High-pressure lance device

Abstract

A high-pressure lance device comprising a valve body (1) having an inlet (11) and an outlet (12) for receiving a lance (L), the valve body (1) also comprising an actuated valve (13) including an actuating element (14) that is movable between a rest position and an activated position, the lance device further comprising an actuating handle (2) movable between a rest state, in which the actuating element (14) is in its rest position, and an activated state, in which the actuating element (14) is in its activated position, characterized in that the actuating handle (2) comprises two gripping zones (21) that are fixed together during movement and adapted to be grasped simultaneously by both hands of a user to move the actuating handle (2) between its rest state and its activated state. (See Figure 2 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: High-pressure lance device

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-pressure lance device comprising a valve body having an inlet for connection by a hose to a high-pressure water generator and an outlet for receiving a lance. The valve body also includes an operable valve disposed between the inlet and the outlet. This operable valve includes an operating element that is movable between a rest position, in which the valve is closed (by means of a return spring), and an activated position, in which the valve is open and allows water under high pressure to flow from the inlet to the outlet. The high-pressure lance device further includes a movable control handle between a rest state, in which the control element is in its rest position, and an actuated state, in which the control element is in its activated position.

[0002] In the prior art, numerous high-pressure cleaners already exist in which the high-pressure water generator is connected by a hose to the inlet of a gun on which a lance is mounted. The user holds the gun with one hand and presses its trigger (control handle) to actuate the control element of the valve body located within the gun. With the other hand, the user can grasp the lance to direct and stabilize its orientation.

[0003] However, after a while, the hand operating the gun becomes fatigued, and the cleaning operation must be stopped. Switching hands is difficult, as one is often clumsy with the other hand. Therefore, a break must be taken to allow the hand operating the gun to rest. This wastes time and can also, in the long run, cause injury to the overworked hand.

[0004] The invention aims to remedy the disadvantages of prior art pistols by defining a lance device that is more ergonomic and less tiring to use.

[0005] To this end, the present invention proposes that the control handle comprise two gripping zones that are fixed together during movement and adapted to be grasped simultaneously by the right and left hands of a user to move the control handle between its rest state and its activated state. Since the two gripping zones are fixed together during movement, they move together, even if only one of the two zones is operated. This means that the user has a wide choice of actuation methods: they can operate the right or left zone and alternate from one hand to the other to allow their hands to rest in turn. They can also operate both zones simultaneously, which halves the effort required per hand. And with half the effort, the Usage time can be considerably extended. This is a key advantage of the invention. The user can also easily switch between a simple one-handed grip and a double two-handed grip without having to stop the jet. Alternating between different grips effectively relieves hand strain without affecting usage time. User comfort is thus significantly improved.

[0006] Advantageously, the two gripping areas extend substantially symmetrically on either side of the valve body. Thus, both arms and both hands of the user are used in an identical or symmetrical way, so that one side is not more fatigued than the other.

[0007] According to one feature of the invention, the control handle may include a shaft portion provided with a pivoting cam element that engages with the control element to move it from its rest position to its activated position. The movement of the two gripping zones rotates the shaft portion and pivots the cam element, which actuates the control element. Thus, the transmission between the control handle and the control element of the valve is direct and purely mechanical. The two gripping zones are used as lever arms to amplify the force applied to the control element.

[0008] Advantageously, the control handle may include a connecting portion that permanently joins the two gripping areas together. The user can use this connecting portion as a third gripping area to actuate the valve's control element. They can even grip this connecting portion with both hands. This further expands the gripping options: the user can switch between the two gripping areas and the connecting portion at will.

