TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a spraying system for delivering cleaning foam
onto a target surface
[0002] As background,
DE102005048489A1 describes a two-fluid nozzle with annular gap atomization;
US 5,113,945 describes a foam/water/air injector mixer; and
WO 03/068321 A1 describes a fire extinguishing arrangement. As further background
US4330086A describes a nozzle and method for generating foam which includes a nozzle body, a
nozzle inlet, an orifice, a gas inlet, an impingement pin and a nozzle outlet. The
nozzle body has upstream and downstream ends and an inner wall defining a passage
within the nozzle body. The nozzle inlet at the upstream end of the nozzle body permits
introduction of a liquid foam producing agent into the passage. The foam producing
agent then passes through the orifice, thereby forming a stream. This stream is directed
past the gas inlets in the nozzle body to aspirate gas into the passage. The stream
then impinges against the impingement pin which is disposed transversely across the
passage. At least the upstream half of the cross-section of the impingement pin is
annular so that the impingement pin disrupts the flow of the stream and splits it
into secondary streams. These secondary streams pass outwardly on each side of the
impingement pin and diverge with respect to each other prior to being deflected inwardly
off the inner wall of the nozzle body. The nozzle outlet comprises a transverse slot
disposed parallel to the impingement pin so that a thorough mixing between the gas
and foam producing agent is effected prior to discharge through the nozzle outlet
as foam.
[0003] There remains a need for improvements in the generation and control of foam patterns
on target surfaces.
SUMMARY
[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a spraying system and method for delivering
cleaning foam according to a predetermined spray pattern. A nozzle is configured to
expel a cleaning liquid as a droplet spray from an exit aperture. The droplet spray
propagates in diverging directions around a central axis. This can form the spray
pattern on the target surface and according to a main spraying direction in front
of the spraying system. A spray housing forms a diverging shell around the nozzle.
The shell widens along the main spraying direction to accommodate the diverging directions
of the droplet spray. The spray housing comprises an air intake configured to pass
an air stream through the shell into the spray housing for interacting with the droplet
spray to form the cleaning foam. By forming the spray housing as a shell around the
nozzle this can act as a shield around the expelled spray. For example, the spray
housing can shield a user from the spray and/or prevent inadvertent droplets going
in undesired directions. Accordingly, the system can be more safe and accurate. By
providing an air intake through the shell, more air can be sucked into the spray housing
for interacting with the cleaning liquid. In combination, the shell of spray housing
can act as a sort of chimney wherein the spray and air being expelled from the housing
through the foam filter can cause an air stream to be sucked in through the air intake
for efficient mixing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods
of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description,
appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein:
FIG 1A illustrates a spray section of a spraying system;
FIG 1B illustrates a liquid supply connected to the spray section with a mixing section
there between;
FIG 2 illustrates various views of a preferred spray section;
FIG 3A illustrates a spray section generating an elongate spray pattern on a target
surface;
FIG 3B illustrates preferred aspects of a nozzle to generate an elongate spray pattern;
FIGs 4A and 4B illustrate more preferred aspects of the nozzle;
FIGs 5A and 5B illustrate side and top translucent views of a mixing section to generate
a cleaning liquid;
FIGs 6A and 6B illustrate a cross-section view of respective flows in a mixing section;
FIGs 7A and 7B illustrate respective side views of various modular parts.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0006] Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting
of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended
to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated
listed items. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising"
specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition
of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular
step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can directly follow
said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying
out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Likewise it will be understood
that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection
may be established directly or through intermediate structures or components unless
specified otherwise.
[0007] The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the absolute
and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated
for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or cross-section
illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the
invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the
orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative
terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed
or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.
[0008] FIG 1A illustrates a spray section 10 of a spraying system 100. In a preferred embodiment,
the spray section 10 comprises a nozzle 11 configured to expel a cleaning liquid "M"
as a droplet spray "S" from an exit aperture 11a of the nozzle 11. For example, the
cleaning liquid "M" is received via a liquid intake 13 of the spray section 10. In
some embodiments, e.g. as shown, the droplet spray "S" propagates in diverging directions
around a central axis "Zc". This can determine a main spraying direction Z in front
of the spraying system 100, e.g. where a spray pattern is formed on a target surface.
[0009] In another or further preferred embodiment, a spray housing 12 is provided, e.g.
as part of the spray section 10, to form a diverging shell around the nozzle 11. Advantageously,
the shell widens along the main spraying direction Z to accommodate the diverging
directions of the droplet spray "S". Most preferably, the spray housing 12 comprises
an air intake 12a configured to pass an air stream "L" through the shell into the
spray housing 12. The air stream "L" can thus interact with the droplet spray "S"
to form the cleaning foam "F".
[0010] As described herein, foam can be understood as an object formed by trapping pockets
of gas in a liquid. Typically, the volume of gas is large, with thin films of (cleaning)
liquid separating the regions of gas. Preferably, the foam is a cleaning foam, e.g.
formed of a liquid comprising a cleaning chemical such as detergent or soap. Most
preferably, the cleaning chemical is part of a tablet 40 which is mixed with the liquid
stream, e.g. (clean) water, to form a cleaning liquid. For example, the cleaning liquid
is configured to form a foam when droplet of the liquid are mixed with air. For example,
the cleaning foam comprises bubbles formed of water with detergent. Preferably, the
foam forms when leaving the spraying system 100. The foam can also form, or further
develop, while in mid-air. The foam can also form or further develop when hitting
the target surface "T", or thereafter.
[0011] Preferably, formation of the foam is promoted by a construction of the spraying system
100. Most preferably the spraying system is adapted, as described herein, to generate
a foam with relatively small pockets or bubbles. Advantageously, the inventor finds
that foam with relatively small bubbles can exhibit a relatively long dwell time.
Without being bound by theory, foam with relatively small bubbles may have a greater
tendency to stick to the target surface and/or experience less effect of gravity.
As will be appreciated, the longer dwell time can be particularly advantageous for
allowing the cleaning foam "F" to effect its cleaning action on the target surface
"T".
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the spray section 10 comprises a foam filter 14 connected
to the spray housing 12 in front of the nozzle 11, wherein the foam filter 14 comprises
a mesh 14m with openings for passing the droplet spray "S" expelled from the nozzle
11 interacting with the air stream "L" from the air intake 12a for generating the
cleaning foam "F". Advantageously, the spray housing 12 can act as a structure for
holding the foam filter 14 at a distance in front of the exit aperture 11a of the
nozzle 11. In some embodiments, the foam filter 14 may determine a bubble size in
the foam. For example, a size of openings through the mesh may correlate with the
size of the foam bubbles. In some embodiments, the foam filter 14 may be used to finetune
bubble creation. For example, a size of openings through the mesh 14m may correlate
with a size of the bubbles. Preferably, the mesh 14m of the foam filter 14 forms openings
therethrough, having a respective cross-section diameter of less than one millimeter,
e.g. between a tenth of a millimeter and half a millimeter, or less. Within limits,
smaller openings may promote smaller foam bubbles, which may have increased dwell
time on the target surface "T".
