JP2000504990A - Spray device and method for agricultural and others - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for droplet generation in agricultural or other spraying comprises supplying air and liquid to a supply chamber (28, 102) having an outlet orifice (38, 114), and entraining the liquid in the air flow for droplet formation. Air and liquid are injected into the supply chamber which has a closed end wall (42, 108) on which the liquid forms a continuous film which moves outwards towards the orifice for droplet formation thereat. The supply of air and liquid to a chamber wall (42, 108) or target from which the liquid proceeds with direction change to an entrainment outlet at suitable pressures causes droplets formed to have a droplet size particularly suitable for effective coating of plant material and the momentum provided to the droplets by the air enables controlled direction of the resulting spray mist even at very low liquid volumes per hectare.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION                   Spray device and method for agricultural and others   The present invention relates to agricultural and horticultural and other spray devices and methods.   The present invention relates to a boom type sprayer having a drop leg supporting spray nozzle. -(Atomizer) disclosed in the applicant's earlier patents and patent applications It can be applied to such a spray system. However, the present invention is a It can be widely applied to other than sprayers. Similarly for conventional upper sprayers Applicable. Lance type or other handheld spray, depending on the application Can also be applied to   Another application of the present invention is as a harvesting device, for example, for spraying harvested crops. Harvesting equipment, such as a potato harvester, and jaws to be entered or exited Applications include spraying potatoes. Low throw in spraying work Other applications where facilities providing a given amount of processing material are advantageous are likely to occur. Another use Defrosting aircraft with defrost fluids, and industrial spraying Industrial applications, including processing. Further, the present invention relates to water and more viscous Fully usable for sprays of fairly large liquids.   Common problems associated with sprayers are caused by sprayers The spray of droplets effectively penetrates the crop or other material to be sprayed Or not.   Conventionally, only by the energy generated by supplying a pressurized liquid, Various forms of spray nozzles have been used to generate droplet spray. Only However, such conventional devices did not achieve the desired level of infiltration into crops.   Including using airflow generating means in connection with a conventional spray nozzle, Various attempts have been made to improve crop penetration. But something like this It has proven to be bulky and relatively small.   Utilizing the effect of the charge, the sprayed droplets are attracted to the crop and adhere to it Attempts have also been made to achieve relatively low effectiveness and widespread use. Absent.   For crops such as potatoes, crop from a lower position below the spreading leaves. Use the drop legs to spread the leaves from above, so that you can spray on objects. The ability to cover the lower surface of the plant compared to a conventional spray device that discharges droplets It has been found to be significantly improved.   Other conventional systems known to the applicant utilize supply air in connection with the supply liquid. are doing. However, the feed is directed through a restrictor to the baffle plate, The main atomization takes place in a baffle plate, after which the liquid is mixed with compressed air. You. The compressed air causes the resulting droplets to pass through a circular path, It is moved to the inner surface of the body-filled jet.   Here, a second atomization is performed before the spray spreads in a flat fan-shaped pattern. Occurs. Bubbles are trapped as supplied by such a two-stage atomization. Resulting in relatively large droplets that, depending on their size, Causes less undesirable spray fluctuations. The size of the droplet thus obtained Has a reputation for not being particularly effective at covering crops.   In fact, what is particularly desired is a foggy morning after a wet weather night. Droplets that are similar in size to droplets generated under such atmospheric conditions. You. Such a size will condense on surfaces such as the outer surface of a parked car The droplet has no property of rolling on the surface and remains where it adheres.   In addition to these challenges, you must move fast enough to penetrate the crop. There is also a demand to generate such droplets.   UK Patent Nos. 952,457 and 1,378,190, and U.S. Patent 4,465,832 And U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,068 discloses another conventional example.   These examples combine liquid and air to deliver liquid or form droplets. It relates to a device for mixing.   Of these, the most relevant example to the present invention is the latter US Pat. No. 4,179,068. No. (assigned to NRDC). This United States Patent Can be delivered from the open end so that it can be subsequently released from the spaced opening. Through the open end of the swirl chamber, and then move outward So that the liquid enters the swirl chamber so that it is directed almost radially outwards. A liquid spray device is disclosed.   Both the air flow and the liquid flow, as in the embodiment of the present invention, are closed end walls, That is, an air-liquid supply chamber with a target, and one or more associated A device that does not pass through the outlet does not give advantageous results and this prior device Compared to the flow that is directed almost radially or outwardly (up to 45 degrees on each side) Acts in a very different manner with respect to the drop flow, which is approximately axial to the body feed direction I was sure that.   Further, the device of U.S. Pat. Working effectively to maintain the size of the droplet, the above embodiment of the present invention The size operates to change with changes in pressure.   U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,828,182 and 4,899,937 (Spraying Systems Panny (Spraying Systems Co. Transferred to)) In the statement, use as agricultural spray A commercially available spray nozzle assembly is disclosed for use.   U.S. Pat.No. 4,828,182 discloses a preferred spray for humidification and evaporative cooling. 3 discloses a nozzle assembly. For such applications, a round spray pattern Relatively flat and wide pattern, in contrast to many conventional air assist nozzles that emit at It is desirable to release the spray at.   The disclosed device is directed laterally, where a liquid pressurized so as to impinge impinges. Easy to nebulize liquids with insert including elongated impact element with circular hole facing It is to be. This device inhales a pressurized air flow, the side of which This impinging surface deflects and disrupts the air flow and directs the liquid flow. A large turbulence, such as nebulization, is created, causing a transverse flow of liquid in the longitudinal direction. An air flow is injected in the direction. Therefore, fine pre-atomized particulate liquid Body flow occurs downward toward the outlet nozzle.   In this way, the atomized liquid stream is then passed to the discharge orifice and the liquid advance. It passes through the flanges of the deflectors arranged laterally in the row line. Deflector flange Allows the liquid to pass through the discharge orifice and the atomized liquid at this orifice The droplets break down into extremely fine liquid particles, which are deflected to ambient air. Is a flat, wide spray pattern so as to maximize contact. Cup-shaped concave The unit generates pressure waves or acoustic energy that assists in breaking up the liquid. This nose The use of the screw assembly is for humidification and evaporative cooling.   U.S. Pat.No. 4,899,937 discloses that the nozzle is easily removed from the nozzle body, Open the use of the same nozzle assembly so that it can be used as a hydraulic nozzle Is shown.   Thus, the above two U.S. patents provide liquid and air, and the liquid supply is sprayed. Done in an unbroken state, where the chamber has a wall or closed end And the supplied air and liquid are directed to and supplied from this chamber. Liquid and air exit the chamber flats as a stream of air entraining the droplets. The concept of being released to the side is not disclosed.   Therefore, it is at least relevant to agricultural and horticultural boom type sprayers. With respect to minimizing crop penetration, particle size and water carrying conditions As described above, there is a demand for improving the generation of droplets.   It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of these issues or to provide a general improvement. To provide a method and apparatus.   According to the invention, there is provided a spray device as set forth in the claims.   In an embodiment, the inner wall formed by the closed end of the chamber, Liquid supply means and air flow to supply air and liquid toward the A droplet generator is provided that includes an air-liquid supply chamber to which both supply means are connected. Is done. This drop generator can be used to define the outer exit edge or boundary from the chamber. And a liquid supply means via a closed end of the chamber. The liquid is supplied to the mouth.   In an embodiment, the air flow supply means and the liquid supply means are located at the end of the closed chamber. Supply air and liquid to the A droplet spray is generated from the outlet of the bath.   