Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
  • A01M7/00—Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
  • A01M7/0025—Mechanical sprayers
  • A01M7/0032—Pressure sprayers
  • A01M7/0042—Field sprayers, e.g. self-propelled, drawn or tractor-mounted
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
  • A01M7/00—Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
  • A01M7/005—Special arrangements or adaptations of the spraying or distributing parts, e.g. adaptations or mounting of the spray booms, mounting of the nozzles, protection shields
  • A01M7/0053—Mounting of the spraybooms
  • A01M7/0057—Mounting of the spraybooms with active regulation of the boom position
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
  • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
  • B05B1/20—Perforated pipes or troughs, e.g. spray booms; Outlet elements therefor
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B13/00—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00
  • B05B13/02—Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work
  • B05B13/04—Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work the spray heads being moved during spraying operation
  • B05B13/0421—Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work the spray heads being moved during spraying operation with rotating spray heads
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
  • A01M7/00—Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
  • A01M7/005—Special arrangements or adaptations of the spraying or distributing parts, e.g. adaptations or mounting of the spray booms, mounting of the nozzles, protection shields
  • A01M7/0064—Protection shields
  • A01M7/0067—Protection shields with recovering of liquids
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B13/00—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00
  • B05B13/005—Machines or plants for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces of objects or other work by spraying, not covered by groups B05B1/00 - B05B11/00 mounted on vehicles or designed to apply a liquid on a very large surface, e.g. on the road, on the surface of large containers
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
  • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
  • B05B14/00—Arrangements for collecting, re-using or eliminating excess spraying material

Definitions

• TITLE DEVICE FOR SPRAYING TREATMENT PRODUCTS FOR PLANTS
• the invention relates to a device for spraying treatment products, in particular for spraying plant protection products on plants.
• the invention will be more particularly described as regards a device for the treatment of vines, without however being limited thereto. It applies to shrubs, trees, and in general to all plants, and more particularly to plants grown in rows, to fruit hedges.
• the devices use booms equipped with spray nozzles which deliver spray jets in droplets.
• these devices are also equipped with airflow generation systems that help transport droplets; they correspond to the so-called air jet and pneumatic jet technique.
• these latter devices actually create a lot of drift: a large part of the treatment products does not settle on the plants and is not transported to their heart, and droplets can be easily transferred to the surroundings outside the areas in front of them. be treated, which has a negative impact on the environment.
• the patent application FR2969902 has proposed a device provided with recovery panels also called confined panels, and suction means to recover and recycle the product that has not reached the plant.
• a device is bulky and relatively expensive, and does not provide a solution to the problem of the penetration of plant protection products into the heart of plants.
• the patent application FR4075567 has proposed a system with airflow generating means, which are not intended to transfer the droplets to the plant but to create a continuous layer of air laterally to the spray jets, so as to constitute a containment curtain avoiding the crossing of the treatment product, which contributes to a relatively limited effective drift. Nevertheless, such a system remains complex to manufacture, and still requires air flow generation turbines. Here again, such a system does not provide treatment at the heart of the plant.
• Document FR2767254 also discloses an improved device, the ramp of which is capable of being rotatable about its longitudinal axis, according to a continuous oscillation. Nevertheless, this device again requires air blowing means of the fan or turbine type, involving a very large drift.
• the object of the invention is therefore to propose a solution which does not have the aforementioned drawbacks, and allows penetration and positioning of phytopharmaceuticals in the heart of the plant, while limiting drift as much as possible.
• the device for spraying treatment products in particular plant protection products, is in accordance with claim 1.
• the device for spraying treatment products comprises at least one spray boom equipped with a plurality of spaced nozzles (preferably pairs of spaced nozzles, and/or preferably of adjustable orientation angle), and a support frame for said at least one ramp.
• the device is such that said at least one boom is able to be rotatable around its longitudinal axis (the longitudinal axis of the boom), according to a continuous oscillation (in particular during spraying), preferably according to an angle of oscillation which is adjustable (preferably according to an angle of at most 180°) and according to an oscillation speed which is adjustable, the angle of oscillation and the speed of oscillation being in particular slaved to the speed of movement of the spraying device intended to be moved along plants.
• the device for spraying treatment products is free of air blowing means.
• air blowing means is meant air supplied around the spray boom to carry the spray jets.
• the device for spraying treatment products is in particular free of pressurized air blowing means, of a fan or of a turbine.
