Powered sprayer

Abstract

A fluid sprayer includes a housing, a reservoir, a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir, and an adjustable nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the pump and configured to receive fluid discharged by the pump. The adjustable nozzle assembly includes a nozzle mount fixedly supported by the housing. The nozzle mount includes a conduit in fluid communication with the pump and a pressure seal assembly positioned within the conduit. The adjustable nozzle assembly further includes a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to the nozzle mount. The wheel assembly includes a selection wheel, a first nozzle coupled to the selection wheel, and a second nozzle coupled to the selection wheel. The wheel assembly is rotatable between a first position in which the first nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit and a second position in which the second nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 153,564, filed February 25, 2021; co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 054,265, filed July 21, 2020; and co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 051,661, filed July 14, 2020, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to fluid delivery devices, and more specifically to portable, battery-powered liquid sprayers. Background Technology

[0004] Powered sprayers (such as smokers, sprayers, etc.) are typically used to disperse liquid solutions onto surfaces in the form of vapor, mist, or smoke. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a fluid sprayer comprising: a housing; a reservoir; and a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir; and an adjustable nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the pump and configured to receive fluid discharged from the pump. The adjustable nozzle assembly includes a nozzle mount fixedly supported by the housing. The nozzle mount includes a conduit in fluid communication with the pump and a pressure-sealing assembly located within the conduit. The adjustable nozzle assembly also includes a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to the nozzle mount. The wheel assembly includes a selector wheel, a first nozzle coupled to the selector wheel, and a second nozzle coupled to the selector wheel. The wheel assembly is rotatable between a first position, in which the first nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit, and in a second position, the second nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit. As the wheel assembly rotates between the first and second positions, the pressure-sealing assembly maintains a seal between the conduit and the wheel assembly.

[0006] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a fluid sprayer comprising: a housing; a reservoir; and a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir; and an adjustable nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the pump and configured to receive fluid discharged from the pump. The adjustable nozzle assembly includes a nozzle mount fixedly supported by the housing and including a conduit in fluid communication with the pump. The adjustable nozzle assembly also includes a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to the nozzle mount, the wheel assembly including a selector wheel, a first nozzle coupled to the selector wheel, and a second nozzle coupled to the selector wheel. The wheel assembly is rotatable between a first position in which the first nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit, and a second position in which the second nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit. The adjustable nozzle assembly also includes a switch assembly configured to selectively enable or prevent operation of the pump. The wheel assembly actuates the switch assembly to allow the pump to operate when the wheel assembly is in the first position or the second position, and the switch assembly prevents the pump from operating when the wheel assembly rotates away from the first position or the second position.

[0007] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a fluid sprayer comprising: a housing; a reservoir; and a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir; and an adjustable nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the pump and configured to receive fluid discharged from the pump. The adjustable nozzle assembly includes a nozzle mount fixedly supported by the housing. The nozzle mount includes a nozzle body, a conduit in fluid communication with the pump, and a wheel pivot rotatably coupled to the nozzle body and rotatable about an axis relative to the nozzle body. The adjustable nozzle assembly also includes a wheel assembly removably coupled to the wheel pivot and rotatable together with the wheel pivot about the axis. The wheel assembly includes a selector wheel, a first nozzle coupled to the selector wheel, and a second nozzle coupled to the selector wheel. The wheel assembly is rotatable about the axis between a first position, a second position, and a third position. In the first position, the first nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit; in the second position, the second nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit; and in the third position, the conduit is closed by the wheel pivot. When the wheel assembly is in the third position, it can be removed from the nozzle mount.

[0008] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a fluid sprayer comprising: a housing; a reservoir; a pump fluidly connected to the reservoir; and an adjustable nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the pump and configured to receive fluid discharged by the pump. The adjustable nozzle assembly includes a nozzle mount fixedly supported by the housing, the nozzle mount including a nozzle body and a conduit in fluid communication with the pump. The adjustable nozzle assembly also includes a nozzle seat removably coupled to the nozzle body and supporting a first nozzle and a second nozzle. The nozzle seat is rotatable relative to the nozzle body along a linear axis between a first position and a second position, in which the first nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit, and in the second position, the second nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit.

[0009] Other aspects of this disclosure will become clear upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figures 1A to 1C This is a perspective view of a portable, battery-powered liquid sprayer according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1C Another perspective view of the sprayer.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1C Another perspective view of the sprayer when part of it has been removed.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1C A partial perspective view of the sprayer with a portion removed, showing the adjustable nozzle assembly.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 1C A partial perspective view of the sprayer when a portion has been removed.

[0015] Figures 6A to 6D yes Figure 4 Perspective view of the adjustable nozzle assembly being adjusted to different positions.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 Another perspective view of the adjustable nozzle assembly.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Exploded perspective view of the adjustable nozzle assembly.

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 Adjustable nozzle assembly along Figure 6A The perspective section view taken from line 9-9.

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 Adjustable nozzle assembly along Figure 6D The perspective section view taken from line 10-10.

[0020] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Detailed view of the perspective section.

[0021] Figure 12 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the adjustable nozzle assembly.

