EP3265234B1

EP3265234B1 - Spraying apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3265234B1
Application number: EP15707986.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rainer Kaupp
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2015-03-06
Filing date: 2015-03-06
Publication date: 2021-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-06
Also published as: TW201632264A; WO2016141951A1; EP3265234A1

Description

The present invention relates to a spraying apparatus and a method for spraying liquid, in particular for irrigation or watering plants such as flowers and/or garden areas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spraying apparatuses, specifically spraying apparatuses for watering flowers or plants, are well known in prior art. 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 liquid dispensing element with a plurality of outlet openings. The liquid dispensing element may be immediately arranged at the liquid outlet for providing a shower-like liquid irrigation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the embodiments of the invention to provide a spraying apparatus and a spraying method, in particular for irrigation or watering plants such as flowers and/or garden areas, which provides a possibility to change the shape of a liquid beam, in particular in order to enable at least a soft and a hard irrigation.
The objective is solved in particular by the features of the independent claims.
Further embodiments are given in the dependent claims. If not explicitly indicated otherwise, embodiments of the invention and any features thereof can be freely combined with each other.
In an embodiment according to the invention a spraying apparatus, in particular for irrigation or watering plants such as flowers and/or garden areas, is provided which comprises a housing including a a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, a liquid channel arranged between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet and a liquid dispensing element with multiple outlet openings. The liquid dispensing element either forms the liquid outlet itself or is arranged at the liquid outlet or is arranged between the liquid channel and the liquid outlet. Liquid entered or supplied at the liquid inlet passes through the liquid channel and then through the liquid dispensing element through at least some of the outlet openings from an inner side to an outer side of the dispensing element and is then sprayed out of the housing at the liquid outlet in form of at least one liquid beam (or: shaped liquid stream, liquid jet). Now, the spraying apparatus further comprises a directing device to direct liquid from the liquid channel in at least one impacting direction onto an or at least one impacting area at the inner side of the liquid dispensing element. At least two states (or: modes) of the directing device are provided differing from each other in the impacting direction(s) and/or the impacting area(s) of the liquid impacting on the inner side of the dispensing element. Each of said states of the directing device corresponds to or results in a different shape and/or size of the liquid beam.
According to the invention, at least one first state of the directing device corresponds to or results in a widening or diverging liquid beam, which could be used for soft irrigation for instance, and at least one second state of the directing device corresponds to or results in a focussing or converging liquid beam, which could be used for hard irrigation for instance.
According to the invention, the first state of the directing device (the impacting area is (chosen to be) a central, preferably circular or circular ring-shaped, impacting area on the inner side of the dispensing element, which is preferably close to a central axis of the dispensing element, which preferably coincides with a central axis of the liquid channel, and in the second state of the directing device the impacting area is (chosen to be) a, preferably circular or circular ring-shaped, impacting area on the inner side of the dispensing element being of greater size or having a greater radius or diameter than the size or radius or diameter of the impacting area in the first state and preferably being arranged around the central axis of the dispensing element, which preferably coincides with a central axis of the liquid channel.
In a special embodiment the directing device has further intermediate states between at least one first state and a least one second state, wherein the impacting areas of which intermediate states change in between the impacting areas of the first and the second state resulting in different shapes of the liquid beam within each of the focussing or converging shape and the widening or diverging shape and/or between the focussing or converging shape and the widening or diverging shape. In particular the control of the liquid beam by the or by means of the directing device may be step-wise or continuous.
In a preferred embodiment the liquid dispensing element is rigid, also under the impacting pressure of the impacting liquid. Preferably the liquid dispensing element is formed as a thin grid or a perforated, in particular metallic, sheet material.
According to the invention, the liquid dispensing element is shaped concavely at its inner side and convexly at its outer side. Preferably a higher curvature of the liquid dispensing element decreases the widening as well as the focussing (effect) of the liquid beam and a lower curvature of the liquid dispensing element increases the widening as well as the focussing (effect) of the liquid beam respectively.
In a preferred embodiment the directing device comprises at least one nozzle arranged within said liquid channel and at least one deflecting unit, wherein the position of the nozzle with respect to the deflecting unit or the position of the deflecting unit with respect to the nozzle is variable or can be controlled in order to change the liquid impacting direction(s) and/or impacting area on or onto the inner side of the liquid dispensing element.
The nozzle and the deflecting unit may in particular be arranged in the interior of the housing, specifically behind (with respect to the flow direction of the liquid) the liquid dispensing element in order to change the liquid flow by adapting on the relative position of the nozzle and the deflecting unit. In other words, by means of said nozzle and by activating/deactivating the deflecting unit, the liquid jet is directed to different areas of the liquid dispensing element. Thereby, the cross-sectional area at which liquid is dispensed is changed, i.e. the irrigation can be at least changed between hard and soft irrigation.
According to embodiments, the nozzle is adapted to change the liquid flow direction from at least one first flow direction to at least one second flow direction or vice versa. For example, the nozzle comprises a tubular or essentially a tubular shape, i.e. the nozzle comprises a cavity. One free end of the tubular nozzle is closed by a nozzle bottom. At the other free end of the nozzle, the nozzle inlet is provided through which liquid flows into the cavity of the nozzle. Close to the nozzle bottom, nozzle outlets are provided which are arranged such that the liquid flow direction is changed from a first flow direction (flow direction at the nozzle inlet) to a second flow direction (flow direction at the nozzle outlet).
According to embodiments, the angle between the first and second flow direction is at least 60°, specifically the angle between the first and second flow direction is 90° or essentially 90°. So, by means of the nozzle, the liquid jet provided through the liquid channel is deflected.
In particular the first flow direction is essentially directed along a central axis of the liquid channel (or of the liquid dispensing element).
