Spray Nozzle Unit

Abstract

To enable realiable switching between a spraying state and a spray stopped state with a simple structure in a spray nozzle unit with a diaphragm valve.SOLUTION: A male screw 54b is formed on an outer periphery of a support member 54 that supports a diaphragm 51 of a diaphragm valve 5 and a coil spring (an elastic member) 53. By then providing a diaphragm valve operation mechanism 6 that is configured to switch between, by operating rotation of an operation member 61 screwed to the male screw 54b, a closed lock state in which an abutting part 61c of the operation member 61 presses a diaphragm 51 against an open edge of an inner tube part 14 serving as a valve seat via a pressing member 52 of a diaphragm valve 5, and an openable / closable state in which an axial clearance is generated between the abutting part 61c of the operation member 61 and a pressing member 52 of the diaphragm valve 5 to enable the diaphragm 51 to make contact with and separate from an open edge of the inner tube part 14, thus enabling reliable switching between a spray stopped state and a spraying state of a spray nozzle unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spray nozzle unit equipped with a diaphragm valve. [Background technology]

[0002] Some liquid spraying devices that spray liquids such as chemicals or water are equipped with a diaphragm valve in the spray nozzle unit connected to the liquid supply source. In a spray nozzle unit equipped with a diaphragm valve, when the spraying of the liquid is stopped, the diaphragm valve blocks the flow path in the main casing, preventing the natural outflow (so-called "dripping") of liquid remaining in the flow path from the liquid supply source to the diaphragm valve.

[0003] For example, the spray nozzle unit described in Patent Document 1 comprises a main casing having a first flow path therein, and a spray nozzle that sprays liquid delivered from the first flow path of the main casing. The main casing is provided with an inner tube portion that forms the other end of the first flow path, an outer tube portion that forms a second flow path outside the inner tube portion, a connection portion that has a liquid introduction passage that communicates with the second flow path and is connected to an external liquid supply source, and a diaphragm valve is provided between the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0004] The diaphragm valve of this spray nozzle unit comprises a diaphragm that covers the opening of the inner pipe portion on the other end side of the first flow path, a pressing member that faces the edge of the opening of the inner pipe portion across the diaphragm, an elastic member that urges the diaphragm in a direction pressing it against the edge of the opening of the inner pipe portion via the pressing member, and a support member that supports the end of the elastic member on the side opposite the diaphragm, and is configured to connect the second flow path and the first flow path when the internal pressure of the second flow path exceeds a predetermined value, and to block the connection between the second flow path and the first flow path when the internal pressure of the second flow path is below the predetermined value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5520879 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In a large liquid spraying device such as a boom sprayer having multiple long nozzles, each equipped with a number of spray nozzle units, when stopping the spraying of liquid, the supply of liquid to each spray nozzle unit is generally stopped by stopping the power pump connected to the liquid supply source or by operating a cock attached to the base of the nozzle. In this case, if each spray nozzle unit is equipped with a diaphragm valve as described above, dripping of liquid from each spray nozzle can be prevented.

[0007] However, in a liquid spraying device that stops the spraying of liquid in the above-mentioned manner, all spray nozzle units are switched from the spraying state to the spray stop state at the same time, so it is not possible to selectively put only some of the spray nozzle units into the spray stop state (for example, putting every other spray nozzle unit into the spray stop state in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle), and it is difficult to adjust the overall liquid spray state according to the conditions of use.

[0008] In contrast, the spray nozzle unit of Patent Document 1 can be brought into a spray stop state by rotating the cylindrical rotating head attached to the outer periphery of one end of the main casing and to which the spray nozzle is attached.

[0009] In other words, this spray nozzle unit has multiple inlet channels in the rotating head to receive the liquid sent out from the first flow path, multiple different types of spray nozzles attached to the outer periphery of the rotating head, and a valve mechanism between the main casing and the rotating head.By rotating the rotating head and selectively connecting one of the inlet channels to the first flow path of the main casing, the liquid ejection state (spray state) can be switched and the desired spray pattern can be obtained, and spraying can be stopped by adjusting the position of the rotating head so that all of the inlet channels of the rotating head are blocked from the first flow path.

[0010] However, in a spray nozzle unit that rotates a rotary head to switch between spray nozzles that spray liquid, there is a risk that liquid will flow out of each spray nozzle even if all of the inlet passages of the rotary head are blocked from the first flow path due to wear and deterioration over time of the sliding parts that move as the rotary head rotates.