[0022] Figure 13 yes Figure 4 Exploded perspective cross-sectional view of the adjustable nozzle assembly.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of an adjustable nozzle assembly according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Adjustable nozzle assembly along Figure 14 The perspective section view taken from line 15-15.

[0025] Figure 16 yes Figure 1C A perspective view of a portion of the sprayer, showing the switch assembly.

[0026] Figure 17 yes Figure 1C Another perspective view of a part of the sprayer.

[0027] Figure 18 yes Figure 1C Another perspective view of a part of the sprayer.

[0028] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of a portable battery-powered liquid sprayer according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 20 yes Figure 19 Another perspective view of the sprayer when part of it has been removed.

[0030] Figures 21A to 21C yes Figure 19 A perspective view of the sprayer's adjustable nozzle assembly being adjusted to different positions.

[0031] Figure 22 yes Figure 21A Rear perspective view of the adjustable nozzle assembly.

[0032] Figure 23 yes Figure 19The sprayer along Figure 19 The partial cross-sectional view taken from line 23-23.

[0033] Figure 24 and Figure 25 yes Figure 21A A partially exploded perspective view of the adjustable nozzle assembly.

[0034] Figure 26 yes Figure 21A Adjustable nozzle assembly along Figure 22 The cross-sectional view taken from line 26-26.

[0035] Before explaining any embodiments of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the details and component arrangements of the embodiments set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. This disclosure is capable of having other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in a variety of different ways. It should also be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered restrictive. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figures 1A to 1C Several different portable, battery-powered liquid sprayers 10, 15, and 20 according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown. Each of the sprayers 10, 15, and 20 includes a housing 22, a reservoir 24 for containing a liquid solution (e.g., a disinfectant solution), and a nozzle assembly 26 for spraying the solution. Figure 1A The sprayer 10 shown includes a removable reservoir 24 connected to the housing 22 via a latch. Figure 1B The sprayer 15 shown includes an integrated reservoir 24 attached to the housing 22. Figure 1C The sprayer 20 shown includes a remote reservoir 24 fluidly connected to the sprayer unit 28 via a hose 30. For each sprayer 10, 15, 20, a housing 22 defines a handle portion 32 and a battery receiver 34, which is selectively connected to a removable and rechargeable battery pack 36. As discussed in further detail below, the nozzle assembly 26 of each sprayer 10, 15, 20 is an adjustable and removable nozzle assembly 26, which allows the user to switch between different nozzles 38 that impart different spray characteristics (e.g., flow rate, spray pattern, droplet size, etc.).

[0037] Figure 2 and Figure 3The sprayer 20 is shown in more detail. The housing 22 includes a main housing 40 formed by a pair of clamshell-type main housing halves 40a, 40b, a base housing 42 coupled to the main housing 40, and a nozzle housing 44 coupled to the main housing 40 and formed by a pair of clamshell-type nozzle housing halves 44a, 44b. The nozzle housing 44 has a generally tubular shape and supports an adjustable nozzle assembly 26. The main housing 40 includes a battery receiver 34, which is selectively coupled to a battery pack 36 to provide DC power to the sprayer 20. In alternative embodiments, the sprayer 20 may be AC ​​powered (e.g., plugged into a standard household power outlet), gas powered (e.g., powered by one or more internal combustion engines), etc. The main housing 40 also defines a handle portion 32, which a user can grip during use to manipulate the orientation and position of the sprayer 20.

[0038] See Figure 3 The sprayer 20 includes a motor and pump assembly 46, which includes a pump 48 in fluid communication with a reservoir 24 and a nozzle assembly 26, and a motor 50 configured to drive the pump 48. The motor and pump assembly 46 is supported within a main housing 40 by a damping element 52 located between the motor and pump assembly 46 and the wall of the main housing 40 to dampen vibration transmission therebetween. A handle portion 32 of the main housing 40 supports a trigger 54 configured to selectively activate the motor 50, thereby causing the pump 48 to draw liquid solution from the reservoir 24 and pump the solution toward the nozzle assembly 26 for spraying.

[0039] See Figures 4 to 6D The adjustable nozzle assembly 26 includes a nozzle mount 56 fixedly supported by a nozzle housing 44 and a removable and rotatable wheel assembly 58 removably coupled to the nozzle mount 56. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel assembly 58 supports a plurality of nozzles 38, including a first nozzle 38a, a second nozzle 38b, and a third nozzle 38c, each nozzle being configured to impart different spray characteristics to the solution ejected from the respective nozzle 38a-38c. In the illustrated embodiment, nozzles 38a-38c correspond to different flow rates of the solution ejected from the nozzles, including low-flow-rate spraying, medium-flow-rate spraying, and high-flow-rate spraying, respectively. However, nozzles 38a-38c can be configured to modify other spray parameters, such as spray pattern, spray droplet size, spray velocity, etc., instead of or in addition to flow rate. Although three nozzles 38a-38c are shown, it should be understood that the wheel assembly 58 can be configured to support fewer than three nozzles (e.g., two nozzles) or more than three nozzles (e.g., four nozzles, five nozzles, etc.) in a manner similar to that described herein.

