WO2020075038A1

WO2020075038A1 - Machine for outputting at least one jet of fluid and method for outputting at least one jet of fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2020075038A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/058518
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walter Rieder
Original assignee: Technoalpin Holding S.P.A.
Priority date: 2018-10-08
Filing date: 2019-10-07
Publication date: 2020-04-16
Also published as: CN113164995A; CN113164995B; IT201800009255A1

Abstract

A machine (1) for outputting at least one jet of fluid comprises a tubular body (2), blowing means (5) for generating an air flow along a propagation direction (P); an output mouth (6) arranged inside the tubular body (2) for spraying a first jet of fluid substantially along the propagation direction (P); a plurality of atomising nozzles (20) operatively associated with an outlet opening (4) of the tubular body (2) for spraying at least one second jet of fluid towards the air flow. The machine further comprises orientation means (7) for orientating the output mouth (6) so as to vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to the propagation direction (P). In addition, the orientation means (7) comprises one or more actuating members (8) commendable to regulate the orientation of the output mouth (6). A further object of the present patent application is a method for outputting at least one jet of fluid.

Description

“MACHINE FOR OUTPUTTING AT LEAST ONE JET OF FLUID AND

METHOD FOR OUTPUTTING AT LEAST ONE JET OF FLUID”

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

In particular, the invention relates to the field of dust suppression and/or odour abatement and/or the mitigation of fire through the dispensing at least one jet of fluid, preferably a jet of water with a substance useful to that end optionally added.

In addition, the invention relates to a method for outputting at least one jet of fluid in which the aforesaid machine is used.

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PRIOR ART

Currently, the use of devices is known which are shaped like a gun and capable of outputting a specific fluid (e.g. water or an aqueous mixture) for the mitigation of fire and/or, optionally, for the abatement of odours and/or suppression of dust. In the continuation of this description reference will mainly be made to the fire-fighting sector as a preferred, but not exclusive, field of application of the present invention.

In some environments, fire management is particularly delicate because the time available for the operation of emergency vehicles is limited to only a few minutes.

Nowadays, the gun-like fire-fighting devices used comprise a tubular body in which an impeller (or propeller or turbine) is inserted to create an exiting air flow and a crown of atomising nozzles is arranged at the outlet opening of the tubular body.

In this way, the atomising nozzles spray the liquid in the exiting air flow in order to obtain a cloud of suspended droplets able to assist the lowering of the temperature of the fire and to circumscribe the fumes and/or dust produced in order to avoid their propagation into the environment.

However, it often happens that the fumes and/or dust produced by the fire propagate in a different direction from the point of origin of the latter. Therefore, the prior art has revealed drawbacks linked to the fact that it is not always possible to direct the cloud exactly and simultaneously to all points of interest. In this case, therefore, it is necessary to use at least two different fire-fighting devices able to act on two different areas independently (for example a gun for the fumes and/or odours and a fire brigade hose that acts directly on the source of the fire).

However, this involves doubling the necessary material, the overall dimensions, as well as the personnel and the water intake systems at the location of the fire.

SUMMARY

In this context, the technical task of the present invention is to propose a machine for outputting a jet of fluid which obviates the drawbacks of the known art as mentioned above.

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

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

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

Another object of the present invention is to provide a machine for outputting a jet of fluid that is fully commandable remotely, for example via wireless technology, to reduce the risk to operators. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for outputting at least one flow of liquid applicable to the previously introduced machine.

The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially reached by a machine for outputting a jet of fluid and a method for outputting at least one jet of fluid, which comprise the technical features disclosed in the independent claims. The dependent claims correspond to further advantageous aspects of the invention.

It should be highlighted that this summary introduces, in simplified form, a selection of concepts which will be further elaborated in the detailed description given below.

The invention relates to a machine for outputting at least one jet of fluid. Specifically, the machine substantially comprises a tubular body (which provides the characteristic gun shape), blowing means, an output mouth and a plurality of atomising nozzles.

