EP3229972B1 - Spray head and spraying apparatus - Google Patents
Spray head and spraying apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3229972B1 EP3229972B1 EP15715227.3A EP15715227A EP3229972B1 EP 3229972 B1 EP3229972 B1 EP 3229972B1 EP 15715227 A EP15715227 A EP 15715227A EP 3229972 B1 EP3229972 B1 EP 3229972B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- spray head
- entity
- adjustment
- liquid guiding
- nozzles
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 title claims description 127
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 title claims description 26
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 119
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002262 irrigation Effects 0.000 description 21
- 238000003973 irrigation Methods 0.000 description 21
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009827 uniform distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
- B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
- B05B1/18—Roses; Shower heads
- B05B1/185—Roses; Shower heads characterised by their outlet element; Mounting arrangements therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
- B05B15/60—Arrangements for mounting, supporting or holding spraying apparatus
- B05B15/65—Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits
- B05B15/652—Mounting arrangements for fluid connection of the spraying apparatus or its outlets to flow conduits whereby the jet can be oriented
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
- B05B15/60—Arrangements for mounting, supporting or holding spraying apparatus
- B05B15/68—Arrangements for adjusting the position of spray heads
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of spray heads. More specifically, the present invention is related to a spray head being adapted to change the irrigation area size.
- Spraying apparatuses specifically spraying apparatuses for watering flowers or plants, are well known in prior art, see e.g. US 2006/032945 .
- Said spraying apparatuses comprise a housing with a liquid inlet, at least one liquid channel for guiding liquid through the spraying apparatus and a liquid outlet for providing liquid, specifically water, to the flowers or plants.
- Said spraying apparatuses may comprise a valve for enabling/disabling the liquid flow through the liquid channel.
- spraying apparatuses of shower spray head type are known which comprise a spray head with a plurality liquid outlets and which comprise means for changing the size of irrigation area.
- the invention relates to a spray head for a spraying apparatus.
- the spray head comprises a spray head base body including a spray head fluid channel.
- the spray head further comprises a plurality of nozzles which are arranged at the spray head base body.
- Each nozzle comprises a nozzle fluid channel.
- the nozzle fluid channels are coupled with the spray head fluid channel and the free ends of the nozzle fluid channels form liquid outlets of the spray head.
- the nozzles are circumferentially arranged around a central axis of the spray head. In other words, the nozzles are distributed over a front side of the spray head.
- the nozzles are arranged in multiple concentric nozzle rings.
- Each nozzle comprise a liquid guiding portion, said liquid guiding portion including said nozzle fluid channel and being made of an elastic, flexible material. Said material may be, for example, an elastomer.
- the spray head further includes an adjustment unit comprising an adjustment entity, said adjustment entity being movably mounted at the spray head base body.
- the adjustment entity comprises a plurality of apertures for providing passages for said flexible liquid guiding portions.
- the spray head is adapted to change the spraying pattern by moving the adjustment entity with respect to the spray head base body, said movement causing a bending of the flexible liquid guiding portions of said nozzles.
- the oblong apertures have a curved shape. Thereby, a smooth bending of the liquid guiding portions is obtained. According to other embodiments, the oblong apertures have a linear shape.
- the longitudinal axis of the oblong apertures is slanted with respect to a radial direction, said radial direction referring to the rotating axis of the adjustment entity.
- the slanting angle may be close to 90°, e.g. in the range of 70° to 89°, wherein the slanting angle opens outwardly (in a direction opposite to the spray head central axis or rotation axis).
- the adjustment entity is adapted to bend the liquid guiding portions in circumferential direction with respect to the rotational axis of the adjustment entity.
- the liquid guiding portions of the nozzles are bent in rotational direction. Said bending is achieved by edges of apertures provided within the adjustment entity.
- the adjustment entity is slidably mounted within the spray head, wherein the sliding direction is parallel or essentially parallel to the spray head central axis.
- the adjustment entity may comprise nozzle passages, said nozzle passages applying a radially inwardly or radially outwardly directed force to the liquid guiding portions when sliding the adjustment entity.
- the liquid guiding portions of the nozzles are slanted with respect to the sliding direction.
- Said slanting refers to non-bent liquid guiding portions (without applying external force to the liquid guiding portions).
- the nozzles are tilted at an angle of 10° to 30°, preferably, 15° to 25°, most preferably, 16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, 22°, 23° or 24°.
- the adjustment entity comprises a plurality of apertures, the edges of the apertures providing a close fit to the liquid guiding portions. Said apertures provide the upper-mentioned nozzle passages. Close fit as used in the present disclosure means that the aperture dimension is adapted to the dimensions of the liquid guiding portion such that the adjustment entity can be easily moved with respect to the liquid guiding portions but there is only a small gap between the aperture edge and the liquid guiding portion in order to achieve upper-mentioned liquid guiding portion deformation when moving the adjustment entity.
- the adjustment unit comprises an adjustment portion, said adjustment portion being rotatably mounted at the spray head, wherein the adjustment portion is coupled with the adjustment entity such that the adjustment entity is shifted when rotating the adjustment portion.
- the adjustment portion may be an adjusting ring.
- the adjustment portion may comprise an internal thread which is coupled with a lateral protrusion or edge of the adjustment entity in order to transform the rotary movement of the adjustment portion into a transversal movement (shifting) of the adjustment entity.
- a guiding entity is provided, said guiding entity being arranged between the adjustment entity and the liquid outlets of the nozzles. Said guiding entity is adapted to provide a lateral guide for the liquid guiding portions. Thereby an enhanced and guided movement of the liquid guiding portions is obtained.
- said guiding entity is fixedly arranged with respect to the spray head base body.
- the guiding entity does not move when rotating or sliding the adjustment entity.
- the liquid guiding portions of the nozzles are guided or fixed at both ends and deformed by means of the adjustment entity which is arranged between those ends thereby achieving a well-defined movement of the liquid guiding portions.
- the guiding entity comprises oblong apertures, the longitudinal axes of said oblong apertures being radially arranged with respect to the spray head central axis.
- the liquid guiding portions can move in a radial direction and guided in a direction perpendicular to said radial direction.
- the adjustment entity is adapted such that only some of the nozzles are bent by the adjustment entity or the bending angle is different.
- nozzles which are arranged opposite to each other are bent by the same bending angle. Thereby, a spray pattern with an oval cross section is obtained.
- the invention relates to a spraying apparatus.
- the spraying apparatus comprises a spray head according to anyone of the above-mentioned embodiments.
- Fig. 1 to 5 show a spray head 1 according to a first aspect not covered by the invention.
- the spray head 1 comprises a spray head base body 2 which comprises a connection portion 2.1 for connecting the spray head 1 with a spraying apparatus base unit.
- a spray head base body 2 which comprises a connection portion 2.1 for connecting the spray head 1 with a spraying apparatus base unit.
- the spray head 1 is directly connected with a water hose by means of said connection portion 2.1.
