U.S. patent number RE41,864 [Application Number 11/893,091] was granted by the patent office on 2010-10-26 for swirl unit, orifice plate, and spray nozzle including same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Bete Fog Nozzle, Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas A. Bassett, Matthew P. Betsold, Daniel T. deLesdernier, Douglas J. Dziadzio, Paul J. Mueller, Lincoln S. Soule, Shane Taylor, Mark W. Yorns.
United States Patent |
RE41,864 |
Soule , et al. |
October 26, 2010 |
Swirl unit, orifice plate, and spray nozzle including same
Abstract
In a spray nozzle (10), a carrier (12) defines a spray aperture
(20), a groove (30) surrounding the spray aperture for receiving an
o-ring (32), a first locating bore (26) for slidably receiving an
orifice plate (14) seated against the o-ring (32) and for aligning
the orifice plate with the spray aperture, and a second locating
bore (28) for slidably receiving a swirl unit and aligning the
swirl unit (16) with the orifice plate and spray aperture. The
swirl unit (16) defines on its peripheral surface a recessed flat
(58) forming a fluid passageway between the swirl unit and carrier.
The swirl unit (16) includes a swirl chamber (60) defined by a
curvilinear surface (62) formed within the swirl unit, and an inlet
port (64) formed in fluid communication between the swirl chamber
and fluid passageway. The nozzle body (18) is threadedly received
within the carrier (12) behind the swirl unit (16) to axially press
the swirl unit, and in turn press the orifice plate (14) against
the adjacent surface of the carrier.
Inventors: |
Soule; Lincoln S. (Hutchison
Island, FL), Dziadzio; Douglas J. (Montague, MA), Yorns;
Mark W. (Longmeadow, MA), Mueller; Paul J. (Springfield,
MA), deLesdernier; Daniel T. (Greenfield, MA), Bassett;
Thomas A. (Florence, MA), Taylor; Shane (Quincy, MA),
Betsold; Matthew P. (Northfield, MA) |
Assignee: |
Bete Fog Nozzle, Inc.
(Greenfield, MA)
|
Family
ID: |
25448012 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/893,091 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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10373597 |
Feb 25, 2003 |
Re. 39767 |
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08923039 |
Sep 3, 1997 |
5934569 |
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Reissue of: |
09322792 |
May 28, 1999 |
06193172 |
Feb 27, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/468; 239/461;
239/505; 239/490 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B
1/3436 (20130101); B05B 1/3442 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B05B
1/34 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;239/468,461,463,490,505,600,1 ;29/890.124,890.127 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Photograph of Prior Art Swirl Unit ("Swirl Unit 1"); Manufactured
by Delevan Spray Technologies; date: more than one year prior to
Sep. 3, 1997. cited by other .
Photographs (4) of Prior Art Swirl Unit ("Swirl Unit 2");
Manufactured by Delevan Spray Technologies; date: more than one
year prior to Sep. 3, 1997. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Hwu; Davis
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McCarter & English, LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED .[.APPLICATION.].
.Iadd.APPLICATIONS.Iaddend.
.[.This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/923,039, filed Sep. 3, 1997, now U.S. Pat.
No. 5,934,569, herewith, and incorporated by reference
herein..].
.Iadd.More than one reissue application has been filed for the
reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,172. The reissue applications are
the present reissue application, and application Ser. No.
10/373,597.
The present reissue application is a continuation of reissue
application Ser. No. 10/373,597, filed Feb. 25, 2003, now U.S. Pat.
No. RE39767, which is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,172, which
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/923,039, filed Sep. 3, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,569, all of
which are incorporated by reference herein..Iaddend.
Claims
What is claimed is:
.[.1. A swirl unit for a spray nozzle, wherein the spray nozzle
includes a carrier defining a spray aperture on one end for
emitting a spray, a first pair of locating surfaces formed on
approximately opposite sides of the carrier relative to each other
and axially spaced adjacent to the spray aperture for receiving an
orifice plate, and a second pair of locating surfaces formed on
approximately opposite sides of the carrier relative to each other
and formed on an opposite side of the first pair of locating
surfaces relative to the spray aperture for receiving the swirl
unit, wherein the swirl unit comprises: a first end surface
engageable with an orifice plate received within the carrier
adjacent to the first locating surfaces; a second end surface
axially spaced relative to the first end surface; a peripheral
surface formed between the first and second end surfaces, wherein
the peripheral surface defines at least two locating surfaces
formed on approximately opposite sides of the swirl unit relative
to each other and dimensioned for slidably contacting the second
locating surfaces of the carrier upon inserting the swirl unit
therein; at least one recessed surface spaced radially inwardly
from the at least two locating surfaces of the swirl unit to
thereby define a fluid passageway between the swirl unit and
carrier; and a swirl chamber defined by an approximately
curvilinear surface, and an inlet port formed in fluid
communication between the swirl chamber and fluid passageway and
defined at least in part by an inlet surface formed between the
curvilinear surface and the recessed surface..].
.[.2. A swirl unit as defined in claim 1, wherein the carrier
further defines at least one retaining surface located on an
opposite side of the second pair of locating surfaces relative to
the first pair of locating surfaces and extending inwardly a
predetermined distance for retaining the swirl unit within the
carrier, and the at least one recessed surface of the swirl unit is
spaced radially inwardly from the at least two locating surfaces of
the swirl unit a distance greater than the predetermined distance
defined by the at least one retaining surface of the carrier for
clearing the retaining surface upon inserting the swirl unit into
the carrier adjacent to the second locating surfaces..].
.[.3. A swirl unit as defined in claim 1, wherein the second pair
of locating surfaces of the carrier are formed by a bore
approximately defined by a first radius, and the peripheral surface
is defined at least in part by a second radius selected for
slidably contacting the second locating surfaces of the bore upon
inserting the swirl unit therein..].
.[.4. A swirl unit as defined in claim 2, wherein the recessed
surface is defined by an approximately planar surface formed on the
peripheral surface..].
.[.5. A swirl unit as defined in claim 1, further defining a
tapered surface formed between the peripheral and first end
surfaces and tapering inwardly toward the first end surface for
facilitating slidable movement of the swirl unit through the
carrier..].
.[.6. A swirl unit as defined in claim 1, further comprising a
tool-engaging surface formed on the second end surface and
engageable with a tool for pressing the swirl unit toward the
orifice plate and rotating the swirl unit and second end surface
thereof into a position for engagement with the at least one
retaining surface to thereby secure within the carrier the swirl
unit and orifice plate..].
.[.7. A swirl unit as defined in claim 2, wherein the carrier
defines at least two retaining surfaces spaced on approximately
opposite sides of the carrier relative to each other, and each
extending inwardly a predetermined distance for retaining the swirl
unit within the carrier, and wherein the peripheral surface of the
swirl unit defines at least two recessed surfaces on approximately
opposite sides of the swirl unit relative to each other, and each
recessed surface is spaced radially inwardly from the at least two
locating surfaces of the swirl unit a distance greater than the
predetermined distance defined by at least one respective retaining
surface for clearing the retaining surfaces upon inserting the
swirl unit into the carrier adjacent to the second locating
surfaces..].
