EP3559588B1 - Liquid ejecting device - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a device for firing a fluid projectile at a target body, comprising a hand-held device for firing the fluid projectile, the hand-held device comprising a drive for accelerating the fluid projectile, the device further comprising an energy store for operating the drive.

State of the art

Devices for spraying or shooting or squirting water are known in different embodiments. Water pistols typically have a shape based on conventional pistols or other weapons. Sometimes, however, water pistols can also have abstract and imaginative shapes, but also shapes of animals, plants or objects.

A hand-operated water gun comprises a water container, which is usually comprised by the water gun itself and is typically formed directly by the gun housing. The water gun further comprises a pump which is actuated by the trigger of the water gun. The pump is typically designed as a simple piston pump.

Newer water guns have a pressure tank in which a pressure, in particular an air pressure with a hand pump, is built up, with which the water is drained off by opening a valve. This means that large amounts of water can be sprayed over a long period of time. Bagpacks are also known for such water pistols, that is to say separate water containers which can be carried as a backpack, for example, and which are connected to the water pistol.

Modern water guns now have electric pumps that can be operated with batteries. This means that large ranges can also be achieved.

The water pistols with long ranges have the disadvantage that injuries, especially eye injuries, are possible with them, especially at short shooting distances. In particular, due to the "hydraulic needle effect", an eye injury cannot be ruled out at short operating distances. Since these devices are typically also used by children, who are known to be able to act rashly in their play instinct, there is a relatively high risk of injury.

The same problem also exists with other devices with which a projectile can be fired, in particular, for example, in paintball playground equipment Spray cans (hairspray, paint spray, etc.) and other devices known to the person skilled in the art.

CA 2 463 340 A1 discloses a device for firing a projectile at a target body, comprising a hand-held device for firing the projectile, the hand-held device comprising a drive for accelerating the projectile and a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the hand-held device and the target body, the device comprising a control unit, with which the drive can be controlled depending on the measured distance.

US 9 022 255 B1 discloses a device for firing a fluid projectile at a target body, comprising a device for firing the projectile, the device comprising a drive for accelerating the projectile and a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the device and the target body, the drive comprising a pump and where the measured distance is used to control the angle of the exit nozzle.

WO 00/73726 A2 discloses a device for firing a fluid projectile at a target body, comprising a hand-held device for firing the projectile, the hand-held device comprising a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the hand-held device and the target body, the measured distance being used to control the outlet valve for designing the discharge characteristic .

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to create a device for firing a projectile belonging to the technical field mentioned at the beginning, with which the risk of injury from a beam can be reduced.

The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the drive comprises a control unit, with which the drive can be controlled as a function of the measured distance.

In a corresponding method according to claim 15 for operating a device for firing a fluid projectile at a target body, a device comprising a hand-held device for firing a projectile, as well as a drive for accelerating the projectile and a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the hand-held device and the target body is used . The device further comprises an energy store for operating the drive. The drive comprises a control unit, with which the drive is controlled as a function of the measured distance.

By controlling the drive as a function of the measured distance between the handheld device and the target body, it is possible to regulate the exit speed of the projectile. In this way, for example, an ejection quantity, an ejection time (projectile length) and / or an exit speed from the hand-held device can be regulated. In particular with a short distance between the hand-held device and the target body, the kinetic energy can thus be kept low, so that injuries, in particular eye injuries with solid projectiles as well as with fluid projectiles the so-called "hydraulic needle effect") can be avoided.

The projectile is designed as a fluid projectile. This is a liquid projectile or a liquid jet. The fluid projectile or the liquid jet preferably has a predefined length, ie the drive is actuated for a predetermined period of time when the device is actuated. The fluid projectile need not necessarily have a predetermined length. The device can also be designed in such a way that the drive is actuated as long as the user actuates the device.

In variants outside the scope of the claims, the projectile can also be designed as a solid body, as a soft, for example gel-like body or the like. The projectile can, for example, be a ball, in particular a plastic ball, tennis ball or the like. The projectile can also be gelatinous, in particular as a so-called paintball for the game of the same name or as a soft dart, etc. Further outside the scope of the claims, the projectile can also be designed as a disk, in particular as a clay pigeon or the like. Further fields of application are known to those skilled in the art in which a missile is accelerated by a device.

The projectile can furthermore also be present as an insecticide, in particular, for example, as a wasp insecticide. This means that wasps in a wasp's nest can be fought in a targeted manner from a safe distance. Furthermore, the projectile can also be designed as a lubricant, with which, for example, a point in a machine can be lubricated in a targeted manner which is otherwise difficult to access.

The projectile outside the scope of the claims can also be designed as a nail of a nail gun, Postitch or the like. A large number of other possible fluid projectiles are known to the person skilled in the art.

The terms “spraying” or “sprayer” or the like are generally understood in the following to mean the emergence of a jet of liquid or a corresponding device, unless otherwise stated.

The term handheld device is understood to mean a device which can be operated with one hand and which can be carried in one hand by the user. For this purpose, the hand-held device comprises at least one handle. The hand-held device can, however, also be connected to a storage container or an energy store for supplying projectiles and for supplying energy via appropriate lines or hoses. The The hand-held device can, for example, be designed as a water gun, soaker, air rifle, air pistol, soft dart gun, BB gun, airsoft gun, paintball gun, nail gun, etc. (see below).

The hand-held device includes a drive for accelerating the projectile. The drive outside the scope of the claims can be designed in different ways. On the one hand, it can be given as a pressurized medium that accelerates the projectile. Furthermore, outside the scope of the claims, the drive can comprise cold-tensioned gases, which have been known for a long time in the field of spray cans and compressed air weapons, such as air pistols, air rifles or paintball weapons. Such weapons typically include either a gas _{cartridge, in particular a CO 2} cartridge, or a spring accumulator.

The drive outside the scope of the claims can also be provided by a pyrotechnic propellant, static charge, magnetic fields or electric motors, etc. A large number of possible drives are known to the person skilled in the art. With the drive, the projectile is accelerated to its maximum speed, whereupon the projectile is decelerated to zero due to air friction or an impact with a target body. During this time, the projectile roughly describes a parabolic flight (neglecting the air resistance). The distance measuring device is designed in such a way that it can be used to measure a distance between the hand-held device and a target body. For this purpose, the distance measuring device is preferably arranged in the area of an outlet opening of the hand-held device and preferably measures a distance between the outlet nozzle of the hand-held device and an alleged target which would currently be hit when the drive is operated. The distance measuring device preferably emits a distance signal to a processor, which determines the pump output therefrom and, if necessary, from further parameters. The further parameters can include, for example, a fluid temperature (eg to take into account the viscosity of the fluid), the outside temperature, air humidity, elevation of the nozzle (in particular if this cannot be set automatically, see further below), etc.

The energy store provides the acceleration energy for the projectile. The energy store can include a capacity for the acceleration of one or more projectiles.

