CN113164995A

CN113164995A - Machine for outputting at least one fluid jet and method for outputting at least one fluid jet

Info

Publication number: CN113164995A
Application number: CN201980076018.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 沃尔特·里德
Original assignee: Technoalpin Holding SpA
Current assignee: Technoalpin Holding SpA
Priority date: 2018-10-08
Filing date: 2019-10-07
Publication date: 2021-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-07
Also published as: IT201800009255A1; CN113164995B; WO2020075038A1

Abstract

Machine (1) for outputting at least one fluid jet, comprising: a tubular body (2); a blowing device (5) for generating an air flow along a propagation direction (P); an output opening (6) arranged within the tubular body (2) for emitting a first fluid jet substantially along a propagation direction (P); a plurality of atomizing nozzles (20) operatively associated with the outlet opening (4) of the tubular body (2) for ejecting at least a second fluid jet towards the air flow. The machine further comprises orientation means (7), the orientation means (7) being intended to orient the outlet opening (6) so as to vary the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the direction of propagation of the air (P). In addition, the orientation means (7) comprise one or more actuation members (8), the actuation members (8) being commandable to adjust the orientation of the output orifice (6). Another object of the present patent application is a method for outputting at least one fluid jet.

Description

Machine for outputting at least one fluid jet and method for outputting at least one fluid jet

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a machine for outputting at least one jet of fluid, preferably liquid. Preferably, the machine is a gun for outputting at least one fluid jet.

In particular, the invention relates to the field of dust suppression and/or odor reduction and/or fire mitigation by dispensing at least one fluid jet, preferably a water jet with a substance that can be used for the above purpose and that can be added selectively.

In addition, the invention relates to a method for outputting at least one fluid jet, wherein the method uses the machine described above.

Background

Currently, it is known to use devices shaped like guns and capable of outputting a specific fluid (for example, water or an aqueous mixture) for mitigating fires and/or optionally for reducing odors and/or suppressing dust. In the remainder of the description reference will be made mainly to the field of fire fighting as a preferred but not exclusive field of application of the invention.

In some environments, fire management is particularly delicate, as the time available for operating an emergency vehicle is limited to only a few minutes.

Currently, the used lance-like fire fighting devices comprise a tubular body in which an impeller (or propeller or turbine) is inserted to generate the discharged air flow, and the crown of the atomizing nozzle is arranged at the outlet opening of the tubular body.

In this way, the atomizing nozzle sprays the liquid in the discharged air flow, so as to obtain a cloud of aerosol droplets capable of helping to reduce the flame temperature and to limit the fumes and/or dust produced, so as to avoid the propagation of flames, fumes and/or dust into the environment.

However, it often happens that smoke and/or dust produced by a fire propagates in a direction different from the point of origin of the fire. The prior art has therefore revealed drawbacks linked to this fact: the cloud cannot always be directed to all points of interest accurately and simultaneously. In this case, therefore, it is necessary to use at least two different fire fighting devices (for example, a gun for smoke and/or odor and a fire hose acting directly on the fire source) capable of acting independently on two different areas.

However, this involves multiplying the required materials and overall size as well as personnel and water intake systems at the location of the fire.

Disclosure of Invention

In this context, the technical task of the present invention is to propose a machine for outputting a fluid jet that eliminates the drawbacks of the known art described above.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a machine for outputting a fluid jet, which is capable of reducing the intervention times of extinguishing fires or suppressing dust and/or reducing odours.

In detail, it is an object of the present invention to provide a machine for outputting a fluid jet that is able to optimize the directionality of the fluid jet with respect to different areas of interest of the fire and/or areas of interest of dust propagation.

In more detail, the object of the present invention is to provide a machine for outputting a fluid jet which is able to act on two different areas of interest simultaneously, thus providing better productivity and reducing the use of the device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for outputting a fluid jet which is commanded completely remotely, for example via wireless technology, to reduce the risks for the operator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for outputting at least one fluid flow applicable to previously introduced machines.

