EP3271079B1 - Spray gun for irrigation purposes - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a spray gun for irrigation purposes, comprising a gun body, a spray unit held thereon, a handle on the gun body positionally held handle for a user, an inlet, formed by the spray unit and with the inlet via a fluid passage fluidly connected outlet, a valve unit and an the handle arranged actuator which is in operative connection with the valve unit for selectively releasing the fluid channel.

Such a spray gun is used, for example, for irrigating green areas. At the inlet a supply line is connected or connectable, for example, a hose. About the actuator, the user releases the fluid channel, so that liquid can flow from the supply line to the spray unit and can be sprayed at the outlet. By omitted or renewed operation, the liquid supply is interrupted.

In the WO 2009/076186 A2 a generic spray gun is described. The gripping device of the spray gun can be pivoted relative to the gun body about a transverse axis. Thereby, the spray gun may be transferred from an angled configuration in which the handle assembly and the gun body are angled relative to each other into a substantially elongated configuration in which the handle assembly is aligned with the gun body. Also intermediate configurations of different angling are possible. The user can select the most convenient, manageable configuration for them.

The WO 2009/138107 A1 describes a hand applicator with a handle and a controller for regulating the flow of a liquid material through a nozzle, with a delivery tube having a body axis and a cap on one end of the delivery tube. The nozzle is arranged in extension of the body axis of the feed tube on the attachment, and the Handle is rotatably mounted in a rotary bearing, whose rotary bearing axis of rotation is arranged in an angular range of 45 ° to 135 ° to the body axis.

The US 6,257,505 B1 describes a spraying device for irrigation purposes. The spray device has a handle device with an inlet and an actuator for the user and a spray head with different outlet nozzles. The gripping means and the spray head are rotatable relative to each other about an axis of rotation which are aligned perpendicular to a 45 ° separating surface of these two components. The spraying device can thus assume a rectilinear extent in which the gripping device and the spray head are aligned with one another, and an angled configuration in which the gripping device and the spraying head are aligned at an angle of 90 ° to one another.

The FR 2 368 305 A1 describes a high-pressure discharge device with a handle device and a washing lance. The wash lance can be optionally arranged on one of two outlets of the handle device.

Object of the present invention is to provide a spray gun of the type mentioned, which is easy to handle for a user.

This object is achieved by a spray gun according to the invention having the features of claim 1.

In the case of the spray gun according to the invention, it is provided that the grip device can assume at least two positions relative to the gun body. In a first position, the actuating element is aligned with the spray gun in such a way that it can be finger-operated by the user in its intended use. With at least one and preferably two, three or four fingers can be acted on the actuating element, in particular with the / the second and / or third phalanx (ern). By pulling with the finger (s) on the actuator, the user can access the valve unit act. Depending on the desired handling, the user can transfer the grip device into the second position. In the second position, the actuator is handtellerbetätigbar in the intended use of the spray gun. Under the palm of the hand is understood in particular an inner, the back of the hand remote from the hand between the carpal and the approach of the fingers. In particular, the actuating element is handballenbetätigbar in the second position of the handle device. By pressure with the palm on the actuator, the user can act on the valve unit.

The provision of only one handle device, which is finger-operable in two different positions or handtellerbetätigbar, allows a versatile spray gun with improved handling at the same time cost-effective production. Separate spray guns or gripping devices need not be provided. The alternation between fingering on the one hand and palm operation on the other hand also allows a user to work longer without tiring. When the fingers are tired, the grip device can be transferred from the first to the second position and switched to palm operation. Conversely, in the case of fatigue in the region of the palm of the hand or the wrist, the grip device can be transferred from the second to the first position and switched over to fingertip operation.

The gripping device comprises a gripping element forming a receiving space and a fluid channel section of the fluid channel arranged in the receiving space or formed by the receiving space. The fluid channel section is, in particular, the following first fluid channel section.

The fluid channel portion defines an axis of the handle (handle axis) about which it is rotatable relative to the gun body. By rotating the gripping device, the fluid channel section is rotated about its own axis. This facilitates, for example, the coupling of the fluid channel section to another, arranged on the gun body or encompassed by this fluid channel portion, as well as the seal between the two fluid channel sections.

It is advantageous if, in the first position of the grip device, the actuating element is arranged on one side of the spray gun facing the spray unit and on the side of the spray gun remote from the spray unit in the second position of the grip device. In the first position, the actuating element can in particular be arranged on or in the direction of a front side of the spray gun, pointing away from the user. In the second position, the actuating element can be arranged on the spray gun, in particular on a rear side, facing the user.

Advantageously, in the first position and in the second position of the gripping device, the actuating element engages diametrically opposite positions on the spray gun with respect to the handle axis.

In an advantageous implementation of the spray gun in practice, it is advantageous if the handle device has a longitudinal direction and can be converted by rotating about its longitudinal direction from the first position to the second position. For example, the handle device can be transferred by a rotation through 180 ° or substantially 180 ° about its longitudinal direction from the first to the second position and vice versa.

