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(11) | EP 3 750 633 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | DISASSEMBLABLE ATOMIZER MOUTH OR NOZZLE |
| (57) A nozzle (100) for dispensing an atomized fluid, said nozzle (100) being shaped to
define an inner distribution chamber adapted to accommodate a diffuser insert (700),
said nozzle (100) comprising fastening means adapted to allow said nozzle (100) to
be fastened to a main pipe or fitting 500), wherein, with said nozzle (100) fastened
to said main pipe or fitting (500), said inner distribution chamber is in communication
with introduction means of said main pipe or fitting (500) for introducing, into said
inner distribution chamber, at least one liquid and at least one gas.
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Technical field of the invention
[0001] The present invention belongs to the sector of dispensing atomized fluids with cooling purposes, in particular for cooling processed metal products obtained by continuous casting. In particular, the present invention relates to an atomizer nozzle adapted to cool metal products, such as billets and/or similar during the solidification step defined as continuous casting. More specifically, an innovative mouth or nozzle forms the subject of the present invention, adapted to be used for cooling metal products of the above type. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to a nozzle or mouth of the above type, adapted to be disassembled into various components and thus facilitate maintenance, in particular the cleaning of said various components. A system for dispensing atomized fluids further forms the subject of the present invention, said system comprising an innovative nozzle of the above type.
Background art
[0002] The process of continuous casting was successfully developed in the last century, starting from the fifties, with the purpose of increasing the productivity of iron and steel plants for producing rough-shaped items made of steel, which had been made until then by the ingot casting method.
[0003] The principle of the continuous casting process or method is that of continuously casting liquid steel, turning it into solid bars after cooling and solidification thereof. Various semi-finished products, such as slabs, blooms and billets are distinguished depending on the dimensions achieved by the bar, intended, in turn, for subsequent processing to obtain a finished iron and steel product.
[0004] Therefore, continuous casting can be defined as an industrial production process, by means of which liquid material is pushed, by gravitational force, into an ingot mold (usually made of a copper alloy) with the purpose of obtaining manufactured products having a predefined shape depending on the needs.
[0005] One of the main advantages offered by the continuous casting method is that of allowing the production, with contained costs and times, of finished section bars of a suitable shape adapted to allow the further processing thereof, for example, by means of rolling mills roughers and finishing rolling mills.
[0006] In order to implement the process, a container is usually used, also coated with a refractory material, a tundish, intended to receive the jet (casting) of molten steel from the ladle. The main task of the tundish is to keep an iron shutter - constant static, i.e., to ensure a regular outflow of the steel; in the case of several casting lines, the flow of steel is equally distributed among the various ingot molds.
[0007] The quality of the product is checked during the first steps of solidification, which take place in the ingot mold, a die made of a copper alloy with forced water cooling, provided with an oscillating motion generated by a machine referred to as an oscillator.
[0008] Thus, the heat is eliminated in the ingot mold mainly by the cooling water in forced circulation, wherein said cooling by means of water in forced circulation, and thus of the steel in the ingot mold, results in the formation of a solid film, referred to as a skin or shell, the thickness of which increases along the ingot mold. even reaching about 3 cm. However, the material positioned more internally in the ingot mold remains liquid or semi-solid (mushing zone) for many meters along the casting descent path, wherein the state thereof depends on the casting speed and the thickness of the line. As soon as a shell with a sufficient thickness to contain the liquid steel solidifies, the casting line, with a partially solid bar (on the outside) and a partially liquid bar (on the inside), leaves the ingot mold and descends into the curved section. The time spent in the ingot mold is generally less than one minute. The thickness of the skin depends on the shape and size of the bar cross-section, and for such requirements, the casting speed, i.e. the line feeding speed, varies from 0.5-1.8 m/min for slabs to 2-5 m/min for billets. The reason why the bar is not cooled completely inside the ingot mold is due to the fact that, during the cooling, the skin contracts (solidification shrinkage), whereby the line (bar)-ingot mold contact is absent, thus reducing the transmission efficiency of the heat (and thus of the cooling) due to the presence of a layer of air, which is interposed between the walls made of a copper alloy of the ingot mold and the newly-formed solid shell of the bar. After the cooling step by means of forced water circulation, the bars are further cooled during the curved descent path thereof with biphasic atomizers (liquid-gas), which allow a regular and uniform cooling along the whole perimeter of the bar.
[0009] The first cooling systems were exclusively made up of water nozzles, whereas the use of a fluid atomized by means of special nozzles or mouths, referred to as atomizers, has recently been introduced. A liquid (usually water) and a gas (usually air) are mixed by means of such atomizers so as to form a jet of atomized particles having a fine drop diameter. This allows both an optimization of the use of water, and, due to the reduced drop diameter, a significant improvement in the heat transmission coefficient.
