watering nozzle

Abstract

This invention provides a watering nozzle capable of spraying water in a stream suitable for car washing. [Solution] The watering nozzle 10 comprises a gun body 20 having a grip portion 23 that can be held and extends in a predetermined direction intersecting the watering direction, a head support portion 43 that internally partitions the water flow path from the gun body side, and a rotating head portion 44 that is located downstream of the head support portion and is rotatably supported by the head support portion, having a plurality of nozzle portions 46A to 46E that can spray water from the head support portion side. The rotating head portion can switch the water flow path from the inlet side to spray water from any of the plurality of nozzle portions depending on its rotation position relative to the head support portion, and the plurality of nozzle portions include a plurality of nozzle portions 46B to 46E that can spray water in a fan shape, and the plurality of nozzle portions are formed such that, at their respective watering rotation positions, the fan shape of the water spreads out to both sides in the predetermined direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water sprinkling nozzle, and particularly to a car wash nozzle suitable for car washing.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water sprinkling nozzle. The nozzle head of the water sprinkling head portion of this water sprinkling nozzle can switch between eight types of water patterns by means of eight types of nozzle ejection ports. The stream nozzle port can pinpoint and remove dirt with a linear water stream at a water pressure that is not inferior to high-pressure cleaning. The mist nozzle port can replenish moisture in the air with fine spray. The vertical nozzle port forms a vertically spreading fan-shaped water stream, and is suitable for tall walls, side surfaces of vehicles and the like. The flat nozzle port forms a horizontally spreading fan-shaped water stream, and is suitable for watering over a wide range such as in gardening. The full nozzle port has the thickest ejection hole, and is suitable when a large amount of water is required at one time. The shower nozzle port ejects water from numerous fine ejection ports around the periphery, and is suitable for watering flowers and plants, shampooing pets and the like. The center nozzle port ejects several spread water jets, and is useful regardless of season, such as for summer watering and winter ice melting. The cone nozzle port forms a cone-shaped ejection flow, and is suitable for cleaning a wide range such as windows and the area around an entrance.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As a water sprinkling nozzle capable of switching between a plurality of water patterns as described in Patent Document 1, there are, for example, nozzles that can switch between a linear water pattern (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "0-degree water pattern") and water patterns having fan center angles of 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 40 degrees, and 65 degrees.

[0005] By the way, when washing a car, the basic principle is to rinse the vehicle from top to bottom. However, with a high-pressure washer, because of its high cleaning power, it is more suitable to move the nozzle horizontally in a vertical spray pattern. However, many spray nozzles capable of spraying in a fan shape spray in a fan shape that spreads horizontally (in the direction intersecting the extension of the grip). If you want to use a vertical spray pattern, you have to lay the grip of the spray nozzle horizontally. This puts a lot of strain on the body.

[0006] Furthermore, even if a nozzle has a fan-shaped spray pattern that spreads vertically (in the same direction as the grip's extension), it may not be suitable for car washing. For example, with a 0-degree spray pattern, when cleaning gaps in vehicle doors or wheels, there is a lot of splashing, making it difficult to aim at the desired location. On the other hand, with a spray pattern where the center angle of the fan is 15 degrees or more, the angle is too wide, resulting in insufficient water pressure to remove dirt. Also, when pre-washing the vehicle body surface, a spray pattern with a center angle of 65 degrees (hereinafter simply referred to as "65-degree spray pattern") has too low a pressure to remove dirt, and while a 40-degree spray pattern removes dirt better than the 65-degree spray pattern, it is still difficult to remove dirt, requiring more spraying. Additionally, when rinsing the foam off the vehicle body after shampooing, a 40-degree spray pattern produces a lot of bubbles, making rinsing difficult, and a 25-degree spray pattern has too small an angle, requiring more back-and-forth movements of the spray nozzle. Thus, it does not have a water pattern that corresponds to each step of the car washing process.

[0007] Furthermore, some watering nozzles capable of switching between multiple spray patterns have two plates at the tip, allowing the distance between these two plates to be changed linearly, enabling linear changes in spray patterns from 0 degrees to 40 degrees, with 0 degrees being the baseline.

