Patent Description:
A conventional nozzle includes a nozzle body extending in the longitudinal direction, two guide grooves located inside the nozzle body, and two ejection holes for removing the deposits by jet (<CIT>). <CIT> discloses another example of nozzle from the prior art.

In the conventional nozzle, the jet ejected from the nozzle hole may be turbulent.

An object of the present invention is to suppress turbulence of the jet ejected from the nozzle hole.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a nozzle according to claim <NUM>.

The liquid is, for example, an aqueous cleaning liquid. The pressure of the liquid is, for example, <NUM> MPa to <NUM> MPa. The cleaning includes deburring by high pressure jets. The deposit is, for example, chips, or oil content.

The shaft body has a substantially cylindrical shape. The outlet plane may be provided with a cut-out on the shaft body. The outlet plane may be provided on the shaft body at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

The liquid guide path has, for example, substantially cylindrical shape. The liquid guide path may be a cylinder having a larger cross-sectional area than the liquid chamber. The liquid guide has an inner diameter of <NUM> to <NUM> times as the opening. The liquid guide has a length of <NUM> to <NUM> times as the opening. The liquid chamber has, for example, a straight columnar shape. The liquid chamber has a cross-sectional shape of, for example, a circle, a fan, a semicircle, or isosceles trapezoidal shape. Preferably, the bottom of the liquid chamber is planar. The bottom portion of the liquid chamber may have a convex portion. The convex portion may be a convex shape toward the basal end side at the center, or a convex shape toward the distal end side at the center. The convex portion is, for example, a hemispherical surface or a conical shape. The inlet plane may be provided on the liquid chamber at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The liquid chamber has an inner diameter of <NUM> to <NUM> times as the opening. For example, the liquid chamber has a length of <NUM> to <NUM> times as the opening.

The ejection axis is the center line in the design of the jet. The ejection axis is spaced apart from the bottom of the liquid chamber. The ejection axis is preferably arranged at a distance from the bottom of the liquid chamber by at least the opening diameter. The opening diameter may be <NUM> to <NUM>. Here, the distance between the ejection axis and the bottom of the liquid chamber is referred to as a height of the ejection axis. The ejection axis preferably intersects the center axis of the shaft body. The ejection axis is orthogonal to the center axis of the shaft body.

When the ejection axis is perpendicular to the center axis of the shaft body and the height of the ejection axis is less than <NUM> times the opening diameter, the flux distribution of the liquid flowing into the opening is biased toward the basal end of the nozzle. As a result, the liquid ejected from the opening becomes asymmetric, and the jet deflects in the direction of the nozzle axis and diffuses. On the other hand, when the height of the ejection axis is more than twice the opening diameter, vortices are likely to be generated in the liquid chamber at a distal end side than at the opening. When the structure of the liquid flow in the liquid chamber is disturbed, the structure of the flow inside the jet ejected from the opening is disturbed and the liquid diffuses. Therefore, preferably, the height of the ejection axis is <NUM> to <NUM> times the opening diameter.

The nozzle holes are spaced apart from the bottom of the liquid chamber. The nozzle hole is preferably located close to the bottom of the liquid chamber. The nozzle hole is spaced at least a length from the bottom of the liquid chamber by the diameter of the opening. The nozzle hole has a circular cross-sectional view having a center at the ejection axis. The inlet portion has a smaller diameter toward the downstream side. The inlet portion has, for example, a circular lateral cross-section, and has a convex curved longitudinal cross-section toward the radially inward. The inlet portion may be, for example, a truncated conical shape.

The apex angle of the inlet portion, which has a truncated conical shape, is from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees (inclusive), and preferably from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees (inclusive). The length of the inlet portion is one-third to one-half of the opening diameter. Here, the length of the inlet portion is the distance from the point where the upstream end of the inlet portion is connected to the liquid chamber to the point where the downstream end of the inlet portion is connected to the guide portion. The guide portion is a cylinder having a center at the ejection axis. The length of the guide portion is <NUM> to <NUM> times (inclusive) the length of the inlet portion. Here, the length of the guide portion is the distance from the point where the upstream end of the guide portion is connected to the inlet portion to the point where the downstream end of the guide portion is connected to the outer surface of the shaft body. The opening may be provided in a notched manner on the shaft body. The opening may expand toward the downstream.

