Pesticide spraying system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pest control agent spraying system designed to efficiently spray agents on trees or planting areas and to manage nozzle clogging on its own, comprising: a pest control agent storage tank loaded on a mobile vehicle for storing pest control agents; a pressure pump unit that generates pressure to discharge pest control agents from the pest control agent storage tank to the outside; a hose reel that can wind or unwind a spray hose through which pest control agents supplied from the pressure pump unit travel according to a working radius; and a spray nozzle assembly provided at the end of the spray hose for spraying pressurized pest control agents onto trees or planting areas outside.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pest control agent spraying system, and more specifically, to a pest control agent spraying system designed to efficiently spray agents onto trees or planting areas and to automatically manage nozzle clogging. Background Technology

[0003] In general, the spraying of pesticides to prevent or eliminate diseases and pests on crops or trees is an essential process in the agricultural and forestry sectors. In the past, workers primarily used manual sprayers carried on their backs to spray the chemicals directly; however, this method had the disadvantages of being very labor-intensive and inefficient for controlling large areas. Consequently, mechanical spraying systems equipped with chemical tanks and high-pressure pumps on vehicles and utilizing long hoses to control extensive areas have recently become widely adopted.

[0004] While conventional mechanical pest control systems have the advantage of being able to deliver chemicals over long distances using high-pressure pumps, they faced limitations in adjusting the length of the spray nozzle or the spray pattern, despite the varying heights of the target trees and planting environments. In particular, due to the chemical properties of pesticides, fine crystals are prone to forming; consequently, the nozzle opening frequently becomes clogged if the spraying operation is interrupted or if the chemicals dry out at the tip of the nozzle.

[0005] Such nozzle clogging causes uneven spray pressure and reduces spraying efficiency, while also requiring operators to manually disassemble and clean the nozzles every time, which is inconvenient. Additionally, applying excessive pressure to deliver chemicals to trees located at high altitudes poses a risk of hose damage, whereas applying too little pressure results in the chemicals failing to reach the target area.

[0006] Consequently, conventional technology has critical problems, such as difficulty in flexibly responding to various work environments and reduced work continuity due to the complicated maintenance of nozzles.

[0007] Meanwhile, the aforementioned background technology is technical information that the inventor possessed for the derivation of the present invention or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and it cannot necessarily be considered publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present invention. Prior art literature

[0009] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2272389 (Published July 2, 2021) The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a system capable of maintaining stable spraying performance for a long time by automatically removing foreign substances generated at the tip of the spray nozzle, in order to smoothly manage the hose according to the working distance and adjust the length of the nozzle to match the height of the trees when performing large-capacity pest control operations loaded on a mobile vehicle.

[0011] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] A pest control agent spraying system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a pest control agent storage tank loaded on a mobile vehicle for storing pest control agents; a pressure pump unit for generating a pressure to discharge pest control agents from the pest control agent storage tank to the outside; a hose reel for winding or unwinding a spray hose through which pest control agents supplied from the pressure pump unit travel according to a working radius; and a spray nozzle assembly provided at the end of the spray hose for spraying the pressurized pest control agent onto trees or a planting area outside.

[0014] In one embodiment, the spray nozzle assembly may be equipped with a telescopic length adjustment member in which a plurality of tubular bodies are slidably connected to each other so that the total length is variable, allowing the operator to adjust the spraying distance according to the height of the tree to be treated.

[0015] In one embodiment, the spray nozzle assembly may be equipped with a variable nozzle head installed at the end to control the diffusion or concentration of the sprayed pest control agent.

[0016] In one embodiment, the variable nozzle head may include: a spray tip installed at the front end of the spray nozzle assembly to receive and spray a pest control agent; a ring-shaped frame installed along the front end of the spray nozzle assembly; a sealing part installed between the ring-shaped frame and the spray nozzle assembly to seal the gap; a rotating ring formed in a circular ring shape and rotatably connected to the front end of the ring-shaped frame to provide a discharge passage for the pest control agent sprayed from the spray tip; a rotational driving part installed on the ring-shaped frame to drive the rotational ring; a tapered guide surface formed as the inner circumference of the rotational ring, wherein the inner diameter gradually increases toward the front to induce diffusion of the pest control agent sprayed through the rotational ring; and a foreign matter removal part installed along the tapered guide surface and rotating together with the rotational ring to remove foreign matter attached to the spray tip.

