DK2569096T3

DK2569096T3 - Length-adjustable spray gun having a handle that can be adjusted longitudinally

Info

Publication number: DK2569096T3
Application number: DK11718047.1T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Vitali Fischer; JüRGEN BINDER
Original assignee: Kaercher Gmbh & Co Kg Alfred
Priority date: 2010-05-10
Filing date: 2011-05-03
Publication date: 2014-12-08
Also published as: EP2569096A1; DE102010028807A1; PL2569096T3; WO2011141323A1; EP2569096B1

Description

The invention relates to a device for spraying a liquid with a spray pipe comprising a plurality of pipe sections which can be telescopically pushed into one another and pulled out, an outlet for the liquid being arranged at the front end of the spray pipe, and an outlet hose which passes through the spray pipe being connected to the outlet, the outlet hose exiting at the rear end of the spray pipe and being connected to an actuator arranged laterally on a pipe section and having a manually actuatable valve, a supply hose being connectable to the actuator.

Such devices are also referred to as telescopic spray lances. By means of these, a liquid, for example, a cleaning or decontamination liquid can be directed at an object, the length of the spray pipe being adaptable to the respective intended use by the user. For this purpose, the spray pipe comprises a plurality of pipe sections which can be telescopically pushed into one another and, as required, pulled out. Arranged on the foremost pipe section is an outlet for the liquid. The outlet may, for example, be configured in the form of a nozzle with which the liquid can be discharged as spot jet or also as fanned-out jet. Connected to the outlet is an outlet hose, which passes through the spray pipe and exits from the spray pipe at the rear end of the spray pipe. The outlet hose may be connected to a supply hose. For this purpose, an actuator is arranged laterally on a pipe section of the spray pipe. The outlet hose is connectable to the actuator, to which, in turn, a supply hose can be connected. The actuator comprises a manually actuatable valve, with which the discharge of liquid via the outlet hose can be manually controlled by the flow connection between the supply hose and the outlet hose being established and interrupted, as required, by the valve. A device of the kind mentioned at the outset is known from DE 36 26 997 Al. Herein the actuator is held on the rear end area of the spray pipe by support elements protruding laterally from the spray pipe. At its front side facing the front end of the spray pipe, the actuator has a connecting element to which the supply hose can be connected, and at the rear side facing away from the front end of the spray pipe, the actuator has a connecting element for the outlet hose.

The effective length of the spray pipe can be altered by the user by the telescopically interacting pipe sections, however, the handling of the device is made difficult when the pipe sections are pulled apart to a maximum extent.

The object of the present invention is to so develop a device of the generic kind that it is easier to handle.

This object is accomplished in accordance with the invention in a device of the kind mentioned at the outset in that the actuator is held in an axially adjustable manner on the pipe section.

Owing to the axial adjustability of the actuator, the user can adapt the axial position of the actuator relative to the spray pipe to the respective intended use, in particular, he can select a different position for the actuator when the pipe sections are pulled apart to a maximum extent than when the pipe sections are pushed into one another to a maximum extent. Furthermore, owing to the axial adjustability of the actuator, he can also alter the effective length of the device. The handling of the device is thereby simplified.

It is particularly advantageous if the actuator is held on the pipe section so as to be steplessly adjustable in the axial direction. In such a configuration, no particular axial positions of the actuator are specified for the user, rather, the user can freely select the axial position of the actuator relative to the pipe section within a range of adjustment. Here the range of adjustment can extend practically over the entire length of the pipe section or also over a partial area of the pipe section, which serves to hold the actuator.

It is expedient for the actuator to be not only adjustable in the axial direction but, in addition, also rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the pipe section. Such a configuration is advantageous, in particular, when the spray pipe is inclined at the front end in relation to the longitudinal axis or when the outlet is defined by a nozzle body inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis of the spray pipe. Depending on the intended use, the user can then select the angular position and the axial position of the actuator relative to the angled end section of the spray pipe or to the angled nozzle body.

