Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
  • B05B15/50—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
  • B05B12/14—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for supplying a selected one of a plurality of liquids or other fluent materials or several in selected proportions to a spray apparatus, e.g. to a single spray outlet
  • B05B12/1481—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for supplying a selected one of a plurality of liquids or other fluent materials or several in selected proportions to a spray apparatus, e.g. to a single spray outlet comprising pigs, i.e. movable elements sealingly received in supply pipes, for separating different fluids, e.g. liquid coating materials from solvent or air
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
  • B05B15/14—Arrangements for preventing or controlling structural damage to spraying apparatus or its outlets, e.g. for breaking at desired places; Arrangements for handling or replacing damaged parts
  • B05B15/18—Arrangements for preventing or controlling structural damage to spraying apparatus or its outlets, e.g. for breaking at desired places; Arrangements for handling or replacing damaged parts for improving resistance to wear, e.g. inserts or coatings; for indicating wear; for handling or replacing worn parts
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
  • B05B15/50—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter
  • B05B15/55—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter using cleaning fluids
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B08—CLEANING
  • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
  • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
  • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
  • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
  • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
  • B08B9/049—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes, i.e. self-propelled

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a fluid spraying installation.
• the present invention also relates to a method of moving a fluid in such a fluid spraying installation.
• Fluid spraying systems are used in many applications, including spraying paints or other coating materials.
• the fluid to be sprayed circulates in a conduit to a projection device such as a gun.
• the cleaning of the interior of the duct is generally carried out using a scraper, that is to say an instrument intended to circulate in the duct in order to remove any trace of the fluid present by friction against the internal surface of the duct.
• the scrapers are generally instruments comprising at least cylindrical portions having a diameter equal to the internal diameter of the conduit.
• the cylindrical portions are, for example, elastomeric seals which rub against the internal surface of the duct.
• the scraper seals between its upstream part and its downstream part. It then pushes the fluid present in front of it up to a portion of the duct provided to allow the recovery or evacuation of the fluid thus collected.
• the objective of the invention is to provide a fluid spraying installation which requires less maintenance than the prior art painting spraying installations.
• the subject of the invention is a fluid spraying installation comprising a fluid circulation duct and a scraper capable of circulating in the duct, the scraper being configured to repel in front of it the fluid present in the duct when the scraper flows in the duct, the duct and the scraper each having a cylindrical section, the duct having an internal diameter, the scraper having an external diameter, the external diameter having a first value, a difference between the internal diameter of the duct and the first outer diameter value of the scraper being greater than or equal to 100 micrometers, preferably greater than or equal to 200 micrometers.
• the fluid spraying installation comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in any technically possible combination:
• the paint spraying installation includes a holding system capable of preventing a relative translational movement of the scraper relative to the duct when the scraper is inserted into the duct;
• the conduit extends along a first axis
• the scraper extending along a second axis and being configured to circulate in translation relative to the conduit along the first axis when the first axis and the second axis are combined
• the holding system being configured to rotate the scraper about an axis perpendicular to the first axis so that an angle between the first axis and the second axis is strictly greater than zero, preferably greater than or equal to 5 degrees.
• the scraper comprises a magnet having a north pole and a south pole, the poles of the magnet being aligned along a third axis, an angle between the second axis and the third axis being strictly greater than zero, preferably greater than or equal to 5 degrees, the holding system comprising a magnetic field generator capable of generating in at least a portion of the conduit a magnetic field tending to align the third axis and the first axis.
• the scraper comprises a ferromagnetic element, the holding system comprising a magnetic field generator capable of generating in at least a portion of the conduit a magnetic field tending to bring the ferromagnetic element closer to the magnetic field generator so as to press the scraper against an internal surface of the circulation duct.
• the magnetic field generator is in contact with an external surface of the circulation duct.
• the magnetic field generator is at least partially between an interior surface and an exterior surface of the circulation duct.
• the holding system is configured to increase the external diameter of at least a portion of the scraper from the first external diameter value to a second external diameter value, equal to the internal diameter of the conduit.
• the scraper extends along a second axis, the scraper being configured to be crushed along the second axis when a pressure in the duct is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure value, the crushing causing the increase in external diameter of said portion of the scraper from the first value of external diameter to the second value of external diameter.
• the scraper comprises a shell and an elastic element, the shell having two end walls delimiting the shell along the second axis, the elastic element being received inside the shell and being configured to exert on the two walls d end a force tending to separate the two end walls from one another along the second axis, the shell being configured so that, when the end walls are brought closer to each other according to the second axis, the external diameter of at least a portion of the shell increases until the second value of external diameter.
• the scraper comprises two end portions and an elastomeric crushing portion, the crushing portion having a circular section in a plane perpendicular to the second axis and being interposed along the second axis between the two end portions, the portion being crushed being configured to exert a force on the end portions tending to distance the end portions from one another and to deform radially outward when the scraper is crushed.
• the scraper comprises a magnet, the holding system comprising at least one ferromagnetic element configured so that, when the scraper is received in the duct, the magnet exerts a force tending to bring the scraper closer to the ferromagnetic element, so as press the scraper against an internal surface of the circulation duct.
• the ferromagnetic element is a longitudinal ferromagnetic element wound around the circulation duct.
• the installation further comprises a sheath surrounding the circulation duct, each ferromagnetic element being interposed between the sheath and the circulation duct.
• the invention also relates to a method for displacing a fluid in a fluid spraying installation comprising a fluid circulation duct, comprising a step of circulating a scraper in the duct, the scraper pushing fluid in front of it present in the duct during the circulation step, the duct and the scraper each having a cylindrical section, the duct having an internal diameter, the scraper having an outer diameter, the outer diameter having a first value during the step of circulation, a difference between the internal diameter of the duct and the first value of the external diameter of the scraper is greater than or equal to 100 micrometers, preferably greater than or equal to 200 micrometers.
• the method is implemented in an installation in which the scraper extends along a second axis, this method further comprising a step of increasing the pressure from a first pressure value to a second pressure value and a step of crushing the scraper along the second axis under the effect of the pressure, crushing causing an increase in the external diameter of at least a portion of the scraper from the first value of external diameter to a second value of external diameter, equal to the internal diameter of the conduit.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a first example of a fluid spraying installation comprising a fluid circulation duct and a scraper,
• FIG. 2 is a partial schematic representation in section of the first example of a fluid projection installation
• FIG. 3 is a partial schematic representation in section of a second example of a fluid projection installation
• FIG. 4 is a partial schematic representation in section of a third example of a fluid spraying installation comprising a conduit, a pressure in the conduit being equal to a first value
• FIG. 5 is a partial schematic representation in section of the installation of Figure 4, the pressure in the conduit being equal to a second value strictly greater than the first value,
• FIG. 6 is a partial schematic representation in section of a variant of the third example of a fluid spraying installation, the pressure in the duct being equal to the second value
• FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of another example of a fluid projection installation.
