High-pressure lance device

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-pressure lance device comprising a valve body (1) having an inlet (11) and an outlet (12) intended to receive a lance (L), the valve body (1) also comprising a controllable valve (13) that comprises a control element (14) which is movable between a rest position and an activated position, wherein the lance device further comprises a control handle (2) that is movable between a rest state, in which the control element (14) is in its rest position, and an actuated state, in which the control element (14) is in its activated position, characterised in that the control handle (2) comprises two grip regions (21) which are operatively connected and configured to be simultaneously gripped by both hands of a user in order to move the control handle (2) between its rest state and its actuated state, and wherein the two grip regions (21) extend substantially symmetrically on either side of the valve body (1).

Description

High pressure lance device

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-pressure lance device comprising a valve body having an inlet intended to be connected by a hose to a high-pressure water generator and an outlet intended to receive a lance. The valve body also comprises a controllable flap or valve arranged between the inlet and the outlet. This controllable flap comprises a control element which is movable between a rest position, in which the controllable flap is closed (by means of a return spring) and an activated position, in which the controllable flap is open and allows the passage of high-pressure water from the inlet to the outlet. The high-pressure lance device further comprises a control handle movable 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, there are already many high-pressure cleaners, 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 valve body valve control element which is housed in 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 tires and the cleaning operation must then be stopped. Changing hands is laborious, as the other hand is often clumsy. Therefore, a break must be observed to allow the hand operating the gun to rest. This wastes time and can also cause trauma to the overloaded hand in the long run.

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

[0005] To achieve this, the present invention proposes that the control handle comprises two gripping zones which are integral in movement with each other and adapted to be grasped simultaneously by the right hand and the left hand of a user to move the control handle between its rest state and its actuated state. Since the two gripping zones are integral in movement, they move together, even if only one of the two zones is acted on. This means that the user has a wide choice of actuation: he can act on the right zone or on the left zone and alternate from one hand to the other to let his hands rest in turn. He can also act simultaneously on both zones, which reduces the effort per hand by half. And with an effort reduced by half, the usage time can be considerably extended. This constitutes an essential advantage of the invention.The user can also 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 the hands without affecting the usage time. This significantly improves user comfort.

[0006] According to the invention, the two gripping zones extend substantially symmetrically on either side of the valve body. Thus, both arms and both hands of the user are stressed in an identical or symmetrical manner, so that one side is not more tired than the other.

[0007] Advantageously, the valve body and the lance extend in the sagittal vertical plane, the control handle is cut by this sagittal vertical plane into two identical halves by mirror symmetry, the two gripping zones being arranged outside this sagittal vertical plane in a symmetrical and parallel manner to each other. According to another possible definition, the control handle extends in a transverse plane, which is perpendicular to the main plane in which the valve body is inscribed.

[0008] According to a feature of the invention, the control handle may comprise a shaft portion provided with a pivoting cam element which is engaged with the control element to move it from its rest position to its activated position, the movement of the two gripping areas causing the shaft portion to rotate on itself and pivoting the cam element which actuates the control element. Thus, the transmission between the control handle and the valve control element is direct and purely mechanical. The two gripping areas are used as lever arms to amplify the pressing force on the control element.

[0009] Advantageously, the control handle may comprise a connecting part, which firmly connects the two gripping areas together. The user can use this connecting part as a third gripping area to actuate the control element of the flap. He can even grasp this connecting part with both hands. The choice of gripping is thus even greater: the user can switch between the two gripping areas and the connecting part as desired.

[0010] In a practical embodiment, the operating handle may have an annular or hoop 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 portion of the hoop, the connecting portion forms the upper portion of the hoop, and the two gripping areas form the side portions of the hoop. The hoop may be round, or alternatively square or rectangular with rounded corners. It is also possible to invert the hoop, so that the shaft portion with its pivoting cam element may form the upper portion of the hoop, the connecting portion forms the lower portion of the hoop, and the two gripping areas form the side portions of the hoop. Inverting the hoop may even be an option for the user, who can then orient the hoop according to the desired use.

[0011] The lance device may also include a fixed handle, the control handle being spaced from the fixed handle in its rest state and returned toward the fixed handle in its actuated state. Advantageously, the fixed handle defines a hollow interior, in which the control handle is housed in its actuated state. Conversely, the control handle could define a hollow interior, in which the fixed handle is housed in the actuated state. In other words, the two handles fit together.

