Object of the invention
[0001] The present invention refers to a nozzle for dispensing a fluid that automatically
adapts its shape when it is applied on a surface on which a fluid is intended to be
dispensed.
[0002] One object of the invention is to provide a nozzle configured to be applied on pieces
of different geometries (height, thickness...) on which a fluid is intended to be
dispensed.
[0003] Another object of the invention is to provide a nozzle with which the fluid is suitable
applied by a single application on a surface, to reduce the waste of fluid, at the
same time that savings in cost and time are obtained.
Background of the invention
[0004] In parts manufacturing processes, and particularly, in the manufacturing of carbon
fibre composite parts, cut edges have to be preserved to prevent galvanic corrosion
on attached metal parts. To avoid such corrosion, cut edges have to be sealed.
[0005] As shown in Figure 1, the current application of sealant products (10) on the surfaces
(8) of these cut edges is manually performed with the help of a roller (9).
[0006] Further, in most of the cases the sealant product (bi-component) has to be mixed
on a tray before being spread with the roller.
[0007] This way, the current process of applying the sealant usually requires:
- the manual mixing of the components,
- the manual application of the sealant with a foam roller,
- the application of two consecutive layers with the roller.
[0008] This current process of application entails a waste of sealant, effort and time.
[0009] It would therefore be desirable to provide technical means that allow to simplify
the application of a fluid on a surface in order to reduce the cost and time that
are currently required. In addition, it would be desirable that this technical means
are adapted for being used on surfaces with different geometries that allows extending
its use to multiple types of surfaces.
Summary of the invention
[0010] The present invention overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks by providing a flexible
nozzle that is configured to automatically adapt its shape to surfaces of different
geometries.
[0011] The invention refers to a flexible (adaptable, compressible) nozzle for dispensing
a fluid along a surface that has an elongated body, and comprises an inlet for receiving
a fluid and at least one channel for allowing the received fluid to be extended along
its body.
[0012] The body of the nozzle is formed by a first and a second part. The first part has
a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration and comprises two opposite internal sides.
The second part has an elongated configuration and is attached to both internal sides
of the first part, leaving a gap in-between for receiving the surface on which the
fluid is to be dispensed.
[0013] Both first and second parts are made of flexible (deformable or compressible) materials,
where at least, a first direction of flexion is defined by the first part and a first
direction of compression is defined by the second part. Along the first direction
of flexion, the nozzle flexes in an oblique direction to a longitudinal axis of the
nozzle, whereas along the first direction of compression, the interior part of the
nozzle is compressed following a transversal axis of the nozzle.
[0014] The first direction of flexion allows the nozzle to receive and adapt to parts with
different heights and curvatures, and the first direction of compression allows the
nozzle to receive and adapt to parts with different thickness. This way, the invention
provides a nozzle that is configured to be used in pieces of multiple geometries.
[0015] Further, the nozzle is formed by two flexible (elastic) materials, which automatically
adapts to embrace the surface on which the fluid is to be dispensed. This flexibility
(elasticity) helps to provide a proper application of the fluid, covering the entire
surface on which the fluid is applied with a single application.
[0016] In addition, the flexibility (elasticity) of the second part, prevents the excess
of fluid to produce leakages on the surface manufactured. This avoids the waste of
fluid, and ensures a suitable application on the surface.
[0017] Further, the nozzle is configured to provide an easy adaptation to a tool to simplify
and automate, at least in part, the application of fluid on a surface.
Brief description of the drawings
[0018] For a better comprehension of the invention, the following drawings are provided
for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, wherein:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the current means used for applying a fluid in
the cut edges of a carbon fiber composite part.
Figures 2a-2d show different views of the nozzle according to a preferred embodiment.
Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the nozzle. Figure 2b shows a front view. Figure
2c shows a top view. Figure 2d shows a lateral view.