The tubular body extends between an air inlet opening thereof and an air outlet opening thereof. The blowing means are operatively associated to the tubular body for generating an air flow along a propagation direction of the air that goes from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening of the tubular body. The output mouth is connected to the tubular body for spraying a first jet of fluid substantially along the propagation direction, as the output mouth is arranged substantially along an extension axis of the tubular body inside the air flow so as to output the first jet of fluid substantially centrally with respect to the tubular body. The plurality of atomising nozzles is operatively associated to the outlet opening of the tubular body so as to spray at least a second jet of fluid towards the air flow.

In other words, the output mouth defines a sort of central "monitor” for outputting a jet of fluid. While the atomising nozzles define a crown for the realisation of a cloud of suspended liquid particles that are pushed forwards by the air flow. In particular, moreover, the machine comprises orientation means for orientating the output mouth so as to vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to the propagation direction of the air. Specifically, the orientation means for orientating the output mouth comprises one or more actuating members commandable to regulate the orientation of the output mouth.

In other words, the machine is equipped to manage at least two different jets of fluid. A first jet of fluid is outputted by an output mouth that can be orientated through orientation means comprising at least one actuating member and is arranged centrally with respect to the tubular body of the machine. Specifically, the actuating member is capable of moving the orientation means for orientating the output mouth and regulating the inclination of the latter to orient, and possibly modify in use and over time depending on need, the output direction of the first fluid flow. A second jet of fluid is instead output by the atomising nozzles towards the flow of fluid such that the latter transport the suspended drops towards the area of interest, forming a cloud such as to surround a possible fire and/or fumes and/or odours.

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

Advantageously, the control unit allows an operator to indirectly intervene on the regulation of the actuating members so as to reduce the risks and be able to vary the orientation even during the utilisation of the machine. Even more advantageously, the control unit is configured to manage additional parameters during the use of the machine beyond the activation or deactivation of the latter.

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

In this way, an operator is advantageously able to remotely or at a distance command the machine during its use, for example through wireless technology, such as through a tablet or an appropriate electronic device.

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

The positioning of the output mouth at least partially outside the tubular body makes the output mouth more visible and accessible to an operator during the regulation phase or any maintenance. Even more advantageously, this positioning of the output mouth allows avoiding any interference with the second jet output by the atomising nozzles and also increases the inclination angle of the first jet of fluid.

According to an additional aspect, the output mouth is arranged centrally suspended at least partly inside the tubular body by means of one or more radial supports.

Advantageously, a substantially central positioning of the output mouth with respect to the tubular body further reduces the interference that can be created with the air flow and the second jet of fluid output by the atomising nozzles.

Preferably, the orientation means comprises a fixed portion and a movable portion associated with the fixed portion. Specifically, the fixed portion is connected to a fluid supply conduit, while the movable portion is connected to the output mouth of the first flow of fluid. Even more specifically, the movable portion comprises a mechanical swivel joint configured to vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to the propagation direction.

Advantageously, the use of a swivel joint, such as a ball joint, for connecting the output mouth to a supply conduit allows orientating the first jet of fluid along any inclined direction with respect to the propagation direction of the air. The variation of inclination can therefore take place either with respect to a vertical direction, or with respect to a horizontal direction in order to vary the output and the displacement of the first jet of fluid.

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

Advantageously, the hydraulic piston is configured to move the movable portion of the orientation means with respect to the fixed portion connected to a supply conduit. In addition, the hydraulic piston is shaped so as to maintain a given position of the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion, so as to maintain the inclination of the first jet of fluid unchanged for a predetermined time.

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

Advantageously, the valve is configured to vary its flow of fluid between the inlet portion thereof and the outlet portion thereof so as to regulate the flow rate of the first jet of fluid. Preferably, this regulation takes place remotely as a function of the intake of water needed and determined by an operator.

