WO2015070915A1

WO2015070915A1 - Spray nozzle device and method for adjusting one or more spray jets

Info

Publication number: WO2015070915A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/073886
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Retzlaff; David Thomas; Justin Henry; Bernhard Beck; Frank DICKNER
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2013-11-14
Filing date: 2013-11-14
Publication date: 2015-05-21

Abstract

Disclosed is a spray nozzle device comprising a base (12), a directing element (62) that is movably arranged on the base (12), at least one flow rate control valve (80) that is arranged on the directing element (62), and a spray head (90) associated with the at least one flow rate control valve (80). A position of the directing element (62) relative to the base (12) allows the spray head (90) to be directed for one or more spray jets (92), and the at least one flow rate control valve (80) allows a spray flow rate to be adjusted.

Description

Spray nozzle device and method of adjustment

one or more sprays

The invention relates to a spray nozzle device.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adjusting one or more spray jets.

From DE 31 42 224 AI a nozzle for forming a directed onto a windshield of a motor vehicle washing liquid jet is known. From US 725,328 a nozzle for cleaning a windshield is known.

From EP 1 042 147 Bl a nozzle element for a windscreen washer system of a motor vehicle is known.

From DE 87 04 386.6 U l a waterproof joint coupling for cylindrical tubes made of synthetic material is known.

From DE 690 04 655 T2 is an irrigation device with a main hose for supplying water from an elastically deformable material and with at least one derivative, which includes a needle with a pointed end which is strong enough to be connected to the main tube by a Pressure to be connected, which causes the puncture of the hose known.

From DE 35 25 591 AI an outlet valve for drip irrigation is known. From FR 2 468 810 AI an irrigation device is known.

From DE 84 21 758.8 U l an outlet valve for a drip irrigation is known.

From EP 2 458 254 AI a device for connecting branch pipes or nozzles with a main pipe in irrigation systems is known. From DE 691 15 437 T2 an irrigation unit is known.

From EP 1 884 157 AI an irrigation device for the metered delivery of small amounts of water is known. From EP 0 394 182 B1 a spherical water sprinkler is known.

From DE 24 31 513 AI a fluid dispenser for use in irrigation systems is known. The invention has for its object to provide a spray nozzle device, which has extensive setup options with a compact design and ease of use.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the spray nozzle device mentioned above in that a base is provided, an alignment element, which is movably arranged on the base, is provided, and a spray head, which is assigned to the at least one quantity-regulating valve, is provided is alignable by a position of the alignment element relative to the base of the spray head for one or more spray jets and by the at least one quantity regulating a spray quantity is adjustable. The spray nozzle device according to the invention has, as a basic setting possibilities, the orientation of the alignment element on the base and the adjustment of the quantity regulating valve. By adjusting the position of the alignment member relative to the base, the alignment of one or more spray jets can be adjusted. Through the flow control valve, the spray quantity of fluid that is sprayed out via the spray head can be adjusted. The spray quantity for the spraying jet (s) and the orientation of the spray jet (s) can be adjusted independently of each other so that extensive adjustment possibilities result with simple operability.

The spray head can basically be adapted to the application and provide one or more spray jets. The spray head is seated in particular in a fixed geometric relationship to the quantity-regulating valve and is in particular arranged or seated on the quantity-regulating valve.

Elements and in particular a plurality of elements of the spray nozzle device can be produced in a simple manner from a plastic material such as POM.

It is particularly advantageous if a spray quantity can be set on the at least one quantity-regulating valve independently of the orientation of the spray head. This results in extensive settings with ease of use.

For the same reason, it is favorable if an alignment of the spray head is adjustable independently of the setting of the at least one quantity-regulating valve.

In one embodiment, a distribution space is provided, which is formed on the base and / or the alignment element and in which a mouth opening of the at least one quantity-regulating valve opens. By doing Distribution space is available ausbringbares fluid. The volume control valve then adjusts the amount of fluid (and in particular liquid) that is applied. The arrangement of the distribution space at the base and / or the alignment element, the corresponding amount of liquid is independent of the position of the alignment element to the base. Fluid and, in particular, liquid from the distribution space can also be used to lubricate a bearing for the bearing of the alignment element on the base.

In particular, at least one fluid channel is provided, which is arranged or formed on the base and by means of which the distribution space fluid can be provided by a fluid source. As a result, a fluid supply is provided, wherein the ausbringbare amount is adjustable by the at least one quantity control valve. It is particularly advantageous if a ball joint is provided for aligning the spray head, which is formed by means of the base and the alignment element. This results in extensive Ausrichtmöglichkeiten for one or more spray jets. The spray nozzle device can be formed in a simple manner.

In particular, the base has a first spherical region and the alignment element has a second spherical region, wherein the second spherical region is adapted to the first spherical region, and wherein the alignment element is seated on the base and the second spherical region faces the first spherical region and in particular rests on this. This makes it easy to form a ball joint with extensive adjustment options.

