JP5820445B2 - Liquid dilution device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid agent diluting apparatus having a so-called ejector pump structure that sucks a liquid agent such as liquid fertilizer by generating a negative pressure, dilutes the liquid agent into tap water or the like, and sprays water.

In the field of horticulture and agriculture, liquid fertilizer, agricultural chemicals and other chemicals have been diluted and sprayed in water supplied from water supply facilities such as water supply.
Moreover, when washing a car such as a private car at home, it has been practiced to dilute a detergent for washing with water and spray it.
In order to widely dilute the liquid agent into water and spray water in this way, a liquid agent dilution apparatus has been conventionally used.

The liquid agent diluting device of Patent Document 1 has a main flow path through which tap water passes, and a nozzle portion with a narrowed inner diameter is provided in the middle of the main flow path. In the diffuser portion formed downstream of the nozzle portion, the inner diameter of the main flow channel is increased again, and a liquid agent flow channel communicating with the liquid agent container in which the liquid agent is accommodated is connected. The nozzle part and the diffuser part are collectively called an ejector pump part.
In this liquid agent diluting device, the flow rate increases when the tap water passes through the nozzle part, and negative pressure is generated in the diffuser part. Therefore, the liquid agent can be sucked from the liquid agent container and diluted to tap water.

In the liquid agent dilution apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to flow tap water having a water pressure of 0.2 MPa or more to the main flow path as a use condition, but the tap water pressure of a general household has a width of 0.05 to 0.75 MPa depending on the region. is there.
For this reason, the variation of the dilution ratio due to the increase or decrease of the water pressure in the main flow path is large, and particularly when the water pressure in the main flow path is low, the negative pressure in the diffuser portion is insufficient and the liquid manure cannot be sucked up.
Also, if the tap water pressure is increased to an appropriate dilution ratio and the liquid dilution device is used, the amount of water discharged will also increase, so if liquid fertilizer is used as the liquid, too much liquid fertilizer may be applied, The soil sometimes flowed and the flowers fell.

Since most liquid fertilizer stock solutions on the market are used after being diluted to 250 times or more, as described above, it has been difficult to dilute and spray at a desired dilution factor with a low water pressure in the conventional liquid dilution apparatus as described above. .
If the diffuser part is made thin, a high dilution ratio can be obtained at a low water pressure, but the amount of water discharged becomes too small to be suitable for watering.

Moreover, in the liquid agent dilution apparatus which fixes a liquid agent container around a watering nozzle like patent document 1, and the watering nozzle becomes heavy with a liquid agent container, it became obstructive to spray on narrow places, such as the root of a flower. .
In order to solve this problem, some hoses are interposed between the liquid container and the ejector pump section and the watering nozzle, but the pressure loss of the solvent generated by the hose and the change in the pressure loss that occurs when the hose is shaken The variation of the dilution rate was further increased.

In the liquid agent diluting device of Patent Document 1, a dilution piece (flow rate control member) in which a liquid agent adjustment hole for adjusting the dilution ratio of the liquid agent is formed in the middle of the liquid agent flow path from the liquid agent supply source to the diffuser section. Was.
The liquid adjustment hole of the dilution piece may become clogged with dirt or liquid during use.To clean or replace the dilution piece, remove the liquid container and remove a part of the liquid flow path. It was necessary to remove the tube to be formed, and to remove the dilution piece fitted in the liquid flow path using a needle or tweezers, which was troublesome.
In addition, the dilution piece is a small part having a diameter of 10 mm or less and may be lost during handling.

Moreover, in order to obtain a high dilution ratio with the liquid agent dilution apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to make the diameter of the liquid agent adjustment hole of the dilution piece very small. In order to accurately form the liquid agent adjustment hole, press working or etching is performed. Processing was adopted.
In order to improve the accuracy of the liquid agent adjustment hole by pressing or etching, it was preferable to make the thickness of the dilution piece equal to or smaller than the diameter of the liquid agent adjustment hole. Further, cleaning was easier when the length of the liquid agent adjusting hole, that is, the thickness of the diluted piece was smaller.
However, if the liquid agent adjustment hole is made smaller and the dilution ratio is made high, and the thickness of the dilution piece is made equal to or less than the diameter of the liquid agent adjustment hole, the strength of the dilution piece will be reduced and it will be easily damaged. There was a risk of injury at the sharp edge.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-224591

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a liquid agent diluting device that can stably dilute a liquid agent at a high dilution ratio even when the water pressure of a solvent such as tap water is low. This is the issue.
Moreover, this invention makes it a subject to provide the liquid agent dilution apparatus which improved the intensity | strength of the flow control member arrange | positioned in a liquid agent flow path in order to adjust the flow volume of a liquid agent, and was easy to handle.

