High-pressure lance device

Abstract

A high-pressure lance device (1) comprising: - at least one lance (2) channeling the expulsion of a pressurized fluid, this lance (2) extending essentially along a longitudinal axis (L), - a control module (5) configured to control a hydraulic unit (7) regulating the fluid flow rate in each lance (2), this control module (5) comprising at least one handle (24) configured for gripping this control module (5) by an operator. Furthermore, each handle (24) is connected, via at least one connecting arm (4), to each lance (2) in an articulated manner and offset from the longitudinal axis (L) of each lance (2). Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: High-pressure lance device technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of tools of the type of high-pressure lances commonly used in industry for cleaning, stripping, hydrodemolition, cutting, sandblasting, etc. State of the art

[0002] Lances of this type can be used to project a fluid onto floors, facades, etc. They are operated by a technician who must carry and direct them according to the surface onto which the fluid is to be projected. The technician must therefore adopt postures that can be tiring or even traumatic (leading to musculoskeletal disorders, for example). This is particularly true of postures involving combined flexion and twisting of the torso, highly asymmetrical postures, postures in which the technician raises their arms above shoulder level, etc. The technician also experiences, under the effect of the high pressure, a significant thrust (jet reaction force) in the opposite direction to the fluid projection, as well as vibrations related to this projection.To relieve the operator, in at least certain positions, of some of the weight of the nozzle and possibly some of the thrust, it has been proposed to suspend the nozzle from a harness worn by the operator. Examples of prior art harnesses are described in particular in documents FR3065656A1 and DE102016105226A1. Furthermore, it is recommended to equip this type of nozzle with a handle when the reaction force of the jet exceeds 150 N.

[0003] One aim of the invention is to further relieve the operator. Summary of the invention

[0004] To this end, the invention provides a high-pressure lance device comprising: - at least one nozzle channeling the expulsion of a pressurized fluid, this nozzle extending essentially along a longitudinal axis, - a control module configured to control a hydraulic block regulating the flow of fluid in each lance, this control module comprising at least one handle configured for the gripping of this control module by an operator, characterized by the fact that the handle is connected to the lance by means of articulation interposed between the handle and the lance and configured to control positions of the lance by movements of the handle.

[0005] Thus, thanks to the invention, the operator can grasp the handle of the control module with more degrees of freedom regarding the lance's orientation. This makes handling the lance more comfortable. Furthermore, the fact that the handle is not rigidly attached to the lance is less favorable to the transmission of vibrations propagating along the lance's longitudinal axis to the operator's hand gripping the handle.

[0006] The device according to the invention may include one or more of the features listed below, each of which may be considered in combination with one or more others: - the means of articulation include at least one connecting arm interposed between the handle and the lance and configured to offset the handle relative to the longitudinal axis of the lance; -Each spear is connected in an articulated manner to a connecting arm; - the means of articulation include a quick-release clamp configured to allow the control module to be positioned above or below the lance; - each lance is mounted in an articulated manner on a telescopic arm using an angular orientation flange configured to use at least partially a reaction force of the jet exerted by the ejection of a fluid by this lance in order to at least partially compensate for the weight of the control device; - it includes two lances, each connected by a link arm to the control module, and the control module is configured to be positioned in front of an operator's torso; - the control module has two handles and the control module is configured to orient each of the lances in different directions when tilted by varying the height of one of the handles relative to the other; - it includes a harness, each of the two lances is connected by means of attachment to the harness, and the control module is configured to be positioned in front of the torso of an operator equipped with the harness; - it includes a harness and the hydraulic block is supported by the harness; - the hydraulic unit has a single fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for each lance; - each lance is mounted on a telescopic arm equipped with support means configured to bear against an area of ​​the body of an operator equipped with the device; - the support means are configured so that they can be attached to the harness; - Each telescopic arm is equipped with shock absorbers.

