Spraying device

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for shooting a projectile at a target body, in particular a fluid projectile or solid projectile, which apparatus comprises a hand-held device for shooting the projectile, wherein the hand-held device comprises a drive for accelerating the projectile and a distance-measuring device for measuring a distance between the hand-held device and the target body. The apparatus also comprises a stored energy source for operating the drive, wherein the drive comprises a control unit, by means of which the drive can be controlled in accordance with the measured distance.

Claims

1. Device for firing a projectile at a target body, comprising a hand-held unit for firing the projectile, the hand-held unit comprising a propulsion drive for accelerating the projectile and a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the hand-held unit and the target body, the device also comprising an energy store for operating the propulsion drive, wherein the device comprises a control unit, whereby the propulsion is controllable in dependence on the distance measured, and wherein when a distance that lies below a limit distance is measured, the propulsion drive is switched off.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the hand-held unit comprises the control unit.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein a power output of the propulsion drive is controllable in dependence on the distance measured.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein a firing angle of the projectile in relation to the hand-held unit is controllable in dependence on the distance measured and/or in dependence on the power output of the propulsion drive.

5. Device according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion drive is electrically operable.

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the propulsion drive comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein during operation, the hand-held unit is movable independently of the rechargeable battery.

8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion drive comprises a pump.

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the pump is formed as a diaphragm pump.

10. Device according to claim 8, wherein the hand-held unit comprises a fluid container, which is fluidically connectable to the pump.

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the pump is connectable to the fluid container in the manner of a force closure by way of a conical connection.

12. Device according to claim 10, wherein the fluid container comprises a cylinder with a piston that can be moved within the cylinder.

13. Device according to claim 12, wherein the piston and the cylinder form an exchangeable unit.

14. Device according to claim 10, wherein the distance measuring device comprises an ultrasonic sensor.

15. Device according to claim 1, wherein during operation, the hand-held unit is movable independently of container.

16. Device according to claim 1, wherein the hand-held unit has a receptacle for an insert, the insert optionally being formed as a fluid container insert or as a connecting element to a fluid container that is separate from the hand-held unit.

17. Device according to claim 1, wherein the projectile is a fluid projectile or solid projectile.

18. Method for operating a device for firing a projectile at a target body, comprising a hand-held unit for firing a projectile, and also propulsion drive for accelerating the projectile and a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the hand-held unit and the target body, the device also comprising an energy store for operating the propulsion drive, wherein the propulsion drive comprises a control unit, the propulsion being controlled in dependence on the distance measured, and wherein when a distance that lies below a limit distance is measured, the propulsion drive is switched off.

19. Method according to claim 18, wherein the projectile is a fluid projectile or solid projectile.

20. Device for firing a projectile at a target body, comprising a hand-held unit for firing the projectile, the hand-held unit comprising a propulsion drive for accelerating the projectile and a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the hand-held unit and the target body, the device also comprising an energy store for operating the propulsion drive, wherein the device comprises a control unit, whereby the propulsion is controllable in dependence on the distance measured, wherein the control is designed in such a way that, below a predetermined limit distance between the hand-held unit and the target body, the propulsion drive is operable in such a way that the projectile leaves the hand-held unit with lower velocity than if the predetermined limit distance is exceeded.

21. Method for operating a device for firing a projectile at a target body, comprising a hand-held unit for firing a projectile, and also propulsion drive for accelerating the projectile and a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the hand-held unit and the target body, the device also comprising an energy store for operating the propulsion drive, wherein the propulsion drive comprises a control unit, the propulsion being controlled in dependence on the distance measured, wherein the control is designed in such a way that, below a predetermined limit distance between the hand-held unit and the target body, the propulsion drive is operated in such a way that the projectile leaves the hand-held unit with lower velocity than if the predetermined limit distance is exceeded.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The drawings used for explaining the exemplary embodiment show:

(2) FIG. 1 a schematic side view of a first variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile with an inserted insert of a first embodiment;

(3) FIG. 2 the device according to FIG. 1 as a sectional representation;

