Patent Publication Number: US-11027293-B2

Title: Nozzle for dispensing system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2014/055935, filed Sep. 16, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/878,570, filed Sep. 16, 2013, the entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Existing nozzles are used to selectively control the flow of a fluid, such as water, chemicals, beverages, and the like, to dispense the fluid at a desired flow rate. Many of these nozzles have a nozzle insert that can adjust the flow rate through the nozzle as a function of the pressure of the fluid entering the nozzle. For example, some nozzles have a low flow operating mode when the entering fluid is supplied at a first pressure or velocity and a high flow operating mode when the entering fluid is supplied at a second, higher pressure or velocity. In these nozzles, the higher flow rate can only be achieved by increasing the fluid pressure or velocity of fluid entering the nozzle. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing nozzle that controls flow of a fluid through the nozzle independent of the pressure of the fluid entering the nozzle. 
     The invention provides, in one aspect, a fluid dispensing nozzle including a housing including an outlet to discharge fluid to a surrounding environment. The fluid dispensing nozzle also includes a nozzle insert disposed in the housing and including an inlet in fluid communication with a source of fluid to receive a fluid flow. The nozzle insert includes an outlet orifice in fluid communication with the outlet to direct fluid from the inlet toward the outlet. The nozzle insert is selectively movable relative to the housing between a first position in which fluid is discharged through the outlet at a first flow rate and a second position in which the fluid is discharged through the outlet at a second flow rate larger than the first flow rate. The nozzle insert is movable between the first position and the second position independent of the pressure of fluid at the inlet. 
     The invention provides, in another aspect, a fluid dispensing nozzle including a housing defining an outlet and a nozzle insert disposed in the housing. The nozzle insert is selectively movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The nozzle insert includes an inlet positioned to receive a flow of fluid from a fluid source, a first outlet orifice to discharge fluid from the nozzle insert, and a second outlet orifice spaced from the first outlet orifice to discharge fluid from the nozzle insert. Fluid is discharged through the first outlet orifice when the nozzle insert is in the first position, and fluid is discharged through the first outlet orifice and the second outlet orifice when the nozzle insert is in the second position. 
     The invention provides, in another aspect, a fluid dispensing system including a fluid source, a pipeline coupled to the fluid source and extending from the fluid source to convey fluid from the fluid source, and a nozzle coupled to the pipeline. The nozzle includes a housing coupled to the pipeline and including an outlet to discharge fluid from the pipeline to a surrounding environment, and a nozzle insert disposed in the housing and defining an outlet orifice. The nozzle insert is selectively movable relative to the housing between a first position in which fluid is discharged through the nozzle insert and the outlet at a first flow rate and a second position in which fluid is discharged through the nozzle insert and the outlet at a second flow rate larger than the first flow rate. The housing and the nozzle insert cooperatively define a gap, and the housing includes a port in communication with the gap and further adapted to be in communication with a source of actuating fluid to selectively vary the position of the nozzle insert within the housing to adjust the flow rate of fluid discharged from the outlet. 
     The invention provides, in another aspect, a method of changing a flow rate of a fluid through a dispensing nozzle. The method includes directing a fluid into an inlet of a nozzle insert supported by a housing, discharging fluid through the nozzle insert along a first flow path, and dispensing fluid from the nozzle at a first flow rate. The method further includes selectively adjusting the nozzle insert relative to the housing, discharging fluid through the nozzle insert along the first flow path and a second flow path in response to movement of the nozzle insert relative to the housing, and dispensing fluid from the nozzle at a second flow rate different from the first flow rate independent of the pressure of fluid entering the nozzle. 
     Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fluid dispensing system including a plurality of nozzles embodying the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of the fluid dispensing system and one of the nozzles of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the fluid dispensing nozzle of  FIG. 2  including a housing and a nozzle insert. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing nozzle of  FIG. 2 , taken along line  4 - 4  and illustrating the nozzle in a low flow state. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing nozzle of  FIG. 2 , taken along line  5 - 5  and illustrating the nozzle in a high flow state. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another nozzle embodying the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the nozzle of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of  FIG. 6 , taken along line  8 - 8  and illustrating the nozzle in a low flow state. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of  FIG. 6 , taken along line  9 - 9  and illustrating the nozzle in a high flow state. 