According to embodiments, the nozzle is adapted to dispense the liquid in multiple different second flow directions. In other words, the liquid beam provided to the nozzle is divided into multiple liquid jets or liquid beams by said nozzle, wherein said multiple liquid jets or liquid beams are oriented into different directions. Thereby, the nozzle widens a focused liquid beam received at the nozzle inlet into multiple liquid beams in order to be able distribute the liquid over a larger area of the liquid dispensing element.
According to embodiments, said multiple different second flow directions are radially or essentially radially or orthogonally arranged with respect to the first flow direction. In other words, the nozzle acts like a sprinkling device distributing the liquid via multiple circumferentially arrange nozzle outlets into multiple different directions which are radially or essentially radially arranged with respect to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle cavity, respectively, the first flow direction at the nozzle inlet.
According to embodiments, the nozzle or the deflecting unit are axially movable in the first flow direction. Thereby, the relative position of the deflecting unit and the nozzle can be varied in order to enable, disable or vary the effect of the deflecting unit.
According to embodiments, the spraying apparatus further comprises a movable adjustment portion wherein said adjustment portion is coupled with the nozzle and/or the deflecting unit in such a way that the nozzle and/or the deflecting unit is axially moved by moving the adjustment portion. Said movement of the adjustment portion may be a rotation or a translation. For example, the adjustment portion may comprise a thread which is coupled with a corresponding thread provided at the housing or the nozzle in order to move the nozzle or the deflecting unit in an axial direction, said axial direction being parallel to the first flow direction of the liquid. Thereby, a rotational movement of the adjustment portion is transferred into a translational movement of the nozzle or deflecting unit. Alternatively, the adjustment portion may be translationally moveable (e.g. by any kind of translation mechanism) in order to move the nozzle and/or the deflecting unit in an axial direction, said axial direction being parallel to the first flow direction of the liquid.
According to embodiments, the deflecting unit comprises an aperture and the nozzle is arranged with respect to the deflecting unit such that at least a portion of the nozzle is insertable in said aperture of the deflecting unit when changing the position of the nozzle with respect to the deflecting unit or the position of the deflecting unit with respect to the nozzle. For example, the deflecting unit comprises a ring-like or essentially ring-like shape. Said deflecting unit may be arranged between the nozzle input and the liquid dispensing element. The nozzle portion to be inserted into the deflection unit comprises said nozzle outlets. So, after inserting said nozzle outlets into said aperture of the deflecting unit, the liquid jets provided by the nozzle are deflected and the liquid is dispensed at a reduced area at the liquid dispensing element.
According to embodiments, the deflecting unit comprises at least one deflecting surface for deflecting the liquid beam provided by the nozzle towards the liquid dispensing element. Said deflecting surface may be slanted with respect to the second flow direction. For example, the deflecting surface may be constituted by a slanted annular ring surface or at least a portion of a fluid channel provided in the deflecting unit. Thereby, the liquid beam or liquid beams provided by the nozzle are directed towards liquid dispensing element.
According to embodiments, the deflecting unit is adapted to guide the liquid beam to a limited portion of the liquid dispensing element in order to reduce the liquid distribution area or importing area. The radially distributed liquid beams provided by the nozzle are redirected in a flow direction parallel or essentially parallel to the first flow direction and thereby directed to the liquid dispensing element. Due to the circumferential arrangement of the deflecting unit around the nozzle outlets, the cross-sectional area at which the liquid is provided at the liquid dispensing element is reduced.
According to embodiments, the liquid channel comprises a first and a second liquid channel portion and the nozzle provides the liquid passage between the first and second liquid channel portion. In other words, the nozzle is located at the transition between the first and second liquid channel portion. Within the first channel portion, the liquid flow is focused or concentrated. By passing the nozzle, the liquid flow is widened. Depending on the relative position of the nozzle and the deflecting unit, the liquid flows provided at the outlets of the nozzle are focused or concentrated again or not thereby influencing the liquid distribution across the liquid dispensing element.
According to embodiments, the second liquid channel portion is constituted by a funnel-shaped liquid dispensing head or comprised within said funnel-shaped liquid dispensing head. In addition, within said funnel-shaped liquid dispensing head the deflecting unit may be arranged. Said funnel-shaped liquid dispensing head may comprise a cross-sectional area which is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first liquid channel portion. Thereby it is possible to widen the liquid flow within said liquid dispensing head.
According to embodiments, an inner surface of the funnel-shaped liquid dispensing head constitutes a deflecting surface for deflecting the liquid jet provided by the nozzle towards the liquid dispensing element. In other words, in case that the liquid flows provided by the nozzle are not or not totally directed towards the deflecting unit, the inner surface of the liquid dispensing head directs the liquid towards the liquid dispensing element. Said inner surface may surround the nozzle at a greater distance than the deflection unit thereby providing a distribution of the liquid to a greater liquid impacting area.
According to embodiments, the deflecting unit provides one or more liquid channels for directing the liquid jet provided by the nozzle towards the liquid dispensing element. In case that multiple channels are included in the liquid dispensing element, the nozzle may be arranged at different positions with respect to the deflecting unit in order to provide a liquid flow through one of said channels. By means of said channels, the liquid flow may be provided at well-defined cross-sectional areas of the liquid dispensing element.
According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for spraying liquid, in particular for irrigation or watering plants such as flowers and/or garden areas, by means of a spraying apparatus, the spraying apparatus comprising a housing including a liquid channel, a liquid inlet for providing liquid to the liquid channel, a liquid outlet comprising a liquid dispensing element with multiple outlet openings, a nozzle arranged within said liquid channel and at least one deflecting unit, wherein the liquid distribution across the liquid dispensing element is changed by changing the relative position between the nozzle and the deflecting unit.
According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for spraying liquid, in particular for irrigation or watering plants such as flowers and/or garden areas, by means of a spraying apparatus, in particular a spraying apparatus according to the invention, which spraying apparatus comprises a housing including a a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, a liquid channel arranged between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet and a liquid dispensing element with multiple outlet openings, the liquid dispensing element forming the liquid outlet or being arranged at the liquid outlet or between the liquid channel and the liquid outlet.
The method comprises the steps of