[0040] The wheel assembly 58 can be selectively removed from the nozzle mount 56 to allow for, for example, cleaning and / or replacement of nozzles 38a-38c. Figure 5 As shown, the nozzle housing 44 defines a wheel groove 60, which provides a pathway for disengaging or reconnecting the wheel assembly 58 to the nozzle mount 56.

[0041] See Figures 6A to 6D The wheel assembly 58 can rotate between different angular positions corresponding to different selections of nozzles 38a-38c or the removal of the wheel assembly 58. Figure 6A The wheel assembly 58 is shown in the first position or low flow position, in which the liquid solution flows out from the first nozzle 38a. Figure 6B The wheel assembly 58 is shown in the second position or medium flow position, in which the liquid solution flows out from the second nozzle 38b. Figure 6C The wheel assembly 58 is shown in the third position or high flow position, in which the liquid solution flows out from the third nozzle 38c. Figure 6D The wheel assembly 58 is shown in the fourth position or the removed position, in which the wheel assembly 58 can be removed from the nozzle body 62. When operating the sprayer 20, the user can rotate the wheel assembly 58 to adjust between the first, second, third, and fourth positions, thereby selecting different nozzles 38a-38c according to the desired specific spray characteristics, or removing the wheel assembly 58.

[0042] See Figures 7 to 10 The nozzle mount 56 includes a nozzle body 62 and an inlet conduit 64 extending through the nozzle body 62. The inlet conduit 64 defines an inlet passage 66 through which a liquid solution enters the nozzle assembly 26. The nozzle mount 56 also includes a wheel pivot 68 rotatably coupled to the nozzle body 62 by a fastener 70. The wheel pivot 68 is selectively coupled to a wheel assembly 58 to connect the wheel assembly 58 to the nozzle mount 56. The wheel pivot 68 is rotatable about an axis 72 defined by the fastener 70. When the wheel assembly 58 is coupled to the wheel pivot 68, the wheel assembly 58 also rotates together with the wheel pivot 68 about the axis 72.

[0043] The wheel assembly 58 includes nozzles 38a-38c, a generally cylindrical selector wheel 74, a back plate 76 coupled to the selector wheel 74, a retaining plate 78 cooperating with the selector wheel 74 to retain the nozzles 38a-38c in the wheel assembly 58, and a threaded ring 80 securing the retaining plate 78 to the selector wheel 74. The selector wheel 74 includes a cylindrical sidewall 82, an open front end 84, and a rear wall 86 forming a partially closed rear end 88. The rear wall 86 defines a first nozzle orifice 90 that receives the O-ring 92 and a portion of the nozzles 38a-38c.

[0044] See Figure 12 and Figure 13 A portion of the rear wall 86 and the side wall 82 also defines a pivot orifice 94 that receives a wheel pivot 68 to engage a wheel assembly 58. Specifically, the wheel pivot 68 includes a rib 96 extending around a portion of its outer periphery, and a selection wheel 74 defines a recess 98 formed around a portion of the pivot orifice 94 and configured to receive the rib 96 of the wheel pivot 68 to create a tenon-and-groove connection therebetween. To engage the wheel assembly 58 to the nozzle mount 56, the wheel assembly 58 is positioned such that the pivot orifice 94 is generally aligned with the wheel pivot 68, and the wheel assembly 58 slides down onto the wheel pivot 68 such that the wheel pivot 68 slides into the pivot orifice 94 via the rib 96 sliding into the recess 98.

[0045] See Figures 8 to 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining plate 78 is generally disc-shaped and includes second nozzle orifices 100 that generally correspond to first nozzle orifices 90 of the selector wheel 74. The diameter of each second nozzle orifice 100 is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding first nozzle orifice 90 formed in the selector wheel 74. The retaining plate 78 is received in the selector wheel 74 and abuts against a portion of the rear wall 86. The selector wheel 74 includes an internally threaded portion 102 near the front end 84, and the threaded ring 80 includes an externally threaded portion 104 that screws into the internally threaded portion 102 to secure the retaining plate 78 to the rear wall 86.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the backplate 76 is an insert-molded component that is coupled to the selector wheel 74 during the insert molding process. The backplate 76 includes protrusions 106 that are received into circumferential grooves 108 formed in the rear wall 86 of the selector wheel 74. Figure 11 This ensures that the back plate 76 remains securely connected to the selection wheel 74. In other embodiments, the back plate 76 may be formed separately and then coupled to the selection wheel 74 via a snap-fit ​​connection. In such an embodiment, the protrusion 106 may include a snap-fit ​​member that snaps into a circumferential groove 108 formed in the rear wall 86 of the selection wheel 74. Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the backplate 76 also includes bosses 110 that, when the backplate 76 is coupled to the selector wheel 74, partially extend into the first nozzle orifice 90. Each boss 110 defines a third nozzle orifice 112, allowing liquid solution to flow through the third nozzle orifice between the inlet passage 66 of the inlet conduit 64 and the respective nozzles 38a-38c. The backplate 76 further defines a pivot slot 113 that receives a portion of the wheel pivot 68 when the wheel assembly 58 is coupled to the nozzle mount 56.