The technical task and the specific objects stated are achieved substantially by a machine for outputting fluid jets and a method for outputting at least one fluid jet comprising the technical features disclosed in the independent claims. The dependent claims correspond to further advantageous aspects of the invention.

It should be emphasized that this summary introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described in detail below in the detailed description.

The present invention relates to a machine for outputting at least one fluid jet. In particular, the machine generally comprises a tubular body (which provides the gun-shaped feature), a blowing device, an output port and a plurality of atomizing nozzles.

The tubular body extends between its air inlet opening and its air outlet opening. A blowing device is operatively associated to the tubular body for generating an air flow along a propagation direction of the air travelling from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening. An output port is connected to the tubular body for emitting a first fluid jet substantially along the propagation direction, the output port being arranged within the air flow substantially along an extension axis of the tubular body for outputting the first fluid jet substantially centrally with respect to the tubular body. A plurality of atomizing nozzles are operatively associated to the outlet opening of the tubular body to emit at least a second fluid jet towards the air flow.

In other words, the outlet defines a central "monitor" for outputting the fluid jet. While the atomizing nozzle defines a crown for effecting a cloud of suspended liquid particles propelled forward by the air flow.

Furthermore, in particular, the machine comprises orientation means for orienting the outlet opening so as to vary the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction of the air. In particular, the orienting device for orienting the outlet openings comprises one or more actuating members which are commandable to adjust the orientation of the outlet openings.

In other words, the machine is equipped to manage at least two different fluid jets. The first fluid jet is output by an output port which can be oriented by an orienting device comprising at least one actuating member and is arranged centrally with respect to the tubular body of the machine. In particular, the actuating member is able to move the orienting means for orienting the outlet and adjust the inclination of the outlet to orient the outlet, and may change the direction of output of the first fluid flow as desired, in use and over time. Instead, the second fluid jet is output by the atomizing nozzle towards the fluid stream, so that the second fluid jet transports the suspended droplets towards the area of interest, forming a cloud to surround possible flames and/or smoke and/or odours.

Preferably, the machine comprises a control unit connected at least to the orientation means and configured to send a movement signal to the actuation member to vary the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction.

Advantageously, the control unit allows the operator to intervene indirectly in the adjustment of the actuation member, so as to reduce risks and to be able to change the orientation even during use of the machine. Even more advantageously, the control unit is configured to manage, during use of the machine, additional parameters other than the activation or deactivation of the machine.

Even more preferably, the control unit comprises a receiving module configured to receive and send a remote command signal to the control unit to change the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction.

In this way, advantageously, the operator can command the machine remotely or at a distance during use of the machine, for example by wireless technology, such as by a tablet computer or suitable electronic means.

According to another aspect of the invention, the outlet opening is arranged at the outlet opening and protrudes along the extension axis of the tubular body towards the outside of the tubular body.

During the adjustment phase or any maintenance, the outlet opening is positioned at least partly outside the tubular body, making it more visible and accessible to the operator. Even more advantageously, such positioning of the delivery outlet allows avoiding any interference with the second jet delivered by the atomising nozzle and also increases the inclination of the first fluid jet.

According to an additional aspect, the outlet opening is arranged to be at least partially and centrally suspended within the tubular body by means of one or more radial supports.

Advantageously, the substantially central positioning of the outlet opening with respect to the tubular body further reduces the disturbances that may be generated by the air flow and the second jet of fluid output by the atomizing nozzle.

Preferably, the orientation means comprise a fixed portion and a movable portion associated with the fixed portion. In particular, the fixed portion is connected to a fluid supply conduit, while the movable portion is connected to an output port for the first fluid flow. Even more particularly, the movable portion comprises a mechanical swivel joint configured to vary the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction.

Advantageously, the use of a swivel joint, such as a ball joint, to connect the output port to the supply conduit allows to direct the first fluid jet in any oblique direction with respect to the propagation direction of the air. Thus, the change of inclination may occur with respect to the vertical direction or with respect to the horizontal direction to change the output and displacement of the first fluid jet.