It is structurally particularly advantageous if the first spherical region is convex and the second spherical region is concave and in particular the base comprises a ball head and the alignment element comprises a spherical shell which sits on the ball head. The corresponding ball joint leaves to train in a production engineering and constructive simple way. It is possible to realize a compact spray nozzle device.

It is particularly advantageous if the ball joint comprises a sealing belt for fluid sealing between the base and the alignment element, wherein the sealing belt is arranged on the alignment element, and which is formed in particular circumferentially closed. This makes it possible in a simple manner, for example, to seal off a distribution space, which is arranged on the base and / or the alignment element, from the outside space. As a result, it is possible in a simple manner to realize a quantity regulatability. The sealing belt is formed, for example, in one piece with the alignment element.

Conveniently, at least one contact element for the opposing spherical region is arranged or formed on the first spherical region and / or the second spherical region. There may be provided a plurality of spaced contact elements. The contact area between the first spherical region and the second spherical region determines the friction forces for the static friction and sliding friction between the alignment element and the base. By providing one or more defined contact elements, the frictional force can be set in a defined manner. As a result, the "ease" of mobility of the alignment element on the base can be adjusted and adapted to specific applications. In one embodiment, the at least one contact element is formed by a band and / or a survey. For example, a plurality of spaced-apart elevations or a plurality of spaced-apart or interconnected tapes are provided. In one embodiment, (at least) a band is provided which runs along a meridian. In a further embodiment (at least) a band is provided, which runs parallel to an equatorial plane.

For operability, it is advantageous if the alignment element is provided on its outside with handle elements such as gripping bars. This makes it easy to operate a tilting or rotation of the alignment element relative to the base.

In a design and manufacturing technology simple embodiment, the at least one flow control valve on an actuating element which is movably mounted on the alignment. This results in a compact construction, wherein a spray quantity can be set in a simple manner. Furthermore, the quantity regulating valve can thereby be stored in a simple manner on the aligning element. The bearing is, for example, a sliding bearing or a bearing via a form-locking device such as a threaded device. The bearing can be, for example, a rotary bearing with axial fixation or a rotary bearing with axial mobility.

Conveniently, the actuator is associated with a cover for an orifice opening of the at least one flow control valve, wherein a position of the control element determines a degree of coverage of the orifice. The degree of coverage defines the hydraulic surface through which fluid can flow. The position of the actuating element relative to the alignment element in turn determines the degree of coverage of this hydraulic surface. The cover may be arranged on the adjusting element or the alignment element.

It is structurally favorable if the adjusting element is rotatable, wherein the at least one quantity regulating valve is designed in particular as a rotary slide valve or piston slide valve. The control element can be arranged or stored rotatably in a simple manner on the alignment element. This results in a compact spray nozzle device. In one embodiment, the alignment element has a sleeve in which the actuating element is rotatably mounted and / or at least partially received. About the sleeve can be easily provide a receiving space for the actuator, with a pivot bearing for the actuator can be provided. It can be formed in a simple way a quantity control valve.

It is advantageous if the sleeve comprises at least one opening in a distribution space, through which fluid from the distribution space to the spray head can be flowed, wherein a rotational position of the actuating element determines a hydraulic surface at the opening. Fluid is in the distribution space. Via the at least one opening, fluid can flow through the adjusting element or past the adjusting element to the spray head. The rotational position of the actuating element determines which amount of fluid can flow through the actuating element or past the actuating element to the spray head. This makes it easy to adjust the spray rate. This setting is independent of the orientation of the alignment, since the sleeve is arranged on the alignment. It is advantageous if the actuating element has at least one channel which is fluid-effectively connected to the spray head. In particular, the at least one channel is arranged in the adjusting element. Advantageously, the at least one channel is closed except for an inlet and an outlet. As a result, the effort to provide fluid seals can be minimized.

For the operability, it is advantageous if an operating element for an operation is arranged on the adjusting element, and in particular is arranged rotationally fixed, or is formed. This allows an operator to easily achieve volume control from the outside.

In a compact spray nozzle device, the spray head is at least partially integrated into the operating element. This can also be done keep the number of components low. Furthermore, the expense of providing fluid seals can be kept low in a simple manner.

It is fundamentally possible that the adjusting element is only rotatable with its movable arrangement on the alignment element, that is, it is only rotatably mounted. In one embodiment, the adjusting element is arranged vertically displaceable on the alignment element and in particular mounted vertically displaceable and rotatable on the alignment element. As a result, for example, a piston valve valve can be realized in a simple manner.

In particular, the adjusting element is then mounted in a screw thread on the alignment. It can thereby achieve a height shift in a rotation of the actuator to realize a Mengenregelulventventil.

In one embodiment, sitting on the alignment element on an inner side of a nozzle which projects into a distribution space, in particular, the nozzle is part of a sleeve for (at least partially) receiving an actuating element. By providing a nozzle, on the one hand, a bearing surface for mounting and, in particular, rotary mounting of an actuating element of the quantity-regulating valve is increased. Furthermore, a lateral inflow can be achieved via the neck, in order to obtain regulation in a simple manner.

