Guiding device for guiding an impact head and homogenizing valve including said guiding device

Abstract

A guide device (1) for guiding an impact head (100) of a homogenizing valve (200), comprising: - a solid body (2) with cylindrical symmetry, having an internal cavity (3) passing through it, said internal cavity (3) extending along an axis of symmetry (AA) of the solid body (2), the solid body (2) having a plurality of passages (4) provided to allow the passage of a fluid; a sleeve (9) fitted in the internal cavity (3) of the solid body (2) to receive the impact head (100).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide device for guiding an impact head and a homogenizing valve equipped with such a guide device.

[0002] The invention proposed here can be used in the food industry, in particular in the dairy sector, or in the chemical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries.

[0003] The present invention can also be used in manufacturing applications where homogenization is a step in the manufacturing process.

[0004] Consider, for example, the production of carbon-based nanostructured materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, or the cell breakdown of yeast, algae, and microorganisms for the production of intracellular materials. [Background technology]

[0005] As is well known, devices for homogenizing fluids break down particles to reduce their size to a minimum, resulting in uniform particle size and thus a reduced variability in particle size distribution.

[0006] In various previously known embodiments, the homogenizing device includes a high-pressure pump and a homogenizing valve. The homogenizing valve includes a first chamber that receives high-pressure fluid from the pump outlet and a second chamber that allows the homogenized low-pressure fluid to flow out. The homogenizing action is achieved by forcing the fluid through a space or gap of limited dimension provided between the first and second chambers. The gap is defined by a passage head integrally connected to the valve body and an impact head that is axially movable relative to the passage head.

[0007] The fluid coming from the inlet presses against the surface of the impact head, exerting pressure on it to widen the gap.

[0008] The impact head is fitted with a pusher that allows the fluid pressure to be contrasted axially. The size of the gap is controlled by acting directly on the pusher depending on the operating values ​​of the valve flow rate and pressure.

[0009] As already indicated above, the fluid loses pressure by passing through the gap and is simultaneously accelerated, thus enabling the fragmentation of particles in suspension.

[0010] In order to optimise the energy used in the homogenisation process, the Applicant has recently developed a homogenisation valve in which the first and second chambers have an annular shape, a solution which is described in European patent EP 810025 and Italian patent 1385953 in the name of the Applicant.

[0011] The annular configuration of the two chambers allows high pressure fluid to press against the annular surface of the impact head, thus allowing operation in a limited size gap while applying the same energy.

[0012] One limitation of the solution just described lies in the structure and location of the pusher acting on the impact head: the pusher consists of a shaft that is fixed integrally to the impact head and placed above the homogenizing valve.

[0013] Under the pressing action of the shaft, the impact head moves downward, i.e., towards the gap.

[0014] Operating the impact head far away from the working area, which is a gap, introduces tolerances that can result in undesirable mechanical misalignment. The greater the misalignment, the worse the homogenizing valve performance. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In this regard, it is an object of the present invention to provide a guiding device for guiding an impact head and a homogenizing valve that overcomes the problems of the prior art cited above.

[0016] In particular, the object of the invention is to propose a guiding device for guiding the impact head, which allows the impact head to be operated in a more precise and reliable manner, avoiding or at least reducing the risk of mechanical misalignment.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to propose a guiding device for guiding an impact head, which has a longer useful life than prior art solutions.

[0018] The stated technical problem and the identified object are substantially achieved by a guide device for guiding an impact head of a homogenizing valve, the guide device comprising: - a solid body having cylindrical symmetry, the solid body having an internal cavity extending therethrough, the internal cavity extending along an axis of symmetry of the solid body, the solid body having a plurality of passages provided to allow the passage of a fluid; a sleeve fitted within the internal cavity of the solid body to receive the impact head.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the solid body is made from a single piece.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solid body comprises an integrally connected case and core, the internal cavity being defined by the core.

[0021] In particular, the passages are through holes provided between the case and the core.

[0022] The through holes are separated by connecting elements that connect the core to the case.