[0009] According to a practical embodiment, the control handle may have an annular or arched configuration, with the two gripping areas extending parallel and substantially symmetrically on either side of the valve body. The shaft portion with its pivoting cam element may form the lower part of the arch, the connecting portion forms the upper part of the arch, and the two gripping areas form the lateral parts of the arch. The arch may be round, square, or rectangular with rounded corners. It is also possible to reverse the arch, so that the shaft portion with its pivoting cam element forms the upper part of the arch, the connecting portion forms the lower part of the arch, and the two gripping areas form the lateral parts of the arch. Reversing the arch may even be an option for the user, who can thus orient the arch according to the desired application.

[0010] The lance device may also include a fixed handle, the control handle being spaced away from the fixed handle in its rest state and brought back towards The fixed handle in its activated state. Advantageously, the fixed handle defines a hollow interior into which the control handle fits when activated. Conversely, the control handle could define a hollow interior into which the fixed handle fits when activated. In other words, the two handles fit together.

[0011] The nozzle device may also include a support piece designed to rest on the user's hips, the valve body being articulated on this support piece to allow movement of the valve body. The articulation on the support piece may be in the form of one or two hinges allowing movement in the sagittal vertical plane, or in the form of a ball joint attached to the valve body that fits into a cavity formed by the support piece. With the hinge(s), the user can only adjust the orientation of the nozzle in a sagittal vertical plane and move it horizontally by a sweeping movement induced by their pelvis. With the ball joint, the user can adjust the orientation of the nozzle both vertically and horizontally without moving their pelvis. They can also detach the ball joint from the cavity to manipulate the device with a greater degree of freedom.

[0012] Advantageously, the lance device may include an axial handle fixedly attached to the valve body and articulated (hinge(s) or ball joint) mounted on the support piece. This axial handle is an additional handle, further expanding the user's gripping options. Indeed, the more gripping options there are, the less fatigue the user experiences. The user also has more options for manipulating the lance device in different orientations, particularly when the device is not resting on the pelvis, in order to easily access more confined spaces (cleaning under cars, on flat surfaces above shoulder height, etc.).

[0013] The lance device may also include a harness and a strap that connects the harness to the valve body or to a fixed element attached to the valve body, such as the fixed handle. Advantageously, the harness is provided with a dorsal loop for the passage of the hose connecting the valve body inlet to the high-pressure water generator. By adjusting the length of the strap, the user can set the angle of the lance relative to the horizontal. An elastic strap can even be provided, allowing movement of the lance in the sagittal plane with a return or snapping effect provided by the elasticity of the strap. The user tightens the strap to bring the lance closer to their feet and releases the tension on the strap to return the lance to its initial position. A sweep in the sagittal plane is thus possible.

[0014] According to a practical embodiment, the high-pressure lance device may comprise a housing in which the valve body is mounted, the handle of The control is pivotally mounted on this housing to be moved between its rest and actuated states. The fixed handle can be permanently mounted on the housing, as can the axial handle.

[0015] The spirit of the invention lies in providing two integral and symmetrical triggers (gripping zones), which the user can operate simultaneously or alternately, thus offering a wide range of gripping types and sequences. The connecting part and the axial handle further enhance this choice. The direct action of the control handle on the valve body's flap offers a particular advantage, as it eliminates the need for complex hydraulic or other transmissions.

[0016] If the valve body and the nozzle are considered to extend in the sagittal vertical plane, the control handle is bisected by this sagittal vertical plane into two identical halves by mirror symmetry, the two gripping areas being arranged symmetrically and parallel to each other and to this sagittal vertical plane. The connecting part and the axial handle are bisected by the sagittal vertical plane.

[0017] Compared to a conventional pistol, where the recoil from the pressure of the jet is exerted unilaterally on a single arm, the lance device of the invention is positioned centrally sagittally, so that the recoil is exerted symmetrically and evenly on both of the user's arms, and advantageously also partly on their hips. In terms of hand force, it is considerably reduced compared to a conventional pistol operated by one hand, given that there are two gripping areas, which already reduces the force by half per hand, but also because these gripping areas offer greater leverage than a conventional trigger. The force per hand is thus divided by 4, 6, or even 10.

