Spray device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an atomizing device (10) having a shaft (20), an atomizing disk (30), a spray redirection assembly (40), and a liquid applicator (50). The atomizing disk is configured to rotate about an axis centered at the center of the disk. The liquid applicator is configured to apply liquid to the surface of the atomizing disk. The spray redirection assembly is proximate to the atomizing disk. The spray redirection assembly includes at least one air passage (41). The at least one air passage is configured to provide air proximate to the atomizing disk to modify the subsequent trajectory of droplets exiting the outer edge of the atomizing disk.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spraying device and to a vehicle comprising such a spraying device. [Background technology]

[0002] The application of crop protection products to crops is typically achieved by spray application (spray application), and the atomizing device is usually a hydraulic spray nozzle, a rotating disk or cage, or an air shear device. The characteristics of the atomizing device, particularly with regard to the droplet size generated, are very important for the effective application of crop protection products to crop foliage. The range of droplet sizes is known as the droplet spectrum. Finer atomization results in more small droplets, which leads to a greater reach in terms of the number of deposits per unit and an increased area covered by deposition, both of which are favorable for biological efficiency, while coarser atomization results in a relatively fewer number of larger droplets with fewer deposits per unit area. However, smaller droplets are more prone to drift, resulting in undesirable off-target losses, and generally have poorer penetration into the canopy. Both of these effects can be reduced by using larger, higher momentum droplets, but at the cost of reducing the number of opportunities to create deposits within the treated canopy. However, during spray application of a product, different parts of a field have different requirements for drift mitigation. For example, the downwind edge of a field has a greater risk of off-target drift outside the application area than the center of the field or the upwind edge of the field. Another use case is that different weeds, either in type or size, require different droplet sizes, or different agricultural active ingredients have efficacy that is expressed differently depending on the droplet size. As a result, it is advantageous to be able to continuously adjust the droplet size during application according to the optimal balance between the number of droplets per unit area required for biological performance and the risk of off-target drift. Furthermore, the effect of wind on drift is also important, especially when wind is not constant but varies in all three dimensions, both in time and space, with the result that the optimal balance between the number of droplets per unit area and the risk of off-target drift is continuously changing.Therefore, there is a need for a spraying device that can continuously adjust droplet size according to the location of the spraying device in the target field and the current wind speed and direction, while keeping in mind biological results such as changes in droplet spectrum.For example, in gusty wind conditions, fairly large droplets may be needed at the edge of the field to control drift, but this may reduce the efficacy of the active ingredient, so a larger dose of agricultural active ingredient is needed at that point.Balancing these conflicting requirements is difficult to achieve with hydraulic spray nozzles, because the nozzle must either be operated at different pressures or changed to different aperture sizes to achieve different spray droplet spectra, and both of these take time to achieve.However, with a rotating disk, the droplet spectrum can be adjusted almost instantly by independently changing the speed of rotation and the flow rate to the disk. However, reducing the rotation of a rotating disk, such as in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), has two consequences: first, it increases the droplet size after atomization as needed. Second, it reduces the velocity of droplets exiting the disk, resulting in a reduced spray cone width, especially when combined with downwash from a rotor or air-assisted boom sprayer in a UAV. This reduces the width of the spray band and makes any overlap created by multiple spray bands more variable. This is undesirable because it increases the amount of work required to treat the same area and increases the risk of untreated areas between adjacent bands, as well as the risk of over- and under-dosing. Second, the rotational speed of a rotor, such as in a UAV, affects the amount and velocity of downwash and the subsequent width of the spray band, for example, during acceleration / deceleration of the UAV while spraying and during further reductions in the UAV's mass as the spray is applied. As a result, there is a need for a spraying device that can continuously adjust the droplet spectrum according to the location of the spraying device within the target field, the current wind speed and direction, and the downwash from the UAV rotor and / or the flight height of the UAV, without affecting the width of the spray cone and the width of the applied spray band. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It would be advantageous to have improved means for spraying liquids, such as those containing chemical and / or biological agriculturally active ingredients.

[0004] The object of the present invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims, and further embodiments are incorporated into the independent claims. It should be noted that the following described aspects and examples of the present invention also apply to a spraying device, a mobile body having one or more spraying devices.

[0005] In a first aspect, a spray device is provided. The spray device includes a shaft, an atomizing disk, a spray direction correcting assembly, and a liquid applicator. The atomizing disk is configured to rotate about an axis centered on the center of the atomizing disk. The liquid applicator is configured to apply liquid to a surface of the atomizing disk. The spray direction correcting assembly is proximate to the atomizing disk. The spray direction correcting assembly includes at least one air flow passage. The at least one air flow passage is configured to provide air proximate to the atomizing disk to correct the subsequent trajectory of droplets exiting the outer edge of the atomizing disk.

