Patent Application
20230182155
The present invention relates to a conversion kit for a blower, which is a device for looking after green areas configured to generate a flow of air useful for pushing leaves and dirt in a predetermined direction. Blowers can also be configured to suck up leaves and the like and grind them into smaller pieces.
Blower and atomizers are known, where the former are configured to generate an air flow adapted to push small objects, such as leaves, and the latter are configured to generate an air flow that crosses a diffuser device where the air is mixed with a fluid to be diffused. To generate said air flow, both the tools comprise a casing provided with an outlet mouth and an impeller housed within the casing and configured to generate an air flow through the outlet mouth.
Atomizers comprise a tank of the fluid to be diffused, which is connected through a dispensing conduit to the diffuser device. It is generally convenient for the fluid to be at a greater pressure than atmospheric pressure, in order to guarantee optimal nebulization thereof. When the tank is full, the actual head of the liquid may be sufficient to obtain such effect, however as the liquid in the tank gradually diminishes, the head is reduced and therefore the pressure of the fluid in the dispensing conduit is reduced. To overcome such problem, the use of pumps or compressors adapted to pressurize the fluid in the tank is known.
Conversion kits for blowers are known, which have a tank and a diffuser device connected to such tank, which enable the blower to be used for diffusing a liquid. In particular, such conversion kit envisages connecting the diffuser device to an outlet mouth of the flow of air generated by the impeller of the blower.
In order to overcome the aforementioned problem of the overpressure to be imparted to the liquid in order to guarantee excellent nebulization, such kits are provided with an electrical or manual pump for generating the excess pressure of the liquid contained in the tank.
An object of the present invention is that of making available a conversion kit for blowers able to efficiently diffuse the liquid without the need for additional pumps. The invention further enables the drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the context of a rational, cost-contained solution which requires contained computational time. Such object is achieved by the features of the invention indicated in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.
The invention makes available a conversion kit for converting a blower into an atomizer, said kit comprising:
Thanks to such solution, a conversion kit is made available which enables the liquid contained in the tank to be pressurized without the need for electric or manual pumps. The fact that pumps are not present makes the kit lighter and more compact, and also stronger and more reliable than known devices, as the number of complex components that could break or cause malfunctioning is reduced.
According to an aspect of the invention the tubular body may be subdivided into two sections that are removably associable with one another, of which a first section is configured to be fixed to the blower, and a second section with which the diffuser device is associated, and wherein the pressurization conduit places in fluid communication an internal volume of the first section of the tubular body with the top portion of the tank.
In this way it is possible to connect already existing diffuser devices to the blower thus allowing a simplification of the design and production. Furthermore, this enables the diffuser device to be changed, i.e. the second section, without having to change the pressurization conduit.
According to another aspect of the invention the kit can comprise a quick uncoupling device configured to removably connect the first section and the second section to one another.
In this way the kit can be particularly compact and does not require any further connectors for fixing the blower.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the tubular body may be provided with a converging portion and the pressurization conduit comprises an inlet opening realized in said converging portion.
In this way it is possible to remove the overpressure to send the tank into the area in which it is maximum.
An aspect of the invention envisages that the pressurization conduit may comprise a first section that extends directly from an inlet opening of the pressurization conduit itself realized in the tubular body and that has a longitudinal axis transverse to the direction of the fluid within the tubular body.
Another aspect of the invention envisages that the inlet mouth of the tubular body can have an edge configured to internally contact an edge of the outlet mouth of the blower along the entire extension thereof.
In this way, all the air generated by the blower is used for diffusing the liquid.
Yet another aspect of the invention envisages that the kit can comprise a support frame to which the tank is fixed, and a pair of shoulder straps fixed to said support frame.
Thanks to this solution the use of the blower converted into an atomizer is particularly practical.
Furthermore, according to another aspect of the invention, the diffuser device comprises a mechanism for the regulation of the flow rate of fluid crossing the dispensing conduit.
In this way it is possible to adapt the dispensing and diffusion of the liquid present in the tank based on requirements.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the tubular body can comprise a first quick fixing element adapted to enable the fixing of the inlet mouth of the tubular body to an outlet mouth of the blower placed downstream of an impeller of the blower itself with respect to a movement direction of the air flow generated by the blower.
In this way no other elements are necessary nor is the original tube of the blower necessary for the connection of the kit to the blower.
The invention further makes available a blower comprising a casing provided with an outlet mouth, an impeller housed in the casing and configured to generate an air flow that crosses said outlet mouth and a kit for the conversion of a blower into an atomizer provided with:
wherein the tubular body is connected to the casing and the inlet mouth of the tubular body is in direct fluid communication with the outlet mouth of the blower.
