Method for manufacturing water spray nozzle, water spray nozzle, nozzle unit, and rainfall device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a method for manufacturing a water spray nozzle, a water spray nozzle, a nozzle unit, and a rainfall device capable of facilitating convenience for manufacturers and users. [Solution] A water spray nozzle (first nozzle 2a, second nozzle 2b, third nozzle 2c, fourth nozzle 2d) comprises: a tube (flexible tube portion 21) formed of an elastic material; and a structure (pipe connection portion 31) which is formed to have a length from a fore end to a base end that is shorter than the length of the tube, the structure having a hole (inside of the pipe connection portion 31) that is formed penetrating from the fore end to the base end, wherein at least the fore end side of the hole is no smaller than the outer diameter of the tube, and the base end side of the tube is inserted into the hole. The structure includes a slit structure (slits 35L, 35R) that controls the direction of excitation vibration.

Description

Method for manufacturing a sprinkler nozzle, sprinkler nozzle, nozzle unit, and rainfall device

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sprinkler nozzle used for sprinkling water such as artificial rain, a sprinkler nozzle, a nozzle unit, and a rainmaking device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for an artificial rain nozzle and an artificial rain device.

[0003] JP 2015-97484 A

[0004] The challenge for artificial rain nozzles and artificial rain devices is to achieve more efficient and more uniform water spraying with fewer nozzles.

[0005] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a sprinkler nozzle, a sprinkler nozzle, a nozzle unit, and a rainmaking device that are convenient for manufacturers and users.

[0006] The method for manufacturing a sprinkler nozzle of the present invention involves preparing a tube made of an elastic material and a structure whose length from tip to base end is shorter than the length of the tube, with a hole formed through the structure from tip to base end, and at least the tip side of the hole being larger than the outer diameter of the tube, and then inserting the base end side of the tube into the hole in the structure.

[0007] The watering nozzle of the present invention comprises a tube formed of an elastic material, and a structure whose length from tip to base end is shorter than the length of the tube, a hole penetrating from the tip to the base end, at least the tip side of the hole being equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the tube, and into which the base end side of the tube is inserted.

[0008] Preferably, a weight portion is disposed on the tube to adjust the period of vibration.

[0009] Preferably, the tube is a first tube and the structure is a second tube separate from the first tube.

[0010] Preferably, the structure has a slit structure for controlling the direction of the excited vibration.

[0011] Preferably, the structure is stiffer than the tube.

[0012] Preferably, the nozzle unit comprises two or more water spray nozzles.

[0013] Preferably, the artificial rain making device has two or more water spray nozzles.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention is a sprinkler nozzle that is configured to oscillate mainly in a pendulum pattern within a fixed plane, and a weight portion is arranged at the tip of the sprinkler nozzle to adjust the period of oscillation.

[0015] Preferably, the weight portion is formed symmetrically with respect to the fixed plane.

[0016] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a sprinkler nozzle, a sprinkler nozzle, a nozzle unit, and a rainmaking device that are convenient for manufacturers and users.

[0017] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a test and research facility that uses the artificial rainmaking apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a unit nozzle unit. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of a first nozzle. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged portion of the first example of the first nozzle. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the first nozzle. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of a unit nozzle unit as viewed from the front-to-back direction. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of a unit nozzle unit as viewed from the left-to-right direction. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the supply of water for artificial rainmaking. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the ability to adjust the amount of rainfall by raising the position of the unit nozzle unit 2 and widening the positional relationship of the nozzles. FIG. 11 is an example of another embodiment of the unit nozzle unit (watering nozzle) example described above, and / or a more preferred embodiment of the example described above. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of further, other, and more preferred embodiments.

[0018] First Embodiment

[0019] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a test and research facility that uses an artificial rain making apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , multiple support structures 102 are installed on a test road surface 101 at intervals (usually at equal intervals). In this embodiment (the present invention), the left-right direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the test road surface 101 extends and perpendicular to both the vertical direction (the right-left direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1 ). The front-rear direction refers to the direction in which the test road surface 101 extends. The support structure 102 has a horizontally extending bar portion 102a and a support portion 102b that holds the bar portion against the ground. A unit nozzle unit 2, which is a unit consisting of multiple nozzles (i.e., a first nozzle 2a, a second nozzle 2b, a third nozzle 2c, and a fourth nozzle 2d; see FIG. 2 ), is arranged on the bar portion 102a. Typically, multiple unit nozzle units 2 are arranged in the left-right direction on one bar portion 102a. Typically, the unit nozzle units 2 are arranged in the same manner on each of the multiple support structures 102, as shown in FIG. 1 . In this embodiment (the present invention), the right direction refers to the right side of the paper in Fig. 1. In this embodiment (the present invention), the left direction refers to the left side of the paper in Fig. 1. In this embodiment (the present invention), the front direction refers to the front side of the paper in Fig. 1. In this embodiment (the present invention), the rear direction refers to the back side of the paper in Fig. 1.