[0007] Other features, purposes and advantages of the device mentioned above will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples and on which:

[0008] [Fig.1] schematically represents in perspective an example of an embodiment of a high-pressure lance device according to the invention carried by an operator, so that the reaction force of the jet is applied essentially at the level of the operator's shoulders;

[0009] [Fig.2] schematically represents in perspective an example of a mode of rea implementation of a high-pressure lance device according to the invention carried by an operator, so that the reaction force of the jet is applied essentially at the level of the operator's pelvis;

[0010] [Fig.3] schematically represents in cross-section a part of the device according to the invention shown in figures 1 and 2;

[0011] [Fig.4] schematically represents in cross-section a detail of the part of the device re presented on [Fig.3];

[0012] [Fig.5] schematically represents in perspective a double-pivot flange intended to connect a linking arm to a tubular support attached to a control module of the device shown in figures 1 and 2;

[0013] [Fig.6] schematically represents in lateral elevation an example of an arm of connection on which a quick-release clamp is rigidly mounted;

[0014] [Fig.7] schematically represents in lateral elevation an example of an arm of connection on which a quick-release clamp is mounted in an articulated manner, in a configuration in which the quick-release clamp and the connecting arm are aligned;

[0015] [Fig.8] schematically represents in lateral elevation the example of a connecting arm of [Fig.7], in a configuration in which, relative to [Fig.7], the connecting arm has pivoted 45° relative to the quick-release clamp;

[0016] [Fig.9] schematically represents in perspective an example of a module of command for the device in figures 1 and 2;

[0017] [Fig. 10] schematically represents in elevation, the dorsal part of a harness according to the invention;

[0018] [Fig. 11] schematically represents in elevation, the ventral part of a harness according to the invention;

[0019] [Fig. 12] schematically represents in perspective a lower support intended to be attached at the bottom (at the level of the pelvis), on the harness shown in figures 10 and 11;

[0020] [Fig. 13] schematically represents in perspective an upper support intended to be attached at the top (at shoulder level) to the harness shown in figures 10 and 11;

[0021] [Fig. 14] schematically represents in lateral elevation, the device of figures 1 and 2, in a configuration in which the lances project a fluid towards the ground, symmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane;

[0022] [Fig. 15] schematically represents in lateral elevation, the device of figures 1 and 2, in a configuration in which the lances project a fluid in a direction close to the horizontal, asymmetrically with respect to the sagittal plane;

[0023] [Fig. 16] schematically represents, viewed from above, the device of figures 1 and 2, in the configuration of [Fig. 15]; and

[0024] [Fig. 17] schematically represents, seen from the front, the device of figures 1 and 2, in the configuration of [Fig. 15]. Detailed description

[0025] An example of an embodiment of a high-pressure lance device 1 is described below.

[0026] According to the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, this device 1 essentially comprises two lances 2, two telescopic arms 3, two connecting arms 4, and a control module 5. The two lances 2 are each connected by a hose 6 to a hydraulic unit 7. This device 1 is advantageously supported by a harness 8 worn by an operator. The harness 8 is not shown in Figures 1, 2, and 14 to 17. Figures 1, 2, and 14 to 17 only show elements of the device 1 that can be attached to the harness 8. The hydraulic unit 7 is then attached to this harness 8 (see [Fig. 11]). In this document, the term "harness" is used to designate equipment worn by an operator and to which the device 1 according to the invention can be attached, either removably or permanently. Such a harness 8 may consist of 10a, 10b, 10c straps, a vest, a frame or some other type of garment fitted with 10a, 10b, 10c straps or not.

[0027] As shown in [Fig. 3], each lance 2 extends along a longitudinal direction L. Each lance 2 channels the expulsion of a fluid (for example, water). Each lance 2 is mounted at one of the longitudinal ends of a telescopic arm 3 by means of an angular orientation flange 12. The other longitudinal end of the telescopic arm 3 is provided with a connecting flange 13 configured to be connected and attached (for example, by means of a quick-release fastener) to the harness 8. Advantageously, in order to provide more degrees of freedom of movement between the device 1 and the operator wearing the harness 8, the connecting flange 13 and the telescopic arm 3 are connected and fixed together by means of a universal joint 14.

