EP1909950B1 - Cartridge and admixing arrangement for a manually operable arrangement for spraying water mixed with an additive - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge for an admixing arrangement of a manually operable arrangement for spraying a solvent, in particular water, into which an additive in the form of a liquid concentrate, such as a plant or crop protection agent, has been mixed, comprising an outer cartridge housing (110, 1100, 11003, 11002); a pressure-sensitive inner container (120) for accommodating the liquid concentrate; a mixing chamber (150, 1150, 11150), the mixing chamber (150, 1150, 11150) having a device with a first outlet opening (140, 1140, 13140), for the concentrate or plant spray, an inlet opening (160, 1160, 11160), designed as a throttle, for the solvent or water, and a second outlet opening (170, 1170, 11170) for the concentrate/solvent mixture.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a cartridge for a Zumischvorrichtung a hand-operated device for spraying water, in which an additive in the form of a liquid concentrate, such as a pesticide, is mixed. The invention is not limited to the admixture of pesticides, but the application of other available in concentrate form chemical substances such as cleaning agents with the cartridge is possible.

State of the art

Hand-operated devices for spraying water into an additive in the form of a liquid concentrate, such as a pesticide is mixed, are commonly used in crop sprays and are in this case connected via their water connection, which is preferably a pressurized water connection, by means of a pressure hose with a portable pressure vessel. This pressure vessel absorbs the already mixed with the respective additive water and can be pressurized by means of a manually operable or motor-driven air pump be, which forms an air cushion above the liquid level in the pressure vessel. The disadvantage of such an arrangement is that the pressure vessel, the supply hose to the spray device, the manual valve and the spray pipe can be contaminated with the admixed in the water additives, which can be toxic, but at least not environmentally friendly. Another disadvantage of these devices is that always a large amount of mixture must be applied, which is often not completely spent and then disposed of. In addition, there is the risk in these known spraying devices that the additional concentrate in the water is added with an overdose or underdose or false dose. A generic device is made US 6453 935 known.

To overcome the above problems, is from the WO 02 / 0515555A1 a hand-operated device for spraying water has become known with a mixing device comprising a mixing head, on which a cartridge receiving the concentrate can be detachably attached.

The disadvantage that comes from the WO 02 / 051555A1 known device is that the cartridge had a filling space in the manner of a cylinder, in which by moving a displaceable piston, the concentrated additive is removed from the cartridge out into the mixing head. On the one hand, this is a very complicated device, on the other hand there is the problem that with the mixing chamber permanently installed in the admixing device, the admixing concentration can not be readily changed.

An essential simpler construction opposite to that from the WO 02 / 0151555A1 known, is the formation of a hand-operated device for spraying such a mixture, as for example from the US 4,406,406 is known.

At the time of the US 4,406,406 known device is by introducing a water pressure in a cartridge, the spray due to this Water pressure expelled either by displacement of a piston or by compressing a pressure-sensitive inner container.

A disadvantage of the US 4,406,406 known device is that, as in the case of WO 02 / 051555A1 the mixing chamber, part of the mixing head with the disadvantages described there.

From the US 1,827,502 For example, a system has been known in which a container receiving a chemical is introduced into a conduit, which may, for example, carry a solvent such as water, to mix the chemical into the solvent.

The US 2,584,104 shows a tank in a line, the solvent, such as water is introduced. From the tank, a chemical is supplied to the flowing solvent or water and mixed into the water.

From the US 4,971,248 For example, a device for irrigating, for example, grass areas has become known, in which a container, which comprises, for example, a chemical, is introduced into a conduit. The chemical is added via an outlet in a solvent, for example in a water stream.

The US 2,857,202 shows a device in which again from a container that receives chemicals this container is introduced into a water supply or solvent line, so that water from the container can be metered when flowing through the line in the solvent.

The US 3,897,004 shows a nozzle formed such that a fluid can be mixed into a carrier fluid.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide a cartridge that allows compared to the previously known cartridges when introducing into the admixing the use of different concentrates, which are always metered optimally into the water depending, for example, the plant active ingredient or concentrate.

This is achieved in that the mixing chamber is not part of the mixing head of the admixing device, but part of the cartridge inserted into the admixing device.

According to the invention, the cartridge itself comprises a mixing chamber with a first outlet opening or a nozzle device with nozzle opening for dispensing the spraying means, an inlet opening for water, which can be designed as a throttle with a throttle diameter and a second outlet opening for the mixture generated in the mixing chamber of the cartridge ,

It is particularly preferred if the first outlet opening or nozzle opening has a diameter of 0.1 to 3 mm, in particular 0.1 to 1 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mm, very particularly preferably 0.15 to 0, 3 mm and the inlet opening or throttle opening has a diameter of 1.2 to 3 mm, preferably 1.2 to 2.5 mm, in particular 1.4 to 1.9 mm.

The diameter of the nozzle opening and / or the throttle opening is selected for the respective spray agent or concentrate which is introduced into the cartridge, so that the spray agent or concentrate can be applied optimally. The diameters of both the nozzle opening and / or the throttle opening determine the mixing ratio of the concentrate with the solvent, ie in the present case with water. This is due to the fact that different concentrates have different viscosities at the same temperature. The However, viscosities influence, inter alia, the mixing ratio. If the temperature rises, a higher mixing ratio is generally achieved with the same concentrate.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cartridge is detachably connected to the mixing head of the admixing device, for example via a detachable screw connection or a clip connection.

