Spraying unit and outlet including a spraying unit, and method of operating the spraying unit

Abstract

SPRAYING UNIT AND OUTLET OPERATION INCLUDING A SPRAYING UNIT, AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SPRAYING UNIT A spraying unit (11) is intended for use in an outlet orifice, particularly in a shower head or tap, to dispense a liquid, particularly water or a water-based mixture. It comprises multiple sprayers (10).Inside: • Each sprayer (10) comprises at least two nozzles (12) arranged to create colliding jets (93) of the liquid and thus create an initial spray (94) of the liquid; • The number of sprayers (10) in the sprayer assembly is at least two; • The sprayers (10) form at least one group (99) of sprayers (10), in which the group (99) comprises all the sprayers (10) that are arranged so that their initial sprays (94) interact with each other; • The number of sprayers (10) in the at least one group is less than ten. Figure for the abstract: none.

Description

Title of the invention: Spraying unit and outlet comprising a spraying unit, and method of operating the spraying unit

[0001] The invention relates to a spraying unit, intended to be used in an outlet orifice to spray a liquid such as water or a water-based mixture, for example in a washing installation such as is used in the field of domestic plumbing installations.

[0002] WO 2004 / 101163 Al (Methven) discloses a shower head with a large number of nozzle pairs, each pair of nozzles creating opposing jets of water to produce a water spray. The shower head is intended to operate well over a pressure range of 25 to 1000 kPa, i.e., from 0.25 to 10 bar. However, there is no disclosure whose physical dimensions correspond to a particular pressure or pressure range. The nozzle outlet opening is between 0.8 and 1 millimeter. The nozzles are formed between two plates placed against each other. The nozzles are oriented to have an angle between 40° and 140°. The nozzles of a pair of nozzles are arranged to collide with an overlap of 20% to 80%, i.e., they are designed to be misaligned. The objective of this reduced crossbreeding is to provide improved spraying characteristics.If the overlap is close to 100%, a fine spray may be produced, which is considered undesirable. The nozzle pairs can be arranged in concentric rings. Each ring of nozzles is offset from the adjacent ring by half a pitch angle to reduce interference between spray patterns. Given the nozzle dimensions and the relatively large number of nozzle pairs (30 or more), the total flow rate is relatively high.

[0003] US 8458826 discloses an outlet for a shower or faucet in which water is delivered at a low flow rate and high pressure, typically exceeding 10 bar, by means of opposing jets. Contrary to the above-cited WO 2004 / 101163 A1, only one or two pairs of nozzles are sufficient for an outlet in a showerhead. A good washing experience—that is, a sensation of full water flow and good rinsing despite the low flow rate—is achieved by atomizing the water by means of the colliding jets, which is in turn a result of the high pressure.

[0004] WO 2011 / 054120 Al discloses, for example in embodiments according to Figures 4 to 6 and Figures 20 to 23, cartridges for generating a spray of a liquid, such as water or a water-based mixture, from colliding jets. Such cartridges can be integrated units for atomizing and spraying such a liquid, a water-based mixture, by means of opposing jets of the liquid under high pressure.

[0005] WO 2019 / 233958 Al discloses a cartridge intended for use in a shower head or tap, comprising an assembly of at least two nozzles arranged to create colliding jets of liquid and thus create a spray of liquid droplets, and a spray shaping element to guide the spray. The spray shaping element may be in the form of a hollow cylinder.

[0006] # A nozzle diameter is disclosed as being from 0.8 to 1.5 or 2 millimeters, of a preference of approximately 1.3 millimeters.

[0007] # An angle between the longitudinal axes of the nozzles is 90° + / - 20°.

[0008] # A distance between a point of collision of the jets and a forward surface (which is approximately equal to the length of the spray shaping element) is greater than 14 or 17 or 20 millimeters, and in particular less than 30 or 25 or 22 millimeters.

[0009] # A maximum distance between the rear end of the shaping element spray and the front surface is greater than 18 or 21 or 24 millimeters, and in particular less than 33 or 28 or 25 millimeters.

[0010] # An inner diameter of the spray shaping element is 10 to 18 millimeters, preferably 14 millimeters.

[0011] WO 2019 / 233958 Al also discloses the operating principles of generating a spray of a liquid by opposing jets and of forming the spray by means of the spray shaping element.

[0012] The effects of these sprays generated by opposing jets include good wetting and rinsing of surfaces, due to the presence of small droplets, and a pleasant washing experience in the case of a shower or tap. These effects are combined with reduced liquid usage, particularly of water.

[0013] It is necessary to achieve such effects over a wider range of operating conditions and / or to increase the versatility of sprayers using opposed jets and / or to increase water savings compared to existing outlet orifices.

[0014] The following terms are used: An outlet orifice includes one or more atomizers. An atomizer includes, for example, an assembly of nozzles with two or more nozzles to create opposing jets of liquid. Unlike the sprayers usually used in showers, an atomizer generates a stream of a mixture of air and microscopic liquid droplets rather than macroscopic droplets. An outlet can be part of a faucet, or it can be a shower head attached to a handle, or a shower head permanently installed at the end of a pipe or embedded in a wall. An outlet is therefore a unit that can be transported, handled, and installed as a single unit, unlike a shower installation: A shower installation may include several shower heads, arranged, for example, at the top and in the side walls of a shower enclosure, with additional plumbing supplying water to the shower heads.