[0021] By arranging the unit nozzle units 2 at regular intervals in this manner, artificial rainfall can be made to occur in a manner closer to natural rain. As shown in FIG. 1 , the distance between the center point of a unit nozzle unit 2 and the center point of another unit nozzle unit 2 adjacent in the left-right direction is defined as L1 (the center point will be explained in FIG. 2 ). As shown in FIG. 1 , the distance in the front-rear direction between the center point of a unit nozzle unit 2 and the center point of another unit nozzle unit 2 adjacent in the front-rear direction is defined as L2. As shown in FIG. 1 , adjacent unit nozzle units 2 in the front-rear direction are arranged vertically and horizontally (aligned). As an alternative example, they may be arranged alternately (diagonally). In other words, when viewed from the front-rear direction, multiple unit nozzle units 2 arranged horizontally on one support structure 102 are located between multiple unit nozzle units 2 arranged horizontally on another support structure 102 adjacent in the front-rear direction. While FIG. 1 shows a wide distance between the support structure 102 and its adjacent support structure 102 in the front-rear direction for ease of understanding, it is desirable to arrange them closer in practice (see the numerical values ​​of the example described in FIG. 2 ). 1, there are only three support structures 102, but in reality, it is normal to have a much larger number of support structures 102. Of course, a plurality of unit nozzle units 2 are arranged on each of these support structures 102.

[0022] In Figure 1, the unit nozzle units 2 are arranged to extend in the left-right direction relative to the test road surface 101, but they may also be arranged to extend in the front-to-rear direction (the direction of travel of the vehicle) relative to the test road surface 101. Also, the unit nozzle units 2 may be arranged inside (under) an indoor roof to form the test road surface 2 indoors (in a structure such as a long gymnasium or factory building).

[0023] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the unit nozzle unit 2. As shown in FIG.

[0024] 2, the unit nozzle unit 2 has a first nozzle 2a, a second nozzle 2b, a third nozzle 2c, and a fourth nozzle 2d. The center position between the first nozzle 2a and the fourth nozzle 2d is the center point of the unit nozzle unit 2. The second nozzle 2b is arranged on the front-rear side of this center point. The third nozzle 2c is arranged on the rear side of this center point in the front-rear direction. The center point between the second nozzle 2b and the third nozzle 2c coincides with the center point between the first nozzle 2a and the fourth nozzle 2d.

[0025] The second nozzle 2b and the third nozzle 2c do not necessarily need to be positioned at the same position in the left-right direction, and may be positioned at an angle. Here, the distance between the center point and the first nozzle 2a is set to l1. The distance between the center point and the fourth nozzle 2d is set to l1. The distance between the center point and the second nozzle 2b is set to l2. The distance between the center point and the third nozzle 2c is set to l2.

[0026] (Numerical values ​​in this embodiment) l1 = 5000 mm l2 = 350 mm L1 = 9200 mm L2 = 700 mm (See also Figure 1 for L1 and L2). Currently, these numerical values ​​are considered optimal. With these numerical values, artificial rain can be applied evenly in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. Adjacent unit nozzle units 2 in the front-to-back direction are arranged vertically (see Figure 1). By arranging them vertically and horizontally in this way (aligned at equal intervals), artificial rain can be applied without any gaps.

[0027] One of the important points of this embodiment is that the artificial rain making device is made up of individual nozzle units 2. This allows for easy installation and control.

[0028] The first nozzle 2a, the second nozzle 2b, the third nozzle 2c, and the fourth nozzle 2d are connected to a water supply pipe 103. Water is supplied to the water supply pipe 103 at a constant pressure. This water is discharged from the tips of the first nozzle 2a, the second nozzle 2b, the third nozzle 2c, and the fourth nozzle 2d and used as artificial rain. Note that in Figure 2, the water supply pipe does not extend beyond the unit nozzle unit 2, but if there is a unit nozzle unit 2 beyond that, it may extend further.

[0029] Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of the first nozzle 2a, and Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of a part of the first example of the first nozzle.

[0030] The left side of Fig. 3(a) is a view seen from the base end side, and the right side of Fig. 3(a) is a side view (the shape seen from a position in the left-right direction). Fig. 3(b) is a perspective view of a first example of the first nozzle 2a.

[0031] The same applies to the second nozzle 2b, the third nozzle 2c, and the fourth nozzle 2d, so only the first nozzle 2a will be described below as a representative.