(4) FIG. 3 a schematic side view of a first variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile with an inserted insert of a second embodiment in a sectional representation;

(5) FIG. 4 a schematic representation of an arrangement comprising a first variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile with an inserted insert of a second embodiment and a backpack connected to the insert;

(6) FIG. 5 a schematic side view of a second variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile, formed as a water pistol;

(7) FIG. 6a a schematic plan view of a third variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile comprising a fluid container realized by a cylinder and a piston, before use when the fluid container is full;

(8) FIG. 6b a schematic plan view according to FIG. 6a, after use when the fluid container is empty;

(9) FIG. 7a a schematic side view of a fourth variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile when the fluid container is full;

(10) FIG. 7b a schematic representation according to FIG. 7a when the fluid container has been emptied and the outlet nozzle is elevated; and

(11) FIG. 8 a schematic side view of a fourth variant of a device for firing a solid projectile.

(12) In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference signs in the figures.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(13) Possible exemplary embodiments are described below on the basis of the figures, in the present case each having a fluid pump. However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the concept according to the invention also with some other propulsion drive, such as for example an electromagnetic drive in the case of a ferromagnetic projectile, etc.

(14) FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first variant of a device 100 for firing a fluid projectile with an inserted insert 200 of a first embodiment.

(15) The device of the first variant (hereinafter variant 100) comprises a housing 101 with a handle in a lower region. On the end face, the variant 100 has a trigger 110, which in the present case is formed as a pushbutton. However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that instead a conventional pistol trigger, a touchscreen, in particular for example with fingerprint recognition to prevent misuse, or the like may also be formed. The variant 100 also comprises on the end face, vertically above the handle, a distance sensor 112, an outlet nozzle 111 for the fluid and also an LED 113. The variant 100 also comprises an insert 200 with the fluid.

(16) FIG. 2 shows the variant 100 according to FIG. 1 as a sectional representation. Within the housing, the variant 100 also comprises a propulsion drive 114 in the form of a diaphragm pump 114, which can be controlled by way of a control unit 115. However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that other pumps, such as for example peristaltic pumps, gear pumps or the like, can also be used. The control unit 115 is also connected to the distance sensor 112 in such a way that distances measured can be processed by the control unit 115. The distance sensor 112 is formed in the present case as an ultrasonic sensor, though other distance sensors, such as for example laser, IR, radar and the like may also be provided. The control unit 115 can activate the pump 114 in dependence on the distance measured. In the preferred embodiment, a short distance is fixed by default for safety reasons, so that the pump 114 can only pump with low output, whereby in turn a risk of injury is kept low. If then a distance from a target object that is greater than a limit distance is established by the distance sensor 112, the output is increased correspondingly by the control unit. The variant 100 also comprises two batteries 120, which according to FIG. 2 lie one behind the other, so that only one battery 120 can be seen. The batteries 120 are connected to the pump 114 by way of power lines 121, 122. The power lines 121, 122 also comprise in each case a power connection 123, 124 for an additional battery pack, which is discussed in more detail below. For a better overview, not all of the lines are depicted in the figures. It is clear to a person skilled in the art how the electronics for these devices should be provided.

(17) The pump 114 is connected to an insert of the first embodiment 200 by way of an intake tube 116. The intake tube 116 is fixed in the housing 101 and distally comprises a piercing pin 117. The insert 200 comprises a container 201 for the fluid, and also a septum 202, which can be pierced by the piercing pin 117. The septum 202 is arranged at the foot of the container 201. The insert is held on the housing 101 by way of a locking device that is not shown, in particular a snap spring or the like. The insert 200 is formed as a disposable insert. This can be easily pulled out of the housing 101 by overcoming the holding force of the locking device, and a new insert 200 can be pushed in similarly easily, until it snaps into place.

