Nozzle assembly

Abstract

To provide a nozzle assembly capable of securing durability performance by minimizing the plastic deformation independently of the size of a fluid pressure.SOLUTION: A nozzle assembly includes a first nozzle part serving for a fluid passage provided for fluid to flow therein, and a second nozzle part arranged encircling the first nozzle part. When a virtual straight line passing through the fluid passage and extending in the flowing direction of the fluid is defined as a reference straight line, the first nozzle part includes an isolated region having a shape curved in the direction of heading the reference straight line out of the radial direction of the second nozzle part so as to be isolated from any part of the second nozzle part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nozzle assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] The nozzle is formed with a jet outlet from which the fluid is jetted, and can be used to jet a fluid (for example, hydrogen) having a high flow rate into a target space. For example, the nozzle is provided as a nozzle assembly in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passage is changed when the fluid pressure of the fluid is changed, and the fluid having various flow rates corresponding to the fluid pressure can be jetted. Such a nozzle assembly is made deformable so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passage can be increased or decreased when the fluid pressure is increased or decreased.

[0003] The conventional nozzle assembly has been manufactured using an elastic material so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passage increases or decreases in response to changes in fluid pressure as described above. However, the conventional nozzle assembly has a problem in that when the fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage becomes excessively high, plastic deformation occurs and the nozzle assembly no longer functions as intended.

[0004] Therefore, there has been an increasing need for a nozzle assembly that can minimize plastic deformation regardless of the magnitude of fluid pressure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-342679 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle assembly capable of minimizing plastic deformation and ensuring durability regardless of the magnitude of fluid pressure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a nozzle assembly including a first nozzle portion providing a fluid passage through which a fluid flows, and a second nozzle portion arranged to surround the first nozzle portion, wherein when a virtual straight line passing through the fluid passage and extending in a direction in which the fluid flows is taken as a reference line, the first nozzle portion includes a separation region having a shape curved in a radial direction of the second nozzle portion toward the reference line so as to be separated from any part of the second nozzle portion.

[0008] Also, the nozzle assembly may further include a contact region protruding in a direction away from the reference line in the radial direction so as to contact with another portion of the second nozzle portion.

[0009] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which a first distance between the separation region and the reference line is smaller than a second distance between the contact region and the reference line.

[0010] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which the fluid passage is formed by an inner surface of the first nozzle portion, the inner surface of the first nozzle portion including a first inner surface forming an inner surface of the separation region and having a cape shape, and a second inner surface forming an inner surface of the contact region and having a bay shape.

[0011] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided, wherein the radius of curvature of the first inner surface in a radial direction perpendicular to the reference line is greater than or equal to the radius of curvature of the second inner surface.

[0012] A nozzle assembly may also be provided in which the radial direction is defined as a direction perpendicular to the reference line, and the radial radius of curvature of at least a portion of an outer surface of the contact region disposed opposite the second inner surface corresponds to the radial radius of curvature of at least a portion of an inner surface of the second nozzle portion.

[0013] Further, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which, when a direction in the radial direction toward the reference line is defined as a contraction direction and a direction in the radial direction away from the reference line is defined as an expansion direction, each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion is configured to expand in the expansion direction or contract in the contraction direction about the reference line between a first state in which the fluid passage is not expanded and a second state in which the fluid passage is more expanded than in the first state.

[0014] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which an inner surface of the first nozzle portion is configured to contact the fluid flowing through the fluid passage, the first nozzle portion is configured to expand about the reference line by the fluid when a fluid pressure of the contacted fluid becomes greater than a critical pressure, and the second nozzle portion is configured to expand about the reference line by the expansion of the first nozzle portion.

[0015] Also, a portion of an inner surface of the second nozzle portion is arranged to contact a portion of an outer surface of the first nozzle portion, the second nozzle portion is arranged to contract about the reference line by a restoring force when the fluid pressure of the fluid decreases from a state in which the first nozzle portion is expanded, and the first nozzle portion is arranged to contract about the reference line by the restoring force of the second nozzle portion.

[0016] In addition, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which, when the first nozzle portion is switched from the first state to the second state, a displacement by which an end portion of the separation region in the contraction direction expands about the reference line is greater than a displacement by which an end portion of the contact region in the contraction direction expands about the reference line.

[0017] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which the second nozzle portion presses the first nozzle portion in a contracting direction when the first nozzle portion switches from the first state to the second state, and when the first nozzle portion is placed in the second state, the contact region is restricted from being deformed beyond a first reference value by the second nozzle portion, and the separated region is restricted from being deformed beyond a second reference value by the contact region.

[0018] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which the separation region is deformed to have an increased radius of curvature when the first nozzle portion is switched from the first state to the second state, and when the separation region is deformed to have an increased radius of curvature, an expansion resistance force acting in the contraction direction is generated in the first nozzle portion.

[0019] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which the separation region includes a first separation region that forms a contraction direction side of the separation region and forms a part of the fluid passage, and a second separation region that forms the expansion direction side of the separation region and faces an inner surface of the second nozzle portion, and when the first nozzle portion is placed in the second state, a compressive force acts on the first separation region and a tensile force acts on the second separation region.

[0020] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which an end portion of the first spaced region in the contraction direction has a convex shape in the contraction direction, and an end portion of the second spaced region in the expansion direction has a concave shape in the contraction direction.

[0021] Further, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which, when the first nozzle portion is placed in the first state, a first thickness, which is the radial thickness of the first separated region, is greater than or equal to a second thickness, which is the radial thickness of the second separated region, and when a virtual region formed between the first separated region and the second separated region based on the radial direction to separate the first separated region and the second separated region is defined as a boundary region, the first thickness is defined as the radial distance between an end portion of the first separated region placed in the first state on the contraction direction side and the boundary region, and the second thickness is defined as the radial distance between an end portion of the second separated region placed in the first state on the expansion direction side and the boundary region.

