EP3118562A1 - Spray head and spraying device comprising a spray head - Google Patents

Abstract

A spray device (10) for dispensing a medium containing an irritant comprises a pressure vessel (12) having a valve means (24) and a spray head (14) mounted on the pressure vessel (12). The spray head (14) has a housing (16) which can be mounted on the pressure vessel (12), a nozzle (26) for dispensing the medium, a connection element (28) which is connected on the one hand to the nozzle (26) and on the other hand with a valve device (24) of the pressure vessel (12) can be coupled; and an actuator (30) which, when actuated by a user, moves the connector (28) to open the valve means (24) of the pressure vessel (12) and withdraw the fluid from the pressure vessel (12) via the connector (28) To feed nozzle (26), on. Furthermore, a securing device (46, 50) is provided, which is arranged on one of the valve device (24) facing side of the connecting element (28) in the housing (16) and of a release position forming a normal position in which a movement of the connecting element ( 28) is released to open the valve means (24), if necessary, in a securing position in which a movement of the connecting element (28) is blocked for opening the valve means (24) is movable.

Description

The present invention relates to a spray device for dispensing a medium, in particular a medium containing an irritant, as well as a spray head for such a spray device.

Such spraying devices serve the defense of animals and self-defense. They are used more and more often by police officers, etc. Pepper spray or CS gas are mostly used as irritant-containing media. In particular, for emergency personnel on the market also spray devices are offered with greater media supply of, for example, 400 ml or more. For example, these larger spray devices have a shape similar to that of a fire extinguisher.

As a rule, such spraying devices are provided with a safety device which, starting from its normal position blocking the operation of the spraying device, can be moved by the user of the spraying device into a release position enabling the operation of the spraying device in order to release the spraying device. After using the spray device, the user can move the fuse back to its normal position to secure the spray device against accidental operation. In other versions (cf., eg US 3,272,390 A ), the fuse to unlock the sprayer must be removed from it. The spraying device can then no longer be returned to the protected starting position.

When using such spraying devices, for example against demonstrators or attackers, the user is in danger of being snatched from the spraying device and the spraying device then being used against itself.

The EP 3 018 443 A1 , which constitutes state of the art in accordance with Art. 54 (3) EPC, discloses a spray device with a safety device which renders the spray device unusable as needed by preventing transmission of movement of an actuator to the valve means of the pressure vessel.

The invention has for its object to provide an improved spray head and an improved spray device with which the safety of the user can be increased.

This object is achieved by the teaching of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The spray head according to the invention is suitable for placement on a pressure vessel containing a medium to be dispensed, in particular a medium containing an irritant. The spray head has a housing which is mountable on the pressure vessel; a nozzle for dispensing the medium; a connection element, which is connected on the one hand to the nozzle and on the other hand can be coupled to a valve device of the pressure vessel; and an actuator which, when actuated by a user, moves the terminal to open the valve means of the pressure vessel and to supply the medium from the pressure vessel via the nozzle terminal. Furthermore, according to the invention, a securing device is provided, which is arranged in the housing and of a a release position forming normal position in which a movement of the connecting element is released to open the valve device, if necessary, in a securing position in which a movement of the connecting element is blocked to open the valve device is movable.

The invention is based on the consideration that the spray head or the spray device should be unusable or locked when the spray device is stolen from the user, so that they can not be used by the steward against the user himself. With the help of the safety device, the spray head and thus the entire spray device can be transferred from a ready-to-use state to a locked state, if necessary.

The safety device provided according to the invention is to be distinguished in particular from a safety device described at the outset, which can be interposed between a normal position blocking the operation of the spraying device by the user of the spraying device as required, i. when desired use in a the operation of the spray device enabling release position is movable. The safety device is preferably provided in addition to such a backup and should just cause the opposite of the backup, namely keep the sprayer in its normal position operational and block only when needed.

The securing device is preferably arranged on a side of the connection element facing the valve device in the housing. Thus, the movement of the connecting element for opening the valve device can be easily released or blocked.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the securing device has a securing pin which protrudes at least partially out of the housing. Thus, the securing device can be transferred in a simple manner from outside the spray head of the release position in the securing position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the securing pin of the securing device has a fastening section for fastening a preferably elongated connecting means (e.g., cord, rope, wire, chain, etc.). By means of the connecting means, the locking pin can be connected, for example, with a garment or a piece of equipment of the user. When defrosting the spray device so the safety device can be automatically transferred from the fastened to the user connection means in its blocking securing position.

