ERGONOMIC DEVICE FOR MIXING FLUIDS WITH CONTROLLED METERING

Abstract

Disclosed is an ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, provided with at least a mixing system adapted to allow an automatic mixing in predetermined quantities of an additive fluid with a primary fluid. The device includes: at least a first coupling flange and a second coupling flange, provided with a plurality of connection systems, which may be located in the zone, and seals adapted to contain fluid leaks; a substantially cylindrical body of the device adapted to house a mixing system; a mixing mechanism consisting of an axis and a plurality of blades; at least one ergonomic grip; possibly an integrated train of reduction gears which transmits the correct torque and number of revolutions to the pump; at least one gear pump or equivalent device; possibly a gearbox; and a final metering nozzle.

Claims

1. Ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering provided with at least a mixing system adapted to allow, following the injection of a stoichiometric quantity of an additive fluid and of a primary fluid injected by a common external supply device, a predetermined automatic mixing; said device for mixing fluids comprising: at least a first coupling flange with said external supply device, provided with a plurality of connection systems and with a plurality of seals housed in the zone, adapted to contain fluid leaks; a second coupling flange adapted to connect the mixing device to a mouth of any one loading device adapted to receive liquids; said second coupling flange comprising a plurality of seals housed in the zone, adapted to prevent fluid leaks; a body of the device adapted to allow the flow of said primary fluid and of said additive fluid to be mixed at the predetermined pressures; said body of the device having substantially cylindrical shape and being adapted to house a mixing mechanism; said mixing mechanism being adapted to be actuated by the flow of said injected primary fluid and additive and being constituted by at least an axis which, by means of a plurality of blades oriented as a function of the torque to be transmitted; said mixing mechanism being housed inside said body of the device; at least an ergonomic grip, comprised on the external surface of said body of the device adapted to allow the operator to have an ease of use and safety in handling phase; said ergonomic grip being interchangeable with other compatible grips depending on the type and position of said loading mouth to which said device must be connected; a possible integrated train of reduction gears, comprising a series of indented wheels, adapted to bring the number of revolutions and the requested torque to the values necessary for the operation of said mixing system; relative torque and transmission ratio being related to the quantity of additive fluid necessary for obtaining the predetermined metering and for ensuring the expressed ratio in volumes; at least a gear pump, or a device equivalent thereto, adapted to generate pressure and flow rate of the additive fluid to be injected in said stoichiometric quantity within the flow of said primary fluid; said pump, comprising an adaptable capacity and a plurality of accessories adapted to vary the flow rate and the pressure generated by said pump depending on the mechanical characteristics of the additive fluid to be injected; a possible gear box adapted to surround said possible train of reduction gears comprising said indented wheels; said gear boxes being inserted inside said body of the device; a final metering nozzle adapted to inject a stoichiometric quantity of additive fluid based on the volume of the primary fluid to be mixed; said ergonomic mixing device can be completely emptied of the mixed fluid in order to be safely transported; said pump being adapted to conduct said primary fluid at a flow rate adaptable for the type of application requested; said possible gear pump, or device equivalent thereto, for the additive being fed by a tank with positive suction head and at ambient pressure; said tank being adapted to refuel said final metering nozzle.

2. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of reloading cartridges adapted to provide a predetermined quantity of additive fluid and adapted to comply with an ambient pressure at sea level.

3. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 1, further comprising: a blind interference well, or a threaded well, which allows mounting a heat expansion thermometer, or gas thermometer, for the instantaneous detection of a size; a thermometer for the continuous detection of the temperature.

4. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 1, further comprising a device for grounding, adapted to prevent electrostatic accumulation tied to operating environments that are particularly subject to explosion, and it is provided to use, where possible, electrically dispersive material and/or a connection on the body of the device for suitably placing at equipotential with the bodies or the surfaces with which the device can come into contact.

5. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 1, further comprising instruments adapted to detect the pressure or temperature or internal flow rate of the device: said instruments being mechanical manometers for measuring the pressure, the temperature and the flow rate; said instruments allowing displaying the data relative to the pressure, temperature and instantaneous and average flow rate.

6. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 1, further comprising, where allowed by the work environment, at least an indicator of additive fluid flow adapted to signal the possible lack of passage of the additive fluid and, simultaneously, stop the injection of the primary fluid; said instrument being arranged for monitoring the level and the state of the additive supply.

7. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of instruments adapted for displaying a possible poor flow of primary fluid, of a possible reduced flow of mixed fluid and signaling the total lack of flow of the primary or mixed fluid.

8. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 1, wherein said body of the device comprises a grip with collapsible or movable knobs.

9. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured for varying the metering ratios by varying the geometric characteristics of said pump compatibly with the different uses.

10. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 1, wherein said possible gear box is inserted in an external branch of the body of the device.

11. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 2, further comprising: a blind interference well, or a threaded well, which allows mounting a heat expansion thermometer, or gas thermometer, for the instantaneous detection of a size; a thermometer for the continuous detection of the temperature.

12. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 2, further comprising a device for grounding, adapted to prevent electrostatic accumulation tied to operating environments that are particularly subject to explosion, and it is provided to use, where possible, electrically dispersive material and/or a connection on the body of the device for suitably placing at equipotential with the bodies or the surfaces with which the device can come into contact.

13. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 3, further comprising a device for grounding, adapted to prevent electrostatic accumulation tied to operating environments that are particularly subject to explosion, and it is provided to use, where possible, electrically dispersive material and/or a connection on the body of the device for suitably placing at equipotential with the bodies or the surfaces with which the device can come into contact.

14. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 2, further comprising instruments adapted to detect the pressure or temperature or internal flow rate of the device: said instruments being mechanical manometers for measuring the pressure, the temperature and the flow rate; said instruments allowing displaying the data relative to the pressure, temperature and instantaneous and average flow rate.

15. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 3, further comprising instruments adapted to detect the pressure or temperature or internal flow rate of the device: said instruments being mechanical manometers for measuring the pressure, the temperature and the flow rate; said instruments allowing displaying the data relative to the pressure, temperature and instantaneous and average flow rate.

16. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 4, further comprising instruments adapted to detect the pressure or temperature or internal flow rate of the device: said instruments being mechanical manometers for measuring the pressure, the temperature and the flow rate; said instruments allowing displaying the data relative to the pressure, temperature and instantaneous and average flow rate.

17. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 2, further comprising, where allowed by the work environment, at least an indicator of additive fluid flow adapted to signal the possible lack of passage of the additive fluid and, simultaneously, stop the injection of the primary fluid; said instrument being arranged for monitoring the level and the state of the additive supply.

18. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 3, further comprising, where allowed by the work environment, at least an indicator of additive fluid flow adapted to signal the possible lack of passage of the additive fluid and, simultaneously, stop the injection of the primary fluid; said instrument being arranged for monitoring the level and the state of the additive supply.

19. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim 4, further comprising, where allowed by the work environment, at least an indicator of additive fluid flow adapted to signal the possible lack of passage of the additive fluid and, simultaneously, stop the injection of the primary fluid; said instrument being arranged for monitoring the level and the state of the additive supply.

20. The ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering, according to claim further comprising, where allowed by the work environment, at least an indicator of additive fluid flow adapted to signal the possible lack of passage of the additive fluid and, simultaneously, stop the injection of the primary fluid; said instrument being arranged for monitoring the level and the state of the additive supply.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] The invention will be described hereinafter in at least one preferred embodiment for explanatory and non-limiting purposes with the aid of the attached figures, wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 shows the external components of the ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering in which a body of the device 1.1 is provided with an ergonomic grip 1.5 and at the two ends of a first flange 1.2 and a second flange 1.3 provided with connection systems 1.4 and a plurality of seals 2.9 inserted in said flanges.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows the mixing system 2 located inside the subject device and comprising a mixing mechanism composed of an axis 2.1 and a plurality of blades 2.2, possibly a train of reduction gears 2.3 comprising a train of gear wheels, a pump 2.6 possibly with gears and a final metering nozzle 2.7 surrounded by a gearbox 2.8 or inserted inside the device. The mixing system 2 includes instruments 3.1 suitable for detecting the internal pressure of the device, an instrument 3.2 indicating the flow of the additive fluid, suitable for detecting the flow of the primary fluid or of the mixed fluid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention will now be described purely by way of non-limiting or binding example with the aid of the figures, which illustrate some embodiments relative to the present inventive concept.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 1 the ergonomic device for mixing fluids with controlled metering is shown, whereas in FIG. 2 the mixing system 2 is shown, whose parts 2.1, 2.2 are inserted inside the aforementioned device (or if necessary in a box integrated thereto) which allows automatic mixing and in a predetermined quantity of an additive fluid with a primary fluid, injected by a common external or internal supply device.