[0022] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which a region of the second nozzle portion facing the separated region is designated as a 2-1 nozzle portion, and a region of the second nozzle portion facing the contact region is designated as a 2-2 nozzle portion, and when the first nozzle portion is switched from the first state to the second state, the 2-1 nozzle portion is configured to expand by the same first displacement around the reference line, and the 2-2 nozzle portion is configured to expand by the same second displacement around the reference line.

[0023] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided, wherein the first displacement is smaller than or equal to the second displacement when the first nozzle portion switches from the first state to the second state.

[0024] In addition, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which, when each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion is switched from the first state to the second state, a deformation rate of the second nozzle portion is smaller than or equal to a deformation rate of the first nozzle portion.

[0025] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided, wherein the radial thickness of the central portion of the separation region is greater than or equal to the radial thickness of the central portion of the contact region.

[0026] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which a plurality of the spaced apart regions are provided and arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the second nozzle portion.

[0027] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which the second nozzle portion extends along a direction in which the fluid flows and has a hollow therein, and the first nozzle portion is disposed in the hollow of the second nozzle portion.

[0028] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which the separation region and the contact region are integrally formed.

[0029] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion each have an elastic material.

[0030] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion are integrally formed.

[0031] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion are formed of separate members that are separable from each other, and an elastic modulus of the first nozzle portion is greater than or equal to an elastic modulus of the second nozzle portion.

[0032] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided that provides a fluid passage through which a fluid flows, the nozzle assembly including: a first nozzle portion configured to expand or contract between a first state in which the fluid passage is not expanded and a second state in which the fluid passage is more expanded than when the fluid passage is in the first state; and a second nozzle portion supporting the first nozzle portion, wherein at least a portion of the first nozzle portion has a convex curvature in a contraction direction in which the first nozzle portion contracts, and the second nozzle portion presses the first nozzle portion in the contraction direction so that a restoring force in the contraction direction acts on the first nozzle portion when the first nozzle portion switches from the second state to the first state.

[0033] Also, a nozzle assembly may be provided in which at least a portion of the first nozzle portion is deformed to have a smaller radius of curvature while being supported by the second nozzle portion when the first nozzle portion switches from the second state to the first state, and a restoring force acts on the first nozzle portion in the contracting direction when at least a portion of the first nozzle portion is deformed to have a smaller radius of curvature. Effect of the Invention

[0034] The nozzle assembly according to the present invention has an advantage that it is possible to minimize plastic deformation regardless of the magnitude of fluid pressure and ensure durability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ejector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2A-2C show a nozzle assembly when a first nozzle portion switches from a first state to a second state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 4A-4D are diagrams illustrating a nozzle assembly when a first nozzle portion switches from a second state to a first state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 6 is a diagram showing forces acting on a first spaced region and a second spaced region when a first nozzle portion according to an embodiment of the present invention is placed in a second state. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 shows a nozzle assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention when a first nozzle portion is placed in a first state. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 shows a nozzle assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention when the first nozzle portion is placed in a second state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. When adding reference symbols to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same symbols as much as possible even when they are displayed in other drawings. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of related known configurations or functions is determined to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0037] In addition, when describing components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. Such terms are merely intended to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. When a component is described as being "connected," "pressurized," or "flowing" with another component, it should be understood that the component can be directly connected, pressurized, or flowing with the other component, but that other components can also be "connected," "pressurized," or "flowing" between each component.

[0038] Hereinafter, an ejector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] 1, an ejector 1 ejects a fluid under pressure to a target position (for example, a hydrogen fuel cell). For example, the ejector 1 is provided in a vehicle. The ejector 1 includes a nozzle assembly 10, a support 20, and a fluid supply portion 30.

[0040] The nozzle assembly 10 receives a supply of fluid from a fluid supply unit 30. In the nozzle assembly 10, the fluid supplied from the fluid supply unit 30 is sprayed to the outside. For example, the nozzle assembly 10 may be a variable nozzle that is provided so that the volume of the fluid passage P is changed when the fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage P is changed.

[0041] 2, when the fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage P increases, the nozzle assembly 10 expands to increase the volume of the fluid passage P. Also, when the fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage P decreases, the nozzle assembly 10 contracts from its expanded state to decrease the volume of the fluid passage P.

[0042] In this specification, when an arbitrary structure expands, it means that all regions of the arbitrary structure move away from the reference line C. Also, when an arbitrary structure contracts, it means that all regions of the arbitrary structure move closer to the reference line C. The nozzle assembly 10 includes a first nozzle portion 100a and a second nozzle portion 200.

[0043] The first nozzle part 100a provides a fluid passage P through which a fluid flows. The first nozzle part 100a has a shape with rotational symmetry about a reference line C. A rotational symmetry shape means a shape that looks the same (is of the same order) as the original even when rotated 360 degrees / n (n is any integer) about a predetermined rotation axis. For example, the first nozzle part 100a has an even-numbered (rotationally) symmetric shape about the reference line C. As a detailed example, the first nozzle part 100a has a 4-fold (n=4)-fold (rotationally) symmetric shape about the reference line C. As a more detailed example, the first nozzle part 100a rotated 90 degrees about the reference line C and the first nozzle part 100a before the rotation are in the same state.

[0044] The reference line C means an imaginary line that passes through the fluid passage P (for example, the center of the fluid passage P) and extends in the direction in which the fluid (the fluid flowing in the fluid passage P) flows.

