FR3099071A1 - ADAPTABLE DEVICE ON A BLOWER - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device suitable for a blower comprising a blowing tube (2); said device comprising: a sleeve (10) configured to fit over the blow tube (2) of the blower; a portable liquid reservoir (21); a nozzle (11) located at the end of the sleeve (10); and a first pipe (15) connecting the liquid reservoir (21; 31) and the nozzle (11). The invention also relates to a blower provided with such an adaptable device. Figure for the abstract: figure 2

Description

ADAPTABLE DEVICE ON A BLOWER

The present invention relates to the field of atomizers intended to spray liquids, for example phytosanitary products for the treatment of orchards, vineyards or vegetable crops. The present invention relates more particularly to a device adaptable to a blower allowing the spraying of liquids using the air flow generated by the blower.

A blower is known from the prior art for generating a flow of air capable of moving light objects such as dead leaves, grass or falling hedges. Such a prior art blower device (also called blower) is shown in Figure 1. It is typically composed of a main body 1 comprising a blower tube 2 for guiding a flow of air generated by a turbine (not shown) driven by a motor 3. The motor may be a heat engine or, as shown in Figure 1, an electric motor powered via a battery. The battery can be an on-board battery 4 located in the main body or else a delocalized battery 7 located on a battery holder 6. In the latter case, the delocalized battery 7 is connected to the engine by means of a cord of power supply 8. The main body 1 also comprises a handle provided with a control button 5 able to actuate the motor. Such blowers are commonly found commercially.

Also known from the prior art are atomizers intended to spray liquids, for example phytosanitary products for the treatment of orchards, vineyards or vegetable crops. An atomizer typically comprises a main body comprising a blower tube allowing to guide an air flow generated by a turbine driven by a heat engine. The engine of the atomizer is commonly a heat engine relocated to a back support. The stand also includes a liquid reservoir connected to the blow tube via a hose. Such atomizers are commonly found commercially.

Such devices are expensive. Simultaneously owning a blower and an atomizer is particularly expensive.

The object of the present invention is in particular to allow the use of a blower to atomize a liquid without the need to purchase a separate atomizer. This goal is achieved by means of a device adaptable to a blower. The device according to the invention reuses, among other things, the blower tube, the turbine and the motor of the blower.

According to a first aspect , the present invention relates to a device that can be fitted to a blower comprising a blowing tube; said device comprising:
- a sleeve configured to fit on the blower tube of the blower;
- a portable liquid tank;
- a nozzle located at the end of the sleeve; And
- A first pipe connecting the liquid reservoir and the nozzle.

According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a second conduit connecting the sleeve to the liquid reservoir, said second conduit being configured to allow the reservoir to be pressurized.

According to one embodiment, the nozzle comprises a means for adjusting the liquid flow rate of the first pipe, such as for example an adjustment wheel.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises a shut-off valve along the first pipe.

According to one embodiment, the first pipe connects the lower part of the liquid reservoir to the nozzle.

According to one embodiment, the second pipe connects the upper part of the liquid reservoir to the sleeve.

According to one embodiment, the sleeve is configured to fit over the blower tube of the blower via a snap device.

According to one embodiment, the sleeve comprises a section of reduced diameter located between two sections of larger diameter.

According to one embodiment, the connection between the second pipe and the sleeve is located upstream of the reduced diameter section of the sleeve.

According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a support, such as for example a belt or a harness, supporting the liquid reservoir.

According to a second aspect , the present invention relates to a blower comprising a motor, a turbine driven by said motor, a blowing tube making it possible to guide a flow of air generated by said turbine and a device according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

According to one embodiment, the blower motor is an electric motor. This embodiment has the advantage of avoiding the release of combustion gases and reducing noise pollution.