[0008] However, with this type of watering nozzle, a 0-degree water pattern is directed onto two plates, and the angle of the fan shape's center can be changed. This can lead to reduced water pressure and a thicker water pattern, potentially resulting in weaker cleaning power.

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a watering nozzle capable of spraying water in a water pattern suitable for car washing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is a watering nozzle capable of spraying water flowing in from an inlet, comprising: a main body having a grip portion that can be held and extends in a predetermined direction intersecting the watering direction; a head support portion disposed downstream of the main body and partitioning the water flow path from the main body side inside; and a rotating head portion disposed downstream of the head support portion and rotatably supported by the head support portion, having a plurality of nozzle portions capable of spraying water from the head support portion side, wherein the rotating head portion can switch the water flow path from the inlet side to spray water from any of the plurality of nozzle portions depending on its rotational position relative to the head support portion, and the plurality of nozzle portions include a plurality of fan-shaped water nozzle portions capable of spraying water in a fan shape, and the plurality of fan-shaped water nozzle portions are formed such that, at their respective watering rotational positions, the fan shape of the water spreads out to both sides in the predetermined direction.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention is a watering nozzle according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of nozzle sections include, in addition to the plurality of fan-shaped water nozzle sections, a first nozzle section that sprays water in a straight line, and the plurality of fan-shaped water nozzle sections include a second nozzle section that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle of 7 degrees, a third nozzle section that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle of 15 degrees, a fourth nozzle section that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle of 35 degrees, and a fifth nozzle section that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle of 50 degrees.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention is a watering nozzle according to the first or second aspect, comprising: an angle adjustment unit disposed between the main body and the head support, which internally partitions a water flow path from the main body to the head support, and which can change the angle of the head support relative to the main body in a direction intersecting the direction of water outflow from the main body.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a watering nozzle according to the third aspect, wherein the angle adjustment unit is rotatable relative to the main body, with the head support unit rotatable in the axial direction of water outflow from the main body, and the minimum rotational force required to rotate the head support unit relative to the main body in the angle adjustment unit is greater than the minimum rotational force required to rotate the rotating head unit relative to the head support unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a watering nozzle capable of spraying water in a water pattern suitable for car washing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a watering nozzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the tip of a watering nozzle. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a front view of the watering surface as seen from direction III. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the water flow pattern at each nozzle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each figure, the X direction indicates the direction of water outflow from the main body (sometimes referred to as "forward"), the Y direction indicates upward, and the dashed line CL indicates the axis of rotation of the rotating head. The up and down direction refers to the up and down direction when the grip is facing downward. The water spraying direction is the direction in which the water spraying surface (tip surface) of the water spraying nozzle faces, and refers to the direction when the axis of rotation CL is extended forward. The figure shows a state in which the direction of water outflow from the main body (X direction) and the water spraying direction coincide.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sprinkler nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of a tip portion of the sprinkler nozzle. FIG. 3 is a front view of a sprinkling surface when FIG. 2 is viewed from the III direction. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of water patterns of respective nozzle portions.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, a sprinkler nozzle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a pistol-type sprinkler nozzle that is used by being attached to the tip or the like of a high-pressure hose H, and is suitable for high-pressure cleaning of vehicles. The sprinkler nozzle 10 is connected via the high-pressure hose H to a compressor (not shown) or the like that supplies water. Such a sprinkler nozzle 10 may also be referred to as a "trigger gun".

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the sprinkler nozzle 10 of the present embodiment includes a gun main body (main body) 20, an intermediate lance 30, and a nozzle main body 40, and is a sprinkler nozzle 10 capable of sprinkling water that has flowed in from an inflow port 21 provided in the gun main body 20.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the gun main body 20 includes a barrel portion 22 extending in the front-rear direction (X direction), and a grippable grip portion 23 extending downward from the barrel portion 22 (in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction indicated by the Y-direction arrow), and defines a flow path inside thereof capable of guiding water flowing in from the inflow port 21 forward. A flow path extending in the front-rear direction is defined inside the barrel portion 22, and a valve (not shown) capable of opening and closing the flow path is provided. The predetermined direction is a direction intersecting the water sprinkling direction (X direction in FIG. 1) in a reference state described later (the state shown in FIG. 1).

