Spraying equipment with replaceable nozzles

Abstract

This invention relates to the application of liquid active substances with the assistance of a portable spray device. The subject of this invention is a system comprising a portable spray device and a replaceable cartridge containing an active substance concentrate. The invention also relates to a method of applying a liquid active substance formulation product. Furthermore, the invention discloses a replaceable cartridge having a storage unit storing information regarding an adjustable dilution ratio for the active substance concentrate contained in the cartridge. The invention further relates to a spray device comprising a control unit capable of reading the storage unit of the cartridge attached to the spray device and adjusting the dilution ratio for the active substance concentrate contained in the cartridge based on the read information.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on July 4, 2017, with international filing date of July 4, 2017, national application number 201780043367.3, entitled "Spraying device with replaceable cylinder". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the application of liquid active substances using a portable spray device. The subject of this invention is a system comprising a portable spray device and a replaceable cartridge containing an active substance concentrate. The subject of this invention is also a method for applying a liquid active substance formulation product. Another subject of this invention is a replaceable cartridge having a storage unit storing information regarding a dilution setting for the active substance concentrate contained in the cartridge. Yet another subject of this invention is a spray device having a control unit capable of reading from the storage unit of the cartridge connected to the spray device and setting a dilution for the active substance concentrate contained in the cartridge based on the read information. Background Technology

[0003] Portable spraying devices (DE102013109785A1, US2006 / 0249223A1, US2006 / 0102245A1, US2006 / 0261181A1, US2005 / 0006400A1) are known for applying active substances such as pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides.

[0004] In such applications, spraying equipment known as a compressor atomizer is widely used. These consist of a canister containing the liquid to be sprayed. An air pressure pump, comprising a common piston rod structure and an activation handle, is typically manually activated and is part of the canister. This air pressure pump generates the air pressure required to spray the liquid. The canister is pressurized by the operator periodically activating the pump until the desired canister pressure is reached. Due to the air pressure acting on the sprayed liquid, the liquid exits through a tube immersed in the liquid within the canister and subsequently flows through a hose, a spray valve located at the outer end of the hose, an extension tube, and finally through a spray nozzle to the selected target area.

[0005] Currently, concentrated forms of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides are increasingly available on the market. The advantage of concentrates is lower transportation costs. Users must dilute the active ingredients before use. Dilution instructions are usually provided on the packaging or in an accompanying booklet.

[0006] However, user-mandated dilution is flawed for the following reasons: Users may come into unintended contact with the active material. It is foreseeable that users may make mistakes when calculating the amounts of concentrate and diluent. The high viscosity of the concentrate may lead to inaccurate volume measurements of the necessary quantities.

[0007] Failure to accurately deliver the active ingredient at the correct dosage can lead to a range of undesirable consequences: the treatment of the sprayed object may be less effective, or an overdose may occur. It is possible that official instructions regarding the dispensing amount have not been followed. It is possible that errors have occurred in storage regulation because the dispensed amount has been incorrectly calculated.

[0008] Another drawback of the spray device described above is that the tank must be cleaned before using another active substance. In some cases, the cleaning fluid must be discarded. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the goal is to make a device for applying active substances available that is simple to operate and does not require manual dilution of the concentrate when using the device. The amount of active substance output by the device can be accurately defined, and the device is easy to transport and carry by the user. The device does not require costly cleaning and can be used in a variety of ways.

[0010] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved through the subject matter of independent claims 1, 5, 8, and 11. Preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims and this specification.

[0011] The first subject of the invention is a cartridge containing concentrates of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, wherein the cartridge includes means for reversibly connecting the cartridge to a spraying device, characterized in that the cartridge has an electronic storage unit, wherein information about the dilution of the concentrate to be applied is stored in the storage unit.

[0012] Another subject of the present invention is a spraying device, comprising: - A container for receiving the diluent. - exit, - Device for feeding the diluent in the direction of the outlet - A means for reversibly connecting a replaceable cartridge containing a concentrate of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides to the spraying equipment. - A device for feeding the concentrate in the direction of the outlet, and - Control unit, The control unit is characterized by having means for reading the dilution from an electronic storage unit associated with the cylinder, and wherein the control unit has an adjustment unit designed to dilute the concentrate with the diluent according to the dilution.

