WO2022249206A1 - Mixing device associable with portable tools such as blowers or the like - Google Patents

Mixing device associable with portable tools such as blowers or the like Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022249206A1
WO2022249206A1 PCT/IT2021/000025 IT2021000025W WO2022249206A1 WO 2022249206 A1 WO2022249206 A1 WO 2022249206A1 IT 2021000025 W IT2021000025 W IT 2021000025W WO 2022249206 A1 WO2022249206 A1 WO 2022249206A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mixing assembly
centrifugal
passage
turbo
mixing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2021/000025
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Roberto Cifarelli
Original Assignee
Cifarelli S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cifarelli S.P.A. filed Critical Cifarelli S.P.A.
Priority to PCT/IT2021/000025 priority Critical patent/WO2022249206A1/en
Priority to EP21743288.9A priority patent/EP4346398A1/en
Publication of WO2022249206A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022249206A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M7/00—Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
    • A01M7/0003—Atomisers or mist blowers
    • A01M7/0017—Portable atomisers, e.g. knapsack type
    • A01M7/0021—Portable atomisers, e.g. knapsack type motor-driven
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M7/00—Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
    • A01M7/0089—Regulating or controlling systems
    • A01M7/0092—Adding active material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M9/00—Special adaptations or arrangements of powder-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
    • A01M9/0007—Pneumatic dusters
    • A01M9/0038—Portable pneumatic dusters, e.g. knapsack type
    • A01M9/0046—Portable pneumatic dusters, e.g. knapsack type motor-driven
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M9/00—Special adaptations or arrangements of powder-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
    • A01M9/0092—Regulating or controlling systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B3/00—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements
    • B05B3/02—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements
    • B05B3/04—Spraying or sprinkling apparatus with moving outlet elements or moving deflecting elements with rotating elements driven by the liquid or other fluent material discharged, e.g. the liquid actuating a motor before passing to the outlet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/0075—Nozzle arrangements in gas streams
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
    • B05B7/12—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
    • B05B7/1254—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the controlling means being fluid actuated
    • B05B7/1263—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the controlling means being fluid actuated pneumatically actuated
    • B05B7/1272—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the controlling means being fluid actuated pneumatically actuated actuated by gas involved in spraying, i.e. exiting the nozzle, e.g. as a spraying or jet shaping gas
    • B05B7/1281—Serial arrangement, i.e. a single gas stream acting on the controlling means first and flowing downstream thereof to the nozzle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/0081—Apparatus supplied with low pressure gas, e.g. "hvlp"-guns; air supplied by a fan
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
    • B05B7/2402—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device
    • B05B7/2475—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device comprising a container carried on the back of the user

