Spray nozzle device

Abstract

A device for ejecting fluid onto a piece of material, such as a web or strip, has a chamber through which the material runs, and an applicator (15) arranged to eject fluid onto the material. The applicator comprises at least a first and a second valve (16, 16a, 16b, 16c) disposed within the chamber, each valve having a longitudinal axis and each valve comprising a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c). Each spray nozzle has an elongated opening extending along an axis. The longitudinal axes of the valves and the axes of the respective nozzles span / spread in a plane, and at least the first valve and the second valve are arranged at intervals on a common axis (CA) running through the center point of each valve. The plane is inclined with respect to the common axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spray nozzle device for spraying fluid onto a piece of raw material (e.g., a mesh or strip) through a spray chamber. Background Technology

[0002] In production settings, manufacturing materials such as fabrics, paper, wood, plastics, or other different types of fluids are used to process materials to achieve various properties. Typically, mesh-like materials are moved through different stations during processing. Common methods include spraying, showering, or using rotating discs to apply the fluid to the surface, where the fluid then imparts the desired properties to the material. These properties can range from dustproofing, waterproofing, and fireproofing to making the material softer or increasing its adhesive properties. One problem with current spraying devices is that the spray effect on the sprayed surface of the mesh is not consistent. Jet / spray nozzles often overlap, resulting in a spray pattern where one area receives more sprayed fluid than adjacent areas.

[0003] EP0323316A2 describes a device in which a spray nozzle travels across the surface being sprayed to achieve a uniform effect. US5547129A discloses a more common design in which multiple nozzles are arranged in a line. However, neither of these known devices provides a solution to the problem of uneven spraying. Other problems sometimes faced by spray devices today are excessive consumption of water and chemicals. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an improvement over the prior art. This object is achieved by the techniques defined in the appended independent claims; certain embodiments are set forth in the related dependent claims.

[0005] In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided for spraying fluid onto a piece of material, such as a mesh or strip, comprising a chamber through which the material travels, and a plurality of valves disposed within the chamber and configured to spray fluid onto the material. Each valve has a spray nozzle, wherein each spray nozzle includes an elongated opening extending along an axis. At least two of the plurality of valves are spaced apart on a common axis, travel through the center point of each valve, and wherein the axis of the opening is inclined relative to the common axis. This apparatus is capable of producing an inclined spray pattern, which provides a better and more continuous effect compared to previously achieved effects.

[0006] Each valve may include a longitudinal axis, wherein the axis of the longitudinal axis and the axis of the corresponding nozzle cross a plane inclined relative to a common axis.

[0007] In one embodiment, the angle of inclination of each axis and / or each plane of the opening relative to the common axis is between 10° and 80°. Practical tests have shown that inclination angles within this range improve the spray pattern.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination of each axis and / or each plane of the opening relative to the common axis is approximately 30°.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment, each axis and / or each plane of the opening of the device has the same angle of inclination.

[0010] Furthermore, the valves are preferably arranged adjacent to each other to form a main spray pattern on the material, wherein as the material flows through the chamber, the spray pattern formed by each nozzle overlaps with at least the adjacent spray pattern. This is advantageous because adjacent nozzles can cover the area of ​​inactive nozzles while still achieving the desired spray effect.

[0011] Furthermore, multiple valves may be arranged adjacent to each other on the first side / face of the first chamber portion of the chamber, configured to spray fluid onto the first side / face of the material, and multiple valves may be arranged adjacent to each other on the second side / face of the second chamber portion of the chamber, configured to spray fluid onto the second side / face of the material. This design allows for the achievement of a desired spray pattern on both sides / faces of the material.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the valves are configured to operate simultaneously. Studies have shown that this produces even better and more uniform spray effects.

[0013] In a second aspect, an apparatus is provided for spraying fluid onto a piece of material, such as a mesh or strip, having a chamber through which the material travels, and an applicator configured to spray fluid onto the material. The applicator includes at least first and second valves disposed within the chamber, each valve having a longitudinal axis, and each valve including a spray nozzle. Each spray nozzle has an elongated opening extending along an axis, wherein the longitudinal axis of the valve and the axis of the corresponding nozzle cross a plane. The at least first and second valves are spaced apart on a common axis, traveling through the center point of each first and second valve, wherein the plane is inclined relative to the common axis. All of the above features are also applicable to this second aspect.