[0006] In other words, the atomization device has an atomization disk including a spray direction correcting assembly with air passages. Air flows through the air passages toward the droplets exiting the outer edge of the atomization disk, correcting the spray direction of these droplets and thus affecting the spray band width. Independently, changing the rotational speed of the atomization disk changes the droplet size. As a result, the spray band width and droplet size can be independently varied in a manner that allows a constant and uniform band width to be achieved across a wide range of spray droplet sizes. For example, a small amount of air flow will result in a band with a narrower width, while a large amount of air flow will result in a band with a wider width, provided that in both cases the atomization disk rotation and liquid flow, and therefore the droplet size achieved during atomization at the atomization disk, are the same.

[0007] In this manner, the correct application of active ingredient per plant per area of ​​land can be provided.

[0008] In an example, the spray direction correction assembly has a disk-like configuration.

[0009] In an example, the spray redirection assembly has a disk-like configuration with a substantially flat geometric design in which the radial extent is greater than the axial extent.

[0010] In an example, the spray direction modifying assembly is positioned substantially symmetrically parallel to the atomizing disk.

[0011] In this way, the shape and size of the spray redirection assembly can be similar to that of the atomizing disc, however, the spray redirection assembly obviously returns a different technical function than the atomizing disc.

[0012] In examples, the spray redirection assembly is at least partially double-walled, with the space between the two walls configured to form at least one air flow passage.

[0013] In an example, the spray redirection assembly includes a plurality of substantially radially arranged air passages.

[0014] In this manner, the spray direction assembly does not directly affect all droplet trajectories in a uniform and controlled manner: airflow with a higher velocity results in a wider spray band, while airflow with a lower velocity results in a narrower spray band.

[0015] In an example, at least one air passage of the spray redirection assembly is configured to provide air in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the atomizing disc.

[0016] In examples, the spray direction correction assembly is non-rotating.

[0017] In other words, the spray direction modifying assembly does not rotate about the axis or second axis, but is mounted to / contained within another part of the spray device.

[0018] In a second aspect, there is provided a spraying vehicle comprising at least one spraying device according to the first aspect.

[0019] In an example, at least one air flow passage of the spray redirection assembly is configured to provide more air in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis of the spray mover than in a back-to-front and front-to-back direction.

[0020] In other words, the airflow from the spray direction correction assembly is controlled in a manner such that a wider and more uniform spray band (perpendicular to the direction of movement of the vehicle) is achieved with the advantage that the spraying vehicle, such as a UAV, can achieve higher or more accurate work efficiency.

[0021] In an example, the spray direction correction assembly has at least one air flow path and a plurality of air flow path openings, and the cross-sectional areas of all air flow path openings spatially aligned perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis of the spraying vehicle are greater than the cross-sectional areas of all air flow path openings spatially aligned in the back-to-front direction and the front-to-rear direction.

[0022] In this manner, more air volume is directed in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis of the spraying mover (provided the wind speed is the same for all air flow paths), supporting a fan-shaped spray sheet during the movement of the spraying mover.

[0023] In an example, the spray mover includes a spray direction modification assembly having a plurality of air passages, wherein airflow through the air passages spatially aligned perpendicular to the fore-aft axis of the spray mover is greater than airflow through the air passages spatially aligned in the back-to-front and front-to-back directions.

[0024] In an example, the spraying mover further includes a liquid tank, at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator, a plurality of sensors, and a processing unit.

[0025] The liquid tank is configured to hold a liquid. The at least one spray device is configured to spray the liquid. The at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator is configured to operate and / or move the spray direction correcting assembly of the at least one spray device. At least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure a rotational speed of the atomizing disk about an axis centered on the center of the atomizing disk. At least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure a liquid flow rate of the liquid applicator onto the surface of the atomizing disk. The processing device is configured to determine a droplet size of droplets emerging from the edge of the atomizing disk after atomization at the atomizing disk, including utilizing the measured rotational speed of the atomizing disk, the measured liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and physicochemical properties of the liquid. The processing device is configured to control the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator, and determining the at least one command for controlling the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size.

[0026] In other words, the width of the spray cone and the width of the applied spray band can be kept constant even though the droplet size is continuously adapted, for example, due to the location of the spray device within the target field, the current wind speed and direction, and / or, for example, downwash from the UAV rotor and / or the flight altitude of the UAV.

[0027] In an example, the processing device is configured to control at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator to modify airflow through at least one air flow path of the spray direction correction assembly, and determining at least one instruction for controlling the at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size.

[0028] In other words, controlling the air flow through the air passage is a way of modifying the air curtain and therefore affecting the subsequent trajectories of the droplets exiting the atomizing disk.

[0029] In an example, the processing device is configured to control at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator to move at least one air flow path of the spray direction correction assembly relative to the atomization disk, and determining at least one instruction for controlling the at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size.