[0015] The invention has the potential object of providing a more versatile spraying unit with respect to its application and / or range of operating conditions and / or its liquid or water savings, and a corresponding outlet comprising a sprayer, particularly for use in a washing device in a domestic plumbing installation or in a shower or a portable handwashing unit. Another possible object is to provide a method for operating the spraying unit.

[0016] At least some of these objects are made by a spraying unit and an outlet orifice comprising a spraying unit, and a method of operating the spraying unit.

[0017] The spray unit is intended for use in an outlet, in particular in a shower head or tap, to dispense a liquid, in particular water or a water-based mixture, comprising an assembly of sprayers,

[0018] # each sprayer comprising a set of at least two arranged nozzles to create colliding jets of liquid and thus create an initial spray of the liquid, and

[0019] # in which the number of sprayers in the set of sprayers is of at least two, in particular of at least three.

[0020] Inside

[0021] # the sprayers form at least one group of sprayers, in which the The group includes all sprayers that are arranged so that their initial sprays interact with each other.

[0022] # in which the number of sprayers in at least one group is less than ten.

[0023] This allows for the design of spray characteristics for a group spray generated by the group and, if the spraying unit comprises more than one group, for a total spray of the spraying unit. The objective is to obtain a liquid spray with finely dispersed or atomized droplets, at low fluid pressure and low flow rate. It is possible to optimize the sprayers To provide such a spray (called primary spray in the context of the present invention), which tends to be small and have a flow rate insufficient for many applications, simply increasing the number of sprayers would increase the total flow rate. However, arranging the sprayers to form groups, and their arrangement so that their initial sprays interact, allows the spray characteristics of a group spray to be controlled solely by varying the group parameters. It is not necessary to modify the parameters of the sprayers themselves, which have been optimized for the fluid to be sprayed. The problem of optimizing the sprayers and generating the desired total spray is thus decoupled and can be solved separately.

[0024] A group comprising all sprayers arranged so that their initial sprays interact with each other means that a sprayer is part of the group if its initial spray interacts with the initial spray of at least one other sprayer in the group. Conversely, a sprayer is not part of a group if its initial spray does not interact with any of the initial sprays in the group.

[0025] The initial sprays from two sprayers in a group can be arranged to collide and interact with each other, creating a combined spray. For more than two sprayers forming a group, the combined sprays generated by pairs of sprayers together form a group spray. Characteristics of the combined spray and the group spray include the degree of spray deployment (spreading versus concentrated spraying), or, in other words, the distribution of the spray density over an area covered by the combined and group sprays. If more than one group is present, the sum of all the group sprays is called the total spray.

[0026] The intentional arrangement of sprayers so that their initial sprays interact with each other is contrary to WO 2004 / 101163 A1 initially cited, which teaches that nozzle pairs should be arranged to reduce interference between sprays. It also teaches that the nozzles of a nozzle pair should collide with an overlap of 20% to 80%, in order to avoid creating a fine spray.

[0027] In embodiments, each sprayer comprises exactly two nozzles, and wherein each of the nozzles comprises a longitudinal nozzle axis and the nozzle axes of the two nozzles lie in a common plane, called the nozzle plane, and wherein a bisecting plane of the sprayer lies at right angles to the nozzle plane and comprises a bisecting line between the nozzle axes.

[0028] Since the nozzle axes of the two nozzles lie in a common plane, the jets from the nozzles completely overlap. That is, the overlap of the two jets is 100%. This is a target overlap value, whereas in reality it may be slightly lower due to manufacturing imperfections. In some embodiments, the overlap is not perfect, and the nozzle axes are parallel but slightly offset, in opposite directions, from the nozzle plane.

[0029] The fact that the nozzles are located in a common plane means that, in each sprayer, the initial spray created by the colliding jets begins as an initial sheet of liquid in the bisecting plane. The initial sheets of liquid from two of the sprayers in a group can be arranged to collide and interact with each other, creating a combined spray. The sheets have a defined orientation, determined by the orientation of the nozzle pair. The distance between the sprayers and the relative orientation of two or more sheets allows control over the interaction of the sheets and the characteristics of the resulting combined spray, and furthermore, of the group spray and the total spray.

[0030] In embodiments, for each sprayer, either it is in fact

[0031] that the sprayer is free of solid parts that affect the spraying initial after a point at which the colliding jets collide, i.e.

[0032] # that the sprayer includes a sheet former, a sheet former being a spray shaping element that is shaped to form the initial spray into a flat shape or to maintain a flat shape of an initial spray.

[0033] It is understood that the liquid sheet, after decomposition into droplets, can still be called a sheet, that is to say a sheet of droplets.

[0034] It is understood that in "after a point where the colliding jets collide", "after" is understood to be viewed in a direction of flow of the liquid.

[0035] Thus, in some embodiments, the sprayer does not include a spray shaping element. Unlike embodiments that have a spray shaping element, in embodiments without a spray shaping element, spray directionality can be achieved with a relatively small half-angle, resulting in a greater spray impulse in the direction of its axis.

[0036] In embodiments, for at least one group, in particular for all groups, it is in fact that the group is a ring-shaped arrangement of sprayers around a common central point, and for each sprayer in the group it is in fact that the center of the sprayer is away from the common central point by a distance Rc,

[0037] in which the distance Rc is between one and twenty times a collision distance De, the collision distance being the distance from the outlet of each nozzle to the point of collision of the colliding jets, in particular between 1.5 times and ten times, in particular between two and six times the collision distance De,

[0038] in particular in which the distance Rc is between three mm and fifty mm, in particular between four mm and thirty mm, in particular between five mm and twenty mm.