[0014] In a third aspect, an apparatus is provided for spraying fluid onto a piece of material that passes through an elongated chamber between an elongated inlet and an elongated outlet, a first or central plane being formed between the elongated inlet and the elongated outlet. The spray chamber includes a plurality of spray nozzles disposed on at least one inner wall of the chamber and arranged parallel to the central axis of the elongated chamber. Each spray nozzle has an elongated spray opening configured to spray fluid in a spray direction toward the central plane. Each elongated spray opening defines a second plane, i.e., a spray / spray plane, along the spray direction, which is inclined relative to the central plane of the chamber. This means that an inclination angle or tilt angle is formed at the intersection of the first and second planes, at the feed plane. This inclination angle is in the range of 10°-80°, preferably about 30°. In a preferred embodiment, two sets of inclined spray nozzles are arranged on opposite inner walls of the chamber, located on either side of the material passing through the chamber. In this manner, the material is sprayed on both sides in an inclined spray pattern.

[0015] In a fourth aspect of the invention, a spray unit having the apparatus described above is provided. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be put into practice.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a spray unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the interior of the spray unit.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the interior of a spray chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Front view of the interior of the spray chamber.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Detailed view of multiple spray nozzles.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a main spray pattern having 12 spray nozzles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Front view of the spray pattern.

[0024] Figure 8This is a top view of the main spray pattern with 14 spray nozzles.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a front view of a spray pattern consisting of a spray nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A top view of the spray pattern. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Referring to the accompanying drawings, an apparatus 10 is presented for spraying fluid onto a piece of material M, such as a mesh or strip. The spraying apparatus 10 is preferably a component of a spraying unit in a fabric manufacturing process (not shown), wherein the mesh fabric travels through each component of the process. The manufacturing process in this embodiment involves a fabric material, but in other embodiments it may involve other types of materials, such as paper, wood, metal, plastic, or others. The material M (mesh or strip) travels through the spraying apparatus 10 in a substantially vertical direction V, but the direction of travel of the mesh can also be horizontal or any other preferred direction. The fluid to be sprayed can provide different properties to the material, such as dustproofing, waterproofing, fireproofing, or making the material softer, or increasing desired adhesive properties.

[0028] The spray device 10 includes an elongated chamber 11 through which the mesh M travels. The spray chamber 11 has an inlet 12 and an outlet 13. Material enters the chamber 11 through the inlet 12, and the mesh M exits the chamber 11 through the outlet 13. Preferably, the spray chamber 11 consists of two identical or at least similar chamber portions or bisections 11a, 11b, positioned opposite each other and separated by the inlet 12 and outlet 13 along a vertical axis VA. The inlet 12 and outlet 13 extend substantially horizontally along the width W1 of the chamber 10, forming channels of varying widths W2 suitable for the mesh M.

[0029] In addition, the spraying device 10 includes a spray applicator 15 configured to spray fluid onto the surface of the mesh M without contact, a feeding device (not shown), and a control unit (not shown). The control unit controls the feeding unit to supply the required amount of fluid to the spray applicator 15. It can also control the spray pattern and how the spray applicator 15 operates.

[0030] The spray applicator 15 includes multiple valves 16, 16a, 16b, and 16c, each with spray nozzles 17, 17a, 17b, and 17c. The valves 16, 16a, 16b, and 16c can be easily controlled individually or in groups. The valves 16, 16a, 16b, and 16c, and their spray nozzles 17, 17a, 17b, and 17c, are arranged along a common axis CA on the sidewalls 20a and 20b of each chamber portion 11a and 11b. The spray nozzles 17, 17a, 17b, and 17c are also variable relative to the common axis CA to form a variable spray pattern on the mesh M.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the first valve 16 has a longitudinal axis V1 in its longitudinal direction. The spray nozzle 17 of this valve 16, in turn, has an axis N1 in the direction of extension of the extended opening 17' of the nozzle 17. The longitudinal axis V1 of the valve 16 and the axis N1 of the nozzle 17 span a first plane P1. Similarly, the adjacent second valve 16a has a longitudinal axis V2 in its longitudinal direction, and its spray nozzle 17a has an axis N2 in the direction of extension of the extended opening 17a' of the nozzle 17a. The second longitudinal axis V2 and the second nozzle axis N2 span / extension into a second plane P2. The longitudinal axis V1 of the first valve 16 and the longitudinal axis V2 of the second valve 16a are parallel. Each subsequent valve 16b, 16c and nozzle 17b, 17c spans / extensions into its respective plane in the same manner. All the longitudinal axes of valves 16, 16a, 16b, and 16c are parallel.