In the present invention, means for solving the above problems are as follows.
The liquid agent dilution apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention has a main flow path for allowing the solvent to pass through. The main flow path branches into the first system and the second system and merges again downstream. In the middle, an ejector pump unit is provided that communicates with the supply source of the liquid agent and sucks the liquid agent into the solvent by negative pressure, and the second system does not pass through the ejector pump unit but downstream of the ejector pump unit. A diluting water discharge that joins with one system and the solvent passes through both the first system and the second system, and a switching device that switches the raw water discharge through which the solvent passes only the second system is provided, and the dilution When discharging water, the minimum cross-sectional area in the flow path of the second system is made smaller than when discharging the raw water.

  In a second aspect of the present invention, the minimum cross-sectional area in the second system flow path is made larger than the minimum cross-sectional area in the first system flow path when the dilution water is discharged.

  A liquid agent diluting device according to a third aspect of the present invention has a main flow path for allowing a solvent to pass therethrough, and an ejector pump unit is formed in the middle of the main flow path to communicate with the liquid supply source and suck the liquid agent into the solvent by negative pressure. In the liquid agent diluting apparatus, the flow rate control member that is formed from the outside to the ejector pump part and is detachably disposed in the middle of the liquid agent passage that allows the liquid agent to pass through, and has a liquid agent adjustment hole for adjusting the dilution ratio, A reinforcing member formed integrally or separately on the outer periphery of the flow control member, covering at least a part of the outer periphery of the flow control member, and protruding in the thickness direction of the flow control member from the edge of the liquid agent adjustment hole; It is provided.

  A fourth invention is characterized in that a part or all of the reinforcing member is made of an elastic material.

  According to 1st invention, the ejector pump part which attracts | sucks a liquid agent to a solvent with a negative pressure in communication with the supply source of a liquid agent is provided in the middle of said 1st system | strain, and said 2nd system | route passes through the said ejector pump part. Without dilution, discharge of the diluting water that merges with the first system downstream of the ejector pump unit, and the solvent passes through both the first system and the second system, and the solvent passes through only the second system. A switching device for switching between the raw water discharge and the dilution water discharge, by reducing the minimum cross-sectional area in the flow path of the second system than the raw water discharge, the raw water discharge and the dilution water discharge In, the change in the amount of watering can be reduced. For this reason, it is possible to prevent inconvenience due to a sudden drop in the amount of sprinkling due to operation of the switching device, or a sudden increase in the amount of sprinkling to damage plants or cause water splashing.

According to the second invention, at the time of the discharge of the dilution water, the second cross-sectional area in the flow path of the second system is made larger than the minimum cross-sectional area in the flow path of the first system. The flow rate of the system is larger than the flow rate of the first system, and the suction of the liquid agent is stabilized by generating a negative pressure that attracts the solvent of the first system at the junction of the first system and the second system. Therefore, when water is sprayed at a high dilution ratio, water can be sprayed at a stable dilution ratio even if the solvent has a low water pressure.
In addition, since the suction of the liquid agent is stable, water can be sprayed at a stable dilution factor even when an instrument that causes pressure loss, such as a hose interposed between the main body of the diluting device and the watering nozzle, is used.

According to the third invention, the flow rate control member that is formed from the outside to the ejector pump portion and is detachably disposed in the middle of the liquid agent passage that allows the liquid agent to pass therethrough, and has a liquid agent adjustment hole for adjusting the dilution ratio. And a reinforcing member that is formed integrally or separately on the outer periphery of the flow control member, covers at least a part of the outer periphery of the flow control member, and protrudes in the thickness direction of the flow control member from the edge of the liquid agent adjustment hole Thus, even when the liquid agent adjusting hole is made small and the flow control member is made thin, the flow control member can be prevented from being damaged.
Moreover, the injury by the sharp peripheral edge part of a flow control member can be prevented.