- the spray head base body 2 includes a spray head fluid channel 3 through which water, in general liquid, is flowing when using the spray head 1.
- a plurality of nozzles 4 are arranged at the spray head base body 2.
- Each nozzle 4 comprises a nozzle inlet which is fluidically coupled with the spray head fluid channel 3 and a nozzle outlet which constitutes one of the plurality of liquid outlets 5 of the spray head 1.
- the nozzle comprises an oblong nozzle fluid channel 4.1 formed within the nozzle 4, the free ends of the nozzle fluid channel 4.1 building the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle fluid channel 4.1 is fluidically coupled with the spray head fluid channel 3 for providing a water flow through said nozzle 4.
- Each nozzle 4 comprises a nozzle base portion 4.3 by means of which the liquid guiding portion 4.2 is coupled to the spray head base body 2.
- the liquid guiding portion 4.2 may comprise a tubular shape.
- At least the liquid guiding portion 4.2 is made of a flexible, elastic material, e.g. a elastomer.
- the nozzle 4 is integrally formed and made of a flexible, elastic material (one-piece nozzle).
- the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of the nozzles 4 protrude at the front side of the spray head 1. Due to the elastic, flexible material of the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of the nozzles 4, the direction of water flow can be changed by bending the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of the nozzle 4.
- the nozzles 4 are circumferentially arranged around a central axis CA of the spray head 1. According to the present embodiment, the nozzles 4 are arranged in a ring-shaped area.
- the nozzles 4 are arranged in multiple concentric rings at the spray head base body 2, i.e. the nozzle rings comprise different sizes (different ring diameters).
- the front portion of the spray head 1 comprises a circular or essentially circular shape.
- the spray head 1 comprises an adjustment unit 6, said adjustment unit 6 being adapted to bend the liquid guiding portions 4.2 in a certain direction in order to change the irrigation area. It is worth mentioning that due to the longitudinal shape of the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of the nozzles 4, the irrigation area can be changed only by changing the alignment of the liquid guiding portions 4.2.
- the adjustment unit 6 comprises an adjustment entity 7 which is adapted to interact with the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of the nozzles 4 such that the alignment of the liquid guiding portions 4.2 is changed.
- the adjustment entity 7 comprises a plurality of apertures 7.1. Said apertures 7.1 are arranged at the adjustment entity 7 such that the liquid guiding portion of each nozzle is received in one aperture 7.1.
- the adjustment entity is put on the plurality of liquid guiding portions 4.2 such that said liquid guiding portions 4.2 pass through the adjustment entity 7 and the apertures 7.1 provide the passages for said liquid guiding portions 4.2.
- the adjustment entity 7 may comprise a plate-like, planar shape.
- the adjustment entity 7 is movably arranged at the spray head 1.
- the alignment of all liquid guiding portions 4.2 is changed simultaneously thereby changing the irrigation area affected by the spray head 1.
- the irrigation area may be changed by changing the radial distance RD of the liquid outlets 5 with respect to the spray head central axis CA.
- the liquid guiding portions 4.2 are bent such, that the free ends of the liquid guiding portions 4.2 are moved from a position close to the central axis CA to an outer position or from an outer position to a position close to the central axis CA.
- the adjustment entity 7 is rotatably arranged within the spray head 1 in order to change irrigation area size.
- the adjustment entity 7 comprises a plurality of oblong apertures 7.1.
- the narrow side of the oblong aperture 7.1 is adapted to the outer dimensions of the liquid guiding portion 4.2 in order to enable a bending of the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of the nozzle 4 by means of the aperture edges.
- the longitudinal axes of the oblong apertures 7.1 are slanted with respect to a radial direction, said radial direction referring to the central axis of the spray head 1.
- the liquid guiding portion 4.2 is bent by the edge of the oblong aperture 7.1.
- the longitudinal axes of the oblong apertures 7.1 is tilted with respect to the radial direction (referring to central axis CA) an angle between 70° and 90°, preferably, 70°, 71°, 72°, 73°, 74°, 75°, 76°, 77°, 78°, 79°, 80°, 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°, 86°, 87°, 88° or 89°, wherein the angle opens in a direction opposite to the central axis CA.
- the apertures 7.1 may comprise a curved shape.
- the plurality of oblong apertures 7.1 may form holes comprising a paddle-wheel-like shape.
- the adjustment unit 6 further comprises an adjustment portion 8.
- Said adjustment portion 8 may be an adjustment ring being circumferentially arranged at the spray head 1.
- the adjustment portion 8 is rotatably mounted at said spray head 1 and coupled with the adjustment entity 7 in order to rotate the adjustment entity 7.
- the adjustment unit 6 further comprises a guiding entity 9.
- the guiding entity 9 may form the outer entity of the front portion of the spray head 1, i.e. may be arranged close to the liquid outlets 5 of the spray head 1, and the adjustment entity 7 may be arranged between the guiding entity 9 and the nozzle base portions 4.3.
- the guiding entity may comprise a plurality of oblong apertures 9.1. Said oblong apertures 9.1 may be radially or essentially radially arranged at the guiding entity 9, i.e.
- the longitudinal axes of said oblong apertures 9.1 are radially arranged with respect to the spray head central axis CA. Similar to the adjustment entity 7, the said apertures 9.1 are arranged at the guiding entity 9 such that the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of each nozzle 4 is received in one aperture 9.1. In other words, the guiding entity 9 is put on the plurality of liquid guiding portions 4.2 such that said liquid guiding portions 4.2 pass through the guiding entity 9 and the apertures 9.1 provide the passages for the liquid guiding portions 4.2.
- the guiding entity 9 may also comprise a plate-like, planar shape.
- the guiding entity 9 is fixedly arranged at the spray head 1, i.e. there is a relative movement between the movable, specifically rotatable adjustment entity 7 and the fixedly arranged guiding entity 9. Due to the slanted arrangement of the oblong apertures 7.1 with respect to the radially arranged oblong apertures 9.1 of the guiding entity 9 and the arrangement of the adjustment entity 7 and the guiding entity 9 next to each other, a well-defined passage of each liquid guiding portion 4.2 through the adjustment unit 6 is provided, thereby realizing a well-defined guiding of the liquid guiding portion 4.2.
- Fig. 6 to 8 show a second aspect not covered by the invention of a spray head 1.
- the spray head 1 comprises a spray head base body 2 which comprises a connection portion 2.1 for connecting the spray head 1 with a spraying apparatus base unit or a water hose.
- the main difference of the spray head 1 according to the second aspect with respect to the first aspect is the implementation of the adjustment unit 6. Therefore, in the following the adjustment unit 6 according to the second aspect is described in closer detail. Apart from that, the description of the technical features of the first aspect also applies to the second aspect.
- a main difference between the first and the second aspect is the arrangement of the nozzles 4 at the spray head base body 2.
- the longitudinal axes of the nozzles 4 are slanted with respect to a central axis of the spray head 1.