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

In this way, the machine is configured to manage the supply of the output mouth and the atomising nozzles independently of each other. In addition, therefore, the machine is advantageously configured to activate or deactivate the output of one of the two jets of fluid depending on need. Preferably, the first conduit comprises a pair of auxiliary conduits which branch from the inlet portion towards two corresponding attachments of the outlet portion of the first conduit. In particular, each auxiliary conduit extends from the outside towards the inside of the tubular body through a relative side inlet passage.

In this way, the output mouth receives a fluid intake balanced by two preferably opposite directions.

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

The use of movement means allows an operator, preferably remotely, to bring the machine as close as possible to the area of interest and to correct the positioning thereof depending on need and how it evolves over time.

A method for outputting at least one jet of fluid comprises the operating steps of:

predisposing a machine for outputting at least one jet of fluid in accordance with that which was previously introduced;

activating the blowing means for generating the air flow along the propagation direction from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening; - regulating the inclination of the output mouth with respect to the propagation direction;

spraying the first jet of fluid from the output mouth;

spraying at least a second jet of fluid from the plurality of atomising nozzles.

Preferably, the method provides that said step of spraying at least a second jet of fluid from the plurality of atomising nozzles takes place subsequently to the step of spraying the first jet of fluid from the output mouth.

In addition, the method provides that the step of regulating the inclination of the output mouth occurs simultaneously with the step of spraying the first jet of fluid from the output mouth itself.

Advantageously, therefore, an operator is able to remotely manage the orientation of the first jet of fluid during the operation of the machine, and therefore, also during the operation of the output mouth itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate and thus non-limiting description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a machine for outputting a jet of fluid, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

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

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

- figure 3 shows, according to a view from above, the output mouth connected to the valve and orientated according to the propagation direction;

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

- figure 5 shows, according to a sectional side view, the machine in question, from which certain components have been removed in order to make others visible.

With reference to the drawings, they serve solely to illustrate embodiments of the invention with the aim of better clarifying, in combination with the description, the inventive principles at the basis of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

With reference to the figures, a machine for outputting a jet of fluid has been generically indicated with the number 1.

The other numerical references refer to technical features of the invention which, barring indications otherwise or evident structural incompatibilities, the person skilled in the art will know how to apply to all the variant embodiments described.

Any modifications or variants which, in the light of the description, are evident to the person skilled in the art, must be considered to fall within the scope of protection established by the present invention, according to considerations of technical equivalence.

Figure 1 shows a machine 1 for outputting at least one jet of fluid, preferably a jet of water or a specific aqueous mixture as a function of the purpose for which the same machine is used (dust suppression and/or odour abatement and/or fire mitigation).

The machine 1 comprises a tubular body 2 extending between an air inlet opening 3 thereof and an air outlet opening 4 thereof. The particular shape of the tubular body 2 gives the machine 1 the characteristic shape of a gun. Furthermore, blowing means 5 (visible in figure 5) is operatively associated to the tubular body 2 for generating an air flow along a propagation direction P of the air that goes from the inlet opening 3 towards the outlet opening 4. This blowing means 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 mouth 6 connected to the tubular body 2 and configured to spray a first jet of liquid substantially along the propagation direction P of the air. Specifically, the output mouth 6 is arranged substantially along an extension axis A of the tubular body 2 inside the air flow, so as to output the first jet of fluid substantially centrally with respect to the tubular body 2.

In practice, this output mouth 6 is a "monitor" for the jet of liquid. In any case, the output mouth 6 outputs a jet of liquid with a flow rate greater than the liquid output by an atomising nozzle 20, for example a value of approximately 5,000 litres/minute or greater. Alternatively, in the case in which the machine 1 is used for the suppression of dust, the output mouth 6 is configured to output a jet of liquid with a lower flow rate than the previously indicated value.

According to one aspect of the invention, the output mouth 6 comprises a regulating element 61 (figures 3 and 4) configured to modify the geometry of the first jet of fluid outputted. In practice, the regulating element 61 allows shaping the first jet of fluid depending on need, producing fine droplets or large drops, outputting little fluid or a lot of fluid onto the area of interest. To this end, therefore, the output mouth 6 comprises regulating means 60 associated with the regulating element and controllable remotely.

