FLOWING WATER IN PIPES

The present invention relates to a spray system to nebulize the water flowing in water pipes.

More specifically, the present invention relates to the structure of a nebulization system of the above type, configured to allow two pipes of said spray system to be coupled to each other so as to be aligned and not be subject to rotations, when said spray system is in use.

As well known, a nebulisation system allows to spray a liquid, i.e. to reduce this liquid in small droplets.

Often the liquid to be nebulized is water and the aim of the nebulization is to lower the ambient temperature.

The nebulised water comes out through one or more spray nozzles, which are parts of the spray system, and instantaneously evaporates, so that the room temperature can be lowered.

Besides the reduction in temperature, the nebulisation allows also the abatment of odors and dust, as well as the increase in humidity, for example in the case of plants cultivation in greenhouse.

Still, the nebulization can be used for the diffusion of aromas in closed or open environments.

Currently, it is known a spray system consisting of a first pipe, a second pipe and a connecting element for joining said first pipe to said second pipe.

The connecting element has a first end portion configured for receiving an end portion of said first pipe and a second end portion for receiving a portion of said second pipe, in such a way that said two pipes, when coupled to said element of connection, are aligned along a first axis.

A first spray nozzle and a second spray nozzle for transforming a quantity of water into fine water drops (which tend to disperse in the environment) are fixed to said connecting element so as to be aligned along a second axis, perpendicular to said first axis.

However, said spray system of known type has disadvantages.

A first disadvantage of said nebulisation system is the necessary presence of a metal cable and a hook hanging from said metal cable to keep the spray system in a stable position at a predetermined height from the ground (or other equivalent suspension system), thus avoiding that said atomization system can rotate about said first axis, and consequently avoiding that the spray nozzles are subject to possible rotations.

A further disadvantage is that said hook has to have a contoured shape in such a way that said nozzles are always aligned along said second axis.

The object of the present invention is to overcome said disadvantages, by providing a spray system for nebulizing the water flowing in the water piping, configured in such a way to prevent the spray nozzles to be subject to possible rotations during use of said system, without using external hooks or support means with said nebulization system.

A spray system according to claim 1 forms therefore specific subject- matter of the invention.

Further preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to one embodiment thereof, with particular reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the embodiment system, subject- matter of the invention, when assembled, which comprises a first pipe, a second pipe and two spray nozzles;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the spray system, wherein said first pipe is partially sectioned to show the internal part of a coupling portion that allows connection between said first pipe and said second pipe;

Figure 3 shows the spray system of Figure 2, when the second pipe is coupled with the first pipe;

Figure 4 shows the spray system of Figure 3, when the two spray nozzles are coupled to the first and the second pipe;

Figure 5 shows a detail relating to the coupling of the two spray nozzles with the first pipe and the second pipe;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view in partial section of a different embodiment of the system of the present invention, with elements of the system disconnected;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view in partial section of the embodiment of Figure 6, with the system elements connected;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view in partial section of the embodiment of Figure 6, with the side tubes connected;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 6, with the system elements connected.

With reference to Figures 1-5, a spray system to nebulize the water flowing in the water pipes is described.

With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, said nebulization system includes:

- a first pipe 1 ,

- a second pipe 2, that can be coupled to said first pipe 1 ,

- a first spray nozzle 3 and a second spray nozzle 4, each of which is capable of transforming a quantity of water into fine water droplets.

Although in the embodiment, that is described, said system comprises two spray nozzles, the system can comprise any number of spray nozzles, compatibly with their size and the dimensions of the pipe, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, we must distinguish between spray nozzles which carry a mechanical stop function for the tubes, and spray nozzles that are performing a water diffusion function. In the drawings, only the first types are shown.

Each pipe 1 ,2 has a respective first end and a respective second end.

The first pipe 1 , in correspondence of said first end, is provided with a first coupling portion 10 to enable coupling of said first pipe 1 with said second pipe 2.