Definitions

  • This invention concerns a mixing device, which can be associated (reversibly or even in retro-fitting mode) with portable agricultural machinery of the “blower” type to allow the latter to deliver a flow comprising air and at least one micronised and/or vaporised fluid.
  • the invention concerns the agricultural and forestry field, but can also be used in other work settings, as warranted, such as to spray disinfectants, paints or solvents and so on), both in outdoor and indoor environments (such as agricultural fields, schools, greenhouses and public settings).
  • blowing leaves, debris and the like are known in the field of portable machinery, which are usually worn as backpacks (or, in any case, on the back of an operator), and include an adequate source of mechanical power responsible for generating an air flow and conveying it through a swivel tube: in turn, the latter is directed by the operator to perform a variety of operations, such as blowing leaves, debris and the like.
  • blowers are affected by some operational restrictions, in particular if you want to increase their flexibility of application: for instance, if you want to use the air flow as a propelling element to spray or spread liquids or other substances in granular form (up to powder or micro-powder materials); in such cases, it is necessary to equip the blower with appropriate mixing devices, which inject the liquid or granular substance into the airflow and, therefore, generate a so-called “mixed flow”.
  • the technical task of this invention is therefore to provide a mixing device which can be associated with blowers and similar portable machinery, to overcome the limitations of the prior art mentioned above.
  • FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a mixing device according to the invention, along an ideal centreline plane developing along a longitudinal axis of the mixing device itself;
  • FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the mixing device of Figure 1 along track II - II, and, wherein is represented a movable portion internal to the present mixing device (in dashed lines) in a possible configuration or position which can be assumed during operation thereof;
  • Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the mixing device of Figure 1 and 2 along Track III - III;
  • FIG. 4 shows a general view, in partial section, of a portable blower device comprising the mixing device of Figure 1.
  • Figure 1 generally represents a mixing device measured in accordance with this invention: this device essentially comprises a base body 2 defining a passage duct 3 and developing along a longitudinal axis 4 (which under conditions of assembly of the device 1 to a blower can be substantially equal to the axis of development and/or pointing of the end part of a swivel tube belonging to the blower itself: in this “combined” context, the base body 2 can be associated with a blower - or a similar portable machinery - and is, in particular, associated with a swivel tube of such blower or similar portable machinery).
  • the device 1 also comprises a mixing assembly 5 housed in the base body 2 (for example, in the figures attached hereto, it can be seen how this mixing assembly 5 is keyed coaxially and internally to a base body configured as a sleeve or hollow cylinder, which,, in turn can be connected in a known manner to a swivel tube of a blower, or similar machinery): in turn, the mixing assembly 5 is partially immersed in a basic flow of air generated by a blower (and conveniently channelled into the passage duct 3), so as to be suitable to introduce a predetermined additive flow of a substance to be mixed with the aforementioned basic flow of air through at least one appropriate discharge end 6 of the group 5 itself.
  • a mixing assembly 5 housed in the base body 2 (for example, in the figures attached hereto, it can be seen how this mixing assembly 5 is keyed coaxially and internally to a base body configured as a sleeve or hollow cylinder, which,, in turn can be connected in a known manner to
  • the device conveniently comprises supply means 7 connected to the mixing assembly 5 and adapted to selectively determine an entry of the aforementioned additive flow in the mixing assembly 5 itself as a function of a predetermined “threshold condition” of the basic flow: this threshold condition, in the understandings of this invention, can be adjusted on the basis of a basic air flow rate (and, therefore, according to a more or less derivative combination of parameters of speed, density, temperature and/or pressure of the air channelled and moved by the blower), and, as will be seen below, will be such as to reach, for example as a function of a control input given by the blower operator, a certain speed or “threshold” flow rate that causes the selective activation of the mixing device 1.
  • the aforementioned supply means 7 comprise at least one reversibly actionable centrifugal shutter 8 between an occlusion condition, thus preventing an entry of said additive flow into the mixing assembly 5, and a passage condition in which it instead allows the additive flow to enter into the mixing assembly 5.
  • the supply means 7 also comprise a turbo-element 9 rotationally keyed to the mixing assembly 5 and at least partially exposed to the basic flow of air generated by the blower: in functional coordination with this turbo-element 9, the centrifugal shutter 8 is mounted on the turbo-element 9 and is reversibly configurable between its occlusion condition and its passage condition as a function of a threshold rotation speed of the turbo-element 9... rotation speed that is conveniently generated by the exposure of the turbo-element (9) itself to the basic flow of air induced or generated by the blower.