[0017] In one embodiment, the foreign matter removal unit may include: a rotating shaft installed along the front inner circumference of the tapered guide surface, which is connected in sequence by a universal joint so that a plurality of them can rotate mutually and forms a closed-loop trajectory; a shaft driving unit that drives one of the plurality of rotating shafts to rotate in a forward or reverse direction; a plurality of module storage grooves formed radially along the tapered guide surface, which are extended in the front-rear length direction so that a portion of the rotating shaft is exposed to the outside; and a plurality of cleaning modules, each front end of which is installed by axial coupling to the rotating shaft and stored in the module storage groove, which are exposed from the module storage groove as the rotating shaft rotates and then closely seated on the spray tip, and which rotate together with the rotating ring as it rotates to remove foreign matter attached to the spray tip.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cleaning module comprises: a module body portion that rotates by the rotating shaft, with its front end installed by axial coupling to the rotating shaft and stored in the module storage groove; a module head portion rotatably connected and installed at the rear end of the module body portion; a first return spring installed on the rotation axis of the module head portion, which rotates the module head portion toward the spray tip direction so that it is seated perpendicularly at the front end of the spray tip when the module head portion is separated from the module storage groove; a first magnet installed on the upper side of the rear end of the module storage groove opposite to the module head portion; a second magnet installed on the module head portion, forming opposite polarities to exert mutual attraction with the first magnet, which pulls the module head portion when it is stored in the module storage groove so as not to be exposed from the module storage groove; a first brush installed at the end of the module head portion to remove foreign matter attached to the spray tip; and a pair of brush storage grooves formed spaced apart in the longitudinal direction along the downward surface of the module body portion. A pair of brush rotation shafts installed to be rotatable adjacent to each other in each of the pair of brush storage grooves; a pair of second brushes installed along the brush rotation shafts and stored in the brush storage grooves, which are exposed to stand upright from the brush storage grooves as the brush rotation shafts rotate to remove foreign substances attached around the spray tip; a pair of second return springs installed on the brush rotation shafts to support the brush rotation shafts in a direction in which the second brushes are exposed from the brush storage grooves; a plate mounting groove formed on the upper surface of the module body; an operating trigger plate that is mounted in the plate mounting groove when the module body is stored in the module storage groove; and a plate support spring installed inside the plate mounting groove to support the operating trigger plate in a direction in which it is exposed from the plate mounting grooves.It may include: a lifting rod installed upright on the lower side of the operating trigger plate and configured to move up and down while penetrating the module body; and a pair of deployment control wires, one end of which is wound around the brush rotation axis and the other end of which is installed at the lower end of the lifting rod, which move together with the lifting rod as the operating trigger plate is exposed from the plate seating groove and rotate the brush rotation axis in the direction in which the second brush is exposed from the brush storage groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, the variable nozzle head may further include a plurality of diffusion-inducing blades that are installed in an inclined direction along the inner circumference of the tapered guide surface and induce diffusion of the pest control agent sprayed through the rotating ring. Effects of the invention

[0021] The present invention provides an environment in which pest control operations can be performed quickly and efficiently over long distances and extensive areas through the organic combination of a pressure pump and a hose reel.

[0022] In particular, the length of the spray nozzle can be freely adjusted, allowing for precise spraying even on trees at high altitudes while minimizing the operator's movement, thereby significantly reducing labor costs.

[0023] In addition, by resolving nozzle clogging in real time through an automatic foreign matter removal mechanism built into the spray nozzle head, it prevents spray failures caused by drug crystals and has the effect of significantly extending the lifespan of the equipment.

[0024] In conclusion, the present invention not only maximizes pest control effects through uniform spraying of pesticides but also significantly contributes to improving work efficiency in farms and forestry sites by enhancing the convenience of maintenance.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and various effects may be included within the scope obvious to a person skilled in the art from the contents described below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a pest control agent spraying system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a drawing showing the injection nozzle assembly of Figure 1. Figures 3 and 4 are drawings showing the variable nozzle head of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a drawing showing the foreign substance removal section of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a drawing showing the cleaning module of Figure 5. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that various embodiments of the invention are different but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, specific shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in relation to one embodiment. It should also be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims, including all equivalents to those claimed therein, provided appropriately described. Similar reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions across various aspects.

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a pest control agent spraying system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a pest control agent spraying system (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pest control agent storage tank (100), a pressurized pump unit (200), a hose reel (300), a spray hose (310), and a spray nozzle stand (400).

[0032] The chemical storage tank (100) is securely fixed to the cargo compartment of the vehicle (1) to stably accommodate a large volume of pest control chemicals and protect the chemicals from external impacts.