     
    
    
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a fluid dispensing system  10  including a fluid source  15 , a plurality of pipelines  20  for conveying a fluid from the fluid source  15 , and a plurality of nozzles  25  that are coupled to the pipelines  20  to discharge fluid from the system  10  into a surrounding environment  30  (e.g., a tank, reservoir, container, assembly line, container filling line, etc.). The fluid may include, for example, water, foam, chemicals (e.g., cleaning products, sanitizing solutions, etc.), or beverages. Other fluids can also be directed through the system, and should be considered herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the nozzle  25  defines a longitudinal axis  35  and includes a housing  40  that has a first or upper housing portion  45  and a second or lower housing portion  50 . An O-ring  55  is located at an interface between the upper and lower housing portions  45 ,  50  to create a substantially fluid-tight seal between the housing portions  45 ,  50  ( FIG. 3 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle  25  is removably coupled to one of the pipelines  20  of the fluid dispensing system  10  by a clamp  60  (e.g., a tri-clamp), although other pipe connections can be used (e.g., threaded connections, bolted connections, etc.). The upper housing portion  45  and the pipeline  20  include ferruled ends  65 ,  70  that encapsulated by the clamp  60  such that the ends  65 ,  70  are disposed in an inner circumferential groove  75  of the clamp  60  to secure the pipeline  20  and the nozzle  25  to each other. An O-ring or gasket  80  is positioned between the ferruled ends  65 ,  70  to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal. 
     The upper housing portion  45  is connected to the pipeline  20  to receive a flow of fluid from the fluid source  15 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the upper housing portion  45  includes an annular inner wall or rim  85  spaced from the opposite ends of the upper housing portion  45 . When the housing  40  is assembled, the lower housing portion  50  is attached to the upper housing portion  45  (e.g., via threaded engagement, snap-fit engagement, etc.). The lower housing portion  50  includes an outlet  90  to discharge the fluid to the surrounding environment  30 . The outlet  90  can have a variety of geometries to produce a particular spray pattern. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3-5 , the nozzle  25  further includes a nozzle insert  100  disposed in the housing  40  to selectively control the flow of fluid from the nozzle  25 . That is, the nozzle insert  100  primarily controls the rate at which fluid is discharged through the outlet  90 . The nozzle insert  100  includes an elongated body  102  that is encapsulated by the upper and lower housing portions  45 ,  50 , and that has a first end  103  and a second end  104  opposite the first end  103 . In the illustrated embodiment, a generally cylindrical first or upper section  105  extends from the first end  103  toward a central section of the nozzle insert  100 . A second or lower section  110  extends from the central section toward the second end  104 . The upper and lower sections  105 ,  110  are coupled together by a snap ring  115  (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ), although in other embodiments, the sections  105 ,  110  can be coupled together by a cotter pin, threaded connection, or any other suitable arrangement. Alternatively, the upper and lower sections  105 ,  110  can be integrally formed or welded together as a single piece. 
     The upper section  105  includes an annular flange  117  disposed adjacent the inlet  130 . The illustrated nozzle  25  includes a spring or bias element  118  (e.g., coil spring) that acts on the flange  117  to bias the nozzle insert  100  toward the first position. In some embodiments, the bias element  118  can be omitted. In these embodiments, the nozzle insert  100  can be biased toward the first position by fluid flow through the nozzle  25  that impinges on the flange  117  and the relatively small amount of fluid flow resistance provided by the tapered shape of the nozzle insert  100 . 
     The lower section  110  of the nozzle insert  100  includes a pair of projections  120  that extend outward from the cylindrical bore  105  between the ends  103 ,  104  of the nozzle insert  100 . As illustrated, the projections extend substantially radially-outward from the nozzle insert body and are slidable relative to the lower housing portion  110  within grooves  125  to prevent rotation of the nozzle insert  100  relative to the housing  40 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the nozzle insert  100  is selectively movable relative to the housing  40  between a first position ( FIG. 4 ) corresponding to a relatively low flow state of the nozzle  25  and a second position ( FIG. 5 ) corresponding to a higher flow state of the nozzle  25 . In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle insert  100  is slidable relative to the housing  40  so that the nozzle insert  100  slides or otherwise moves along the longitudinal axis  35 . 