[0010] An atomizer consists of an atomizer body and an atomizer nozzle. The two fluids (liquid and gas) are fed into the atomizer body (or main pipe) and, impacting with the liquid, the high-speed gas causes the fragmentation thereof into tiny drops, a process known as atomization.
[0011] The atomizer nozzle has the function of generating the desired distribution and form of the outgoing flow or jet.
[0012] The correct quality of the spray or jet, understood as the quantity and distribution of the water supplied, is indispensable for determining a correct cooling speed of the steel.
[0013] The main problem of this type of nozzles according to the prior art is that the diffuser member, also known by the term of diffuser insert, tends to become blocked, wherein the blocking of the diffuser insert results in the interruption of the dispensing of the atomized cooling fluid. In fact, said diffuser insert, positioned inside the atomizer nozzle, blocks easily due to the debris present in the re-circulating water of the system, which ends up blocking the narrow passages of said diffuser insert. It arises therefore clearly from the previous description that in order to ensure the continuity of the supply of the cooling fluid, and in particular, to ensure a constant supply over time, atomizer nozzles are subject to regular maintenance with the purpose of eliminating potential debris deposited inside the inner spaces of the nozzle.
[0014] However, atomizer nozzles of the known type do not allow easy maintenance because in order to carry out maintenance (cleaning) of the nozzles of the known type, the same must be completely removed from the cooling line.
[0015] Moreover, a further drawback found in nozzles of the known type is that internal cleaning of said nozzles of the known type is however complicated and dispersive in terms of time, because nozzles of the known type cannot be disassembled, in particular the orifice mouth thereof is not separable, wherein, on the contrary, the removal of the orifice mouth would allow access inside the nozzle, and thus improved cleaning of the nozzle.
[0016] In fact, traditional atomizer nozzles according to the prior art consist of a single element, already comprising an orifice mouth.
[0017] In particular, the atomizer nozzles used to-date are made in a single piece consisting of a nozzle body, already comprising an orifice mouth as previously said, and an internally placed diffuser insert, assembled so as to make them integral, the nozzle body being fixed directly to the atomizer body or main pipe by means of a threaded connection.
[0018] Therefore, it is the main object of the present invention to overcome, or at least partially reduce, the problems summarized above and found in atomizer nozzles according to the prior art.
[0019] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to suggest a new innovative construction strategy of the atomizer nozzle, capable of allowing the complete and partial disassembly of the orifice mouth, thus enabling the person in charge of maintenance to clean the internal components of the nozzle more efficiently, in particular the diffuser insert.
Description of the present invention
[0020] Therefore, the present invention basically arises from the need, highlighted above, that it is indispensable to develop an atomizer nozzle with a convenient system for disassembling the orifice mouth thereof.
[0021] Therefore, according to the innovative architecture underlying the present invention, an atomizer nozzle, consisting of separate pieces, which can easily be disassembled, is suggested and obtained, wherein the disassembling of the orifice mouth has been conceived to favor the cleaning of the critical parts which are subject to clogging, adapted to mix and atomize fluids, from any solid particles present in the process fluids, thus ensuring optimum working of the atomizer nozzle. According to a consideration underlying the present invention, the atomizer device described and suggested herein comprises a first element, otherwise also known as a nozzle body, consisting of an outer coat, provided with a connection, which allows the fastening thereof to a main pipe or fitting, otherwise known as the atomizer body. The nozzle body is (partially) accommodated and removably fastened inside the nozzle orifice, the diffuser insert being accommodated in the nozzle body. When said nozzle body and said nozzle orifice are mutually fastened, they define an inner diffuser chamber, which is specifically designed to atomize the outcoming spray or jet.
[0022] Any debris accumulated along the diffuser channels and/or in the distribution chamber, which would have a negative influence on the performance of the atomizer, even causing an interruption of the dispensing, can thus be easily removed due to the possibility of disassembling the atomizer nozzle into two separate parts, the nozzle body and the nozzle orifice, and due to the possibility of accessing the interior of the nozzle body, in particular for cleaning the diffuser insert effectively, if required, removing it from the nozzle body, and freeing the distribution chamber of any fragments deposited therein or in the outlet orifice of the nozzle itself.