[0032] In FIG. 3, the first example of 2 a is composed of a flexible tube portion 21 and a pipe connection portion 31 .

[0033] The flexible tube portion 21 is formed in a tubular shape from a flexible material with a low modulus of rigidity, such as vinyl chloride or polyethylene.

[0034] The pipe connection portion 31 is formed in a tubular shape from a material having a higher modulus of rigidity than the flexible tube portion 21, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, natural rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, chlorosulfonated rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, acrylic rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, or fluororubber. The flexible tube portion 21 is attached by bonding or welding with the base end side of the flexible tube portion 21 inserted into the pipe from the tip side, and the base end side is attached to the water supply pipe 103 (see Figure 2), and water for sprinkling is taken in from the base end side and led to the flexible tube portion 21.

[0035] More specifically, the pipe connection portion 31 is formed by integral molding of an adapter portion 32 and a large diameter portion 33 in this order from the base end side.

[0036] The adapter 32 has a groove 34 formed on the large diameter portion 33 side for receiving a locking fitting of the water supply pipe 103 (see FIG. 2).

[0037] 4, slits 35L and 35R for vibrating the flexible tube portion 21 in the left and right directions are formed on the left and right sides of the tip side of the large diameter portion 33 of the pipe connection portion 31. The slits 35L and 35R are formed in the 180° direction to further stabilize the vibration.

[0038] In Figure 3(a), the total length of the first example of the first nozzle 2a is 400 mm. The total length of the flexible tube portion 21 is 365 mm. The inner diameter of the tip end of the flexible tube portion 21 is 6 mm. The outer diameter of the tip end of the flexible tube portion 21 is 8 mm. The outer diameter of the base end of the flexible tube portion 21 is 10 mm.

[0039] The overall length of the pipe connection portion 31 is 30 mm. The inner diameter of the pipe connection portion 31 is 6 mm. The outer diameter of the pipe connection portion 31 is 10 mm. The overall length of the large diameter portion 33 is 100 mm. The inner diameter of the large diameter portion 33 is 12 mm. The outer diameter of the large diameter portion 33 is 16 mm.

[0040] The total length of the slits 35L and 35R is 25 mm. The base end sides of the slits 35L and 35R are semicircular with a radius of 5 mm. The length by which the flexible tube portion 21 protrudes from the tip of the tube connection portion 31 is 270 mm.

[0041] The operation of the first example of the first nozzle 2a will be described below. In the operation of the first example of the first nozzle 2a, when water (for rainfall) fed into the first nozzle 2a via the water supply pipe 103 (see FIG. 2) is dispersed to the outside from the flexible tube portion 21 via the pipe connection portion 31, the first nozzle 2a has slits 35L, 35R formed on the left and right sides of the tip side of the pipe connection portion 31 for vibrating the flexible tube portion 21 in the left-right direction, so that lateral vibration (vibration, swinging) of the flexible tube portion 21 on the tip side is effectively suppressed.

[0042] By suppressing this lateral vibration, the flexible tube section 21 smoothly performs a reciprocating bending motion in one direction (self-excited vibration / swing) that occurs as a reaction to the water discharge during the water discharge operation, and since there is no lateral vibration, the stability of the operation is ensured.

[0043] That is, vibration (swing) occurs only in the left-right direction when viewed from the top of FIG. 3(b).

[0044] Specifically, when spraying water, the first nozzle 2a vibrates in a fan shape as it bends in the direction in which the slits 35L and 35R are formed, and the sprayed water droplets also fall while spreading out in a fan shape, resulting in rainfall in an almost linear pattern (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0045] In other words, artificial rain is continuously carried out and maintained in a stable state by the self-excited vibration of the first nozzle 2a (the reciprocating bending motion of the flexible tube portion 21 in one direction), as shown in Figure 6 (Figure 7).

[0046] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the first nozzle 2a.

[0047] The left side of Fig. 5(a) is a view seen from the base end side, and the right side of Fig. 5(a) is a side view (the shape seen from a position in the left-right direction). Fig. 5(b) is a perspective view of a second example of the first nozzle 2a.

[0048] In FIG. 5, the second example of 2 a is composed of a flexible tube portion 41 and a pipe connection portion 51 .

[0049] The flexible tube portion 41 is formed in a tubular shape from a flexible material such as vinyl chloride, polyethylene, or other soft resin.

[0050] The pipe connection part 51 is formed in a tubular shape from a material having a higher modulus of rigidity than the flexible tube part 41, and the flexible tube part 41 is attached by gluing or welding with the base end side of the flexible tube part 41 inserted into the pipe from the tip side, and the base end side is attached to the water supply pipe 103 shown in Figure 2, and water for sprinkling is taken in from the base end side and led to the flexible tube part 41.