a) passing liquid from the liquid inlet through the liquid channel and then through the liquid dispensing element through at least some of the outlet openings from an inner side to an outer side of the dispensing element and then
b) spraying the liquid out of the housing at the liquid outlet in form of at least one liquid beam,
c) directing, by means of a directing device, the liquid from the liquid channel in at least one impacting direction onto an or at least one impacting area of the inner side of the liquid dispensing element,
d) wherein at least two states of the directing device are provided differing from each other in the impacting direction(s) and/or the impacting area of the liquid impacting on the inner side of the dispensing element
e) wherein in each of said states of the directing device a liquid beam having a different shape and/or size is generated.

According to the invention, in at least one first state of the directing device a widening or diverging liquid beam is generated and in at least one second state of the directing device a focussing or converging liquid beam is generated.
According to the invention, in the first state of the directing device the impacting area is (selected to be) a central, preferably circular or circular ring-shaped, impacting area on the inner side of the dispensing element, preferably close to a central axis of the dispensing element, which preferably coincides with a central axis of the liquid channel, and in the second state of the directing device the impacting area is (selected to be) a, preferably circular or circular ring-shaped, impacting area on the inner side of the dispensing element being of greater size or having a greater radius or diameter than the size or radius or diameter of the impacting area in the first state and preferably being arranged around the central axis of the dispensing element, which preferably coincides with a central axis of the liquid channel.
Preferably the directing device has intermediate states between at least one first state and at least one second state, wherein the impacting areas of the intermediate states are changed in between the impacting areas of the first and the second state to generate different shapes of the liquid beam within each of the focussing or converging shape and the widening or diverging shape and/or between the focussing or converging shape and the widening or diverging shape, wherein in particular the control of the liquid beam by the directing device is step-wise or continuous.
The term "essentially" or "approximately" as used in the invention 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be further understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG 1: shows an example of a spraying apparatus with a focussed liquid beam in a side view;
FIG 2: shows an example of a spraying apparatus with a widened liquid beam in a side view;
FIG 3: shows, in a sectional view, a first embodiment of the spraying apparatus with a deflecting unit being arranged at a first position with respect to a nozzle;
FIG 4: shows, in a sectional view, the first embodiment of the spraying apparatus of FIG 3 with the deflecting unit being arranged at a second position with respect to the nozzle;
FIG 5: shows an inner-side view of a liquid dispensing element with a first and a second liquid impact area;
FIG 6: shows an external liquid distribution of the liquid at a distance from the spraying apparatus,
FIG 7: shows, in a sectional view, a second embodiment of the spraying apparatus with a nozzle being arranged at a first position with respect to the deflecting unit;
FIG 8: shows, in a sectional view, the second embodiment of the spraying apparatus of FIG 7 with the nozzle being arranged at a second position with respect to the deflecting unit; and
FIG 9: shows, in a sectional view, the second embodiment of the spraying apparatus of FIG 7 and 8, with the nozzle being arranged at a third position with respect to the deflecting unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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 being 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, where applicable.
FIG 1 shows an embodiment of a spraying apparatus 1 spraying or dispensing or emitting a liquid beam (or: directed flow or liquid spraying beam) SF along a central axis CA, which is focussed or converging, i.e. the diameter or flow section of the liquid beam SF decreases with increasing distance from the spraying apparatus 1 for a certain distance.
FIG 2 shows the spraying apparatus 1 of FIG 1 now spraying or dispensing or emitting a widened or widening or diverging liquid beam SW along the central axis CA, the diameter or flow section of which liquid beam SW increasing with increasing distance from the spraying apparatus 1 at least for a certain distance.
The spraying apparatus 1 can, thus, be adjusted or switched between at least two states or modes each corresponding to one of the two liquid beams (or: liquid flows) SF or SW. The spraying apparatus 1 may be a handheld device for providing liquid, specifically water to water receiving objects, for example, flowers or plants.
The spraying apparatus 1 may comprise a housing 2 with a grip portion 2.1 for manually holding the spraying apparatus 1. The spraying apparatus 1 may further comprise activation means 2.2, for example a button, said activation means 2.2 being coupled with a valve (not shown) for enabling/disabling or controlling a liquid flow through the spraying apparatus 1. For providing a liquid flow through the spraying apparatus 1, the spraying apparatus comprises a liquid inlet 4, for example constituted by a coupling element. The liquid inlet 4 is coupled with a liquid outlet 5 by means of a liquid channel 3 provided in the interior of the housing 2.
As can be seen in the embodiments shown in FIG 3 and 4 and FIG 7, 8 and 9 in a sectional view, at or close to the liquid outlet 5, a liquid dispensing element 6 is provided which is adapted to spray or dispense the liquid to the outside by means of or through a plurality of outlet openings 6.1 which are arranged in or distributed over a certain area of the dispensing element 6, preferably homogeneously.
The outlet openings 6.1 may have a size or cross section of typically between 0,5 mm and 0,7 mm and/or preferably have equal size or diameters and/or at least approximately equal distance to each other, in particular a distance of typically between 2 mm and 5 mm.
The outlet openings 6.1 open inwardly at an inner side 6A of the dispensing element 6 and outwardly at an outer side 6B of the dispensing element 6. The liquid from the liquid channel 3 is distributed and directed by a directing device towards the inner side 6A of the dispensing element 6 which the liquid then impacts or impinges on. The liquid then passes the outlet openings 6.1 and leaves the dispensing element 6 at its outer side 6B and then the spraying apparatus 1 through the liquid outlet 5, for instance as the liquid beam SF according to FIG 1 or liquid beam SW according to FIG 2. The directing device may comprise for example a nozzle 7 and a deflecting unit 8, embodiments of which will be described hereafter.
The outlet openings 6.1 and/or the inner side 6A and/or the outer side 6B are preferably arranged or shaped in a curved shape, in particular a concave shape at the inner side 6A and a convex shape at the outer side 6B, as seen in the flow direction of the liquid through the outlet openings 6.1.
In the lateral direction, i.e. in a projection along the flow direction or along a central axis CA of the liquid channel 3, the dispensing element 6 can have different shapes, but a round shape or a shape with a rotational symmetry, in particular a circular shape, is preferred. So, in particular, the overall shape of the dispensing element 6 may be formed like a section or partial surface of a sphere or an ellipsoid or paraboloid or another, from the inside, convex shape having a rotational symmetry about a symmetry axis, which preferably coincides with the central axis CA of the liquid channel 3.
The shape or form of the dispensing element 6 and thus the outlet openings 6.1 and the inner side 6A and the outer side 6B is preferably stable or unchanged, the dispensing element 6, in other words, being rigid, in each case also under the impacting pressure of the impacting liquid. But in principle it can also vary in an elastic manner or, in other words, the dispensing element 6 may be elastic. The liquid dispensing element 6 may be formed of a a thin grid or of a perforated sheet material, for example a hard (non-elastic) plastic or preferably metallic sheet material, e.g. stainless steel or the like.
Now, according to the invention, at least two different impacting flows of the liquid are directed towards the inner side 6A of the dispensing element 6, which impacting liquid flows or streams differ in at least one of