[0012] The lance device may also include a support piece intended 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 integral with the valve body which is housed in a cavity formed by the support piece. With the hinge(s), the user can only adjust the orientation of the lance in a sagittal vertical plane and move it horizontally by a sweeping movement induced by his pelvis. With the ball joint, the user can adjust the orientation of the lance both vertically and horizontally without moving his pelvis. He can also detach the ball joint from the cavity to manipulate the device with a greater degree of freedom.

[0013] Advantageously, the lance device may comprise an axial handle fixedly attached to the valve body and mounted in an articulated manner (hinge(s) or ball joint) on the support part. This axial handle is an additional handle, which further enhances the user's choice of grip. Indeed, the more gripping possibilities there are, the less fatigue the user experiences. He also has more options for handling 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 the shoulder line, etc.).

[0014] The lance device may also comprise a harness and a strap which connects the harness to the valve body or to an element fixedly secured to the valve body, such as the fixed handle, the harness being advantageously provided with a dorsal loop for the passage of the hose connecting the inlet of the valve body to the high-pressure water generator. By adjusting the length of the strap, the user can adjust the angle of the lance relative to the horizontal. It is even possible to provide an elastic strap, which allows movement of the lance in the sagittal plane with a return or recall effect provided by the elasticity of the strap. The user tightens the strap to bring the lance closer to his 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.

[0015] According to a practical embodiment, the high pressure lance device may comprise a housing, in which the valve body is mounted, the control handle being pivotally mounted on this housing to be moved between its rest and actuated states. The fixed handle may be fixedly mounted on the housing, as may the axial handle.

[0016] The spirit of the invention lies in providing two integral and symmetrical triggers (gripping zones), which the user can operate simultaneously or in turn, which offers him a wide choice of gripping type and sequence. The connecting part and the axial handle further increase this choice. The direct action of the control handle on the valve body flap presents a particular advantage, since it eliminates the need for complex transmission, hydraulic or otherwise.

[0017] If the valve body and the lance are considered to extend in the sagittal vertical plane, the control handle is cut by this sagittal vertical plane into two identical halves by mirror symmetry, the two gripping areas being arranged outside this sagittal vertical plane symmetrically and parallel to each other and to the sagittal vertical plane. The connecting part and the axial handle are cut into two identical parts by the sagittal vertical plane.

[0018] Compared to a conventional pistol, whose recoil due to the pressure of the jet is exerted unilaterally on a single arm, the lance device of the invention is placed in a central sagittal manner, so that the recoil is exerted symmetrically and balanced on both arms of the user, and advantageously also partly on his hips. In terms of force exerted by the hands, it is considerably reduced compared to a conventional pistol operated by one hand, given that there are two gripping zones, which already reduces the force by half per hand, but also because these gripping zones offer greater leverage than a conventional trigger. The force per hand is thus divided by 4, 6 or even 10.

[0019] The invention will now be described in greater detail, with reference to the attached drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] In the figures:

[0021] This is a perspective view of the high pressure lance device of the present invention in the rest position,

[0022] This is a greatly enlarged and cut-out perspective view of part of the device, still in the rest position,

[0023] This is a view similar to that of the in the operated position,

[0024] This is a view similar to that of the in the operated position,

[0025] This is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for part of the control handle of the invention,

[0026] This is a view substantially similar to the views of Figures 1 and 3 for an alternative embodiment of the lance device of the invention.

[0027] This is a schematic view showing a user equipped with the high pressure lance device of the invention,

[0028] This is a back view of the user depicted on the.

[0029] 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 however not limiting. The device comprises a central housing B, which may for example comprise two half-shells attached and fixed to one another. This housing B contains a valve body 1, which is a completely conventional element in this type of high-pressure lance device. This valve body 1 comprises an inlet 11 intended to be connected to a hose, as will be seen below. The valve body 1 also comprises an outlet 12, on which is mounted a lance L visible in the. Between the inlet 11 and the outlet 12, the valve body 1 comprises a flap 13, which makes it possible to control or monitor the flow of pressurized water from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12.This valve 13 may for example comprise a ball or a sealing element which is axially movable against a return spring, which biases the ball or the sealing element against a valve seat in a sealed manner. The valve comprises a control element 14 which acts on the ball or the sealing element and which projects outwards. This control element 14 may for example be in the form of a small rod, which can be pressed into the interior of the valve body 1 against the return spring. This is a completely conventional configuration for a valve body of a high-pressure lance device.

[0030] This valve body 1 is thus stably received inside the housing B with the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 protruding from the housing.