[0013] In some embodiments, the spray housing 12 forms a widening shell with an elongate
cross-section that increases towards a front of the spraying system 100 along the
main spraying direction Z, wherein a first cross-section dimension Y of the widening
shell increases more than a transverse, second cross-section dimension X of the elongate
cross-section, e.g. by at least a factor two or three. By widening the spray housing
12 it can efficiently envelop the widening spray S of liquid droplets expelled from
the spray section 10. Using an elongate widening shell, i.e. which is larger in one
cross-section dimension than the other, the shell may better accommodate an elongate
droplet spray "S" and/or spray pattern "P" as described herein. For example, the spray
housing 12 has a(frustro)conical and/or (frustro)pyramidal shape wherein a base of
the cone or pyramid (which is at the front) has a first cross-section dimension Y
that is larger than a transverse, second cross-section dimension X, e.g. by at least
a factor two
[0014] In other or further embodiments, the air intake 12a is disposed on a slope of the
widening shell, which slope is at a divergence angle As with respect to the main spraying
direction Z, wherein the divergence angle As is more than ten degrees (plane angle),
e.g. between fifteen and sixty degrees, preferably between twenty and forty degrees.
For example, the divergence angle As is half an opening angle of the diverging shell.
By placing the air intake on substantial slope of the widening shell, air can be sucked
into the spray housing at an angle, e.g. having some forward momentum. Without being
bound by theory, air being sucked in a forward direction can more efficiently mix
with liquid droplets which are expelled along a similar direction without substantially
redirecting said droplet.
[0015] In one embodiment, (a center of) the air intake 12a is disposed at an axial offset
ΔZ behind the exit aperture 11a of the nozzle 11 with respect to the main spraying
direction Z, e.g. axially opposite with respect to an end of the nozzle from a front
of the mixing section 20 where the foam filter 14 is placed. By placing the air intake
at an axial offset behind the exit aperture of the nozzle, air can be sucked from
behind at least partially in a direction where the spray is expelled from the nozzle.
Advantageously, the air stream can be focused by the air intake primarily onto the
exit aperture so it can most effectively mix with the expelled spray. For example,
a (center line) of the air intake 12a may be generally directed towards an end of
the nozzle 11. In another or further embodiment, (a center of) the air intake 12a
is disposed at a vertical offset ΔY transverse to the central axis "Zc" above the
exit aperture 11a of the nozzle 11. By placing the air intake 12a on a top side of
the spray housing 12, it can be at least partially prevented that cleaning liquid
drips from a bottom of the housing. Alternatively, or additionally, an air intake
can be disposed on the bottom, e.g. below the central axis "Zc".
[0016] It will be understood that relative terms such as horizontal directions (X or Z),
vertical direction (Y), horizontal plane (XZ), vertical plane (YZ), vertical offset
(ΔY), axial offset (ΔZ), front, back, above, below, et cetera, are used for convenience
to describe aspects shown in the figures or in orientations during use. The relative
terms may also be defined e.g. with reference to a frame of the spraying system 100.
For example, the axial offset ΔZ can be determined along the main spraying direction
Z, e.g. a direction faced by the exit aperture 11a of the nozzle 11 and/or a direction
faced by a front of the spraying system 100 formed by the foam filter 14. For example,
the vertical offset ΔY can be determined along a vertical axis Y, transverse to the
axial offset ΔZ. For example, in normal use, the vertical axis Y can point upwards
(against a gravitational vector) when viewing the spraying system 100 as shown in
the figures. Of course, it will be understood that the system can be rotated. Accordingly,
terms such as above, below, or behind can be understood in a frame of the spraying
system 100 as shown in normal used. In some embodiments, an orientation of the system
is determined by its various sections. For example, the mixing chamber 21 is preferably
on an underside of the mixing section 20. An orientation can also be derived from
the way it is intended to be held. For example, the spraying system 100 comprises
a handle which may determine its default orientation. In some embodiments, e.g. as
shown, the handle or pistol grip faces in a general downward directions.
[0017] FIG 1B illustrates an embodiment wherein a liquid supply 30 is connected to the spray
section 10 with a mixing section 20 there between. In a preferred embodiment, the
spraying system 100 comprises a mixing section 20 with a mixing chamber 21 configured
to hold a tablet 40 comprising a cleaning chemical. For example, the mixing section
20 can receive a base liquid "W" from a liquid supply 30 and pass a stream of the
base liquid "W" along the tablet 40. Accordingly the cleaning chemical of the tablet
40 can be mixed in the base liquid "W" to form the cleaning liquid "M". The cleaning
liquid "M" can e.g. be directed towards the spray section 10;
[0018] By mixing a base liquid "W" such as (clean water) with a cleaning chemical from a
tablet, a large tank of cleaning liquid "M" can be avoided. For example, the base
liquid "W" can be supplied directly from a tap or other source. Alternatively, or
additionally, the spray section 10 can be directly connected to a liquid supply 30,
e.g. a reservoir with cleaning liquid "M". Preferred features of the mixing section
20 will be further elucidated later with reference to FIGs 5 and 6.
[0019] In some embodiments, a liquid supply 30 is configured to at least partially control
a liquid stream passing the spraying system 100. For example, the liquid supply 30
is configured to control a flow rate (amount of liquid per unit time) entering the
mixing section 20 and/or spray section 10. For example, the liquid supply 30 is configured
to control a pressure of liquid at an entrance of the mixing section 20 and/or spray
section 10. In some embodiments, the base liquid "W" and/or cleaning liquid "M" can
be provided via a pump e.g. to increase pressure if necessary. Alternatively, the
base liquid "W" is provided at a nominal pressure, e.g. of a water tap.
[0020] In other or further embodiments, the liquid supply 30 comprise one or more controllable
valves (not shown). In one embodiment, a first valve is configured to allow or block
the liquid stream. For example, the first valve can be controlled manually by a push
button. Optionally, the push button comprises a locking mechanism, e.g. to lock the
first valve in the open position. In another or further embodiment, a second valve
is configured to set a pressure and/or amount of liquid, e.g. when the first valve
is open. Also other or further control mechanisms and/or valves can be envisaged.
For example, a controllable valve can be configured to vary the amount of flow from
a blocked flow to a full flow. The liquid stream or flow can also be controlled at
least partially by other or further sections of the spraying system 100, e.g. the
mixing section 20 and/or liquid supply 30.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, the spraying system 100 comprises(or can
be coupled to) a handle 35 for holding the system 100. For example, the handle 35
is formed as a pistol grip, or otherwise. Typically the handle 35 is coupled to an
entrance 23 of the mixing section 20. In one embodiment, the liquid supply 30, e.g.
handle, comprises a first control mechanism 31 configured to control a first valve
for variably setting a flow rate of the liquid stream. In another or further embodiment,
the liquid supply 30, e.g. handle, comprises a second control mechanism 32 configured
to control a second valve for allowing or blocking the liquid stream. In another or
further embodiment, the liquid supply 30, e.g. handle, comprises a third control mechanism
33 configured to lock or unlock the second control mechanism 32. Preferably, the liquid
supply 30, e.g. handle 35, is reversibly connectable to the mixing section 20, e.g.
wherein the handle can be replaced. Typically, an entrance to the handle 35 is connected
to (flexible) hose. For example, another end of the hose is connected to a liquid
reservoir or tap. Also other embodiments can be envisaged, e.g. without a handle.