     The first end  103  of the nozzle insert  100  defines an inlet  130  in fluid communication with the fluid source  15  to receive fluid, and the second end  104  defines a first outlet orifice  140  in fluid communication with the outlet  90  to direct fluid from the inlet  130  toward the outlet  90 . As used herein, the phrase “fluid communication” refers to the ability of fluids to be transported between two spaces. An elongated central bore  145  extends longitudinally through the body  102  of the nozzle insert  100  from the inlet  130  to the first outlet orifice  140  to define a first flow path A between the inlet  130  and the first outlet orifice  140 . The area between the lower portion  50  of the housing  40  and the second end  104  of the nozzle insert  100  defines an outlet chamber  150  adjacent the outlet  90 . As illustrated, the outlet chamber  150  surrounds the lower section  110  of the nozzle insert  100 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , when the nozzle insert  100  is in the first position, a tapered end portion  135  disposed adjacent the second end  104  of the nozzle insert  100  bears against an interior wall or seat  160  of the lower housing portion  50  to form a seal that prevents fluid in the outlet chamber  150  from being discharged through the outlet  90 . As such, all of the fluid flowing through the nozzle insert  100  must flow through the relatively restrictive outlet orifice  140  along the first flow path A. In the illustrated embodiment, this low flow state provides a fluid flow rate through the nozzle  25  between approximately 3 liters per minute and approximately 15 liters per minute. In some embodiments, the nozzle  25  can be constructed to provide similar or other flow rates in the low flow state to suit a particular application. In addition, the outlet orifice  140  of the nozzle insert  100  can be plugged or omitted such there is no fluid flow through the nozzle  25  in the low flow state. 
     The nozzle insert  100  also includes a second outlet orifice  155  that is selectively in fluid communication with the chamber  150  and the outlet  90 . With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the second outlet orifice  155  is defined by a plurality of openings  156  extending through the body  102  of the nozzle insert  100 . When the nozzle  25  is in the high flow state, fluid flows along a path B through the nozzle insert  100  from the inlet  130 , through the openings  156 , and toward the outlet  90 , where fluid flowing along flow paths A, B mix downstream of the first outlet orifice  140 . In some embodiments, fluid flows along path B without also flowing along path A when the nozzle insert  100  is in the second position. In these embodiments, the second flow path B acts as a bypass for fluid directed to the outlet  90 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , when the nozzle insert  100  is in the second position, the tapered end portion  135  is spaced from the interior wall  160  to permit fluid flow from the outlet chamber  150  through the outlet  90  in addition to fluid flow along path A through the first outlet orifice  140  to the outlet  90 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second position of the nozzle insert  100  provides a flow rate through the nozzle  25  between approximately 50 liters per minute and approximately 200 liters per minute, although other flow rates inside or outside this range can be achieved by the nozzle  25 . 
     The upper housing portion  45  and the nozzle insert  100  are spaced apart from each other to define a gap or space  185  located between the flange  117  and the annular wall  165 . Seals  190  are coupled to each of the flange  117  and the annular wall  115  to prevent fluid leakage between the gap  185  and the remainder the interior of the housing  40 . With reference to  FIGS. 3-5 , a port  195  extends through the wall of the upper housing portion  45  to fluidly couple the gap  185  to a source of actuating fluid  200  (see  FIG. 1 ). Generally, the actuating fluid is operable to move the nozzle insert  100  against the bias force to the second position. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating fluid is pressurized or compressed air, although the actuating fluid can be a hydraulic fluid (water, etc.), or any other fluid suitable for actuating the nozzle insert  100  as described below. One or more valves (e.g., membrane valves, butterfly valves, etc.) or fittings can be positioned between the port  195  and the actuating fluid source  200  to selectively control flow of actuating fluid relative to the gap  185 . In some embodiments, the nozzle  25  can include an electronic or electromagnetic actuator (e.g., a solenoid) in lieu of an actuating fluid to move the nozzle insert  100  from the first position to the second position. 
     In operation, the nozzle  25  is biased to the first position corresponding to the low flow state. With reference to  FIG. 4 , the nozzle insert  100  is in the first position such that the tapered end portion  135  is engaged with and substantially or completely seals against the interior wall  160  of the lower housing portion  50  to prevent fluid flow along the second flow path B. In the first position, fluid flows from the fluid source  15  into the nozzle  25  at a generally constant flow rate and exits the nozzle insert  100  along the first flow path A through the first outlet orifice  140 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the nozzle insert  100  can be adjusted to the second position by introducing actuating fluid into the gap  185 . Buildup of actuating fluid in the gap  185 , or simply the pressure of the actuating fluid acting on the flange  117 , provides an upward force (as viewed in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) that eventually overcomes the downward bias force acting on the nozzle insert  100 . When the upward force becomes larger than the downward bias force, the nozzle insert  100  moves to the second position as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . As illustrated, the nozzle insert  100  is pneumatically actuated by compressed air introduced into the gap  185  via the port  195 . The flow of compressed air (or other actuating fluid) can be triggered automatically or remotely via a control system (not shown), or the flow of actuating fluid can be triggered manually (e.g., by opening a valve downstream of the source  200 ). When the force exerted by the compressed air acting on the surface area of the cylindrical wall  117  overcomes the biasing force of the bias element  175 , the nozzle insert  100  slides upwardly to the second position ( FIG. 5 ). 