It is favorable if the connection piece has at least one opening, which in particular is arranged laterally. As a result, fluid which has a settable hydraulic muzzle surface and can be provided in the distribution space in a simple manner can be made available to the spray head.

Advantageously, a fixing device for fixing the spray nozzle device to an application is arranged or formed on the base. This results in extensive application possibilities. In principle, thereby also a free positioning of the spray nozzle device to an application such as a pipe or a hose is possible. Advantageously, for fixing to a hose or a pipe, the fixing device is designed accordingly and in particular as

Hose clamp or pipe clamp formed. As a result, an operator can basically fix the spray nozzle device anywhere on the hose or pipe.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one needle is arranged on the base, in which at least one fluid channel is formed, wherein the at least one fluid channel is in fluidly effective connection with a distribution space, and wherein the needle in a receiving space of a fixing device for a hose or a pipe sticks out. The needle is designed so that a wall of the corresponding tube or hose can be pierced through it. This allows fluid to be provided from the tube to the spray head. It is thereby possible, the spray nozzle device at any point of the pipe or the

To fix hose. This results in a large variation for the application. It is advantageous if the at least one needle has at least one opening for connection to a fluid source, which is arranged in particular laterally and in particular is spaced from a needle tip. This makes it possible to provide a sufficiently large opening for coupling fluid and, in particular, fluid, whereby clogging problems are minimized. Furthermore, the corresponding needle can be produced in a simple manner.

The spray nozzle device according to the invention can advantageously be used for irrigation purposes and in particular plant irrigation or garden irrigation. There are extensive adjustment options with regard to alignment and quantity. According to the present invention, there is provided a method of adjusting one or more spray jets, wherein a spray amount is adjusted via a flow control valve on which a spray head is seated, and an orientation of the spray head is adjusted by an alignment member movably seated on a base and at which the volume control valve sits.

The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the spray nozzle device according to the invention. Further advantageous embodiments have also already been explained in connection with the spray nozzle device according to the invention.

The method according to the invention can be carried out on the spray nozzle device according to the invention or the spray nozzle device according to the invention can be operated with the method according to the invention.

In particular, the alignment element and the base form a ball joint for the mobility of the alignment element to the base. This results in extensive Ausrichtmöglichkeiten regardless of the volume control by the Mengenregulierventil, with a corresponding Sprühdüsenvorrichtung can be formed in a compact manner.

The following description of preferred embodiments is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation of the invention. Show it :

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a spray nozzle device according to the invention in a side view;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the spray nozzle device taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1 at a first position of an actuating element of a Mengenregulierventils. the same view as Figure 2 at a different position of the actuating element; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of an alignment element of the spray nozzle device according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an alignment element;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an alignment element; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an alignment element; a sectional view of a further embodiment of a spray nozzle device according to the invention at a first position of an actuating element of a Mengenregulierventils (which is a closed valve position); and

Figure 9 is the same sectional view as Figure 8 at a second position of the actuator (which is an open valve position).

An embodiment of a spray nozzle device according to the invention, which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and designated therein by 10, comprises a base 12. In one embodiment, the base 12 has a neck 14. On the neck 14 is seated on one side of a fixing device 16, via which the spray nozzle device 10 is fixable to an application.

In one embodiment, the fixing device 16 is formed so that the spray nozzle device 10 as a whole on a pipe or a Hose 18 (Figure 2) is fixable. For this purpose, the fixing device 16 is designed as a pipe clamp or hose clamp.

In this embodiment, the fixing device 16 comprises a first region 20, which is fixedly arranged on the neck 14 and, for example, is integrally connected thereto. For fixing the tube or hose 18, a receiving space 22 is formed on the fixing device 16. At the first region 20, a first part is formed raum 24 of the receiving space 22. This first subspace 24 is in particular at least approximately in the form of a cut hollow cylinder.

A second region 26 is seated on the first region 20. The second region 26 is movably connected to the first region 20 via a joint 28. The joint 28 is formed for example as a film hinge.

At the second region 26, a second sub-space 30 of the receiving space 22 is formed. This second compartment 30 also has the shape of a cut hollow cylinder. At the second area 26 sits a connecting element 32 for connection to a counter element 34 at the first area 20.

For example, via the connecting element 32 and the counter element 34 a snap connection between the first region 20 and the second region 26 spaced from the joint 28 can be produced.

When the connecting member 32 is connected to the mating member 34, the receiving space 22 is formed between the first portion 20 and the second portion 26. This receiving space 22 is in particular at least approximately hollow cylindrical. In the receiving space 22, the tube or tube 18 can be clamped. On one side of the neck 14, which is opposite to the side on which the fixing device 16 is arranged, sits a ball head 36. The ball head 36 is in particular integrally connected to the neck 14. The ball head 36 has a convex first spherical portion 38, that is, has a spherical surface.