• the spray boom comprises at least one group of at least two nozzles, in particular at least one group of at least three nozzles, the nozzles of a group are angularly spaced (non-zero angle) on the periphery of the boom section (i.e. the nozzles of a grouping each have at least one spray outlet which is oriented at a distinct angle around the longitudinal section of the boom).
• the nozzles of at least one group are arranged immediately next to each other along the longitudinal axis of the boom (that is to say one immediately above the other when the boom is vertical) and each have at least one spray outlet, the spray outlets of said nozzles of the group having respective different spray directions with respect to each other and arranged angularly around the section of the boom.
• Said spray outlets are such that, in top view of the cross section of the boom (or front view of the boom), said spray outlets are not aligned.
• Said spray outlets are angularly spaced around the periphery of the boom section.
• the nozzle(s) of a group are arranged such that the spray outlet(s) are directed radially, that is to say arranged in a so-called arrangement plane which is perpendicular to the axis longitudinal of the boom, and each of the outlets of the nozzles of a group has a different radial direction of arrangement in its plane of arrangement (therefore a different direction of angular arrangement around the longitudinal axis of the section of the boom ).
• the boom can have several arrays distributed over the length of the boom of at least two nozzles.
• the spray outlet or outlets are such that the spray jet from an outlet extends along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom (that is to say that the angle opening of a spray outlet is arranged in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom); thus in the vertical position of the boom, the spray jet or jets extend in vertical planes (the opening angle of one or more spray outlets is arranged in a vertical plane).
• the mobility of the boom by oscillating in rotation with respect to its longitudinal axis, and this continuously, allows the treatment product to be sprayed according to a multitude of projection angles and to be introduced to the heart of the plant.
• drift is minimized when spraying due to the absence of air blowing under pressure all around the device.
• This oscillation in combination with at least one group of nozzles which have spray directions in several directions around the section (circumference) of the boom, and preferably in planes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom, makes it possible to spraying in distinct planes which extend parallel to the boom but making a non-zero angle between them, which provides spraying at the heart of the plant, without the need, unexpectedly, for the presence of air blowing means air such as a fan or turbine.
• the combination, on the one hand, of the oscillation of the boom around its longitudinal axis, and on the other hand, of the arrangement of the spray outlets angularly spaced with respect to the periphery of the section of the boom and preferably in a superimposed manner, as well as preferably by spraying along planes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom, makes it possible to diffuse over the height of the boom and to guarantee a projection systematically in front of the plant and to introduce itself therein from the sides; the entire plant from top to bottom and in thickness will be covered with the treatment product.
• the group of nozzles and their aforementioned arrangement allows the mobile machine carrying the device to move faster (to move at approximately 10 km/h) to thus treat faster while guaranteeing spraying at the heart of the plant, and this as already explained, without air blowing means and without drift.
• the technology of the device of the invention is that of the projected jet - no drift while having the advantage of being introduced into the heart of the plant - and not one of the technologies of the carried jet or pneumatic spraying, which present the downside of drifting.
• this spraying device is relatively simple to manufacture and adaptable to any existing sprayer, resulting in an inexpensive selling price compared to existing devices.
• the spraying device of the invention is in particular independent of the treatment product tank and of the supply pump, the product supply pipe connected to the tank must only be connected to the spray boom of the spray device. Consequently, the spray device of the invention is also of reduced maintenance. [016] In the rest of the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom” are understood to qualify an element of the spray device in the context of a normal installation of the device, that is to say relating to a vertical concept with respect to a horizontal ground and above which the spraying device would be placed or suspended.
• said at least one ramp is able, in combination with its continuous oscillating rotational movement around the longitudinal axis of the ramp, to be able to pivot in the manner of a pendulum in a vertical plane parallel to a line of plants in the spraying position of the device, by pivoting the support frame.
• the booms are therefore able to pivot in continuous oscillation around their vertical longitudinal axis and to additionally pivot around a horizontal axis.
• said at least one spray boom is capable of being movable in translation relative to the support frame, preferably is capable of being movable in translation during spraying while maintaining a constant distance with the target (of plant) intended to be processed.
• the spray device comprises presence and distance detection means able to detect the presence or absence of a target intended to be treated, and to measure the separation distance of said at least one ramp from to the target to be treated, and means for controlling in real time the translational movement of said at least one spray boom so as to maintain a constant distance between the boom and the target intended to be treated.