the impacting direction(s) of the liquid flow when impacting onto the inner side 6A,
the impacting area as the partial area of the inner side 6A onto which the liquid impacts, which impacting area depends on or corresponds to the cross-section of the impacting liquid flow,
the volume flow rate or velocity of the impacting liquid flow.

These variable(s) impacting direction(s) and/or impacting area(s) and/or, in special cases, also volume flow rate of the impacting liquid flow are varied or controlled by means of the directing device which directs the flow of the liquid from the liquid channel 5 to the dispensing element 6.
By changing one or more of these variables the shape or cross-section of the liquid beam or flow exiting the dispensing element 6 at the outer side 6B is controlled or changed.
Examples of how different impacting directions and impacting areas lead to different liquid spraying beams are given hereinafter.
It should be noted that the shape of the liquid beam being sprayed by the spraying apparatus 1 depends to a certain extent also on the shape of the dispensing element 6 which has the plurality of small openings 6.1 distributed, preferably evenly or homogeneously, over its inner and outer area. The shape, in particular curvature, of the dispensing element 6 has in particular an influence on the impacting direction(s) of the impacting liquid.
For instance in cases where a focussed or converging liquid beam like SF in FIG 1 is generated, a higher curvature (or: smaller radii of curvature) of the dispensing element 6 usually decreases the focussing effect, i.e. the geometrical focus would lie further away from the outlet 5 or the cross-section decreases slowlier, whereas lower curvature (or: larger radii of curvature) or more flat shapes of the dispensing element 6 usually increase the focussing effect, i.e. the cross-section decreases faster with the distance from the outlet 5.
In cases where a widening or diverging liquid beam like SW in FIG 2 is generated, a higher curvature (or: smaller radii of curvature) of the dispensing element 6 usually decreases the widening effect, i.e. the cross-section increases slowlier with distance from the outlet 5, whereas lower curvature (or: larger radii of curvature) or more flat shapes of the dispensing element 6 usually increase the widening effect, i.e. the cross-section increases faster.
Impacting areas at the inner side 6A of the dispensing element 6 are provided and alternatively charged or impacted by the liquid from the inside, the liquid coming from the liquid channel 3 and being directed towards the dispensing element 6 by means of the liquid directing device. The different impacting areas differ in size and/or shape and may be completely separated from each other or may at least partially overlap. Preferably the impacting areas have a rotational symmetry, in particular are topologically formed as full or filled areas or as ring areas with a hole inside, preferably in circular or elliptic full or filled areas or circular or elliptic ring areas. In particular, liquid may, by means of the directing device, impact on the inner side 6A of the dispensing element 6 in different impacting areas in different modes or states of the spraying apparatus 1.
The liquid dispensing or discharging area at the outer side 6B of the dispensing element 6 will usually cover a larger area than the impacting area on the inner side 6A, often even the complete area at the outer side 6B, which seems to be due to turbulences and possibly other distribution effects in the liquid. The directions of the liquid flow away from the dispensing element 6 and through the outlet 5 will however vary dependent on the position and shape of the impacting area(s) on the inner side 6A of the dispensing element 6 and on the flow incidence or impacting direction(s) of the liquid onto that impacting area.
By that, the spraying apparatus 1 is adapted to provide the liquid at the liquid outlet 5 through at least two different dispensing paths or flow shapes with different cross-section.
In a first mode of the spraying apparatus 1 and a first state of the directing device according to one embodiment, as shown for example in FIG 5, the liquid impacts onto the inner side 6A of the dispensing element 6 in a central circular impacting area A1 close to the central axis CA and having a radius r1 with respect to the central axis CA which leads to or results in a widened or diverging liquid beam SW, like or similar to the one shown in FIG 2. A cross-section of that liquid beam SW at a certain distance from the outlet 5 (in FIG 2 to the left) would cover an area like the circular area A4 shown in FIG 6, which can be a filled circular area or also a ring-shaped area with a hole inside, each having an outer radius r4.
In a second mode of the spraying apparatus 1 according to one embodiment, as shown for example in FIG 5, the liquid impacts onto the inner side 6A of the dispensing element 6 in a larger circular impacting area A2 having a radius r2 with respect to the central axis CA with r2 > r1 which leads to a focussing or narrowing or converging liquid beam SF, like or similar to the one shown in FIG 1. A cross-section of that liquid beam SF at a certain distance from the outlet 5 (in FIG 1 to the left) would cover an area like the circular area A3 in FIG 6 having a radius r3 from the central axis CA with r3 < r4.
Also, in a preferred embodiment, intermediate states of the directing device and, thus, the cross-section, e.g. A3 or A4, or shape of the liquid beam are possible to step-wise or continuously control or change the shape and size of the liquid beam within and in between the focussed and the widened shape.
FIG 3 and 4 depict, in a sectional view, a spraying apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment having a directing device comprising a nozzle 7 and a deflecting unit 8. The spraying apparatus 1 comprises a liquid channel 3 extending along a central axis CA. Said liquid channel 3 is coupled with the liquid inlet 4 at the first end which is opposite to the liquid dispensing element 6 and provides liquid path from said liquid inlet 4 to the liquid outlet 5, respectively, the liquid dispensing element 6 being arranged at the liquid outlet 5. The liquid channel 3 comprises two liquid channel portions, namely a first liquid channel portion 3.1 and a second liquid channel portion 3.2. Said first liquid channel portion 3.1 may be arranged adjacent to the liquid inlet 4 and the second liquid channel portion 3.2 may be arranged adjacent to the liquid outlet 5.
