TWI617360B - Vacuum spray apparatus and uses thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Spraying devices and their uses are described herein. A vacuum nozzle device can include: a first tube in fluid communication with a fluid source; a rotor coupled to the tube; a conduit in fluid communication with the passage of the first tube; and coupled to the conduit A second tube in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The rotor is in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid. The conduit is substantially arcuate or angled such that an outlet of the conduit is radially offset from the rotor axis by a radial distance, and wherein the pressurized fluid ejected from the outlet rotates the conduit during use. The vacuum nozzle device is configured to remove components from a material via the second tube when the vacuum source is used to reduce one of the pressures of the system.

Description

Vacuum spray device and its use [Priority claim]

The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/841,768, filed on July 1, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/898,186, filed on Oct. 31, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. The entire text is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a rotary nozzle for spraying or dispersing a pressurized fluid and/or other medium. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vacuum rotary nozzle.

There are many devices used to clean dust and dirt from the surface. Some of these devices clean the surface by spraying a gas (eg, compressed air) through a nozzle opening in the self-cleaning device. Other devices use a high pressure air to force a liquid, powder or granular abrasive through the opening of the device to clean the surface. Conventional devices tend to have structures that force high pressure air and/or cleaning fluids or other media to pass through the nozzles of the device.

Many conventional devices have been used to clean dirt or dirt from the surface, using high pressure air as a source for rotating the nozzle and creating a suction for delivering the cleaning fluid to the material. For example, the following describes a spray gun for dispensing a liquid for cleaning materials: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-51800; Japanese Patent Publication No. H11-123350; Japanese Publication No. H04-37635; Japanese Publication No. H10-286494; and Japanese Open Case No. 2001-104840; No. 6,883,732 (Hasegawa) and No. 7,568,635 (Micheli); US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0057443 (Sendo) and No. 2013-0001318 (Sendo); International Publication No. 2007/131533 (Jager); And European Patent Application Publication No. 2255885 (Bosua), the entireties of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. Patent No. 7,225,503 (Lenkiewicz et al.) describes a liquid extraction cleaner for applying a cleaning fluid to a surface, agitating the surface and then extracting the applied fluid therefrom. The cleaner includes a solution dispensing system, a liquid recovery system, and an agitating brush assembly. The solution dispensing system includes a supply tank that is removably attached to the outer casing and fluidly coupled to the fluid distributor via a trigger-operated manual spray pump. The liquid recovery system includes a recovery tank that is removably mounted to the outer casing and adjacent to the supply tank. A gas-liquid separator is provided in the recovery tank. Another assembly within the housing provides a source of vacuum where the working air is from the recovery tank and to the inlet between the motor and the impeller. The agitating brush assembly is removably mounted in the forward portion of the lower end of the housing.

US Patent No. 6,609,269 (Kasper) describes an extraction cleaning apparatus comprising: a base housing; a fluid recovery system comprising a tank having a fluid recovery chamber for containing a recovered fluid; a working air conduit; An upper accessory hose mounted to the outer casing at one end for optional floor cleaning; and an integral duct mounted to the outer casing and connected to the accessory hose at the first end on the one hand and soft on the other hand on the other hand The tube inlet is connected to the working air conduit; a switching valve is located in the working air conduit and between the suction nozzle and the accessory hose inlet to selectively connect the vacuum source to the suction nozzle or the accessory hose. Several portions of the overall pipe are flat and the middle portion of the overall pipe extends below the recovery tank.

Such conventional cleaners and steam cleaning systems are somewhat effective in cleaning the surface, but can be made more effective by being able to clean and extract at ambient temperatures.

Various specific examples of vacuum spray devices and methods of use are described herein. In some embodiments, a vacuum spray device includes: a first tube in fluid communication with a fluid source; a rotor coupled to the tube, wherein the rotor is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid; and a passageway with the first tube and the rotor Forming a fluidly connected conduit, wherein the conduit is substantially arcuate or angled such that the outlet of the conduit is radially offset from the rotor axis by a radial distance, wherein the pressurized fluid ejected from the outlet rotates the conduit during use; And a second tube coupled to the conduit, the second tube being in fluid communication with the vacuum source. The vacuum spray device is configured to remove components from the material via the second tube when a vacuum source is used to reduce the pressure of the system.

In some embodiments, a method of cleaning one or more materials includes: providing air from a vacuum spray device to one or more of the materials such that one or more compounds are ejected from the material; and spraying the vacuum The pressure inside the device is reduced to a sufficient pressure so that at least one of the expelled compounds is drawn into the vacuum spray device. A portion of the air is provided as an aerosol spray.

In some embodiments, a method of cleaning one or more materials includes providing a medium from a vacuum spray device to one or more of the materials such that one or more compounds are ejected from the material, wherein a portion of the medium Provided as an aerosol spray; and reducing the pressure inside the vacuum spray device to a sufficient pressure such that at least one of the expelled compounds is drawn into the vacuum spray device.

10/58/100‧‧‧ spray device

12‧‧‧ nozzle

14‧‧‧Connectors

16‧‧‧ Cover

18‧‧‧Fixed (not moving) tube

20‧‧‧Spray section

22‧‧‧Pressure fluid/gas source

24‧‧‧ gun body/body/gun body

26‧‧‧Leverage

28‧‧‧Valves

30‧‧‧ flow path

32‧‧‧Flexible tube

34/34a/34b‧‧‧Export (air outlet)

36‧‧‧Rotating components

38‧‧‧ passage

40/40a/40b‧‧‧ nozzle tip

42‧‧‧ bearing

44‧‧‧Flange

46‧‧‧ chamber

48‧‧‧ thick section

50‧‧‧ pipes

52‧‧‧Resin materials

54‧‧‧fan

56‧‧‧ brushes

60‧‧‧Media Container

62‧‧‧Media

64‧‧‧Guided (introduced) tube

66‧‧‧Reversing valve

68‧‧‧External management

70‧‧‧Inside

72/72a‧‧‧ openings

76‧‧‧Rotating inner tube/end tube tip

78‧‧‧ bifurcation

80‧‧‧Rotating inner tube

82/82a/82b‧‧‧

84‧‧‧Base end

84a‧‧‧ cutting-edge

102‧‧‧Nozzles

108‧‧‧First opening

110‧‧‧second opening

112‧‧‧Valves

114‧‧‧Inner catheter

116‧‧‧External catheter

118‧‧‧Installation parts

120‧‧‧ openings

122‧‧‧ gas flow path

124‧‧‧ channel

126‧‧‧

128‧‧‧

130‧‧‧ balancing components

132‧‧‧ vents

134‧‧‧ catheter

200‧‧‧ Cover

202‧‧‧ Subject

204‧‧‧

206‧‧‧ vacuum port

210‧‧‧ Groove (notch)

214‧‧‧ with beveled part

216‧‧‧ with contour parts

218‧‧‧ Groove

220‧‧‧ ridge

222‧‧‧ catheter

224‧‧‧Flexible part

226‧‧‧Rigid part

228‧‧‧ wall

230‧‧‧vacuum catheter

232‧‧‧Fluid conduit

234‧‧‧ Groove/channel

236‧‧‧ Sealing parts

240‧‧‧ slot

242‧‧‧ openings

246‧‧‧ flat surface

248‧‧‧ openings

250‧‧‧ openings

252‧‧‧ Cover

254‧‧‧ openings

AX‧‧‧ axis of rotation

R‧‧‧ radial

F‧‧‧ reaction

The advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

Figure 1 depicts a partial longitudinal cross-sectional schematic (side) view of a specific example of a spray apparatus equipped with a nozzle.

Figure 2A depicts a front view of a specific example of a nozzle.

2B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the nozzle taken across line 2B-2B of FIG. 2A.

Figure 3A depicts a front view of a specific example of a nozzle having a plurality of outlets.

Figure 3B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the nozzle taken across line 3B-3B of Figure 3A.

4A depicts a front view of a specific example of a nozzle having a fan.

Figure 4B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the nozzle taken across line 4B-4B of Figure 4A.

Figure 5A depicts a front view of a specific example of a nozzle with a brush.

Figure 5B depicts a cross-sectional side view of the nozzle taken across line 5B-5B of Figure 5A.

Figure 6 depicts a partial cross-sectional side view of a specific example of a spray device equipped with a nozzle and a media container.

Figure 7A depicts a perspective front view of a specific example of a nozzle configured to deliver a medium.

Figure 7B depicts a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle taken across line 7B-7B of Figure 7A.

Figure 7C depicts a detailed enlarged view of a portion of Figure 7A.

Figure 8A depicts a perspective front view of a specific example with a plurality of catheter nozzles.

Figure 8B depicts a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle taken across line 8B-8B of Figure 8A.

Figure 9A depicts a perspective front view of a specific example of another nozzle having a plurality of outlets.

Figure 9B depicts a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle taken across line 9B-9B of Figure 9A.

Figure 10A depicts a perspective front view of a specific example with a fan nozzle.

Figure 10B depicts a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle taken across line 10B-10B of Figure 10A.

Figure 11A depicts a perspective front view of a specific example with a brush nozzle.

Figure 11B depicts a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 11A taken across line 11B-11B.

Figure 12 depicts a side cross-sectional view of a specific example of a nozzle having a flexible catheter.

Figure 13 depicts a side cross-sectional view of the flexible catheter of the nozzle depicted in Figure 12.

Figure 14A depicts a perspective exploded side view of a specific example of a spray device having a nozzle, a vacuum port, and a media container.

Figure 14B depicts a perspective side view of a specific example of a spray device having an assembled rigid conduit.

Figure 15 depicts a perspective side view of a specific example of a spray device with an assembled flexible catheter.

Figure 16 depicts a perspective view of a specific example of a spray device having a nozzle and a vacuum port.

Figure 17 depicts a perspective side view of a specific example of a vacuum spray device housing having a vacuum port.

Figure 18 depicts a perspective side view of another embodiment of a vacuum spray device housing having a vacuum port.

Figure 19 depicts a perspective side view of another embodiment of a vacuum spray device housing having a vacuum port.

Figure 20 depicts a perspective bottom view of the vacuum spray device housing of Figure 19.

21A and 21B depict perspective views of a specific example of a sealing member coupled to a vacuum port of a vacuum spray device.

22A and 22B depict perspective views of another embodiment of a sealing member coupled to a vacuum port of a vacuum spray device.

Figure 23 depicts a perspective side view of a specific example of a nozzle including a rotating element housing.

Figure 24 depicts a specific example of a nozzle including a rotating element housing and a rigid conduit flexible housing Perspective side view.

Figure 25 depicts a perspective side view of a specific example of a nozzle including a rigid catheter flexible outer cover.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, the specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and are described in detail herein. These drawings may not be drawn to scale. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to All modifications, equivalents or alternatives within.

The nozzles described herein eliminate the problems described above with respect to the spray device. The spray device described herein provides a spray device for injecting and dispensing a pressurized fluid from a rotating outlet, and more particularly for allowing a small amount of relatively low pressure gas to be injected (without regard to environmental conditions (eg, temperature)) ) A spray device that smoothly rotates the distal end while preventing soiling or abrasion. In some embodiments, the spray device described herein includes a rotating member made of a rigid material that includes a flow passage provided therein for generating a rotation generated by a reaction force of the injection of the pressurized fluid. force. In some embodiments, the spray device described herein includes a rotating member made of a flexible conduit having a flow passage provided therein for generating a reaction force by injection of a pressurized fluid. The resulting rotational force. In some embodiments, the rotating member is rotatably coupled to the stationary tube in communication with the pressurized fluid supply such that the pressurized fluid can be sprayed and dispersed without the use of a flexible tube or angle guide. "Fluid" means gas and/or liquid. Examples of fluids include air, water, and/or steam.