[0047] See Figure 11 Each nozzle 38a-38c includes a truncated conical front portion 114, a generally cylindrical central portion 116, and a generally cylindrical rear portion 118, the diameter of which is slightly larger than that of the central portion 116, such that the rear portion 118 forms a shoulder 120 of the central portion 116. Each first nozzle orifice 90 is received (e.g., by interference fit) in close proximity to the rear portion 118 of the corresponding nozzle 38a-38c. Similarly, each second nozzle orifice 100 is received (e.g., by interference fit) in close proximity to the central portion 116 of the corresponding nozzle 38a-38c. A retaining plate 78 engages the shoulder 120 of each nozzle 38a-38c to secure the rear portion 118 within the corresponding first nozzle orifice 90. In this way, each O-ring 92 is compressed between the rear portion 118 of the corresponding nozzle 38a-38c and the boss 110 of the back plate 76 to form a liquid-free seal between the corresponding nozzle 38a-38c and the corresponding third nozzle orifice 112 of the back plate 76.

[0048] See Figures 8 to 10 The nozzle mount 56 also includes a pressure sealing assembly 122 that maintains a leak-proof seal between the inlet conduit 64 and the wheel pivot 68, or between the inlet conduit 64 and the selector wheel assembly 58. The pressure sealing assembly 122 is generally housed within the end of the inlet conduit 64 located proximal to the wheel pivot 68. The pressure sealing assembly 122 includes a pressure sealing member 124 and a pressure sealing spring 128. The pressure sealing member has a central hole 126 to allow liquid solution to flow through it. The pressure sealing spring biases the pressure sealing member 124 forward toward the wheel pivot 68, or toward the selector wheel assembly 58, when the selector wheel assembly 58 rotates away from the aforementioned fourth position. See also Figure 9 When the selector wheel assembly 58 rotates between the first, second, and third positions corresponding to the respective nozzles 38a-38c, the pressure sealing member 124 contacts the back plate 76 to create a leak-proof seal between the back plate 76 and the inlet conduit 64. See also Figure 10 When the selector wheel assembly 58 is rotated to the fourth position and the wheel pivot 68 is aligned with the inlet conduit 64, the pressure sealing member 124 contacts the wheel pivot 68 to create a leak-proof seal between the wheel pivot 68 and the inlet conduit 64. Correspondingly, the pressure sealing assembly 122 prevents liquid solution from leaking from the nozzle assembly 26 when the selector wheel assembly 58 is removed from the nozzle mount 56.

[0049] See Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The adjustable nozzle assembly 26 also includes a stop assembly 130 that releasably abuts the wheel assembly 58 in... Figures 6A to 6DRotation at each of the four rotational positions shown (i.e., low flow, medium flow, high flow, and removal positions). The stop assembly 130 includes a ball 132 and a spring 134 located within a recess 136 formed in the nozzle body 62 adjacent to the inlet conduit 64. The wheel assembly 58 includes a recess 138 formed in the back plate 76 and angled to the nozzles 38a-38c. Similarly, the wheel pivot 68 also includes a recess 138, which is present when the wheel assembly 58 rotates to... Figure 6D In the fourth position or released position, the recess aligns with the stop assembly 130. The spring 134 biases the ball 132 toward the wheel assembly 58 (or toward the wheel pivot 68 when the wheel assembly 58 is in the fourth position). As the wheel assembly 58 rotates to... Figures 6A to 6D In each of the four positions shown, ball 132 engages with the corresponding recess 138 to releasably resist rotation of wheel assembly 58 in the corresponding position. When the user applies sufficient torque to wheel assembly 58, the biasing force of spring 134 is overcome, and ball 132 disengages from the corresponding recess 138, thereby allowing wheel assembly 58 to rotate to another position.

[0050] See Figure 8 and Figure 9 When the wheel assembly 58 is engaged to the nozzle mount 56 and rotated away from the fourth or release position, a portion of the nozzle body 62 engages a portion of the selector wheel 74 to prevent the wheel assembly 58 from being removed. Specifically, the nozzle body 62 includes a first finger 140 and a second finger 142 defining an L-shaped annular groove 144 between them. The selector wheel 74 includes an L-shaped annular lip 146 extending around most of the circumference of the rear wall 86, except for a circumferential portion interrupted by the pivot orifice 94. When the wheel assembly 58 is engaged to the wheel pivot 68 and rotated away from the fourth position, the lip 146 slides within the groove 144 and engages the first finger 140 and the second finger 142. This secures the wheel assembly 58 to the nozzle mount 56 and prevents the wheel assembly 58 from being removed from the nozzle mount 56 when it is not in the fourth release position.