It is particularly preferred if the inner container, in which the spray is spent, comprises a compressible material. Preferred materials are plastics or rubber-elastic materials. A preferred plastic is polyethylene (PE).

Preferably, the cartridge comprises an activator. The activator comprises an axially movable component, which can preferably be brought into different positions. The advantage of an activator which is designed as a separate component is that the activator, which is designed, for example, as an axial component, can be exchanged very easily. Depending on the concentrate, different mixing ratios must be set. This is done, for example, by using different activators for different concentrates, wherein the activators have different nozzle openings and / or throttle openings for different concentrates. By simply exchanging the activator it is then possible to use one and the same cartridge mold for different concentrates.

Depending on the configuration of the activator can be provided that this can be brought into an operating state in which concentrate is discharged together with water or in a rinsing state, in which prior to removal of the cartridge and after operation, the mixing chamber and / or the nozzle opening for the Concentrate will be rinsed.

In addition to the cartridge according to the invention, the invention also provides a mixing device for a manually operated device for spraying water, in which an additive is introduced, wherein the admixing device is characterized in that the water supply line comprises a check valve. This check valve may be formed as a safety valve. In one embodiment of the invention, in which a connection of the admixing device according to the invention takes place directly to a water connection, a so-called backflow preventer is advantageously provided, which serves to prevent contaminated water from entering the water supply line with the admixture.

In order to ensure a constant pressure before the throttle opening from the water supply side and in the pressure-wise connected to the water supply side cartridge and thus the inner container, the admixing device is equipped with a pressure regulator or pressure limiter in a first embodiment. The pressure regulator or pressure limiter is designed so that at the water supply side, an operating pressure in the range of 1 bar to 3 bar, preferably 1.2 bar to 2.2 bar is present, regardless of which pressure prevails, for example, in the pressure vessel to the Pressure water supply line is connected.

In addition to the cartridge and the water mixing device, the invention also provides a manually operated device for spraying water into which an admixture is mixed. This device is characterized in that an admixing device according to the invention is introduced with a cartridge according to the invention between a spray pipe and a water supply line, preferably a pressurized water supply line.

The water connection may preferably be connected either to the water network or to a portable pressure vessel. If a connection to the water network is provided, the water mixing device with the cartridge can for example be part of a conventional garden hose system, such as is used for irrigating the garden.

For example, the Wasserzumischvorrichtung between the garden hose and a blasting unit with the water is discharged, be introduced.

Description of the invention

The invention will be described below with reference to the embodiments without limitation thereto.

Fig. 1a

eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Kartusche, die in eine Zumischvorrichtung eingesetzt ist.

Fig. 1b - d

eine zweite weitergebildete Ausführungsform einer Kartusche, die in eine Zumischvorrichtung eingesetzt wird.

Fig. 1e -g

eine dritte weitergebildete Ausführungsform einer Kartusche, die in eine Zumischvorrichtung eingesetzt wird.

Fig. 1h

Draufsicht auf ein als Druckknopf ausgebildetes Mischkopfgehäuse

Fig. 2

der Einbau einer erfindungsgemäßen Zumischvorrichtung in eine handbedienbare Vorrichtung zum Versprühen von mit einem Zusatzmittel vermischtem Wasser.

Fig.3

eine Ausführungsform einer handbedienbaren Vorrichtung zum Versprühen von mit einem Zusatzmittel vermischten Wasser, wobei ein Druckbehälter vorgesehen ist.

Show it:

Fig. 1a

A first embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention, which is inserted in a Zumischvorrichtung.

Fig. 1b - d

a second developed embodiment of a cartridge, which is used in a Zumischvorrichtung.

Fig. 1e-g

a third developed embodiment of a cartridge, which is used in a Zumischvorrichtung.

Fig. 1h

Top view of a trained as a push button mixing head housing

Fig. 2

the installation of a Zumischvorrichtung invention in a hand-operated device for spraying mixed with an additive water.

Figure 3

an embodiment of a hand-operated device for spraying mixed with an additive water, wherein a pressure vessel is provided.