The guide portion gradually changes the cross-sectional area of the flow path from the liquid chamber to the nozzle hole to suppress the turbulence of the liquid flow in the guide portion. When the apex angle is less than <NUM> degrees or more than <NUM> degrees, the cross-sectional area greatly changes. By passing through the guide portion, the liquid flow is regulated by the wall effect. The inlet portion having too long length shortens the length of the guide portion, thus the turbulence of the fluid inside the nozzle hole is likely to remain. Further, when the inlet portion having too short length greatly changes the cross-sectional area, thus the turbulence of the fluid is greatly disturbed.

A plurality of nozzle holes may be disposed in a position that is symmetric with respect to the center axis of the shaft body. The ejection axes of the plurality of nozzle holes may each intersect on the same plane.

A plate, which is disposed at the bottom of the liquid chamber, extends along the center axis of the shaft body. The plate length is, for example, <NUM> to <NUM> times (inclusive) the opening diameter, and preferably <NUM> to <NUM> times (inclusive) the opening diameter. Here, the plate length is a length from the upper end of the plate to the bottom of the liquid chamber. The plate width is, for example, a length of quarter to one-eighth (inclusive) the diameter of the liquid chamber, and preferably a length of one-fifth to one-sixth (inclusive) the diameter of the liquid chamber. Here, the plate width is the length of the plate in the radial direction of the liquid chamber.

The plate partitions the liquid chamber into two chambers. The plate having a length equal to or less than <NUM> times the opening diameter causes the liquid flow in the liquid chamber to be disturbed. The plate having a length less than twice the opening diameter reduces the separation effect. The plate having a length exceeding <NUM> times the opening diameter has less rectifying effect for the increase of the plate length compared with the plate having a length less than <NUM> times. The plate having a length <NUM> times or more the opening diameter has small rectifying effect by the plate. On the other hand, longer plate length reduces the effective cross-sectional area of the entire nozzle. The wider plate width reduces the effective cross-sectional area of the nozzle. Preferably, the plate width is thin. The plate partitions the liquid chamber into a plurality of liquid chambers, each of which has an equal cross-sectional area. For example, the plate partitions the liquid chamber into a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber in a line symmetric manner with respect to the axis of the shaft body. The first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber each has a single nozzle hole.

The nozzle according to the present invention is capable of suppressing the turbulence of the jet.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a shaft body <NUM>, a liquid guide path <NUM>, a liquid chamber <NUM>, and a nozzle hole <NUM>.

The shaft body <NUM> extends along a shaft center axis (center axis) <NUM>. The shaft body <NUM> is a stepped cylinder. The shaft body <NUM> has a basal end portion having a larger diameter than a distal end portion. For example, the basal end portion of the shaft body <NUM> has an outer diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The liquid guide path <NUM>, which is disposed inside the shaft body <NUM>, extends along the center axis <NUM>. The liquid guide path <NUM> has a circular cross-section. The liquid guide path <NUM> has a reduced diameter portion <NUM>. The reduced diameter portion <NUM>, which is located at a distal end of the liquid guide path <NUM>, is a conical shape that decreases in diameter toward the downstream. For example, the liquid guide path <NUM> has an inner diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, the liquid guide path <NUM> has a length of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The liquid chamber <NUM>, which is connected to the reduced diameter portion <NUM>, extends along the center axis <NUM>. The liquid chamber <NUM> has a cylindrical shape. The liquid chamber <NUM> has a diameter smaller than the liquid guide path <NUM>. The liquid chamber <NUM> has a bottom portion <NUM> at a downstream end. The bottom portion <NUM> includes a convex portion <NUM> formed in a conical shape toward the basal end direction. For example, the liquid chamber <NUM> has an inner diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>. The liquid chamber <NUM> has a length of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The nozzle hole <NUM> is located at the distal end portion of the liquid chamber <NUM>. The nozzle hole <NUM> extends along an ejection axis <NUM>. The nozzle hole <NUM> has a circular cross-section having a center at any location of the ejection axis <NUM>. The nozzle hole <NUM> has an inlet portion <NUM>, a guide portion <NUM>, and an opening <NUM>. An axial height <NUM> is equal to an opening diameter <NUM>. For example, the opening diameter <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM>.