For example, the mixing section 20 can be directly connected to a hose.
[0022] Aspects of the present disclosure can also be embodied as a corresponding method
for delivering cleaning foam "F" onto a target surface "T" according to a predetermined
spray pattern "P". In one embodiment, a cleaning liquid "M" is expelled as a droplet
spray "S" from an exit aperture 11a of a nozzle 11. In another or further embodiment,
the droplet spray "S" propagates in diverging directions (Ax,Ay) around a central
axis "Zc" to form the spray pattern "P" on the target surface "T" determining a main
spraying direction Z in front of the spraying system 100. In another or further embodiment,
a spray housing 12 forms a diverging shell around the nozzle 11. For example, the
shell widens along the main spraying direction Z to accommodate the diverging directions
Ax,Ay of the droplet spray "S". Most preferably, the spray housing 12 comprises an
air intake 12a passing an air stream "L" through the shell into the spray housing
12 interacting with the droplet spray "S" to form the cleaning foam "F".
[0023] In some embodiments, the cleaning foam "F" can be rinsed after some dwell time. For
example, the cleaning foam "F" can be rinsed by spraying clean water using another
spraying system, or the same spraying system (e.g. without mixing section 20 and/or
without the tablet 40). As will be appreciated, the spraying system 100 can be used
for cleaning various target surfaces by delivering foam and optionally removing the
foam after a dwell time. In one embodiment, the spraying system 100 comprises or couples
to a special rinsing tool or lance comprising a rinsing nozzle. For example, the liquid
supply 30 comprises or (directly) couples to the lance for spraying a rinsing fluid,
e.g. water, to remove the cleaning foam F. Alternatively, it can be envisaged that
the foam is of a consistency which does not need rinsing.
[0024] FIG 2 illustrates various views of a preferred spray section 10. The cross-sections
views X-X, Y-Y, and Z-Z corresponds to the various cuts as indicated. For example,
the top-right figure labeled X-X illustrates a cross-section in a vertical plane through
the nozzle 11 as indicated in the bottom-left figure. For example, the middle-right
figure labeled Y-Y illustrates a cross-section in a horizontal plane through the nozzle
11 as indicated in the bottom left figure and the top-right figure. For example, the
bottom-right figure labeled Z-Z illustrates a cross-section in another vertical plane
through the nozzle 11, and air intakes, as indicated in the top-right figure.
[0025] In some embodiments, the spray section 10 has one or more additional side intakes
12b for air on one or both side through the shell. For example, a side intake 12b
can be disposed adjacent the nozzle 11 and allow further air inflow. Preferably, each
side intake 12b is formed as a funnel, e.g. being wider outside than inside the shell
of the housing. In this way air can more easily enter the shell and/or be focused
as well on the exit aperture 11a of the nozzle for efficient foam formation.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle has an ending which forms a sort of nozzle
mouth 11m, e.g. with protrusions pointing apart with an opening angle "Am" as shown
in the middle-right figure. Advantageously, the nozzle mouth 11m may help to promote
generation of an elongate spray pattern "P" as will be described in the following.
[0027] FIG 3A illustrates a spray section 10 generating an elongate spray pattern "P" on
a target surface "T". In a preferred embodiment, the spray section 10 is configured
to generate an elongate spray pattern "P" on the target surface "T", wherein a height
Py of the spray pattern "P" is more than a width Px of the spray pattern "P", e.g.
by at least ten percent, at least twenty percent, at least fifty percent (factor one-and-half),
at least a factor two, or more.
[0028] In other or further embodiments, the spray section 10, in particular the nozzle is
configured to expel the spray of droplets with a horizontal opening angle "Ax" smaller
than vertical opening angle "Ay". For example, the spraying system 100 is configured
to project the cleaning foam "F" onto the target surface "T" along a diverging elliptical
cone according to the vertical opening angle "Ay" and horizontal opening angle "Ax"
in which the droplets are expelled from the nozzle 11. By spraying the cleaning foam
"F" onto the target surface "T" in an elongate pattern, a user can have more control
over a position where the foam lands (e.g. depending on an angle of the pattern with
respect to the surface) while still being able to quickly cover a large areas (e.g.
by moving the device in a direction transverse to the elongate axis of the pattern).
[0029] In some embodiments, the horizontal opening angle "Ax" is less than ninety degrees
(plane angle), preferably less than eighty degrees, less than seventy degrees, less
than sixty degrees, e.g. between ten and fifty degrees. In other or further embodiments,
the vertical opening angle "Ay" is more than ninety degrees, more than hundred degrees,
more than hundred-and-ten degrees, e.g. between hundred-and-twenty and hundred-and-fifty
degrees. As will be appreciated the opening angles may determine how much of the target
surface is instantly covered (without moving the device) and/or how quickly the target
surface can be completely covered (by moving the device) and/or an ideal distance
between the spraying system and the target surface.
[0030] FIG 3B illustrates preferred aspects of a nozzle 11 to generate an elongate spray
pattern "P". Typically, the nozzle 11 is configured to expel the droplet spray "S"
in a divergent pattern, e.g. along a cone with its apex at the exit aperture 11a.
For example, the spraying system 100 is configured to project the cleaning foam "F"
in a cone around the main spraying direction Z. For example, the cone has one or more
opening angles Ax,Ay which can be the same or different. Most preferably one or the
opening angles is significantly larger than the other.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle 11 comprises a V-shaped nozzle mouth 11m concavely
extending into and cutting along a vertical direction Y transverse to the main spraying
direction Z across an end of the nozzle 11, wherein the V-shape of the nozzle mouth
11m is formed by respective jaws 11j extending outward according to an opening angle
Am of the nozzle mouth 11m between the jaws 11j, wherein the exit aperture 11a is
disposed centrally between the respective jaws 11j, e.g. forming as it were a 'throat'
of the nozzle mouth 11m. Most preferably, the nozzle 11 comprises or is formed by
a protruding shape, e.g. ending in the nozzle mouth 11m. By using a protruding nozzle
shape, substantial air can be disposed around, e.g. also behind, the exit aperture
11a.
[0032] In one embodiment, the nozzle 11 is configured to generate the spray pattern diverging
with a vertical opening angle "Ay" in a vertical plane "YZ", along the vertical direction
Y of the cut of the V-shaped mouth transverse to the spraying direction Z. In another
or further embodiment, the nozzle 11 is configured to generate the spray pattern diverging
with a horizontal opening angle "Ax" in a horizontal plane "XZ", transverse to the
vertical plane XZ, determined by the opening angle Am of the nozzle mouth 11m. For
example, the horizontal plane "XZ" is transverse the vertical plane "YZ". Preferably,
the vertical opening angle "Ay" is larger than the horizontal opening angle "Ax",
e.g. by at least ten percent, at least twenty percent, at least fifty percent (factor
one-and-half), at least a factor two, or more.