[0030] In other words, changing the spatial distance of the air flow passage of the spray direction correcting assembly relative to the atomizing disk is another way of modifying the air curtain and therefore affecting the subsequent trajectory of the droplets exiting the atomizing disk.

[0031] In an example, the spraying vehicle further includes a liquid tank, at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator, a plurality of sensors, and a processing device. The liquid tank is configured to hold a liquid. The at least one spray device is configured to spray the liquid. The at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator is configured to operate and / or move the spray direction correcting assembly of the at least one spray device. At least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure the speed of the spraying vehicle relative to the ground. At least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure an air movement direction relative to the spraying vehicle relative to a longitudinal axis of the spraying vehicle. At least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure an air movement velocity relative to the spraying vehicle. The processing device is configured to determine the air movement direction relative to a projection of the longitudinal axis onto the ground and to determine the air movement velocity relative to the ground, the determination including utilizing the speed of the spraying vehicle, the air movement direction relative to the spraying vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the spraying vehicle, and the air movement velocity relative to the spraying vehicle. The processing device is configured to control the rotational speed of the atomizing disk, the liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and / or at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator, and determining at least one command for control includes utilizing the determined air movement direction relative to the projection of the front-to-rear axis onto the ground and the determined air movement speed relative to the ground.

[0032] In other words, the wind direction and speed are continuously measured and used to control the droplet size sprayed by the spraying device(s) of the spraying vehicle and / or the corresponding airflow of the spray direction modifying assembly(ies), so that an optimal spray pattern (independent of wind conditions) can be achieved.

[0033] In an example, the spraying vehicle includes at least one sensor of a plurality of sensors configured to provide data from which the height of the spraying vehicle above the ground can be determined. The processing unit is configured to control the rotational speed of the atomizing disk, the liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and / or the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator. Determining the at least one command for control includes utilizing the determined air movement direction relative to the projection of the front-to-rear axis onto the ground, the determined air movement speed relative to the ground, and the determined height of the spraying vehicle above the ground.

[0034] The height of the spraying vehicle above the ground is considered to determine the droplet size and spray pattern of the spraying vehicle.

[0035] Advantageously, benefits provided by any of the above aspects apply equally to all of the other aspects, and vice versa.

[0036] The above aspects and examples will be apparent from and taught by the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the following drawings: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 shows a schematic mechanism of an example of a newly developed atomizing device. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b shows an example of a spray device according to FIG. 1a with a cone-shaped atomizing disk. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1 shows a schematic mechanism of an example of a circular disk-like spray direction correction assembly with one air passage, as viewed from the side. [Figure 2b] 1 shows a schematic mechanism of an example of a circular disk-like spray redirection assembly having multiple air flow openings, as viewed from the side. FIG. [Figure 3a]1A and 1B show schematic mechanisms of an example of a circular disk-like spray redirection assembly having multiple air passages and corresponding air passage openings, as viewed from above. [Figure 3b] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating the structure of another example of a circular disk-like spray direction correction assembly having multiple air passages and air passage openings, as viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows a comparison of spray bands from a spray device with and without a spray direction correction assembly. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic example of a spraying vehicle having a spraying device; [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic example of a spraying mover having a spraying device and controlling airflow through a spray direction modifying assembly. [Figure 7] 1 shows schematic examples of spraying vehicles with different spraying devices and their corresponding spray zones. [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic example of a spraying mover with a spraying device and control of airflow through a spray direction modifying assembly as a function of producing different droplet sizes. [Figure 9] 1A-1C show schematic examples of atomizing devices and atomizing movers with atomizing direction modifying assemblies located at different positions relative to the atomizing disc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] FIG. 1a shows an example of a spray device 10. The spray device includes a shaft 20, an atomizing disk 30, a spray redirection assembly 40, and a liquid applicator 50. The atomizing disk is configured to rotate about an axis centered on the center of the atomizing disk. The liquid applicator is configured to apply (deliver) liquid to the surface of the atomizing disk. The spray redirection assembly is proximate to the atomizing disk. The spray redirection assembly includes at least one air passage 41. The at least one air passage is configured to provide air proximate to the atomizing disk to modify the subsequent trajectory of droplets exiting the outer edge of the atomizing disk.

[0040] In this manner, the spray direction correcting assembly of the spraying device influences the spray swath width. The spray direction correcting assembly is located close to the atomizing disk and directs the atomized droplets from the atomizing disk in the desired direction by generating an air flow. As a result, the correct application (spraying, application) of the active ingredient per unit area of ​​land can be more easily provided.

[0041] The terms "atomized" or "atomization" do not refer to individual atoms, but rather to the standard use of the term in relation to spray systems, meaning a fine mist of particles that may range in size.

[0042] In the examples, the term "atomizing disc" refers to a flat atomizing disc, but also includes a cone-shaped atomizing disc.