[0051] More specifically, the pipe connection portion 51 is formed by integral molding of an adapter portion 52 and a large diameter portion 53 in this order from the base end side.

[0052] A groove 54 is formed on the large diameter portion 53 side of the adapter portion 52 to engage with the locking fitting of the water supply pipe 103 .

[0053] Slits 55L and 55R for vibrating the flexible tube portion 41 in the left and right directions are formed on the left and right sides of the tip side of the large diameter portion 53 of the pipe connection portion 51. The slits 55L and 55R are formed in the 180° direction to further stabilize the vibration.

[0054] The total length of the second example of the first nozzle 2a is 500 mm. The total length of the flexible tube portion 41 is 465 mm. The inner diameter of the tip end of the flexible tube portion 41 is 8 mm. The outer diameter of the tip end of the flexible tube portion 41 is 10 mm. The outer diameter of the base end of the flexible tube portion 41 is 12 mm.

[0055] The overall length of the pipe connection part 51 is 30 mm. The inner diameter of the pipe connection part 51 is 6 mm. The outer diameter of the pipe connection part 51 is 10 mm.

[0056] The large diameter portion 53 has a total length of 100 mm, an inner diameter of 12 mm, and an outer diameter of 16 mm.

[0057] The total length of the slits 55L and 55R is 25 mm. The base end sides of the slits 55L and 55R are semicircular with a radius of 5 mm. The length by which the flexible tube portion 21 protrudes from the tip of the tube connection portion 31 is 370 mm.

[0058] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the effect of the unit nozzle unit 2 as viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0059] As described in Figure 3, the first nozzle 2a, the second nozzle 2b (the third nozzle 2c), and the fourth nozzle 2d oscillate (vibrate) widely in the left-right direction. This allows the artificial rain to be distributed over a wide area in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 6. The unit nozzle unit 2 can adequately fulfill its role as artificial rain by installing it at a height of approximately 2000 mm. Of course, a higher height would result in more uniform artificial rain, but it would require a longer support column 102b (see Figure 1), which would increase costs. Furthermore, a higher height would increase the effort required for installation and maintenance. It would also increase the risk of workers, maintenance personnel, and supervisors having to climb to higher positions to work. For these reasons, this height is generally considered appropriate. Furthermore, because bending over while walking would also impair workability, a range of approximately 1800 mm to 2400 mm is appropriate. Naturally, the height range will vary depending on the target (application) for which artificial rain is to be applied.

[0060] It goes without saying that the support structure 102 shown in Figure 1 is not essential, and the height can also be changed in various ways.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the effect of the unit nozzle unit 2 as viewed from the left and right.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, the second nozzle 2b and the third nozzle 2c are arranged in the front-to-back direction. As explained in Figure 6, the first nozzle 2a (the second nozzle 2b, the third nozzle 2c, and the fourth nozzle 2d) do not oscillate in the front-to-back direction (they do not oscillate significantly). Of course, the first nozzle 2a (the second nozzle 2b, the third nozzle 2c, and the fourth nozzle 2d) may oscillate slightly, or the turbulence upon exiting the first nozzle 2a may cause the rain to be dispersed (scattered) in the front-to-back direction as shown in Figure 6, resulting in artificial rainfall. However, as can be easily seen by comparing Figures 6 and 7, there is a clear difference in the degree of dispersion (scattering). This difference is reflected in the difference between L1 and L2 mentioned above. Note that the first nozzle 2a and the fourth nozzle 2d are omitted in Figure 7.

[0063] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the supply of water for artificial rainfall.

[0064] Water for artificial rainfall is discharged from a pump 110 and distributed to each unit nozzle unit 2 through a water supply pipe 103. The water supply pipe 103 runs inside or on the surface of the support column 102b and bar 102a of the support structure 102. Although water is distributed to only one support structure 102 in Fig. 8, it is of course possible to distribute water to multiple support structures 102. Furthermore, although water is distributed to only one unit nozzle unit 2 in one support structure 102 in Fig. 8, it is more common to distribute water to multiple unit nozzle units 2.

[0065] Second Embodiment FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a second embodiment.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9, the number of each of the first nozzle 2a, second nozzle 2b, third nozzle 2c, and fourth nozzle 2d may be two. This doubles the amount of rainfall. Furthermore, stable and uniform artificial rainfall can be achieved. Furthermore, by multiplying the number by three, four, or N, the amount of rainfall can be doubled, three, or N times. Such a design method and an artificial rainfall device installed using this method can be provided by the above method.