  According to the fourth invention, since part or all of the reinforcing member is made of an elastic material, the reinforcing member can seal between the surrounding parts, so that a separate sealing member is not provided. The leakage of the liquid agent can be prevented.

It is a perspective view which shows the liquid agent dilution apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the dilution apparatus main body of the same liquid agent dilution apparatus. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing a main channel and a liquid agent channel at the time of dilution water discharge of the dilution device main part. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing a main channel and a liquid agent channel at the time of raw water discharge of the dilution device main part. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. (A) is a perspective view which shows the flow control member of the dilution apparatus main body, (b) is a perspective view which shows the plate. It is a graph which shows the dilution rate with respect to the change of a tap water pressure, and the change of a flow volume in an Example. It is a graph which shows the dilution rate with respect to the change of a tap water pressure, and the change of a flow volume in a prior art example. (A) is a figure which shows the flow-control member which concerns on another aspect of this invention, (b) is the same sectional drawing, (c) is the same exploded perspective view.

Hereinafter, the liquid agent dilution apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
This liquid agent dilution apparatus 1 can be used for various uses for diluting and spraying horticulture, agriculture, car washing, cleaning, and other liquid agents.
As an example, the liquid agent dilution apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to dilute a liquid agent at a dilution factor of 250 times.

As the liquid agent, horticultural or agricultural liquid fertilizers and insecticides, herbicides and other agricultural chemicals, car wash or cleaning detergents, chemicals, and other liquids other than water can be used. Furthermore, the liquid or solid medicine previously diluted with water to a certain concentration is also included.
As a solvent for diluting the liquid agent, water supplied from a water supply facility such as a water supply is typical, but other solvents may be used. This solvent may be, for example, mixed water in which a substance other than the liquid agent diluted with the liquid agent dilution device is dissolved in water in advance.
The water supply facility is not particularly limited, and may be water supply from a tap or a well or a water storage tank.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid agent dilution apparatus 1 includes a dilution apparatus body 2 that dilutes the liquid agent into water introduced from a water supply facility (not shown), and stores the liquid agent and is detachably attached to the dilution apparatus body 2. The liquid agent container 3 is connected to the diluting device main body 1 through a hose 4 and a watering nozzle 5 for spraying water diluted with the liquid agent.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the diluter body 2 has a water inlet 6 for introducing water, a water outlet 7 for leading water introduced from the water inlet 6, and from the water inlet 6 to the water outlet 7. A main flow path 8 through which water passes is formed.
The main flow path 8 branches into the first system 9 and the second system 10 inside the dilution apparatus main body, and merges again downstream. The second system 10 is located on the first system 9.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the watering nozzle 5 has a connection port 11 connected to the water outlet 7 by the hose 4, a watering port 12 that discharges water flowing in from the connection port 11, and water from the connection port to the watering port. It has a nozzle flow path (not shown) to be passed, and a nozzle water stop valve 13 which is arranged in the nozzle flow path and switches between water flow to the water spout and water stop.

<Dilution device body>
Below, the dilution apparatus main body 2 is demonstrated in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the diluting device main body 2 has a built-in main flow path 8 that allows water to pass through, and can accommodate a liquid agent container 3 in the lower portion.
On the upper part of one side surface of the diluting device main body 2, a hose nipple is formed which is connected to a hose (not shown) or the like and forms a water inlet 6 for introducing water from an upstream water supply facility (not shown). ing. A hose connector having a water outlet 7 through which water is led out is formed at the upper part of the opposite side surface of the dilution apparatus main body.
The main flow path 8 connects between the water inlet 6 and the water outlet 7, branches in the middle to the lower first system 9 and the upper second system 10, and merges again downstream.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an ejector pump unit that sucks the liquid agent from the liquid agent container 3 by negative pressure is provided in the middle of the first system 9. The ejector pump unit includes a diffuser unit 14 and a nozzle unit 15.
A nozzle portion 15 having a narrow flow path is provided upstream of the diffuser portion 14, and water accelerates when passing through the nozzle portion 15.
Since the diffuser portion 14 is formed wider than the nozzle portion 15, a negative pressure is generated when water accelerated by the nozzle portion 15 passes. Due to this negative pressure, the liquid agent is sucked up from the liquid agent flow path 16 that joins the diffuser portion 14 and mixed with water.
The second system 10 is not in direct communication with the liquid agent flow path 16 and merges with the first system 9 downstream of the diffuser portion 14.