[0039] The distance Rc does not necessarily have to be the same for each sprayer in the group. In a group, there may be a first subset of sprayers for which Rc is the same, and a second subset for which Rc is the same, but different from Rc of the first subset.

[0040] The fact that the sprayers in a group are relatively close to each other allows the initial sprays from different sprayers to interact at a point in their trajectory where they are concentrated and the kinetic energy of the liquid is still relatively high. This increases the mixing and homogenization of the combined spray, and / or its concentration. In other words, it is possible to obtain a higher spray force and tonicity than if the sprayers were separated by a greater distance. It also becomes possible to have an increased spray force at the point of interaction of the initial sprays.

[0041] In embodiments, for at least one group, in particular for all groups, it is a fact that for each sprayer in the group, the center of the sprayer is located away from the center of the nearest other sprayer by a distance Rs,

[0042] in which the distance Rs is between one and twenty times a collision distance De, the collision distance being the distance from the outlet of each nozzle to the point of collision of the colliding jets, in particular between 1.5 times and ten times, in particular between two and six times the collision distance De,

[0043] in particular in which the distance Rs is between three mm and fifty mm, in particular between four mm and thirty mm, in particular between five mm and twenty mm.

[0044] In embodiments, for each of the sprayers in a group, its bisecting plane intersects the bisecting plane of at least one other sprayer,

[0045] in particular in which the bisecting planes are oriented to form a symmetrical pattern.

[0046] This allows the shape of the combined spray and the group spray to be defined by arranging the geometry of the bisecting planes with respect to each other.

[0047] In embodiments, there is no point where more than two bisecting planes intersect. This avoids the intersection of more than two planes at a single location, and avoids thus an uncontrollable or chaotic combination that can occur when three or more layers interact.

[0048] In embodiments, for each of the sprayers in a group, it is a fact that an angle g between its bisecting plane and a line connecting the center of the sprayer to a common central point is ninety degrees,

[0049] or in which the angle is between ten and ninety degrees, in particular between twenty and eighty degrees, in particular between forty-five and seventy degrees.

[0050] A variation of the angle g makes it possible to adapt the geometry and other characteristics of the group spraying and / or the total spraying without changing the optimized parameters of the sprayers themselves.

[0051] In embodiments, the sprayers 10 have at least one of the following parameters:

[0052] # nozzle diameter D2 of sprayers: between 0.3 and 1 mm, in particular between 0.4 and 0.9 mm, in particular 0.6 mm;

[0053] # half-angle a between nozzles: between 5° and 55°, in particular between 15° and 45°, in in particular at least about 25°;

[0054] # number of nozzles: two.

[0055] These parameters represent embodiments well suited to the creation, at low pressure and low flow rate by sprayer, of an atomized sheet of water or a liquid of similar characteristics.

[0056] A relatively small angle has the effect of directing the spray generated by the opposing jets forwards. This offers greater efficiency in droplet formation compared to larger angles.

[0057] Examples of operating pressures and corresponding flow rates for these parameters, per sprayer:

[0058] With a nozzle diameter D2 = 0.6 mm:

[0059] # 1 bar: 0.4 liters / min

[0060] # 2 bars: 0.6 liters / min

[0061] # 3 bars: 0.7 liters / min

[0062] # 5 bars: 0.9 liters / min

[0063] With a nozzle diameter D2 = 0.3 mm:

[0064] # 1 bar: 0.1 liter / min

[0065] # 5 bars: 0.2 liters / min

[0066] With a nozzle diameter D2 = 1 mm:

[0067] # 1 bar: 1 litre / min

[0068] # 5 bars: 2.5 liters / min

[0069] A group flow rate for a group, or a total flow rate of a spraying unit, is obtained by multiplying the above flow rates by the corresponding number of sprayers.

[0070] In some embodiments, the multiple spray nozzles in a group are oriented in the same direction. This allows the combined spray to be concentrated in a given direction. This is useful, for example, in professional hair care applications, where the combined spray must be concentrated on a client's scalp and where it is necessary to avoid spraying or splashing other areas.

[0071] In embodiments, it is in fact that at least some of the sprayers on the periphery of a group, or all of the sprayers in a group are inclined, with an offset angle b with respect to a main longitudinal axis of the group, so that the longitudinal axes of these sprayers diverge from the main longitudinal axis, in particular in which the offset angle b is between 2° or 4° and 10°, in particular between 3° and 7°, in particular by at least about 3°,

[0072] This makes it possible to create a group spray that spreads over a larger area than if the sprayers were oriented in the same direction.

[0073] Typically, the sprayers in a group have the same parameters. It may happen that a first subset of the sprayers has one combination of parameters and that a second subset has a second combination of parameters.

[0074] In some embodiments, the spraying unit comprises two or more groups.

[0075] This makes it possible to create a total spray from several group sprays, in which the character of each group spray can be optimized to have a desired characteristic.

[0076] In embodiments, the spraying unit comprises, in addition to at least one group, at least one shaping sprayer, a shaping sprayer being a sprayer that has a spray shaping element to guide the initial spray, the spray shaping element being a cavity through which the spray passes and through which the initial spray is formed before exiting the shaping sprayer. Within this cavity, the spraying unit comprises a ring of shaping sprayers surrounding one or more groups.