According to one embodiment, the blower further comprises a support, such as for example a belt or a harness, supporting the battery supplying the electric motor; said support also supporting the liquid reservoir of the device according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to an alternative embodiment, the blower comprises a battery integrated into the main body. According to this embodiment, the main body therefore notably comprises the blower tube, the motor, the turbine, and the battery. This embodiment has the advantage of reducing the weight of the equipment compared to existing atomizers whose heat engine and fuel tank are carried on the back of a man.

According to a third aspect , the present invention relates to the use of a blower comprising a blowing tube in combination with a device according to the first aspect of the invention, for the spraying of liquid phytosanitary products, for example for the treatment of orchards, vineyards or market gardening. According to a preferred embodiment, the blower is an electric blower. This embodiment has the advantage of avoiding the release of combustion gases and of reducing noise pollution. By electric blower is meant a blower comprising an electric motor.

According to a fourth aspect , the present invention relates to the use of a blower comprising a blowing tube in combination with a device according to the first aspect of the invention, for spraying liquid insecticide products (for example mosquito repellents ), particularly in urban or peri-urban areas. According to a preferred embodiment, the blower is an electric blower. This embodiment has the advantage of avoiding the release of combustion gases and of reducing noise pollution.

According to a fifth aspect , the present invention relates to the use of a blower comprising a blowing tube in combination with a device according to the first aspect of the invention, for spraying liquids in a confined environment. By way of non-limiting examples, mention may be made of a greenhouse (for example a horticultural greenhouse or a market gardening greenhouse), a warehouse (for example a food warehouse), a flour mill or else a ship's cargo. According to a preferred embodiment, the blower is an electric blower. This embodiment has the advantage of avoiding the release of combustion gases and of reducing noise pollution.

Characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of exemplary and non-restrictive embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

represents a known blower according to the prior art.

represents a blower provided with a device adaptable to said blower according to one embodiment of the invention.

represents a blower provided with a device adaptable to said blower according to another embodiment of the invention.

represents an enlarged partial view of a device adaptable to a blower according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE REFERENCES

1 – Main body

2 – Blow tube

3 – Motor

4 – On-board battery

5 – Control button

6 – Battery holder

7 – Relocated battery

8 – Power Cord

10 – Sleeve

11 – Nozzle

12 – Reduced diameter section

13 – Means of flow adjustment

14 – Stop valve

15 – First drive

16 – Connection between the second line and the sleeve

17 – Second drive

18 – Ratchet device

20 – Belt

21 – Liquid tank

22 – Reservoir filler cap

23 – Connection between the first line and the liquid tank

24 – Connection between the second line and the liquid tank

30 – Harness

31 – Liquid tank

32 – Reservoir filler cap

33 – Connection between the first line and the liquid tank

34 – Connection between the second line and the liquid tank

35 – Battery

36 – Power Cord

Figure 1 illustrates a blower according to the prior art. A blower typically comprises a main body 1 comprising a blower tube 2 making it possible to guide a flow of air generated by a turbine (not shown) driven by an electric motor 3. The electric motor is powered by a battery which may be a battery 4 located in the main body 1 or a remote battery 7 located on a battery holder 6. In the latter case, the remote battery 7 is connected to the motor via a power cord 8. The body main 1 also includes a handle provided with a control button 5 capable of actuating the motor.

It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the blower motor can alternatively be a heat engine (this variant is not shown). In this case, the blower will also include a fuel tank, preferably a tank relocated to a tank holder. The tank will then be connected to the engine by a pipe. Such blowers, with an electric motor or a heat engine, are commonly found on the market.

FIG. 2 illustrates a blower according to the prior art, equipped with a device according to the invention allowing the blower to be used as an atomizer for spraying liquids. In this figure 2, we find the main elements of a blower: a main body 1, a blowing tube 2, an electric motor 3 actuated by a control button 5, and a battery 4 located in the main body 1. As indicated above, the engine can alternatively be a heat engine. However, according to a preferred embodiment, the blower motor is an electric motor. This embodiment has the advantage of avoiding the release of combustion gases which can be troublesome especially when using the device according to the invention in a confined space (a greenhouse for example). This embodiment also has the advantage of reducing the noise pollution compared to existing thermal engine atomizers on the market.