[0023] Preferably, the core has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

[0024] More preferably, the core has an annular projection at one end for retaining the sleeve.

[0025] In particular, the annular projection projects inwardly toward the interior cavity.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the plurality of through holes are arranged around the periphery of the core.

[0027] In particular, each of said plurality of through holes has an arcuate development.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of passages are grooves provided in the solid body.

[0029] In particular, the solid body comprises a first element and a second element that are integrally connected and coaxial.

[0030] The second element emanates from the first element.

[0031] Preferably, the groove is provided in the second element.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the second element has cylindrical symmetry.

[0033] A groove is provided on the outer surface of the second element.

[0034] In particular, the guide device further comprises a stop element operatively acting on the sleeve to retain the sleeve seated within the internal cavity of the solid body, the second element having an internal annular groove for receiving the stop element.

[0035] Preferably, the stopping element is a seeger.

[0036] The stated technical problem and the specified object are substantially achieved by a homogenizing valve, which comprises: - a valve body defining a throughbore having an axial extension relative to the valve body; a shaft accommodated within the through hole; a passage head integrally connected to the valve body; an impact head integrally connected to the shaft; a gap defined by the passage head and the impact head; - a guiding device according to the invention as claimed, the impact head being received by a sleeve of the guiding device.

[0037] Preferably, the impact head is made of one of the following materials: tungsten carbide, ceramic, boron nitride, silicon carbide, silicon nitride. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the non-limiting description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of a guiding device for guiding an impact head and a homogenizing valve equipped with said guiding device, as shown in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1-3] 1A and 1B show a guiding device for guiding an impact head according to a first embodiment of the invention in three different exploded views. [Figure 4] 1-3 shows a homogenizing valve with a guiding device in a longitudinal section. [Figure 5] 5 is an enlarged view of the guide device area of ​​the homogenization valve of FIG. 4. [Figure 6-7] 2A and 2B show a guiding device for guiding an impact head according to a second embodiment of the invention in two different exploded views. [Figure 8] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a guiding device according to a second embodiment inserted in a homogenizing valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Referring to the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a guiding device for guiding the impact head 100 of the homogenizing valve 200 .

[0040] In this regard, the impact head 100 is also referred to as a striking head.

[0041] The guide device 1 comprises a solid body 2 of cylindrical symmetry having an internal cavity 3 passing through it.

[0042] The internal cavity 3 extends along the axis of symmetry AA of the solid body 2 .

[0043] In particular, the internal cavity 3 is coaxial with the solid body 2 .

[0044] Preferably, the solid body 2 is made from a single piece.

[0045] The solid body 2 is made, for example, of steel.

[0046] Alternatively, the solid body 2 is made of a metallic material.

[0047] The guide device 1 further comprises a sleeve 9 fitted within the internal cavity 3 of the solid body 2 for receiving the impact head 100 .

[0048] The sleeve 9 is made of a plastic material.

[0049] In particular, the sleeve 9 is made of PTFE.

[0050] The solid body 2 has a plurality of passages 4 provided to allow the passage of a fluid.

[0051] According to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1-3, the solid body 2 comprises a case 5 and a core 6 located inside the case 5. The case 5 and the core 6 are integrally connected. Preferably, the case 5 and the core 6 are connected by a plurality of connecting elements 7.

[0052] The internal cavity 3 is defined by a core 6 .

[0053] In the first embodiment, the passages 4 are through holes 40 provided between the case 5 and the core 6. The through holes 40 are separated by connecting elements 7 that connect the case 5 to the core 6.

[0054] The core 6 has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

[0055] In particular, the core 6 has an annular projection 10 at one end for retaining the sleeve 9 .

[0056] The annular protrusion 10 protrudes inward toward the hollow of the core 6. In other words, the annular protrusion 10 protrudes toward the internal cavity 3.

[0057] Preferably, the plurality of through holes 40 are arranged around the periphery of the core 6 .

[0058] In particular, each through-hole 40 has an arcuate development.