(18) In a preferred embodiment, two batteries, in particular two 3-volt batteries (e.g. CR123A), are used to drive the pump 114. It is consequently possible for only one battery to be used for low output and two batteries to be used for feeding the pump for high output. With the low output and a suitable geometry of the outlet nozzle, a range of about 1.5 m can be achieved; with the high output, i.e. with both batteries, a range of about 5 m can be achieved. At a range of 1.5 m, an eye injury caused by the jet can be ruled out with the greatest probability even at close proximity. When the unit is switched on, in this embodiment the pump is thus operated with one battery.

(19) The LED is formed in the present case as a UV-LED. A UV-sensitive substance, for example uranine, is admixed with the fluid (e.g. the insecticide or in the case of a water pistol the water), so that the fluid is illuminated when it is exposed to UV. In this way the aiming accuracy can be increased, because the jet can be visually followed and the hit target can be detected. Furthermore, in this way the target can in addition also be identified later.

(20) FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of a first variant 100 of a device for firing a fluid projectile with an inserted insert 300 of a second embodiment in a sectional representation. In the present FIG. 3, the elements of the device for firing the fluid projectile are identical to those from FIG. 2. The only difference is in the insert 300 of the second embodiment. This insert 300 does not have a container for the fluid here, but comprises additional batteries 310, 311, which are connectable to the power connections 123, 124 of the variant 100 by way of two power connections 304, 305. This allows the capacity of the device to be increased significantly. The insert 300 also comprises a tube 303, which is connectable to an external container. When the intake pin 117 pierces the septum 302 of the insert 300, it protrudes directly into the tube 303, so that the fluid can be taken in by the pump 114 by way of the tube 303.

(21) FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement comprising a first variant 100 of a device for firing a fluid with an inserted insert 300 of a second embodiment and a backpack 400 connected to the insert. The tube 303 is connected to a container 401 in the backpack. The backpack in the present case comprises shoulder straps 402, so that it can be carried on the back. Alternatively, the container 401 may however also be fastened to a waist belt. Furthermore, the tube may also be made sufficiently long that, for example, a single container can be used for a number of devices.

(22) The insert 300 can be pulled out of the housing 101 similarly easily and replaced for example by an insert 200.

(23) It is clear to a person skilled in the art that it is possible to dispense with the batteries in the insert 300 if the batteries are likewise arranged externally, in particular for example in the backpack 400. This allows the capacity to be increased further.

(24) FIG. 5 finally shows a schematic side view of a second variant 500 of a device 500 for firing a fluid projectile, formed as a water pistol 500. The water pistol 500 is not restricted to the present form, but may be formed as desired, for example as a water gun, fantasy figures such as a fish spouting water, etc.

(25) The water pistol 500 in the present case comprises a distance sensor 512 underneath an outlet nozzle 511, whereby likewise, as in the case of the device described above, a distance can be measured. The distance measured is evaluated by a control unit 515, whereupon an output for the pump 514 is defined. The pump 514 may in the present case be driven by way of two batteries. In FIG. 5, no electrical lines are depicted to provide a better overview. The water pistol 500 comprises within the housing 501 an intake tube 516, which connects the piercing pin 517 to the pump 514.

(26) In the handle of the housing 501 of the water pistol 500, once again an insert 600, which comprises a container 601 for water and a septum 602, has been pushed in. With the insert 600 inserted, the piercing pin 517 pierces the septum, so that water can be transported through the tube 516 to the pump.

(27) It is clear to a person skilled in the art that it is possible to dispense with the insert 600. In this case, the housing 501 itself may be provided as a water container, the electronics having to be sealed off with respect thereto. The housing may in this case simply be provided with a refill opening, which is for example provided with a plug or a screw closure.