[0077] This allows for the creation of a total spray pattern that includes the sprays from the shaping sprayers. The sprays from the shaping sprayers constrain the spray pattern of the other sprayers and thus prevent group spraying or sprays from deviating excessively.

[0078] In embodiments, the spraying unit has at least one of the following parameters:

[0079] # diameter D of the spraying unit: between 5 and 200 mm, in particular between 10 and 100 mm, in particular between 25 and 50 mm;

[0080] # total number of sprayers in the spraying unit, including the grouped sprayers and sprayers with spray formation elements: between 3 and 50, in particular between 5 and 30, in particular between 10 and 20.

[0081] The corresponding embodiments represent spraying units which create a group spray or a total spray with a defined characteristic, with small overall dimensions.

[0082] In embodiments, in each of the sprayers, the sprayer nozzles are arranged to enter a dome-shaped structure.

[0083] The dome-shaped structure allows the nozzles to be arranged so that they pass through a wall of the dome with a well-defined geometry of the nozzles that can be manufactured with precision.

[0084] In some embodiments, the spraying unit comprises a plurality of sprayers arranged to form a ring of sprayers, and so close to each other that hollow or dome-shaped structures, to which the nozzles of each sprayer lead, combine to form a circular groove in the front surface of the spraying unit. This makes it possible to create a dense spray of interacting sheets without a lower limit to the proximity of the sprayers imposed by the size of the domes.

[0085] In embodiments, the sprayers of the sprayer assembly are formed in one piece, in particular in one piece comprising a single component or comprising two or more components molded together, in particular in which at least one component is made of a plastic material or a metallic material.

[0086] This allows them to be mass-produced by simple means. It also eliminates the need to assemble multiple sprayers for use in a single outlet. The nozzles can be shaped during the molding process of the spray unit, or they can be created subsequently within the molded spray unit. In some embodiments, several of these spray units are combined in a single outlet, such as a shower head. Such an outlet comprises an outlet body that can be used as a handle, with a conduit leading from an outlet supply section with an outlet supply fitting to a spray unit or shower head connection section. The shower head comprises two or more spray units, each equipped with of a set of sprayers. The spray units can be attached to the shower head, for example, by screwing, snapping, gluing, welding, etc.

[0087] In embodiments, the following combination of parameters is implemented in one or more groups:

[0088] # number of sprayers in the group: between two and nine;

[0089] # distance of each sprayer from a common central point of the group: between three mm and fifty mm, in particular between four mm and thirty mm, in particular between five mm and twenty mm;

[0090] # for each sprayer, an angle g between its bisecting plane and a line connecting the center of the sprayer at a common central point is ninety degrees, or in which the angle is between ten and ninety degrees, in particular between twenty and eighty degrees, in particular between forty-five and seventy degrees;

[0091] # nozzle diameter D2 of sprayers: between 0.4 and 1 mm, in particular between 0.3 and 0.9 mm, in particular 0.6 mm;

[0092] # half-angle a between nozzles: between 5° and 55°, in particular between 15° and 45°, in in particular at least about 25°.

[0093] The method consists of operating the spraying unit described herein to distribute a liquid, in particular water or a water-based mixture. The method includes the steps of supplying the liquid to the spraying unit with a pressure between 0.5 bar and 1.5 bar or 2 bar or 3 bar, in particular at least about 1 bar, and with a resulting flow rate of between 0.1 and 0.4 liters per minute in each sprayer, and more particularly, with a flow rate in each sprayer of at least about 0.1 liters per minute at a pressure of 0.5 bar.

[0094] The outlet orifice may be, in particular, a shower head or a tap. It includes the spray unit described herein, comprising an outlet orifice body with a conduit leading from an outlet orifice supply section to a spray unit connection section to which the spray unit is attached.

[0095] In some embodiments, one or more or all of the sprayers include an associated spray shaping element to guide the spray, the spray shaping element being a cavity through which the spray passes before exiting the spraying unit. Preferably, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the sprayers and the spray shaping elements. Typically, the cavity is empty, that is, it is free of internal obstructions that would otherwise affect the spray, with the exception of a peripheral side wall for shaping said spray.

[0096] The nozzles have longitudinal axes, coaxial with the jets generated by the nozzles. A set of nozzles generates a spray that has a longitudinal axis or a spray axis, which is the principal direction of the spray. It is This axis, which usually also intersects the axes of the nozzles, is also called the longitudinal axis of the sprayer. Typically, the spray shaping element is arranged with its longitudinal axis, which is usually also its axis of symmetry, to coincide with the spray axis and thus the longitudinal axis of the sprayer. The complete spray unit has a main longitudinal axis, which is the longitudinal axis of the total spray pattern generated by all the sprayers in the spray unit. The longitudinal axes of the sprayers may all be parallel to the main longitudinal axis, or at least some of them may form an angle with it.

[0097] In some embodiments, the sprayers in the sprayer assembly are not formed from a single piece. That is, they are formed or assembled from two or more separate parts. In this case, they may be fixed to one another inseparably, for example by welding or bonding. Or they may be fixed separately to one another, that is, they are designed to be disassembled and reassembled. In other words, the spraying unit is not formed from a single piece.