[0059] For example, there are four through holes 40 , which are distributed in the circumferential direction so as to be arranged around the core 6 .

[0060] Preferably, the plurality of through holes 40 all have the same size and shape and are arranged at equal intervals.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the case 5 includes a first portion 15 having a first outer diameter and a second portion 25 having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0062] Preferably, the first portion 15 and the second portion 25 have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

[0063] The second part 25 is integral with the first part 15 and is coaxial with the first part 15 along the axis of symmetry AA.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the second portion 25 emanates from the first portion 15 .

[0065] In particular, the solid body 2 comprises an outer surface 8 having an annular step 8 a that connects the first portion 15 to the second portion 25 externally.

[0066] In particular, the annular step 8 a is defined by a narrowing of the diameter from the first portion 15 to the second portion 25 .

[0067] According to a second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6-7, the passages 4 are grooves 41 provided in the solid body 2. As shown in FIG.

[0068] In this regard, the grooves 41 are blind apertures.

[0069] In the second embodiment, the solid body 2 comprises a first element 21 and a second element 22 which are integrally connected and coaxial.

[0070] Preferably, the first element 21 and the second element 22 have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

[0071] They are coaxial along the axis of symmetry AA of the solid body 2 .

[0072] In particular, the second element 22 emanates from the first element 21 .

[0073] The outer diameter of the first element 21 is larger than the outer diameter of the second element 22 .

[0074] Preferably, the first element 21 and the second element 22 are connected by an annular step 28 a defined by a narrowing of the diameter from the first element 21 to the second element 22 .

[0075] In the second embodiment, a plurality of grooves 41 are provided in the second element 22 of the solid body 2 .

[0076] In particular, a plurality of grooves 41 are provided on the outer surface of the second element 22 .

[0077] Preferably, the grooves 41 are equally spaced along the circumferential development of the second element 22 .

[0078] The number of grooves 41 is, for example, four.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the solid body 2 has an internal annular projection 10 for holding a sleeve 9 at one end.

[0080] An annular projection 10 of the solid body 2 projects inwardly towards the cavity 3 .

[0081] Preferably, the guide device 1 further comprises a stop element 30 which acts operatively on another end of the sleeve 9 opposite the end closest to the projection 10 .

[0082] The stop element 30 is used to hold the sleeve 9 fitted within the cavity 3 of the solid body 2 .

[0083] The stop element 30 is inserted inside an internal annular groove 23 provided in the second element 22 .

[0084] Preferably, the stop element 30 is a Segar.

[0085] The seeger 30 is an annular stop element with a notch 31 and is preferably made of an elastic material, for example, the seeger 30 is made of plastic, in particular PEEK.

[0086] The seeger 30 can be easily fitted into the internal annular groove 23 due to its resilience and the presence of the notch 31. The numeral 200 identifies a homogenizing valve comprising a valve body 201 defining a throughbore having an axial extension relative to the valve body 201.

[0087] The homogenizing valve 200 includes a shaft 203 housed within a throughbore defined by a valve body 201 .

[0088] The homogenizing valve 200 has a gap through which the fluid being homogenized is accelerated.

[0089] The gap is defined by a passage head 202 integrally connected to the valve body 201 and an impact head 100 integrally connected to the shaft 203 .

[0090] The homogenizing valve 200 has an inlet for high pressure fluid and an outlet for the homogenized low pressure fluid.

[0091] The homogenizing valve 200 comprises a guiding device 1 according to the proposed invention.

[0092] According to one aspect of the invention, the solid body 2 of the guide device 1 has a recess for supporting the valve body 201 .

[0093] In particular, the valve body 201 presses against the annular steps 8 a, 28 a of the solid body 2 .

[0094] The impact head 100 is received by the sleeve 9 of the guide device 1 .

[0095] The impact head 100 is actuated by a shaft 203 integrally connected to the impact head 100 .

[0096] In particular, the shaft 203 is located at the top of the homogenizing valve 200 .