This regulating means 60 allows regulating the geometry of the jet exiting the mouth from an open to a closed jet.

Preferably, moreover, the regulating element 61 comprises a plate which is substantially circular and counter-shaped as a function of the output mouth 6. More precisely, the regulating element 61 is arranged at the fluid output area of the output mouth 6 and is configured to be moved between a minimum flow rate position and a maximum flow rate position. In the minimum flow rate position the regulating element 61 occludes most of the output mouth, while in the maximum flow rate position the regulating element 61 is distanced from the output mouth so as to output the first jet of fluid with a substantially circular cross-section and about equal to the output mouth 6 itself. In the case in which the regulating element 61 is arranged in an intermediate position between minimum flow rate and maximum flow rate, the first jet of fluid has a variable geometry as a function of the distance at which the regulating element abuts from the output mouth. More precisely, the smaller the distance between the regulating element 61 and the output mouth 6, the lower the flow rate of fluid output with the first jet of fluid, but the greater the section transversal to an output direction E along which it is sprayed.

At least a second jet of fluid is sprayed towards the air flow by a plurality of atomising nozzles 20 operatively associated to the outlet opening 4 of the tubular body 2. Preferably, the plurality of atomising nozzles 20 is arranged at the outlet opening 4 so as to form a substantially circular crown. Preferably, this crown of nozzles 20 is outside the outlet opening 4. According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the machine 1 comprises orientation means 7 for orientating the output mouth 6, which is configured to vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to the propagation direction P of the air. In other words, the orientation means 7 is configured to vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to an extension axis A of the tubular body 2 along a horizontal and/or vertical plane and/or a combination of the two.

Specifically, the orientation means 7 comprises one or more actuating members 8 commandable by an operator to regulate the orientation of the output mouth 6.

In this way, the machine 1 is configured to spray two different jets of fluid respectively from the output mouth 6 and from the plurality of nozzles 20. The first jet of fluid propagates along the output direction E which is variable in time depending on need, which can be coincident (figure 3) or inclined (figure 4) with respect to the propagation direction P of the air and the extension axis A of the tubular body 2. The second jet of fluid instead propagates as a cloud of atomised liquid under the action of the air flow generated by the blowing means 5 and therefore substantially along the propagation direction P of the air.

Advantageously, therefore, the machine 1 is configured to direct the first flow of fluid to the place of interest (for example the place of origin of the fire or where there is an excess of dust to be suppressed), and the cloud to a second critical area where fumes and/or odours can be present in order to circumscribe and abate them. In other words, the two jets of fluid are directionally independent, in particular the first jet of fluid can be orientated with respect to the second, so that it can be directed differently depending on need.

As better illustrated in figure 3 and in figure 4, the orientation means 7 for orientating the output mouth 6 is interposed between the output mouth 6 itself and a fluid supply conduit, more specifically to a valve 12 connected to the fluid supply conduit.

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

According to one aspect of the invention, the orientation means 7 comprises a swivel joint (for example a knee joint), whose rotating head is the movable portion 72 constrained to the output mouth 6, while the rotation seat is the fixed portion 71. Preferably, the rotating head has a spherical or cylindrical shape, while the rotation seat has a pair of appendages arranged cantilevered with respect to a main body, which are parallel to each other and between which the rotating head can be housed in such a way that it can rotate around a fulcrum thereof to allow the variation of the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to the propagation direction P. In other words, the swivel joint is mechanically of a rigid type.

According to one aspect of the invention, a pin 14 is interposed between the rotating head and the rotation seat, or more generally between the fixed portion 71 and the movable portion 72, to maintain the components integral therebetween and allow the rotation of the output mouth 6 on a plane which is substantially horizontal and parallel with respect to the ground. According to this embodiment aspect, a possible regulation of the output of the first jet of fluid can be actuated by varying the inclination of the entire tubular body 2 with respect to a support frame 15 to which it is rotatably connected through a pair of side supports.