The control unit is used to control the drive as a function of a distance measured with the distance measuring device. The control unit is preferably a computing unit, in particular a processor, with which the distance data can be converted into an amount of energy with which the projectile is accelerated.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid projectile is a water jet. In a preferred embodiment, the device thus comprises, outside the scope of the claims, a device for spraying water, in particular a water gun for children or young people.

In a further preferred embodiment outside the scope of the claims, the projectile is designed as a paint ball, toy ball, toy bullet, arrow, air rifle ammunition, etc. The projectile can in particular be designed as ammunition of a soft dart gun, a BB gun, an airsoft gun, a paintball gun, etc.

Further outside the scope of the claims, the device can be designed for firing solid projectiles which are accelerated, for example, via a magnetic field and wherein the magnetic field is controlled by means of the data from the distance sensor. The solid projectile can also be driven by a plurality of pyrotechnic charges, a number of charges being activated by means of the data from the distance sensor.

The hand-held device preferably comprises the control unit. A compact design of the device is achieved in this way. Furthermore, because of the short distances, particularly short reaction times for controlling the device can be achieved. Alternatively, the control unit can also be carried separately, for example decentrally or in a bag, a backpack or the like.

The power of the drive can preferably be controlled as a function of the measured distance.

The control is preferably designed such that below a predetermined limit distance between the handheld device and the target body, the drive is operated in such a way that the projectile leaves the handheld device at a lower speed than when the predetermined limit distance is exceeded. The controller can also do this be designed so that the drive is not activated below the limit distance. In a further preferred embodiment outside the scope of the claims, several limit distances are provided, between each of which a power of the drive is assigned, the control optionally being designed in such a way that the drive is completely switched off below a minimum limit distance. Furthermore, the control can also be designed in such a way that the drive is switched off when a maximum limit distance is exceeded, at which an impact with the object is impossible or unlikely. An economical use of the device, in particular of the fluid, can thus be achieved.

When the device is designed as a water pistol, toy pistol or the like, the result is that the projectile, in particular the fluid projectile, for example, has a lower kinetic energy at a short distance, so that the risk of injury to a target person can be reduced.

In a particularly preferred embodiment outside the scope of the claims, the drive is switched off below a minimum, predetermined limit distance. Because the drive is switched off below a minimum limit distance, a safe water pistol or other toy for wiping objects can be provided with simple means, which on the one hand offers the advantage of safe handling and on the other hand offers the user the added value of greater performance, in particular since the fluid projectile can also be fired with great power through the distance measurement when a large distance is determined.

On the other hand, when used as a nail gun, for example, the control unit can be programmed in such a way that the drive can only be activated below a minimum distance, in particular at a "zero" distance (contact with the object). In this application, the distance sensor can also be designed as a contact sensor, in particular, for example, as a pressure sensor.

In a particularly preferred embodiment outside the scope of the claims, the power of the drive is continuously adapted to the measured distance. It can thus be achieved that an impact energy of the projectile on the body can be kept essentially constant independently of the distance. The continuous adjustment of the power of the drive as a function of the distance between the handheld device and the body makes it more user-friendly Operation achieved, as this can reduce the effects of parabolic flight of the projectile when aiming at the target - this can reduce the influence of the firing angle on target accuracy.

In variants outside the scope of the claims or in addition, in the case of a device for firing a fluid projectile, a time span for the spraying of the fluid can also be controlled as a function of the measured distance. Furthermore, instead of a power in the case of a fluid projectile, the projectile can also be changed. For example, in the case of a short distance, instead of a fluid jet, atomization or the like can be provided, which can also reduce the risk of injury.

A firing angle of the projectile relative to the hand-held device can preferably be controlled as a function of the measured distance and / or as a function of the power of the drive. For this purpose, the hand-held device preferably comprises an exit channel through which the projectile exits. The angle of the outlet channel can preferably be varied relative to the hand-held device. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the outlet channel can be adjusted by a motor relative to the hand-held device, in particular, for example, via a servo or a microservo.

In variants outside the scope of the claims, the firing angle can also be controllable independently of the measured distance, in particular it can be set manually, for example.

The drive can preferably be operated electrically and the energy store comprises, in particular, at least one accumulator. The use of an electrically operated drive has the advantage that it can be easily regulated by regulating the electrical power. Electric drives are also inexpensive to manufacture.

In variants outside the scope of the claims, a pyrotechnic drive charge can also be provided, with, for example, only part of the drive charge being ignited if there is a short distance between the hand-held device and the target body. Furthermore, cold-stressed gas can be provided as a drive, with the power being able to be adjusted via a valve or the like.

In a preferred variant outside the scope of the claims, the energy store comprises at least two accumulators, the control unit being designed such that, depending on the measured distance, the drive can be operated with one accumulator or with more than one accumulator.

In this way, a particularly simple implementation of a control is achieved, with which the drive can be operated with different powers. Preferably, if the distance between the handheld device and the target body falls below a limit, the drive is operated only with an accumulator, so that the projectile leaves the handheld device, in particular a muzzle of the handheld device, at a reduced exit speed.

Alternatively, the performance can also be regulated purely electronically. In particular, the power for the drive can also be controlled continuously in relation to the measured distance. The relation of the power to the measured distance does not have to be linear, but can, for example, be calibrated on the basis of the measured values determined.

The drive is designed as a pump. In particular, together with the electrical energy store, the pump is particularly easy to control. Electric pumps are also inexpensive and easy to integrate into a hand-held device. The pump is preferably designed in such a way that a pump output can be controlled via the power supply. This is advantageous because after measuring the distance between the hand-held device and the target body, it is necessary to switch over quickly so that the correct setting is used. Alternatively, control of the pump via a valve would also be conceivable, in which case the device would have to be blocked during the changeover, so that the device is only ready to fire after the setting has been made. The pump can be used to directly accelerate a fluid projectile to be fired, and a solid projectile to be accelerated indirectly.

In variants outside the scope of the claims, the drive can also be provided by a pyrotechnic propellant.

However, the drive can also be provided via gas pressure, for example a gas cartridge. The drive can also comprise a spring, which is pretensioned, or the like. Furthermore, depending on the projectile, magnetic fields or the like can also be used; further variants are known to the person skilled in the art.

The pump is preferably designed as a diaphragm pump. In the case of a diaphragm pump, the diaphragm can be deflected mechanically or electromagnetically, for example. The diaphragm pump can be designed as a micro diaphragm pump which can be operated with commercially available batteries.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pump is designed as a peristaltic pump. This is a positive displacement pump in which a fluid can be conveyed by deforming a hose. The deformation typically takes place via a rotor which, by means of rollers or sliding shoes, squeezes the hose locally against the pump housing and thus propels the hose content forward through the rotation of the rollers or sliding shoes. The fluid, in particular the water, can thus be driven out of the cylinder via the peristaltic pump through the outlet nozzle in order to generate the fluid projectile. A particularly cost-effective variant of the device is thus achieved, in particular since peristaltic pumps comprise only a few moving parts. The peristaltic pump also has the advantage that it is particularly robust and unproblematic in terms of tightness, especially since the fluid does not come into contact with any sealing surfaces that move relative to one another, as is the case, for example, with a piston pump. Furthermore, an exit speed can be controlled relatively easily by the rotation speed of the motor.