In an embodiment not claimed, it can be provided that the gripping device has a longitudinal direction and can be transferred from the first position to the second position and vice versa by turning around a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction (for example by 180 ° or substantially 180 °). For example, the grip device is effectively turned "overhead" in order to transfer it from the first to the second position and vice versa.

It can be provided that the gripping device can occupy exactly two positions relative to the spray gun, namely the first position and the second position.

In another advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the gripping device can be transferred into at least one third position except in the first position and in the second position, the actuating element occupying a position on the spray gun in the third position, which position is different from the positions in FIG the first position and the second position. The spray gun proves to be even more versatile. The operator can transfer the gripping device into the at least one third position and thereby actuate the actuating element in a different manner.

Advantageously, it may be provided that the gripping device is releasably connectable to the gun body and relative to this for transferring from the first position to the second position and vice versa in different relative positions can be brought. The user may release the handle assembly from the gun body and releasably connect the gun body in the respective first or second position.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the gripping device is rotatably mounted on the gun body about the handle axis. The rotatable mounting facilitates a user's handling of the spray gun.

In particular, the grip device may be rotatable about the handle axis for transferring from the first position to the second position and vice versa by 180 ° or substantially 180 °.

Preferably, the gripping device is rotatable in both directions of rotation about the handle axis. This facilitates the handling of the spray gun, especially taking into account the fact that it can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people. Intuitively, the user tends to turn the handle by external rotation of the hand. In the present embodiment, in which rotation in both directions of rotation is possible, this can be done easily by both right and left-handers.

It is advantageous if the gun body comprises a housing and / or a fluid channel section of the fluid channel, which housing and / or which fluid channel section forms a rotary guide for the grip element of the grip device when rotating about the handle axis. The rotary guide facilitates a user handling of the spray gun, for example, by tilting the handle device relative to the gun body can be avoided.

The same advantage is also achieved in an advantageous embodiment in which the (first) fluid channel section encompassed by the gripping device and a second fluid channel section of the fluid channel enclosed by the gun body are rotatably mounted to one another and sealed relative to one another by means of a sealing element. By the sealing element can also be ensured that when turning the handle device relative to the gun body no liquid exiting the spray gun.

The fluid channel sections are preferably engaged with each other, and the sealing element is conveniently an O-ring surrounding the engaging first or second fluid channel section. For example, the first fluid channel section engages in the second fluid channel section. The O-ring is on the outside of the first and on the inside of the second fluid channel section.

It is advantageous if the spray gun comprises a blocking device for blocking the handle device against rotation relative to the gun body and / or against release of the gun body, which blocking device comprises at least a first blocking element on the handle device and at least one cooperating with this second blocking element on the gun body, and at least one triggering element for acting on the first blocking element and / or on the second blocking element and canceling a Engagement of the blocking elements with each other. In a blocking position, the blocking elements can cooperate, whereby a rotation of the handle device and / or its release is blocked by the gun body. As a result, the gripping device remains in the first position or the second position (or the at least one third position, if present). By acting on the at least one triggering element, the user can disengage the blocking elements and transfer them into a release position. This makes it possible to rotate the handle assembly relative to the gun body and / or to solve from this.

The blocking device can be configured as a clamping device and / or as a latching device. Accordingly, the blocking elements can be clamping elements and / or latching elements.

The blocking elements can be positively and / or non-positively engaged in the blocking position.

Conveniently acts on the first and / or the second blocking element a restoring force when the blocking elements are disengaged and occupy the release position. Under the effect of the restoring force, the blocking elements are transferred without further action by the user in the blocking position.

It is advantageous if the at least one first blocking element and / or the at least one second blocking element can be automatically transferred from a release position in which the blocking elements are disengaged into a blocking position in which the blocking elements are engaged. For example, the at least one first and / or the at least one second blocking element is material-elastic and / or form-elastic. Under deformation by the user, the blocking elements are transferred to the release position. Under reverse deformation, the blocking elements are automatically transferred to the blocking position.

It is favorable if the at least one triggering element is adapted to an outer contour of a grip element of the grip device and if the blocking elements are arranged within the outer contour. In the present case, this can be understood in particular to mean that the at least one triggering element forms at least part of the outer contour of the grip device, for example a section or a segment of a wall of the grip element. The at least one triggering element is not perceived by the user as disturbing, and inadvertent actuation of the triggering element can be largely avoided.

The gripping device may preferably have an end facing the gun body or an end portion on which the at least one first blocking element and the at least one triggering element are arranged. The at least one triggering element can be achieved and operated by the user in a simple manner. For example, the at least one triggering element is thumb-actuatable and / or indexable.

It proves to be favorable when two first blocking elements are provided on the gripping device and at least two second blocking elements are provided on the gun body, preferably two triggering elements coupled with one blocking element each. Thereby, the handle device and the gun body can be reliably secured against relative rotation and / or loosening each other.