In some embodiments, the nozzle allows a portion of the passage that constitutes the pressurized fluid The rotating portion is made of a rigid material or a substantially non-flexible material and is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the stationary tube, thus eliminating the problems present in conventionally rotatably configured flexible nozzles. That is, in some embodiments, there is reduced collision or wear or no collision or wear between the distal end of the nozzle and the inside of the angular guide. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rotation of the nozzle can begin immediately after the injection of the pressurized fluid without regard to temperature.

In some embodiments, even if the pressure of the pressurized fluid is relatively low, the effect of increasing the pressure wave of the pressurized fluid is obtained with the nozzle starting to rotate. Thus, in some embodiments, the injection of pressurized fluid can be applied to luxury items such as feather fabrics.

Additionally, according to some embodiments, the nozzle is used as a dust blower that produces a pressurized fluid to remove dust from the target area at the extension of the axis of rotation while continuously applying an ejection force to the surrounding area around the area. on. In this specific example, even when the fabric or elastic article to be cleaned is soiled by dust or viscous dirt, the fabric or elastic article can be cleaned by continuously applying a jetting force to the surrounding area around the dust area. For example, the bedding fabric is struck by a crowbar for lifting and removing dust.

In some embodiments, the rotating member and the stationary tube can be rotatably coupled to each other by a bearing. In this specific example, the inclusion of the bearing allows for a reduction in the rotational friction acting on the rotating member while the rotating member is stably rotated by injecting the pressurized fluid at a relatively low pressure, a small amount or at a lower temperature.

In other embodiments, the rotating component has two or more outlets that are provided at the open end of the rotating component and that are symmetrically disposed relative to the axis of rotation. This specific example permits the reaction force in the radial direction of the injection of the pressurized fluid to be balanced, thus ensuring stable rotation of the rotating member without being off center. In some specific examples, the outlets are also grounded With respect to the direction of rotation, the reaction force of the injection of the pressurized fluid is still aligned in the direction of rotation, thus rotating the rotating member in a direction opposite to the direction of ejection.

In some embodiments, the rotating component has an axial blower that is provided for creating axial flow along the axis of the rotating component. These specific examples may allow the pressurized fluid injected from the outlets to be reduced in the assembly for rotation and increased in the axial assembly. Therefore, in some embodiments, it is possible to prevent the pressurized fluid from being excessively dispersed while increasing its axial ejection.

In some embodiments, the rotating component can include a brush that protrudes from its distal end. In this specific example, in addition to providing a force due to the injection of the pressurized fluid, the spraying device can also be cleaned directly by the action of the brush, thereby further improving the dust moving ability.

Further, in order to solve some of the above problems, some specific examples of the present invention include a tip forming a tube outside the nozzle, the nozzle having an inner/outer double tube structure formed in a passage of the rotating member and having a flow for pressurizing gas Road. In some embodiments, the rotor that forms part of the flow path of the pressurized gas is made of a hard material and is rotatably fitted to the tip of the fixed outer tube. In this specific example, it is possible to solve the above-described problems of the conventional nozzle in which the entire portion of the flexible nozzle that is unconstrained/unregulated by spraying the pressurized gas is along the inner surface of the horn-shaped guide member. Rotate. In this embodiment, the rotating element can be properly rotated by spraying a reaction force by spraying a small amount of pressurized gas or by spraying the pressurized gas at a relatively low pressure. Further, in this specific example, there is no friction between the nozzle and the inner surface of the guide member without deterioration of the nozzle and corrosion of the inner surface of the guide member. In such specific examples, the medium can be drawn (absorbed) without temperature control and suitably rotationally diffused.

Therefore, in some specific examples of the spraying device, the nozzle is stably rotated even by spraying a small amount of pressurized gas and a pressurized gas having a low pressure. These specific examples help To prevent media splashes and / or media from deviating from the spray target. These specific examples make it possible to achieve cleaning, painting and sand blasting even when the spray target requires fine spraying. In addition, in some embodiments, the pressure wave of the pressurized gas is amplified, thereby making it possible to obtain an aerosol spray having a very small diameter (where the medium is properly diffused), and it is also possible to spray the target with a high spray force. Spray this aerosol.

In some embodiments, a plurality of spouts are open and formed in the rotating element, and each spout can be provided in a rotationally symmetrical position relative to the rotating shaft. In this particular example, the reaction force with respect to the diameter is balanced to allow the rotating element to smoothly rotate about the fixed outer tube without being eccentric (e.g., shaking). In addition, by directing each spout to the same direction of rotation, the medium is sprayed in all directions around the rotating shaft in a balanced manner, and the spray reaction force of the pressurized gas received by each spout is not in the direction of rotation. Eliminated, thus making it possible to rotate the rotating element.

In some embodiments, the open end of the tip end of the inner tube for the spray medium is disposed adjacent the outlet or inside the passage of the rotating element. In a specific example in which the open end of the inner tube is disposed inside the negative pressure zone formed by spraying pressurized gas, the medium can be drawn from the medium supply source and delivered via the inner tube. Thus, in some embodiments, it may not be necessary to add an internal pressure above atmospheric pressure to the media supply. This specific example can help simplify the spray device and improve operability.

In some embodiments, the rotating element and the fixed outer tube can be rotatably coupled by bearings. This specific example can help to reduce the rotational friction acting on the rotating element, and the rotating element can be properly rotated even by a small amount of pressurized gas or even when used at low temperatures.

In some embodiments, the nozzle has a flexible conduit.

In some embodiments, an axial flow fan can be provided for creating axial flow in the axial direction of the rotating element. In this specific example, the rotational component of the gas sprayed from the rotary outlet is suppressed, thereby increasing the component in the axial direction. In this specific example, in the case where there is excessive spraying of the pressurized gas in the radial direction to excessively diffuse the medium, the rotation of the rotating member can be suppressed by the axial flow fan and the spray force in the axial direction can be increased.

In some embodiments, the brush can be disposed on the rotating element and/or the guide and protrude from the tip of the rotating element and/or the guide. In this specific example, when the spray device of the present invention is used for cleaning and sand blasting, it is possible to obtain a direct brushing effect for a spray target by using a brush. This specific example may make it possible to further increase dust removal efficiency or clean the blast surface.

In some embodiments, the nozzle is equipped with a vacuum attachment that allows the use of a spray device under vacuum. The vacuum attachment includes one or more sealing components. The sealing member in the attachment allows the spray device to be used with pressurized fluid and vacuum with little to minimal change in the fixture. The use of a vacuum attachment in combination with a nozzle allows for efficient cleaning of the material.

1 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional schematic side view of a specific embodiment of a spray device 10 including a nozzle 12 at a distal end (to the right in the drawing). The arrangement of the nozzle 12, the joint 14 and the outer cover 16 is illustrated in a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along a vertical line (through the axis of rotation (AX)).

2A is a front view of a specific example of the nozzle 12. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2B-2B of Figure 2A. The proximal end of the fixed (non-moving) tube 18 (left side in the illustration) is not shown in Figure 2A.

Spray device 10 (eg, a dust blower) injects a pressurized fluid to remove ash The dust also includes a lance portion 20 and a pressurized fluid/gas source 22. The pressurized fluid/gas source is, for example, a compressed air cylinder, an air compressor, or other known source of pressurized air.

The spray gun 20 includes a gun body 24, a lever 26, and a valve 28. The spray gun 20 is coupled to the nozzle 12 and the angular outer cover 16. Body 24 includes a joint 14 having a pressurized fluid flow path provided therein. Valve 28 allows communication between flow passage 30 and pressurized gas source 22. Nozzle 12 is coupled to the distal end of joint 14. An angular outer cover 16 surrounds the nozzle 12. The gun body 24 and the pressurized gas source 22 communicate with each other by the flexible tube 32.

In use, valve 28 opens flow passage 30 when lever 26 is manually pulled by the operator. The opening of the valve 28 allows pressurized fluid stored in the pressurized gas source 22 to flow through the passage 30 and eject from the distal end of the nozzle 12. When the lever 26 is returned to its original position by the user, the valve 28 closes the flow passage 30 to stop the flow of pressurized fluid.

The pressurized fluid is not limited to compressed air, but may be selected from inert gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide or chlorofluorocarbons. The pressure of the compressed fluid can range from a few MPa to several tens of MPa. In one embodiment, when the valve 28 is open, the pressurized fluid is depressurized to no more than 1 MPa but above atmospheric standards to be injected from the outlet (air outlet) 34 of the nozzle 12.

The nozzle 12 includes a rotating element 36 that is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the fixed tube 18 (which is fixedly coupled to the spray gun 20).

The fixed tube 18 is tightly joined (e.g., hermetic) to the joint 14 at the proximal end (left side in the drawing) for communication with the pressurized gas source 22, wherein the hollow portion inside the fixed tube acts as the flow passage 30. The engagement between the proximal end of the fixed tube 18 and the joint 14 is not particularly limited, but may be provided by a male thread provided on the outer side at the proximal end of the fixed tube and a female thread provided in the distal end of the joint. In combination, the male thread and the female thread are in intimate engagement with each other.

Although the shape along the centerline or in the cross section of the fixed tube 18 has a circular shape in the illustrated cross section and linearly extends along the centerline in the illustrated embodiment, it is not limited.

In some embodiments, the direction of extension of the distal end of the fixed tube 18 or the center in the cross-section of the fixed tube matches the axis of rotation (AX) of the rotating element 36. As long as the rotating element 36 is rotatable relative to the distal end of the fixed tube 18 and the pressurized fluid to be injected does not leak from the gap between the fixed tube and the rotating element, the center line in the cross section of the fixed tube and the axis of rotation of the rotating element The match between them is not mandatory. For example, the axis of rotation may be offset from the centerline of the fixed tube 18 or the fixed tube may extend to offset the axis of rotation or away from the axis of rotation.

The rotating element 36 has a passage 38 provided therein for communication with the fixed tube 18. The fixed tube 18 and the rotating element 36 are rotatably and hermetically coupled to each other, whereby pressurized fluid from the pressurized gas source 22 via the fixed tube can be delivered via the passage 38 for injection from the nozzle tip 40.

The nozzle tip 40 is provided at the distal end (right side in the drawing) of the passage 38 that communicates with the fixed tube 18. The nozzle tip 40 is positioned at a position offset from the axis of rotation (AX) of the rotating element 36 by a distance in the radial direction (R), as shown in Figure 2B. The outlet 34 in the nozzle tip 40 has an opening in a direction that intersects both the axis of rotation and the radial direction. In other words, it is contemplated that the pressurized fluid injection perpendicular to the opening of the outlet 34 produces an directional component of the pressurized fluid in a direction of rotation about the axis of rotation.

Thus, when the pressurized fluid stored in the pressurized gas source 22 is ejected from the outlet 34, the outlet allows the nozzle tip 40 to receive the reaction force F (as shown in Figure 2A) and rotates the rotating element 36 having the nozzle tip 40 about it. Spin on the axis. As shown, the outlet 34 extends in a direction intermediate the axis of rotation and the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation. This permission is sprayed at the exit The rotating element 36 having the outlet 34 when rotating the pressurized fluid rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the axis of rotation.

Since the outlet 34 moves along a circle having a radius equal to the offset distance of the nozzle tip 40 from the axis of rotation, its rotational action can amplify the pressure wave of the pressurized fluid injected along the directional component about the axis of rotation.