[0013] Another subject of the invention is a system comprising: - Portable spraying device, comprising the following components: Containers used to hold the diluent exit, A device for feeding the diluent in the direction of the outlet. A device for reversibly connecting a replaceable cartridge containing a concentrate of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides to the spraying equipment. A device for feeding the concentrate in the direction of the outlet, and Control unit - and a replaceable cartridge, which includes means for reversibly connecting the cartridge to the spraying device. The feature is that the cartridge has an electronic storage unit, which is read by the control unit of the spraying device when the cartridge is connected to the spraying device, and stores information about the dilution of the concentrate to be set using the diluent in the electronic storage unit.

[0014] Another subject of the present invention is a method for applying an active substance formulation product, comprising the following steps: - Make replaceable cartridges containing a concentration of active ingredients available, wherein the cartridges include an electronic storage unit in which dilution is stored. - Make spraying equipment with diluent available, wherein the spraying equipment includes a control unit, wherein the control unit has means for reading the dilution from the storage unit. - The user connects the replaceable cartridge to the spraying device. - The dilution is read from the storage unit via the control unit. - Regulate the flow of the active substance concentrate and / or the diluent from their containers in the direction of the outlet, so that the mixture of the active substance concentrate and the diluent exits the outlet, in which the active substance concentrate is diluted according to the read dilution.

[0015] According to the present invention, the active substance concentrate and the diluent are contained in separate containers. However, the user does not need to manually dilute the active substance concentrate. Instead, the mixing process is automated during the spraying process. The user does not even need to concern themselves with the necessary mixing ratio of the active substance concentrate and the diluent. The correct mixing ratio is set by the control unit, which receives the desired mixing ratio from the concentrate cartridge and adjusts the flow of the diluent and / or concentrate so that the mixture exits the spraying equipment through the outlet at the correct mixing ratio.

[0016] The various elements characterizing the systems, canisters, spraying devices, and methods according to the invention are explained in more detail below. During this explanation, no distinction is made between the various subjects of the invention (canisters, spraying devices, systems, and methods). Rather, the following description applies similarly to all subjects of the invention, regardless of their application.

[0017] One subject of this invention is a portable spraying device. The term "portable" is used to indicate that the device can be transported by a person from one location to another without machine assistance.

[0018] The spraying device includes a container for holding the diluent. The diluent is used to mix with the concentrate to dilute the concentrate.

[0019] Diluents are liquids, and similarly, concentrates are also liquids. The term "liquid" is understood to also include solutions, emulsions, and suspensions.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the diluent is water.

[0021] The concentrate is preferably an active substance concentrate. The term "active substance concentrate" is understood to refer to a formulated product of an active substance that exists in a more concentrated form and must / should be diluted before use. An active substance is a substance or mixture of substances that has a biological effect. Examples of active substances are pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. In another preferred embodiment, the concentrate is a pesticide concentrate.

[0022] The container used to hold the diluent may be made of any material that is desired to be compatible with the diluent. The term "compatible" means that the material should not be chemically attacked by the diluent and that the material should not be permeated by the diluent.

[0023] The container can be implemented as a tank that can withstand overpressure. This overpressure can be used to feed the diluent from the tank in the direction of the outlet.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the container is operated in an unpressurized manner. The fact that the container does not have to withstand overpressure means that it can be made of relatively thin-walled and lighter materials.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is implemented as a flexible bag. The bag preferably has straps, allowing it to be strapped to a user's back and carried like a canvas backpack.

[0026] In one embodiment, the spraying device is implemented such that, during transport, a user carries a portion of the spraying device, including the container, in one hand and another portion, including the outlet, in the other hand. The device is preferably implemented such that the user can carry and transport a portion of the spraying device, including the container, on their back. The other portion, including the outlet, continues to be carried by one hand, but the second hand is now free. The device is equipped with a corresponding strap for this purpose.

[0027] The spraying device according to the invention also includes means for feeding diluent from the container in the outlet direction. As already described, the diluent can be fed from the container in the outlet direction by pressure. This pressure can be generated, for example, by a manually or electrically operated air pump or by a pressure cylinder.

[0028] Preferably, an electrically operated pump is used to feed the diluent in the outlet direction.