Figures 3a-3c show examples of the nozzle's movements: flexion and compression. Figure
3a shows two possible first directions of flexion (D1F, D1F') experienced by the first
part of the nozzle. Figure 3b shows a first direction of compression (D1C) experienced
by the second part of the nozzle. Figure 3c shows the planes on which the directions
of flexion and compression can be contained according to another preferred embodiment
of the invention.
Figures 4a-4b show different views of a tool including the nozzle according to another
preferred embodiment of the invention. Figure 4a shows a lateral view of the tool.
Figure 4b shows a perspective view of the tool.
Preferred embodiments of the invention
[0019] Figures 2a-2d show a nozzle (1) for dispensing a fluid (7) along a surface (8) according
to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The nozzle (1) has an elongated body,
on which a longitudinal (L) and a transversal axis (T) can be defined.
[0020] The elongated body comprises an inlet (4) for receiving a fluid (7), and at least
one channel (6) for allowing the fluid (7) to be extended along its body.
[0021] The nozzle (1) is formed by two parts, a first part (2) and a second part (3). The
first part (2) has a C-shaped cross-sectional configuration, and comprises two opposite
internal sides (5). The second part (3) has an elongated configuration, and is attached
to both internal sides (5) of the first part (3), leaving a gap (12) in-between for
receiving the surface (8) on which the fluid (7) is to be dispensed.
[0022] Both first and second parts (2, 3) are made of flexible materials such that at least
a first direction of flexion (D1F) and a first direction of compression (D1C) are
respectively defined, the first direction of flexion (D1F) being oblique to a longitudinal
axis (L) of the nozzle (1), and the first direction of compression (D1C) being along
to a transversal axis (T) of the nozzle (1).
[0023] Having the first part (2) configured to flex in an oblique direction to a longitudinal
axis (L) of the nozzle (1), enables the nozzle to adapt to pieces with different heights
and/or curvatures, whereas having the second part (3) configured to flex in a transverse
direction of the nozzle (1), enables the nozzle to adapt to pieces with different
widths.
[0024] Figures 3a-3c show possible directions of flexion and compression. Figure 3a shows
two different directions of flexion (D1F, D1F') experienced by the first part (2)
of the nozzle (1). Both directions of flexion (D1F, D1F') of Figure 3a are contained
in a vertical longitudinal plane of the nozzle (13) shown in Figure 3c. By making
the nozzle capable of flexing in directions contained in this plane, the nozzle can
be adapted to surfaces of different heights.
[0025] Figure 3b shows the first direction of compression (D1C) experienced by the second
part (3) of the nozzle (1). The compression of this second part (3) along this first
direction of compression (D1C) allows the nozzle to adapt to surfaces of different
widths.
[0026] Figure 3c shows planes (13, 14) on which the first directions of flexion and compression
can be contained.
[0027] As already mentioned and shown in Figure 3a, the first direction of flexion (D1F)
may be contained in a vertical longitudinal plane of the nozzle (13) to allow its
adaptation to surfaces of different heights.
[0028] Also, and according to another preferred embodiment, the first direction of flexion
(D1F) may be contained in a horizontal longitudinal plane of the nozzle (14) to allow
its adaptation to surfaces of different curvatures.
[0029] Thus, in case the first part (2) of the nozzle (1) is adapted to experience compressions
along directions contained in the vertical longitudinal plane of the nozzle (13) and
in the horizontal longitudinal plane of the nozzle (14), and the second part (3) of
the nozzle (1) is also adapted to experience compressions along the transversal axis
(T) of the nozzle (1), the nozzle (1) is adapted to be applied on parts of any geometry.
Thus, the invention provides a versatile solution for applying a fluid on surfaces
with multiple configurations.
[0030] Preferably, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the inlet (4) of the nozzle (1) is a through
hole placed in the first part (2), in one of the extremes of the nozzle (1). This
way, the nozzle offers an easy access for the injection of fluid.