  • such threshold rotation speed is generated by a predetermined basic “threshold flow” of air generated by the blower, and this, in fact, establishes the correlation between a speed or flow rate or “threshold” pressure of such basic flow with the rotation speed of the turbo-element 9 and, therefore, with the reversible change in the condition or configuration of the centrifugal shutter 8.
  • the turbo element 9 is an impeller or a fan, comprising a hub 9a keyed on/in the mixing assembly 5 (e.g., mounted coaxially to the mixing assembly 5 along the longitudinal axis 4), as well as a predetermined number of blades 9b radially departing from the hub 9a: with respect to this geometry of the turbo-element 9, it can be seen that the centrifugal shutter 8 in the accompanying figures is mounted on the hub 9a, thereby being exposed to the centrifugation effects transmitted by the hub itself when it is rotated due to the basic flow of air.
  • the hub 9a comprising at least one passage port 10 which can be selectively opened or closed by the centrifugal shutter 8 respectively at a passage or occlusion condition thereof, and more, in detail, it can be seen that the hub 9a comprises at least two centrifugal shutters 8 symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis 4 and, consequently, two passage ports 10 respectively interfacing with the two centrifugal shutters 8 themselves.
  • centrifugal shutters 8 At least one (and with reference to the embodiment of the figures, both or all) of the centrifugal shutters 8 includes:
  • a keying pin 8a adapted to rotationally connect the centrifugal shutter 8 itself to the hub 9a (this pin 8a is adapted to define a rotational arc of the centrifugal shutter 8 as a function of a rotational speed of the turbo element 9);
  • shutting stop 8c protruding from the main block 8b and adapted to abut against a passage port 10 at least at an occlusion condition of the centrifugal shutter 8;
  • - elastic return means 8e - which for example in the attached figures may comprise torsional springs - active between the keying pin 8a and the main block 8b to return the centrifugal shutter 8 to an occlusion condition when a rotation speed of the turbo-element 9 decreases below said threshold rotation speed.
  • this attachment portion can be considered as arranged “upstream” with respect to a direction of the basic flow and typically has an aerodynamically connected and/or fusiform trend); - a radial chamber 12 in fluid connection with the inlet 11 through at least one passage port 10 at least at the passage condition of at least one centrifugal shutter 8 (and containing at least partially the pin 9a); and
  • this discharge end 6 is arranged “downstream” with respect to a direction of the basic flow and as can be seen in the figures can conveniently define a planar surface orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 4).
  • the discharge nozzles 13 may comprise hollow bodies removably connected to the mixing assembly: advantageously, such hollow bodies may define respective outflow cavities having different lengths and/or sections, and may, therefore, be interchangeable with each other (or in other words, one or more of the bottleneck elements are interchangeable and define selectively variable restrictions of the discharge nozzle 14).
  • the object of the present invention is also a blower type portable machinery or the like, comprising:
  • a blower (or similar portable machinery) comprises at least one mixing device 1 according to what has been described above and/or according to what is claimed below: in particular, the mixing device 1 is connected to - and can be removed from - the swivel tube preferably at a free end thereof and/or at the aforementioned handling means.
  • This invention achieves the proposed purpose, overcoming the complained drawbacks of the prior art.
  • the mixing device first optimises the mixing functionality between the “basic” airflow produced by the portable blower and the flow of additive material, obtaining almost automatically the mixing between these two flows in a manner responsive in real time to the presence of the basic airflow itself.
  • this real-time response capacity is adjusted spontaneously and automatically thanks to the structure of the mixer itself, which, in this way, manages to “read” the commands that the operator gives to the basic mechanics of the portable machinery without requiring the establishment of complicated “command transmissions” to the mechanics of the mixer itself.
  • the mixer can also be adjusted in different ways, offering the operator a wide possibility of setting the mixed flow (in addition to the possibility of proportional and real-time increase or decrease of the overall flow rate of the mixed flow), also in “ballistic” terms, i.e. in terms of flow rate and/or diffusion of the mixed flow at the exit of the mouth of the mixer itself.
  • the device according to the invention allows extremely fast, easily reversible and achievable retro-fitting operations at a very low production cost - and consequently, the purchase of the mixer as an accessory.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Insects & Arthropods (AREA)
  • Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)