     In the second position, which corresponds to the high flow state of the nozzle  25 , the tapered end portion  135  of the nozzle insert  100  is spaced from the interior wall  160  due to upward movement of the nozzle insert  100 . Fluid that may have accumulated in the outlet chamber  150  above the tapered end portion  135  flows downward through the outlet  90 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , fluid flowing through the nozzle insert  100  in the high flow state is directed through the first outlet orifice  140  and the second outlet orifice  155  (through the openings  156 ) along flow paths A, B before the fluid is combined in the outlet chamber  150  and discharged through the outlet  90 . 
       FIGS. 6-9  illustrate another nozzle  525  embodying aspects of the invention. Except as described below, the nozzle  525  is the same as the nozzle  25  described with regard to  FIGS. 1-5 , with like elements given the same reference numerals. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiment described in connection with  FIGS. 1-5 . In addition, the elements of the nozzle  525  that are the same as or similar to elements of the nozzle  25  described with regard to  FIGS. 1-5  are given a reference numeral based on the reference numerals for  FIGS. 1-5  plus  500 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , the nozzle  525  includes a housing  540  that has an upper housing portion  545  and a lower housing portion  550 . An O-ring  555  is located at an interface between the upper and lower housing portions  545 ,  555  to create a substantially fluid-tight seal between the housing portions  545 ,  555  ( FIG. 7 ). As illustrated, nozzle  525  is removably coupled (e.g., by a threaded connection, a clamp connection, bolted connection, etc.) to one of the pipelines  20  of the fluid dispensing system  10  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the upper housing portion  545  receives a flow of fluid from the pipeline  20 , and the lower housing portion  550  includes an outlet  590  to discharge the fluid to the surrounding environment  530 . A scoop-like deflecting surface  597  is positioned adjacent the outlet  590  for directing the flow of fluid from the nozzle  525 . In other embodiments, the nozzle  525  can have a variety of geometries to produce any particular spray pattern. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the nozzle  525  includes a nozzle insert  600  to selectively control the flow of fluid through the nozzle  525 . That is, like the nozzle insert  100 , the nozzle insert  600  is movable to control the rate at which fluid is discharged through the outlet  590 . The nozzle insert  600  includes an elongated body  602  that has a first end  603  and a second end  604  opposite the first end  603 . In the illustrated embodiment, a generally cylindrical upper section  605  extends from the first end  603  (downward as illustrated in  FIG. 7 ), and a lower section  610  extends from the second end  604 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the nozzle insert  600  is selectively movable relative to the housing between a first position ( FIG. 8 ) corresponding to a low flow state of the nozzle  525  and a second position ( FIG. 9 ) corresponding to a high flow state of the nozzle  525 . The first end  603  of the nozzle insert  600  defines an inlet  630  in fluid communication with the fluid source  15  to receive a flow of fluid, and the second end  604  defines a first outlet orifice  640  in fluid communication with the outlet  590  to direct fluid from the inlet  630  toward the outlet  590 . An elongated central bore  645  extends longitudinally through the body  602 , from the inlet  630  to the first outlet orifice  640 , to define a first fluid flow path A between the inlet  630  and the first outlet orifice  640 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , when the nozzle insert  600  is in the first position, a tapered end portion  635  adjacent the second end  604  of the nozzle insert  600  bears against or engages an interior wall  660  of the lower housing portion  550  to form a seal that prevents fluid in the outlet chamber  650  from being discharged through the outlet  590 . As such, all of the fluid flowing through the nozzle insert  600  flows through the first outlet orifice  640  along the first flow path A. In the illustrated embodiment, the low flow state provides a flow rate through the nozzle  525  between approximately 0.1 liters per minute and approximately 3 liters per minute, although the nozzle  525  can be constructed to provide other flow rates in the low flow state to suit a particular application. In addition, the outlet orifice  640  of the nozzle insert  600  can be plugged or omitted such there is no fluid flow through the nozzle  525  in the low flow state. 