[0031] Preferably, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first part (2) of the nozzle (1) has
an accordion-shaped configuration, comprising a plurality of spaced plates (18) joined
by a folding base (19), and wherein said base (19) comprises the at least one channel
(6) to let the fluid (7) to pass towards the gap (12) in which the surface (8) is
to be received for the application of fluid (7).
[0032] The invention also contemplates a tool (17) for dispensing a fluid (7) along a surface
(8). Figures 4a-4b show lateral and perspective views of a preferred embodiment of
a tool.
[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the tool (17) comprises a nozzle (1) as above
described, a cartridge (16) containing the fluid (7) to be dispensed and in fluid
connection with the nozzle (1), and means for pushing the fluid (7) to be dispensed.
[0034] As shown in Figures 4a-4b, the means for pushing the fluid (7) to be dispensed may
consist of a hydraulic gun (9). As shown, the hydraulic gun (9) hosts the cartridge
(16), which is connected to the nozzle (1) by a cannula (11). By pulling the trigger
of the hydraulic gun (9), the liquid (7) contained in the cartridge (16) is ejected
and spread along the body of the nozzle (1), and in consequence, along the surface
(8) on which the nozzle (1) is applied.
[0035] According to another preferred embodiment, the tool (17) further comprises means
for moving the nozzle (1) along the surface (8) on which the fluid (7) is to be dispensed.
This enables to automate the application of fluid using the nozzle with just attaching
the nozzle to a movable part of a machine that at least performs a lineal (longitudinal)
movement.
1. A flexible nozzle (1) for dispensing a fluid (7) along a surface (8), the nozzle (1)
having an elongated body comprising an inlet (4) for receiving a fluid (7) and at
least one channel (6) for allowing the fluid (7) to be extended along its body, said
body being formed by first (2) and second parts (3), the first part (2) having a C-shaped
cross-sectional configuration comprising two opposite internal sides (5), and the
second part (3) having an elongated configuration and being attached to both internal
sides (5) of the first part (3) leaving a gap (12) in-between for receiving the surface
(8) on which the fluid (7) is to be dispensed, wherein both first and second parts
(2, 3) are made of flexible materials such that at least a first direction of flexion
(D1F) and a first direction of compression (D1C) are respectively defined, the first
direction of flexion (D1F) being oblique to a longitudinal axis (L) of the nozzle
(1), and the first direction of compression (D1C) being along to a transversal axis
(T) of the nozzle (1).
2. A flexible nozzle (1) for dispensing a fluid (7) along a surface (8), according to
claim 1, wherein the first direction of flexion (D1F) is contained in a vertical longitudinal
plane (13) of the nozzle (1).
3. A flexible nozzle (1) for dispensing a fluid (7) along a surface (8), according to
any preceding claims, wherein the first direction of flexion (D1F) is contained in
a horizontal longitudinal plane (14) of the nozzle (1).
4. A flexible nozzle (1) for dispensing a fluid (7) along a surface (8), according to
any preceding claims, wherein the inlet (4) is a through hole placed in the first
part (2), in one of the extremes of the nozzle (1).
5. A flexible nozzle (1) for dispensing a fluid (7) along a surface (8), according to
any preceding claims, wherein the first part (2) of the nozzle (1) has an accordion-shaped
configuration, comprising a plurality of spaced plates (18) joined by a folding base
(19), and wherein said base (19) comprises the at least one channel (6) to let the
fluid (7) to pass towards the gap (12).
6. A tool (17) for dispensing a fluid (7) along a surface (8), comprising a flexible
nozzle (1) according to any of claims 1-5, a cartridge (16) containing the fluid (7)
to be dispensed and in fluid connection with the nozzle (1), and means for pushing
the fluid (7) to be dispensed.
7. A tool (17) according to claim 6, further comprising means for moving the nozzle (1)
along the surface (8) on which the fluid (7) is to be dispensed.
8. A tool (17) according to any of claims 6-7, the means for pushing the fluid (7) to
be dispensed consists of a hydraulic gun (9).