[0045] The material of the first nozzle portion 100a may be, for example, an elastic material. The inner surface of the first nozzle portion 100a forms a fluid passage P. In other words, the inner surface of the first nozzle portion 100a has a shape surrounding the fluid passage P. The inner surface of the first nozzle portion 100a means the surface on the contraction direction side of the first nozzle portion 100a. The contraction direction means a direction approaching the reference line C in the radial direction. The radial direction is defined as a direction in which the reference line C and the second nozzle portion 200 face each other based on the second nozzle portion 200 being viewed in the direction in which the reference line C extends. In addition, the outer surface of the first nozzle portion 100a may mean the surface on the expansion direction side of the first nozzle portion 100a. The expansion direction means a direction opposite to the contraction direction. In other words, the expansion direction means a direction away from the reference line C in the radial direction.

[0046] The inner surface of the first nozzle portion 100a comes into contact (for example, direct contact) with the fluid flowing through the fluid passage P. For example, when the fluid pressure of the contacting fluid exceeds a critical pressure, the first nozzle portion 100a expands around a reference line C due to the fluid. In addition, when the first nozzle portion 100a expands, the second nozzle portion 200 also expands around the reference line C.

[0047] 2 and 3, the first nozzle portion 100a is deformed along an expansion direction and a contraction direction with respect to the reference line C between the first state and the second state. When the first nozzle portion 100a is in the first state, the fluid passage P is placed in an initial state in which it is not expanded. For example, when the fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage P is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference pressure, the first nozzle portion 100a is placed in the first state. The first state may be named the "contracted state" or the "initial state".

[0048] Furthermore, when the first nozzle portion 100a is in the second state, the fluid passage P is in a state in which it is more expanded than when it is in the first state. For example, when the fluid pressure flowing through the fluid passage P is greater than a reference pressure, the first nozzle portion 100a is in the second state. Such a second state may be named an "expanded state." Such a first nozzle portion 100a includes a separated region 110a and a contact region 120a.

[0049] The separated region 110a may be disposed to be separated from any part of the second nozzle unit 200. For example, the any part of the second nozzle unit 200 means a part of the inner surface of the second nozzle unit 200 that faces the outer surface of the separated region 110a.

[0050] The isolated region 110a has a curved shape in a radial direction toward the reference line. The radial direction toward the reference line is defined as the same direction as the contraction direction. Also, the radial direction away from the reference line is defined as the same direction as the expansion direction. In other words, the isolated region 110a has a shape in which a part of the second nozzle unit 200 protrudes in a contraction direction, which is a direction toward the reference line C. For example, the inner surface of the isolated region 110a has a cape shape that is convex in the contraction direction. The inner surface of the isolated region 110a may be named a "first inner surface."

[0051] Also, when the first nozzle portion 100a is in the second state, a restoring force in the contraction direction due to elasticity acts on the separated region 110a. In other words, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the second state to the first state, the separated region 110a contracts around the reference line C due to the restoring force. For example, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the second state to the first state, the second nozzle portion 200 pressurizes the first nozzle portion 100a in the contraction direction so that a restoring force in the contraction direction acts on the first nozzle portion 100a. In other words, the second nozzle portion 200 in the expanded state provides a part of the contraction restoring force acting on itself to the first nozzle portion 100a. In this way, the first nozzle portion 100a contracts around the reference line C due to the contraction restoring force provided by the second nozzle portion 200.

[0052] In addition, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the first state to the second state, the isolated region 110a is deformed to increase the radius of curvature of the first inner surface while being supported by the second nozzle portion 200. When the isolated region 110a is deformed to increase the radius of curvature of the first inner surface, an expansion resistance force acting in a contracting direction is generated in the first nozzle portion 100a. The expansion resistance force refers to a force that resists a force applied to the first nozzle portion 100a in the expanding direction while the first nozzle portion 100a is expanding (for example, a first force that is applied to the first nozzle portion 100a in the expanding direction due to the fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage P).

[0053] For example, if the expansion resistance force is smaller than the first force, the first nozzle portion 100a expands. As another example, if the expansion resistance force is equal to the first force, the expansion and contraction of the first nozzle portion 100a is stopped. As yet another example, if the expansion resistance force is larger than the first force, the first nozzle portion 100a contracts.

[0054] The expansion resistance means, for example, an elastic restoring force in the contraction direction due to the elasticity formed in the isolated region 110a itself. For example, the isolated region 110a is made of an elastic material that can generate a restoring force due to the elasticity in the isolated region 110a itself. In other words, the first nozzle portion 100a is made of an elastic material that allows the size of the radius of curvature to change, so that an expansion resistance acts on the first nozzle portion 100a through its own shape. In other words, the first nozzle portion 100a contracts around the reference line C due to its own shape and the contraction restoring force provided by the second nozzle portion 200.

[0055] When the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the first state to the second state, the size of the expansion of the central portion of the separated region 110a may be larger than the size of the expansion of the peripheral portion of the separated region 110a. Furthermore, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from one of the first state and the second state to the other state, the size of the expansion or contraction of the central portion of the separated region 110a may be larger than the size of the expansion or contraction of the peripheral portion of the separated region 110a. Furthermore, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the first state to the second state, the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the first inner surface increases.

[0056] The central portion of the isolated region 110a refers to the region of the isolated region 110a that is closest to the reference line C. The peripheral portion of the isolated region 110a refers to the remaining region of the isolated region 110a excluding the central portion of the isolated region 110a. The peripheral portion of the isolated region 110a is connected to the contact region 120a. The isolated region 110a includes a first isolated region 111a and a second isolated region 112a.