[0021] The grip portion 23 of the present embodiment includes a rear grip portion 23a extending downward from the rear end of the barrel portion 22, a front grip portion 23b extending downward from the barrel portion 22, and a connecting portion 23c connecting the lower ends of the rear grip portion 23a and the front grip portion 23b.

[0022] The rear grip portion 23a is formed to have a grippable thickness and extends downward from the barrel portion 22. A lower end portion of the rear grip portion 23a is provided with a connecting portion (not shown in the drawings) connected to a high-pressure hose H, and the connecting portion is provided with an inflow port 21. A flow path that continuously extends upward from the inflow port 21 is defined inside the rear grip portion 23a. The flow path in the rear grip portion 23a is continuous with the flow path extending in the front-rear direction in the barrel portion 22.

[0023] The front grip portion 23b is formed to have a grippable thickness, is disposed at a position spaced forward from the rear grip portion 23a, and extends downward from the barrel portion 22. A trigger 24 capable of opening and closing a valve (not shown in the drawings) that can open and close the flow path inside the gun body portion 20 is provided in front of an upper portion of the rear grip portion 23a.

[0024] In the present embodiment, an operator can use the water spray nozzle 10 by, for example, gripping the rear grip portion 23a or the front grip portion 23b with one hand and gripping an intermediate lance 30 or the like described later with the other hand. Note that the shape of the grip portion 23 is not limited to this, and various shapes can be applied.

[0025] The intermediate lance 30 is a member for extending the water spray nozzle 10 forward, is formed in a tubular shape extending in the front-rear direction, and is detachably connected to a front end portion of the barrel portion 22 of the gun body portion 20. The intermediate lance 30 of the present embodiment extends linearly in the front-rear direction. The flow path in the intermediate lance 30 continuously extends in a straight line from the flow path of the barrel portion 22 of the gun body portion 20.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle body portion 40 is a member having a plurality of nozzle portions described later at a tip (front end) thereof, and is detachably connected to a front end portion of the intermediate lance 30. The nozzle body portion 40 of the present embodiment includes a tubular portion 41, a ball joint portion (angle adjusting portion) 42, a head support portion 43, and a rotating head portion 44.

[0027] The tubular portion 41 of the nozzle body 40 is a tubular section that demarcates a flow path inside, and is detachably connected to the front end of the intermediate lance 30. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 41 extends linearly from the intermediate lance 30. The flow path within the tubular portion 41 extends linearly and continuously from the flow path within the intermediate lance 30. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 41 is a linearly extending tube, but it is not limited to this, and for example, the tip may be gently curved.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the ball joint portion 42 of the nozzle body portion 40 is a connecting portion that internally partitions the water flow path, and is positioned between the tubular portion 41 and the head support portion 43, which will be described later, and connects the tubular portion 41 and the head support portion 43 in a way that allows the angle to be changed. The flow path in the ball joint portion 42 extends continuously from the flow path in the tubular portion 41. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, the ball joint portion 42 can change the angle of the head support portion 43 relative to the tubular portion 41 (water spraying direction) in a direction that intersects with the water outflow direction from the tubular portion 41 (in this embodiment, the X direction).

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the ball joint portion 42 has a socket 42a fixedly provided at the tip (front end) of the tubular portion 41 and a ball portion 42b fixedly provided at the rear end of the head support portion 43. In other words, the socket 42a of the tubular portion 41 and the ball portion 42b of the head support portion 43 constitute the ball joint portion 42.

[0030] The ball portion 42b is formed in a substantially spherical shape that demarcates a flow path inside. The socket 42a is formed to be attachable to the ball portion 42b. The socket 42a supports the ball portion 42b in a state of spherical contact with the surface of the ball portion 42b. As a result, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, the head support portion 43 can change its orientation relative to the tubular portion 41 along the spherical surface of the ball portion 42b of the ball joint portion 42. That is, the ball joint portion 42 is positioned between the gun body portion 20 and the head support portion 43, demarcating a water flow path from the gun body portion 20 to the head support portion 43, and the angle of the head support portion 43 relative to the gun body portion 20 can be changed to a direction that intersects the direction of water outflow from the gun body portion 20. The support force of the ball portion 42b by the socket 42a is set to a strength such that the set angle (spray direction) does not change due to water pressure.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown by arrow a in Figure 2, the ball portion 42b of the ball joint portion 42 may be rotatable axially with respect to the socket 42a in the direction of water outflow (the X direction in Figures 1 and 2). In other words, the head support portion 43 may be rotatable axially with respect to the direction of water outflow from the gun body portion 20.