[0033] FIG 4A illustrates a translucent perspective view of a preferred nozzle 11. FIG 4B
illustrates a corresponding cutaway view to show aspects inside the nozzle. In some
embodiments, the cleaning liquid "M" is guided through the nozzle 11 via a liquid
duct 11d, e.g. inner tube. Preferably, the liquid duct 11d starts with an initial
diameter 11i which decreases towards the exit aperture 11a. For example, the exit
aperture has an ending diameter 11e smaller than the initial diameter 11i, e.g. by
at least ten percent, at least twenty percent, or even at least fifty percent (factor
one-and-half smaller). Most preferably, a cross-section of the liquid duct 11d is
substantially round (or elliptical) ending in a smooth rounded contour 11c which (gradually)
converges towards the exit aperture 11a. For example, the rounded converging contour
11c of the liquid duct 11d may promote desired liquid flow ending in spray pattern
diverging, as described herein, when exiting the exit aperture 11a. In another or
further embodiment, an outside contour of the nozzle 11 can be substantially rectangular
(or rounded rectangular) in cross-section. For example, sides of the rectangular shape
can be oriented parallel to the nozzle mouth 11m and/or jaws 11j.
[0034] FIGs 5A and 5B illustrate side and top translucent views of a mixing section 20 to
generate a cleaning liquid "M". In some embodiments, the mixing section 20 comprises
a mixing control 22 configured to control the stream of the base liquid "W" along
the tablet 40 for determining an amount of the cleaning chemical being mixed in the
base liquid "W". For example, the mixing control 22 comprises an externally accessible
interface such as a rotatably dial, button, and/or lever, which is coupled to one
or more valves inside the mixing section 20 to control respective one or more streams
of the base liquid "W" and/or cleaning liquid "M".
[0035] FIGs 6A and 6B illustrate a cross-section view of respective flows in a mixing section
20. In some embodiments, the mixing control 22 is configured to determine a relative
volumetric flow rate of the base liquid "W" being directed towards the mixing chamber
21 where the tablet 40 is held. Preferably, a first part "W1" of a flow of base liquid
"W" received via an entrance 23 of the mixing section 20 (e.g. from the liquid supply
30), is directed towards the mixing chamber 21 whereas another, second part "W2" is
directed to a second chamber 24 of the mixing section 20 (without tablet). In one
embodiment, the second part "W2" bypasses the mixing chamber 21 and/or is mixed only
with a part "M2" of mixed liquid received indirectly via the mixing chamber 21.
[0036] In some embodiments, at least a first part "M1" of mixed liquid generated in the
mixing chamber 21 is directed to an exit 13 of the mixing section 20, e.g. connected
to the spray section 10. In other or further embodiments, at least a second part "M2"
of mixed liquid generated in the mixing chamber 21 is directed to the second chamber
24 of the mixing section 20. In other or further embodiments, a third part "M3" mixed
liquid is directed from the second chamber 24 to the exit 13. For example, the third
part "M3" comprises a mix of the second part "M2" of the mixed liquid from the mixing
chamber 21 with the second part "W2" of the base liquid "W" from the entrance 23.
In one embodiment, the mixing control 22 is configured to determine relative volumetric
flow rates of the respective parts "W1" and"W2" of the base liquid "W" by opening
or closing respective passages to the mixing section 20 and/or second chamber 24.
For example, the mixing control 22 comprises an externally accessible control interface
22i connected to a valve 22v which opens or closes the respective passages, e.g. via
a screw connection or otherwise.
[0037] FIG 7A illustrate respective parts of a spraying system 100. Preferably the system
is modular, e.g. having different parts that can be reversibly and easily attached
and detached from each other. For example, the various parts can be connected via
respective click, snap, and/or screw mechanisms. Also other types of connections can
be envisaged. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, an intermediate connection piece 36
is provided. For example, the intermediate connection piece 36 has a specific connection
on one side to connect to an entrance of the mixing section 20; and a universal connection
on another side to connect to various existing types of liquid supply, e.g. a snap
connection such as used for connecting a garden hose. FIG 7B illustrates how parts
of the spraying system 100 as described herein can be replaced by a rinsing tool 37,
e.g. comprising a nozzle connecting to the liquid supply 30 as described. For example,
the rinsing nozzle 37 is used for spraying water to rinse the cleaning foam sometime
after application.
[0038] For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein
as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that
the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some
of the features described. For example, while embodiments were shown for a spraying
system which includes a spray section, mixing section, and liquid supply, also alternative
ways may be envisaged by those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present
disclosure for achieving a similar function and result. E.g. the sections may be combined
to provide synergetic advantages, or split up to provide separate advantages. The
various elements of the embodiments as discussed and shown offer certain advantages,
such as delivery of specific foam patterns on a target surface. Of course, it is to
be appreciated that any one of the above embodiments or processes may be combined
with one or more other embodiments or processes to provide even further improvements
in finding and matching designs and advantages. It is appreciated that this disclosure
offers particular advantages to the cleaning industry, and in general can be applied
for any application wherein foam is generated efficiently and with high control over
the deposition.
[0039] In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word "comprising"
does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given
claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of
a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their
scope; several "means" may be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented
structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined
together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise.
Where one claim refers to another claim, this may indicate synergetic advantage achieved
by the combination of their respective features.
1. A spraying system (100) for delivering cleaning foam (F) onto a target surface (T)
according to a predetermined spray pattern (P), the system comprising a spray section
(10) including
- a nozzle (11) configured to expel a cleaning liquid (M) as a droplet spray (S) from
an exit aperture (11a) of the nozzle (11), wherein the droplet spray (S) propagates
in diverging directions (Ax,Ay) around a central axis (Zc) to form the spray pattern
(P) on the target surface (T) determining a main spraying direction (Z) in front of
the spraying system (100); and
- a spray housing (12) forming a diverging shell around the nozzle (11), wherein the
shell widens along the main spraying direction (Z) to accommodate the diverging directions
(Ax,Ay) of the droplet spray (S), characterized in that the diverging shell formed by the spray housing (12) around the nozzle (11) comprises
an air intake (12a) configured to pass an air stream (L) through the shell into the
spray housing (12) for interacting with the droplet spray (S) that has been expelled
from the exit aperture (11a) to form the cleaning foam (F).
2. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the nozzle (11) ends in a protruding
shape with a V-shaped nozzle mouth (11m) concavely extending into and cutting along
a vertical direction (Y) transverse to the main spraying direction (Z) across an end
of the nozzle (11), wherein the V-shape of the nozzle mouth (11m) is formed by respective
jaws (11j) extending outward according to an opening angle (Am) of the nozzle mouth
(11m) between the jaws (11j), wherein the exit aperture (11a) is disposed centrally
between the respective jaws (11j), wherein the nozzle (11) is configured to generate
the spray (S) diverging with a horizontal opening angle (Ax) in a horizontal plane
(XZ), transverse to the vertical plane (XZ), determined by the opening angle (Am)
of the nozzle mouth (11m).
3. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the nozzle (11) is configured
to generate the spray pattern diverging with a vertical opening angle (Ay) in a vertical
plane (YZ), along the vertical direction (Y) of the cut of the V-shaped mouth transverse
to the spraying direction (Z), and diverging with a horizontal opening angle (Ax)
in a horizontal plane (XZ), transverse the vertical plane (YZ), wherein the vertical
opening angle (Ay) is larger than the horizontal opening angle (Ax).
4. The system according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein the cleaning liquid
(M) is guided through the nozzle (11) via a liquid duct (11d) starting with an initial
diameter (11i) which decreases towards the exit aperture (11a), which exit aperture
has an ending diameter (11e) smaller than the initial diameter (11i), wherein a cross-section
of the liquid duct (lId) is round ending in a smooth rounded contour (11c) which gradually
converges towards the exit aperture (11a), wherein an outside contour of the nozzle
(11) is rectangular with respective sides of the rectangular shape be oriented parallel
to the jaws (11j) of the nozzle mouth (11m).
5. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spray housing (12)
forms a widening shell with an elongate cross-section that increases towards a front
of the spraying system (100) along the main spraying direction (Z), wherein a first
cross-section dimension (Y) of the widening shell increases more than a transverse,
second cross-section dimension (X) of the elongate cross-section.
6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air intake (12a)
is disposed on a slope of the widening shell, which slope is at a divergence angle
(As) with respect to the main spraying direction (Z), wherein the divergence angle
(As) is more than twenty degrees.
7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air intake (12a)
is disposed at an axial offset (ΔZ) behind the exit aperture (11a) of the nozzle (11)
with respect to the main spraying direction (Z), and at a vertical offset (ΔY) transverse
to the central axis (Zc) above the exit aperture (11a) of the nozzle (11).
8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spraying system (100)
comprises a mixing section (20) with a mixing chamber (21) configured to hold a tablet
(40) comprising a cleaning chemical, receive a base liquid (W) from a liquid supply
(30), pass a stream of the base liquid (W) along the tablet (40) for mixing the cleaning
chemical of the tablet (40) in the base liquid (W) to form the cleaning liquid (M),
and direct the cleaning liquid (M) towards the spray section (10).
9. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the mixing section (20) comprises
a mixing control (22) configured to control the stream of the base liquid (W) along
the tablet (40) for determining an amount of the cleaning chemical being mixed in
the base liquid (W).
10. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the mixing control (22) is configured
to determine a relative volumetric flow rate of the base liquid (W) being directed
towards the mixing chamber (21) where the tablet (40) is held, wherein a first part
(W1) of a flow of base liquid (W) received via an entrance (23) of the mixing section
(20), is directed towards the mixing chamber (21), whereas another, second part (W2)
of the flow of base liquid is directed to a second chamber (24) of the mixing section
(20), wherein the second part (W2) bypasses the mixing chamber (21) and/or is mixed
only with a part (M2) of mixed liquid received indirectly via the mixing chamber (21).
11. The system according to any of the three preceding claims, wherein a first part (M1)
of mixed liquid generated in the mixing chamber (21) is directed to an exit (13) of
the mixing section (20) and a second part (M2) of mixed liquid generated in the mixing
chamber (21) is directed to the second chamber of the mixing section (20), wherein
a third part (M3) of mixed liquid is directed from the second chamber (24) to the
exit (13).
12. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spraying system (100)
comprises a handle (35) for holding the system (100), wherein the handle (35) is coupled
to an entrance (23) of the mixing section (20) and comprises
- a first control mechanism (31) configured to control a first valve for variably
setting a flow rate of the liquid stream;
- a second control mechanism (32) configured to control a second valve for allowing
or blocking the liquid stream; and
- a third control mechanism (33) configured to lock or unlock the second control mechanism
(32).
13. The system according to any of the preceding claims, the spray section (10) comprises
a foam filter (14) connected to the spray housing (12) in front of the nozzle (11),
wherein the foam filter (14) comprises a mesh (14m) with openings for passing the
droplet spray (S) expelled from the nozzle (11) interacting with the air stream (L)
from the air intake (12a) for generating the cleaning foam (F), wherein the mesh has
openings with a respective cross-section diameter of less than one millimeter.
14. A method for delivering cleaning foam (F) onto a target surface (T) according to a
predetermined spray pattern (P), the method comprising expelling a cleaning liquid
(M) as a droplet spray (S) from an exit aperture (11a) of a nozzle (11), wherein the
droplet spray (S) propagates in diverging directions (Ax,Ay) around a central axis
(Zc) to form the spray pattern (P) on the target surface (T) determining a main spraying
direction (Z) in front of the spraying system (100), wherein a spray housing (12)
forms a diverging shell around the nozzle (11), wherein the shell widens along the
main spraying direction (Z) to accommodate the diverging directions (Ax,Ay) of the
droplet spray (S), characterized in that the diverging shell formed by the spray housing (12) around the nozzle (11) comprises
an air intake (12a) passing an air stream (L) through the shell into the spray housing
(12) interacting with the droplet spray (S) that has been expelled from the exit aperture
(11a) to form the cleaning foam (F).
15. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the nozzle (11) generates the
spray pattern diverging with a vertical opening angle (Ay) in a vertical plane (YZ),
along a vertical direction (Y) of a cut formed in an protruding ending of the nozzle
(11) by a V-shaped mouth transverse and the spraying direction (Z), and diverging
with a horizontal opening angle (Ax) in a horizontal plane (XZ), transverse the vertical
plane (YZ), wherein the vertical opening angle (Ay) is larger than the horizontal
opening angle (Ax), wherein the spray housing (12) forms a widening shell to accommodate
the diverging spray pattern with an elongate cross-section that increases towards
a front of the spraying system (100) along the main spraying direction (Z), wherein
a first cross-section dimension (Y) of the widening shell increases more than a transverse,
second cross-section dimension (X) of the elongate cross-section.