[0098] The sprayers can operate at a lower pressure, for example, about one bar or even less. The flow rate of each individual sprayer is lower, but combining multiple sprayers makes it possible to obtain the required total flow rate.

[0099] Given this ability to operate at lower pressures, the design and manufacturing process of a spray unit operating at a particular pressure, such as approximately one bar, can be optimized for mass production. The spray unit can be used over a wide pressure range by combining it with a pressure-reducing element.

[0100] The distribution of the flow over multiple sprayers can be used to approximate the sensation of a traditional shower, while retaining the water-saving advantage of opposed jets.

[0101] Furthermore, since the individual sprayers can be smaller, and in particular their spray-shaping elements can be shortened, the overall thickness of the spray unit can be less than in existing solutions. This offers greater freedom when designing an outlet, for example, for a shower head.

[0102] The general shape of the spraying unit can be that of a flat plate, preferably with parallel front and rear surfaces. The sprayers are arranged to guide the liquid from the side with the rear surface through the spraying unit to the side with the front surface.

[0103] In some embodiments, the spraying unit has the shape of a curved plate, preferably with parallel front and rear surfaces. In some embodiments In terms of design, one of the front and rear surfaces of the plates is flat, and the other has a convex or concave shape.

[0104] Depending on the requirements of a specific application, the characteristics of a spraying unit can be adapted by varying the number of sprayers and their individual characteristics. A design using a plurality of small sprayers rather than a single sprayer allows for greater variability in the properties of the combined set of sprayers implemented by the spraying unit. For example, the sprayers can be optimized for a given water pressure, and the number of sprayers can be chosen based on a desired total flow rate. The shape of a group spray or a total spray generated by combining multiple sprayers can be controlled by varying the arrangement of the sprayers, particularly by grouping them together.

[0105] In embodiments, for sprayers comprising a spray shaping element, the distance between a point where the jets collide and an outlet orifice of the spray shaping element, this distance, called the length of the spray shaping element Ls, is between three and twenty millimeters, in particular between three and ten millimeters, in particular between three and seven millimeters, in particular between four and five millimeters. In embodiments, in each of the sprayers, an inside diameter Ds of the spray shaping element is between one and a half and fourteen millimeters, in particular between two and eight millimeters, in particular between two and four millimeters.The aspect ratio between the length and the inner diameter of the spray shaping element can be relatively large, for example, with a length twice the inner diameter or even more. Such high aspect ratios result in a relatively concentrated spray, as opposed to a spray that expands rapidly. This is particularly advantageous for professional hair care applications. Experiments have shown that in such applications, droplet rebound from the scalp and hair is less than with larger, less concentrated sprayers.

[0106] Since the absolute dimensions of the individual spray shaping elements can be chosen to be relatively small, the aspect ratio can be achieved with a relatively short length of the spray shaping element and therefore of the entire sprayer and spraying unit. Combining several sprayers makes it possible to obtain the required total flow rate and the desired group or total spray.

[0107] Given that the absolute dimensions of the various sprayers are relatively small, the distance from the outlet of each nozzle to the point of collision of the The collision area of ​​the jets is smaller. This makes it easier to align the jets so they meet precisely, thus reducing manufacturing tolerances.

[0108] In some embodiments, the shape of the nozzles is such that, with the liquid supplied to the spraying unit at a pressure between 0.5 bar and 1.5 bar, or 2 bar or 3 bar, in particular at least about 1 bar, the resulting flow rate is between 0.1 and 0.4 liters per minute in each sprayer. In some embodiments, the number of sprayers is such that, given this pressure, the total flow rate is between 1 and 10 liters per minute, in particular between 3 and 6 liters per minute, in particular at least about 4 liters per minute.

[0109] Certain details of spray units as described herein are disclosed in unpublished priority application CH 000439 / 2024 filed on 23 / 04 / 2024. Spray units comprising sprayers having spray-shaping elements are disclosed in unpublished application CH 000954 / 2023 filed on 04 / 09 / 2023. Spray units according to the two aforementioned applications are designed for use in an outlet, in particular in a showerhead or tap, to dispense a liquid, in particular water or a water-based mixture.Such a spraying unit comprises a set of sprayers, each sprayer comprising a set of at least two, in particular exactly two, nozzles arranged to create colliding jets of the liquid and thus create a spray of droplets of the liquid, and wherein the number of sprayers in the set of sprayers is at least three, wherein the sprayers in the set of sprayers are formed of a single piece or are assembled from two or more separate pieces.

[0110] Other embodiments emerge from the dependent patent claims. Features of the process claims can be combined with features of the device claims and vice versa.

[0111] The object of the invention will be explained in more detail in the following text with reference to examples of embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which schematically show:

[0112] [Fig 1A-1B] Figures la-lb - a sprayer assembly 11 with a group 99 comprising four sprayers 10;

[0113] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] - a sheet 94 generated by jets 93 of fluid;

[0114] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] - parameters of a nozzle 12;

[0115] [Fig 4A-4B] Figures 4a-4b - elements and dimensions of a sprayer 10;

[0116] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] - a sprayer assembly 11 with a group 99 comprising three 10 sprayers;

[0117] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] - spray patterns of a group 99 with sprayers 10 closely spaced;

[0118] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] - spray patterns with sprayers 10 further apart;

[0119] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] - spraying units 11 with groups 99 comprising different sprayer arrangements 10;

[0120] [Fig 9-10] Figures 9-10 - groups 99 surrounded by sprayers 10 having spray shaping elements 84;

[0121] [Fig.11] [Fig.11] - a cross-sectional view of a sprayer 10 with a spray shaping element 84;

[0122] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] - a spray unit 11 with multiple groups 99;

[0123] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] - a spraying unit 11 with sprayers 10 which cut;

[0124] [Fig 14-15] Figures 14-15 - spray patterns for different twist angles;

[0125] [Fig.16] [Fig.16] - an outlet orifice 7 comprising a spraying unit 11.