- a support portion 4.4 of the nozzles 4 comprise a truncated cone-like shape, such that in the non-bent condition (without external force applied by the adjustment entity 7) all nozzles 4 are slanted by the same angle with respect to the central axis CA.
- the adjustment entity 7 is slidably arranged within the spray head 1 in order to change said irrigation area size.
- the adjustment entity 7 which is included in the spray head 1 comprises a plurality of apertures 7.1, wherein the aperture dimension is adapted to the outer dimensions of the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of the nozzles 4 in order to enable a bending of said liquid guiding portions 4.2 by means of the aperture edges. Said bending is achieved by sliding the adjustment entity 7 in a sliding direction SD, said sliding direction SD being parallel to the spray head central axis CA. Due to the slanted arrangement of the nozzles 4 with respect to said central axis or sliding axis, the distance between a lower portion of the liquid guiding portion 4.2 (e.g.
- a portion close to the nozzle base portion 4.3) and the central axis CA is different to, preferably smaller than the distance between an upper portion of the liquid guiding portion 4.2 (e.g. a portion close to the liquid outlets 5) and the central axis CA. So, by sliding the adjustment entity 7 in a direction parallel to central axis CA, the nozzles are deformed or bent by the edges of the apertures 7.1 of the adjustment entity 7.
- Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate two different positions of the adjustment entity 7, namely a retracted position (the adjustment entity 7 is located close to the support portion 4.4, Fig. 7 ) and a forward-pushed position (the adjustment entity 7 is located close to the liquid outlets 5, Fig. 8 ).
- the liquid guiding portions 4.2 are deformed thereby pushing the liquid outlets 5 in closer proximity to the central axis CA.
- the liquid guiding portion 4.2 may be deformed thereby pushing the liquid outlets 5 away from the central axis CA. Thereby the irrigation pattern of the spray head 1 is changed.
- the adjustment unit 6 further comprises an adjustment portion 8.
- Said adjustment portion 8 may be an adjustment ring being circumferentially arranged at the spray head 1.
- the adjustment portion 8 is rotatably mounted at said spray head 1 and coupled with the adjustment entity 7 in order to shift the adjustment entity 7.
- the adjustment portion 8 may comprise an inner thread which is coupled with one or more lateral protrusions of the adjustment entity 7 in order to transform the rotary movement of the adjustment portion 8 into a transversal movement (shifting) of the adjustment entity 7.
- the adjustment unit 6 may further comprise a guiding entity 9.
- the guiding entity 9 may from the outer entity of the front portion of the spray head 1, i.e. may be arranged close to the liquid outlets 5 of the spray head 1, and the adjustment entity 7 may be arranged between the guiding entity 9 and the nozzle base portions 4.3.
- the guiding entity 9 may comprise a plurality of oblong apertures 9.1. Said oblong apertures 9.1 may be radially or essentially radially arranged at the guiding entity 9, i.e. the longitudinal axes of said oblong apertures 9.1 are radially arranged with respect to the spray head central axis CA.
- the said apertures 9.1 are arranged at the guiding entity 9 such that the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of each nozzle 4 is received in one aperture 9.1.
- the guiding entity 9 is put on the plurality of liquid guiding portions 4.2 such that said liquid guiding portions 4.2 pass through the guiding entity 9 and the apertures 9.1 provide the passages for the liquid guiding portions 4.2.
- the guiding entity 9 may also comprise a plate-like, planar shape.
- the guiding entity 9 is fixedly arranged at the spray head 1, i.e. there is a relative movement between the movable, specifically shiftable adjustment entity 7 and the fixedly arranged guiding entity 9.
- Fig. 9 to 13 show an embodiment of the invention of a spray head 1.
- Fig. 9 to 13 show an embodiment of the invention of a spray head 1.
- the spray head 1 comprises a spray head base body 2 including a spray head fluid channel 3 and a nozzle entity comprising a plurality of nozzles 4 made of elastic material.
- the spray head 1 preferably does not comprise any guiding entity 9.
- the adjustment entity 7 also builds the front-side cover plate of the spray head 1.
- the adjustment entity 7 comprises a plurality of apertures 7.1. Said apertures 7.1 are arranged at the adjustment entity 7 such that the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of each nozzle 4 is received in one aperture 7.1.
- the adjustment entity 7 is put on the plurality of liquid guiding portions 4.2 such that said liquid guiding portions 4.2 pass through the adjustment entity 7 and the apertures 7.1 provide the passages for said liquid guiding portions 4.2.
- the liquid guiding portions 4.2 are force-guided within the apertures 7.1 in order to obtain a reproducible spray pattern.
- due to the minimum gap between the liquid guiding portions 4.2 and the edges of the apertures 7.1 also the penetration of sand and dirt is minimized.
- the adjustment entity 7 is rotatably mounted at the spray head base body 2 by means of a central bearing 10, i.e. the adjustment entity 7 is able to be rotated around the central axis CA of the spray head 1 wherein the rotating axis RA coincides with the central axis CA.
- a sealing ring 10.1 may be arranged in the area of said central bearing 10 .
- Said sealing ring 10.1 may provide friction between the rotatable adjustment entity 7 and the stationarily arranged portion of the connecting piece 13 forming the central bearing 10 in order to avoid an undesired movement of the adjustment entity 7.
- frictional forces between the central bearing 10 and the adjustment entity 7 can be obtained by other friction generating means, e.g. by using clamping means, clamping ribs or an interlinking between the adjustment entity 7 and the central bearing 10.
- the adjustment entity 7 is mounted at the spray head base body 2 by means of a snap-on mechanism.
- the adjustment entity 7 may comprise at least a pair of snap hooks 11 which are extending from the bottom side of the adjustment entity 7, i.e. at a side opposite to the plate-like portion comprising the apertures 7.1.
- Said snap hooks 11 interact with grooves or nuts 12 provided at the spray head base body 2 such that the adjustment entity 7 is attached to the spray head base body 2 by the snap hooks 11 engaging into said nuts 12.
- the nuts may be provided in the spray head base body 2 or in a connecting piece 13 being arranged between the adjustment entity 7 and the spray head base body 2.
- the connecting piece 13 may be screwed onto the spray head base body 2.
- the connecting piece 13 may have a ring-like shape and may be used for fixing the nozzles 4, specifically a nozzle entity (nozzle mat) comprising a plurality of nozzles.
- the grooves or nuts 12 comprise a length (in circumferential direction) which is greater than the width of the snap hooks 11.
- the adjustment entity 7 is rotatable around the rotating axis RA, wherein the rotating angle is limited by the edges of the grooves or nuts 12.
- the edges of the grooves or nuts 12 form stop portions interacting with the snap hooks 11 such that the rotating angle of the snap hooks 11 is limited to a certain angle.
- Said angle may be in the range between 5° and 20°, preferably between 10° and 15°, specifically 11°, 12°, 13° or 14°.