The peristaltic pump typically comprises an electric motor and a rotor, it being possible for a hose to be squeezed with the rotor. For this purpose, the rotor in the present case has a circular cylindrical basic shape with two axially spaced apart and radially protruding flanges, rollers for squeezing the hose being arranged between the flanges. In order to achieve a space-saving construction, the circular cylinder of the rotor is hollow on the inside and open on one side so that it can be slipped over a motor housing or a motor or over a gear or gear housing of the motor. The hose is thus arranged around the engine or the transmission during operation. A particularly compact design is achieved in this way. In variants, the peristaltic pump can also be designed differently, in particular neither the gear nor the motor need to be accommodated in a cavity in the rotor.

In further variants, the pump can also be designed as a gear pump or other pumps known to those skilled in the art.

The hand-held device preferably comprises a fluid container which can be fluidically connected to the pump. As a result, the fluid lines can be kept short, with which the pump has to work against correspondingly small frictional resistance. This means that most of the pump power can be used to accelerate a fluid projectile. The fluid container is preferably an exchangeable unit.

In variants or in addition, the fluid container can also be encompassed by the device separately from the hand-held device. Furthermore, the hand-held device itself, in particular a part of the housing of the hand-held device, can be designed as a fluid container.

The pump can preferably be positively connected to the fluid container via a conical connection. In the following, a conical connection is understood to mean an outer cone of a first fluid line, which can be inserted into an inner cone of a second fluid line in order to achieve a fluid connection. The conical design of the connection creates a tight connection with simple means.

In variants, other connection techniques known to the person skilled in the art can also be used for fluid connections. In particular, a bayonet connection, a screw connection, some other plug-in or latching connection, etc. can be provided.

The conical connection preferably comprises a securing device, in particular a screw connection, in order to secure the conical connection. This ensures that the conical connection cannot come loose during operation. The screw connection preferably comprises a sleeve surrounding the outer cone with an internal thread, while the internal cone has a corresponding external thread or a radially protruding shoulder which can interact with the internal thread. A particularly simple connection of the fluid container to the pump is thereby achieved.

Furthermore, however, the fluid container itself can also be secured on the hand-held device using any securing means known to those skilled in the art, so that the conical connection cannot loosen. For example, the fluid container can have an external thread which engages in an internal thread of a corresponding receptacle of a housing of the hand-held device. Furthermore, the fluid container can be secured to the housing by a bracket, a screw cap, an elastic element, etc. in such a way that the conical connection cannot loosen.

In variants, the securing can also be dispensed with, in particular if the non-positive connection is sufficiently strong.

The fluid container and the pump particularly preferably comprise a Luer lock connection, via which the fluid container can be fluidically connected to the pump. This achieves a particularly easy, tight and secure connection between the pump and the fluid container, which has proven itself particularly in the field of medical syringes.

Other connection techniques can also be used in variants.

The fluid container preferably has a variable volume. Pressure compensation can thus be dispensed with when the fluid is withdrawn, which in turn reduces the risk of leakage and thus the risk of contamination.

In variants, the fluid container can also have an unchangeable volume. In this case, for example, a check valve can be provided to equalize the pressure. Furthermore, the fluid container can also be subjected to pressure.

The fluid container preferably comprises a cylinder with a piston that can be moved within the cylinder. The cylinder is preferably fluidically connected to the pump, so that a fluid projectile can be removed from the cylinder with the pump, whereby the piston moves in the cylinder, preferably exclusively by the negative pressure caused by the pump. Alternatively, the piston can also be fluidically connected to the pump so that a fluid projectile can be removed from the cylinder.

The position of the piston in the cylinder is preferably visible when the fluid container is mounted in the hand-held device. The visibility can be achieved in that the cylinder is transparent and either is not completely covered by the hand-held device or can be seen through a viewing window of the hand-held device. The fill level of the fluid container can thus be viewed from the outside in a structurally simple manner. The fill level of the fluid container can, however, also be made visible in other ways. For this purpose, the part moving relative to the hand-held device, that is to say preferably the piston or the cylinder, can be connected to a control element which is mechanical or electronic can reflect the level. Many possibilities for this are known to the person skilled in the art. Alternatively, the level indicator can also be dispensed with.

In variants, a sack-like fluid container can also be provided instead of the cylinder with the piston. Furthermore, a conventional cartridge or bottle etc. can also be provided as the fluid container. Finally, instead of the pump, a linear drive can also be provided, which drives the piston in the cylinder. A rack and pinion drive can be provided for this purpose (see below).

The fluid container preferably comprises a main chamber for a first fluid and a secondary chamber for a second fluid, the main chamber being separated from the secondary chamber by a membrane.

The secondary chamber can also be dispensed with. Instead of a secondary chamber, an outer space can also be separated off with the membrane.

The device preferably comprises a mandrel, the membrane being pierceable by emptying the main chamber. For this purpose, the mandrel is preferably fixed relative to the hand-held device during operation and the membrane moves in the direction of the mandrel during emptying, so that in an emptying state, especially when the main chamber is empty, the mandrel pierces the membrane so that the contents of the secondary chamber are removed from the pump can be promoted. Alternatively, the membrane can also be arranged in a fixed manner relative to the hand-held device, while the mandrel moves towards the membrane during emptying and pierces it.

In the preferred embodiment, the mandrel is designed as a needle projecting inward in the cylinder, in the direction of the piston, through which the fluid is sucked in by the pump. The membrane preferably separates a secondary chamber in the piston so that the needle can penetrate directly into the secondary chamber. In the main chamber, for example, there can be a marking agent or the like, while there is, for example, a cleaning agent in the secondary chamber. In this way, after the main chamber has been emptied, residues can be removed from the hand-held device before a new fluid container is inserted. In this way, contamination or clogging of the lines can be avoided. Instead of the The side chamber can also only be used to open the cylinder to the outside with the membrane, so that air can be sucked in and the hand-held device can be cleaned.

The piston and the cylinder are preferably designed as an exchangeable unit. The hand-held device can thus be reused in a simple and cost-effective manner. In addition, this enables user-friendly handling, in particular since no fluid has to be filled.

The unit can also comprise further parts. In particular, the unit can also include, for example, the battery for feeding the pump. In this way, when the unit is replaced, it can be ensured that both the battery power and the fluid supply are full. In variants, the batteries can also be designed to be separately replaceable and / or the device can comprise a charging station for the hand-held device, with which an accumulator can be charged. The production of this unit from cylinder and piston can be produced particularly inexpensively, in particular by means of injection molding processes or similar high-performance production processes.