Such features provide several important advantages. Among its advantages The size of the droplets is such that the air flow can entrain the droplets and carry them into the crop. In order to better match the size, a particularly effective drop formation mode is included.   Thus, with this structure, while achieving satisfactory or good penetration into the crop, Generate droplets of suitable or optimal size to minimize the volume of liquid Wear. Drop generation mode is based on airflow, e.g. from the drop leg to the direction required for the crop. Thus, droplets can be effectively transported.   The present invention provides air and liquid toward the end of a wall or a substantially closed chamber. Providing an air flow and a liquid supply means configured to supply The air and air are forced to flow outward through the outlet while entraining liquid inside. And the entrained droplet stream has the required physical and dynamic properties and In the required direction.   Also, by combining this device, the direction of spray and its width can be set. A great deal of flexibility is obtained.   For example, a relatively wide and fan-shaped spray output was generated in a given direction. If necessary, a plurality of appropriately spaced orifices pointing in the direction corresponding to the required fan-shaped output Provide the equipment with equipment. For example, if you have six orifices instead of one, The amount of liquid in the sprayhead exiting the display does not increase. If the corresponding number of conventional If a spray nozzle is provided, liquid will not The flow must be increased by a factor of six, which is the case in the embodiment of the invention. Not true.   Apply the same volume of liquid to be sprayed to the multiple orifice spray head. To produce the required spray pattern And the appropriate air pressure required for the droplet formation process to all orifices. It only needs to be maintained. In other words, the same liquid supply can be obtained simply by increasing the air supply. The feed rate allows for a larger number of orifices.   Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the necessary entrainment process and droplet formation process are performed. , The air supply is always sufficient, so that the liquid supply can be Can be reduced to levels much lower than required for   Further, in the embodiment, an outlet through which a liquid and an air flow supplied to the chamber pass is provided. With the non-atomized jet directed at the closed end of the chamber One or more orifices are formed in a chamber or gallery that supplies It is.   If some or all of the droplets are formed by the closed walls of the chamber, or After that, it is not known whether it occurs in the flow path of the substance passing through the chamber. perhaps, A surface layer of liquid forms in the chamber, which proceeds to the outlet opening and the area It is thought that it becomes a droplet at the time.   The closed end of the chamber to which the feed is directed, ie the wall and one or more outlet openings The relative relationship to the position of the part is somewhat important. Broadly speaking, go to the exit The direction of flow of the non-atomized liquid from the impact point of the jet is To face the outlet opening is located against the wall of the chamber.   In an embodiment, both the air and liquid supply to the chamber are substantially axial in the chamber. In the direction of the chamber and towards the closed end of the chamber This supply path need not be exactly axially oriented with respect to the air supply direction. Further, the location of one or more outlets relative to the chamber is directed to the supplied liquid It may be on the wall, that is, on the outer periphery of the target, but it must be strictly on this outer periphery. No need. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the outlet is from the wall in the axial direction of the chamber. It is slightly offset and allows the material to flow smoothly and effectively out of the chamber end walls. You can do it.   In an embodiment, each orifice has approximately the same amount of liquid at the entraining edge or boundary. As received, a jet or stream of liquid supplied to the chamber is applied to the chamber. It is substantially symmetrical with respect to two or more provided orifices.   In the embodiment, the liquid is supplied to the chamber provided with the entrainment orifice. In addition to feeding evenly towards the center of the cavity, the chamber and thus the orifice Means are provided for relatively even distribution of air. Empty for this purpose In the conduit connected to the gas-liquid supply chamber, there should be an axially oriented airflow duct or perforation. The holes are evenly distributed around the jet or liquid supply member in the conduit I have.   Another salient feature of the embodiment is that the air supply device is Acting as a centuries or pump.   A jet or stream of liquid is directed as it is supplied to the air-liquid supply chamber. The surface of the wall, i.e., the target, is driven by the associated orifice or exit The air to the edge or boundary can be evenly distributed. For example, this surface Spread out convexly, with the apex facing the source of the liquid jet or stream Shape, and the convex shape corresponds to one or more orifices provided in the chamber. On the other hand, the fluid is made to flow uniformly outward.   Alternatively, a flat surface may be provided, as shown in FIG. Also, in FIG. As shown, it is believed that providing a concave surface will provide useful results.   If the liquid is not evenly supplied to two or more spaced orifices in the chamber Gravitational effect on the distribution of liquid to these orifices, It has been found that life may not be uniform.   The present invention relates to a droplet forming method which is a basic means in the carburetor technical field. To use.   When air is supplied, the particles in the spray stream penetrate into the crop. The formation of droplets Configure chamber wall or chamber exit orifice to block feed as described above Edge, or at the boundary area. According to tests, The length of the inner part of the spray stream produced by the device according to the invention is, for example, about 10-2. 0 cm, and in this part of the flow air and entrained liquid It turns out to be much less visible than the outer part of a mist or mist stream. Was. Also, such a change in appearance that is not characteristic of the conventional spray nozzle is why It is not known if it will occur.   An important feature of the following example is that the power consumption of the air supply device is relatively small. It is. Currently available so-called airbag type sprayers are On the other hand, it is necessary to input electric power of 80 KW in general. Air supply system requires only about 10-15 kW for a 20 m spray boom. No need.   The shape of the orifice or outlet from which the droplets are ejected is similar to the round shape disclosed below. Can be different.   Among the main features of the embodiments described here are the simple structure of the droplet generator, Low probability of clogging the orifice, can send droplets with good directivity, use That is, the amount of liquid to be used is small. It also produces a mist effect The side of the droplet that is separated from the main jet compared to the conventional Spraying in the direction is extremely low.   Due to the reduced liquid volume requirements, according to the embodiment, the tank can be refilled. The stop time of the conventional sprayer, which was required for It became shorter. Therefore, the actual working time is increased by about 40%.   Another advantage is that the orifice or outlet where the droplets join is It is not necessary to have extremely small dimensions as required by the stem Can be Therefore, the diameter of 0.2 required for the conventional liquid system. 3mm orifice Instead of an orifice, a 1 mm diameter orifice can be used. This can cause clogging Life is reduced.   Embodiments of the present invention are extremely tolerant of changes in liquid supply pressure. I know that. Therefore, for example, the liquid supply pressure is lower than the magnitude of the air flow supply pressure. Lower levels.   In an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid is for example air-liquid so as to produce a dynamic effect. It is not necessary to feed in a jet, as it would hit the end wall of the body supply chamber. Conversely, for the purposes of the present invention, without causing a shortage of liquid supply for entrainment, It is only necessary to supply enough liquid to allow the droplet entrainment process to proceed. It is clear. Therefore, in view of this fact, the configuration depends on the nature of the liquid supply and the die. Although slightly different depending on the natural characteristics, for example, Droplet formation and entrainment processes may occur in the area of the outlet opening from the bath It is.   In this connection, tests have shown that when a jet of liquid is struck, However, changing the shape of the end wall of the closed chamber will substantially affect the performance of the device. It turned out that there was no sound. This means that the entrainment process of droplets can be Would mean that it would not occur on a large scale.   Further, with respect to the droplet entrainment process, the liquid / air flow is immediately before the droplet entrainment process. Or not changing direction during the process is an important feature of this process It is seen. Therefore, as can be expected from the above US patent, the outlet orifice is The direct axial flow directed outwards is the total flow of material flowing through the chamber. It is clear that this process does not take place in the entrainment chamber in series with It is easy. The mechanism of this effect is currently unknown.   