Figure 2 also illustrates the device according to the invention configured to fit on the blower (in this figure 2, the device according to the invention is shown mounted on the blower). This device comprises a sleeve 10 configured to fit on the blower tube 2 of the blower. The sleeve is notably configured to adapt to the end of the blower tube and to guide the flow of air generated by the blower. The device also comprises a portable liquid reservoir 21 capable of containing a liquid which it is desired to spray, a nozzle 11 located at one of the ends of the sleeve and a first pipe 15 connecting the liquid reservoir 21 and the nozzle 11. As illustrated , the nozzle 11 is located at the end of the sleeve 10 which is not configured to fit on the end of the blowing tube 2. Thus, the sleeve comprises two ends, a first end configured to fit on a blowing tube 2 of a blower and a second end on which is fixed a nozzle 11. The nozzle 11 is thus connected to the sleeve 10 and supplied with liquid via the first conduit 15.

Preferably, the device comprises a liquid flow adjustment means 13 such as an adjustment knob. This flow rate adjustment means 13 can be located at any place along the first pipe 15. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the flow rate adjustment means 13 is located at the end of the first pipe 15 ; at the level of the fluid connection between the first pipe 15 and the nozzle 11. This embodiment has the advantage of making the means for adjusting the flow rate 13 easily accessible for the user.

Preferably, the device also includes a shut-off valve 14 which can be located anywhere along the first pipe 15. A shut-off valve is used to completely open or close the section of a pipe. According to an embodiment not shown, the valve and the flow adjustment means can be one and the same member. According to a preferred embodiment and shown in Figure 2, the shut-off valve 14 and the flow rate adjustment means 13 are two elements that can be adjusted in distinct ways. This preferred embodiment has the advantage of allowing the liquid spray to be stopped without changing the flow rate setting. When the shut-off valve is opened, the previously selected flow rate setting will immediately be restored. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the shut-off valve 14 is located on the sleeve 10. This embodiment has the advantage of making the shut-off valve easily accessible for the user. At the stop valve, there is no fluid connection between the sleeve and the first pipe 15 (the first pipe only connects the liquid reservoir 21 to the nozzle 11).

The liquid reservoir 21 is located on a belt 20 allowing simple wearing of the reservoir 21 by the user of the device according to the invention. This reservoir comprises a closable opening using a filler cap 22 allowing the reservoir to be filled with liquid to be sprayed. Reservoir 21 is connected to first pipe 15 at a connection 23. This connection is located close to or at the level of the lower part of liquid reservoir 21. As illustrated, the device also comprises a second pipe 17 connecting the sleeve 10 to the tank 21. The second pipe 17 is connected to the tank 21 near or at the level of the upper end of the tank 21, so as to prevent liquid from being able to enter this second pipe 17. The second pipe 17 is configured to pressurize the liquid reservoir 21 by ensuring a return of the air blown into the reservoir 21. This second pipe 17 makes it possible to pressurize the liquid reservoir 21 so that the device according to the invention works and continues to spray liquid even if the nozzle 11 is at a height greater than that of the liquid reservoir 21. According to one embodiment, the second pipe 17 comprises a non-return valve (not shown) allowing the air arrived in the reservoir but preventing the entry of liquid into the second line 17 from the reservoir.