[0023] Based on the previously summarized considerations and with the purpose of overcoming or at least reducing the drawbacks and/or disadvantages found in atomizer nozzles according to the prior art, the present invention relates to an atomizer nozzle for dispensing an atomized fluid, said nozzle being shaped so as to define an inner distribution chamber, adapted to accommodate a diffuser insert, said nozzle comprising fastening means adapted to allow said nozzle to be fastened to a main pipe or fitting, wherein, with said nozzle fastened to said main pipe or fitting, said inner distribution chamber is in communication with introduction means of said main pipe or fitting for introducing, into said inner distribution chamber, at least one liquid and at least one gas, wherein said nozzle comprises a nozzle body defining a first inner chamber and a nozzle orifice, defining a second inner chamber, which opens out into a dispensing orifice by means of which said second inner chamber is placed in communication with the exterior of said nozzle orifice; wherein said nozzle body and said nozzle orifice are adapted to be alternately connected rigidly to each other and disconnected from each other and wherein, with said nozzle orifice rigidly fastened to said nozzle body, said second inner chamber is in communication with said first inner chamber, defining said distribution chamber.
[0024] According to an embodiment, said nozzle body comprises a first portion externally delimited by an outer surface, wherein said outer surface of said first portion comprises a plurality of four surface portions mutually shaped and positioned to define a first joint of the dovetail type, said first joint of the dovetail type being adapted to engage a second joint of the dovetail type of said main pipe or fitting. According to an embodiment, said four surface portions comprise a first flat portion) and a second flat portion mutually connected in order to define a solid angle smaller than 90°, and a third flat portion and a fourth flat portion mutually connected in order to define a solid angle smaller than 90°, and wherein the straight directrices of said first flat portion and said third flat portion lie on parallel planes respectively. According to an embodiment, said outer surface of said first portion of said nozzle body comprises a fifth portion and a sixth portion, which are flat and parallel and perpendicular to said first portion and said third portion of said outer surface of said first portion of said nozzle body.
[0025] According to an embodiment, said nozzle body comprises a second portion, which extends from said first portion and which, with said nozzle body rigidly fastened to said nozzle orifice, is accommodated in said second inner chamber of said nozzle body, wherein the outer surface of said second portion comprises a seventh substantially cylindrical end portion opposite to said first portion of said nozzle body, an eighth substantially cylindrical intermediate portion between said seventh end portion and said first portion of said nozzle body, a ninth substantially cylindrical portion, which extends from said first portion of said nozzle body, and wherein said seventh portion and said ninth portion have substantially coinciding diameters, smaller than that of said eighth intermediate portion.
[0026] According to an embodiment, said eighth and ninth portion are connected by a tenth truncated cone portion, wherein said seventh and eighth portion are connected by an eleventh truncated cone portion, and wherein said tenth portion and eleventh portion have opposite conicity.
[0027] According to an embodiment, said first inner chamber comprises a first semi-chamber and a second semi-chamber, which are substantially cylindrical and communicating, wherein, with said nozzle fixed to said main pipe or fitting, said first semi-chamber and second semi-chamber are positioned upstream and downstream respectively, with respect to the flow direction of said at least one liquid and said at least one gas towards said dispensing orifice, wherein the diameter of said first semi-chamber is greater than the diameter of said second semi-chamber, and wherein said first semi-chamber and second semi-chamber are adapted to accommodate, by shape and size interference, corresponding portions of said diffuser element.
[0028] According to an embodiment, said second inner chamber of said nozzle orifice comprises a third semi-chamber and a fourth semi-chamber, which are substantially cylindrical and mutually communicating, wherein, with said nozzle fixed to said pipe or main connection, said third semi-chamber and fourth semi-chamber are positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, with respect to the flow direction of said at least one liquid and said at least one gas towards said dispensing orifice, wherein the diameter of said third semi-chamber is greater than the diameter of said fourth semi-chamber, wherein said fourth semi-chamber is adapted to accommodate, by shape and size interference, a corresponding portion of said nozzle body, and wherein said fourth semi-chamber opens out into said dispensing orifice.
[0029] According to an embodiment, said third semi-chamber of said nozzle orifice is adapted to accommodate said second portion of said nozzle body.
[0030] According to an embodiment, said third semi-chamber is radially delimited by a substantially cylindrical surface, from which a circular groove extends towards the outside of said third semi-chamber, adapted to accommodate an elastic contrast ring.
[0031] According to an embodiment, with said second portion of said nozzle body accommodated in said third semi-chamber of said nozzle orifice, said circular groove is positioned at said ninth cylindrical portion of the outer surface of said second portion of said nozzle body.