Even more preferably, each actuation member comprises a hydraulic piston externally associated to the swivel joint to adjust and maintain the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction. In particular, the hydraulic piston is operatively interposed between the fixed part and the movable part.

Advantageously, the hydraulic piston is configured to move the movable part of the orienting device with respect to the fixed part connected to the supply duct. In addition, the hydraulic piston is shaped to maintain a given position of the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion, so as to keep the inclination of the first fluid jet constant for a predetermined time.

According to one aspect of the invention, the machine comprises a valve for controlling the pressure or flow rate of the fluid interposed between the fixed part and the fluid supply conduit.

Advantageously, the valve is configured to vary the fluid flow between its inlet portion and its outlet portion to regulate the flow rate of the first fluid jet. Preferably, this adjustment is made remotely according to the change in incoming water as desired and determined by the operator.

According to another aspect of the invention, the machine comprises a first conduit for conveying a fluid extending between an inlet portion thereof and an outlet portion thereof, the outlet portion being connected to the output port. The machine further comprises a second conduit for conveying the fluid, the second conduit for conveying the fluid extending between an inlet portion thereof associated to the respective fluid source and an outlet portion thereof connected to the plurality of atomizing nozzles.

In this way, the machine is configured to manage the supply of the outlet and the atomizing nozzle independently of each other. In addition, therefore, the machine is advantageously configured to activate or deactivate the output of one of the two fluid jets as required.

Preferably, the first duct comprises a pair of subsidiary ducts diverging from the inlet portion of the first duct towards two corresponding appendixes of the outlet portion of the first duct. In particular, each secondary conduit extends from the outside to the inside of the tubular body through the opposite side inlet passage.

In this way, the outlet port receives a fluid inlet balanced by two preferably opposite directions.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the machine comprises moving means associated with the tubular body for moving the machine itself. In particular, the moving means comprise rubber covered wheels, tracks and/or railway wheels.

The use of mobile means allows the operator, preferably remotely, to bring the machine as close as possible to the area of interest and to correct the position of the machine as required and as the time varies.

Method for outputting at least one fluid jet, comprising the following operating steps:

-presetting a machine for outputting at least one fluid jet according to what has been previously described;

-activating a blowing device for generating an air flow along a propagation direction from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening;

-adjusting the inclination of the output port with respect to the propagation direction;

-ejecting a first fluid jet from an output port; and

-emitting at least a second fluid jet from a plurality of atomizing nozzles.

Preferably, the method provides that the aforementioned step of emitting at least a second fluid jet from a plurality of atomising nozzles is performed after the step of emitting the first fluid jet from the output orifice.

In addition, the method provides that the step of adjusting the inclination of the output opening occurs simultaneously with the step of ejecting the first fluid jet from the output opening itself.

Thus, advantageously, the operator is able to remotely manage the orientation of the first fluid jet during operation of the machine (and therefore also during operation of the outlet itself).

Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the approximate and non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a machine for outputting a fluid jet, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows, according to a perspective view, a machine for outputting at least one fluid jet mounted on a movable frame;

figure 2 shows a machine for outputting at least one fluid jet according to a view from above;

figure 3 shows, according to a view from above, the output ports connected to the valve and oriented according to the propagation direction;

figure 4 shows the output port connected to the valve and inclined with respect to the propagation direction, according to a view from above;

fig. 5 shows the machine in question according to a sectional side view, with some components removed from the machine in order to make other components visible.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings which are included to illustrate embodiments of the invention and which together with the description serve to better explain the principles of the invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a machine for outputting at least one jet of fluid, preferably liquid.

With reference to the figures, a machine for outputting a fluid jet is generally indicated by the numeral 1.

Other numerical references refer to technical features of the invention that prohibit additional indications or obvious structural incompatibilities that would be known to a person skilled in the art to apply to all the variant embodiments described.

