Nozzle device and spray device having a nozzle device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nozzle assembly (100) for cleaning purposes, which is connected or connectable to a cleaning lance (104), comprising a housing (110) on which a fluid inlet (120) is arranged or formed, a first fluid outlet (148) with a first outlet opening (150) and a second fluid outlet (166) with a second outlet opening (168), wherein the fluid outlets (148, 166) are spatially spaced apart from each other and the outlet openings (150, 168) have different opening cross-sections, wherein the nozzle assembly (100) comprises a fluid-actuated and, in particular, pressure-actuated switching element (178) arranged in the housing (110), which can be switched from a low-pressure position to a high-pressure position and vice versa.wherein the fluid inlet (120) is in flow communication with the first fluid outlet (148), which forms a low-pressure outlet, in the low-pressure position of the switching body (178), and in flow communication with the second fluid outlet (166), which forms a high-pressure outlet, in the high-pressure position of the switching body (178). The invention also relates to a spray device with a nozzle assembly.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a nozzle device for cleaning purposes, which is connected or connectable to a cleaning lance and which comprises a fluid inlet and two fluid outlets.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a spray device comprising a cleaning lance and a nozzle assembly connected thereto.

[0003] Such a spray device with a cleaning lance is used, for example, in vehicle cleaning facilities, such as self-service car washes. The spray device is typically operated manually with one or two hands, and the cleaning lance usually features a pistol-grip handle. A cleaning fluid is supplied via a feed line. This cleaning fluid is typically water, to which a cleaning chemical may be added to increase cleaning performance or to create foam. Compressed air can also be used for foaming. The supplied cleaning fluid is sprayed through the nozzle assembly.

[0004] Nozzle devices are known in which either a first cleaning fluid or a second cleaning fluid can be sprayed selectively. For example, the first cleaning fluid contains a cleaning chemical and is foamed, for instance, with the aid of compressed air. The second cleaning fluid is, for example, water under high pressure. During the cleaning process, the foamed first cleaning fluid is sprayed first (possibly after a preliminary cleaning of the vehicle). The vehicle is then cleaned with the second cleaning fluid under high pressure.

[0005] Nozzle devices are known in which the user can manually select either the first fluid outlet or the second fluid outlet to be brought into flow contact with the fluid inlet.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle assembly that is user-friendly. Furthermore, it is an object to provide a spray device with such a nozzle assembly.

[0007] The aforementioned problem is solved by a nozzle device according to the invention for cleaning purposes, which is connected or connectable to a cleaning lance, comprising a housing on which a fluid inlet is arranged or formed, a first fluid outlet with a first outlet opening and a second fluid outlet with a second outlet opening, wherein the fluid outlets are spatially spaced apart from each other and the outlet openings have different opening cross-sections, wherein the nozzle device comprises a fluid-actuated and, in particular, pressure-actuated switching element arranged in the housing, which can be moved from a low-pressure position to a high-pressure position and vice versa.wherein the fluid inlet in the low-pressure position of the switching element is in flow communication with the first fluid outlet forming a low-pressure outlet and in the high-pressure position of the switching element is in flow communication with the second fluid outlet forming a high-pressure outlet, wherein the fluid inlet opens directly or indirectly via an inlet channel into a fluid chamber formed in the housing, wherein the fluid chamber opens via a first channel opening into a first outlet channel in the direction of the first fluid outlet or the first outlet opening and via a second channel opening into a second outlet channel in the direction of the second fluid outlet or the second outlet opening, wherein the switching element comprises an impact section and an engagement section projecting from it, wherein the impact section is arranged in the fluid chamber and can be subjected to upstream fluid entering the fluid chamber,and wherein the engagement section engages in the first outlet channel, and wherein the impact section, particularly in the low-pressure position, is permeable to incoming fluid in the fluid space, wherein at least one inlet opening is formed on the engagement section through which the fluid flows from the fluid space towards the first fluid outlet.