[0028] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each telescopic arm 3 comprises at least one inner tube 15 and one outer tube 16. The inner tube 15 is configured to be able to penetrate and slide inside the outer tube 16. Advantageously, the movement of the inner tube 15 inside the outer tube 16 is guided by means of internal guide rollers 17 and external guide rollers 18 mounted respectively on the tubes internal 15 and external 16. Advantageously, at least one of the internal 15 and external 16 tubes includes a damping element 19. For example, this damping element 19 is made of a flexible polyurethane component. In the illustrated example, a damping element 19 is located on the external tube 16 and comes into contact with a rigid body 19' on which the internal rollers 17 are mounted, when the internal tube 15 is fully retracted into the external tube 16. In this configuration of the internal 15 and external 16 tubes, the reaction force of the jet exerted by the nozzle 2 mounted on the external tube 16 is dampened. Similarly, the vibrations generated by the nozzle 2 and transmitted from the nozzle 2 to the operator can be at least partially dampened by the damping element 19.Optionally, locking tabs for the translation of the inner tube 15 and outer tube 16 relative to each other may be provided to disable the telescopic function when this proves advantageous.

[0029] The angular orientation flange 12 supporting each nozzle 2 allows the reaction force of the jet to be used to support at least part of the weight of the device 1 when a fluid is projected by the nozzles 2. The angular orientation flange 12 is configured to pivot about a pivot axis fixed to the telescopic arm 3 on which it is mounted. Several attachment points for a nozzle 2 on an angular orientation flange 12 may be provided in order to tilt the nozzle 2 more or less (for example, by 5, 10, 15, or 22 degrees) relative to the telescopic arm 3 on which it is mounted.These different inclinations or orientations of the lance 2 relative to the telescopic arm 3 allow the use of the jet reaction force to be optimized, depending on the flow rate in the lance 2, to support at least part of the weight of the device 1.

[0030] A connecting arm 4 is also mounted on each telescopic arm 3. Each lance 2 is thus articulated to a connecting arm 4. For example, each connecting arm 4 is fitted at one end with a quick-release clamp 20. The connection between each connecting arm 4 and the corresponding quick-release clamp 20 can be, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], completely rigid. Alternatively, the quick-release clamp 20 is configured to be able to assume different rigid configurations corresponding to fixed angles, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. For example, if the telescopic arm 3 is in a horizontal position, the connecting arm 4 can assume, in a common plane with the telescopic arm 3, a fixed orientation at an angle α, for example, between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the telescopic arm 3 (for example, in [Fig. 8], this angle is close to 45 degrees).Advantageously, a flexible polyurethane piece 21 is interposed between each quick-release clamp 20 and the corresponding connecting arm 4. Each connecting arm 4 has a series of longitudinally distributed holes 22.