In FIG. 1a an admixing device 1 is shown, which has a thread 3. In the thread 3 is detachable via a screw 5, an outer container the cartridge 100 of the invention receives introduced. The cartridge is thus detachably connected to the admixing device 1. The cartridge 100 comprises an outer housing 110 and a pressure-sensitive inner container 120. The pressure-sensitive inner container 120 receives in its interior the spray or the additive or concentrate. The pressure-sensitive inner container is formed in the illustrated embodiment of a compressible material. The compressible material of the inner container 120 may be, for example, a plastic or a rubber-elastic material. Furthermore, the cartridge has a first inlet 130 which, when the cartridge is connected to the admixing device, is connected to a water outlet 7 of the admixing device. If water flows in, for example, the pressurized water supply line of the admixing device, not shown, water is introduced into the intermediate space 142 between the inner wall of the outer container 110 and the pressure-sensitive inner container 120 via the connection of the water line 7 and the water inlet opening 30. When water penetrates into the intermediate space 142 between the outer housing 110 and inner container 120, the material of the inner container 120 is compressed until the same pressure prevails in the interior of the inner container and in the intermediate space 140 between inner container and outer container. This serves to dispense concentrate or spraying agent from the inner container via a nozzle with a nozzle opening 140 into the mixing chamber 150. The nozzle opening 140 is also referred to as a concentrate outlet port. The mixing chamber 150 is part of the cartridge 100 itself in contrast to the known from the prior art embodiments in which the mixing chamber is part of the mixing device or the mixing head. In the mixing chamber 150, which has an inlet opening designed as a throttle, water from the water line 9 of the admixing device is guided into the mixing chamber 150. Due to the design as a throttle with a throttle opening 160 is achieved that due to the pressure difference of the throttle there is a certain pressure gradient; There is thus a high pressure at the inlet side of the throttle and thus in the pressure vessel and a lower pressure at the outlet side of the throttle and thus in the region of the outlet opening or Nozzle opening 140. Due to this pressure difference between the pressure at the nozzle opening 140 and at the inner container 120 of the cartridge, a certain concentration of spray agent or concentrate is then discharged from the inner container 120. Depending on the concentrate, the throttle opening can be adjusted, in particular so chosen, so that an optimum concentration of spray agent or concentrate is discharged via the outlet opening or nozzle opening 140.

The mixing of the spray is carried out as described in the mixing chamber via the outlet opening 140th

The nozzle orifice may in turn be selected according to the spray or concentrate to be introduced in order to achieve optimum delivery of spray into the water in conjunction with the pressure drop determined by the throttle.

In particular, it is possible by the choice of the nozzle diameter and the throttle diameter, to set the concentration at which the spray is added to the water. This means that different nozzle openings and throttle openings are required for different spraying means, since different spraying agents in different concentrations are used for an optimal effect, e.g. must be mixed with water for pest control. Since the mixing chamber is part of the cartridge, different mixing chambers can be used for different spraying or substances to be introduced, which are always designed so that optimal concentrate delivery and optimal mixing is guaranteed.

The mixture mixed in the mixing chamber 150 is discharged via an outlet port 170 to the mixing pipe 11 of the mixing device 1.

The mixing chamber 150 of the cartridge can be closed with a closure, not shown, so that from the nozzle opening unintentionally spray or concentrate can escape. With the help of the closure, a leak-free and child-safe storage, for example, a half-full cartridge is guaranteed.

The mixing device 1 itself comprises, as described above, a solvent line, for example a water line 9 and a mixture line 11. The mixing chamber 150 is part of the cartridge 100. The mixing device further comprises in the water supply line 9, a check valve 20. With the aid of a non-illustrated Rückflussverhinders can be prevented that mixture penetrates into a not shown to the mixing device 1, connected water supply, and so contaminated, for example, when connected to the domestic water supply the drinking water itself.

In order to achieve a constant over a longer period concentration of the discharged mixture, in a possible embodiment of the invention, a pressure control device, which is presently designed as a pressure valve 30 is provided. By the pressure valve is independently of the pressure prevailing in the pressure water supply pressure an operating pressure in the region of the water pipe 9 and thus the input side of the throttle opening 160 and set in the cartridge itself. This operating pressure is between 1.0 and 3 bar. Through the opening of the throttle then the pressure drop and thus the pressure difference, which is present at the nozzle opening of the cartridge defined, which in turn determines the emitted concentration of the spray.

Furthermore, the admixing device comprises two threaded pieces 30,40. To the threaded piece 30 can be connected, for example, a pressurized water supply, not shown, are connected to the threaded part 40, for example, a spray pipe, with which the mixture can be applied.

In the FIGS. 1b to 1d is a second embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention, which can be used in a mixing device 1001, which is also referred to briefly as a mixing head, is shown.

Opposite the in FIG. 1a shown cartridge, has in the Figures 1 b to 1 d illustrated cartridge on a variety of preferred embodiments. The cartridge shown here is constructed in two parts from a cartridge component 1000 and an activator 3000. The activator is essentially an axially movable member in a wall 3017, which includes a solvent inlet port and concentrate outlet port 1140, mixing chamber 1150, and another concentrate / solvent mixture outlet port. Same components as in FIG. 1a are marked with reference numbers increased by 1000. In the present embodiment, the outer container of the cartridge component coincides with the outer housing 1100. Inside the outer casing 1100 is as in Fig. 1a shown, an inner container, not shown, made of an elastic material which receives a certain concentration of the spray introduced.