Preferably, the two triggering elements are arranged diametrically opposite one another with respect to a handle axis of the gripping device on the gripping device or on the gun body. For example, the trigger elements are provided for a thumb and index finger operation. The opposing tripping elements can be reached and operated by right-handers and left-handers alike.

In a structurally simple embodiment, it is advantageous if the at least one first blocking element and / or the at least one triggering element are integrally formed with the handle element of the handle device, in particular elastically deformable portions of the handle element. Under deformation of the handle element on at least one triggering element and / or at least one first blocking element, the blocking elements can be transferred to the release position. Under elastic recovery, the blocking elements are transferred to the blocking position.

The blocking elements preferably comprise a projection arranged on the gripping device and at least one stop arranged on the gun body which cooperates with the projection against rotation of the gripping device relative to the gun body and / or against detachment of the gripping device from the gun body. For example, at least one stop on the gun body is provided, against which the projection in the blocking position, whereby rotation of the handle device is blocked relative to the gun body.

To achieve a structurally simple construction of the spray gun, it is advantageous if the grip device comprises the valve unit or if it is arranged in the grip device.

Preferably, the valve unit is rotatably connected to the handle member. Upon rotation of the handle device relative to the gun body thereby the actuator and the valve unit are rotated. The actuating mechanism for the valve unit can be kept structurally simple.

In an advantageous embodiment of the spray gun, the fluid channel section can be formed separately from the grip element and held in a non-positive and / or form-fitting manner. The fluid channel section is used for example in the above-mentioned receiving space and held by adhesion and / or positive connection to the handle member.

The fluid channel section can be clamped and / or locked with the grip element.

Preferably, the fluid channel portion is rotatably connected to the handle member. This is particularly advantageous if the valve unit is arranged on the fluid channel section, which in turn is preferably connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the grip element.

The valve unit may preferably be held on the fluid channel section and preferably has a valve body arranged in the fluid channel section, preferably axially displaceable, and a coupling member coupling the valve body with the actuating element. The valve body is, for example, a valve pin displaceably held in the fluid channel section. A valve seat of the valve unit is formed, for example, by a taper of the fluid passage portion against which the valve body sealingly abuts in a closed position and from which the valve body is raised in an open position. The coupling member may, for example, pass through a wall of the fluid channel section and couple with the actuating element outside the fluid channel section.

It is advantageous if the fluid channel section at the inlet comprises or forms a connection element of a plug-in coupling for the detachable connection of a fluid supply line. The plug-in coupling is preferably integrally formed on the fluid channel section.

In an advantageous implementation of the spray gun, it is favorable if the actuating element is an actuating lever which is pivotably mounted on the grip device about a pivot axis or comprises such an actuating lever. By the action of the user with the fingers or with the palm of the hand lever is pivoted and the valve unit is transferred from a closed position to an open position.

The actuating element is preferably pivotably mounted on the fluid channel section of the fluid channel encompassed by the grip device. At least For example, a bearing member for the actuator is integrally molded to the fluid channel portion.

The above-mentioned actuating lever is preferably pivotally mounted on an end portion of the handle device facing the gun body. In practice it turns out that such a pivotable mounting of the operating lever is perceived by the user as more convenient for the operation of the spray gun.

It proves to be advantageous if the gripping device in a slip-on direction, which is preferably aligned in the longitudinal direction of the gripping device, can be plugged onto the gun body and secured to it by means of a holding member. This allows a structurally simple design and easy assembly of the spray gun can be achieved. The at least partially preassembled handle device can be plugged onto the gun body and secured by means of the retaining member to this.

The holding member is configured for example as a retaining clip which can be pushed onto the gun body and forms an effective stop in the opposite direction of the plug-in direction for the handle device.

Overall, it is advantageous if a manual and / or tool-free mounting of the handle device on the gun body is possible, for example via the above-mentioned retaining clip.

In order to achieve, for example during assembly, a defined relative position of the gripping device and of the gun body, the gun body preferably comprises or forms a flange-like abutment region for the gripping device. The abutment portion may, when the handle assembly is rotatable relative to the gun body, further provide the function of a guide member of a rotary guide of the gun body for the handle assembly.

It proves to be favorable if the contact region is formed by a housing of the gun body and / or by a fluid channel section of the fluid channel arranged on the gun body, on which housing or on which fluid channel section the grip element rests.

To achieve a versatile spray gun, it is advantageous if the spray unit can be brought into different relative positions relative to the gun body, in each of which different spray patterns with nozzles encompassed by the spray unit can be provided. For example, a spot jet nozzle and / or a mist nozzle and / or a flat jet nozzle and / or a rain shower, a nozzle arrangement with a plurality of individual jets, are provided.

The spray unit is preferably rotatably supported on the gun body, and the spray patterns are conveniently changeable by rotation of the spray unit relative to the gun body.