The ball head 36 is cut off in one embodiment on a side facing away from the fixing device 16 side. The ball head 36 is thereby formed as a ball portion (ball without ball cap) in this area.

A (imaginary) cutting plane 40 for the missing ball cap of the ball head 36 is in particular parallel to an equatorial plane of the ball head 36.

The spray nozzle device 10 has a distribution space 42. A first subspace 44 of the distribution space 42 is formed as a recess 46 on the ball head 36. This recess 46 is open to the cutting plane 40. The recess 46 is bounded by a wall 48, wherein in turn a surface of the wall 48 forms the first spherical portion 38.

The first subspace 44 of the distribution space 42 is spaced from the receiving space 22 of the fixing device 16. Between the receiving space 22 and the first subspace 44 (at least) a fluid channel 50 is arranged, via the fluid and in particular liquid from a fluid source (in particular the tube or hose 18) can be flowed into the distribution space 42.

In one embodiment, the fluid channel 50 is formed in a needle 52. The needle 52 is seated on the base 12, and particularly in the neck 14.

In one embodiment, the needle 52 is coaxial with an axis 54 of the base 12. The axis 54 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to a Equatorial plane of the ball head 36 and lies on a center of the imaginary sphere of the first spherical portion 38th

The needle 52 is made of, for example, a metallic material. It is for example pressed into the neck 14 of the base 12.

The needle 52 has a needle tip 56. The needle 52 protrudes into the receiving space 22 such that the needle tip 56 is spaced from a contact surface 58 of the first subspace 24 at the first region 20.

The needle 52 may penetrate via the needle tip 56 into the tube or tube 18 when it sits on the receiving space 22 (see Figure 2). Fluid which flows or is present in the tube or tube 18 can then flow into the distribution space 42 through the needle 52 via its fluid channel 50.

For coupling fluid into the fluid channel 50, an opening 60 (see FIG. 1) is arranged on the needle 52. This opening 60 forms an orifice for coupling fluid to the needle 52.

In one embodiment, the opening 60 is spaced from the needle tip 56. In particular, the opening 60 is positioned laterally, that is, it is spaced from the axis 54 and an inflow direction of fluid into the fluid channel 50 in the needle 52 is transverse to the axis 54.

An alignment element 62 is seated on the ball head 36. The alignment element 62 is movably positioned on the ball head 36. The alignment member 62 has an inner surface 64 over which it sits against the ball head 36, which inner surface 64 forms a second spherical portion 66. The second spherical region is adapted to the first spherical region 38. In particular, a radius of the imaginary sphere for the second spherical region 66 is only slightly larger than a radius of the imaginary sphere for the first spherical region 38. A center of the imaginary sphere for the second spherical region 66 and the imaginary sphere for the first spherical region 38 coincide.

The alignment member 62 forms a ball socket or ball cap, which sits on the ball head 36.

In this case, the alignment element 62 has at the second spherical region 66 a first partial region 68, via which the alignment element 62 bears directly against the first spherical region 38. It also has a second portion 70, which lies above the cutting plane 40 of the ball head 36. A second subspace 72 of the distribution space 42 is formed within the alignment element 62 via this second subarea 70. This second subspace 72 is connected to the cutting plane 40 directly to the first subspace 44.

On the alignment member 62 is seated a sleeve 74. This sleeve 74 is aligned in particular parallel to the axis 54.

The sleeve 74 includes a nozzle 76 which projects into the distribution space 42.

The sleeve 74 serves for pivotal mounting of an adjusting element 78 of a quantity regulating valve 80, which sits on the alignment element 62. The Ausrichtelement 62 and the ball head 36 of the base 12 form a ball joint 82. About this ball joint 82 is the Mengenregulierventil 80 relative to the base 12 and thus also to the fixing device 16 and thus turn, for example, to the tube or tube 18 aligned. This is indicated in Figure 1 by the arrows 84. This results in an alignment in the directions enabled by the ball joint 82 with the center of the imaginary spheres of the second spherical region 66 and the first spherical region 38 held fixed; the alignment of the alignment member 62 to the ball head 36 is with respect to longitudinal circles and parallelitudes of the imaginary spheres for the second spherical region 66 and the first spherical region 38 possible.

On an outer side 86, the alignment element 62 is provided with grip elements 88 in order to allow an operator good operability. The grip elements 88 are formed, for example, as spaced grip webs. For example, the gripping ridges 88 are aligned parallel to the axis 54 or are inclined thereto at a small acute angle (for example, less than 30 °).

On the alignment member 62 sits the Mengenregulierventil 80. At the

Volume control valve 80, in turn, a spray head 90 is arranged. Depending on the design, one or more spray jets (indicated in FIG. 1 by the reference numeral 92) can be generated via the spray head 90, with which application can be acted upon. The spray head 90 has for this purpose one or more nozzle openings 94 for generating a corresponding spray jet.