[0008] In the nozzle assembly according to the invention, user-friendly operation can be achieved, in particular, by providing a switching element in the housing. The switching element can assume a low-pressure position and a high-pressure position. "Low pressure" and "high pressure" in this case can refer, in particular, to the pressure of the supplied cleaning fluid. "High pressure" can be a pressure above a threshold pressure. In practice, foamed cleaning fluid with added cleaning chemicals typically, and especially in intended use, exhibits a lower pressure than cleaning fluid pressurized under high pressure. In the low-pressure position, the fluid inlet is in flow communication with the first fluid outlet, the low-pressure outlet. The switching element can be moved to the high-pressure position by fluid actuation, and in particular by pressure actuation.In the high-pressure position, the fluid inlet is in flow communication with the second fluid outlet, the high-pressure outlet. In this way, the cleaning fluid is preferably automatically sprayed to the correct outlet without user intervention. The low-pressure outlet typically has a significantly larger opening cross-section than the high-pressure outlet.

[0009] It may be provided that in at least one of the low-pressure position and the high-pressure position, i.e., one of the aforementioned positions, the fluid inlet is connected to only one of the fluid outlets.

[0010] It may be provided that in at least one of the low-pressure and high-pressure positions, the fluid inlet is connected to both fluid outlets. Accordingly, it may be provided that in one of the aforementioned positions, cleaning fluid can exit through both the first and second fluid outlets. For example, in the low-pressure position, there is a flow connection from the fluid inlet to both fluid outlets. However, under low pressure, cleaning fluid, especially foamed cleaning fluid, only exits the second fluid outlet to a limited extent if its outlet opening has a significantly smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening of the first fluid outlet.

[0011] It is advantageous if the switching element is slidably mounted within the housing, with the housing acting as a guide for directing the switching element. This ensures reliable operation of the nozzle assembly.

[0012] It is advantageous if the nozzle assembly includes a return element against whose restoring force the switching element can be moved from the low-pressure position to the high-pressure position. In a "home position," the switching element, for example, assumes the low-pressure position. With sufficient liquid pressure, the restoring force of the return element can be overcome and the switching element moved to the high-pressure position. If the pressure falls below a threshold value, the switching element preferably automatically returns to the low-pressure position, subject to the restoring force of the return element.

[0013] The return element is, for example, a helical spring, which is particularly a compression spring. The helical spring can be supported directly or indirectly by the housing and the switching element. For example, the helical spring is supported by an insert forming the first fluid outlet, which is inserted into the housing. The helical spring is preferably supported directly by the switching element.

[0014] A fluid space can be formed within the housing.

[0015] The fluid inlet opens directly or indirectly via an inlet channel into a fluid chamber formed within the housing. This fluid chamber opens via a first channel opening into a first outlet channel leading towards the first fluid outlet or outlet opening, and via a second channel opening into a second outlet channel leading towards the second fluid outlet or outlet opening. The cleaning fluid enters the fluid chamber directly via the fluid inlet or indirectly via the inlet channel. The cleaning fluid can then flow to the first or second outlet opening via the respective outlet channel.

[0016] If an inlet channel is provided, the inlet channel can, for example, be oriented at an angle relative to the fluid inlet, wherein the angle is approximately 10° to 40°, and in particular approximately 20° to 30° (the smaller of the two angles between the fluid inlet and the inlet channel). Providing an angle can prove advantageous in a preferred embodiment for a compact design and simple manufacturing of the nozzle assembly.

[0017] The fluid inlet or inlet channel is preferably aligned with the first channel opening.

[0018] It may be provided that an outlet opening of the fluid inlet or inlet channel and the channel openings are arranged on opposite walls of the fluid space.

[0019] The switching element comprises an impact section and an engagement section projecting from it, wherein the impact section is arranged in the fluid chamber and can be subjected to upstream pressure from fluid entering the fluid chamber, and wherein the engagement section engages in the first outlet channel. The incoming fluid can act upon the impact section and, for example, displace it at sufficiently high pressure, particularly against the restoring force of a restoring element. The switching element can be stabilized with respect to its position relative to the housing via the engagement section and preferably guided on it. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0020] The fluid inlet or inlet channel is advantageously aligned directly with the impact section.

[0021] It can be advantageous if, in the high-pressure position, the impact section preferably seals against and covers the edge of the first channel opening, and if, in the low-pressure position, the impact section is raised from the edge of the first channel opening. In the high-pressure position, the switching element thus assumes a defined position relative to the housing and can, in particular, close the first outlet channel so that cleaning fluid only exits via the second fluid outlet.

[0022] The impact section can also be referred to as a sealing section and / or a covering section, for example.

[0023] It can be designed so that, in the low-pressure position, the impact section rests against a wall of the fluid chamber opposite the first channel opening. This allows the switching element to assume a defined position relative to the housing in the low-pressure position.