[0057] The first separated region 111a forms the contraction direction side of the separated region 110a. Such a first separated region 111a forms a part of the fluid passage P. For example, the first separated region 111a forms a part of the fluid passage P, and the contact region 120a forms the rest of the fluid passage P.

[0058] The surface of the first isolated region 111a in the contraction direction forms part of the inner surface of the first nozzle portion 100a. The end of the first isolated region 111a in the contraction direction has a convex shape in the contraction direction.

[0059] 4, when the first nozzle portion 100a is in the second state, a compressive force F11 acts on the first isolated region 111a. For example, when the first nozzle portion 100a is in the second state, a compressive force F11 acts on the first isolated region 111a in a direction in which the periphery of the isolated region 110a moves toward the center.

[0060] The second separated region 112a forms the expansion direction side of the separated region 110a. The second separated region 112a faces the inner surface of the second nozzle unit 200. The surface of the second separated region 112a on the expansion direction side forms a part of the outer surface of the first nozzle unit 100a. The end of the second separated region 112a on the expansion direction side has a concave shape in the contraction direction. An empty space is formed between the second separated region 112a and the second nozzle unit 200.

[0061] Furthermore, when the first nozzle portion 100a is placed in the second state, a tensile force F12 acts on the second separated region 112a. For example, when the first nozzle portion 100a is placed in the second state, a tensile force F12 acts on the second separated region 112a in a direction in which the center of the separated region 110a moves toward the peripheral portion.

[0062] A boundary region (e.g., dotted line shown in FIG. 3) is formed between the first and second separated regions 111a and 112a. The boundary region separates the first and second separated regions 111a and 112a. For example, the boundary region is defined as an imaginary curved surface formed between the first and second separated regions 111a and 112a with respect to the radial direction.

[0063] More specifically, the boundary region refers to a boundary that divides a region of the separated region 110a where the compressive force F11 acts (for example, the first separated region 111a) and a region of the separated region 110a where the tensile force F12 acts (for example, the second separated region 112a) based on the radial direction. For example, the compressive force F11 acts on a region of the separated region 110a located on the contraction direction side of the boundary region (for example, the first separated region 111a), and the tensile force F12 acts on a region of the separated region 110a located on the expansion direction side of the boundary region (for example, the second separated region 112a).

[0064] Furthermore, when the nozzle assembly 10 is viewed along the direction in which the reference line C extends, the boundary region is formed to have a convex shape toward the contraction direction side. As a detailed example, the center of the boundary region is located between the center of the first isolated region 110a and the center of the second isolated region 112a. Furthermore, the peripheral portion of the boundary region extends with a curvature from the center of the boundary region toward the second nozzle portion 200. A plurality of such boundary regions may be formed to correspond to each of the plurality of isolated regions 110a.

[0065] 3, when the first nozzle unit 100a is in the first state, a first thickness a1, which is a radial thickness of the first separated region 111a, may be greater than a second thickness a2, which is a radial thickness of the second separated region 112a. The first thickness a1 is defined as a radial distance between an end of the first separated region 111a in a contraction direction and the boundary region. The second thickness a2 is defined as a radial distance between an end of the second separated region 112a in an expansion direction and the boundary region.

[0066] In addition, the larger the first thickness a1, the smaller the deformation amount of the first separated region 111a due to the compressive force F11 acting on the first separated region 111a. In this manner, when the deformation amount of the first separated region 111a is small, the plastic deformation of the first separated region 111a is minimized. However, the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first thickness a1 and the second thickness a2 may be the same.

[0067] Also, when the first nozzle portion 100a is placed in the first state, the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the end portion of the first separated region 111a on the contraction direction side may be larger than the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the end portion of the second separated region 112a on the expansion direction side. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the end portion of the first separated region 111a on the contraction direction side may be the same as the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the end portion of the second separated region 112a on the expansion direction side. The radial direction means a direction perpendicular to the reference line C. Such a radial direction is understood as a concept including the expansion direction and the contraction direction. In other words, when the first nozzle portion 100a is placed in the first state, the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the inner surface of the separated region 110a is larger than the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the outer surface of the separated region 110a. In addition, the larger the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the end portion of the first separated region 111a in the contraction direction, the smaller the amount of deformation of the first separated region 111a caused by the compressive force F11 acting on the first separated region 111a. In this way, when the amount of deformation of the first separated region 111a is reduced, plastic deformation of the first separated region 111a is minimized.

[0068] The contact region 120a is in close contact with another part of the second nozzle unit 200. For example, the other part of the second nozzle unit 200 means a part of the inner surface of the second nozzle unit 200 that faces the outer surface of the contact region 120a. Furthermore, the other part of the second nozzle unit 200 is in close contact with the outer surface of the contact region 120a.

[0069] When the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the first state to the second state, the contact region 120a pressurizes another part of the second nozzle portion 200 in the expanding direction. When the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the second state to the first state, the second nozzle portion 200 pressurizes the contact region 120a in the contracting direction.

[0070] The adhesion region 120b has a shape that protrudes in a direction away from the reference line C in the radial direction. In other words, the adhesion region 120a has a shape that protrudes in the expansion direction, which is the direction in which the reference line C faces another part of the second nozzle portion 200. For example, the inner surface of the adhesion region 120a has a concave bay shape in the expansion direction. Such an inner surface of the adhesion region 120a may be named a "second inner surface." When the nozzle assembly 10 is viewed in the direction in which the fluid flows, the first inner surface and the second inner surface have a shape that is continuously connected without a notch.