Although the main aim of the present invention is to be able to transform a blower into an atomizer without the need to install working machines on the blower dedicated to the pressurization of the tank, as happens in normal atomizers, it is clear how the inventive concept of the present invention may be applied to a new atomizer, not provided with working machines such as compressors or pumps dedicated to the pressurization of the tank. The invention therefore makes available an atomizer comprising:
Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings.
With particular reference to
A blower 10,10′ comprises a casing 15,15′, e.g. rigid, inside which an impeller 20,20′ is housed, configured to generate a pressurized air flow which crosses an outlet mouth 25,25′ of the casing itself.
It is specified that the term rigid means that it is not deformable under the normal loads to which it is subject during operation.
The impeller is a revolution body provided with a plurality of blades? that extend radially starting from an axis of rotation R with respect to which the impeller itself is hinged to the casing 15,15′.
The casing 15,15′ comprises a conveying conduit 30,30′, e.g. rigid, of the air flow generated by the impeller, which is placed immediately downstream of the impeller 20,20′ with respect to the direction of the air flow generated by the impeller itself.
The conveying conduit 30,30′ therefore has an inlet mouth 35′ substantially placed immediately downstream of the impeller 20,20′ and an opposite outlet mouth, which for example coincides with the outlet mouth 25,25′ of the blower, e.g. of the casing. The conveying conduit has, for example, a circular cross section, preferably it has at least one rectilinear section at the outlet mouth.
In the embodiment of the blower indicated with 10, wherein the impeller has rectilinear blades, the impeller is contained in a rectilinear conduit of the casing and is arranged with its axis of rotation R parallel e.g. coaxial, to a longitudinal axis of the conduit within which it is inserted. In this embodiment the conveying conduit 30 is the portion of the rectilinear conduit of the casing within which the impeller is housed.
In the embodiment of the blower indicated with 10′, in which the impeller is centrifugal, the casing comprises a box-shaped chamber (provided with a lateral wall that follows a spiral-shaped profile with respect to the axis of rotation R) in which the impeller is contained and that is provided with a single air inlet and a single air flow outlet, which outlet communicates directly with said conveying conduit 30′, i.e. with the inlet mouth 35′ thereof.
The casing 15,15′ preferably comprises a handle for grasping the blower. The blower can be energized, i.e. the impeller can be placed in rotation with respect to the axis of rotation R, by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, housed within respective housings. The casing is preferably made of polymer material.
With particular reference to
The internal volume V is delimited by an inner surface 60 of the tank 45, which is crossed by the top-up opening 50.
The tank is for example made of polymer material.
The kit 40 comprises a tubular body 65, e.g. rigid, adapted to be fixed to the blower 10,10′ so as to be crossed by an air flow generated by the impeller of the blower. For example, the tubular body 65 extends along a central axis C.
The tubular body 65 is provided with an inlet mouth 70, e.g. adapted to be placed directly in fluid communication with the outlet mouth 25,25′ of the casing of the blower, and an opposite outlet mouth 75.
The inlet mouth 70 of the tubular body 65 and the outlet mouth 25,25′ of the blower can be engaged directly in one another.
In particular, the tubular body is conformed in motion to house the entire air flow leaving the blower. In detail, the inlet mouth 70 of the tubular body has a perimeter edge (which delimits the inlet mouth itself) configured to contact internally, along the entire extension thereof, an edge of the outlet mouth 25,25′ of the blower.
Preferably, the inlet mouth 70 of the tubular body is conformed so as to be engaged with the, or to sealing house the, outlet mouth 25,25′ of the blower. In other words, the inlet mouth of the tubular body has a complementary shape to the outlet mouth of the blower, so as to realize a substantially fluid tight coupling.
At the outlet mouth 75, the tubular body comprises a diverging portion (with respect to the direction of the air flow through the tubular body).
The inlet mouth 70 and the outlet mouth 75 are both crossed by the central axis C of the tubular body, the tubular body therefore being substantially rectilinear.
The tubular body 65 can comprise a first fixing element 80 (with a variable conformation based on the conformation of the blower), adapted to enable the removable fixing of the inlet mouth 70 of the tubular body 65 to the outlet mouth 25,25′ of the blower 10,10′ so that said mouths are placed directly in fluid communication with one another. In particular, the first fixing element is part of a fixing device that also comprises a fixing element configured to cooperate with the first fixing element and associated with the blower.
The tubular body 65 is substantially provided with an internal axial cavity 85 that extends from the inlet mouth to the outlet mouth (along the central axis C) and is crossed by the air flow generated by the impeller. Furthermore, with particular reference to
In the embodiment illustrated, such converging portion 100 is formed by a conical surface concentric to the central axis C. For example, the inner surface 95 comprises a cylindrical portion followed by the conical portion and at least another cylindrical portion until reaching the outlet mouth in which the tubular body is divergent, where such divergent portion is defined by a conical portion coaxial with the central axis C.
