NZ740383A - Nozzle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a nozzle (11) for converting a stream of water entering the nozzle to a high velocity, fan shaped stream of water leaving the nozzle. The nozzle comprises an elongate body (23) having a first end (29) adapted to be releasably secured to a hose. The body has a passage (25) extending along the longitudinal extent of the body. The passage has a nozzle inlet (27) at the first end of the body and a nozzle outlet (31) at a second end (33) of the body. The passage comprises a plurality of cylindrical, chambers (37, 41, 43, 45) each decreasing in diameter from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet. The nozzle outlet provides a slotted aperture (35). (25) extending along the longitudinal extent of the body. The passage has a nozzle inlet (27) at the first end of the body and a nozzle outlet (31) at a second end (33) of the body. The passage comprises a plurality of cylindrical, chambers (37, 41, 43, 45) each decreasing in diameter from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet. The nozzle outlet provides a slotted aperture (35).

Description

Nozzle TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a nozzle.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] As is generally known, a nozzle is used to control the stream of liquid, such as water, as it is discharged from an outlet. The shape and dimensions of the nozzle are designed to provide a stream of liquid with the desired flow characteristics. These characteristics relate to such things as the velocity, the shape and the volume of the liquid being discharged from the nozzle.

[0003] There are nozzles available which are readily adjustable to manipulate the stream of liquid passing therefrom. This allows a user to use a single nozzle for different applications. Other nozzles are fixed so as to provide a stream which consistently has the same velocity and shape. However, these fixed nozzles are prone to wear which will change the characteristics of the stream discharged therefrom.

[0004] One application for which nozzles are commonly used is on the end of a hose to provide a stream of liquid at a high velocity wherein the stream is relatively focussed. In these applications the hose is transformed into a pressure cleaner, providing the user with a jet of water while minimising the use of water. A problem with current nozzles for these applications is that the nozzle’s aperture wears quickly due to the velocity of the water passing through the aperture. As the aperture wears it becomes bigger, allowing more water to be discharged. This reduces the back pressure within the nozzle body and therefore reduces the velocity of the water leaving the nozzle. These factors result in a weaker stream of water as well as an inconsistent shape.

[0005] The deterioration of the nozzle is also caused by the quality of the water. Water usually contains abrasive materials such as sand. The abrasive material will wear the nozzle aperture resulting in a larger nozzle, leading to deterioration of the stream being discharged from the nozzle.

[0006] Also, if the nozzle aperture is too small the abrasive material will not pass through the aperture resulting in full or partial blockage of the nozzle.

[0007] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of this invention to provide a nozzle which ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[0009] The present invention provides a nozzle adapted to be releasably secured to a fluid outlet comprising: a body having a passage passing therethrough, the passage having an inlet at a first end of the body and an outlet at a second end of the body, the outlet providing a slotted aperture, the dimensions of the slotted aperture having a ratio of approximately 0.8:1.0.

[0010] In one aspect of the invention the passage comprises a plurality of chambers of different diameters.

[0011] Preferably at least one of the plurality of chambers is elongate relative to its diameter.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention the passage comprises a first chamber incorporating the slotted aperture at a first end, an elongate second chamber extending from a second end of the first chamber, the elongate second chamber having a diameter larger than the first chamber, a third chamber extending from a second end of the second chamber, the third chamber having a diameter larger than the second chamber, a fourth chamber extending from a second end of the third chamber, the fourth chamber having a diameter larger than the third chamber. The fourth chamber may incorporate the nozzle inlet.

[0013] Preferable the elongate second chamber has a ratio of diameter to length of approximately 0.24:1.

[0014] The second end of the body may have a v-shaped recess formed therein wherein the longitudinal extent of the recess is perpendicular to or aligned with the length of the slotted aperture.

[0015] Preferably a portion of the body surrounding the slotted aperture is strengthened.

[0016] Preferably a portion of the body surrounding the first chamber is strengthened.

This may be achieved by causing the portion of the body to be thicker, made from a material having higher wear properties, and/or reinforced by other means.

[0017] The portion of the body surrounding the slotted aperture may be 2mm thick or greater.

[0018] The portion of the body surrounding the first chamber may be a miniumum of 2mm thick. The portion of the body surrounding the first chamber may be at least 6.15mm in length.

[0019] The portion of the body surrounding the first chamber may be a miniumum of 2mm thick.

[0020] The portion of the body surrounding the second chamber may have a wall thickness of a miniumum of 3mm thick.

[0021] The portion of the body surrounding the third chamber may have a wall thickness of a miniumum of 3mm thick.

[0022] Preferably the passage is more than 80 mm in length.

[0023] Preferably the length of the first chamber is greater than 6mm.

[0024] Preferably the length of the second elongate chamber is greater than 24mm.

[0025] Preferably the length of the second elongate chamber includes a transition to the first chamber which is greater than 1.3mm in length. The transition may be sloped.

[0026] Preferably the length of the third chamber is greater than 17mm.

[0027] Preferably the length of the third chamber includes a transition to the second elongate chamber which is greater than 1.9mm in length. The transition may be sloped.

[0028] Preferably the length of the fourth chamber is greater than 32mm.