In order to be able to control the dosing performance better, the throttle opening is opposite to the in FIG. 1 a embodiment shown now have been configured alternatively. The throttle opening is designated by reference numeral 1160 and consists of millings 2002 in the axial direction in an upper end part 2000 of the cartridge component 1000. The upper end part 2000 of the cartridge component is connected to a so-called activator 3000. The activator 3000 receives a needle 3010 having an exit opening 1140. From the exit port 1140, spray medium enters the mixing chamber 1150 from the pressurized spray container in the cartridge component 1000, as indicated by the arrow 3012. The mixing chamber is formed in the present case in the activator, which is associated with the cartridge and not the admixing or the mixing head. Alternatively, cartridge and activator could also be integrally formed. On the part of the throttle 3160, pure solvent, here in particular water, is fed to the mixing chamber along the arrows 3016, which mixes with the spray agent added in the mixing chamber 1150 along the part 3012. The mixture of water or solvent and spray or the chemical substances contained in the cartridge occurs along the arrow 3018 at an outlet opening 1170 in the line 1011 a. The supply of water takes place via the water inlet opening 1030 along the arrow 3020. The pressure regulating device, which reduces the pressure prevailing in the admixing device or the mixing head to an operating pressure in the region of the throttle on the input side, is marked 1032. As mentioned above, it is advantageous for the invention that the throttle opening 1160 is milled into the cover part 2000 of the cartridge component as an axially running cut-out. The size of the milled slots defines the channel diameter and thus the throttle opening. As previously described, the choice of orifice, ie, the cross-section of the groove formed from the milled groove and the diameter of the nozzle orifice 1140 of the needle 3010, allows the concentration at which the concentrate or spray to be delivered to the water from the side 1030 is added, mixed. In order to prevent water from flowing into the mixing chamber 1150 in the non-milled area, a seal 3520 is provided between the lid part 2000 of the cartridge and the axial component 3500 in a two-part embodiment of the invention.

In order to enable a storage when the cartridge component 1000 is removed, in which certainly no conductive connection is formed between the container filled with spray or concentrate within the cartridge component 1000 and the nozzle opening 1140, an axially movable member or plunger 3600 is provided in the present invention, where the needle 3010 is attached. The plunger 3600 is movable in the axial direction within the activator 3017. The wall 3017 is preferably part of a preferably rotationally symmetrical sleeve, in which the likewise preferred rotationally symmetrical component 3600 can move axially. For this purpose, a piston which is assigned to the admixing device or the mixing head 1001 presses the plunger 3600 downwards with the aid of the component 3500, in this case the underside 3502, ie in the direction of the arrow 3610. The piston 3700 acts on the outside of the component 3500 Plunger 3600 is preferably made of a rubber-elastic material and thus fulfills a sealing function. In its interior, a channel 3620 is provided to the needle 3010. In the channel 3620 enters from the spray container in the cartridge via milled 3622 along the arrow 3624 spray or concentrate. As in FIG. 1 c, this conductive connection between the nozzle opening 1140 and the spray container in the cartridge 1000 is released only when the plunger 3600, as in FIG. 1b represented, is held down. Is the ram 3600, as in Figure 1c , shown in the upper position, so the plunger seals the inlet on the milled slots 3622. When the cartridge component 1000 is withdrawn, spraying agent can not then reach the area of the exit opening 1140. In this way it is prevented that during storage, the outlet opening of the activator or the mixing chamber is glued or gummy by spray residue or concentrate residues.

In Figure 1c is a system like in FIG. 1b however, with no force applied to the top of the axial member 3500 by means of the piston 3700, the plunger 3600 is in the "non-operating position". In the "non-operating position" there is no conductive connection via the recesses 3622 in the wall of the cartridge component 1000 with the lying in the plunger channel 3620. Thus, the cartridge member 1000 is closed to the outside. If the activator is designed as a separate component, it can be stored separately, since there is no more conductive connection between the outlet 1140 of the mixing chamber 1150 and the interior of the spray agent container. It is then also possible to provide different activators with different outlet openings 1140 for different concentrates.

The cartridge can be pulled down in the direction of arrow 4000. Detailed this is at Figure 1d described.

Furthermore, in Figure 1c to recognize that the axial component 3500 of the activator 3000 is brought by the plunger 3600 in a position in which the outlet opening 1170 of the admixing device 1001 is closed by the ribs 4010 on the axial component 3500. This way you can Backflow of the spray agent-water mixture or concentrate-water mixture from the line 1011 can be prevented if the cartridge component is withdrawn with spray in the direction of 4000.

In the present invention, the cartridge component 1000 and the activator 3000 are associated with a component, which is referred to briefly as a cartridge, which is preferably designed in two parts. Alternatively, the cartridge component and activator could also form a one-piece component. The assignment of cartridge and activator to a common component results from the fact that yes for each spray or concentrate individually the nozzle opening and the throttle opening must be selected to ensure optimum metering. The other component is the so-called mixing head or the admixing device 1001. The mixing head comprises the pressure valve 1032, the inlet 1030 and the outlet 1011 for the mixture and in particular the piston 3700, the axial component 3500 of the activator 3000 in the axial direction with inserted cartridge component moved to release the spray solution. In a particular embodiment it can be provided that, when the cartridge component is removed, the mixing head is closed by a lid, so that the device is functional even when the cartridge component is removed, for example water via the opening 1030 from a pressure vessel into a spray tube 1200 connected to the outlet opening 1011 can be transported.

In Figure 1d are more details of in FIG. 1b and 1c shown cartridge with the admixing device 1001 shown. In particular, in Figure 1d shown how the cartridge component is connected to the housing of the mixing head and how the activator 3000 can be rotated in different positions. Same components as in the Figures 1b and 1c are marked with the same reference numbers.

The mixing head housing is designated by reference numeral 5000. As can be clearly seen, the mixing head housing has a projection 5010 and the cartridge 1000 has a projection 5020. Will now be in the range of Pressure points 5030 pressure on the housing 5000 exerted in the direction of arrow P, the housing acts as a spring and a force F occurs, whereby the projection 5010 of the mixing head housing moves in the direction of the arrow P and thus release the cartridge.