[0033] The chemical storage tank (100) is equipped with a stirring device inside to maintain the pest control agent, which is prone to precipitation, at a uniform concentration, thereby maximizing the spraying effect.

[0034] The pressure pump unit (200) sucks in and discharges the pest control agent stored in the agent storage tank (100) with strong pressure, providing a propulsion force that allows the agent to reach a long distance.

[0035] The pressure pump unit (200) adopts an inverter control method that can finely adjust the spray pressure according to the working conditions, thereby generating a discharge pressure optimized for the type of tree or working distance.

[0036] The hose reel (300) is equipped with a guide that supports the spray hose (310) so that it can be wound up without twisting or unwound smoothly according to the working distance.

[0037] The hose reel (300) is linked with an electric motor and automatically retrieves a large-capacity spray hose (310), thereby drastically reducing the fatigue of the worker.

[0038] The spray hose (310) is made of a highly wear-resistant material that transmits the high-pressure pest control agent generated in the pressure pump unit (200) to the spray nozzle (400) without loss.

[0039] The spray nozzle (400) is made of an ergonomic shape that is easy for a worker to grip and breaks down the agent delivered from the end of the spray hose (310) into fine particles and sprays it onto the trees.

[0040] The spray nozzle assembly (400) is designed with a center of gravity that minimizes recoil during pest control operations, thereby maintaining operational stability even during long-term operation.

[0041] A pest control agent spraying system (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above efficiently controls the entire process from agent storage to high-pressure spraying to increase pest control efficiency and ensure convenience for the operator.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the injection nozzle assembly (400) includes a telescopic length adjustment member (410) and a tubular body (411).

[0044] The telescopic length adjustment member (410) is formed with a multi-stage structure in which a plurality of tubular bodies (411) are inserted inside with different diameters, providing an optimal length according to the working environment.

[0045] The telescopic length adjustment member (410) is equipped with a one-touch locking mechanism at the connection point between each tube (411) to prevent the length from being arbitrarily changed during operation.

[0046] The tube (411) is precisely machined to allow mutual sliding, enabling smooth length changes, and has a hermetic structure that prevents leakage even when moving high-pressure agents.

[0047] The tube (411) is made of a lightweight, high-strength aluminum alloy material, which reduces the overall weight of the nozzle assembly while ensuring durability to withstand bending or breakage caused by external impact.

[0048] A spray nozzle assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above flexibly responds to changes in the height or distance of trees to be treated, thereby realizing precise pest control without blind spots.

[0050] A spray nozzle assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above may further include a variable nozzle head (420).

[0051] The variable nozzle head (420) is positioned at the foremost end of the spray nozzle assembly (400) to form the final path through which the drug is discharged and controls the spray pattern through changes in its internal structure.

[0052] The variable nozzle head (420) minimizes the waste of the agent by freely switching between a direct, concentrated spray and a mist-like diffuse spray in response to the operator's operation.

[0053] A spray nozzle (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above provides an optimal spray shape suitable for the distribution density or tree species of trees, thereby improving the penetration power of the pest control agent.

[0055] Figures 3 and 4 are drawings showing the variable nozzle head of Figure 2.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the variable nozzle head (420) includes a spray tip (421), a ring-shaped frame (422), a sealing part (423), a rotating ring (424), a rotating driving part (425), a tapered guide surface (426), and a foreign matter removal part (427).

[0057] The spray tip (421) is equipped with a fine hole through which a high-pressure agent passes at high speed and is made of a material with excellent corrosion resistance to prevent corrosion caused by the agent.

[0058] The spray tip (421) is designed as a replaceable cartridge so that when wear occurs due to long-term use, it can be quickly replaced with a new one to maintain consistent spray performance.

[0059] The ring-shaped frame (422) forms the outer frame of the variable nozzle head (420), protects the internal components from the external environment, and securely fixes them.

[0060] The ring-shaped frame (422) has anti-slip grooves formed on its surface, which helps the worker to stably operate the head part even while wearing wet gloves.

[0061] The sealing portion (423) completely blocks the gap between the ring-shaped frame (422) and the injection nozzle base (400), thereby fundamentally preventing lateral leakage that occurs during high-pressure injection.

[0062] The sealing part (423) is designed so that the sealing performance does not deteriorate even when rotational operation is repeated by applying a special rubber material with excellent elastic recovery power.

[0063] The rotating ring (424) rotates smoothly at the front end of the ring-shaped frame (422) and controls the diffusion range by changing the guide path of the sprayed agent in real time.

