Orifice cap and spraying device

Abstract

To flexibly change a spraying direction of liquid.SOLUTION: An orifice cap according to one aspect comprises a cylindrical main body part defining a flow path extending in an axial direction between an inlet and an outlet. The main body part is constituted of a plurality of divided pieces, connected to each other in a circumferential direction, selected from one set of a divided piece group including first divided pieces and second divided pieces having shapes different from shapes of the first divided pieces, where the plurality of divided pieces can be individually exchanged for the divided pieces other than the plurality of selected divided pieces, of the one set of divided piece group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an orifice cap and a spraying device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, humidifying devices that spray an air stream containing a mist-like liquid to humidify a target space are known. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a humidifying device that mixes mist-like water ejected from a spray nozzle with a swirling air stream to generate a swirling humidifying air stream and ejects the swirling humidifying air stream toward the target space.

[0003] Patent Document 3 describes a humidifying device including a swinging adapter that rotatably holds a nozzle tip for ejecting a fluid of gas-liquid mixture. Patent Document 4 describes a humidifying device including a nozzle connector connected to a nozzle, a body connector connected to a humidifier body, and an adjustable hole that connects the nozzle connector and the body connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a space to be humidified, there may be areas where liquid should not be sprayed locally. For example, if there are obstacles such as structures or electronic equipment in the space to be humidified, it is desirable to adjust the direction of liquid spraying so that the liquid is not sprayed onto these obstacles. In the humidifiers described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, it is possible to change the direction of liquid spraying by changing the orientation of the humidifier body or nozzle, but depending on the constraints of the installation location, such as interference with other structures, it may be difficult to change the orientation of the humidifier body or nozzle.

[0006] Therefore, the object of this disclosure is to provide an orifice cap and a spraying device that can flexibly change the spraying direction of a liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, an orifice cap is provided for controlling the flow of air containing a mist of liquid. The orifice cap comprises a cylindrical body that defines a flow path extending axially between an inlet and an outlet, the body being constructed by connecting a plurality of segments selected from a set of segments including a first segment and a second segment having a different shape from the first segment, each of which is individually interchangeable with other segments from the set of segments other than the selected plurality of segments.

[0008] In the above embodiment, the orifice cap is constructed by connecting a plurality of segmented pieces selected from a set of segmented pieces including a first segmented piece and a second segmented piece 22 in the circumferential direction. The direction of liquid ejection changes depending on the combination of the selected plurality of segmented pieces. In this orifice cap, each of the plurality of segmented pieces is interchangeable between the first segmented piece 21 and the second segmented piece 22, so the direction of liquid ejection can be flexibly changed according to the combination of the plurality of segmented pieces.

[0009] In one embodiment, the main body may be configured by connecting one or more first segments and one or more second segments in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, since the first segments and second segments, which have different shapes from each other, are connected in the circumferential direction, the direction of liquid spraying can be deflected.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first segment includes a base and a first narrowing portion located on the outlet side of the base and inclined radially inward toward the main body as it approaches the outlet, and the second segment includes a base and an airflow deflection portion located on the outlet side of the base, and the airflow deflection portion may include a second narrowing portion inclined radially inward toward the main body as it approaches the outlet and an expanding portion located on the outlet side of the second narrowing portion and inclined radially outward toward the main body as it approaches the outlet. The air flowing along the first segment is converged at the first narrowing portion, improving its straightness. On the other hand, because the surface shape of the airflow deflection portion changes abruptly between the second narrowing portion and the expanding portion, the air flowing along the second segment undergoes separation at the airflow deflection portion. This air separation creates a region of locally reduced pressure near the airflow deflection portion. Therefore, a force acts on the airflow toward this pressure-reduced region, deflecting the liquid injection direction toward the installation direction of the second segment 22. In other words, the injection direction of the liquid from the orifice cap changes depending on the installation position of the second segment 22.

[0011] A spraying device according to one embodiment comprises a cylindrical body extending in the axial direction, a blower supplying airflow to the internal space of the cylindrical body, a spray nozzle supplying atomized liquid to the airflow, and an orifice cap detachably attached to the cylindrical body to control the airflow. The orifice cap comprises a cylindrical main body extending in the axial direction between an inlet and an outlet, defining a flow path communicating with the internal space of the cylindrical body. The main body is composed of a plurality of segmented pieces selected from a set of segmented pieces including a first segmented piece and a second segmented piece having a different shape from the first segmented piece, all of which are connected in the circumferential direction. Each of the plurality of segmented pieces is individually replaceable with other segmented pieces from the set of segmented pieces, excluding the selected plurality of segmented pieces.