Abstract

A mixer that can be associated with blowers comprises a base body defining a passage duct, a mixing assembly housed in the base body and immersed in a basic flow of air and supply means connected to the mixing assembly, adapted to selectively determine an entry of an additive flow in the mixing assembly; the supply means comprise a centrifugal shutter that can be reversibly activated between an occlusion condition, in which it prevents the entry of said additive flow into the mixing assembly, and a passage condition in which it allows said additive flow entry into the mixing assembly.

Description

DESCRIPTION
MIXING DEVICE ASSOCIABLE WITH PORTABLE TOOLS SUCH AS
BLOWERS OR THE LIKE
This invention concerns a mixing device, which can be associated (reversibly or even in retro-fitting mode) with portable agricultural machinery of the “blower” type to allow the latter to deliver a flow comprising air and at least one micronised and/or vaporised fluid. Preferably, but not limited to, the invention concerns the agricultural and forestry field, but can also be used in other work settings, as warranted, such as to spray disinfectants, paints or solvents and so on), both in outdoor and indoor environments (such as agricultural fields, schools, greenhouses and public settings). The so-called “blowers” are known in the field of portable machinery, which are usually worn as backpacks (or, in any case, on the back of an operator), and include an adequate source of mechanical power responsible for generating an air flow and conveying it through a swivel tube: in turn, the latter is directed by the operator to perform a variety of operations, such as blowing leaves, debris and the like.
However, these blowers are affected by some operational restrictions, in particular if you want to increase their flexibility of application: for instance, if you want to use the air flow as a propelling element to spray or spread liquids or other substances in granular form (up to powder or micro-powder materials); in such cases, it is necessary to equip the blower with appropriate mixing devices, which inject the liquid or granular substance into the airflow and, therefore, generate a so-called “mixed flow”.
The retro-fitting integration of mixers with a traditional blower, in addition to being in itself expensive and laborious, entails additional technical challenges, if it is necessary to exercise joint control over the parameters of the mixed flow: in other words, the simple addition of a mixer on a blower does not allow the implementation of appropriate control commands in an agile and rapid manner so as to act, for example, on the overall flow rate of the mixed flow or on the amount of additional material to be introduced into the mixed flow itself.
The technical task of this invention is therefore to provide a mixing device which can be associated with blowers and similar portable machinery, to overcome the limitations of the prior art mentioned above.
Within the scope of this technical task, it is a primary purpose of the invention to provide a mixing device that can be simply and quickly associated with/assembled in/integrated to a blower (or similar machinery), while allowing a proportional and real-time control of the main parameters of the so-called “mixed flow”.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a mixing device that can be quickly and accurately operated as soon as the blower reaches a minimum air flow rate suitable for achieving a sufficiently homogeneous mixing, and with a range and/or diffusion in the concerned area from an operational point of view.
The technical task mentioned and the object stated are substantially achieved by a mixing device containing the technical characteristics of claim 1 , and/or in one or more of the claims dependent thereon, as well as containing one or more structural and/or functional characteristics hereinafter illustrated or described.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof, in which:
- Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a mixing device according to the invention, along an ideal centreline plane developing along a longitudinal axis of the mixing device itself;
- Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the mixing device of Figure 1 along track II - II, and, wherein is represented a movable portion internal to the present mixing device (in dashed lines) in a possible configuration or position which can be assumed during operation thereof;
- Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the mixing device of Figure 1 and 2 along Track III - III; and
- Figure 4 shows a general view, in partial section, of a portable blower device comprising the mixing device of Figure 1.