• the absence of detected vegetation closes the diffusion of the nozzles concerned.
• the spraying device is then capable of adapting to the profile of the terrain over which the vehicle carrying the device is traveling so that the distance separating the nozzles from the plant is constantly the same in order to treat the plant uniformly over its entire length. line.
• the spray device comprises two spray bars spaced apart and carried by the carrying frame, in particular the two spray bars extending perpendicular to the frame (which is of longitudinal body) so that said spray device has the general shape of an inverted U.
• the spraying device thus makes it possible to spray the two opposite lateral faces of a plant in a row at the same time, or else two facing faces of two parallel rows of plants (called two half-rows).
• the two spray booms exhibit their oscillating movement around their longitudinal axis which is either synchronous or asynchronous.
• the body of the chassis comprises two opposite and parallel arms, at the distal ends of each of which is fixed a spray boom extending perpendicularly (or substantially perpendicularly) to the associated arm, preferably the arms being non-aligned so that the two spray booms are fixed at two diagonally opposite points with respect to the center of the chassis body.
• the arms are movable relative to the frame by a translation mechanism, preferably by a rack and pinion system.
• the translation mechanism preferably by a rack and pinion system, is able to translate at least one spray boom relative to the chassis.
• the spray device comprises rotation means such as an electric motor or a cylinder, which are coupled to said at least one spray boom for its oscillating movement around its longitudinal axis.
• the spraying device comprises air-mixing elements which are coupled to the spray booms, in particular the air-mixing elements being mechanical structural elements which are preferably fixed in a removable manner. to said at least one ramp.
• air mixing elements contribute even better to the deposit of the product in the heart of the plants, because they allow, when the spraying device advances, to mix the air vis-à-vis the plant and to make the leaves twirl. during spraying.
• an air circulation element forms a plate which extends along the entire length of a spray bar and laterally to the nozzles, preferably the air mixing element comprising a concave surface therefore the concavity is turned towards the spray bar.
• the air-mixing elements form a pair of spaced flanges arranged in a localized manner at the height of one or more grouped nozzles, each flange extending laterally on either side of a or grouped nozzles; the air mixing elements form two fans (fixed) on either side of one or more nozzles grouped together on the ramp; during the movement of a ramp, the flanges or fans disturb and mix the air, stirring the leaves of the plants.
• the air mixing elements can be angularly adjustable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ramp.
• the support frame is equipped with stabilizing means, in particular a gyroscope, in order to remain in a horizontal (or substantially horizontal) plane whatever the movement of the vehicle which is intended to carry the spraying device for its use, preferably the stabilizing means, which can be driven by motors, also constituting means for pivoting the carrying frame with respect to its extension plane, on the one hand, around an axis parallel to the length of the chassis (to the longitudinal axis of the chassis and therefore parallel to the arms) so as to provide a pivoting of the chassis from front to rear (and vice versa) with respect to the direction of advance of a vehicle carrying the spraying device in position of use, and on the other hand, around an axis perpendicular to the length of the frame (or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame and therefore to the arms), so as to provide a pivoting of ga uche to the right (and vice versa) relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle carrying the spray device in the use position.
• stabilizing means in particular a
• the nozzles are grouped together in pairs of nozzles, in particular the nozzles of a pair being oriented in different directions, in particular at an angle of the order of 40°, preferably the opening and closing of the nozzles being a function of detecting the presence and distance of a target intended to be treated.
• said at least one spray boom is removable relative to the carrying frame, in particular is interchangeable with another tool capable of cooperating with the plant, such as for weeding or desuckering or cutting, or detecting in particular to collect information on plants.
• the latter has a profile adapted to form one or more longitudinal chutes at the rear of the spray nozzles, and preferably comprises at the distal (lower) end a recovery surface into which the chute or chutes open, the chute or chutes forming recovery channels for the sprayed treatment product and not reaching the plant.
• the spray device comprises, in particular integrated in the undercarriage, means for measuring the forward speed of the vehicle intended to carry said spray device, and/or an anemometer, and/or means for measuring the pressure and/or the pH and and/or the temperature of the product sent into the said at least one spray boom.
• the spraying device is used to treat any hedge or row of plants, in particular vines, by spraying the two opposite vertical sections of a row, or else the two vertical sections opposite an inter-row (generally referred to as the “two half-rows”).