Any modifications or variations which are obvious to a person skilled in the art from the description must be considered to fall within the scope of protection established by the present invention, on the basis of a consideration of technical equivalence.

Fig. 1 shows a machine 1 for outputting at least one fluid jet, preferably a water jet or a specific aqueous mixture, varying in particular according to the purpose of the same machine used (dust suppression and/or odor reduction and/or fire mitigation).

The machine 1 comprises a tubular body 2 extending between its air inlet opening 3 and its air outlet opening 4. The particular shape of the tubular body 2 gives the machine 1 the characteristic shape of a gun. Furthermore, a blowing device 5 (visible in fig. 5) is operatively associated to the tubular body 2 for generating an air flow along an air propagation direction P, which air flow travels from the inlet opening 3 to the outlet opening 4. The blowing device 5 comprises an impeller (or propeller or turbine) arranged at least partially inside the tubular body 2 at the inlet opening 3.

In addition, the machine 1 comprises an output port 6, which output port 6 is connected to the tubular body 2 and is configured to emit a first fluid jet substantially along the propagation direction P of the air. In particular, the output opening 6 is arranged within the air flow substantially along the extension axis a of the tubular body 2, so as to output a first fluid jet substantially centrally with respect to the tubular body 2.

In practice, this outlet 6 is a "monitor" for the fluid jet. In any case, the flow rate of the liquid jet output by the output 6 is higher than the flow rate of the liquid output by the atomizing nozzle 20, for example at a value of about 5000 liters/minute or higher. Alternatively, in the case of a machine 1 for suppressing dust, the output orifice 6 is configured to output a fluid jet having a flow rate lower than the previous indicated value.

According to one aspect of the invention, the output orifice 6 comprises a regulating element 61 (fig. 3 and 4), which regulating element 61 is configured to vary the geometry of the output first fluid jet. In practice, the conditioning element 61 allows the first fluid jet to be shaped as needed to produce fine or large droplets and to output a small or large amount of fluid onto the area of interest. To this end, the outlet 6 therefore comprises an adjustment device 60 associated with the adjustment element and remotely controllable.

The adjustment means 60 allows the geometry of the jet exiting the opening to be adjusted from an open jet to a closed jet.

Furthermore, the adjustment element 61 preferably comprises a plate, which is substantially circular and has an inverse shape that varies according to the output opening 6. More precisely, the adjustment element 61 is arranged in the fluid output region of the output opening 6 and is configured to move between a minimum flow rate position and a maximum flow rate position. In the minimum flow rate position the regulating element 61 blocks most of the outlet opening, while in the maximum flow rate position the regulating element 61 is at a distance from the outlet opening so as to output a first fluid jet having a substantially circular cross section and approximately equal to the outlet opening 6 itself. With the regulating element 61 arranged in an intermediate position between the minimum flow rate and the maximum flow rate, the first fluid jet has a variable geometry which varies with the distance of the regulating element from the outlet opening. More precisely, the smaller the distance between the regulating element 61 and the outlet opening 6, the lower the fluid flow rate of the first fluid jet output, but the larger the cross section transverse to the output direction E of the jet of fluid.

At least a second fluid jet is directed towards the air flow by a plurality of atomising nozzles 20, the atomising nozzles 20 being operatively associated to the outlet opening 4 of the tubular body 2. Preferably, a plurality of atomizing nozzles 20 are arranged at the outlet opening 4 so as to form a substantially circular crown. Preferably, this crown of the nozzle 20 is outside the outlet opening 4.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the machine 1 comprises orientation means 7 for orienting the output orifice 6, the orientation means 7 being configured to vary the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction P of the air. In other words, the orientation means 7 are configured to vary the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the axis of extension a of the tubular body 2 along a horizontal plane and/or a vertical plane and/or a combination of both.

In particular, the orientation means 7 comprise one or more actuation members 8, which actuation members 8 may be commanded by an operator to adjust the orientation of the output orifice 6.