The first coupling portion 10 of the first pipe 1 is shaped to receive the second end of said second pipe 2, so that, when the two pipes are coupled together, said second pipe 2 is partially inserted into said first pipe 1. In particular, said first coupling portion 10 comprises in its interior a cavity 15 for receiving at least partially said second pipe 2. Said cavity 15 is composed of a first portion and a second portion, adjacent to said first portion and having a larger diameter than said first portion, so as to form a circular tooth 16, with which the second end of said second pipe 2 abuts, when inserted in said first pipe 1.

Furthermore, said first coupling portion 10 is provided with a first through hole 7A and a second through-hole 7B to allow respectively to said first spray nozzle 3 and said second spray nozzle 4 to be partially inserted into said first coupling portion 0.

In the case where the system comprises a number of spray nozzles greater than two, the number of through-holes is equal to the number of spray nozzles. "Through-hole" means a hole which extends from the outer surface of said first coupling portion 10 up to said cavity 15 present inside the same first coupling portion 10.

In particular, the first spray nozzle 3 has a first engagement portion 3A to be engaged with said first pipe 1 and said second pipe 2 and the second spray nozzle 4 has a second engagement portion 4A to be engaged with said first pipe 2 and said second pipe 2.

In the embodiment being described, each through-hole 7A, 7B is threaded and each engagement portion 3A, 4A is threaded, so that each engagement portion 3A, 4A can be screwed on the respective threaded through-hole 7A, 7B.

Furthermore, said first 7A through-hole and said second through-hole 7B are aligned, i.e. they have the same axis of symmetry, transverse to said first coupling portion 10. In particular, said first coupling portion 10 has a first axis of symmetry A and said through-holes are aligned along a second axis of symmetry B, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said first axis of symmetry. It is also possible to have different axes of symmetry B', B" for the nozzles, in particular parallel to each other.

With reference to the first pipe 1 , said first coupling portion 10 comprises in its interior:

- a safety element 13 shaped so as to receive an end portion of said second pipe 2 in coupling connection,

- a sealing ring 12,

- a seat 1 for housing said sealing ring 12.

Said security element 13 has a substantially cylindrical body which extends from said first end of said first pipe 1 towards the inside up to a predetermined length.

Here, "cylinder" refers to any elongated shape, which has as section a regular or irregular polygon or an ellipse or a circle or other closed curve.

Said security element 13 is provided with a plurality of cuts 13A to facilitate the coupling between said second pipe 2 and the said first pipe 1.

In particular, said cuts 13A are spaced from each other and disposed longitudinally on said substantially cylindrical body.

Furthermore, said security element 13 is provided with a portion of increased end 13B which has the function of end of stroke for the second pipe 2, when the latter is partially inserted in the first pipe 1.

The seal ring 12, held in position by the seat 11 , exerts a pressure on the second pipe 2, when the latter is partially inserted into said first pipe 1.

In particular, the seal ring 12 prevents a quantity of water that can leak from the said cuts 13A to cross the same sealing ring, so that said sealing element 12 behaves as a barrier.

The seat 1 for housing said seal ring 12 is disposed between said safety element 13 and said through-holes 7A, 7B.

With reference to spray nozzles 3,4, the first engagement portion 3A of the first spray nozzle extends from a first end portion 30A of said first spray nozzle 3 to the outside and the second engagement portion 4A of the second spray nozzle extends from a second end portion 40A of said second spray nozzle 4 to the outside.

Furthermore, said first coupling portion 10 comprises a first recess 10A, defined by a first raised portion disposed around said first through- hole 7A, and a second recess 10B, defined by a second raised portion, arranged around said second through-hole 1 B, so that, when the engagement portion 3A, 4A of each spray nozzle 3,4 is inserted in the respective through-hole 7A, 7B, the respective end portion 30A, 40A of each spray nozzle 3,4 abuts with the respective recess 10A, 10B.

As regards the second pipe 2, said second pipe, at said second end, is provided with a second coupling portion 20 comprising a first slot 2A to allow the partial insertion of said first spray nozzle 3 in it and a second slot 2B to allow the partial insertion of said second spray nozzle 4 in it.

In particular, the first slot 2A allows the insertion of the first engagement portion 3A of the first spray nozzle 3 into said second pipe 2 and the second slot 2B allows the insertion of the second engagement portion 4A of the second spray nozzle 4 in said second pipe 2.