[0029] Preferably the length of the fourth chamber includes a transition to the third chamber which is greater than 3.2mm in length. The transition may be sloped.

[0030] Preferably the length of the fourth chamber includes a transition from the outlet which is greater than 0.9mm in length. The transition may be sloped.

[0031] Preferably the diameter of the first chamber is greater than 3.7mm.

[0032] Preferably the diameter of the second elongate chamber is greater than 5.9mm.

[0033] Preferably the diameter of the third chamber is greater than 9mm.

[0034] Preferably the diameter of the fourth chamber is greater than 16mm.

[0035] The nozzle inlet may comprise a connector for connecting directly or indirectly to the fluid outlet. The fluid outlet may be provided at the end of a hose.

[0036] The nozzle may be incorporated into a wand, wherein the end of the wand remote from the nozzle may be releasably secured to the hose.

[0037] The wand may incorporate a valve to control the flow of water passing therethrough.

[0038] The present invention further provides a nozzle for converting a stream of water entering the nozzle to a high velocity, fan shaped stream of water leaving the nozzle, the nozzle comprising: an elongate body having a first end adapted to be releasably secured directly or indirectly to a fluid outlet such as a hose, the body having a passage extending along the longitudinal extent of the body, the passage having a nozzle inlet at the first end of the body and a nozzle outlet at a second end of the body, the nozzle outlet providing a slotted aperture, the dimensions of the slotted aperture having a ratio of approximately 0.8:1.0.

[0039] The present invention further provides a nozzle for converting a stream of water entering the nozzle to a high velocity, fan shaped stream of water leaving the nozzle, the nozzle comprising: an elongate body having a first end adapted to be releasably secured directly or indirectly to a fluid outlet such as a hose, the body having a passage extending along the longitudinal extent of the body, the passage having a nozzle inlet at the first end of the body and a nozzle outlet at a second end of the body, the passage comprising a plurality of chambers of different diameters; the nozzle outlet providing a slotted aperture.

[0040] The present invention further provides a nozzle for converting a stream of water entering the nozzle to a high velocity, fan shaped stream of water leaving the nozzle, the nozzle comprising: an elongate body having a first end adapted to be releasably secured directly or indirectly to a fluid outlet such as a hose, the body having a passage extending along the longitudinal extent of the body, the passage having an inlet at the first end of the body and an outlet at a second end of the body, the passage comprising a plurality of cylindrical, chambers, the chambers decreasing in diameter from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet ; the nozzle outlet providing a slotted aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an elevation of a wand comprising a nozzle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is the view of the nozzle of Figure 1 in use; Figure 3 is a top view of the nozzle of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the nozzle of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a front end view of the nozzle of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a rear end view of the nozzle of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a cross section view of the nozzle of Figure 3; Figure 8 is a cross section view of the nozzle of Figure 4; Figure 9 is a an enlarged view of a front end portion of the nozzle; Figure 10 is an enlarged view of section C in Figure 8; Figure 11 is a side view of an internal flow passage of the nozzle of Figure 1; and Figure 12 is a cross section view of section P-P in Figure 11.

[0042] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Referring to the figures, the invention according to an embodiment is in the form of a nozzle 11 which is secured to a first end 13 of a wand 15. The wand 15 has a connector 17 at a second end 19 for releasably securing the wand 15 to a hose (not shown).

[0044] The wand 15 incorporates a lever 21 which operates a valve to control the flow of water therethrough.

[0045] As shown in figure 2, the nozzle 11 discharges water with a focused elliptical, spray pattern.

[0046] The nozzle 11 comprises an elongate body 23. The body 23 incorporates a passage 25 which extends along the longitudinal extent of the body 23.

[0047] The passage 25 provides a nozzle inlet 27 at a first end 29 of the nozzle and a nozzle outlet 31 at a second end 33 of the nozzle. The nozzle outlet 31 provides a slotted aperture 35, the dimensions of which determine the characteristics (velocity, volume, shape) of the water being discharged from the nozzle 11. In the case of the present invention the ratio of the width of the aperture versus its length is approximately 0.8:1. In the example shown the width of the aperture 35 is 3mm and the length is 3.8mm, as shown in figure 12 with reference to the below table.

[0048] The passage 25 comprises four cylindrical chambers in an end to end arrangemnet: a first chamber 37, a second chamber 41, a third chamber 43 and a fourth chamber 45.

[0049] The first chamber 37 incorporates the slotted aperture 35 at a first end 38.

[0050] The second chamber 41 is elongate in shape wherein the ratio of diameter to length is approximately 0.24:1. In the embodiment shown the length of the second chamber 41 is 25mm while the diameter is 6mm. The elongate nature of the second chamber (and in fact the whole passage) assists in maintaining a consistent pressure in the nozzle. This ensures the discharge of fluid from the nozzle is consistent. The second chamber 41 extends from a second end 39 of the first chamber 37 and has a diameter larger than the first chamber 37.

[0051] The third chamber 43 extends from a second end 42 of the second chamber.

The third chamber 43 has a diameter larger than that of the second chamber 41.