[0032] According to an embodiment, said nozzle orifice is shaped to define two flat parallel contrast surfaces, and wherein, with said nozzle body rigidly fastened to said nozzle orifice, said two contrast surfaces are placed in abutment with said fifth portion and sixth portion of said outer surface of said first portion of said nozzle body, respectively.
[0033] According to an embodiment, said nozzle orifice is shaped to define a circular crown-shaped outer contrast surface, adapted to be engaged by a fastening ring, which is adapted, in turn, to be fastened, by screwing, to said main pipe or fitting. According to an embodiment, said nozzle comprises a diffuser insert adapted to be accommodated in said distribution chamber and an elastic ring adapted to be interposed between said nozzle body and said nozzle orifice for mutually fastening said nozzle body and nozzle orifice.
[0034] According to an embodiment, said elastic ring is adapted to be accommodated, at least partially, in said circular groove between said circular groove and ninth cylindrical portion of the outer surface of said second portion of said nozzle body. According to an embodiment, said nozzle comprises fastening means for fastening said nozzle to said main pipe or fitting.
[0035] According to an embodiment, said nozzle comprises a ring, which defines an inner surface adapted to engage said circular crown-shaped outer contrast surface of said nozzle orifice, said ring further comprising a thread adapted to engage, by screwing, a corresponding thread of said main pipe or fitting.
[0036] An atomizer system for atomizing a liquid and delivering an atomized fluid further forms the subject of the present invention, said system comprising at least one main pipe or fitting and a nozzle for dispensing said atomized fluid, which can be mutually connected, wherein said nozzle defines at least one distribution chamber and comprises at least one dispensing orifice for dispensing said atomized fluid, and wherein said pipe or fitting comprises means for introducing at least one liquid and at least one gas into said at least one distribution chamber of said nozzle, wherein said nozzle is a nozzle according to one of the previously summarized embodiments.
[0037] According to an embodiment, said main pipe or fitting is shaped to define a pre-chamber, into which said means for introducing said at least one liquid and at least one gas converge, wherein, with said first nozzle orifice of said nozzle being connected to said main pipe or fitting, said pre-chamber is in communication with said distribution chamber of said nozzle.
Brief description of the drawings
[0039] The present invention will be further clarified below by means of the following detailed description of possible embodiments thereof depicted in the drawings, in which corresponding or equivalent features and/or component parts of the present invention are identified by the same numeral references.
[0040] Moreover, all the variants of and/or changes to the embodiments described below and depicted in the accompanying drawings, which will become clear and apparent to those skilled in the art, fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0041] In the drawings:
Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the atomizer system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the atomizer system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 shows a side isometric view of the atomizer nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section of the atomizer nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the atomizer nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 shows a side view of the diffuser insert;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the nozzle body according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 shows a side view of the nozzle body according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 shows a front view of the nozzle body according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 shows a longitudinal section of the nozzle body according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the nozzle orifice according to an embodiment of the following invention;
Figure 12 shows a side view of the nozzle orifice according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 shows a longitudinal section of the nozzle orifice according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Detailed description of the present invention
[0042] In the drawings, the disassemblable nozzle according to the embodiment of the present invention depicted herein, is identified by reference numeral 100 and, as depicted, is applicable to a main pipe or fitting 500 (also referred to as an "air-water atomizer") provided with means (not depicted in detail) for introducing, into the nozzle 100, at least one liquid (usually water) and at least one gas (usually air). To this end, the nozzle 100 comprises a first main hollow body 300 (also referred to as a nozzle orifice as it comprises the dispensing orifice, see the following description), which, in turn, comprises a circular crown-shaped engaging surface 3030 adapted to be engaged by a corresponding circular crown-shaped surface and defined internally by a ring 600, said ring 600, being provided with an inner thread adapted to engage, by screwing, a corresponding thread 5002 of said main pipe 500. The engagement, by screwing, of the thread 5002 of the fitting 500 by the inner thread of the ring 600 results in a thrust exerted on the surface 3030 of the nozzle orifice 300, which is thus pushed towards the fitting 500, and thus, into the fastening of the nozzle orifice 300 (and of the entire nozzle 100, see the following description) to the fitting 500.
[0043] As depicted in figures 4, 9 and 11, the hollow body 200 (also referred to as a nozzle body) defines an inner chamber 2000, while the nozzle orifice 300 defines an inner chamber 3000, which opens out into a dispensing orifice 317 by means of which the inner chamber 3000 is placed in communication with the exterior. Furthermore, with the nozzle body 200 partially introduced into the nozzle orifice 300, as depicted in figure 4, said inner chamber 2000 and inner chamber 3000 are placed in mutual communication defining a distribution chamber, in which a diffuser element (also referred to as a diffuser insert) 700 is accommodated, wherein, with the body 300 (and thus with the entire nozzle 100) fastened to the atomizer body 500 according to the procedures described previously, said at least one liquid and at least one gas are introduced into the inner distribution chamber or cavity in the flow direction indicated in figure 4 by arrow F1, wherein the atomized fluid generated by the interaction of said at least one liquid and at least one gas with the diffuser element 700, is dispensed through the orifice 317 in the direction indicated in figure 4 by arrow F2.