• FIG. 8 is a partial schematic representation of another example of a fluid spraying installation.
• FIG. 1 A first example of a fluid projection installation 10 is shown in FIG. 1.
• the installation 10 is configured to project a first fluid F.
• the installation 10 comprises, for example, a shade changer block 11, a pump 12 and a member 13 for projecting the first fluid F such as a paint spray gun or even a sprayer.
• the installation 10 further comprises a conduit 15 for circulating fluid F, a scraper 20 and at least one injector 21.
• the shade changer block 11, the pump 12, the circulation duct 15 and the projection member 13 jointly form a circuit 16 for circulation of the first fluid F.
• the circuit 16 is in particular suitable for conducting the first fluid F from the shade changer block 1 1 to the projection member 13.
• the first fluid F is, for example, a liquid, such as a paint or other coating material.
• the first fluid F comprises a set of electrically conductive particles, in particular metallic particles, such as aluminum particles.
• the shade changer block 1 1 is configured to supply the pump 12 with the first fluid F.
• the shade changer block 1 1 is configured to supply the pump 12 with a plurality of first fluids F, and for switching the supply of the pump 12 from a first fluid F to another first fluid F.
• each of the first fluids F with which the shade changer block 11 is suitable for supplying the pump 12 is, for example, a paint having a shade different from the shades of the other first fluids F.
• the pump 12 is suitable for injecting into the circulation conduit 15 a flow rate of the first fluid F received from the shade changer block 1 1.
• the pump 12 is connected to the circulation conduit 15 by a valve 14.
• the pump 12 is, for example, a gear pump.
• the projection member 13 is suitable for receiving the first fluid F and for projecting the first fluid F.
• the projection member 13 includes a valve 22 and a sprayer head 23.
• the projection member 13 is, for example, mounted on a movable arm capable of orienting the projection member 13 in the direction of an object on which the first fluid F is to be projected.
• the valve 22 is configured to connect the circulation conduit 15 to the sprayer head 23, and to switch between an open configuration allowing the passage of first fluid F from the circulation conduit 15 to the sprayer head 23 and a closed configuration preventing this passage.
• the sprayer head 23 is configured to spray the first fluid F received from the valve 22.
• the fluid circulation conduit 15 is configured to conduct the first fluid F received from the valve 14 to the projection member 13.
• the fluid circulation conduit 15 is cylindrical.
• the fluid circulation conduit 15 has a circular section and extends along a first axis A1.
• the fluid circulation conduit 15 is rectilinear.
• the fluid circulation conduit 15 is a curved conduit for which the first axis A1 is defined locally at any point of the fluid circulation conduit 15 as being perpendicular to a plane in which the cross section of the fluid circulation conduit 15 is circular.
• the fluid circulation conduit 15 has an internal surface 25 delimiting a lumen of the fluid circulation conduit 15 in a plane perpendicular to the first axis A1.
• the fluid circulation duct 15 also has an external surface 27, which is visible in FIG. 3. In order to simplify FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 to 7, the external surface 27 is only shown in FIG. 3.
• the upstream and downstream are defined in that, during the projection of the first fluid F, the first fluid F circulates in the circulation duct 15 from the 'upstream downstream.
• the pump is configured to inject the first fluid F at an upstream end 15A of the circulation duct 15 while a downstream end 15B of the circulation duct 15 is connected to the sprayer to allow the first fluid F to flow from the upstream downstream from the pump to the sprayer through the circulation duct 15.
• This is represented in FIG. 1 by an arrow 26.
• the fluid circulation conduit 15 has a first portion 28 and a second portion 29.
• the circulation duct 15 has a length greater than or equal to 50 centimeters, for example greater than or equal to one meter. According to one embodiment, each of the first portion 28 and of the second portion 29 has a length greater than or equal to one meter.
• the first portion 28 is arranged upstream of the second portion 29.
• the first portion 28 is, for example, configured to deform so as to follow the movement of the projection member 13.
• the second portion 28 is, for example, received in the projection member 13 and movable with it.
• the second portion 29 is, for example, helical.
• An internal diameter Di is defined for the fluid circulation conduit 15. The internal diameter Di is measured in a plane perpendicular to the first axis A1 between two diametrically opposite points on the internal surface 25.
• the internal diameter Di is, for example, between 3.8 and 6.2 mm. It should be noted that the internal diameter Di of the circulation duct 15 is liable to vary.
• the fluid circulation conduit 15 is, for example, made of a metallic material. Alternatively, the fluid circulation conduit 15 is made of a polymeric material.
• the scraper 20 is configured to circulate in the fluid circulation conduit 15 in order to push in front of it the first fluid F present on the internal surface 25 during its movement in the fluid circulation conduit 15.
• the scraper 20 is configured to clean the internal surface 25, i.e. to leave behind an internal surface 25 covered with a quantity of first fluid F less than the quantity covering the internal surface 25 before the scraper 20 passes, for example to remove all of the first fluid F covering the internal surface 25 of the portions of the conduit 15 in which the scraper 20 circulates.
• the scraper 20 extends along a second axis A2.
• the scraper 20 comprises at least one portion having a circular section in a plane perpendicular to the second axis A2.
• the scraper 20 is substantially cylindrical and has a symmetry of revolution around the second axis A2.
• the scraper 20 is designed to circulate in the circulation duct 15 when the scraper 20 is received in the lumen of the circulation duct 15 and when the first axis A1 is coincident with the second axis A2, as shown in FIG. 2.
• the scraper 20 has an external diameter.
• the external diameter is the external diameter of the portion of the scraper 20 having the largest external diameter in a plane perpendicular to the second axis A2.
• the outer diameter has a first value Del.
• the first value Del is strictly less than the internal diameter Di of the circulation duct 15.
• a difference between the internal diameter Di of the circulation conduit 15 and the first value Del is greater than or equal to 100 micrometers (pm). For example, the difference is greater than or equal to 200 ⁇ m.
• the difference is less than or equal to 300 ⁇ m.
• the difference is equal to 200 ⁇ m.
• the scraper 20 has two end faces 30 delimiting the scraper 20 along the second axis A2.
• a length of the scraper 20, measured along the second axis A2 between the two end faces 30, is between the internal diameter Di of the circulation duct 15 and twice the internal diameter Di.
• the scraper 20 also has a lateral face 35 delimiting the scraper 20 in a plane perpendicular to the second axis A2.
• the external diameter is measured between two diametrically opposite points on the lateral face 35.
• the scraper 20 comprises, for example, a shell 40 delimiting a chamber 45.
• the end faces 30 and the lateral face 35 are external faces of the shell 40.
• the shell 40 has two walls d end 46 which separate, along the second axis A2, the chamber 45 from the outside of the shell 40.
• the end faces 30 are faces of the end walls 46.
• the end walls 46 are, for example, planar walls perpendicular to the second axis A2.