[0051] In operation, the user adjusts the wheel assembly 58 to the first, second, or third position as needed and presses the trigger 54 to activate the motor 50. The motor 50 drives the pump 48 to begin pumping the liquid solution from the reservoir 24 toward the adjustable nozzle assembly 26. The solution moving from the pump 48 enters the inlet conduit 64, flows through the pressure seal assembly 122 and the third nozzle orifice 112, and is sprayed outward from the selected nozzles 38a-38c. To select a different nozzle 38a-38c, the user releases the trigger 54, causing the wheel assembly 58 to rotate to another position among the first, second, or third positions as needed. To remove the wheel assembly 58, for example to clean or replace any of the nozzles 38a-38c, the user rotates the wheel assembly 58 to the fourth position, i.e., the released position, and pulls the wheel assembly 58 away from the nozzle mount 56 and outward through the wheel groove 60 formed in the nozzle housing 44. Next, the user reinserts the wheel assembly 58 by aligning the pivot orifice 94 of the selection wheel 74 with the wheel pivot 68, and slides the wheel assembly 58 down onto the wheel pivot 68 so that the wheel pivot 68 is received in the pivot orifice 94. The user then adjusts the wheel assembly 58 from the fourth position to the first, second, or third position and continues operating the sprayer 20 as described above.

[0052] Figure 14 and Figure 15 A wheel assembly 358 according to another embodiment of this disclosure is shown. The wheel assembly 358 is substantially similar to the one described above. Figures 1A to 12 Wheel assembly 58 is described, and accordingly, the following description focuses on the differences between wheel assembly 358 and wheel assembly 58. Wheel assembly 358 includes a modified retaining plate 378 having a threaded second nozzle orifice 300. The threaded second nozzle orifice 300 receives threaded nozzles 338a, 338b, and 338c. The modified retaining plate 378 also includes bosses 348 that partially extend into the respective respective first nozzle orifices 90. The bosses 348 compress the O-ring 92 against the bosses 110 of the back plate 76 to create a liquid-sealed flow path between the third nozzle orifice 112 of the back plate 76 and the respective nozzles 338a-338c. The improved retaining plate 378 is interchangeable with the aforementioned retaining plate 78, so that both retaining plates 78 and 378 can be used with the adjustable nozzle assembly 26 to enable the use of threaded nozzles 338a-338c or non-threaded nozzles 38a-38c as needed.

[0053] See Figures 16 to 18In some embodiments of the sprayer 20, the adjustable nozzle assembly 26 also includes a switch assembly 150 supported within the nozzle housing 44. The switch assembly 150 is operable to prevent operation of the sprayer 20 when the wheel assembly 58 is not in one of the first, second, or third positions, i.e., when none of the nozzles 38a-38c are aligned with the inlet conduit 64. The switch assembly 150 includes a switch 152 and a switching lever 154 extending between the switch 152 and the wheel assembly 58. The wheel assembly 58 includes an actuating lug 156 projecting axially away from the lip 146 of the selector wheel 74. The actuating lug 156 is angularly spaced about the circumference of the selector wheel 74 and positioned to align with the switching lever 154 when the actuating wheel assembly 58 is rotated to one of the aforementioned first, second, or third positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating lug 156 and the switching lever 154 are chamfered to allow for smooth cam action as the wheel assembly 58 rotates.

[0054] In Figure 16 to Figure 18 In the illustrated embodiment, nozzle housing halves 44a, 44b include rib features 158 that capture the switching lever 154 and the switch 152 and support them within the nozzle housing 44.

[0055] During operation, when the wheel assembly 58 rotates away from the first, second, or third position such that the nozzles 38a-38c are not aligned with the inlet conduit 64, the switch 152 is turned on, preventing the motor 50 of the sprayer 20 from being activated. When the wheel assembly 58 is adjusted to one of the first, second, or third positions such that one of the nozzles 38a-38c is aligned with the inlet conduit 64, the corresponding actuating lug 156 engages the switching lever 154, causing the lever 154 to move backward. As the switching lever 154 moves backward, it engages the switch 152 to turn it off, thereby allowing the user to activate the motor 50 as needed. Figure 3 The solution is sprayed. When the wheel assembly 58 rotates away from the first, second, or third position again, the switch 152 itself acts as a return mechanism to move the switching lever 154 forward, so that the switch 152 is opened and the operation of the sprayer 20 is stopped again.

[0056] Figures 19 to 26 A portable, battery-powered liquid sprayer 420, including an adjustable nozzle assembly 426, is shown according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Sprayer 420 is similar to sprayer 20 described above and includes most of the same structure as sprayer 20. Features and elements in sprayer 420 that are similar to those in sprayer 20 are assigned the same reference numeral "+400". It should be understood that features of sprayer 420 not explicitly described below have the same characteristics as those of sprayer 20.

[0057] See Figure 19 and Figure 20 The sprayer 20 includes a housing 422, a reservoir (not shown) for containing a liquid solution (e.g., a disinfectant solution), and an adjustable nozzle assembly 426 for dispensing the solution. The reservoir may be a removable reservoir (i.e., like the removable reservoir 24 described above with respect to sprayer 10), an integrated reservoir attached to the housing 422 (i.e., like the integrated reservoir 24 of sprayer 15), or a remote reservoir fluidly connected via a hose to the sprayer unit 428 of sprayer 420 (i.e., like the remote reservoir 24 of sprayer 20). The housing 422 defines a handle portion 432 and a battery receiver 434, which is selectively coupled to a removable and rechargeable battery pack (not shown). As discussed in further detail below, the nozzle assembly 426 of each sprayer 420 is an adjustable and removable nozzle assembly 426, which allows the user to use different nozzles 438 ( Figure 21A Switch between nozzles, each nozzle imparts different spray characteristics to the spray (e.g., different flow rates, spray patterns, spray droplet sizes, etc.).