[0018] The invention will now be described in greater detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] In the figures:

[0020] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the high-pressure lance device of the present invention in its rest position.

[0021] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a greatly enlarged and cropped perspective view of a part of the device in [Fig. 1], still in the resting position,

[0022] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a view similar to that of [Fig.1] in the actuated position,

[0023] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a view similar to that of [Fig.2] in the actuated position,

[0024] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for a part of the control handle of the invention,

[0025] [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a view substantially similar to the views in Figures 1 and 3 for a variant embodiment of the lance device of the invention.

[0026] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a schematic view showing a user equipped with the high-pressure lance device of the invention,

[0027] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a rear view of the user shown in the [Fig.7].

[0028] Reference will first be made to Figures 1 and 2 to describe in detail the structure of a high-pressure lance device according to one embodiment, which is not, however, limiting. The device comprises a central housing B, which may, for example, comprise two half-shells attached one on top of the other. This housing B contains a valve body 1, which is a very conventional element in this type of high-pressure lance device. This valve body 1 includes an inlet 11 for connection to a hose, as will be seen below. The valve body 1 also includes an outlet 12, on which a lance L, visible in [Fig. 1], is mounted. Between the inlet 11 and the outlet 12, the valve body 1 includes a check valve 13, which allows the flow of pressurized water from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12 to be controlled.This valve 13 may, for example, include a ball or a sealing element that is axially movable against a return spring, which presses the ball or the sealing element against a valve seat in a sealing manner. The valve includes an actuation element 14 that acts on the ball or the sealing element and projects outwards. This actuation element 14 may, for example, be in the form of a small rod that can be pushed into the valve body 1 against the return spring. This is a very typical configuration for a valve body of a high-pressure nozzle device.

[0029] This valve body 1 is thus received stably inside the housing B with the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 protruding out of the housing.

[0030] A fixed handle 3 is fixedly mounted on the housing B. Considering that the housing B defines a principal plane, in which the valve body 1 extends, the fixed handle 3 defines a principal plane that extends perpendicularly to the principal plane of the housing B. This fixed handle 3 is in the form of an arch, a ring, or a loop that connects to the housing B at its lower part. It can be seen in [Fig. 1] that the fixed handle 3 defines a hollow interior 30, which is open towards the outlet 12. The fixed handle 3 defines a lower part 32 fixed to the housing B, two lateral parts 31, and an upper part 34 that connects the two lateral parts 31, so as to form an arch that has an overall square shape with rounded corners. It can be said that the lower part 32 extends substantially parallel to the upper part 34 and that the two lateral parts 31 are also parallel.The fixed part 3 can be mounted by any suitable means on the housing B.

[0031] According to the invention, the high-pressure lance device of the invention also includes a control handle 2, which has a general configuration similar to that of the fixed handle 3. Indeed, this control handle 2 comprises two lateral gripping areas 21, a shaft portion 22, and a connecting portion 24. The shaft portion 22 is mounted on the housing B so as to be able to rotate about itself. In this way, the control handle 2 is pivotable relative to the housing B. The two gripping areas 21 are mounted on either side of the shaft portion 22 so that the two gripping areas are fixed to each other during movement. Furthermore, the two gripping areas 21 are fixedly connected to each other by the connecting portion 24, which is, however, optional. It is readily understood from [Fig.[l] that the control handle 2, which is shown here in its resting state, can be moved towards the fixed handle 3 so that it can fit into its hollow interior 30, as shown in [Fig.3]. .

[0032] According to the invention, the rotating shaft portion 22 of the control handle 2 is provided with a pivoting cam element 23 that engages with the small rod forming the control element 14. This is shown in [Fig. 2], which depicts the control element 14 in its rest position and the control handle 2 in its rest state. The pivoting cam element 23 then simply comes into contact with the free end of the control element 14 or is slightly separated from it. By bringing the control handle 2 back towards the fixed handle 3, as shown in [Fig. 3], the pivoting cam element 23 is displaced by rotation due to the rotation of the shaft portion 22 so as to push the control element 14 into the valve body 1. This is shown in [Fig. 4]. From then on, the valve 13 is open and pressurized water can flow from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12 and beyond through the lance L.