[0024] It may be designed that the impact section, in the low-pressure position, covers an outlet opening of the fluid inlet or inlet channel. This ensures that incoming cleaning fluid directly impacts the impact section, which can prove advantageous for reliable operation.

[0025] The impact section can, for example, have at least one projection arranged or formed, which supports the impact section against a wall of the fluid chamber in the low-pressure position, with fluid flowing past this projection into the fluid chamber. In this way, fluid can enter the fluid chamber in the low-pressure position without the impact section having to be lifted from the outlet of the fluid inlet or inlet channel. In the case of low pressure, the fluid can, for example, exit through both outlet openings, as already mentioned. However, with a significantly smaller cross-sectional area at the high-pressure outlet, the fluid predominantly flows to the low-pressure outlet. For example, approximately 90% of the fluid exits through the low-pressure outlet and approximately 10% through the high-pressure outlet.

[0026] For example, a plurality of protrusions can be provided, separated from each other by spaces through which the fluid can flow. For instance, the protrusions are positioned equidistant from each other, particularly along an edge of the impact section.

[0027] The impact section can, for example, be designed in a plate-like shape, apart from at least one projection.

[0028] The impact section, particularly in the low-pressure position, is surrounded by flowing fluid within the fluid chamber, and at least one inlet opening is formed on the engagement section through which the fluid flows from the fluid chamber towards the first fluid outlet. The fluid enters the engagement section through the at least one inlet opening, which in turn engages the first outlet channel. Accordingly, it can be provided that the fluid flows within the engagement section, which is arranged in the outlet channel. The fluid can reach the first fluid outlet via the engagement section.

[0029] Advantageously, in the low-pressure position of the switching body, the engagement section is arranged at least partially in the fluid space in such a way that the inlet openings are exposed and the liquid can flow through the inlet openings.

[0030] For example, the inlet openings in the high-pressure position of the switching body are blocked, for example by the housing, so that they cannot be flowed through.

[0031] It can be advantageous to provide a multiple of inlet openings in order to supply a larger volume flow of the low-pressure fluid.

[0032] In practice, it can prove advantageous if at least one inlet opening is an elongated hole. This has been shown to result in favorable flow characteristics within the housing.

[0033] The multiple inlet openings are preferably arranged equidistant from each other along a circumference of the engagement section.

[0034] As already mentioned, the switching element can be guided within the housing. For example, the engagement section forms a guide section that rests against and is guided by the inner wall of the first outlet channel. The housing forms the aforementioned guide element via the channel wall.

[0035] With regard to a compact design, it can be advantageous if the return element is incorporated in the switching body, where it is supported by the impact section and surrounded by the engagement section.

[0036] It can be advantageous if the switching element comprises or forms a closed sleeve, wherein the engagement section forms a shell of the sleeve and the impact section a base of the sleeve, which projects radially beyond the engagement section with a rim, the rim preferably sealingly abutting the edge of the first channel opening in the high-pressure position. The return element can, in particular, be accommodated in the sleeve.

[0037] The first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet can be aligned parallel to each other. At least one fluid outlet can be aligned parallel to the fluid inlet. The fluid outlets and the fluid inlet can, for example, define a respective axis, in which case the respective axes can be aligned parallel to each other.

[0038] The first fluid outlet and / or the second fluid outlet can be formed by an insert that is positively fitted to a receiving opening in the housing and preferably sealed relative to the housing by a sealing element. In this way, the insert can be formed separately from the housing, which can offer manufacturing advantages. For connection to the housing, the insert is, for example, inserted into the receiving opening of the housing via a screw connection or press fit, optionally with the sealing element interposed.

[0039] For ease of use by the user, the nozzle assembly may, for example, include an outer ring surrounding the housing in a circumferential direction.

[0040] The housing can be a single piece. Alternatively, a multi-part design with two or more housing parts is conceivable. The housing parts can be connected to each other by force and / or form fit.

[0041] The aforementioned problem is solved by a spray device according to the invention. The spray device according to the invention comprises a cleaning lance and a nozzle assembly of the type described above connected to it.

[0042] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the nozzle assembly according to the invention can also be achieved with the spray device. Advantageous embodiments of the spray device according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the nozzle assembly according to the invention. In this regard, reference is made to the preceding explanations.

[0043] The cleaning lance is primarily hand-held and is used, for example, at self-service car washes.