Figur 1:

eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Sprühpistole, deren Griffeinrichtung eine erste Stellung einnimmt;

Figur 2:

die Sprühpistole aus Figur 1, wobei die Griffeinrichtung eine zweite Stellung einnimmt;

Figur 3:

die Sprühpistole aus Figur 1 (teilweise dargestellt), deren Griffeinrichtung in einer Längsschnittdarstellung gezeigt ist;

Figur 4:

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung der Sprühpistole aus Figur 1;

Figur 5:

eine vergrößerte Teildarstellung von Figur 4 und

Figur 6:

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 6-6 in Figur 3.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings, the detailed explanation of the invention. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a side view of a spray gun according to the invention, the handle device assumes a first position;

FIG. 2:

the spray gun off FIG. 1 wherein the handle device occupies a second position;

FIG. 3:

the spray gun off FIG. 1 (partially shown), the handle means is shown in a longitudinal sectional view;

FIG. 4:

an exploded perspective view of the spray gun of Figure 1;

FIG. 5:

an enlarged partial view of FIG. 4 and

FIG. 6:

a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 3 ,

The drawing shows an advantageous embodiment of a spray gun according to the invention, which is designated by the reference numeral 10. The spray gun 10 is used for irrigation, especially in the garden area. It comprises a gun body 12, a spray unit 14 and a handle device 18.

The gun body 12 has a first portion 20 and a second portion 22 defining axes 21 and 23, respectively. Sections 20 and 22 are angled with each other, with axes 21 and 23 intersecting at an angle of, for example, approximately 120 °. The spray unit 14 is rotatably supported about the axis 23 at an end of the section 22 facing away from the section 20. The spray unit 16 forms an outlet 24 of the spray gun 10, on which liquid can be sprayed.

The gripping device 18 is arranged on the side facing away from the portion 22 of the section 20 and held in particular in the manner explained below and rotatably supported. At the end opposite the section 20, the gripping device 18 forms an inlet 26 of the spray gun 10. The inlet 26 is connected via a fluid channel 28 (eg. FIG. 3 ) in fluid communication with the outlet 24. At the inlet 26, a supply line is detachably connected, for example, a flexible hose. Preferably, the inlet 26, as in the spray gun 10, formed by a connecting element in the form of a coupling member 30 of a plug-in coupling.

The fluid channel 28 has a first fluid channel section 32 and a second fluid channel section 34. The first fluid channel section 32 is encompassed by the handle device 18 and the second fluid channel section 34 is encompassed by the gun body 12. The fluid channel sections 32, 34 are fluidly connected to one another. The fluid channel section 34 is flow-connected to the spray unit 14 via a further fluid channel section, not shown in the drawing, inside the gun body 12.

As in particular from the FIGS. 3 to 6 clearly, the gun body 12 comprises a housing 36 having a housing wall 38. The housing wall 38 is preferably closed on the side facing the handle device 18 of the section 20 ( FIG. 6 ). For example, the housing wall 38 is provided on the section 20 in cross section with rounding, z. Circular or with a shape of a straight oval or a mixture between a circular shape and a rectangular shape, as in FIG FIG. 6 shown.

From the housing wall 38 are radially inwardly, for example rib-shaped projections 40 from. In particular, four projections 40 are provided, which are each grouped in pairs. A first pair of protrusions 40 are disposed diametrically opposite a second pair of protrusions 40 with respect to the axis 21 on the housing wall 38. The two projections 40 of each pair of projections 40 are separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the axis 21 by a gap 42.

The projections 40 are arranged on a first (left) transverse side 44 and a second (right) transverse side 46 of the spray gun 10. This orientation or position refers to a proper use of the spray gun 10. The spray gun 10 is gripped by a user from a back 48 facing the user. The spray unit 14 is disposed on a front side 50 facing away from the rear side 48, distally with respect to the user.

The second fluid channel section 34 is held on the section 20 of the gun body 12 in the housing 36. The fluid channel section 34 includes a substantially cylindrical tube 52 defining the axis 21. At the pipe section 52, an annular projection 54 is formed. The projection 54 forms a flange-like abutment region 56 for the gripping device 18 (FIG. FIG. 6 ). Another abutment region 58 of the gun body 12 for the gripping device 18 is formed by the housing wall 38 on its front side facing the gripping device 18.

Portions of the housing wall 38 on the transverse side 44 and the transverse side 46 are connected to each other inside the housing 36 by connecting pieces 60 and 62. The connecting pieces 60, 62 are formed substantially arcuate and extend in the circumferential direction of the axis 21. The connecting pieces 60, 62 are accordingly configured in sections arcuately, with the same radius with respect to the axis 21st

On the pipe section 52, a receptacle 64 for a holding member 66 of the spray gun 10 is further formed. The receptacle 64 has the shape of an annular groove 65. The annular groove 65 is axially spaced from the annular projection 54 and the grip device 18 further facing than the projection 54th

The holding member 66 is configured here as a retaining clip 67. The retaining clip 67 has an approximately horseshoe-shaped shape and is elastically deformable. Under widening of the retaining clip 67 attached to the annular groove 65 on the pipe section 52 or removed from it. This takes place in a plane transverse to the axis 21.

