Spray boom including at least one section of secondary conduit

Abstract

The invention relates to a spray boom (1) comprising a nozzle holder (3) connected to a conduit (2), comprising a first nozzle (7), a section (8), a group of nozzles (9), a flow control means arranged between the nozzle (7) and the section (8) and comprising at least one inlet (60) and two outlets controllable between an open and closed position, said flow control means allowing the supply of liquid to the nozzle (7) and / or the group of nozzles (9) and, in the closed position, preventing their supply of liquid, in the open position of the first or second outlet, said flow control means respectively allows the supply of liquid to the nozzle (7) and the section (8), and in the closed position prevents the supply of liquid to the first nozzle (7) and the section (8), respectively. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Spraying ramp comprising at least one section of secondary conduit technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural spraying systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a spray boom, comprising a main conduit and at least one nozzle holder connected to the main conduit as well as a section of secondary conduit. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] An agricultural spray boom generally comprises nozzle holders evenly distributed along the entire length of the boom, for spraying plant protection products onto rows of plants, in liquid form or as liquid fertilizer, for example. In particular, the known spray boom is designed to spray liquid onto the field, without taking into account the type of crop planting, i.e., the width of the crop rows.

[0003] The boom comprises a plurality of nozzles spaced at a fixed distance from one another, and the nozzles allow for double or even triple coverage of the sprayed surface by the liquid. The known boom allows for spraying the entire field, rather than spraying in a line. Such spraying can, depending on the user's needs, spray a greater quantity of liquid than necessary, and therefore lead to economic loss and soil pollution.

[0004] It is also known that in-row crop spraying systems combined with a hoe are used. These spraying systems allow for more localized soil spraying. However, hoeing is carried out primarily in full sun, thus dehydrating the uprooted weeds, while spraying is carried out primarily in the early morning, before the sun is fully present; therefore, their combination is not compatible. Furthermore, the working speed of hoeing is close to 5 km / h, while the working speed of spraying is closer to 15 km / h. Thus, in-row crop spraying systems combined with a hoe only spray at very low speeds, typically 5 km / h. Spraying is therefore not carried out under optimal conditions for the user.

[0005] The invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, in particular by proposing a spray boom comprising at least one nozzle holder allowing adaptation to the product to be sprayed and the type of spray. desired application, i.e. of the whole field or localized, while maintaining a spraying working speed. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] More specifically, the invention relates to a spray boom for an agricultural sprayer. Said spray boom comprises a main conduit and at least one nozzle holder connected to said main conduit and includes: • a body housing a liquid inlet pipe configured to be supplied with liquid through said main pipe and housing at least one flow control means; • at least one first spray nozzle; • at least one section of secondary conduit extending parallel to the main conduit; • at least one group of spray nozzles distributed along the secondary conduit section.

[0007] Said at least one flow control means is arranged at the interface between the inlet pipe, the first spray nozzle, and the secondary pipe section and comprises a liquid inlet and at least one first and one second controllable outlet located downstream of said main pipe, the inlet and each outlet being controllable between an open and a closed position. The first spray nozzle is connected to one of the outlets of the flow control means, and the secondary pipe section is connected to the other outlet of the flow control means. In the open position of the liquid inlet, said flow control means is configured to allow the first nozzle and / or the group of nozzles to be supplied with liquid, and in the closed position of said liquid inlet, said flow control means is configured to prevent the first nozzle and / or the group of nozzles from being supplied with liquid.In the open position of the outlet connected to the first liquid nozzle, the flow control means is configured to allow the first nozzle to be supplied, and in the closed position of said liquid outlet, said flow control means is configured to prevent the first nozzle from being supplied. In the open position of the other liquid outlet, said flow control means is configured to allow the secondary conduit section to be supplied, and in the closed position of said other liquid outlet, said flow control means is configured to prevent the secondary conduit section from being supplied. The spray bar is configured to spray liquid through said first spray nozzle and / or through at least one nozzle of said group of spray nozzles.

[0008] The flow control means can thus allow the liquid to be conveyed to The first outlet leads to the first nozzle, and the second outlet leads to the nozzle group. The spray boom thus offers at least two spray levels: one with the first nozzle and one with the nozzle group distributed along the secondary pipe section. The first level can be adapted, for example, to a specific spray pattern, such as full-field spraying, and the second level to a different type, such as localized spraying. Therefore, the user can apply two different spray patterns on a single boom. Furthermore, the nozzles in the nozzle group can be distributed flexibly along the secondary pipe section, allowing for spraying tailored to the user's needs and / or the type of liquid being sprayed.