Furthermore, the mixing head housing optionally includes a rotary knob 6000 which converts a rotary motion into an axial movement for moving the piston 3700. The piston 3700 is moved by the axial movement of the knob 6000 in a position in which the activator as shown and in FIG. 1b also described in the operating position is spent, ie the plunger 3600 in the in FIG. 1b drawn position is moved.

If the rotary knob is moved to a rinsing position or a change position, the piston is raised and the ram is pushed into the in Figure 1c shown position spent. Due to the fact that the plunger 3600 is in the raised position, there is no longer any conductive connection between the nozzle opening 1140 and the spray container. As before, but with inserted cartridge as in Fig. 1b shown water flow into the mixing chamber 1150 via the throttle opening 1160. This makes you for a flushing of the mixing head to use. By flushing all contaminants can be discharged from the mixing head. The plunger is raised due to the existing operating pressure in the spray container, if no counterforce can be applied to hold down by the piston. After release of the cartridge component by pressure loading of the mixing housing in the area of the pressure points 5020, the cartridge component can be pulled down.

If the cartridge component 1000 is pulled down, the in Fig. 1b and 1c shown outlet opening 1170 of the admixing device 1001 closed. In this way, a backflow of the spray-water mixture from the line 1011 can be prevented when the cartridge component with spray in the direction 4000 as in Fig. 1c shown, is deducted.

With the in the FIGS. 1b to 1d shown embodiments of a mixing head and a cartridge consisting of cartridge component and activator which has been improved over the embodiment 1a with numerous additional properties, compared to the embodiment in FIG. 1a a storage possible in which a contamination of the nozzle can not occur because there is no conductive connection between the nozzle opening and the spray container in the storage condition. Furthermore, the solution is characterized according to the FIGS. 1b to 1d characterized in that the throttle openings are channel openings which allow a precise adjustment in their size regarding the diameter. The outlet openings are in the form of a needle and are more precisely determined in their diameter as in the embodiment according to FIG FIG. 1 a. In this way an exact dosage is possible as well as a safe storage.

In particular, a rinsing of the mixing chamber before storage is possible to rinse out spray residue.

In the FIGS. 1e to 1g a third developed embodiment of the invention is shown.

Same components as in the embodiment according to Fig. 1b - d are marked with increased reference numbers by 10000.

Opposite in the FIGS. 1b-d The cartridge shown in the FIGS. 1e-g illustrated cartridge from a variety of additional configurations. The essential embodiment is that the activator 13000 is designed such that in the position of the activator 13000 in the entry of concentrate is prevented in the mixing chamber, a conductive connection is provided with the both the mixing chamber as well as the needle or cannula, for example can be rinsed with water.

In the present embodiment according to Fig. 1e - g the outer container of the cartridge component coincides with the outer case 11100. Inside the outer casing is, as in the Figures 1f1 and 1g1 shown, an inner container 11002 made of an elastic material which receives a certain concentration of the concentrate, for example, the rinsing agent introduced. By compressing the elastic material, the concentrate received in the inner container 1002 is discharged via the needle 13010.

As in particular in Figure 1e As can be seen, the inlet 11162 of water into the activator component in the present case is formed from cut-outs 12002 in the axial direction into an upper end part 12000 of the cartridge component 11000. In the present case, the upper end part 12000 of the cartridge component rests against the so-called activator 13000. The activator 13000 receives a needle 13010 having an exit port 13140. From the pressurized inner container 11002 in the cartridge component 11000, concentrate or spray enters the mixing chamber 11150 from the pressurized inner container 11002, if there is a conductive connection between the inner container 11002 and the needle 13010. In the in Fig. 1e In the case shown, the concentrate penetrating through the inner container opening 20000 from the inner container 11002 into the outer space 20002 can not flow to the concentrate inlet opening 20004 of the activator 13000 since the outer space 20002 is sealed by a first seal 20006 which may be formed as an O-ring , Here, the first seal 20006 bears against a stop 20008. Since the second seal 20010 abuts the activator 13000 at the center of a water inlet port 20012, the water flow supplied through the water inlet port 20012 is divided into a mixing chamber purge stream 20014 and a needle purge stream 20016. Opposite the in FIGS. 1b to 1d embodiment shown in the embodiment according to Figure 1e the advantage that both the mixing chamber 11150 and the needle 13010 can be rinsed after the system has been put out of operation, ie no spray or concentrate in the mixing chamber has been mixed with water anymore. This will ensure that the needle does not protrude through the needle during prolonged storage remaining concentrate is sealed, for example, glued or resinated and is no longer suitable for reuse.

The mixing chamber 11150 is formed in the present case in the activator 13000, but which is associated with the cartridge and not the admixing device or the mixing head 11001. Alternatively cartridge and activator could also be integrally formed. Via the throttle opening 11160, pure solvent, here in particular water, is fed to the mixing chamber along the arrows 13016, which is in contact with the concentrate or spray agent added via the needle 13140 in the operating state as in FIG Fig. 1g1 and 1g2 shown mixed in the mixing chamber 11150. The mixture of water or solvent and concentrate or the chemical substances contained in the cartridge enters the outlet line 11011 along an arrow 13018 at an outlet opening 11170. The supply of water is via the water inlet opening 11030 along the arrow 13020. The pressure control device, which reduces the pressure prevailing in the mixing device or the mixing head to an operating pressure in the region of the throttle opening 11116 is marked 11032. By being able to select the size of the throttle opening 11160 and the size of the diameter of the nozzle opening 13140 of the needle 13010, it is possible, as described above, to adjust the concentration at which the spray or concentrate is supplied to the water or solvent via line 11030 , is mixed. Since the throttle opening 11160 is formed here as a bore, the hole can be made very easily for different concentrates or spraying, in particular in the required accuracy with low production costs. This is an advantage over the embodiment as in FIGS Figures 1b-1d shown, in which the size of the inlet opening for the solvent by the size of the milled 2002 is determined.