The adjusting element 78 of the quantity regulating valve 80 is rotatably mounted in the sleeve 74. An axis of rotation 96 is parallel and in particular coaxial with the axis 54.

The nozzle 76 has an opening 98 in the distribution space 42. In one embodiment, the opening 98 is arranged laterally. A main inflow direction of fluid, which flows in from the distribution space 42 at the opening 98, then lies transversely and, for example, at least approximately perpendicular to the axis 54. The opening 98 or a larger portion of the opening 98 is in this case in the second subspace 72 in particular. tioniert.

The actuator 78 has (at least) a channel 100 through which fluid which has entered through the opening 98 can flow. At a Embodiment, the channel 100 is an inner channel in the actuator 78, which is in particular closed.

The control element 78 has an entrance mouth 102 for the channel 100. The inlet mouth 102, in combination with the orifice 98, forms an orifice of the flow control valve 80. The position of the inlet orifice 102 to the orifice 98 is determined by a rotational position of the actuator 78 in the sleeve 74. The entrance mouth 102 is arranged laterally on the adjusting element 78. Depending on the rotational position of the actuating element covers a cover 104 of the actuating element 78, the opening 98 (see Figure 2) completely, partially, or the opening 98 is fully released (Figure 3). The amount of fluid which can flow in through the opening 98 is determined by the position of the cover 104; the position of the cover 104 defines the hydraulic surface for the inflow of fluid into the channel 100, and thus also the amount of fluid provided to the spray head 90.

In one embodiment, a central element 106 is formed on the inside of the nozzle 76, which is surrounded by an annular space 108. The central element 106 is immersed in the channel 100 of the actuating element 78 and provides for a rotary mounting of the actuating element 78. Furthermore, an axial position of the actuating element 78 is fixed to the alignment element 62 via the annular space 108. The actuator 78 has a head 110. The sleeve 74 has an end face 112 to which the head 110 is applied. It is provided by an axial bearing surface.

In one embodiment, the end face 112 is formed by a bead 115 on the sleeve 74.

Axially in the direction 74 above the head 110 sits the spray head 90. The channel 100 in this case has an output 114, via which fluid the spray head 90th provided . It can be provided between the spray head 90 and the output 114, a distribution space 116.

The head 110 of the control element 78 is rotatably connected to a control element 118. On the operating element of the spray head 90 is arranged or formed. The spray head 90 is integrated in the operating element 118.

The operating element 118 has an inner space 120. In this interior, the head 110 is arranged and fixed. Optionally, the distribution space 116 is formed in the interior space.

The operating element 18 in one embodiment has a flange 122 which is positioned on an outside over the bead 115. It is characterized an additional guide for the rotatable mounting of the actuating element 78 formed on the alignment member 62.

The connection of the head 110 with the operating element 118 in the interior 120 is fluid-tight, that is, the distribution space 116 or the output 114 is sealed fluid-tight in the operating element 118.

By rotation of the control element 118 (indicated in Figure 1 by the arrows 124), the amount of fluid (in particular liquid) can be adjusted, which is the spray head 90 is provided. In the described embodiment, the volume control valve 80 is formed as a rotary valve in which a rotational position of the actuating element 78 defines the hydraulically effective area for the fluid inlet into the channel 100.

The operating element 118 may be provided on its outside with gripping elements 124 (FIG. 1), for example gripping bars, in order to enable good operability.

Arranged on the alignment element 62 is a sealing belt 126 (compare, for example, FIG. 4), which is in particular parallel to an equatorial plane is located and in the region of a lower end 128 of the alignment member 62 is positioned. The sealing belt 126 is closed circumferentially and forms a sealing ring. In one embodiment, the sealing belt 126 is integrally formed on the alignment member 62. He lies all over the ball head 36 at. As a result, fluid from the distribution space 116 can not run outward in the region of the lower end 128. It is provided in particular that the sealing belt lies below an equatorial surface and abuts against the "southern hemisphere" of the ball head 36 when the distribution space 116 is adjacent to the "northern hemisphere" of the ball head 36. The contact surface between the first spherical portion 38 and the second spherical portion 66, when the alignment member 62 moves toward the ball head 36, determines the frictional forces acting and thus the "ease" of movement. Through targeted adjustment of this contact surface, this "lightness" can thus be set defined.

By forming the contact surface via abutment elements, as stated above, the "easy" mobility of the ball joint 82 can be set in a defined manner. The abutment elements make the mechanical contact between the spherical regions 38 and 66 and thus provide sliding surfaces of the ball joint 82.

The second spherical region 66 (and / or the first spherical region 38) need not necessarily be formed over the entire surface, but it is also possible for the second spherical region 66 (and / or the first spherical region 38) to have only one sphere as an envelope having. In a first embodiment of an alignment member 62, ribbons 130 are disposed on the inner surface 74 of the alignment member 62, which lie on a meridian and run to the sealing belt 126. For example, a plurality of spaced bands 130 are provided which extend from an imaginary pole of the second spherical region 66 on respective meridians.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, four uniformly spaced bands 130 are provided.