• the shell 40 is, for example, made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), of Polyethylene, of a polyolefin, of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), of polyoxymethylene (POM), or also of Polyamide.
• PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
• PEEK polyetheretherketone
• POM polyoxymethylene
• the scraper 20 is full, that is to say that no chamber 45 is delimited by the shell 40.
• the scraper 20 will be made of materials having good elastic properties such as an elastomer , in particular a perfluorinated elastomer, resistant to solvents.
• the injector 21 is configured to inject a second fluid into the circuit 16, in particular into the circulation duct 15.
• the injector 21 is configured to inject into the circulation duct 15 a flow of second fluid having a controllable flow rate by the injector 21.
• the injector 21 is, for example, configured to inject the second fluid into the upstream end 15A of the circulation conduit 15.
• the injector 21 is configured to inject the second fluid into the downstream end 15B of the circulation conduit circulation 15, or is configured to inject the second fluid either into the upstream end 15A or into the downstream end 15B.
• the injector 21 is connected by a valve 47 to the circulation duct 15.
• the second fluid is, for example, a fluid separate from the first fluid F to be sprayed.
• the second fluid is a liquid, sometimes called a "cleaning fluid".
• the liquid is, in particular a solvent capable of dissolving or diluting the first fluid F.
• the first fluid F is an aqueous-based paint
• the liquid is water. It should be noted that the type of solvent used is liable to vary, in particular depending on the nature of the first fluid F.
• liquids other than solvents may be used as the second fluid.
• the second fluid is a first fluid F intended to be sprayed after the first fluid F present in the circulation conduit 15, for example a first fluid F having a shade different from the first fluid F present in the circulation conduit 15.
• the second fluid is a gas such as compressed air.
• injector 21 is a gear pump, or even a compressor capable of generating a gas flow.
• the injector 21 is described above as being a device separate from the pump 12, it is conceivable that the role of the injector 21 is fulfilled by the pump 12, for example if the change changer block shades 1 1 comprises a reservoir of second fluid which the pump 12 is then able to inject into the conduit 15.
• the method is, for example, a method for cleaning the internal surface 25 of the conduit 15. It should be noted that other applications of the method than cleaning the conduit 15 are conceivable.
• the first fluid F is present in the lumen of the circulation conduit 15.
• the first fluid F partially covers the internal surface of the circulation conduit 15.
• the scraper 20 circulates in the circulation duct 15.
• the scraper 20 is inserted at one end 15A, 15B of the circulation duct 15 and propelled to the other end 15A, 15B of the circulation duct 15 by a flow of second fluid.
• the flow of second fluid then exerts on one of the end faces 30 a force tending to propel the scraper in the circulation duct 15 along the first axis A1.
• the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 are merged.
• the scraper 20 circulates in the circulation duct 15.
• the scraper 20 circulates from upstream downstream.
• the direction of movement of the scraper 20 is likely to vary, for example if the flow of second fluid is injected into the downstream end 15B of the conduit 15.
• the scraper 20 pushes in front of it the first fluid F present in the circulation duct 15, thus allowing the recovery of the first fluid F.
• a valve for recovering the first fluid F opening into the downstream end of the conduit 15 allows the outlet of the first fluid F repelled by the scraper 20.
• the first fluid F exits from the circulation conduit through the valve 22 of the projection member 13.
• the internal surface 25 of the circulation duct 15 is therefore cleaned, since the scraper pushes in front of it the first fluid F present on the internal surface 25 of the duct 15.
• the friction between the scraper 20 and the internal surface 25 is limited.
• the wear of the scraper and of the circulation duct 15 is therefore lower than for the installations of the state of the art.
• the first fluid F is effectively collected by the scraper 20.
• a difference greater than or equal to 200 ⁇ m particularly reduces friction and therefore wear.
• FIG. 3 A second example of installation 10 is shown in FIG. 3.
• the installation 10 comprises a holding system configured to prevent a relative translational movement of the scraper 10 relative to the circulation duct 15 when the scraper 20 is inserted in the circulation duct 15, and it is no longer desired the first fluid F is displaced in the circulation duct 15.
• the holding system is, in particular, configured to pivot the scraper 20 about a pivot axis Ap.
• the pivot axis Ap is perpendicular to the first axis A1.
• the holding system is configured to pivot the scraper 20 between a first position in which the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 are combined and a second position in which an angle a between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 is strictly greater than zero.
• the angle a is, for example, greater than or equal to 0.5 degrees (°).
• the scraper 20 Since the scraper 20 has an external diameter Del strictly less than the internal diameter Di of the circulation duct 15, the scraper 20 is capable of moving in the circulation duct 15 without the second fluid F upstream being set in motion, for example under the influence of gravity. This happens in particular whenever the spraying is stopped.
• the holding system comprises a magnet 50 and a magnetic field generator 55.
• the magnet 50 is integral with the scraper 20.
• the magnet 50 is, for example, received in the chamber 45.
• the magnet 50 is, for example, a permanent magnet, such as a neodymium magnet.
• magnet 50 is an electromagnet
• the magnet 50 has a north pole N and a south pole S.
• the north N and south poles S of the magnet 50 are aligned along a third axis A3.
• the third axis A3 is not confused with the second axis A2.
• the third axis A3 forms an angle b with the second axis A2 of the scraper 20.
• the angle b is greater than or equal to the angle a between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2.
• the angle b is greater than or equal to 5 °.
• the magnetic field generator 55 is configured to generate, in at least a portion of the circulation duct 15, a magnetic field M tending to align the first axis A1 and the third axis A3.
• the magnetic field generator 55 is, for example, placed outside the circulation duct 15. According to the example shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic field generator is in contact with the external surface 27 of the circulation duct 15 .
• the magnetic field generator is included at least partially in the circulation duct 15.
• the magnetic field generator is at least partially comprised between the external surface 27 and the internal surface 25 of the circulation duct 15.
• the magnetic field generator 55 is, for example, an electromagnet comprising a conductive winding surrounding at least a portion of the circulation duct 15. In this case, when the electromagnet 55 is supplied by an electric current, the electromagnet 55 generates in the circulation duct 15 a magnetic field M directed parallel to the first axis A1.
• the conductive winding is wound around the circulation duct 15, and is therefore in contact with the external surface 27.
• the conductive winding may be included between the external surfaces 27 and internal 25 of the conduit 15.
• the conductive winding is integrated in the conduit 15.
• the magnetic field generator 55 is a permanent magnet.
• the magnetic field generator 55 is a permanent magnet when the magnet 50 is an electromagnet.
• the magnetic field generator 55 comprises a permanent magnet and the magnet 50 is a permanent magnet.
• the permanent magnet of the magnetic field generator 55 is movable relative to the circulation conduit 15 between a first position in which the magnetic field generator 55 generates a negligible magnetic field in a portion of the circulation conduit 15 and a second position in which the magnetic field generator 55 generates in at least a portion of the circulation duct 15, a magnetic field M tending to align the first axis A1 and the third axis A3
• the magnetic field generator 55 and the magnet 50 are both electromagnets.