[0009] Advantageously, the flow control means comprises two controllable valves, a first controllable valve being arranged at the interface between the inlet pipe and the secondary pipe section and a second controllable valve being arranged at the interface between the inlet pipe and the first spray nozzle, the first output of the flow control means corresponding to the output of the first valve and the second output of the flow control means corresponding to the output of the second valve.

[0010] Advantageously, the spray nozzle group comprises at least two spray nozzles connected to each other by the secondary conduit section, said secondary conduit section being configured to convey liquid from the flow control means to each nozzle of said spray nozzle group.

[0011] The nozzles of the spray nozzle group allow the delivered liquid to be sprayed at intervals determined by their spacing. Their spacing therefore varies according to the user's needs and adapts to those needs. For example, the user can determine that the spacing between the nozzles of the nozzle group corresponds to the spacing between the rows, so as to perform in-row or inter-row spraying, particularly for weed control, with the nozzle group.

[0012] Advantageously, a plurality of controllable valves is arranged in said secondary conduit section, each valve of said plurality of valves being associated with one of the nozzles of the nozzle group and each valve being movable between a closed position in which it is configured to prevent the conveyance of said liquid from the flow control member to the nozzle to which it is associated and an open position in which it is configured to allow the conveyance of said liquid from the flow control member to the nozzle to which it is associated.

[0013] The valves allow individual control of the nozzles in the nozzle group. In particular, the user can determine the position of each valve, between its closed position and its open position, in order to better adapt the spray boom to its needs.

[0014] Advantageously, the spray nozzles of the spray nozzle group are equidistant from each other.

[0015] Such an arrangement can allow, in particular, spraying on row or between rows.

[0016] Advantageously, the spray nozzles of the spray nozzle group are spaced 5 to 25 cm apart.

[0017] Advantageously, the first spray nozzle and / or at least one spray nozzle of the group of spray nozzles is inclined with respect to the main conduit.

[0018] The inclination of the nozzles allows the spray pattern of the nozzles to be adapted. In particular, it is thus possible to narrow the spray patterns of the nozzles in order to limit the width of the sprayed field, while maintaining the same nozzle height.

[0019] Advantageously, said ramp comprises a plurality of nozzle holders, each nozzle holder being connected to said main conduit.

[0020] The plurality of nozzle holders allows for even greater modularity of the boom, since each group of nozzles can have a different arrangement, specific to the user's needs.

[0021] Advantageously, the nozzle holders of the plurality of nozzle holders are equidistant from each other.

[0022] Advantageously, the nozzle holders of the plurality of nozzle holders are spaced 25 cm, or 33 cm or 50 cm apart. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and on which:

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view from the rear left of a nozzle holder connected to a ramp according to the invention, said nozzle holder comprising a first nozzle, two sections of secondary conduit connecting the three nozzles of the nozzle group;

[0025] The [Fig.2] is a front view of the nozzle holder connected to the ramp of the [Fig.1];

[0026] Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but taken from the top and left;

[0027] [Fig.4] is a view similar to [Fig.1] but taken from the left;

[0028] Figure 5 is a rear and top view of the nozzle holder connected to the boom of the [Fig.l];

[0029] [Fig. 6] is a view similar to [Fig. 5] but with a nozzle holder whose nozzle group comprises five nozzles, rather than three; and

[0030] Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but with a nozzle holder whose nozzle group comprises two nozzles, rather than three, and therefore only one section of secondary conduit.

[0031] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable implementation of the invention; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The invention relates to a spray boom 1. The spray boom 1 is in particular intended to be carried or towed by a vehicle, in particular an agricultural machine, here an agricultural sprayer.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the spray boom 1 comprises a main conduit 2 and at least one nozzle holder 3.

[0034] Fig. 1 represents a portion of the main conduit 2 to which the nozzle holder 3 is connected.

[0035] In particular, the nozzle holder 3 includes a body 4. The body 4 has the function of housing the various components of the nozzle holder 3 and of connecting the nozzle holder 3 to the main conduit 2.

[0036] As shown in [Fig.3], the body 4 has an upper part having two jaws connected and fixed by means of a fixing system, here a screw and nut system, to the main conduit 2. The jaws define an orifice configured to house the main conduit 2. Thus, the nozzle holder 3 can be mounted and detached from the main conduit 2.