The adjustment of the Aktivatorbauteiles 13000 between the non-operating state, ie no spray or concentrate is fed to the mixing chamber, as in FIG. 1e as already shown in the preceding embodiments 1b to 1d by means of an axially movable member, such as a plunger 13600, to which the needle 13010 is attached. Within the Aktivatorbauteils 13000. At the upper end of the axially movable member or plunger 13600 is an outer surface 13500. In the illustrated non-operating state according to Figure 1e No force acts on the outer surface 13500, so that due to a hydrodynamic restoring force or the restoring force of the spring 21000, the plunger 13600 is in the illustrated non-operating state, which allows flushing of both the mixing chamber and the needle. If the axial component of the activator 13000 be brought into an operating position, as in the Figures 1g1 to 1g2 , shown on the outer surface 13500 presses an axially movable piston 13700, the admixing device or the mixing head 11001.

By one of the admixing unit associated rotary head 16000, which converts a rotary movement into an axial movement to the movement of the piston 13700, the piston 13700 is either moved to a position in which the activator as in Figure 1e shown, is not in the operating state or acts on the axially movable member 13600 of the activator and as in Fig. 1g1 to 1g2 shown, the Aktivatorbauteil spends in the operating condition.

In the Figures 1f1 is for that in Figure 1e shown system, the cartridge component 11000 associated with the end member and the arranged in the final component activator 13000 shown. Fig. 1f1 shows this overall system, wherein the activator is in the spray position Fig. 1e place. How out Fig. 1f1 clearly shows, the mixing chamber 11150 in the activator 13000 associated with and not the in Fig. 1f1 not shown mixing head.

Fig. 1f1 shows the overall system, wherein the cartridge member 11000 has an outer wall 11003 and an outer housing and an inner container 11002 made of an elastic material. The interior 11005 of the inner container receives the concentrate or the spray. A conductive connection between the inner space 11005 of the inner container in which the concentrate is stored and the activator 13000 forms the inner container opening

The Aktivatorbauteil in the non-operating state as in Fig. 1e . 1f1 is in Fig. 1f2 shown in detail. Same components as in the Fig. 1e to 1f1 bear the same reference numbers.

In Fig. 1f2 is shown in detail in the axial direction along the arrow 20050 movable member, which is also referred to as a ram 13600. Furthermore, it can clearly be seen that a first seal 20006 of the plunger 13600 is sealed, with which the outer space 20002 of the activator is above the opening 20000 with the interior of the cartridge component and thus in a conductive connection with the concentrate. It can also be seen, the second seal 20010, with which the entry of the water supplied via the water inlet opening 20012 to the activator can be controlled. Is the component in the in Fig. 1f2 As a result, the water flowing in the direction of arrow 13020 is decomposed into two streams, namely a Mischkammerspülstrom 20014 and a Nadelspülstrom 20016. The Mischkammerspülstrom 20014 flows through a throttle opening 11160 in the Mixing chamber 11150 and rinses it. Further, the needle purging stream 20016 enters the needle 13010 via needle port 20004, flows through the needle, and exits into the mixing chamber 11150 again. From the mixing chamber 11150, the entire purge stream exits via outlet port 11111. The third seal 20060 seals the space 20062, in which the water flows from the mixing chamber.

With the in Fig. 1f2 shown position of the active component is thus divided over all the preceding examples of the current used in the non-operating state for purging stream 13020 into two partial streams. This makes it possible in addition to the mixing chamber and the needle 13010 to rinse, so that collect after use no concentrate residues in the needle and These can enforce, so that when used again due to the closed needle, the entire system fails.

In the Fig. 1g1 to 1g2 is the operating position of the third embodiment of the invention according to the Fig. 1e to 1g shown. Will the in Fig. 1e shown knob 16000 brought into the operating position, so the mixing head associated piston (not dargstellt) acts on the surface 13500 of the axially movable plunger or component 13600 of the Aktivatorbauteils 13000. Same components as in the Fig. 1e to 1f2 are marked with the same reference numbers. In Fig. 1g1 the entire cartridge with cartridge component 11000 and activator component 13000 is shown.

At the in Figure 1g1 In particular, by lowering the plunger 13600 due to the shape of the lower end 20090 of the plunger 20090, the opening 20000 and thus the dividing connection between cartridge inner container 11002 and the space 20002 into which the concentrate enters from the inner container is changed , The effective opening for the passage for the spraying means from the inner container 11002 is only the opening 20092 due to the lower part of the plunger 20090.