• the second example of a method includes a pivoting step.
• the pivoting step is, for example, implemented after the circulation step.
• the pivoting step is implemented when the scraper 20 is received in the lumen of the circulation duct 15 but it is desired that the scraper 20 cannot move in translation along the first axis A1 relative to the circulation conduit 15, for example when the circulation conduit 15 must be moved or when the first axis A1 of the circulation conduit 15 has a component significant vertical and that the scraper 20 would be likely to slide in the circulation duct 15 under the effect of its weight.
• the scraper 20 pivots from its first position to its second position.
• the electromagnet 55 generates the magnetic field M, which imposes on the scraper 20 a magnetic force tending to align the third axis A3 with the first axis A1.
• the scraper 20 therefore pivots around the pivot axis Ap to its second position.
• the magnetic force presses the two ends of the scraper 20 against the internal surface 25 of the circulation duct 15, which prevents by friction a translational movement of the scraper along the first axis A1 relative to the circulation duct 15.
• the holding system then keeps the scraper 20 in position in a particular portion of the circulation duct 15 despite the reduction in friction between the scraper 20 and the circulation duct 15 due to the difference in internal and external diameters Di and Del. This immobilization is particularly useful in the event of interruption of the circulation stage before the entire duct 15 has been traversed by the scraper 20.
• FIG. 4 A third example of installation 10 is shown in FIG. 4.
• the third example of installation 10 also includes a holding system configured to prevent a relative translational movement of the scraper 10 relative to the circulation duct 15 when the scraper 20 is inserted into the circulation duct 15.
• the holding system is configured to increase the external diameter of at least a portion of the scraper 20 from the first value of diameter Del to a second value of diameter De2.
• the second value of diameter De2 is strictly greater than the first value of diameter Del.
• the second value of diameter De2 is equal to the internal diameter Di.
• the injector 21 is able to vary the pressure in the circulation duct 15 when the exit of the first fluid F through the downstream end of the duct 15 is prevented, for example when the valve 22 of the projection member 13 is closed.
• the injector 21 is configured to vary the pressure in the circulation duct between a first pressure value and a second pressure value.
• the first pressure value is a pressure value typical of the operation of the installation 10 when the scraper 20 circulates in the circulation duct 15.
• the first pressure value is, for example, between 2 bar and 8 bar. Note that the first value may vary.
• the second pressure value is strictly greater than the first pressure value.
• the second pressure value is, for example, greater than or equal to 10 bar. According to one embodiment, the second pressure value is equal to 10 bar, to within 500 millibar.
• the scraper 20 is configured to be crushed along the second axis A2 when the pressure in the circulation duct 15 is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure threshold.
• the scraper 20 has a non-crushed configuration, shown in FIG. 4 and a crushed configuration shown in FIG. 5.
• the length L1 of the scraper 20, along the second axis A2, in the non-crushed configuration, is strictly greater than the length L2 of the scraper 20 in the crushed configuration.
• the pressure threshold is strictly greater than the first pressure value and strictly less than the second pressure value.
• the scraper 20 is configured so that the crushing of the scraper 20 causes an increase in the external diameter of the scraper 20 from the first value Del to the second value De2.
• the external diameter of the scraper 20 has the first value of diameter Del whereas, in the overwritten configuration, the external diameter has the second value of diameter De2.
• the external diameter in the crushed configuration, has a value strictly greater than the internal diameter Di of the circulation duct 15 when the scraper 20 is not received in the circulation duct 15.
• the external diameter of the scraper 20 has the second value of diameter De2 because the external diameter of the scraper 20 is limited by the internal diameter Di.
• the scraper 20 then exerts against the internal surface 25 of the circulation duct 15 a frictional force tending to keep the scraper 20 in position relative to the circulation duct 20.
• the shell 40 is made of a flexible polymer material and provided so that a central portion 57 of the shell 40 deforms radially outward from the shell 40 when the end walls 46 are brought together one of the other.
• the flexible polymer material is, for example, chosen from a perfluorinated polymer, teflon, polyamide and a polyolefin.
• the scraper 20 comprises an elastic element 60.
• the injector, the shell 40 and the elastic element 60 jointly form the holding system.
• the elastic element 60 is received in the chamber 45 delimited by the shell 40.
• the elastic element 60 exerts on the end walls 46 an elastic force tending to move the end walls 46 away from one another.
• the elastic element 60 is configured to exert an elastic force having a value strictly greater than a pressure force tending to bring the end walls 46 closer to one another when the pressure in the circulation duct 15 is less than or equal to the pressure threshold.
• the elastic element 60 is, moreover, configured to exert an elastic force having an intensity strictly less than a pressure force tending to bring the end walls 46 closer to one another when the pressure in the circulation duct 15 is strictly greater than the pressure threshold.
• the elastic element 60 is configured to maintain the scraper 20 in its non-crushed configuration when the pressure in the circulation duct 15 is less than or equal to the pressure threshold, and to allow tilting of the scraper 20 in its crushed configuration when the pressure is strictly above the pressure threshold.
• the elastic element 60 is, for example, a spring such as a helical spring. It should be noted that other types of elastic elements 60 are likely to be envisaged.
• the pressure in the circulation duct 15 has the first pressure value.
• the scraper 20 is therefore in its non-crushed configuration.
• the third example includes a step of increasing the pressure and a step of crushing.
• the injector increases the pressure in the circulation duct from the first value to the second value.
• the valve 22 allowing the exit of the first fluid F out of the conduit circulation 15 is closed, and the injector injects second fluid into the circulation duct 15 until the second pressure value is reached.
• the scraper 20 switches to its crushed configuration under the effect of the pressure force exerted on the end walls 46.
• the crushing causes an increase in the external diameter of the scraper 20 up to the second diameter value De2.
• the scraper 20 When the scraper 20 is in its crushed configuration, the scraper 20 exerts a frictional force against the internal surface 25 of the circulation duct 15, since the external diameter is equal to the internal diameter Di.
• the holding system then makes it possible to hold the scraper 20 in position in a particular portion of the circulation duct 15 when the scraper 20 is crushed, while allowing a reduction in friction between the scraper 20 and the circulation duct 15 due to the difference internal and external diameters Di and Del in the non-overwritten configuration.
• the holding system of the third example does not require any additional equipment except the elastic element 60, compared to the first example. In particular, no additional element external to the scraper 20 is required.
• the fluid spraying installation 10 is therefore very simple, and the scraper 20 can be used in already existing fluid spraying installations 10.
• the scraper 20 does not have an elastic element 60.
• the shell 40 has two end portions 65 and a crushing portion 70.
• each end wall 46 is a wall of an end portion 65. This end portion is delimited by the end wall 46 along the second axis 20.
• Each end portion 65 is, for example, rigid. In particular, each end portion 65 is configured not to be deformed when the scraper 20 changes from the crushed configuration to the non-crushed configuration or vice versa.