[0067] <Numerical Range> In the first and second embodiments, when the left-right distance between the first nozzle 2a and the fourth nozzle 2d is divided into thirds, the second nozzle 2b and the third nozzle 2c are located in the center of the third division. Furthermore, the front-to-rear distance between the second nozzle 2b and the third nozzle 2c is 1 / 5 or less of the left-to-right distance between the first nozzle 2a and the fourth nozzle 2d. <Variation 1> The second nozzle 2b and the third nozzle 2c may be located in the center of the first nozzle 2a and the fourth nozzle 2d when the distance between them is divided into thirds. Of course, more preferably, they may be located in the center of the first nozzle 2a and the fourth nozzle 2d when the distance between them is divided into fifths. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the second nozzle 2b and the third nozzle 2c are located at the same position in the left-to-right direction. The length of l2 is preferably 1 / 5 or less of l1. More preferably, the length of l2 is 1 / 10 or less of l1. The length of L2 is preferably 1 / 5 or less of L1. More preferably, the length of L2 is 1 / 10 or less of L1. The length of l1 is preferably 1 / 2 or less of L1. More preferably, the length of l1 is 1 / 3 or less of L1. The length of l2 is preferably 1 / 5 or less of L2. More preferably, the length of l1 is 1 / 3 or less of L1.

[0068] <Adjustment of Rainfall Amount by Height> FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing that the rainfall amount can be adjusted by increasing the position of the unit nozzle unit 2 and widening the relative positions of the nozzles.

[0069] In Figure 10(a), for example, at a height of 2 m, a precipitation rate of 55 mm (±10 mm) per hour can be achieved by setting the distance between the first nozzle 2a and the fourth nozzle 2d to 1500 mm (±100 mm) and the distance between the second nozzle 2b and the third nozzle 2c to 120 mm (±20 mm). In Figure 10(b), for example, at a height of 4 m, a precipitation rate of 35 mm (±10 mm) per hour can be achieved by setting the distance between the first nozzle 2a and the fourth nozzle 2d to 3250 mm (±100 mm) and the distance between the second nozzle 2b and the third nozzle 2c to 260 mm (±20 mm). 10(c), for example, at a height of 6 m, a precipitation rate of 20 mm (±10 mm) per hour can be achieved by setting the distance between the first nozzle 2a and the fourth nozzle 2d to 5000 mm (±100 mm) and the distance between the second nozzle 2b and the third nozzle 2c to 360 mm (±20 mm). The unit nozzle units 2 can be arranged either vertically (front-to-back) or horizontally (left-to-right) without any spacing.

[0070] If a smaller amount of rainfall is acceptable, the size of the unit nozzle unit 2 can be increased, as can be seen by comparing Figures 10(a) to 10(c). As a result, the number of nozzles can be reduced. Reducing the number of nozzles reduces costs and eases installation and maintenance. However, since the spacing between the nozzles of the unit nozzle unit 2 becomes wider, the height must be increased as shown in Figure 10 to ensure sufficient dispersion. If you want to double the amount of rainfall at the same height, simply place twice as many nozzles as shown in Figure 9. If you want to triple the amount of rainfall, you can do so by tripling the number of nozzles. The same applies to N-fold increases. Such a design method and the artificial rainmaking device installed using it can be provided using the above method.

[0071] <Configuration and effects of embodiment> The watering nozzles (first nozzle 2a, second nozzle 2b, third nozzle 2c, fourth nozzle 2d) are manufactured by preparing a tube (flexible tube portion 21) made of an elastic material and a structure (pipe connection portion 31) whose length from tip to base end is shorter than the length of the tube, has a hole (inside of pipe connection portion 31) that passes through from tip to base end, and at least the tip side of the hole is larger than the outer diameter of the tube, and then inserting the base end side of the tube into the hole in the structure.

[0072] The watering nozzles (first nozzle 2a, second nozzle 2b, third nozzle 2c, fourth nozzle 2d) comprise a tube (flexible tube portion 21) made of an elastic material, and a structure (pipe connection portion 31) whose length from tip to base end is shorter than the length of the tube, into which a hole (inside of pipe connection portion 31) is formed through the tube from tip to base end, at least the tip side of the hole is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the tube, and into which the base end side of the tube is inserted. With this configuration, the watering nozzles can generate uniform artificial rain by vibrating the tube (flexible tube portion 21) made of an elastic material.

[0073] The tube is a first tube and the structure is a second tube separate from the first tube.

[0074] The structure has a slit structure (slits 35L, 35R) that controls the direction of the excited vibration.

[0075] With this configuration, the sprinkler nozzle can evenly apply artificial rain by using the slits 35L and 35R for vibrating the flexible tube portion 21 in the left-right direction.

[0076] The structure is more rigid than the tube.

[0077] As a comparison with this embodiment, consider the case where a watering nozzle is produced by supplying a rubber (flexible) material to a precision mold and performing compression molding or injection molding.