Within said liquid channel 3, the nozzle 7 is provided. Said nozzle 7 comprises a nozzle inlet 7.1 which is coupled or connected with the liquid inlet 4. In addition, the nozzle 7 comprises one or more nozzle outlets 7.2. The nozzle outlets 7.2 may be arranged such, that the liquid flowing through the liquid channel 3 is deflected, i.e. the nozzle is adapted to change the liquid flow direction from a first flow direction FD1 to a second flow direction FD2. According to the present embodiment shown, the nozzle 7 is cup-shaped with a concave structure, i.e. the nozzle 7 comprises a nozzle cavity confined by a nozzle wall 7.3 and the nozzle bottom 7.4. The nozzle wall 7.3 has a cylindrical shape and confines the interior space of the nozzle 7 laterally, wherein the nozzle bottom 7.4 is arranged at one free end of the nozzle 7. The nozzle outlets 7.2 are arranged in the nozzle wall 7.3 in close proximity to the nozzle bottom 7.4. For example, the nozzle outlets 7.2 are constituted by openings, which are radially arranged in the nozzle wall 7.3 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 7. Due to the cup-shaped nozzle 7, the liquid flows from the nozzle inlet 7.1 to the nozzle bottom 7.4 in a first flow direction FD1 which is preferably parallel to or along the central axis CA. Due to the closed nozzle bottom 7.4, the liquid flow is deflected and liquid jets being radially arranged with respect to the first flow direction FD1 are provided at the nozzle outlets 7.2. In other words, the liquid flow is redirected from the first flow direction FD1 into one or more second flow directions FD2, FD2', wherein the angle α between the first and second flow direction (measured with respect to the first flow direction FD1 and opening towards the liquid outlet 5) is at least 60°, specifically, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80° or 85°, preferably 90° or essentially 90°. In other words, the nozzle 7 is arranged to spray or dispense the liquid provided at the nozzle inlet 7.1 towards multiple different second flow directions FD2, FD2', wherein said second flow directions FD2, FD2' may be radially arranged with respect to the first flow direction FD1. Thereby, a focused liquid jet may be distributed in multiple liquid jets which are directed into different directions, i.e. the liquid jet is spread over a larger cross area.
The nozzle 7 may divide the liquid channel 3 into the first liquid channel portion 3.1 and the second liquid channel portion 3.2. In other words, by means of the nozzle 7, the liquid is transferred from the first liquid channel portion 3.1 to the second liquid channel portion 3.2. Said second liquid channel portion 3.2 may be arranged or may be formed within as spraying apparatus portion which has a greater interior space than the spraying apparatus portion, in which the first liquid channel portion 3.1 is arranged. For example, the second liquid channel portion 3.2 may be arranged in a liquid dispensing head 10, for example a funnel-shaped liquid dispensing head 10 which comprises the liquid dispensing element 6, respectively, which comprises the liquid outlet 5.
For changing the area or effective cross-section through which liquid is dispensed or sprayed by said spraying apparatus 1, the spraying apparatus 1 further comprises a deflecting unit 8. Said deflecting unit 8 may interact with said nozzle 7 providing upper-mentioned widened liquid jet or liquid beam to the deflecting unit 8. The deflecting unit 8 may comprise at least one deflecting surface 8.2 to which the liquid dispensed by the nozzle 7 is provided. The deflecting surface 8.2 is arranged with respect to the nozzle 7 and/or adapted such that the liquid is deflected by said deflecting surface 8.2, i.e. the flow direction of the liquid is changed by said deflecting unit 8. For example, the deflecting unit 8 may comprise an aperture 8.1 in which the nozzle 7 is insertable. Specifically, the nozzle portion comprising the nozzle outlets 7.2 is insertable in the aperture 8.1 of the deflecting unit 8. In other words, at least in the inserted nozzle position, the deflecting unit 8 circumferentially surrounds the nozzle 7. Surrounding the aperture 8.1, the deflecting surface 8.2 is arranged such that the liquid provided by the nozzle 7 is deflected by said deflecting surface 8.2.
The spraying apparatus 1 is adapted to change the relative position of the nozzle 7 and the deflecting unit 8 in order to vary the area at which liquid is dispensed at the liquid dispensing element 6. More in detail, the spraying apparatus 1 is adapted to distribute the liquid provided through the liquid channel 3 at different impacting areas, namely at least a smaller impacting area and at least a larger impacting area wherein the flow rate (liquid volume per time unit, e.g. litres per second) of liquid through the liquid channel 3 does not or essentially not change. Preferably, the spraying apparatus 1 is designed such, that the liquid distribution between a smaller and a larger impacting area (at the liquid dispensing element 6) can be continuously adapted, i.e. liquid can be focused to a smaller area or dispensed at a larger area.
For example, as shown in FIG 5, by changing the relative position of the nozzle 7 with respect to the deflecting unit 8, the liquid may be distributed over a smaller impacting area A1 or a larger impacting area A2 at the inner side 6A of the dispensing element 6.
Also intermediate positions of the nozzle 7 and/or the deflecting unit 8 (relative positions) may be possible resulting in a continuous change of the cross-section or shape of the liquid flow impacting on the dispensing element 6, between the areas A1 and A2 for instance, which in turn results in a continuous change of the emitted liquid beam between a maximally focussed liquid beam SF and a maximally widened beam SW.
For changing the impacting area from the smaller impacting area A1 to the larger impacting area A2 (or vice versa), the spraying apparatus 1 comprises means for changing the relative position of the nozzle 7 and the deflecting unit 8. More specifically, the spraying apparatus 1 is adapted to change the relative position of the nozzle 7 and the deflecting unit 8 such that the length of the portion of the nozzle 7 being inserted into the deflecting unit 8 can be changed. In FIG 3 and 4, different relative positions of the nozzle 7 and the deflecting unit 8 are illustrated. In FIG 3, the portion comprising the nozzle outlets is totally inserted into the deflecting unit 8, whereas in FIG 4, the nozzle 7 is totally pulled out of the deflecting unit 8.
For changing the relative position of the nozzle 7 and the deflecting unit 8 either the nozzle 7 may be slidably mounted within the housing 2 and the deflecting unit 8 is arranged at a fixed position or the deflecting unit 8 may be slidably mounted within the housing 2 and the nozzle 7 is arranged at a fixed position. Alternatively, it may be possible that the nozzle 7 as well as the deflecting unit 8 is movably mounted within the housing in order to change the relative position of said elements. The relative position of said elements may be changed by moving the nozzle 7 and/or the deflecting unit 8 in or parallel to the first flow direction FD1.
As shown in FIG 3 and 4, the spraying apparatus 2 may further comprise an adjustment portion 9. Said adjustment portion 9 is preferably rotatably mounted at the housing 2, wherein the rotation axis is constituted by the central axis CA or an axis parallel to the first flow direction FD1. For example, the adjustment portion 9 may be formed by or at least comprise the liquid dispensing head 10. By rotating the adjustment portion 9, the axial position of the nozzle 7 and/or the deflecting unit 8 may be changed, i.e. the rotational movement of the adjustment portion 9 is transformed in a translational movement of the nozzle 7 and/or the deflecting unit 8. But it is also possible to provide the translational movement without rotational movement, e.g. by direct translational adjustment portions such as a shifting mechanism or the like.
According to the embodiment of FIG 3 and 4, the nozzle 7 is fixedly arranged within the liquid channel 3, whereas the deflecting unit 8 is axially movable within said liquid channel 3. The adjustment portion 9 comprises a tubular portion 9.1 which circumferentially surrounds the nozzle 7 at least in the area of the nozzle wall 7.3. Preferably, the nozzle wall 7.3 is arranged in direct proximity to said tubular portion 9.1, i.e. the nozzle wall 7.1 is arranged in direct contact to said tubular portion 9.1. The nozzle 7 comprises at least at a portion of the nozzle wall 7.3 a male thread and the tubular portion 9.1 comprises a female thread corresponding to said male thread. Due to the fixed arrangement of the nozzle 7, by moving the adjustment portion 9, said adjustment portion 9 and the deflecting unit 8 being coupled with the adjustment portion 9 is moved with respect to the nozzle 7, i.e. the position of the nozzle outlets relative to the deflecting surface 8.2 is changed.