The diameter of the nozzle portion 15 is made as small as possible so that the liquid agent can be sucked stably even at a low water pressure. When the liquid agent is excessively sucked into the diffuser portion 14, the dilution ratio of the liquid agent can be increased by adjusting the diameter of the diffuser portion 14 or the diameter of the liquid agent adjusting hole 24 described later.
As shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the diameter a of the nozzle part 15 shall be 1.0-3.5 mm.
When the diameter a is less than 1.0 mm, the amount of liquid to be sucked becomes too small, and when the tap water pressure is set to a low water pressure, the dilution rate becomes too high without being stabilized. In addition, there is an increased risk of clogging of dust due to the diameter a becoming too small. In particular, in order to suppress variation in dilution ratio with respect to water pressure, it is more preferable that the diameter a is 1.5 mm or more.
If the diameter a is larger than 3.5 mm, the amount of liquid to be sucked becomes too large, and if the tap water pressure is set to a low water pressure, the dilution ratio becomes too high without being stabilized. In addition, since the amount of water spray becomes too large at a certain tap water pressure, there is a risk of damaging or defeating the flowers. In particular, in order to suppress the variation of the dilution ratio with respect to the water pressure and to make the watering amount appropriate, it is more preferable that the diameter a is 2.5 mm or less.
In the first embodiment, the diameter a of the nozzle portion 15 is 1.7 mm.

The diameter b of the diffuser part 14 is preferably 1.5 to 3 times the diameter a of the nozzle part 15.
If the diameter b of the diffuser part 14 is less than 1.5 times or more than 3 times the diameter a of the nozzle part 15, the dilution rate when the tap water pressure is set to a low water pressure is not stabilized and becomes too high. In particular, in order to suppress the variation of the dilution ratio with respect to the water pressure, the diameter b is more preferably 1.5 to 2 times the diameter a of the nozzle portion 15.
In the first embodiment, the diameter b of the diffuser portion 14 is 3.2 mm, which is 1.9 times the diameter a of the nozzle portion 15.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the liquid agent channel 16 is formed as a channel through which the liquid agent passes from the container mounting portion 17 to which the liquid agent container 3 is attached to the diffuser portion 14.
The portion where the liquid agent flow channel 16 joins the diffuser portion 14 of the first system 9 has a small diameter, and the mold for molding this portion also becomes thin, but this portion is formed in a tapered shape as shown in FIG. By doing so, the strength of the mold is improved and it becomes difficult to break during pulling out.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the lower end of the container mounting portion 17 is suspended in a cylindrical shape so that the liquid container 3 can be inserted from below and held by the base 26 or the bottle holder 37.
The liquid agent flow path 16 is opened at the center of the container mounting portion 17, and the liquid agent can be sucked out from the inside of the liquid agent container 3 by attaching a straw tube 18. A strainer 19 made of a wire mesh is attached to the lower end of the straw tube 18 in order to remove fine dust.
A strainer-like structure can be added to the strainer 19 so as to vibrate and emit a sound when air is sucked. Thereby, when the liquid agent in the liquid agent container 3 is exhausted, air is sucked into the strainer 19 and a sound is generated, so that the user can be notified of the presence or absence of the liquid agent.

The container attaching portion 17 is detachably attached to the diluting device main body 2 by screw connection, and a liquid agent check valve and the plate 23 are sandwiched between the diluting device main body 2.
The liquid check valve disposed in the liquid flow path 16 urges the valve body 21 toward the upstream (downward) valve seat 22 by the coil spring 20. When the liquid agent flows from the liquid agent flow channel 16 to the diffuser portion 14, the valve element 21 is pushed to open the liquid agent flow channel 16. However, when the liquid agent attempts to flow backward to the liquid agent container 3, the valve element 21 is caused by the liquid agent and the coil spring 20. Is pressed against the valve seat 22, and the liquid agent flow path 16 is closed.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the plate 23 as a liquid material flow rate control member is a thin plate disposed in the middle of the liquid material flow path 16 and has minute liquid agent adjustment holes 24 through which the liquid agent passes. .
By changing the size of the liquid agent adjusting hole 24, the dilution ratio of the liquid agent can be adjusted. In the case where the liquid agent adjusting hole 24 is formed relatively large, the flow resistance is decreased and the flow rate of the liquid agent is increased, so that the dilution rate is reduced. When the liquid agent adjusting hole 24 is formed to be relatively small, the flow resistance is increased and the flow rate of the liquid agent is decreased, so that the dilution factor is increased.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the liquid agent adjustment hole 24 is not blocked even if the valve body 21 of the liquid agent check valve moves up and down at the center position of the liquid agent flow path 16. Is formed so as to be shifted from the center of the plate 23.