[0031] A fixed handle 3 is fixedly mounted on the housing B. Considering that the housing B defines a main or sagittal plane, in which the valve body 1 extends, the fixed handle 3 defines a transverse plane, which extends perpendicular to the main plane of the housing B. This fixed handle 3 is in the form of an arch, a ring or a loop which connects to the housing B at its lower part. It can be noted 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 on the housing B, two lateral parts 31 and an upper part 34 which connects the two lateral parts 31, so as to form an arch which 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.

[0032] According to the invention, the high-pressure lance device of the invention also comprises a control handle 2, which extends in a transverse plane, which is perpendicular to the main or sagittal plane of the housing B, in which the valve body 1 is inscribed. The control handle 2 has a general configuration similar to that of the fixed handle 3. Indeed, this control handle 2 comprises two lateral gripping zones 21, an axis portion 22 and a connecting portion 24. The axis portion 22 is mounted on the housing B so as to be able to rotate on itself. In this way, the control handle 2 is pivotable relative to the housing B. The two gripping zones 21 are mounted on either side of the axis portion 22 so that the two gripping zones are integral with each other during movement. In addition, the two gripping areas 21 are fixedly connected to each other by the connecting part 24, which is however optional.It is easily understood from that the control handle 2, which is shown here in its rest state, can be moved towards the fixed handle 3 so as to be able to fit into its hollow interior 30, as shown in the.

[0033] According to the invention, the rotatable axis part 22 of the control handle 2 is provided with a pivoting cam element 23 which engages with the small rod forming the control element 14. This is shown in the, which shows 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 the, the pivoting cam element 23 is pivotally moved due to the rotation of the axis part 22 so as to press the control element 14 into the valve body 1. This is shown in the. From then on, the valve 13 is opened and the pressurized water can flow from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12 and beyond through the lance L.

[0034] The high-pressure lance device also comprises an axial handle 4 which is mounted on the housing B. This axial handle 4 extends on 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 a degree of freedom in the sagittal vertical plane. The support piece 5, visible in Figures 1 and 3, can be covered with a padding cushion for reasons of comfort. Indeed, this support piece 5 is intended to come into contact with the hips of a user.

[0035] In the, we see a variant of the rotating axis portion 22' of the control handle. 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.

[0036] On the, this variant of the lance device of the invention is distinguished by the presence of a ball or swivel 54', in place of the two articulations or hinges 54 of figures 1 and 3. This swivel 54' extends in the axial extension of the axial handle 4 in the direction of the support piece (not shown), which comprises an axial central cavity intended to receive the swivel 54'. This support piece can be integrated into a belt fixed around the user's waist. The swivel 54' simply rests in the axial central cavity, without being subject to it. The recoil generated by the pressure of the jet is sufficient to press the swivel 54' into its receiving cavity. This swivel configuration offers a greater degree of freedom in the orientation of the lance L, given that it is not limited to the simple sagittal vertical plane, as is the case with the two hinges 54.On the other hand, it allows the user to separate the spear device from the belt and manipulate it as he sees fit.

[0037] On the, we also see a second ball joint 55, which is mounted at the end of a rod 551, which is oriented substantially at 90° with respect to the axis of the lance L downwards. This second ball joint 55 can be placed in the axial central cavity of the support piece, in place of the ball joint 54'. Thus, the lance L is oriented almost vertically towards the ground for particular applications.

[0038] In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 6, the control handle 2 and the fixed handle 3 extend mainly above the axis of the lance L, in the normal position of use. Nothing prevents the lance device from being turned around the axis of the lance to position the control handle 2 and the fixed handle 3 above the axis of the lance L and from using it in this inverted position. Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide two or more different positions for the control handle 2 and the fixed handle 3, so that the user can switch from one position to the other depending on the use he will have. A quick connection / reconnection system can be provided to facilitate the change of position.

[0039] 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 provided with a chest protector 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 sagittal vertical plane of the user. In other words, the lance L can be inclined more or less downwards or upwards, while remaining in the sagittal vertical plane of the user. Once the length of the strap S has been 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.

[0040] The inlet 11 of the valve body 1 is connected by a hose F to a pressurized water generator G, which is connected to the general water supply. As can be seen in the, the hose F advantageously passes through a loop or carabiner P, which is located at the dorsal part of the harness H. Thus, there is no tension on the hose at the inlet 11.