[0012] In the spraying device according to the above aspect, the spraying direction of the liquid can be flexibly changed according to the combination of a plurality of divided pieces.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the spraying direction of the liquid can be flexibly changed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a spraying device according to an embodiment partially broken. [Figure 2] It is a view showing the main components of the spraying device disassembled. [Figure 3] (a) is a front view of the orifice cap, and (b) is a front view showing a plurality of divided pieces of the orifice cap separated. [Figure 4] (a) is a perspective view of the first divided piece, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the first divided piece. [Figure 5] (a) is a perspective view of the second divided piece, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second divided piece. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) are front views of the orifice cap. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the connection structure of a plurality of divided pieces. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of the orifice cap taken along the line A-A in FIG. 3(a). [Figure 9] (a) is the distribution of the mist seen from above, and (b) is the distribution of the mist seen from the side. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of the orifice cap taken along the line B-B in FIG. 6(a). [Figure 11] (a) is the distribution of the mist seen from above, and (b) is the distribution of the mist seen from the side. [Figure 12] (a) is the distribution of the mist seen from above, and (b) is the distribution of the mist seen from the side. [Figure 13] (a) to (i) are front views showing examples of combinations of a plurality of divided pieces. [Figure 14] (a) to (g) are front views showing examples of combinations of a plurality of divided pieces.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. The drawings may be drawn with some parts simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and dimensional ratios, angles, etc. are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0016] The terms "upstream" or "downstream" in this specification are based on the flow direction of air. Also, the terms "upper side", "lower side", "right side" or "left side" are based on the direction when the orifice cap 5 described later is viewed from the outlet 5b side.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a spray device 1 according to an embodiment, partially broken away. FIG. 2 is a view showing the main components of the spray device 1 disassembled. The spray device 1 is a device for spraying a mist-like liquid (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "mist") into a target space to humidify the target space. The target space is, for example, an internal space such as a room, a corridor or a factory. There may be a region in the target space where the liquid should not be sprayed locally. For example, when there are obstacles such as structures and electronic devices in the target space, it is desirable to adjust the spraying direction of the liquid so that the liquid is not sprayed on these obstacles. The spray device 1 has a function of flexibly changing the spraying direction of the mist.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the spraying device 1 comprises a cylindrical body 2, a spray nozzle 3, a blower 4, and an orifice cap 5. The cylindrical body 2 is a cylindrical metal part that extends in the direction along the axis AX (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "axial direction"). The central axis of the cylindrical body 2 coincides with the axis AX. The cylindrical body 2 has an upstream end 2a located on one side in the axial direction and a downstream end 2b located on the other side in the axial direction. The inner diameter of the cylindrical body 2 gradually decreases from the upstream end 2a to the downstream end 2b. Multiple openings 2c are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 2. The multiple openings 2c are formed near the upstream end 2a, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0019] The spray nozzle 3 is a single-fluid nozzle that sprays a mist of liquid. Alternatively, the spray nozzle 3 may be a two-fluid nozzle that sprays a mixture of liquid and gas. The spray nozzle 3 is located inside the cylindrical body 2 or the orifice cap 5. A liquid pipe 7 is connected to the spray nozzle 3. The liquid pipe 7 supplies liquid stored in an external tank to the spray nozzle 3 by the pressure of the pump. The liquid supplied from the liquid pipe 7 to the spray nozzle 3 is, for example, water.

[0020] The spraying device 1 may include a stabilizer 6. The stabilizer 6 includes a cylindrical portion 6a surrounding the outer circumference of the spray nozzle 3 and a plurality of blade portions 6b extending radially outward from the cylindrical portion 6a. That is, the plurality of blade portions 6b extend radially with respect to the axis AX in the internal space 2s of the cylindrical body 2. When a fan is used as the blower 4, which will be described later, a spiral airflow is formed in the internal space 2s of the cylindrical body 2, rotating and traveling around the axis AX. The stabilizer 6 improves the flight distance of the mist by suppressing the rotation of the airflow and improving the straightness of the airflow.

[0021] The blower 4 is positioned upstream of the spray nozzle 3 and supplies airflow to the internal space 2s of the cylindrical body 2. The blower 4 is, for example, a fan or a blower. A fan rotates, for example, driven by an electric motor, to generate airflow in the internal space 2s. A blower supplies compressed air, for example, from a compressor. The blower 4 is fixed to the upstream end 2a of the cylindrical body 2 via a cover 8. A finger guard 9 may be attached to the cover 8. The supply of air from the blower 4 generates a downstream airflow in the internal space 2s of the cylindrical body 2. The mist sprayed from the spray nozzle 3 is mixed with the airflow flowing through the internal space 2s and transported downstream.