The first slot 2A and the second slot 2B are arranged in correspondence with the second end of said second pipe 2 (figure 2), in such a way that, when the second pipe 2 is inserted in the first pipe 1 , said first slot 2A is in correspondence with the first through-hole 7A and said second slot 2B is in correspondence with the second through-hole 7B. In particular, the end edge of said second coupling portion 20 of the second pipe 2 abuts with said circular tooth 16, so that said second pipe 2 is properly positioned with respect to said first pipe 1.

Moreover, said second pipe 2 is provided with a groove 2C, transversely disposed, positioned at a predetermined distance from the second end of said second pipe, configured to be snap coupled with the increased end portion 13B of said security element 13. The groove may be longitudinal (parallel to the axis of the pipe), or transverse, or simply circular (or other shape), it can pass through the tube thickness, or not.

When the second pipe 2 is coupled with the first pipe 1 , through the insertion of said second pipe 2 in said first pipe 1 , said groove 2C is coupled by snap action on said end portion 13B increased, so that the stroke of said second pipe 2 inside the first pipe 1 is stopped.

In particular, the second end of the second pipe 2 has penetrated inside the first pipe 1 to a predetermined length equal to the distance between said groove 2C and said second end of said second pipe 2.

With particular reference to figure 3, said figure 3 shows the second pipe 2 coupled with the first pipe 1.

As can be seen from the figure, the second pipe 2 is partially inserted in the first pipe 1.

Moreover, the two spray nozzles 3,4 are not yet been mounted.

The second end of said second pipe 2 is within the first coupling portion 10 of said first pipe 1 and the groove 2C of the second pipe 2 is not visible as it is coupled with the increased end portion 13B of said security element 13.

Figure 4 shows the spray system, wherein the two spray nozzles 3,4 are coupled with the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2.

The engagement portion 3A, 4A of each spray nozzle 3,4 is engaged with the first pipe 1 and with the second pipe 2.

As can be seen in Figure 5, with particular reference to the second spray nozzle 4, the engagement portion of 3A, 4A of each spray nozzle

3,4 is penetrated into the respective through-hole 7A, 7B of the first pipe and into the respective slot 2A, 2B of the second pipe 2. In this way, said two spray nozzles contribute to making the coupling between said first pipe 1 and said second pipe 2 more stable.

Although in the described example each through-hole allows the engagement portion of each spray nozzle to be inserted into it, in a variant (not shown), in each through-hole it is possible to partially insert a engagement member having an engagement portion, different from a spray nozzle, such as a cap having a threaded cylindrical body.

In this variant, the spray nozzles are connected with further through- holes, positioned on said first pipe 1 , not necessarily in correspondence with said first coupling portion 10, or fixed on said first pipe 1 (for example, via any type of welding, in particular welding or soldering).

In addition, it is possible to insert a cap in a through-hole, and a spray nozzle in another hole. Or even it is possible to provide a single hole and a single nozzle.

Reference is now made to Figures 6 to 9 to describe a different embodiment. In this embodiment, the system 200 includes a separate center element 210 that is connected at its ends to the pipes 201 and 202. Each pipe has, at the end that connects to 210, a groove 201 C, 202C, transversely disposed, positioned at a predetermined distance from the end edge, configured to be snap coupled with the increased end portion 213B of said security element 213. The elements 231 A, 214A are each a plurality of cuts in order to facilitate the coupling between said second pipe 202 and said first piping 201 in respective cavities 215, 216. 21 1 will indicate the locations of the O-ring 212.

When the first pipe and/or the second pipe are inserted into respective ends of the central element 210, they are precisely snap locked. Moreover, the pipes have at least one slot, 201 A, 201 B, 202A, 202B that is brought into position to be engaged by screwing the nozzle 204 or 203. In fact, the nozzles have a threaded end portion 203A, 204A which are inserted in cavities or through-holes 207A, 207B and are threaded in the above slot (being suitably dimensioned), when in position, so as to prevent the pipes to rotate around their own axis.