[0058] The housing 422 includes a main housing 440 formed by a pair of clamshell-type main housing halves 440a and 440b, a base housing 442 connected to the main housing 440, and a nozzle housing 444 connected to the main housing 440 and formed by a pair of clamshell-type nozzle housing halves 444a and 444b. The nozzle housing 444 has a generally tubular shape and supports an adjustable nozzle assembly 426. The main housing 440 also defines a handle portion 432, which a user can grip during use to manipulate the orientation and position of the sprayer 420.

[0059] See Figure 20 The sprayer 420 includes a motor and pump assembly 446, which includes a pump 448 in fluid communication with a reservoir and a nozzle assembly 426, and a motor 450 configured to drive the pump 448. A handle portion 432 of the main housing 440 supports a trigger 454 configured to selectively activate the motor 450, thereby causing the pump 448 to draw liquid solution from the reservoir and pump the solution toward the nozzle assembly 426 to spray the solution.

[0060] See Figures 20 to 21CThe adjustable nozzle assembly 426 includes a nozzle mount 456 fixedly supported by a nozzle housing 444, and a removable, slidable nozzle seat 458 coupled to the nozzle mount 456. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle seat 458 supports a plurality of nozzles 438, including a first nozzle 438a, a second nozzle 438b, and a third nozzle 438c, each nozzle being configured to impart different spray characteristics to the solution ejected from the respective nozzle 438a-438c. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzles 438a-438c correspond to different flow rates of the solution ejected from the nozzles, including low-flow-rate spraying, medium-flow-rate spraying, and high-flow-rate spraying, respectively. However, the nozzles 438a-438c can be configured to change other spray parameters, such as spray pattern, spray droplet size, spray velocity, etc., instead of or in addition to flow rate. Although three nozzles 438a-438c are shown, it should be understood that the nozzle holder 458 can be configured to support fewer than three nozzles (e.g., two nozzles) or more than three nozzles (e.g., four nozzles, five nozzles, etc.) in a manner similar to that described herein.

[0061] Nozzle seat 458 can be selectively removed from nozzle mount 456 to allow for, for example, cleaning and / or replacement of nozzles 438a-438c. Figure 19 and Figure 23 As shown, the nozzle housing 444 defines an upper slot or first slot 460, which provides passage for disengaging the nozzle seat 458 from the nozzle mount 456 and removing it from the nozzle housing 444. The nozzle housing 444 also defines a lower slot or second slot 461 opposite to the first slot 460. The first slot 460 and the second slot 461 provide passage to the nozzle seat 458 and space for the nozzle seat 458 to travel when sliding up or down to adjust between different nozzles 438a-438c (i.e., along the longitudinal axis 463 of the nozzle seat 458).

[0062] See Figures 21A to 21C The nozzle seat 458 can slide relative to the nozzle mount 456 between different discrete positions corresponding to different selections of nozzles 438a-438c. Figure 21A The nozzle seat 458 is shown in the first position or low flow position, in which the liquid solution flows out from the first nozzle 438a. Figure 21B The nozzle seat 458 is shown in the second position or the medium flow position, in which the liquid solution flows out from the second nozzle 438b. Figure 21CThe nozzle seat 458 is shown in the third position or high-flow position, in which the liquid solution flows out from the third nozzle 438c. When operating the sprayer 420, the user can press the nozzle seat 458 up or down to slide the nozzle seat 458 between the first, second, and third positions, thereby selecting different nozzles 438a-438c according to the desired specific spray characteristics.

[0063] See Figures 22 to 25 The nozzle mount 456 includes a nozzle body 462 and an inlet conduit 464 extending through the nozzle body 462 and defining an inlet passage 466 through which a liquid solution enters the nozzle assembly 426. The nozzle body 462 defines a sliding track 465 that receives a connection portion 467 of a nozzle seat 458 to slidably connect the nozzle seat 458 to the nozzle mount 456.

[0064] Nozzle seat 458 defines a plurality of nozzle orifices 469, each nozzle orifice receiving a corresponding nozzle 438a-438c. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle orifices 469 are vertically aligned along the longitudinal axis 463 and are internally threaded. Each nozzle 438a-438c is received in the nozzle orifice 469 and secured by a retaining member 471 ( Figure 23 The nozzle is fixed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining member 471 is configured as a slotted nut 471 having external threads and a central opening that receives a portion of the corresponding nozzle 438a-438c. In other embodiments (not shown), the nozzle retaining member may be configured as other structures (e.g., an open ring, a snap-fit ​​retainer, a plate, etc.), or the nozzle may be threaded or press-fitted into the nozzle orifice 469. Each slotted nut 471 is tightened into the nozzle orifice 469 and clamped onto a shoulder formed on the corresponding nozzle 438a-438c. An O-ring 492 is disposed inside the nozzle orifice 469 and compressed between each nozzle 438a-438c and the bottom of the nozzle orifice 469 to form a leak-proof seal. The nozzle seat 458 further includes a flow channel 473 that fluidly connects the respective nozzle orifice 469 to the outer surface 475 of the connection portion 467.