.[.8. A swirl unit as defined in claim 1, in further combination
with an orifice plate defining a first end surface engageable with
the carrier, a second end surface axially spaced relative to the
first end surface and engageable with the first end surface of the
swirl unit, a spray orifice formed through the orifice plate, and a
peripheral surface formed between the first and second end surfaces
and dimensioned for slidably contacting the first locating surfaces
upon inserting the orifice plate into the carrier..].
.[.9. A swirl unit and orifice plate as defined in claim 8, wherein
the orifice plate further defines a tapered surface at the juncture
of the peripheral and first end surfaces for facilitating insertion
of the orifice plate into the carrier adjacent to the first
locating surfaces..].
.[.10. A swirl unit for a spray nozzle, wherein the spray nozzle
includes a carrier defining a spray aperture on one end for
emitting a spray, a first locating bore axially spaced adjacent to
the spray aperture for receiving an orifice plate, and a second
locating bore formed on an opposite side of the first locating bore
relative to the spray aperture for receiving the swirl unit,
wherein the swirl unit comprises: a first end surface engageable
with an orifice plate received within the first locating bore; a
second end surface axially spaced relative to the first end
surface; a peripheral surface formed between the first and second
end surfaces; first means for slidably contacting a surface forming
the second locating bore upon inserting the swirl unit therein and
aligning the swirl unit with the spray aperture; second means for
receiving fluid through the swirl unit, and discharging fluid in a
swirling pattern therefrom; and third means spaced radially
inwardly relative to the first means for defining a fluid
passageway between the swirl unit and carrier coupled in fluid
communication with the second means to direct fluid into the second
means and, in turn, discharge the fluid in a swirling pattern
therefrom..].
.[.11. A swirl unit as defined in claim 10, wherein the carrier
further defines at least one retaining surface located on an
opposite side of the second locating bore relative to the first
locating bore and extending inwardly a predetermined distance for
retaining the swirl unit within the carrier, and the third means is
defined by at least one recessed surface spaced radially inwardly a
distance greater than the predetermined distance defined by the at
least one retaining surface of the carrier for clearing the
retaining surface upon insertion of the swirl unit into the
carrier..].
.[.12. A swirl unit as defined in claim 10, wherein the first means
is defined by at least two locating surfaces formed on
approximately opposite sides of the peripheral surface relative to
each other, and approximately defined by a radius for slidably
contacting the surface forming the second locating bore upon
inserting the swirl unit therein..].
.[.13. A swirl unit as defined in claim 11, further comprising
means for engaging a tool for pressing the swirl unit toward the
orifice plate and rotating with the tool the swirl unit and second
end surface thereof into a position for engagement with the at
least one retaining surface to thereby secure within the carrier
the swirl unit and orifice plate..].
.[.14. A spray nozzle, comprising: a carrier defining a spray
aperture on one end for emitting a spray, at least two first
locating surfaces spaced on approximately opposite sides of the
carrier relative to each other and axially spaced adjacent to the
spray aperture for receiving an orifice plate, and at least two
second locating surfaces spaced on approximately opposite sides of
the carrier relative to each other and formed on an opposite side
of the first locating surfaces relative to the spray aperture for
receiving a swirl unit; an orifice plate defining a first end
surface engageable with the carrier, a second end surface axially
spaced relative to the first end surface, a spray orifice formed
through the orifice plate, and a peripheral surface formed between
the first and second end surfaces and dimensioned for slidably
contacting the first locating surfaces upon insertion of the
orifice plate into the carrier; and a swirl unit including a first
end surface engageable with the orifice plate received within the
carrier adjacent to the first locating surfaces, a second end
surface axially spaced relative to the first end surface, a
peripheral surface formed between the first and second end surfaces
and defining at least two locating surfaces formed on approximately
opposite sides of the swirl unit relative to each other and
dimensioned for slidably contacting the second locating surfaces of
the carrier upon insertion of the swirl unit therein, at least one
recessed surface spaced radially inwardly from the at least two
locating surfaces of the swirl unit to thereby define a fluid
passageway between the swirl unit and carrier; a swirl chamber
defined by at least one curvilinear surface formed within the swirl
unit, and an inlet port formed in fluid communication between the
swirl chamber and fluid passageway and defined at least in part by
an inlet surface formed between the at least one curvilinear
surface and the recessed surface..].
.[.15. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 14, wherein the carrier
further defines at least one retaining surface located on an
opposite side of the second locating surfaces relative to the first
locating surfaces and extending inwardly a predetermined distance
for retaining the swirl unit within the carrier, and wherein the at
least one recessed surface is spaced radially inwardly from the at
least two locating surfaces of the swirl unit a distance greater
than the predetermined distance defined by the at least one
retaining surface of the carrier for clearing the retaining surface
upon insertion of the swirl unit into the carrier, and the swirl
unit further defines a tool-engaging surface formed on the second
end surface and engageable with a tool for pressing the swirl unit
toward the orifice plate and rotating the swirl unit and second end
surface thereof into a position for engagement with the at least
one retaining surface to thereby secure within the carrier the
swirl unit and orifice plate..].
.[.16. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 14, wherein the second
locating surfaces of the carrier are formed by a locating bore
approximately defined by a first radius, and the peripheral surface
of the swirl unit is defined at least in part by a second radius
selected for slidably contacting the second locating surfaces upon
inserting the swirl unit into the bore..].
.[.17. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 16, wherein the recessed
surface is defined by an approximately planar surface formed on the
peripheral surface..].
.[.18. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 14, wherein the swirl
unit further defines a tapered surface formed between the
peripheral and first end surfaces and tapering inwardly toward the
first end surface for facilitating slidable movement of the swirl
unit within the carrier..].
.[.19. A spay nozzle as defined in claim 14, further comprising at
least one nozzle body and wherein the nozzle body is received
within the carrier on an approximately opposite side of the swirl
unit relative to the orifice plate, the nozzle body defines at
least one fluid conduit coupled in fluid communication with the
fluid passageway and the swirl chamber for introducing fluid
through the swirl unit and orifice plate, and the nozzle body is
engageable with the swirl unit for securing the swirl unit and
orifice plate within the carrier..].
.[.20. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 19, including first and
second carriers, wherein: the first carrier defines the at least
two first locating surfaces for receiving the orifice plate, and
the at least two second locating surfaces for receiving the swirl
unit, and is engageable with the second carrier; and the nozzle
body is receivable within the second carrier and engageable with
the swirl unit received within the first carrier..].
.[.21. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 20, wherein the second
carrier defines an aperture for receiving the first carrier within
the second carrier..].
