Sprayer nozzle

The nozzle design with evenly spaced spray nozzles in a ring-shaped tube addresses uniformity and efficiency issues, facilitating quick and even chemical application on fruits, improving work efficiency and user comfort.

JP2025169141APending Publication Date: 2025-11-12一谷 武史
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024199314
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-28
Publication Date
2025-11-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional spray nozzles for chemicals face challenges in achieving uniform spraying and efficient application of agents like fruit colorants, leading to prolonged spray times and inefficiencies.

Method used

A nozzle design with multiple spray nozzles arranged evenly in a ring-shaped or C-shaped hollow tube, capable of high-pressure mist spraying with a spray volume of 0.8 to 2 ml/s, allowing even distribution of chemicals on fruits and clusters.

Benefits of technology

Enables rapid, uniform application of chemicals with reduced effort, enhancing work efficiency and reducing fatigue for users by using lightweight materials like plastic and aluminum.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a spray port for spray of fruit colorant or the like, having an excellent even dispersion property of a chemical and capable of reducing a time required for dispersion.SOLUTION: A spray port has a plurality of spray nozzles 2 capable of evenly dispersing a mist-like chemical to a fruit with a high pressure. The spray nozzles are arranged at equal positions in a hollow tube having a ring shape, a polygonal shape, or a C-shape. The total spray amount from the spray port is within a range of 0.8 to 2 ml / s.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nozzle for spraying a chemical agent uniformly and in a mist onto the surface of fruit. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART So far, nozzles for spraying chemicals such as pesticides onto fruits have been known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-176275 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Omiya Kron Nozzle https: / / www.monotaro.com / g / 06317524 / [Non-patent document 2] Haowecib Spray Nozzle https: / / www.amazon.in / Sprayer-Nozzle-Promoting-Plastic-Gardening / dp / B0CFY1QV68 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional spray nozzles for chemical sprays have a structure suitable for spraying chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides, but the spray area and spray volume make it difficult to use them for spraying fruit colorants, etc. In other words, there are problems with poor uniformity in spraying the chemicals and prolonged spray time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In view of the above problems with conventional spray nozzles for spraying medicines, the present inventors have conducted extensive research and have completed the present invention. That is, the present invention relates to a nozzle having multiple spray nozzles that can spray a mist of chemicals evenly onto fruit at high pressure, the spray nozzles being arranged at even positions in a ring-shaped, polygonal or C-shaped hollow tube, and the total spray volume from the nozzles being in the range of 0.8 to 2 ml / s.

[0007] In the present invention, the agent used is not particularly limited as long as it is used on fruit, but it may be, for example, a coloring agent, and multiple spray nozzles may be arranged at each vertex of a pentagon in a ring-shaped, polygonal, or C-shaped hollow tube. The pressure resistance of the nozzle is preferably 0.3 to 0.5 MPa, and the inner diameter of the ring-shaped, polygonal, or C-shaped hollow tube may be 3φ to 10φ. In other words, the nozzle of the present invention is a nozzle for spraying the surface of fruits, etc., and has a structure that allows the chemical to be sprayed evenly onto fruits and fruit clusters.Furthermore, by using a spray nozzle that is suitable for high-pressure spraying, it is possible to spray a fine mist of particles, and by arranging five nozzles evenly on the same circumference to enable even spraying, it is possible to spray evenly onto fruits and fruit clusters. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The nozzle of the present invention can spray a sufficient amount of chemical evenly onto the fruit with a single operation, completing the spraying process. As a result, work time can be shortened, and for the sprayer, the reduction in overhead work time can significantly contribute to reducing work effort. Furthermore, the nozzle of the present invention can be made lightweight by using plastic and aluminum materials, which has the effect of making the sprayer less tired even for women and elderly sprayers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a nozzle hole of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the nozzle of the present invention. [Figure 3]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a support portion of the nozzle of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing an actual example of the nozzle of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The nozzle of the present invention has multiple spray nozzles that can spray a mist of chemicals evenly onto fruit at high pressure. The spray nozzle is not limited to any particular shape as long as it can spray a mist of chemicals evenly at high pressure, and commercially available spray nozzles can be used, for example. The spray nozzle used in the present invention is preferably one that can spray in a conical shape from the nozzle opening at an angle of 40 to 120 degrees, and particularly preferably one that can spray at an angle of 50 to 80 degrees. Furthermore, the spray nozzle of the present invention preferably produces particles of 2 to 10 μm in size upon spraying, and particularly preferably one that has a particle size of 3 to 7 μm.