[0043] In examples, the atomizing disc includes teeth or serrations inlaid into the periphery of the atomizing disc.

[0044] In an example, the liquid applicator includes at least one supply pipe configured to transport liquid from a liquid reservoir to the atomizing disk and to apply (supply) the liquid to the atomizing disk.

[0045] In an example, the liquid applicator includes at least one liquid reservoir and at least one supply pipe.

[0046] In the examples, the term "the spray direction correcting assembly is proximate to the atomizing disk" refers to the spray direction correcting assembly being located below and / or above the atomizing disk. Preferably, the spray direction correcting assembly is located below the atomizing disk. In this case, it is closer to the ground compared to the location of the atomizing disk.

[0047] In examples, the term "at least one air flow passage configured to provide air in proximity to the atomization disk" refers to the location of the at least one air flow passage (in proximity to the atomization disk) to enable air from the at least one air flow passage to be directed toward droplets exiting the outer edge of the atomization disk, so that the trajectory of these droplets can be modified.

[0048] In an example, the spray direction correcting assembly is configured to correct the trajectory of all droplets exiting the outer edge of the atomizing disk.

[0049] In examples, the term "liquid" refers to a liquid containing chemical and / or biologically based agricultural active ingredients, such as, for example, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, crop nutrients, biostimulants, plant growth regulators, and the like.

[0050] In examples, the "at least one air flow passage" is configured to provide air in all directions around the atomizing disk. In examples, there is "at least one air flow passage opening 42" that circumferentially circumferentially surrounds the side of the spray redirection assembly.

[0051] In the example, the arrows close to the axis indicate the possible rotation directions of the axis and the atomizing disc. The rotation can also be clockwise.

[0052] In the example, an arrow above the plane of the atomizing disc indicates the direction of centrifugal force and atomization of the liquid.

[0053] In the example, arrows on the sides of the spray direction correcting assembly indicate the direction of air flow.

[0054] In examples, the spray direction modification assembly may have any reasonable shape as long as it does not interfere with its function.

[0055] According to an example, the spray direction correcting assembly has a disk-like configuration.

[0056] According to an example, the spray redirection assembly has a disk-like configuration with a substantially flat geometric design of the spray redirection assembly in which the radial extent is greater than the axial extent.

[0057] In the examples, the term "disc-like" describes designs having circular, oval, and elliptical radial cross sections.

[0058] In examples, the term "substantially flat geometric design" refers to a spray direction correction assembly that may have structural elevations or depressions in both the axial and radial directions.

[0059] In an example, the spray direction correction assembly has a circular disk configuration.

[0060] In an example, the spray direction correcting assembly disc has a diameter of 100 to 1000 mm, more preferably a diameter of 20 to 100 mm, and a diameter of 40 to 80 mm is particularly preferred.

[0061] According to an example, the spray direction correcting assembly is positioned substantially symmetrically parallel to the atomizing disc.

[0062] In an example, the spray redirection assembly is spaced axially relative to the atomizing disc. In an example, the axial space between the atomizing disc and the redirection assembly is between 0.1 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.

[0063] In examples, two or more spray direction correcting assemblies are spaced axially relative to the atomizing disk and stacked one on top of the other, either below or above the atomizing disk, or one or more spray direction correcting assemblies are located above the atomizing disk and one or more spray correcting assemblies are located below the atomizing disk.

[0064] In an example, two or more spray redirection assemblies are configured to provide air adjacent to the atomizing disk according to different airflow patterns.

[0065] In this manner, the airflow can be continuously adjusted by switching between different spray direction modifying assemblies and their corresponding airflow patterns.

[0066] According to an example, the spray redirection assembly is at least partially double-walled, with the space between the two walls configured to form at least one air flow passage 41.

[0067] In an example, at least one of the two walls of the spray redirection assembly is configured to move parallel to the other wall to decrease or increase the distance between the at least two walls. Thus, by changing the distance between the two walls of the spray redirection assembly, the airflow (volume) through the airflow passage (while keeping the air velocity constant) can be changed and controlled.

[0068] In an example, the spray direction correction assembly includes at least one wall movement actuator configured to move at least one wall parallel to another wall of the air flow path to decrease or increase the distance between the at least two walls.

[0069] Figure 1b shows an example of the atomizing device 10 according to Figure 1a with a cone-shaped atomizing disc 30. The spray direction correcting assembly 40 is shown as a perforated disc, with a portion of the cone-shaped atomizing disc located within the perforated disc.

[0070] The arrows depicted in FIG. 1b have the same meaning as explained in the context of FIG. 1a.

[0071] 2a shows a schematic diagram of an example of a circular disk-like spray redirection assembly 40 viewed from the side, with a single air passage 41. In this example, the spray redirection assembly has a single air passage opening 42 that runs around the side (circumferentially) of the spray redirection assembly disk.