[0030] A first coupling flange 1.2 and a second coupling flange 1.3 are positioned respectively at the two ends of the subject ergonomic mixing device: the first one allows the injection of the primary fluid once connected to an external supply device, the second one allows the connection of the subject mixing device to a common mouth of any one loading device, allowing the flow of the mixed liquid. Both the aforesaid flanges 1.2 and 1.3 are equipped with a plurality of connection systems and a plurality of seals housed in the zone which prevent any fluid leaks.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1 a body of the device 1.1, substantially cylindrical in shape, is provided with at least one ergonomic grip 1.5, with a steering wheel or in a dual 180 cloche configuration positioned on the external surface of the body of the device 1.1, The grip 1.5, in the preferred embodiment, is interchangeable with other compatible handles according to the type and position of the loading mouth to which the subject device is to be connected. The grip 1.5 allows an operator an ease and safety of use in handling phase. Alternatively, in the case of special operations, this grip 1.5 has a configuration with collapsible or removable knobs.

[0032] The aforementioned mixing system 2 is housed inside the body of the device 1.1, which allows the flow of the aforementioned primary fluids and additive fluid to be mixed at predetermined pressures and comprises: [0033] a mixing mechanism, [0034] a possible train of reduction gears 2.3, [0035] a gear pump 2.6 or equivalent device, [0036] a possible gearbox 2.8 containing said train of reduction gears 2.3, [0037] a final metering nozzle 2.7.

[0038] The gearbox, if any, 2.8, as shown in FIG. 2, surrounds the gear pump 2.6 or its equivalent device, the train of reduction gears 2.3 and the aforementioned nozzle 2.7.

[0039] In an alternative version, the box of any gears 2.8 is inserted in an external branch of the body of the device 1.1.

[0040] Any train of reduction gears 2.3 may consist of a series of gear wheels which, through a rotary motion, brings the number of revolutions and the torque required to the necessary values, commensurate with the quantity of additive fluid necessary to obtain a stoichiometric metered dose of the two fluids to be mixed and to ensure the ratio, expressed in volumes, commensurate with the quantity of additive fluid necessary for the operation of the entire mixing system 2. The pump 2.6, possibly with gears, then generates a pressure and flow rate of the additive fluid such that it is injected into the primary fluid. This pump can be provided with a plurality of add-ons which allow to vary the flow rate and the pressure generated by said optional pump 2.6 according to the mechanical characteristics of the additive fluid to be injected. The subject device is configured to vary the metered dose ratios by varying said pump 2.6 compatibly with the different uses.

[0041] The primary fluid, by means of the transmission system, drives the pump 2.6 making it perform an appropriate number of revolutions according to its speed. The flow rate may undergo certain variations depending on the field of application of the device, for example, in the case of aircraft, from 500 l/min, up to a flow rate of 900 l/min, furthermore, the pump 2.6 is fed from a tank with suction under the head (or from a bottle) and at ambient pressure which feeds the final metering nozzle 2.7. The latter injects the aforementioned stoichiometric quantity of additive fluid, based on the detected volume of the primary fluid to be mixed, before both fluids reach the mixing mechanism. The aforesaid mechanism, receiving the thrust from the flow of the aforesaid two fluids, becomes activated and activates the mixing of both the primary and additive fluids by means of an axis 2.1 and a plurality of blades 2.2 oriented as a function of the torque to be transmitted.

[0042] In a further version, the subject ergonomic mixing device comprises a blind interference well, or a threaded well, which allows mounting a heat expansion thermometer, or gas thermometer, for the instantaneous and continuous detection of the temperature. The wells, depending on the requirements and work environment, also house manometers (of the mechanical, analog, etc. type). The thermometer, or manometer, depending on the uses and work environment, is placed in the middle of the mixer body by detecting the average or instantaneous temperature or pressure.

[0043] Furthermore, a grounding device avoids electrostatic accumulations linked to operating environments particularly prone to explosion. Where possible, the use of electrically dispersive material (ESD) and/or a connection on the body of the device 1.1 is envisaged for the appropriate equipotential bonding with the bodies or surfaces with which the device can come into contact.

[0044] Finally, the subject ergonomic device for mixing fluids comprises: [0045] a plurality of instruments 3.1 relevant to the internal pressure of the device: these are mechanical pressure gauges for measuring pressure; [0046] where allowed by the working environment conditions, at least one instrument 3.2 is provided for measuring the flow of the additive fluid which signals any lack of passage of the aforementioned fluid and, at the same time, stops the injection of the primary fluid; the aforementioned tool is dedicated to monitoring the level and status of the supply of additive fluid. [0047] The ergonomic mixing device is designed to be completely emptied of the mixed fluid, and to be refilled with additive fluid by means of a plurality of reloading cartridges containing a predetermined quantity of additive fluid.

[0048] Finally, it is clear that modifications, additions or variants may be made to the invention described thus far which are obvious to a man skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection that is provided by the appended claims.