In this way, the machine 1 is configured to eject two distinct fluid jets from the output orifice 6 and the plurality of nozzles 20, respectively. The first fluid jet propagates along an output direction E, which is variable in time as required, which may be coincident (fig. 3) or inclined (fig. 4) with respect to the propagation direction P of the air and to the extension axis a of the tubular body 2. The second fluid jet is propagated as an atomized liquid cloud under the action of the air flow generated by the blowing means 5 and thus substantially along the propagation direction P of the air.

Thus, advantageously, the machine 1 is configured to direct the first fluid flow to a location of interest (for example, a location of a fire source or a location where there is an excess of dust to be suppressed) and to direct the cloud to a second critical area where smoke and/or odours will be present, in order to limit and reduce these. In other words, the two fluid jets are directionally independent, in particular the first fluid jet may be oriented with respect to the second fluid jet so as to be directed differently as required.

As better shown in fig. 3 and 4, the orienting means 7 for orienting the outlet orifice 6 intervenes between the outlet orifice 6 itself and the fluid supply conduit, and more particularly between the outlet orifice 6 and a valve 12 connected to the fluid supply conduit.

In particular, the orientation means 7 comprise a fixed portion 71 and a movable portion 72 associated with the fixed portion 71. The fixed part 71 is connected to the fluid supply conduit and the movable part 72 is connected to the output port 6.

According to one aspect of the invention, the orienting means 7 comprise a swivel joint (for example an elbow joint), the rotating head of which is a movable part 72 constrained to the outlet opening 6, and the rotating seat is a fixed part 71. Preferably, the swivel head has a spherical or cylindrical shape, while the swivel base has a pair of appendages cantilevered with respect to the body, the pair of appendages being parallel to each other, and the swivel head can be housed between the pair of appendages in such a way that: the swivel head may be rotatable around a fulcrum of the swivel to allow variation of the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction P. In other words, the swivel joint is of the mechanically rigid type.

According to one aspect of the invention, the pin 14 is interposed between the rotating head and the rotating seat, or more generally between the fixed part 71 and the movable part 72, to maintain the integrity of the elements between them and to allow the output opening 6 to rotate on a plane that is substantially horizontal and parallel with respect to the ground. According to an aspect of this embodiment, the possible adjustment of the output of the first fluid jet can be actuated by varying the inclination of the entire tubular body 2 with respect to the support frame 15, the entire tubular body 2 being rotatably connected to the support frame 15 by means of a pair of side supports.

The movement between the movable portion 72 and the relatively fixed portion 71 occurs due to external intervention of at least one actuation member 8. Preferably, each actuating member 8 comprises a hydraulic piston configured to rotate the movable portion 72 with respect to the fixed portion 71 and thus to adjust and maintain the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction P.

The pistons are configured so that in their rest position the output ports 6 are aligned with the propagation direction P, while the sliding (expansion and contraction) of the pistons with respect to the corresponding cylinders involves the movement of the rotating heads of the swivel joints around the respective pins. Advantageously, the hydraulic piston is able to maintain the position in which the rotary head firmly abuts with respect to the rotary seat. Even more advantageously, the provision of two or more hydraulic pistons in advance, or more generally two or more actuating members 8, allows to move the movable portion 72 along at least two planes transverse to each other and thus to finely adjust the final position of the output orifice 6 and thus the output of the first fluid jet.

In other words, the use of two hydraulic pistons for moving the output port 6 allows varying the inclination of the first fluid jet substantially along a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. For this purpose, two hydraulic pistons must be suitably arranged between the fixed portion 71 and the movable portion 72 of the orienting device 7, in order to vary the output (i.e. the inclination with respect to the vertical plane) and the lateral displacement (i.e. the inclination with respect to the horizontal plane) of the first fluid flow as required.

Preferably, as shown in fig. 1, 2, 5, the outlet opening 6 is arranged at the outlet opening 4 of the tubular body 2 and protrudes towards the outside of the tubular body 2 according to the extension axis a. In other words, the delivery outlet 6 projects forward from the tubular body 2 (in particular with respect to the crown of the atomising nozzle 20).