[0072] FIG. 2 b shows a schematic arrangement of an example of a circular disk-like spray redirection assembly 40 having at least one air passage 41 (not visible) and a plurality of air passage openings 42 when viewed from the side.

[0073] 3a shows a schematic diagram of an example circular disk-like spray redirection assembly 40, viewed from above, having multiple air passages 41 and corresponding air passage openings 42. The dotted lines indicate that the air passages may not be visible from outside the spray redirection assembly.

[0074] According to an example, the spray redirection assembly includes a plurality of substantially radially arranged air passages 41 .

[0075] In the example, the substantially radially arranged air channels 41 have corresponding air channel openings 42 .

[0076] In an example, the one or more air flow openings are on the sides of the atomizing disc.

[0077] 3b shows a schematic diagram of another example of a circular disk-like spray redirection assembly 40, viewed from above, having multiple air passages 41 and air passage openings 42. The dotted lines indicate that the air passages may not be visible from outside the spray redirection assembly.

[0078] In examples, the plurality of substantially radially arranged air channels 41 may be straight, curved, symmetrical, and / or asymmetrical.

[0079] In the example, the circular disk-like spray direction correcting assembly has substantially radially arranged air passages 41 and / or air passage openings 42. The cross-sectional area of ​​all air passage openings 42 spatially aligned in the vertical (east-west) direction is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​all air passage openings aligned in the north-south direction. This is beneficial when the spraying device 10 is moved in a forward direction (as shown in FIG. 3b) to generate the intended spray band.

[0080] FIG. 4 shows a comparison of the spray band from the spray device 10 with and without the spray direction correction assembly 40. Example a) depicts the spray device 10 having the shaft 20, atomizing disk 30, and liquid applicator 50, but without the spray direction correction assembly. Example b) shows the spray device 10 having the shaft 20, atomizing disk 40, and liquid applicator 50. The spray device according to this example also includes the spray direction correction assembly 40 having at least one air passage 41 and multiple air passage openings 42. Air from the air passage 41 corrects the direction of droplets exiting the edge of the atomizing disk. For both examples, the atomizing disk rotation, liquid flow rate, and liquid are the same, and the spray band in example b) is wider than the spray band in example a).

[0081] In the examples, the arrows in examples a) and b) are similar to those described with respect to FIG.

[0082] According to an example, at least one air passage 41 of the spray direction modifying assembly 40 is configured to provide air in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the atomizing disc.

[0083] This is a way of modifying the subsequent trajectory of droplets leaving the outer edge of the atomizing disc, as shown in example b) of FIG.

[0084] By way of example, the spray direction correction assembly is non-rotating.

[0085] In examples, the spray direction correction assembly is attached to / contained within a body portion of the atomizing device that is not the shaft or atomizing disc.

[0086] In examples, the spraying device may be used for boom sprayers, UAVs, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), robotic platforms, and backpack sprayers.

[0087] FIG. 5 shows a schematic example of a spraying vehicle 100 having a spraying device 10 .

[0088] In an example, the mobile object is a drone or UAV.

[0089] In examples, the vehicle is a ground vehicle such as an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), a robotic platform, a tractor, or the like.

[0090] According to an example, at least one air flow passage 41 of the spray redirection assembly is configured to provide more air in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back axis of the spraying vehicle than in the back-to-front and front-to-back directions.

[0091] In the examples, the term "providing more air" refers to a volumetric flow of air over a particular period of time.

[0092] In the example, there are multiple air flow channels 41 with corresponding air flow channel openings 42 .

[0093] In an example, the spray direction correction assembly has at least one air flow path 41 and multiple air flow path openings 42, and the cross-sectional area of ​​all air flow path openings 42 spatially aligned perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis of the spraying vehicle is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​all air flow path openings spatially aligned in the back-to-front direction and the front-to-back direction.

[0094] In the example, the spray direction correction assembly has a plurality of air flow passages 41, and the air flow through the air flow passages that are spatially aligned perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis of the spraying vehicle has a higher flow rate than the air flow through the air flow passages that are spatially aligned in the back-to-front and front-to-rear directions.

[0095] It should be noted that "air flow rate", which is "air volume flow / time unit", can be calculated by multiplying the wind speed by the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow path over a particular time unit.

[0096] FIG. 6 shows a schematic example of an atomizing mover 100 having a spraying device 10 and controlling airflow through a spray direction correcting assembly 40. The atomizing mover further includes a liquid tank 110, at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator 120, multiple sensors 130, and a processing device 140. The liquid tank is configured to hold a liquid. The at least one spraying device is configured to spray the liquid. The at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator is configured to operate and / or move the spray direction correcting assembly of the at least one spraying device. At least one sensor 131 of the multiple sensors is configured to measure the rotational speed of the atomizing disk 30 around an axis 20 centered on the center of the atomizing disk. At least one sensor 132 of the multiple sensors is configured to measure the liquid flow rate of the liquid applicator 50 onto the surface of the atomizing disk 30. The processing unit is configured to determine a droplet size of droplets emerging from the edge of the atomizing disk after atomization at the atomizing disk, including utilizing a measured rotational speed of the atomizing disk, a measured liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and physicochemical properties of the liquid. The processing unit is configured to control at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator, and determining at least one command for controlling the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size.