[0052] The fourth chamber 45 extends from a second end 44 of the third chamber. The fourth chamber 45 has a diameter larger than that of the third chamber 43. The fourth chamber 45 provides the nozzle inlet 27 at its second end 46.

[0053] As best shown in figures 9 and 10, the first end 29 of the nozzle 11 has a slotted recess 47 formed therein. The slotted recess 47 is aligned with the length of the slotted aperture 35. The slotted recess 47 allows the slotted aperture 35 to be set back from the end of the nozzle 11 without compromising the characteristics of the water being discharged from the nozzle 11. As the aperture 35 is setback the aperture 35 is protected and is less likely to be damaged.

[0054] Referring to figures 11 and 12, the optimal dimensions for a representative nozzle 11 having an aperture 35 with width 3mm and length 3.8mm are noted in the below table.

B 3.8 C 16.4 E 3.3 G 1.4 H 10 J 3.8 K 6.5 L 25 M 18 N 33 O 82.2

[0055] The dimensions of the nozzle 11 allow abrasive material in the water, such as sand, to easily pass through the nozzle 11 with minimal impact on the shape of the aperture 35. This minimises wear and ensures the nozzle provides a consistent spray pattern for a longer period of time than that of the current nozzles. Furthermore, the aperture causes the water to be discharged in a focused stream. This also minimises aperture wear as a large portion of the water is discharged in substantially the same direction (i.e. the water is not discharged in a wide fan shape).

[0056] The nozzle 11 is one piece construction made from a durable material. The thickness of the body, in at least a portion 137 of the nozzle around the aperture is suitably thick to enhance the life of the nozzle 11. This helps to maintain the dimensions of the aperture.

[0057] The aperture 35 may be elliptical in shape or may be rectangular with curved ends.

[0058] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. For instance, the nozzle is described with reference to its use with water. However, the nozzle can be used in relation to many types of liquid, as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art..

[0059] Reference to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0060] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0061] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0062] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise”, “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0063] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0064] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms.

These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Claims (14)

1. A nozzle adapted to be releasably secured to a fluid outlet comprising: a body having a passage passing therethrough, the passage having an inlet at a first end of the body and an outlet at a second end of the body, the outlet providing a slotted aperture, the dimensions of the slotted aperture having a ratio of approximately 0.8:1.0.

2. The nozzle according to claim 1 wherein the passage comprises a plurality of chambers of different diameters.

3. The nozzle according to claim 2 wherein at least one of the plurality of chambers is elongate relative to its diameter.

4. The nozzle according to claim 1 wherein the passage comprises a first chamber incorporating the slotted aperture at a first end, an elongate second chamber extending from a second end of the first chamber, the elongate second chamber having a diameter larger than the first chamber, a third chamber extending from a second end of the second chamber, the third chamber having a diameter larger than the second chamber, a fourth chamber extending from a second end of the third chamber, the fourth chamber having a diameter larger than the third chamber wherein the fourth chamber incorporates the inlet.

5. The nozzle according to claim 4 wherein the elongate second chamber has a ratio of diameter to length of approximately 0.24:1.

6. The nozzle according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the second end of the body has a v- shaped recess formed therein wherein the longitudinal extent of the recess is perpendicular to or aligned with the length of the slotted aperture.

7. The nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a portion of the body surrounding the slotted aperture is strengthened.

8. The nozzle according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein a portion of the body surrounding the first chamber is strengthened.

9. The nozzle according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the portions are strengthened by one or a combination of causing the portion of the body to be formed thicker, using a material having higher wear properties, and/or reinforced by other conventional means.

10. The nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the passage is more than 80 mm in length.

11. The nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the inlet comprises a connector for connecting directly or indirectly to the fluid outlet.

12. A nozzle for converting a stream of water entering the nozzle to a high velocity, fan shaped stream of water leaving the nozzle, the nozzle comprising: an elongate body having a first end adapted to be releasably secured directly or indirectly to a fluid outlet such as a hose, the body having a passage extending along the longitudinal extent of the body, the passage having a nozzle inlet at the first end of the body and a nozzle outlet at a second end of the body, the nozzle outlet providing a slotted aperture, the dimensions of the slotted aperture having a ratio of approximately 0.8:1.0.

13. A nozzle for converting a stream of water entering the nozzle to a high velocity, fan shaped stream of water leaving the nozzle, the nozzle comprising: an elongate body having a first end adapted to be releasably secured directly or indirectly to a fluid outlet such as a hose, the body having a passage extending along the longitudinal extent of the body, the passage having a nozzle inlet at the first end of the body and a nozzle outlet at a second end of the body, the passage comprising a plurality of chambers of different diameters; the nozzle outlet providing a slotted aperture.

14. A nozzle for converting a stream of water entering the nozzle to a high velocity, fan shaped stream of water leaving the nozzle, the nozzle comprising: an elongate body having a first end adapted to be releasably secured directly or indirectly to a fluid outlet such as a hose, the body having a passage extending along the longitudinal extent of the body, the passage having an inlet at the first end of the body and an outlet at a second end of the body, the passage comprising a plurality of cylindrical, chambers, the chambers decreasing in diameter from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet ; the nozzle outlet providing a slotted aperture.