HK1018753B - Mix head eductor - Google Patents

Description

Mixing head discharger

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a mix head eductor for mixing concentrated chemicals, preferably with water from a common water source, and for dispensing the mixture.

Background

In connecting a piece of equipment directly to public water sources, cities, regions and countries have strict regulations and standards that must be used in order to ensure the safety of public water sources. These regulations and standards apply to the connection of devices such as dishwashers or washing machines and the spraying of chemicals. These regulations ensure that any device connected to a public water supply does not contaminate the public water supply by pumping, siphoning or back-flowing any contaminants such as soap from a dishwasher or washing machine or chemicals such as bactericides and detergents from the dispensing device. In addition, the aforementioned authorities need to be able to check the aforementioned devices to ensure that they do not clog or shut off or become ineffective in any way.

To meet the above regulations, by way of example only, a series of air gap devices have been developed to ensure that only air and potentially non-toxic chemicals are drawn into a common water supply. One particular application of such air gap devices is for mixing and dispensing concentrated chemicals in the form of concentrated liquid detergents and disinfectants. It is more efficient to produce, distribute and sell concentrated cleaners and disinfectants and then work to dilute these chemicals precisely than to produce, distribute and sell such chemicals at a relatively low, ready-to-use concentration.

Therefore, there is a need for a device that accurately dilutes concentrated chemicals while preventing contamination of the water source by back flow or siphoning. In order to be generally applicable to cleaning and sterilizing chemicals in a wide range of applications, it is desirable to be able to manufacture, inspect and install the mixing device relatively easily and inexpensively. The device must be compatible with public water supply systems and provide the necessary air space and a concentrated chemical mixer that is accurate enough to repeatedly provide the dilution rate necessary for cleaning or sterilization over a long life cycle. Since size, shape and smoothness can have a significant effect on fluid flow, and such fluid flow can have an effect on mixing or dilution rates, the device must be reusable without changing the aforementioned characteristics.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention is designed to meet the need for a mixer that can safely, repeatedly and efficiently dilute and dispense concentrated chemicals such as detergents and disinfectants without contaminating the source of the diluting fluid, which can be a public water source.

A first embodiment of a discharge vessel, such as a mixing head or blending discharge vessel, of the present invention includes a fluid inlet that is directly connectable to a common water source. The fluid inlet is shaped to allow fluid to flow smoothly and smoothly through an air gap designed to prevent any chemicals or contaminants from flowing back or siphoning into the common water source. Downstream of the air gap is a mixer or eductor. The discharger includes: an inlet for receiving a flow of water; and a concentrate inlet for connection to a source of concentrate fluid. The mixer head eductor also includes a rib positioned adjacent the intake port to divert fluid that is reflected after encountering the outer surface of the intake port. The ribs thus prevent the fluid from leaving the air gap.

In another aspect of the invention, the ribs include a semi-cylindrical portion positioned adjacent the fluid flow to effectively prevent the fluid from leaving the air gap.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the air gap includes two or more ports that allow gas to enter the aforementioned mix head exhaust to prevent contamination of the common water supply. In this embodiment, two or more ribs are used, each preferably having a semi-cylindrical portion. These semicylindrical portions are located around the straight flow from the inlet to the eductor via the air gap to effectively prevent water from hitting and then reflecting off the eductor and thus exiting the air gap.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the rib has a wall surface extending from the semi-cylindrical portion to the body of the mix head eductor to properly position the rib adjacent the water stream. Since the walls do not need to prevent water from leaving the air gap, the walls may be positioned parallel to each other or preferably tilted backwards with respect to the semi-circular portion.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the mix head eductor comprises an eductor downstream of an inlet. The inlet directs fluid toward the fluid inlet of the eductor. The eductor has an outer surface adjacent the eductor inlet and the eductor inlet is designed to attach fluid to the outer surface a distance beyond the eductor inlet to reduce the amount of fluid that may reflect off the eductor and be lost through the air gap.