[0044] In detail, it arises from figures 7,8 and 9 that the nozzle body 200 comprises a first portion 2001 and a second portion 2002, which extends from said portion 2001, wherein, with the nozzle 100 fastened to the fitting 500, the portions 2001 and 2002 are positioned upstream and respectively downstream with respect to the flow direction (indicated by arrows F1 and F2), towards the dispensing orifice 317. One feature of the nozzle 100 according to the present invention is represented by the shape of the outer surface of the portion 2001.
[0045] In fact, the outer surface of the portion 2001 comprises four flat portions, shaped and positioned so as to define a dovetail joint adapted to engage a corresponding dovetail joint 5001 of the fitting 500. In particular, said four portions comprise a first flat portion 202 and a second flat portion 203 mutually connected in order to define a solid angle smaller than 90°, and a third flat portion 2020 and a fourth flat portion 2030 mutually connected in order to define a solid angle smaller than 90°, wherein the straight directrices of said first flat portion 202 and third flat portion 2020 lie on parallel planes, respectively, while said second flat portion 203 and fourth flat portion 2030, which are both moon crescent shaped according to a plan view from the direction F1, lie on a common plane. Said outer surface of the portion 2001 further comprises a fifth portion 208 and a sixth portion 2080, which are flat and parallel and perpendicular to said second portion 203 and fourth portion 2030, said fifth portion 208 and sixth portion 2080 being intended to cooperate with corresponding surfaces of the nozzle orifice 300 (see the following description) so as to prevent, with the nozzle body 200 and the nozzle orifice coupled as in figure 4, any mutual rotation of the nozzle body 200 with respect to the nozzle orifice 300 and vice versa. On the contrary, said fifth portion 208 and sixth portion 2080, together with the corresponding surface portions or surfaces of the nozzle orifice 300, define the mutual orientation (with respect to a longitudinal axis parallel to the direction F1-F2) of the nozzle body 200 and nozzle orifice 300.
[0046] Again as depicted, the second portion 2002 of the nozzle body 200 is externally delimited by a plurality of portions, which comprise a seventh substantially cylindrical end portion 215 opposite to said first portion 2001 of said nozzle body 200, an eighth substantially cylindrical intermediate portion 213 between said seventh end portion 215 and first portion 2001 of said nozzle body 200, a substantially cylindrical ninth portion 211, which extends from said first portion 2001 of said nozzle body 200, wherein said seventh portion 215 and ninth portion 211 have substantially coinciding diameters, smaller than that of said eighth intermediate portion 213, and wherein said eighth portion 213 and ninth portion 211 are connected by a truncated cone tenth portion 212, while said seventh portion 215 and eighth portion 213 are connected by an eleventh truncated cone portion 214, wherein said tenth portion 212 and eleventh portion 214 have opposite conicity, the portion 212 tightening from the portion 213 towards the portion 211, the portion 214 tightening from the portion 213 towards the portion 215.
[0047] The inner chamber 2000 of the nozzle body 200 is shaped so as to comprise a first pre-chamber 217 and a second pre-chamber 219 defined by the first portion 2001 of the nozzle body 200, said first pre-chamber 217 (positioned upstream with respect to the flow direction F1-F2) and second pre-chamber 219 (positioned downstream with respect to the flow direction F1-F2) being communicating and connected by a circular crown-shaped surface 218 (according to a plan view from the direction F1), the diameter of the pre-chamber 217 being smaller than the diameter of the pre-chamber 219, wherein the pre-chamber 219 is intended to accommodate, due to shape and size interference, a corresponding cylindrical portion of the diffuser element 700 (see figure 4 and the following description). The chamber 2000 further comprises an end chamber 221 downstream of the pre-chamber 219 and communicating therewith, the end chamber 221 being intended to accommodate, due to shape and size interference, a second corresponding cylindrical portion of the diffuser element 700 (see figure 4 and the following description), different from the portion of the diffuser element 700 accommodated in the pre-chamber 219.