According to the present embodiment, the deflecting unit 8 is arranged at a distance d to the inner surface 10.1 of the liquid dispensing head 10 (said distance being measured in the first flow direction FD1 or along the central axis CA). Thus, the deflecting unit 8 can be moved relative to the nozzle 7 such that in a first position (FIG 2) the liquid jets provided at the nozzle outlets 7.2 are directly directed to the deflecting surface 8.2 of the deflecting unit 8 and in a second position (FIG 3), the liquid jets provided at the nozzle outlets 7.2 are provided through a space between the deflecting unit 8 and the inner surface 10.1 of the liquid dispensing head 10 in order to disable the functionality of the deflecting unit 8 and provide the liquid at a greater impacting area at the liquid dispensing element 6 (the arrows in the respective drawings indicate the liquid flow through the spraying apparatus). Due to the stepless position adjustment of the deflecting unit 8, also intermediate positions between the end positions shown in FIG 2 and 3 are possible, i.e. the liquid jet provided by the nozzle outlets 7.2 may be partially provided to the deflecting unit 8 and partly provided through the space between the deflecting unit 8 and the inner surface 10.1 of the liquid dispensing head 10. In general, the liquid dispensing head 10 comprises multiple liquid paths and - depending on the relative position of the nozzle 7 and the deflecting unit 8, the liquid is provided through one of said liquid paths or - in intermediate positions - a first fraction of the liquid flow provided by the nozzle 7 is provided through a first liquid path and a second fraction of the liquid flow provided by the nozzle 7 is provided through a second liquid path.
According to embodiments, the liquid dispensing head 10 comprises a funnel-like shape, i.e. the interior space or cross-sectional area of the liquid dispensing head 10 widens towards the liquid dispensing element 6. For example, the inner surface 10.1 is concavely shaped. In case that the nozzle outlets 7.2 are at least partly pulled out of the deflecting unit 8, the liquid jets provided by the nozzle 7 may be directed to said inner surface 10.1. Due to the concave or funnel-like shape of the inner surface 10.1, the liquid flow is deflected towards the liquid dispensing element 6 and distributed across the whole or at least an outer ring portion of the liquid dispensing element 6 in order to provide liquid at a greater impacting area compared to the case when the liquid is only provided to the deflecting unit 8.
FIG 7 to 9 show a spraying apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment. The basic structure of the spraying apparatus 1 is similar to the first embodiment shown in FIG 3 and 4, so, in the following only the differences to said first embodiment are explained in detail. Apart from that, the description of the technical features of the first embodiment also applies to the second embodiment. One main difference of the spraying apparatus 1 of the second embodiment with respect to the first embodiment is that the deflecting unit 8 is non-displaceably arranged within the fluid channel 3, specifically the second fluid channel portion 3.2 and the nozzle 7 is axially displaceable within the fluid channel 3. In other words, the nozzle 7 is moved relative to the deflecting unit 8 for changing the liquid distributing area.
Similar to the first embodiment, the adjustment portion 9, specifically the liquid dispensing head 10 including the adjustment portion 9 is rotatably mounted at the housing 2, wherein the rotation axis is constituted by an axis parallel to the first flow direction FD1. The adjustment portion 9 comprises a tubular portion 9.1 which circumferentially surrounds the nozzle 7 at least in the area of the nozzle wall 7.3. The nozzle 7 comprises at least at a portion of the nozzle wall 7.3 a male thread and the tubular portion 9.1 comprises a female thread corresponding to said male thread. Due to the fixed arrangement of the adjustment portion 9, by rotating the adjustment portion 9, the nozzle 7 is translationally displaced with respect to the liquid dispensing head 10, respectively, the deflecting unit 8 being arranged in the liquid dispensing head 10. Thereby, the position of the nozzle outlets 7.2 relative to the deflecting surface 8.2 and thus the liquid flow through the liquid dispensing element 6 are changed.
As shown in FIG 7, in a first position of the nozzle 7, the nozzle outlets 7.2 may be positioned such that the liquid jet is provided through a space between the deflecting unit 8 and the inner surface 10.1 of the liquid dispensing head 10 in order to disable the functionality of the deflecting unit 8 and provide the liquid at a greater impacting area at the liquid dispensing element 6.
A further difference of the spraying apparatus 1 of the second embodiment with respect to the first embodiment is that the deflecting unit 8 includes multiple liquid channels 8.3, 8.4 and the nozzle 7 can be positioned with respect to the deflecting unit 8 at different positions in order to provide a liquid flow through one of said liquid channels 8.3, 8.4. More in detail, similar to the embodiment of FIG 3 and 4, the deflecting unit 8 also includes an aperture 8.1 for receiving the nozzle portion comprising the nozzle outlets 7.2. The free end of the nozzle 7 can be inserted into the aperture 8.1 of said deflecting unit 8 wherein the depth of insertion can be varied by rotating the adjustment portion 9.
According to the present embodiment, the deflecting unit 8 includes two liquid channels 8.3, 8.4. Said liquid channels 8.3, 8.4 comprise inlets 8.3.1, 8.4.1 which may be arranged circumferentially to said aperture 8.1 receiving the nozzle 7. Said inlets 8.3.1, 8.4.1 are offset with respect to the direction, in which the nozzle 7 is moved. Preferably, said inlets 8.3.1, 8.4.1 are separated from each other by at last one web. Thus, in a first insertion position (shown in FIG 8), the nozzle outlets 7.2 are arranged opposite to the inlets 8.3.1 for providing liquid via liquid channels 8.3 to the liquid dispensing element 6, whereas in a second insertion position (shown in FIG 9), the nozzle outlets 7.2 are arranged opposite to the inlets 8.4.1 or within a chamber forming the second liquid channel 8.4 for providing liquid via said second liquid channel 8.4 to the liquid dispensing element 6.
It is worth mentioning that, due to the stepless position adjustment of the nozzle 7, also intermediate positions between the positions shown in FIG 7, 8 and 9 are possible, i.e. it may, for example, be possible to provide the liquid jet provided by the nozzle outlets 7.2 partially to the first liquid channel 8.3 and partly to the second liquid channel 8.4.
Thereby, the liquid distributing area or impacting area can be changed continuously by changing the liquid flow which is directed to the liquid dispensing element 6.
It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention.
For instance, other embodiments of the directing device are possible, for instance a group or array of nozzles that can be switched by means of valves and/or nozzles that can be rotated.