In a further aspect of the invention, the outer surface is circular and preferably tangential to the eductor inlet.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the outer surface has a compound shape, i.e., has a first rounded surface defined by a first radius and a second rounded surface defined by a second radius extending opposite the first rounded surface. The first radius causes the aforesaid outer surface to be substantially tangential to the eductor inlet, and the second radius causes the fluid flow to adhere to the aforesaid outer surface for a longer distance.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the eductor has an inwardly tapering inlet. The eductor inlet is designed in the following way: the water stream emitted through the air gap hits the center of the inlet of the discharger. Thus, an edge portion of the water stream may encounter the outer surface of the eductor adjacent the eductor inlet and flow over the eductor outer surface in a parallel manner to the outer surface.

In another aspect of the invention, the mix head eductor comprises an eductor having a unitary construction and having first and second inlets and a first outlet. The first eductor inlet receives a source of dilution fluid, such as water from a common water source. The second eductor fluid inlet may receive a concentrated fluid, such as a detergent or a sanitizer, as the concentrated fluid is drawn into the eductor by the action of the water stream received by the first inlet. The first outlet is for the mixture of water and concentrate to leave the aforementioned discharger. The unitary construction allows the eductor to operate effectively, properly mix or condition the concentrate and diluent fluids throughout the life of the device. The unitary construction ensures that the chemical components and contaminants, minerals and other particles that may be contained in the diluting or concentrating fluid do not settle, settle or otherwise reconfigure the eductor to interfere with the mixing or blending ratio. The chemical composition in the concentrate may alter the surface of the exposed eductor part slightly enough to break the seal between the mating parts, if such a seal exists. This risk increases with the concentration of the chemical and is greatest in this area of the eductor.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mix head eductor that is consistent with safety concerns for public water supply systems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mixing head eductor which prevents any water from leaving the air gap.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a mixing head eductor having precise dimensions and being of a unitary construction to ensure and maintain a proper mixing ratio between diluting fluid and concentrating fluid.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mixing head eductor that promotes proper mixing and reduces or eliminates the loss of dilution fluid through the air gap.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mixing head eductor that can be easily inspected and installed and that does not clog and become inoperable.

Other objects, advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from a review of the following description of the embodiments of the invention, the drawings, and the claims.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mixing head eductor of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mixing head eductor of the present invention slightly rotated relative to the eductor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a full length perspective cross-sectional view of the mixing head eductor of FIG. 2 along line 3-3;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mixing head eductor along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 showing the ribs;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 with a different rib structure

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 with a different rib structure

FIG. 7a is a sectional elevation view of the eductor of the present invention;

FIG. 7b is a left side view of the eductor of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7c is a right side view of the eductor of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7d is a top view of the eductor of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7e is a cross-sectional view of the eductor along line 7e-7e of FIG. 7 b;

FIG. 7f is a cross-sectional view of the eductor along the line 7f-7f of FIG. 7 d;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inlet of the preferred eductor of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a mixing head eductor with a single air gap port

Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of fig. 9 rotated approximately 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the embodiment.

Best mode for carrying out the invention

Referring to the drawings and in particular to fig. 1 and 2, reference numeral 20 illustrates and identifies a preferred embodiment of the mixing head eductor of the present invention. The mix head eductor 20 includes a body 22 having an upper generally cylindrical portion 24, a tapered portion 26 extending relative to the cylindrical portion, and a lower cylindrical portion 28. Cylindrical portion 24 extends to line 25, tapered portion 26 begins at line 25, tapered portion 26 extends to line 27, and cylindrical portion 28 begins at line 27. Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 3, the mix head eductor 20 includes a fluid inlet 30 for connection to, for example, a common water source. Downstream of the fluid inlet 30 is an air gap 32 which prevents backflow or siphoning of fluid into the common water supply. The air gap 32 includes first and second air gap ports 34 and 36. Downstream of the air gap 32 are first and second ribs 38, 40 that help to prevent fluid from exiting the air gap 32, as will be described in more detail below. Behind the ribs are the drains 42 of the present invention. The discharger 42 includes: a first dispenser fluid inlet 44 which may receive a flow of water from, for example, a common water source; and a second eductor fluid inlet 46 for connection to a source of concentrated chemical, such as concentrated liquid detergent or sanitizer. The discharger 42 further comprises a first stage disperser 47 and a first discharger fluid outlet 48, which is located at the end of the first stage disperser 47. The fluid outlet 48 communicates with a second stage disperser tube 50. The disperser tube 50 includes a disperser pin 52 that ensures that the first stage disperser 47 and the second stage disperser tube 50 are filled with and mix the concentrated chemical provided via the eductor fluid inlet 46 and the water provided via the first eductor fluid inlet 44. The mixture exits via the disperser tube outlet 54.