As previously explained, by varying the aperture for both the entry of solvents, for example, water into the mixing chamber and the opening 20000 for the entry of concentrate into the mixing space via the needle 13010, the optimum concentration can be set for each individual spray. This is like out Fig. 1g1 emerges for in the Fig. 1e to 1g2 illustrated embodiment of the system simply possible by different sprays or concentrates; the bottom 20090 of the plunger 13600 in diameter D is varied. The diameter D of the plunger is always smaller than the diameter of the opening 20000. By the difference of the opening diameter of the opening 20000 and diameter D of the plunger 13600 determine the effective passage opening 20092 depending on the concentrate from the inner container 11102 realized in the activator now for different By means of different diameters D of the plunger, it is thus possible to set the effective passage opening 20092 individually for each concentrate.

In Fig. 1g2 Again, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Fig. 1e - 1g1 , The axially movable in the activator component 13600, the so-called. Plunger is in the Fig. 1g2 with the help of the piston, not shown, brought into the operating position by pressing down on the surface 13500.

As already at Fig. 1g1 Thus, the underside 20090 of the plunger 13600 is moved into the area of the opening 20000 to the cartridge 11000, resulting in an effective opening 20092 defined by the diameter D of the plunger 13600 at the lower end. By the method of the plunger 13600, the first seal 20026 no longer abuts the stop 20008 of the activator 13000. The concentrate flowing in the space 20002 through the opening 20092 along the arrow 21002 can reach the needle inlet opening 20004 along the arrow 21002 and from there through the needle 13010 into the mixing chamber 11150, where it mixes with the water fed along the arrow 13020. How out Fig. 1g2 clearly recognizable, is blocked by the second seal 20010, the path of the water through the water inlet opening in the direction of the needle inlet opening 20004. The water flows only in the indicated arrow direction through the throttle opening 11160 in the mixing chamber 11150. Conversely, prevents the second seal 20010 in the operating position, a mixing of the concentrate stream 21002 with water outside the mixing chamber 11150th

In Fig. 1h is a plan view of a knob 16000 shown, with the rotary movement of the knob 16000, the rotational movement is converted into an axial movement of the piston, not shown. As seen from the top view Fig. 1h shows, the knob has a total of 3 positions, a first position 30000, in which the cartridge can be changed. A second position 30002, which indicates the operating state, the so-called mixing operation, in which the piston as in Fig. 1g2 shown, is spent down and thus Concentrate with solvent, especially water is mixed, and a third position 30004, the so-called. Spülstellung, the in Fig. 1.c and 1f2 in the case of the solvent, in particular water by both needle and mixing head ( Fig. 1f2 ) or only by the mixing head ( Fig. 1c ) and so both mixing chamber and needle of residues of the concentrate is flushed.

In FIG. 2 there is shown an admixing device which is in a hand-operated device for spraying water, which is admixed with an additive in the form of a liquid concentrate, such as a pesticide. The admixing device 1 is as in FIG. 1a constructed and introduced between a spray pipe 200 and a manual valve 220 with a pressurized water connection 224. Furthermore, the disposable cartridge 100 is shown FIG. 1 ,

The disposable cartridge 100 is used in the illustrated embodiment as in FIG. 1a dargstellt introduced into an outer container 105 with the cartridge outer wall 110. As shown, the outer container may be formed as a screw-in vessel 105 comprising a thread 5. If the thread 5 is screwed into the thread 3 of the admixing device and previously the cartridge with the outer wall 110 inserted into the receiving device 105, the cartridge with mixing head 150 is introduced into the admixing device, that an outlet of admixed spray is prevented. Instead of Einschraubkartusche can also cartridges 1000 or 11000 as in Fig. 1b - 1h be used. Even with the cartridges is only by turning into the mixing position (mix mode) as in FIG. 1h be activated.

The disposable cartridge may be designed differently for different substances, in particular comprise different mixing heads.

The manual valve 220 comprises a handle 226 via which the manual valve 220 can be actuated. The manual valve 220 is a high-speed valve that opens fully when actuated via the hand lever 226 and immediately upon release of the hand lever 226 closes. About the manual valve 220, the water inlet is released to the admixing device. The manual valve 220 may be connected via a pressure water connection 224 either directly to a pressurized water line or to a pressure vessel.

An embodiment of the invention with a pressure vessel is in FIG. 3 shown. Same components as in Figure 1a-h and 2 are assigned the same reference numbers. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3 the pressure vessel 300 is shown. The pressure in the pressure vessel is indicated by means of a manometer 310. The pressure vessel further comprises a manually operated air pump 320, with which the pressure vessel 300 can be pressurized. The manual valve 220 and thus the admixing device 1 is connected to the pressure vessel 300 via a pressure hose 330, which in this case represents the pressurized water supply line. Although in the Figures 2 and 3 a Zumischvorrichtung as in FIG. 1a can be used, the skilled artisan without inventive step, the device according to FIG. 1a by a Zumischvorrichtung as in the Figures 1b - 1h be replaced. The extent of protection also extends to those in this respect Figures 1b - 1h shown Zumischvorrichtungen in combination with the FIGS. 2 to 3 ,

With the present invention, a cartridge for an admixing device is specified for the first time, which is easy to replace and, in particular, always ensures optimum mixing of the spraying agent present in the cartridge into an admixing device.