- Fig. 10 and 12 refer to a rotational position of the adjustment entity 7 in which the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of the nozzles 4 are unbent, i.e. the adjustment entity 7 does not apply forces onto the nozzles 4. Therefore, the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of the nozzles 4 are parallel to each other and parallel to the central axis CA.
- Fig. 11 and 13 shows the spray head 1 with the adjustment entity 7 in a rotational position in which the nozzles 4 are bent by the adjustment entity 7.
- the tilting angle of the nozzles 4 may be up to 45°. Depending on the position of a certain nozzle 4, the degree of bending is different, i.e. the inner nozzles 4 are tilted or bent by a smaller angle than the outer nozzles 4. In other words, due to the different distances of the nozzles 4 to the rotating axis RA, the tilting angle is different. Thereby liquid jets provided by the nozzles are crossing thereby generating a uniform irrigation pattern and/or a uniform distribution of liquid jets.
- the diameter of the irrigation area may be in the range between 10cm and 100cm (measured in a distance of 1m from the free ends of the nozzles 4).
- Fig. 14 shows a hand-held spraying apparatus 100 according to an embodiment.
- the spraying apparatus 1 may be a handheld device, e.g. a spray gun, for providing liquid, specifically water to water receiving objects, for example, flowers or plants.
- the spraying apparatus 100 comprises a housing 110 with a grip portion 120 for manually holding the spraying apparatus 100.
- the spraying apparatus 100 may further comprise activation means 130, for example a button, said activation means 130 being coupled with a valve (not shown) for enabling/disabling or controlling a liquid flow through the spraying apparatus 100.
- the spraying apparatus 100 may comprise a spray head according to one of the upper-mentioned embodiments for bringing out the same water flow rate on different irrigation areas (e.g. a small and large irrigation area). It is worth mentioning that the spray head 1 may be adapted to provide a stepless adaption of the irrigation area by a stepless moving (rotating, sliding) of the adjusting entity 7.
- the hand-held spraying apparatus 100 may be arranged by means of a rod at a certain distance above the ground wherein the liquid is sprayed upwardly. Due to the irrigation adjustment mechanism, the diameter of the irrigated area may be continuously changed between 0.2m and 3m.
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Description
- The present invention relates generally to the field of spray heads. More specifically, the present invention is related to a spray head being adapted to change the irrigation area size.
- Spraying apparatuses, specifically spraying apparatuses for watering flowers or plants, are well known in prior art, see e.g.
US 2006/032945 . Said spraying apparatuses comprise a housing with a liquid inlet, at least one liquid channel for guiding liquid through the spraying apparatus and a liquid outlet for providing liquid, specifically water, to the flowers or plants. Said spraying apparatuses may comprise a valve for enabling/disabling the liquid flow through the liquid channel. Also, spraying apparatuses of shower spray head type are known which comprise a spray head with a plurality liquid outlets and which comprise means for changing the size of irrigation area. - It is an objective of the embodiments of the invention to provide a technically simple spray head which can be manufactured in a cost-efficient way and which provides a possibility to change the size of irrigation area. The objective is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims. If not explicitly indicated otherwise, embodiments of the invention can be freely combined with each other.
- According to an aspect, the invention relates to a spray head for a spraying apparatus. The spray head comprises a spray head base body including a spray head fluid channel.
- The spray head further comprises a plurality of nozzles which are arranged at the spray head base body. Each nozzle comprises a nozzle fluid channel. The nozzle fluid channels are coupled with the spray head fluid channel and the free ends of the nozzle fluid channels form liquid outlets of the spray head. The nozzles are circumferentially arranged around a central axis of the spray head. In other words, the nozzles are distributed over a front side of the spray head. Preferably, the nozzles are arranged in multiple concentric nozzle rings. Each nozzle comprise a liquid guiding portion, said liquid guiding portion including said nozzle fluid channel and being made of an elastic, flexible material. Said material may be, for example, an elastomer.
- The spray head further includes an adjustment unit comprising an adjustment entity, said adjustment entity being movably mounted at the spray head base body. The adjustment entity comprises a plurality of apertures for providing passages for said flexible liquid guiding portions. The spray head is adapted to change the spraying pattern by moving the adjustment entity with respect to the spray head base body, said movement causing a bending of the flexible liquid guiding portions of said nozzles.
- Thereby, a technically simple and cost-efficient spray head including an adjustment mechanism for changing the size of irrigation area is obtained.
- According to embodiments, the oblong apertures have a curved shape. Thereby, a smooth bending of the liquid guiding portions is obtained. According to other embodiments, the oblong apertures have a linear shape.
- According to embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the oblong apertures is slanted with respect to a radial direction, said radial direction referring to the rotating axis of the adjustment entity. The slanting angle may be close to 90°, e.g. in the range of 70° to 89°, wherein the slanting angle opens outwardly (in a direction opposite to the spray head central axis or rotation axis).
- According to the invention, the adjustment entity is adapted to bend the liquid guiding portions in circumferential direction with respect to the rotational axis of the adjustment entity. In other words, when rotating the adjustment entity around its rotational axis, the liquid guiding portions of the nozzles are bent in rotational direction. Said bending is achieved by edges of apertures provided within the adjustment entity. When rotating the adjustment entity, said edges abut against the liquid guiding portions of the nozzles and bend said liquid guiding portions in order to increase/decrease the irrigation area. According to embodiments, the adjustment entity is slidably mounted within the spray head, wherein the sliding direction is parallel or essentially parallel to the spray head central axis. The adjustment entity may comprise nozzle passages, said nozzle passages applying a radially inwardly or radially outwardly directed force to the liquid guiding portions when sliding the adjustment entity.
- According to embodiments, the liquid guiding portions of the nozzles are slanted with respect to the sliding direction. Said slanting refers to non-bent liquid guiding portions (without applying external force to the liquid guiding portions). For example, the nozzles are tilted at an angle of 10° to 30°, preferably, 15° to 25°, most preferably, 16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, 22°, 23° or 24°. By sliding the adjustment entity, an external force is applied to the liquid guiding portions and the tilt angle is decreased thereby reducing the irrigation area size.
- According to embodiments, the adjustment entity comprises a plurality of apertures, the edges of the apertures providing a close fit to the liquid guiding portions. Said apertures provide the upper-mentioned nozzle passages. Close fit as used in the present disclosure means that the aperture dimension is adapted to the dimensions of the liquid guiding portion such that the adjustment entity can be easily moved with respect to the liquid guiding portions but there is only a small gap between the aperture edge and the liquid guiding portion in order to achieve upper-mentioned liquid guiding portion deformation when moving the adjustment entity.
- According to embodiments, the adjustment unit comprises an adjustment portion, said adjustment portion being rotatably mounted at the spray head, wherein the adjustment portion is coupled with the adjustment entity such that the adjustment entity is shifted when rotating the adjustment portion. The adjustment portion may be an adjusting ring. The adjustment portion may comprise an internal thread which is coupled with a lateral protrusion or edge of the adjustment entity in order to transform the rotary movement of the adjustment portion into a transversal movement (shifting) of the adjustment entity.