The above-described arrangement of the preferred mix head eductor 20 of the present invention is described in detail below.

Preferably, the fluid inlet 30 is inwardly inclined and shaped as a champagne bottle, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, to provide a straight fluid flow downwardly through the air gap 32. In a preferred embodiment, the air gap 32 is more than one inch (2.54cm) in length and includes the first and second air gap ports 34, 36 described above, with each air gap port 34, 36 preferably spanning a circumferential arc of 90 degrees for a total air gap opening of about 180 degrees. As shown in the embodiment of fig. 9 and 10, the air gap may also include a single air gap port 142 defining a circumferential arc of 180 degrees.

The first and second ribs 38, 40 are located immediately downstream of the air gap 32. In the preferred embodiment described above, the first and second ribs 38, 40 include semi-cylindrical portions 56, 58, respectively (FIG. 4). These semi-cylindrical portions 56, 58 are designed to be spaced from and partially surround the fluid flow from the fluid inlet 30 in the diluting fluid flow direction 60. The semi-cylindrical portion 56 of the first rib 38 is designed to prevent fluid from exiting the first air gap port 34. Similarly, the second semi-cylindrical portion 58 of the second rib 40 is designed to prevent fluid from exiting the second air gap port 36. As shown in FIG. 4, the semi-cylindrical portions 56, 58 preferably define an arc of about 90 degrees after the arc of each air gap port 34, 36. The semi-cylindrical portions 56, 58 of the first and second ribs 38, 40 are connected to the wall 62 of the mix head eductor body 22 with planar wing walls 64, 66 in the case of the first rib 38 and 68, 70 in the case of the second rib 40. The wing walls preferably extend rearwardly from the semi-cylindrical portion at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the semi-cylindrical portion and are received by the wall 62 of the mix head eductor body 22 at an angle of about 90 degrees. Since the portions 72, 74 of the wall 62 of the mixing head body 22 prevent fluid from exiting, the ribs 38, 40 are no longer required to perform these functions and the wing walls can extend rearwardly relative to the semi-cylindrical portions 56, 58. The first and second ribs 38, 40 extend downwardly in the fluid flow direction 60 relative to the bottom of each respective air gap port 34, 36 and terminate just above the first discharger fluid inlet 44 of the discharger 42.

Fig. 5 and 6 show other embodiments of the ribs. In fig. 5, the first and second ribs 76, 78 have semi-cylindrical portions 80, 82. Walls 84, 86 connect the first semi-cylindrical portion of the first rib 76 to the wall 62 of the mix head eductor body 22. Similarly, walls 88 and 90 connect second semi-cylindrical portion 82 of second rib 40 to wall 62 of mix head eductor 22. In this embodiment, it can be seen that all of the walls 84, 86, 88 and 90 are parallel to one another.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the rib. In this embodiment, the first and second ribs 92, 94 are each formed of parallel and substantially planar structures.