The following is by reference in particular to the FIGS. 3 to 6 on the configuration of the handle device 18 received.

The gripping device 18 comprises a gripping element 70, the already mentioned first fluid channel section 32, an actuating element 72 and a valve unit 74.

The grip element 70 is approximately sleeve-shaped and comprises a wall 76. The wall 76 has an opening 78 on the side of the grip element 70 facing the section 20. At the side facing away from the portion 20 of the handle member 70, the wall 76 has an opening 80. Another opening 82 is formed in the wall 76. The opening 82 is a slot extending along the handle member 70 between end portions 84 and 86 of the handle assembly 18. The end portions 84 and 86 face the portion 20.

From the grip element 70, a receiving space 88 for the fluid channel portion 32 is formed. The fluid channel portion 32 is formed separately from the handle member 70 and inserted into this. In particular, the fluid channel section 32 is held on the grip element 70 on the inside by force and / or positive fit.

The fluid channel section 32 comprises a tube piece 90 on which projections 92 are arranged on the outside, preferably being formed on the tube piece 90. There are two pairs of two projections 92 are provided. The pairs are spaced axially with respect to an axis 94 defined by the tube 90. The projections 92 of each pair are diametrically opposite each other with respect to the axis 94. FIG. 2 shows two axially spaced projections 92. The projections 92 are designed, for example, wing-shaped.

The projections 92 are assigned to the inside of the wall 76 arranged receptacles. The shots are, this is not shown in the drawing, for example, slit-shaped. When inserting the fluid channel section 32 into the receiving space 88, the projections 92 can be positively inserted into the receptacles and thereby the fluid channel section 32 can be connected to the grip element 70. In particular, a rotationally fixed connection between the fluid channel section 34 and the grip element 70 is provided with respect to rotation about the axis 94.

The tube piece 90 is of substantially cylindrical shape and dimensioned so that it can engage in the tube piece 52 of the second fluid channel section 34 ( Figures 3 and 6 ). In this way, fluid communication is formed from the inlet 26 to the gun body 12. A sealing member 96 is provided to seal between the pipe sections 52 and 90. The sealing element 96 is designed as an O-ring 98. The O-ring 98 is held in an annular groove formed on the pipe piece 90 and surrounds this on the outside. At the pipe section 52, the O-ring 98 is located on the inside.

The actuating element 72 is embodied here as an actuating lever 100. The actuating lever 100 is pivotally mounted on the gripping device 18 about a pivot axis 102 oriented transversely to the axis 94. The pivotable mounting of the actuating lever 100 takes place at the end section 84 by means of bearing elements 104. The bearing elements 104 define the pivot axis 102 and are preferably formed on the pipe section 90.

The valve unit 74 is also arranged in the receiving space 88. It comprises a valve body 106, configured here as a valve pin 108. The valve pin 108 is axially displaceable relative to the axis 94 in the pipe section 90. With a sealing portion 110, the valve pin 108 can rest in a closed position sealingly against a valve seat 112 of the valve unit 74. The valve seat 112 is formed by a taper of the pipe section 90 ( FIG. 3 ).

The valve unit 74 further comprises a coupling member 114. The coupling member 114 passes through a wall of the pipe section 90 and is aligned in the direction of the actuating lever 100. An elastic element 116 in the form of a compression spring 118 acts on the coupling member 114 in the direction of the actuating lever 100.

If the user actuates the actuating lever 100, this is pivoted about the pivot axis 102. The coupling member 114, in this case pin-shaped, is partially displaced against the force of the compression spring 118 into the tube piece 90. As a result, the valve pin 108 is axially displaced and lifted by the valve seat 112 and transferred to an open position. There is fluid communication from the inlet 26 to the outlet 24.

If the actuating force is omitted, the coupling member 114 and the actuating lever 100 are moved back to the starting position under the action of the compression spring 118. The valve pin 108 is axially displaced and transferred to the closed position, in which the sealing portion 110 sealingly abuts the valve seat 112.

In the grip device 18, a locking device 120 is further provided, with which the actuating lever 100 can be held in the actuated position. The locking device 120 includes, for example, a circulation lock 122.

The grip device 18 further comprises a cover 124 for closing the opening 80. The cover 124 is formed, for example, on the tube piece 90.

As in particular from the Figures 3 . 5 and 6 becomes clear, the wall 76 at the end portion 84 end face adapted to the shape of the housing wall 38. An outer edge 126 of the wall 76 can be applied in alignment with the contact area 58.