• the crushing portion 70 is interposed along the second axis A2 between the two end portions 65.
• the crushing portion 70 is cylindrical and extends along the second axis A2.
• the crushing portion 70 therefore has a circular section in a plane perpendicular to the second axis A2.
• the crushing portion 70 is configured to exert on the two end portions 65 a force tending to separate the two end portions 65 from one another.
• the crushing portion 70 is configured to exert an elastic force having a value strictly greater than a pressure force tending to bring the two end portions 65 closer to one another when the pressure in the conduit circulation 15 is less than or equal to the pressure threshold.
• the crushing portion 70 is further configured to exert an elastic force having a value strictly less than a pressure force tending to bring the two end portions 65 closer to one another when the pressure in the conduit circulation 15 is strictly greater than the pressure threshold.
• the crushing portion 70 is configured to maintain the scraper 20 in its non-crushed configuration when the pressure in the circulation duct 15 is less than or equal to the pressure threshold, and to allow the scraper to tilt. 20 in its crushed configuration when the pressure is strictly greater than the pressure threshold.
• the crushing portion 70 is, for example, made of an elastomeric material. In this sense, the portion 70 can be qualified as an elastomeric portion.
• the crushing portion 70 is configured to deform radially towards the outside of the shell 40 when the two end portions 65 are brought closer to each other, as visible in FIG. 6.
• the scraper 20 comprises a ferromagnetic element.
• Ferromagnetism designates the capacity of certain bodies to magnetize under the effect of an external magnetic field and to keep part of this magnetization.
• the ferromagnetic element is, in particular, integral with the shell 40.
• the ferromagnetic element is, for example, received in room 45.
• the installation 10 includes a magnetic field generator 55.
• the magnetic field generator 55 is, for example, similar to the magnetic field generators 55 used in the second example previously described.
• the magnetic field generator 55 is configured to generate, in at least a portion of the circulation duct 15, a magnetic field tending to bring the ferromagnetic element closer to the magnetic field generator 55.
• the magnetic field generator 55 is a magnet generating a magnetic field capable of attracting the ferromagnetic element towards the magnet.
• the method then comprises an attraction step replacing for example the pivoting step.
• the magnetic field generator 55 generates the magnetic field in the corresponding portion of the circulation duct 15. For example, when the magnetic field generator 55 is a permanent magnet, the magnetic field generator 55 is approached the portion of the circulation duct 15 in which it is desired that the scraper 20 is held.
• the ferromagnetic element Under the effect of the magnetic field, the ferromagnetic element is attracted towards the magnetic field generator 55. Consequently, the scraper 20 is moved in the conduit 15 until it comes into contact with the internal surface 25 of the conduit 15. In in particular, the scraper 20 is pressed against the internal surface 25.
• the scraper 20 is then held in position in the portion of the duct 15 by the effect of the magnetic field which presses the scraper against the internal surface 25.
• the fourth example of installation 10 is particularly simple to implement.
• the projection method is, for example, implemented by a projection installation 10 in accordance with one of the examples of projection installation 10 described above.
• the spraying method is capable of being implemented by other types of fluid spraying installations, in particular fluid spraying installations in which the difference between the internal diameter Di of the duct of circulation 15 and the first value Del is strictly less than 100 micrometers, for example equal to zero.
• the method includes a first projection step, a circulation step, a return step and a second projection step.
• a first fluid F is sprayed by the spraying installation 10.
• the first fluid F is injected by the pump 12 into the circulation duct 15 and transmitted by the circulation duct 15 up to 'to the projection member 13 which projects the first fluid F.
• the first fluid F is, for example, sprayed onto an area of an object, of a structure or of an installation which it is desired to cover with first fluid F.
• the first fluid F projected during the first projection step has, for example, a first shade.
• the first projection step comprises determining a first volume of first fluid F.
• the first volume is the volume of first fluid F which has been sprayed since the start of the first projection step.
• the first volume is, for example, determined by knowing the flow rate of the pump 12 and the total operating time of the pump 12 since the start of the first projection step.
• the first projection step is carried out until a difference between a total volume of first fluid F to be sprayed and the first volume is equal to a second predetermined volume.
• the total volume is, for example, the total volume of first fluid F to be sprayed by the installation 10 to allow the first fluid F to be covered with a predetermined object, or even a predetermined area of an object, a structure or d 'an installation.
• the second volume is the volume of first fluid F that the scraper 20 is able to move during the circulation step.
• the second volume is determined experimentally by filling the circulation conduit 15 with the first fluid F and by implementing the circulation step.
• the second volume is, for example, greater than or equal to 80 percent (%) of the volume of the lumen of the circulation duct 15
• the second volume is, for example, the volume of first fluid F contained in the circulation duct 15.
• the second volume is the volume of the lumen of the circulation duct 15.
• the first projection step is carried out until the volume of first fluid F which is contained in the circulation duct 15 and which is capable of being pushed back to the projection member 13 by the scraper 20 is sufficient to cover with first fluid F the areas of the object, structure or installation which it is desired to cover with first fluid F but which have not yet been covered.
• the circulation stage is implemented after the first projection stage.
• the scraper 20 is introduced into the circulation duct 15, for example at the upstream end 15A of the circulation duct 15, and the injector 21 injects the second fluid upstream of the scraper 20.
• the second fluid used during the circulation step is, for example, a liquid, in particular a solvent capable of dissolving or diluting the first fluid F.
• valve 22 is open.
• the scraper 20 circulates from upstream to downstream in the circulation duct 15, under the effect of the second fluid injected into the upstream end 15A by the injector 21.
• the scraper 20 travels a length of the duct circulation 15 greater than or equal to half a total length of the circulation duct 15, in particular greater than or equal to 90% of the total length.
• the scraper 20 pushes a part of the first fluid F present in the circulation duct 15 up to the projection member 13, in particular up to the sprayer head 23.
• the second volume of first fluid F is pushed back by the scraper 20 to the sprayer head 23.
• the volume of first fluid F crossing the valve 22 is equal to the second volume.
• the first fluid F pushed by the scraper 20 to the sprayer head 23 is sprayed by the sprayer head 23.
• the return stage is implemented after the circulation stage.
• the injector 21 injects second fluid into the circulation duct 15 downstream of the scraper 20.
• the second fluid then repels the scraper 20, which moves upstream in the circulation duct.
• valve 17 is open to allow the second fluid to leave the circulation duct 15 upstream of the scraper 20.
• the scraper 20 is removed from the circulation duct 15.
• the return stage is followed by the second projection stage.
• the second projection step is identical to the first projection step except for the first fluid F projected.
• the first fluid F injected by the pump 12 into the circulation duct 15 and projected by the projection member 13 is a first fluid F different from the first fluid F which is injected by the pump 12 during the first projection step.