• the invention also relates to a vehicle which carries at least one aforementioned spraying device of the invention, the vehicle being in particular a land vehicle, in particular a quad or a tractor such as an interline tractor or a straddle carrier, or being an aerial vehicle such as a drone. No drone today is suitable for spraying plant protection products in vertical planes.
• the spray device being relatively light (less than 15 kg), it can advantageously be carried (suspended) by a drone; certainly, the drone makes it possible to treat plants at height without difficulty, but above all the drone provided with the spraying device of the invention now makes it possible to treat vertical sections of plants.
• the spraying device suspended by the drone thus makes it possible to be positioned at the same height as the plants, and not above, generating a spray at the heart of the plant and minimizing drift.
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a spray device according to the invention.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a variant of the spray device of Figure 1.
• FIG. 3 is a side view of the spray device of Figure 1.
• FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a variant of the spray device of FIG. 1 according to a different structural embodiment of the spray boom, the booms also being arranged so that the nozzles spray in opposite directions;
• FIG. 4b is a detail view of a ramp of Figure 4a.
• FIG. 5 shows a top view of the chassis alone of the spraying device of FIGS. 1 and 2, with its casing open.
• FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an assembly carrying two spray devices arranged side by side.
• FIG. 7a shows a perspective detail view of a group of two nozzles on the ramp, arranged angularly in a distinct manner around the section of the ramp.
• FIG. 7b corresponds to the top view of Figure 7a (view of the cross section at the longitudinal axis of the ramp).
• FIG. 8a shows a detail and front view of a group of three nozzles on the boom, arranged angularly in a distinct manner around the section of the boom.
• FIG. 8b corresponds to the top view of Figure 8a (view of the cross section at the longitudinal axis of the ramp).
• the spray device 1 of the invention illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4a and 6 is intended for spraying treatment products of the plant protection type on plants.
• the spraying device 1 of the invention makes it possible to deposit product right down to the heart of the plant, and to minimize drift.
• the purpose of the spraying device 1 is to treat plants rising in height and arranged in line(s) or in rows, such as for example vines or fruit hedges, the treatment product being intended to be sprayed on each side of a row.
• FIG. 6 are shown schematically in front view two lines of plants L1 and L2 which are intended to be treated by two spraying devices 1 of the invention mounted on a support S which is installed on a motorized vehicle V, shown schematically by the dotted contour in the figure with its wheels R.
• the spray devices 1 are coupled by being arranged side by side perpendicular to the lines L1 and L2. They form two straddles above and around lines L1 and L2 respectively.
• the spray device 1 comprises at least one spray boom
• booms 2 and 2' are at least pivotally movable during spraying, according to a continuous oscillation around their longitudinal axis.
• the ramps can also be movable in pivoting according to a pendulum movement parallel to the lines of plants.
• the spray device 1 has two spray bars 2 and 2 'arranged so that their spray nozzles 3 are opposite; the spraying device 1 makes it possible to treat the two opposite sides of the same row of plants at the same time.
• the spray device 1 comprises two spray bars 2 and 2′ arranged so that their spray nozzles 3 are oriented oppositely; the vehicle carrying the spraying device is then intended to move between two rows of plants, the spray device 1 treating the two sides facing the two rows of plants.
• the spray device 1 further comprises, associated with the ramps 2 and 2 ', structural elements 10, 11, 12 and 13, called air mixing elements, which are able to twirl the sprayed product.
• the air mixing elements 10 to 13, described below, are mechanical elements of the structure of each ramp 2, 2', which make it possible to agitate the volume of air surrounding them and facing the plant, so to lift the foliage and transport the product sprayed by the nozzles 3 to the heart of the plant.
• the ramp(s) 2 and 2' extend vertically in the position of use (along the Z axis).
• the carrying frame 4 is intended to be arranged in a horizontal plane.
• the ramp(s) 2 and 2' are perpendicular to the frame 4.
• the spraying device 1 comprises the two spray ramps 2 and 2' which form with the support frame 4 a set in the general shape of an inverted U intended to span the row or to be inserted between two rows.
• the carrier frame 4 comprises a housing 40, at least one arm, preferably two opposite arms 41 and 42 emerging from the housing and extending horizontally (parallel to the Y axis in the use position of the device), and preferably a mechanism 5 for translation of the arms 41 and 42, part of which is housed inside the casing 40.