The outer edge 126 is at the transverse sides 44 and 46 (at the reference numerals 128 and 130 in FIG FIG. 5 ) interrupted in sections. At the interruptions 128, 130, the wall 76 of the handle element 70 on segments 132. The segments 132 are diametrically opposed to each other with respect to the axis 94. In the region of the segments 132, the wall 76 is partially deformable and in particular elastically deformable. By applying force radially inward, the segments 132 can be radially engaged. Under elastic deformation, the segments 132 can return radially outward to the starting position. The segments 132 are otherwise adapted to the outer contour of the grip element 70 and do not protrude beyond its outer contour.

The segments 132 are coupled to frontal projections 134 on the grip element 70. The preferably rib-shaped projections 134 extend parallel to the axis 94 on the end face of the grip element 70 in the direction of the housing 36. The segments 132 and the projections 134 are formed integrally with the grip element 70.

The projections 134 are dimensioned such that they can engage positively in the intermediate spaces 42 between the projections 40. Each gap 42 is assigned a projection 134 ( FIG. 6 ). On both sides of each projection 134, a projection 40 is arranged.

The opening 78 is bordered by an edge 136. The edge 136 is present annular. The edge 136 is dimensioned so that the pipe section 52 can pass through the opening 78 with some play and can engage in the receiving space 88, in which the pipe section 52 engages over the pipe section 90 (US Pat. Figures 3 and 6 ).

On the front side, the edge 136 can rest against the abutment region 56 of the section 20.

Radially on the outside, the edge 136 is surrounded by axially parallel projections 138. There are two diametrically opposed projections 138 are provided. The projections 138 extend endwise in the direction of the housing 36 and are arcuate with the same radius with respect to the axis 94 designed. The projections 138 may rest radially on the inside of the connecting pieces 60, 62 of the section 20.

For mounting the gripping device 18 and for mounting on the gun body 12, as mentioned, first the pipe section 90 can be inserted into the receiving space 88 and secured therein. Subsequently, the grip element 70 can be plugged with the tube piece 90 axially in a Aufsteckrichtung 140 on the gun body 12. In this case, the axis 94, which is a handle axis of the gripping device 18, and the axis 21 are aligned coaxially with one another. The tube piece 52 engages in the receiving space 88 and oversees the tube piece 90. The tube pieces 52, 90 are fluid-tightly coupled to each other and rotatably supported each other.

The grip element 70 abuts against the abutment regions 56 and 58 via the edge 136 and over the outer edge 126 in a flange-like manner. The projections 138 abut against the connecting pieces 60, 62. The projections 134 engage positively in the intermediate spaces 42 ( FIG. 6 ).

To secure the handle element 70, the retaining clip 67 can be pushed through the opening 82 onto the pipe section 52. A projection 54 facing side of the retaining clip 67 forms a stop 142, which is effective against the Aufsteckrichtung 140. As a result, the grip element 70 is secured to the gun body 12.

The operating lever 100 can be inserted into the opening 82 and connected to the bearing elements 104.

The particular advantage of the spray gun 10 according to the invention is that the grip device 18 occupy two positions relative to the gun body 12 can, in which the position of the actuating lever 100 differs from the spray gun 10 from each other. This allows a user to finger-actuate the operating lever 100 on the one hand ( FIG. 1 ) or a palm and especially palm operation of the operating lever 100 on the other hand ( FIG. 2 ). The handle means 18 can be transferred by rotation relative to the gun body 12 from the first position to the second position and vice versa. This will be discussed below.

It is assumed below non-limiting that the gripping device 18, first the in FIG. 1 shown first position with respect to the gun body 12 occupies. In the first position, the actuating lever 100 is disposed distally with respect to the user on the handle device 18 and arranged on a side facing the spray unit 14 side of the spray gun 10. The user can grasp the spray gun 10 from the back 48. The fingers of the user can grip around the grip element 70, and the activation lever 100 can be pivoted and operated with the fingers. The operation has already been discussed above. This defines a first position of the grip device 18.

The spray gun 10 comprises a blocking device 144, with which the handle device 18 is secured in the first position against rotation about the handle axis 94. The blocking device 144 comprises blocking elements 146, which in the present case are configured by the projections 134 on the grip element 70.

The blocking elements 146 may cooperate with blocking elements 148 on the gun body 12 and in particular the housing 36. The blocking elements 148 are configured by the projections 40 of the housing wall 38. The projections 40 form stops for the projections 134, which prevent a rotation of the gripping device 18 about the handle axis 94 when the projections 134 engage in the intermediate spaces 42 (FIG. FIG. 6 ). If the blocking elements 146, 148 engage with one another, this defines a blocking position of the blocking device 144.

The blocking device 144 can be transferred to a release position. For this purpose, the segments 132 can be acted upon as explained with a radially inwardly directed force. The segments 132 define for this reason triggering elements 150 of the blocking device 144. By acting on the triggering elements 150 and the projections 134 are disengaged radially inwardly and out of engagement with the projections 40. The projections 134 no longer engage in the intermediate spaces 42, this is not shown in the drawing. If the blocking elements 146, 148 enter the release position, the user can turn the grip device 18 about the handle axis 94.