Preferably, the securing means comprises a locking member (e.g., plate-shaped or block-shaped) movably received in a recess in the housing between the release position and the securing position.

Preferably, the housing has a housing opening through which the locking pin is guided out of the housing. The housing opening is preferably configured (ie dimensioned and / or shaped) such that the locking element can not be moved through the housing opening. In this way it can be ensured that the locking element of the securing device can not be removed from the spray head and therefore a movement of the connecting element for opening the valve device can be safely permanently blocked.

Preferably, the locking pin is releasably secured to the locking element. Due to the releasable attachment of the locking pin to the locking element can be achieved in an advantageous manner that the locking pin during movement of the locking element breaks off in the securing position of this, so that the locking element, for example, by the unauthorized Entwender the sprayer not easy (ie in particular not without effort and without special tools) can be moved back to the release position.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an intermediate element for transmitting a movement of the actuating element is further provided on the connecting element between the actuating element and the connecting element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a further locking pin is further attached to this intermediate element. The housing may then preferably have a further housing opening, through which the further securing pin projects at least partially out of the housing. In addition, this further housing opening can preferably be designed such that the intermediate element can be removed from the housing. In this way, a further securing device is provided which, if necessary, overrules a functioning of the spray head. In particular, this further securing device can prevent a movement of the actuating element being transmitted to the connecting element; As a result, opening of the valve means of the pressure vessel can be prevented. This further safety device basically corresponds to that in the aforementioned EP 3 018 443 A1 described safety device.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing on its side facing the pressure vessel on a housing extension, in which the pressure vessel can be at least partially received. By gripping the upper portion of the pressure vessel, for example, in an attempt to remove the spray device, the spray head may be prevented from remaining in the user's hand, but the entire pressure vessel may be snapped off with the result that the irritants may leak through a potentially open valve device escape from the pressure vessel towards the user.

The spray device according to the invention for dispensing a medium, in particular a medium containing an irritant, comprises a pressure vessel with a valve device which receives the medium to be dispensed, and a spray head of the invention described above, which is placed on the pressure vessel.

The present invention is particularly suitable for spray heads and spray devices for delivering an irritant-containing medium such as OC (Oleoresin Capsicum, Natural Pepper Spray), PAVA (Pelargonic Acid Illylamide, Synthetic Pepper Spray), CN (Chloroacetophenone, Tear Gas), CS (Ortho-Chlorobenzylidene Malonitrile, Tear Gas ) and the same.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht einer Sprühvorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht der Sprühvorrichtung von Fig. 1 von der gegenüberliegenden Seite aus;

Fig. 3

eine Längsschnittansicht der Sprühvorrichtung von Fig. 1 und 2 gemäß Schnitt A-A in Fig. 1; und

Fig. 4

eine Längsschnittansicht der Sprühvorrichtung von Fig. 1 und 2 gemäß Schnitt B-B in Fig. 1.

The above and other advantages, features and applications of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In it show, in part schematically:

Fig. 1

a side perspective view of a spraying device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

a side perspective view of the spray device of Fig. 1 from the opposite side;

Fig. 3

a longitudinal sectional view of the spray device of Fig. 1 and 2 according to section AA in Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 4

a longitudinal sectional view of the spray device of Fig. 1 and 2 according to section BB in Fig. 1 ,

The present invention will be described in more detail below using the example of a spray device in the form of a fire extinguisher, which is suitable for police forces, etc., in more detail.

The spray device 10 has a pressure vessel 12 for a medium to be dispensed. The medium to be dispensed is, for example, pepper spray or CS gas. The pressure vessel 12 has a capacity of, for example, about 400 ml, but it is also possible pressure vessel 12 with more or less capacity.

On the pressure vessel 12, a spray head 14 is placed to spray the medium from the pressure vessel 12 into the environment. The spray head 14 has a housing 16, for example made of a plastic material. The housing 16 is preferably composed of two housing shells.

On the housing 16, a handle 18 is formed, so that the entire spray device 10 substantially the shape of a Fire extinguisher has. In addition, a housing extension 20 is integrally formed on the housing 16, which encloses the upper end of the pressure vessel 12. The housing extension 20 prevents the pressure vessel 12 from being released from the spray head 14 if an attacker attacks the pressure vessel 12 in order to steal the spray device 10 from the user.