List of reference numerals

1: spraying apparatus
2: housing
2.1: grip portion
2.2: activation means
3: liquid channel
3.1: first portion of liquid channel
3.2: second portion of liquid channel
4: liquid inlet
5: liquid outlet
6: liquid dispensing element
6A: inner side
6B: outer side
6.1: outlet opening
7: nozzle
7.1: nozzle inlet
7.2: nozzle outlet
7.3: nozzle wall
7.4: nozzle bottom
8: deflecting unit
8.1: aperture
8.2: deflecting surface
8.3: channel
8.3.1: inlet
8.4: channel
8.4.1: inlet
9: adjustment portion
9.1: tubular portion
10: liquid dispensing head
10.1: inner surface

CA: central axis
α: angle
d: distance
FD1: first flow direction
FD2, FD2': second flow direction
SF: focussed liquid beam
SW: widened liquid beam
r1, r2: radius
r3, r4: radius

Claims

Spraying apparatus (1) comprising
a) a housing (2) including a a liquid inlet (4), a liquid outlet (5), a liquid channel (3) arranged between the liquid inlet (3) and the liquid outlet (5) and a liquid dispensing element (6) with multiple outlet openings (6.1), the liquid dispensing element (6) forming the liquid outlet (5) or being arranged at the liquid outlet (5) or between the liquid channel (3) and the liquid outlet (5) ,

b) wherein liquid from the liquid channel (3) passes the liquid dispensing element (6) through at least some of the outlet openings (6.1) from an inner side (6A) to an outer side (6B) of the dispensing element (6) and is then sprayed out of the housing (2) at the liquid outlet (5) in form of at least one liquid beam (SW, SF),

c) wherein the spraying apparatus further comprises a directing device (7, 8) to direct liquid from the liquid channel (3) in at least one impacting direction onto at least one impacting area (A1, A2) of the inner side (6A) of the liquid dispensing element (6),

d) wherein at least two states of the directing device (7, 8) are provided differing from each other in the impacting direction(s) and/or the impacting area(2) (A1, A2) of the liquid impacting on the inner side (6A) of the dispensing element (6),