[0031] Each connecting arm 4 is connected to the control module 5, for example by means of A double-pivot flange 23. The control module 5 has two handles 24. In this document, the term "handle" refers to an element configured for an operator to grasp the control module 5. In other words, the handle 24 differs from a trigger or control lever 34 as described later. While a trigger or control lever 34 can be operated manually, it is not specifically configured for grasping the control module 5. Thus, thanks to the handles 24, an operator can carry and manipulate the control module 5 with both hands for greater ergonomics and precision. Each handle 24 has an upper end and a lower end. The upper ends of the two handles 24 are connected by a rigid upper frame 25. Similarly, the lower ends of the two handles 24 are connected by a rigid lower frame 26 identical or similar to the rigid upper frame 25.The rigid upper 25 and lower 26 frames extend essentially each in a plane perpendicular to the handles 24 and each have, for example, an essentially "U" shape with three straight segments 25a, 25b, 25c or 26a, 26b, 26c: two segments 25a or 26a and 25c or 26c forming the arms of the "U" and having a free end each connected to a handle 24, as well as a segment 25b or 26b forming the bottom of the "U" and connecting the other two segments 25a or 26a and 25c or 26c (the distance between the free ends of the segments 25a or 26a and 25c or 26c connected to the handles being, for example, greater than the length of the middle segment 25b or 26b).Two spacers 27 extend between the two brackets 25, 26, in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of the brackets 25, 26, at the junction between the segments forming the arms of the "U" 25a or 26a and 25c or 26c and the segment 25b or 26b forming the bottom of the "U". From each of these spacers 27 extends, essentially outwards from the control module 5, a tubular support 28. Each tubular support 28 has a series of longitudinally distributed openings 29. Each tubular support 28 is configured to be connected to a connecting arm 4. The connection between each tubular support 28 and a connecting arm 4 is ensured by a double-pivot flange 23. The double-pivot flange 23 has a bracket 30 with two recesses 31 (see [Fig. 5]). In each housing 31, a collar 32 is mounted for rotation, the axes of rotation of the collars 32 being perpendicular to each other.Each collar 32 is provided with a pin 33 configured to penetrate into one of the orifices 22 or 29 of a tubular support 28 or a connecting arm 4, so as to adjust and lock the position of the double pivot flange 23 on the respective lengths of the tubular support 28 and the connecting arm 4. In other words, the handles 24 are connected to each lance 2, via the rigid upper 25 and lower 26 frames, the spacers 27, the tubular supports 28, the double pivot flanges 23, the connecting arms 4 themselves each provided with a flange. A quick-release clamp 20 mounted on a telescopic arm 3, and angular orientation brackets 12. According to the described embodiment, this assembly (rigid upper frames 25 and lower frames 26, spacers 27, tubular supports 28, double-pivot brackets 23, connecting arm 4, angular orientation brackets 12) forms articulation means interposed between the handles 24 and the nozzles 2 and configured to control the positions of each nozzle 2 by movements of each handle 24. Of course, it is possible to design different articulation means to control the positions of each nozzle 2 by manipulating the handles 24, and more generally the control module 5. It should be noted that the handles 24 are connected in an articulated manner and offset from the longitudinal axis L of each nozzle 2.It can also be noted that the position of each of the double pivot flanges 23 along a tubular support 28 allows adjustment of the distance and angle between the two telescopic arms 3.

[0032] The control module 5 is also equipped with a control lever 34. In other words, the control module 5 is configured to control, using the control lever, the hydraulic block that regulates the fluid flow in each lance 2. The control lever 34 is configured to be operated by an operator holding the control module 5 with one hand on one of the handles 24. The control lever 34 is configured to be operated using one or more fingers, while a handle 24 is configured for an operator to grip (with at least part of the palm of the hand in contact) the control module 5. The control lever 34 is, for example, hinged on the rigid upper frame 25.The control lever 34 is connected to a hydraulic hose 35, which is itself connected to the hydraulic block 7 (the hydraulic hose 35 is not shown in its entirety in the figures, connecting the control module 5 to the hydraulic block 7, but in the example of device 1 described here, the hydraulic hose 35 does indeed connect the control module 5 to the hydraulic block 7). Thus, the hydraulic block 7 is offset from the control module 5, which reduces the weight of the control module 5 that an operator would otherwise have to bear. Advantageously, the hydraulic hose 35 is guided so as to enter the nearest spacer 27 and to exit this spacer 27 near the tubular support 28 fixed to this spacer 27.

[0033] The control module 5 can also be equipped with a support cable 36 allowing the control module 5 to be attached to the harness 8.