In one embodiment, the spray device 10 has an overall height (i.e., pressure vessel including spray head attached) of about 25 cm, and the spray head 14 (including housing extension) has a height of about 10-12 cm. The pressure vessel 12 has, for example, an outer diameter of 6-7 cm and a maximum capacity of about 400 ml.

At the open end portion of the pressure vessel 12 (at the top in FIG Fig. 1 to 4 ), a valve device 24 is inserted substantially coaxially with the container axis 22. The valve device 24 can optionally be designed as a male or female valve device.

In the housing 16 of the spray head 14, a nozzle 26 is provided for spraying the medium. This nozzle 26 or its nozzle channel is connected via a connecting element 28 with the valve device 24. In this case, the connection element 28 is movable in the housing 16 in the axial direction, connected to the nozzle 26 and coupled to the valve device 24 movable.

On the housing 16, an actuating element 30 is attached in the form of a pivotable about a pivot axis 32 lever. Between the pressure vessel 12 facing the lower side of the actuating element 30 and the connecting element 28, an intermediate element 34 is arranged. If the actuator 30 is pressed by the user down, this movement is over the intermediate element 34 is transmitted to the connection element 28, which then acts on the valve device 24 and this opens. The actuator 30 is biased in its rest position, for example, with a spring element, so that it returns to the end of the pressure exerted on the actuator 30 by the user back to its rest position in which the valve device 24 is closed.

In order to prevent unwanted actuation of the spray head 14, a safety cap 36 is attached to the housing 16. This safety cap 36 can be pivoted upwardly about a pivot axis 38 to release access to the underlying actuator 30.

As in Fig. 1 shown, a safety slide 40 is attached to the outside of the housing 16. This safety slide 40 is coupled to a safety mechanism in the interior of the housing, with which the function of the spray head 14 can be completely blocked. In order to operate the spray head 14, the safety slide 40 must first be pushed into its unlocked position to release the safety mechanism or to solve. This safety slide corresponds to a fuse described at the beginning of conventional spray devices.

In practical use, the user of the spray device 10 is in danger of being torn from his hand, for example, by an attacker who could then use the spray device 10 against the user himself. In order to eliminate or at least minimize this risk, two special safety devices are provided in the spray device of the invention.

As in Fig. 3 and 4 indicated, a clearance is provided between the connection element 28 and the valve device 24 in the housing 16, in which a plate-shaped or block-shaped locking element 46 is arranged. This locking element 46 is configured and arranged in the free space, that it is movable between a release position and a securing position in the free space. In the release position, which represents the starting position, the locking element 46 releases a movement of the connecting element 28 for opening the valve device 24, and in the securing position, the locking element 46 blocks such movement of the connecting element 28, so that the valve device 24 can not be opened. The locking element 46 is biased neither in the release position nor in the securing position.

On the locking element 46, a locking pin 50 is fixed, which protrudes through a small housing opening 48 from the housing 16 out. The locking pin 50 is formed with a fixing portion, for example in the form of an eyelet. At this eyelet, for example, a cord or a chain (elongated connecting means) can be attached, which is otherwise attached to a garment or piece of equipment of the user.

In the starting position, ie in the ready state of the spray device 10, the locking element 46 of the securing device is in its release position. Upon a pressure actuation on the actuator 30, this pushes the connection element 28 down to open the valve means 24 of the pressure vessel 12 to spray the medium through the nozzle 26. If the user, the spray device 10 snatched, so the attached to the connecting means pulls Locking pin 50, the locking member 46 in its locked position before the locking pin 50 finally breaks off from the locking element 46. Since the locking element 46 is now in the securing position, the valve device 24 can no longer be opened via the actuating element 30 and the connecting element 28. Because of the small designed housing opening 48, the locking element 46 can not be removed from the housing 16 and also difficult to be pushed back into its release position.

In order to design the spraying device 10 with increased security for both right-handed and left-handed persons in the manner described above, a second securing pin 54 is connected to the locking element 46 of the securing device in addition to the securing pin 50 described above. This second locking pin 54 is guided out of the housing 16 through a second housing opening 52, which is provided on the opposite side of the spray head 14. In this case, the clearance in the housing 16 and the locking member 34 are configured so that the locking member 34 can be moved starting from a central release position in opposite directions each in a securing position in which blocks a movement of the connecting element 28 to open the valve means 24 becomes.