[0032] In this embodiment, a ball joint is used as the angle adjustment part for the head support part 43 relative to the gun body part 20, but it is not limited to this, and a deformable tubular member such as a flexible pipe may be provided as the angle adjustment part.

[0033] A predetermined reference state (hereinafter referred to as the "reference state") is defined for the parts of the gun body 20 whose angle can be changed by the ball joint portion 42 (head support portion 43 and rotating head portion 44). For example, the reference state in this embodiment is a state in which the flow path in the tubular portion 41, the flow path in the ball joint portion 42, and the flow path in the head support portion 43 extend in a straight line (see Figures 1 and 2). Furthermore, as described above, if the ball portion 42b is rotatable with respect to the socket 42a with respect to the water outflow direction as the axial direction, then in addition to the above, the eccentric direction of the ball portion 42b with respect to the rotation axis CL of the head support portion 43 and rotating head portion 44, as described later, is upward (see Figures 1 and 2). In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the head support portion 43 and rotating head portion 44 refers to the direction in the reference state.

[0034] The head support portion 43 of the nozzle body portion 40 is formed in a container shape that opens forward (in the direction of water flow (X direction)). The front opening of the head support portion 43 is formed in a circular shape. Inside the head support portion 43, a support shaft portion (not shown) is provided at the center, extending in the front-rear direction (axis direction of the rotation axis CL) to rotatably support the rotating head portion 44, which will be described later. The ball portion 42b of the ball joint portion 42 is fixedly provided on the rear surface of the head support portion 43 at a position eccentric from the center of the head support portion 43 (rotation axis CL) (an upward eccentric position in Figure 2). Inside the head support portion 43, an internal flow path opening (not shown) extending from the ball portion 42b is provided at a position eccentric from the center of the head support portion 43. In other words, the head support portion 43 is positioned downstream of the gun body portion 20 and partitions the water flow path from the gun body portion 20 side inside. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, as described above, in the standard state, the ball portion 42b is eccentrically positioned upward from the rotation axis CL.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the rotating head 44 has multiple nozzles capable of spraying water from the head support 43 side. As indicated by arrow b in Figure 2, the rotating head 44 is positioned downstream of the head support 43 and is rotatably supported by the head support 43 about the rotation axis CL. In the following description, the rotation of the rotating head 44 refers to the rotation relative to the head support 43 (the rotation indicated by arrow b).

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the rotating head portion 44 of this embodiment has a watering surface 45 (front) that is circular when viewed from the front. However, the shape of the watering surface 45 of the rotating head portion 44 is not limited to a circle, and various shapes can be applied.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, for example, the rotating head portion 44 of this embodiment has a plurality (five in this embodiment) of nozzle portions 46A to 46E that are formed to spray water in different patterns. The tips of the plurality of nozzle portions 46A to 46E are exposed to the water spraying surface 45 and are arranged around the rotating axis CL, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the rotating axis CL. A description of each nozzle portion will be given later.

[0038] The rotating head portion 44 is formed, for example, in the shape of a bowl that opens to the rear. The rear opening of the rotating head portion 44 is formed in a circular shape with a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the head support portion 43. A support shaft insertion hole (not shown) that penetrates from front to back is formed at a position corresponding to the center of the rotating head portion 44. The rotating head portion 44 is rotatably attached to the head support portion 43 by inserting the support shaft portion of the head support portion 43 into the support shaft insertion hole of the rotating head portion 44 from the rear and tightening it with a bolt 47 from the front. The inner circumferential surface of the rotating head portion 44 faces the outer circumferential surface of the head support portion 43. Known water leakage prevention measures are taken between the inner circumferential surface of the rotating head portion 44 and the outer circumferential surface of the head support portion 43.