[0044] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The drawing shows: Figure 1 : a perspective view of the nozzle device according to the invention; Figure 2 : another perspective view of the nozzle assembly from Figure 1 ; Figure 3 : a longitudinal sectional view of the nozzle assembly from Fig. 1 , wherein a switching element assumes a low-pressure position; Figure 4 : a representation accordingly Figure 3 , whereby the switching element assumes a high-pressure position; Figure 5 : a perspective view of the switching body; and Figure 6 : a spray device according to the invention with a cleaning lance and the nozzle assembly made of Figure 1 .

[0045] The Figures 1 to 4Figure 100 shows an advantageous embodiment of the nozzle assembly according to the invention. The nozzle assembly 100 is intended for cleaning purposes and, in the present case, is part of a spray device 102 according to the invention, which is shown schematically in Figure 6 is shown.

[0046] The spray device 102 comprises a cleaning lance 104, to which the nozzle assembly is connected on the outlet side. A cleaning fluid can be supplied via a supply line 106, which is to be sprayed by the spray device.

[0047] The spray device 102 is hand-held and includes a handle 108 in the form of a pistol grip for guidance by the user.

[0048] For example, the 102 spray device is used in a self-service (SB) car wash. A first cleaning fluid, foamed with a cleaning chemical and compressed air and operating at low pressure, can be supplied. Alternatively, a second cleaning fluid can be supplied, such as water under high pressure. The nozzle system automatically switches between the two cleaning fluids sprayed – the low-pressure and the high-pressure – without user intervention.

[0049] The nozzle assembly 100 comprises a housing 110. The housing 110 is made, for example, of a metal or plastic material. In this case, the housing 110 comprises a first housing part 112, which is arranged upstream with respect to the flow direction of the liquid, and a second housing part 114, which is arranged downstream.

[0050] The first housing part 112 has an end wall 116. A circumferential side wall 118 projects from the end wall 116. A fluid inlet 120, formed by the first housing part 112, is arranged on the upstream side of the housing. The fluid inlet 120 protrudes from the end wall 116.

[0051] The nozzle assembly 100 is connected to the cleaning lance 104 via the fluid inlet 120 and is in flow communication with it. For this purpose, a thread can, for example, be arranged on the fluid inlet 120. Alternatively, a plug-in or snap-fit ​​connection is conceivable. The fluid inlet 120 forms an opening 122 through which cleaning fluid can enter. The fluid inlet 120 defines an axis 124.

[0052] The fluid inlet 120 opens into an inlet channel 126, which defines an axis 128. The inlet channel 126 is oriented at an angle relative to the fluid inlet 120. The smaller of the two angles between axes 124 and 128 is approximately 25°.

[0053] The inlet channel 126 opens via an outlet opening 130 into a fluid chamber 132 formed in the housing 110. The fluid chamber is bounded by the end wall 116 and the side wall 118. Opposite the side wall 118, the fluid chamber is bounded by the second housing part 114.

[0054] The second housing part 114 is sealedly connected to the first housing part 112. For example, the housing part 114 is screwed into the housing part 112.

[0055] A free end 134 of the side wall 118 surrounds the housing part 114 in a circumferential direction.

[0056] In the housing part 114 a first outlet channel 136 is formed, wherein the fluid space 132 opens into the first outlet channel 136 via a first channel opening 138.

[0057] In a corresponding manner, a second outlet channel 140 is formed in the housing part 114, into which the fluid chamber 132 opens via a second channel opening 142.

[0058] The outlet channels 136, 140 run parallel to each other. The channel openings 138, 142 are spaced apart from each other and are formed in an end wall 144 of the housing part 114, which delimits the fluid chamber 132.

[0059] The inlet channel 126 is aligned with the first channel opening 138. Therefore, the inlet channel 126 points towards the first outlet channel 136, but not towards the second outlet channel 140.

[0060] With respect to the flow direction, the first outlet channel 136 has a greater extent than the second outlet channel 140. In the transition area, the walls of the channels on the housing part 114 form a step 146 of the housing 110.

[0061] The nozzle assembly 100 comprises a first fluid outlet 148 arranged on the housing 112, which includes a first outlet opening 150. In this case, the fluid outlet 148 is a low-pressure outlet through which the cleaning fluid can be discharged at low pressure in a foamed state. For this purpose, the opening cross-section of the first outlet opening 150 is relatively large.