With reference to the accompanying figures, Figure 1 generally represents a mixing device measured in accordance with this invention: this device essentially comprises a base body 2 defining a passage duct 3 and developing along a longitudinal axis 4 (which under conditions of assembly of the device 1 to a blower can be substantially equal to the axis of development and/or pointing of the end part of a swivel tube belonging to the blower itself: in this “combined” context, the base body 2 can be associated with a blower - or a similar portable machinery - and is, in particular, associated with a swivel tube of such blower or similar portable machinery).
The device 1 also comprises a mixing assembly 5 housed in the base body 2 (for example, in the figures attached hereto, it can be seen how this mixing assembly 5 is keyed coaxially and internally to a base body configured as a sleeve or hollow cylinder, which,, in turn can be connected in a known manner to a swivel tube of a blower, or similar machinery): in turn, the mixing assembly 5 is partially immersed in a basic flow of air generated by a blower (and conveniently channelled into the passage duct 3), so as to be suitable to introduce a predetermined additive flow of a substance to be mixed with the aforementioned basic flow of air through at least one appropriate discharge end 6 of the group 5 itself.
The device conveniently comprises supply means 7 connected to the mixing assembly 5 and adapted to selectively determine an entry of the aforementioned additive flow in the mixing assembly 5 itself as a function of a predetermined “threshold condition” of the basic flow: this threshold condition, in the understandings of this invention, can be adjusted on the basis of a basic air flow rate (and, therefore, according to a more or less derivative combination of parameters of speed, density, temperature and/or pressure of the air channelled and moved by the blower), and, as will be seen below, will be such as to reach, for example as a function of a control input given by the blower operator, a certain speed or “threshold” flow rate that causes the selective activation of the mixing device 1. Advantageously, and in more detailed terms of correlation and “selective” activation of the device 1 with respect to the descriptive conditions of the basic air flow generated by the blower, the aforementioned supply means 7 comprise at least one reversibly actionable centrifugal shutter 8 between an occlusion condition, thus preventing an entry of said additive flow into the mixing assembly 5, and a passage condition in which it instead allows the additive flow to enter into the mixing assembly 5.
Into more structural detail, it can be seen that the supply means 7 also comprise a turbo-element 9 rotationally keyed to the mixing assembly 5 and at least partially exposed to the basic flow of air generated by the blower: in functional coordination with this turbo-element 9, the centrifugal shutter 8 is mounted on the turbo-element 9 and is reversibly configurable between its occlusion condition and its passage condition as a function of a threshold rotation speed of the turbo-element 9... rotation speed that is conveniently generated by the exposure of the turbo-element (9) itself to the basic flow of air induced or generated by the blower.
In other words, such threshold rotation speed is generated by a predetermined basic “threshold flow” of air generated by the blower, and this, in fact, establishes the correlation between a speed or flow rate or “threshold” pressure of such basic flow with the rotation speed of the turbo-element 9 and, therefore, with the reversible change in the condition or configuration of the centrifugal shutter 8.
With reference to the accompanying figures, it can be seen that the turbo element 9 is an impeller or a fan, comprising a hub 9a keyed on/in the mixing assembly 5 (e.g., mounted coaxially to the mixing assembly 5 along the longitudinal axis 4), as well as a predetermined number of blades 9b radially departing from the hub 9a: with respect to this geometry of the turbo-element 9, it can be seen that the centrifugal shutter 8 in the accompanying figures is mounted on the hub 9a, thereby being exposed to the centrifugation effects transmitted by the hub itself when it is rotated due to the basic flow of air.
Still with reference to the accompanying figures, it can be seen that the hub 9a comprising at least one passage port 10 which can be selectively opened or closed by the centrifugal shutter 8 respectively at a passage or occlusion condition thereof, and more, in detail, it can be seen that the hub 9a comprises at least two centrifugal shutters 8 symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis 4 and, consequently, two passage ports 10 respectively interfacing with the two centrifugal shutters 8 themselves.
From a structural point of view, at least one (and with reference to the embodiment of the figures, both or all) of the centrifugal shutters 8 includes:
- a keying pin 8a adapted to rotationally connect the centrifugal shutter 8 itself to the hub 9a (this pin 8a is adapted to define a rotational arc of the centrifugal shutter 8 as a function of a rotational speed of the turbo element 9);
- a main block 8b rotationally connected to the keying pin 8a;
- a shutting stop 8c protruding from the main block 8b and adapted to abut against a passage port 10 at least at an occlusion condition of the centrifugal shutter 8;
- a predetermined number of screw knobs 8d connected to the main block 8b and having a mass and/or density and/or volume such as to undergo a centrifugal acceleration at least at said threshold rotation speed of the turbo-element 9 (in turn, this centrifugal acceleration is adapted to bring the centrifugal shutter 8 into its passage condition); and finally
- elastic return means 8e - which for example in the attached figures may comprise torsional springs - active between the keying pin 8a and the main block 8b to return the centrifugal shutter 8 to an occlusion condition when a rotation speed of the turbo-element 9 decreases below said threshold rotation speed.
Returning to a level of overall structure of the device 1, it can also be observed how the mixing assembly 5 and the turbo-element 9 cooperatively define an internal passage volume for the additive flow, and how such internal passage volume in turn comprises, in volumetric terms:
- an inlet 11 obtained in an attachment portion of the mixing assembly 5 (this attachment portion can be considered as arranged “upstream” with respect to a direction of the basic flow and typically has an aerodynamically connected and/or fusiform trend); - a radial chamber 12 in fluid connection with the inlet 11 through at least one passage port 10 at least at the passage condition of at least one centrifugal shutter 8 (and containing at least partially the pin 9a); and
- a predetermined number of discharge nozzles 13 in fluid connection with said radial chamber 12 and positioned on the discharge end 6 of the mixing assembly 5 (this discharge end 6 is arranged “downstream” with respect to a direction of the basic flow and as can be seen in the figures can conveniently define a planar surface orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 4).
Depending on the needs at any given time, and in order to confer greater application flexibility to the device 1, the discharge nozzles 13 may comprise hollow bodies removably connected to the mixing assembly: advantageously, such hollow bodies may define respective outflow cavities having different lengths and/or sections, and may, therefore, be interchangeable with each other (or in other words, one or more of the bottleneck elements are interchangeable and define selectively variable restrictions of the discharge nozzle 14).
The object of the present invention is also a blower type portable machinery or the like, comprising:
- a mechanical power source; - a blower driven by the mechanical power source and capable of defining a basic flow (typically but not limited to air flow); and - a swivel tube adapted to receive and convey this basic flow and having handling means operable by an operator, and, advantageously, such a blower (or similar portable machinery) comprises at least one mixing device 1 according to what has been described above and/or according to what is claimed below: in particular, the mixing device 1 is connected to - and can be removed from - the swivel tube preferably at a free end thereof and/or at the aforementioned handling means.
This invention achieves the proposed purpose, overcoming the complained drawbacks of the prior art.
The mixing device according to the invention first optimises the mixing functionality between the “basic” airflow produced by the portable blower and the flow of additive material, obtaining almost automatically the mixing between these two flows in a manner responsive in real time to the presence of the basic airflow itself.
Furthermore, this real-time response capacity is adjusted spontaneously and automatically thanks to the structure of the mixer itself, which, in this way, manages to “read” the commands that the operator gives to the basic mechanics of the portable machinery without requiring the establishment of complicated “command transmissions” to the mechanics of the mixer itself.
The mixer can also be adjusted in different ways, offering the operator a wide possibility of setting the mixed flow (in addition to the possibility of proportional and real-time increase or decrease of the overall flow rate of the mixed flow), also in “ballistic” terms, i.e. in terms of flow rate and/or diffusion of the mixed flow at the exit of the mouth of the mixer itself.
In addition, the device according to the invention allows extremely fast, easily reversible and achievable retro-fitting operations at a very low production cost - and consequently, the purchase of the mixer as an accessory.