Even more preferably, the outlet orifice 6 is positioned substantially in the centre of the crown of the atomizing nozzle 20, and therefore in the centre of the outlet opening 4, and is supported by a plurality of radial supports 11.

In practice, the outlet opening 6 is arranged along the extension axis a of the tubular body 2 and is partially outside the tubular body 2, so that a movement cone with respect to the propagation direction P of the air is the greatest possible, avoiding possible interferences between the first fluid outlet flow and the tubular body 2 of the machine 1 and between the second fluid jet produced by the atomizing nozzle 20.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is a valve 12 between the output port 6 and the fluid supply conduit, as described above, for controlling the pressure or flow rate of the fluid, which is illustrated in fig. 3 and 4. The valve 12 connected to the fixed part 71 is configured to manage the amount of fluid that has to reach the output port 6. In fact, during extinguishing of a fire or during suppression of dust, the flow rate of the respective liquid injected is reduced over time to prevent excessive pressure from causing the displacement of the burst or dust cloud, rather than being extinguished or suppressed. Preferably, the valve 12 is a valve for reducing pressure and fluid flow rate.

The valve 12 therefore has a feedback loop capable of varying the quantity of fluid passing between its inlet section (connected to the supply conduit) and its outlet section (connected to the output orifice 6) between a zero value of 0% and a maximum value equal to 100%.

According to another aspect of the invention shown in fig. 5, the machine 1 is configured to manage the output orifice 6 and the plurality of atomizing nozzles 20 independently, so as to spray the first fluid jet and the second fluid jet simultaneously or alternatively, as required.

In particular, the machine 1 comprises at least two distinct conduits for conveying the fluid, so as to manage separately and independently the amount of fluid sent to the output orifice 6 and to the plurality of atomizing nozzles 20. In this way, therefore, the type of liquid to be directed to the output opening 6 and the atomizing nozzle 20 can be managed differently. According to yet another possible aspect of the present invention, the atomizing nozzles 20 may include three different sets of nozzles capable of spraying liquids having three different substances added thereto, such as a flame mitigation solution, an odor reduction solution, and a dust and/or smoke mist suppression solution.

According to the invention, a first conduit 30 for conveying the fluid extends between an inlet portion 31 thereof associated to the source of fluid and an outlet portion 32 thereof connected to the output port 6. A second conduit 40 for conveying the fluid extends between its inlet portion 41 associated to a respective fluid source and its outlet portion 42 connected to the plurality of atomizing nozzles 20.

Preferably, the first duct 30 comprises a pair of auxiliary ducts 33, which diverge from the inlet portion 31 towards two corresponding appendixes arranged at the outlet portion 32. Thus, each auxiliary duct 33 extends from the outside to the inside of the tubular body 2 through laterally formed opposite inlet passages for supplying the output ports 6 in a balanced manner. Preferably, there are fixing means on the access side in order to keep the position of the corresponding auxiliary duct 33 stable and constant.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the machine 1 is controlled and managed remotely by an operator for practical and safety reasons.

To this end, as shown in fig. 5, the machine 1 comprises a control unit 9 connected at least to the main components of the machine 1, namely the output port 6, the plurality of atomizing nozzles 20, the valve 12 and each actuating member 8.

In practice, the control unit 9 is configured to send control signals to these components to manage the use of the machine 1 as required.

More precisely, the control unit 9 (mounted on the machine 1) comprises a receiving module 10, the receiving module 10 being configured to receive command signals remotely from an operator and then to send them to the control unit 9, the control unit 9 being able to reprocess them into specific signals for each component of the machine 1.

In particular, the control unit 9 is configured to send a directional signal "S1" to the actuation member 8, so that the actuation member 8 acts on the movable portion 72 of the directional device 7 for orienting the output orifice 6, so as to vary the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction P, according to the area in which the first fluid jet has to be directed.