A corresponding surface of the bands 130 forms the second spherical region 66. In another embodiment (FIG. 5), the alignment element 62 has a plurality of spaced elevations 132 on the inner surface 64. These elevations contact with their surface the first spherical portion 38 and thus form the second spherical portion 66. In another embodiment (Figure 6) tapes 134 are provided which have a "zigzag" course. These then form with their corresponding surface of the second spherical region 66.

In a further exemplary embodiment (FIG. 7), one or more bands 136 are provided which run parallel to the equatorial plane and form with their surface the second spherical region 66.

The alignment elements according to FIGS. 4 to 7 differ in the size and geometric arrangement of the contact surface between the alignment element 62 and the ball head 36. This determines, as mentioned above, the friction between the alignment element 62 and the ball head 36 and thus the " Ease of adjustment of the relative position between the alignment member 62 and the ball head 36. The spray nozzle device 10 according to the invention functions as follows:

The base 12 is fixed via the fixing device 16 to an application such as a pipe or tube 18.

In one embodiment, the needle 52 is pushed into the tube 18 or hose 18 (which must be made of a suitable material which is pierceable).

In one embodiment of the tube 18 or the tube 18 then the corresponding terminal is closed, that is, the second portion 26 of the fixing device 16 is connected to the first region 20 and thus the tube 18 and the tube 18 is clamped.

During operation of the spray nozzle device 10, the tube 18 or the tube 18 serves as a fluid source, which provides fluid and in particular liquid. Through the fluid channel 50 of the needle 52, this fluid is provided to the distribution space 42.

The spray head 90 with the spray jet or sprays 92 is arranged on the alignment element 62. Due to the ball joint 82 of the alignment element 62 with the ball head 36, the spray head 90 can be aligned relative to the base 12. The direction in the space of the spray jet (s) 92 is determined by the position of the alignment member 62 on the ball head 36.

The sealing belt 126 ensures a sealing of the distribution space 116 from the outside. The ball joint 82 is lubricated via conveying fluid above the sealing belt 126. The volume control valve 80 is disposed on the alignment member 62. Regardless of the orientation via the ball joint 82 can be adjusted via the flow control valve, the amount of fluid which is supplied to the spray head 90.

In the embodiment of a rotary valve 80, the hydraulic surface is adjusted at the opening 80, through which fluid from the distribution space 42 can flow into the channel 100. This in turn determines the amount of fluid that is present on the spray head 90.

By means of the spray nozzle device 10 according to the invention, the orientation of one or more spray jets 92 and the intensity of the spray jets 92 can be set in a simple manner independently of one another. The spray nozzle device 10 can be positioned in a simple manner on an application and in particular a tube or tube 18. It is also easy to position a plurality of spray nozzle devices 10 on an application, and it is easy to adjust the spray quantity and orientation of the spray jets.

The spray nozzle device 10 can be formed in a simple and compact manner.

The spray nozzle device 10 according to the invention can be advantageously used for irrigation purposes. In particular, plant irrigation or garden irrigation can be carried out in a simple manner with optimum adjustability to the requirements both with respect to orientation and with respect to application rate. A further embodiment of a spray nozzle device according to the invention, which is shown in a sectional view in FIGS. 8 and 9 and designated therein by 140, comprises a base, which basically is the same as the base 12. Therefore, the same reference numeral as in the spray nozzle device 10 is used for the base.

An alignment element 142 is seated on the ball head 36 of the base 12. In its spherical regions, this alignment element 142 is fundamentally the same design as the alignment element 62.

A sleeve 144 is disposed on a pole portion of the alignment member 142. This sleeve 144 protrudes with a socket 146 into an interior 148 of the aligning element 142.

The sleeve 144 has a recess 150, which defines a receiving space for an actuating element 152. In the region of an upper end, the sleeve 144 is provided with an (inner) thread 154. The adjusting element 152 has an (external) thread 156. About this thread 156, the actuator 152 is rotatably mounted and höhenverschieblich on the thread 154 of the alignment 142. The actuator 152 has a central channel 158. This central channel 158, which is in particular axially aligned and, in particular, lies coaxially to a rotation axis 160 for a rotatability of the adjusting element 152 on the alignment element 142, passes through the adjusting element 152. The channel 158 has an inlet 162a. This opens into a room

164, which lies between one end of the nozzle 156 and a facing end of the actuator 152.

The channel 158 further includes an outlet 162b. This outlet 162b opens into a space 166 which is delimited by a spray head 168. The space 166 is located between the spray head 168 and one end of the actuator 152. At the neck 146, a mandrel element 170 is disposed in the space 164. This mandrel element 170 can be immersed in the channel 158 in the region of the inlet 162a (FIG. 8). By rotational movement of the adjusting element 152 on the alignment element 142, an axial displacement of the adjusting element 152 is effected (compare FIGS. 8 and 9). The axial position of the actuator 152 on the sleeve 144, that is, relative to the alignment member 142, determines the location of the inlet 162a to the mandrel member 170th

About the actuator 152, a piston valve is formed. If the spine member 170 is deeply immersed in the channel 158, then it is closed (Figure 8) and the corresponding volume control valve 178 is closed.