In variants, the exchangeable unit can also be dispensed with. For example, the cylinder can be equipped with a refill opening through which the cylinder can be filled with a fluid. Furthermore, the outlet nozzle can also be designed in such a way that the cylinder can be filled via the same, in that the piston is withdrawn by a motor or manually, or in that the pump is operated in the opposite direction. This would have the advantage that the nozzle can be cleaned at the same time. Finally, the hand-held device, together with the fluid container, can be designed as a disposable item.

Both the piston and the cylinder can be designed as an injection-molded part and are therefore particularly easy and inexpensive to manufacture. However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that the drive, in particular the cylinder and the piston, can be made from plastic as well as from other materials, such as metal or composite materials. A simple operation of the drive is also achieved in this way, since the fluid can be ejected by linearly advancing the piston. The means for achieving the relative movement between piston and cylinder can thus comprise simple drives known to those skilled in the art.

An embodiment in which the piston is actively actuated is described in detail below.

In this further preferred embodiment, the drive comprises a cylinder for receiving a fluid and a piston that can be moved in the cylinder along a longitudinal axis, as well as means for achieving a relative movement between the piston and the cylinder
In a variant, the cylinder itself can comprise an outlet nozzle through which the fluid, in particular in the form of a fluid projectile, can be ejected. For this purpose, the piston can be provided with a drive, in particular a linear drive, preferably with a rack and pinion drive (see below).

In variants, the drive can be implemented differently, in particular as a commercially available fluid pump, as already described above.

An ejection device assigned to this variant for ejecting a fluid, for use in a device for firing a fluid projectile at a target body, preferably comprises a cylinder and a piston which can be moved in the cylinder along a longitudinal axis and which comprises a toothed rack. The hand-held device can thus comprise, for example, an electric motor with a toothed wheel, with which, when the ejection device is inserted in the hand-held device, the piston can be moved over the toothed wheel in engagement with the rack.

The toothed rack is preferably connected in one piece to the piston. Alternatively, the rack can also be designed as a separate component.

The piston preferably comprises a toothed rack, the means for advancing the piston comprising a motor, in particular an electric motor, with a toothed wheel, the toothed wheel being in engagement with the toothed rack to push the piston forward. This creates a particularly simple linear drive by means of which the piston can be moved in the cylinder. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drive comprises an electric motor with a reduction gear in order to achieve an advancement of the rack and thus an advancement of the piston in the cylinder via a gear wheel rotation. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the toothed rack is fixedly connected to the piston or formed in one piece with the piston. The rack is preferably formed on a push rod of the piston. The number of components can thus be reduced, with the result that the device as a whole can be manufactured more cost-effectively. The rack can, however, also be designed as a separate element, similar to the cartridge guns, cartridge guns, silicone guns or squeezing guns known to those skilled in the art, in which the piston is moved in the cylinder by means of a separate push rod.

In variants, other means for advancing the piston can also be provided. In particular, the piston can also take place via a lever mechanism similar to the cartridge press. Furthermore, the advancement can also take place hydraulically or pneumatically, for example by means of a pump, with the hydraulic advancement being preferred due to the simpler controllability.

The piston preferably forms an exchangeable unit together with the cylinder. In particular when used in a reusable spray device for paint or the like, it is advantageous if all parts that have come into contact with the paint can be easily replaced when the paint container is empty. This ensures that the dye container can be changed safely and, on the other hand, largely prevents contamination from use. It is therefore particularly preferred that the nozzle connected to the cylinder or formed in one piece with it is also replaced. This can prevent lines, the nozzle, the pump, etc. from being contaminated by the dye, attacked by the solvent in the dye or their function being restricted by residues of the dye. In particular, it can be achieved that at least after each new loading with a new and full dye container, i.e. the unit consisting of the cylinder and the piston, a functional nozzle is present - in systems in which the nozzle is not replaced, however, there is the risk of the nozzle clogging over time due to drying residues of the dye. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that not necessarily a dye but also, for example, lubricants, insect spray, in particular wasp spray, etc., can be accommodated in the container.

The unit can also comprise further parts. In particular, the unit can also include the battery for feeding the electric motor. This means that when the Unit ensure that both the battery power and the fluid supply are filled.

The production of this unit from cylinder and piston can be produced particularly inexpensively, in particular by means of injection molding processes or similar high-performance production processes. The unit thus preferably comprises the cylinder with the nozzle and the piston with the rack.

The exchangeable unit does not necessarily have to include the rack, but can also only include the piston, the rack with the push rod being provided by the hand-held device.

In variants, the exchangeable unit can also be dispensed with. For example, the cylinder can be equipped with a refill opening through which the cylinder can be filled with a fluid. Furthermore, the nozzle can also be designed in such a way that the cylinder can be filled via it by the piston being withdrawn by a motor or manually. This would have the advantage that the nozzle can be cleaned at the same time.

The hand-held device preferably comprises the electric motor with the gearwheel for driving the rack, as well as a receptacle for the unit comprising the cylinder with the nozzle and the piston with the rack. The unit can be inserted into the receptacle of the hand-held device in such a way that the toothed rack is in engagement with the toothed wheel. During use, each time the drive is triggered, the toothed rack and thus the piston are moved into the cylinder, with which the fluid is driven out of the nozzle as a fluid projectile. The piston, the cylinder and the rack, as well as the gearwheel, are preferably dimensioned and arranged in such a way that the piston can be retracted essentially completely into the cylinder. Preferably, when the piston is completely retracted into the cylinder, the gear is no longer in engagement with the rack and can rotate freely. In this way, overloading the motor after the unit has been emptied can be avoided in a simple manner. Alternatively, a limit switch can also be provided which can switch off the drive as a function of the relative position in the piston.

In variants, the hand-held device can also comprise the nozzle / and or the toothed rack, with which a more cost-effective, exchangeable unit is achieved. The distance measuring device is preferably designed as an ultrasonic sensor. Ultrasonic sensors have the advantage that they work well even in poor visibility conditions, while an infrared measurement, for example, can fail in smoke or fog.

In variants, radar, laser or infrared can also be used for distance measurement, although the latter two variants can be error-prone in poor visibility (see above). Further variants are also known to the person skilled in the art.

The hand-held device preferably comprises a suction mandrel, with which a fluid projectile can be removed from a fluid container. In particular, when the device is used as an insecticide, there is the advantage that the, preferably liquid, insecticide can be present in pressureless containers, that is, the containers containing the insecticide are not under pressure. In this way, for example, interchangeable containers can be provided so that, for example, the hand-held device can be reused.

In variants, the suction mandrel can also be dispensed with, in particular if the fluid container is inserted upside down in a receptacle of the hand-held device.

The fluid container is particularly preferably a disposable container. This is particularly advantageous when insecticides are used, since undesired contamination with the insecticide can be avoided. Alternatively, a refillable container can also be provided.

The suction mandrel is preferably designed for piercing a fluid container, in particular for piercing a septum of a fluid container. A container preferably comprises a membrane or the like which can be pierced by the suction mandrel. This has the advantage that the container does not have to be opened before insertion.