[0065] See also Figure 23 The nozzle mount 456 also includes a pressure sealing assembly 522, which maintains a leak-proof seal between the outer surface 475 of the connection portion 467 between the inlet conduit 464 and the nozzle seat 458. The pressure sealing assembly 522 is generally resting on the opening sliding track 465 of the inlet conduit 464. Figure 25 The pressure sealing assembly 522 includes a pressure sealing member 524 (within the end of the pressure sealing member 524). Figure 23A pressure sealing spring 528 is provided, the pressure sealing member having a central hole 526 to allow liquid solution to flow through it, the pressure sealing spring biasing the pressure sealing member 524 forward toward the nozzle seat 458. When the nozzle seat 458 is selected to slide between the first, second, and third positions corresponding to the respective nozzles 438a-438c, the pressure sealing member 524 contacts the outer surface 475 of the connection portion 467 to create a leak-proof seal between the connection portion 467 and the inlet conduit 464.

[0066] See Figure 22 and Figure 24 The adjustable nozzle assembly 426 also includes a stop assembly 530 that releasably secures the nozzle seat 458 in each of the three positions. Figures 21A to 21C As shown, this represents the low flow rate position, medium flow rate position, and high flow rate position. The deceleration assembly 530 includes a deceleration member 477 supported by the nozzle body 462 and a plurality of recesses 538 defined in the rear surface 479 of the nozzle seat 458. In the illustrated embodiment, the deceleration member 477 is configured as a pair of leaf springs 477 supported on each lateral side of the nozzle body 462 and projecting toward the nozzle seat 458. The recesses 538 are formed in the rear surface 479 on each lateral side of the nozzle seat 458 and are aligned with each of the three nozzles 438a-438c, respectively. When the nozzle seat 458 is in the first, second, or third position, the leaf springs 477 engage the corresponding recesses 538 to releasably hold the nozzle seat 458 in the desired position. When the user applies sufficient upward or downward force to the nozzle seat 458, the spring force of the leaf spring 477 is overcome, and the leaf spring 477 disengages from the corresponding recess 538, thereby allowing the nozzle seat 458 to slide to another position or be removed from the nozzle mount 456.

[0067] See Figures 24 to 26 The nozzle body 462 includes a base wall 481 that partially defines a sliding track 465, and a pair of first guide rails 483 that extend longitudinally in the sliding direction and laterally extend inward toward the center of the sliding track 465. The first guide rails 483 are spaced apart from the base wall 481 such that a pair of first channels 485 are defined between the base wall 481 and each of the first guide rails 483. The connecting portion 467 of the nozzle seat 458 includes a corresponding pair of second guide rails 487 that extend longitudinally and laterally extend outward from the connecting portion 467. The second guide rails 487 are spaced apart from the rear surface 479 of the nozzle seat 458 such that a pair of second channels 489 are defined between the rear surface 479 and each of the second guide rails 487. When the connecting portion 467 is received into the sliding track 465, the first guide rails 483 are received into and slide within the second channels 489, and the second guide rails 487 are received into and slide within the first channels 485.

[0068] Each first guide rail 483 of the nozzle body 462 includes a first stop shoulder 491, and each second channel 489 of the connecting portion 467 includes a second stop shoulder 493. When the nozzle seat 458 slides down to the third lowest position, the first stop shoulder 491 contacts the second stop shoulder 493 and prevents the nozzle seat 458 from sliding down beyond the third position.

[0069] The nozzle mount 456 also includes a release lever 495 coupled to the nozzle body 462 and actuated to release the nozzle seat 458 from the slide rail 465. The release lever 495 is pivotable about a pivot axis 497 between a locked position and a released position, in which it prevents the nozzle seat 458 from being removed from the slide rail 465, and in the released position, it allows the nozzle seat 458 to slide upward out of the slide rail 465. The release lever 495 includes a pair of locking arms 499 extending forward through arm openings 501 defined in the base wall 481 and into the slide rail 465. The release lever 495 also includes a handle 503 that a user can press to move the release lever 495 from the locked position to the released position. A torsion spring 505 biases the release lever 495 toward the locked position, in which the locking arms 499 extend into corresponding locking recesses 507 defined at each lateral edge of the connection portion 467 of the nozzle seat 458. Each locking groove 507 terminates at a third stop shoulder 509. When the release lever 495 is in the locked position and the nozzle seat 458 slides upward to the first position, the third stop shoulder 509 engages the corresponding locking arm 499, preventing the nozzle seat 458 from sliding beyond the first position and out of the sliding track 465. To remove the nozzle seat 458 from the nozzle mount 456, the user presses the handle 503 to move the release lever 495 to the release position, in which the locking arm 499 retracts away from the locking groove 507. As the locking arm 499 retracts, the third stop shoulder 509 is allowed to slide freely upward past the locking arm 499, and the nozzle seat 458 can be removed from the nozzle mount 456.