[0011] On the other hand, it is also possible to incorporate a valve such as a ball valve into the liquid inlet passage of the spray nozzle unit and operate the cock of that valve to switch between the spraying state and the spray stop state, but in that case the structure becomes more complex and the manufacturing costs become higher.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a spray nozzle unit equipped with a diaphragm valve that can reliably switch between a spray state and a spray stop state with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a spray nozzle comprising a main casing having a first flow path therein, and a spray nozzle for spraying liquid delivered from the first flow path of the main casing, wherein the main casing is provided with an inner pipe portion forming the other end of the first flow path, an outer pipe portion forming a second flow path outside the inner pipe portion, and a connection portion having a liquid introduction path communicating with the second flow path and connected to an external liquid supply source, and is also provided with a diaphragm valve that communicates the second flow path with the first flow path when the internal pressure of the second flow path exceeds a predetermined value, and that cuts off the second flow path with the first flow path when the internal pressure of the second flow path is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, The diaphragm valve is a spray nozzle unit that includes a diaphragm that covers the opening of the inner tube portion on the other end side of the first flow path, a pressing member that faces the opening edge of the inner tube portion across the diaphragm, an elastic member that urges the diaphragm in a direction pressing it against the opening edge of the inner tube portion via the pressing member, and a support member that supports the end of the elastic member on the side opposite the diaphragm.The spray nozzle unit is configured to include a diaphragm valve operating mechanism that switches between a closed lock state in which the diaphragm is pressed against the opening edge of the inner tube portion and an open / close state in which the diaphragm can be moved toward or away from the opening edge of the inner tube portion.

[0014] In other words, the device has a simple structure that utilizes a diaphragm valve provided in the main casing, and simply by switching the diaphragm between a closed-lock state and an open-close state, it is possible to reliably switch between the spray stop state and the spray state.

[0015] Here, the diaphragm valve operating mechanism can be one in which a male thread is formed on the outer periphery of the support member, and an operating member is provided which has a tubular portion that threadably engages with the male thread of the support member and an abutment portion that faces the side of the pressing member opposite the diaphragm side, and by rotating the operating member in one direction, the abutment portion presses the pressing member to bring the diaphragm valve into a closed, locked state, and by rotating the operating member in the opposite direction, an axial gap is generated between the abutment portion and the pressing member, bringing the diaphragm valve into an openable and closable state.

[0016] Furthermore, it is desirable that the diaphragm valve operating mechanism has a stopper that restricts axial movement of the operating member caused by rotation in one direction, thereby preventing damage to the diaphragm caused by the abutment of the operating member excessively pressing the pressing member of the diaphragm valve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, the spray nozzle unit of the present invention is provided with a diaphragm valve operating mechanism that switches between a state in which the diaphragm of the diaphragm valve provided in the main casing is pressed and held against the opening edge of the inner tube portion which serves as the valve seat, and a state in which the diaphragm can be moved toward and away from the opening edge of the inner tube portion, so that the spray state and the spray stop state can be reliably switched with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a spray nozzle unit according to an embodiment in use; FIG. [Figure 2] A longitudinal sectional front view of the main part of the spray nozzle unit of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the diaphragm valve and the diaphragm valve operating mechanism of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal front view of the main part showing the diaphragm valve in an open state corresponding to FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal front view of the main part showing the diaphragm valve in a closed and locked state corresponding to FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 shows a state in which a spray nozzle unit A of the embodiment is attached to a long nozzle pipe P serving as a liquid supply source for a liquid spraying device. The nozzle pipe P is branched into branch pipes B at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction, and a spray nozzle unit A is connected to each branch pipe B.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this spray nozzle unit A comprises a main casing 1 connected to a branch pipe B of a nozzle P, a cylindrical rotating head 2 rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of one end of the main casing 1, two spray nozzles 3 and 4 attached to the outer periphery of the rotating head 2, and a diaphragm valve 5 provided on the main casing 1, and a diaphragm valve operating mechanism 6 for switching the operating state of the diaphragm valve 5.

[0021] The main casing 1 is formed in a horizontal T-shape and is composed of a straight cylindrical portion 1A extending horizontally, a double pipe portion 1B extending downward from the other end of the straight cylindrical portion 1A, and a connecting portion 1C extending upward from the other end of the straight cylindrical portion 1A.