The fixed tube 18 and the rotating element 36 are made of a rigid material that is still substantially undeformed and is not flexible by the injection of pressurized fluid. In particular, the fixed tube 18 and the rotating member 36 may be made of a hard plastic material or a metal material. In some embodiments, the fixed tube 18 is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel for increased resistance to pressure and operational durability, while the rotating element 36 is made of, for example, a plasticizer (which reduces the moment of inertia). And a rigid plastic material made of polyurethane in a smooth rotation.

As shown, the fixed tube 18 and the rotating element 36 are joined to each other by bearings 42, such as roller bearings or plain bearings.

As shown in Figure 2B, the fixed tube 18 has a flange 44 provided at its distal end. On the other hand, the rotating element 36 has a chamber 46 that is provided in its proximal end for receiving the flange portion 44 and the bearing 42. The chamber 46 at the proximal end is defined by a thick portion 48 that is sized to be smaller than the flange 44 and larger than the fixed tube 18. With the bearing 42 disposed between the flange 44 and the thick portion 48, the fixed tube 18 and the rotating element 36 engage each other such that they can rotate about an axis extending across a center in the cross section of the fixed tube.

A tube 50 is embedded in the rotating element 36 for providing a passage 38. The tube 50 is rotatably disposed about the axis of the rotating element 36 and its proximal end mates with or substantially overlaps the axis of rotation (AX). When the tube 50 is open to the chamber 46 at the proximal end, The tube is in communication with the passage 30 of the fixed tube 18. The distal end of the tube 50 is located offset from the axis of rotation and the nozzle tip 40 is bent at the open end such that the outlet 34 is configured to produce an directional component along and (eg parallel to) the axis of rotation and about the rotation The directional component of the axis.

The material and shape of the tube 50 is not limited and can be implemented by a circular tube of hard plastic material. Although the tube 50 is a linear tube (as shown) that is inclined from the axis of rotation, it can be implemented by a curved tube or a curved tube.

The nozzle 12 can be manufactured by the following procedure. In some embodiments, the diameter of the distal end of the metal tube can be enlarged to form a fixed tube 18 having a flange 44. A cylindrically shaped rotating element 36 (which is sized to have a smaller diameter at the proximal end and a larger diameter at the distal end) is made of a rigid plastic material. The smaller diameter at the proximal end of the fixed tube 18 matches the inner diameter of the thick portion 48, while the larger diameter at the distal end matches the inner diameter at the chamber 46, as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 2B.

The fixed tube 18 is loaded at the outer side, with the bearing 42 inserted into the rotating element 36 from its distal end side. Since the inner diameter of the thick portion 48 of the rotating member 36 is smaller than the diameter of the flange 44 of the fixed tube 18, the flange acts as a stop such that the flange and the thick portion abut each other (e.g., coupled) by the bearing 42.

A tube 50 (which has been formed at a distal end in a given shape) is inserted into the rotating member 36 from the distal end side and temporarily holds the tube 50.

The rotating member 36 is filled with a resin material 52 in a fused form to fix the temporarily fixed tube 50 while its distal end is closed to form a chamber 46 therein. The resin material 52 injected into the distal end side of the rotating member 36 may be the same as or different from the resin material of the rotating member.

As described, the fixed tube 18 and the rotating element 36 are made of a rigid material and are coupled to each other by one or more bearings 42 whereby a plurality of portions thereof are difficult to be sprayed by a pressurized fluid. The reaction force of the shot is deformed, thus eliminating the internal loss of the injected energy of the pressurized fluid.

Since the rotating element 36 is configured to have a cylindrical shape about the axis of rotation, wherein its nozzle tip 40 and outlet 34 are located in the region of the distal end side of the rotating element 36, it does not provide protrusions in the radial direction when rotating and allows the user or Other workers safely use the spray device 10 of the present invention.

The outer cover 16 used in the present invention does not directly contact the rotating member 36 and thus may not soil or abrade the inner side of the rotating member. The outer cover 16 is not limited to any particular shape as long as it does not directly contact the rotating member 36 during the rotational action, but its distal end may protrude from the outlet 34 toward the front to form an excessive pressurized fluid for avoiding ejection from the positively rotating outlet. Scattered visor. For example, the outer cover 16 is mounted to the joint 14 in the gun body 24 (see, for example, Figure 1). The outer cover 16 is removably coupled to the gun body 24.

In some embodiments, the passage 38 can be provided by making a through hole in the solid form of the rotating element 36. The rotating element 36 can be composed of two separate parts that engage each other when the fixed tube 18 and the at least one bearing 42 have been assembled in the rotating element.

In some embodiments, the tube 50 can be exposed without being directly embedded in the rotating element 36. That is, the tube 50 is made of a rigid material such that its distal end is radially offset from the axis of rotation by a distance and its opening has an orientation component in the direction of rotation and thus can be used as the rotating element 36. In some embodiments, the rotating element 36 can be coupled to the distal end of the fixed tube 18 without the use of a bearing for rotation. Alternatively, the rotating element 36 and the fixed tube 18 can be integrally joined by another axially rotatable member.

FIG. 3A is a front view of a specific example of the nozzle 12. Figure 3B is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional (side) view of a cross section taken along line 3B-3B of Figure 3A.

As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the tube 50 embedded in the rotating element 36 is divided into two portions that extend toward the distal end (right side in the drawing) and are bent at the distal end to form with The nozzle tips 40a, 40b of the respective outlets 34a, 34b.

The upper and lower halves of the rotating element 36 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of rotation (AX). Therefore, the two nozzle tips 40a, 40b having the respective outlets 34a, 34b are symmetrically disposed with respect to the axis of rotation. The lower outlet 34a is open in a direction intermediate the rotation axis with the leftward direction in Fig. 3A. The upper outlet 34b is open in a direction intermediate the rotation axis and the rightward direction in Fig. 3A. In other words, the opening of each of the two outlets 34a, 34b can be configured to produce an directional component of the pressurized fluid in the direction of rotation and about the axis of rotation. When the pressurized fluid supplied via the passage 38 in the fixed tube 18 is ejected from the outlets 34a, 34b, this permits the counter-rotating element 36 to rotate counterclockwise in the common direction of rotation, as viewed from the front of the axis of rotation and from Figure 3A. Indicated by the arrow.

In a specific example in which the outlets 34a, 34b are symmetrically disposed with respect to the axis of rotation and their openings face the common direction of rotation, the reaction forces of the injection of pressurized fluid are totaled at the orientation component, while the radial components of the pressurized fluid are mutually Offset, the rotating element 36 can smoothly rotate about the axis of rotation without being radially eccentric from the fixed tube 18 or oscillating in the opposite direction.

In some embodiments, the outlet facing the common direction of rotation means that the reaction of the pressurized air ejected from one of the two outlets is not interrupted or offset by the reaction of the pressurized fluid injected from the other outlet, Rather, the two outlets have the same opening direction. Similarly, the outlets may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the axis of rotation meaning that they are arranged to be substantially balanced about the axis of rotation.

Although the single tube 50 has two separate outlets 34a, 34b at the distal end Branches, but the fixed tube 18 can be rotatably joined to two or more tubes directly or indirectly at the distal end by another connecting member, wherein each tube has an outlet. Alternatively, two or more channels 38 are provided in the solid rotating element 36 and are in communication with their respective outlets 34a, 34b at the distal end, as previously described.

4A is a front view of a specific example of the nozzle 12. 4B is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional schematic (side) view of a cross section taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the rotary member 36 includes an axially blowing fan 54 disposed outside the rotary member 36 such that the rotary member rotates when the rotary fluid is ejected by the injection of the pressurized fluid. 54 produces an air flow along the axis of rotation (AX).

Thus, if the pressurized fluid injected from the outlet 34 in the radial direction (R) is too large and the flow along the axis of rotation (AX) is small, the fan 54 produces an axial flow on the rotating element 36, The reaction force slows the rotation of the rotating element, thereby increasing the jetting force along the axis of rotation by axial flow.

That is, the action of the fan 54 controls the excessive rotation of the rotating member 36 to thereby attenuate the dispersion of the pressurized fluid and increase the ejection force along the axis of rotation. In this view, in some embodiments, the axial blower on the rotating element 36 can convert the flow of resistance generated on the rotating element into a propulsive flow along the axis of rotation without causing the resistance flow to become an energy loss, thus The flow is used to control the rotation of the rotating element in addition to the injection of the pressurized fluid, thus enabling adjustment of the injection force along the axis of rotation.

In some embodiments, the fan 54 is detachably mounted to the rotating element 36. This allows for an adjustable increase or decrease of the injection along the axis of rotation depending on the application of the spray device 10. In some embodiments, the twist angle and mounting angle of the fan 54 can be relative to the rotating element 36. And change.

FIG. 5A is a front view of a specific example of the nozzle 12. Figure 5B is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional schematic side view of the cross section taken along line 5B-5B of Figure 5A.

As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the rotating element 36 includes a brush 56 disposed on its distal end and projecting from its distal end. When the rotary member 36 is rotated by the reaction force F of the injection of the pressurized fluid, the brush 56 is rotated about the rotational axis to physically clean the surface to be blown in the rotational direction. Also, when the brush 56 is advanced in the radial direction and rotatably disperses the pressurized fluid ejected from the outlet 34, its cleaning effect involves a combination of blowing in both the direction of rotation and the radial direction of the pressurized fluid.

Therefore, when the spray device 10 is used as a dust blower, the nozzle 12 can eject a pressurized fluid, wherein the brush 56 rotates to actually clean and move the dust adhering to the surface to be blown, and thus the removed dust.

Various methods of mounting the brush 56 to the rotating element 36 can be used. As shown, the brush 56 is disposed closer to the axis of rotation (AX) than the outlet 34 and can thus prevent the pressurized fluid ejected from the outlet from flowing toward the axis of rotation (toward the center) and permitting accumulation of dust across the extension of the axis of rotation The advantage of raising and removing dust by the blowing of a pressurized fluid around the exit jet will be enhanced.

The brush 56 can be mounted to the circumferential side of the rotating element 36, but is not limited to being mounted on the distal end of the rotating element (as shown in the drawings) and projecting outwardly at the distal end of the outlet 34.

6 is a partial cross-sectional schematic side view of a specific example of a spray device 58 including a nozzle 12 and a media container 60. FIG. 7A is a front elevational view of a specific example of the nozzle 12 of the spray device 58. Figure 7B depicts a cross-sectional view taken across line 7B-7B of Figure 7A. Figure 7C is a diagram Partial extension of 7A.

As shown in FIG. 6, the spray device 58 includes a spray gun 20, a nozzle 12, a housing 16, a media container 60, a pilot (introduction) tube 64, and a pressurized gas source 22 containing pressurized gas (not shown). The media container 60 contains a medium 62 and the media includes a cleaning agent, a particulate material (such as a blasting material) or a powdered or liquid lacquer or a combination thereof.

The spray device 58 sprays pressurized gas at a force from the tip of the rotating rotating element 36 to create a negative pressure and thereby draw a medium 62 (eg, liquid and/or particulate solids) from the media container 60. The medium 62 and the pressurized gas are mixed and sprayed during rotation and diffusion. In some embodiments, the medium 62 is used as a cleaning agent, and it is formed into an aerosol by the spray pressure of the pressurized gas, and is blown on the cleaning surface to obtain a cleaning ability, and thus the spraying device 10 is used as Clean the sprinkler.

The lance 20 includes a gun body 24 having a passage for pressurized gas located therein, a joint 14 , a lever 26 , and a valve body 28 that communicates between the passage and the pressurized gas source 22 by means of a lever . Nozzle 12 is coupled to the tip end of joint 14. An angular outer cover 16 surrounds the nozzle 12 and is useful for protecting the nozzle. The gun body 24 and the pressurized gas source 22 are connected by a flexible tube 32.