[0029] The spraying apparatus according to the invention further includes means for reversibly connecting a replaceable cartridge to the spraying apparatus. The cartridge is used to hold a concentrate. The cartridge and the spraying apparatus have mutually compatible means for connecting the cartridge to the spraying apparatus. If the cartridge is connected to the spraying apparatus, the concentrate contained in the cartridge can be fed from the cartridge through components of the spraying apparatus in the direction of the outlet of the spraying apparatus.

[0030] For example, screw connections or bayonet connections can be used to connect the canister to the spraying equipment.

[0031] The cartridge is replaceable, meaning it can be attached to the spraying device and then removed. The cartridge is then preferably removed and, if appropriate, replaced by another or a new cartridge when it is empty.

[0032] The cartridge is designed to be impervious to concentrates and to be immune to chemical attacks from concentrates.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the cylinder is at least partially made of plastic. Plastics are known to be chemically inert to many substances. They are also lightweight, easy to handle, and can be made into almost any desired shape.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is implemented as a pressure vessel. It preferably contains not only a concentrate but also a pressurized propellant, which is separate from the concentrate. The cartridge preferably has a valve. This valve is preferably automatically opened when the cartridge is connected to the spraying device. The pressurized propellant forces the concentrate out of the cartridge and into the spraying device. Another valve located in the spraying device prevents further flow of the concentrate. This other valve is preferably opened when the user begins the application process, typically by activating a handle.

[0035] The cylinder, preferably implemented as a pressure vessel, may be made of, for example, aluminum or tin sheet – these are pressure-bearing materials and are used, for example, in aerosol cans (e.g., shaving foam).

[0036] It is conceivable that the cartridge contains a bag containing a concentrate, wherein the bag is connected to the valve (valve-bag system). Propellant surrounds the bag filled with the concentrate and applies the necessary pressure to force the concentrate out of the cartridge (see, for example, DE69820260T2, US5505039, EP0718213A).

[0037] However, it is also conceivable to separate the propellant and concentrate from each other using a piston (see, for example, DE3934237A1). The propellant applies pressure to the piston. If the valve is opened, the piston forces the concentrate out of the cylinder. For example, it is conceivable to use a ZIMA piston.

[0038] The tube can be implemented as a disposable tube or a reusable tube.

[0039] The cylinder has an electronic storage unit.

[0040] The term electronic storage covers all storage media that store information in or based on electronic (semiconductor) components. Examples are ROM (Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash EEPROM (e.g., USB memory), FRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory), MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), and phase-change RAM (Phase-Change Random Access Memory).

[0041] The dilution ratio, or the information used to determine the dilution ratio, is stored in this storage unit. The dilution ratio indicates the proportion of concentrate and diluent (usually water) that need to be mixed together to achieve the desired effect.

[0042] The spraying device has a control unit. The control unit is capable of reading information about the dilution level from the storage unit of the cartridge. The means for reading the storage unit and the storage unit itself are matched accordingly. There are several possible ways to implement this communication between the control unit and the storage unit. Some of these possible ways are described below.

[0043] For example, one possible reading method is to provide a tube with an RFID tag. The RFID tag has an electronic storage unit. The control unit correspondingly has a device to read the electronic storage unit in the RFID tag.

[0044] In this scenario, the readout occurs in a contactless manner. Besides the specific communication methods described, other contactless types of communication between the electronic storage unit and the control unit are conceivable, such as Bluetooth or short-range communication.

[0045] However, communication can also occur in a contact-based manner. For example, it is conceivable that both the canister and the spraying device have electrical or optical contacts that enable electrical or optical contact between the canister and the spraying device when the canister is connected to the spraying device. Through such a contact control unit, the electronic storage unit of the canister can be accessed.

[0046] In addition to the dilution to be set, other information can be stored in the storage unit of the cartridge, such as the type of active substance, batch number, and expiration date.

[0047] It is conceivable that the dilution is stored directly in the storage unit of the cartridge. However, it is also conceivable that the storage unit stores an identifier for the cartridge and / or an identifier for the concentrate contained within the cartridge. This identifier could be, for example, an identification number. The control unit can read this identifier from the storage unit. It is conceivable that the control unit has a register in which various concentrates are stored together with the dilution to be set and the identifier, resulting in the control unit being able to infer the dilution to be set from the register by reading the identifier. However, it is also conceivable that the control unit could access an external database via a mobile network and determine the dilution to be set from the external database based on the identifier.