The movement between the movable portion 72 and the relative fixed portion 71 takes place thanks to the external interposition of at least one actuating 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 regulate and maintain the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to the propagation direction P.

The piston is configured so that in a rest position thereof, the output mouth 6 is aligned with the propagation direction P, while the sliding of the piston with respect to the corresponding cylinder, both in extension and contraction, involves the movement of the rotating head of the swivel joint around the respective pin. Advantageously, the hydraulic piston is able to maintain the position of the rotating head firmly abutted with respect to the rotation seat. Even more advantageously, the predisposition of two or more hydraulic pistons, or more generally of two or more actuating members 8, allows moving the movable portion 72 along at least two planes transverse to each other, and thus a fine regulation of the final position of the output mouth 6, with the consequent fine regulation of the output of the first jet of liquid.

In other words, the use of two hydraulic pistons for moving the output mouth 6 allows varying the inclination of the first jet of fluid substantially along both a horizontal plane and along a vertical plane. To this end, the two hydraulic pistons must be suitably arranged between the fixed portion 71 and the movable portion 72 of the orientation means 7 in such a way as to vary the output (i.e. the inclination with respect to the vertical plane) and the lateral displacement (i.e. inclination with respect to the horizontal plane) of the first flow of fluid depending on need.

Preferably, as shown in figures 1 , 2, 5, the output mouth 6 is arranged at the outlet opening 4 of the tubular body 2 and projects towards the outside of the same according to the extension axis A. In other words, the output mouth 6 projects frontally from the tubular body 2 (in particular with respect to the crown of atomising nozzles 20).

Even more preferably, the output mouth 6 is positioned substantially at the centre of the crown of atomising nozzles 20, and thus at the centre of the outlet opening 4, supported thanks to a plurality of radial supports 1 1.

In practice, the output mouth 6 is arranged along the extension axis A of the tubular body 2 and partially outside the latter so that the movement cone with respect to the propagation direction P of the air is the maximum possible, thus avoiding possible interference between the first flow of fluid output and the tubular body 2 of the machine 1 , as well as with the second jet of fluid produced by the atomising nozzles 20.

According to one aspect of the invention, as already mentioned above, between the output mouth 6 and the fluid supply conduit there is a valve 12 for controlling a pressure or flow rate of the fluid, which is illustrated in figure 3 and in figure 4. The valve 12, connected to the fixed portion 71 , is configured to manage the amount of fluid which must reach the output mouth 6. During the extinguishing of a fire or during the suppression of dust, in fact, the flow of the respective liquid sprayed decreases over time to prevent excessive pressure from provoking a displacement of the outbreak or of the cloud of dust, instead of its extinction or suppression. Preferably this valve 12 is a valve for reducing pressure and fluid flow rate. Therefore, the valve 12 has a feedback circuit capable of varying the amount of fluid which passes between the inlet section thereof (connected to the supply conduit) and the outlet section thereof (connected to the output mouth 6), between a null value of 0% and a maximum value equal to 100%.

According to another aspect of the invention shown in figure 5, the machine 1 is configured to independently manage the output mouth 6 and the plurality of atomising nozzles 20 so as to spray the first jet of fluid and the second jet of fluid simultaneously or alternatively depending on need. In particular, the machine 1 comprises at least two different conduits for the transport of fluid so as to separately and independently manage the amount of fluid sent to the output mouth 6 and the plurality of atomising nozzles 20. In this way it is therefore possible to differently manage the type of liquid to be directed towards the output mouth 6 and the atomising nozzles 20. According to a further possible aspect of the invention, the atomising nozzles 20 can comprise three different groups of nozzles capable of spraying liquid with three different substances added thereto, such as a flame mitigation solution, an odour abatement solution and a dust and/or fume suppression solution.