[0071] In addition, the radius of curvature of the first inner surface in the radial direction may be greater than the radius of curvature of the second inner surface. In other words, the degree to which the inner surface of the contact region 120a is recessed in the expansion direction is greater than the degree to which the inner surface of the separation region 110a is protruded in the contraction direction.

[0072] In addition, a first distance d1, which is a distance between the separated region 110a and the reference line C, may be smaller than a second distance d2, which is a distance between the contact region 120a and the reference line C. The first distance d1 refers to a radial distance between the first inner surface and the reference line C. In addition, the second distance d2 refers to a radial distance between the second inner surface and the reference line C.

[0073] Also, when the first nozzle section 100a is in the second state, a restoring force in the contraction direction acts on the contact region 120a. For example, when the first nozzle section 100a switches from the second state to the first state, the contact region 120a contracts around the reference line C due to the restoring force. As a more detailed example, when the first nozzle section 100a switches from the first state to the second state, the size of the expansion of the end of the separation region 110a in the contraction direction may be larger than the size of the expansion of the end of the contact region 120a in the contraction direction. In other words, when the first nozzle section 100a expands, the first deformation amount T11, which is the deformation amount of the separation region 110a, is larger than the second deformation amount T12, which is the deformation amount of the contact region 120a.

[0074] In addition, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the first state to the second state, the size of the expansion of the center of the contact region 120a may be larger than the size of the expansion of the peripheral portion of the contact region 120a. Furthermore, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from one of the first state and the second state to the other state, the size of the expansion or contraction of the center of the contact region 120a may be larger than the size of the expansion or contraction of the peripheral portion of the contact region 120a. In addition, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the second state to the first state, the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the second inner surface becomes larger.

[0075] The center of the contact region 120a means the region of the contact region 120a that is farthest from the reference line C. The peripheral portion of the contact region 120a means the remaining region of the contact region 120a excluding the center of the contact region 120a. The peripheral portion of the contact region 120a is connected to the peripheral portion of the separation region 110a.

[0076] The radial radius of curvature of at least a part of the outer surface of the adhesion region 120a corresponds to the radial radius of curvature of at least a part of the inner surface of the second nozzle section 200. The outer surface of the adhesion region 120a is disposed opposite the second inner surface and forms the surface of the adhesion region 120a in the expansion direction. For example, the radial radius of curvature of the part of the outer surface of the adhesion region 120a that contacts the inner surface of the second nozzle section 200 may be the same as the radial radius of curvature of the part of the second nozzle section that contacts the outer surface of the adhesion region 120b.

[0077] Also, when the first nozzle unit 100a is placed in the second state, the contact region 120a is supported by the second nozzle unit 200, and the separation region 110a is supported by the contact region 120a. For example, when the first nozzle unit 100a is placed in the second state, the contact region 120b may be restricted from being deformed to a first reference value or more by the second nozzle unit 200. In other words, the second nozzle unit 200 restricts the contact region 120b from expanding excessively beyond the first reference value. The first reference value refers to the maximum value of the deformation rate at which no plastic deformation occurs in the contact region 120b.

[0078] In addition, the separated region 110a may be restricted from being deformed to a second reference value or more by the contact region 120b. In other words, the contact region 120b restricts the separated region 110a from being excessively expanded beyond the second reference value. The second reference value refers to the maximum value of the deformation rate at which the separated region 110a does not undergo plastic deformation.

[0079] Also, a plurality of the separated regions 110a and the adhered regions 120a may be provided. For example, four of the separated regions 110a and the adhered regions 120a may be provided. The plurality of separated regions 110a and the plurality of adhered regions 120a are arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the second nozzle unit 200. In other words, one separated region 110a is disposed between two adjacent adhered regions 120a among the plurality of adhered regions 120a. Furthermore, one separated region 110a extends between two adjacent adhered regions 120a. Such separated regions 110a and adhered regions 120a may be formed integrally with each other.

[0080] The second nozzle portion 200 may be disposed so as to surround the first nozzle portion 100a. A part of the inner surface of the second nozzle portion 200 contacts (for example, directly contacts) a part of the outer surface of the first nozzle portion 100a. When the fluid pressure of the fluid decreases from the expanded state of the first nozzle portion 100a, the second nozzle portion 200 contracts around the reference line C due to a restoring force (for example, a restoring force due to elasticity acting on the second nozzle portion 200). In other words, when the fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage decreases based on the state when the first nozzle portion 100a is in an expanded state, the second nozzle portion 200 contracts around the reference line C due to a restoring force acting on itself. Also, the first nozzle portion 100a contracts around the reference line C due to the restoring force of the second nozzle portion 200. For example, when the second nozzle portion 200 contracts, the second nozzle portion 200 presses the first nozzle portion 100a radially inward.

[0081] Such a second nozzle portion 200 has a larger radius than the first nozzle portion 100a. Since the second nozzle portion 200 has a larger radius than the first nozzle portion 100a, the second deformation rate, which is the deformation rate when the second nozzle portion 200 expands, is smaller than the first deformation rate, which is the deformation rate when the first nozzle portion 100a expands.

[0082] In other words, when the same stress is applied to each of the first nozzle portion 100a and the second nozzle portion 200, the second deformation rate is smaller than or equal to the first deformation rate. For example, the first nozzle portion 100a directly contacts the high-pressure fluid, so that the inner surface of the first nozzle portion 100a is directly pressurized and expands overall. Also, the second nozzle portion 200 absorbs the remaining pressure of the high-pressure fluid that cannot be absorbed by the first nozzle portion 100a. As a detailed example, a part of the fluid pressure of the fluid directly acts on each of the separated region 110a and the adhered region 120b, so that the separated region 110a and the adhered region 120b are deformed (expanded, for example), and the remaining fluid pressure is locally and indirectly pressurized only to the 2-2 nozzle portion (a region of the second nozzle portion 200 that abuts against the adhered region 120b) described later via the adhered region 120b, so that the pressure is deformed (expanded, for example). Thereby, the second deformation rate is smaller than or equal to the first deformation rate.