Plastic or metal can be used as the material of the plate 23, but metal is preferable for forming the minute liquid agent adjusting holes 24 with high accuracy, and stainless steel, which is less susceptible to rust and corrosion due to the liquid agent, is more preferable.
In the first embodiment, the plate 23 is formed of stainless steel.

The diameter of the liquid agent adjusting hole 24 is preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mm.
If the diameter is less than 0.1 mm, processing is difficult and product accuracy is reduced.
On the other hand, if the diameter is larger than 0.5 mm, the supply amount of the liquid agent becomes too large and the concentration of the dilution water becomes high, and the function of adjusting the dilution ratio of the liquid agent is substantially lost. In order to effectively adjust the flow rate of the liquid agent to obtain a high dilution ratio, the diameter is more preferably 0.3 mm or less.
In the first embodiment, the liquid agent adjusting hole 24 has a diameter of 0.2 mm in order to obtain a dilution factor of 250 times.

The thickness of the plate 23 is preferably 0.05 to 2 mm.
If the thickness is less than 0.05 mm, there is no standard material that is inexpensive and can withstand practical use, and the material cost increases.
When it is larger than 2 mm, the material cost increases and the processing cost for forming the liquid agent adjusting hole 24 also increases. In order to suppress an increase in material cost and processing cost, in principle, the thickness is preferably equal to or less than the diameter of the liquid agent adjustment hole 24, and is set to 0.5 mm or less, which is the maximum value of the suitable range of the diameter of the liquid agent adjustment hole 24. Is more preferable.
In the first embodiment, the thickness of the plate 23 is 0.2 mm, which is equal to the diameter of the liquid agent adjusting hole 24.

A reinforcing member 25 is attached to the outer periphery of the plate 23. The reinforcing member 25 is formed using an elastic material, covers the entire circumference of the plate 23, and protrudes in the vertical direction from the plate 23 body.
In order to dilute the liquid agent adjusting hole 24 in order to dilute the liquid agent at a high dilution ratio, it is necessary to make the plate 23 thin in order to improve the accuracy. However, the reinforcing member 25 protects the plate 23 so that it can be dropped. Damage to the plate 23 due to the collision can be prevented.
Further, if the plate 23 is made thin, the peripheral edge becomes sharp and there is a danger that the user cuts his / her hand during handling. However, by covering the outer periphery of the plate 23 with the reinforcing member 25, injury can be prevented. it can.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the reinforcing member 25 has annular grooves on the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, and is positioned watertight between the container mounting portion 17, the diluting device main body 2, and the liquid agent check valve, thereby leaking the liquid agent. And has a function of arranging the liquid agent adjusting hole 24 at a correct position.

The reinforcing member 25 may be provided on the entire periphery of the plate 23 or may be provided on a part of the outer periphery.
For the plate 23 and the reinforcing member 25, any method such as adhesion, fixation, welding, and mounting using an adhesive or the like can be used. Alternatively, the reinforcing member 25 may be molded and fixed by insert molding after the plate 23 is molded first.