[0034] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, according to one embodiment, the harness 8 can be in the form of a vest equipped with straps 10a, 10b, 10c. For example, two pairs of straps 10a extending laterally from the rear face of the harness 8 are configured to secure the harness 8 at the chest of a operator. Two further pairs of straps 10b also extend laterally from the rear face of the harness 8, at its lower part. These straps 10b have lower attachment means 37 configured for attaching lower connecting means or supports 38 to a lower part of the harness 8, corresponding to the lower torso of an operator wearing the harness 8. More specifically, these straps 10b have attachment zones configured to receive and hook the lower supports 38 to which the connecting straps 13 can be attached.Two further straps 10c, arranged in a "V", are configured to extend from a central dorsal zone 39, corresponding essentially to the middle of the operator's back when wearing the harness 8, to pass respectively over one of the operator's shoulders, and to return to a central ventral zone 40, corresponding essentially to the middle of the operator's abdomen and / or chest. These straps 10c have upper attachment means 41 configured to attach the upper connecting means or supports 42 to an upper part of the harness 8, corresponding to the upper torso of an operator wearing the harness 8. More specifically, these straps 10c include attachment zones configured to receive and hook the upper supports 42, to which the connecting straps 13 can be attached. The central dorsal zone 39 has means for attaching the hydraulic block 7.The central ventral area 39 includes means, for example in the form of a plate 43, for attaching the support cable 36 of the control module 5, when the telescopic arms 3 are in the closed position (i.e. when the internal tubes 15 are retracted into the external tubes 16). Thus, the operator can temporarily release the control module 5. The control module 5 will then remain attached by the support cable 36 to the plate 43. It should be noted, however, that in this case, the control lever 34 is not activated and the nozzles 2 therefore do not project any fluid. Indeed, for safety reasons, the nozzles 2 are only activated if the control lever 34 is activated. It should also be noted that it is advantageous to activate two nozzles 2 with a single control lever 34.

[0035] The control module 5 includes a master cylinder and the hydraulic block 7 includes a receiver hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic master cylinder is connected to the receiver hydraulic cylinder by the hydraulic hose 35. The hydraulic block 7 opens or closes a valve which, from a single fluid inlet, regulates the fluid flow to each of the two nozzles 2, via the hoses 6. The hydraulic block 7 is attached to the harness 8, which makes it easier for the operator to support its weight. The type of hydraulic control used is a hold-to-run control. Without action from the operator, the valve of the hydraulic block is in the closed position. Thus, any technical problem related to a rupture of the hydraulic hose draulique 35, leakage from the hydraulic block 7, or release of the control lever 34 (in case of a fall) automatically causes this valve to close for the safety of the operator.

[0036] An example of a lower support 38 is shown in [Fig. 12]. This support includes a strap 44, for example made of polyester, which allows this lower support 38 to be attached to the straps 10b of the harness 8, for example by means of stainless steel buckles fixed to these straps 10b. This lower support 38 also includes a flexible support plate 45, for example made of polyurethane, made of material with fixing studs 46. This support plate 45 is configured to conform to the operator's body shape. This support plate 45 dampens the vibrations and the reaction force of the jet generated by the projection of the fluid through the nozzles 2. It can be noted that, in order to increase the operator's comfort in the area of ​​the body on which the support plate 45 rests, one or more foam elements can be integrated into the harness 8 in conjunction with the support plate 45.This lower support 38 also includes a rigid plate 47, for example made of aluminum, fixed (for example, with screws or rivets) to the mounting points 46. A connecting bracket 13 is attached to each rigid plate 47. An example of an upper support 42 is shown in [Fig. 13]. Although different in shape from the upper support 38 described above, it has a similar structure. It can be noted that the lower supports 38 and / or the upper supports 42 can be connected to each other by a common frame (not shown) or integrated into a common frame (not shown). For example, the common frame includes a connecting bar with adjustable center distance, connected at each of its ends by a hinged joint to each of the lower supports 38 or upper supports 42.

[0037] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the high-pressure lance device 1 according to the invention can be positioned relative to the operator's body in a high position, with support areas at shoulder level, or in a low position, with support areas at pelvic level. When the device 1 is in the high position, the control module 5 is positioned downwards relative to the lances 2 (i.e., below the lances 2). When the device is in the low position, the control module 5 is positioned upwards relative to the lances 2 (i.e., essentially above the lances 2). In both cases, the control module 5 is then facing the operator and essentially at the operator's torso level (between the shoulder line and the pelvic line). The operator can thus easily and comfortably operate the control module 5, for example, with their arms bent.As the device 1 is held on the operator's torso by means of the connecting straps 13 attached to the harness 8, the operator is relieved of part of the weight of the device 1. As explained above, the angular orientation straps 12 can. The settings must be adjusted to utilize at least a portion of the jet's reaction force to support part of the weight of device 1. Therefore, when device 1 is in operation, its residual weight is easily supported by the operator. Since device 1 is held on the operator's torso in a virtually symmetrical manner (relative to the operator's sagittal plane), the operator is not subjected to uncomfortable working postures that could involve both flexion and twisting of the torso, nor to asymmetrical postures.