[0022] The orifice cap 5 is, for example, a cylindrical body made of resin and is positioned downstream of the cylindrical body 2. In one embodiment, the orifice cap 5 has a plurality of claws that protrude radially inward, and the orifice cap 5 is detachably attached to the cylindrical body 2 by fitting the plurality of claws into a plurality of openings 2c of the cylindrical body 2. The orifice cap 5 has the function of controlling the direction of mist spraying.

[0023] Figure 3(a) is a front view of the orifice cap 5 as seen from the downstream side. As shown in Figure 3(a), the orifice cap 5 comprises a cylindrical body portion 10A. The body portion 10A defines a flow path 5s that extends axially between the inlet 5a and the outlet 5b (see Figure 2). The flow path 5s is a space that communicates with the internal space 2s of the cylindrical body 2. The outlet 5b functions as the nozzle of the spraying device 1. In one embodiment, the ratio of the area of ​​the outlet 5b to the area of ​​the inlet 5a may be set within the range of 0.32 to 2.05. The body portion 10A has a plurality of flange portions 11 that protrude in the thickness direction of the body portion 10. The body portion 10A is constructed by connecting a plurality of segmented pieces 20 in the circumferential direction.

[0024] Figure 3(b) shows the main body 10A separated into multiple segments 20. As shown in Figure 3(b), the main body 10A is composed of four segments 20 connected in the circumferential direction. These four segments 20 are detachable from one another.

[0025] The multiple segmented pieces 20 are selected from a set of segmented pieces, which includes multiple first segmented pieces 21 and multiple second segmented pieces 22, according to the desired mist spraying pattern. For example, one set of segmented pieces includes four first segmented pieces 21 and four second segmented pieces 22. Four segmented pieces 20 are selected from this set of segmented pieces and connected in the circumferential direction to form the main body of the orifice cap 5. Note that segmented pieces 20 is a collective term for the first segmented pieces 21 and the second segmented pieces 22.

[0026] Figure 4(a) is a perspective view of an exemplary first segment 21, and Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view of the first segment 21 along a plane containing the axis AX. Note that in Figure 4(a), the first segment 21 is illustrated with the multiple flange portions 11 omitted.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4(b), the first segmented piece 21 includes a base portion 31 and a tapered portion (first tapered portion) 32 extending downstream from the base portion 31 (towards the outlet 5b side of the orifice cap 5). The base portion 31 and the tapered portion 32 are the inner wall surfaces of the orifice cap 5 that define the flow path 5s.

[0028] The base portion 31 extends substantially parallel to the axis AX. For example, the base portion 31 has claws that fit into multiple openings 2c of the cylindrical body 2. The base portion 31 may also have a shape that gradually narrows radially as it moves downstream. The narrowing portion 32 is located downstream of the base portion 31 and is inclined to narrow radially as it moves downstream.

[0029] Figure 5(a) is a perspective view of an exemplary second segment 22, and Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the second segment 22 along a plane containing the axis AX. Note that in Figure 5(a), the second segment 22 is illustrated with the multiple flange portions 11 omitted.

[0030] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 5(a), the first segment 21 and the second segment 22 have different shapes. As shown in Figure 5(b), the second segment 22 includes a base 41 and an airflow deflection section 42 extending downstream from the base 41 (towards the outlet 5b of the orifice cap 5). The base 41 and the airflow deflection section 42 are the inner wall surfaces of the orifice cap 5 that define the flow path 5s.

[0031] The base 41 of the second segment 22 has substantially the same shape as the base 31 of the first segment 21. The airflow deflection section 42 includes a retraction section (second retraction section) 43 connected to the base 41 and an expansion section 44 located downstream of the retraction section 43. The retraction section 43 is located downstream of the base 31 and is inclined to retract radially as it moves downstream. The expansion section 44 is located downstream of the retraction section 43 and is inclined to expand radially as it moves downstream.