Fig. 7a to 7f show the discharger 42 in more detail. In fig. 7a, first and second eductor fluid inlets 44 and 46 are illustrated. As described above, the first dispenser inlet 44 may receive dilution fluid that has passed through the air gap 32. The second eductor fluid inlet 46 may be used in conjunction with a source of a concentrate fluid such as a detergent or a sanitizer. The eductor 42 also includes an elongated cylindrical eductor body 96. First and second support arms 98, 100 extend relative to the body. As shown in fig. 7f, the first support arm 98 defines the second eductor fluid inlet 46 as well as a passageway 102. The eductor body 96 defines a passage 104 (fig. 7e) that extends the entire length of the eductor body 96 from the fluid inlet 44 and terminates at the eductor fluid outlet 48. The channels 102 and 104 in the preferred embodiment communicate with each other at an angle of about 90 degrees. First and second support and fluid flow channel eductor pins 108, 110 extend between the eductor body 96 and the support walls 98, 100.

First and second support arms 98, 100 include first and second sets of circumferential ribs 112, 114 that capture resilient sealing O-rings (not shown). These ribs 112, 114 engage the wall 62 of the mix head eductor body 22 to position and space the eductor body 96 relative to the wall 62.

As shown in fig. 7a-7f, the ejector has a monolithic structure. The eductor 42 is molded from an industrial plastic or preferably an engineering thermoplastic such as glass-filled polypropylene and has a smooth surface. This monomer structure contributes to: (1) ensuring that the eductor extends the attached flow range as will be described below; (2) providing an accurate mixing ratio of diluting fluid to concentrated fluid over the life of the mix head eductor 22.

With the first point described above and more emphasis on the first discharge inlet 44 and its surrounding outer surface 116, it can be seen that the outer surface 116 in fig. 7a is rounded and smooth. The rounded and smooth outer surface 116 leading all the way to the eductor first fluid inlet 44 ensures that fluid from the downwardly injected diluting fluid stream stays attached to the outer surface 116 further downstream of the outer surface 116 of the eductor body 96 than would occur if a different shaped outer surface were present. This attached fluid flow reduces the amount of fluid that is reflected off of the eductor 42 back toward the air gap 32. This attached fluid flow means that the fluid will flow a distance down the eductor before leaving or otherwise separating from the eductor. Thus, a laminar flow would surround the eductor and be the primary inhibitor of fluid directed back toward the air gap. In the second regard, the smooth and rounded surface adjacent the eductor inlet 44 does not become concave as much as it has sharp edges and becomes of inaccurate configuration, and thus the mixing or blending ratio will remain more constant over the life of the mix head eductor 20. Furthermore, because of the unitary construction, there are no parts engaging tabs or recesses that can collect the concentrating or diluting fluid or mixture thereof. The receiving grooves may increase with time and may change the mixing or blending ratio.

A more specific embodiment of first dispenser fluid inlet 44 and outer surface 116 is shown in fig. 8. It is also recalled that in a preferred embodiment, the fluid flow flowing downwardly in the flow direction 60 encounters the first discharge fluid inlet 44. Also, an edge portion of the fluid flow may encounter the eductor's outer surface 116 outside of the first eductor fluid inlet 44. In fig. 8, the outer surface 116 has a composite structure or shape that is formed of a first rounded surface 118 and a second rounded surface 120. The first rounded surface 118 extends down the body of the eductor 96 relative to the first eductor fluid inlet 44. This surface is defined by a first radius 112. The second rounded surface 120 extends opposite the first rounded surface 118 and is defined by a second radius 124. As shown in fig. 8, the second radius is substantially larger than the first radius, thereby providing a more gently rounded surface. In a preferred embodiment, the first radius is 0.02 inches (0.5mm) and the second radius is 0.7 inches (17.8 mm). In the preferred embodiment described above, first rounded surface 118 is substantially tangential to first discharger fluid inlet 44 and provides a rounded surface which encounters the oncoming fluid flow. As mentioned above, such a composite structure is less likely to be pitted or formed with asperities by any substance or mineral in the fluid stream. In addition, such a composite structure may improve flow on outer surface 116 by ensuring that the fluid flow adheres to outer surface 116 sufficiently beyond inlet 44. Thus, such a smooth surface also ensures that the amount of fluid reflected off the outer surface 116 upstream or toward the air gap ports 34, 36 is minimized. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the inlet 44 is connected to the first passage 102 by an inwardly tapering passage.