[0033] The high-pressure lance device also includes an axial handle 4 mounted on the housing B. This axial handle 4 extends along the same axis as the lance L. The axial handle 4 is mounted on a support piece 5 by means of two joints or hinges 54, which provide one degree of freedom in the sagittal vertical plane. The support piece 5, visible in Figures 1 and 3, can be fitted with a padding cushion for comfort. This support piece 5 is designed to come into contact with the hips of a user.

[0034] In [Fig. 5], a variant of the rotating axis portion 22' of the handle can be seen. control. More precisely, the pivoting cam element 23' is here provided with a rotating roller 234, intended to come into contact with the end of the control element 14 of the controllable valve 13. Thanks to this small roller 234, which is free to rotate on itself, there is no friction between it and the control element 14, which reduces wear, noise and the force exerted to move the control element 14 against the internal return spring of the valve.

[0035] In [Fig. 6], this variant of the lance device of the invention is distinguished by the presence of a ball or ball joint 54', instead of the two joints or hinges 54 of Figures 1 and 3. This ball joint 54' extends in the axial continuation of the axial handle 4 towards the support piece (not shown), which includes a central axial cavity for receiving the ball joint 54'. This support piece can be integrated into a belt fastened around the user's waist. The ball joint 54' simply rests in the central axial cavity, without being fixed to it. The recoil generated by the pressure of the jet is sufficient to press the ball joint 54' into its receiving cavity. This ball joint configuration offers a greater degree of freedom in the orientation of the lance L, since it is not limited to the simple sagittal vertical plane, as is the case with the two hinges 54.On the other hand, this allows the user to detach the spear device from the belt and manipulate it as they see fit.

[0036] In [Fig. 6], a second ball joint 55 is also visible, mounted at the end of a rod 551, which is oriented approximately 90° downwards with respect to the axis of the lance L. This second ball joint 55 can be placed in the central axial cavity of the support piece, in place of the ball joint 54'. Thus, the lance L is oriented almost vertically towards the ground for specific applications.

[0037] In embodiments of Figures 1 to 6, the control handle 2 and the fixed handle 3 extend primarily above the axis of the lance L in the normal operating position. The lance assembly can be rotated around the lance axis to position the control handle 2 and the fixed handle 3 above the axis of the lance L and used in this inverted position. Furthermore, it is possible to provide two or more different positions for the control handle 2 and the fixed handle 3, allowing the user to switch between them depending on the application. A quick-connect / reconnect system can be provided to facilitate changing positions.

[0038] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, it can be seen that the high-pressure lance device of the invention can also be supplemented by a harness H equipped with a chest plate H1 which is connected to the fixed handle 3 by an adjustable strap S. Thus, by adjusting the length of this strap S, the orientation or inclination of the lance L can be modified in the user's sagittal vertical plane. In other words, the lance L can be inclined more or less downwards or upwards, while remaining in the user's sagittal vertical plane. Once the length of the strap S is adjusted, the inclination of the lance L is fixed, since the device rests on the user's hips by means of the support piece 5.

[0039] The inlet 11 of the valve body 1 is connected by a flexible hose F to a pressurized water generator G, which is connected to the main water supply. As can be seen in [Fig. 8], the flexible hose F advantageously passes through a loop or carabiner P, which is located on the dorsal part of the harness H. Thus, there is no tension on the flexible hose at the inlet 11.