[0032] The main body 10A shown in Figure 3(a) is constructed by selecting four first division pieces 21 from a set of division pieces and connecting these four first division pieces 21 in the circumferential direction. The orifice cap 5 can also be constructed by connecting one or more first division pieces 21 and one or more second division pieces 22 in the circumferential direction. For example, the main body 10B shown in Figure 6(a) is constructed by selecting three first division pieces 21 and one second division piece 22 from a set of division pieces, arranging the three first division pieces 21 on the upper, right, and left sides of the orifice cap 5, and arranging the one second division piece 22 on the lower side of the orifice cap 5. Furthermore, the main body 10C shown in Figure 6(b) is constructed by selecting two first division pieces 21 and two second division pieces 22 from a set of division pieces, arranging the two first division pieces 21 on the upper and lower sides of the orifice cap 5, and arranging the two second division pieces 22 on the right and left sides of the orifice cap 5.

[0033] As described above, the orifice cap 5 is constructed by combining any four segmented pieces 20 from a set of segmented pieces that includes multiple first segmented pieces 21 and multiple second segmented pieces. By changing the combination of the four segmented pieces 20, the shape of the orifice cap 5 changes, making it possible to control the direction of mist spraying.

[0034] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are perspective views showing exemplary connecting structures of multiple segmented pieces 20. As shown in Figure 7(a), the flange portion 11 on one circumferential end of the segmented piece 20 has multiple projections 20a that protrude in the circumferential direction of the orifice cap 5. The flange portion 11 on the other circumferential end of the segmented piece 20 has multiple recesses 20b into which the multiple projections 20a are fitted. By fitting the multiple projections 20a into each other, the multiple segmented pieces 20 are detachably connected in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, one or more screw holes may be formed in the flange portion 11, and the multiple segmented pieces 20 may be connected in the circumferential direction by inserting bolts into the one or more screw holes.

[0035] Next, the control of airflow by the orifice cap 5 will be described. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main body 10A along line AA in Figure 3(a). The arrows shown in Figure 8 indicate the direction of airflow. As described above, the main body 10A of the orifice cap 5 is composed of four first segmented pieces 21. Since all of the segmented pieces 20 of the main body 10A are composed of first segmented pieces 21, the main body 10A has a uniform shape in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the distribution of mist ejected from the outlet 5b of the orifice cap 5 is substantially uniform in the circumferential direction around the axis AX.

[0036] Incidentally, there is a negative correlation between the pressure and velocity of air flowing through a pipe; as the air velocity increases, the air pressure decreases. If the air velocity in the flow path 5s of the orifice cap 5 is too high, air separation occurs near the outlet 5b of the orifice cap 5, and the pressure of the airflow decreases in region R1 around the outlet 5b of the orifice cap 5. When the pressure in region R1 becomes lower than atmospheric pressure, the pressure difference between the target space TA and region R1 pushes the mist ejected from the outlet 5b of the orifice cap 5 back towards the outlet 5b, hindering the ejection of the mist over long distances.

[0037] In contrast, in the orifice cap 5 shown in Figure 8, the diameter of the flow path 5s is abruptly reduced near the outlet 5b of the orifice cap 5 by the narrowing portions 32 of the multiple first segmented pieces 21. When the flow path 5s is abruptly narrowed near the outlet 5b, the pressure of the airflow in region R1 increases. The pressure of the airflow in region R1 depends on the inclination angle α of the narrowing portion 32 with respect to the axis AX and the length L1 of the narrowing portion 32 in the axial direction. In a cross-sectional view including the axis AX, the inclination angle α of the narrowing portion 32 with respect to the axis AX is greater than the inclination angle of the base portion 31 with respect to the axis AX. For example, the inclination angle α of the narrowing portion 32 may be between 1° and 60°. Also, when the outer diameter of the downstream end 2b of the cylindrical body 2 is D, the length L1 of the narrowing portion 32 in the axial direction may be between 0.001D and 0.6D.

[0038] By adjusting the inclination angle α and length L1 of the reduction section 32, it is possible to raise the pressure in region R1 above atmospheric pressure. When the pressure in region R1 is higher than atmospheric pressure, the pressure difference between the target space TA and region R1 exerts a pushing force on the mist ejected from outlet 5b towards the target space TA, making it possible to transport the mist over long distances. Furthermore, in the orifice cap 5 having the main body 10A, the diameter of the main body 10A is narrowed in the reduction section 32, making it less likely for air separation to occur near outlet 5b. This suppresses the diffusion of the airflow and improves the straightness of the airflow.