[0126] In principle, identical or functionally identical parts are given the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0127] Figures 1a-1b show a first embodiment of a spray unit 11 in front view and in cross-sectional view. The spray unit 11 can be used in an outlet of a shower head, faucet, or other type of liquid dispenser. It comprises a number of individual sprayers 10 formed in a single body, typically made of molded plastic, with one or more mold components. In other embodiments, the sprayers 10 are formed in a single body of a metallic material. The spray unit 11 generally has a cylindrical shape, with a front surface 88 and a rear surface 89 that are generally circular. The spray unit 11 may include an indexing element 17, such as a key or a keyway, to ensure assembly in a desired orientation.

[0128] One or more spray units 11 are installed in an outlet such as a shower head. A liquid, in particular water, is guided into a volume facing the rear surface 89. Each sprayer 10 comprises two nozzles 12 through which the passage of the liquid is forced, creating colliding jets.

[0129] Figure 2 schematically shows the structure of a liquid sheet created by the colliding jets 93 of a sprayer. The nozzles 12 are arranged so that the nozzle axes 12a intersect, defining a collision point at the intersection. The nozzle axes 12a lie in a common plane, or nozzle plane, and consequently define a bisecting line between the two nozzle axes and in the nozzle plane. The bisecting line coincides with a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the sprayer. Half the angle between the jets 93 is denoted by α (alpha). The colliding jets 93 create a thin sheet 94 of liquid. At a certain distance from the collision point, the sheet decomposes into a spray of droplets (not shown). The water table 94 is located in a bisecting plane or water table plane of the sprayer 10. The spray of droplets remains in or near the bisecting plane.

[0130] A radius at which the center of a sprayer 10 is far from a common central point is designated by Rc. An angle between the bisecting plane and a line connecting the center of the sprayer 10 to the common central point is designated by g (gamma), called the angle of twist.

[0131] Fig. 3 schematically shows the main parameters describing the shape of a nozzle 12. The nozzle 12 is shaped into a nozzle assembly body 9 of a sprayer 10 of a spraying unit 11 as described herein.

[0132] The nozzle 12 is arranged in the nozzle assembly body 9 so that a liquid, typically water or a water-based mixture, flows - in this order - from an inlet orifice 1 through a converging section 2, a throat 3 and an outlet orifice 6. After leaving the outlet orifice 6, the liquid can flow, as a first jet of liquid, into a recess forming a rear end of a spray shaping element 85 of a spray shaping element 84. There it can collide with a second jet of liquid and form a spray.

[0133] In the converging section 2, a nozzle diameter is reduced from a first diameter DI to a second diameter D2. The surface may have a smooth, rounded transition between the converging section 2 and the neck 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the converging section 2, in radial section, follows at least approximately a quarter circle that extends smoothly into an outer surface of the nozzle assembly 9 on one side, and smoothly into the neck 3 on the other side. The converging section 2 has a first length LL. The neck 3 has a second length L2. The total length of the nozzle is the sum of L1 and L2. The total length is at least 1.5 times D2; typically, the total length is twice D2.

[0134] The diameter D2 in the neck 3 - generally called the diameter or hydraulic diameter of the nozzle - corresponds to the diameter of the water jet after exiting the nozzle 12 under ideal conditions, i.e. with a laminar flow and no divergence of the liquid after exiting the discontinuity 5 and the nozzle outlet orifice 6, for example caused by adhesion.

[0135] Typical values ​​of D2 are between 0.4 and 1 mm, in particular between 0.3 and 0.9 mm, in particular 0.6 mm.

[0136] The nozzle assembly body 9 is typically made from a plastic material which is the same as the material of the spray unit assembly 11.

[0137] Figures 4a-4b show further details and parameters of a sprayer 10 in a spraying unit 11. The sprayer 10 is free of elements that affect The sprayer after the point of collision. In other words, it does not include a spray shaping element as shown in [Fig. 11]. Figure 4a is a detailed view showing just a single sprayer. Figure 4b is the same and shows the dimensions.

[0138] The arrangement of the sprayers 10 in the plane of the spraying unit 11 can be as in any of the embodiments shown in the remaining figures. The point of collision of the jets, defined by the intersection of the longitudinal axes of the nozzles 12, is located approximately near or in front of the front surface 88. A distance from the outlet of each nozzle to the point of collision of the colliding jets shall be designated as the collision distance De. The spray created by the colliding jets does not interact with a solid body that is part of the spraying unit 11, as would be the case if a spray shaping element 84 were present.In each sprayer 10, the nozzles 12 are arranged in the nozzle assembly body 9 which forms at least approximately part of a dome, with an inner dome surface 91 oriented towards the spraying direction, and an outer dome surface 92 oriented in the opposite direction, i.e. in the same direction as the rear surface 89.