In compliance with the invention, a first conduit 30 for transporting fluid extends between an inlet portion 31 thereof associated to a fluid source, and an outlet portion 32 thereof connected to the output mouth 6. Instead, a second conduit 40 for transporting a fluid extends between an inlet portion 41 thereof, associated to a respective fluid source, and an outlet portion 42 thereof connected to the plurality of atomising nozzles 20.

Preferably, the first conduit 30 comprises a pair of auxiliary conduits 33 which branch from the inlet portion 31 towards two corresponding attachments arranged at the outlet portion 32. Each auxiliary conduit 33, therefore, extends from the outside towards the inside of the tubular body 2 through a relative inlet passage formed laterally, for supplying the output mouth 6 in a balanced manner. Preferably, fixing means is present at the side passage such as to keep the position of the corresponding auxiliary conduit 33 stable and unchanged.

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

To this end, as shown in figure 5, the machine 1 comprises a control unit 9 connected at least to its main components, namely the output mouth 6, the plurality of atomising nozzles 20, the valve 12 and each actuating member 8. In fact, the control unit 9 is configured to send a control signal to these components to manage the use of the machine 1 depending on need.

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

In particular, the control unit 9 is configured to send an orientation signal "S1 " to the actuating members 8 so that the latter act on the movable portion 72 of the orientation means 7 for orientating the output mouth 6 so as to vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to the propagation direction P as a function of the area where it must 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 jet of fluid between a maximum value and a minimum value that can coincide with the interruption of the output itself.

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

Even more advantageously, in the case in which 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 an operator is able to remotely manage each group of nozzles in an autonomous way with respect to the other.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the machine 1 comprises movement means 13 associated with the tubular body 2 in order to be moved easily and without the aid of additional transport means. Specifically, moreover, the movement means 13 is installed on the support frame 15 connected to the tubular body 2. Preferably, the movement means 13 comprises rubber-covered wheels or tracks and/or railway wheels to adapt to every type of track to be travelled.

Advantageously, a remote operator is able to send a command signal received by the receiving module 10 and processable by the control unit 9 into a movement signal "S3" with which the operator himself is able to move the machine 1 into the position and with the optimum orientation for its operation.

It should be noted that the combination of the regulating means 60 of the geometry of the jet exiting the central output mouth 6, together with the orientation of the output mouth 6, on one or more axes, advantageously allows obtaining a plurality of spray geometries that were not previously obtainable, adapted to every need and able to cover a short distance, a long distance, the sides, top, bottom or a combination thereof, and producing fine droplets or large drops, outputting little fluid or a lot of fluid.

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

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

- selective activation of the nozzle crown with respect to the central output mouth 6; and/or

- selective activation of the valve for reducing the pressure and the fluid flow rate.

A further object of the present patent application is a method for outputting at least one jet of fluid, preferably a liquid. The method comprises the operating steps of:

predisposing a machine 1 for outputting at least one jet of fluid or an aqueous mixture as previously described;

- 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;

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

- spraying the first jet of fluid from the output mouth 6;

spraying at least a second jet of fluid from the plurality of atomising nozzles 20.

Preferably, the step of spraying at least a second jet of fluid from the plurality of atomising nozzles 20 takes place subsequently to the step of spraying the first jet of fluid from the output mouth 6.

Even more preferably, the step of regulating the inclination of the output mouth 6 takes place simultaneously with the step of spraying the first jet of fluid from the output mouth 6 itself.

Advantageously, each step of the method is actuatable by an operator remotely, which is able to send specific command signals to each component of the machine 1 (such as for example the output mouth 6, the atomising nozzles 20, the actuating members 8) by means of a special electronic device connectable through wiring or through wireless technology with the control unit 9 connected to the machine 1.

