Quick Coupling Nozzle for a high-pressure cleaner
Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a nozzle coupling and method for coupling a nozzle to the lance/gun of a high-pressure cleaner. The coupling consists of a spring loaded retaining element being part of the nozzle that automatically locks the nozzle when inserted.
Background of the Invention
High pressure cleaners are becoming increasingly popular. The machines are equipped with more and more application dedicated nozzles to solve various cleaning tasks. Most machines are equipped with a bayonet coupling between the high pressure gun and the nozzles. A bayonet coupling is a coupling where a "male" part is inserted into a "female" part and rotated to lock. The bayonet coupling is relatively complex to use and thus not optimal when frequent nozzle change is needed.
A fast action coupling is in EP1043080A1 disclosed. The coupling consists of a retaining element activated in a 90 angle compared to the nozzle insert axis. The coupling also has an integrated low pressure nozzle and a spring loaded nozzle ejection func- tion. The coupling is relatively complex with many parts. Furthermore, the o-ring that seals between the stationary part said lance/gun and moveable part said nozzle is hidden inside the lance/gun and is thus difficult for a customer to change in case of damages. The retaining element is furthermore located on the lance which requires that the customer uses both hands for removal of the nozzle: one hand to activate the retaining element and one hand to hold the nozzle. In US4863201 is a coupling assembly disclosed compromising a hollow male coupling (12) which defines a fluid passage (13) and a female coupling (14). In order to disengage the male (12) and female coupling (14) and move the two coupling parts away from each other it will require the use of two hands which is not as convenient as using only one hand. Also in case of an o-ring failure (38) it is complex for the user to change it.
Object of the Invention
It is an object for the present invention to specify a quick coupling nozzle for a high pressure cleaner that is much more simple to manufacture, requires only one hand to remove the nozzle and that is easier for customers to service in case of o-ring failure.
Description of the Invention
The object of the present invention can be accomplished by a nozzle as described in the introductory part of claim 1, consisting of a nozzle having a retaining element that fixes the nozzle when fix to e.g. a lance (gun) of a high pressure cleaner. The retaining element is activated in an approximately 90 degree angle compared to the nozzle insert direction. The retaining element is part of the nozzle which makes it possible for the customer with only one hand to remove the nozzle.
In one preferred embodiment according to the invention the retaining element is spring loaded making it possible for the user to insert the nozzle without touching the retaining element.
In another embodiment according to the invention the sealing element between the nozzle and lance is located on the lance which in cases of more nozzles only will require one sealing element. In one preferred embodiment according to the invention the retaining element has a snap element which ensure that the retaining element once inserted during assembly will not be ejected again due to the spring acting on the retaining element. In another embodiment according to the invention the sealing element between the lance and nozzle located on the lance is not encapsulated / surrounded by anything making it possible for the user easily to change the sealing.
The invention is not limited to the described embodiments which can be modified in many ways.
Description of the Drawing
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:
Figure 1 shows a high pressure cleaner hose, gun, lance and nozzle
Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of the lance and nozzle where the nozzle is not fixed in the lance
Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of the lance and nozzle where the retaining ele- ment is about to be activated
Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of the lance and nozzle where the nozzle is fixed to the lance
Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of the retaining element
Detailed Description of the Invention
Figure 1 illustrates a high pressure cleaner hose (4) connected to a high pressure cleaner (not shown) and a high pressure cleaner gun (3) connected to the hose (4). A lance (2) that is connected to the gun (3) is shown. The lance (2) is connected to the nozzle (1).
Figure 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the lance (2) and nozzle (1) where the nozzle (1) is not fixed to the lance (2). The lance (2) has a sealing element (24) which seals between the nozzle (1) and lance (2) when fixed to each other. A retaining element (21) that fixes the nozzle axially in lance (2) is illustrated and is part of the noz- zle (1). The retaining element (21) is spring loaded by the spring (22). An orifice (23) is also illustrated inside the nozzle (1) creating the high velocity jet from the nozzle
(1) . The nozzle (1) is inserted axially onto the lance (2) as shown by the nozzle insert axis (26) and arrow (25) Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of the lance (2) and nozzle (1) where the lance
(2) is about to engage the retaining element (21). The retaining element (21) is moving up and down along the line/plane (33). The line/plane (33) is located in an angle (31) of approximately 90 degrees compared to the nozzle insert axis (26). It can be seen that the lance (2) is about to engage the retaining element (21). If the nozzle (1) is pushed further to the left on the picture then retaining element (21) will be forced down by the lance as shown with the arrow (32).
Figure 4 illustrates the nozzle (1) when being fixed to the lance (2). It can be seen in the area (41) marked with a circle that the retaining element (21) now fixes the nozzle (1) to the lance (2)
Figure 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of the nozzle (1) and lance (2). The section view A-A is indicated by the arrows on figure 4. The retaining element (21) is made with a snap lock (51) that prevents the retaining element (21) from being pushed out of the nozzle (1) due to the spring (22).