[0048] The nozzle orifice 300 comprises an engaging portion 301 radially delimited by a cylindrical surface 3010, which connects a circular crown-shaped end surface (according to a plan view from the direction F1) 306 and the engaging surface 3030, which is also circular crown-shaped according to a plan view from a direction opposite to the direction F2. A first flap 302D and a second flap 302D1 extend from the surface 306, defining a flat surface 304 and a flat surface 3041, respectively, opposite and parallel to the surface 304, wherein the flaps 302D and 302D1 are delimited by an end surface 302 and 3021, respectively, both surfaces 302 and 3021 being moon crescent shaped according to a plan view from the direction F1. With the nozzle body 200 coupled to the nozzle orifice 300 as depicted in figure 4, the surfaces 304 and 3041 are placed in abutment with the flat surface 2080 and the flat surface 208 of the nozzle body, respectively, defining, as anticipated, the mutual orientation of the nozzle body 200 and the nozzle orifice 300 and preventing rotations of the nozzle body 200 with respect to the nozzle orifice 300 and vice versa. The end portion 309 extends from the engaging portion 301; it is radially delimited by an outer cylindrical surface 3060 (partially knurled), from which a true truncated cone portion 305 extends with conicity tightening towards the end of the portion 309. The portion 309 has an external diameter smaller than that of the portion 301 and it is connected to the portion 301 by the circular crown-shaped engaging surface 3030.
[0049] Internally, the inner chamber 3000 comprises a housing portion 311 intended to accommodate the portion 2002 of the nozzle body 200 (figures 3 and 4), said housing portion 311 being radially delimited by a cylindrical surface 3110, from which a circular groove 312, intended to accommodate an elastic contrast ring 800, extends towards the outside of the portion 311 (see the following description). Finally, the inner chamber 3000 comprises a dispensing chamber 307 radially delimited by a cylindrical surface 3070 in communication, upstream with the chamber 311 and downstream with the dispensing orifice 317, the diameter of the chamber 307 being smaller than that of the chamber 311, the surfaces 3070 and 3110 thus being connected by a circular crown-shaped surface 314 (according to a plan view from a direction opposite to the direction F2).
[0050] Lastly, as regards the diffuser element 700, as depicted in figure 6, the same comprises a cylindrical engaging portion 701 with the outer diameter substantially coinciding with the inner diameter of the pre-chamber 219 of the nozzle body 200, from which a cylindrical dispensing portion 702 extends with a smaller diameter than that of the portion 701 and substantially coinciding with the inner diameter of the end chamber 221 of the nozzle body 200.
[0051] The diffuser element 700 is further shaped to define channels and/or grooves adapted to allow the passage of the mixture of gas and liquid therein and/or between the outer cylindrical surfaces thereof and the corresponding inner cylindrical surfaces of the pre-chamber 219 and of the end chamber 221 of the nozzle body 200, respectively.
[0053] During a first step, (figure 5), the diffuser element 700 is introduced into the nozzle body 200 taking care that the portion 701 is accommodated in the pre-chamber 219 and the portion 702 is accommodated in the end chamber 221, respectively, in particular with the portion 701 in abutment against the circular crown-shaped surface 220, which connects the pre-chamber 219 and the end chamber 221, thus, obtaining a shape and size coupling between the diffuser 700 and the nozzle body 200 so as to prevent mutual movements, in particular rotations, between the diffuser 700 and the nozzle body 200.
[0054] During the next step (figure 5), the elastic ring 800 is introduced into the nozzle orifice 300, in particular accommodated in the inner groove 312, the dimensions of the ring 800 being such that, when the ring is accommodated in the groove 312, it protrudes from said groove 312 into the housing chamber 311.
[0055] Afterwards, (figure 5), the nozzle body 200 is introduced into the nozzle orifice 300, wherein, during this step, the portion 2002 of the nozzle body is introduced into the housing chamber 311 of the nozzle orifice 300, also in this case, obtaining a shape and size coupling between the nozzle body 200 and the nozzle orifice 300. Furthermore, during this step, the truncated cone surface 214 comes into abutment against the elastic ring 800, which is thus deformed and pushed inside the groove 312, in this way allowing the further insertion of the portion 2002 into the chamber 311, where, with the nozzle body 200 inserted in the nozzle orifice, as shown in figure 4, the elastic ring 800 takes the original conformation, positioning itself at the cylindrical surface 211, thus avoiding the accidental outburst of the body 200 from the nozzle orifice 300.
[0056] Furthermore, during this step, the nozzle body 200 and the nozzle orifice must be oriented so that the surfaces 304 and 3041 are parallel to the surface 208 and to the surface 2080 respectively, said surfaces 304 and 3040 being thus in abutment against the surface 208 and 2080 respectively, with the nozzle body 200 coupled to the nozzle orifice 3000, as depicted in figure 4.