[0032] The first and adjacent second valves 16, 16a are located on common axes CA, CA' (one on each chamber portion 11a, 11b) and operate through the center points CP1, CP2 of each valve 16, 16a. The first and second planes P1, P2 are both inclined α relative to the common axes CA, CA'. The inclination angle α of each plane P1, P2 relative to CA, CA' is between 10° and 80°, and in a preferred embodiment between 20° and 30°. The inclination angle α can be varied by changing the extension direction of the longitudinal openings 17', 17a' of the nozzles 17, 17a. When the extension direction of the openings 17', 17a' is changed, the spray patterns SP1, SP2 formed by the nozzles 17, 17a change. The inclination angle α of each plane P1, P2 corresponds to the inclination angle of each spray pattern SP1, SP2. Figure 6 and Figure 8 The projections N1'' and N2'' of the first and second nozzle axes N1 and N2, and the projection CA'' of the common axis CA on the mesh material M running through the chamber, are shown. Figure 6 and Figure 8It is also shown that the first plane P1 and the projected nozzle axis N1'' run through the center of the extension of the first spray pattern SP1, and the second plane P2 and the corresponding projected nozzle axis N2'' extend through the center of the extension of the second spray pattern SP2. The tilt angle α is shown between spray patterns / planes SP1, SP2 / P1, P2, and the common axis CA'' of the projection lies on material M.

[0033] The inclination angles α of the two planes P1 and P2 are preferably the same, and the two longitudinal axes V1 and V2 are parallel, which results in the two planes P1 and P2 being parallel and not intersecting each other. When all valves 16, 16a, 16b, and 16c on one side of chamber 11 are arranged on the common axis CA, all longitudinal axes V1 and V2 are parallel, and planes P1 and P2 have the same inclination angle, and no plane P1 or P2 intersects with another plane P1 or P2, resulting in the formation of Figure 6-8 The main spray pattern SP is shown. To change the main spray pattern SP, it is preferable to change the extension direction of the spray nozzle openings to change the inclination angle α of the spray pattern. In the described embodiment, the common axes CA, CA', CA'' are horizontal axes. The inclination angle can also be interpreted as the inclination of planes P1, P2 relative to the plane formed by the width W2 of the mesh M passing through chamber 11.

[0034] In the described embodiment, the mesh M runs vertically, but in alternative embodiments, the direction can be set differently, such as horizontal or any other direction between vertical and horizontal. The axis, direction, and plane can be varied depending on the device setup. When changing the extension direction of openings 17', 17a' results in different degrees of spray pattern tilt angle α, it is possible to have ten to twenty spray nozzles per meter, rather than four to five nozzles per meter when the spray pattern has no tilt angle. This provides a more uniform spray pattern and is less sensitive to interruptions in one or more spray nozzles. Practical testing has also shown that tilted spray patterns can lead to reduced water, chemical, and energy consumption.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, each spray nozzle 17 of the spray device 10 has the same tilt angle, which, after testing, yielded the best results with the most consistent spray pattern. Valves 16 are arranged adjacent to each other to form a main spray pattern SP, wherein the spray pattern SP1 formed by the first spray nozzle 17 overlaps with the spray patterns SP2, SP3 of at least adjacent spray nozzles 17. See also the embodiment described above. Figure 6-8 One spray pattern, SP1, covers the area covered by the other two spray patterns, SP2 and SP3. This is advantageous if one or more spray nozzles 17 malfunction. The spraying effect will still be regular and acceptable.

[0036] In the described embodiment, at least 14 spray nozzles 17 are arranged adjacent to each other on the common axis CA on the sidewall 20a of one chamber portion 11a. The two chamber portions 11a and 11b are preferably similar, so that 14 spray nozzles 17 are also arranged adjacent to each other on the common axis on the sidewall 20b of the other chamber portion 11b, see [link to previous embodiment]. Figure 2 In the described embodiment, both common axes are horizontal. This allows the spray applicator 15 to spray from both sides of the mesh M, operating vertically between the two chamber portions 11a, 11b. The number of spray nozzles 17 can, of course, vary depending on, for example, the desired size of the chambers 11.

[0037] The spraying device and its spray nozzles can operate in any desired manner. For example, the spray nozzles can be controlled to operate through continuous spraying, pulsed spraying, or a program-controlled spray pattern. By changing the extension direction of the nozzle openings and tilting its spray pattern, the spraying device can be adapted to substrates of different widths simply by controlling the number of nozzles that should be operating. Therefore, by making the nozzles variable, the spraying process can be easily adapted to the desired spraying effect.