[0139] In order to obtain a wider shape of a group spray 96 or a total spray 97, the multiple sprayers are not oriented in the same direction. Instead, at least some sprayers 10 at the periphery of a group 99 or of the spraying unit 11 are inclined, with an offset angle b of the longitudinal axis of the respective sprayers 10 with respect to a main longitudinal axis of the spraying unit 11, so that the longitudinal axes of these sprayers diverge from the main longitudinal axis.

[0140] A diameter Ddl of the inner surface of dome 91 can be approximately 3 mm. In some embodiments, Ddl is equal to, or at least nearly identical to, the collision distance De. A diameter Dd2 of the outer surface of dome 92 can be approximately 5 mm. A radius of a transition surface in the convergent section 2 between the outer surface of dome 92 and the throat 3 of each nozzle 12 can be approximately 0.4 mm.

[0141] Figures 5 to 7 show how the spray patterns can be controlled in a group 99 of sprayers 10 by varying the arrangement of the sprayers 10 without necessarily varying the parameters of the sprayers 10 themselves. [Fig. 5] shows a spraying unit 11 with a single group 99 comprising three sprayers 10. The sprayers 10 are oriented so that their nozzle planes intersect at the central point of the group 99 (as seen in a projection onto a plane parallel to a plane in which the spraying unit 11 extends). A Conversely, the bisecting planes of the 10 sprayers run in tangential directions.

[0142] Figure 6 shows spray patterns resulting from a relatively close arrangement of the sprayers 10. One form of the resulting spray pattern is schematically represented by ideal cross-sectional shapes in a plane parallel to the plane in which the spraying unit 11 extends. In other words, these planes are normal to a principal longitudinal axis of the spraying unit 11. The planes in which the shapes are shown are at increasing distances from the spraying unit 11. This is consistent with the fact that as the distance increases,

[0143] # First, the jets 93 from the nozzles 12 interact to create sheets 94 of liquid,

[0144] # then these sheets 94 interact to create combined sprays 95,

[0145] # which in turn interact to create a group 96 spray.

[0146] If several groups 99 are present (not shown), their sprays combine to form a total spray 97 of the spray unit 11. If only one group 99 is present, then the group spray 96 is identical to the total spray 97.

[0147] In the embodiment of [Fig. 6], the sprayers 10 are close to each other. The paired intersection of the spray patterns 94 creates combined sprays 95 that overlap at a relatively short distance from the spraying unit 11. Consequently, the group spray 96 is a concentrated and dense spray.

[0148] In the embodiment of [Fig. 7], the sprayers 10 are further apart. The paired intersection of the spray patterns 94 creates combined sprays 95 that do not initially overlap. As the combined sprays 95, at an increasing distance from the spraying unit 11, are deployed, they form a wider and less dense group spray 96, compared to that of [Fig. 6]. The less dense a spray is, the lower its tonicity.

[0149] Figure 8 shows spraying units 11 with groups 99 having five, six, and seven sprayers 10. In three of these, the centers of the sprayers 10 lie on a circle of radius Rc around a common central point of the group 99. In the third, the centers of the sprayers 10 are located at different distances Rc from the common center of the group. In all of these, the sprayers 10 are oriented so that their bisecting planes are tangent to a circle around the common central point, or at an angle (torsion angle) g of 90° with respect to a line connecting the center of the sprayer to the common central point.

[0150] Figures 9 and 10 show spray units 11 in which a group 99 is surrounded by sprayers 10, each comprising a spray shaping element 84, which is a cavity guiding and shaping the respective spray. Figure 11 shows a section of such a sprayer 10 having a spray shaping element 84. The spray shaping element 84 may be a cylindrical volume. At one outer end of the spray shaping element 84, it terminates in a flow guide edge 86. Viewed in longitudinal section, the flow guide edge 86 has an acute angle Phil with respect to the front surface 88. This prevents the spray from adhering to the surface of the spray shaping element 84 as it passes over the front surface 88.The nozzle assembly bodies 9, approximately dome-shaped with inlets to the nozzles 12, are each part of an individual sprayer 10. The nozzle assembly bodies 9 protrude from the rear surface 89 of the spraying unit 11. A length Ls and a diameter Ds of the spray shaping elements 84 are indicated.

[0151] In some embodiments, the spray-shaping element 84 is shaped to form the initial spray 94 so that it has a flat shape or to maintain a flat shape of an initial spray or a sheet 94. Such a spray-shaping element 84 shall be called a sheet-shaping element. For this purpose, it may have an elongated cross-section, for example, an oval cross-section, viewed in projection along the longitudinal direction 84 of the spray-shaping element. In the embodiment of [Fig. 11], this would mean that in a direction normal to the plane of the section, the spray-shaping element 84 would be significantly wider than the value of Ds.

[0152] Fig. 12 shows a spraying unit 11 with multiple groups 99 of sprayers 10.

[0153] Fig. 13 shows a spraying unit 11 in which the sprayers 10 are so close to each other that their inner dome surfaces 91 overlap. With sufficient overlap, a continuous groove can be formed along the circumference of the circle on which the sprayers 10 are arranged.

[0154] Figures 14 and 15 show the variations in the angle of twist. In the embodiment of [Fig. 14], the angle of twist is only slightly smaller, resulting in a spray pattern similar to that of [Fig. 6] (for all other parameters being the same), but with a different distribution of the spray density within the group spray. In the embodiment of [Fig. 15], the angle of twist is such that each layer 94 contains the longitudinal axis of an adjacent sprayer 10. The angle of twist provides another parameter which allows control of the overall shape and distribution of the spray density of the group spray (i.e. its homogeneity or inhomogeneity).