• the two arms 41 are capable of carrying the two ramps 2 and 2' respectively.
• Each ramp 2 and 2' is arranged at the distal end 43, 44 of each of the respective arms 41 and 42, outside the casing 40.
• the carrying frame 4 is designed in a compact manner and is light. Preferably, it does not exceed a weight of 15 kg.
• the box 40 has dimensions particularly suited to the width of the row or hedge to be treated.
• the casing 40 is based on aluminum and/or plastic material such as polyoxymethylene (POM plastic).
• the carrier frame 4 is suitable for mounting on any existing frame of an agricultural vehicle; in particular, it comprises a fixing member 40' of the known and usual type.
• the compact and lightweight undercarriage 4 design allows it to be carried by a drone.
• arm length 41 and 42 is adapted to the width of the rows of plants.
• the length of the arms is for example between 50 cm and 150 cm. If the width of a row of plants is too great, the configuration of FIG. 4a according to an arrangement of the booms 2 and 2' in opposite spraying makes it possible to adapt to rows whose width is greater than the maximum separation distance of the two ramps 2 and 2'. As for the length of the ramps, this is for example 100 cm; extensions can be attached to increase the length and adapt to the height of the plant.
• the installation of the spraying device 1 on a land vehicle such as a tractor or a quad can advantageously be carried out at the front of the vehicle, unlike air-blast spraying devices or pneumatic spraying devices which impose a proximity to the turbine and the diffusion nozzles, and therefore an arrangement at the rear of the vehicle.
• the installation at the front of the vehicle also allows the driver of the vehicle a view of the whole.
• the carrier frame 4 is advantageously equipped with stabilizing means 45 such as a gyroscope in order to remain in a horizontal plane regardless of the movement of the vehicle on which the spraying device 1 is intended to be installed. above the plants, the support frame 4 is not likely to get caught in the plants at high speed of the vehicle.
• the stabilizing means 45 are located on the outside, in the upper part and in the center of the housing 40. The fixing member 40' to carry the entire spray device 1, can straddle the stabilizing means 45.
• the arms 41 and 42 are parallel to the Y axis.
• the two arms 41 and 42 can be perfectly aligned and opposite. Nevertheless, preferably, the two arms 41 and
• an arm or the arms 41 and 42 are adapted to be movable parallel to the Y axis in order to modify the distance separating the arm or each of the arms with respect to the housing 40, in order to adapt the distance of spacing of a ramp 2 or of the two ramps 2 and 2' with respect to the plant.
• the translation mechanism 5 of each arm 41, 42 is preferably capable of carrying out a synchronous and simultaneous movement of the two arms in order to bring them closer to the plant or to move away from it by the same distance on either side of the plant.
• the translation mechanism 5 comprises for example at least one motor 50, preferably electric, able to move the two arms 41 and 42.
• Said at least one motor 50 is here placed outside the box 40 (on the top) and cooperates through the housing with at least one of the two arms.
• the arm translation mechanism could be at least one jack, preferably electric.
• the translation mechanism 5 comprises (FIG. 5) a rack and pinion system 50'.
• the pinion-rack system 50 ' comprises two facing racks 51 and 52 which are respectively secured to the inner edges of the respective arms 41 and 42, and a pinion 53 (schematically referenced in Figure 5) in interface and cooperating with the two racks 51 and 52.
• the preferably electric motor 50 drives one of the racks 51 to translate the associated arm 41 on one lateral side or the other of the housing 40 so as to bring the associated ramp 2 closer or further apart, the pinion 53 for simultaneously translating the opposite arm 42 in a direction opposite to that of movement of the motorized arm 41.
• the translation mechanism 5 could comprise two separate actuation members for each of the two arms 41 and 42, or else an additional and independent actuation system, allowing independent movement of each arm and independent adaptation of the distance of separation between each arm and the plant.
• friction pads can be provided to manage the play and mechanical friction of the arms relative to the walls of the case.
• the translation mechanism 5 of the arms 41 and 42 is controlled by control means which are preferably coupled to a software interface accessible on a display screen such as a tablet or a smartphone.
• all the components of the spraying device 1 which are capable of being actuated, and the management of the associated parameters, are actuated by means of data processing and control, preferably centralized in a box, and controlled remotely, preferably by Bluetooth, by a software interface accessible on a display screen.