e) wherein each of said states of the directing device (7, 8) corresponds to or results in a different shape and/or size of the liquid beam (SW, SF),
wherein the liquid dispensing element (6) is shaped concavely at its inner side (6A) and convexly at its outer side (6B),
characterized in that,
the at least one first state of the directing device (7, 8) corresponds to or results in a widening or diverging liquid beam (SW) and at least one second state of the directing device (7, 8) corresponds to or results in a focusing or converging liquid beam (SF),
and wherein in the first state of the directing device (7, 8) the impacting area (A1) is a central, preferably circular or circular ring-shaped, impacting area on the inner side (6A) of the dispensing element (6), preferably close to a central axis (CA) of the dispensing element (6), which preferably coincides with a central axis of the liquid channel (3), and
wherein in the second state of the directing device (7, 8) the impacting area (A2) is a, preferably circular or circular ring-shaped, impacting area on the inner side (6A) of the dispensing element (6) being of greater size or having a greater radius (r2) or diameter (2 r2) than the size or radius (r1) or diameter (2 r1) of the impacting area (A1) in the first state and preferably being arranged around the central axis (CA) of the dispensing element (6), which preferably coincides with a central axis of the liquid channel (3).
Spraying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the directing device has intermediate states between at least one first state and at least one second state, wherein the impacting areas of the intermediate states change in between the impacting areas of the first and the second state resulting in different shapes of the liquid beam within each of the focusing or converging shape and the widening or diverging shape and/or between the focusing or converging shape and the widening or diverging shape, wherein in particular the control of the liquid beam by the directing device is step-wise or continuous.
Spraying apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the directing device comprises at least one nozzle (7) arranged within said liquid channel (3) and at least one deflecting unit (8), wherein the position of the nozzle (7) with respect to the deflecting unit (8) or the position of the deflecting unit (8) with respect to the nozzle (7) is variable or can be controlled in order to change the liquid impacting direction(s) and/or impacting area on or onto the inner side (6A) of the liquid dispensing element (6).
Spraying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the nozzle (7) is adapted to change the liquid flow direction from at least one first flow direction (FD1) to at least one second flow direction (FD2) or vice versa, wherein in particular an angle (α) between the first and second flow direction (FD1, FD2) is at least 60°, specifically the angle (α) between the first and second flow direction (FD1, FD2) is 90° or essentially 90° and/or wherein in particular the first flow direction (FD1) is essentially directed along a central axis (CA) of the liquid channel (3) and/or wherein in particular the nozzle (7) or the deflecting unit (8) are axially movable in the first flow direction (FD1).
Spraying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the nozzle (7) is adapted to dispense the liquid in multiple different second flow directions (FD2, FD2'), wherein in particular said multiple different second flow directions (FD2, FD2') are radially or orthogonally arranged with respect to the first flow direction (FD1).
Spraying apparatus according to any of the claims 3 to 5, further comprising an adjustment portion (9), preferably a rotatable adjustment portion (9), wherein said adjustment portion (9) is coupled with the nozzle (7) or the deflecting unit (8) such that the nozzle (7) or the deflecting unit (8) is axially moved by moving, preferably rotating, the adjustment portion (9).
Spraying apparatus according to any of the claims 3 to 6, wherein the deflecting unit (8) comprises an aperture (8.1) and the nozzle (7) is arranged with respect to the deflecting unit (8) in such a way that at least a portion of the nozzle (8) is insertable in said aperture (8.1) of the deflecting unit (8) when changing the position of the nozzle (7) with respect to the deflecting unit (8) or the position of the deflecting unit (8) with respect to the nozzle (7) and/or wherein the deflecting unit (8) comprises at least one deflecting surface (8.2) for deflecting the liquid stream provided by the nozzle (7) towards the liquid dispensing element (6) and/or wherein the deflecting unit (8) is adapted to guide the liquid stream to a limited portion of the liquid dispensing element (6) in order to reduce the liquid distribution area or impacting area.
Spraying apparatus according to any of the claims 3 to 7, wherein the liquid channel comprises a first and a second liquid channel portion (3.1, 3.2) and the nozzle (7) provides the liquid passage between the first and second liquid channel portion (3.1, 3.2),wherein in particular the second liquid channel portion (3.2) is constituted by a funnel-shaped liquid dispensing head or comprised within said funnel-shaped liquid dispensing head (10), wherein in particular an inner surface (10.1) of the funnel-shaped liquid dispensing head constitutes a deflecting surface for deflecting a liquid jet or flow provided by the nozzle (7) towards the liquid dispensing element (6).
Spraying apparatus according to any of the claims 3 to 8, wherein the deflecting unit (8) provides one or more liquid channels (8.3) for directing the liquid jet or flow provided by the nozzle (7) towards the liquid dispensing element (6).
Spraying apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid dispensing element (6) is rigid, also under the impacting pressure of the impacting liquid, and/or is formed as a thin grid or a perforated sheet.
Method for spraying liquid by means of a spraying apparatus (1), in particular a spraying apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10, which spraying apparatus comprises a housing (2) including a liquid inlet (4), a liquid outlet (5), a liquid channel (3) arranged between the liquid inlet (3) and the liquid outlet (5) and a liquid dispensing element (6) with multiple outlet openings (6.1), the liquid dispensing element (6) forming the liquid outlet (5) or being arranged at the liquid outlet (5) or between the liquid channel (3) and the liquid outlet (5) ,
the method comprising the steps of
a) passing liquid from the liquid inlet (4) through the liquid channel (3) and then through the liquid dispensing element (6) through at least some of the outlet openings (6.1) from an inner side (6A) to an outer side (6B) of the dispensing element (6) and then

b) spraying the liquid out of the housing (2) at the liquid outlet (5) in form of at least one liquid beam (SW, SF),

c) directing, by means of a directing device (7, 8), the liquid from the liquid channel (3) in at least one impacting direction onto at least one impacting area (A1, A2) of the inner side (6A) of the liquid dispensing element (6),

d) wherein at least two states of the directing device (7, 8) are provided differing from each other in the impacting direction(s) and/or the impacting area(s) (A1, A2) of the liquid impacting on the inner side (6A) of the dispensing element (6),

e) wherein in each of said states of the directing device (7, 8) a liquid beam (SW, SF) having a different shape and/or size is generated,
characterized in that,
the at least one first state of the directing device (7, 8) a widening or diverging liquid beam (SW) is generated and in at least one second state of the directing device (7, 8) a focusing or converging liquid beam (SF) is generated
wherein in the first state of the directing device (7, 8) the impacting area (A1) is a central, preferably circular or circular ring-shaped, impacting area on the inner side (6A) of the dispensing element (6), preferably close to a central axis (CA) of the dispensing element (6), which preferably coincides with a central axis of the liquid channel (3), and
wherein in the second state of the directing device (7, 8) the impacting area (A2) is a, preferably circular or circular ring-shaped, impacting area on the inner side (6A) of the dispensing element (6) being of greater size or having a greater radius (r2) or greater diameter (2 r2) than the size or radius (r1) or diameter (2 r1) of the impacting area (A1) in the first state and preferably being arranged around the central axis (CA) of the dispensing element (6), which preferably coincides with a central axis of the liquid channel (3).
Method according to claim 11, wherein the directing device has intermediate states between at least one first state and at least one second state, wherein the impacting areas of the intermediate states are changed in between the impacting areas of the first and the second state to generate different shapes of the liquid beam within each of the focusing or converging shape and the widening or diverging shape and/or between the focusing or converging shape and the widening or diverging shape, wherein in particular the control of the liquid beam by the directing device is step-wise or continuous.