The lateral wall 90 also comprises an outer surface 105 opposite the inner surface, i.e. turned towards the outside. For example, such outer surface follows the profile of the inner surface 95.
In the embodiment illustrated, the first fixing element 80 projects externally from the tubular body from the outer surface 105 of the tubular body 65.
The tubular body 65 is preferably realized in two distinct sections and associable removably with one another, e.g. through a quick release type device. In particular, the tubular body comprises a first section 110 proximal to the blower and adapted to be directly connected to the blower, and a second section 115 distal from the blower.
However, it is not excluded that in an alternative embodiment the tubular body may be made in a single body or that the two sections of the tubular body can be connected together non-removably, e.g. welded together.
For example, the first section 110 comprises the inlet mouth 70 of the tubular body and the converging portion 100 of the inner surface 95, the second section comprises the outlet mouth 75 of the tubular body.
The tubular body 65 comprises a second fixing device adapted to enable the relative fixing between the first section and the second section, which preferably comprises a guide adapted to prevent a relative rotation (about the central axis C) between the two sections and to enable the coupling between the two sections only in one predetermined orientation of the second section with respect to the first section.
Such guide can for example comprise at least one relief 120 that projects radially from the portion of lateral wall of one from among the first section and the second section, which preferably extends prevalently along a longitudinal axis, and which is inserted into a respective complementary groove made in the lateral wall of the second section.
The fixing device can comprise a tooth, e.g. which projects radially with respect to a top portion of the relief, and which is adapted to be inserted in a respective seat realized in the other section for blocking with an obstacle connection the relative sliding between the first section and the second section along the direction of the central axis C.
In the embodiment illustrated such fixing device comprises an axially hollow shank 125, realized in the first section at an opposite end of the first section 110 with respect to the inlet mouth 70 and adapted to be inserted into a respective seat realized at one end of the second section 115 opposite the outlet mouth 75. The first section comprises two reliefs 120, as described above, diametrically opposite with respect to the central axis C which project externally from the shank.
The kit 40 then comprises a diffuser device 130 configured to dispense and diffuse the fluid contained in the tank 45. The diffuser device 130 is connected, preferably rigidly connected, to the tubular body 65, e.g. to the second section 115.
The diffuser device 130 comprises a liquid dispensing body 135 housed within the tubular body and provided with a plurality of nozzles 140 (see
The dispensing body 135 is positioned centrally within the tubular body, preferably coaxially with the central axis C and has a smaller radial extension than the distance of the inner surface 95 from the central axis C, so that the dispensing body is surrounded laterally (radially) by the air flow that comes from the inlet mouth 70.
The diffuser device comprises a fluid conduit 145 that supplies the dispensing body 135 and that is adapted to be placed in communication with the tank 45. In particular, such fluid conduit 145 crosses the tubular body, has an outlet opening in fluid communication with the dispensing body, i.e. with the nozzles 140 of the dispensing body and an inlet opening external to the tubular body. The fluid conduit 145 enables a rigid connection between the dispensing body and the tubular body 65 (substantially sustaining the overhang from the wall, i.e. of the inner surface, of the tubular body).
The diffuser device 130 can comprise a flow rate regulation mechanism of the fluid to be diffused. In the embodiment illustrated, such flow rate regulation mechanism acts on the passage section of the fluid conduit 145. For example, the flow rate regulation mechanism comprises a guillotine 150 that can be activated manually through a knob 151 mounted on the body of the diffuser device, i.e. on the fluid conduit 145. In particular, the guillotine is movable between a first position, in which it does not reduce the passage section of the fluid conduit 145, and a second position, in which it occludes at least partially the passage section of the fluid conduit 145.
The kit comprises a pressurization conduit 155 that places in fluid communication an internal volume of the tubular body 65, i.e. the axial cavity 85, with the internal volume V of the tank 45, at a top portion of the tank itself. In particular, the pressurization conduit comprises an inlet opening 160 which crosses the inner surface 95 of the tubular body 65 and an outlet opening 165 (see
The pressurization conduit 155 places in fluid communication an internal volume of the tubular body 65 placed downstream of the inlet mouth 70 and upstream of the plurality of dispensing nozzles 140 with respect to the direction of the air flow that crosses the tubular body 65.
In particular, the inlet opening 160 crosses a portion of the inner surface 95 placed between the inlet mouth 70 of the tubular body and the plurality of liquid dispensing nozzles 140.