[0062] In this case, the fluid outlet 148 is not formed by one of the housing parts 112, 114 themselves. Instead, an insert 152 forms the fluid outlet 148. The fluid outlet 148 is inserted on the outflow side into a receiving opening 154 on the first outlet channel 136. The insert 152 is sealed relative to the outlet channel 136 and then relative to the housing 110 by means of a sealing element 156.

[0063] Upstream of the fluid outlet, the fluid outlet 148 has a circumferential side wall 158. The side wall 158 is mantle-shaped. At least one through-opening 160 is formed in the side wall 158. In this case, several through-openings 160 are provided, which are advantageously positioned equidistant from each other in the circumferential direction of the side wall 158.

[0064] The side wall 158 has a distance from the wall of the first outlet channel 136, so that a space 162 is formed between them.

[0065] The fluid outlet 148 defines an axis 164. The axis 164 is arranged parallel to the axis 124, but spaced apart relative to it.

[0066] The nozzle assembly 100 further comprises a second fluid outlet 166 arranged on the housing 112, through which a liquid, in particular water under high pressure, is discharged during operation. The second fluid outlet 166 has a second outlet opening 168, the cross-sectional area of ​​which is relatively small. In particular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second outlet opening 168 is significantly smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first outlet opening 150.

[0067] The second fluid outlet 166 is also not formed by one of the housing parts 112, 114. Instead, an insert 170 forms the fluid outlet 166. The insert 170 is inserted into a receiving opening 172 on the second outlet channel 140 and is preferably sealed relative to the outlet channel 140.

[0068] The inserts 152, 170 can be screwed into the respective receiving opening 154, 172, for example, or are held in place by a press fit.

[0069] Fluid outlet 166 defines an axis 174. Axis 174 is aligned parallel to axis 124, but spaced apart from it. Fluid outlets 148 and 166 are arranged spatially apart from each other on the housing 112.

[0070] The nozzle assembly 100 includes an outer ring 176 for gripping by a user. The outer ring 176 surrounds the housing 110 and is made, for example, of a rubber material.

[0071] The nozzle assembly 100 includes a switching element 178 to influence the flow direction of the supplied liquid depending on its pressure to the first fluid outlet 148 or second fluid outlet 166.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the switching element 178 is essentially designed in a sleeve shape with a closed sleeve 180, which is in Figure 5 is shown in perspective.

[0073] The switching body 178 comprises an impact section 182, which forms a base 184 of the sleeve 180. Furthermore, the switching body 178 comprises an engagement section 186. The engagement section 186 projects from the impact section in the axial direction of the first outlet channel 136. The engagement section 186 forms a jacket 188 of the sleeve 180.

[0074] The intervention section 186 has at least one inlet opening 190. In this case, several inlet openings 190 are provided (for example, four). The inlet openings 190 are arranged equidistant from each other along the circumference of the intervention section 186. The inlet openings 190 are elongated slots.

[0075] The switching element 178 is movably and, in particular, slidably arranged in the housing 110. The switching element 178 is slidably mounted on the second housing part 114. The wall of the first outlet channel 136 forms a guide element 192 for the switching element 178. The engagement section 186 forms a guide section 194. The switching element 178 is dimensioned such that it engages positively in the first outlet channel 136.

[0076] In a radial direction, the impact section 182 projects beyond the engagement section 186 with a rim 196.

[0077] Apart from at least one projection 198 on the upstream side, the impact section 182 is plate-shaped. In this case, several projections 198 are provided, for example, six. The projections 198 extend towards the end wall 116. Gaps 200 are arranged between each projection 198.

[0078] The projections 198 are arranged along the upstream side of the edge of the impact section 182 opposite the edge 196.

[0079] As mentioned, the switching element 178 can be displaced within the housing 110. The displacement occurs against the restoring force of a restoring element 202. In this case, the restoring element 202 is a helical spring 204 designed as a compression spring.

[0080] In the present example, the coil spring 204 is received in the switching body 178, where it can be supported on the impact section 182 and is surrounded by the engagement section 186.

[0081] The coil spring 204 is supported at one end by the base 184. At its second end, the coil spring 204 is indirectly supported, via the insert 152, by the housing 110 and, in particular, by housing part 114. The second end rests against the end face of the side wall 158 of the insert 152.