[0083] Since there is a high probability that the second deformation rate is smaller than the first deformation rate, there is a possibility that the second nozzle portion 200 will be less likely to be plastically deformed even if the nozzle assembly 10 operates for a long period of time. In addition, if the second nozzle portion 200 is not plastically deformed, there is an advantage in that the second nozzle portion 200 is more likely to be restored to the contracted shape before expansion when switching from the second state to the first state.

[0084] In addition, since the second nozzle portion 200 structurally restrains the first nozzle portion 100a, the first nozzle portion 100a is advantageously easily restored to the contracted shape before the first nozzle portion 100a expanded when switching from the second state to the first state. As a result, the degree of deformation of the area of ​​the first nozzle portion 100a in the first state after the nozzle assembly 10 has been operated several times is minimized compared to the area of ​​the first nozzle portion 100a in the initial first state.

[0085] In addition, when the first nozzle portion 100a and the second nozzle portion 200 are placed in the second state, the second nozzle portion 200 suppresses over-expansion of the first nozzle portion 100a. As a result, the degree of deformation of the area of ​​the first nozzle portion 100a in the second state after the nozzle assembly 10 is operated several times is minimized compared to the area of ​​the first nozzle portion 100a in the initial second state.

[0086] In this way, even after the nozzle assembly 10 has been operated several times, deformation of the first nozzle portion 100a is minimized and the probability of the second nozzle portion 200 being plastically deformed is significantly reduced, thereby improving the durability of the nozzle assembly 10.

[0087] Since the second deformation rate is lower than the first deformation rate, the second nozzle portion 200 may easily return to its original shape without being plastically deformed. Since the second nozzle portion 200 easily returns to its original shape, when the fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the fluid passage P decreases, the first nozzle portion 100a in contact with the second nozzle portion 200 may easily return to its original shape.

[0088] The second nozzle unit 200 extends along the flow direction, which is the direction in which the fluid flows. The second nozzle unit 200 has a cylindrical shape with a hollow formed inside. The end of the second nozzle unit 200 on the flow direction side has a radial width that is narrower or the same as the flow direction. For example, the end of the second nozzle unit 200 on the flow direction side has a shape in which the radial width is narrower as it approaches the flow direction. As a detailed example, the end of the hollow formed in the second nozzle unit 200 on the flow direction side has a shape in which the radial width is narrower as it approaches the flow direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the end of the second nozzle unit 200 on the flow direction side has a shape in which the radial width is constant as it approaches the flow direction, and the end of the hollow of the second nozzle unit 200 on the flow direction side has a shape in which the radial width is narrower as it approaches the flow direction. The first nozzle unit 100a may be disposed in the hollow of the second nozzle unit 200.

[0089] In addition, the second nozzle unit 200 and the first nozzle unit 100a may be formed of separate members that are separable from each other. A first modulus of elasticity of the first nozzle unit 100a is greater than or equal to a second modulus of elasticity of the second nozzle unit 200.

[0090] Also, the first nozzle thickness, which is the radial thickness of the first nozzle portion 100a, may be different from the second nozzle thickness, which is the radial thickness of the second nozzle portion 200. For example, the first nozzle thickness is greater than or equal to the second nozzle thickness. The first nozzle thickness means the radial distance between the inner surface of the first nozzle portion 100a and the outer surface of the first nozzle portion 100a. Also, the second nozzle thickness means the radial distance between the inner surface of the second nozzle portion 200 and the outer surface of the second nozzle portion 200.

[0091] In addition, a first central thickness, which is a radial thickness of the center of the separation region 110a, may be different from a second central thickness, which is a radial thickness of the center of the adhesion region 120b. For example, the first central thickness is greater than or equal to the second central thickness.

[0092] The first center thickness is defined as the radial distance between the end of the center of the separated region 110a on the contraction direction side and the end of the center of the separated region 110a on the expansion direction side. The second center thickness is defined as the radial distance between the end of the center of the contact region 120b on the contraction direction side and the end of the center of the contact region 120b on the expansion direction side. The first center thickness is defined as the sum of the first thickness a1 and the second thickness a2.

[0093] Thus, the nozzle assembly 10 has the characteristics that the first elastic modulus is greater than or equal to the second elastic modulus, the first nozzle thickness is greater than or equal to the second nozzle thickness, and the first center thickness is greater than or equal to the second center thickness. Due to these characteristics of the elastic modulus and thickness of each of the first nozzle portion 100a and the second nozzle portion 200, when the nozzle assembly 10 is deformed between the first state and the second state, it is possible to prevent only the first nozzle portion 100a from being deformed without the second nozzle portion 200 being deformed.

[0094] In other words, if only the first nozzle portion 100a is deformed without the second nozzle portion 200 being deformed, there is a problem in that excessive deformation of the first nozzle portion 100a cannot be suppressed through the second nozzle portion 200, or a restoring force cannot be provided to the first nozzle portion 100a. The nozzle assembly 10 according to the concept of the present invention has the advantage of being able to overcome such problems due to the above-mentioned characteristics.

[0095] In other words, the features of the nozzle assembly 10 are expected to have the effect of suppressing excessive deformation of the first nozzle portion 100a through the second nozzle portion 200 and providing a restoring force to the first nozzle portion 100a.

[0096] However, the concept of the present invention is not limited to this example, and the first nozzle portion 100a and the second nozzle portion 200 may be integrally formed.