Claims

1. A mixing device associable with blowers or similar portable machinery, comprising:
- a base body (2) defining a passage duct (3) and developing along a longitudinal axis (4), said base body (2) being associable with a blower or similar portable machinery and preferably being associable with a swivel tube of said blower or similar portable machinery;
- a mixing assembly (5) housed in said base body (2) and at least partially immersed in a basic flow of air channelled into the passage duct (3), said mixing body (5) being adapted to introduce a predetermined additive flow of a substance to be mixed with said basic flow of air through a discharge end (6) of the mixing assembly (5); and
- supply means (7) connected to the mixing assembly (5) and adapted to selectively determine an entry of said additive flow into the mixing assembly (5) itself as a function of a predetermined threshold condition of the basic flow, characterised in that said supply means (7) comprise at least one centrifugal shutter (8) reversibly actionable between an occlusion condition, in which it prevents an entry of said additive flow in the mixing assembly (5), and a passage condition in which it allows said entry of additive flow in the mixing assembly (5).
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said supply means (7) further comprise a turbo-element (9) rotationally keyed to the mixing assembly (5) and at least partially exposed to said basic flow, said at least one centrifugal shutter (8) being mounted on said turbo-element (9) and being reversibly configurable between said occlusion condition and said passage condition as a function of a threshold rotation speed of said turbo-element (9) generated by the exposure of the turbo-element (9) itself to said basic flow.
3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the turbo-element (9) is an impeller or fan comprising:
- a hub (9a) keyed onto the mixing assembly (5) and preferably mounted coaxially to the mixing assembly (5) along the longitudinal axis (4); and
- a predetermined number of blades (9b) radially departing from said hub (9a).
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one centrifugal shutter (8) is mounted on the hub (9a), the hub (9a) comprising at least one passage port (10) which can be selectively opened or closed by the centrifugal shutter (8) respectively at a passage or occlusion condition thereof.
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hub (9a) comprises at least two centrifugal shutters (8) symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis (4) and two passage ports (10) respectively interfacing with said two centrifugal shutters (8).
6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the centrifugal shutters (8) comprises:
- a keying pin (8a) adapted to rotationally connect the centrifugal shutter (8) itself to the hub (9a) and adapted to define a rotational arc of the centrifugal shutter (8) as a function of a rotational speed of the turbo element (9);
- a main block (8b) rotationally connected to said keying pin (8a);
- a shutting stop (8c) extending from said main block (8b) and adapted to abut against a passage port (10) at least at an occlusion condition of the centrifugal shutter (8);
- a predetermined number of screw knobs (8d) connected to the main block (8b) and having a mass and/or density and/or volume, such as to undergo a centrifugal acceleration at least at said turbo-element threshold rotation speed (9), said centrifugal acceleration being adapted to bring the centrifugal shutter (8) into said passage condition; and
- elastic return means (8e), preferably comprising torsional springs active between the keying pin (8a) and the main block (8b) to return the centrifugal shutter (8) to an occlusion condition when a rotation speed of the turbo-element (9) decreases below said threshold rotation speed.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing assembly (5) and the turbo-element (9) cooperatively define an internal passage volume for the additive flow, said internal passage volume comprising:
- an inlet (11) obtained in an attachment portion of the mixing assembly, said attachment portion being arranged upstream with respect to a direction of the basic flow and preferably presenting an aerodynamically connected and/or fusiform shape; a radial chamber (12) in fluid connection with said inlet (11) through at least one passage port (10) at least at the passage condition of at least one centrifugal shutter (8) and containing at least partially the pin (9a); and
- a predetermined number of discharge nozzles (13) in fluid connection with said radial chamber (12) and positioned in said discharge end (6) of the mixing assembly (5), said discharge end (6) being arranged downstream with respect to a direction of the basic flow and preferably defining a planar surface orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (4).
8. Device according to claim 7, wherein said discharge nozzles (13) comprise hollow bodies removably connected to the mixing assembly, said hollow bodies defining outflow cavities having different lengths and/or sections and being interchangeable with respect to said output portion of the mixing assembly (5).
9. Device according to claim 8, wherein one or more of said bottleneck elements are interchangeable and define selectively variable restrictions of the discharge nozzle (14).
10. Portable machinery of the blower type or similar, comprising:
- a mechanical power source;
- a blower driven by said mechanical power source and suitable to define a basic flow preferably comprising air; and
- a swivel tube adapted to receive and convey said basic flow and having handling means operable by an operator, characterised in that it comprises at least one mixing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said mixing device (1) being connected to said swivel tube preferably at a free end thereof and/or at said handling means.
PCT/IT2021/000025 2021-05-26 2021-05-26 Mixing device associable with portable tools such as blowers or the like WO2022249206A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

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PCT/IT2021/000025 WO2022249206A1 (en) 2021-05-26 2021-05-26 Mixing device associable with portable tools such as blowers or the like
EP21743288.9A EP4346398A1 (en) 2021-05-26 2021-05-26 Mixing device associable with portable tools such as blowers or the like

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2021/000025 WO2022249206A1 (en) 2021-05-26 2021-05-26 Mixing device associable with portable tools such as blowers or the like

Publications (1)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH289912A (en) * 1948-11-16 1953-04-15 Pasteur Louis Device for spreading pest control products in the form of a mist.
US4387852A (en) * 1981-09-11 1983-06-14 Allegretti & Co. Fertilizer spreader
US20070102545A1 (en) * 2005-11-05 2007-05-10 Andreas Stihl Ag & Co. Kg. Portable spray apparatus
KR100998922B1 (en) * 2008-04-11 2010-12-09 (주)태성 High pressure spraying device for equal load using drive motor of mower
US20120067972A1 (en) * 2010-09-16 2012-03-22 Andreas Stihl Ag & Co. Kg Spraying unit

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH289912A (en) * 1948-11-16 1953-04-15 Pasteur Louis Device for spreading pest control products in the form of a mist.
US4387852A (en) * 1981-09-11 1983-06-14 Allegretti & Co. Fertilizer spreader
US20070102545A1 (en) * 2005-11-05 2007-05-10 Andreas Stihl Ag & Co. Kg. Portable spray apparatus
KR100998922B1 (en) * 2008-04-11 2010-12-09 (주)태성 High pressure spraying device for equal load using drive motor of mower
US20120067972A1 (en) * 2010-09-16 2012-03-22 Andreas Stihl Ag & Co. Kg Spraying unit

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