• data processing and control preferably centralized in a box
• Bluetooth preferably by Bluetooth
• a software interface accessible on a display screen.
• the spray device 1 comprises presence and distance detection means shown schematically by the reference 6 on the ramps 2 and 2 '(FIGS. 1 and 4a), which are able to detect the absence or the presence of vegetation and to measure the separation distance of each ramp from the vegetation.
• the presence and distance detection means 6 are able to communicate the measured data to the data processing and control means which will control in response the translation mechanism 5 of the arms 41 and 42, and the opening or closing of the nozzles of diffusion B.
• the diffusion nozzles 3 can advantageously be arranged in groups of two or three, or even more. The opening and closing of a group of nozzles are for example controlled by a solenoid valve 30 in the immediate vicinity of the nozzles of said group (FIGS.
• the presence and distance detection means 6 will be arranged in a suitable manner on the spray boom to cooperate with the desired part of the plant such as the leaves, the trunk or the foot.
• the presence and distance detection means 6 are operational in real time, so that the data processing and control means control in real time the position of each ramp 2, 2' relative to the plant, so that the ramp-plant distance is maintained even if the vehicle deviates from its trajectory, for example due to uneven ground or a driving error.
• the ramps 2 and 2 ' are preferably removably fixed to the support frame 4.
• the ramps 2 and 2' are in particular removably fixed to the arms 41 and 42.
• the removable fixing of a ramp on an arm is done for example by screwing or by clipping two forms of mutual cooperation with which respectively the free distal end 20 of the ramp and the distal end 43, 44 of the respective arm 41, 42 are equipped.
• a ramp makes it easier to handle it independently, for example to clean it, or for any maintenance operation.
• the removability of one or more ramps makes it possible to retain the same support frame 4 and to provide a versatile device with functions other than those of treatment.
• the ramp(s) can be interchanged with one or more tools adapted to the required function, in particular a weeding tool such as by spraying the vines, or a desuckering tool such as by spraying on the base of the vine stocks, or a tool for trimming the vegetation, or even a tool with on-board cameras for the management and/or analysis of the foliage of the plant or the woods in order to map possible diseases.
• a weeding tool such as by spraying the vines
• a desuckering tool such as by spraying on the base of the vine stocks
• a tool for trimming the vegetation or even a tool with on-board cameras for the management and/or analysis of the foliage of the plant or the woods in order to map possible diseases.
• the ramps 2 and 2' are therefore capable of being rotatable during spraying.
• the ramps 2 and 2' are above all mobile in rotation around their longitudinal axis (parallel to the Z axis) while oscillating with respect to their longitudinal axis.
• the rotation according to a continuous oscillating movement of the ramps 2 and 2' during the spraying allows the penetration of the treatment product into the heart of the plant.
• the spraying device 1 comprises means 7 for rotating each of the ramps 2 and 2', such as a preferably electric motor or an electric cylinder.
• the motor 7 or the actuator is arranged at the upper distal end 20 of each of the ramps; it is preferably invisible and protected.
• the arrangement of the means rotation 7 will be adapted so that each ramp can be removably attached to an arm.
• the means of rotation 7 are controlled remotely. Their speed of rotation can vary.
• the angle of oscillation may vary.
• the speed of oscillation is slaved to the speed of movement of the vehicle V.
• each of the ramps 2 and 2 ' are opposed to each other by being arranged diagonally, which further promotes penetration into the heart of the plant.
• they exhibit their oscillation as desired in the opposite direction according to a synchronous or asynchronous mode, in particular depending on the density and the shape of the vegetation.
• each of the ramps 2, 2' is pivotable around a horizontal axis parallel to the Y axis and according to a continuous movement pendulum as illustrated by the arrow F2 and the dotted lines in Figure 3, the pendulum movement being intended to be in a vertical plane (X, Z) parallel to one or more rows of plants L1 and L2 in the spraying position of the device (and therefore parallel to the direction of advance of the device).
• the pivoting of the ramps 2 and 2 'about an axis parallel to the axis Y is obtained by the pivoting of the whole of the undercarriage 4.
• the pivoting of the undercarriage 4 is carried out via the stabilizer means 45 such as a gyroscope, which also constitute pivoting means.