[0082] Figure 3The nozzle assembly 100 is shown when it is not pressurized with liquid or when the liquid is at a relatively low pressure. In this case, the switching element 178 assumes a low-pressure position. The switching element 178 is held in the low-pressure position by the action of the helical spring 204. In this position, the impact section 182 rests against the end wall 116 via the projections 198. The impact section 182 covers the outlet opening 130, but does not seal it.

[0083] The inflowing fluid enters the fluid chamber 132 through the fluid inlet 120 and the inlet channel 126 and further through the spaces 200.

[0084] In the low-pressure position, the impact section 182 in the fluid chamber 132 can be surrounded by the fluid. The engagement section 186 is shifted so far into the fluid chamber 132 that the inlet openings 190 are exposed. The fluid enters through the inlet openings 190 and flows inside the sleeve 180 towards the first fluid outlet 148. The cleaning fluid can be sprayed through the fluid outlet 148.

[0085] In the low-pressure position, some of the fluid in fluid chamber 132 can be discharged via the second outlet channel 140 and the second fluid outlet 166. However, since the cross-section of the second outlet opening 168 is significantly smaller than the cross-section of the first outlet opening 150, this only represents a relatively small proportion of the cleaning fluid, for example, approximately 10%.

[0086] Figure 4The nozzle assembly 100 is activated when the liquid has a pressure exceeding a threshold pressure (referred to in this context as "high pressure"). The switching element 178 then assumes a high-pressure position.

[0087] The incoming liquid impacts the impact section 182. It can be advantageous if the inlet channel 126 is directed directly onto the impact section 182.

[0088] Under the influence of the fluid pressure, the switching element 178 is axially displaced against the restoring force of the helical spring 204 until the edge 196 seals against an edge 206 of the first channel opening 138.

[0089] After the switching element 178 is moved into the high-pressure position, the inlet openings 190 are blocked. The inlet openings 190, by being moved, enter the first outlet channel 136 and cannot be flowed through, so that no fluid can flow to the first fluid outlet 148.

[0090] The liquid can flow via the second outlet channel 140 to the second fluid outlet 166 and be sprayed from there.

[0091] When moving the switching element 178, it is advantageous that the through-openings 160 are present at the first fluid outlet 148. These serve to relieve pressure by allowing any fluid still present in the first outlet channel 136 to escape via the first outlet opening 150.

[0092] If the pressure of the liquid drops below the threshold pressure, the switching element 178 is moved back into the low-pressure position by the restoring force of the coil spring 204. Reference symbol list

[0093] 100 Nozzle assembly 102 Spray device 104 Cleaning lance 106 Supply line 108 Handle assembly 110 Housing 112 First housing part 114 Second housing part 116, 144 End wall 118, 158 Side wall 120 Fluid inlet 122 Opening 124, 128, 164, 174 Shaft 126 Inlet channel 130 Outlet opening 132 Fluid chamber 134 Free end 136 First outlet channel 138 First channel opening 140 Second outlet channel 142 Second channel opening 146 Stage 148 First fluid outlet 150 First outlet opening 152, 170 Insert 154, 172 Receiving opening 156 Sealing element 160 Through-hole 162, 200 Intermediate space 166 Second fluid outlet 168 Second outlet opening 176 Outer ring 178 Switching element 180 Sleeve 182 Impact section 184 Bottom 186 Engagement section 188 Jacket 190 Inlet opening 192 Guide element 194 Guide section 196, 206 Edge 198 Projection 202 Return element 204 Coil spring