[0038] In one aspect, a chamber may be provided for fluid application to a piece of material, such as a mesh or strip, the material being configured to pass through the chamber. The chamber includes a fluid applicator for fluid application to the material, an inlet through which the material is fed into the chamber, and an outlet through which the material exits the chamber. It also includes an outlet channel device disposed at the outlet and configured to form an outlet fluid seal for the chamber, and an inlet channel device disposed at the inlet and configured to form an inlet fluid seal for the chamber (not shown). The fluid chamber defines a space that is sealed in an assembled state (e.g., during the application of fluid to the material) so that no fluid can exit the chamber. The seal preferably includes elongated sealing lips disposed at the inlet and outlet, and triangular wall seals disposed at the two triangular walls of the chamber. The sealing lips seal the space between the two chamber portions at the inlet and outlet, while the triangular wall seals seal the space between the two chamber portions at the triangular walls (not shown).

[0039] Finally, although the inventive concept has been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific forms described herein. Rather, the invention is defined only by the appended claims, and other embodiments besides the specific embodiments described above may also fall within the scope of these appended claims.

Claims

1. A spray nozzle device for spraying fluid onto a mesh material (M), the spray nozzle device comprising: The mesh material travels through the chamber (11) in the direction of travel (V); and Multiple valves (16, 16a, 16b, 16c) are disposed within a chamber (11) and configured to spray fluid onto a mesh material (M). Each valve includes a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c) having an elongated opening (17', 17a') extending along an axis (N1, N2). Multiple valves, each including a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c), are spaced apart on a common axis (CA) extending through the center point (CP1, CP2) of each valve. The axis (N1, N2) of each elongated spray nozzle opening is inclined (α) relative to the common axis (CA) of the valve; and Each of the valves, including a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c), is arranged adjacent to each other such that a main spray pattern (SP) is formed on the mesh material (M) traveling in the direction of operation (V) in the chamber (11), wherein the spray pattern (SP1, SP2, SP3) formed by each spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c) overlaps with at least one adjacent spray pattern (SP1, SP2, SP3) formed when the mesh material (M) travels through the chamber (11).

2. The spray nozzle device according to claim 1, wherein each valve, each including a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c), includes a longitudinal axis (V1, V2); wherein the longitudinal axis (V1, V2) and the axis (N1, N2) of the respective spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c) define a plane (P1, P2); and wherein the plane (P1, P2) is inclined (α) relative to the common axis (CA) of the valves.

3. The spray nozzle device according to claim 2, wherein the angle (α) of each axis (N1, N2) and / or each plane (P1, P2) of the elongated spray nozzle opening (17', 17a') relative to the common axis (CA) of the valve is between 10° and 80°.

4. The spray nozzle device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the angle (α) of each axis (N1, N2) and / or each plane (P1, P2) of the elongated spray nozzle opening (17', 17a') relative to the common axis (CA) of the valve is approximately 30°.

5. The spray nozzle device according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein each axis (N1, N2) of the elongated spray nozzle opening (17', 17a') and / or each plane (P1, P2) of the device has the same degree of inclination.

6. The spray nozzle device according to any of the preceding claims further includes a fluid applicator (15) having a plurality of valves, each including a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c), arranged adjacent to each other on a common axis (CA) of the valves.

7. The spray nozzle device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first set of valves, each comprising a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c), is disposed adjacent to each other on a first side (20a) of a first chamber portion (11a) of the chamber (11) and configured to spray fluid toward a first side of the mesh material (M); and wherein a second set of valves, each comprising a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c), is disposed adjacent to each other on a second side (20b) of a second chamber portion (11b) of the chamber (11) and configured to spray fluid toward a second side of the mesh material (M).

8. The spray nozzle device according to claim 7, comprising at least four valves on each side (20a, 20b) of the chamber (11), each valve comprising a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c).

9. The spray nozzle device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the common axis (CA) of the valves is a horizontal axis.

10. The spray nozzle device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of valves, each including a spray nozzle (17, 17a, 17b, 17c), are arranged at equal intervals of 10 to 20 spray nozzles (17, 17a, 17b, 17c) per meter along a common axis (CA) within a chamber (11).

11. A spray unit comprising the spray nozzle device as described in any of the preceding claims.

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