[0022] A first flow path 10 is formed inside the straight cylindrical portion 1A of the main body casing 1, and a cylindrical valve body 11 is attached to the outer periphery of one end of the straight cylindrical portion 1A, with a lid member 12 attached to the opening at one end of the valve body 11. A rotating head 2 is attached so as to straddle the outer peripheries of the straight cylindrical portion 1A, the valve body 11, and the lid member 12, with O-rings 13 provided between the straight cylindrical portion 1A and the rotating head 2, between the straight cylindrical portion 1A and the valve body 11, and between the lid member 12 and the rotating head 2. The valve body 11 is also provided with a valve hole 11a at one location in the circumferential direction, which sends liquid flowing out from one end of the first flow path 10 of the straight cylindrical portion 1A toward the inner periphery of the rotating head 2.

[0023] The rotating head 2 has two insertion holes 2a extending parallel to the radial direction on the other end side, and a pair of arms of a U-shaped slide pin 7 are inserted into each insertion hole 2a and an annular groove 1a provided on the outer periphery of the straight cylindrical portion 1A of the main casing 1, so that the rotating head 2 is mounted in a state where it can rotate relative to the main casing 1 but its axial movement is restricted.

[0024] In addition, the rotary head 2 is provided with a pair of cylindrical nozzle mounting ports 21 protruding from the outer periphery near the same axial position as the valve hole 11a of the valve body 11, and an inlet passage 2b penetrating from the inner periphery to the inside of each nozzle mounting port 21.

[0025] Well-known spray nozzles with different spray patterns are used as the spray nozzles 3, 4 attached to each nozzle attachment port 21 of the rotary head 2. Each spray nozzle 3, 4 has a holder 31, 41 that threadably couples with a male thread formed on the outer periphery of the nozzle attachment port 21, and is designed to spray liquid that has flowed from the first flow path 10 of the main casing 1 through the valve hole 11a of the valve body 11 and the inlet path 2b of the rotary head 2.

[0026] Therefore, by rotating the rotary head 2, one of the inlet passages 2b can be selectively connected to the valve hole 11a of the valve body 11 and the first flow path 10 of the main casing 1, thereby switching the spray nozzle (3 or 4) that sprays the liquid, or the position of the rotary head 2 can be adjusted so that both inlet passages 2b are blocked from the valve hole 11a and the first flow path 10, thereby stopping the spray.

[0027] On the other hand, the double pipe section 1B of the main body casing 1 is composed of an inner pipe section 14 that forms the other end (the portion extending downward) of the first flow path 10, and an outer pipe section 15 that forms the second flow path 20 outside the inner pipe section 14. The opening edge of the inner pipe section 14 serves as a valve seat for the diaphragm valve 5.

[0028] Furthermore, the connecting portion 1C of the main casing 1 has a liquid introduction passage 16 that communicates with the second flow passage 20 of the double pipe portion 1B, and is connected to the branch pipe B by press-fitting a cylindrical joint 17 into the liquid introduction passage 16 and threading a union nut 18 that engages with the inlet portion of the joint 17 onto the outlet portion of the branch pipe B of the nozzle P. An annular packing 19 that abuts against the inlet end face of the joint 17 is incorporated into the union nut 18.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the diaphragm valve 5 comprises a diaphragm 51 that covers the openings (the inlet of the first flow path 10 and the outlet of the second flow path 20) of the inner pipe section 14 and the outer pipe section 15 of the double pipe section 1B of the main casing 1, a pressing member 52 that faces the opening edge (valve seat) of the inner pipe section 14 across the diaphragm 51, a coil spring (elastic member) 53 that urges the diaphragm 51 in a direction pressing it against the opening edge of the inner pipe section 14 via the pressing member 52, a support member 54 that supports the end of the coil spring 53 on the side opposite the diaphragm 51, and a union nut 55 that secures the support member 54 to the outer pipe section 15.

[0030] The diaphragm 51 is a circular, dish-shaped rubber member, and has an annular mounting portion 51c formed with an inclined portion 51b interposed around a disk portion 51a that faces the inner pipe portion 14 of the main body casing 1. In addition, a protrusion 51d is formed in the center of the back side of the disk portion 51a (the side opposite to the side facing the inner pipe portion 14) to prevent misalignment, as will be described later.