[0078] The comparative example has problems such as the high cost of precision molds (molds cannot be amortized in small-scale production) and the need to perform vulcanization and aging treatment at high temperatures for long periods of time after molding (which requires a lot of manufacturing energy and time).

[0079] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the watering nozzles (first nozzle 2a, second nozzle 2b, third nozzle 2c, fourth nozzle 2d) can be realized using two types of tubes: flexible tube portion 21 (41 in the second example) and pipe connection portion 31 (51 in the second example), so the structure and manufacturing method can achieve low costs when prototyping or producing small quantities of watering nozzles, which are nozzles made of self-excited vibrating rubber (flexible) material. If low costs are desired for mass production of watering nozzles, further cost reductions can be achieved by setting up a production line like that for rubber hoses.

[0080] The nozzle unit (unit nozzle unit 2) is formed by arranging two or more sprinkler nozzles according to any one of claims 2 to 5. The artificial rain making device has two or more sprinkler nozzles.

[0081] Each artificial rain nozzle (first nozzle 2a, second nozzle 2b, third nozzle 2c, and fourth nozzle 2d) comprises a flexible tube 21 made of a flexible material and a pipe connector 31 made of a material with a higher modulus of rigidity than the flexible tube 21. The flexible tube 21 is inserted into a pipe from the distal end and the proximal end of the flexible tube 21 is inserted into the pipe. The pipe connector 31 receives water for sprinkling from the proximal end and directs it to the flexible tube 21. Slits 35L and 35R are formed on the distal left and right sides of the pipe connector 31 to vibrate the flexible tube 21 laterally. This configuration allows the artificial rain nozzle to generate uniform artificial rainfall thanks to the slits 35L and 35R that vibrate the flexible tube 21 laterally.

[0082] The artificial rain making device has a unit nozzle unit 2 having at least a first nozzle 2a that vibrates left and right to spray water for artificial rain making, a second nozzle 2b that vibrates left and right to spray water for artificial rain making, a third nozzle 2c that vibrates left and right to spray water for artificial rain making, and a fourth nozzle 2d that vibrates left and right to spray water for artificial rain making, the first nozzle 2a being arranged at the left end position of the unit nozzle unit 2, the fourth nozzle 2d being arranged at the right end position of the unit nozzle unit 2, the second nozzle 2b being arranged at the front end position of the unit nozzle unit 2, and the third nozzle 2c being arranged at the rear end position of the unit nozzle unit 2, 2 are arranged in multiple positions in the left-right and front-back directions, and the first to fourth nozzles 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d each include a flexible tube portion 21 formed in a tubular shape from a flexible material, and a pipe connection portion 31 formed in a tubular shape from a material with a higher rigidity than the flexible tube portion 21, to which the base end of the flexible tube portion 21 is inserted from the tip side into a pipe, and which takes in water for sprinkling from the base end and directs it to the flexible tube portion 21, and slits 35L and 35R are formed on the left and right sides of the tip side of the pipe connection portion 31 to vibrate the flexible tube portion 21 in the left-right direction. With this configuration, it is possible to produce artificial rainfall that is relatively uniform.

[0083] The plurality of unit nozzle units 2 are arranged at equal intervals in the front-rear and left-right directions. With this configuration, it is possible to make artificial rain fall more uniformly.

[0084] Preferably, N times the number of nozzles are arranged at each of the nozzle positions of the first nozzle 2a, the second nozzle 2b, the third nozzle 2c, and the fourth nozzle 2d of the unit nozzle unit 2. With this configuration, it is possible to easily generate rainfall amounts ranging from 2 to N times.

[0085] Preferably, in the design method of the artificial rainmaking apparatus, when the amount of rainfall is to be reduced, the arrangement intervals of the first nozzle 2 a, the second nozzle 2 b, the third nozzle 2 c, and the fourth nozzle 2 d of the unit nozzle unit 2 are widened and the installation position of the unit nozzle unit 2 is designed to be high. With such a configuration, the required amount of rainfall can be easily generated.

[0086] Preferably, when it is desired to increase the amount of rainfall by N times, the unit nozzle unit 2 is designed so that N times as many nozzles are arranged at each of the nozzle positions of the first nozzle 2a, the second nozzle 2b, the third nozzle 2c, and the fourth nozzle 2d. With such a configuration, the required amount of rainfall can be easily produced.

[0087] Furthermore, the arrangement of the watering nozzles (first nozzle 2a, second nozzle 2b, third nozzle 2c, fourth nozzle 2d) is not limited to the arrangement shown in Figures 1, 2, and 6 to 10, and can be changed in various ways as long as the gist of the present invention is not changed.