The actuator is preferably held on the pipe section so as to be steplessly rotatable. This results in a further simplification of the handling of the device.

To fix the actuator in the position desired by the user on the pipe section, the actuator comprises, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a clamping device. The actuator can be clamped tight on the pipe section by means of the clamping device.

The clamping device may, for example, comprise a clamping lever which is mounted so as to be pivotable back and forth about a pivot axis between a clamping position and a release position. To adjust the actuator relative to the pipe section, the user can pivot the clamping lever into the release position, so that he can subsequently adjust the actuator relative to the pipe section. In the desired position, the user can then pivot the clamping lever into the clamping position. This results in the actuator being clamped tight on the pipe section.

The handling of the device in accordance with the invention can be further simplified by the clamping lever, in its clamping position, being oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe section. As a result, the constructional size of the actuator including the clamping device in the clamping position of the clamping lever can be kept small. Starting from its clamping position oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe section, the clamping lever can be pivoted to a release position oriented at a slant or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the pipe section.

The clamping lever can interact via gearing elements with a clamping member by means of which the actuator can be clamped tight on the pipe section.

In a particularly preferred configuration, the clamping lever has a clamping cam arranged eccentrically in relation to the pivot axis. The actuator can be clamped tight on the pipe section by means of the clamping cam. Additional clamping members can thereby be eliminated. This facilitates the manufacture and assembly of the clamping device and prolongs its service live.

The clamping lever is expediently connected in one piece to the clamping cam. For example, clamping lever and clamping cam can be formed as a one-piece plastic moulded part.

It is particularly advantageous if the clamping cam has a clamping surface which, in the clamping position of the clamping lever, can be positioned in a clamping manner with positive locking against the outer side of the pipe section. The pipe section may, for example, be of cylindrical configuration, and the clamping surface may form a partial cylinder, which, in the clamping position, can be positioned against the outer side of the pipe section. The positioning with positive locking of the clamping surface of the clamping cam pivotable together with the clamping lever causes the clamping lever to be locked in the clamping position.

The locking effect is increased if an elastically deformable clamping element is arranged in the area of the clamping surface.

The clamping element may, for example, be configured in the form of an elastically deformable coating or also in the form of a sealing ring, in particular, an O-ring, which surrounds the clamping cam in the circumferential direction.

It is particularly advantageous if two elastically deformable clamping elements are arranged in spaced relation to each other on the clamping surface. For example, the clamping cam may be surrounded in the circumferential direction by two elastically deformable sealing rings arranged in spaced relation to each other.

Alternatively or additionally to the use of a clamping lever, the clamping device may comprise at least two clamping jaws which interact with a displaceable clamping part, the clamping jaws being positionable in a clamping manner against the pipe section by the displacement of the clamping part. For example, two clamping jaws may be used, which are positionable diametrically opposed to each other against the outer side of the pipe section, and which interact with a clamping part displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the pipe section, i.e., axially. In a first position of the clamping part, the two clamping jaws can release the pipe section arranged between them, and in a second position of the clamping part, the two clamping jaws can be clamped tight on the pipe section and thereby fix the entire actuator on the pipe section.

The clamping part preferably surrounds the pipe section in the circumferential direction and can be axially placed on the clamping jaws.

The clamping jaws may, for example, be configured as partial cylinders, in particular, as semicylinders, which are each formed on a housing part of the actuator. The partial cylinders can be positioned against the outer side of the pipe section to be clamped, and they each surround the pipe section in the circumferential direction over an angular range of less than 180°. By screwing the cap nut in the axial direction onto the partial cylinders, these can be pressed together by the cap nut, so that they accommodate between them in a clamping manner the pipe section on which the actuator is to be fixed.

It may be provided that the actuator comprises a housing with a first housing shell and a second housing shell, which accommodate the valve between them, and which are releasably connectable to each other. In particular, it may be provided that the housing shells can be screwed to each other. A clamping jaw which extends in the circumferential direction over a partial area of the pipe section can be held on each housing shell. In particular, it may be provided that a clamping jaw, in each case, is connected in one piece to a housing shell. Clamping jaw and housing shell can be configured as a one-piece plastic moulded part.