Referring to fig. 3, a disperser tube 50 extends downwardly relative to the eductor outlet 48 and includes a disperser pin 52. As previously described, the disperser pin 52 may ensure that the disperser tube 50 and the passage 104 (fig. 7e) of the eductor 42 are filled with a mixture of concentrate and diluting fluid to ensure proper mixing. As previously described, the eductor 42 is spaced from the wall 62 of the mix head eductor body 22. Similarly, the disperser tube 50 is spaced from the wall 62. However, the wall surface 62 decreases in a conical manner around the diffuser tube 50. The wall 62 then engages the reduced diameter cylindrical portion 28, and the cylindrical portion 28 is substantially parallel to the diffuser tube 50. The fluid outlet 128 of the main body 22 is located immediately adjacent the diffuser tube outlet 54. In this position, the mixture of concentrate and diluting fluid is further diluted with diluting fluid flowing down the outer surface of eductor 42 and through annular space 130 defined between eductor 42 and diffuser tube 50 and the inner wall 62 of mix head eductor body 22.

Fig. 9 and 10 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention, identified as a mix head eductor 140. All parts of the mix head eductor 140 that are similar to the mix head eductor 20 of fig. 1 and 2 are labeled with the same reference numerals. It can be seen that in the mix head eductor 140, the air gap 32 includes a single air gap port 142 that defines an arc of about 180 °. As with the embodiment of fig. 1, this configuration also ensures that the air gap 32 is not obstructed or inoperative and that the air gap 32 can be easily inspected. It will also be noted that in this configuration, no ribs are required to prevent fluid from diverting away from the air gap 32 via the air gap port 132. However, if desired, the present embodiment may also include ribs as previously described. It should also be noted that in this embodiment, eductor 42 has passages 102 and 103 which communicate with passage 104. Passageways 102 and 103 are provided in support arms 98 and 100, respectively, to enable the eductor to draw in and mix two separate concentrate fluids and mix the concentrate fluids with the diluting fluid if two different concentrate fluids are desired. In addition, the same concentrated fluid may be provided through channels 102 and 103. Furthermore, if desired, the diameters of the channels 102 and 103 may be different if a different volumetric mixing ratio between the concentrated fluid entering through channel 102 and the concentrated fluid entering through channel 103 is desired. It should be appreciated that channels such as channel 103 may be provided on support arms 100 of other embodiments of the present invention.

Industrial applicability of the invention

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention provides a mix head eductor 20 that meets the urban, regional, and national regulations and requirements relating to safety and inspection acceptance in preventing the backflow of contaminants into public water sources. In addition, the mix head eductor 20 ensures that there is an attached fluid flow, thereby preventing fluid from exiting the air gap ports 32, 34. The mix head eductor 20 also ensures a precise mix ratio throughout the life of the mix head eductor 20 due to the specially designed eductor 42.

Other aspects, embodiments and objects of the present invention can be understood by reading the drawings and the appended claims.

It is recognized that embodiments of the invention other than those described herein may be made and still fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (24)

1. An eductor apparatus comprising:

a discharge housing;

a fluid inlet;

a gas gap comprising a gas gap port and an aperture in the housing in communication with the gas gap port, the aperture and gas gap port being unobstructed, the gas gap being located downstream of the fluid inlet;

a single piece discharger is located downstream of the air gap, the discharger being a separate structure from the rest of the discharger apparatus;

a rib extending from the housing and below the air gap port such that the air gap port is unobstructed by the rib, the rib being positioned between the air gap and the eductor, the rib having a major dimension extending from the fluid inlet in the direction of fluid flow through the aperture of the air gap and to the eductor and a minor dimension smaller than the major dimension;