• the first fluid F sprayed during the second spraying step has a different shade from the shade of the first fluid F sprayed during the first spraying step.
• the spraying process allows the use of a large part of the first fluid F which is present in the circulation duct 15 thanks to the use of the scraper 20 to push this first fluid F to the spraying member 13.
• the spraying method therefore has a better yield in terms of quantity of fluid consumed than the other spraying methods, in which part of the fluid consumed remains in the circulation duct 15 at the end of the spraying, and is not effectively recovered.
• the control of the second volume of projected fluid is improved, since the liquids are weakly compressible.
• this liquid is a solvent
• the first fluid F remaining in the circulation conduit 15 after the passage of the scraper 20, in particular the first fluid F capable of partially covering the internal surface 25, is dissolved or diluted by the solvent and extracted from the conduit 15 with the solvent.
• the duct 15 is therefore partly cleaned, and the risks of contamination of the first fluid F sprayed during the second spraying step by the first fluid F sprayed during the first spraying step are limited.
• the cleaning of the conduit 15 is further improved when the return step is implemented using this solvent used as the second fluid, since the circulation conduit 15 is then cleaned twice with the solvent, during the scraper circulations. downstream then upstream.
• the scraper 20 conforms to the scrapers 20 described in the first, second, third and fourth previous examples, that is to say when a difference between the internal diameter Di of the circulation duct 15 and the first value Del is greater or equal to 100 micrometers (pm), the scraper 20 circulates easily even in the portions of the circulation duct 15 which are not rectilinear, in particular in the second portion 29, helical. The quantity of first fluid F recovered is then increased, since it is avoided that a section of the duct 15, which cannot be traversed by the scraper 20, is still filled with first fluid F at the end of the circulation step .
• the use of a second helical portion 29 makes it possible to avoid the formation, in the first fluid F contained in the second portion 29, of conductive connections under the effect of the electric fields frequently used for the projection of the first fluid F when the first fluid F contains electrically conductive particles.
• the scrapers 20 according to the first, second, third and fourth examples are therefore particularly advantageous for these applications.
• the difference between the internal diameter Di of the circulation duct 15 and the first value Del is likely to vary, in particular to be strictly less than 100 ⁇ m, by example equal to zero, or to be greater than or equal to 100 ⁇ m as is the case in the first example.
• the fifth example of installation 10 may include a scraper 20 and a holding system 55 conforming to the scrapers 20 and the holding systems of the second, third and fourth installation examples. 10 and previously described variants of these second, third and fourth examples.
• the fifth example of installation 10 does not include a scraper 20.
• the injector 21 is configured to inject the second fluid into at least one of the shade changer block 11, the pump 12, the circulation duct 15 and the projection member 13.
• the injector 21 is connected to the shade changer block 1 1 by a valve 105, to the pump 12 by a valve 1 10, to the circulation duct 15 by the valve 47 and to the projection member 13 by a valve 1 15.
• the second fluid is then a liquid, for example a liquid solvent suitable for dissolving or diluting the first fluid F, or even water.
• the injector 21 is configured to inject a predetermined volume of second fluid into the circuit 16.
• the injector 21 is also configured to stop the injection when the injected volume is equal to a predetermined volume.
• the injector 21 is configured to estimate a value of a total volume of second fluid injected into the circuit 16 since the start of the injection, and to stop the injection when the total volume is equal to the predetermined volume.
• the injector 21 comprises a control module such as a data processing unit or even a dedicated integrated circuit, suitable for estimating the total volume injected and for controlling the injection of the second fluid by the injector 21, for example suitable for controlling the opening or closing of the valves 47, 105, 1 10, 1 15.
• the predetermined volume is chosen as a function of the quantity of second fluid which it is desired to inject into the circuit 16. The predetermined volume is therefore likely to vary.
• injectors 21 capable of being used in the fifth example are described below.
• the injector 21 is further configured to inject a flow of gas into the circuit 16.
• the injector 21 is configured to inject the predetermined volume of second fluid into the circuit 16, and then to inject the gas into the circuit 16 to cause the displacement of the second fluid in the circuit 16.
• the injector 21 is connected to a source of pressurized gas.
• the gas is, for example, compressed air.
• the gas has a third pressure value when the gas is injected into circuit 16.
• the third pressure value is less than or equal to 20 bar.
• the fifth example of installation 10 is suitable for implementing a method comprising a step of injecting the second fluid into the circuit 16.
• the second fluid is injected into the circulation duct 15.
• the second fluid is injected into at least one of the shade changer block 11, the pump 12, the circulation duct 15, the projection member 13.
• the injector 21 estimates the volume of second fluid injected since the start of the injection step. For example, the injector 21 periodically estimates the volume of second fluid injected since the start of the injection step. According to one embodiment, the injector 21 estimates the volume of second fluid injected with a period less than or equal to 100 milliseconds.
• the estimated volume is compared by the injector 21 with the predetermined volume.
• the injector 21 continues to inject the second fluid into circuit 16.
• the injector 21 stops the injection.
• the injector 21 forms the valve or valves 47, 105, 1 10 and 1 15 which connect the injector 21 to the circuit 16.
• the injector 21 comprises a cylinder 75, a piston 80, an actuator 85 and a valve 90.
• the cylinder 75 is configured to contain the second fluid.
• the cylinder 75 delimits a cylindrical cavity suitable for accommodating the second fluid.
• the cylinder 75 extends along an axis Ac specific to the cylinder 75.
• the cylinder 75 is likely to have a circular base, but also a polygonal base, or even a base having any shape in a plane perpendicular to the axis Ac of the cylinder 75.
• the cylinder 75 is, for example, made of a metallic material such as stainless steel or aluminum.
• the cavity delimited by the cylinder 75 has an interior volume of between 50 cubic centimeters (cc) and 1000 cc.
• the piston 80 is received in the cavity delimited by the cylinder 75.
• the piston 80 separates the cavity delimited by the cylinder 75 into two chambers 95, 100 of variable volume.
• the piston 80 is cylindrical, for example delimited by a peripheral face complementary to an internal face of the cylinder 75 and by two faces perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder 75.
• the piston 80 is, for example, made of a metallic material.
• the face of the piston 80 which delimits the chamber 100 is made of stainless steel.
• this face is made of a polymer, or else covered with a layer of polymer or with a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
• PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
• the piston 80 is movable in translation between a primary position and a secondary position relative to the cylinder 75 so as to vary the respective volumes of the chambers 95 and 100.
• the piston 80 is movable along the axis Ac of the cylinder 75 .
• the primary position is the position in which the volume of the chamber 100 is greatest.
• the volume of the chamber 95 is, for example, equal to zero.
• the secondary position is the position in which the volume of the chamber 100 is the smallest.
• the piston 80 is in the secondary position, the piston 80 is in abutment against an end wall of the cylinder 75, so that the volume of the chamber 100 is equal to zero.
• the piston 80 is configured to prevent the passage of second fluid between the chambers 95, 100 which it delimits.