• the carrying frame 4 by pivoting causes the pivoting of the ramps in the manner of a pendulum parallel to the plant line (from front to rear in the direction of movement of the device/of the vehicle carrying the device), and this movement of pendulum combined with the oscillating rotational movement of each ramp around their axis, provides optimum penetration of the treatment product by depositing more than 80% of it on the stomata at the back of the leaves.
• the ramps 2 and 2 'of the example of Figure 4a has a different configuration from that of Figures 1 and 2.
• Each ramp 2 and 2' is profiled to present recovery means 21 of falling product in the air after spraying and settling along the ramps.
• the ramps 2 and 2' have a profile adapted to form one or more longitudinal chutes 22 at the rear of the nozzles 3.
• the chutes 22 extend over the length of the ramps and have at the lower end a recovery surface 23 for the treatment product that has flowed into the chutes 22.
• the product received in the recovery surface 23 can be returned via a pipe 24 and a pump not shown in the product supply and distribution circuit at the rear of the boom.
• Each ramp is for example an aluminum profile whose profile contributes to its mechanical rigidity and provides the chute(s).
• the chute(s) extend on the front face of the section, while on the rear face runs a supply pipe for the treatment product which cooperates with each nozzle arranged on the front face.
• each stage or level of nozzles comprises a group of two nozzles (preferably single slot nozzles) with adjustable diffusion angles, in particular between 0° and 90, or even 120°; the diffusion angle corresponds to the opening angle of the spray outlet of a nozzle; the nozzles can be commercial ones (double slot nozzles) whose diffusion angle is generally fixed at 45° or 60°; preferably, the two nozzles of a stage are oriented at different angles with respect to the median plane (X; Y) of a ramp, they are in particular oriented between them at 40° (figure 4b), as explained in more detail below; the nozzles preferably include an anti-drip system.
• a group of nozzles comprises at least two nozzles 3, or even at least three nozzles 3 as shown in Figures 8a and 8b.
• Several groups of this type can be arranged in several places spaced apart from the ramp.
• Each of the two or three nozzles 3 has at least one spray outlet 3A, 3B, 3C.
• a nozzle could include several spray outlets.
• the outputs of spray BA and BB for the group of two nozzles FIGS. 7a and 7b
• the spray outlets 3A, 3B and 3C for the group of three nozzles
• the nozzles 3 are adjacent along the longitudinal axis of the ramp 2; in the vertical position of the ramp, the nozzles 3 are therefore superimposed. In the vertical position of the boom, the nozzles 3 of a group are then placed immediately one above the other, presenting their spray outlets 3A, 3B, and 3C which are not aligned in top view.
• the spray outlets 3A, 3B, and 3C in top view according to a cross section to the longitudinal axis of the boom 2, make between them a non-zero angle, such as an angle a between the outlets 3A and 3B of the grouping of two nozzles 3 of FIG. 8a, which is for example 40°, and angles b and g which are for example each equal to 30°, between respectively the outlets 3A and 3B, and the outlets 3B and 3C of the three nozzles 3 of Figure 8b.
• this arrangement in grouping of the nozzles 3 and their different angular arrangement around the section (circumference) of the boom 2 provides several directions of spraying.
• the spray outlets 3A, 3B and 3C nozzles 3 are arranged here radially, that is to say in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ramp 2.
• the spray outlets could be inclined upwards or downwards relative to the radial direction, allowing more penetration from above or below.
• the spray outlets 3A, 3B, and 3C (shown schematically by a rectangle in the figures) extend along the longitudinal axis of the boom (height of the boom in the vertical position).
• the spray outlets 3A, 3B, and 3C are therefore arranged so that each of the jets extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom.
• the grouping of the spray outlets 3A, 3B, and 3C generates diffusion jets extending along distinct planes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom 2 (vertical planes in the vertical position of the boom); these planes correspond in the respective figures 7b and 8b, to the planes R A Q ⁇ P B for the group of the two nozzles, planes oriented between them, here at 40°, and to the planes Pi, P2 and P3 for the grouping of the three nozzles, oriented between them, here at 30°.
• This angular arrangement of the nozzle spray outlets around the longitudinal axis of the boom 2 unexpectedly makes it possible, in combination with the oscillating pivoting of the boom around its longitudinal axis, to be exempt from air blowing means under pressure of the turbine or fan type, while ensuring diffusion to the heart of the plant.