[0031] The pressing member 52 has a pressing portion 52a that abuts against the back surface of the disk portion 51a of the diaphragm 51, and leg portions 52b that extend downward from the back surface of the pressing portion 52a, and the peripheral edge of the pressing portion 52a is pressed by one end of the coil spring 53. A recess 52c is formed in the center of the surface of the pressing portion 52a that abuts against the diaphragm 51, and a protrusion 51d of the diaphragm 51 is inserted into this recess 52c, thereby preventing radial displacement of the diaphragm 51. In addition, a shaft hole 52d is formed in the leg portion 52b for engagement with the diaphragm valve operating mechanism 6, which will be described later.

[0032] The support member 54 is formed in a cylindrical shape and houses the pressing member 52 and the coil spring 53 therein, with an upward stepped surface formed in the axial center of the inner peripheral surface supporting the other end of the coil spring 53, and its upper end sandwiching the mounting portion 51c on the periphery of the diaphragm 51 between itself and the opening edge of the outer tube portion 15 of the main casing 1. A flange 54a that engages with a union nut 55 is provided on the outer periphery of the upper end, and a male thread 54b that constitutes part of the diaphragm valve operating mechanism 6 is formed on the outer periphery of the lower end.

[0033] The union nut 55 is configured to fix the support member 54 to the outer pipe portion 15 by threading it into the outer pipe portion 15 while the flange 54a of the support member 54 is engaged with the inner flange 55a provided on the inner circumference of the lower end side.

[0034] When assembled, this diaphragm valve 5 is in the state shown in Fig. 2, and when the internal pressure of the second flow path 20 exceeds a predetermined value during use, the disc portion 51a of the diaphragm 51 is pressed down together with the pressing member 52 against the elastic force of the coil spring 53 and moves away from the opening edge of the inner pipe portion 14, as shown in Fig. 4, so that the second flow path 20 and the first flow path 10 communicate with each other. On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the second flow path 20 is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the disc portion 51a of the diaphragm 51 is pressed against the opening edge of the inner pipe portion 14 by the elastic force of the coil spring 53 (state shown in Fig. 2), and the second flow path 20 and the first flow path 10 are blocked.

[0035] 2 and 3, the diaphragm valve operation mechanism 6 is provided with an operating member 61 having the aforementioned male thread 54b formed on the outer periphery of the support member 54 of the diaphragm valve 5, a cylindrical portion 61a that is threadedly coupled to the male thread 54b of the support member 54, and an abutment portion 61c that extends upward from the center of a lid portion 61b that closes the lower end of the cylindrical portion 61a. The abutment portion 61c of the operating member 61 is inserted into the axial hole 52d from the side opposite the diaphragm 51 side of the pressing member 52 of the diaphragm valve 5, and is adapted to come into contact with and separate from the bottom surface of the axial hole 52d.

[0036] The operating member 61 has a radial through-hole 61d formed in the upper end of the cylindrical portion 61a, and the tip of a pin 62 press-fitted into the through-hole 61d protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 61a. The tip of the pin 62 and a downward stepped surface 54c formed in the axial center of the outer peripheral surface of the support member 54 of the diaphragm valve 5 form a stopper 63 that restricts the upward axial movement of the operating member 61 due to rotation in one direction.

[0037] When this diaphragm valve operation mechanism 6 is assembled, as shown in Fig. 2, the abutment portion 61c of the operating member 61 is separated from the bottom surface of the axial hole 52d of the pressing member 52 of the diaphragm valve 5 (there is an axial gap between the pressing member 52). When the operating member 61 is rotated in one direction from this state, the operating member 61 moves axially upward, as shown in Fig. 5, and the abutment portion 61c presses the pressing member 52, thereby placing the diaphragm valve 5 in a closed-lock state (a state in which the diaphragm 51 is pressed against and held at the opening edge of the inner tube portion 14 of the main body casing 1). At this time, a stopper 63 between the operating member 61 and the support member 54 of the diaphragm valve 5 restricts the operating member 61 from moving axially upward, so there is no risk of the abutment portion 61c of the operating member 61 excessively pressing the pressing member 52 and damaging the diaphragm 51.

[0038] Then, when the operating member 61 is rotated in the opposite direction from the state shown in Figure 5, the operating member 61 moves downward in the axial direction, creating an axial gap between its contact portion 61c and the pressing member 52, and the diaphragm valve 5 returns to an openable / closable state (the state shown in Figure 2 in which the diaphragm 51 can approach and move away from the opening edge portion of the inner tube portion 14).