[0039] A disc-shaped internal plate (not shown) is fixedly mounted inside the rotating head section 44, centered on the rotation axis CL. Multiple nozzle flow path openings (not shown) are provided on the internal plate, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis CL, and each opening communicates with a flow path to a plurality of nozzle sections 46A to 46E. When the rotating head section 44 is rotated, the multiple openings of the internal plate communicate with the internal flow path openings of the head support section 43 at a predetermined rotation position (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "operating position"), and guide water from the inlet 21 side to each nozzle section 46A to 46E corresponding to the connected nozzle flow path opening. In other words, the rotating head section 44 can switch the flow path of water from the inlet 21 side to spray water from any of the nozzle sections 46A to 46E depending on its rotation position relative to the head support section 43. The watering nozzle 10 is equipped with positioning means (not shown) that can maintain the rotational position of the rotating head portion 44 relative to the head support portion 43 at the respective usage positions of the multiple nozzle flow path openings.

[0040] If the ball portion 42b of the ball joint portion 42 is rotatable relative to the socket 42a (rotation shown by arrow a in Figure 2), it is preferable that the head support portion 43 does not rotate relative to the gun body portion 20 when the rotating head portion 44 is rotated relative to the head support portion 43 (rotation shown by arrow b in Figure 2). Specifically, it is preferable that the minimum rotational force required to rotate the ball portion 42b on the head support portion 43 side relative to the socket 42a on the gun body portion 20 side is greater than the minimum rotational force required to rotate the rotating head portion 44 relative to the head support portion 43.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the plurality of nozzles includes a plurality of fan-shaped water nozzles (second nozzle 46B to fifth nozzle 46E) capable of spraying water in a fan shape. In this embodiment, in addition to these plurality of fan-shaped water nozzles, the plurality of nozzles also includes a nozzle (first nozzle 46A) that sprays water in a straight line.

[0042] For example, as shown in Figure 4(a), the first nozzle section 46A of the multiple nozzle sections 46A to 46E is capable of spraying water W forcefully in the spraying direction (the direction the spraying surface 45 is facing) in a linear water pattern (0-degree water pattern). Also, as shown in Figures 4(b) to 4(e), the second nozzle sections 46B to the fifth nozzle sections 46E are formed such that, at their respective spraying rotation positions (operating positions), the fan-shaped water pattern spreads upwards and downwards (to both sides in a predetermined direction). Each of the second nozzle sections 46B to the fifth nozzle sections 46E is a nozzle section with a fixed central angle θ of the fan shape, and is not capable of changing linearly (at a constant ratio). Note that "0-degree water pattern" means a water pattern in which the water pattern does not spread near the spraying surface 45, and the spraying direction is approximately parallel to the direction in which the spraying surface 45 is facing. Also, "fan-shaped water pattern" means a water pattern in which the water pattern spreads near the spraying surface 45.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, for example, groove-shaped tip openings 48 are formed at the tips of the second nozzle section 46B to the fifth nozzle section 46E, and the tip openings 48 of the second nozzle section 46B to the fifth nozzle section 46E extend in the vertical direction at their respective usage positions (usage positions in the reference state). In Figure 3, the fifth nozzle section 46E is positioned in the usage position, and the tip opening 48 of the fifth nozzle section 46E extends in the vertical direction. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the tip openings 48 of the second nozzle section 46B to the fifth nozzle section 46E in this embodiment extend in the radial direction of the water spraying surface 45.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4(b), the second nozzle section (fan-shaped water nozzle section) 46B is a nozzle section that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle θ of 7 degrees. Also, as shown in Figure 4(c), the third nozzle section (fan-shaped water nozzle section) 46C is a nozzle section that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle θ of 15 degrees. Also, as shown in Figure 4(d), the fourth nozzle section (fan-shaped water nozzle section) 46D is a nozzle section that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle θ of 35 degrees. Also, as shown in Figure 4(e), the fifth nozzle section (fan-shaped water nozzle section) 46E is a nozzle section that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle θ of 50 degrees. Note that the value of the central angle θ in these fan-shaped water patterns is allowed to have an error of up to ±5 degrees. That is, the central angle θ of the fan-shaped water pattern sprayed from the second nozzle section 46B is allowed to be in the range of 2 degrees to 12 degrees. The central angle θ of the fan-shaped water spray from the third nozzle section 46C is allowed to be in the range of 10 degrees to 20 degrees. The central angle θ of the fan-shaped water spray from the fourth nozzle section 46D is allowed to be in the range of 30 degrees to 40 degrees. The central angle θ of the fan-shaped water spray from the fifth nozzle section 46E is allowed to be in the range of 45 degrees to 55 degrees.