As already explained, the actuator comprises a first connecting element for connecting the supply hose and a second connecting element for connecting the outlet hose. Between the first connecting element and the second connecting element there can extend within the actuator a flow channel in which the valve actuatable by the user is arranged. A pivoted lever, for example, can be used to actuate the valve.

It is advantageous if both the first connecting element and the second connecting element are arranged at a rear side of the actuator that faces away from the front end of the spray pipe. This results in a further simplification of the device in accordance with the invention as both the supply hose and the outlet hose extend in the rearward area of the actuator owing to the arrangement of the connecting elements at the rear side. The risk that the user will be impeded by one of the hoses during operation of the device can thereby be kept low.

The first connecting element to which the supply hose is connectable is preferably configured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spray pipe.

The first connecting element is preferably positioned between a grip part of the actuator and the pipe section.

The first connecting element may, for example, be configured in the form of an insertion opening into which a hose nipple of the supply hose can be inserted, preferably oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spray pipe.

It may be provided that the second connecting element is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spray pipe.

The handling of the device is simplified if the second connecting element, via which the actuator is in flow connection with the outlet hose, is oriented at an angle of at most 45° to the longitudinal axis of the spray pipe.

An orientation of the second connecting element at an angle of at least 5° to the longitudinal axis of the spray pipe is preferred.

The orientation of the second connecting element relative to the longitudinal axis of the spray pipe may, for example, be from 10° to 20°. A further simplification of the handling of the device in accordance with the invention is achieved in a preferred embodiment in that a support element is arranged at the rear end of the spray pipe for axially supporting the spray pipe on a support surface, the support element having at least one lateral opening for passing the outlet hose therethrough. By means of the support element, the user can support the device in the axial direction on a support surface, for example, on a floor surface or a projection of a wall or the like. To avoid damage to the outlet hose when axially supporting the device, the outlet hose can be led via a lateral opening in the lateral direction out of the support element arranged at the rear end of the spray pipe. During the axial supporting, the weight of the device does therefore not rest on the outlet hose but on the support element.

It is expedient if the support element has at least two lateral openings arranged in spaced relation to each other in the circumferential direction. This makes it possible for the user to lead the outlet hose out in various directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spray pipe via an opening.

It is particularly expedient if the support element has two lateral openings diametrically opposed to each other.

It may, for example, be provided that the support element has at least two axially oriented support feet which protrude rearwardly from the rear end of the spray pipe and define between them at least one opening. The support feet can protrude in the axial direction from the rear end of the spray pipe and can each extend in the circumferential direction over an angular range of less than 180°.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves for a more detailed explanation in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention with an actuator and a spray pipe comprising a plurality of pipe sections which are telescopically pushed into one another;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the device from Figure 1, wherein the pipe sections are pulled apart;

Figure 3 shows a perspective partial view of the device from Figure 1 in the area of the actuator and the rear end of the spray pipe;

Figure 4 shows a partial sectional view of the device from Figure 1 in the area of the actuator and the rear end of the spray pipe;

Figure 5 shows a perspective representation of a clamping lever of the device from Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a perspective representation of a support element of the device from Figure 1, which is arranged at the rear end of the spray pipe;

Figure 7 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention with an actuator and a spray pipe comprising a plurality of pipe sections which are telescopically pushed into one another;

Figure 8 shows a perspective partial view of the device from Figure 7 in the area of a clamping device of the actuator in the tightly clamped state; and

Figure 9 shows a perspective partial view corresponding to Figure 8 in the released state of the clamping device. A first embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention for spraying a liquid, which is denoted in its entirety by reference numeral 10, is shown in Figures 1 to 6. The device 10 comprises a spray pipe 12 which is alterable in its effective length and has a plurality of pipe sections 14, 16, 18 and 20, which can be telescopically pushed into one another and pulled apart by the user, and can be fixed to one another by means of locking devices 22. They each comprise a cap nut 24, which can be screwed in the axial direction onto a locking sleeve, not shown in the drawings, in order to lock two pipe sections. The locking sleeve is fixed on one of the two pipe sections to be mutually fixed and comprises the locking wings which are pressed against the pipe section to be locked when the cap nut 24 is screwed on.