[0039] Figure 9(a) shows the results of a computer simulation analysis of the distribution of mist M ejected from a spraying device 1 when the spraying device 1, which is fitted with an orifice cap 5 having a main body 10A having four first segmented pieces 21, is operated. Figure 9(a) shows the distribution of mist M as viewed from above, and Figure 9(b) shows the distribution of mist M as viewed from the side. As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), when using an orifice cap 5 having a main body 10A, mist M is ejected from the spraying device 1 in a spray pattern with high straightness that is converged in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0040] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main body 10B along line BB in Figure 6(a). As described above, the main body 10B of the orifice cap 5 is composed of three first segmented pieces 21 and one second segmented piece 22. In the main body 10B, the first segmented pieces 21 are arranged on the upper, right, and left sides, and the second segmented piece 22 is arranged on the lower side, so the main body 10B has partially different shapes in the circumferential direction.

[0041] As described above, on the upper, right, and left sides of the flow path 5s where the first segmented piece 21 of the main body 10B is located, the airflow flows along the base 31 and the narrowing portion 32 of the first segmented piece 21. Since the diameter of the flow path 5s is sharply reduced near the outlet 5b of the orifice cap 5 by the narrowing portion 32 of the first segmented piece 21, the pressure of the airflow increases in region R1.

[0042] On the other hand, below the flow path 5s where the second segment 22 of the main body 10B is located, the airflow flows along the base 31 and airflow deflection section 42 of the second segment 22. The airflow deflection section 42 has a narrowing section 43 that slopes radially inward toward the outlet 5b of the main body 10B, and an expanding section 44 that slopes radially outward toward the outlet 5b of the main body 10B. Because the airflow deflection section 42 has this surface shape, the airflow flowing along the airflow deflection section 42 separates near the boundary between the narrowing section 43 and the expanding section 44. This separation of airflow creates a locally pressure-reduced region R2 near the surface of the expanding section 44.

[0043] The air pressure in region R2 depends on the inclination angle β of the contracting portion 43 with respect to the axis AX, the inclination angle γ of the expanding portion 44 with respect to the axis AX, and the ratio of the length L3 of the expanding portion 44 in the axial direction to the length L2 of the contracting portion 43 in the axial direction. In one embodiment, the inclination angle β of the contracting portion 43 is equal to the inclination angle α of the contracting portion 32, and the sum of lengths L2 and L3 is equal to length L1. The inclination angle γ of the expanding portion 44 may be between 1° and 60°. The ratio of the length L3 of the expanding portion 44 to the length L2 of the contracting portion 43 may be between 0.05 and 15. When the outer diameter of the downstream end 2b of the cylindrical body 2 is D, the length L3 of the expanding portion 44 may be between 0.02D and 0.58D.

[0044] Since the pressure in region R2 is lower than the pressure in region R1, the pressure difference between region R1 and region R2 causes a force to act on the mist sprayed from the spraying device 1, moving from region R1 to region R2. In other words, the mist sprayed from the spraying device 1 causes the second segmented piece 22 to be pulled in the direction of installation, and the direction of mist sprayed from the spraying device 1 is deflected downwards.

[0045] Figures 11(a) and 11(b) show the results of a computer simulation analysis of the distribution of mist M ejected from a spraying device 1 when the spraying device 1, which is fitted with an orifice cap 5 having a main body 10B with first segmented pieces 21 positioned on the upper, right, and left sides and a second segmented piece 22 positioned on the lower side, is operated. Figure 11(a) shows the distribution of mist M as viewed from above, and Figure 11(b) shows the distribution of mist M as viewed from the side. As shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), when using an orifice cap 5 having a main body 10B, the mist M is ejected in a spray pattern that converges in the left-right direction and is deflected downwards.

[0046] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) show the results of a computer simulation analysis of the distribution of mist M ejected from a spraying device 1 when the spraying device 1, which is fitted with an orifice cap 5 having a main body 10C with first dividing pieces 21 positioned on the upper and lower sides and second dividing pieces 22 positioned on the right and left sides, is operated. Figure 12(a) shows the distribution of mist M as viewed from above, and Figure 12(b) shows the distribution of mist M as viewed from the side. As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), when using an orifice cap 5 having a main body 10C, the mist M is ejected from the spraying device 1 in a spray pattern that converges vertically and is deflected horizontally.