[0088] Furthermore, the shape of the structure of the sprinkler nozzle (pipe connection part 31) is not limited to the round tube shape shown in Figures 1 to 10, and as long as it is tubular, it can be modified in various ways, such as a flat rectangular shape or a square tube shape, as long as it does not change the gist of the present invention.

[0089] Furthermore, if the structure (pipe connection part 31) is a simple tube without a slit structure (slits 35L, 35R), it may not be possible to control vibration. In such cases, it is possible to control vibration by cutting or drilling a part of the tube on the structure side to create non-uniform mass.

[0090] The flexible tube portion 21 (41 in the second example) and the pipe connection portion 31 (51 in the second example) of the watering nozzles (first nozzle 2a, second nozzle 2b, third nozzle 2c, fourth nozzle 2d) use tubes made of rubber (flexible) material (manufactured inexpensively on a continuous production line in which molds and heating furnaces are incorporated into the process in advance).

[0091] The flexible tube portion 21 (41 in the second example) and the tube connection portion 31 (51 in the second example) are two types of tubes.

[0092] When manufacturing a sprinkler nozzle, a flexible tube portion 21 (41 in the second example) of a small diameter tube (hereinafter referred to as the tube) is inserted into a pipe connection portion 31 (51 in the second example), which is a large diameter tube (called a self-excited vibration control portion; expressed as a structure in the original design).

[0093] The self-excited vibration control portion is shorter than the tube. The self-excited vibration control portion is provided with slits 35L and 35R (55L and 55R in the second example) in the 180° direction to further stabilize the vibration.

[0094] From the above, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a sprinkler nozzle, a sprinkler nozzle, a nozzle unit, and a rainmaking device that are convenient for manufacturers and users.

[0095] In the embodiments and modifications of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 10, the length ratio of the structure (pipe connection portion 31, 51) to the flexible tube (flexible tube portion 21, 41), the slit size, direction, and other dimensions can be changed in various ways.

[0096] <Other and more preferred embodiments> FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the unit nozzle unit 2 (sprinkler nozzle) example described above, and / or an example of a more preferred embodiment of the example described above.

[0097] As shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), a weight portion 201 is disposed on the flexible tube portion 21. The weight portion 201 and the flexible tube portion 21 can be fixed, crimped, bonded, bonded with adhesive or the like, bonded by heating or the like, joined, interlocked, or fixed by friction. Of course, it is also possible to form the weight portion 201 from the beginning in a mold or the like used to manufacture the flexible tube portion 21, and form it completely integrally. In other words, although the weight portion 201 exists as a separate part from the flexible tube portion 21 in Figure 11(c), it is also possible to integrate it. The weight portion 201 can be disposed anywhere from the tip side of the flexible tube portion 21 to the vicinity of the large diameter portion 33.

[0098] This arrangement (position, distance from the tip) is changed depending on the desired vibration frequency (vibration range), etc. The position of this arrangement can be changed during design, etc., as indicated by l (lowercase L) in Figures 11(a) and 11(b). As a more specific example, it is changed and designed as appropriate depending on the shape, elasticity, and length of the unit nozzle unit 2, the water pressure and flow rate, the desired vibration frequency, the desired vibration range (desired rainfall range), etc. In other words, by making the above appropriate changes and designs, it is possible to optimize the rainfall range, optimize the operating start pressure, and expand the operating pressure range.

[0099] The factors to be considered during design, etc., are explained in more detail below. (1) The operating pressure range can be expanded by attaching the weight portion 201 to the tip (tip side). This also enables operation at lower pressures, which means less stress is applied to the nozzle and a longer lifespan is expected. Furthermore, the ability to operate at lower pressures also makes it possible to reduce power consumption. (2) The rainfall range can be controlled by attaching the weight portion 201 from the tip to the base. Furthermore, the shape of the weight portion 201 can be changed. If the weight portion 201 is installed at the base, the pressure increases, but the vibration angle decreases, and the rainfall range becomes smaller. In other words, the rainfall range can be changed. (3) The tube can be prevented from bouncing up by attaching the weight portion 201 from the middle to the base. Simply put, without the weight section, if the applied stress becomes even slightly greater than the appropriate value, the self-excited vibration angle will exceed 180°, causing the sprayed water droplets to interfere with the ceiling, beams, lighting fixture water supply pipes, etc., resulting in changes in rainfall characteristics (rainfall amount distribution, raindrop size distribution, raindrop fall speed, etc.). For this reason, by changing the installation location of the weight section 201, the self-excited vibration angle can be controlled from over 180° to 180° or less.