1. Sprühsystem (100) zur Abgabe von Reinigungsschaum (F) auf eine Zieloberfläche (T)
gemäß einem vorbestimmten Sprühmuster (P), wobei das System einen Sprühteil (10) umfasst,
der Folgendes enthält:
- eine Düse (11), die so ausgerichtet ist, dass sie eine Reinigungsflüssigkeit (M)
als Tröpfchenspray (S) aus einer Austrittsöffnung (11a) der Düse (11) ausstößt, wobei
sich das Tröpfchenspray (S) in divergierenden Richtungen (Ax, Ay) um eine zentrale
Achse (Zc) ausbreitet, um das Sprühmuster (P) auf der Zieloberfläche (T) zu bilden,
wodurch eine Hauptsprührichtung (Z) vor dem Sprühsystem (100) bestimmt wird; und
- ein Sprühgehäuse (12), das einen divergierenden Mantel um die Düse (11) bildet,
wobei sich der Mantel entlang der Hauptsprührichtung (Z) erweitert, um die divergierenden
Richtungen (Ax, Ay) des Tröpfchensprays (S) aufzunehmen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der divergierende Mantel, der durch das Sprühgehäuse (12) um die Düse (11) gebildet
wird, einen Lufteinlass (12a) umfasst, der so ausgerichtet ist, dass er einen Luftstrom
(L) durch den Mantel in das Sprühgehäuse (12) leitet, um mit dem Tröpfchenspray (S),
das aus der Austrittsöffnung (11a) ausgestoßen wurde, in Wechselwirkung zu treten,
um den Reinigungsschaum (F) zu bilden.
2. System nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Düse (11) in einer vorstehenden
Form mit einer V-förmigen Düsenmündung (11m) endet, die sich konkav in eine vertikale
Richtung (Y) quer zur Hauptsprührichtung (Z) über ein Ende der Düse (11) erstreckt
und diese schneidet, wobei die V-Form der Düsenmündung (11m) durch entsprechende Backen
(11j) gebildet wird, die sich entsprechend einem Öffnungswinkel (Am) der Düsenmündung
(11m) zwischen den Backen (11j) nach außen erstrecken, wobei die Austrittsöffnung
(11a) mittig zwischen den jeweiligen Backen (11j) angeordnet ist, wobei die Düse (11)
so ausgerichtet ist, dass sie das Spray (S) erzeugt, das mit einem horizontalen Öffnungswinkel
(Ax) in einer horizontalen Ebene (XZ) quer zu der vertikalen Ebene (XZ) divergiert,
der durch den Öffnungswinkel (Am) der Düsenmündung (11m) bestimmt wird.
3. System nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Düse (11) so ausgerichtet ist,
dass sie das Sprühmuster erzeugt, das mit einem vertikalen Öffnungswinkel (Ay) in
einer vertikalen Ebene (YZ) entlang der vertikalen Richtung (Y) des Schnitts der V-förmigen
Mündung quer zur Sprührichtung (Z) divergiert, und mit einem horizontalen Öffnungswinkel
(Ax) in einer horizontalen Ebene (XZ) quer zur vertikalen Ebene (YZ) divergiert, wobei
der vertikale Öffnungswinkel (Ay) größer ist als der horizontale Öffnungswinkel (Ax).
4. System nach einem der beiden vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Reinigungsflüssigkeit
(M) durch die Düse (11) über einen Flüssigkeitskanal (11d) geleitet wird, der mit
einem Anfangsdurchmesser (11i) beginnt, der in Richtung der Austrittsöffnung (11a)
abnimmt, wobei die Austrittsöffnung einen Enddurchmesser (11e) aufweist, der kleiner
ist als der Anfangsdurchmesser (11i), wobei ein Querschnitt des Flüssigkeitskanals
(11d) rund ist und in einer glatten, abgerundeten Kontur (11c) endet, die allmählich
in Richtung der Austrittsöffnung (11a) konvergiert, wobei eine Außenkontur der Düse
(11) rechteckig ist, wobei die jeweiligen Seiten der rechteckigen Form parallel zu
den Backen (11j) der Düsenmündung (11m) ausgerichtet sind.
5. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Sprühgehäuse (12) einen
sich erweiternden Mantel mit einem länglichen Querschnitt bildet, der zu einer Vorderseite
des Sprühsystems (100) hin entlang der Hauptsprührichtung (Z) zunimmt, wobei eine
erste Querschnittsdimension (Y) des sich erweiternden Mantels stärker zunimmt als
eine quer verlaufende, zweite Querschnittsdimension (X) des länglichen Querschnitts.
6. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Lufteinlass (12a) an einer
Schräge des sich verbreiternden Mantels angeordnet ist, die einen Divergenzwinkel
(As) in Bezug auf die Hauptsprührichtung (Z) aufweist, wobei der Divergenzwinkel (As)
mehr als zwanzig Grad beträgt.
7. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Lufteinlass (12a) axial
versetzt (ΔZ) hinter der Austrittsöffnung (11a) der Düse (11) in Bezug auf die Hauptsprührichtung
(Z) und vertikal versetzt (ΔY) quer zur Mittelachse (Zc) oberhalb der Austrittsöffnung
(11a) der Düse (11) angeordnet ist.
8. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Sprühsystem (100) einen
Mischabschnitt (20) mit einer Mischkammer (21) umfasst, die so ausgerichtet ist, dass
sie eine Tablette (40), die eine Reinigungschemikalie umfasst, hält, eine Basisflüssigkeit
(W) von einer Flüssigkeitsversorgung (30) aufnimmt, einen Strom der Basisflüssigkeit
(W) entlang der Tablette (40) leitet, um die Reinigungschemikalie der Tablette (40)
in der Basisflüssigkeit (W) zu mischen, um die Reinigungsflüssigkeit (M) zu bilden,
und die Reinigungsflüssigkeit (M) zum Sprühabschnitt (10) leitet.
9. System nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei der Mischabschnitt (20) eine Mischsteuerung
(22) umfasst, die so ausgerichtet ist, dass sie den Strom der Basisflüssigkeit (W)
entlang der Tablette (40) steuert, um eine Menge der Reinigungschemikalie zu bestimmen,
die in die Basisflüssigkeit (W) gemischt wird.
10. System nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Mischsteuerung (22) so ausgerichtet
ist, dass sie eine relative volumetrische Durchflussrate der Basisflüssigkeit (W)
bestimmt, die in Richtung der Mischkammer (21) geleitet wird, in der die Tablette
(40) gehalten wird, wobei ein erster Teil (W1) eines Stroms der Basisflüssigkeit (W),
der über einen Eingang (23) des Mischabschnitts (20) aufgenommen wird, in Richtung
der Mischkammer (21) geleitet wird, wohingegen ein anderer, zweiter Teil (W2) des
Stroms der Basisflüssigkeit in eine zweite Kammer (24) des Mischabschnitts (20) geleitet
wird, wobei der zweite Teil (W2) die Mischkammer (21) umgeht und/oder nur mit einem
Teil (M2) der Mischflüssigkeit gemischt wird, der indirekt über die Mischkammer (21)
aufgenommen wird.
11. System nach einem der drei vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei ein erster Teil (M1) der
in der Mischkammer (21) erzeugten Mischflüssigkeit zu einem Ausgang (13) des Mischabschnitts
(20) geleitet wird und ein zweiter Teil (M2) der in der Mischkammer (21) erzeugten
Mischflüssigkeit zur zweiten Kammer des Mischabschnitts (20) geleitet wird, wobei
ein dritter Teil (M3) der Mischflüssigkeit von der zweiten Kammer (24) zum Ausgang
(13) geleitet wird.
12. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Sprühsystem (100) einen
Griff (35) zum Halten des Systems (100) umfasst, wobei der Griff (35) mit einem Eingang
(23) des Mischabschnitts (20) gekoppelt ist und umfasst
- einen ersten Steuermechanismus (31), der so ausgerichtet ist, dass er ein erstes
Ventil zur variablen Einstellung einer Durchflussrate des Flüssigkeitsstroms steuert;
- einen zweiten Steuermechanismus (32), der so ausgerichtet ist, dass er ein zweites
Ventil zum Zulassen oder Sperren des Flüssigkeitsstroms steuert; und
- einen dritten Steuermechanismus (33), der so ausgerichtet ist, dass er den zweiten
Steuermechanismus (32) verriegelt oder entriegelt.
13. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Sprühabschnitt (10) einen
Schaumfilter (14) umfasst, der mit dem Sprühgehäuse (12) vor der Düse (11) verbunden
ist, wobei der Schaumfilter (14) ein Netz (14m) mit Öffnungen zum Durchlassen des
aus der Düse (11) ausgestoßenen Tröpfchensprays (S) in Wechselwirkung mit dem Luftstrom
(L) aus dem Lufteinlass (12a) zur Erzeugung des Reinigungsschaums (F) umfasst, wobei
das Netz Öffnungen mit einem jeweiligen Querschnittsdurchmesser von weniger als einem
Millimeter aufweist.
14. Verfahren zur Abgabe von Reinigungsschaum (F) auf eine Zieloberfläche (T) gemäß einem
vorbestimmten Sprühmuster (P), wobei das Verfahren den Ausstoß einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit
(M) als Tröpfchenspray (S) aus einer Austrittsöffnung (11a) einer Düse (11) umfasst,
wobei sich das Tröpfchenspray (S) in divergierenden Richtungen (Ax, Ay) um eine zentrale
Achse (Zc) ausbreitet, um das Sprühmuster (P) auf der Zieloberfläche (T) zu bilden,
wodurch eine Hauptsprührichtung (Z) vor dem Sprühsystem (100) bestimmt wird, wobei
ein Sprühgehäuse (12) einen divergierenden Mantel um die Düse (11) bildet, wobei sich
der Mantel entlang der Hauptsprührichtung (Z) erweitert, um die divergierenden Richtungen
(Ax, Ay) des Tröpfchensprays (S) aufzunehmen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der durch das Sprühgehäuse (12) um die Düse (11) herum gebildete divergierende Mantel
einen Lufteinlass (12a) umfasst, der einen Luftstrom (L) durch den Mantel in das Sprühgehäuse
(12) leitet, der mit dem Tröpfchenspray (S) zusammenwirkt, der aus der Austrittsöffnung
(11a) ausgestoßen worden ist, um den Reinigungsschaum (F) zu bilden.
15. Verfahren nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Düse (11) das Sprühmuster erzeugt,
das mit einem vertikalen Öffnungswinkel (Ay) in einer vertikalen Ebene (YZ) entlang
einer vertikalen Richtung (Y) eines Schnitts divergiert, der in einem vorstehenden
Ende der Düse (11) durch eine V-förmige Mündung quer und zur Sprührichtung (Z) gebildet
wird, und mit einem horizontalen Öffnungswinkel (Ax) in einer horizontalen Ebene (XZ)
divergiert, quer zu der vertikalen Ebene (YZ), wobei der vertikale Öffnungswinkel
(Ay) größer ist als der horizontale Öffnungswinkel (Ax), wobei das Sprühgehäuse (12)
einen sich erweiternden Mantel bildet, um das divergierende Sprühmuster mit einem
länglichen Querschnitt aufzunehmen, der in Richtung einer Vorderseite des Sprühsystems
(100) entlang der Hauptsprührichtung (Z) zunimmt, wobei eine erste Querschnittsdimension
(Y) des sich erweiternden Mantels stärker zunimmt, als eine quer verlaufende, zweite
Querschnittsdimension (X) des länglichen Querschnitts.
1. Système de pulvérisation (100) pour distribuer de la mousse de nettoyage (F) sur une
surface cible (T) selon un motif de pulvérisation (P) prédéterminé, le système comprenant
une section de pulvérisation (10) incluant
- une buse (11) configurée pour expulser un liquide de nettoyage (M) sous forme de
jet pulvérisé de gouttelettes (S) à partir d'un orifice de sortie (11a) de la buse
(11), dans lequel le jet pulvérisé de gouttelettes (S) se propage dans des directions
divergentes (Ax, Ay) autour d'un axe central (Zc) pour former le motif de pulvérisation
(P) sur la surface cible (T) déterminant une direction de pulvérisation principale
(Z) devant le système de pulvérisation (100) ; et
- une enveloppe de pulvérisation (12) formant une coque divergente autour de la buse
(11), dans lequel la coque s'élargit le long de la direction de pulvérisation principale
(Z) pour s'adapter aux directions divergentes (Ax, Ay) du jet pulvérisé de gouttelettes
(S), caractérisé en ce que la coque divergente formée par l'enveloppe de pulvérisation (12) autour de la buse
(11) comprend une admission d'air (12a) configurée pour faire passer un courant d'air
(L) à travers la coque dans l'enveloppe de pulvérisation (12) destiné à interagir
avec le jet pulvérisé de gouttelettes (S) qui a été expulsé de l'orifice de sortie
(11a) pour former la mousse de nettoyage (F).
2. Système selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel la buse (11) se termine par
une forme en saillie avec un bec de buse en forme de V (11m) s'étendant de manière
concave dans une extrémité de la buse (11) et coupant le long d'une direction verticale
(Y) transversale à la direction de pulvérisation principale (Z) à travers celle-ci,
dans lequel la forme en V du bec de buse (11m) est formée par des mâchoires (11j)
respectives s'étendant vers l'extérieur selon un angle d'ouverture (Am) du bec de
buse (11m) entre les mâchoires (11j), dans lequel l'orifice de sortie (11a) est disposé
au centre entre les mâchoires (11j) respectives, dans lequel la buse (11) est configurée
pour générer le jet pulvérisé de gouttelettes (S) divergeant avec un angle d'ouverture
horizontal (Ax) dans un plan horizontal (XZ), transversal au plan vertical (XZ), déterminé
par l'angle d'ouverture (Am) du bec de buse (11m).
3. Système selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel la buse (11) est configurée
pour générer le motif de pulvérisation divergeant avec un angle d'ouverture vertical
(Ay) dans un plan vertical (YZ), le long de la direction verticale (Y) de la découpe
du bec en forme de V transversale à la direction de pulvérisation (Z), et divergeant
avec un angle d'ouverture horizontal (Ax) dans un plan horizontal (XZ), transversal
au plan vertical (YZ), dans lequel l'angle d'ouverture vertical (Ay) est supérieur
à l'angle d'ouverture horizontal (Ax).