.[.22. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 20, further comprising at
least one sealing member located between the orifice plate and one
of the first and second carriers, and wherein the second carrier
defines a threaded aperture for receiving the nozzle body, and the
nozzle body is threadedly engageable within the threaded aperture
to engage the swirl unit and, in turn, compress the sealing member
to effect an approximately fluid-tight seal between the orifice
plate and respective carrier..].
.[.23. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 14, wherein the carrier
defines at least one inner surface extending in an axial direction
of the carrier between the first and second locating surfaces,
extending about the periphery of the swirl unit, and spaced
radially outwardly from the swirl unit relative to the first and
second locating surfaces to facilitate removal of the swirl unit
from the carrier..].
.[.24. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 14, further comprising at
least one sealing member located between the orifice plate and the
carrier, and wherein the carrier defines a smooth approximately
planar sealing surface facing the orifice plate and engageable with
the sealing member, and the orifice plate defines an annular recess
facing the smooth, approximately planar sealing surface of the
carrier for receiving therein the sealing member and preventing the
collection of particles on the sealing surface of the
carrier..].
.[.25. A swirl unit as defined in claim 10, wherein the third means
is defined by at least one recessed surface spaced radially
inwardly relative to the first means to thereby define the fluid
passageway between the swirl unit and carrier..].
.[.26. A swirl unit as defined in claim 25, wherein said at least
one recessed surface is approximately planar..].
.[.27. A swirl unit as defined in claim 10, wherein the second
means includes a swirl chamber defined by at least one
approximately curvilinear surface, and an inlet port formed in
fluid communication between the swirl chamber and fluid
passageway..].
.Iadd.28. A swirl unit for a spray nozzle, wherein the spray nozzle
includes a carrier defining a spray aperture on one end for
emitting a spray, a first locating surface section for contacting
and aligning an orifice plate within the carrier, and a second
locating surface section for contacting and aligning the swirl unit
within the carrier, wherein the swirl unit comprises: a first end
surface engageable with an orifice plate received within the
carrier adjacent to the first locating surface section; a second
end surface axially spaced relative to the first end surface; a
peripheral surface formed between the first and second end
surfaces, wherein the peripheral surface defines a locating surface
section dimensioned for contacting the second locating surface
section of the carrier upon inserting the swirl unit therein and
locating the swirl unit within the carrier; a recessed surface
defined by the peripheral surface and spaced radially inwardly
thereon to thereby define a fluid passageway between the recessed
surface and carrier; a swirl chamber defined by an approximately
curvilinear surface; and an inlet port formed in fluid
communication between the swirl chamber and the recessed surface
and defined at least in part by an inlet surface formed between the
curvilinear surface and the recessed surface for receiving fluid
flowing from the fluid passageway and directing the fluid into the
swirl chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. A swirl unit as defined in claim 28, wherein the carrier
defines a first pair of locating surface sections formed on
approximately opposite sides of the carrier relative to each other
for receiving an orifice plate, and a second pair of locating
surface sections formed on approximately opposite sides of the
carrier relative to each other for receiving the swirl unit, and
the peripheral surface of the swirl unit defines at least two
locating surface sections formed on approximately opposite sides of
the swirl unit relative to each other and dimensioned for
contacting the second locating surface sections of the carrier upon
inserting the swirl unit therein..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. A swirl unit as defined in claim 28, wherein the recessed
surface is defined by an approximately planar surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. A swirl unit as defined in claim 28, in further
combination with an orifice plate defining a first surface located
on one side of the orifice plate and engageable with the carrier, a
second surface axially spaced relative to the first surface and
engageable with the first end surface of the swirl unit, a spray
orifice formed through the orifice plate, and a peripheral surface
formed between the first and second surfaces and dimensioned for
contacting the first locating surface section upon inserting the
orifice plate into the carrier and locating the orifice plate
within the carrier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. A combination as defined in claim 31, further comprising
a retaining member defining a retaining surface engageable with the
swirl unit for retaining the swirl unit and orifice plate within
the carrier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. A combination as defined in claim 32, wherein the
retaining member is engageable with the second end surface of the
swirl unit for retaining the swirl unit and orifice plate within
the carrier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. A combination as defined in claim 32, further comprising
a sealing member seated between the orifice plate and carrier and
forming an approximately fluid-tight seal
therebetween..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. A combination as defined in claim 33, wherein the
carrier, retaining member, sealing member, orifice plate and swirl
unit are locked in a subassembly that can be turned in any
direction without the sealing member, orifice plate and swirl unit
falling out of the carrier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. A combination as defined in claim 33, further comprising
a nozzle body threadedly engaged with the carrier and defining at
least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid
passageway for directing fluid from the at least one fluid conduit
into the fluid passageway and, in turn, into the inlet port and
swirl chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. A combination as defined in claim 31, wherein the orifice
plate defines a first peripheral surface and a second peripheral
surface spaced inwardly from the first peripheral
surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. A swirl unit as defined in claim 28, wherein the second
locating surface section of the carrier is spaced on an opposite
side of the first locating surface section relative to the spray
aperture, and the locating surface section of the peripheral
surface of the swirl unit contacts the second locating surface
section of the carrier upon inserting the swirl unit therein to
locate the swirl unit within the carrier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. A swirl unit as defined in claim 28, wherein the
peripheral surface extends axially from the first end surface to
the second end surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. A swirl unit as defined in claim 39, wherein the swirl
unit is substantially cylindrical..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. A swirl unit as defined in claim 40, wherein the recessed
surface is located within the diameter of the peripheral
surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. A swirl unit as defined in claim 40, wherein the swirl
unit defines an axis extending between the first and second end
surfaces, the fluid passageway of the recessed surface defines a
fluid flow path substantially parallel to the axis, and the inlet
port defines a fluid flow path substantially perpendicular to the
axis..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. A spray nozzle, comprising: a carrier defining a spray
aperture on one end for emitting a spray, a first locating surface
section formed on the carrier for contacting and locating the
orifice plate within the carrier, and a second locating surface
section formed on the carrier for contacting and locating a swirl
unit within the carrier; an orifice plate defining a first surface
engageable with the carrier, a second surface axially spaced
relative to the first surface, a spray orifice formed through the
orifice plate, and a peripheral surface formed between the first
and second surfaces and dimensioned for contacting the first
locating surface section upon insertion of the orifice plate into
the carrier to locate the orifice plate within the carrier; and a
swirl unit including a first end surface engageable with the
orifice plate received within the carrier adjacent to the first
locating surface section, a second end surface axially spaced
relative to the first end surface, a peripheral surface formed
between the first and second end surfaces and defining a locating
surface section dimensioned for contacting the second locating
surface section of the carrier upon insertion of the swirl unit
therein and locating the swirl unit within the carrier, a recessed