[0037] The body 4 houses a liquid inlet line 5, as shown in [Fig. 1], for example, a plant protection product. The inlet line 5 is configured to be supplied with liquid through the main line 2.

[0038] In addition, the body 4 houses at least one flow regulation means.

[0039] In particular, the flow control means comprises at least one valve com- adjustable. The valve can, for example, extend transversely to the main conduit 2.

[0040] The inlet pipe 5 connects the main pipe 2 by means of flow control.

[0041] The nozzle holder 3 further comprises at least one first spray nozzle 7, visible in particular in Figures 1, 3 and 4, at least one section of secondary conduit 8 and at least one group of spray nozzles 9.

[0042] The secondary conduit section 8 corresponds to a tube having two ends, a first end 80 and a second end 81, both open.

[0043] Advantageously and as shown in [Fig.7], the group of spray nozzles 9 comprises at least two spray nozzles 10. The two spray nozzles 10 are connected to each other by the secondary conduit section 8. In particular, each of the two nozzles 10 is placed at one of the ends 80, 81 of the secondary conduit section 8.

[0044] The secondary conduit section 8 is configured to convey liquid, for example phytosanitary liquid, from the flow control means to each nozzle 10 of the spray nozzle group 9.

[0045] In particular, the nozzles of the spray nozzle group 9 are distributed along the section of the secondary conduit 8.

[0046] According to another embodiment and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, the group of spray nozzles 9 can comprise three spray nozzles 10. In this embodiment, the nozzle holder 3 comprises two secondary conduit sections 8. The three spray nozzles 10 are connected to each other by the two secondary conduit sections 8. Each secondary conduit section 8 then has a first end 80 and a second end 81.

[0047] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], a first nozzle 10a of the nozzle group 9 is connected to the second end 81a of the first section of secondary conduit 8a. A second nozzle 10b is connected on one side to the first end 80a of the first section of secondary conduit 8a and on the other side to the second end 81b of the second section of secondary conduit 8b. A third nozzle 10c is connected to the first end 80b of the second section of secondary conduit 8b.

[0048] According to yet another embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6], the group of spray nozzles 9 comprises five spray nozzles 10 connected to each other by sections of secondary conduits 8, here the nozzle holder 3 comprises four sections of secondary conduits 8.

[0049] The spray nozzle group 9 can include as many spray nozzles 9 as desired by the user.

[0050] In particular, the group of spray nozzles 9 may include n spray nozzles 10, the nozzle holder then includes n-1 sections of secondary conduit 8. Said sections of secondary conduit 8 connect the spray nozzles 10 to each other at each of their ends.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in the figures, the spray nozzles 10 of the spray nozzle group 9 are equidistant from each other. In particular, the secondary conduit sections 8 are all of the same length.

[0052] Advantageously, the spray nozzles 10 of the spray nozzle group 9 are spaced 5 to 25 cm apart.

[0053] According to an embodiment not shown, the spray nozzles 10 of the group The 9 spray nozzles have variable spacing between them. In particular, the secondary conduit sections 8 can have different lengths, thus adapting to the specific needs of each user.

[0054] The nozzles 10 of the spray nozzle group 9 allow the delivered liquid to be sprayed at intervals determined by their spacing. Their spacing therefore varies according to the user's needs. For example, the user may determine that the spacing between the nozzles 10 of the nozzle group 9 corresponds to the spacing between the rows of vegetation in their field, so as to perform in-row spraying with the nozzle group 9.

[0055] The group of spray nozzles 9 thus allows for localized spraying.

[0056] According to a first embodiment, the flow regulation means comprises a controllable valve arranged at the interface between the inlet pipe 5, the first spray nozzle 7 and the secondary pipe section 8.

[0057] The controllable valve has a liquid inlet, for example, for plant protection product liquid, and at least one first outlet and one second outlet. The inlet and each of the outlets are controllable.

[0058] In particular, the input can be controlled between an open position and a closed position.

[0059] The first output can be controlled between an open position and a closed position.

[0060] The second outlet can be controlled between an open position and a closed position.

[0061] The first and second outlets are located downstream of the main conduit 2.

[0062] The first spray nozzle 7 is connected to the first controllable outlet of the controllable valve. The secondary conduit section 8 is connected to the second controllable outlet of the controllable valve.