[0097] The second nozzle unit 200 includes a 2-1 nozzle unit and a 2-2 nozzle unit. The 2-1 nozzle unit is defined as a region of the second nozzle unit 200 facing the isolated region 110a. The 2-2 nozzle unit is defined as a region of the second nozzle unit 200 facing the contact region 120b. A plurality of the 2-1 nozzle units and the 2-2 nozzle units may be provided. The plurality of 2-1 nozzle units and the plurality of 2-2 nozzle units may be arranged alternately around the circumference of the second nozzle unit 200. The plurality of 2-1 nozzle units and the plurality of 2-2 nozzle units may be integrally formed.

[0098] When the first nozzle section 100a switches from the first state to the second state, each of the multiple 2-1 nozzle sections expands by the same first displacement around the reference line C. Also, when the first nozzle section 100a switches from the first state to the second state, each of the multiple 2-2 nozzle sections expands by the same second displacement around the reference line C.

[0099] Also, the first displacement is smaller than or equal to the second displacement. For example, when the first displacement is smaller than the second displacement, the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the 2-1 nozzle portion may be larger than the radius of curvature in the radial direction of the 2-2 nozzle portion.

[0100] Additionally, all areas of the inner surface of the second nozzle portion 200 are spaced the same distance from the reference line C. In other words, when the second nozzle portion 200 is viewed in the flow direction, the inner surface of the second nozzle portion 200 has a circular shape.

[0101] 3, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the first state to the second state, all regions of the inner surface of the second nozzle portion 200 expand by the same size T2 around the reference line C. Also, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from the second state to the first state, all regions of the inner surface of the second nozzle portion 200 contract by the same size T2 around the reference line C. In other words, when the first nozzle portion 100a switches from either the first state or the second state to the other state, the deformation amount T2 of all regions of the second nozzle portion 200 is the same.

[0102] The support 20 may be a frame capable of supporting the nozzle assembly 10. Such a support 20 fixes the nozzle assembly 10 to the body of the vehicle. In addition, the support 20 guides the fluid discharged from the fluid supply unit 30 to the nozzle assembly 10.

[0103] The fluid supply 30 supplies fluid to the nozzle assembly 10. Such a fluid supply 30 may be provided as a variety of devices, such as a tank that can discharge fluid to the nozzle assembly 10.

[0104] Hereinafter, a nozzle assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In describing the other embodiment of the present invention, differences from the first embodiment of the present invention will be mainly described. The nozzle assembly 10 includes a first nozzle portion 100b and a second nozzle portion 200. The description of the second nozzle portion 200 described in the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to the second nozzle portion 200.

[0105] 5 and 6, the first nozzle unit 100b according to another embodiment of the present invention has an odd-numbered (rotational) symmetric shape about the reference line C. For example, it has a three-fold (n=3)-fold (rotational) symmetric shape about the reference line C. As a detailed example, the first nozzle unit 100b rotated 120 degrees about the reference line C and the first nozzle unit 100b before rotation are placed in the same state. The first nozzle unit 100b includes a separation region 110b and a contact region 120b.

[0106] A plurality of the separated regions 110b and a plurality of the contact regions 120b may be provided, for example, three of the separated regions 110b and three of the contact regions 120b may be provided.

[0107] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention are described above as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such an embodiment. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operate. In addition, the terms "comprise", "comprise", "have" and the like described above mean that the component may be present, unless otherwise specified, and may further include other components without excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Terms commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, are to be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as being ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined in the present invention.

[0108] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention, if one has ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for the purpose of explanation, not for the purpose of limiting the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention is interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto are included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 Ejector 10 Nozzle Assembly 20 Support 30 Fluid supply section 100a, 100b First nozzle section 110a, 110b isolated area 111a 1st isolation area 112a 2nd isolation area 120a, 120b Contact area 200 Second nozzle section P Fluid passage C Reference straight line T2 deformation amount T11 1st deformation amount T12 Second deformation amount F11 Compression force F12 Tensile force

Claims

1. A first nozzle portion providing a fluid passage through which a fluid flows; a second nozzle portion disposed so as to surround the first nozzle portion, When a virtual straight line passing through the fluid passage and extending in the direction in which the fluid flows is taken as a reference line, The first nozzle portion is a separation region having a curved shape in a radial direction of the second nozzle portion toward the reference line so as to be separated from any part of the second nozzle portion.

2. 2. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, further comprising a contact region having a shape protruding in a direction away from the reference line in the radial direction so as to contact with another portion of the second nozzle portion.

3. 3. The nozzle assembly of claim 2, wherein a first distance between the separation region and the reference line is smaller than a second distance between the contact region and the reference line.

4. the fluid passageway is defined by an interior surface of the first nozzle portion; The inner surface of the first nozzle portion comprises: a first inner surface forming an inner surface of the separation region and having a cape shape; 3. The nozzle assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a second inner surface forming an inner surface of said contact region and having a bay shape.

5. 5. The nozzle assembly of claim 4, wherein the radius of curvature of the first inner surface in a direction perpendicular to the reference line is greater than or equal to the radius of curvature of the second inner surface.

6. The radial direction is defined as a direction perpendicular to the reference line, 5. The nozzle assembly of claim 4, wherein the radial radius of curvature of at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing region opposite the second inner surface corresponds to the radial radius of curvature of at least a portion of an inner surface of the second nozzle section.

7. When the direction toward the reference line in the radial direction is a contraction direction, and the direction away from the reference line in the radial direction is an expansion direction, Each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion is a first state in which the fluid passage is not expanded; 3. The nozzle assembly according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle assembly is configured to expand in the expansion direction or contract in the contraction direction about the reference line during a second state in which the fluid passage is more expanded than when the fluid passage is in the first state.