[0064] The rotating ring (424) has a precisely designed internal flow path shape that induces the circulation of the drug and performs the function of further breaking down the spray particles into finer particles.

[0065] The rotary drive unit (425) drives the rotary ring (424) by an electrical signal or manual operation and switches the injection mode by precisely rotating it by a set angle.

[0066] The rotary drive unit (425) includes a geared motor that generates high torque and transmits strong rotational force even when the rotary ring (424) becomes stiff due to pharmaceutical residue.

[0067] The tapered guide surface (426) induces the sprayed agent to naturally spread outward through an inclined surface whose inner diameter widens as it moves forward.

[0068] The tapered guide surface (426) forms a smooth curved surface and a coating layer to reduce the collision resistance of the drug particles and prevent loss of injection energy.

[0069] The foreign substance removal unit (427) periodically removes drug crystals or external foreign substances attached around the spray tip (421) in conjunction with the operation of the rotating ring (424).

[0070] The foreign matter removal unit (427) can perform cleaning operations in real time even during the spraying operation, thereby preventing nozzle clogging in advance and ensuring a continuous work flow.

[0071] A variable nozzle head (420) according to one embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above continuously provides high-quality pest control services through precise spray control and automatic management functions.

[0073] A variable nozzle head (420) having the configuration described above may further include a diffusion induction blade (428).

[0074] The diffusion-inducing blade (428) is arranged spirally or radially on the inner side of the tapered guide surface (426) to impart a rotational vortex to the drug passing through it.

[0075] The diffusion-inducing blade (428) optimizes the flow of the drug particles through an aerodynamic design so that they are evenly distributed over a wide area while increasing the distance of the particles.

[0076] A variable nozzle head (420) according to one embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above maximizes spraying efficiency through physical guiding blades and achieves stable pest control performance even under the influence of wind.

[0078] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the foreign substance removal section of Figure 4.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, the foreign matter removal unit (427) includes a rotating shaft (4271), a shaft driving unit (4272), a module storage groove (4273), and a cleaning module (4274).

[0080] The rotating shaft (4271) is connected to a universal joint so that it can be flexibly positioned along the tapered guide surface (426) and accurately transmits rotational force even on complex curved surfaces.

[0081] The rotating shaft (4271) is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and provides stable rotational performance for a long time even in environments exposed to chemicals.

[0082] The shaft drive unit (4272) is controlled to enable forward and reverse rotation, allowing for free control of the deployment and storage of the cleaning module (4274).

[0083] The shaft drive unit (4272) is equipped with an overload detection sensor so that if rotation is obstructed by foreign matter, it temporarily stops operation and generates an alarm to prevent mechanical damage.

[0084] The module storage groove (4273) provides sufficient space for the cleaning module (4274) to be completely buried when not in use, so as not to interfere with the spray flow.

[0085] The module storage groove (4273) has a sloped structure that allows the drug introduced into the interior to be discharged smoothly, preventing debris from accumulating and hindering the operation of the module.

[0086] The cleaning module (4274) receives power from the rotating shaft (4271), protrudes from the storage state, comes into close contact with the spray tip (421), and removes contaminants through physical friction.

[0087] The cleaning module (4274) is synchronized with the rotation of the rotating ring (424) to evenly wipe the entire surface area of ​​the spray tip (421) and maximize cleaning efficiency.

[0088] A foreign substance removal unit (427) according to one embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above automates the maintenance process of the nozzle to extend the nozzle life and minimize downtime.

[0090] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the cleaning module of Figure 5.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 6, the cleaning module (4274) includes a module body part (42741), a module head part (42742), a first return spring (42743), a first magnet (42744), a second magnet (42745), a first brush (42746), a brush storage groove (42747), a brush rotation axis (42748), a second brush (42749), a second return spring (42750), a plate seating groove (42751), an operating trigger plate (42752), a plate support spring (42753), a lifting rod (42754), and a deployment control wire (42755).

[0092] The module body (42741) serves as a base frame that converts the rotational motion of the rotation shaft (4271) into linear or rotational motion of the internal mechanism.

[0093] The module body (42741) guides the precise movement of internal parts by avoiding interference inside the module storage groove (4273) through a miniaturized design.

[0094] The module head part (42742) is hinge-connected at the end of the module body part (42741) and adjusts its angle to match the position of the spray tip (421) and performs a direct cleaning operation.

[0095] The module head (42742) has a shape corresponding to the curvature of the spray tip (421) to increase adhesion, thereby perfectly removing even stuck fine particles.