FIG. 3 also illustrates a blower according to the prior art equipped with a device according to the invention. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 differs from that of Figure 2 in that the blower does not include a battery in its main body 1 but a relocated battery 35 on a battery holder 30. In this embodiment, the battery 35 is connected to the electric motor 3 via a power cord 36. The portable liquid reservoir 31 of the device is located on the battery holder 30 of the blower. This embodiment has the advantage of using a single carrying means (here a harness 30 but it is obviously possible to use the belt 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 or any other carrying means) to support both the battery 35 and the liquid tank 31. The other characteristics remain unchanged. In particular, the sleeve 10 and the nozzle 11 are unchanged and there is a first pipe 15 connecting the nozzle 11 to the tank 31, an opening that can be closed using a filler cap 32 allowing the tank to be filled with liquid to be sprayed. , and a second pipe 17 connecting the sleeve 10 to the tank 31 near the upper end of the tank. The connection 33 between the tank 31 and the first pipe 15 is made near or at the level of the lower part of the liquid tank 31 while the connection 34 between the tank 31 and the second pipe 17 is made near or at the level from the upper part of the reservoir 31.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial view of the device according to the invention and in particular an enlarged view of the sleeve 10. It is observed that the sleeve 10 comprises a section of reduced diameter 12 between two sections of larger diameter (this section of reduced diameter 12 is also shown in Figures 2 and 3). According to one embodiment, the reduction in diameter is between 5 and 50%, preferably between 10 and 30% even more preferably around 15%. By reduction in diameter, is meant the ratio between the smallest diameter at the level of the section of reduced diameter 12 and the largest diameter at the level of the two sections on either side of the section of reduced diameter 12. reduction in diameter accelerates the air flow thanks to the venturi effect. This accelerated air flow will then meet the liquid which feeds the nozzle and allow it to spray at the outlet of the device. To allow the reservoir to be pressurized, the connection 16 between the second pipe 17 and the sleeve 10 is located upstream of the reduction in the diameter of the sleeve so as to maintain maximum pressure.

Figure 4 also illustrates the presence of a ratchet device 18 configured to cooperate with a ratchet device present on the blower tube 2 of the blower. This embodiment ensures the attachment between the sleeve 10 and the blower tube 2 of the blower.

The drawings and the detailed description associated with them are provided by way of example. Although the invention is illustrated by these drawings and embodiments are described in detail, the invention is by no means limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. Other variations of the disclosed invention may be extrapolated and made by those skilled in the art wishing to implement the claimed invention from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.

In the claims and this description, the word "comprises" or "comprising" does not exclude other elements and the singular indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims (13)

Device adaptable to a blower (1) comprising a blowing tube (2); said device comprising:
- a sleeve (10) configured to fit on the blower tube (2) of the blower (1);
- a portable liquid tank (21; 31);
- a nozzle (11) located at the end of the sleeve (10); And
- a first pipe (15) connecting the liquid reservoir (21; 31) and the nozzle (11). Device according to claim 1, further comprising a second conduit (17) connecting the sleeve (10) to the liquid reservoir (21; 31), said second conduit (17) being configured to allow the reservoir to be pressurized. Device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the nozzle (11) comprises means for adjusting the flow rate (13) of liquid from the first pipe (15), such as for example an adjusting wheel. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a shut-off valve (14) along the first line (15). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the first conduit (15) connects the lower part of the liquid reservoir (21; 31) to the nozzle (11). Device according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, in which the second pipe (17) connects the upper part of the liquid reservoir (21; 31) to the sleeve (10). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the sleeve (10) is configured to fit onto the blower tube (2) of the blower (1) via a snap device ( 18). A device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sleeve (10) comprises a reduced diameter section (12) located between two larger diameter sections. Device according to Claim 8 as dependent on Claim 2, in which the connection (16) between the second conduit and the sleeve is located upstream of the reduced diameter section (12) of the sleeve. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, further comprising a support (20; 30), such as for example a belt (20) or a harness (30), supporting the liquid reservoir (21; 31). Blower (1) comprising a motor (3), a turbine driven by said motor (3), a blower tube (2) making it possible to guide a flow of air generated by said turbine and a device according to any one of the claims 1 to 10. Blower according to claim 11, wherein the motor (3) is an electric motor powered by a battery (35). Blower according to claim 12 further comprising a support (30), such as for example a belt or a harness, supporting the battery (35); said support (30) also supporting the liquid reservoir (31).