[0097] Under the pushing action of the shaft 203, the impact head 100 moves downwards, towards the gap which receives the fluid from the inlet and delivers it to the outlet.

[0098] The impact head 100 is fitted inside the sleeve 9 and is guided towards the passage head 202 .

[0099] The guide device 1 allows the passage of fluids by virtue of passages 4, ie through holes 40 or grooves 41.

[0100] According to one aspect of the present invention, the impact head 100 is made from one of the following materials: tungsten carbide, ceramic, boron nitride, silicon carbide, silicon nitride.

[0101] The features of the guiding device for guiding an impact head according to the invention and the homogenizing valve equipped with said guiding device are evident from the above description, as are the advantages.

[0102] In particular, the guide device is designed to guide the impact head by surrounding it, reducing tolerances and misalignment.

[0103] Furthermore, the impact head can be operated more accurately and reliably because the guide device acts on the impact head closer to the working area, i.e., the gap of the homogenizing valve. Thanks to the through-holes or grooves that allow the passage of fluid, the guide device can be installed closer to the working area.

[0104] According to the claimed invention, the life span of the impact head is increased compared to known solutions.

[0105] Furthermore, since the impact head is guided by a guide device, it can be manufactured from a material that is less hard than tungsten carbide, such as ceramic, boron nitride, or silicon carbide. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0106] [Patent Document 1] European Patent EP810025 [Patent Document 2] Italian Patent 1385953

Claims

1. A guiding device (1) for guiding an impact head (100) of a homogenizing valve (200), comprising: a solid body (2) with cylindrical symmetry, having an internal cavity (3) passing through said body (2), said internal cavity (3) extending along an axis of symmetry (AA) of said body (2), said body (2) having a plurality of passages (4) provided to allow the passage of a fluid; a guide device (1) comprising a sleeve (9) fitted in said internal cavity (3) of said solid body (2) to receive said impact head (100).

2. The guiding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said solid body (2) consists of a single piece.

3. 3. The guiding device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solid body (2) comprises an integrally connected case (5) and a core (6), the internal cavity (3) being defined by the core (6).

4. The guide device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of passages (4) are through holes (40) provided between the case (5) and the core (6), the through holes (40) being separated by connecting elements (7) connecting the core (6) to the case (5).

5. The guiding device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the core (6) has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

6. A guiding device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the core (6) has an annular projection (10) at one end for retaining the sleeve (9).

7. The guiding device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the annular projection (10) projects inwardly towards the internal cavity (3).

8. The guiding device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the through holes (40) are arranged around the periphery of the core (6).

9. A guide device (1) according to claim 8, wherein each of said through holes (40) has an arcuate development.

10. The guiding device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of passages (4) are grooves (41) provided in the solid body (2).

11. 11. The guiding device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the solid body (2) comprises a first element (21) and a second element (22) that are integrally connected and coaxial, the second element (22) originating from the first element (21), and the groove (41) being provided in the second element (22).

12. Guiding device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the second element (22) has cylindrical symmetry and the groove (41) is provided on the outer surface of the second element (22).

13. 13. The guiding device (1) according to claim 12, further comprising a stop element (30) operatively acting on the sleeve (9) to retain the sleeve (9) fitted within the internal cavity (3) of the solid body (2), the second element (22) having an internal annular groove (23) for receiving the stop element (30).

14. The guiding device (1) according to claim 13, wherein said stopping element (30) is a seeger.

15. A homogenization valve (200), comprising: a valve body (201) defining a through-bore having an axial extension relative to said valve body (201); a shaft (203) housed in said through-hole; a passage head (202) integrally connected to said valve body (201); an impact head (100) integrally connected to said shaft (203); - the gap defined by said passage head (202) and said impact head (100); A homogenizing valve (200) comprising a guiding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the impact head (100) is received by the sleeve (9) of the guiding device (1).

16. 16. The homogenizing valve (200) of claim 15, wherein the impact head (100) is made of one of the following materials: tungsten carbide, ceramic, boron nitride, silicon carbide, silicon nitride.

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