• the piston 80 carries sealing means such as a seal surrounding the piston 80 in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder 75.
• the chamber 100 is configured to be at least partially filled with the second fluid.
• the chamber 100 is connected by the valve 90 to a source of second fluid such as a reservoir.
• the chamber 100 is suitable for being connected, for example by the valve 47, to the circulation conduit 15. According to the example in FIG. 7, the chamber 100 is suitable for being connected to the upstream end 15A of the circulation conduit. As a variant, the chamber 100 is suitable for being connected to the downstream end 15B, or even to the two ends 15A, 15B.
• the actuator 85 is configured to move the piston 80 between its primary and secondary positions.
• the actuator 85 comprises, for example, a motor and a rod capable of transmitting a force from the motor to the piston 80 to move the piston 80.
• the actuator 85 is, in particular, configured to determine a position of the piston 80 relative to the cylinder 75, and to control or stop a movement of the piston 80 as a function of the determined position. Many types of actuators 85 allow such a determination of the position of the piston.
• the motor is, for example, an electric motor such as a torque motor, or even a brushless motor.
• the motor is a servomotor, that is to say a motor controlled in position.
• the engine is controlled so as to maintain the piston 80 in a predetermined position relative to the cylinder 75, the predetermined position being liable to vary.
• the motor is replaced by a pneumatic or hydraulic member capable of moving the piston 80, for example a pump capable of injecting a liquid into the chamber 95 to move the piston.
• the actuator 85 is, in particular, configured to impose on the second fluid a pressure greater than or equal to the third pressure value.
• a pressure sensor is integrated in the chamber 100, and the control module is capable of controlling an increase in the force exerted by the actuator on the piston 80 until the pressure of the second fluid in the chamber 100 is greater than or equal to the third pressure value.
• the actuator 85 is configured to estimate the pressure of the fluid in the chamber 100 from values of an electric current supplying the electric motor of the actuator 85.
• the chamber 100 contains second fluid and the actuator 85 moves the piston 80 towards the secondary position.
• the chamber 100 is filled with a second fluid.
• the actuator 85 periodically determines a position of the piston 80 in the cylinder 75, in particular a distance traveled by the piston 80 along the axis of the cylinder 75 from the primary position.
• the determination of the distance traveled is equivalent to the determination of the volume injected, since the volume injected is a bijective function of the distance traveled, i.e. a distance injected corresponds to a single volume injected.
• the actuator 85 compares the total volume injected with the predetermined volume by determining whether or not the piston 80 has reached a predetermined position corresponding to the predetermined volume.
• the predetermined position is, in particular, a position such that the displacement of the piston from the primary position to the secondary position decreases the volume of the chamber 100 by a volume value equal to the predetermined volume.
• the injector 21 is further configured to stop the injection when the volume injected is equal to a predetermined volume.
• the actuator 85 continues to move the piston 80 to the secondary position.
• the actuator 85 stops moving the piston 80.
• the injector 21 is configured to close the valve 47 when the piston 80 reaches the predetermined position. It should be noted that other types of injectors 21 are likely to be used in the fifth example.
• the injector 21 includes a second fluid source and a flow meter.
• the source of second fluid is, for example, a reserve of second fluid at a pressure greater than or equal to the third pressure value, or else a pump capable of generating a flow of second fluid, such as a gear pump or else a peristaltic pump.
• the injector 21 includes, for example, a pressure sensor located in particular in the outlet conduit of the second fluid source, and suitable for measuring the pressure of the second fluid at the outlet of the source.
• the flow meter is suitable for measuring values of the flow rate of the second fluid injected by the injector 21 into the circuit 16.
• the flow is, for example, a volume flow. Alternatively, the flow is a mass flow.
• the injector 21 is configured to estimate, from the measured flow values, the total volume of second fluid injected into the circuit from the start of the injection step. For example, the injector 21 estimates the total volume injected by time integration of the measured flow values.
• the injector 21 stops the injection when the total volume is equal to the predetermined volume. For example, the injector 21 closes the valves 47, 105, 1 10, 15 connecting the injector 21 to the circuit 16.
• the injection step is, for example implemented during a circulation step as defined above.
• the scraper 20 circulates from upstream to downstream in the circulation conduit 15 under the effect of the second injected fluid.
• the injection step is implemented during the return step to propel the scraper 20 from downstream to upstream.
• the fifth example of installation 10 is particularly suitable for implementing the projection method described above, as well as other projection methods.
• the fifth example of installation 10 is suitable for implementing a spraying process in which, during the circulation step, no scraper 20 is present in the duct 15.
• the second fluid pushes the first fluid F in front of it as far as the projection member 13.
• the injection step is implemented during a cleaning process of at least one of the shade changer block 11, the pump 12 and the projection member 13 .
• an injector 21 capable of stopping the injection of second fluid when the volume of second fluid injected is equal to a predetermined volume makes it possible to precisely control the amount of second fluid used during the injection step.
• this volume does not depend on the viscosity of the first fluid F (or of the mixture between the first fluid F and the second fluid) present in the circuit 16, on the contrary of the methods of the state of the art in which a source of second fluid is connected to circuit 16 for a predetermined time, since the viscosity of the fluid or fluids contained in the circuit depends inter alia on the ratio between the first fluid F and the second fluid present in circuit 16.
• a piston 80 to inject the second fluid into the circulation duct 15 makes it possible in particular to control more precisely the volume of second fluid injected, in particular when this fluid is a liquid such as a solvent, than is permitted by it the injectors 21 of the prior art.
• the injectors of the state of the art which use pumps such as gear pumps have a flow rate which can vary depending on the average viscosity. For example, gear pumps have internal leaks which are a function of this viscosity. Therefore, the volume of liquid actually injected into the circulation duct F by the injectors of the prior art is not effectively controlled.
• the piston 80 by its movement, makes it possible to impose a volume of propulsion liquid actually injected, since this volume depends solely on the variation in volume of the chamber 100.
• the fifth example of installation 10 therefore allows better control of the amount of second fluid injected.
• Estimating the volume of second fluid injected from the distance traveled by the piston 80 is a method for precisely and simply estimating the amount of volume injected into another device than the cylinder 75, the piston 80 and l actuator 85 is required.
• Injectors 21 estimating the volume of second fluid actually injected from the measured flow values also allow better control of the amount of second fluid injected.
• the injection of the second fluid with a pressure greater than or equal to the pressure of the gas makes it possible to use the gas to propel the second fluid, and therefore reduces the amount of second fluid required.
• the sixth example differs from the second example in that the holding system of the sixth example comprises the magnet 50 and at least one ferromagnetic element 56.
• the magnet 50 is, in particular, a permanent magnet.
• the magnet 50 is configured to generate a magnetic field capable of generating a force having a value between 1 newton (N) and 10 N, as will appear below.
• the third axis A3 is, for example, merged with the second axis A2.