- According to embodiments, a guiding entity is provided, said guiding entity being arranged between the adjustment entity and the liquid outlets of the nozzles. Said guiding entity is adapted to provide a lateral guide for the liquid guiding portions. Thereby an enhanced and guided movement of the liquid guiding portions is obtained.
- According to embodiments, said guiding entity is fixedly arranged with respect to the spray head base body. In other words, the guiding entity does not move when rotating or sliding the adjustment entity. Thereby, the liquid guiding portions of the nozzles are guided or fixed at both ends and deformed by means of the adjustment entity which is arranged between those ends thereby achieving a well-defined movement of the liquid guiding portions.
- According to embodiments, the guiding entity comprises oblong apertures, the longitudinal axes of said oblong apertures being radially arranged with respect to the spray head central axis. Thereby, the liquid guiding portions can move in a radial direction and guided in a direction perpendicular to said radial direction.
- According to embodiments, the adjustment entity is adapted such that only some of the nozzles are bent by the adjustment entity or the bending angle is different. Preferably, nozzles which are arranged opposite to each other (point-symmetric with respect to the central axis) are bent by the same bending angle. Thereby, a spray pattern with an oval cross section is obtained.
- According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a spraying apparatus. The spraying apparatus comprises a spray head according to anyone of the above-mentioned embodiments.
- The term "essentially" or "approximately" as used in the present disclosure means deviations from the exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and/or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.
- The various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Fig. 1 shows an example perspective view of a spray head according to a first aspect not covered by the invention; -
Fig. 2 shows an example front view of the spray head according to the first aspect not covered by the invention; -
Fig. 3 shows an example front view of the spray head according to the first aspect not covered by the invention when removing the guiding entity; -
Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the spray head according to the first aspect not covered by the invention with non-bent liquid guiding portions; -
Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of the spray head according to the first aspect not covered by the invention with outwardly bent liquid guiding portions; -
Fig. 6 shows an example perspective view of a spray head according to a first aspect not covered by the invention; -
Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of the spray head according to the second aspect not covered by the invention with non-bent liquid guiding portions; -
Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of the spray head according to the second aspect not covered by the invention with inwardly bent liquid guiding portions; -
Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the spray head according to the invention with non-bent liquid guiding portions; -
Fig. 10 shows a further sectional view of the spray head according to the invention with non-bent liquid guiding portions providing liquid jets; -
Fig. 11 shows a further sectional view of the spray head according to the invention with bent liquid guiding portions providing slanted liquid jets crossing each other; -
Fig. 12 shows an example front view of the spray head according to the invention with non-bent liquid guiding portions; -
Fig. 12 shows an example front view of the spray head according to the invention with bent liquid guiding portions; and -
Fig. 14 shows an example side view of a spraying apparatus. - The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. However, this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Throughout the following description similar reference numerals have been used to denote similar elements, parts, items or features, when applicable.
-
Fig. 1 to 5 show aspray head 1 according to a first aspect not covered by the invention. - The
spray head 1 comprises a sprayhead base body 2 which comprises a connection portion 2.1 for connecting thespray head 1 with a spraying apparatus base unit. Alternatively, it may be possible that thespray head 1 is directly connected with a water hose by means of said connection portion 2.1. The sprayhead base body 2 includes a sprayhead fluid channel 3 through which water, in general liquid, is flowing when using thespray head 1. - At the opposite side of the connection portion 2.1, a plurality of
nozzles 4 are arranged at the sprayhead base body 2. Eachnozzle 4 comprises a nozzle inlet which is fluidically coupled with the sprayhead fluid channel 3 and a nozzle outlet which constitutes one of the plurality ofliquid outlets 5 of thespray head 1. In other words, the nozzle comprises an oblong nozzle fluid channel 4.1 formed within thenozzle 4, the free ends of the nozzle fluid channel 4.1 building the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet, wherein the nozzle fluid channel 4.1 is fluidically coupled with the sprayhead fluid channel 3 for providing a water flow through saidnozzle 4. - Each
nozzle 4 comprises a nozzle base portion 4.3 by means of which the liquid guiding portion 4.2 is coupled to the sprayhead base body 2. The liquid guiding portion 4.2 may comprise a tubular shape. At least the liquid guiding portion 4.2 is made of a flexible, elastic material, e.g. a elastomer. Preferably, thenozzle 4 is integrally formed and made of a flexible, elastic material (one-piece nozzle). In addition, it may be possible that multiple nozzles 4 (group of nozzles) or allnozzles 4 of thespray head 1 are integrally formed by a nozzle entity. The liquid guiding portions 4.2 of thenozzles 4 protrude at the front side of thespray head 1. Due to the elastic, flexible material of the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of thenozzles 4, the direction of water flow can be changed by bending the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of thenozzle 4. - The
nozzles 4 are circumferentially arranged around a central axis CA of thespray head 1. According to the present embodiment, thenozzles 4 are arranged in a ring-shaped area. For example, thenozzles 4 are arranged in multiple concentric rings at the sprayhead base body 2, i.e. the nozzle rings comprise different sizes (different ring diameters). Preferably, also the front portion of thespray head 1 comprises a circular or essentially circular shape. - In order to change the irrigation area size for enabling at least a soft and a hard irrigation of a water receiving object (e.g. a flower or plant), the
spray head 1 comprises anadjustment unit 6, saidadjustment unit 6 being adapted to bend the liquid guiding portions 4.2 in a certain direction in order to change the irrigation area. It is worth mentioning that due to the longitudinal shape of the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of thenozzles 4, the irrigation area can be changed only by changing the alignment of the liquid guiding portions 4.2. - The
adjustment unit 6 comprises anadjustment entity 7 which is adapted to interact with the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of thenozzles 4 such that the alignment of the liquid guiding portions 4.2 is changed. More in detail, theadjustment entity 7 comprises a plurality of apertures 7.1. Said apertures 7.1 are arranged at theadjustment entity 7 such that the liquid guiding portion of each nozzle is received in one aperture 7.1. In other words, the adjustment entity is put on the plurality of liquid guiding portions 4.2 such that said liquid guiding portions 4.2 pass through theadjustment entity 7 and the apertures 7.1 provide the passages for said liquid guiding portions 4.2. Theadjustment entity 7 may comprise a plate-like, planar shape. - For achieving a bending of said liquid guiding portions 4.2 of the