[0011] In addition, the nozzle of the present invention is preferably one that can spray the mist of chemicals evenly onto the fruit and at a liquid volume that does not drip, etc., and a nozzle equipped with a spray nozzle that has a total spray volume in the range of 0.8 to 2 ml / s can be suitably used. In the nozzle of the present invention, the number of spray nozzles installed is preferably 3 to 8, and although there is no particular limitation, for example, 5 nozzles can be suitably used.

[0012] The shape of the hollow tube that can be used in the nozzle of the present invention is not limited as long as it allows the spray nozzle to be positioned so that it faces the center of the fruit, and is capable of accommodating multiple spray nozzles, but ring, polygonal, or C-shaped shapes are preferred. The overall size of the hollow tube is preferably 100 to 300 mm, and particularly preferably 200 to 260 mm. The inner diameter of the hollow tube can be adjusted as desired depending on the material, but is, for example, in the range of 3 to 10 mm, and particularly preferably 4 to 8 mm.

[0013] The hollow tube used in the present invention is preferably one that can withstand high pressure and is lightweight, and suitable materials for this include ABS resin, polycarbonate, aluminum, and stainless steel.

[0014] In the present invention, the spray nozzles are arranged at evenly spaced positions on a ring-shaped, polygonal, or C-shaped hollow tube, and preferably five spray nozzles are arranged at evenly spaced positions on a ring-shaped, polygonal, or C-shaped hollow tube. In other words, the spray nozzles are arranged at equal intervals by being positioned at an angle of 72° from the center of the ring-shaped, polygonal, or C-shaped hollow tube.

[0015] The nozzle of the present invention preferably sprays the spray agent at high pressure, and although not particularly limited, for example, the pressure is preferably 0.2 MPa or higher, more preferably 0.3 MPa or higher. In consideration of pressure resistance, the pressure is preferably 0.5 MPa or lower, more preferably 0.4 MPa or lower.

[0016] The support part of the nozzle of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can secure the hollow tube, but suitable materials include ABS resin, polycarbonate, aluminum, and stainless steel. Furthermore, the support part is preferably capable of maintaining an angle that allows the spray nozzle disposed in the hollow tube of the nozzle of the present invention to spray uniformly onto the fruit or fruit clusters. Although not particularly limited, suitable support parts are those that can maintain an angle of 90 to 180 degrees relative to the hollow tube, with 100 to 140 degrees being particularly preferred. Furthermore, because the support part of the present invention also serves as a joint between the power sprayer and the hollow tube (arm), a mesh filter may be incorporated inside as needed.

[0017] The nozzle of the present invention can be used for any chemical agent to be sprayed on the surface of fruit, etc., but can also be used for any liquid agent to be sprayed on fruit, such as registered pesticides, hormone agents, spreaders, fungicides, insecticides, liquid fertilizers, and food additives. It can also be used for coloring agents for fruit and fruit clusters, although not limited thereto. Suitable coloring agents include hormone agents, and more preferably, abscisic acid-based coloring agents.

[0018] An example of the use of the present invention will now be described in detail. The nozzle of the present invention can be connected to a power sprayer. Examples of power sprayers include those with a liquid delivery pressure of 0.2 to 0.5 MPa, with 0.3 to 0.4 MPa being particularly preferred. The nozzle of the present invention is preferably connected via a threaded connection, and a filter may be installed as needed to prevent foreign matter from entering the power sprayer. Furthermore, the connection angle between the main body and the power sprayer and the nozzle is preferably 120 degrees relative to the ring-shaped hollow tube. For example, if the hollow tube is made of plastic, a tube with a wall thickness of 3 mm or more is preferred to withstand the pressure of the power sprayer. Furthermore, if five spray nozzles are installed, for example, rubber protection may be attached as needed to prevent the metal nozzles from being exposed. In the present invention, the spray nozzles are preferably installed approximately uniformly on the circumference of a concentric circle; for example, if there are five spray nozzles, they may be arranged approximately every 72 degrees from the center. [Example]