In Figure 1, the pipe sections 14, 16, 18 and 20 are shown in a position in which they are pushed into one another to a maximum extent. In Figure 2, the pipe sections 14, 16, 18 and 20 are shown in a position in which they are pulled apart to a maximum extent. The effective length of the spray pipe 22 can therefore be altered by the telescopically interacting pipe sections 14, 16, 18, 20.

Arranged at the free end of the first pipe section 14, i.e., at the front end of the spray pipe 12, is an outlet nozzle 26, which defines an outlet 28 of the device 10. Connected to the outlet nozzle 26 is an outlet hose 30, which is guided in the axial direction through the spray pipe 12 and exits at the rear end of the spray pipe 12, i.e., at the free end of the fourth pipe section 20, from the spray pipe 12.

Held laterally on the fourth pipe section 20 is an actuator 32 with a first connecting element in the form of an insertion opening 34 into which a hose nipple of a supply hose 36, shown in Figure 1, can be inserted, and with a second connecting element in the form of a hose coupling 38 to which the free end of the outlet hose 30 that faces away from the outlet nozzle 26 can be connected.

The actuator 32 comprises a housing 40 with a first housing shell 42 and a second housing shell 44, which accommodate between them a valve 46 with a valve body 48 forming a valve seat, and with a closing member 50 which, in a closed position, under the action of a closing spring is sealingly positionable on the valve seat of the valve body 48, and which by means of a pivoted lever 52 pivotably mounted between the two housing shells 42, 44 is movable to a released position in which it is spaced from the valve seat.

The valve body 48 adjoins the insertion opening 34 inside the housing 40 and is in flow connection via a first flow channel section 54 and a second flow channel section 56 with the hose coupling 38. The flow connection between the insertion opening 34 and the hose coupling 38 can be selectively closed and opened by the user by means of the valve 46.

As will be clear, in particular, from Figure 4, the insertion opening 34 is of substantially cylindrical configuration, with the cylinder axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 58 of the spray pipe 12. In contrast thereto, the longitudinal axis 60 of the hose coupling 38 is inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis 58 of the spray pipe 12, and in the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings the angle of inclination is about 10° to 15°.

The insertion opening 34 and the hose coupling 38 are arranged in the area of a rear side 62 of the actuator 32 that faces away from the outlet nozzle 26. This facilitates the connecting of the supply hose 36 and the outlet hose 30 to the actuator 32. This also reduces the risk of the user being impeded by the hoses 30 and 36 while using the device 10.

The actuator 32 is fixed to the rearmost pipe section 20 by means of a clamping device 63 which, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, comprises a clamping lever 64. The clamping lever 64 is mounted between the two housing shells 42, 44 on the side of the rearmost pipe section 20 that is diametrically opposed to the valve 46 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 66 oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 58 of the spray pipe 12. Adjacent to the pivot axis 66, the clamping lever 64 carries a clamping cam 68 arranged eccentrically in relation to the pivot axis 66. The clamping cam 68 is connected in one piece to the clamping lever 64 and forms a clamping surface 70 which, in the clamping position shown in Figures 1 to 4, can be positioned in a clamping manner with positive locking against the outer side 72 of the rearmost pipe section 20. The rearmost pipe section 20, like the other pipe sections 18, 16 and 14, is of cylindrical configuration, and the clamping surface 70 forms a partial cylinder which in the clamping position of the clamping lever is oriented coaxially with the longitudinal axis 58 of the spray pipe 12.