[0070] In some embodiments of the sprayer 420, the adjustable nozzle assembly 426 may include the components described above. Figures 16 to 18 The described switch assembly 150 is similar to a switch assembly operable to prevent sprayer 420 from operating when nozzle seat 458 is not in one of the first, second, or third positions. This helps prevent sprayer 420 from leaking solution when nozzle seat 458 is misaligned or removed.

[0071] Several different features of this disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A fluid sprayer, comprising: case; Storage; A pump fluidly connected to the reservoir; as well as An adjustable nozzle assembly, positioned downstream of the pump and configured to receive fluid discharged by the pump, the adjustable nozzle assembly comprising: A nozzle mount fixedly supported by the housing, the nozzle mount including a nozzle body, a conduit in fluid communication with the pump, and a wheel pivot rotatably connected to the nozzle body and rotatable about an axis relative to the nozzle body; and A wheel assembly, removably coupled to and rotatable with the wheel pivot about an axis, includes a selection wheel, a first nozzle coupled to the selection wheel, and a second nozzle coupled to the selection wheel. The wheel assembly is rotatable about the axis between a first position, a second position, and a third position, in which the first nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit; in the second position, the second nozzle is positioned in fluid communication with the conduit; and in the third position, the conduit is closed by the wheel pivot. When the wheel assembly is in the third position, it can be removed from the nozzle mount in a direction perpendicular to the axis without any axial movement along the axis.

2. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a main housing and a tubular nozzle housing connected to the main housing, wherein the adjustable nozzle assembly is supported within the tubular nozzle housing.

3. The fluid sprayer as described in claim 2, wherein, The tubular nozzle housing defines a nozzle slot, and the wheel assembly can be removed from the nozzle mount via the nozzle slot.

4. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The wheel assembly further includes a retaining plate defining a plurality of nozzle orifices for receiving the first nozzle and the second nozzle, and wherein the selection wheel includes an open end for receiving the retaining plate.

5. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The selector wheel includes a cylindrical sidewall defining an internal thread portion, and wherein the wheel assembly further includes a threaded ring having an external thread portion that screws onto the internal thread portion to secure the retaining plate within the selector wheel.

6. The fluid sprayer of claim 1, wherein the nozzle mount further comprises a pressure sealing assembly located within the conduit. in, As the wheel assembly rotates between the first position and the second position, the pressure sealing assembly maintains a seal between the conduit and the wheel assembly.

7. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The wheel assembly further includes a retaining plate defining a plurality of nozzle orifices for receiving the first nozzle and the second nozzle, and wherein the selection wheel includes an open end for receiving the retaining plate.

8. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The selector wheel includes a cylindrical sidewall defining an internal thread portion, and wherein the wheel assembly further includes a threaded ring having an external thread portion that screws onto the internal thread portion to secure the retaining plate within the selector wheel.

9. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 7, wherein, These nozzle orifices include threaded nozzle orifices, wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle are threadedly received in these nozzle orifices.

10. The fluid sprayer of claim 6, further comprising a ball stop configured to releasably secure the wheel assembly in each of the first and second positions.

11. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The wheel assembly can be removed from the nozzle mount only when it is in the third position.

12. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The housing includes a main housing and a tubular nozzle housing connected to the main housing, wherein the adjustable nozzle assembly is supported within the tubular nozzle housing.

13. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The tubular nozzle housing defines a nozzle slot, and the wheel assembly can be removed from the nozzle mount via the nozzle slot.

14. The fluid sprayer of claim 1, wherein the adjustable nozzle assembly further comprises a switching assembly configured to selectively enable or prevent operation of the pump; in, The wheel assembly is operably coupled to and actuates the switch assembly to allow the pump to operate when the wheel assembly is in the first position or the second position, and wherein the switch assembly prevents the pump from operating when the wheel assembly rotates away from the first position or the second position.

15. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The wheel assembly includes a plurality of actuation protrusions, each actuation protrusion being configured to actuate the switch assembly when the wheel assembly is in the first position or the second position.

16. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The switch assembly includes a switch and a slidable switching lever extending between the switch and the wheel assembly, wherein, when the wheel assembly is in the first position, one of the protrusions displaces the switching lever to actuate the switch.

17. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 16, wherein, When the wheel assembly is in the second position, another protrusion in the actuation protrusion displaces the switching lever to actuate the switch.

18. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The housing includes a main housing and a tubular nozzle housing coupled to the main housing, wherein the adjustable nozzle assembly is supported within the tubular nozzle housing, and wherein the tubular nozzle housing defines a nozzle slot, and the wheel assembly is removable from the nozzle mount via the nozzle slot.

19. The fluid sprayer as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The switch assembly prevents the pump from being operated when the wheel assembly is removed from the nozzle mount.

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