Claims

1. A nozzle device (100) for cleaning purposes, which is connected or connectable to a cleaning lance (104), comprising a housing (110) on which a fluid inlet (120) is arranged or formed, a first fluid outlet (148) with a first outlet opening (150) and a second fluid outlet (166) with a second outlet opening (168), wherein the fluid outlets (148, 166) are at a distance from one another in space and the outlet openings (150, 168) have different opening cross-sections, wherein the nozzle device (100) comprises a fluid-actuatable and in particular pressure-actuatable switching element (178) arranged in the housing (110), the switching element being transferable from a low-pressure position to a high-pressure position and vice versa, wherein the fluid inlet (120) in the low-pressure position of the switching element (178) is in flow communication with the first fluid outlet (148) forming a low-pressure outlet and in the high-pressure position of the switching element (178) is in flow communication with the second fluid outlet (166) forming a high-pressure outlet, wherein the fluid inlet (120) opens directly or indirectly via an inlet channel (126) into a fluid chamber (132) formed in the housing (110), wherein the fluid chamber (132) opens via a first channel opening (138) into a first outlet channel (136) in the direction of the first fluid outlet (148) or the first outlet opening (150) and via a second channel opening (142) into a second outlet channel (140) in the direction of the second fluid outlet (166) or the second outlet opening (168), wherein the switching element (178) comprises a baffle portion (182) and an engagement portion (186) projecting from it, wherein the baffle portion (182) is arranged in the fluid chamber (132) and is configured to be subjected to upstream flow of fluid entering the fluid chamber (132), and wherein the engagement portion (186) engages in the first outlet channel (136), and wherein the baffle portion (182), in particular in the low-pressure position, is able to be surrounded by incoming fluid in the fluid chamber (132), wherein at least one inlet opening (190) is formed on the engagement portion (186) through which the fluid flows out of the fluid chamber (132) in the direction of the first fluid outlet (148).

2. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - in at least one of the low-pressure position and the high-pressure position, the fluid inlet (120) is in flow communication with only one of the fluid outlets (148, 166); - in at least one of the low-pressure position and the high-pressure position, the fluid inlet (120) is in flow communication with both fluid outlets (148, 166).

3. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching element (178) is displaceably mounted in the housing (110) and in that the housing (110) forms a guide element (192) for guiding the switching element (178).

4. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle device (100) comprises a return element (202) against the return force of which the switching element (178) is transferable from the low-pressure position to the high-pressure position, wherein the return element (202) is in particular a helical spring (204) which is supported directly or indirectly on the housing (110) and on the switching element (178).

5. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - the inlet channel (126) is oriented at an angle relative to the fluid inlet (120), wherein the angle is approximately 10° to 40°, in particular approximately 20° to 30°; - the fluid inlet (120) or the inlet channel (126) is directed towards the first channel opening (138); - an outlet opening (130) of the fluid inlet (120) or the inlet channel (126) and the channel openings (138, 142) are arranged on opposite walls (116, 144) of the fluid chamber (132).

6. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid inlet (120) or the inlet channel (126) is directed directly towards the baffle portion (182).

7. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the high-pressure position, the baffle portion (182) abuts and covers an edge (196, 206) of the first channel opening (138), preferably in a sealing manner, and in that in the low-pressure position, the baffle portion (182) is raised from the edge (196, 206) of the first channel opening (138).

8. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the low-pressure position, the baffle portion (182) abuts a wall of the fluid chamber (132) that is opposite the first channel opening (138) and / or in that in the low-pressure position, the baffle portion (182) covers an outlet opening (130) of the fluid inlet (120) or the inlet channel (126).

9. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one projection (198) is arranged or formed on the baffle portion (182), by means of which the baffle portion (182) is supported on a wall (116) of the fluid chamber (132) in the low-pressure position, wherein fluid flows past the at least one projection (198) into the fluid chamber (132), preferably in that a plurality of projections (198) is provided, which are separated from each other by gaps (162, 200) through which the fluid is able to flow.

10. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of inlet openings (190) is provided and / or in that the at least one inlet opening (190) is an elongate hole.

11. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement portion (186) forms a guide portion (194) which abuts the inside of a channel wall of the first outlet channel (136) and is guided by it and / or in that the return element (202) is received in the switching element (178), wherein it is supported on the baffle portion (182) and is surrounded by the engagement portion (186).

12. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching element (178) comprises or forms a closed sleeve (180), wherein the engagement portion (186) forms a casing (188) of the sleeve (180) and the baffle portion (182) forms a base (184) of the sleeve (180) which projects radially beyond the engagement portion (186) with an edge (196), wherein the edge (196) abuts the edge (206) of the first channel opening (138), preferably in a sealing manner in the high-pressure position.

13. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fluid outlet (148) and the second fluid outlet (166) are aligned in parallel with one another and / or in that at least one fluid outlet (148, 166) is aligned in parallel with the fluid inlet (120).

14. Nozzle device (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first fluid outlet (148) and / or the second fluid outlet (166) are formed by an insert (152, 170) which is arranged in a positive-locking manner in a receiving opening (154, 172) of the housing (110) and is preferably sealed relative to the housing (110) by means of a sealing element (156).

15. Spray apparatus (102) comprising a cleaning lance (104) and a nozzle device (100) connected thereto in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

Images