[0057] Then, during the next step, the dovetail joint of the nozzle body 200 is engaged on the dovetail joint 5001 of the fitting 500, wherein, during the further next step the assembly nozzle body 200 - elastic ring 800 - diffuser element 700 and nozzle orifice is fastened to the fitting 500, engaging the inner thread of the ring 600 on the corresponding thread 5002 of the fitting 500, and thus, fastening the assembly nozzle body 200 - elastic ring 800 - diffuser element 700 and nozzle orifice to the fitting 500 by contrast between the annular abutment surface 3030 of the nozzle orifice with a corresponding annular surface defined internally by the ring 600. The steps of removing the nozzle 100 from the fitting 500 and disassembling the nozzle are clear in the light of the previous description and thus, a detailed description thereof is omitted for the sake of brevity. Moreover, it should be noted that, during the removal of the nozzle body 200 from the nozzle orifice 300, the elastic ring 800 is deformed again and pushed into the groove 312 due to the thrust exerted by the truncated cone surface 212.
[0058] Similarly, it arises easily from the previous description that in case of blocking of nozzle 100 or if the nozzle needs to undergo maintenance, by removing the body 200 from the orifice 300, it will be possible to access the interior of both the body 200 and the nozzle orifice 300, and in particular access and potentially remove the diffuser 700, for example by acting on the diffuser 700 with pressure through the chamber 221.
[0059] It has therefor been demonstrated by means of the above detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention depicted in the drawings, that the present invention allows to obtain the desired results or effects and to overcome or at least limit the drawbacks affecting the state of the art. Although the present invention has been clarified above by means of the detailed description of the embodiments depicted in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and depicted in the drawings; to the contrary, all those variants and/or modification of the embodiments described above and depicted in the drawings which will appear as being obvious to those skilled in the art fall within the scope of the present invention.
1. Atomizer nozzle (100) for dispensing an atomized fluid, said nozzle (100) being shaped
so as to define an inner distribution chamber, adapted to receive a diffuser insert
(700), said nozzle (100) comprising fixing means adapted to allow said nozzle (100)
to be fixed to a pipe or main connection (500), wherein, with said nozzle (100) fixed
to said pipe or main connection (500), said inner distribution chamber is in communication
with insertion means of said pipe or main connection (500) for inserting, into said
inner distribution chamber, at least one liquid and at least one gas; characterized in that said nozzle (100) comprises a nozzle body (200) defining a first inner chamber (2000),
and a nozzle orifice (300) defining a second inner chamber (300) which opens into
a dispensing orifice (317) by means of which said second inner chamber (300) is placed
in communication with the exterior of said nozzle orifice (300); in that said nozzle body (200) and said nozzle orifice (300) are adapted to be alternately
rigidly connected to each other and disconnected from each other; and in that, with said nozzle orifice (300) rigidly foxed to said nozzle body (200), said second
inner chamber (3000) is in communication with said first inner chamber (2000), thus
defining said distribution chamber.
2. Nozzle (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said nozzle body (200) comprises a first portion (2001) delimited externally by an
outer surface, and in that said outer surface of said first portion (2001) comprises a plurality of four surface
portions, reciprocally shaped and positioned so as to define a first joint of the
dovetail type, said first joint of the dovetail type being adapted to engage a second
joint of the dovetail type (5001) of said pipe or main connection (500).
3. Nozzle (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that said four surface portions comprise a first flat portion (202) and a second flat
portion (203) mutually connected in order to define a solid angle smaller than 90°,
and a third flat portion (2020) and a fourth flat portion (2030) mutually connected
in order to define a solid angle smaller than 90°, and in that the straight directrices of said first flat portion (202) and said third flat portion
(2020) lie on parallel planes respectively.
4. Nozzle (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that said outer surface of said first portion (2001) of said nozzle body (200) comprises
a fifth portion (208) and a sixth portion (2080), which are flat and parallel and
perpendicular to said first second portion (203) and said fourth portion (2030) of
said outer surface of said first portion (2001) of said nozzle body (200).
5. Nozzle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said nozzle body (200) comprises a second portion (2002) which extends from said
first portion (2001) and which, with said nozzle body (200) rigidly fixed to said
nozzle orifice (300), is housed in said second inner chamber (3000) of said nozzle
body (300), in that the outer surface of said second portion (2002) comprises a seventh substantially
cylindrical end portion (215) opposite to said first portion (2001) of said nozzle
body (200), an eighth substantially cylindrical intermediate portion (213) between
said seventh end portion (215) and said first portion (2001) of said nozzle body (200),
a ninth substantially cylindrical portion (211) which extends from said first portion
(2001) of said nozzle body (200), and in that said seventh portion (215) and said ninth portion (211) have substantially coinciding
diameters, lower than that of said eighth intermediate portion (213).