[0038] The control module 5 can be moved according to the following degrees of freedom: - rotation in the sagittal plane, around a center of rotation located at the level of the gimbals (up and down and down and up), - rotation in the transverse plane, around a center of rotation located at the level of the universal joints (from right to left and from left to right), - translation along the axis of the telescopic arms 3 (front to back and back to front), and - rotation of the telescopic arms 3 around their longitudinal axis.

[0039] Thus, it is possible to define a volume located essentially in front of the operator and in which the operator moves the control module 5. This volume is defined by the movements of the control module 5, parallel to the transverse and sagittal planes, as well as by the deployment length of the telescopic arms 3.

[0040] As shown in [Fig. 14], by holding the control module 5 so that the tubular supports 28 are essentially horizontal, the operator can direct the two lances 2 in the same direction (downwards, for example towards the ground in the case shown in [Fig. 14]).

[0041] As shown in Figures 15 and 17, by tilting the control module 5 so that the tubular supports 28 make an angle with respect to a horizontal line (which is obtained by placing one handle 24 higher than the other), the operator can direct the two lances 2 in different directions (downwards for one and upwards for the other, in the case shown in Figures 15 and 17).

[0042] As shown in [Fig. 16], the operator can also move the control module 5 to the right or to the left, in particular by means of the variation in length of the telescopic arms 3, without having to turn himself.

[0043] Thus, it will be noted that the device 1 according to the invention is very easy to handle and allows the lances 2 to be oriented ergonomically in many directions.

[0044] It should be noted that it is advantageous to use a high-pressure lance device 1 comprising two lances 2, as described above, in order to increase productivity. However, a high-pressure lance device 1 comprising a single lance can also be designed according to the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A high-pressure lance device (1) comprising: - at least one lance (2) channeling the expulsion of a pressurized fluid, this lance (2) extending essentially along a longitudinal axis (L), - a control module (5) configured to control a hydraulic block (7) regulating the flow rate of the fluid in each lance (2), this control module (5) comprising at least one handle (24) configured for grasping this control module (5) by an operator, characterized in that the handle (24) is connected to the lance (2) by means of articulation interposed between the handle (24) and the lance (2) and configured to control positions of the lance (2) by movements of the handle (24), and in that the means of articulation comprise at least one connecting arm (4) interposed between the handle (24) and the lance (2) and configured to offset the handle (24) relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the spear (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the articulation means comprise a quick-release clamp (20) configured to allow the control module (5) to be positioned above or below the lance (2).

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lance (2) is articulatedly mounted on a telescopic arm (3) by means of an angular orientation flange (12) configured to utilize at least partially a jet reaction force exerted by the expulsion of a fluid by that lance (2) in order to at least partially compensate for the weight of the control device (5).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two lances (2) each connected by a linking arm (4) to the control module (5) and the control module (5) is configured to be positioned in front of the torso of an operator.

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control module (5) has two handles (24) and the control module (5) is configured to orient each of the lances (2) in different directions when tilted by varying the height of one of the handles (24) relative to the other.

6. Device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a harness (8), in which each of the two lances (2) is connected by means of connecting means (3, 12, 13, 14, 37, 38, 41, 42, 44) to the harness (8), and in which the control module (5) is configured to be positioned in front of the torso of an operator equipped with the harness (8).

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a harness (8) and in which the hydraulic block (7) is supported by the harness (8).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic block (7) has a single fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for each lance (2).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lance (2) is mounted on a telescopic arm (3) equipped with support means (38, 42) configured to bear against an area of ​​the body of an operator equipped with the device (1).

10. Device (1) according to claim 9, in combination with claim 6 or 7, wherein the support means (38, 42) are configured to be able to be attached to the harness (8).

11. Device (1) according to claim 9 or 10 in which each telescopic arm (3) is provided with shock-absorbing means (19).

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