nozzles 4, theadjustment entity 7 is movably arranged at thespray head 1. Preferably, by moving theadjustment entity 7, the alignment of all liquid guiding portions 4.2 is changed simultaneously thereby changing the irrigation area affected by thespray head 1. The irrigation area may be changed by changing the radial distance RD of theliquid outlets 5 with respect to the spray head central axis CA. In other words, by moving theadjustment entity 7, the liquid guiding portions 4.2 are bent such, that the free ends of the liquid guiding portions 4.2 are moved from a position close to the central axis CA to an outer position or from an outer position to a position close to the central axis CA. - According to the present aspect not covered by the invention, the
adjustment entity 7 is rotatably arranged within thespray head 1 in order to change irrigation area size. As shown inFig. 3 , theadjustment entity 7 comprises a plurality of oblong apertures 7.1. The narrow side of the oblong aperture 7.1 is adapted to the outer dimensions of the liquid guiding portion 4.2 in order to enable a bending of the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of thenozzle 4 by means of the aperture edges. - According to the present aspect not covered by the invention, the longitudinal axes of the oblong apertures 7.1 are slanted with respect to a radial direction, said radial direction referring to the central axis of the
spray head 1. By means of said slanted arrangement of the oblong apertures 7.1, the liquid guiding portion 4.2 is bent by the edge of the oblong aperture 7.1. For example, the longitudinal axes of the oblong apertures 7.1 is tilted with respect to the radial direction (referring to central axis CA) an angle between 70° and 90°, preferably, 70°, 71°, 72°, 73°, 74°, 75°, 76°, 77°, 78°, 79°, 80°, 81°, 82°, 83°, 84°, 85°, 86°, 87°, 88° or 89°, wherein the angle opens in a direction opposite to the central axis CA. The apertures 7.1 may comprise a curved shape. In other words, the plurality of oblong apertures 7.1 may form holes comprising a paddle-wheel-like shape. - For enabling rotation of the
adjustment entity 7 arranged in the interior of theadjustment unit 6, theadjustment unit 6 further comprises anadjustment portion 8. Saidadjustment portion 8 may be an adjustment ring being circumferentially arranged at thespray head 1. Theadjustment portion 8 is rotatably mounted at saidspray head 1 and coupled with theadjustment entity 7 in order to rotate theadjustment entity 7. - In order to avoid an undesired deformation of the liquid guiding portions 4.2 laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aperture 7.1, the
adjustment unit 6 further comprises a guidingentity 9. The guidingentity 9 may form the outer entity of the front portion of thespray head 1, i.e. may be arranged close to theliquid outlets 5 of thespray head 1, and theadjustment entity 7 may be arranged between the guidingentity 9 and the nozzle base portions 4.3. The guiding entity may comprise a plurality of oblong apertures 9.1. Said oblong apertures 9.1 may be radially or essentially radially arranged at the guidingentity 9, i.e. the longitudinal axes of said oblong apertures 9.1 are radially arranged with respect to the spray head central axis CA. Similar to theadjustment entity 7, the said apertures 9.1 are arranged at the guidingentity 9 such that the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of eachnozzle 4 is received in one aperture 9.1. In other words, the guidingentity 9 is put on the plurality of liquid guiding portions 4.2 such that said liquid guiding portions 4.2 pass through the guidingentity 9 and the apertures 9.1 provide the passages for the liquid guiding portions 4.2. The guidingentity 9 may also comprise a plate-like, planar shape. - Preferably, the guiding
entity 9 is fixedly arranged at thespray head 1, i.e. there is a relative movement between the movable, specificallyrotatable adjustment entity 7 and the fixedly arranged guidingentity 9. Due to the slanted arrangement of the oblong apertures 7.1 with respect to the radially arranged oblong apertures 9.1 of the guidingentity 9 and the arrangement of theadjustment entity 7 and the guidingentity 9 next to each other, a well-defined passage of each liquid guiding portion 4.2 through theadjustment unit 6 is provided, thereby realizing a well-defined guiding of the liquid guiding portion 4.2. -
Fig. 6 to 8 show a second aspect not covered by the invention of aspray head 1. Similar to the first aspect, thespray head 1 comprises a sprayhead base body 2 which comprises a connection portion 2.1 for connecting thespray head 1 with a spraying apparatus base unit or a water hose. The main difference of thespray head 1 according to the second aspect with respect to the first aspect is the implementation of theadjustment unit 6. Therefore, in the following theadjustment unit 6 according to the second aspect is described in closer detail. Apart from that, the description of the technical features of the first aspect also applies to the second aspect. - A main difference between the first and the second aspect is the arrangement of the
nozzles 4 at the sprayhead base body 2. In a non-bent condition, the longitudinal axes of thenozzles 4 are slanted with respect to a central axis of thespray head 1. For example, a support portion 4.4 of thenozzles 4 comprise a truncated cone-like shape, such that in the non-bent condition (without external force applied by the adjustment entity 7) allnozzles 4 are slanted by the same angle with respect to the central axis CA. - According to the second aspect, the
adjustment entity 7 is slidably arranged within thespray head 1 in order to change said irrigation area size. Theadjustment entity 7 which is included in thespray head 1 comprises a plurality of apertures 7.1, wherein the aperture dimension is adapted to the outer dimensions of the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of thenozzles 4 in order to enable a bending of said liquid guiding portions 4.2 by means of the aperture edges. Said bending is achieved by sliding theadjustment entity 7 in a sliding direction SD, said sliding direction SD being parallel to the spray head central axis CA. Due to the slanted arrangement of thenozzles 4 with respect to said central axis or sliding axis, the distance between a lower portion of the liquid guiding portion 4.2 (e.g. a portion close to the nozzle base portion 4.3) and the central axis CA is different to, preferably smaller than the distance between an upper portion of the liquid guiding portion 4.2 (e.g. a portion close to the liquid outlets 5) and the central axis CA. So, by sliding theadjustment entity 7 in a direction parallel to central axis CA, the nozzles are deformed or bent by the edges of the apertures 7.1 of theadjustment entity 7. -
Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate two different positions of theadjustment entity 7, namely a retracted position (theadjustment entity 7 is located close to the support portion 4.4,Fig. 7 ) and a forward-pushed position (theadjustment entity 7 is located close to theliquid outlets 5,Fig. 8 ). By sliding theadjustment entity 7 from the retracted position to the forward-pushed position, the liquid guiding portions 4.2 are deformed thereby pushing theliquid outlets 5 in closer proximity to the central axis CA. According to another configuration, the liquid guiding portion 4.2 may be deformed thereby pushing theliquid outlets 5 away from the central axis CA. Thereby the irrigation pattern of thespray head 1 is changed. - For enabling said shifting of the
adjustment entity 7 arranged in the interior of theadjustment unit 6, theadjustment unit 6 further comprises anadjustment portion 8. Saidadjustment portion 8 may be an adjustment ring being circumferentially arranged at thespray head 1. Theadjustment portion 8 is rotatably mounted at saidspray head 1 and coupled with theadjustment entity 7 in order to shift theadjustment entity 7. More in detail, theadjustment portion 8 may comprise an inner thread which is coupled with one or more lateral protrusions of theadjustment entity 7 in order to transform the rotary movement of theadjustment portion 8 into a transversal movement (shifting) of theadjustment entity 7. - In order to avoid an undesired deformation of the liquid guiding portions 4.2, the