surface defined by the peripheral surface and spaced radially
inwardly thereon to thereby define a fluid passageway between the
recessed surface and carrier, a swirl chamber defined by at least
one curvilinear surface formed within the swirl unit, and an inlet
port formed in fluid communication between the swirl chamber and
the recessed surface and defined at least in part by an inlet
surface formed between the at least one curvilinear surface and the
recessed surface for receiving fluid flowing from the fluid
passageway and directing the fluid into the swirl
chamber..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 43, wherein the second
locating surface section of the carrier is formed by a locating
bore approximately defined by a first radius, and the peripheral
surface of the swirl unit is defined at least in part by a second
radius that contacts the second locating surface section upon
inserting the swirl unit into the bore and locates the swirl unit
within the carrier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 43, wherein the
recessed surface of the swirl unit is defined by an approximately
planar surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 43, further comprising
a retaining member defining a retaining surface engageable with the
swirl unit for retaining the swirl unit and orifice plate within
the carrier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 46, wherein the
retaining member is engageable with the second end surface of the
swirl unit for retaining the swirl unit and orifice plate within
the carrier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 46, wherein the
carrier, retaining member, orifice plate and swirl unit are locked
in a subassembly that can be turned in any direction without the
sealing member, orifice plate and swirl unit falling out of the
carrier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 43, further comprising
a nozzle body threadedly engaged with the carrier and defining at
least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid
passageway for directing fluid from the at least one fluid conduit
through the fluid passageway, the inlet port, the swirl chamber
and, in turn, through the spray orifice of the orifice
plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 43, wherein the
peripheral surface of the swirl unit extends axially from the first
end surface to the second end surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 50, wherein the swirl
unit is substantially cylindrical..Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 51, wherein the
recessed surface is located within the diameter of the peripheral
surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. A spray nozzle as defined in claim 43, wherein the swirl
unit defines an axis extending between the first and second end
surfaces, the fluid passageway of the recessed surface defines a
fluid flow path substantially parallel to the axis, and the inlet
port defines a fluid flow path substantially perpendicular to the
axis..Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. A method comprising the following steps: providing a
carrier defining a spray aperture on one end for emitting a spray,
a first locating surface section formed on the carrier for
contacting and locating an orifice plate within the carrier, and a
second locating surface section formed on the carrier for
contacting and locating a swirl unit within the carrier; providing
an orifice plate defining a first surface engageable with the
carrier, a second surface axially spaced relative to the first
surface, a spray orifice formed through the orifice plate, and a
peripheral surface formed between the first and second surfaces and
dimensioned for contacting the first locating surface section upon
insertion of the orifice plate into the carrier; providing a swirl
unit including a first end surface engageable with the orifice
plate received within the carrier adjacent to the first locating
surface section, a second end surface axially spaced relative to
the first end surface, a peripheral surface formed between the
first and second end surfaces and defining a locating surface
section dimensioned for contacting the second locating surface
section of the carrier upon insertion of the swirl unit therein, a
recessed surface defined by the peripheral surface and spaced
radially inwardly thereon to thereby define a fluid passageway
between the recessed surface and carrier, a swirl chamber defined
by at least one curvilinear surface formed within the swirl unit,
and an inlet port formed in fluid communication between the swirl
chamber and the recessed surface and defined at least in part by an
inlet surface formed between the at least one curvilinear surface
and the recessed surface; providing a nozzle body defining at least
one fluid conduit coupled in fluid communication with the fluid
passageway; inserting the orifice plate into the carrier,
contacting the peripheral surface of the orifice plate with the
first locating surface section of the carrier and thereby locating
the orifice plate within the carrier, inserting the swirl unit
within the carrier, contacting the peripheral surface of the swirl
unit with the second locating surface section of the carrier and
thereby locating the swirl unit within the carrier, and assembling
the nozzle body to the carrier; and introducing fluid through the
at least one fluid conduit of the nozzle body, through the fluid
passageway formed between the recessed surface and carrier in a
direction substantially parallel to an axis extending between the
first and second end surfaces of the swirl unit, through the inlet
port in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis,
through the swirl chamber and, in turn, through the spray orifice
of the orifice plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.55. A method as defined in claim 54, further comprising:
providing a retaining member defining a retaining surface
engageable with the swirl unit; and prior to assembling the nozzle
body to the carrier, engaging the carrier with the retaining
surface and, in turn, locking the carrier, retaining member,
orifice plate and swirl unit in a subassembly that can be turned in
any direction without the sealing member, orifice plate and swirl
unit falling out of the carrier..Iaddend.
.Iadd.56. A method as defined in claim 54, wherein the peripheral
surface of the swirl unit is substantially cylindrical, the second
locating surface section is defined by a substantially cylindrical
surface, and the recess and fluid passageway are located within the
diameter of the cylindrical peripheral surface..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to spray nozzles, and more
particularly, to improved spray nozzles of the type employing a
swirl unit having a swirl chamber and orifice plate for swirling
and emitting a fluid spray.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Spray nozzles having centrifugal swirl chambers upstream of the
spray orifice have been employed for various uses, such as spray
drying, aeration, cooling, and fuel injection. A typical such
nozzle is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,793 to Tate et al.
which shows in FIG. 1 a nozzle body, an orifice plate defining a
spray orifice, and a swirl chamber block received within the nozzle
body. A retainer member is threadedly engaged behind the swirl
chamber block for retaining and positioning the swirl chamber and
orifice plate within the nozzle body. For spray drying
applications, fluid containing suspended and dissolved solids is
supplied to the nozzle under pressures generally in the range of
500 p.s.i. to 5000 p.s.i. This mixture passes through the nozzle at
high velocity, resulting in rapid wear to the swirl chamber block
and orifice plate. Because of this rapid wear, the swirl chamber
block and orifice plate may require frequent replacement.
In the design of the '793 patent, replacement of these worn
components is difficult. In practice, one might place the retainer
member on a flat surface with the end for retaining the swirl
chamber block facing upwardly. One would then place the swirl
chamber block into the recess formed in the end of the retainer
member. Next, one would place the nozzle body on a flat surface
with its inlet end facing upwardly and the orifice plate would be
inserted into the counter-bore formed in the nozzle body. The next
step would be either (i) to invert the retainer member and swirl
chamber block and insert the inverted components into the nozzle
body, or (ii) to invert the nozzle body and orifice plate, and
place the inverted components over the retainer member and swirl
chamber block. In either case, for the inverted parts, the wear
component (either the swirl chamber block or orifice plate) would
tend to fall out, thus making assembly extremely difficult.
Another possible assembly method would be to place the retainer
member on a flat surface with its downstream end facing upwardly,
and to place the swirl chamber block into the recess formed in the
upwardly-facing end of the retainer member. Next, the orifice plate
would be balanced on top of the swirl chamber block. Finally, the
inverted nozzle body would be placed over the stack formed by the
retainer member, swirl chamber block and orifice plate, and the
nozzle body then would be threaded onto the retainer member.