[0045] In the watering nozzle 10 configured as described above, the second nozzle section 46B to the fifth nozzle section 46E are formed such that, at their respective positions of use, the fan-shaped water pattern spreads upwards and downwards (to both sides in a predetermined direction) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "vertical"). Incidentally, when washing a car, the basic principle is to wash the vehicle from top to bottom, but in the case of a high-pressure washer, because of its high cleaning power, it is more suitable to move the watering nozzle 10 horizontally with a vertical water pattern. In the above watering nozzle 10, since the fan-shaped water pattern is vertical, water can be sprayed with a vertical water pattern without having to lay the grip section 23 down, and the watering nozzle 10 can be moved horizontally with a vertical water pattern for operation.

[0046] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a watering nozzle 10 that can spray water in a water pattern suitable for car washing.

[0047] Furthermore, since the multiple nozzle sections include a first nozzle section 46A that sprays water in a straight line, it is possible to precisely clean heavily soiled areas with high water pressure, for example.

[0048] Furthermore, since the multiple nozzle sections include a second nozzle section 46B that sprays water in a fan-shaped pattern with a central angle θ of 7 degrees, it is possible to obtain a water pattern with a vertical width suitable for cleaning fine parts such as vehicle wheels and grilles. Also, with a 0-degree water pattern, there is too much splashing, making it difficult to target areas where insect carcasses and other debris are stuck, but with a 7-degree fan-shaped water pattern, splashing is suppressed, making it easier to target and allowing for cleaning with strong water pressure.

[0049] Furthermore, the multiple nozzle sections include a third nozzle section 46C that sprays water in a fan-shaped pattern with a central angle θ of 15 degrees. The 15-degree fan-shaped pattern is a highly versatile pattern that is neither too large nor too small, making it suitable for car washing.

[0050] Furthermore, the multiple nozzle sections include a fourth nozzle section 46D that sprays water in a fan-shaped pattern with a central angle θ of 35 degrees. As a result, it has a greater vertical range compared to patterns with a central angle θ of 25 degrees, etc., which reduces the number of back-and-forth movements of the spray nozzle 10 when rinsing foam off the vehicle body after shampooing. In addition, it can suppress air bubbles compared to patterns with a central angle θ of 40 degrees, etc., resulting in better foam rinsing after shampooing, and the water pressure is also high, making it easy to work with. In other words, the fourth nozzle section 46D can achieve both a reduction in the number of back-and-forth movements of the spray nozzle 10 when rinsing foam off the body after shampooing and good foam rinsing.

[0051] Furthermore, the multiple nozzle sections include a fifth nozzle section 46E that sprays water in a fan-shaped pattern with a central angle θ of 50 degrees. For this reason, it is ideal for removing foam from large areas such as the surface of a vehicle body after shampooing. For example, it is easy to secure the water pressure and volume necessary to remove foam after shampooing, and the vertical width of the spray pattern is also wide, so foam can be removed from surfaces such as the side doors of a vehicle with fewer back-and-forth movements. In addition, the number of back-and-forth movements of the spray nozzle 10 can be reduced, thus increasing water-saving efficiency.

[0052] Thus, by including multiple fan-shaped nozzles with central angles θ (7 degrees, 15 degrees, 35 degrees, 50 degrees) suitable for washing vehicles, and by making all of these nozzles vertical, it is possible to spray water in a water pattern even more suitable for car washing.

[0053] Furthermore, the ball joint portion 42 allows the angle of the head support portion 43 relative to the gun body portion 20 to be changed to a direction intersecting the direction of water outflow from the gun body portion 20, so that the angle (direction of watering) of the watering surface 45 can be changed to a desired angle as needed. This improves work efficiency when cleaning the roof surface of a vehicle, the gap between the tires and the body, the underside of the vehicle, etc., and also reduces physical strain.