The inlet portion <NUM> is connected to the liquid chamber <NUM>. The inlet portion <NUM> does not contact the bottom portion <NUM>. The inlet portion <NUM> has a shape having a smaller diameter toward the downstream. The inlet portion <NUM> has, for example, a truncated conical shape. A length <NUM> of the inlet portion is, for example, one-third of the opening diameter <NUM>.

The guide portion <NUM> is located the downstream of the inlet portion <NUM>. The guide portion <NUM> is cylindrical. The length <NUM> of the guide portion is, for example, <NUM> times the length <NUM> of the inlet portion.

The opening <NUM> is an opening located on the outer surface of the shaft body <NUM>.

The liquid flowing into the nozzle <NUM> passes through the liquid guide path <NUM>, the liquid chamber <NUM>, and the nozzle hole <NUM>, and is ejected from the opening <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> produces a linear jet. The inlet portion <NUM> gradually reduces the diameter from the liquid chamber <NUM> toward the guide portion <NUM>. As a result, the turbulence of the streamlines due to the rapid reduction in the diameter of the nozzle hole <NUM> is suppressed to improve the linearity of the jet.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a shaft body <NUM>, a liquid guide path <NUM>, a liquid chamber <NUM>, a plate <NUM>, and nozzle holes 208a, 208b.

The shaft body <NUM> extends along center axis <NUM>. The shaft body <NUM> has a cylindrical shape. For example, the shaft body <NUM> has an outer diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The liquid guide path <NUM> is located inside the shaft body <NUM>.

The liquid chamber <NUM>, which is disposed at the distal end of the liquid guide path <NUM>, extends along the center axis <NUM>. The liquid chamber <NUM> has a bottom portion <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> extends from the bottom portion <NUM> along the center axis <NUM>. The plate <NUM> is a column having a plane <NUM> extending along the center axis <NUM>. The plate <NUM> partitions the liquid chamber <NUM> into a first liquid chamber 206a and a second liquid chamber 206b. Each plane <NUM> faces the first liquid chamber 206a and the second liquid chamber 206b, respectively. A plate length <NUM> is, for example, four times the opening diameter <NUM>. A plate width <NUM> is, for example, one-sixth of a liquid chamber diameter <NUM>. The first liquid chamber 206a and the second liquid chamber 206b are symmetrical with respect to the center axis <NUM>. For example, the liquid chamber <NUM> has an inner diameter of <NUM> to <NUM>. The opening diameter <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM>. The plate width <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM>. The plate length <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM>.

A nozzle hole (first nozzle hole) 208a is located at a distal end portion of the first liquid chamber 206a. The nozzle hole 208a has an inlet portion 210a. The inlet portion 210a is connected to the first liquid chamber 206a. The inlet portion 210a is a truncated cone having an apex angle <NUM>. The apex angle <NUM> is, for example, <NUM> degrees.

A nozzle hole (second nozzle hole) 208b is located at a distal end portion of the second liquid chamber 206b. The nozzle hole 208b is substantially identical to the nozzle hole 208a.

The nozzle holes 208a, 208b each has a circular shape having a center at the ejection axis <NUM>.