As the elastic material used for the reinforcing member 25, rubber, elastomer, or soft plastic can be used.
In the first embodiment, an elastomer is used as the reinforcing member 25 and is molded around the plate 23 by insert molding.
As shown in FIG. 7B, the plate 23 is formed with six filling holes 23a, and a part of the peripheral end is notched. A part of the material of the reinforcing member 25 is poured into the filling hole 23a when the insert molding is performed, and the plate 23 and the reinforcing member 25 are firmly fixed. Note that the cavity 25a is a hole formed in the trace of the pin coming out of the mold for positioning the plate 23 when the reinforcing member 25 is molded.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower part of the diluting device main body 2 forms a space (liquid agent container storage part) for storing the liquid agent container 3 therein, and the front part of this space is used for taking in and out the liquid agent container 3. It is formed as a housing that is notched and has an opening in the upper half of the back surface.
The left and right side portions and the rear portion of the liquid container storage section have a function of covering the liquid container 3 to be stored and protecting it from an impact or the like.
In addition, a base 26 that is expanded more than the liquid agent container storage part is formed under the liquid agent container storage part to prevent the dilution apparatus body from overturning. The center portion of the base 26 is cut out in a circular shape so that leaked water and dust can be discharged.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the diluting device main body 2 has a diluting water discharge in which water passes through both the first system 9 and the second system 10 and the diluting water is discharged. A switching device is provided that switches between raw water discharge that passes through only the system 10 and is discharged as it is.
The switching device includes a switching valve body 27 that is rotatably disposed at a branch point between the first system 9 and the second system 10, and is connected to the switching valve body 27 and a part of the switching device is located outside the diluter body 2. It consists of an exposed operation member 33.

The switching valve body 27 has a valve body inlet, a first valve hole 28, a second valve hole 29, and a third valve hole 30.
The valve body inlet (not shown) opens to the main flow path 8 at the right end (upstream end) of the switching valve body 27, and the first valve hole 28, the second flow path by the flow path not shown in FIGS. The two valve holes 29 and the third valve hole 30 are all in communication.
The first valve hole 28 and the second valve hole 29 are positioned one above the other when the diluted water is discharged, and open to positions that communicate with the first system 9 and the second system 10, respectively.

The diameter of the flow path upstream of the first valve hole 28 and other nozzle portions 15 is larger than that of the nozzle portions 15 so that the flow of the nozzle portions 15 is not hindered.
The diameter c of the second valve hole 29 is preferably 1.2 to 2.6 mm. If the diameter c is less than 1.2 mm, the channel resistance becomes too large and the amount of water spray becomes too small. If the diameter c is larger than 2.6 mm, when the tap water pressure is set to a low water pressure, the dilution ratio is not stabilized and becomes too high. In the first embodiment, the diameter c of the second valve hole 29 is 1.8 mm.
The diameter of the flow path of the second system 10 downstream from the second valve hole 29 is larger than the diameter of the second valve hole 29 so as not to limit the flow rate and flow velocity, and the diameter d of the third valve hole 30 described later. Bigger than.

As shown in FIG. 6, the third valve hole 30 is located at the upper part when the switching valve body 27 is rotated at a predetermined angle (for example, 70 degrees) from the diluted water discharge to the second system 10 in the raw water discharge posture. It opens to the position where it communicates.
The diameter of the third valve hole 30 is such that the flow path cross-sectional area of the third valve hole 30 is substantially equal to the sum of the flow path cross-sectional area of the first valve hole 28 and the flow path cross-sectional area of the second valve hole 29. d is set to 2.6 mm. Thereby, even if it switches between raw | natural water discharge and dilution water discharge, the change of the flow path resistance accompanying it becomes small, and the watering amount in a predetermined tap water pressure can be kept substantially constant.

A seal packing 31 having an opening at a position corresponding to the third valve hole 30 from the first valve hole 28 is attached downstream (leftward) of the switching valve body 27, and from the first valve hole 28 to the third valve hole. Water leakage from those other than 30 that match the first system 9 and the second system 10 is prevented.
Since the opening of the seal packing 31 is formed to be larger than the corresponding first valve hole 28 to the third valve hole 30, the edge of the opening may be swollen by the water flow, hindering the water flow or causing the breakage of the switching device. Can be prevented.
In order to prevent water leakage, the switching valve body 27 and the seal packing 31 are urged downstream (leftward) by a coil spring 32.

  The operation member 33 is connected to the right end of the switching valve body 27 and part of the operation member 33 is exposed to the outside of the diluting device main body 2, and the user performs a rotation operation within a range of a predetermined angle (70 degrees in the first embodiment). Be able to. The switching valve body 27 rotates as the operation member 33 rotates.