Starting from its clamping position shown in Figures 1 to 4, in which the clamping lever 64 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 58 of the spray pipe 12, the clamping lever 64 can be pivoted into a release position oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 58. In this position, the clamping cam 68 is spaced from the outer side 72 of the rearmost pipe section 20. This makes it possible for the user to both adjust the actuator 32 in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis 58, and rotate it through any angle about the longitudinal axis 58. In the desired position of the actuator 32 relative to the spray pipe 12, he can then pivot the clamping lever 64 back into its clamping position again.

The housing 40 of the actuator 32 forms a pistol-like grip 74, which can be gripped by the user to actuate the pivoted lever 52, with which the valve 46 can be opened and closed as required. The grip 74 is arranged on the side of the actuator 10 that faces away from the clamping lever 64, and the insertion opening 32 for the supply hose 36 is positioned between the grip 74 and the rearmost pipe section 20. The hose coupling 38 forms an axial extension of the grip 74.

The spray pipe 12 has at its rear end, i.e., at the free end of the rearmost pipe section 20, a support element 76, by means of which the device 10 can be supported in the axial direction on a support surface, for example, on a floor surface or on a projection of a wall. This makes working with the device 10 less fatiguing. The support element 76 has a support sleeve 78 engaging around the rear end area of the spray pipe 12 and having a front sleeve section 80 which continues via a radially outwardly directed step 82 into a rear sleeve section 84. Adjoining the rear sleeve section 84 in the axial direction are a first support foot 86 and a second support foot 88, which with their free ends form a set-down surface 90 for the device 10, and which define between them a first lateral opening 92 and a second lateral opening 94 diametrically opposed thereto. The lateral openings 92, 94 extend from the rear sleeve section 84 to the set-down surface 90. Via the lateral openings 92 and 94, respectively, the outlet hose 30 can be guided laterally out of the support element 76. This will be clear, in particular, from Figures 3 and 4. This makes it possible to axially support the device 10 by means of the support element 76 on a support surface without the outlet hose 30 thereby being impaired.

By means of the supply hose 36, the device 10 can be connected, for example, to the pressure outlet of a high-pressure cleaning appliance, so that pressurized cleaning liquid can be directed at an object to be cleaned via the device 10. Depending on what length the spray pipe 12 is to have, the user can pull the pipe sections 14, 16, 18 and 20 apart to a greater or lesser extent and then fix them by means of the locking devices 22. After releasing the clamping device 63, he can push and rotate the actuator 32 along the rearmost pipe section 20 until the actuator 32 assumes the optimal position for operation with as little fatigue as possible. In this position, the user can then clamp the actuator tight on the rearmost pipe section 40. A second embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention for spraying a liquid, which is denoted in its entirety by reference numeral 100, is shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9. This is substantially identical in configuration to the first embodiment explained hereinabove with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The same reference numerals are therefore used for identical components in Figures 7, 8 and 9 as in Figures 1 to 6, and with regard to these components reference is to be had to the above explanations in order to avoid repetitions.

The device 100 shown in Figures 7 to 9 differs from the device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6 in that for fixing the actuator 32 to the fourth pipe section 20 a clamping device 103 is used, in which instead of a clamping lever and a clamping cam, two clamping jaws are used, which by displacement of a clamping part can be positioned in a clamping manner against the outer side 72 of the pipe section 20. The two clamping jaws are configured as semicylinders 105, 107, which are formed on the end face, i.e., facing the outlet nozzle 26, on the first housing shell 42 and the second housing shell 44, respectively, of the housing 40 of the actuator 32. The clamping part is configured in the form of a cap nut 109 which can be screwed in the axial direction onto the two semicylinders 105, 107. The two semicylinders 105, 107 accommodate the fourth pipe section 20 between them. When the cap nut 109 is screwed onto the two semicylinders 105, 107, the semicylinders 105, 107 are pressed together and the fourth pipe section 20 is thereby clamped between the semicylinders 105, 107, so that the housing 40 and, consequently, the complete actuator 32 is fixed to the fourth pipe section 20.