adjustment unit 6 may further comprise a guidingentity 9. The guidingentity 9 may from the outer entity of the front portion of thespray head 1, i.e. may be arranged close to theliquid outlets 5 of thespray head 1, and theadjustment entity 7 may be arranged between the guidingentity 9 and the nozzle base portions 4.3. The guidingentity 9 may comprise a plurality of oblong apertures 9.1. Said oblong apertures 9.1 may be radially or essentially radially arranged at the guidingentity 9, i.e. the longitudinal axes of said oblong apertures 9.1 are radially arranged with respect to the spray head central axis CA. Similar to theadjustment entity 7, the said apertures 9.1 are arranged at the guidingentity 9 such that the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of eachnozzle 4 is received in one aperture 9.1. In other words, the guidingentity 9 is put on the plurality of liquid guiding portions 4.2 such that said liquid guiding portions 4.2 pass through the guidingentity 9 and the apertures 9.1 provide the passages for the liquid guiding portions 4.2. The guidingentity 9 may also comprise a plate-like, planar shape. - Preferably, the guiding
entity 9 is fixedly arranged at thespray head 1, i.e. there is a relative movement between the movable, specificallyshiftable adjustment entity 7 and the fixedly arranged guidingentity 9. -
Fig. 9 to 13 show an embodiment of the invention of aspray head 1. In the following, only differences of said embodiment with respect to the aspects described before are described. Apart from that, reference is made to the features of the upper-mentioned aspects. - Similar to the aspects above, the
spray head 1 comprises a sprayhead base body 2 including a sprayhead fluid channel 3 and a nozzle entity comprising a plurality ofnozzles 4 made of elastic material. - In contrast to the aspects described before, the
spray head 1 preferably does not comprise any guidingentity 9. So, according to the present embodiment, theadjustment entity 7 also builds the front-side cover plate of thespray head 1. Theadjustment entity 7 comprises a plurality of apertures 7.1. Said apertures 7.1 are arranged at theadjustment entity 7 such that the liquid guiding portion 4.2 of eachnozzle 4 is received in one aperture 7.1. In other words, theadjustment entity 7 is put on the plurality of liquid guiding portions 4.2 such that said liquid guiding portions 4.2 pass through theadjustment entity 7 and the apertures 7.1 provide the passages for said liquid guiding portions 4.2. Preferably, the liquid guiding portions 4.2 are force-guided within the apertures 7.1 in order to obtain a reproducible spray pattern. In addition, due to the minimum gap between the liquid guiding portions 4.2 and the edges of the apertures 7.1, also the penetration of sand and dirt is minimized. - As shown in
Fig. 9 , theadjustment entity 7 is rotatably mounted at the sprayhead base body 2 by means of acentral bearing 10, i.e. theadjustment entity 7 is able to be rotated around the central axis CA of thespray head 1 wherein the rotating axis RA coincides with the central axis CA. In the area of said central bearing 10 a sealing ring 10.1 may be arranged. Said sealing ring 10.1 may provide friction between therotatable adjustment entity 7 and the stationarily arranged portion of the connectingpiece 13 forming thecentral bearing 10 in order to avoid an undesired movement of theadjustment entity 7. According to other embodiments, frictional forces between thecentral bearing 10 and theadjustment entity 7 can be obtained by other friction generating means, e.g. by using clamping means, clamping ribs or an interlinking between theadjustment entity 7 and thecentral bearing 10. - Preferably, the
adjustment entity 7 is mounted at the sprayhead base body 2 by means of a snap-on mechanism. Theadjustment entity 7 may comprise at least a pair of snap hooks 11 which are extending from the bottom side of theadjustment entity 7, i.e. at a side opposite to the plate-like portion comprising the apertures 7.1. Said snap hooks 11 interact with grooves or nuts 12 provided at the sprayhead base body 2 such that theadjustment entity 7 is attached to the sprayhead base body 2 by the snap hooks 11 engaging into said nuts 12. - The nuts may be provided in the spray
head base body 2 or in a connectingpiece 13 being arranged between theadjustment entity 7 and the sprayhead base body 2. For example, the connectingpiece 13 may be screwed onto the sprayhead base body 2. The connectingpiece 13 may have a ring-like shape and may be used for fixing thenozzles 4, specifically a nozzle entity (nozzle mat) comprising a plurality of nozzles. - Preferably, the grooves or nuts 12 comprise a length (in circumferential direction) which is greater than the width of the snap hooks 11. Thereby, the
adjustment entity 7 is rotatable around the rotating axis RA, wherein the rotating angle is limited by the edges of the grooves or nuts 12. In other words, the edges of the grooves or nuts 12 form stop portions interacting with the snap hooks 11 such that the rotating angle of the snap hooks 11 is limited to a certain angle. Said angle may be in the range between 5° and 20°, preferably between 10° and 15°, specifically 11°, 12°, 13° or 14°. -
Fig. 10 and12 refer to a rotational position of theadjustment entity 7 in which the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of thenozzles 4 are unbent, i.e. theadjustment entity 7 does not apply forces onto thenozzles 4. Therefore, the liquid guiding portions 4.2 of thenozzles 4 are parallel to each other and parallel to the central axis CA. -
Fig. 11 and13 shows thespray head 1 with theadjustment entity 7 in a rotational position in which thenozzles 4 are bent by theadjustment entity 7. The tilting angle of thenozzles 4 may be up to 45°. Depending on the position of acertain nozzle 4, the degree of bending is different, i.e. theinner nozzles 4 are tilted or bent by a smaller angle than theouter nozzles 4. In other words, due to the different distances of thenozzles 4 to the rotating axis RA, the tilting angle is different. Thereby liquid jets provided by the nozzles are crossing thereby generating a uniform irrigation pattern and/or a uniform distribution of liquid jets. The diameter of the irrigation area may be in the range between 10cm and 100cm (measured in a distance of 1m from the free ends of the nozzles 4). -
Fig. 14 shows a hand-heldspraying apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. Thespraying apparatus 1 may be a handheld device, e.g. a spray gun, for providing liquid, specifically water to water receiving objects, for example, flowers or plants. Thespraying apparatus 100 comprises ahousing 110 with agrip portion 120 for manually holding thespraying apparatus 100. Thespraying apparatus 100 may further comprise activation means 130, for example a button, said activation means 130 being coupled with a valve (not shown) for enabling/disabling or controlling a liquid flow through thespraying apparatus 100. Thespraying apparatus 100 may comprise a spray head according to one of the upper-mentioned embodiments for bringing out the same water flow rate on different irrigation areas (e.g. a small and large irrigation area). It is worth mentioning that thespray head 1 may be adapted to provide a stepless adaption of the irrigation area by a stepless moving (rotating, sliding) of the adjustingentity 7. - Optionally, the hand-held
spraying apparatus 100 may be arranged by means of a rod at a certain distance above the ground wherein the liquid is sprayed upwardly. Due to the irrigation adjustment mechanism, the diameter of the irrigated area may be continuously changed between 0.2m and 3m. - It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the proposed methods and systems.