[0097] In an example, the at least one sensor 131 configured to measure the rotational speed of the atomizing disc about the axis includes a tachometer (RPM gauge).

[0098] In an example, the at least one sensor 132 configured to measure the liquid flow rate of the liquid applicator onto the surface of the atomizing disk is a rotameter or equivalent.

[0099] In an example, the processing device is configured to control at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator, and determining the at least one command for controlling the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size, a measured rotational speed of the atomizing disk, a measured liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and physicochemical properties of the liquid.

[0100] In an example, the processing device is configured to determine a droplet spectrum of droplets exiting the edge of the atomization disk, and the processing device is configured to control at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator, and determining at least one instruction for controlling the at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet spectrum.

[0101] The term "droplet spectrum" refers to the droplet size distribution.

[0102] In an example, the spraying mover further includes an input device configured to receive data on the physicochemical properties of the liquid. The input device is configured to provide information about the physicochemical properties of the liquid to the processing device. For example, the physicochemical properties of the liquid may be encoded in a QR code on the liquid's packaging, which may be scanned by, for example, the input device of the spraying mover.

[0103] According to an example, the processing device is configured to control at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator to modify airflow through at least one air flow path of the spray direction correction assembly, and determining at least one instruction for controlling the at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size.

[0104] In an example, the processing device is configured to control at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator to modify airflow through at least one air flow path of the spray direction correction assembly, and determining the at least one instruction for controlling the at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size, the measured rotational speed of the atomizing disk, the measured liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and physicochemical properties of the liquid.

[0105] According to an example, the processing device is configured to control at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator to move at least one air flow path of the spray direction correction assembly relative to the atomization disk, and determining at least one instruction for controlling the at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size.

[0106] According to an example, the processing device is configured to control at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator to move at least one air flow path of the spray direction correction assembly relative to the atomizing disk, and determining the at least one instruction for controlling the at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size, the measured rotational speed of the atomizing disk, the measured liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and physicochemical properties of the liquid.

[0107] According to an example, at least one sensor 133 of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure the speed of the spraying vehicle relative to the ground, at least one sensor 134 of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure the air movement direction relative to the spraying vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the spraying vehicle, and at least one sensor 135 of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure the air movement speed relative to the spraying vehicle, the processing device is configured to determine the air movement direction relative to the projection of the longitudinal axis on the ground and to determine the air movement speed relative to the ground, the determination including utilizing the speed of the spraying vehicle, the air movement direction relative to the spraying vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the spraying vehicle, and the air movement speed relative to the spraying vehicle, the processing device is configured to control the rotational speed of the atomizing disk, the liquid flow rate of liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and / or at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator, and the determination of at least one command for control including utilizing the determined air movement direction relative to the projection of the longitudinal axis on the ground and the determined air movement speed relative to the ground.

[0108] According to an example, the spraying vehicle further includes at least one sensor 136 of a plurality of sensors configured to provide data from which the height of the spraying vehicle above the ground can be determined. The processing device is configured to control the rotational speed of the atomizing disk, the liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and / or at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator, and determining at least one command for control includes utilizing the determined air movement direction relative to the projection of the front-to-rear axis on the ground, the determined air movement speed relative to the ground, and the determined height of the spraying vehicle above the ground.

[0109] In an example, the at least one sensor 133 configured to measure the speed of the spraying vehicle relative to the ground includes a GPS system.

[0110] In an example, the at least one sensor 133 configured to measure the velocity of the spraying vehicle relative to the ground includes a laser reflectance-based system.

[0111] In an example, the at least one sensor 134 configured to measure the direction of air movement relative to the spraying vehicle includes a wind vane.

[0112] In an example, the at least one sensor 135 configured to measure air movement velocity relative to the atomizing mover includes a 2D or 3D ultrasonic anemometer.

[0113] In an example, the at least one sensor 135 configured to measure air movement velocity relative to the spraying mover includes a peat tube.

[0114] In an example, at least one sensor 134 and 135 configured to measure air movement direction, speed (and distance) relative to the spraying vehicle includes a LIDAR sensor, preferably a Doppler LIDAR sensor.

[0115] In the example, the sensor 136 used to determine height is a radar sensor.

[0116] In an example, the sensor 136 used to determine height is a laser time-of-flight sensor.