8. an inner surface of the first nozzle portion adapted to contact the fluid flowing through the fluid passage; The first nozzle portion is When the fluid pressure of the fluid in contact with the fluid exceeds a critical pressure, the fluid expands around the reference line. The second nozzle portion is The nozzle assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first nozzle portion is configured to expand about the reference line by expanding the first nozzle portion.

9. a portion of an inner surface of the second nozzle portion is disposed in contact with a portion of an outer surface of the first nozzle portion; The second nozzle portion is When the fluid pressure of the fluid decreases from the expanded state of the first nozzle portion, the first nozzle portion is configured to contract around the reference line by a restoring force, The first nozzle portion is The nozzle assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second nozzle portion is configured to contract about the reference straight line due to a restoring force of the second nozzle portion.

10. When the first nozzle portion switches from the first state to the second state, 8. The nozzle assembly according to claim 7, wherein a displacement of the end of the separation region in the contraction direction expanding about the reference line is greater than a displacement of the end of the contact region in the contraction direction expanding about the reference line.

11. The second nozzle portion is When the first nozzle portion is switched from the first state to the second state, the first nozzle portion is pressed in a contracting direction; When the first nozzle portion is in the second state, 8. The nozzle assembly of claim 7, wherein the contact region is restricted from being deformed beyond a first reference value by the second nozzle portion, and the spaced region is restricted from being deformed beyond a second reference value by the contact region.

12. The separation region is When the first nozzle portion is switched from the first state to the second state, the first nozzle portion is deformed so that a radius of curvature is increased, 12. The nozzle assembly of claim 11, wherein when the spaced region is deformed such that the radius of curvature increases, an expansion resistance acting in the contraction direction is generated in the first nozzle portion.

13. The separation region is a first separation region that forms a contraction direction side of the separation region and forms a part of the fluid passage; a second spaced apart region that forms the expansion direction side of the spaced apart region and faces an inner surface of the second nozzle portion; When the first nozzle portion is in the second state, 8. The nozzle assembly of claim 7, wherein said first spaced apart region is subjected to a compressive force and said second spaced apart region is subjected to a tensile force.

14. an end portion of the first spaced region on the contraction direction side has a convex shape in the contraction direction, The nozzle assembly according to claim 13, wherein an end portion of the second spaced region in the expansion direction has a concave shape in the contraction direction.

15. When the first nozzle portion is in the first state, a first thickness, the radial thickness of the first spaced apart region, is greater than or equal to a second thickness, the radial thickness of the second spaced apart region; When a virtual area formed between the first and second separated areas with respect to the radial direction so as to partition the first and second separated areas is defined as a boundary area, the first thickness is defined as a radial separation distance between an end of the first separation region in the contraction direction in the first state and the boundary region; 14. The nozzle assembly of claim 13, wherein the second thickness is defined as the radial separation between the expansion direction end of the second separation region in the first condition and the boundary region.

16. When a region of the second nozzle portion facing the separated region is defined as a 2-1 nozzle portion, and a region of the second nozzle portion facing the contact region is defined as a 2-2 nozzle portion, When the first nozzle portion switches from the first state to the second state, The nozzle assembly of claim 7, wherein the 2-1 nozzle portions are configured to expand by the same first displacement around the reference line, and the 2-2 nozzle portions are configured to expand by the same second displacement around the reference line.

17. When the first nozzle portion switches from the first state to the second state, The nozzle assembly of claim 16, wherein the first displacement is less than or equal to the second displacement.

18. When each of the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion is switched from the first state to the second state, 8. The nozzle assembly of claim 7, wherein a deformation rate of the second nozzle portion is equal to or smaller than a deformation rate of the first nozzle portion.

19. The radial thickness of the central portion of the separation region is:

3. The nozzle assembly of claim 2, wherein said radial thickness of said central portion of said sealed region is greater than or equal to said radial thickness of said central portion of said sealed region.

20. The nozzle assembly of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the spaced apart regions are provided and arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the second nozzle portion.

21. The second nozzle portion extends along a direction in which the fluid flows and has a hollow space formed therein. The nozzle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first nozzle portion is disposed in the hollow of the second nozzle portion.

22. 3. The nozzle assembly of claim 2, wherein the spaced apart region and the contact region are integrally formed.

23. 2. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion are made of an elastic material.

24. 24. The nozzle assembly of claim 23, wherein the first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion are integrally formed.

25. The first nozzle portion and the second nozzle portion are formed of separate members that are separable from each other, 24. The nozzle assembly of claim 23, wherein a modulus of elasticity of the first nozzle portion is greater than or equal to a modulus of elasticity of the second nozzle portion.

26. a first nozzle portion configured to expand or contract between a first state in which the fluid passage is not expanded and a second state in which the fluid passage is more expanded than when the fluid passage is in the first state; a second nozzle portion supporting the first nozzle portion, At least a portion of the first nozzle portion has a convex curvature in a contraction direction in which the first nozzle portion contracts, The second nozzle portion is a nozzle assembly comprising: a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion; a first nozzle portion and a second nozzle portion;

27. At least a portion of the first nozzle portion When the first nozzle portion is switched from the second state to the first state, the first nozzle portion is deformed so that a radius of curvature becomes smaller while being supported by the second nozzle portion, The nozzle assembly of claim 26, wherein when at least a portion of the first nozzle portion is deformed such that the radius of curvature is reduced, a restoring force acts on the first nozzle portion in the contracting direction.

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