In variants or in addition, the suction mandrel can also be screwed to the container, in particular similar to a gas cartridge.

The fluid container is preferably integrated or can be integrated into a handle of the hand-held device. In this way, especially in the case of a hand-held device largely made of plastic, an optimal position of the center of gravity of the hand-held device with an integrated fluid container is achieved. The fluid container in the hand-held device is preferably exchangeable, so that the hand-held device can be easily recharged.

In variants, the fluid container can be designed separately (see below).

The hand-held device can preferably be moved during operation independently of the fluid container, in particular can be aligned with a target body. In this variant, the fluid container is designed as a component that is independent of the hand-held device. The hand-held device can thus be connected to the fluid container, in particular a suction mandrel in the fluid container, for example via a hose or the like. The fluid container can thus be made larger without impairing the handling of the hand-held device. The device can thus be used for longer deployments without having to reload the device or replace a fluid container. Furthermore, the production of a single, larger fluid container can also be achieved inexpensively. A corresponding hand-held device can thus be designed to be easier and simpler to handle. In particular, an accumulator, for example, can be made larger in such a hand-held device. Such a hand-held device preferably comprises the fluid pump, in particular a peristaltic pump, a membrane pump or the like. In the case of a separate fluid container, it is typically advantageous if the fluid delivery means, in particular the pump, is encompassed by the hand-held device. Alternatively, however, the separate fluid container can also comprise the pump.

In variants, the fluid container can also be integrated in the hand-held device.

During operation, the hand-held device can preferably be moved independently of the accumulator, in particular can be aligned with a target body. In one embodiment, the accumulator is therefore not accommodated in the hand-held device, but is available as an external power supplier. In this case, the hand-held device is preferably connected to the accumulator or a power supply system via a power cable. On the one hand, this makes the hand-held device lighter and easier to use, and on the other hand, it can also be used with the battery be designed larger capacity, so that the device can be used over a longer period of time.

In variants, the accumulator can also be accommodated in the hand-held device.

The hand-held device preferably has a receptacle for an insert, the insert optionally being designed as a fluid container insert or as a connecting element to a fluid container separate from the hand-held device, the device in particular comprising the connecting element. In this variant, the device can be designed in two ways, while the hand-held device is designed identically for both types. This enables a particularly variable use of the device.

For this purpose, the hand-held device comprises a receptacle which, for example, can be accommodated in the handle of the hand-held device in the manner of a receptacle for a pistol magazine. In this case, the insert could be inserted into this receptacle in a manner similar to a magazine. The insert can be available in two variants, so that an exchange of the inserts is easily possible.

In the first variant, the insert comprises the fluid container. The hand-held device thus encompasses the fluid container during operation. In this embodiment, an external fluid container can be dispensed with, with the result that a device that is particularly easy to handle is achieved. The fluid container is preferably designed as an interchangeable container.

In the second variant, the insert comprises a connecting line, in particular a fluid connection to an external fluid container. This makes the hand-held device lighter and more manageable. In addition, the fluid container can be made larger, so that the duration of use can be increased.

The user is thus provided with a device in which it is possible to switch quickly and easily between the external and the integrated fluid container. This enables an efficient reaction to changing situations. In the event that the device is used to control insects, the use of the connecting element together with the external container can be advantageous, in particular for large-scale operations.

In variants, the connecting element can also be dispensed with, especially if the device is only intended for short-term use.

The insert is preferably designed as a connecting element to a fluid container separate from the hand-held device and as a connecting element to one or more accumulators separate from the hand-held device. In this way, the heavy components of the device are kept separate, making the hand-held device particularly easy to hold. On the other hand, accumulators with a larger capacity can be used, so that a maximum service life can be increased. In this case, the connecting element comprises at least one electrical connection and one fluid connection, as well as corresponding electrical and fluidic feed lines to the hand-held device.

In variants, in particular with low power consumption of the drive, high power density of the accumulator or for sporadic use, external accumulators can also be dispensed with.

The fluid container separate from the handheld device and / or the accumulator separate from the handheld device preferably comprise a carrying strap, in particular a shoulder strap. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the separate fluid container comprises a tank which can be carried on the back. Such a device can essentially be designed as a backpack, whereby the tank can be present as a bag or as a dimensionally stable tank. The shoulder strap can, however, also be designed as a simple loop for carrying over a shoulder or as a hip belt.

In variants, the shoulder strap can also be dispensed with. Instead of a shoulder strap, the fluid container can also be integrated in a vest, jacket or the like.

The hand-held device preferably comprises a handle with a trigger for actuating the drive. The distance measuring device is preferably also activated via the trigger. After the trigger has been actuated, the distance between the target body and the hand-held device is preferably measured in a first step by means of the distance measuring device. The measured distance is then preferably compared with a previously established limit distance. If the measured distance is smaller than the limit distance, the drive is operated with low power. Provided the measured Distance is greater than the limit distance, then the drive is operated with greater power. However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that measurements can also be carried out continuously with the distance measuring device. The device or the hand-held device can, for example, comprise a switch for switching the device on and off, the distance measuring device measuring continuously when the device is switched on. The control unit is particularly preferably designed in such a way that when the device is switched on, the control unit is set to low power as the default and that the power is only increased after a sufficiently large distance from the target body has been measured.

In a further embodiment outside the scope of the claims, a device for firing a fluid projectile at a target body comprises a hand-held device for firing the projectile, the hand-held device comprising a drive for accelerating the projectile, the drive having a cylinder for receiving a fluid and one in the cylinder Comprises movable piston along a longitudinal axis and means for achieving a relative movement between the piston and the cylinder.

In this embodiment, the device preferably comprises an energy store for operating the drive. The energy store can, for example, be in the form of an accumulator or a battery, but also as a mechanical energy store, such as a tension or compression spring, a gas pressure store, etc. This further embodiment can, as a variant, comprise a distance sensor according to the first embodiment, in particular the drive being controllable via the distance sensor (see above).

Alternatively, the energy store can also be dispensed with, in particular if, for example, a fume cupboard is provided, with which the required energy is provided by the user. The trigger can operate a linear drive or a hydraulic system, for example. Further variants are also known to the person skilled in the art.

The fluid is preferably present directly in the cylinder, so that when the container is empty, the cylinder can be replaced together with the piston. This can reduce the risk of contamination by the user, particularly in the case of fluids that are harmful to health, such as insecticides.

Alternatively, however, a sack-like container can also be provided for the fluid, which can be introduced into the cylinder via a suitable coupling so that the contents of the container can be ejected through the nozzle. Such containers are sufficiently well known to the person skilled in the art, for example as refill bags for shampoo, shower gel, fabric softener, etc. This means that the replacement containers can be kept more cost-effectively and the cylinder-piston unit can be used again. The coupling can be designed, for example, as a known bottle thread, as a bayonet lock and the like. Variants for this are known to the person skilled in the art. During use, the piston is moved into the cylinder, with which the forward movement compresses the sack-like container and thus the fluid is ejected through the nozzle.