     The lower housing portion  550  defines an outlet chamber  650  adjacent the outlet  590  that surrounds the lower section  610  of the nozzle insert  600 . A second outlet orifice  655 , defined by a plurality of openings  656  extending through the body  602 , defines a second flow path B that allows fluid to flow out of the nozzle insert  600  and into the outlet chamber  650 , bypassing the relatively restrictive first outlet orifice  640 . 
     When the nozzle insert  600  is in the second position ( FIG. 9 ), the tapered end portion  635  is spaced from the interior wall  660  to permit fluid flow from the outlet chamber  650  through the outlet  590 . Fluid flowing through the nozzle insert  600  can flow into the outlet chamber  650  through the first outlet orifice  640  and the second outlet orifice  655  before being discharged through the outlet  590 . That is, fluid is directed through the nozzle insert  600  along the first flow path A and the second flow path B. In the illustrated embodiment, the high flow state provides a flow rate through the nozzle  525  between approximately 3 liters per minute and approximately 15 liters per minute. In other constructions, the nozzle  525  can be constructed to provide other flow rates in the high flow state to suit a particular application. 
     The upper section  605  of the nozzle insert  600  includes an annular flange  670  located adjacent the inlet  630 . The illustrated nozzle  525  includes a bias element  675  (e.g., a coil spring) that acts on the first end  603  of the nozzle insert  600  to bias the nozzle insert  600  toward the first position. In some constructions, the flow of fluid into the nozzle insert  600  may be sufficient to bias the nozzle insert  600  to the first position without the bias element  675 . 
     The flange  670  includes a first circumferential groove  671  that receives an O-ring  672  to provide a generally fluid-tight seal between the flange  670  and the interior of the upper housing portion  545 . The upper housing portion  545  and the nozzle insert  600  are spaced apart from each other to define a gap or space  685  located between the flange  670  and the lower end of the upper housing portion  545 . The nozzle insert  600  has a second circumferential groove  673  located on the cylindrical section  605  adjacent the lower end of the upper housing portion  545  and receives an O-ring  674  to generate a fluid-tight seal between the nozzle insert  600  and the lower end of the upper housing portion  545 . With reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , a port  695  extends through the wall of the upper housing portion  545  to fluidly couple the gap  685  to the source of actuating fluid  200  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Generally, the nozzle  525  is operated in substantially the same manner as the nozzle  25  described with regard to  FIGS. 1-5  to provide low and high fluid flow rates through the nozzle  525 . More specifically, the nozzle  525  is biased to the first position corresponding to the low flow state so that fluid only flows along the first flow path A. The nozzle insert  600  can be adjusted to the second position by introducing actuating fluid into the gap  685 . Buildup of actuating fluid in the gap  685 , or simply the pressure of the actuating fluid acting on the flange  670 , provides an upward force (as viewed in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ) that eventually overcomes the downward bias force acting on the nozzle insert  600 . When the upward force becomes larger than the downward bias force, the nozzle insert  600  moves to the second position as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . As illustrated, the nozzle insert  600  is pneumatically actuated by compressed air introduced into the gap  685  via the port  695 . When the force exerted by the compressed air acting on the surface area of the cylindrical wall  670  overcomes the biasing force of the bias element  675 , the nozzle insert  600  slides upwardly to the second position ( FIG. 9 ). 
     In the second position, which corresponds to the high flow state of the nozzle  525 , the tapered end portion  635  of the nozzle insert  600  is spaced from the interior wall  660  due to upward movement of the nozzle insert  600 . Fluid that may have accumulated in the outlet chamber  650  above the tapered end portion  635  flows downward through the outlet  590 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , fluid flowing through the nozzle insert  600  in the high flow state is directed through the first outlet orifice  640  and the second outlet orifice  655  along the flow paths A, B before the fluid is combined in the outlet chamber  650  and discharged through the outlet  590 . 
     Because the nozzles  25 ,  525  are operable in the low flow state and the high flow state independent of the velocity of fluid entering the nozzle  25 ,  525 , the nozzle  25 ,  525  can be predictably operated at the desired flow rate regardless of the inlet fluid velocity. That is, the discharge fluid velocity at the outlet  90 ,  590  can be maintained within the desired range even if the velocity of fluid entering the nozzle fluctuates any amount. 
     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.