[0048] The spraying device according to the invention has a means for feeding a concentrate from the cylinder along the outlet direction. This means is preferably an electrically operated pump.

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a stepper motor metering pump is used (e.g., see DE102004047584, WO2012048976, DE102009006203). Even small amounts of concentrate can be added to the diluent using a stepper motor driver.

[0050] The control unit determines the necessary or desired dilution and accordingly adjusts the flow of the diluent and / or concentrate. Various other variables may also be considered here; some are described below.

[0051] For example, it is conceivable to feed diluent from a container along the outlet direction and determine the flow rate using a flow meter. The flow meter can be connected to a control unit and configured to regulate the flow rate of the concentrate using the flow rate of the diluent along the outlet direction, thereby setting a constant mixing ratio between the concentrate and the diluent. Thus, while the diluent is flowing, the flow rate is measured, and an accurate amount of concentrate that produces a mixture at the desired / necessary mixing ratio (dilution) is fed to the diluent.

[0052] The term "constant mixing ratio" is used to indicate that the mixing ratio remains within a predetermined range during the duration of spraying.

[0053] Of course, the opposite variation can also be conceived: feed the concentrate along the outlet direction, measure the flow rate, and feed the concentrate an accurate amount of diluent that produces the desired / necessary dilution to be set.

[0054] Another approach is to match the flow rates of the diluent and the concentrate to achieve the desired / necessary dilution by adjusting the flow rate. In this case, the two flow rates are recorded by corresponding sensors.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, a first electric pump feeds the diluent from the container along the outlet direction. The diluent flow rate is recorded using a flow meter, and the measured value is transmitted to a control unit. The control unit is connected to a second electric pump and regulates the flow rate of the concentrate along the outlet direction, so that the concentrate and diluent exit the spraying device through the outlet as a mixture with the desired / necessary mixing ratio.

[0056] A flow meter is used to record the amount of liquid flowing through the spray nozzle per unit time. The term "volume of liquid" is understood to mean either volume or mass, depending on the measurement method used.

[0057] The preferred flow meter is one commonly used in closed pipelines, such as a magnetic induction flow meter, float flow meter, ultrasonic flow meter, Coriolis mass flow meter, calorimetric flow meter, or vortex flow meter. However, the use of a measuring orifice or dynamic pressure probe is also conceivable.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, a differential pressure sensor is used for flow measurement.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment, the flow velocity is measured using an impeller sensor. The measurement principle is based on the fact that the rotational speed of the impeller is directly proportional to the flow velocity of the fluid driving the impeller. To measure the rotational speed, a permanent magnet can be attached to the impeller, moving with it. A Hall sensor can be used as a pulse counter, through which the permanent magnet moves. The number of pulses measured per unit time is proportional to the rotational speed of the impeller, and therefore proportional to the flow velocity of the fluid.

[0060] Details about flow measurement can be found, for example, in the following manual: KW Bonfig: TechnischeDurchflussmessung [Technical Flow Measurement], Vulkan-Verlag Essen, 3rd edition 2002, ISBN3-8027-2190-X.

[0061] The active ingredient concentrate and diluent leave the spraying equipment as a mixture through the outlet.

[0062] It is conceivable that the diluent and concentrate are combined in a corresponding feed line prior to and adjacent to the outlet. However, it is also conceivable that a mixing chamber exists upstream of the outlet, into which the diluent and concentrate are fed via two separate feed lines. The mixture is then fed into this mixing chamber, after which it exits the spraying equipment through the outlet.

[0063] The thorough mixing of diluents and concentrates can be improved by using appropriate methods, such as static mixing elements.

[0064] Preferably, the spray nozzle is installed on the outlet.

[0065] A desired spatial distribution of an applied mixture can be achieved using a spray nozzle. A spray nozzle typically transforms the liquid it passes through into droplets with a specific droplet size distribution, which depends primarily on the liquid pressure, the liquid flow rate, and the geometry of the spray nozzle.

[0066] The spray nozzle is preferably replaceable, so that the user can select a spray nozzle that is suitable for the application and the target object, and that the spray nozzle has the desired droplet size distribution and spatial distribution of the sprayed material.