As shown in FIG. 4, when diluting water is discharged, the flow path cross-sectional area (second valve hole 29) of the narrowest part of the second system 10 is the flow of the narrowest part (nozzle part 15) of the first system 9. It is set to be larger than the road cross-sectional area, and the joining portion between the first system 9 and the second system 10 is formed so that the water of the second system 10 can easily flow in.
Thereby, at the time of dilution water discharge, the flow volume of the 2nd system 10 becomes larger than the flow volume of the 1st system 9, and at the confluence | merging part of the 1st system 9 and the 2nd system 10, the dilution water of the 1st system 9 is induced. In order to generate the negative pressure, the negative pressure of the diffuser part 14 is assisted, so that the liquid agent can be sucked up stably even in the case of a low water pressure, and the dilution rate can be stabilized against changes in the tap water pressure. .

A water check valve is provided upstream of the switching device of the main flow path 8.
The water check valve urges the valve body 35 toward the upstream (downward) valve seat 36 by a coil spring 34. When water flows from the water inlet 6 to the water outlet 7, the valve body 35 is pushed and the main flow path 8 is opened, but the diluted water of the first system 9 and the water of the second system 10 try to flow backward to the water inlet 6. Then, the valve body 35 is pressed against the valve seat 36 by the water and the coil spring 34, and the main flow path 8 is closed.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the switching device is in a diluting water discharge posture in the liquid agent dilution device 1 of the first embodiment, the first valve hole 28 communicates with the first system 9 and the second valve hole 29. Communicates with the second system 10, and water flows through the first system 9 and the second system 10.
In the first system 9, negative pressure is generated in the diffuser unit 14, and the liquid agent is sucked and diluted.
In the second system 10, more water flows than in the first system 9, and a negative pressure is generated at the junction with the first system 9 to attract the water of the first system 9. The negative pressure of the nine diffuser portions 14 can be generated more stably.
Thereby, the liquid agent can be stably diluted to a desired dilution ratio (250 times) and sprayed.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the switching device is rotated 70 degrees from the diluting water discharge to the raw water discharging posture, the third valve hole 30 communicates with the second system 10 and is sealed by the seal packing 31 of the switching device. The first system 9 is closed, and water flows only through the second system 10 and is sprinkled as it is.
The flow path cross-sectional area of the third valve hole 30 is set to be approximately equal to the sum of the flow path cross-sectional area of the first valve hole 28 and the flow path cross-sectional area of the second valve hole 29. Since the change in flow path resistance at the time of discharge is reduced, the water spray amount at a predetermined tap water pressure can be kept substantially constant. For this reason, there is no inconvenience due to a sudden drop in the amount of sprinkling with the operation of the switching device, or a sudden increase in the amount of sprinkling does not damage plants or cause water splashing.

<Test>
Different from the prior art example in that only the first system 9 having the ejector pump part is provided without providing the second system 10 at the time of dilution discharge (Example) of the liquid agent dilution apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The target dilution rate was 250 times, and the variation of the dilution rate with respect to the change in water pressure was measured.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in both the examples and the comparative examples, the water spray amount when the water pressure is 0.10 MPa is about 4.0 L / min, and is 8.0 to 8.5 L / min at 0.50 MPa. Yes, the flow resistance of the whole liquid agent dilution apparatus 1 is adjusted to be substantially equal.
Further, in each of the example and the comparative example, in order to measure the influence of the pressure loss due to the handling of the hose 4 and the watering nozzle 5 downstream of the diluting device main body 1, the watering nozzle 5 was held at a height of 0 m and sprinkled. The case and the case where watering was carried out with the watering nozzle 5 held at a height of 1.2 m were measured.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the conventional example, when measured at a height of 0 m, the pressure is about 250 times when the water pressure is 0.40 MPa. However, when the water pressure is lowered, the dilution rate increases rapidly and is 0.10 MPa. It has become about 525 times.
In addition, when measured at a height of 1.2 m, it becomes about 275 times when the water pressure is 0.40 MPa, but when the water pressure is lowered, the dilution rate rapidly increases and becomes about 500 times at 0.20 MPa, It was over 1000 times at 10 MPa.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the example, when measured at a height of 0 m, when the water pressure is 0.40 MPa, it is about 250 times, and when the water pressure is lowered, the dilution rate is slightly reduced, but hardly changes. It was about 240 times even at 10 MPa.
In addition, when measured at a height of 1.2 m, the pressure is about 250 times when the water pressure is 0.40 MPa, and when the water pressure is lowered, it is about 225 times when the water pressure is reduced, and then the dilution rate gradually increases to 0.10 MPa. It became about 275 times.