[0100] A preferred shape of the weight portion 201 will now be described. The shape of the weight portion 201 is similar to that shown in FIG. 12 , which will be described later, and therefore will not be shown in FIG. 12 . The weight portion 201 may be cylindrical with a through-hole, as shown in FIG. 12 . The unit nozzle unit 2 is formed to oscillate in a fixed direction, as shown in FIGS. 3 , 4 , 5 , etc. Oscillating back and forth in a fixed direction (pendulum motion) can also mean pendulum motion within a fixed plane (S). However, it should be noted that the pendulum motion (oscillation) does not necessarily occur exclusively within this fixed plane due to factors such as the structure, material, and shape of the unit nozzle unit 2, non-uniformity of the outflowing water (turbulence), and pressure fluctuations. A fixed plane that oscillates in a pendulum motion (oscillation) refers to a plane that often exhibits pendulum-like motion around the plane, or a plane designed and manufactured in such a manner. In FIG. 11( a ), the fixed plane S is the plane whose normal direction (perpendicular to the plane) is the direction on the paper. In the case of FIG. 11B, the plane that is nearly horizontal to the paper surface is the constant plane S.

[0101] It is more preferable that the weight portion 201 is plane-symmetrical with respect to this fixed plane S. This is because plane symmetry increases the probability that the pendulum motion (vibration) of the unit nozzle unit 2 will oscillate within this fixed plane S (centered on a fixed side surface). Therefore, the shape of the weight portion 201 does not need to be the shape shown in Figure 11(c) and can be a square, rectangular, spherical, elliptical, or other shape as long as it is plane-symmetrical with respect to the fixed plane S.

[0102] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a further, alternative and more preferred embodiment.

[0103] The shape of the unit nozzle unit 2 (sprinkler nozzle) is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 11 , and may also be the shape shown in FIG. 12 . The unit nozzle unit 2 of FIG. 12 is formed so that its thickness decreases in a certain direction so as to vibrate on a certain plane S, as shown in FIG. 12( b ). In FIG. 12( b ), it can be seen that the thickness decreases in the vertical direction. In FIG. 12( b ), the normal direction to the plane S is the normal direction to the plane S. Also, in FIG. 12( a ), the plane S is normal to the left-right direction of the plane. Even with the unit nozzle unit 2 of FIG. 12 , a weight portion 12 can be provided as in FIG. 11 , and the range and period of vibration can be controlled by its position, size, etc.

[0104] As described above, the structure, connections between components, chemical substances, and the like of the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Materials can also be freely selected, including metal, plastic, FRP, wood, concrete, and the like. For example, two or more components can be combined into one, or conversely, one component can be constructed from two or more separate components and connected together. Furthermore, the above embodiment is merely one of the best modes currently available.

[0105] 2 Unit nozzle unit (watering nozzle) 2a First nozzle 2b Second nozzle 2c Third nozzle 2d Fourth nozzle 21 Flexible tube section 31 Pipe connection section 32 Adapter section 33 Large diameter section 34 Groove section 35L, 35R Slit 41 Flexible tube section 51 Pipe connection section 52 Adapter section 53 Large diameter section 54 Groove section 55L, 55R Slit 101 Test road surface 102 Support structure 102a Bar section 102b Support section 103 Water supply pipe 110 Pump 201 Weight section

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a sprinkler nozzle, comprising: preparing a tube formed of an elastic material and a structure having a length from a tip end to a base end shorter than that of the tube, with a hole formed through the structure from the tip end to the base end and at least the tip side of the hole having an outer diameter equal to or greater than that of the tube; and inserting the base end side of the tube into the hole of the structure.

2. A sprinkler nozzle comprising: a tube formed of an elastic material; and a structure having a length from a tip end to a base end shorter than that of the tube, with a hole formed through the structure from the tip end to the base end and at least the tip side of the hole having an outer diameter equal to or greater than that of the tube, and the base end side of the tube inserted into the hole.

3. The sprinkler nozzle according to claim 2, wherein a weight portion for adjusting the vibration period is disposed on the tube.

4. The sprinkler nozzle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the tube is a first tube and the structure is a second tube different from the first tube.

5. The sprinkler nozzle according to claims 2 to 4, wherein the structure has a slit structure for controlling the direction of excitation vibration.

6. The sprinkler nozzle according to claims 2 to 4, wherein the structure has higher rigidity than the tube.

7. A sprinkler nozzle formed to mainly perform pendulum vibration within a certain plane, wherein a weight portion for adjusting the vibration period is disposed on the tip side of the sprinkler nozzle.

8. The sprinkler nozzle according to claim 7, wherein the weight portion is formed symmetrically with respect to the certain plane.

9. A nozzle unit comprising two or more sprinkler nozzles according to any one of claims 2 to 8.

10. An artificial rainfall device comprising two or more sprinkler nozzles according to any one of claims 2 to 9.

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