Claims

1. A machine (1 ) for outputting at least one jet of fluid, comprising: a tubular body (2) extending between an air inlet opening (3) thereof and an air outlet opening (4) thereof;

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

an output mouth (6) connected to said tubular body (2) for spraying a first jet of fluid substantially along said propagation direction (P), said output mouth (6) being arranged substantially along an extension axis (A) of said tubular body (2) inside the air flow so as to output the first jet of fluid substantially centrally with respect to said tubular body (2);

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

characterised in that it comprises orientation means (7) for orientating the output mouth (6) so as to vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to said propagation direction (P); said orientation means (7) comprising one or more actuating members (8) commandable to regulate the orientation of said output mouth (6); said machine comprising a control unit (9) connected at least to said orientation means (7) and configured to send a movement signal to said actuating members (8) so as to vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to said propagation direction (P); said control unit being configured to automatically vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to said propagation direction (P) during the outputting of the same first jet of fluid.

2. The machine (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said control unit (9) comprises a receiving module (10) configured to receive a remote command signal and to send the latter to said control unit (9) so as to vary, remotely, the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to said propagation direction (P).

3. The machine (1 ) according to any one preceding claim, wherein said output mouth (6) is arranged at said outlet opening (4) and projects towards the outside of said tubular body (2) along said extension axis (A).

4. The machine (1 ) according to any one preceding claim, wherein said output mouth (6) is arranged centrally suspended at least partly inside said tubular body (2) by means of one or more radial supports (1 1 ).

5. The machine (1 ) according to any one preceding claim, wherein said orientation means (7) comprises a fixed portion (71 ) and a movable portion (72) associated to said fixed portion (71 ); said fixed portion (71 ) being connected to a fluid supply conduit; said movable portion (72) being connected to said output mouth (6); said movable portion (72) comprising a swivel joint configured to vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to said propagation direction (P).

6. The machine (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein said actuating member (8) comprises at least one hydraulic piston externally associated to said swivel joint in order to regulate and maintain the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to said propagation direction (P); the at least one hydraulic piston being operatively interposed between said fixed portion (71 ) and said movable portion (72).

7. The machine (1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, comprising a valve (12) for controlling a 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, characterised in that said control unit (9) is configured to manage the supply of fluid to the output mouth (6) and the atomising nozzles (20) independently of one another .

9. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the two jets of fluid are directionally independent, and the first jet of fluid can be orientated with respect to the second, so that it can be directed differently depending on need.

10. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said orientation means (7) is configured to vary the inclination of the first jet of fluid with respect to an extension axis (A) of the tubular body (2) along a horizontal and vertical plane and/or a combination of the two.

11. The machine (1 ) according to any one preceding claim, comprising: a first conduit (30) for transporting a fluid extending between an inlet portion (31 ) thereof associated to a fluid source, and an outlet portion (32) thereof connected to said output mouth (6);

a second conduit (40) for transporting 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 atomising nozzles (20).

12. The machine (1 ) according to claim 11 , wherein said first conduit (30) comprises a pair of auxiliary conduits (33) which branch from said inlet portion (31 ) towards two corresponding attachments of said outlet portion (32) of said first conduit (30); each auxiliary conduit (33) extending from the outside towards the inside of said tubular body (2) through a relative side inlet passage.

13. The machine (1 ) according to any one preceding claim, comprising movement means (13) associated to said tubular body (2) for moving said machine (1 ); said movement means (13) comprising rubber-covered wheels, or tracks and/or railway wheels.

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

15. A method for outputting at least one jet of fluid, comprising the operating steps of:

predisposing a machine (1 ) for outputting at least one jet of fluid, according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 ;

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

regulating the inclination of said output mouth (6) with respect to said propagation direction (P);

- spraying the first jet of fluid from said output mouth (6);

spraying at least a second jet of fluid from said plurality of atomising nozzles (20);

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

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said step of spraying at least a second jet of fluid from said plurality of atomising nozzles (20) takes place subsequently to said step of spraying the first jet of fluid from said output mouth (6).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said step of regulating the inclination of said output mouth (6) takes place simultaneously with said step of spraying the first jet of fluid from said output mouth (6).