Optionally, the spray head 14 may be equipped with a further securing device, which is also intended to render the spraying device 10 useless when stealing.

This further securing device contains the already mentioned intermediate element 34 between the actuating element 30 and the connecting element 28. At the intermediate element 34 is a further securing pin 44 attached, which protrudes through a housing opening 42 of the housing 16 out. The further locking pin 44 has analogous to the locking pins 50, 54 also has a mounting portion for a connecting means. The further housing opening 42 is formed so large that the intermediate element 34 can be removed through it from the housing 16.

In the starting position, i. When the spraying device 10 is ready for use, the intermediate element 34 of the further securing device is located between the actuating element 30 and the connecting element 28. In the case of a pressure actuation on the actuating element 30, the intermediate element 34 transmits the movement of the actuating element 30 to the connecting element 28, around the valve device 24 of FIG Open pressure vessel 12 to spray the medium through the nozzle 26. If the spray device 10 is torn from the user, then the further securing pin 44 attached to the connecting means pulls the intermediate element 34 out of the housing 16 through the further housing opening 42. Because of the missing intermediate element 34, then a movement of the actuating element 30 is no longer transmitted to the connection element 28, so that the valve device 24 can not be opened.

Although not shown, the other securing device can also be configured in a similar manner as the securing device for both right-handed and left-handed with housing openings and locking pins.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST

10

sprayer

12

pressure vessel

14

spray nozzle

16

casing

18

handle

20

Housing extension

22

container axis

24

valve means

26

jet

28

connecting element

30

actuator

32

swivel axis

34

intermediate element

36

safety cap

38

swivel axis

40

safety slide

42

housing opening

44

safety pin

46

locking element

48

housing opening

50

safety pin

52

housing opening

54

safety pin

Claims (10)

Spray head (14) for placement on a pressure vessel (12) containing a medium to be dispensed, in particular a medium containing an irritant, comprising: a housing (16) mountable on the pressure vessel (12); a nozzle (26) for discharging the medium; a connection element (28) which is connected on the one hand to the nozzle (26) and on the other hand to a valve device (24) of the pressure vessel (12) can be coupled; and an actuator (30) which, when actuated by a user, moves the connector (28) to open the valve means (24) of the pressure vessel (12) and the medium from the pressure vessel (12) via the nozzle (28) (26)
marked by a securing device (46, 50) which is arranged in the housing (16) and is released from a normal position forming a release position, in which a movement of the connecting element (28) for opening the valve device (24) is released, if necessary into a securing position, in which a movement of the connecting element (28) is blocked for opening the valve device (24) is movable. A spray head according to claim 1, wherein
the securing device (46, 50) has a securing pin (50) which projects at least partially out of the housing (16). A spray head according to claim 2, wherein
the securing pin (50) of the securing device has a fastening section for fastening a connecting means. A spray head according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
the securing device (46, 50) has a locking element (46), which is received between the release position and the securing position movable in a recess in the housing (16). A spray head according to claim 4, wherein
the housing (16) has a housing opening (48) through which the securing pin (50) is guided out of the housing (16), the housing opening (48) being configured so that the locking element (46) does not pass through the housing opening (48). 48) can be moved through. A spray head according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
the locking pin (50) is releasably secured to the locking element (46). Spray head according to one of the preceding claims, in which
between the actuating element (30) and the connecting element (28) is provided an intermediate element (34) for transmitting a movement of the actuating element (30) onto the connecting element (28). A spray head according to claim 7, wherein
another locking pin (44) is secured to the intermediate member (34);
the housing (16) has a further housing opening (42) through which the further securing pin (44) projects at least partially out of the housing (16); and
the further housing opening (42) is designed such that the intermediate element (34) can be removed from the housing (16). Spray head according to one of the preceding claims, in which
the housing (16) on a side facing the pressure vessel (12) has a housing extension (20) into which the pressure vessel (12) can be at least partly accommodated. A spray device (10) for dispensing a medium, in particular a medium containing an irritant, comprising: a pressure vessel (12) having valve means (24) for receiving the medium to be dispensed; and a spray head (14) according to one of the preceding claims, which is placed on the pressure vessel (12).

Images