During use, when the user holds the lever 26, the valve body 28 opens the passage 30 and the pressurized gas contained in the pressurized gas source 22 is sprayed from the tip of the nozzle 12 by the joint 14. When the user releases the lever 26, the passage 30 from the pressurized gas source 22 to the joint 14 is closed by the valve body 28, and the flow of the pressurized gas is stopped.

The pressurized gas is usually compressed by air to a pressure of several MPa units to several tens of MPa units. An inert gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide or chlorofluorocarbon can be used. By opening The valve body 28, the pressurized gas is decompressed and blown from the outlet 34 of the nozzle 12 at a spray pressure above atmospheric pressure but below about 1 MPa.

The medium 62 contained in the medium container 60 under atmospheric pressure is guided into the nozzle 12 via the guide tube 64 and sprayed from the tip end of the nozzle. The guide tube 64 is provided with a reversing valve 66 for opening and closing the passage 30 from the medium container 60 to the nozzle 12. The user manipulates the diverter valve 66 and selects the mode of operation (only the pressurized gas is sprayed from the tip of the nozzle 12 or mixed with the medium 62 for spraying).

In some embodiments, the nozzle 12 has an inner/outer dual structure with an outer tube and an inner tube, and the medium 62 is sprayed from the inner tube, and pressurized gas is sprayed between the outer portion of the inner tube and the inner portion of the outer tube.

The outer tube 68 is comprised of a fixed outer tube 18 secured to the lance 20 and a rotating element 36 rotatably mounted to its tip end. The rotating element 36 is made of a hard material and a passage 38 in communication with the fixed outer tube 18 is provided in the interior and forms a series of passages along with a fixed outer tube. At the nozzle tip 40 (which corresponds to the tip end of the rotating member 36), the outlet 34 is formed to open at a position toward the direction of the rotating shaft member (AX) and the radial direction (R) at which the position is Offset the rotating shaft of the self-rotating element.

When the base end of the fixed outer tube 18 is coupled to the joint 14, the outer tube 18 is coupled to the source of pressurized gas 22 such that the open operation of the valve body 28 permits the injection of pressurized gas from the tip of the passage. The pressurized gas exits the nozzle end portion to cause the rotating member to swivel about the axis of rotation (AX) as previously described.

In another aspect, the inner tube 70 can comprise a flexible tube, or to some extent similar to the outer tube 68, which can be rotatably attached to the fixed inner tube by a fixed inner tube secured to the lance 20. The rotating inner tube is composed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the base end side (the left side in the drawing) of the inner tube 70 is inserted into the fixed outer tube 18, and the tip end side (the right side in the drawing) communicates with the outlet 34. The base end of the inner tube 70 is in communication with the media container 60. The opening 72 at the tip end side of the inner tube 70 may protrude slightly from the outlet 34 (as shown in Figures 7A and 7C), but may be disposed inside the passage 38 of the rotating member 36 or may be fixed to the tip end of the fixed outer tube 18. nearby. When the pressurized gas is sprayed from the outlet 34, not only a negative pressure zone (NP) is formed around the outlet, but also a negative pressure zone is formed from the inside of the passage 38 toward the tip end of the fixed outer pipe 18, so that any medium can be disposed at the open end 72. 62 is sucked out from the medium container 60.

In some embodiments, a fixed inner tube for constituting the base end side of the inner tube 70 is inserted into the fixed outer tube 18, and a rotating inner tube 76 for constituting the tip end side is disposed inside the passage 38. The open end at the tip end side 72 of the rotating inner tube 76 may protrude slightly from the outlet 34 or may be disposed inside the passage 38. The inner tube 70 is rotatably coupled to the inner tube 70 and the inner tube 76. The inner tube is rotatable, follows the rotating member 36, and is also in communication with the media container 60 by securing the inner tube 70. Therefore, by spraying the pressurized gas from the outlet 34, a negative pressure zone (NP) is formed near the outlet and inside the passage 38, and the medium 62 is sucked out from the fixed inner tube and the rotating inner tube, and it is mixed with the pressurized gas and Spray from the outlet.

Therefore, by forming a tip end side of a passage for passing a pressurized gas under high pressure by using a rotary member made of a hard material, the nozzle end is not unconstrained/unruly when spraying pressurized gas Moving, or if the spray device 58 is used in a low temperature environment, the nozzle is protected from hardening or closing, and the medium 62 can be sprayed stably.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the base end side of the inner tube 70 (the left side in the drawing) is reversed. Valve 66 (shown in Figure 6) is in communication with the media container 60. The intermediate portion of the inner tube is inserted into the fixed outer tube 18. The tip end portion (the inner tube tip portion) 76 (the right side in the drawing) is inserted into the passage 38 provided inside the rotary member 36. As shown in FIG. 6, the base end of the fixed outer tube 18 for forming the outer tube 68 is in communication with a source of pressurized gas 22 by a joint 14.

The nozzle tip 40 positioned at the tip end (the right side in the drawing) of the passage 38 communicating with the fixed outer tube 18 is formed at a position offset from the rotation axis (AX) of the rotary member 36 in the radial direction (R). The nozzle tip 40 also has an outlet 34 that is open in a direction intersecting both the direction of the rotation axis and the radial direction. In other words, the normal direction of the open side of the outlet 34 (i.e., the spray direction) has a component of the direction of rotation about the axis of rotation. In this configuration, by manipulating the lever 26, when the passage of the pressurized gas is open and the pressurized gas is sprayed from the outlet 34 (as shown in Figure 7A), the nozzle tip 40 receives the spray reaction force F and the integrated rotation Element 36 rotates about the axis of rotation. Since the outlet 34 is guided in a direction intermediate the direction of linear rotation of the rotation axis and the direction of rotation about the rotation axis, when the pressurized gas is sprayed from the outlet, the rotary member 36 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (eg, from the direction of the rotation axis) As seen in the exit, and the outlet moves along the circumference of the circle, the circle has a radius corresponding to the offset width from the axis of rotation of the nozzle tip 40.

As shown in Fig. 7C, the opening 72 at the tip end side of the inner tube 70 slightly protrudes from the outlet 34 and is disposed in a negative pressure zone (NP) formed when the pressurized gas is sprayed from the outlet. Thus, by spraying the pressurized gas, the medium is drawn from the negative pressure zone (NP) via the passage 34 and out of the open end 72. As shown in the drawing, not only a negative pressure zone (NP) is formed near the outside of the outlet 34 but also a negative pressure zone (shown in Fig. 7B) is formed in the passage 38. However, near the outside of the outlet 34, the pressurized gas sprayed from the outlet rapidly expands, so that the pressure around it becomes low. Therefore, a strong suction force for the medium is obtained. Self-opening by the sudden expansion of the pressurized gas The medium 62 (the aerosol in Figure 7C) from which the end 72 flows is dispersed into a fine substance that forms an aerosol. Therefore, in the case where the detergent is used as a medium, the detergent aerosol can be blown to the surface to be cleaned with the same pressurized gas. The mixture of gaseous detergent (aerosol) and pressurized gas is sprayed by the rotary rotating element 36 and thus rotated and diffused, and the pressure wave of the pressurized gas is amplified, and the gas can be broad and uniform at a higher spray pressure. Spray on the wide surface to be cleaned.

Referring to Figure 6, the fixed outer tube 18 is a tube body that is secured and provided on the spray gun 20. The connection mode of the base end of the fixed outer tube 18 and the joint 14 is not specifically defined, but the fixed outer tube and the joint should be formed by forming a male thread and a joint on the outer circumference of the base end side of the fixed outer tube 18. At the tip end side, a corresponding female thread is formed to mesh with each other. The shape and cross-sectional shape of the center line of the fixed outer tube 18 are not specifically defined. As shown, the fixed outer tube 18 has a circular cross section and a centerline shape that is linear.

In some embodiments, the center of the section of the fixed outer tube 18 coincides with the axis of rotation (AX) of the rotating element 36. However, insofar as the rotating element 36 is rotatable on the fixed outer tube 18 and the sprayed pressurized gas does not significantly leak from the gap between the fixed outer tube and the rotating element 36, the axis of rotation of the rotating element need not necessarily be fixed and fixed. The center of the cross section of the tube coincides, and if the axis of rotation is at an eccentric position from the center of the fixed outer tube, the tip end of the fixed outer tube may not extend in line with the axis of rotation.

Both the fixed outer tube 18 and the rotating element 36 (the two forming a passage for the pressurized gas) are made of a hard material, and the spraying of the pressurized gas does not significantly deform the materials. Specifically, a hard plastic material and a metal material can be used, and from the viewpoint of resistance to pressure and durability, the fixed outer tube 18 is made of a metal material such as stainless steel or the like, and from a small moment of inertia. And from the viewpoint of smooth rotation, the rotating member 36 may contain a plasticizer added thereto Made of a hard plastic material such as polyurethane or the like.

As shown in Figure 7B, the fixed outer tube 18 and the rotating element 36 are connected by bearings 42, such as roller bearings or plain bearings. A flange 44 is formed at the tip end portion of the fixed outer tube 18. Inside the base end side of the rotating element 36, a chamber 46 is provided for receiving the flange 44 and the bearing 42. The base end side of the chamber 46 has a thick portion 48 (e.g., a raised surface) such that the diameter is smaller than the flange 44 and the diameter is larger than the fixed outer tube 18. By inserting the bearing 42 between the flange 44 and the thick portion 48, the fixed outer tube 18 and the rotating member 36 are rotatably coupled to the axis of rotation in the center of the section of the fixed outer tube.

Channel 38 is formed by embedding tube 50 in rotating element 36. The tube 50 that rotates axially with the rotating member 36 coincides or nearly coincides with the axis of rotation (AX) at the base end and is open to the chamber 46 and thereby communicates with the fixed outer tube 18. The tip end of the tube 50 is located at an offset position as specified from the axis of rotation and is curved such that the direction of the outlet 34 at the open end may have a rotational direction component (having a defined rotational direction component) and thereby form the nozzle tip 40.

The material and shape of the tube 50 are not specifically defined, and for example, a cylindrical tube of a hard plastic material can be used. The tube 50 can be a straight tube (as shown in the drawings) that obliquely intersects the axis of rotation, or curved or curved in the shape of a centerline.

The inner tube 70 of the medium passage is only loaded with the high atmospheric pressure of the retained pressure of the medium container. Thus, in some embodiments, it is made of a soft material. In detail, in order to allow the inner tube tip portion 76 of the inner tube 70 inserted into the passage 38 of the rotary member 36 to follow the rotary member and smoothly rotate, the inner tube is made of a flexible synthetic resin (such as nylon, poly A flexible tube made of tetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene or the like.

The inner tube 70 is protected by a tube 68 formed by the fixed outer tube 18 and the rotating element 36. If a flexible tube is used in the inner tube, the inner tube tip 72 is not unconstrained/unregulated and therefore is not worn by impact on the outer cover 16.

The inner tube 70 may be formed as a series of flexible tubes from the base end to the tip end, or a portion inserted into the interior of the fixed outer tube 18 may be formed as a fixed inner tube formed of a hard plastic or metal, or may be flexible The tube can be fitted to the tip for rotation.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 12 can be fabricated in the following procedure. The tip of the metal tube is expanded and a flange 44 is formed and a fixed outer tube 18 is fabricated. The rotating member 36 is manufactured by using a hard plastic material that covers the end side of the base with a small diameter and covers the tip side with a large diameter. The small diameter at the base end side of the rotating member 36 coincides with the inner diameter of the convex portion 48, and the large diameter of the tip side coincides with the inner diameter of the chamber 46 as indicated by the broken line in Fig. 7B.