However, this final operation would be problematic because the
orifice plate would tend to move during assembly, thus making it
difficult to locate the orifice plate within the counter-bore
formed in the nozzle body.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved spray nozzle, and improved wear components for such
nozzles, including swirl units and orifice plates, which overcome
the above-described drawbacks and disadvantages encountered in
assembling prior art spray nozzles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a spray nozzle comprising a
carrier defining a spray aperture on a downstream end for emitting
a spray, a first locating bore formed adjacent to the spray
aperture for slidably receiving an orifice plate, and a second
locating bore formed on an upstream side of the first locating bore
for slidably receiving a swirl unit. The carrier also includes at
least one retaining surface, which is preferably formed by a pair
of retaining lugs, located on an upstream side of the second
locating bore and extending inwardly a predetermined distance for
engaging the swirl unit to thereby retain the swirl unit and
orifice plate within the carrier.
The orifice plate defines a downstream end surface engageable with
the carrier, an upstream end surface axially spaced relative to the
downstream end surface and engageable with the swirl unit, a spray
orifice formed through the orifice plate, and a peripheral surface
formed between the two end surfaces. The peripheral surface is
dimensioned for slidably contacting an interior surface forming the
first locating bore upon inserting the orifice plate within the
bore to thereby support and align the orifice plate with the spray
aperture.
The swirl unit includes a downstream end surface engageable with
the orifice plate received within the first locating bore, an
upstream end surface axially spaced relative to the downstream end
surface, a fluid passageway formed at least in part between the two
end surfaces for swirling the fluid passed therethrough, and a
peripheral surface extending between the two end surfaces. The
peripheral surface defines at least two locating surfaces formed on
approximately opposite sides of the swirl unit relative to each
other, and dimensioned for slidably contacting an interior surface
of the second locating bore upon inserting the swirl unit within
the bore in order to support and align the swirl unit with the
orifice plate and spray aperture. The peripheral surface also
defines at least one recessed surface, such as a flat, spaced
radially inwardly from the at least two locating surfaces a
distance greater than the predetermined distance defined by the at
least one retaining surface for clearing the retaining surface upon
inserting the swirl unit into the second locating bore. A
tool-engaging surface, such as a slot or other recess for receiving
and engaging a screw driver or other tool, is formed on the second
end surface of the swirl unit. The slot is engageable with the tool
for pressing the swirl unit toward the orifice plate, and in turn
rotating the swirl unit and second end surface into position for
engagement with the at least one retaining surface to thereby
secure within the carrier the swirl unit and orifice plate.
One advantage of the nozzle of the present invention, is that the
retaining surface(s) of the carrier permit the orifice plate and
swirl unit to be easily installed and retained within the carrier
to thereby form a sub-assembly which may be inverted or otherwise
turned into any position without causing the wear components to
fall out or otherwise move out of alignment with the spray aperture
of the carrier. The nozzle body may then be inserted into the
carrier, or the carrier may be placed over the nozzle body, to
fixedly secure the nozzle body to the carrier and thereby complete
the nozzle assembly. As a result, the nozzle may be assembled
without encountering the above-described drawbacks and
disadvantages associated with assembling prior art spray
nozzles.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent in view of the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a spray nozzle embodying the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the spray nozzle taken from the
right side of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the spray nozzle taken from the
left side of FIG. 1 with the swirl unit and orifice plate
removed.
FIG. 4 is an exploded, partial cross-sectional view of the spray
nozzle of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the swirl unit of the nozzle of
FIG. 1 taken from the left side of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the swirl unit of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the swirl unit taken from the
right side of FIG. 1 and illustrating the swirl chamber and inlet
port.
FIG. 8 is another side elevational view of the swirl unit
illustrating the flat formed in the peripheral surface for clearing
the retaining lugs upon inserting the swirl unit into the
carrier.
FIG. 9 is an exploded, partial cross-sectional view illustrating
the first stage assembly of the swirl unit, orifice plate and
o-ring prior to insertion within the carrier.
FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the swirl unit and carrier
illustrating the procedure for aligning the swirl unit relative to
the retaining lugs prior to inserting the swirl unit into the
carrier.
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the
sub-assembly of the swirl unit, orifice plate and o-ring retained
within the carrier.
FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the sub-assembly taken from the
left side of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is an exploded, partial cross-sectional view of another
spray nozzle embodying the present invention, wherein the swirl
unit and orifice plate define mating conical surfaces and angular
slots formed between the conical surfaces for swirling the fluid to
be sprayed.
FIG. 14 is an end elevational view of the swirl unit of the spray
nozzle taken from the right side of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the swirl unit of FIG.
14.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle of FIG. 13 in
assembled form.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another spray nozzle embodying
the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle of
FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the swirl unit of
the spray nozzle of FIG. 17.
FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the orifice plate of
the spray nozzle of FIG. 17.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of another spray nozzle embodying
the present invention.
FIG. 22 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle of
FIG. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In FIGS. 1-3, a spray nozzle embodying the present invention is
indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. The spray nozzle
10 comprises a carrier 12, an orifice plate 14 and swirl unit 16
slidably received and retained within the carrier, and a nozzle
body 18 secured within the carrier behind the swirl unit and
orifice plate. The carrier 12 defines on its downstream end a spray
aperture 20, and a conical-shaped exit surface 22 formed between
the spray aperture and adjacent end surface 24 of the carrier for
emitting an approximately conical-shaped spray pattern. The terms
"upstream" and "downstream" are used herein with the understanding
that the fluid will flow through the spray nozzle in the direction
indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1, i.e., the fluid will enter from
the upstream end of the nozzle body 18 and exit through the spray
aperture 20 at the downstream end of the carrier 12.
As shown more clearly in FIG. 4, the carrier 12 further defines a
first locating bore 26 formed adjacent to the spray aperture 20 and
approximately defined by a first radius "R1" for slidably receiving
the orifice plate 14, and a second locating bore 28 formed adjacent
to the first locating bore and approximately defined by a second
radius "R2" for slidably receiving the swirl unit 16. A groove 30
is formed within the base surface 31 of the first locating bore 26
and extends about the periphery of the spray aperture 20 for
receiving a sealing member 32, such as an o-ring or like gasket,
and the sealing member forms an approximately fluid-tight seal
between the orifice plate and carrier.
The spray nozzle 10 further includes means for retaining the
orifice plate 14 and swirl unit 16 within the carrier 12. In the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for retaining
includes a pair of retaining lugs or like retaining members 34
formed adjacent to the opposite end of the second locating bore 28
relative to the first locating bore 26. As shown typically in FIG.
12, the two retaining lugs 34 are angularly spaced relative to each
other and project inwardly a predetermined distance "d1". As shown
in FIG. 4, each retaining lug 34 defines an approximately planar
retaining surface 41 for engaging the adjacent end surface of the
swirl unit and retaining the swirl unit and orifice plate within
the carrier.