[0041] Once thus 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. He can operate the control handle 2 at its gripping zones 21, but also at its connecting part 24. He can also grasp the axial handle 4 using one hand and operate the movable handle 2 using his other hand. He can thus vary the grip of the high-pressure lance device of the invention by moving his hands as he wishes. Of course, the least tiring grip is that where the user uses both hands to simultaneously operate the two gripping zones 21. Indeed, the effort he has to provide is then at least divided by half. And even if he releases one of the gripping zones 21, the power supply is not cut off, since the control handle 2 is still always actuated.In addition, the simultaneous gripping of the two gripping zones 21 provides symmetry and increased stability. Indeed, the two gripping zones 21 are located in a perfectly symmetrical and parallel manner relative to the housing B and its valve body 1. The two gripping zones 21 are located above the lance axis L, so that the user can easily counteract a rise in the lance by extending his arms. And when he wants to change grip, he is spoiled for choice since he can reposition his hands on the connecting part 24 or on the axial handle 4. The lance device can rest on the hips by means of the support piece to relieve the user's arms, while preserving a sufficient degree of freedom. The user can also do without this support on the hips, particularly with the ball-joint variant, to increase the maneuverability of the device in particular uses.The invention provides a high-pressure lance device, which is intended to be held symmetrically in the user's sagittal plane with both hands. This lance device is not only very easy to handle, but above all less tiring over time, due to its symmetrical two-handed operation.

[0042] According to an alternative embodiment which still incorporates the invention, it is possible to imagine a control handle comprising two gripping zones which are integral in movement with each other when the left zone is actuated, but not the right zone, or vice versa. In more detail, the right zone alone activates the valve, leaving the left zone inoperative, while the left zone activates the right zone, which in turn activates the valve, or vice versa. In this alternative, one of the two zones would not be coupled to the other zone, but the two gripping zones which are nevertheless integral in movement with each other by the actuation of only one of the two zones.

Claims

A high-pressure lance device comprising a valve body (1) having an inlet (11) intended to be connected by a hose (F) to a high-pressure water generator (G) and an outlet (12) intended to receive a lance (L), the valve body (1) also comprising a controllable valve (13) arranged between the inlet (11) and the outlet (12), this controllable valve (13) comprising a control element (14) which is movable between a rest position, in which the controllable valve (13) is closed, and an activated position, in which the controllable valve (13) is open and allows the high-pressure water to pass from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12), the high-pressure lance device further comprising a control handle (2) movable between a rest state, in which the control element (14) is in its rest position, and an actuated state, in which the control element (14) is in its activated position,characterized in that the control handle (2) comprises two gripping zones (21) which are integral in movement with each other and adapted to be grasped simultaneously by the right hand and the left hand of a user to move the control handle (2) between its rest state and its actuated state, the two gripping zones (21) extending substantially symmetrically on either side of the valve body (1)., High pressure lance device according to claim 1, wherein the valve body (1) and the lance (L) extend in the sagittal vertical plane, the control handle (2) is cut by this sagittal vertical plane into two identical halves by mirror symmetry, the two gripping zones (21) being arranged outside this sagittal vertical plane symmetrically and parallel to each other. High pressure lance device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control handle (2) extends in a transverse plane, which is perpendicular to the main plane in which the valve body (1) is inscribed. A high pressure lance device according to any preceding claim, wherein the control handle (2) comprises an axle 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 areas (21) causing the axle portion (22) to rotate on itself and pivot the cam element (23) which actuates the control element (14). High pressure lance device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control handle (2) comprises a connecting part (24), which fixedly connects the two gripping areas (21) together. A high pressure lance device according to any preceding claim, wherein the control handle (2) has an annular or arch configuration, with the two gripping areas (21) extending parallel and substantially symmetrically on either side of the valve body (1). A high pressure lance device according to any preceding claim, comprising a fixed handle (3), the control handle (2) being spaced from the fixed handle (3) in its rest state and returned towards the fixed handle (3) in its actuated state. A high pressure lance device according to claim 7, wherein the fixed handle (3) defines a hollow interior (30), in which the control handle (2) is housed in its actuated state. High pressure lance device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support piece (5) intended to come to bear on the hips of the user, the valve body (1) being articulated on this support piece (5) to allow movement of the valve body (1). High pressure lance device according to claim 9, comprising an axial handle (4) fixedly secured to the valve body (1) and mounted in an articulated manner on the support piece (5). 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 secured to the valve body (1), the harness (H) being advantageously 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). A high pressure lance device according to any preceding claim, 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 rest and actuated states. High pressure lance device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the two gripping zones which are integral in movement with each other when the left zone is actuated, but not the right zone, or vice versa, so that the right zone alone activates the valve leaving the left zone inoperative, while the left zone activates the right zone, which will in turn activate the valve, or vice versa.

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