Thus, compared with the conventional example, in the example, when a relatively high dilution rate (250 times) was aimed, the dilution rate could be stabilized against changes in tap water pressure. In particular, in the case of low water pressure, the dilution rate could be stabilized more satisfactorily than in the conventional example.
Further, in the example, compared with the conventional example, the dilution rate could be stabilized even when a pressure loss occurred by routing the hose and the watering nozzle downstream of the diluting device main body.

<Another aspect>
Instead of forming the reinforcing member 25 with an elastic material as in the first embodiment, the reinforcing member 25 is formed with a material other than the elastic material as shown in FIG. A seal member 38 that prevents leakage of the liquid agent may be provided separately.
In this case, the reinforcing member 25 has only a role of covering and protecting the peripheral end portion of the plate 23 by sandwiching the plate 23 under the tongue piece 25b.
As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the sealing member 38 can be integrally attached to the plate 23 by fitting with the reinforcing member 25.
Rubber or elastomer can be used as the material of the seal member 38, but when a separate member is used from the reinforcing member, it is preferable to use a commercially available O-ring or other rubber member having high versatility.
As shown in FIG. 10 (b), the seal members 38 have annular grooves on the upper and lower surfaces, respectively, and are positioned in a watertight manner between the container mounting portion 17, the diluting device main body 2, and the liquid check valve. While preventing leakage, it has the function to arrange | position the liquid agent adjustment hole 24 in the correct position (refer FIG. 4).

Further, the branch from the main flow path 8 may be further branched into one or more systems in addition to the first system 9 and the second system 10. The third and subsequent systems may be a system (diluted water system) having the nozzle unit 15 and the diffuser unit 14 or a system (raw water system) not having these.
Also in this case, the total flow rate of the raw water system including the second system 10 is larger than the total flow rate of the dilution water system including the first system 9, and the diluting water system water is attracted at the junction. To generate negative pressure.

  Further, in order to make the flow rate of the raw water system larger than the flow rate of the dilution water system, instead of increasing the flow channel cross-sectional area of the raw water system rather than the flow channel cross-sectional area of the dilution water system as in the first embodiment, Furthermore, the flow path length of the raw water system may be shorter than that of the diluted water system, or the undulation of the flow path of the raw water system may be made smaller than that of the diluted water system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid agent dilution apparatus 2 Dilution apparatus main body 3 Liquid agent container 4 Hose 5 Sprinkling nozzle 6 Water inlet 7 Water outlet 8 Main flow path 9 1st system 10 2nd system 11 Connection port 12 Sprinkling port 13 Nozzle stop valve 14 Diffuser part 15 Nozzle part 16 liquid agent flow path 17 container mounting part 18 straw tube 19 strainer 20 coil spring 21 valve body (of liquid check valve) 22 valve seat (of liquid check valve) 23 plate 23a filling hole 24 liquid adjusting hole 25 reinforcing member 25a cavity 25b tongue 26 base 27 switching valve element 28 first valve hole 29 second valve hole 30 third valve hole 31 seal packing 32 coil spring 33 operating member 34 coil spring 35 valve element 36 (water check valve) Valve seat 37) Bottle holder 38 Sealing member

Claims (2)

It has a main flow path for allowing the solvent to pass through, and this main flow path is branched into the first system and the second system and is joined again downstream.
In the middle of the first system, an ejector pump unit that communicates with the supply source of the liquid agent and sucks the liquid agent into the solvent by negative pressure is provided.
The second system joins the first system downstream of the ejector pump part without going through the ejector pump part,
And provided with a switching device that switches between diluting water discharge through which the solvent passes both the first system and the second system and raw water discharge through which the solvent passes only through the second system,
The liquid agent diluting device characterized in that the minimum cross-sectional area in the flow path of the second system is made smaller when discharging the diluted water than when discharging the raw water.   The liquid agent diluting device according to claim 1, wherein at the time of discharging the dilution water, the minimum cross-sectional area in the second system flow path is made larger than the minimum cross-sectional area in the first system flow path.

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