Claims (28)

1. A cartridge for an admixing apparatus for a hand-operated apparatus for spraying a solvent, especially water, into which an additive is mixed in the form of a liquid concentrate such as an agricultural biocide, with the cartridge having

   - an external cartridge housing (110, 1100, 11003, 11002), and

   - a pressure-sensitive inside container (120) for receiving the liquid concentrate, characterized in that the cartridge further comprises

   - a mixing chamber (150, 1150, 11150),

   with the mixing chamber (150, 1150, 11150) having a device with a first outlet opening (140, 1140, 13140) for the concentrate or spray, an inlet opening (160, 1160, 11160) which is arranged as a throttle for the solvent or water, and a second outlet opening (170, 1170, 11170) for the concentrate/solvent mixture, and the inlet opening (160, 1160, 11160) having a diameter, with the diameter being in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm, more preferably 1.4 mm to 1.9 mm.
2. A cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge is composed of two parts, comprising an activator component (3000, 13000) and a cartridge component (100, 1000, 11000), with the activator component (3000, 13000) comprising an axially movable component (3600, 13600) which releases or closes a conductive connection from the inside container (120, 11002) to the first outlet opening (140, 1140, 13140) for the concentrate or spray.
3. A cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the axial movable component is a tappet (3600) and the activator component further comprises a duct (3620) or a concentrate inlet opening (20004) for the concentrate or spray from the inside container.
4. A cartridge according to one of the claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the activator component (13000) comprises the inlet opening for the solvent, especially water (11160).
5. A cartridge according to one of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the activator component (13000) comprises a first device, especially a seal, with the first device, especially a seal, being brought to an inlet position in which a conductive connection is produced from the inside container (11002) to the mixing chamber and a blocking position in which the conductive connection from the inside container (11002) to the mixing chamber (11150) is interrupted.
6. A cartridge according to one of the claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the activator component (13000) comprises a second seal (20010), with the second seal being brought to a mixing position in which a conductive connection is formed between the water inlet (13020) the mixing chamber (11150) and a scavenging position in which a conductive connection is formed between the water inlet (13020) and the mixing chamber (11150) on the one hand and water inlet and concentrate inlet opening (20004) on the other hand.
7. A cartridge according to one of the claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the activator component (13000) comprises a needle (13010).
8. A cartridge according to one of the claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the axially movable component (13600) of the activator component comprises an outside surface (13500).
9. A cartridge according to one of the claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the mixing chamber (1150) is part of the activator component (3500).
10. A cartridge according to one of the claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the inlet opening (1160) is formed by an axially extending milled portion.
11. A cartridge according to one of the claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the inlet opening is a bore (11160).
12. A cartridge according to one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the first outlet opening (140, 1140, 13140) has a nozzle diameter or a needle diameter which lies in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm, and especially preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, more preferably 0.15 to 0.3 mm.
13. A cartridge according to one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the cartridge is introduced into an external container (105) which is detachably connectable with the admixing apparatus.
14. A cartridge according to one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the pressure-sensitive inside container comprises compressible material.
15. A cartridge according to one of the claims 2 to 14, characterized in that the cartridge component (100, 1000, 11000) comprises a wall which can be part of a sleeve in which the axially movable component (3600) moves axially.
16. An admixing apparatus for a hand-operated apparatus for spraying water to which an additive is admixed in the form of a liquid concentrate such as an agricultural biocide, comprising a cartridge according to one of the claims 1 to 15, with the cartridge comprising the mixing chamber.
17. An admixing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the admixing apparatus comprises a piston (3700, 13700).
18. An admixing apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the piston displaces the axially movable component (3600, 13600) to at least two positions for opening and closing a conductive connection to the first outlet opening (140, 1140, 13140).
19. An admixing apparatus according to one of the claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the admixing apparatus can be connected in a detachable way with the cartridge.
20. An admixing apparatus according to one of the claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the admixing apparatus comprises a pressure control unit.
21. An admixing apparatus according to one of the claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the admixing apparatus comprises a non-return valve (20).
22. An admixing apparatus according to one of the claims 16 to 21, wherein the admixing apparatus comprises a water conduit (9) with a water conduit inlet opening and a first and second water conduit outlet opening.
23. An admixing apparatus according to one of the claims 16 to 22, wherein the admixing apparatus comprises a mixing conduit (11) with a mixture inlet opening and a mixture outlet opening.
24. An admixing apparatus according to one of the claims 16 to 23, wherein the water-feed conduit inlet opening is arranged in such a way that it can be detachably connected with a pressurized-water feed conduit (330).
25. An admixing apparatus according to one of the claims 16 to 24, wherein the mixture outlet opening is arranged in such a way that it can be detachably connected with a perforated-pipe distributor (200).
26. A hand-operated apparatus for spraying water, into which an additive in the form of a liquid concentrate such as an agricultural biocide is mixed, consisting of a delivery apparatus, especially a perforated-pipe distributor (200) with a spray nozzle and a pressurized-water connection, with an admixing apparatus (1) according to one of the claims 16 to 25 being arranged between the pressurized-water connection and the delivery apparatus.
27. A hand-operated apparatus according to claim 26, wherein a hand-operated valve (220) being arranged between the pressurized-water connection and the admixing apparatus, which valve, upon actuation, is preferably arranged as a fully opening quick-closing valve.
28. A hand-operated apparatus according to one of the claims 26 to 27, wherein the pressurized-water connection (300) can be connected with a water mains or a portable pressure container (300).

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