The operation of this embodiment is very similar to that of the previous one, except that there is a central portion detached from the two pipes, and then two fastening mechanisms. Moreover, the engagement of pipes with nozzles takes place along two separate axes.

Advantageously, the fact that the spray nozzles are the elements for engaging the pipes allows a storage and a particularly effective transportation of the nebulization system, and allows a simple assembly of said nebulization system. A second advantage is that the spray system can be realized with a minimum number of pieces to be mounted.

A further advantage is that the spray system, subject-matter of the invention, once assembled, prevents the use of external support means to maintain in a stable position the nebulization system itself.

Further embodiment

According to a further embodiment with reference to the figures, the modular spray system 100, 200, includes some elements of the known art: one or more spray nozzles 3,4; 203,204 with a respective engagement portion 3A, 4A; 203A, 204A,

a first pipe 1 ; 201 and a second pipe 2; 202, both with an end portion,

a central hollow connection element 10, 210 having:

o a first end and/or a second end configured to allow the coupling respectively with the end portion of said first pipe 1 ; 201 and said second pipe 2; 202;

o at least one through-hole 7A, 7B; 207A, 207B for the partial insertion of said respective engagement portion 3A, 4A; 203A,

204A or of a portion of another engagement element, The system according to the invention also provides for other new and characterizing elements:

- the end portion of said first pipe 1 ; 201 and/or the end portion of said second pipe 1 ; 201 is equipped with at least one slot 1A, 1 B, 2A, 2B; 201 A, 201 B, 202A, 202B configured to be disposed, in use, substantially in correspondence respectively of said at least one through-hole 7A, 7B; 207A, 207B, so that, when said respective engagement portion 3A, 4A; 203A, 204A or said portion of another engagement element is inserted, in use, in the at least one through hole 1A, 1 B, said at least a respective engagement portion 3A, 4A; 203A, 204A or said portion of another engagement element engages with said at least one slot 1A, 1 B, 2A, 2B; 201 A, 201 B, 202A, 202B.

It may be preferred that said central hollow connection element 10; 210 is distinct from said first pipe and said second pipe and presents said first end and said second end.

Advantageously, said end portion of said first pipe is welded to said first end and/or said second end of said central hollow connection element 10; 210, and in which only the end portion of said second pipe is provided with said at least one slot.

It is preferable but not mandatory that said system comprises two spray nozzles 3,4, in which said central hollow connection element 10; 210 comprises two through-holes 7A, 7B, and in which only said end portion of said second pipe 2 has at least one slot 2A, 2B.

Advantageously, said central hollow connection element (10) can have a first axis of symmetry A and said two through holes 7A, 7B; 207A, 207B can be aligned along a second axis of symmetry B, perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to said first axis of symmetry.

Still advantageously, the central hollow connection element 10, 210 may comprise at its inside at least one or two safety elements 13; 213, 214 shaped so as to receive, in fit-coupling, the end portion of the first pipe and/or of the second pipe respectively.

Preferably, said one or two safety elements 13; 213,214 have a substantially cylindrical body and are provided with a plurality of cuts 13A; 213A, 214A.

Again preferably, said one or two safety elements 13; 213,214 comprise an increased end portion 13B; 213B, 214B, and wherein said end portion includes a transverse groove 2C; 201 C, 202C, so that, when said second pipe 2 is coupled with said first pipe 1 , said groove 2C; 201 C, 202C snap couples with said increased end portion 13B; 213B, 214B.

It is advantageous that said central hollow connection element 10; 210 includes in its interior a seal ring 12; 212 and a seat 11 ; 211 for housing said sealing ring 12; 212; said seat 11 ; 211 being arranged between said increased end portion 13B; 213B, 214B and said at least one through-hole 7A, 7B; 207A, 207B.

Finally, said at least one through hole 7A, 7B; 207A, 207B can be threaded and said respective engagement portion 3A, 4A; 203A, 204A or a portion of another engagement element can be at least partially threaded.

The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiment, but it is to be understood that variations and/or modifications may be made by a skilled person, without departing from the relative scope of protection, as defined by the appended claims.