[0063] In the open position of the liquid inlet, the controllable valve is configured to allow liquid to be supplied to the first nozzle 7 and / or the group of nozzles 9. In the closed position of the liquid inlet, the controllable valve is configured to prevent liquid from being supplied to the first nozzle 7 and / or the group of nozzles 9.

[0064] In the open position of the first liquid outlet, the controllable valve is configured to allow liquid to be supplied to the first nozzle 7. In the closed position of the first liquid outlet, the controllable valve is configured to prevent liquid from being supplied to the first nozzle 7.

[0065] In the open position of the second liquid outlet, the controllable valve is configured to allow liquid to be supplied to the secondary conduit section 8. In the closed position of the second outlet, the controllable valve is configured to prevent liquid from being supplied to the secondary conduit section 8.

[0066] Advantageously, a plurality of controllable valves 11 is arranged at the end of the secondary conduit section 8.

[0067] In particular, the number of controllable valves 11 corresponds to the number of spray nozzles 10 in the nozzle group 9.

[0068] Each valve 11 of the plurality of valves 11 is associated with a nozzle 10 of the group of nozzles 9.

[0069] Each valve 11 is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the valve 11 is configured to prevent liquid from flowing from the second outlet of the controllable valve to the nozzle 10 to which it is associated. In the open position, the valve 11 is configured to allow liquid from the second outlet of the controllable valve to the nozzle 10 to which it is associated.

[0070] Thus, the valves 11 allow the nozzles 10 of the nozzle group 9 to be controlled individually. The valves are independent of each other. In particular, the user or a control unit can determine the position of each of the valves 11, between its closed and open positions, in order to adapt the boom and the sprayed area to the user's specific needs.

[0071] Liquid, for example, a plant protection product, flows through the main conduit 2. It travels to the inlet 5 of the nozzle holder 3, through which it passes, to reach the controllable valve, specifically the inlet of the controllable valve. When the inlet of the valve is in the closed position, the liquid is stopped at said inlet and cannot flow to the controllable valve. When the inlet of the controllable valve is in the open position, the liquid flows to the first outlet and to the second outlet.

[0072] When the first outlet is in the closed position, the liquid is stopped at said outlet and cannot flow to the first spray nozzle 7. When the first outlet is in the open position, the liquid flows to the first spray nozzle 7, and is then sprayed through said first spray nozzle 7.

[0073] When the second outlet is in the closed position, the liquid is stopped at said outlet and cannot flow to the secondary conduit section 8. When the second outlet is in the open position, the liquid flows to the secondary conduit section 8, to the controllable valves 11. When a valve 11 is in the closed position, the liquid is stopped by the valve and cannot flow to the nozzle 10 to which the valve 11 is associated. When a valve 11 is in the open position, the liquid flows to the nozzle 10 to which the valve 11 is associated, and is then sprayed through said nozzle 10.

[0074] The opening and closing of the controllable valve and the valves 11 are independent.

[0075] According to another embodiment, the flow control means comprises a first valve 61 and a second valve 62, different from the controllable valve of the previous embodiment. The first valve 61 is arranged at the interface between the inlet pipe 5 and the secondary pipe section 8, and the second valve 62 is arranged at the interface between the inlet pipe 5 and the first spray nozzle 7.

[0076] In particular, the first valve 61 and the second valve 62 each have an inlet and an outlet, configured to supply respectively the nozzles 10 of the nozzle group 9 and the first spray nozzle 7.

[0077] Each of the inlets of the first valve 61 and of the second valve 62 can be controlled between an open position and a closed position.

[0078] In the open position of the inlet of the first controllable valve 61, the latter is configured to allow the supply of liquid to the secondary conduit section 8. In the closed position of the first valve 61, the latter prevents the supply of liquid to the secondary conduit section 8.

[0079] In this embodiment, the plurality of controllable valves 11, as described in the previous embodiment, can be arranged at the end of the secondary conduit section 8. The arrangement and operation of said valves are unchanged compared to the previous embodiment, except that the liquid is conveyed from the first valve 61 to each of the valves 11 and not from the second outlet of the controllable valve to each of the valves 11.

[0080] In addition, the flow control means may include a shut-off valve arranged in the inlet pipe 5 and allowing the first valve 61 and / or the second valve 62 to be supplied with liquid or, on the contrary, preventing their supply.