In a variant outside the scope of the claims, the outlet nozzle is also held on the sack-like container, particularly preferably in the area of or centered on the coupling. This in turn creates a system in which contamination by the fluid only occurs on the exchangeable container, in the present case on the sack-like container with the nozzle. Alternatively, the nozzle can also be part of the cylinder.

The means for achieving the relative movement are preferably designed as a pump, preferably as a membrane pump. In variants, the relative movement can also take place via a linear drive.

The piston can preferably be moved by generating a negative pressure in the cylinder. Alternatively, the piston can be pressurized with the pump, so that the piston in the cylinder down and the fluid can be expelled from the cylinder.

In a particularly preferred embodiment outside the scope of the claims, the outlet nozzle through which the fluid projectile emerges is indirectly connected to the fluid container, in particular the cylinder, via a pump. The fluid projectile is thus sucked out of the fluid container with the pump and ejected through the outlet nozzle.

The cylinder is preferably designed as the only fluid container for the fluid. In variants, a separate fluid container can be provided, which serves as a storage container, wherein the cylinder can be filled with fluid from the storage container by moving the piston back in the cylinder.

The accumulator or accumulators or batteries can be arranged in a separate battery compartment of the hand-held device. Furthermore, the batteries can be connected to the fluid container, so that the batteries are also replaced when a fluid container is changed. For this purpose, the capacity can be matched to the contents of the fluid container, so that with a new battery, for example, the entire contents of the fluid container can be used with maximum power. This simplifies handling of the device, since only the fill level of the fluid container has to be monitored.

In further embodiments, the hand-held device can also comprise further electronic components. In particular, the hand-held device can further include a LED, a flashlight, a target laser, a camera, a display, for example to display the status of the fill level of the fluid container or a charge level of the accumulator, a distance display, etc.

Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer ersten Variante einer Vorrichtung zum Verschiessen eines Fluidprojektils mit eingesetztem Einsatz einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2

die Vorrichtung gemäss Figur 1 als Schnittdarstellung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer ersten Variante einer Vorrichtung zum Verschiessen eines Fluidprojektils mit eingesetztem Einsatz einer zweiten Ausführungsform in Schnittdarstellung;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer Anordnung umfassend eine erste Variante einer Vorrichtung zum Verschiessen eines Fluidprojektils mit eingesetztem Einsatz einer zweiten Ausführungsform und einem mit dem Einsatz verbundenen Rucksack;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer zweiten Variante einer Vorrichtung zum Verschiessen eines Fluidprojektils, ausgebildet als Wasserpistole;

Fig. 6a

eine schematische Draufsicht einer dritten Variante einer Vorrichtung zum Verschiessen eines Fluidprojektils umfassend einen durch einen Zylinder und einen Kolben realisierten Fluidbehälter, vor der Verwendung bei vollem Fluidbehälter;

Fig. 6b

eine schematische Draufsicht gemäss Figur 6a, nach der Verwendung bei leerem Fluidbehälter;

Fig. 7a

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer vierten Variante einer Vorrichtung zum Verschiessen eines Fluidprojektils bei vollem Fluidbehälter;

Fig. 7b

eine schematische Darstellung gemäss Figur 7a bei entleertem Fluidbehälter und Elevation der Austrittsdüse; und

Fig. 8

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer vierten Variante einer Vorrichtung zum Verschiessen eines Feststoffprojektils.

The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment show:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of a first variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile with an inserted insert of a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

the device according to Figure 1 as a sectional view;

Fig. 3

a schematic side view of a first variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile with an inserted insert of a second embodiment in a sectional view;

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of an arrangement comprising a first variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile with inserted insert of a second embodiment and a backpack connected to the insert;

Fig. 5

a schematic side view of a second variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile, designed as a water pistol;

Figure 6a

a schematic top view of a third variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile comprising a fluid container realized by a cylinder and a piston, before use with a full fluid container;

Figure 6b

a schematic plan view according to Figure 6a , after use with an empty fluid container;

Figure 7a

a schematic side view of a fourth variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile with a full fluid container;

Figure 7b

a schematic representation according to Figure 7a with emptied fluid container and elevation of the outlet nozzle; and

Fig. 8

a schematic side view of a fourth variant of a device for firing a solid projectile.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

In the following, possible exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the figures, which in the present case each have a fluid pump. However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that the idea can also be used with a different drive, such as an electromagnetic drive in a ferromagnetic projectile, etc.

The Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a first variant of a device 100 for firing a fluid projectile with an inserted insert 200 of a first embodiment.

The device of the first variant (hereinafter "variant 100") comprises a housing 101 with a handle in a lower area. On the front side, the variant 100 comprises a trigger 110, which in the present case is designed as a push button. However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that a conventional pistol trigger, a touchscreen, in particular, for example, with fingerprint recognition to prevent misuse, or the like can also be designed instead. Furthermore, the variant 100 comprises a distance sensor 112, an outlet nozzle 111 for the fluid and an LED 113 on the end face, vertically above the handle. The variant 100 further comprises an insert 200 with the fluid.

The Figure 2 shows the variant 100 according to Figure 1 as a sectional view. Within the housing, the variant 100 further comprises a drive 114 in the form of a diaphragm pump 114, which can be controlled via a control unit 115. However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that other pumps, such as, for example, peristaltic pumps, gear pumps or the like, can also be used. The control unit 115 is also connected to the distance sensor 112 in such a way that measured distances can be processed by the control unit 115. The distance sensor 112 is embodied in the present case as an ultrasonic sensor, but other distance sensors such as laser, IR, radar and the like can also be provided. The control unit 115 can control the pump 114 as a function of the measured distance. In the preferred embodiment, a short distance is defined by default for safety reasons, so that the pump 114 can only pump with low power, which in turn keeps the risk of injury low. If the distance sensor 112 now determines a distance to a target object which is greater than a limit distance, the control unit increases the power accordingly. The variant 100 further comprises two batteries 120, which according to FIG Figure 2 lie one behind the other, so that only one battery 120 can be seen. The batteries 120 are connected to the pump 114 via power lines 121, 122. The power lines 121, 122 each include a power connection 123, 124 for an additional battery pack, which will be discussed in more detail below. For the sake of a better overview, not all lines are shown in the figures. It is clear to the person skilled in the art how to provide the electronics for these devices.

The pump 114 is connected to an insert of the first embodiment 200 via a suction hose 116. The suction hose 116 is fixed in the housing 101 and comprises a piercing pin 117 distally. The insert 200 comprises a container 201 for the fluid, as well as a septum 202 into which the piercing pin 117 can pierce. The septum 202 is arranged at the foot of the container 201. The insert is held in the housing 101 via a locking device (not shown), in particular a snap spring or the like. The insert 200 is designed as a disposable insert. This can simply be pulled out of the housing 101 by overcoming the holding force of the locking device and a new insert 200 can just as easily be pushed in until it engages.

