dispensing mechanism and use of such a dispensing mechanism
EP1883478A1 (en) Nozzle comprising a swirl chamber
FR2495501A1 (en) SPRAY GUN COMPRISING A REPLACABLE NOZZLE
EP1932595A1 (en) Spraying nozzle, dispensing element comprising such a nozzle, dispenser comprising such an element and use of such a nozzle
FR2522991A1 (en) Pneumatic liquid atomising spray - discharges pulviersation air round discharge orifice to form mixture of liquid and air
FR2577447A1 (en) DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING POINT FLOW AND APPLICATION TO A PNEUMATIC SPRAY APPARATUS WITH RAPID JET FORM ADJUSTMENT
FR2904573A1 (en) Spray nozzle for press button for e.g. liquid product, has supply pipe extending between upstream end supplying pipe with product and downstream end flowing into side of rotational chamber, where ends are smaller than chamber diameter
FR2784314A1 (en) Gravity feed for paint atomizer has paint cup mounted on pivot joint above spray gun
WO2023083833A1 (en) Device for spraying a liquid, allowing optimal application with compressed air or an inert gas
FR2919815A1 (en) LIQUID DISPENSING AND SPRAYING DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A DISPENSING ORGAN
FR2731922A1 (en) AIR ATOMIZER FOR AIR-FREE SPRAY GUNS OF TEXTURIZATION SUBSTANCES

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
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: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

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

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: 20191010

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

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

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

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B05B 7/24 20060101AFI20210203BHEP

Ipc: B05B 7/08 20060101ALI20210203BHEP

Ipc: B05B 7/00 20060101ALI20210203BHEP

Ipc: B05B 9/04 20060101ALN20210203BHEP

Ipc: B05B 7/06 20060101ALI20210203BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20210225

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

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602018020357

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1412108

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20210721

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2883690

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20211209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1412108

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210721

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

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: 20210721

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: 20210721

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: 20210721

Ref country code: HR

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: 20210721

Ref country code: AT

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: 20210721

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: 20211021

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: 20210721

Ref country code: NL

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: 20210721

Ref country code: PT

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: 20211122

Ref country code: NO

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: 20211021

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

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: 20210721

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: 20210721

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: 20211022

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602018020357

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

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: 20210721

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: 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: 20210721

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: 20210721

Ref country code: RO

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: 20210721

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: 20210721

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: 20210721

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: 20210721

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20220422

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

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: 20210721

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20211106

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20211130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20211130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20211106

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: 20210721

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220701

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20181106

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220701

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231120

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20231218

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20231025

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20231109

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231124

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231107

Year of fee payment: 6

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: 20210721