The fixed outer tube 18 mounted on the circumference of the bearing 42 is inserted into the rotating member 36 from the tip end side which is covered by a larger diameter than the rotating member. The inner diameter of the thick portion 48 of the rotating member 36 is smaller than the diameter of the flange 44 of the fixed outer tube 18, and the flange acts as a stop, and the thick portion and the flange are in contact with each other by the bearing 42.

The inner tube 70 of the fixed tube (having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the fixed tube 18) is inserted into the fixed tube from the end side or the tip end side of the base, and a portion of the inner tube tip portion 72 is protruded from the rotating member 36.

The tube 50 is formed by bending so that the base end can be opposed to the fixed outer tube 18 and the tip can reach a prescribed offset position from the axis of rotation (AX) and be temporarily fixed from the tip end side of the obscuring rotating member 36. And the tip end portion of the inner tube 70 protrudes from the outlet 34 at the tip side opening of the tube 50. At this time, the temporarily fixed tube 50 is guided so that the outlet 34 can be rotated from the desired axis. A line component is formed at a portion in the direction of rotation.

The rotating member 36 is fixed by spraying the fused resin material 52 along the periphery of the temporarily fixed tube 50, and the chamber 46 is formed inside the rotating member by machining the tip end side of the rotating member. The base end side of the chamber 46 is hermetically sealed by a bearing 42. The resin material 52 sprayed to the base end side of the rotating member 36 may be the same material of the rotating member or a different material.

The tip end portion of the inner tube 70 projecting from the outlet 34 is cut to a prescribed size of the length of the projection. The length of the projection is adjusted from the viewpoint of whether or not the opening 72 of the inner tube 70 is disposed in the negative pressure region (NP) formed when the pressurized gas is sprayed from the outlet 34 and whether the medium is smoothly sucked.

Therefore, the fixed outer tube 18 and the rotating member 36 are manufactured by using a hard material, and both the fixed outer tube 18 and the rotating member 36 are connected by the bearing 42 to form the outer tube 68, so that the components are not pressurized The spray pressure of the gas is deformed, and the internal damage of the spray energy of the pressurized gas is suppressed.

The rotating member 36 is formed in a columnar shape around the rotation axis, and forms the nozzle tip 40 and the outlet 34 in a shape that is fixed in the plane of the tip end side face, and the rotating member does not have any portion protruding in the radial direction, and The spray device 58 is used safely.

In some embodiments, the angular outer cover 16 is provided in the radial lateral direction of the rotating element 36 as shown in FIG. 6, taking into account the safety of the user and others. Since the outer cover 16 does not contact the rotating member 36, the inner surface is not contaminated or the rotating member is not worn. Therefore, the shape of the outer cover 16 is not particularly limited in terms of not contacting the rotary member 36. However, in order to suppress excessive rotation and diffusion of the pressurized gas sprayed from the rotary outlet 34, the tip end of the outer cover 16 may protrude from the outlet (like to The awning on the tip side). The outer cover 16 is attached to, for example, the joint 14 of the gun body 24. The outer cover 16 is detachable from the gun body 34.

In some embodiments, the tube 50 is embedded in the rotating element 36 and forms a channel 38. In some embodiments, channel 38 can be provided by piercing a hole in solid rotating element 36. In addition, the rotating element 36 having the passage 38 therein is split into a half, and the fixed outer tube 18 and the bearing 48 are fitted into the rotating element 36, and the half of the rotating element can be integrally joined and joined.

In some embodiments, the tube 50 can be exposed to the outside without being embedded in the rotating element 36. That is, the tube 50 formed to have a rotational direction component at least in the opening direction can be used as the rotating member 36 by shifting the tip from the rotation axis (AX) in the radial direction (R). When the rotating element 36 is rotatably mounted on the tip end of the fixed outer tube 18, both the rotating element and the fixed outer tube can be directly coupled, for example, by manual fitting without the use of a bearing, or can be The other axis of rotation components are integrated with both the rotating element and the fixed outer tube.

In some embodiments, nozzle 12 includes more than one outlet. Figure 8A is a perspective front view of a nozzle 12 having at least two outlets. Figure 8B depicts a cross section taken across line 8B-8B in Figure 8A. The tube 50 embedded in the rotating element 36 is divided into two branches towards the tip (right side in the drawing), and each tip is bent and shaped, and provides nozzle tips 40a, 40b, and an outlet 34a, The 34b is open and formed. The inner tube 70 is inserted into the fixed outer tube 18 at the base end side thereof, and the tip end side protrudes from the fixed outer tube in the direction of the nozzle tip, and is inserted into the passage 38. However, the end 76 of the inner tube 70 does not reach the bifurcated portion 78, and if the tube rotates with the rotating member 36 about the axis of rotation (AX), the inner tube 70 and the tube 50 do not interfere with each other.

The inner tube 70 communicates with the media container 60 at the end side of the base and forms a passage for the medium. The inner tube 70 can be inserted and fixed in the fixed outer tube 18, and is not attributable to the circulation of the medium. The material is not specifically specified for corrosion or wear inside, and hard plastics and metals can be advantageously used.

During use, pressurized gas flows toward the tip end of the nozzle 12 between the inner tube 70 and the fixed outer tube 18 and is branched into two directions via the bifurcated tube 50, and is sprayed from the outlets 34a, 34b. During use, a negative pressure zone is formed adjacent the exterior of the outlets 34a, 34b and inside the passage 38. An inner tube tip portion 76 is disposed in the negative pressure region. Therefore, the medium is sucked out from the inner tube 70 and mixed with the pressurized gas in the passage 38, and is sprayed from the spray ports 34a, 34b.

The inner tube tip portion 76 of the fixed inner tube 70 can be inserted into the interior of the passage 38, or can be placed flush with the tip end of the fixed outer tube 18, by drawing the medium from the inner tube 70 by the suction effect in the negative pressure region. At the location or inside the fixed outer tube. However, since the negative pressure zone is at the lowest pressure in the vicinity of the presence 34a, 34b, the inner tube tip 76 is disposed proximate to the outlets 34a, 34b and disposed within and adjacent the interior of the passage 38 and the bifurcated portion 78.

As shown in Fig. 8B, the lower half and the upper half of the rotating member 36 are symmetrically formed around the center of the rotation axis (AX). Therefore, the nozzle tips 40a, 40b, the outlets 34a, 34b are symmetrically disposed about the axis of rotation. The rotation of the lower outlet 34a in the direction intersecting with the direction of the rotation of the rotation axis in the direction of the rotation axis (the front direction on the sheet in (b)) (the direction in the middle (b)) is reversed (left in the drawing) There is an open component on the direction). Due to the necessity of spraying the medium in the direction of the rotation axis, the outlet 34a has an open portion in the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, the outlet 34b is open in a direction intermediate the direction of the rotation axis and the direction of the rotation. Similarly, the upper outlet 34b is open in the direction of the rotation axis and in the middle direction of the rotation reverse direction (the right direction in (b)). In other words, the outlets 34a, 34b are open and shaped at the tip end of the rotating element 36 having the same rotational direction component about the axis of rotation.

Therefore, when the pressurized gas is supplied from the outlets 34a, 34b (supplied via the passage 38 inside the fixed outer tube 18), the reaction force F applied to the rotating member 36 is a co-rotation as seen from the arrow in the illustration (b). Direction (specifically, counterclockwise as seen from the direction of the axis of rotation).

Thus, the plurality of outlets 34a, 34b are disposed at symmetrical positions about the axis of rotation and are directed in the same direction of rotation. During use, the rotation of the rotating element 36 is not eccentric or non-sway or oscillate relative to the fixed outer tube 18 in the radial direction, and thereby advantageously rotates about the axis of rotation. By forming the openings 34a, 34b of the inner tube, the medium is more uniformly dispersed and sprayed.

In some embodiments, the plurality of spouts facing the same direction of rotation means that the pressurized gas sprayed from any sprue does not interfere with the pressurized gas sprayed from the other spouts to eliminate the reaction forces acting on the rotating element 36, But it does not mean that the direction of the opening is completely coincident. This also applies to the symmetrical position of the plurality of spouts around the axis of rotation, and the plurality of spouts are adequately balanced around the axis of rotation.

As shown, the tube 50 is branched and a plurality of outlets 34a, 34b are disposed at the tip, but it is contemplated that a plurality of tubes 50 each having a spout can be directly bonded to the tip or borrow of one or more of the fixed outer tubes 18. It is placed indirectly or rotatably by other connecting members. In some embodiments, a plurality of individual channels 38 can be machined into the interior of the solid rotating element, and outlets 34a, 34b can be formed at each tip in the direction of the opening.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 12 can include a plurality of channels for dispersing the medium from the nozzle. FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view of a specific example of the tip end portion of the nozzle 12. Figure 9B corresponds to a cross section taken across line 9B-9B of Figure 9A. The tube 50, which is divided into two sections, is embedded in the rotating element 36 and forms a passage 38. In contrast to Figures 8A and 8B, a bifurcation The rotating inner tube 80 is inserted and fixed in the passage 38 and rotatably coupled to the inner tube 70.

The rotating inner tube 80 has a base end 84 that is rotatably fitted to the inner tube tip portion 76 of the fixed inner tube 70. The tips 82a, 82b of the bifurcated rotating inner tube 80 are inserted into the bifurcated passages 38, respectively.

The positions of the tips 82a, 82b may be located inside the passage 38 or outside the nozzle tip side of the projections 34a, 34b. As shown in Fig. 9A, the tips 82a, 82b project from the outlets 34a, 34b of the rotating member 36, respectively, and the opening 34b of the tip end 84a and the opening 34b of the tip end 84b are disposed in a negative pressure region formed near the outside of the outlets 34a, 34b. in.

The rotating inner tube 80 is made of a hard plastic, metal or other hard material and is connected to the inner tube tip portion 76 to remain in communication with the inner tube 70, and by following the rotation of the rotating member 36 (due to the pressurized gas) Spray) and rotate around the axis of rotation (AX). In this state, when the pressurized gas is sprayed from the outlets 34a, 34b, a negative pressure is formed in the vicinity of the open ends 34a, 34b of the rotating inner tube 80, and the medium 62 is drawn through the rotating inner tube 80 and the inner tube 70, and It is then mixed with the pressurized gas, rotated and sprayed.

The base end 84 of the rotating inner tube 80 is airtightly coupled to the inner tube tip portion 76. In some embodiments, where the base end 84 is formed with a wider diameter and the inner tube tip portion 76 is covered and fitted, the media will not escape the inner tube tip portion to leak to the channel 38.

The rotating inner tube 80 is configured such that the base end 84 can slide and rotate about the tip end portion 76 of the inner tube 70 as the axis of rotation. Alternatively, the core member as the rotation axis of the rotating inner tube 80 may be provided by projecting from the inner tube 70 to the tip end side, and the rotating inner tube may be mounted on the core member.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 12 of the dispensing medium includes a fan. Figure 10A An end view depicting a specific example of a nozzle including a fan is depicted. Figure 10B corresponds to a cross section taken across line 10B-10B of Figure 10A. The rotary member 36 is provided with an axial flow fan (fan) 54 on its circumference, and when the rotary member is rotated by the spraying of the pressurized gas, the fan generates an air flow in the direction of the rotation axis (AX). Therefore, if the pressurized gas sprayed from the outlet 34 is excessive in the radial direction (R) and insufficient in the direction of the rotation axis (AX), the axial flow is generated by the fan 54, and by the reaction force thereof, the rotating member 36 The rotation is suppressed and a sufficient spray force is obtained in the direction of the axis of rotation along with the axial flow. That is, by suppressing the excessive rotation of the rotary member 36 by the fan 54, the diffusion of the pressurized gas and the medium is suppressed, and the spray force in the direction of the rotation axis is enhanced. Therefore, by providing only the rotation resisting member for suppressing the rotation of the rotating member 36, the spray force in the direction of the rotation axis can be adjusted, and further, by providing the axial flow fan to the rotating member (as in a preferred embodiment) The rotational resistance occurring in the rotating element is not wasted as a pure energy loss, but is converted into a jet in the direction of the axis of rotation, thereby assisting the spraying force of the pressurized gas. In some embodiments, the fan 54 can be detachably mounted in the rotating element 36. As a result, depending on the application of the spray device 58, the spray force in the direction of the axis of rotation can be increased or decreased as desired. Moreover, from the same point of view, the deflection angle of the fan 54 or the mounting angle on the rotating member 36 can be variable and adjustable.