[0047] As described above, the orifice cap 5 according to the above embodiment is constructed by connecting a plurality of segmented pieces 20 selected from a set of segmented pieces, which includes a first segmented piece 21 and a second segmented piece 22 having a different shape from the first segmented piece 21, in the circumferential direction. The direction of mist spraying from the spraying device 1 to which the orifice cap 5 is attached changes depending on the combination of the plurality of segmented pieces 20. Specifically, the direction of mist spraying is deflected in the direction in which the second segmented piece 22 is installed. Each segmented piece 20 of the orifice cap 5 is individually interchangeable between the first segmented piece 21 and the second segmented piece 22. For example, if the orifice cap 5 is composed of four first segmented pieces 21, each of the four first segmented pieces 21 can be replaced with a second segmented piece 22 other than the plurality of segmented pieces 20 selected from the set of segmented pieces. Therefore, the direction of mist spraying can be flexibly changed according to the combination of the plurality of segmented pieces 20.

[0048] Figures 13(a) to 13(i) and 14(a) to 14(g) show examples of combinations of multiple segmented pieces. The arrows shown in these figures indicate the direction of mist deflection. As shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(i) and 14(a) to 14(g), when the orifice cap 5 is constructed by connecting four segmented pieces 20, 16 combination patterns can be realized. By changing the combination of the first segmented piece 21 and the second segmented piece 22, a desired spray direction can be selected from these combinations.

[0049] Although various embodiments of the spraying device 1 and orifice cap 5 have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modified forms can be constructed without changing the gist of the invention. In other words, it should be noted that the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0050] For example, the main body 10 of the orifice cap 5 described above is constructed by connecting four segmented pieces 20, but the number of segmented pieces constituting the main body 10 is not limited. The number of segments in the main body 10 may be 2, 3, or 5 or more. One set of segmented pieces may further include a third segmented piece having a different shape from the first segmented piece 21 and the second segmented piece 22, and each segmented piece 20 of the orifice cap 5 may be interchangeable with the third segmented piece. By constructing the orifice cap 5 by combining a number of segmented pieces having different shapes, the direction of mist spraying can be changed more flexibly.

[0051] Furthermore, the orifice cap 5 may be attached to the cylindrical body 2 at a 45° angle in the circumferential direction. That is, the four segmented pieces 20 may be positioned in the upper right, lower right, lower left, and upper left directions, respectively. By positioning the orifice cap 5 at a 45° angle, the direction of mist spraying can be deflected diagonally.

[0052] Furthermore, the various embodiments described above can be combined to the extent that they do not create any contradictions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1...Spraying device, 2...Cylindrical body, 2s...Internal space, 3...Spray nozzle, 4...Blower, 5...Orifice cap, 5a...Inlet, 5b...Outlet, 5s...Flow path, 10, 10A, 10B, 10C...Main body, 20...Divided piece, 21...First divided piece, 22...Second divided piece, 31, 41...Base, 32...Reduced section (First reduced section), 42...Airflow deflection section, 43...Reduced section (Second reduced section), 44...Expanded section.

Claims

1. An orifice cap for controlling the flow of air containing a mist of liquid, It comprises a cylindrical main body that defines a flow path extending axially between the inlet and outlet, The main body is constructed by connecting a plurality of segmented pieces selected from a set of segmented pieces, which includes a first segmented piece and a second segmented piece having a different shape from the first segmented piece, in the circumferential direction. An orifice cap in which each of the plurality of segmented segments is individually interchangeable with other segmented segments from the set of segmented segments, excluding the selected plurality of segmented segments.

2. The orifice cap according to claim 1, wherein the main body is configured by connecting one or more first segmented pieces and one or more second segmented pieces in the circumferential direction.

3. The first segmented piece includes a base and a first reduced portion that is positioned closer to the exit than the base and inclined radially inward toward the main body as it approaches the exit. The second segmented piece includes a base and an airflow deflection portion positioned on the outlet side of the base, The orifice cap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the airflow deflection portion includes a second narrowing portion that is inclined radially inward of the main body as it approaches the outlet, and an expanding portion that is positioned closer to the outlet than the second narrowing portion and is inclined radially outward of the main body as it approaches the outlet.

4. A cylindrical body extending in the axial direction, A blower that supplies airflow to the internal space of the cylindrical body, A spray nozzle that supplies atomized liquid to the aforementioned airflow, An orifice cap that is detachably attached to the cylindrical body and controls the airflow, Equipped with, The orifice cap comprises a cylindrical body portion that extends axially between the inlet and outlet and defines a flow path that communicates with the internal space of the cylindrical body, The main body is constructed by connecting a plurality of segmented pieces selected from a set of segmented pieces, which includes a first segmented piece and a second segmented piece having a different shape from the first segmented piece, in the circumferential direction. A spraying device in which each of the plurality of segments can be individually replaced with other segments from the set of segments other than the selected plurality of segments.

Images