[0067] The spray nozzle may be, for example, in the form of a spray gun or a pistol, or in some other form. The spray nozzle is preferably implemented such that it is held by the user with one hand and can be aimed at a target object.

[0068] Spray nozzles typically have a handle that the user activates to begin the spraying process. Activation of the handle usually causes a valve to open, thus feeding diluent and concentrate from their respective containers along the direction of the spray nozzles. The diluent and concentrate pass through the spray nozzles and reach the target object.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the replaceable spray nozzle and control unit have means that allow the control unit to detect the presence of a spray nozzle and / or the type of spray nozzle present. For example, it is conceivable that the control unit will only begin feeding liquid from its container along the direction of the spray nozzle if the spray nozzle is also connected. If no spray nozzle is connected, no feeding will occur, for example, for safety reasons. Moreover, it is conceivable that the control unit adjusts the parameters used for feeding the liquid to suit the type of spray nozzle present, thereby allowing for optimal spray results. It is conceivable that the spray nozzle requires a minimum pressure of the inflow liquid to generate the desired spatial distribution of the spray liquid. This minimum pressure can be encoded in the spray nozzle in a manner readable by the control unit, so that the user does not need to manually set this parameter.

[0070] Pressure is typically established upstream of the spray nozzle. This pressure must be within a defined range to achieve optimal spray results.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, a pressure sensor connected to the control unit is therefore mounted upstream of the spray nozzle. Using this pressure sensor, the control unit regulates the flow of the diluent and / or concentrate so that the pressure always varies within a defined range.

[0072] Preferably, a valve is installed upstream of the outlet. This valve can be opened and closed manually or automatically.

[0073] This valve is preferably manually activated, so that the user can aim the spray nozzle mounted on the outlet at the target object and start the spraying process by manually opening the valve.

[0074] It is also conceivable that the valve could be opened automatically. For example, it is conceivable that the spraying device has a sensor that detects the position of the spray nozzle in space and automatically opens or closes the valve at a specific position. For example, it is conceivable that the valve would close if the spray nozzle is pointed at the floor and open when the spray nozzle is raised to a horizontal position.

[0075] It is also conceivable that the valve would automatically open when the spray nozzle approaches the target object. This could be achieved, for example, through sensors or GPS-assisted (Global Positioning System) technology.

[0076] In another preferred improvement, the amount of the applied concentrate is determined and stored. This storage can be carried out in the control unit of the spraying device and / or in the storage unit of the cartridge. Preferably, the remaining amount of concentrate still in the cartridge is determined and stored. This storage can then be carried out in the control unit of the spraying device and / or in the storage unit of the cartridge.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, an external computer system is associated with the system according to the invention. The term "external" is understood to mean that the computer system is not an essential part of the spraying equipment and is not part of the cartridge. However, the computer system is capable of accepting a communication connection with the control unit of the spraying equipment and / or the storage unit of the cartridge, thereby performing data transfer. Data can be transferred from the computer system to the storage unit, for example, product data, dilution settings to be applied for the concentration, etc. It is also conceivable that data, such as data regarding the remaining amount of concentrate contained in the cartridge, can be transferred from the storage unit to the computer system. It is also conceivable that data from the control unit, such as data regarding the amount of concentrate applied and / or spray duration and / or spray location and / or user data, can be transferred to the computer system. It is also conceivable that data from the computer system, such as data regarding commands for spraying operations, can be transferred to the control unit.

[0078] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments; however, it is not intended to limit the invention to these examples. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention is shown. The system includes a spraying device according to the present invention and a cylinder according to the present invention.

[0080] Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of the spray system according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The spraying device according to the invention includes a container (10) with diluent (11), an outlet (30), a device (15) for feeding diluent (11) from the container (10) in the direction of the outlet (30), a valve (40), a device (22b) for connecting a replaceable cartridge (20), an electrically operated pump (25) for feeding concentrate (21) located in the cartridge (20) from the cartridge (20) in the direction of the outlet (30), a flow meter (2) for measuring the flow rate of diluent (11) from the container (10) in the direction of the outlet (30), and a control unit (1).