[0117] In an example, the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator refers to at least one mechanical device that converts energy into motion. The energy source may be, for example, electric current, hydraulic pressure, air pressure, mechanical energy, thermal energy, or magnetic energy. For example, an electric motor assembly may be a type of actuator that converts electric current into rotary motion, which may then be converted into linear motion to perform movement. In this manner, the actuator may include a motor, gear, linkage, wheel, screw, pump, piston, switch, servo, or other element for converting one form of energy into motion.

[0118] FIG. 7 shows schematic examples of spraying vehicles each having a different spraying device and their corresponding spray bands. In example a), the spraying vehicle includes a spraying device 10 having an atomizing disk 30 and a spray direction correcting assembly 40 with radially arranged air passages 41 and corresponding symmetrical air passage openings 42. The same amount of air volume flow per time is provided in all directions of the spray direction correcting assembly. In example b), the spraying vehicle includes a spraying device having an atomizing disk 30 and a spray direction correcting assembly 40 with multiple air passages 41 and corresponding air passage openings 42, and the spray direction correcting assembly is configured to provide more air in the direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis of the spraying vehicle than in the back-to-front and front-to-back directions. The spray band is fairly uniform throughout the distance of the spray band.

[0119] FIG. 8 shows a schematic example of an atomizing vehicle 100 having a spraying device 10 and controlling airflow through a spray direction correction assembly as a function of generating different droplet sizes. In this example, the atomizing vehicle is a UAV and includes at least one spraying device located below the UAV's propeller device. The spraying device includes a spray direction assembly 40 having a disk-like spray direction correction assembly. Multiple sensors 130 measure, among other factors, the rotation of the atomizing disk and the liquid flow from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk. A processing unit (not shown) determines the droplet size of droplets emerging from the edge of the atomizing disk after atomization at the atomizing disk. The processing unit further uses the sensed and calculated information to instruct at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator (not shown) to control airflow from the spray direction correction assembly to the spray direction.

[0120] In an alternative example, the appropriate droplet size or spectrum may be calculated by the processing device using information of a determined air movement (wind) direction relative to the projection of the front-to-rear axis of the spraying vehicle on the ground, a determined air movement (wind) speed of the spraying vehicle relative to the ground, and a determined height of the spraying vehicle above the ground. To achieve the appropriate droplet size or spectrum and the appropriate spray pattern, the processing device is configured to control the rotation speed of the atomizing disk, the liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and / or at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator.

[0121] In the example of FIG. 8a), the droplet size of the atomized liquid emerging from the edge of the atomizing disk is large (and the rotation speed of the atomizing disk is low), and a high air flow flows from the spray direction correcting assembly toward the droplets emerging from the edge of the atomizing disk 30 (the air flow is indicated by the arrow next to the spray direction correcting assembly, and the air flow is substantially parallel to the surface of the atomizing disk). In the example of FIG. 8b), the droplet size of the atomized liquid emerging from the edge of the atomizing disk is small (and the rotation speed of the atomizing disk is high), and a low air flow flows from the spray direction correcting assembly toward the droplets emerging from the edge of the atomizing disk 30, which results in a spray band similar in spray band width to that in example a) (however, the droplet spectrum is different).

[0122] FIG. 9 shows schematic examples of a spraying vehicle 100 having a spraying device 10 and a spray direction correction assembly 40 located at different positions relative to the atomizing disk 30. In this example, the spraying vehicle is a UAV and includes at least one spraying device located below the propeller device of the UAV. In example a), the atomizing disk is below the spray direction correction assembly. In this example, the airflow of the spray direction correction assembly (indicated by the thick arrows to the side of the spray direction correction assembly) can offset the downwash airflow from the propeller device of the UAV (also indicated by the thick arrow). In example a), the atomizing disk is above the spray direction correction assembly. Again, the airflow from the spray direction correction assembly mitigates the downwash airflow from the propeller device of the UAV.

[0123] It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to spraying device type claims, while other embodiments are described with reference to spraying vehicle type claims. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the above and following descriptions that, unless otherwise specified, any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, as well as any combination of features related to different subject matters, is also considered to be disclosed by the present application. However, all features may be combined to produce a synergistic effect that is greater than the simple sum of the features.

[0124] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the independent claims.

[0125] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different independent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A spray device (10) comprising: A shaft (20), an atomizing disk (30); a spray direction correcting assembly (40); a liquid applicator (50); the atomizing disk is configured to rotate about the axis centered at the center of the disk; the liquid applicator is configured to apply a liquid to a surface of the atomizing disc; the spray direction correcting assembly is adjacent to the atomizing disk; the spray direction correcting assembly includes at least one air flow passage (41); The at least one air passage is configured to provide air flowing in a direction adjacent to the atomizing disk and away from the axis (20) to modify the subsequent trajectory of droplets exiting the outer edge of the atomizing disk.

2. The spray device of claim 1 , wherein the spray direction modification assembly has a disk-like configuration.

3. 3. The atomizing device of claim 2, wherein the spray redirection assembly has a disk-like configuration with a substantially flat geometric design having a radial extent greater than an axial extent.