In a preferred embodiment, two batteries, particularly two 3-volt batteries (e.g., CR123A), are used to power the pump 114. If the power is low, only one battery can be used, and if the power is high, two batteries can be used to power the pump. With the low output and suitable outlet nozzle geometry, a range of approx. 1.5 m can be achieved, with high output, i.e. with both batteries, a range of approx. 5 m. With a range of 1.5 m, eye damage from the beam can be ruled out with the greatest possible degree of probability, even at close range. When the device is switched on, the pump is operated with a battery in this embodiment.

In the present case, the LED is designed as a UV LED. A UV-sensitive substance, for example uranine, is added to the fluid (e.g. the insecticide or, in the case of a water pistol, the water) so that the fluid glows under UV radiation. The aiming accuracy can thus be increased, since the beam can be followed optically and the target hit can be recognized. The target can also be identified later.

The Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a first variant 100 of a device for firing a fluid projectile with an inserted insert 300 of a second embodiment in a sectional illustration. In the present Figure 3 the elements of the device for firing the fluid projectile are identical to that of Figure 2 . The only difference is in the insert 300 of the second embodiment. In the present case, this insert 300 does not have a container for the fluid, but rather comprises additional batteries 310, 311 which can be connected to the power connections 123, 124 of the variant 100 via two power connections 304, 305. This allows the capacity of the device to be increased significantly. The insert 300 further comprises a hose 303, which with can be connected to an external container. When the suction mandrel 117 pierces into the septum 302 of the insert 300, the latter protrudes directly into the hose 303, so that the fluid can be sucked in with the pump 114 via the hose 303.

The Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement comprising a first variant 100 of a device for firing a fluid projectile with an inserted insert 300 of a second embodiment and a rucksack 400 connected to the insert. The hose 303 is connected to a container 401 in the rucksack. In the present case, the backpack comprises shoulder straps 402 so that it can be carried on the back. Alternatively, the container 401 can also be attached to a hip belt. Furthermore, the hose can also be made sufficiently long so that, for example, a single container can be used for several devices.

The insert 300 can just as easily be pulled out of the housing 101 and replaced by an insert 200, for example.

It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the batteries in the insert 300 can be dispensed with if the batteries are also arranged externally, in particular in the backpack 400, for example. This allows the capacity to be increased further.

The Figure 5 Finally, shows a schematic side view of a second variant 500 of a device 500 for firing a fluid projectile, designed as a water pistol 500. The water pistol 500 is not limited to the present form, but can be designed as desired, for example as a water rifle, fantasy figures such as a water-spouting fish, etc. be.

In the present case, the water gun 500 comprises a distance sensor 512 below an outlet nozzle 511, with which a distance can also be measured, as in the case of the device described above. The measured distance is evaluated by a control unit 515, whereupon an output for the pump 514 is defined. In the present case, the pump 514 can be driven by two batteries. In the Figure 5 no electrical lines are shown for a better overview. The water gun 500 comprises a suction hose 516 within the housing 501, which connects the piercing spike 517 to the pump 514.

An insert 600, which comprises a container 601 for water and a septum 602, is in turn pushed into the handle of the housing 501 of the water gun 500. When the insert 600 is inserted, the piercing spike 517 pierces the septum so that water can be conveyed through the hose 516 to the pump.

It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the insert 600 can be dispensed with. In this case, the housing 501 itself can be provided as a water container, with the electronics having to be sealed for this purpose. In this case, the housing can simply be provided with a refill opening which is provided, for example, with a pin or a screw cap.

The Figure 6a shows a schematic plan view (from above) of a third variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile comprising a fluid container realized by a cylinder 710 and a piston 720, before use and with a full fluid container. The present embodiment of an ejection device 700 is thus constructed similarly to a syringe, with a cylinder 710 and a piston 720 which can be moved therein and which is connected in one piece to a piston rod 721. The piston rod 721 in turn comprises a toothed rod 722, which is also integrally connected to the piston rod. The cylinder 710 comprises a nozzle 711 through which the fluid can exit as a fluid projectile. The piston 720 can be moved in the cylinder 710 via a drive motor unit 800. However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that the piston can in principle also be actuated manually or via an energy store known to the person skilled in the art, such as a spring or the like, for example. In the present case, the drive motor unit 800 comprises a drive motor 801 with a reduction gear 802, with which the drive gear 803 of the drive motor unit 800 can be driven. The drive gear 803 is in engagement with the rack 722 of the piston rod 721, so that when the drive gear 803 rotates counterclockwise, the rack 722 and thus the piston 720 is moved into the cylinder 710, thereby causing the fluid to be expelled.

The drive motor unit 800 can preferably be regulated electronically; in particular, the speed can preferably be regulated essentially independently of the power, whereby the discharge speed of the fluid can be determined as a function of the nozzle and cylinder diameters. Furthermore, the device can be controlled in such a way that that the ejection takes place during a predetermined, in particular programmed, period of time determined by the user.

The Figure 6b shows a schematic plan view according to Figure 6a , after use with an empty fluid container. The piston 720 is completely retracted into the cylinder 710 in this state. It can be seen here that the toothed rack does not protrude as far as the end of the piston rod 721 which is opposite with respect to the piston 720. After the cylinder 710 has been emptied, the drive gear 803 loses its engagement with the rack 722, so that the drive gear 803 runs idle. In this way, overload protection for the motor in the end position is achieved in a simple manner.

The Figure 7a shows a schematic side view of a third variant of a device 900 for firing a fluid projectile when the fluid container 1000 is full.

In the following, the term housing plane is understood to mean a plane which lies essentially in the mirror plane of the housing shown, ie in the plane of the sheet of FIG Figures 7a and 7b lies. In the Figures 7a and 7b again, no electrical lines are shown for a better overview.

The variant 900 in the present case comprises a housing 901 in which a fluid container 1000 designed as an insert can be used. The housing 901 comprises a peristaltic pump 914, which is fluidically connected to a suction hose 916 and a nozzle hose 917. The nozzle hose 917 opens into the nozzle 911, which in the present case is designed to be pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the housing (see below). The housing 901 further comprises a distance sensor 912, which is arranged below the nozzle 911. The data from the distance sensor 912 are sent to a control unit 915, which is also located in the housing 901, where they are processed. A battery 920 is arranged in the housing 901, with which the peristaltic pump 914, the distance sensor 912 and the control unit 915 are fed. Finally, the housing 901 comprises a trigger 910, with which the function of the device can be set in motion, in particular a fluid can be fired.

While the peristaltic pump in the present case lies with an axis of rotation of the motor at right angles to the plane of the housing, this can also be aligned with the axis of rotation for reasons of space lie within the housing level. Furthermore, the rotor of the peristaltic pump can be slipped over a gearbox of the motor or over the motor itself, so that the hose section to be squeezed during operation is placed around the motor or the gearbox. A particularly compact design is achieved in this way.