the eductor includes an eductor body having an outer surface including a front portion and a rear portion;

said eductor comprising a first inlet at said forward portion;

said eductor including a first outlet at said rear portion;

the front portion including an annular rounded surface extending continuously and outwardly from the inlet to the rear portion;

forming a first passage in the eductor body communicating the first inlet with the first outlet;

the eductor includes a support arm extending at an angle relative to the eductor body;

the eductor includes a second inlet;

forming the second inlet in the support arm;

forming a second passage in the support arm that communicates the second inlet with the first passage;

a second support arm disposed in a direction opposite to the support arm;

wherein the first passage forms a main fluid passage and a second fluid passage between the eductor body and the eductor housing;

the ribs are positioned relative to the eductor first inlet to allow fluid to flow from the fluid inlet into the eductor first inlet and over the exterior surface of the eductor front.

2. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ribs are generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow from said fluid inlet to said eductor through said air gap.

3. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ribs are at least partially planar.

4. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ribs are at least partially planar and at least partially semi-cylindrical.

5. The eductor apparatus of claim 4 wherein the semi-cylindrical portion of said rib is positioned about the flow of fluid from said fluid inlet toward said eductor through said air gap.

6. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein a second rib is located adjacent said rib, wherein fluid flow from said fluid inlet to said eductor passes between said rib and said second rib.

7. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the air gap includes a second air gap port located opposite the air gap port: and

a second rib located opposite said rib.

8. The eductor apparatus of claim 6 wherein said rib and said second rib are both planar and substantially parallel to each other.

9. The eductor apparatus of claim 6 wherein said rib has a first cylindrical portion, said second rib has a second cylindrical portion, and said first cylindrical portion is concave toward said second cylindrical portion and concave toward said second cylindrical portion, and said second cylindrical portion is concave toward said first cylindrical portion and concave toward said first cylindrical portion, whereby said first and second cylindrical portions define a cylindrical space therebetween.

10. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid inlet is champagne bottle shaped to promote straight fluid flow.

11. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rib has a semi-cylindrical portion with first and second wing walls extending relative to the cylindrical portion to support the semi-cylindrical portion.

12. The eductor apparatus of claim 11 wherein at least one of said first and second wing walls is generally perpendicular to said semi-cylindrical portion.

13. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ribs are at least partially semi-cylindrical.

14. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the outer surface adjacent the inlet of the eductor is shared so that the outer surface improves the flow of adherent fluid over the eductor.

15. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer surface comprises a compound surface, a first rounded surface defined by a first radius, and a second rounded surface defined by a second radius; the first rounded surface is in contact with the eductor inlet and the second rounded surface is in contact with the first rounded surface.

16. The eductor apparatus of claim 15 wherein said first radius is less than said second radius.

17. The eductor apparatus of claim 15 wherein said first circular surface meets said eductor inlet in a tangential manner.

18. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said eductor has an inwardly tapering passage communicating with said eductor inlet.

19. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises: a first pin extending from the support arm toward the rear of the eductor body and connected to the eductor body; and a second pin extending from the second support arm toward the rear of the discharger body and connected to the discharger body.

20. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 including a third inlet; said third inlet port being defined in said second support arm; and a third passage defined in said second support arm, said third passage communicating said third inlet with said first passage.

21. The eductor apparatus of claim 20 wherein said second passageway has a first diameter and said third passageway has a second diameter, wherein said first diameter is different than said second diameter.

22. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said eductor is T-shaped so that (1) the eductor can be conveniently installed into said eductor apparatus and (2) the ratio of concentrate fluid to diluent fluid passing through the eductor can be selected by selecting an appropriate eductor.

23. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said eductor is of unitary construction whereby (1) the eductor can be conveniently installed into said eductor apparatus and (2) the ratio of concentrate fluid to diluent fluid can be selected by selecting an appropriate eductor.

24. The eductor apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support arm, said second support arm, and said eductor body have a T-shaped configuration.