(28) FIG. 6a shows a schematic plan view (from above) of a third variant of a device for firing a fluid projectile comprising a fluid container realized by a cylinder 710 and a piston 720, before use and with the fluid container full. The present embodiment of a discharge device 700 is consequently constructed in a way similar to a syringe, with a cylinder 710 and a piston 720 that is movable therein and is connected in one piece to a piston rod 721. The piston rod 721 comprises in turn a toothed rack 722, which is likewise connected in one piece to the piston rod. The cylinder 710 comprises a nozzle 711, through which the fluid can leave as a fluid projectile. The piston 720 is movable in the cylinder 710 by way of a drive motor unit 800. However, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the piston can in principle also be actuated manually or by way of an energy store known to a person skilled in the art, such as for example a spring or the like. The drive motor unit 800 in the present case comprises a drive motor 801 with a reduction gear unit 802, whereby the drive gearwheel 803 of the drive motor unit 800 can be driven. The drive gearwheel 803 is in the present case in engagement with the toothed rack 722 of the piston rod 721, so that, when there is a counterclockwise rotation of the drive gearwheel 803, the toothed rack 722, and consequently the piston 720, is moved into the cylinder 710, and thereby brings about a discharge of the fluid.

(29) The drive motor unit 800 may preferably be electronically regulated; in particular, the rotational speed may preferably be regulated substantially independently of the output, whereby the discharge velocity of the fluid is determinable in dependence on the diameters of the nozzle and the cylinder. Furthermore, the device may be controlled in such a way that the discharge takes place during a time period that is predetermined, in particular programmed, or determined by the user.

(30) FIG. 6b shows a schematic plan view according to FIG. 6a, after use when the fluid container is empty. In this state, the piston 720 has been made to enter the cylinder 710 completely. It can be seen in this case that the toothed rack does not protrude as far as the end of the piston rod 721 opposite from the piston 720. After the emptying of the cylinder 710, the drive gearwheel 803 disengages from the toothed rack 722, so that the drive gearwheel 803 idles. This achieves overload protection for the motor in the end position in an easy way.

(31) FIG. 7a shows a schematic side view of a third variant of a device 900 for firing a fluid projectile with a full fluid container 1000.

(32) The term plane of the housing is understood hereinafter as meaning a plane that lies substantially in the plane of symmetry of the housing represented, i.e. in the plane of the page of FIGS. 7a and 7b. In FIGS. 7a and 7b once again no electrical lines are depicted to provide a better overview.

(33) The variant 900 in the present case comprises a housing 901, in which a fluid container 1000 formed as an insert is insertable. The housing 901 comprises a peristaltic pump 914, which is fluidically connected to an intake tube 916 and a nozzle tube 917. The nozzle tube 917 opens out in the nozzle 911, which in the present case is formed as pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the housing (see below). The housing 901 also comprises a distance sensor 912, which is arranged underneath the nozzle 911. The data of the distance sensor 912 are sent to a control unit 915, which is likewise located in the housing 901 and where these data are processed. Arranged in the housing 901 is a battery 920, whereby the peristaltic pump 914, the distance sensor 912 and the control unit 915 are fed. Finally, the housing 901 comprises a trigger 910, whereby the function of the device can be initiated, in particular a fluid can be fired.

(34) While the peristaltic pump in the present case lies with an axis of rotation of the motor at right angles to the plane of the housing, for reasons of space it may also lie with the axis of rotation within the plane of the housing. Furthermore, the rotor of the peristaltic pump may be fitted over a gear unit of the motor or over the motor itself, so that the portion of tube that is to be pinched during operation is laid around the motor or around the gear unit. A particularly compact form of construction is thereby achieved.

(35) The nozzle 911 is in the present case pivotable in a plane parallel to a cross-sectional area of the housing 901. This allows the parabolic flight to be substantially compensated in dependence on the power output of the propulsion drive, that is to say the peristaltic pump 914, and the distance measured by the distance sensor 912. The nozzle 911 is preferably pivotable automatically by way of a micro servo, but may also be formed as pivotable manually Finally, it is also possible to dispense with the pivotability. In particular, the nozzle may also be fixedly pivoted, so that the parabolic flight is compensated just by the pump output and the distance measured.

(36) The housing 901 also comprises a receptacle for the fluid container 1000. The fluid container 1000 comprises a cylinder 1010, which on the end face comprises a Luer lock connection 1011. The counterpart of the Luer lock connection is comprised by the distal end of the intake tube 916. The cylinder 1010 can in this way be mounted by being fitted into the housing 901 and subsequently turned, in particular by an angle of 90. A piston 1020 is movably mounted within the cylinder 1010.

