FLEXIBLE NOZZLE FOR DISPENSING A FLUID ALONG A SURFACE

Abstract

 The invention refers to a flexible nozzle (1) for dispensing a fluid (7) along a surface (8), the nozzle (1) having an elongated body and 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) 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).

Description

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.

Claims

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).

Drawing