[0019] Example 1 Nozzle of the present invention An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The nozzle of the present invention is formed of a power sprayer connection portion (1), a spray nozzle (2), a support portion (4), and a hollow tube (5). The hollow tube portion functions as an arm. A rubber gasket (3) is installed at the connection portion between the spray nozzle and the hollow tube. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the hollow tube is made of ABS resin, has an overall size of 240 mm, and is C-shaped. The inner diameter of the hollow tube is 6φ. Five spray nozzles are positioned at 72-degree intervals from the center of the circle forming the C-shape. The support portion (4) is angled 120 degrees relative to the hollow tube (5).

[0020] The power sprayer connection part (1) is connected to the power sprayer (liquid supply pump part) via an extension nozzle or extension pipe, and the operator holds the extension nozzle or extension pipe part in their hand so that the C-shaped part of the nozzle of the present invention is perpendicular to the top and bottom of the fruit or fruit cluster to be sprayed. The support part of the present invention is angled 120 degrees relative to the hollow tube so that the operator can easily hold it in a vertical position. After holding the nozzle of the present invention, the chemical agent delivered from the power sprayer is sprayed from the spray nozzle (2), spraying the chemical agent evenly from the bottom to the top of the fruit or fruit cluster in a single movement.

[0021] Example 2 Comparison of the nozzle of the present invention, a conventional nozzle for spraying medicines, and a hand spray type sprayer In order to confirm the effect of the present invention, a test of spraying the pesticide on grape berries was carried out. The nozzle used for conventional chemical spraying was a Kron nozzle manufactured by Omiya Co., Ltd. The hand spray used was Diaspray (registered trademark) manufactured by Fullpla Co., Ltd.

[0022] When using the nozzle of the present invention, the chemical solution was sprayed from five spray nozzles, allowing fine particles to be evenly applied to the fruit. On the other hand, the commercially available Kron nozzle had a large spray volume of 36 ml / s, which prevented the chemical from being sprayed evenly onto the fruit, resulting in dripping. This resulted in significant chemical waste. Furthermore, when using the hand sprayer, spraying the entire fruit evenly required at least three sprays.

[0023] When considering the working time, the present invention was able to complete the spraying evenly in 1 to 5 seconds, whereas the Kron nozzle was not able to spray evenly in the first place. The hand spray also required more sprays and the working time was longer.

[0024] From the above, it was confirmed that the nozzle of the present invention can complete uniform spraying in a short time, and work can be done without moving from the spot, improving work efficiency. It was confirmed that conventional spray nozzles for chemical sprays cannot spray as precisely as the present invention. Furthermore, it was confirmed that hand sprays take a long time per fruit, and because the spray body has a tank attached, it is heavy, making it difficult to work continuously for long periods of time overhead. Furthermore, because the pressure of hand sprays is low, the spray particles become larger, which causes them to dry after adhering to the fruit, leaving behind water droplets. [Industrial Applicability]

[0025] By using the nozzle of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of spray and the spray time. In addition, since the nozzle of the present invention can be made of a resin material, it can be made lighter, improving the workability and safety of the sprayer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0026] 1 Power sprayer connection 2 spray nozzles 3 Rubber gasket 4 Arm support 5 Arm

Claims

1. A nozzle having a plurality of spray nozzles capable of spraying a mist of chemicals evenly onto fruit at high pressure, the spray nozzles being arranged at equal positions in a ring-shaped, polygonal or C-shaped hollow tube, and the total spray volume from the spray nozzles being in the range of 0.8 to 2 ml / s.

2. 2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the agent is a coloring agent.

3. 2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of spray nozzles are arranged at the vertices of a ring-shaped, polygonal or C-shaped hollow tube.

4. 2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle has a pressure resistance of 0.2 to 0.5 MPa.

5. 2. The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the ring-shaped, polygonal or C-shaped hollow tube is 3 to 10 mm.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Chemical sprayer for fruits and method of sterilizing fruits

    JP2021176275A