(37) In the method, in a first step a distance from the target object is determined by way of the distance sensor 912. These distance data are sent to the control unit 915 and processed there. Depending on the distance measured, the necessary power output for the propulsion drive, that is to say the peristaltic pump, is then determined. When the trigger 910 is pressed, the peristaltic pump 914 is put into operation. This makes a negative pressure act on the cylinder 1010, whereby the fluid located in the cylinder is sucked out of it. At the same time, as a result the piston 1020 moves in the direction of the closed end of the cylinder 1010. The fluid is discharged through the nozzle 911 by way of the nozzle line 917. In the design with the pivotable nozzle, a balance between the nozzle elevation and the pump output can then be found on the basis of the distance measured, i.e. the output of the pump can be reduced when there is a greater firing angle.

(38) The cylinder in the present case also comprises an optional pin 1012, which is in line with the Luer lock connection 1011 and protrudes inwardly, which is discussed in more detail in connection with FIG. 7b.

(39) FIG. 7b shows a schematic representation according to FIG. 7a when the fluid container 1000 has been emptied and the outlet nozzle 911 is elevated. The piston 1020 in the present case comprises an interior space separated off by a diaphragm 1022 and containing a cleaning agent 1021. The diaphragm 1022 is directed toward the pin 1012. If the fluid store is then emptied, the piston 1020 moves toward the pin 1012, so that the pin 1012 perforates the diaphragm 1022. The cleaning agent 1021 is then taken in through the pin 1012, whereby the lines and the nozzle of the device can be cleaned. Instead of the cleaning agent 1022, other substances may also be provided, in particular a marking substance or the like.

(40) To sum up, it can be stated that, according to the invention, a device for firing a projectile is provided, the kinetic energy of the projectile being controlled on the basis of a distance between the device and a target object, in particular being able to be reduced when the distance is small. This is of great advantage in particular and water pistols, because in this way it is possible for example to avoid eye injuries during use at a short distance.

(41) FIG. 8 shows a fourth variant 1100 of a device for firing a solid projectile 1110. The device comprises a gas cartridge 1101, which in the present case contains CO.sub.2 under pressure. The gas cartridge 1101 is exchangeable. The gas cartridge 1101 is connected to a valve 1102, which is controllable by means of the control device 1103. Furthermore, the variant 1100 comprises a barrel 1105, which is in connection with the valve 1102 and in which gas can be discharged from the gas cartridge 1101 in dependence on the valve position. In the barrel 1105 there is a solid projectile in the form of a sphere 1110. The variant 1100 further comprises a distance sensor 1104, which in the present case is formed as an ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor 1104 is arranged under the barrel 1105 and measures a distance in the longitudinal direction of the barrel. Finally, the variant 1100 comprises a trigger 1106.

(42) In the method, by actuating the trigger 1106, the distance from the target object is determined with the distance sensor 1104 by the control unit 1103 and compared with a predetermined limit distance. If the measured distance is less than the predetermined limit distance, the valve 1102 is not actuated, so that the sphere 1110 is not fired. If, however, the measured distance exceeds the predetermined limit distance, the valve 1102 is switched by the control unit 1103 in such a way that a pressure of the gas cartridge 1101 is discharged through the valve 1102 into the barrel 1105, and so the sphere 1110 is accelerated out of the barrel 1105.

(43) Instead of the sphere 1110, other objects may also be provided, in particular toy projectiles of any kind, such as for example arrows, in particular suction-cup arrows, darts of foam, Styropor, hard rubber, thrown projectiles such as balls, spinning tops, frisbees, clay pigeons, etc.

(44) Furthermore, the projectile may also comprise a toy flying object and further objects known to a person skilled in the art.

(45) In order to obtain a shorter reaction time of the device, the distance may optionally be measured continuously instead of only when the trigger is pulled. This applies to all of the above variants.