As a result of the air flow, carry the liquid to the edge or border of the outlet opening Working, venturi effect or siphon effect in the area of the outlet opening of the chamber It is also understandable that there is clearly an effect that can be called.   A similar effect can be achieved where the supplied air and liquid enter the chamber. , The outer air flow creates a Venturi effect on the inner liquid flow, The liquid pressure required to supply the body is reduced.   An important practical feature of the present invention is the key components of the liquid and air supply system. Related to some interrelated parameters. As this parameter The dimensions of the outlet openings or orifices in the air and liquid supply chambers, Air supply pressure, liquid supply pressure, and air compressor to supply air to the system Output and the like.   First, consider the size of the outlet opening in the air and liquid supply chamber I do. If they are circular, their diameter is 5-2. It is within the range of 0 mm. area May be non-circular as long as 0. With devices smaller than 5mm The resulting droplet stream is considerably shorter. Above diameter (or for non-circular openings The range of (dimensions) is 1. 3-1. 8 mm, preferably 1. 6-1. 7 mm. the latter Larger dimensions, such as, often result in frequent production, a characteristic of traditional spray systems. An important advantage is that the clogging of the nozzle can be prevented.   Droplet size is not significantly affected by exit opening size However, as the size of the droplets increases, so does the penetration into the crop. That The reason is that as the resistance to flow decreases, with larger volumes of material, This is because the speed of the droplet increases.   As far as the air supply pressure is concerned, this supply pressure is the capacity of the compressor to send air. Directly related to quantity. Agricultural tractors drive one compressor, A significant portion of the power is usually reserved, but large compressors cost Use of a large compressor has no merit, Approximately 0,0 per minute per pad or drop (measured by pressure). 07-0. 24 cubic Use a compressor that can supply 5 to 20 cubic feet of air output. If you use 6 bar, and 0.2 bar above atmospheric pressure. 6-1. 0 bar, preferred Or 0. 7-0. An air supply pressure in the range of 9 bar has been found to be desirable. Normal, 0 per drop per minute. 14-0. 21 cubic meters (10-15 cubic feet Output in the range of g) is appropriate.   Using pressures higher than the above ranges can result in droplets that are too small for the application. Will occur. That is, the droplets are strongly propelled towards the crop or other surface To adhere to or cover them. Therefore, these eyes For targets, droplets can be up to 80-120 microns or up to 150 microns. It has been found preferable to be within the range.   Use drop legs to reduce wind-induced spray fluctuations. Instead, larger droplets are sprayed onto the crop from above. Than 80 microns Small droplets are too small to adhere effectively to the sprayed surface I know.   As far as the pressure of the liquid supply is concerned, the main condition is that it passes directly through the center of the orifice. Fill the outlet orifice of the chamber with liquid without using a permeated jet. Is to supply in minutes. However, the pressure (above atmospheric pressure) 6 bar or more pressure Has been found to be appropriate in the above embodiment. 2. At a pressure of 5-6 bar The strike showed that air could be satisfactorily supplied through the orifice. The supply of air provides a central opening or void at each orifice during operation. But is likely to be entrained at the edge or boundary of the orifice Seems to occur.   The versatility characteristic of this device is achieved by using a liquid whose supply pressure changes. Became clear. Satisfactory droplets can be obtained by the liquid with high supply pressure as described above. appear. With higher pressures, for example, 60 liters per hectare Or it has been found that a rather large dose of 300 liters results. Follow Thus, with such features of the invention, the localization of crops or other materials to be sprayed It became possible to spray at different doses according to the conditions.   The use of a variable output liquid supply system allows for significant changes in dosage. Can be. Conventional spray systems simply change the fluid supply pressure, Susceptible to large changes in volume. By reducing the outlet size, the liquid supply Conventional liquid-only spray system designed to prevent large changes in According to the present invention, it is possible to use a considerably larger exit orifice, Therefore, such versatility arises. On the other hand, according to the invention, the center is filled with air. The orifices made appear to be easily adaptable to such changes.   As described above, the present invention, particularly the following examples of the present invention, are used for agricultural and A spray that satisfies spraying conditions for horticultural use and that meets conditions outside of the field Obviously, it provides a unique and prominent means of generating play drops. I think Conventionally, generally speaking, inside the droplet generator, It relates to a droplet generation system that is designed to be atomized. Perform the step of interacting air, followed by the target or ambient Atomizing and generating droplets through the nozzle by using To be deflected.   The present invention, in contrast to the prior art, is empty or supplied with air and liquid. Based on using internal targets or walls in open chambers Outlets or orifices not in series with the liquid stream passing through the chamber Change the direction of flow of the liquid toward the Any liquid or liquid passing through the outlet or orifice And the air flow produces a spray of droplets entrained by air, which drops Suitable for effectively covering plants and other surfaces with easily determined air pressure Generate droplets of different sizes.   Internal or internal fluids that interact with the flow of liquid and air through the orifice Has no external structure. Further, if the size and arrangement of the outlet openings are appropriately selected, If necessary, determine the direction and degree of crop or other infiltration by spraying. It is.   The mechanism of droplet generation cannot be easily determined without the use of complex equipment. I can't. However, there is a difference in the structure of the droplet generator between the present invention and the prior art. simply In short, the present invention uses a target or wall, followed by an unrestricted exit Uses an orifice, but generally uses the opposite structure .   In summary, the present invention is directed to agricultural and horticultural and related uses. , The use of air for droplet generation is the reverse of the prior art. for that reason Utilizing a minimal volume liquid vehicle to dilute the surface active treatment medium, Increasing the generation of droplets sized to promote uniform coating of the substrate; It offers benefits.   This technology utilizes air as a means to replace the diluted liquid vehicle. This technique is, to a large extent, independent of the liquid supply pressure. Air supply pressure For, this pressure is selected according to the required range of droplet sizes. Sp The range and degree of penetration obtained by the stream of ray droplets, or jets, At the selected air supply pressure (this pressure is subject to the droplet size requirements) Exit from the air and liquid supply chambers combined with the required volume of airflow The size of the mouth opening determines to a large extent.   The technical features and advantages of the present invention are the same as those of the above embodiment. Relatively simple combination of features found in chambers, especially changing the direction of flow Providing a wall or target in an open central chamber for supplying a liquid flow That the liquid reaches the required number of outlets or orifices; Combined with the flow rate of air passing through the It is obtained by the occurrence of lines.   The flow of liquid to the orifice and the flow of liquid through this orifice , Generally facing the target or wall, especially outside the chamber, but not necessarily It does not need to be truly radial.   Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.   FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of the jet and tube assembly.   FIG. 2 is adapted to be attached to a jet and tube assembly. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a complementary entrainment chamber.   FIG. 3 is a side end view of the jet and tube assembly as viewed in direction III of FIG. FIG.   FIGS. 4 to 6 show a drop leg type tractor tow truck to which the present invention can be applied. Applicant's correspondence showing playing device, especially including PCT / GB92 / 01356 Figure from an international application published earlier,   Figure 4 shows a truck with a built-in compressor to supply air to each drop leg. It is a top view of a tow spray device.   FIG. 5 shows the direction of droplet flow or spraying, passing through two crop rows It is an enlarged plan view of each drop leg.   FIG. 6 shows the spray device of FIG. 4 showing the boom itself and the associated drop legs. It is a side end view of a spray boom.   FIG. 7 illustrates the simultaneous generation of a jet or stream of spray droplets in the tilt direction. Droplet generation showing a second embodiment incorporating an outlet opening inclined in the direction of rotation FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a chamber, that is, an entrainment chamber.   