In some embodiments, the nozzle 12 of the dispensing medium includes a brush. Figure 11A depicts a perspective end view of the tip of a nozzle with a brush. Figure 11B depicts a cross section taken across line 11B-11B of Figure 11A. The rotating element 36 has a brush 56 that projects from its tip. Therefore, when the rotary member 36 is rotated by the reaction force F of the pressurized gas, the brush 56 also rotates about the rotational axis, and the surface to be sprayed can be physically wiped in the rotational direction by using a brush. The brush 56 is also radially expanded by the expansion and rotational diffusion of the pressurized gas sprayed from the rotary outlet 34. Bending and wiping the surface to be sprayed by a brush in both the direction of rotation and the radial direction.

Therefore, when the spray device 58 is used as a cleaning sprayer, by using the nozzle 12, an aerosol of the cleaning agent can be sprayed onto the surface to be sprayed, and the viscous dirt is physically and laterally covered by the brush 56. Wipe off and remove it.

Brush 56 can be attached to rotating element 36 in a variety of modes. As shown in the drawing, by being mounted at the center side of the rotation axis (AX) from the outlet 34, the pressurized gas sprayed from the outlet is prevented from flowing to the rotation axis side (center direction), and can be used in all directions. The cleaning agent is uniformly enclosed to spray the object to be sprayed (dirt) placed on the extension of the axis of rotation. Conversely, by attaching the brush 56 to the outside from the outlet 34, the pressurized gas sprayed from the outlet is guided to the axial center side, and the detergent is concentrated on the sprayed article. The brush 56 can be placed on the tip side of the rotating element 36 or can be provided on the circumference of the rotating element and the tip of the brush 56 can protrude from the outlet 34. In some embodiments, the brush 56 is attached to the outer cover 16.

Examples of combinations of nozzles are described herein. a nozzle for ejecting from a positively rotating outlet and dispersing a pressurized fluid stored in a pressurized fluid supply source includes: a stationary tube that communicates to a pressurized fluid supply source at a proximal end; and is made of a rigid material a rotating member having an air passage provided therein for communicating with the stationary tube and rotatably disposed relative to a distal end of the stationary tube, wherein the outlet is provided at a position in the distal end of the rotating member (its The axis of rotation of the self-rotating member is offset in the radial direction, and its opening is expected to face in a direction intersecting both the axis of rotation and the direction of the radial direction.

In some embodiments, the nozzle includes a stationary tube and a rotating member that are coupled to each other by a bearing.

In some embodiments, the nozzle includes: a stationary tube that communicates at the proximal end to a pressurized fluid supply source; and a rotating member made of a rigid material having an air passage provided therein for communicating with the stationary tube and rotatably disposed relative to the distal end of the stationary tube, wherein the outlet is provided At a position in the distal end of the rotating member that is offset from the axis of rotation of the rotating member in the radial direction, and the opening thereof is expected to face in a direction intersecting both the rotational axis and the radial direction. The rotating member has two or more outlets provided therein for respectively communicating with the stationary tube and symmetrically disposed with respect to the axis of rotation, while the outlets are open in a direction of rotation about the axis of rotation. The fixed tube and the rotating member are joined to each other by bearings.

In some embodiments, the spray device can include: (A) a pressurized fluid supply source storing pressurized fluid; (B) a nozzle comprising: a stationary tube that communicates at a proximal end to a pressurized fluid supply; And a rotating member made of a rigid material having an air passage provided therein for communicating with the stationary tube and rotatably disposed relative to the distal end of the stationary tube, wherein the outlet is provided at the distal end of the rotating member a position in which the axis of rotation of the rotating member is offset in the radial direction, and the opening is expected to face the direction intersecting both the axis of rotation and the radial direction; and (C) a valve for The pressurized fluid passage between the pressurized fluid supply source and the stationary tube is closed and opened, wherein the rotating member is rotated about the rotational axis by the injection of the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized air injected from the outlet can be dispersed.

In some embodiments, the nozzle can include a nozzle that is a nozzle having an inner/outer dual structure, wherein the outer tube and the inner tube are inserted into the outer tube for spraying between the inner tube and the outer tube for storage a pressurized gas in a pressurized gas supply source and a spray medium from the inner tube, the medium comprising a liquid, a granular solid or a mixture of a liquid and a particulate solid and stored in a supply of the medium, the nozzle having the following (a All characteristics of (c): (a) the outer tube has (i) a fixed outer tube, wherein the base end is in communication with a pressurized gas supply source and (ii) is made of a hard material a rotating member having a through hole therein for communicating with the fixed outer tube and rotatably fitting to the tip end of the fixed outer tube, and (iii) on the tip end of the rotating member, the spout is formed to be self-rotating in the diameter direction The position at which the rotating shaft of the component is offset is open in a direction crossing the direction of the rotating shaft member and the diameter; (b) the inner tube has flexibility, wherein the base end is in communication with the supply source of the medium, and the tip side And communicating with the spray ports; and (c) by spraying the pressurized gas from the spray ports, the rotary member rotates around the rotating shaft member by spraying a reaction force, and is generated by being near the spray port or inside the through hole The negative pressure draws the medium from the supply source of the medium via the inner tube, and the sucked medium is mixed with the sprayed pressurized gas and sprayed from the spray port.

In some embodiments, the nozzle may include a nozzle having an inner/outer dual structure, wherein the outer tube and the inner tube are inserted into the outer tube for spraying between the inner tube and the outer tube for storage in a pressurized gas supply source Pressurizing gas and for spraying the medium from the inner tube, the medium comprising a liquid, a granular solid or a mixture of a liquid and a granular solid and stored in a supply of the medium having the following (a) to (c) All the characteristics of: (a) the outer tube has (i) a fixed outer tube, wherein the base end is in communication with a pressurized gas supply source, and has (ii) a rotating element made of a hard material having a through hole therein for a tip that is in communication with the fixed outer tube and rotatably fitted to the fixed outer tube, and (iii) on the tip end of the rotating member, the spout is formed so as to be diametrically displaced from the rotating shaft member of the rotating member Opened in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotating shaft member and the diameter; (b) the inner tube has (i) a fixed inner tube inserted into the fixed outer tube, wherein the base end is in communication with the supply source of the medium and has (ii) a rotating inner tube made of a hard material, wherein The seat end is rotatably coupled to the inside of the tip or through hole of the fixed inner tube located inside the fixed outer tube, and the tip end side is inserted into the through hole, and (c) is rotated by spraying pressurized gas from the spray ports The component and the rotating inner tube are rotated around the rotating shaft by the spray reaction force, and are attached by the spray port The negative pressure generated inside or through the through hole draws the medium from the supply source of the medium via the inner tube, and the sucked medium is mixed with the sprayed pressurized gas and sprayed from the spray port.

In some embodiments, the nozzle can include a plurality of spouts that respectively communicate with the tips of the fixed outer tubes in rotationally symmetric positions relative to the rotating shaft member, and the plurality of spout ports are formed to face the same surrounding the rotating shaft member turn around.

In some embodiments, the nozzles described herein can include an open end of the inner tube that is disposed at a tip end side disposed in a negative pressure region formed near the spout by spraying of the pressurized gas. In some embodiments, the nozzles described herein include an open end of the inner tube that is located at a tip end side disposed inside the through hole.

In some embodiments, the nozzles described herein include fixed outer tubes and rotating elements that are coupled to one another via bearings.

In some embodiments, the nozzles described herein include a fan coupled to a rotating element for creating an axial flow in the direction of the rotating shaft member by rotation of the rotating member.

In some embodiments, the nozzles described herein include a brush coupled to a rotating element or housing.

In some embodiments, the spray device includes a flexible conduit. The use of a flexible catheter can take into account an aerosol spray pattern that is different from a rigid catheter. Figures 12 and 13 depict a specific example of a spray device having a flexible conduit. Figure 12 depicts a side view of a spray device containing a nozzle having a flexible conduit. Figure 13 depicts a side view of a flexible catheter of a nozzle.

The spray device 100 can include a pressurized gas supply source 22, a media supply source 60, and a nozzle 102 coupled to the gun-like body 24 by, for example, a joint 14 and a housing 16. Connector 14 A first opening 108 can be included that is configured to allow gas to pass from the pressurized gas supply source 22 to the nozzle 102. The joint 14 also includes a second opening 110 that is in communication with the first opening 108. Fluid supply source 60 can be coupled to second opening 110 by means of valve 112.

Nozzle 102 includes an inner conduit 114 disposed within outer conduit 116. Mounting member 118 is coupled to the front end of joint 14. Mounting component 118 includes an opening 120 configured to receive inner conduit 114. The base end of the outer outlet 16 can be secured to the front end of the mounting member 118.

The inner conduit 114 can be positioned within the outer conduit 116 such that an airflow path 122 is formed between the inner surface of the outer conduit 116 and the outer surface of the inner conduit 114. The airflow path 122 is in communication with the first opening 108 of the joint 14 via the opening 120 of the mounting member 118. The inner conduit 114 then extends partially through the opening 120 and into the first opening 108. The rear portion further extends into the second opening 110 and is thus coupled to the connector 112. The inner conduit includes a passage 124 through which fluid is passed during use.

The outer conduit 116 can be comprised of a flexible polymeric material. Examples of flexible polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon), polyurethanes, and polypropylene. The inner conduit 114 can also be comprised of a flexible polymeric material. The inner conduit 114 can be composed of the same material as the outer conduit 116. In some embodiments, the inner conduit portion disposed only within the outer conduit 114 can be formed from a polymeric flexible material.

Gas passing through the gas flow path 122 between the outer conduit 116 and the inner conduit 114 is ejected from one end of the outer conduit 116. When the gas is injected, the outer conduit 116 and the inner conduit 114 extending from the base end of the outer conduit are moved relative to the body 24 (as indicated by the arrows in Figure 12). The movement of the inner and outer catheters can be convoluted or reciprocated due to the flexibility of the catheters.

The end 128 of the inner conduit 114 extends beyond the end 126 of the outer conduit 116. The negative pressure region is formed outside the end 128 when the gas is ejected from the outer conduit 116. The end 126 of the inner conduit 114 is positioned within the negative pressure region created by the passage of gas through the outer conduit 116.

One or more balancing members 130 can be coupled to an outer surface of the outer conduit 116. The balancing member 130 can be formed from a polymeric material. When multiple balancing components are used, the balancing components can be positioned along the outer conduit 116 at spaced apart intervals. The balance member 130 controls the inertial force of the nozzle as it moves within the housing 16.