[0082] exist Figure 1The device (15) that feeds diluent (11) from container (10) along the direction of the spraying device (30) is schematically illustrated as an arrow, which only indicates the direction of flow. This arrow does not mean that the corresponding device must be located at this point on the feed line.

[0083] The outlet (30) is implemented as a spray nozzle. The diluent and concentrate leave the spraying equipment as a mixture (50) with a constant mixing ratio through the spray nozzle.

[0084] The cartridge (20) according to the invention contains a concentrate (21). The cartridge has means (22a) for reversibly connecting the cartridge (20) to a spraying device. The cartridge (20) according to the invention also has a storage unit (28). A mixing ratio (dilution) is stored in this storage unit (28).

[0085] The control unit (1) is able to access the storage unit (28) (this access is illustrated by the dashed line) and is able to read the mixing ratio stored there.

[0086] The control unit (1) is also connected to the flow meter (2) and the pump (25). If the valve (40) is opened (manually or automatically), then the diluent (11) is fed from the container (10) in the direction of the outlet (30). The flow rate of the diluent (11) is recorded by the flow meter (2). Based on the flow rate measured by the flow meter (2), the control unit (1) adjusts the amount of concentrate (21) fed to the diluent (11) by means of the pump (25), thus setting the mixing ratio read from the storage unit (28).

[0087] Figure 2 A preferred embodiment of the spray system according to the present invention is shown.

[0088] The spraying device according to the invention includes a container (10) having a diluent (11), an outlet (30), a first pump (15) for feeding the diluent (11) from the container (10) in the direction of the outlet (30), a valve (40), a device (22b) for connecting a replaceable cartridge (20), a second pump (25) for feeding the concentrate (21) located in the cartridge (20) from the cartridge (20) in the direction of the outlet (30), a flow meter (2) for measuring the flow rate of the diluent (11) from the container (10) in the direction of the outlet (30), a pressure sensor (3) for measuring the pressure in the feed line leading to the outlet (30), and a control unit (1).

[0089] The outlet (30) is implemented as a spray nozzle. The diluent (11) and concentrate (21) leave the spraying equipment as a mixture (50) with a constant mixing ratio through the spray nozzle.

[0090] The container (10) is implemented as a flexible bag. It includes an opening with a resealable closure (12) over which the diluent (11) can be filled into the bag.

[0091] The cartridge (20) according to the invention contains a concentrate (21). The cartridge has means (22a) for reversibly connecting the cartridge (20) to a spraying device. The cartridge (20) according to the invention also has a storage unit (28). A mixing ratio (dilution) is stored in this storage unit (28).

[0092] The control unit (1) is able to access the storage unit (28) (this access is illustrated by the dashed line) and is able to read the mixing ratio stored there.

[0093] The control unit (1) is also connected to a flow meter (2), a pump (25), and a pressure sensor (3). If the valve (40) is opened (manually or automatically), then diluent (11) is fed from the container (10) in the direction of the outlet (30). The flow rate of the diluent (11) is detected by the flow meter (2). Based on the flow rate measured by the flow meter (2), the control unit (1) adjusts the amount of concentrate (21) fed to the diluent (11) via the pump (25), thus setting the mixing ratio read from the storage unit (28).

[0094] The control unit (1) regulates the flow of diluent and / or concentrate by means of a pressure sensor (3) so that the pressure in the feed line leading to the spray nozzle is kept constant within a defined range.

Claims

1. A cartridge (20) comprising a concentrate (21) of a pesticide, insecticide, herbicide, or fungicide, wherein the cartridge (20) includes means (22a) for reversibly connecting the cartridge (20) to a spraying device, wherein the cartridge (20) has an electronic storage unit (28), characterized in that, The storage unit (28) stores information about the dilution ratio of the concentrate (21) to be set.

2. The cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage unit (28) is part of an RFID tag.

3. The cylinder according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, Data regarding the amount of concentrate (21) contained in the cylinder (20) is contained in the storage unit (28).

4. The cylinder according to claim 3, characterized in that, The remaining amount retained in the cylinder after the spraying operation is stored in the storage unit (28).