Since the plate <NUM> partitions the liquid chamber <NUM> into the first liquid chamber 206a and the second liquid chamber 206b, it is possible to suppress disturbance of the liquid in the liquid chamber caused by the liquid ejected from the nozzle holes 208a, 208b entraining the air in the nozzle holes 208a, 208b. As a result, turbulence of the liquid ejected from the nozzle holes 208a, 208b is suppressed to improve the linearity of the jet flow.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a shaft body <NUM>, a liquid guide path <NUM>, a step <NUM>, a liquid chamber <NUM>, and nozzle holes 308a, 308b. The shaft body <NUM> extends along the center axis <NUM>. The shaft body <NUM> has outlet planes 342a, 342b. The outlet planes 342a, 342b are cut out of the outer shape of the shaft body <NUM>. The outlet planes 342a, 342b are symmetrical about the center axis <NUM>. The outlet planes 342a, 342b are perpendicular to the ejection axis <NUM>.

The liquid guide path <NUM> has a step <NUM>. The step <NUM>, which is disposed at a distal end of the liquid guide path <NUM>, forms a part of the outer shape of the liquid guide path <NUM>. The step <NUM> connects the liquid guide path <NUM> and the liquid chamber <NUM> so that the cross-sectional area decreases toward the downstream.

The liquid chamber <NUM>, which is disposed at the distal end portion of the liquid guide path <NUM>, extends along the center axis <NUM>. The liquid chamber <NUM> has a bottom portion <NUM> and inlet planes 344a, 344b. The bottom portion <NUM> is planar. The inlet planes 344a, 344b connect to the step <NUM>. The inlet planes 344a, 344b are symmetrical with respect to the center axis <NUM>. The inlet planes 344a, 344b are perpendicular to the ejection axis <NUM>.

The nozzle holes 308a, 308b are substantially identical to the nozzle holes <NUM>. The upstream end of the nozzle hole 308a is connected to the inlet plane 344a. The downstream end of the nozzle hole 308a is connected to the outlet plane 342a.

The nozzle hole 308b is connected to the inlet plane 344b and the outlet plane 342b. The nozzle hole 308b is substantially identical to the nozzle hole 308a.

The outlet planes 342a, 342b make an amount of air entering from around the openings 313a, 313b uniform. Also, the inlet planes 344a, 344b and the outlet planes 342a, 342b equalize the axial length of the nozzle holes 308a, 308b in the circumferential direction. As a result, the turbulence of the liquid ejected from the nozzle holes 308a, 308b is suppressed to improve the linearity of the jet flow.

When the bottom portion <NUM> is configured as a flat surface, the streamlines of the liquid in the liquid chamber <NUM> are aligned. Therefore, the turbulence in the nozzle holes 308a, 308b is suppressed to improve the linearity of the jet flow.

Claim 1:
A nozzle, comprising:
a shaft body (<NUM>) having a center axis (<NUM>) and the shaft body (<NUM>) is cylindrical;
a liquid guide path (<NUM>) located inside the shaft body (<NUM>), the liquid guide path (<NUM>) extending along the center axis (<NUM>);
a liquid chamber (<NUM>) disposed at a distal end portion of the liquid guide path (<NUM>), the liquid chamber (<NUM>) having a nozzle hole (<NUM>) located at a distal end portion of the liquid chamber (<NUM>), the nozzle hole (<NUM>) extending along an ejection axis (<NUM>) which direction is different from the center axis (<NUM>), the nozzle hole (<NUM>) extends perpendicularly to the center axis (<NUM>), the nozzle hole (<NUM>) having an inlet portion (<NUM>) connected to the liquid chamber (<NUM>),
the inlet portion (<NUM>) having a smaller diameter toward the downstream, and
a guide portion (<NUM>) connected to the downstream of the inlet portion (<NUM>) to guide liquid to an opening (<NUM>), and
the guide portion (<NUM>) has a cylindrical shape up to the opening (<NUM>),
characterized in that the nozzle further comprises a plurality of liquid chambers (206a, 206b); wherein each of the liquid chamber (206a, 206b) has only one nozzle hole (208a, 208b).