[0040] Once harnessed and equipped, the user can grasp the fixed handle 3 in the palms of both hands and operate the control handle 2 using the fingers of both hands. The user can operate the control handle 2 at its gripping areas 21, as well as at its connecting portion 24. Alternatively, the user can grasp the axial handle 4 with one hand and operate the movable handle 2 with the other. This allows the user to vary the grip on the high-pressure lance device of the invention by moving their hands as desired. Naturally, the least tiring grip is achieved when the user uses both hands to simultaneously operate the two gripping areas 21. In this case, the effort required is at least halved. And even if it happens to release one of the gripping areas 21, the power supply is not cut off, since the control handle 2 is still still being operated.Furthermore, the simultaneous gripping of the two gripping zones 21 offers increased symmetry and stability. Indeed, the two gripping zones 21 are positioned perfectly symmetrically and parallel to the housing B and its valve body 1. The two gripping zones 21 are located above the lance axis L, allowing the user to easily counteract any rise in the lance by extending their arms. And when changing grip positions, the user has a wide range of options, as they can reposition their hands on the connecting part 24 or on the axial handle 4. The lance device can rest on the hips using the support piece to relieve the user's arms, while still maintaining sufficient freedom of movement. The user can also forgo this hip support, particularly with the ball-joint variant, to increase the device's maneuverability in specific applications.Thanks to the invention, a high-pressure lance device is available, designed to be held symmetrically with two hands in the user's sagittal plane. This lance device is not only very easy to handle, but also less tiring over time, due to its symmetrical two-handed operation.

Claims

Demands

1. A high-pressure lance device comprising a valve body (1) having an inlet (11) for connection by a hose (F) to a high-pressure water generator (G) and an outlet (12) for receiving a lance (L), the valve body (1) also comprising an operable check valve (13) disposed between the inlet (11) and the outlet (12), this operable check valve (13) comprising an operating element (14) movable between a rest position, in which the operable check valve (13) is closed, and an activated position, in which the operable check valve (13) is open and allows high-pressure water to flow from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12), the high-pressure lance device further comprising an operating handle (2) movable between a rest state, in which the operating element (14) is in its rest position, and an actuated state, in which the operating element (14) is in its activated position,the control handle (2) comprising two gripping zones (21) which are fixed together during movement and adapted to be grasped simultaneously by the right and left hands of a user to move the control handle (2) between its rest state and its actuated state, the control handle (2) has an annular or arched configuration, with the two gripping zones (21) extending parallel and substantially symmetrically on either side of the valve body (1).

2. High-pressure lance device according to claim 1, wherein the two gripping zones (21) extend substantially symmetrically on either side of the valve body (1).

3. High-pressure lance device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control handle (2) comprises a shaft portion (22) provided with a pivoting cam element (23) which engages with the control element (14) to move it from its rest position to its activated position, the movement of the two gripping zones (21) causing the shaft portion (22) to rotate about itself and pivot the cam element (23) which actuates the control element (14).

4. High-pressure lance device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control handle (2) includes a connecting part (24), which permanently links the two gripping areas (21).

5. High-pressure lance device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a fixed handle (3), the control handle (2) being spaced away from the fixed handle (3) in its rest state and brought back towards the fixed handle (3) in its actuated state.

6. High-pressure lance device according to claim 5, wherein the fixed handle (3) defines a hollow interior (30), in which the control handle (2) is housed in its actuated state.

7. High-pressure lance device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support piece (5) intended to rest on the user's hips, the valve body (1) being articulated on this support piece (5) to allow movement of the valve body (1).

8. High-pressure lance device according to claim 7, comprising an axial handle (4) fixedly attached to the valve body (1) and articulated on the support piece (5).

9. High-pressure lance device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a harness (H) and a strap (S) which connects the harness (H) to the valve body (1) or to an element fixedly attached to the valve body (1), the harness (H) advantageously being provided with a dorsal loop (P) for the passage of the hose (F) connecting the inlet of the valve body (1) to the high-pressure water generator (G).

10. High-pressure lance device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (B) in which the valve body (1) is mounted, the control handle (2) being pivotally mounted on this housing (B) to be moved between its resting and actuated states.