[0054] Furthermore, it is preferable that the minimum rotational force required to rotate the ball portion 42b on the head support portion 43 relative to the socket 42a on the gun body portion 20 is greater than the minimum rotational force required to rotate the rotating head portion 44 relative to the head support portion 43. This prevents the rotating head portion 44 from unintentionally rotating together with the head support portion 43 when the gun body portion 20 is held with one hand and the rotating head portion 44 is held and rotated with the other hand in order to switch the spray pattern. As a result, the spray pattern can be switched by gripping and rotating the rotating head portion 44 without having to hold down the head support portion 43.

[0055] In this embodiment, the watering nozzle 10 is provided with a first nozzle section 46A capable of spraying water in a 0-degree water pattern. However, it is sufficient to include at least a plurality of fan-shaped water pattern nozzle sections capable of spraying water in a vertical water pattern, and the first nozzle section 46A is not required.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the central angle θ of the second nozzle section 46B to the fifth nozzle section 46E, which are multiple fan-shaped water nozzle sections, is set to the angle described above. However, the central angle θ of the second nozzle section 46B to the fifth nozzle section 46E is not limited to the angle described above.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an angle adjustment section (a ball joint section 42 in the above embodiment) is provided that allows the angle (direction of watering) of the watering surface 45 to be changed, but it is not necessary to provide an angle adjustment section.

[0058] Furthermore, the watering nozzle 10 according to this embodiment may be used for purposes other than car washing.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and can naturally be modified as appropriate without departing from the present invention. In other words, all other embodiments, examples, and operational techniques made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are of course included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 10: Watering nozzle 20: Gun body (main body) 21:Inlet 23: Grip section 42: Ball joint section (angle adjustment section) 43: Head support section 44: Rotating head section 46A: First nozzle section 46B: Second nozzle section (fan-shaped water nozzle section) 46C: Third nozzle section (fan-shaped water nozzle section) 46D: Fourth nozzle section (fan-shaped water spray nozzle section) 46E: Fifth nozzle section (fan-shaped water spray nozzle section)

Claims

1. A watering nozzle capable of spraying water that flows in from the inlet, A main body having a grip portion that can be held and extends in a predetermined direction intersecting the watering direction, A head support portion is positioned downstream of the main body portion and partitions the water flow path from the main body portion side inside, The rotating head portion has a plurality of nozzles capable of spraying water from the head support portion side, and is positioned downstream of the head support portion and rotatably supported by the head support portion, The rotating head can be switched to spray water from one of the multiple nozzles depending on its rotational position relative to the head support, The plurality of nozzle portions include a plurality of fan-shaped water nozzle portions capable of spraying water in a fan-shaped pattern, The multiple fan-shaped water nozzle sections are formed such that, at each rotating position in which water can be sprayed, the fan-shaped water pattern spreads outwards on both sides in the predetermined direction. A watering nozzle characterized by the following features.

2. The plurality of nozzle sections include, in addition to the plurality of fan-shaped water-shaped nozzle sections, a first nozzle section that sprays water in a straight line. The multiple fan-shaped water nozzles include a second nozzle that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle of 7 degrees, a third nozzle that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle of 15 degrees, a fourth nozzle that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle of 35 degrees, and a fifth nozzle that sprays water in a fan-shaped water pattern with a central angle of 50 degrees. The watering nozzle according to feature 1.

3. The head support portion is positioned between the main body and the head support portion, and internally defines a water flow path from the main body to the head support portion, and includes an angle adjustment portion that can change the angle of the head support portion relative to the main body portion in a direction intersecting the direction of water outflow from the main body portion. A watering nozzle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The angle adjustment unit is such that the head support unit can rotate relative to the main body unit with the direction of water outflow from the main body unit as the axial direction. The minimum rotational force required to rotate the head support portion in the angle adjustment section relative to the main body portion is greater than the minimum rotational force required to rotate the rotating head portion relative to the head support portion. The watering nozzle according to feature 3.

Images