• the axes A2 and A3 are not confused are also conceivable.
• the orientation of the third axis A3 relative to the second axis A2 of the scraper 20 is likely to vary.
• Each ferromagnetic element 56 is made of a ferromagnetic material, in particular of a soft ferromagnetic material.
• Ferromagnetism designates the capacity of certain bodies to magnetize under the effect of an external magnetic field and to keep part of this magnetization when the magnetic field is interrupted.
• Iron, nickel, chromium dioxide, gadolinium and some steels are examples of ferromagnetic materials.
• the ferromagnetic material is a steel, for example an iron-rich steel.
• a surface treatment of the steel composing the ferromagnetic element 56 is provided to protect the ferromagnetic element from corrosion.
• Each ferromagnetic element 56 is disposed near at least a portion of the circulation duct 15 so that the magnet 50 is attracted by the ferromagnetic element 56 when the scraper 20 is received in said portion of the circulation duct 15 .
• the ferromagnetic element 56 is, for example, in contact with the external surface 27 of at least a portion of the conduit 15. As a variant, the ferromagnetic element 56 is included at least partially in the circulation conduit 15. In particular, the ferromagnetic element 56 is at least partially between the external surface 27 and the internal surface 25 of the circulation duct 15. According to one embodiment, the ferromagnetic element 56 or the ferromagnetic elements 56 extends along the circulation duct 15 over an extension length greater than or equal to half the length of the circulation duct 35. For example, the extension length is greater than or equal to three quarters of the length of the circulation duct 15, in particular greater than or equal to 90 percent (%) of the length of the circulation duct 15.
• Each ferromagnetic element 56 is, for example, a wire, a sheet, a chain, or even a block of the ferromagnetic material.
• the holding system comprises, for example, a single ferromagnetic element 56 extending over the extension length along the circulation duct 15.
• these elements ferromagnetic 56 are for example arranged successively along the circulation duct 15, in which case the extension length is measured between the ends of the ferromagnetic elements 56 furthest from each other.
• a distance between two successive ferromagnetic elements is, for example, between 0.5 millimeter (mm) and 5mm.
• the extension length is measured between two ends of the ferromagnetic element 56.
• the ferromagnetic element 56 is, for example, a wire or a chain extending along the conduit 15 over the extension length.
• the wire or chain is, for example, a straight wire.
• the holding system comprises a single ferromagnetic element 56
• the single ferromagnetic element 56 surrounds, for example, the circulation duct 15 in a plane perpendicular to the first axis A1.
• the ferromagnetic element 56 is a sheet applied to the external surface 27.
• the ferromagnetic element 56 is a longitudinal ferromagnetic element 56, such as a wire, cable or chain, wound around the circulation duct 15, for example extending along a helix, in particular of a circular propeller.
• a helix is a curve whose tangent at each point makes a constant angle with a given direction, this direction being in particular the first axis A1.
• a radius is defined for the propeller.
• the radius is between 4 mm and 18 mm.
• a step is defined for the propeller.
• the pitch is, in particular, defined as being the distance between two points of the propeller delimiting a portion of the propeller corresponding to a complete revolution around the first axis A1.
• the pitch is between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.
• the installation 10 further comprises a cylindrical sheath, for example made of an elastomeric material, polyamide, or Teflon.
• Each ferromagnetic element 56 is interposed between the circulation duct 15 and the sheath.
• the sheath is in particular configured to press each ferromagnetic element 56 against the external surface 27 of the circulation duct 15.
• the sheath has an internal diameter equal to the external diameter of the circulation duct 15.
• the sheath is, for example, a sealed sheath configured to prevent liquid from reaching each ferromagnetic element 56.
• the sheath has a thickness of, for example, between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.
• This thickness and the inside diameter of the sheath may vary.
• the magnet 50 and the ferromagnetic element 56 are in particular configured to exert on the scraper 20, when the scraper 20 is received in the circulation duct 15, a force between 1 N and 10 N so as to maintain the scraper 20 in position in the circulation duct 15.
• a distance, measured in a direction perpendicular to the first axis A1 between the ferromagnetic element 56 and the magnet 50 is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.
• a diameter of the wire or cable is, for example, between 0.4 mm and 2 mm.
• the magnet 50 and the ferromagnetic element 56 or to the ferromagnetic elements 56 when the flow of second fluid is interrupted, for example during a pause in the projection, the magnet 50 and the ferromagnetic element 56 exert on the scraper 20 a force tending to press the scraper 20 against the internal surface 25, for example by pivoting the scraper 20 or quite simply by bringing the magnet 50 and the ferromagnetic element 56 together, as shown diagrammatically in the figure 8.
• the scraper 20 is held in position in the conduit 15 even in the absence of flow of the second fluid.
• an additional member in particular an active member such as an electromagnet or a movable member, to maintain the scraper 20 in position.
• the installation 10 therefore has a simplified operation since it is not necessary to activate the holding system, the interruption of the flow of second fluid sufficient to cause the scraper 20 to be held in position. Furthermore, the scraper 20 can thus be kept in position at any point of the duct 15 comprised between the ends of the ferromagnetic element or elements between which the extension length is measured. The cleaning process is therefore simplified, since it is not necessary for the scraper 20 to be in a precise position to allow it to be maintained. This is all the more advantageous when the extension length is greater than or equal to half the length of the conduit 15.
• a ferromagnetic element 56 wound around the conduit 15 makes it possible in particular to ensure good flexibility of the assembly formed by the conduit 15 and the ferromagnetic element 56 while ensuring good joining of these two elements even during deformations of the conduit 15.
• Such a ferromagnetic element 56 is therefore particularly suitable for applications in which the projection member 13 is movable, in particular when this member 13 is mounted on a movable arm, since significant deformations of the conduit 15 are frequent in wrist level of the robotic arm.
• a sheath also allows, here, to ensure good attachment of the ferromagnetic element (s) 56 and the circulation duct 15, without compromising the flexibility of the latter, and to protect each ferromagnetic element 56 against corrosion.
• the invention corresponds to any technically possible combination of the embodiments described above.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Cleaning In General (AREA)
• Chairs Characterized By Structure (AREA)
• Massaging Devices (AREA)
• Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
• Details Or Accessories Of Spraying Plant Or Apparatus (AREA)
• Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
• Coating Apparatus (AREA)

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• 2018
  • 2018-10-19 FR FR1859675A patent/FR3087362B1/fr active Active
• 2019
  • 2019-10-18 EP EP19786622.1A patent/EP3866986B1/de active Active
  • 2019-10-18 US US17/285,475 patent/US20210339277A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-10-18 ES ES19786622T patent/ES2948379T3/es active Active
  • 2019-10-18 JP JP2021520963A patent/JP7441216B2/ja active Active
  • 2019-10-18 WO PCT/EP2019/078338 patent/WO2020079212A1/fr unknown
  • 2019-10-18 CN CN201980068892.XA patent/CN112888508B/zh active Active
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