As will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art, the
retaining members and/or retaining surfaces may take any of
numerous different shapes and configurations for purposes of
retaining the swirl unit and orifice plate within the carrier in
accordance with the present invention. For example, the retaining
surfaces 41 may be inclined or ramped in order to facilitate
engaging and retaining the swirl unit within the carrier.
Similarly, a different number of retaining members and/or retaining
surfaces may be employed. For example, a single retaining surface
may be employed, or alternatively, additional retaining members may
be provided. In each case, a corresponding recess will be formed on
the swirl unit for each retaining surface in order to clear the
retaining surfaces upon inserting the swirl unit into the carrier,
as is described further below.
As also shown in FIG. 4, the carrier 12 further defines an entrance
aperture 36, a guide bore 38 formed between the second locating
bore 28 and entrance aperture 36 for receiving the swirl unit 16
and orifice plate 14 therethrough, and a threaded portion 40 for
threadedly securing the nozzle body 18 within the carrier 12.
The orifice plate 14 defines a first (or downstream) approximately
planar end surface 42 engageable with the base surface 31 of the
first locating bore 26 and sealing member 32 received within the
groove 30; a second (or upstream) approximately planar end surface
44 engageable with the adjacent end surface of the swirl unit 16; a
spray orifice 46 extending through the center of the plate and
defined by a radiused inlet 48; and a peripheral surface 50
extending between the first and second end surfaces. A bevel or
chamfer 51 is formed at the juncture of the peripheral surface 50
and first end surface 42 for facilitating insertion of the orifice
plate 14 into the first locating bore 26.
The peripheral surface 50 defines at least two locating surfaces
(or surface sections) formed on opposite sides of the orifice plate
14 relative to each other, and dimensioned to slidably contact the
interior surface forming the first locating bore 26 upon inserting
the orifice plate 14 within the bore to thereby support the orifice
plate 14 and align the orifice 46 with the spray aperture 20. In
the embodiment of the present invention illustrated, the peripheral
surface 50 has a circular shape defined by a radius "R3" which is
approximately equal to (but slightly less than) the first radius
"R1" of the first locating bore 26, and therefore the locating
surface sections are formed by the continuous peripheral surface in
order to slidably receive and retain the orifice plate 14 within
the bore. The clearance between the radii R1 and R3 is preferably
within the range of approximately 0.0005 through 0.0035 inch. As
will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art, the
peripheral surface 50 may take any of numerous different shapes and
configurations, and the locating surfaces (or surface sections) may
likewise take other shapes and configurations for purposes of
supporting and aligning the orifice plate 14 within the carrier
12.
As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the swirl unit 16 defines a first (or
downstream) approximately planar end surface 52 engageable with the
adjacent surface 44 of the orifice plate 14 received within the
first locating bore 26, and a second (or upstream) approximately
planar end surface 54 axially spaced relative to the first end
surface. A peripheral surface 56 extends between the first and
second end surfaces 52 and 54, respectively, and defines at least
two locating surfaces (or surface sections) formed on approximately
opposite sides of the swirl unit 16 relative to each other and
dimensioned for slidably contacting the interior surface defining
the second locating bore 28 upon inserting the swirl unit therein
for supporting and aligning the swirl unit 16. A tapered surface,
bevel or chamfer 57 is formed at the junction of the peripheral
surface 56 and the first end surface 52 for facilitating insertion
of the swirl unit into the second locating bore 28. In the
preferred embodiment, the peripheral surface 56 has a circular
shape defined by a radius "R4" which is approximately equal to (but
slightly less than) the second radius "R2" of the second locating
bore 28, and therefore the at least two locating surface sections
are formed by the continuous peripheral surface. The clearance
between the radii R2 and R4 is preferably within the range of
approximately 0.0035 through 0.0060 inch. As will be recognized by
those skilled in the pertinent art, the peripheral surface 56 may
take any of numerous different shapes and configurations, and
therefore the locating surfaces (or surface sections) may likewise
take other shapes and configurations for purposes of supporting and
aligning the swirl unit 16 within the carrier 12.
The swirl unit 16 further defines at least one recessed surface 58
spaced radially inwardly a distance "d2" from the radius R4
defining the peripheral surface 56. The distance d2 is greater than
the distance d1 defined by the retaining lugs 34 in order to clear
the lugs with the recessed surface 58 upon inserting the swirl unit
into the second locating bore 28. In the preferred embodiment, the
recessed surface 58 is defined by a flat formed on the peripheral
surface 56 and therefore is approximately planar. However, as will
be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art, the recessed
surface 58 (or surfaces) may take any of numerous other shapes and
configurations without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
As shown in FIG. 7, a swirl chamber 60 is formed within the swirl
unit 16 and is defined by an approximately spiral interior surface
62. An inlet port 64 is formed through the recessed surface 58 in
fluid communication with the swirl chamber 60, and is defined by a
first inlet surface 66 formed tangential to the spiral surface 62
and a second inlet surface 67 spaced apart from and facing the
first inlet surface 66. A tool-engaging surface 68 is formed on the
second end surface 54, and as is described further below, this
surface is engageable with a tool (not shown) for pressing the
swirl unit 16 against the orifice plate 14, and in turn rotating
the swirl unit and second end surface 54 thereof into position for
engagement with the retaining lugs 34 to thereby secure within the
carrier 12 the swirl unit and orifice plate. In the preferred
embodiment, the tool-engaging surface 68 is defined by an elongated
slot extending across the second end surface 54 for receiving a
screw driver or like tool. As will be recognized by those skilled
in the art, however, the tool-engaging surface may take any of
numerous different shapes and configurations without departing from
the scope of the invention. For example, the tool-engaging surface
may take the form of a hex-shaped recess for receiving a hex-shaped
tool, or may be defined by a protuberance having a surface contour
conforming to the contour of one or more tools for engagement and
manipulation by such tool(s).
As shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle body 18 defines a cylindrical fluid
conduit 70 extending along the central axis of the body, and an
internal threaded portion 72 formed at the upstream end of the
conduit for attachment to a fluid delivery conduit (not shown) in
order to deliver the fluid to be sprayed to the nozzle body. As
shown best in FIG. 1, a plurality of slots 74 are formed on the
downstream end of the nozzle body in order to couple the fluid
conduit 70 in fluid communication with an annular chamber 76 formed
between the nozzle body and carrier 12. As indicated by the arrows
in FIG. 1, the fluid flows through the conduit 70 and slots 74 of
the nozzle body, through the annular chamber 76 and space formed
between the recessed surface 58 and second locating bore 28,
through the swirl chamber 60, and in turn through the orifice 46
and spray aperture 20 where the fluid is emitted in an
approximately conical-shaped spray pattern. An external annular (or
circumferential) groove 78 is formed adjacent to the downstream end
of the nozzle body for receiving a sealing member 80, such as an
o-ring or other suitable gasket, for forming an approximately
fluid-tight seal between the nozzle body and carrier. The nozzle
body 18 further defines an external threaded portion 82 for
threadedly engaging the threaded portion 40 of the carrier 12 and
in turn fixedly securing the nozzle body to the carrier. The nozzle
body 18 also defines several external flats 84, and the carrier 12
similarly defines external flats 86 for engaging the flats with a
tool, such as a wrench, and tightening the nozzle body to the
carrier.