As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid and air supply and connection assembly 10 is machined. Supply jet member 12, which is provided at the end of a tube 14. It is frictionally fitted to the inner surface.   Tube 14 may be made of one of Applicant's earlier patents, for example, EP 0600919. No. 5,039,360, and FIGS. 4 to 6 of the present application, a more detailed description will be given below. As described in detail, the lower end of the drop leg of the drop leg type sprayer is formed. ing.   The jet member 12 is tightly friction fitted to the tube 14 and the external thread 18 is turned off. Male thread 18 which is entrained or caps the chamber member 24. Screwing into a corresponding female screw 20 provided on the inner surface of the (See FIG. 2).   The jet member 12, ie, the connecting member, is pressurized by the drop leg tube 14. Air is delivered from the inner volume to a chamber 28 defined within chamber member 24. 6, six axial bores 26 extending in the longitudinal direction are provided.   The jet member 12 or connection member is used to atomize the liquid for the purposes described below. It also serves to direct the undisturbed jet or stream into chamber 28. Follow The jet member 12 has a hose sleeve 30 at the inner end thereof and a tube extending from the inner end. A longitudinal bore 32 and a non-atomized jet of spray liquid, A supply member 34 for generating a flow is also provided. The supply member 34 is the bore 32 An axial bore 36 that opens into and receives liquid therefrom. Length of supply member 34 The hand direction bore 36 is provided with a means for generating a droplet like a spray nozzle. The bore has a uniform cross section.   To summarize the structure and function of the jet member 12 or connecting member, Inside the drop leg tube, this drop leg tube or shank 14, receiving the spray liquid from a hose extending in the longitudinal direction, further comprising a hose and a tube. In the longitudinal direction of the drop leg tube in the annular space between , Also receive pumped air. Spray liquid is a thin liquid It is sent from the jet part 34 as a uniform flow, that is, a supply body. In bore 26 Due to the six flows of air thus generated, air is generated around the jet member 12. It is sent almost uniformly around. These liquid and air flows are entrained, -Sent to the chamber 28 of the air supply chamber member 24;   Next, the structure of the entrainment member, that is, the chamber member 24 will be described in more detail. . The main structural features of the chamber member 24 are its internal shape and the chamber 2 Orifice extending outwardly from chamber 28 to deliver air and spray liquid from Or an outlet 38 is provided. The chamber 28 is axially It has a cylindrical shape including the bore 40. In this embodiment, a considerably large cone angle and a vertex A conical end wall 42 with 44 is formed in the chamber 28 and is used in use. At the vertex 44, a jet of liquid from the jet unit 34 is sent.   There are two groups of three orifices 38 or outlets, A total of six orifices are provided. These three orifices 34 are Group within the group, and also between groups. Drop when used From the leg tube 16 according to the gist described in the above-mentioned earlier patent of the present applicant. To produce an upward and lateral spray flow into the crop. ing.   4 to 6 are suitable for incorporating the droplet generating device according to the above embodiment of the present invention. Also shows a truck towing spray device.   In FIG. 4, the tractor 50 uses the applicant's published PCT output. Spray boom 5 with interlocking drop legs 58 as described in the application The boom type spray device 52 including the tractor hitch links Attached to.   Each drop leg 58 projects downward (corresponding to shank 14 in FIG. 1). A drop leg shank portion 60, which is adapted to 2 and 64 in support of a drop generator 66 for spraying on the crop I have.   Each drop leg 58 has its own drop generator, indicated at 66 in FIG. You. The droplet generator includes a liquid tank 68 and a compressor 70 shown in FIG. Air and liquid supply to carry the liquid and air supply to be sprayed ing. The droplet generator 66 is adapted to move in the forward traveling direction F of the tractor and the drop leg. In two directions, approximately forward, upward and laterally, and symmetrically with respect to the row of crops. (See FIG. 5).   The droplet generator 66 corresponds to the entire apparatus shown in FIGS. , 64 are sprayed on each side of the drop leg. Is generated.   The drop leg 58 shown in FIG. 5 is described in the above applicant's PCT application. 6, but in FIG. 6, the drop leg 58 is provided for purposes of the present invention. For this purpose, both air and liquid feed streams are sent longitudinally through the drop leg tube and The air and liquid feed streams are communicated so that they can reach the lower end of the drop generator 66. It is designed to receive both sides. The air and liquid feed streams are shown above and in FIG. Sent as is.   In use, the liquid and air supply streams are flushed to the top of each drop leg 58. That is, the jet member 12 is fed to the connecting member, and the conical top of the end wall. At point 44, at the end wall of the chamber or target 42, the jet That is, while receiving the liquid supply stream, the chamber 28 is pressurized by air. This A jet or feed stream is provided on the inner surface of the chamber end wall 42 with a small amount of gas. This liquid is believed to produce at least a partial film, and this liquid And flows outwardly toward an outer orifice bore 46, like a membrane. Direction to its end edge 48. The end wall of the chamber 28, In the target 42, a certain amount of droplets can be formed.   The result as described above is produced, and 49 areas or exits of the outlet Beyond the end wall 42 of the chamber, or the air / liquid flow is sufficiently decelerated by ambient air. Outside of bore 40 except that droplets are formed in any of the later stages when Exactly what is happening at the end, especially at the edge of its exit 49, ie at the boundary I do not know.   In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the droplet generator 56 of the droplet 48 of FIG. Instead of the rims 10 and 24, the configuration is as follows.   The droplet generator 100 of FIG. 7 includes an air and liquid supply chamber 102, The chamber is provided with an air supply unit 104 and a liquid supply unit 106, The supply feeds towards the end wall of the planar chamber, ie the target 108 For this reason, they are provided with the same relative arrangement as in the previous embodiment.   The chamber outlet 110 is substantially forward with respect to the normal forward movement direction F of the sprayer. Two groups of outlets 112 pointing in the direction and outlets 114 pointing substantially rearward. Have been.   As can be clearly seen in FIG. 7, the liquid going from the end wall 108 to the outlet bore 118 is An inlet 116 is positioned relative to the outlet to change direction before entering the bore I have. The inlet 116 is located in the axial direction of the chamber 102, that is, in the liquid flow direction. It is shifted from the end wall 108 by a distance d.   This embodiment of the invention is capable of ejecting spray droplets in two indicated directions simultaneously. You. This is beneficial for certain agricultural operations.   In a broad sense, at least some embodiments of the present invention involve moving a spray of droplets. Air flow is used to generate water, but water or water that is conventionally used for spraying is used. Vehicle. Therefore, as a diluent or carrier medium Agriculture or horticulture or industry with liquid treatment media without the use of liquid Or other objects can be sprayed. Also, such liquid bees The effective volume of the vehicle can be reduced by at least a factor of ten.   In another embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid to be sprayed is determined by the desired An apparatus is provided for selecting according to size. As a possible embodiment, Intoxicated liquid vehicles, non-aqueous, for example liquid vehicles containing aromatic hydrocarbons , May be an oil-based liquid.   The liquid vehicle, which forms part of the liquid to be sprayed, is Achieves adherence to plant surfaces or related conditions, as well as following the nature of the ingredients The surface tension and other properties of the liquid to be sprayed to be selected It is conceivable to select according to An example of such a condition is a sprayed Conditions necessary to make the material to be rain resistant.   Thus, according to this embodiment of the invention, such a foundation for conventional spraying operations Due to volumetric conditions determined by conventional spray equipment, Due to the relatively high strike, the foundation for traditional spraying work is commercially acceptable However, in the present invention, a liquid bead based on a non-aqueous Another advantage is that the crew can be provided for spraying.   Another feature of the invention is that the feed means is sprayed near the spray nozzle on the boom. Related to the importance of being able to inject or otherwise send the liquid to be injected are doing. This allows the spray line to convey relatively concentrated chemical agents. The length becomes shorter. Also, relatively quickly, from one spray medium to another, There is a great advantage in that it can be switched to   Within the scope of the present invention, the following changes may be made to the above embodiment. There is something. First, the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the air and liquid supply chambers are varied. Can be obtained. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 2 and 7, a non-cylindrical chamber is shown. May be used to change the axial length in the liquid flow direction.   Routine testing by competent technicians in the field ensures that The world has been revealed. Similarly, a change in the location of the outlet relative to the chamber end wall Again, this can be done.   The shape of the wall toward which the supply liquid flows, that is, the shape of the target, is flat, almost convex or almost convex. It can be quite concave and concave. It also flows outward towards the chamber outlet Considering any suitable liquid flow, a target may be provided inside the chamber. Luci Testing has shown that this can be changed in this regard. Has become.   Providing an air inlet to the chamber, for example at the opposite end of the liquid inlet, or Alternatively, providing it on the side wall of the chamber would provide satisfactory results. Cha Supply of gravity to the end wall of the And therefore does not require a controlled metering of the feed to the structure. A test was conducted on the liquid and air delivery system to the chamber.   Such a structure does not significantly change the posture of the apparatus, and the end wall of the chamber does not change. That is, when it is desirable to provide a measuring means for supplying the liquid to the target, Can be adopted. This can cause some jets or streams in the chamber Added to the jet or stream shown in the above example, including using This can be done in various ways.   From the above description, the end wall or target of the chamber is designed to entrain droplets. , A distribution baffle that acts to supply an appropriate flow of liquid to the chamber outlet or You can see that it provides the function of the member.

[Procedure of Amendment] Article 184-8, Paragraph 1 of the Patent Act [Submission date] September 9, 1997 (1997.9.9) [Correction contents] The device does not achieve the advantageous results of the present invention, and this conventional device Liquid supply method compared to almost radial or outward (up to 45 degrees on each side) flow Act in a very different manner with respect to the droplet flow, which is approximately axial And confirmed.   Further, the device of U.S. Pat. While operating on an effective principle of maintaining size, the above embodiment of the present invention provides a large droplet size. The magnitude operates to change with a change in pressure.   U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,828,182 and 4,899,937 (Spraying Systems Company) Knee (transferred to Spraying Systems Co.) A commercially available spray nozzle assembly is disclosed for use.   U.S. Pat.No. 4,828,182 discloses a preferred spray for humidification and evaporative cooling. 3 discloses a nozzle assembly. For such applications, a round spray pattern Relatively flat and wide spray, in contrast to many conventional air assist nozzles that discharge at It is desirable to emit the spray in a pattern.   The disclosed device is directed laterally, where a liquid pressurized so as to impinge impinges. Easy to nebulize liquids with insert including elongated impact element with circular hole facing It is to be. This device draws in a pressurized airflow, and the lateral surface area is Constitutes a collision surface, which deflects and disrupts the air flow and sprays the liquid flow Turbulence, which can lead to longitudinal flow of liquid An air stream is injected into the air. The result is a fine pre-atomized particulate liquid stream. Occurs downward toward the outlet nozzle.   In this way, the pre-atomized liquid stream is discharged at the open end of the device. Outlet orifices and deflector flanges arranged laterally in the liquid travel line Axially and the flange of the deflector allows the liquid to pass through the final discharge orifice. You. The pre-atomized droplets at this orifice combine with very fine liquid particles. And the particles are spread flat and flat to maximize contact with the surrounding air. The spray pattern. The cup-shaped recess compensates for decomposition of the liquid It is believed to generate assisting pressure waves or acoustic energy. Nozzle assembly The use of yellowtail is for humidification and evaporative cooling.   U.S. Pat.No. 4,899,937 discloses that the nozzle is easily removed from the nozzle body, Open the use of the same nozzle assembly so that it can be used as a hydraulic nozzle Is shown.   Thus, the above two U.S. patents provide liquid and air, and the liquid supply is sprayed. Done in an unbroken state, where the chamber has a wall or closed end And the supplied air and liquid are directed to and supplied from this chamber. Liquid and air formed on the side walls of the chamber as an air stream entraining the droplets The concept is such that it is discharged outward through the outlet against the closed end of the chamber. Is not disclosed.   U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,583 (Bailey) discloses that a jet of one fluid is A nebulizer for discharging into a fluid is disclosed. This sprayer is A sprayer head arranged substantially in series in the feed direction, the head comprising a head At least one nozzle for emitting a jet substantially forward and outward through the A hole is formed. This nozzle hole becomes a fume-like gas carrying dust. For spraying, it is shaped to reduce sticking to the sprayer. The nozzle shape is designed to reduce turbulence. Water passing through the atomizer and The overall direction of the air flow is actually the longitudinal direction of the atomizer and some of the nozzle holes Sprayer opened with a slightly outward component of the motion resulting from the tilted position It faces outward so that it passes through the head.   U.S. Pat. No. 3,096,023 (Thomas) describes chains, gears and other A system for distributing lubricant or oil to machine parts is disclosed . This system is almost entirely independent of viscosity and changing temperature and humidity Can be used easily with any type of oil. This system receives lubricant Provide multiple spaced outlets for use with raised mechanical parts I have. No data is provided on the pressure required to generate the required flow . Jet unit applies jet directly to bearings to be lubricated Or provide a tube or hose connection to the unit and The jets can be transported to the As thin as a tube or hose.   In embodiments other than the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 7, the material flow is over the entire jet unit. The jet unit itself is in accordance with the principles of the present invention because it is axial However, the embodiment of FIG. 4 is externally similar to this jet unit. In a limited area of a chain, gear or other mechanical part The system is designed to produce a fine jet of lubricant or coolant to be pinpointed. Used within the system.   If a coolant is to be used, the challenge must be sufficient to produce the required cooling effect. Is to add a concentrated jet of liquid volume. This is a requirement of the invention. The opposite is true. The present invention relates to a boom type spray device, As disclosed in the specification, instead of square centimeters per unit time, Apply a uniform film of liquid to the crop area, which can be measured in terms of Uniform liquid coating of droplets while using absolute minimum amount of liquid per unit time Is to be applied.   Therefore, it is at least relevant to agricultural and horticultural boom type sprayers. With respect to minimizing crop penetration, particle size and water carrying conditions There is a considerable need to make improvements regarding droplet generation, such as .   The subject of the present invention relates to one or more of these matters, or generally It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus.   According to the present invention, there is provided a spray device and method as set forth in the appended claims. Provided.   First, consider the size of the outlet opening in the air and liquid supply chamber I do. If they are circular, their diameter is in the range of 0.5-2.0 mm, If not, an opening having a similar area is used. If it is smaller than 0.5mm, The resulting droplet flow is considerably shorter. Diameter (or other non-circular opening The preferred range is 1.3 to 1.8 mm, more preferably 1.6 to 1.8 mm. 1.7 mm. As the dimensions increase, as in the latter case, conventional spray systems The important advantage of this is that frequent nozzle clogging can be prevented. Can be   Droplet size is not significantly affected by exit opening size However, as the size of the droplet increases, so does the penetration into the crop. The reason is, As the resistance to flow decreases, the larger volume of material allows the speed of the droplets to increase. It is because the degree increases.   As far as the air supply pressure is concerned, this supply pressure is the capacity of the compressor to send air. Directly related to quantity. Agricultural tractors drive one compressor, A significant portion of the power is usually reserved, but large compressors cost Use of a large compressor has no merit, Approximately 142-566 liters per minute per pad or drop (as measured by pressure) (Approximately 5 to 20 cubic feet) using a compressor capable of supplying air output If applicable, 0.6 bar and 0.6-1.0 bar (above atmospheric pressure), preferably It has been found that an air supply pressure in the range of 0.7 to 0.9 bar is desirable.   Usually, approximately 284-425 liters per drop leg (10-15 cubic feet per minute) Output) is appropriate. With pressures higher than these ranges, Droplets that are too small for the intended application will result. That is, the droplets The droplets are propelled towards objects and other surfaces exposed to the droplets, To adhere to or coat them. Therefore, for these purposes, Maximum size is in the range of 80-120 microns or up to 150 microns Droplets have proven to be suitable.   (Use drop legs to reduce spray fluctuations caused by wind. No), use larger droplets to spray the crop from above. 80 miku Droplets that are significantly smaller than Ron are small enough to effectively adhere to the sprayed surface. It turns out too much.   In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the droplet generator 56 of the droplet 48 of FIG. Instead of the rims 10 and 24, the configuration is as follows.   The droplet generator 100 of FIG. 7 includes an air and liquid supply chamber 102, The chamber is provided with an air supply unit 104 and a liquid supply unit 106, The supply feeds towards the end wall of the planar chamber, ie the target 108 For this reason, they are provided with the same relative arrangement as in the previous embodiment.   The chamber outlet 110 is substantially forward with respect to the normal forward movement direction F of the sprayer. Two groups of outlets 112 pointing in the direction and outlets 114 pointing substantially rearward It has been.   As can be clearly seen in FIG. 7, the liquid going from the end wall 108 to the outlet bore 118 is An inlet 116 is positioned relative to the outlet to change direction before entering the bore I have. The inlet 116 is provided in the axial direction of the chamber 102, that is, in the liquid flow direction. It is shifted from the end wall 108 by a distance d.   This embodiment of the invention is capable of ejecting spray droplets in two indicated directions simultaneously. You. This is beneficial for certain agricultural operations.   In a broad sense, at least some embodiments of the present invention involve moving a spray of droplets. The use of airflow to dissipate the water or water that is conventionally used for spraying Can be replaced with a similar dilution vehicle. Therefore, diluent or carrier As a medium, use agricultural or horticultural treatment with a liquid treatment medium without using a liquid. Or you can spray industrial or other objects. Also take The effective volume of liquid beauty can be reduced by at least a factor of ten.                                   The scope of the claims   1. a) While spraying, overlap many crop rows (62) (64) Moving sprayer adapted to be passed, for example, longitudinally through a row of crops (54) (56)       b) the boom overlaps the rows of crops simultaneously over the rows. A number of boom-supported fluids that are designed to generate droplets to spray A drop generator (66),       c) the drop generator comprises a plurality of drop generators supported by the boom ( 66) and positioned below the boom as the boom is passed over the crop. A large number of droplet sprays (72) capable of traversing the distance to the crop. So that each drop generator can properly sprout the crop below the boom. Spray covers the self-adjacent part of the crop so that it lays Can also generate a divergent spray jet,       d) Each drop generator (66) supplies a liquid to be sprayed. (10) connected to the liquid supply means (30)       e) each droplet generator merges with a spray of droplets generated by the device Connected to an air flow supply means (14) adapted to supply an air flow 10) have been       f) Each of the droplet generators (66) is provided with the liquid supply means (30) and the air flow. Connected to a supply means (14), which generates a spray of droplets. Swelling,       g) said droplet generator (66) comprises an air-liquid supply (28); Air supply device (28) toward the inner walls (42) (108) inside the device. The liquid supply means (30) and the air flow supply Both stages (14) are connected,       h) The droplet generator further comprises an outer outlet (48) from the device. A structure (40), wherein the liquid supply means (30) is provided in the device (10). Supplying the liquid to the outer outlet through an inner wall;       i) the air flow supply means (14) and the liquid supply means (30) are Air and liquid are supplied toward the inner wall (42) (108) to the device (10). Feeding and entraining the liquid into the air stream, the outer outlet (4 9) generating the spray (72) of droplets from       j) the supplied air and liquid enter the device and are substantially The device passing through the outer outlet (49) in a direction moving toward the inner wall; The direction of flow of liquids and air from is generally lateral and outward In agricultural or horticultural boom type spray equipment,       k) the air-liquid supply is in the form of a chamber (28); A chamber (28) is connected at one end to the chamber and the inner walls (42) (108) ) Provided with the liquid supply means (36), the other end of which is closed,       l) The outer outlet (49) is connected to the end wall (16) (42) of the chamber. Formed in side walls (22) extending therebetween;       m) in the space where the outlet (49) connects the outlet to the inner wall (42). A spray device characterized in that it is open to the inside.   2. a) a liquid supply means (2) adapted to supply a liquid to be sprayed; 8)       b) providing a stream of air to merge with the spray of droplets generated by the device; Air flow supply means (28) adapted to       c) connected to said liquid and air flow supply means, whereby the spray of droplets is A droplet generator (24) (100) adapted to generate a       d) said droplet generator comprises an outer outlet (49) of the chamber, A port passes through the outlet from the inner wall or target of the air and liquid supply chamber. To supply liquid to the outside and the outlet from the air and liquid supply chamber. A central liquid adapted to be entrained in an airflow passing through the to form droplets To disperse liquid material droplets from the supply section (68) to the liquid application point (66) In the device of       e) The device is a mobile agricultural or horticultural boom type spray device (5). 2)       f) the spray device includes a mobile spray boom (54) (56); This boom overlaps the multiple crop rows (62) (64) during spraying. From these rows, for example, it is possible to pass in the longitudinal direction,       g) the boom-supported multi-droplet generator as the boom overlaps the row (24) (100) emits droplets so as to simultaneously spray the multiple crop rows. It is supposed to live,       h) The droplet generator (249 (100) is connected to the boom (54) (56). The plurality of drop generators supported on the crop and the boom is passed over the crop. A large number of fluids that can traverse the distance to the crop below the boom Drop spray is generated, each drop generator being below the boom. Spraying its own adjacent part of the crop so that it sprays properly on the crop The spray jet (72) that diverges itself is also covered by For dispersing liquid material droplets, characterized in that they can be produced Equipment.   3. The walls (42) (108) of the chamber are closed walls of the chamber Wherein said liquid supply means and said air flow supply means are at opposite ends of said chamber. Connected to the wall (16) and directing the liquid and air flow of each supply means to said Characterized in that it is adapted to feed in the longitudinal direction of the chamber towards one end wall An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein   4. The liquid supply means (30), (36), and (106) serve to close the chamber. At the kinked end or wall (42), a generally axially oriented Supplying non-atomized liquid to said chamber (100) by means of The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:   5. The jet (36) is oriented substantially at the center of the chamber (24); Symmetrically located relative to two or more outlets (38) formed in the chamber, The spraying of the droplet proceeds from an outlet. Item 5. The apparatus according to Item 4.   6. The air flow supply means (14) is provided around the liquid supply means (36). The chamber is inserted into the chamber through a group of two or more openings (26) arranged. 6. An air supply according to claim 1, characterized in that it supplies an air flow. An apparatus according to claim 1.   7. The outlet (49) from the chamber (28) is located in the wall of the chamber. Formed by the outer end of the formed bore (46), wherein the liquid Prior to blocking the closed end wall of (24), the liquid is directly discharged from the jet (36). An entrance to said bore is arranged so as not to be received. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.   8. An inlet to the bore is formed by an axially extending wall (40) of the chamber (24). Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the apparatus is formed in:   9. The inner wall (44) in the chamber to which the feed and air flow are directed The inlet to the bore (46) is axially offset. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein   10. Droplets ejected through the outlet are laterally outward with respect to the chamber In the direction inclined further radially outward with respect to the axis of the liquid flow in the chamber. Characterized in that the chamber outlet (49) is arranged to proceed first. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.   11. The inclination of the arrangement of the outlet with respect to the radial direction is such that the liquid flow is Characterized in that it is close to the end of the chamber entering the bar (28). The device of claim 10, wherein   12. The inclination of the arrangement of the outlet with respect to the radial direction is such that the liquid flow is Characterized in that it is spaced from the end of the chamber entering the bar (28). The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein:   13. The device can simultaneously discharge sprays in directions that are significantly inclined to each other. The outlets (112) and (114) arranged in the two predetermined directions are Apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the bar comprises:   14． The outlet (49) is centered on a liquid flow access of the chamber; Wherein the groove is one of the circumferentially spaced outlet grooves. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.   15. The outlet (49) is for a central access to the liquid flow of the chamber. That it is one of at least two groups of symmetrically arranged outlets An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that it is characterized by:   16. Spray boom (54) (56) and attachment to said spray boom The drop generator (66) of the spray device, comprising a dropped drop leg (58). Operates at a height substantially closer to the ground than when mounted on the boom Attached to the drop leg so that it can be described in any of the preceding claims. Agricultural or horticultural spray device with the spray device described above.   17． a) While spraying, overlying rows of multiple crops (62) (64) , A moving spray portion (54) of these multiple rows, e.g. ) Providing (56);         b) the boom simultaneously overlaps the rows of multiple crops while overlapping the rows. Multiple drop generators (66) adapted to generate drops for spraying Providing to the boom,         c) the plurality of drop generators supported by the boom and the boom are When moving on a crop, the distance between the crop and the crop below A large number of droplet sprays (72) to be interrupted are generated in said droplet generator, and Spray its own adjacent parts of the crop below the crop so as to properly spray it. A step of generating a splay jet that diverges, which is covered by play,         d) supplying the liquid to be sprayed to each droplet generator (66);         e) providing a stream of air to merge with the spray of droplets generated by the device; Supplying each droplet generator by air flow means (14),         f) The droplet generator (66) connected to the liquid and air flow supply means. ) Further comprising the step of generating a spray of droplets,         g) the method, wherein the droplet generator comprises an air-liquid supply (28); Supply both the supply liquid and the air flow, and Send it almost to (42),         h) the drop generator further comprises an edge of an outer outlet (49) from the device; Alternatively, the method further comprises a structure defining a boundary, wherein the method further comprises: Supplying the liquid to the outlet via 2),           i) the method further comprising entraining the liquid in the air stream; , Forward towards the inner wall to generate the spray droplets from the outer outlet of the device Supplying the air and liquid,         j) The supplied air and liquid enter the device and are in front of the device. Substantially laterally and outwardly with respect to the direction of travel towards the inner wall. Producing said flow of liquid and air through said outlet of said direction. Spray by mobile agricultural or horticultural boom type spray device In the method         k) connected to one end of the liquid supply means (30), where the inner wall is located In the shape of a chamber (28) closed at the end (42), the air- Providing a liquid supply device;         l) front into the chamber sidewall (40) extending between the end walls of said chamber; Providing the outer outlet;         m) inside the space connecting said outlet (49) to said inner wall (42); Opening the outlet.   18. a) supplying a liquid to be dispersed;         b) Airflow supply means (70) is provided, and the airflow is supplied by the supply means. And merging with the liquid generated by the device;         c) providing a droplet generator (66) connected to said liquid and air flow supply means; Generating a droplet from the droplet generator,         d) Structure constituting the edge or boundary (49) of the chamber outlet (38) And the closed end of the air-liquid supply chamber (28) or Supplies liquid outwardly from the wall (42) through the outlet and from the chamber A central liquid, comprising a fixation that entrains the liquid into the air flow through the outlet and forms a droplet To disperse liquid material droplets from the body supply (68) to the liquid application point (72) The method of         e) The method uses a mobile agricultural or horticultural boom type spray device (5). 2) is a method that uses         f) A movable spray boom (54) (56) is provided, For example, passing the boom in the longitudinal direction of these rows while overlapping the rows of numbers (62, 64) Passing through,         g) Simultaneous splicing of rows of the multiple crops while the boom overlaps the rows. Causing the multiple drop generators (66) to generate drops to effect laying Process and         h) the multiple drop generators (66) supported by the boom and the boot When the crop is moved over the crop, the crop (6) located below the boom 2) firing a number of droplet sprays across the distance between (64) to said droplet generator; And each drop generator sprays the crop below the boom appropriately. To cover the adjacent part of the crop by spraying Generating a self-divergent spray jet (72). A method of dispersing droplets of droplet material.   19. At the closed end or wall of the chamber, Supplying the liquid in the form of a jet of non-atomized liquid facing the center to the liquid supply means Is the closed end or wall (42) (108) of the chamber (28) (102). 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it comprises the step of: .   20. Two or more outlets formed in the chamber, substantially toward the center of the chamber (112) direct the jet symmetrically with respect to (114), from the outlet before the droplet 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of causing the spray to proceed.   21. Air and liquid (104) supplied to each droplet generator (100) (106) is sent through each drop leg (58) and provided inside the drop leg. In the longitudinal direction of the drop leg through a closed conduit or by the drop leg itself The method according to claim 20, characterized in that:   22. Droplet generation for spray systems including air and liquid supply chambers Vessel (66) (100).   23. The chamber is at least a spray outlet from the chamber (114) A substantially empty or open structure with substantially no internal structure in the area of 23. Drop generator (100) according to claim 22, characterized in that it has a body.   24. There is also substantially no structure and no obstacle on the exit side of the spray exit. The spray stream or jet (72) is forced to change direction. So that they can merge approximately in the direction defined by the longitudinal extent of the outlet. 24. The liquid according to claim 23, characterized by a defined arrangement of the spray outlet (114). Drop generator.   25. A liquid and air supply extending from one of the chambers to another chamber. Feeding means (104) (106) and at least one arranged in tandem or in series. 25. The method according to claim 22, further comprising two chambers. A droplet generator (100) according to any of the preceding claims.   26. 23. An overhead spray device for use in an overhead spray device. In a droplet generation method using the described droplet generator (66) (100), Drop leg spouts so that the air supply pressure to the unit reduces spray fluctuations during use. Produce droplets that are larger than the droplets used for the ray A method for generating droplets, characterized in that:   27. a) The chamber (102) is located at the end wall or target of the chamber. Liquid metering means adapted to send the spray liquid to the container (108) in a controlled manner Including a step (36),         b) two or more spaced spray outlets (11) formed in said chamber; 0), the spray liquid is used at a position substantially symmetrically arranged with respect to the spray liquid during use. 23. An end wall or a feed to a target. 27. The droplet generator according to any one of -26.   28. The metering means (36) is configured to dispense liquid at the end wall or target (108). Generating a body membrane and flowing it to said two or more spaced chamber outlets (110) 28. The droplet discharge according to claim 27, wherein the droplet is moved while moving. Mortar.   29. Located approximately at the same location in the chamber as the liquid inlet (106) 29. An air inlet (104) for said chamber, characterized by: Drop generator.   30. Agriculture comprising a droplet generator (66) according to any of claims 22 to 29. Or gardening spray equipment.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (31) Priority claim number 9616254.0 (32) Priority Date August 1, 1996 (August 1996) (33) Priority claim country United Kingdom (GB) (31) Priority claim number 961929260.4 (32) Priority date September 16, 1996 (September 16, 1996) (33) Priority claim country United Kingdom (GB) (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FI, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, M C, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG , CI, CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, U G), UA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU , TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AT, AU, AZ , BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CZ, CZ, DE, DE, DK, DK, EE, EE, ES, F I, FI, GB, GE, HU, IL, IS, JP, KE , KG, KP, KR, KZ, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, N O, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG , SI, SK, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN

Claims (1)