4. Système selon l'une quelconque des deux revendications précédentes, dans lequel le
liquide de nettoyage (M) est guidé à travers la buse (11) via un conduit de liquide
(11d) en partant d'un diamètre initial (11i) qui diminue vers l'orifice de sortie
(11a), lequel orifice de sortie a un diamètre final (11e) inférieur au diamètre initial
(11i), dans lequel une section transversale du conduit de liquide (11d) est arrondie,
se terminant en un contour arrondi lisse (11c) qui converge graduellement vers l'orifice
de sortie (11a), dans lequel un contour extérieur de la buse (11) est rectangulaire
avec des côtés respectifs de la forme rectangulaire orientés parallèlement aux mâchoires
(11j) du bec de buse (11m).
5. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'enveloppe
de pulvérisation (12) forme une coque élargie avec une section transversale allongée
qui augmente vers une partie avant du système de pulvérisation (100) le long de la
direction de pulvérisation principale (Z), dans lequel une première dimension de section
transversale (Y) de la coque élargie augmente plus qu'une deuxième dimension de section
transversale (X) de la section transversale allongée.
6. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'admission
d'air (12a) est disposée sur une pente de la coque élargie, laquelle pente est à un
angle de divergence (As) par rapport à la direction de pulvérisation principale (Z),
dans lequel l'angle de divergence (As) est supérieur à vingt degrés.
7. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'admission
d'air (12a) est disposée à un décalage axial (ΔZ) derrière l'orifice de sortie (11a)
de la buse (11) par rapport à la direction de pulvérisation principale (Z), et à un
décalage vertical (ΔY) transversal à l'axe central (Zc) au-dessus de l'orifice de
sortie (11a) de la buse (11).
8. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le système
de pulvérisation (100) comprend une section de mélange (20) avec une chambre de mélange
(21) configurée pour contenir une pastille (40) comprenant un nettoyant chimique,
recevoir un liquide de base (W) en provenance d'une alimentation en liquide (30),
faire passer un courant du liquide de base (W) le long de la pastille (40) pour mélanger
le nettoyant chimique de la pastille (40) dans le liquide de base (W) pour former
le liquide de nettoyage (M) et diriger le liquide de nettoyage (M) vers la section
de pulvérisation (10).
9. Système selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel la section de mélange (20)
comprend une commande de mélange (22) configurée pour commander le courant du liquide
de base (W) le long de la pastille (40) pour déterminer une quantité du nettoyant
chimique étant mélangé dans le liquide de base (W).
10. Système selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel la commande de mélange (22)
est configurée pour déterminer un débit volumétrique relatif du liquide de base (W)
étant dirigé vers la chambre de mélange (21) où la pastille (40) est contenue, dans
lequel une première partie (W1) d'un flux de liquide de base (W) reçue via une entrée
(23) de la section de mélange (20), est dirigée vers la chambre de mélange (21), alors
qu'une autre deuxième partie (W2) du flux de liquide de base est dirigée vers une
deuxième chambre (24) de la section de mélange (20), dans lequel la deuxième partie
(W2) contourne la chambre de mélange (21) et/ou n'est mélangée qu'à une partie (M2)
de liquide mélangé reçue indirectement via la chambre de mélange (21).
11. Système selon l'une quelconque des trois revendications précédentes, dans lequel une
première partie (M1) de liquide mélangé générée dans la chambre de mélange (21) est
dirigée vers une sortie (13) de la section de mélange (20) et une deuxième partie
(M2) de liquide mélangé générée dans la chambre de mélange (21) est dirigée vers la
deuxième chambre de la section de mélange (20), dans lequel une troisième partie (M3)
de liquide mélangé est dirigée de la deuxième chambre (24) vers la sortie (13).
12. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le système
de pulvérisation (100) comprend une poignée (35) pour maintenir le système (100),
dans lequel la poignée (35) est couplée à une entrée (23) de la section de mélange
(20) et comprend
- un premier mécanisme de commande (31) configuré pour commander une première vanne
pour régler de manière variable un débit du courant de liquide ;
- un deuxième mécanisme de commande (32) configuré pour commander une deuxième vanne
pour autoriser ou empêcher le courant de liquide ; et
- un troisième mécanisme de commande (33) configuré pour verrouiller ou déverrouiller
le deuxième mécanisme de commande (32).
13. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, la section de pulvérisation
(10) comprend un filtre de mousse (14) relié à l'enveloppe de pulvérisation (12) devant
la buse (11), dans lequel le filtre de mousse (14) comprend une maille (14m) avec
des ouvertures pour faire passer le jet pulvérisé de gouttelettes (S) expulsé par
la buse (11) interagissant avec le courant d'air (L) provenant de l'admission d'air
(12a) pour générer la mousse de nettoyage (F), dans lequel la maille a des ouvertures
ayant un diamètre de section transversale respectif inférieur à un millimètre.
14. Procédé de distribution de mousse de nettoyage (F) sur une surface cible (T) selon
un motif de pulvérisation (P) prédéterminé, le procédé comprenant l'expulsion d'un
liquide de nettoyage (M) sous forme d'un jet pulvérisé de gouttelettes (S) d'un orifice
de sortie (11a) d'une buse (11), dans lequel le jet pulvérisé de gouttelettes (S)
se propage dans des directions divergentes (Ax, Ay) autour d'un axe central (Zc) pour
former le motif de pulvérisation (P) sur la surface cible (T) déterminant une direction
de pulvérisation principale (Z) devant le système de pulvérisation (100), dans lequel
une enveloppe de pulvérisation (12) forme une coque divergente autour de la buse (11),
dans lequel la coque s'élargit le long de la direction de pulvérisation principale
(Z) afin de s'adapter aux directions divergentes (Ax, Ay) du jet pulvérisé de gouttelettes
(S), caractérisé en ce que la coque divergente formée par l'enveloppe de pulvérisation (12) autour de la buse
(11) comprend une admission d'air (12a) permettant de faire passer un courant d'air
(L) à travers la coque dans l'enveloppe de pulvérisation (12) interagissant avec le
jet pulvérisé de gouttelettes (S) qui a été expulsé de l'orifice de sortie (11a) pour
former la mousse de nettoyage (F).
15. Procédé selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel la buse (11) génère le motif
de pulvérisation divergeant avec un angle d'ouverture vertical (Ay) dans un plan vertical
(YZ), le long d'une direction verticale (Y) d'une découpe formée dans une extrémité
en saillie de la buse (11) par un bec en forme de V transversale à la direction de
pulvérisation principale (Z), et divergeant avec un angle d'ouverture horizontal (Ax)
dans un plan horizontal (XZ), transversal au plan vertical (YZ), dans lequel l'angle
d'ouverture vertical (Ay) est supérieur à l'angle d'ouverture horizontal (Ax), dans
lequel l'enveloppe de pulvérisation (12) forme une coque élargie conçue pour s'adapter
au motif de pulvérisation divergeant avec une section transversale allongée qui augmente
vers une partie avant du système de pulvérisation (100) le long de la direction de
pulvérisation principale (Z), dans lequel une première dimension de section transversale
(Y) de la coque élargie augmente plus qu'une deuxième dimension de section transversale
(X) de la section transversale allongée.