When rotating the gripping device 18, the fluid channel section 34 forms a rotary guide for the gripping device 18 via the tube piece 52, in particular its tube piece 90 and its wall 76 at the edge 136. Further, the connecting pieces 60, 62 form a rotary guide for the projections 138. The rotation of the gripping device 18 is further guided by the flange-like concerns of the handle member 70 at the abutment areas 56 and 58th

It is advantageous that the triggering elements 150 are arranged at the end portions 84 facing the gun body 12. The triggering elements 150 can thereby be easily reached and operated by the user.

In order to avoid unintentional unblocking of the gripping device 18, it is favorable that two triggering elements 150 are provided. The arrangement of the trigger elements 150 diametrically opposite to the handle member 70 allows easy operation for both right-handed and left-handed.

The handling of the spray gun 10 for right-handed and left-handed is also improved in that the handle device 18 can be rotated in both directions of rotation about the handle axis 94 to them from the first to the second Transfer position and vice versa when the blocking device 144 assumes the release position.

For transferring from the first position to the second position, the gripping device 18 is rotated by 180 ° or substantially 180 °, until it relative to the gun body 12, the in FIG. 2 illustrated configuration assumes. If the required angle of rotation is reached, the projections 134 automatically snap into the intermediate spaces 42 between the projections 40 due to the elasticity of the grip element 70. The blocking device 144 is thereby automatically transferred from the release position back to the blocking position. The projections 40 act again as stops, which prevent further rotation of the gripping device 18.

In the second position of the grip device 18, the actuating lever 100 faces the user and the spray unit 14 facing away from the spray gun 10 is arranged. The user can grasp the spray gun 10 from the back 48 and operate the operating lever 100 with the palm and in particular the palm.

In order to transfer the gripping device 18 back into the first position, the triggering elements 150 can again be subjected to force and the blocking device 144 can be transferred to the release position. Subsequently, the grip device 18 can be rotated until the blocking device 144 locks again in the blocking position.

Particularly advantageous for the handling of the spray gun 10 is that the user can operate the operating lever 100 with his fingers, depending on his preference, in particular with the second and / or third phalanges, or with the palm, in particular the palm. Separate spray guns or gripping devices with fingering on the one hand and Handellerbetätigung on the other hand need not be provided. Even a longer fatigue-free work is possible. For fatigue of the fingers or muscles the wrist, the grip device 18 between the first position and the second position can be rotated.

Also favorable is the non-rotatable connection of the fluid contact portion 32 and the valve unit 74 with the handle element 70. This allows a structurally simple embodiment of the handle device 18th

The spray unit 14 is configured so that a plurality of different spray patterns can be provided. To change between the spray patterns, the spray unit 14 can be rotated about the axis 23 relative to the gun body 12. For example, a spot jet nozzle 152, a mist nozzle 154, a fan jet nozzle 156, and a rain shower 158 are provided to produce four different spray patterns.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

spray gun

12

gun body

14

spray

18

handle means

20

1st section

21

axis

22

2nd section

23

axis

24

outlet

26

inlet

28

fluid channel

30

coupling member

32

1st fluid channel section

34

2nd fluid channel section

36

casing

38

housing wall

40

head Start

42

gap

44

(left) transverse side

46

(right) transverse side

48

back

50

front

52

pipe section

54

head Start

56

plant area

58

plant area

60

joint

62

joint

64

admission

65

ring groove

66

retaining member

67

clip

70

handle element

72

actuator

74

valve unit

76

wall

78

opening

80

opening

82

opening

84

end

86

end

88

accommodation space

90

pipe section

92

head Start

94

axis

96

sealing element

98

O-ring

100

actuating lever

102

swivel axis

104

bearing element

106

valve body

108

valve pin

110

sealing portion

112

valve seat

114

coupling member

116

elastic element

118

compression spring

120

locking device

122

circulation check

124

cover

126

outer edge

128

interruption

130

interruption

132

segment

134

head Start

136

edge

138

head Start

140

mounting direction

142

attack

144

blocking device

146

blocking element

148

blocking element

150

triggering element

152

Detail nozzle

154

fog nozzle

156

fan nozzle

158

rain shower

Claims (15)