The area of the clamping device 103 is shown enlarged in Figure 7, wherein the cap nut 109 is screwed onto the two semicylinders 105, 107 so the actuator 32 is fixed to the fourth pipe section 20. Figure 8 shows the clamping device 103 in a state in which the cap nut 109 has been screwed off the semicylinders 105, 107. In this state, the actuator 32 can be pushed in the axial direction along the fourth pipe section 20 and, in addition, rotated about the longitudinal axis 48 of the fourth pipe section 20. To fix the actuator 32, it is merely necessary to screw the cap nut 109 onto the two semicylinders 105, 107 again.

In a manner corresponding to the device 10, the device 100 can also be connected by means of the supply hose 36 to the pressure outlet of, for example, a high-pressure cleaning appliance, so that pressurized cleaning liquid can be directed at an object to be cleaned via the device 100. The effective length of the spray pipe 12 can also be altered in the device 100 by the pipe sections 14, 16, 18 and 20 being pulled apart to a greater or lesser extent and then being fixed by means of the locking devices 22. After the clamping device 103 has been released, the actuator 32 of the device 100 can be pushed along the fourth pipe section 20 and rotated about its longitudinal axis. This allows the actuator 32 to be fixed in an optimal position on the pipe section 20 for low-fatigue operation.

Claims

Device for spraying a liquid with a spray tube, having several telescopic-like tube sections that can be pushed into each other and can be pulled out, where at an anterior end of the spray tube an outlet is provided for the liquid and connected to the outlet an output hose passed through the syringe tube, which output hose exits at the rear end of the syringe tube and is connected to a manually operated actuator, which side-by-side control means to which an actuator can be connected to a supply tube characterized in that the operating device (32) is held on the pipe section (20) so that it can be adjusted axially.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating device (32) is held on the pipe section (20) so that it can be adjusted steplessly in the axial direction.

Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating device (32) is held on the pipe section (20) so that it is rotatable about the longitudinal axis (58) of the pipe section (20).

Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the operating device (32) is held on the pipe section (20) so that it can be rotated steplessly.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (32) has a clamping device (63; 103) for clamping the operating device (32) on the pipe section.

Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamping device (63) has a clamping arm (64) mounted so that it can be pivoted back and forth about a pivot axis (66) between a clamping position and a release position.

Device according to claim 6, characterized in that, in its clamping position, the clamping arm (64) is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis (58) of the spraying arm (12).

Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the clamping arm (64) carries a clamping knuckle (68) which is placed eccentrically with respect to the pivot axis (66).

Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the clamping cam (68) has a clamping surface (70) which in the clamping position can be clamped against the outer side (72) of the pipe section (20) in a molded connection.

Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the clamping device (103) has at least two clamping trays (105, 107) which cooperate with a displaceable clamping means (109), wherein the clamping trays (105, 107) can be displaced by the clamping means (109). be clamped against the pipe section (20).

Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the clamping means (109) surrounds the pipe section (20) in the circumferential direction and can be mounted axially on the clamping trays (105, 107).

Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the clamping member is formed as a nut (109) which can be screwed onto the clamping trays (105, 107).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (32) has a first connecting element (34) for connecting the supply hose (36) and a second connecting element (38) for connecting the output hose (30), wherein the first and the second connection element (34, 38) is arranged at a back (62) of the operating device (32) which faces away from the front end of the syringe tube (12).

Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the second connecting element (38) is oriented at an angle of maximum 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis (58) of the syringe tube (12).

Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the second connecting element (38) is inclined at an angle of at least 5 °, especially at an angle of 10 ° to 20 °, relative to the longitudinal axis (58) of the syringe tube (12).

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the rear end of the spray tube (12) a support element (76) is provided for axial support of the spray tube (12) on a support surface, the support element (76) having at least one side recess (92, 94) to pass through the exit hose (30).

Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the support element (76) has at least two side recesses (92, 94) spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

Device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the support element (76) has at least two axially oriented support feeds (86, 88) which project backwards from the rear end of the syringe tube (12) and define at least one side recess (92, 94) between themselves.