[0039] The spray nozzle unit A has the above-described configuration. When a power pump (not shown) connected to the nozzle P is driven, liquid is supplied from the branch pipe B of the nozzle P through the liquid inlet passage 16 of the main casing 1 to the second flow path 20. During normal use, the diaphragm valve operating mechanism 6 is in an assembled state (the diaphragm valve 5 is in an openable / closable state). Therefore, when the internal pressure of the second flow path 20 exceeds a predetermined value, the diaphragm valve 5 opens, allowing liquid to flow from the second flow path 20 to the first flow path 10. When the internal pressure of the second flow path 20 is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the diaphragm valve 5 remains closed, preventing liquid from flowing from the second flow path 20 to the first flow path 10. The liquid that flows into the first flow path 10 passes through the valve hole 11a of the valve body 11 and is sprayed from the spray nozzle (3 or 4) selected for use. Furthermore, by rotating the rotary head 2, the spray nozzle spraying the liquid can be switched to change the spray pattern.

[0040] Moreover, by rotating the operating member 61 of the diaphragm valve operating mechanism 6, the diaphragm valve 5 can be easily switched between the closed and locked state and the openable and closable state, that is, between the spray stop state and the spray state.

[0041] Therefore, in a liquid spraying device having a nozzle P with a large number of spray nozzle units A attached, it is possible to selectively stop spraying only some of the spray nozzle units A without stopping the supply of liquid to each spray nozzle unit A, so that the overall liquid spraying state can be easily adjusted according to the conditions of use.

[0042] Here, the spray nozzle unit A can be switched between the spray stop state and the spray state by rotating the rotary head 2 as described above, but in that case, there is a risk that liquid will continue to flow out of each spray nozzle 3, 4 even in the spray stop state due to wear and deterioration over time of the rotary head 2 and the valve body 11 that slides against it. In contrast, if the diaphragm valve operating mechanism 6 is used, the spray state and the spray stop state can be switched reliably, and the outflow of liquid from each spray nozzle 3, 4 in the spray stop state can be prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, the diaphragm valve operating mechanism 6 switches between the spraying state and the spray stop state using the diaphragm valve 5, which has the advantage of being simpler in structure and lower in manufacturing costs than when a valve such as a ball valve is incorporated into the liquid introduction path.

[0044] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0045] For example, the present invention is not limited to a spray nozzle unit of the type having a rotary head as in the embodiment, but can be widely applied to spray nozzle units having a diaphragm valve. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1 Main casing 2 rotating heads 3, 4 Spray nozzle 5 Diaphragm Valve 6 Diaphragm valve operating mechanism 10 First flow path 14 Inner pipe section 15 Outer tube part 20 Second Flow Path 51 Diaphragm 52 Pressing member 53 Coil spring (elastic member) 54 Support member 54b Male thread 61 Operating member 61a Cylinder part 61c Contact part 63 Stopper A Spray nozzle unit P jet pipe B branch pipe

Claims

1. a main body casing having a first flow path therein; and a spray nozzle for spraying liquid delivered from the first flow path of the main body casing; The main casing is provided with an inner pipe portion that forms the other end of the first flow path, an outer pipe portion that forms a second flow path outside the inner pipe portion, and a connection portion that has a liquid introduction path that communicates with the second flow path and is connected to an external liquid supply source, and is also provided with a diaphragm valve that communicates the second flow path with the first flow path when the internal pressure of the second flow path exceeds a predetermined value and cuts off the second flow path with the first flow path when the internal pressure of the second flow path is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, In a spray nozzle unit, the diaphragm valve includes a diaphragm covering the opening of the inner pipe portion on the other end side of the first flow path, a pressing member facing the edge of the opening of the inner pipe portion across the diaphragm, an elastic member that biases the diaphragm in a direction pressing it against the edge of the opening of the inner pipe portion via the pressing member, and a support member that supports the end of the elastic member on the side opposite to the diaphragm side, a diaphragm valve operating mechanism is provided for switching between a closed and locked state in which the diaphragm is pressed against and held against the opening edge of the inner pipe portion and an open / close state in which the diaphragm can be moved toward and away from the opening edge of the inner pipe portion, a diaphragm valve operating mechanism for operating a nozzle hole in a nozzle hole of the nozzle head; a nozzle hole formed on the ...

2. 2. The spray nozzle unit according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm valve operating mechanism has a stopper that restricts axial movement of the operating member caused by rotation in one direction.

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