-
- 1
- spray head
- 2
- spray head base body
- 2.1
- connection portion
- 3
- spray head fluid channel
- 4
- nozzle
- 4.1
- nozzle fluid channel
- 4.2
- liquid guiding portion
- 4.3
- nozzle base portion
- 4.4
- support portion
- 5
- liquid outlet
- 6
- adjustment unit
- 7
- adjustment entity
- 7.1
- aperture
- 8
- adjustment portion
- 9
- guiding entity
- 9.1
- aperture
- 10
- bearing
- 10.1
- sealing ring
- 11
- snap hook
- 12
- nut
- 13
- connecting piece
- 100
- spraying apparatus
- 110
- housing
- 120
- grip portion
- 130
- activation means
- CA
- central axis
- d1, d2
- distance
- FD
- fluid flow direction
- RA
- rotating axis
- RD
- radial distance
- SD
- sliding direction
Claims (6)
- Spray head for a spraying apparatus (100), the spray head comprising:- a spray head base body (2) including a spray head fluid channel (3);- a plurality of nozzles (4), each nozzle (4) comprising a nozzle fluid channel (4.1), wherein said nozzle fluid channels (4.1) being coupled with the spray head fluid channel (3) and the free ends of the nozzle fluid channels (4.1) forming liquid outlets (5) of the spray head (1), wherein the nozzles (4) are circumferentially arranged around a central axis (CA) of the spray head (1), wherein each nozzle (4) comprise a liquid guiding portion (4.2), said liquid guiding portion (4.2) including said nozzle fluid channel (4.1) and being made of a flexible material,- an adjustment unit (6) comprising an adjustment entity (7), said adjustment entity (7) being movably mounted at the spray head base body (2), the adjustment entity (7) comprising a plurality of apertures (7.1) for providing passages for said flexible liquid guiding portions (4.2),wherein the spray head (1) is adapted to change the spraying pattern by moving the adjustment entity (7) with respect to the spray head base body (2), said movement causing a bending of the flexible liquid guiding portions (4.2) of said nozzles (4),
with the adjustment entity (7) being rotatable arranged at the spray head base body,
characterized in that
the adjustment entity (7) exhibits apertures (7.1) comprising edges that abut against the liquid guiding portions (4.2) when rotating the adjustment entity (7) and thus bend that liquid guiding portions (4.2) in circumferential direction with respect to a rotational axis of the adjustment entity (7). - Spray head according to claim 1, wherein in a non-bent condition of the liquid guiding portions (4.2), said liquid guiding portions (4.2) are arranged parallel to each other.
- Spray head according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment entity (7) comprises a plurality of apertures (7.1), the edges of the apertures (7.1) providing a close fit to the liquid guiding portions (7.2).
- Spray head according to anyone of the preceding claims, where the adjustment entity (7) is adapted such that only some of the nozzles 4) are bent by the adjustment entity (7) or the bending angle is different.
- Spray head according to claim 4, where the nozzles (4) which are arranged opposite to each other, which means that they are point-symmetric with respect to the central axis (CA), are bent by the same bending angle.
- Spraying apparatus comprising a spray head according to anyone of the preceding claims.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL15715227T PL3229972T3 (en) | 2014-12-11 | 2015-04-07 | Spray head and spraying apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP2014077308 | 2014-12-11 | ||
PCT/EP2015/057483 WO2016091398A1 (en) | 2014-12-11 | 2015-04-07 | Spray head and spraying apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3229972A1 EP3229972A1 (en) | 2017-10-18 |
EP3229972B1 true EP3229972B1 (en) | 2019-06-19 |
Family
ID=52144664
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP15715227.3A Active EP3229972B1 (en) | 2014-12-11 | 2015-04-07 | Spray head and spraying apparatus |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP3229972B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106999961B (en) |
PL (1) | PL3229972T3 (en) |
TW (1) | TWI670119B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016091398A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US10987680B2 (en) | 2015-12-16 | 2021-04-27 | Kohler Co. | Spray head with hyperboloid spray pattern |
CN109833983B (en) * | 2017-11-24 | 2023-10-13 | 厦门松霖科技股份有限公司 | Water outlet area adjustable water outlet mechanism |
US11383114B2 (en) * | 2017-11-28 | 2022-07-12 | Senju Sprinkler Co., Ltd. | Sprinkler head |
US11097289B2 (en) | 2018-04-23 | 2021-08-24 | Kohler Co. | Sprayer |
CN109365360B (en) * | 2018-10-23 | 2021-07-06 | 广东顺德蓝导电器科技有限公司 | Household electrical appliances cleaning machine |
GB2578593B (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2020-11-25 | Kohler Mira Ltd | Spray head |
GB2587104B (en) * | 2018-10-31 | 2021-11-10 | Kohler Mira Ltd | Spray head |
WO2020158669A1 (en) * | 2019-01-31 | 2020-08-06 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Spray plate and shower device |
GB2589318B (en) * | 2019-11-22 | 2021-11-24 | Kohler Mira Ltd | Spray Head |
CN113198033B (en) * | 2021-05-19 | 2023-04-25 | 长江师范学院 | Walking equipment for epidemic prevention and disinfection of place environment |
TWI762374B (en) * | 2021-07-08 | 2022-04-21 | 源美股份有限公司 | sprinkler |
CN115382678B (en) * | 2022-09-14 | 2023-12-08 | 江苏沣田农业装备机械有限公司 | Irrigation nozzle and production and assembly method thereof |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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AU5172196A (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1996-09-18 | Randy J. Cooper | Lawn and garden sprinkler with bendable tubes |
US7278591B2 (en) * | 2004-08-13 | 2007-10-09 | Clearman Joseph H | Spray apparatus |
WO2007124455A2 (en) * | 2006-04-20 | 2007-11-01 | Water Pik, Inc. | Converging spray showerhead |
US8985483B2 (en) * | 2012-01-24 | 2015-03-24 | John E. Petrovic | Adjustable trajectory spray nozzles |
WO2014132384A1 (en) * | 2013-02-28 | 2014-09-04 | 株式会社ケーエスケー | Nozzle device |
-
2015
- 2015-04-07 WO PCT/EP2015/057483 patent/WO2016091398A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-04-07 CN CN201580066888.1A patent/CN106999961B/en active Active
- 2015-04-07 PL PL15715227T patent/PL3229972T3/en unknown
- 2015-04-07 EP EP15715227.3A patent/EP3229972B1/en active Active
- 2015-12-09 TW TW104141339A patent/TWI670119B/en active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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TWI670119B (en) | 2019-09-01 |
PL3229972T3 (en) | 2019-11-29 |
EP3229972A1 (en) | 2017-10-18 |
TW201622824A (en) | 2016-07-01 |
WO2016091398A1 (en) | 2016-06-16 |
CN106999961A (en) | 2017-08-01 |
CN106999961B (en) | 2019-02-15 |
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