In addition, by sending an appropriate regulation signal "S2" to the valve 12, the control unit 9 is able to vary the flow rate of the first fluid jet between a maximum value and a minimum value coinciding with the interruption of the output itself.

Advantageously, the control unit 9 is also configured to activate or deactivate the output of the first fluid jet and/or the second fluid jet independently of each other.

Even more advantageously, in the case where the plurality of atomising nozzles 20 comprises several groups of nozzles configured for outputting respective different liquid substances, thanks to a suitable configuration of the control unit 9, the operator is able to remotely manage each group of nozzles in an autonomous manner with respect to the other groups of nozzles.

According to another aspect of the invention, the machine 1 comprises moving means 13 associated with the tubular body 2 so as to be easily movable without the aid of additional conveying means. Furthermore, in particular, the movement means 13 are mounted on a support frame 15 connected to the tubular body 2. Preferably, the moving means 13 comprise rubber-covered wheels, or tracks and/or railway wheels, to accommodate each type of track to be travelled.

Advantageously, the remote operator is able to send command signals received by the receiving module 10 and can be processed by the control unit 9 into a movement signal "S3" with which the operator himself can move the machine 1 to its operating position and with an optimal orientation.

It should be noted that the adjustment means 60 of the geometry of the jet discharged from the central outlet 6, together with the orientation of the outlet 6, on one or more axes, advantageously allow to obtain a plurality of spray geometries (which were previously not obtainable), suitable for each need and capable of covering short distances, long distances, sides, tops, bottoms or combinations thereof, and producing fine or large drops, outputting small or large quantities of fluid.

It should also be noted that these features are also combined with other features connected to the machine 1, namely:

-adjusting the blowing means to obtain a more or less strong air flow; and/or

-selectively activating the nozzle crown with respect to the central outlet orifice 6; and/or

-selectively activating valves for reducing pressure and fluid flow rate.

Another object of the present patent application is to provide a method for outputting at least one jet of fluid, preferably liquid. The method comprises the following operation steps:

-presetting a machine 1 for outputting at least one fluid jet or aqueous mixture as previously described;

activating the blowing means 5 for generating an air flow along the propagation direction P from the inlet opening 3 towards the outlet opening 4;

adjusting the inclination of the output 6 with respect to the direction of propagation P of the air;

-emitting a first fluid jet from the output 6; and

at least a second fluid jet is emitted from the plurality of atomizing nozzles 20.

Preferably, the step of ejecting at least a second fluid jet from the plurality of atomizing nozzles 20 is performed after the step of ejecting the first fluid jet from the output opening 6.

Even more preferably, the step of adjusting the inclination of the output orifice 6 is carried out simultaneously with the step of ejecting the first fluid jet from the output orifice 6 itself.

Advantageously, each step of the method can be initiated remotely by an operator, who can send specific command signals to each component of the machine 1 (for example the output port 6, the atomizing nozzle 20, the actuating means 8) by means of dedicated electronic means, which can be connected by wired or wireless technology to the control unit 9 connected to the machine 1.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for outputting at least one fluid jet, the machine (1) comprising:

-a tubular body (2) extending between its air inlet opening (3) and its air outlet opening (4);

-blowing means (5) operatively associated to said tubular body (2) for generating an air flow along a propagation direction (P) of air travelling from said inlet opening (3) towards said outlet opening (4);

-an output opening (6) connected to said tubular body (2) for emitting a first fluid jet substantially along said propagation direction (P), said output opening (6) being arranged within said air flow substantially along an extension axis (a) of said tubular body (2) to output said first fluid jet substantially centrally with respect to said tubular body (2); and

-a plurality of atomising nozzles (20) operatively associated to said outlet opening (4) of said tubular body (2) to eject at least a second fluid jet towards said air flow;

characterized in that said machine (1) comprises orientation means (7), which orientation means (7) are intended to orient said outlet opening (6) so as to vary the inclination of said first jet of fluid with respect to said propagation direction (P); the orientation means (7) comprising one or more actuation members (8), the actuation members (8) being commandable to adjust the orientation of the outlet orifice (6); the machine comprises a control unit (9), said control unit (9) being connected at least to said orienting device (7) and configured to send a movement signal to said actuation member (8) to vary said inclination of said first fluid jet with respect to said propagation direction (P); the control unit is configured to automatically vary the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction (P) during the output of the same first fluid jet.

2. Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said control unit (9) comprises a receiving module (10), said receiving module (10) being configured to receive a remote command signal and to send said remote command signal to said control unit (9) to remotely vary said inclination of said first fluid jet with respect to said propagation direction (P).

3. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outlet opening (6) is arranged at said outlet opening (4) and projects along said extension axis (A) towards the outside of said tubular body (2).

4. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said outlet opening (6) is arranged to be hung at least partially and centrally inside said tubular body (2) by means of one or more radial supports (11).

5. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said orientation means (7) comprise a fixed portion (71) and a movable portion (72) associated to said fixed portion (71); the fixed portion (71) is connected to a fluid supply conduit; said movable portion (72) being connected to said outlet opening (6); the movable portion (72) comprises a swivel joint configured to vary the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction (P).

6. Machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said actuating means (8) comprise at least one hydraulic piston externally associated to said swivel joint to adjust and maintain said inclination of said first fluid jet with respect to said propagation direction (P); the at least one hydraulic piston is operatively interposed between the fixed portion (71) and the movable portion (72).

7. Machine (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by comprising a valve (12), said valve (12) being intended to control the pressure or flow rate of the fluid interposed between said fixed portion (71) and said fluid supply conduit.

8. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (9) is configured to manage the supply of fluid to the output orifice (6) and the atomizing nozzle (20) independently of each other.

9. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two fluid jets are directionally independent and the first fluid jet can be oriented with respect to the second fluid jet so that the first fluid jet can be directed differently as required.

10. Machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said orienting device (7) is configured to vary the inclination of said first fluid jet with respect to the axis of extension (A) of said tubular body (2) along a horizontal plane and a vertical plane and/or a combination of both.

11. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising:

-a first conduit (30) for conveying a fluid extending between an inlet portion (31) thereof associated to a fluid source and an outlet portion (32) thereof connected to said output port (6); and

-a second conduit (40) for conveying a fluid extending between an inlet portion (41) thereof associated to a respective fluid source and an outlet portion (42) thereof connected to said plurality of atomizing nozzles (20).

12. Machine (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said first duct (30) comprises a pair of auxiliary ducts (33), said pair of auxiliary ducts (33) diverging from said inlet portion (31) towards two corresponding appendixes of said outlet portion (32) of said first duct (30); each auxiliary duct (33) extends from the outside to the inside of the tubular body (2) through the opposite side inlet passage.

13. Machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising moving means (13), said moving means (13) being associated to said tubular body (2) for moving said machine (1); the moving means (13) comprise rubber covered wheels, tracks and/or railway wheels.

14. Machine (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that said control unit is configured to vary said inclination of said first fluid jet with respect to said propagation direction (P) during the movement of the machine carried out by said moving means (13).

15. Method for outputting at least one fluid jet, comprising the following operating steps:

-presetting a machine (1) for outputting at least one fluid jet according to any one of claims 1 to 11;

-activating the blowing means (5) for generating the air flow along the propagation direction (P) from the inlet opening (3) towards the outlet opening (4);

-adjusting the inclination of the output opening (6) with respect to the propagation direction (P);

-ejecting the first fluid jet from the output opening (6);

-emitting at least a second fluid jet from the plurality of atomizing nozzles (20); and

-varying the inclination of the first fluid jet with respect to the propagation direction (P) during the outputting of the same first fluid jet.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the step of ejecting at least a second fluid jet from the plurality of atomizing nozzles (20) is performed after the step of ejecting the first fluid jet from the output opening (6).

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the step of adjusting the inclination of the output orifice (6) is performed simultaneously with the step of ejecting the first fluid jet from the output orifice (6).