[0155] For example, a group spray or a total spray may include a combination of concentrated high-density regions to erode the material and low-density regions to rinse the eroded material.

[0156] In some embodiments, the sprayers 10 in a group all have the same angle of twist. The angle of twist can be between 90° and 0°. In some embodiments, it is between 30° and 60°.

[0157] Figure 16 shows an outlet orifice 7 for use with a spray unit 11 as described above. The outlet orifice 7 comprises an outlet body 73 with a conduit 75 leading from an outlet feed section 71b with an outlet feed fitting 71 to a spray unit connection section 72b to which the spray unit 11 is attached. The connection is not shown in detail; it may be made by screwing, snap-fitting, gluing, welding, etc. A pressure reducing valve 76 (shown schematically only) may be present. It reduces the pressure at the feed section 71b to a standard operating pressure of the spray unit 11. Consequently, the flow rate through the spray unit 11 is largely independent of the pressure at the feed section 71b.

[0158] Although the invention has been described in the present embodiments, it is clearly understood that the invention is not limited to them, but can be otherwise embodied and put into practice in various ways within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A spray unit (11) for use in an outlet, particularly in a shower head or faucet, for dispensing a liquid, particularly water or a water-based mixture, comprising an assembly of sprayers (10), each sprayer (10) comprising an assembly of at least two nozzles (12) arranged to create colliding jets (93) of the liquid and thus create an initial spray (94) of the liquid, and wherein the number of sprayers (10) in the assembly of sprayers is at least two, in particular at least three, characterized in that the sprayers (10) form at least one group (99) of sprayers (10), wherein the group (99) comprises all the sprayers (10) that are arranged so that their initial sprays (94) interact with each other, wherein the number of sprayers (10) in the at least one group is less than ten.

2. Spraying unit (11) according to claim 1, wherein each sprayer (10) comprises exactly two nozzles (12), and wherein each of the nozzles (12) comprises a longitudinal nozzle axis (12a) and the nozzle axes (12a) of the two nozzles (12) lie in a common plane, called the nozzle plane, and wherein a bisecting plane of the spray (10) lies at right angles to the nozzle plane and comprises a bisecting line between the nozzle axes (12a).

3. Spray unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for each sprayer (10), either it is in fact # that the sprayer (10) is free of solid parts which affect the initial spray (94) after a point where the colliding jet (93) collides, or # that the sprayer (10) comprises a sheet-shaping element, a sheet-shaping element being a spray-shaping element (84) which is shaped to form the initial spray (94) so ​​that it has a flat shape or to maintain a flat shape of an initial spray (94).

4. Spray unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for at least one group (99), in particular for all groups (99), it is in fact that the group (99) is a ring-type arrangement of sprayers (10) around a common central point, and for each sprayer (10) of the group (99), it is in fact that the center of the sprayer (10) is away from the common central point by a distance Rc, in which the distance Rc is between one and twenty times a collision distance De, the collision distance being the distance from the outlet of each nozzle (12) to the collision point of the colliding jets (93), in particular between 1.5 times and ten times, in particular between two and six times the collision distance De, in particular in which the distance Rc is between three mm and fifty mm, in particular between four mm and thirty mm, in particular between five mm and twenty mm.

5. Spraying unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for at least one group (99), in particular for all groups (99), it is in fact that for each sprayer (10) of the group (99), the center of the sprayer (10) is separated from the center of the nearest other sprayer (10) by a distance Rs, wherein the distance Rs is between one and twenty times a collision distance De, the collision distance being the distance from the outlet of each nozzle (12) to the point of collision of the colliding jets (93), in particular between 1.5 times and ten times, in particular between two and six times the collision distance De, in particular wherein the distance Rs is between three mm and fifty mm, in particular between four mm and thirty mm, in particular between five mm and twenty mm.

6. Spraying unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims taken in combination with claim 2, wherein, for each of the sprayers (10) of a group (99), its bisecting plane intersects the bisecting plane of at least one other sprayer (10), in particular wherein the bisecting planes are oriented to form a symmetrical pattern.

7. Spraying unit (11) according to claim 6, wherein for each of the sprayers (10) of a group (99), it is in fact that an angle g between its bisecting plane and a line connecting the center of the sprayer (10) to a common central point is ninety degrees, or in which the angle lies between ten and ninety degrees, in particular between twenty and eighty degrees, in particular between forty-five and seventy degrees.

8. Spraying unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sprayers 10 have at least one of the following parameters: # nozzle diameter D2 of the sprayers (10): between 0.3 and 1 mm, in particular between 0.4 and 0.9 mm, in particular 0.6 mm; # half-angle a between nozzles (12): between 5° and 55°, in particular between 15° and 45°, in particular at least about 25°; # number of nozzles (12): two.

9. Spraying unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two (99) or more groups.

10. Spray unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, in addition to at least one group (99), at least one shaping sprayer (10'), a shaping sprayer (10') being a sprayer having a spray shaping element (84) for guiding the initial spray, the spray shaping element being a cavity through which the spray passes and through which the initial spray is formed before exiting the shaping sprayer (10'), the spray unit (11) comprising a ring of shaping sprayers (10') surrounding one or more groups (99).

Images