Preferably, the pressurization conduit 155 places in communication an internal volume of the first section 110 of the tubular body, i.e. a portion of axial cavity 85 of the first section 110, with the internal volume of the tank 45 at a top portion of the tank itself. The inlet opening 160 therefore crosses a portion of the inner surface of the first section of the tubular body.
Preferably, the inlet opening 160 leads into the converging portion 100 of the inner surface of the tubular body.
In an embodiment not illustrated, the inlet opening of the pressurization conduit 155 is realized in the second section of the tubular body, in a portion comprised between one end of the second distal section from the outlet mouth 75 of the tubular body 65 and the plurality of dispensing nozzles 140.
The area of the passage section at the end of the converging portion is comprised between 0.3 and 0.5 times the area of the passage section at the start of the converging portion (with respect to the air flow direction through the tubular body).
The pressurization conduit, at least in proximity to the inlet opening 160, has a diameter comprised between 1 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 20 mm, e.g. between 1 mm and 4 mm.
The pressurization conduit can comprise a first section that extends directly from the inlet opening 160 of the pressurization conduit itself, e.g. realized as a single part with the tubular body, which has a transverse longitudinal axis, e.g. perpendicular, to the direction of the fluid within the tubular body, i.e. to the central axis C. Said first section comprises an inlet realized in the inner surface and an outlet realized in the outer surface of the tubular body. Furthermore, the first section can comprise an element for the connection thereto of another section of the pressurization conduit. In the embodiment illustrated such element comprises a shank axially crossed by the first section of the pressurization conduit and provided with annular shaped radial projections configured to retain a tube made of elastically deformable material that is fitted onto said shank.
The pressurization conduit can comprise a second section, contiguous to the first section and that reaches the tank, which can be preferably realized in a hose, e.g. made of elastomer material.
The kit 40 comprises a dispensing conduit 180 which places in fluid connection the diffuser device, i.e. the plurality of nozzles of the diffuser device, with a lower portion of the tank 45.
In particular, the dispensing conduit 180 comprises an inlet opening 185 that crosses a lower portion of the inner surface 60 of the tank 45, e.g. a bottom portion of such surface, and an outlet opening 190 that communicates with the inlet opening of the fluid conduit 145.
The kit 40 does not comprise any electromechanical or mechanical device, such as pumps, configured to generate an overpressure in the liquid present in the tank or in the dispensing conduit or in the diffuser device or to generate an overpressure in the air present in the tank or in the pressurization conduit. The overpressure of the fluid is generated by means of the air flow created by the blower, which enters into the tubular body through the inlet mouth x and from there reaches the tank, in particular the portion of the internal volume of the tank occupied by air that is above the liquid present in the tank.
The kit 40 can also comprise a support frame 200 to which the tank 45 is fixed, e.g. rigidly fixed. Such support frame 200 is L-shaped and supports the tank 45 at the bottom. Furthermore, a vertical portion of the support frame acts as a backrest for the user, e.g. it can be provided with padding so as to tire the user less.
A pair of shoulder straps 205 are connected to the support frame adapted to make the support frame 200 wearable by an operator.
The blower cannot be connected to said support frame.
Although the figures explicitly illustrate a blower provided with the kit according to the invention, such figures are sufficient, in particular
In particular, the atomizer 10,130 comprises a casing 20 provided with an outlet mouth 25, an impeller 30 housed in the casing and configured to generate an air flow that crosses said outlet mouth 25, a tank 45 adapted to contain a liquid, a diffuser device 130 in fluid communication with the outlet mouth of the casing and provided with a liquid dispensing nozzle 140, a pressurization conduit 155 that places in fluid communication an environment downstream of the impeller 30 and upstream of the dispensing nozzle 140, with respect to the air flow generated by the impeller itself, and a dispensing conduit 180 that places in fluid communication the dispensing nozzle of the diffuser device with a lower portion of the tank 45.
The components of the atomizer have the same characteristics as the blower and the kit described above with the exception of the fact that the inlet opening 160 of the pressurization conduit 155 can be placed not only in the tubular body, but also in the conveying conduit of the casing and the tubular body can be made as a single part, i.e. welded, to the conveying conduit.
The operation of the conversion kit according to the invention is as follows.
When the conversion kit is installed on the blower, a part of the air flow generated thereby reaches the tank through the pressurization conduit, where it generates an overpressure in the fluid contained therein, which flows to the dispensing nozzles. The part of the air flow the continues crossing the tubular body reaches the diffuser device promoting the diffusion of the liquid dispensed by the dispensing nozzles. In particular, the air flow surrounds the dispensing body and its nozzles.
The same operation applies to the atomizer according to the invention.
The invention thus conceived is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept.
Moreover, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.
In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102020000011719 | May 2020 | IT | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2021/053505 | 4/28/2021 | WO |