In the present case, the nozzle 911 can be pivoted in a plane parallel to a cross-sectional area of the housing 901. In this way, depending on the power of the drive, that is to say the peristaltic pump 914, and the distance measured by the distance sensor 912, the parabolic flight can essentially be compensated for. The nozzle 911 can preferably be pivoted automatically via a micro-servo, but it can also be designed to be pivotable by hand. Finally, the pivotability can also be dispensed with. In particular, the nozzle can also be swiveled in a fixed manner so that the parabolic flight is compensated solely by the pump output and the measured distance.

The housing 901 further comprises a receptacle for the fluid container 1000. The fluid container 1000 comprises a cylinder 1010, which comprises a Luer lock connection 1011 on the front side. The counterpart of the Luer lock connection is encompassed by the distal end of the suction tube 916. The cylinder 1010 can thus be mounted by inserting it into the housing 901 and then rotating it, in particular through an angle of 90 °. A piston 1020 is movably mounted within the cylinder 1010.

In the method, a distance to the target object is determined in a first step via the distance sensor 912. These distance data are sent to the control unit 915 and processed there. Depending on the distance measured, the power required for the drive, i.e. the peristaltic pump, is now determined. When the trigger 910 is depressed, the peristaltic pump 914 is activated. A negative pressure thus acts on the cylinder 1010, with the result that the fluid located in the cylinder is sucked out of the same. At the same time, the piston 1020 thereby moves in the direction of the closed end of the cylinder 1010. The fluid is expelled via the nozzle line 917 through the nozzle 911. In the embodiment with the pivotable nozzle, the measured distance can now be used to weigh up between the nozzle elevation and the pump output, ie the pump output can be reduced if the firing angle is larger.

The present cylinder further comprises an optional mandrel 1012 which is aligned with the Luer lock connection 1011 and protrudes inward and on which in connection with the Figure 7b will be discussed in more detail.

The Figure 7b shows a schematic representation according to Figure 7a with the fluid container 1000 emptied and the outlet nozzle 911 elevated. In the present case, the piston 1020 comprises an interior space separated by a membrane 1022 with a cleaning agent 1021. The membrane 1022 is directed towards the mandrel 1012. If the fluid supply is now emptied, the piston 1020 moves to the mandrel 1012, so that the mandrel 1012 pierces the membrane 1022. The cleaning agent 1021 is now sucked in through the mandrel 1012, with which the lines and the nozzle of the device can be cleaned. Instead of the cleaning agent 1022, other substances can also be provided, in particular a marking substance or the like.

In summary, it can be stated that according to the invention a device for firing a projectile is provided, wherein the kinetic energy of the projectile can be controlled based on a distance between the device and a target object, in particular reduced at a short distance. This is of great advantage in particular and water pistols, since it can, for example, prevent eye injuries when used at a short distance.

The Figure 8 shows a fourth variant 1100 outside the scope of the claims of a device for firing a solid projectile 1110. The device comprises a gas cartridge 1101, which in the present case contains CO ₂ under pressure. The gas cartridge 1101 is exchangeable. The gas cartridge 1101 is connected to a valve 1102 which can be controlled by means of the control device 1103. The variant 1100 further comprises a barrel 1105 which is connected to the valve 1102 and in which gas can be discharged from the gas cartridge 1101 as a function of the valve position. A solid projectile in the form of a ball 1110 is located in the barrel 1105. The variant 1100 further comprises a distance sensor 1104, which in the present case is designed as an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor 1104 is arranged below the barrel 1105 and measures a distance in the longitudinal direction of the barrel. Finally, the variant 1100 includes a trigger 1106.

In the method outside the scope of the claims, by actuating the trigger 1106 with the distance sensor 1104, the distance to the target object is determined by the control unit 1103 and compared with a predetermined limit distance. If the measured distance is less than the predefined limit distance, the valve 1102 is not actuated, so that the ball 1110 is not fired. If, however, the measured distance exceeds the specified limit distance, the valve 1102 is switched by the control unit 1103 in such a way that a pressure of the gas cartridge 1101 is discharged through the valve 1102 into the barrel 1105 and thus the ball 1110 is accelerated out of the barrel 1105.

Instead of the ball 1110, other objects can also be provided, in particular toy projectiles of any kind such as arrows, in particular suction cup arrows, pens made of foam, styrofoam, hard rubber, projectiles such as balls, tops, frisbee, clay pigeons, etc. include further objects known to those skilled in the art.

In order to achieve a shorter reaction time of the device, the distance can optionally be measured continuously instead of only when the trigger is pulled. This applies to all of the above variants.

Claims (15)

1. A device (100) for firing a fluid projectile at a target body, comprising a handheld device (100) for firing the projectile, wherein the handheld device (100) comprises a propulsion drive (114) for accelerating the projectile and a distance measuring device (112) for measuring a distance between the handheld device (100) and the target body, wherein the device (100) moreover comprises an energy storage device (120) for operating the propulsion drive (114), characterized in that the propulsion drive comprises a pump (114) and the device (100) comprises a control unit (115), whereby the pump (114) can be controlled as a function of the measured distance.
2. The device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the handheld device (100) comprises the control unit (115).
3. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a power output of the propulsion drive (114) can be controlled as a function of the measured distance.
4. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a firing angle of the projectile relative to the handheld device can be controlled as function of the measured distance and/or as a function of the power output of the propulsion drive.
5. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the propulsion drive (114) can be driven electrically and wherein the energy storage device (120) comprises in particular at least a rechargeable battery (120).
6. The device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump (114) is designed as membrane pump (114).
7. The device (100) according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the handheld device comprises a fluid container which can be fluidically connected to the pump.
8. The device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the pump can be connected to the fluid container in the manner of a force closure by a conical connection.
9. The device (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the fluid container comprises a cylinder with a piston which can be moved within the cylinder.
10. The device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the piston and the cylinder form an exchangeable unit.
11. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the distance measuring device (112) comprises an ultrasound sensor (112).
12. The device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, during operation, the handheld device (100) can be moved independently of the fluid container (401), in particular be aligned with a target body.
13. The device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, during operation, the handheld device (100) can be moved independently of the rechargeable battery (120), in particular be aligned with a target body.
14. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the handheld device (100) has a receptacle for an insert, wherein the insert is optionally designed as fluid container insert or as connection element for a fluid container which is separate from the handheld device (100).
15. A method for operating a device (100) for firing a fluid projectile at a target body, comprising a handheld device (100) for firing a projectile as well as a propulsion drive (114) for accelerating the fluid projectile and a distance measuring device (112) for measuring a distance between the handheld device (100) and the target body, wherein the device (100) moreover comprises an energy storage device (120) for driving the propulsion drive (114), characterized in that the propulsion drive (114) comprises a pump (114) and the device comprises a control unit (115), wherein the propulsion drive (114) is controlled as a function of the measured distance.

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