1. Spray gun for watering purposes, comprising a gun body (12), a spray unit (14) held thereon, a gripping device (18) for a user which is held on the gun body (12) so as to be positionally variable, an inlet (26), an outlet (24) which is formed by the spray unit (14) and is flow-connected to the inlet (26) via a fluid channel (28), a valve unit (74), and an actuating element (72) which is arranged on the gripping device (18) and is in operative connection with the valve unit (74) for selectively unblocking the fluid channel (28), wherein the gripping device (18) is transferable relative to the gun body (12) from a first position into a second position and vice versa, wherein the actuating element (72) is finger-actuatable in the first position and palm-actuatable in the second position by the user gripping the gripping device (18), characterized in that the gripping device (18) comprises a grip element (70) forming a receiving space (88) and a fluid channel section (32) of the fluid channel (28) arranged in the receiving space (88) or formed by the receiving space (88), and in that the fluid channel section (32) defines a grip axis (94) of the gripping device (18), about which the latter is rotatable relative to the gun body (12).
2. Spray gun in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (72) in the first position of the gripping device (18) is arranged on a side of the spray gun (10) facing toward the spray unit (14) and in the second position of the gripping device (18) is arranged on a side of the spray gun (10) facing away from the spray unit (14), and/or in that the actuating element (72) in the first position and in the second position of the gripping device (18) adopts diametrically opposed positions on the spray gun (10) with respect to the grip axis (94).
3. Spray gun in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the gripping device (18) is mounted on the gun body (12) so as to be rotatable about the grip axis (94) and is rotatable about the grip axis (94) by 180° or substantially 180° for transferring from the first position into the second position and vice versa.
4. Spray gun in accordance with Claim 3, characterized in that the gripping device (18) is rotatable about the grip axis (94) in both directions of rotation.
5. Spray gun in accordance with Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the gun body (12) comprises a housing (36) and/or a fluid channel section (34) of the fluid channel (28), which housing (36) and/or which fluid channel section (34) forms a rotary guide for the grip element (70) when rotating about the grip axis (94).
6. Spray gun in accordance with any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the fluid channel section (32) of the gripping device (18) and a second fluid channel section (34) of the fluid channel (28) comprised by the gun body (12) are rotatably mounted on each other and are sealed relative to each other by means of a sealing element (96).
7. Spray gun in accordance with any one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the spray gun (10) comprises a blocking device (144) for blocking the gripping device (18) against rotation relative to the gun body (12) and/or against release from the gun body (12), which blocking device (144) comprises at least one first blocking element (146) on the gripping device (18) and at least one second blocking element (148) cooperating therewith on the gun body (12), as well as at least one triggering element (150) for acting on the first blocking element (146) and/or on the second blocking element (148) and canceling an engagement of the blocking elements (146, 148) with each other.
8. Spray gun in accordance with Claim 7, characterized in that the at least one first blocking element (146) and/or the at least one second blocking element (148) are automatically transferable from a release position, in which the blocking elements (146, 148) are out of engagement, into a blocking position, in which the blocking elements (146, 148) are in engagement.
9. Spray gun in accordance with Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the at least one triggering element (150) is adapted to an outer contour of the grip element (70), and in that the blocking elements (146, 148) are arranged within the outer contour, and/or in that the at least one first blocking element (146) and/or the at least one triggering element (150) are integrally formed with the grip element (70), in particular are elastically deformable sections (132) of the grip element (70).
10. Spray gun in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the gripping device (18) comprises the valve unit (74), or in that the latter is arranged in the gripping device (18), and/or
    in that the valve unit (74) is non-rotatably connected to the grip element (70).
11. Spray gun in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies:

    - the fluid channel section (32) is formed separately from the grip element (70) and is held on the same in a force- and/or positive-locking manner;

    - the fluid channel section (32) is non-rotatably connected to the grip element (70);

    - the valve unit (74) is held on the fluid channel section (32) and has a preferably axially displaceable valve body (106) arranged in the latter as well as a coupling member (114) coupling the valve body (106) to the actuating element (72);

    - the fluid channel section (32) comprises on the inlet (26) a connecting element (30) of a plug coupling for releasably connecting a fluid supply conduit, or forms a connecting element (30).
12. Spray gun in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the actuating element (72) is or comprises an actuating lever (100) mounted on the gripping device (18) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (102), preferably in that the actuating element (72) is pivotably mounted on the fluid channel section (32) of the fluid channel (28) comprised by the gripping device (18).
13. Spray gun in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the gripping device (18) is pluggable in a plugging direction (140), which is preferably aligned in the longitudinal direction of the gripping device (18), onto the gun body (12) and is securable thereon by means of a holding member (66), in particular in that the holding member (66) is configured as a holding clip (67) that is pushable onto the gun body (12) and forms a stop (142) for the gripping device (18), effective in the opposite direction of the plugging direction (140).
14. Spray gun in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the gun body (12) comprises or forms a flange-like abutment region (56, 58) for the gripping device (18), in particular in that the abutment region (56, 58) is formed by a housing (36) of the gun body (12) and/or by a fluid channel section (34) of the fluid channel (28) arranged on the gun body (12), against which housing (36) and against which fluid channel section (34), respectively, the grip element (70) abuts.
15. Spray gun in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the spray unit (14) is able to be brought into different relative positions to the gun body (12) in which in each case different spray patterns are providable with nozzles comprised by the spray unit (14), in particular in that the spray unit (14) is rotatably held on the gun body (12) and in that the spray pattern is variable by rotation relative to the latter.

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