[0096] The first return spring (42743) accumulates a restoring force when the module head part (42742) protrudes, thereby inducing the head to quickly return to its original safe position when stored.

[0097] The first return spring (42743) also acts as a damper that presses the head with appropriate pressure toward the spray tip (421) to maintain a constant brushing intensity.

[0098] The first magnet (42744) is fixed to the top inside the module storage groove (4273) and fixes the module head part (42742) with a strong magnetic force when it is stored.

[0099] The second magnet (42745) is installed in the module head part (42742) to generate mutual attraction with the first magnet (42744) and prevents the module from protruding unintentionally due to vibration during movement.

[0100] The first brush (42746) is made of a chemically resistant nylon or metal wire material and effectively scrapes off hardened chemicals around the hole of the spray tip (421).

[0101] The first brush (42746) is densely arranged in a bundle shape and efficiently processes a large area of ​​contaminants with just one rotation.

[0102] The brush storage groove (42747) provides a space in which the second brush (42749) is hidden, thereby managing to prevent flow resistance inside the nozzle during normal operation.

[0103] The brush rotation axis (42748) transmits rotational power to raise or lower the second brush (42749) in conjunction with the movement of the lifting rod (42754).

[0104] The second brush (42749) is dedicated to cleaning the outer area of ​​the spray tip (421) and prevents chemical residue splashed around from hardening and causing secondary contamination.

[0105] The second return spring (42750) provides continuous elastic force so that the second brush (42749) can smoothly return to the storage groove after being protruded.

[0106] The plate seating groove (42751) helps to miniaturize the module by providing a receiving space to maintain a horizontal position when the operating trigger plate (42752) is lowered.

[0107] The operating trigger plate (42752) lowers the lifting rod (42754) while being pressed against the outer wall when the module enters the storage groove, thereby synchronizing the entire mechanism.

[0108] The plate support spring (42753) helps to immediately push up the operating trigger plate (42752) to activate the cleaning function when the external pressure is released.

[0109] The lifting rod (42754) converts the up-and-down movement of the plate into the tension force of the unfolding control wire (42755) and transmits power to the brush shaft located far away.

[0110] The deployment control wire (42755) uses a flexible yet high-tensile strength material to finely adjust the deployment angle of the brush along a narrow module internal path.

[0111] A cleaning module (4274) according to one embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above perfectly maintains the cleanliness of the nozzle even in an extreme contaminated environment through a multi-brushing structure and magnetic force control.

[0113] The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above can be easily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features of the embodiments described above. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0115] The scope of protection sought through this specification is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and should be interpreted to include all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents. Explanation of the symbols

[0117] 10: Pest Control Spray System 100: Pharmaceutical storage tank 200: Pressure pump unit 300: Hose Reel 400: Spray nozzle holder

Claims

Claim 1 A chemical storage tank loaded on a mobile vehicle for storing pest control agents; a pressure pump unit that generates pressure to discharge the pest control agent from the chemical storage tank to the outside; and a hose reel that enables winding or unwinding a spray hose through which the pest control agent supplied from the pressure pump unit travels according to a working radius; and a spray nozzle assembly provided at the end of the spray hose for spraying a pressurized pesticide onto an external tree or planting area; wherein the spray nozzle assembly is provided with a variable nozzle head installed at the end to control the diffusion or concentration of the sprayed pesticide, and the variable nozzle head comprises: a spray tip installed at the front end of the spray nozzle assembly to receive and spray the pesticide; a ring-shaped frame installed along the front end circumference of the spray nozzle assembly; a sealing part installed between the ring-shaped frame and the spray nozzle assembly to seal the gap; a rotating ring formed in a circular ring shape and rotatably connected to the front end of the ring-shaped frame to provide a discharge passage for the pesticide sprayed from the spray tip; a rotational drive part installed on the ring-shaped frame to drive the rotational ring; and a tapered guide surface formed as the inner surface of the rotational ring, wherein the inner diameter gradually increases toward the front to induce the diffusion of the pesticide sprayed through the rotational ring. A pest control agent spraying system characterized by including: a foreign matter removal unit installed along the tapered guide surface and rotating together with the rotating ring to remove foreign matter attached to the spray tip. Claim 2 A pest control agent spraying system according to claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle assembly is equipped with a telescopic length adjustment member in which a plurality of tubular bodies are slidably connected to each other so as to allow a worker to adjust the spraying distance according to the height of the tree to be treated, thereby varying the overall length. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete

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