When the spine member 170 is completely out of the channel 158, the inlet 162a is fully released and the maximum amount of fluid can flow from the space 164 into the space 166 to the spray head 168 (Figure 9).

In appropriate intermediate positions between the first closed position (Figure 8) and the second open position (Figure 9) is determined by an immersion depth of the mandrel member 170, which amount of liquid at the inlet 162 can flow into the channel 158.

In particular, the mandrel element 170 has an at least approximately conical shape. The relative height of the inlet 162a to the spine member 170 (and thus to one end of the nozzle 146) determines the hydraulic cross-sectional area at the inlet 162a, and hence the amount of fluid that can flow through the channel 158. The sleeve 144 has (as part of the volume control valve 178) one or more openings through which fluid from the distribution space 42 can flow into the space 164. A sealing device 172 may be provided which fluid-tightly seals the space 164 from the space 166 so that the only flow connection between the space 164 and the space 166 is the channel 158. In one embodiment, an O-ring sealing means 172 is disposed between an inner wall of the sleeve 144 and an outer wall of the actuator 152, the O-ring being disposed in a region between the thread 154 and the inlet 162a.

The adjusting element 152 has a head 174. Below this head 174 (facing the inlet 162a) the thread 156 is positioned.

At the head an operating element 176 is held, by which a rotational movement of the adjusting element 152 and thus its axial displacement can be actuated. In the operating element 176 in particular the spray head 168 is integrated.

The operating element 166 may be provided with gripping elements and in particular grip webs. The control element 152 is pressed, for example, with the head 174 in the control element 176. The space 166 is fluid-tightly sealed to the head 174 so that fluid can only flow into the space 166 via the outlet 162b. In the spray nozzle device 140, the adjusting element 152 is mounted on the alignment element 142 via a threaded device with the threads 154, 156. The adjusting element 152 can rotate relative to the aligning element 142 and move axially along the axis of rotation 160 carry out. The corresponding volume control valve 178, which includes the actuator 152 in the sleeve 144, is a spool valve.

Otherwise, the spray nozzle device 140 functions like the spray nozzle device 10.

LIST OF REFERENCES Spray nozzle device

Base

neck

fixing device

Pipe, hose

First area

accommodation space

First subspace

Second area

joint

Second subspace

connecting element

counter-element

ball head

First spherical area

cutting plane

distribution space

First subspace

recess

wall

fluid channel

needle

axis

pinpoint

contact surface

opening

aligning

Inner surface

Second spherical area

First section Second subarea

Second subspace

shell

Support

actuator

Flow regulation

ball joint

arrow

outside

handle element

spray nozzle

spray

nozzle opening

axis of rotation

opening

channel

entrance mouth

cover

central element

annulus

head

front

output

bead

distribution space

operating element

inner space

flange

handle element

sealing belt

Lower end

tape

survey 134 volume

136 volume

140 spray nozzle device

142 alignment element

144 sleeve

146 nozzles

148 interior

150 recess

152 control element

154 thread

156 thread

158 channel

160 axis of rotation

162a inlet

162b outlet

164 room

166 room

168 spray head

170 mandrel element

172 sealing device

174 head

176 control element

178 Flow control valve

Claims

Patent claims

1. Spray nozzle device comprising a base (12), an alignment element (62; 142) which is movably arranged on the base (12), at least one quantity regulating valve (80; 178) which is arranged on the alignment element (62; 142). , and a spray head (90; 168) which is assigned to the at least one quantity regulating valve (80; 178), wherein the spray head (90; 168) for one is determined by a position of the alignment element (62; 142) relative to the base (12). or several spray jets (92) can be aligned and a spray quantity can be adjusted through the at least one quantity regulating valve (80; 178).

2. Spray nozzle device according to claim 1, characterized in that a spray quantity on the at least one quantity regulating valve (80; 178) can be adjusted independently of the orientation of the spray head (90; 168).

3. Spray nozzle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an orientation of the spray head (90; 168) can be adjusted independently of the setting of the at least one quantity regulating valve (80; 178).

4. Spray nozzle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a distribution space (42) which is formed on the base (12) and / or the alignment element (62; 142) and in which a mouth opening (98, 102) of the at least one quantity regulating valve (80; 178) ends.

5. Spray nozzle device according to claim 4, characterized by at least one fluid channel (50), which is arranged or formed on the base (12) and by means of which fluid from a fluid source can be provided to the distribution space (42).

Spray nozzle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a ball joint (82) for aligning the spray head (90; 168), which is formed by the base (12) and the alignment element (62; 142).