4. The atomizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spray direction correcting assembly is positioned substantially symmetrically parallel to the atomizing disc.

5. 5. The spray device of claim 1, wherein the spray direction correcting assembly is at least partially double-walled, the space between two walls being configured to form the at least one air flow path (41).

6. A spraying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spray direction correcting assembly comprises a plurality of substantially radially arranged air passages (41).

7. The atomizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one air passage (41) of the spray direction correcting assembly is configured to provide air in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the atomizing disc.

8. The spray device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the spray direction correcting assembly is non-rotating.

9. A spraying moving body (100) comprising at least one spraying device (10) described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. 10. The spraying mover of claim 9, wherein the at least one air flow passage (41) of the spray direction correction assembly is configured to provide more air in a direction perpendicular to a front-to-rear axis of the spraying mover than in a back-to-front and front-to-back direction.

11. 11. The spraying mover of claim 10, wherein the spray direction correcting assembly has at least one air flow passage (41) and a plurality of air flow passage openings (42), and the cross-sectional areas of all the air flow passage openings (42) spatially aligned in a direction perpendicular to the fore-aft axis of the spraying mover are greater than the cross-sectional areas of all the air flow passage openings spatially aligned in the rear-to-front direction and the front-to-rear direction.

12. The spraying mover of claim 10, wherein the spray direction correcting assembly has a plurality of air passages (41), and the air flow through the air passages that are spatially aligned perpendicular to the front-to-rear axis of the spraying mover is greater in flow rate than the air flow through the air passages that are spatially aligned in the back-to-front direction and the front-to-rear direction.

13. a liquid tank (110); at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator (120); a plurality of sensors (130); a processing unit (140), the liquid reservoir is configured to hold a liquid; the at least one spray device is configured to spray a liquid; the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator is configured to operate and / or move the spray direction correcting assembly of the at least one spray device; At least one sensor (131) of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure the rotation speed of the atomization disc (30) around the axis (20) centered on the center of the atomization disc; At least one sensor (132) of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure a liquid flow rate of the liquid applicator (50) onto a surface of the atomizing disk (30); 13. The spraying mover of claim 9, wherein the processing device is configured to determine a droplet size of the droplets emerging from the edge of the atomizing disk after atomization at the atomizing disk, the droplet size including utilization of the measured rotation speed of the atomizing disk, the measured liquid flow rate of liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and physicochemical properties of the liquid, and the processing device is configured to control the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator, and the determination of the at least one command for the control of the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator includes utilization of the determined droplet size.

14. 14. The spraying mover of claim 13, wherein the processing unit is configured to control the at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator to modify airflow through the at least one air flow path of the spray direction correction assembly, and determining at least one command for the control of the at least one spray direction correction assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size.

15. 14. The atomizing mover of claim 13, wherein the processing unit is configured to control the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator to move the at least one air flow passage of the spray direction correcting assembly relative to the atomizing disk, and determining the at least one command for the control of the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator includes utilizing the determined droplet size.

16. a liquid tank (110); at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator (120); a plurality of sensors (130); a processing unit (140), the liquid reservoir is configured to hold a liquid; the at least one spray device is configured to spray a liquid; the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator is configured to operate and / or move the spray direction correcting assembly of the at least one spray device; At least one sensor (133) of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure the speed of the spraying vehicle relative to the ground; At least one sensor (134) of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure a direction of air movement relative to the spraying mover relative to a longitudinal axis of the spraying mover; At least one sensor (135) of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure an air movement velocity relative to the atomizing movement body; the processing device is configured to determine an air movement direction relative to a projection of the longitudinal axis onto the ground and determine an air movement speed relative to the ground, the determination including utilizing a speed of the spraying vehicle, the air movement direction relative to the spraying vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the spraying vehicle, and the air movement speed relative to the spraying vehicle; 13. The spraying vehicle of claim 9, wherein the processing unit is configured to control a rotation speed of the atomizing disk, a liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and / or the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjusting actuator, and wherein determining at least one command for controlling includes utilizing the determined air movement direction relative to a projection of the longitudinal axis on the ground and the determined air movement speed relative to the ground.

17. at least one sensor (136) of the plurality of sensors is configured to provide data from which the height of the spraying vehicle above ground can be determined; the processing unit is configured to control the rotational speed of the atomizing disk, the liquid flow rate of the liquid from the liquid applicator to the surface of the atomizing disk, and / or the at least one spray direction correcting assembly adjustment actuator; 17. The spraying vehicle of claim 16, wherein determining at least one command for controlling includes utilizing the determined direction of air movement relative to the projection of the longitudinal axis onto the ground, the determined speed of air movement relative to the ground, and the determined height of the spraying vehicle above the ground.

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