[Claims]   1. a) liquid supply means adapted to supply a liquid to be sprayed;     b) provide airflow to merge with the spray of droplets generated by the device. An air flow supply means adapted to supply;     c) connected to said liquid and air flow supply means to generate a spray of droplets; Agricultural or other spray equipment comprising a droplet generator adapted to What     d) said droplet generator comprises an air-liquid supply chamber, wherein: The liquid so as to supply the air and liquid substantially toward an inner wall in the chamber. Supply means and the air flow supply means are connected,     e) a structure wherein the droplet generator further comprises an external outlet from the chamber Wherein the liquid supply means passes through the inner wall of the chamber and the external outlet To supply the liquid,     f) said air flow supply means and liquid supply means are associated with said chamber; Supplying air and liquid to the inner wall and entraining the liquid in the airflow. To generate the spray of droplets from an external outlet of the chamber. And     g) the direction of liquid and air flow from the chamber through the external outlet is The air and liquid supply flows enter the chamber and impinge on the inner wall of the chamber. It is characterized by being directed almost outward in the lateral direction with respect to the direction in which it almost moves. Other spraying equipment for agriculture.   2. From the inner wall or target of the air and liquid supply chamber, the outlet is An outwardly directed feed liquid passes through the air and liquid supply chamber from the outlet. That is entrained in an airflow passing through the Droplet generator for agricultural and other spray equipment, characterized by an outer outlet of the chamber.   3. The wall of the chamber is an end wall of the chamber, and the liquid supply means and And the air flow supply means are connected to opposing opposing walls of the chamber. The liquid and air flows of each supply means are directed towards the one end wall of the chamber. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is adapted to be fed in a longitudinal direction. Place.   4. The liquid supply means is provided at the closed end or wall of the chamber, The chamber is not atomized by a jet oriented substantially axially in the chamber. The apparatus of claim 1 adapted to supply a liquid.   5. The jet is oriented substantially in the center of the chamber and is formed in the chamber. Symmetrically with respect to two or more outlets from which the droplets are sprayed. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the device is adapted to proceed.   6. The air flow supply means may include two or more air flow supply means arranged around the liquid supply means. The chamber is adapted to supply the air flow through the upper group of openings. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:   7. The outlet from the chamber has a bore formed in a wall of the chamber. Formed by an outer end, wherein the liquid is exposed before blocking the wall of the chamber. Entrance to the bore should be located so that it does not receive liquid directly from the jet. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that:   8. An inlet to the bore is formed in an axially extending wall of the chamber The device according to claim 7, characterized in that:   9. With respect to the inner wall in the chamber where the feed liquid and the air flow are directed The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the inlet to the bore is axially offset.   10. Droplets ejected through the outlet are laterally outward with respect to the chamber And inclined radially outward with respect to the access point of the liquid flow in the chamber. Characterized in that the chamber outlet is arranged so as to first proceed in the set direction, An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.   11. The slope of the outlet with respect to the radial direction allows the liquid flow to enter the chamber Contracting at the end of the chamber. The apparatus of claim 10.   12. The slope of the outlet with respect to the radial direction allows the liquid flow to enter the chamber 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the chamber is spaced from an end of the chamber. The described device.   13. The device can simultaneously discharge sprays in directions that are significantly inclined to each other. Wherein the chamber includes outlets arranged in the two predetermined directions. Apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein   14． The outlet is in a circumferential direction about a liquid flow access portion of the chamber; Claim 1 characterized by being one of a group of exits spaced apart from one another. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.   15. The outlet is symmetrical with respect to the central access of the liquid flow of the chamber Characterized by one of at least two groups of arranged outlets. The device of claim 14, wherein   16. Spray boom and drop leg attached to said spray boom Wherein the droplet generator of the spray device is attached to the boom. The drop leg so that it can be operated at a height substantially close to the ground. Agricultural equipment, provided with a spray device according to any of the preceding claims. Or gardening spray equipment.   17． a) supplying a liquid to be sprayed;     b) providing an air flow supply means, the air flow supply means supplying an air flow; Converging with the spray of droplets generated by;     c) connected to said liquid and air flow supply means, said means for supplying droplets; Providing a droplet generator to generate the spray. Or other spraying methods,     d) said droplet generator comprises an air-liquid supply chamber, and wherein said method comprises: The liquid so as to direct the liquid and the air flow substantially toward an inner wall within the chamber. And supplying both of the air streams,     e) the drop generator has an outer exit edge or boundary from the chamber; And the method comprises the step of: exiting through the inner wall of the chamber. Supplying the liquid to the mouth,     f) entraining the liquid in the air stream so that it exits the chamber The air and liquid are directed toward the inner wall so that the spray droplets can be generated from the mouth. The process of supplying     g) the method further comprises the step of allowing the supplied air and liquid to enter the chamber; From the chamber through the outlet in a direction generally laterally outward with respect to the direction Allowing liquid and air to flow and move substantially towards the inner wall of the chamber Another spray method for agriculture, further comprising the step of:   18. A droplet generator containing a structure that forms the edge or boundary of the chamber outlet From the closed end or wall of the air-liquid supply chamber through the outlet A body to the outside and connect the liquid to the airflow through the outlet from the chamber. Other spray methods for agriculture, including running and forming droplets.   19. At the closed end or wall of the chamber, The liquid in the form of a jet that is not atomized and faces the center is Feeding said closed end or wall of the chamber. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18.   20. Two or more outlets formed in the chamber, substantially toward the center of the chamber Point the jet symmetrically with respect to the outlet so that the spray of droplets proceeds 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the method comprises:   21. Air and liquid supplied to each drop leg are sent to the drop leg and Drop through the conduit inside the drop leg or by the drop leg itself 21. The spray device according to claim 20, wherein the spray device is adapted to advance in a longitudinal direction of the leg. Place.   22. Droplet generation for spray systems including air and liquid supply chambers vessel.   23. The chamber is at least in the region of the spray outlet from the chamber Has a substantially empty or open structure with substantially no internal structure The droplet generator according to claim 22, characterized in that:   24. At the exit side of the spray exit, substantially no structures and obstacles are present. The spray stream or jet is forced to change direction. So that they can merge approximately in the direction defined by the longitudinal extent of the outlet. 24. The droplet generator according to claim 23, wherein the spray outlet is disposed. .   25. A liquid and air supply extending from one of the chambers to another chamber. A supply means and at least two chambers arranged in tandem or in series. The droplet generator according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that:   26. 23. An overhead spray device for use in an overhead spray device. In the method for generating droplets using the described droplet generator, the air supply pressure to the device is Used for drop leg spray, to reduce the fluctuation of spray in use Liquid, characterized in that it produces droplets that are larger than the droplets to be produced Drop generation method.   27. a) the chamber has a sprung end wall or target A liquid metering means adapted to send the ray liquid in a controlled manner,     b) about two or more spaced spray outlets formed in the chamber; In a symmetrical position, the spray liquid is used during use in the end wall or target. 27. The method according to claim 22, wherein On-board droplet generator.   28. The metering means generates a liquid film on the end wall or the target, This is moved while flowing to the two or more separated chamber outlets. 28. The droplet generator according to claim 27, characterized in that the droplet generator comprises:   29. The chamber substantially located at the same position in the chamber as the liquid inlet; 29. The droplet generator according to claim 28, characterized by an air inlet for the member.