• the result is spectacular: the treatment is well deposited at the front and the back of the leaves and there is no longer a cloud of sprayed product all around the agricultural machine advancing as the treatment progresses, and even less drift.
• Drift which is a scourge for the environment, is reduced by up to 90% with the device of the invention.
• the spray outlets 3A, 3B, and 3C have their diffusion jet which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom; in the vertical position of the boom, the diffusion then takes place over the entire height of the boom, all the more so when the spray outlets have opening angles (preferably of at least 45°). Consequently, with the continuous oscillation of the boom, although the agricultural machine is moving forward, it can be guaranteed that the spraying of the treatment product is done systematically opposite the plant and even that the product is introduced by the sides of the plant. , and this along the entire height of the plant.
• the supply pipes are not shown here for the sake of simplicity. They are routed from a tank filled with treatment product installed on the vehicle and travel to each ramp 2 and 2'. Each ramp can include a solenoid valve 8 (FIGS. 4a and 4b) to open and close the arrival of the product in the entire ramp in an automated manner. Solenoid valves 30 can also be provided by grouping of nozzles. In particular, the solenoid valves 30 and 8 are controlled by the data processing and control means according to the data delivered by the presence and distance detection means 6.
• the carrier frame 4 may include means for measuring the forward speed of the vehicle intended to carry said spraying device 1, and/or an anemometer, and/or means for measuring the pressure and /or the pH and/or the temperature of the product to be sent to the spray booms.
• the spray device 1 comprises air mixing elements 10, 11, 12 and 13.
• air mixing elements is meant purely structural elements linked to the geometry, to the shapes of the elements. It is not air blowing means.
• Each figure illustrates a variant design of the air circulation elements.
• the air-mixing elements 10 to 13 are preferably fixed in a removable manner to the respective ramps 2 and 2'.
• the air-mixing elements 10 to 13 are preferably arranged at least at the level of the nozzles 3, extending forwards and laterally. Due to the movement of the ramps 2 and 2 ', the air mixing elements 10 to 13 generate a mixing of the air around them and opposite where the vegetation is, which sets the foliage in motion, allowing to deposit the treatment product even better in the center of the plant.
• the air mixing elements 10 and 11 of the example of Figure 2 respectively extend over the entire length of the ramps 2 and 2 '.
• Each air-mixing element 10, 11 extends only on one side of the respective ramp 2, 2' and therefore of the nozzles 3.
• Each air-mixing element 10, 11 which extends laterally with respect to to the nozzles 3, has a concave surface therefore the concavity 10', 11' faces the associated spray boom 2, 2' respectively.
• the air mixing elements are associated with the ramps 2 and 2 ', in pairs 12 and 13 extending laterally on each side of the nozzles 3 and limited in height.
• a pair of air mixing elements 12 and 13 form two spaced apart and parallel flanges.
• each stirring element 12, 13 diverges outwards with respect to the longitudinal central axis of a ramp.
• Each stirring element 12, 13 preferably has a front periphery 12', 13' with a convex curved line.
• the stirring elements 12 and 13 play a role like fans.
• the spray device 1 of the above examples has been described for a vertical arrangement of the spray booms 2 and 2'. All of the characteristics described above could apply to horizontal ramps. [065] Consequently, the important thing in the device of the invention is not only the oscillation of the ramp around its longitudinal axis, but also that the outputs of spray are grouped together while being angularly spaced around the longitudinal axis of the boom (whether they are not aligned when viewed from above or from the front of the boom).
• the spray outlets are positioned next to each other along the longitudinal axis of the boom (superposed in the vertical position), and each have jets which diffuse in planes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom.
• the ramp in vertical planes
• distinct and angularly spaced planes different vertical planes angularly spaced.
• the whole of the device thus designed makes it possible to spray on the height of the plant and to spray above all continuously facing the plant while the agricultural machine is moving forward (there is always at least one jet in front of the plant despite the oscillation).
• the user can afford to move forward sufficiently quickly (for example at around 10 km/h), while being sure that droplets of product will settle on the plant, and this despite the absence of air blowing. 'air.

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• 2021
  • 2021-07-30 FR FR2108298A patent/FR3125678B1/fr active Active
• 2022
  • 2022-07-29 EP EP22755236.1A patent/EP4376606A1/de active Pending
  • 2022-07-29 WO PCT/EP2022/071477 patent/WO2023007018A1/fr not_active Ceased

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