5. A spraying device for applying pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides, comprising: - Container (10) for receiving diluent (11) - Exports (30) - A device (15) for feeding the diluent (11) along the direction of the outlet (30). - A means (22b) for reversibly connecting a replaceable cartridge containing a concentrate of pesticide, insecticide, herbicide or fungicide to the spraying equipment. - A device (25) for feeding the concentrate along the direction of the outlet (30). - Control unit (1), and - A flow meter for determining the flow rate of the diluent along the direction of the outlet, wherein the flow meter is connected to the control unit, characterized in that... - The control unit (1) has a means for reading the dilution ratio from the electronic storage unit (28) of the cylinder (20), and - The control unit (1) is configured to adjust the flow rate of the concentrate (21) based on the flow rate of the diluent (11) along the direction of the outlet, so that the mixture of the concentrate (21) and the diluent (11) leaves the outlet, in which the concentrate (21) is diluted according to the read dilution ratio.

6. The spraying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The container (10) is implemented as a flexible bag, and the diluent (11) is water and the device (15) for feeding the water in the direction of the outlet (30) includes a first electrically operated pump, and the device (25) for feeding the concentrate in the direction of the outlet (30) includes a second electrically operated pump.

7. The spraying device according to any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that, The outlet (30) includes a replaceable spray nozzle, which is preferably communicatively connected to the control unit (1).

8. A system comprising: - Portable spraying equipment for applying pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides, comprising the following components: - Container (10) for receiving diluent (11) - Exports (30) - A device (15) for feeding the diluent (11) in the direction of the outlet (30). - A device (22b) for reversibly connecting a replaceable cartridge (20) containing a concentrate (21) of pesticide, insecticide, herbicide or fungicide to the spraying equipment. - A device (25) for feeding the concentrate (21) in the direction of the outlet (30). - Control unit (1) - A flow meter for determining the flow rate of the diluent along the direction of the outlet, wherein the flow meter is connected to the control unit. - and a replaceable cartridge (20), the cartridge including means (22a) for reversibly connecting the cartridge (20) to the spraying device, characterized in that the control unit (1) has means for reading the dilution ratio from an electronic storage unit of the cartridge, the control unit (1) being configured such that the control unit adjusts the flow rate of the concentrate (21) based on the flow rate of the diluent (11) along the direction of the outlet, such that a mixture of the concentrate (21) and the diluent (11) leaves the outlet, in which the concentrate (21) is diluted according to the read dilution ratio, and the cartridge (20) has an electronic storage unit (28) in which, when the cartridge (20) is connected to the spraying device, the control unit (1) of the spraying device reads the electronic storage unit and stores in the electronic storage unit information about the dilution ratio of the concentrate (21) to the diluent (11) to be set.

9. The system according to claim 8, comprising the cylinder (20) according to any one of claims 1-4 and the spraying device according to any one of claims 5-7.

10. The system according to any one of claims 8 or 9, comprising an external computer system capable of communicatively connecting to the control unit (1) of the spraying device and / or the storage unit (28) of the cylinder (20), wherein data from the computer system can be transmitted to the control unit (1) and / or the storage unit (28), and / or data can be transmitted from the control unit (1) and / or the storage unit (28) to the external computer system.

11. A method for applying an active ingredient to a formulated product, comprising the following steps: - A replaceable cartridge containing an active substance concentrate (21) is provided, wherein the cartridge includes an electronic storage unit (28) storing a dilution ratio, wherein the active substance concentrate (21) is a concentrate of a pesticide, insecticide, herbicide, or fungicide. - A spraying device for applying pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides is provided, the spraying device including a diluent (11), wherein the spraying device includes a control unit (1), wherein the control unit (1) has means for reading the dilution ratio from the storage unit (28). - The user connects the replaceable cartridge (20) to the spraying device. - The dilution ratio is read from the storage unit (28) using the control unit (1). - The flow rate of the diluent (11) is determined by a flow meter connected to the control unit (1). - The flow rate of the active substance concentrate (21) and / or the diluent (11) from its container along the outlet direction is adjusted by the control unit (1), so that the mixture of the active substance concentrate (21) and the diluent (11) leaves the outlet, in which the active substance concentrate (21) is diluted according to the read dilution ratio.

12. The method according to claim 11, using the spraying device according to any one of claims 5-7 and / or using the cylinder (20) according to any one of claims 1-4.

13. The method of claim 11, using the spray system of any one of claims 8-10.

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