The assembly of the nozzle 10 proceeds in two stages. The first
stage shown in FIGS. 9-12 allows the o-ring 32, orifice plate 14
and swirl unit 16 to be positively located in relation to each
other and fixedly secured and aligned within the carrier 12, and
the second stage shown in FIG. 1 completes the assembly with the
nozzle body 18 fixedly secured within the carrier behind the swirl
unit and orifice plate. To begin the first stage of assembly, and
with reference to FIG. 9, the o-ring 32 is inserted into the groove
30 of the carrier 12 and the orifice plate 14 is inserted within
the first locating bore 26 behind the o-ring. The chamfer 51 guides
the orifice plate into position so that the radius R3 of the
peripheral surface 50 will locate the orifice plate concentrically
within the carrier. Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the recessed surface
or flat 58 of the swirl unit 16 is aligned with the retaining lugs
34 of the carrier and the swirl unit is inserted into the guide
bore 38 and second locating bore 28 until the first end surface 52
thereof contacts the orifice plate 14. At this point, the second
end surface 54 of the swirl unit is not in clearance of the
retaining surfaces 41 of the retaining lugs 34. Accordingly, a
screw driver or like tool (not shown) is then inserted into the
slot 68 forming the tool-engaging surface of the swirl unit 16, and
sufficient axial force is imparted by the screw driver to compress
the o-ring 32 and in turn cause the swirl unit to move further into
the first locating bore 28 until the second end surface 54 of the
swirl unit is in clearance to the retaining surfaces 41 of the
retaining lugs 34. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the screw driver and
swirl unit 16 are rotated approximately 90.degree. in order to move
the flat 58 of the swirl unit out of alignment with the retaining
lugs 34. The axial force of the screw driver is then released,
allowing the o-ring 32 to expand and move the swirl unit 16 until
its second end surface 54 engages the retaining surfaces 41 of the
retaining lugs 34. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the carrier 12,
o-ring 32, orifice plate 14, and swirl unit 16 are then locked in a
subassembly that can be turned in any direction without the o-ring,
orifice plate and swirl unit falling out of the carrier.
The second stage of the assembly process connects the nozzle body
18 to the sub-assembly of FIG. 11 (i.e., the carrier, swirl unit,
o-ring and orifice plate). To begin the second stage of assembly,
the o-ring 80 is placed in the circumferential groove 78 of the
nozzle body. Then, the sub-assembly is threaded onto the nozzle
body with the threads 40 of the carrier engaging the threads 82 of
the body, and the parts are tightened by hand or with appropriate
tools in order to cause the first end surface 42 of the orifice
plate 14 to compress the o-ring 32 until the first end surface 42
of the orifice plate comes into contact with the base surface 31 of
the first locating bore 26.
Turning to FIGS. 13-16, another spray nozzle embodying the present
invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 110. The
spray nozzle 110 is substantially similar to the spray nozzle 10
described above, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by
the numeral 1 are used to indicate like elements. The primary
difference between the spray nozzle 110 and the spray nozzle 10 is
the means for swirling the fluid to be sprayed.
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the swirl unit 116 includes a first
peripheral surface 156 defined by the radius "R4" which is
approximately equal to (but slightly less than) the second radius
"R2" of the second locating bore 128 of the carrier 112. As shown
in FIG. 13, the carrier 112 defines retaining lugs or like
retaining members 134 formed on diametrically opposite sides of the
carrier relative to each other. Accordingly, as shown best in FIG.
14, the swirl unit 116 defines a pair of corresponding recessed
surfaces or flats 158 for clearing the retaining lugs upon
inserting the swirl unit into the carrier. As shown best in FIG.
15, the swirl unit 116 further includes a second peripheral surface
159 defined by a radius "R5" which is less than the radius "R4" of
the first peripheral surface 156, and a conical surface 157 formed
between the second peripheral surface and the downstream end
surface 152. A plurality of slots 161 defining fluid passageways
(at least two) are formed within the conical surface 157 and extend
at least partially along the second peripheral surface 159. As
shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the slots 161 are angularly spaced
relative to each other, and each is formed at a compound angle with
respect to the axis of the swirl unit 116. Accordingly, as
described further below, the angled slots 161 cause the fluid to
rotate or swirl upon passage therethrough.
As shown in FIG. 13, the orifice plate 114 includes a first
peripheral surface 150 defined by a radius "R3" which is
approximately equal to (but slightly less than) the first radius
"R1" of the first locating bore 126 of the carrier 112 in order to
slidably receive and retain the orifice plate within the first
locating bore. A second peripheral surface 151 is formed between
the first peripheral surface 150 and the downstream end surface
142, and is spaced inwardly from the first peripheral surface for
receiving thereabouts the o-ring or like sealing member 132 in
order to form a fluid-tight seal between the orifice plate and
carrier. This feature is particularly advantageous for lower-flow
nozzles in which the diameters of the carrier and orifice plate are
relatively small and it is impractical to manufacture a groove in
the carrier itself for receiving the o-ring 132.
As shown in FIG. 13, the orifice plate 114 further defines a
conical-shaped inlet surface 153 formed between the orifice 146 and
upstream end surface 144, and which defines a contour substantially
conforming to the contour of the conical surface 157 of the swirl
unit 116. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16, upon inserting the
swirl unit 116 into the second locating bore 128 of the carrier
112, the conical surface 153 of the orifice plate 114 receives and
conformably contacts the conical surface 157 of the swirl unit 116.
As a result, a swirl chamber 160 is formed within the space between
the downstream end surface 152 of the swirl unit and the orifice
146 of the orifice plate. In addition, an annular chamber 163 is
formed between the second peripheral surface 159 of the swirl unit
116 and the second locating bore 128 of the carrier 112 for
receiving the fluid prior to passage through the slots 161 and
swirl chamber 160.
The spray nozzle 110 is assembled in two stages in the same manner
as described above in relation to the spray nozzle 10. In the first
stage, the o-ring 132, orifice plate 114 and swirl unit 116 are
positively located in relation to each other and fixedly secured
and aligned within the carrier 112. In the second stage, the nozzle
body 118 is threadedly connected to the sub-assembly comprising the
carrier 112, o-ring 132, orifice plate 114 and swirl unit 116 in
order to complete the nozzle assembly as shown in FIG. 16. In the
operation of the nozzle 110, and with reference to FIG. 16, the
fluid flows through the conduit 170 and slots 174 of the nozzle
body 118, through the spaces formed between the flats 158 of the
swirl unit and the second locating bore 128, through the annular
chamber 163 and slots 161, through the swirl chamber 160, and in
turn through the orifice 146 and spray aperture 120 where the fluid
is emitted in an approximately conical-shaped spray pattern.