6. Nozzle (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that said eight portion (213) and said ninth portion (211) are connected by a tenth truncated-cone
shaped portion (212), in that said seventh portion (215) and said eighth portion (213) are connected by an eleventh
truncated-cone shaped portion (214) and in that said tenth portion (212) and said eleventh portion (214) have opposite conicity.
7. Nozzle (110) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first inner chamber (2000) of said nozzle body (200) comprises a first semi-chamber
(219) and a second semi-chamber (221) which are substantially cylindrical and reciprocally
communicating, in that, with said nozzle (100) fixed to said pipe or main connection (500), said first semi-chamber
(219) and said second semi-chamber (221) are positioned upstream and downstream respectively
with respect to the direction of flow of said at least one liquid and said at least
one gas towards said dispensing orifice (317), in that the diameter of said first semi-chamber (219) is greater than the diameter of said
second semi-chamber (221), and in that said first semi-chamber (219) and said second semi-chamber (221) are adapted to house,
by shape and size interference, corresponding portions of said diffuser element (700).
8. Nozzle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said second inner chamber (300) of said nozzle orifice (300) comprises a third semi-chamber
(311) and a fourth semi-chamber (307) which are substantially cylindrical and reciprocally
communicating, in that, with said nozzle (100) fixed to said pipe or main connection (500), said third semi-chamber
(311) and said fourth semi-chamber (307) are positioned upstream and downstream respectively
with respect to the direction of flow of said at least one liquid and said at least
one gas towards said dispensing orifice (317), in that the diameter of said third semi-chamber (311) is greater than the diameter of said
fourth semi-chamber (307), in that said third semi-chamber (311) is adapted to house, by shape and size interference,
a corresponding portion of said nozzle body (200), and in that said fourth semi-chamber (307) opens into said dispensing orifice (317).
9. Nozzle (100) according to claims 8 and 5, characterized in that said third semi-chamber (307) of said nozzle orifice (300) is adapted to house said
second portion (2002) of said nozzle body (200).
10. Nozzle (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that said third semi-chamber (311) is delimited radially by a substantially cylindrical
surface (3110) from which a circular groove (312) extends towards the outside of said
third semi-chamber (311), adapted to house an elastic contrast ring (800).
11. Nozzle (100) according to claims 5, 9 and 10, characterized in that, with said second portion (2002) of said nozzle body (200) housed in said third semi-chamber
(311) of said nozzle orifice (300), said circular groove (312) is positioned at said
ninth cylindrical portion (211) of the outer surface of said second portion (2002)
of said nozzle body (200).
12. Nozzle (100) according to one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that said nozzle orifice (300) is shaped in order to define two flat parallel contrast
surfaces (304, 3041), and in that, with said nozzle body (200) rigidly fixed to said nozzle orifice (300), said two
contrast surfaces (304, 3041) are placed in abutment against said fifth portion (208)
and said sixth portion (2080), respectively, of said outer surface of said first portion
(2001) of said nozzle body.
13. Nozzle (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said nozzle orifice (300) is shaped so as to define an outer contrast surface shaped
as a circular-crown (3030) which is adapted to be engaged between a fastening ring
(600), which is adapted, in turn, to be fixed by screwing to said pipe or main connection
(500).
14. Nozzle (100) according to one of claims from 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a diffuser insert (700) adapted to be housed in said distribution chamber
and an elastic ring (800) adapted to be interposed between said nozzle body (200)
and said nozzle orifice (300) for mutually fixing said nozzle body (200) and said
nozzle orifice (300).
15. Nozzle (100) according to claims 14 and 11, characterized in that said elastic ring (800) is adapted to be housed at least partially in said circular
groove (312) between said circular groove (312) and said ninth cylindrical portion
(211) of the outer surface of said second portion (2002) of said nozzle body (200).
16. Nozzle (100) according to one of claims from 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises fixing means for fixing said nozzle (100) to said pipe or main connection
(500).
17. Nozzle according to claims 16 and 13, characterized in that it comprises a ring (600), which defines an inner surface adapted to engage said
outer contrast surface shaped as a circular crown (3030) of said nozzle orifice (300),
said ring (600) further comprising a thread adapted to engage, by screwing, a corresponding
thread (5002) of said pipe or main connection (500).