Spray nozzle device according to claim 6, characterized in that the base (12) has a first spherical region (38) and the alignment element (62; 142) has a second spherical region (66), the second spherical region (66) being attached to the first spherical Region (38) is adapted, and wherein the alignment element (62; 142) sits on the base (12) and the second spherical region (66) faces the first spherical region (38) and in particular rests against it.

Spray nozzle device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first spherical region (38) is convex and the second spherical region (66) is concave and in particular the base (12) comprises a spherical head (36) and the alignment element (62; 142). Includes spherical shell, which sits on the ball head (36).

Spray nozzle device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the ball joint (82) comprises a sealing belt (126) for fluid sealing between the base (12) and the alignment element (62), the sealing belt (126) on the alignment element (62 ) is arranged, and which is in particular designed to be closed all around.

Spray nozzle device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that on the first spherical region (38) and/or the second spherical region (66) there is at least one contact element (130; 132; 134; 136) for the opposite spherical region (66 ; 38) is arranged or formed.

11. Spray nozzle device according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one contact element is formed by at least one band (130; 134; 136) and / or at least one spaced elevation (134).

12. Spray nozzle device according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one band (130) runs along a meridian.

13. Spray nozzle device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the at least one band (136) runs parallel to an equatorial plane.

14. Spray nozzle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alignment element (62; 142) is provided on its outside with handle elements (88).

15. Spray nozzle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one quantity regulating valve (80; 178) has an adjusting element (78; 152) which is movably mounted on the alignment element (62; 142).

16. Spray nozzle device according to claim 15, characterized in that the adjusting element (78; 152) is assigned a cover (104; 170) for a mouth opening (102; 162a) of the at least one quantity regulating valve (80; 178), wherein a position of the adjusting element (78; 152) determines a degree of coverage of the mouth opening (90, 102; 162a).

17. Spray nozzle device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the adjusting element (78; 152) is rotatable, the at least one quantity regulating valve (80; 178) being designed in particular as a rotary slide valve or piston slide valve.

18. Spray nozzle device according to claim 17, characterized in that the alignment element (62; 142) has a sleeve (74; 144) in which the adjusting element (78; 152) is rotatably mounted and / or at least partially arranged.

19. Spray nozzle device according to claim 18, characterized in that the sleeve (74; 144) comprises at least one opening (98) in a distribution space (42), through which fluid can flow from the distribution space (42) to the spray head (90; 168). is, wherein a rotational position of the adjusting element (78; 152) determines a hydraulic surface at the opening (98).

20. Spray nozzle device according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that the adjusting element (78; 152) has at least one channel (100; 158) which is fluidly connected to the spray head (90; 168).

21. Spray nozzle device according to one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that an operating element (118; 176) for operation is arranged on the adjusting element (78; 152), and in particular is arranged or formed in a rotationally fixed manner.

22. Spray nozzle device according to claim 21, characterized in that the spray head (90; 168) is at least partially integrated into the control element (118; 176).

23. Spray nozzle device according to one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that the adjusting element (152) is arranged on the alignment element (142) in a height-displaceable manner.

Spray nozzle device according to claim 23, characterized in that the adjusting element (152) is mounted in a thread on the alignment element (142).

Spray nozzle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the inside of the alignment element (62; 142) there is a nozzle (76; 146) which projects into a distribution space (42), and in particular the nozzle (76; 146) part a sleeve (74; 144) for receiving an adjusting element (78; 152).

26. Spray nozzle device according to claim 25, characterized in that the nozzle (76; 146) has at least one opening (98), which is arranged in particular laterally.

Spray nozzle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fixing device (16) for fixing the spray nozzle device on an application (18) is arranged or formed on the base (12).

28. Spray nozzle device according to claim 27, characterized in that the fixing device (16) is designed for fixing to a hose (18) or a pipe (18) and is in particular designed as a hose clamp or pipe clamp.

29. Spray nozzle device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one needle (52) is arranged on the base (12), in which at least one fluid channel (50) is formed, the at least one fluid channel (50) being in fluid connection with a distribution space (42), and wherein the at least one needle (52) projects into a receiving space (22) of a fixing device (16) for a hose (18) or a tube (18).

30. Spray nozzle device according to claim 29, characterized in that the at least one needle (52) has at least one opening (60) for connection to a fluid source, which is in particular arranged laterally and in particular is spaced from a needle tip (56).

31. Use of the spray nozzle device according to one of the preceding claims for irrigation.

32. Method for adjusting one or more spray jets (92), in which a spray quantity is adjusted via a quantity regulating valve (80; 178), on which a spray head (90; 168) is seated, and an alignment of the spray head (90; 168). an alignment element (62; 142) is adjusted, which is movably seated on a base (12) and on which the quantity regulating valve (80; 178) is seated.

33. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that the alignment element (62; 142) and the base (12) form a ball joint (82) for the mobility of the alignment element (62; 142) to the base (12).