In FIGS. 17-20 another spray nozzle embodying the present invention
is indicated generally by the reference numeral 210. The spray
nozzle 210 is substantially the same as the spray nozzles 10 and
110 described above, and therefore like reference numerals preceded
by the numeral "2", or preceded by the numeral "2" instead of the
numeral "1", are used to indicate like elements. The primary
difference between the spray nozzle 210 and the spray nozzles
described above is that the spray nozzle 210 does not include the
retaining lugs or like retaining members 34, 134 to retain the
swirl unit 216 and orifice plate 214 within the carrier 212.
Rather, the swirl unit and orifice plate are fixedly secured within
the carrier by the nozzle body 218 upon threadedly securing the
nozzle body within the carrier. Otherwise, the nozzle body,
carrier, swirl unit and orifice plate are essentially the same as
the corresponding components in one or more of the above-described
embodiments of the invention.
Although not shown, the swirl unit 216 preferably includes one or
more recessed surfaces essentially the same as the recessed
surfaces 58, 158 described above and spaced radially inwardly from
the at least two locating surfaces of the peripheral surface 256.
As in the embodiments described above, the at least one recessed
surface defines a fluid passageway between the swirl unit and
carrier for directing fluid into the swirl chamber 260 and, in
turn, discharging the fluid in a swirling pattern therefrom. As
shown best in FIG. 19, the tapered surface 257 of the swirl unit
extends along a substantial portion of the width of the swirl unit
and tapers inwardly from the peripheral surface 256 toward the
first end surface 252. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18,
the carrier 212 defines an additional bore 229 formed between the
first locating bore 226 and second locating bore 228 and extending
along a substantial portion of the width of the swirl unit. As
shown in FIG. 17, the surfaces forming the bore 229 are spaced away
from the peripheral surface 256 and tapered surface 257 of the
swirl unit to avoid contact with the swirl unit. As a result, only
the relatively narrow peripheral surface 256 of the swirl unit
contacts the relatively narrow surface forming the second locating
bore 228, thus reducing the surface contact between the swirl unit
and carrier and facilitating removal of the swirl unit from the
carrier.
In addition, like the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16, the orifice plate
214 defines a second peripheral surface 251 formed between the
first peripheral surface 250 and downstream end surface 242 to
thereby define a peripheral groove on the orifice plate for
receiving the o-ring or like sealing member 232. One advantage of
this feature of the nozzles 110 and 210 is that the base surface
131, 231 of the respective carrier need not define an o-ring or
similar groove, like the groove 30 of the nozzle 10 of FIG. 1. As a
result, the base surface of the respective carrier can be
approximately planar, thus facilitating the ability to clean
particles or other debris from the base surface of the carrier that
otherwise might become lodged or embedded within a relatively
narrow o-ring or like groove. In FIGS. 21 and 22 another spray
nozzle embodying the present invention is indicated generally by
the reference numeral 310. The spray nozzle 310 is substantially
the same as the spray nozzle 210 described above, and therefore
like reference numerals preceded by the numeral "3" instead of the
numeral "2" are used to indicate like elements. The primary
difference between the spray nozzle 310 and the spray nozzles
described above is that the carrier is formed in two parts, 312A
and 312B. As shown, the first carrier part 312A includes the
above-described features for receiving the swirl unit 316, orifice
plate 314 and o-ring 332, and the second carrier part 312B includes
the above-described features for threadedly retaining the nozzle
body (not shown) within the carrier. The first carrier part 312A
defines an outwardly projecting lip 390, and the second carrier
part 312B defines a corresponding inwardly projecting lip 392. The
nozzle 310 is assembled by slidably moving the first carrier part
312A into the second carrier part 312B until the corresponding lips
390, 392 engage one another to thereby seat the first carrier part
within the second carrier part, as illustrated in FIG. 21. The
swirl unit 316, orifice plate 314 and o-ring 332 may be installed
within the first carrier part 312A either before or after insertion
of the first carrier part into the second carrier part. Then, the
components of the nozzle assembly are fixedly secured together by
threadedly receiving the nozzle body (not shown) within the first
and second carrier parts in the same manner that the nozzle body
218 is threadedly received within the carrier 212 of nozzle 210 as
described above.
Like the spray nozzle 210, the spray nozzle 310 does not include
the retaining lugs or like retaining members 34, 134 to retain the
swirl unit 316 and orifice plate 314 within the first carrier part
312A. Rather, the swirl unit and orifice plate are fixedly secured
within the carrier by the nozzle body (not shown) upon threadedly
securing the nozzle body within the carrier. Otherwise, the nozzle
body, carrier, swirl unit and orifice plate are essentially the
same as the corresponding components in one or more of the
above-described embodiments of the invention. Alternatively, as
with the spray nozzle 210, the spray nozzle 310 may include
retaining lugs or like retaining members in order to retain the
swirl unit and orifice plate within the first carrier part 312A in
the same manner as described above in connection with the nozzles
10 and 110.
As will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art,
numerous changes or modifications may be made to the
above-described and other embodiments of the present invention
without departing from its scope as defined in the appended claims.
For example, as indicated in broken lines in FIG. 12, the carrier
12 may include a second pair of retaining lugs 34 formed on the
opposite side of the carrier relative to the first pair of
retaining lugs, and the swirl unit 16 unit may include a second
recessed surface or flat 58 for clearing the second pair of lugs.
As described above, the retaining surface(s) and corresponding
recessed surface(s) on the swirl unit may take any of numerous
different shapes and configurations. Similarly, it may be desirable
to form the carrier 12 in two parts as described above in
connection with FIGS. 21 and 22, wherein the first carrier part may
include the above-described features for retaining the swirl unit,
orifice plate and o-ring, the second carrier part may include the
above-described features for retaining the nozzle body, and one or
both of the carrier parts may include means for fixedly securing
the parts together (such as a flange on one part and a threaded
retaining nut on the other). In addition, although the first and
second locating bores of the carrier are each defined in the
preferred embodiments by cylindrical surfaces, each bore may
equally be formed by a surface defining another shape, such as an
oval or other more unique configuration. In each case, the
peripheral surfaces of the swirl unit and/or orifice plate would
define at least two locating surfaces dimensioned to be slidably
received within the respective bore in the manner described above
in order to support and align the respective wear component within
the carrier. As also indicated above, the swirl unit and/or orifice
plate may take any of numerous different configurations for
purposes of rotating or swirling the fluid, or otherwise
manipulating the fluid flow in a manner intended to achieve a
desired result. Accordingly, this detailed description of preferred
embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to a
limiting sense.
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