The outer cover 16 can be coupled to the mounting member 118 (similar to the joint 14 of Figures 1 and 6). The outer cover 16 can be configured to limit movement of the conduit 116. As shown, the outer cover 16 has a conical (angular) shape. The outer cover 16 can be formed from a polymeric material or metal. The opening of the outer cover 16 can project beyond the end 126 of the inner conduit 114 and the end 128 of the outer conduit 116. When the catheter 116 and thus the catheter 114 are moved, the movement of the catheters can be limited by the contact of the catheters with the inner surface of the outer cover 16. Therefore, the movement of the conduits can be limited to a predetermined area. A vent 132 may be formed in a portion of the outer cover 16. The vent 132 allows gas to escape the outer cover 16 if the outlet of the outer cover is pressed against the surface.

The pressurized gas supply source 22 can be coupled to the body 24 via a conduit 134. Valve 28 allows communication between flow passage 122 and pressurized gas supply source 22. In use, valve 28 opens flow passage 122 when lever 26 is manually pulled by the operator. The opening of the valve 28 allows pressurized fluid stored in the pressurized gas source 22 to flow through the passage 122 and eject from the distal end of the nozzle 102. When the lever 26 is returned to its original position by the user, the valve 28 closes the flow passage 122 to stop the flow of pressurized fluid.

The media supply source 60 is removably coupled to the connector 112. The guide tube 64 is coupled to the base portion of the inner nozzle 114 via a valve 112. The guide tube 64 extends into the medium supply source 60. Media supply source 60 can include a housing 136 that is coupled to a body portion of media supply source 60. The media supply source 60 can be removably coupled to the valve 112 using a suitable coupling mechanism (eg, a screw mechanism).

Media supply source 60 can be coupled to connector 112 of the fluid spray device during use. The diverter valve 66 in the connector 112 is set in the open position to allow fluid connection between the guide tube 64 and the inner conduit 114.

In some embodiments, the pressurized gas supply source 22 can be a compressor. If a compressor is used, the compressor can be activated to generate compressed air. Alternatively, the pressurized gas supply source 22 can be a pre-compressed air tank. The lever 26 is actuated to allow compressed air to flow from the pressurized gas supply 22 through the gas flow path 122 of the outer conduit 116 via the conduit 134, the first opening 108, and the opening 120. This combination of conduit and opening constitutes these primary communication paths. The pressurized gas flowing along the main communication path is strongly injected from the outer conduit 116 via the end 128. When the gas is injected, the outer conduit 116 and the inner conduit 114 will begin to move. The inner and outer catheters are partially fixed, while the inner and outer catheters are free to move. The inner conduit and the outer portion of the outer conduit are formed from a flexible material. Movement of the inner and outer conduits can be restricted to a predetermined area by the outer cover 16, which surrounds at least a portion of the outer conduit 116. Thus, the portion of the conduit 116 moves forward within the outer casing 116. The balancer 130 can be coupled to the outer surface of the conduit 116 to stabilize the movement of the conduit.

The negative pressure region acts on the end 126 of the inner conduit 114 when the gas is injected from the outer outlet 116. The medium 62 can be drawn into the injected gas stream by the negative pressure region via the inner conduit 114 and the guide tube 64. The path through which the medium flows constitutes a second communication path.

The resulting combination of fluid and gas is ejected away from the outer conduit 116. The nozzle 102 can be moved positively with the simultaneous injection of the fluid-gas mixture. In some embodiments, the conduits 114 and 116 of the nozzle 102 can be rotated in a substantially circular pattern to create a circular spray of fluid. sprinkle. The injected fluid contacts the surface to provide the desired cleaning or grinding effect.

Movement of the conduits 114 and 116 can be limited to a predetermined area by the outer cover 16. In some embodiments, the movement of the nozzles 102 can be in a circular pattern. Movement of the catheter in a circular pattern provides additional force to the mixture of gas and fluid sprayed. Thus, the mixture of gas and fluid sprayed can have an increased force relative to the flow from the stationary nozzle.

The reliability of the fluid spray device can be improved using a single conduit 134 coupled to the body 24. Additionally, positioning the media supply source 60 between the body 24 and the nozzle 102 improves the balance of the device. If necessary, the change or replenishment of the fluid can be accomplished by replacing the media supply source 60 with a new media supply source or by refilling the depleted media supply source.

Fluid flow through the nozzle 102 can be inhibited by operation of the diverter valve 66. When the diverter valve 66 is set in the closed position and the lever 26 is actuated, as described above, the gas from the pressurized gas supply source 22 passes through the primary communication path and is ejected from the nozzle 102. Therefore, access to the inner conduit 114 from the medium supply source 60 can be inhibited. In this way, a flow of pressurized gas can be directed to the surface. The injected gas stream can be used to blow the surface and remove dust and dirt from the surface. The gas stream can also be used to dry the surface after, for example, a cleaning or painting operation.

In some embodiments, the connector 112 is removed from the spray device 100 and the cover is attached to the coupling component 140. Placing the coupling member on the connector 112 allows the use of a spray device without a media supply. Removal of the media supply may allow the sprinkler 100 to be used in a space where the media supply will not be assembled. In some embodiments, the spray device 100 without the inner conduit 114, the connector 112, and the media supply source 60 is fabricated. In these particular examples, the joint 14 does not include the opening 110.

In some embodiments, the outer cover 16 includes a brush as previously described herein. child. The gas and fluid mixture ejected from the nozzle 102 can be ejected along the inner circumferential surface of the outer casing 16. The bristles of the brush can be bent over the mixture of the gas and the fluid and the flow of the gas and fluid mixture is stopped. In this way, the bristles can be moved into the twisted position depending on the movement of the mixture of the gas and the fluid. When the brush touches the surface to be washed, the surface can be washed by the bristles in a pattern corresponding to the movement pattern of the nozzle.

In some embodiments, the nozzle device described herein includes: a pressurized gas supply source storing a pressurized gas; a medium supply source storing a liquid, a particulate solid or a mixture of the liquid and the particulate solid; A valve element for shutting off or releasing pressurized gas flowing from the pressurized gas supply source to the outer tube, wherein the pressurized gas and the medium are sprayed in a mixed state.

In some embodiments, the nozzle device is portable and lightweight. For example, the nozzle device can weigh less than 10 pounds or less than 5 pounds. The lightweight and compact nozzle unit allows for efficient cleaning of the interior and/or small spaces of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the spray device is capable of applying a vacuum to the material. By applying a vacuum to the material, particles that are embedded in the material and/or that are loosened during processing of the material with the nozzles described herein can be removed from the material. For example, particles can be removed from the material when a spray device is used to remove particles from the material using an aerosol of air or an aerosol of air and medium. However, some of the particles may still be on the surface of the material and/or slightly below the surface of the material. Applying a vacuum to the material removes all of the remaining particles or a substantial portion of the remaining particles. In some embodiments, applying a vacuum to the material prior to applying the aerosol can assist in cleaning the material. A vacuum can be applied to the wet material. For example, it is moist and cannot be cleaned with a medium solution.

14 through 22 depict a specific example of a spray device capable of removing particles from a material using a vacuum. Figure 14A depicts a specific example of a spray device having a vacuum port and a media container Perspective decomposition side view. Figure 14B depicts a perspective side view of a spray device having an assembled rigid conduit. Figure 15 depicts a perspective side view of a spray device with an assembled flexible catheter. Figure 16 depicts a perspective view of a spray device having a vacuum port. Figure 17 depicts a perspective side view of a specific example with a vacuum outer cover. Figure 18 depicts a perspective side view of another embodiment of a shroud having a vacuum port. Figure 19 depicts a perspective side view of a specific example of a vacuum enclosure having a vacuum port. Figure 20 depicts a perspective bottom view of a specific example of the vacuum envelope of Figure 19. 21A-21B depict perspective side views of a specific example of a sealing member coupled to a vacuum port of a vacuum spray device. 22A-22B depict perspective side views of a specific example of a sealing member coupled to a vacuum port of a vacuum spray device. In FIGS. 14A to 14B and FIG. 15, the dispensing device 58 and the spraying device 100 for dispensing a medium include a cover 200. In FIG. 16, the spray device 10 includes a cover 200.

The outer cover 200 can include a body 202, an end 204, and a vacuum port 206. The body 202 can be coupled or directly coupled to a portion of the spray device 10. The body 202 can be attached directly to the spray device (eg, attached to the joint 14) and/or removably attached. The body 202 can include a channel that allows the outer cover 200 to slide onto a spray device (eg, the joint 14). The body 202 can have a profile to allow access to the outer cover.

As shown in Figures 17, 19 and 22, the body 200 includes a recess (notch) 210 and a ridge 212 that are shaped to have a contour of the user's hand. The use of a contoured grip (ergonomic grip) allows the weight from the hand to be distributed to the groove.

End 204 can be formed as part of body 202. In some embodiments, end 204 is removably coupled to body 202. For example, the end 204 can be threaded, clip-fitted, or press-fitted onto the body 202 or into the body 202. Allowing end 204 to be removable allows multiple uses Attachment (eg, brush attachment or crevice tool).

As shown in FIG. 17, end 204 includes a beveled portion 214 and a contoured portion 216. The beveled portion 214 can be angled to allow the outer cover 200 to be positioned at an angle relative to the material. Positioning the outer cover at an angle assists in sealing the outer cover to the material during application of vacuum to the outer cover. The beveled portion can include a recess 218 and a ridge 220. The groove 218 and the ridge 220 may form a contoured portion 216. The grooves 218 and ridges 220 can be used to release or eject particles from the material. The use of ridges and grooves assists in the collection of materials and particles. When the contoured portion 216 is positioned on the surface to be cleaned, a space is created between the groove and the surface. Particles ejected by contact of the ridges with the material are drawn into the outer cover 200 via the space between the grooves and the material. In some embodiments, end 204 does not include beveled portion 214 and/or belted portion 216. Other shapes of the end 204 can be used. For example, end 204 can be a curved shape, a slanted shape, or other shape known to assist in loosening or ejecting particles from the material.

In some embodiments, body 202 includes a wall 228. FIG. 18 depicts a cover 200 having a wall 228. Wall 228 can separate conduit 206 from joint 14 to form vacuum conduit 230 and fluid conduit 232. The wall 228 includes separating the vacuum source from the source of pressurized fluid. The wall 228 may allow pressurized fluid and/or media to be applied to the surface via the fluid conduit 232 while simultaneously applying a vacuum via the vacuum conduit 230 to remove particles or media that are forced to leave the material. The vacuum conduit 230 can include a groove or channel 234 that directs the removed particulates into the vacuum port 206. The tunnel 234 can be aligned with the contoured portion 216. Although only one channel is shown in Figure 18, more than one channel is contemplated. In some embodiments, wall 228 is absent, but channel 234 is present, and vice versa. For example, dust, dirt, lint, hair, and/or water drawn by the pressurized fluid from the nozzles can be directed through the vacuum conduit 230 via the channels 234. Wall 228 and channel 234 may be shaped during manufacture of the outer cover It becomes a body part of the outer cover 200.

As shown in FIGS. 14-18 and 19-20, the vacuum port 206 extends from the body 202. The vacuum port can extend at an angle relative to the body 202. For example, the vacuum port 206 can extend at an angle ranging from about 1 degree to about 90 degrees, from about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees, or from about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to the body 202. In some embodiments, the vacuum port 206 extends at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the body 202. Vacuum port 206 can be connected to a vacuum source via conduit 222. The conduit 222 includes a flexible portion 224 and a substantially rigid portion 226. Having flexible portion 224 can assist in connection to a vacuum source. The flexible portion can have any type of end fit that is complementary to the vacuum source. The substantially rigid portion 226 may have a smaller diameter than the vacuum port 206 to allow a substantially rigid portion to be inserted into the vacuum port. The substantially rigid portion 226 can be frictionally coupled to the inner surface of the vacuum port 206. In some embodiments, both the conduit 222 and the vacuum port 206 are monolithic. In some embodiments, conduit 222, vacuum port 206, body 202, and end 204 are all monolithic. In some embodiments, the conduit 222 does not include the flexible portion 224. In other embodiments, the conduit 222 does not include a substantially rigid portion 226.

In some embodiments, vacuum enclosure 200 includes a slot. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the outer cover 200 includes a body 202, an end 204, a vacuum port 206, and a slot 240. The body 202 can be coupled or directly coupled to a portion of the spray devices (e.g., spray devices 10, 58 and 100) described herein.

The body 202 can be removably attached to the joint 14. The body 202 can include a channel that allows the outer cover 200 to slide onto a spray device (eg, the joint 14). The body 202 can have a profile to allow access to the outer cover.

The slot 240 can allow the vacuum enclosure 200 to be removably coupled to the joint 14 (not shown) Show). The slot 240 can be formed as a body portion of the outer cover 200. One portion of the slot 240 can be complementary to the shape of the joint 14 to allow the outer cover 240 to slide along the outer surface of the joint 14 and cover at least a portion of the joint 14 and/or the stationary tube 118 of the spray device 100. After positioning the outer cover 200 around the joint 14, the outer cover can be secured to the joint 14 by the use of fasteners positioned in the opening 242 of the outer cover. Known fasteners such as pins, screws or the like can be used. The shape of the opening 242 is complementary to the type of fastener selected.

As shown, one portion (eg, the bottom portion) of the slot 240 has a substantially flat surface 246. The flat surface 246 can be complementary in shape to a substantially flat surface of the spray device (eg, the flat bottom surface of the joint 14). When coupled together, at least a portion of the flat surface of the joint 14 and the flat surface of the slot 14 frictionally couple the outer cover to the spray device. Frictionally coupling the outer cover to the spray device prevents the outer cover from sliding and/or the outer cover rotating during use. In some embodiments, the surfaces of the joint 14 and the slot 240 have other complementary shapes (eg, circular or spherical).

The slot 240 includes an opening 248. The opening 248 is in communication with a passage of the outer cover 200 (eg, the interior of the outer cover 200). The nozzle portion of the spray device is movable through the slot and into the passage of the housing until the nozzle tip of the nozzle is at a desired location inside the end 204. For example, portions of the nozzles (fixed fixed tube 18, rotating element 36, and fixed tube 50) of the spray device 10 can be moved through the opening 248 along the slot 240 until the nozzle tip 40 is at a desired location inside the outer cover 240. Once positioned, the cover can be tightened by adjustment of the fastener 242.

As shown in Figures 21-22, the end 204 is tapered. The taper of the end 204 allows for a seal to be formed when the end is pressed against the material and a vacuum is applied. The taper of the end 204 also enhances the chipping or perturbation of the material during use. End 204 can be between about 10 and 50 degrees The angle is tapered. In some embodiments, end 204 has an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to body 202.

The outer cover 200 can include an opening 250. The opening 250 allows a vacuum to be created inside the outer cover 200. When the outer cover 200 is assembled with the spray device, an annulus is formed between the nozzle and the inner wall of the outer cover 200. Reducing pressure via port 206 creates a vacuum or partial vacuum in the annulus to draw particulate matter into the enclosure and through port 206.

In some embodiments, the vacuum port 206 includes a sealing component 230. The use of a sealing member allows sealing of the portion of the vacuum port 206 that is connected to the vacuum source when the spray device is not connected to a vacuum source. The nozzles may be coupled to the air supply 50 and/or the media supply 60 when the vacuum port 206 is sealed. 21 and 22 depict a specific example of a sealing member for the vacuum port 206. 21A and 21A depict perspective views of an unassembled conduit 222 and vacuum port 206. 21B and 22B depict perspective views of the catheter 222 inserted into the interior of the vacuum port 206.

In FIG. 21A, the catheter 206 includes a sealing member 236. Sealing member 236 can be coupled to the wall of vacuum port 206. The sealing member 236 can be made of a material that can be moved while the catheter 222 is inserted into the vacuum port 206. For example, the sealing member can be made of plastic, rubber or the like. Sealing member 236 can have a size that is slightly smaller than opening 238 of vacuum port 206 but sufficient to substantially cover or substantially seal the opening when conduit 222 is absent. The conduit 222 can include a recess 240. The groove 240 can have the same dimensions as the sealing member 236 to allow the sealing member to be positioned in the groove when the catheter 222 is inserted inside the vacuum port 206, as shown in Figure 21B.

In FIG. 22A, the sealing member 236 is coupled, directly coupled, or attached to the outer wall of the vacuum port 206. The sealing member 236 can be lifted and the conduit 222 inserted inside the vacuum port 206. For example, the sealing member 236 is lifted and the rigid portion 226 of the conduit 222 is inserted into the vacuum port 206 in. Sealing member 236 can include one or more portions that are hinged together to allow pivoting of the sealing member. In some embodiments, the sealing member is made of a flexible material that is attached to the wall of the vacuum port 206 and leans over the edge of the wall to cover the opening 232 of the vacuum port in the closed position. When the catheter 222 is inserted into the vacuum port 206, one of the sealing members 236 partially contacts the outer surface of the catheter 222. For example, one portion of the sealing member 236 rests on the outer surface of the conduit 222, as shown in Figure 22B.

Other methods of sealing the vacuum port 206 are contemplated. For example, the vacuum port 206 can include a sealing member that is coupled to the inner portion of the catheter that is automatically or mechanically controlled to open and close.

In some embodiments, the end of the rotating element 36 can include a housing. FIG. 23 depicts a specific example of a portion of a rotating element 36 having a cover 252. The rotating element 36 can be open at the distal end and exposed to fluids and/or dirt used in the cleaning of one or more materials. Covering this opening extends the life of the rotating element of the nozzle by inhibiting fluid and/or other materials from entering the rotating element. The outer cover 252 can include an opening 254. The tube 50 can extend through the outer cover 252 via the opening 254. The outer cover 252 can be placed over the tube 50 and positioned in the end of the rotating element 36 during manufacture. The outer cover 252 can be press fit, glued or bonded with epoxy to secure the outer cover in place.

In some embodiments, a portion of the substantially rigid tube (catheter) includes a flexible material (eg, a flexible tubing or a flexible hose). Figure 24 depicts a specific example of a rigid conduit including a flexible material and a rotating element housing. Figure 25 depicts a specific example of a rigid catheter comprising a flexible material. The flexible material 252 can be made of rubber, flexible plastic, polymeric materials, or any flexible material. The flexible material 252 can be attached or removably attached to the tube The end of 50. For example, the flexible material 252 can be a hose that slides over the end of the tube 50. In some embodiments, the flexible material is attached to the tube 50 using heat and/or an adhesive. Having a flexible tube at the angled end of the tube 50 protects the end of the tube 50 in view of a wider cleaning pattern while creating contact between the nozzle and a hard material (eg, stone, pebbles or hard debris) (eg , end 50) is not damaged.

During use, the vacuum port 206 of the outer cover 200 is attached to the vacuum source before or after the material is treated with the spray device 10, the spray device 58, or the spray device 100 with air and/or media. For example, one end of the conduit 222 is inserted into the vacuum port 206 and the other end is attached to a vacuum source. The end 204 can be positioned adjacent to or positioned on the surface of the material and can be connected to a vacuum source. The particles can be drawn into the end 204 and collected in the body 202 of the outer cover 200 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, body 202 and/or vacuum source includes a filter to trap particles. The contoured portion 216 can be pressed against the material to assist in loosening the particles from the material. Contact of the ridges with the material will be ejected through the grooves 212 into the particles in the body 202.

In this patent, certain U.S. patents and other materials (e.g., papers) have been incorporated by reference. However, the text of such U.S. patents and other materials is incorporated by reference to the extent that there is no conflict between the text and other statements and illustrations set forth herein. In the event of this conflict, any such conflicting text in such U.S. patents and other materials incorporated by reference is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein in its entirety

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the <RTIgt; Accordingly, the description is to be construed as illustrative only and illustrative of the embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that the form of the invention shown and described herein is to be considered as an example. Benefiting from this issue It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; Some features. Variations in the elements described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. The word "comprising" means including but not limited to.

Claims (16)

A vacuum nozzle comprising: a first tube in fluid communication with a fluid source; a conduit in fluid communication with the first tube, wherein the conduit is substantially arcuate or angled such that one of the outlets of the conduit is An offset wherein the pressurized fluid ejected from the outlet rotates the conduit within the outer casing of the nozzle assembly during use; and is coupled to a second tube of the outer casing, the second conduit being in fluid communication with a vacuum source; Wherein the vacuum nozzle is configured to remove a component from a material via the second tube when the vacuum source is used to reduce one of the pressures in the second tube. A vacuum nozzle according to claim 1 of the invention, comprising a device configured to reduce friction between the first tube and the conduit. The vacuum nozzle of claim 1, comprising a rotating element and a bearing coupled to the first tube and in fluid communication with the fluid source, wherein the bearing engages the first tube to the Rotating component. The vacuum nozzle of claim 1, wherein the outlet is substantially at or near the distal end of the conduit, and wherein the pressurized fluid is ejected from the outlet at an oblique angle relative to the conduit. The vacuum nozzle of claim 1, wherein the second tube includes a sealing member configured to seal the second tube during injection of the pressurized fluid from the outlet. The vacuum nozzle of claim 1, further comprising a third tube coupled to one of the second tubes, wherein the third tube is removably coupled to the second tube, and wherein the third tube Forming fluid communication with the vacuum source. The vacuum nozzle of claim 1, further comprising a third tube coupled to one of the second tubes, wherein the third tube is in fluid communication with the vacuum source, and wherein a portion of the third tube is Flexible. The vacuum nozzle of claim 1, wherein the second tube comprises a contoured grip. The vacuum nozzle of claim 1, wherein the outlet end of the second tube comprises a groove and a ridge. The vacuum nozzle of claim 1, wherein the second tube is removably coupled to the catheter. The vacuum nozzle of claim 1, further comprising: a coupling member coupled to the first tube, wherein the connecting member is in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid; and is in fluid communication with the passage of the connecting member A catheter wherein the catheter is substantially flexible such that one end of the catheter rotates during use when the pressurized fluid is ejected from the outlet. The vacuum nozzle of claim 1, further comprising: a flexible conduit system coupled to the outlet of the conduit. A method of cleaning one or more materials, comprising: providing a fluid from a nozzle device to one or more of the materials such that one or more compounds are ejected from the material, wherein a portion of the fluid is provided as An aerosol spray; providing a medium to at least one of the materials, wherein a portion of the medium is provided as an aerosol spray via a conduit, the conduit including an end configured to rotate within a housing of the nozzle device; and The pressure inside the nozzle device is reduced to a sufficient pressure such that at least one of the expelled compounds is drawn into the nozzle device. The method of claim 13, further comprising stopping or reducing a vacuum and actuating a valve such that the medium is provided to at least one of the materials by the nozzle. The method of claim 13 wherein providing an air aerosol comprises actuating a valve such that fluid flows from the source of pressurized fluid through the nozzle and as an aerosol to at least one of the materials. The method of claim 13, wherein the air is supplied by a nozzle device such that the one or more compounds are ejected from the material, wherein the nozzle device comprises a conduit that is substantially arcuate or angled such that the conduit An outlet is radially offset from a rotor axis by a radial distance, wherein air ejected from the outlet rotates the conduit while providing an aerosol spray.