[0081] The spray boom 1 thus has, at least, a first spraying level with the first spray nozzle 7 and a second spraying level with the group of spray nozzles 9 distributed over the secondary conduit section 8. The first level can, for example, be adapted to a first type of spraying and the second level to a second type of spraying.

[0082] For example, the first type of spraying may correspond to a spraying of the whole field and the second type of spraying may correspond to a localized spraying, on a row of vegetation.

[0083] On a single spray boom, the user can therefore apply two different types of spraying. In addition, the nozzles 10 of the nozzle group 9 can be distributed adaptably along the secondary conduit section 8, thus allowing spraying adapted to the user's needs and / or depending on the liquid to be sprayed.

[0084] Advantageously, the first spray nozzle 7 and / or at least one spray nozzle 10 of the group of spray nozzles 9 is inclined with respect to the main conduit 2.

[0085] The inclination of one or more nozzles, whether the first spray nozzle 7 and / or at least one spray nozzle 10 of the group of spray nozzles 9, allows their spray pattern to be adjusted. In particular, such an inclination can make it possible to narrow the spray patterns of the nozzles, for example 10a, 10b, 10c ([Fig. 2]), so as to limit the width of the sprayed field, while maintaining the same nozzle height.

[0086] Advantageously, the spray boom 1 comprises a plurality of nozzle holders 3 as previously described. In particular, each nozzle holder 3 is connected to the main conduit 2 of the boom 1, so that it can be supplied with liquid.

[0087] The plurality of nozzle holders 3 allows for even greater modularity of the boom 1, since each group of nozzles 9 can have a different arrangement, specific to the user's needs.

[0088] The controllable valves and the valves 11 of each nozzle holder 3 are independent of each other.

[0089] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the nozzle holders 3 of the plurality of nozzle holders 3 are equidistant from each other.

[0090] Advantageously, the nozzle holders have a standardized spacing of 25 cm, 33 cm or 50 cm.

[0091] According to another embodiment, the nozzle holders 3 of the plurality of nozzle holders 3 have a variable spacing between them.

[0092] Advantageously, the first spray nozzle 7 is a nozzle configured to allow double, or even triple, coverage of the sprayed surface, and in which the nozzles 10 of the group of spray nozzles 9 are narrower spectrum spray nozzles than the first spray nozzle 7.

[0093] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in light of the information just disclosed to them.

[0094] For example, the nozzles of the spray nozzle group can be distributed along a single section of secondary conduit. For example, if the spray nozzle group comprises three spray nozzles, they can be fixed to a single section; a first nozzle can be fixed to one end of the section, a second nozzle to the other end, and a third nozzle in the middle of the section. In such an embodiment, the spacing between the nozzles depends on the point of attachment on the section, and the length of the section can depend on the field area. to cover.

[0095] In the detailed presentation of the invention given above, the terms used shall not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiments set forth in this description, but shall be interpreted as including all equivalents which can be foreseen by a person skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims

1. Claims Spray bar (1) for agricultural sprayer, comprising a main conduit (2) and at least one nozzle holder (3) connected to said main conduit (2) and comprising: • a body (4) housing a liquid inlet pipe (5) configured to be supplied with liquid by said main pipe (2) and housing at least one flow regulation means; • at least one first spray nozzle (7); • at least one section of secondary conduit (8) extending parallel to the main conduit (2); • at least one group of spray nozzles (9) distributed over the secondary conduit section (8); said at least one flow control means being arranged at the interface between the inlet pipe (5), the first spray nozzle (7) and the secondary pipe section (8) and comprising a liquid inlet and at least a first controllable outlet and a second controllable outlet arranged downstream of said main pipe (2), the inlet and each outlet being controllable between an open position and a closed position, the first spray nozzle (7) being connected to one of the outlets of the flow control means and the secondary pipe section (8) being connected to the other of the outlets of the flow control means, in the open position of the liquid inlet, said flow regulating means being configured to allow the supply of liquid to the first nozzle (7) and / or the group of nozzles (9) and, in the closed position of said liquid inlet, said flow regulating means being configured to prevent the supply of liquid to the first nozzle (7) and / or the group of nozzles (9), in the open position of the outlet connected to the first liquid nozzle (7), said flow regulating means being configured to allow the supply of the first nozzle (7) and, in the closed position of said liquid outlet, said flow regulating means being configured to prevent the supply of the first nozzle (7), in the open position of the other liquid outlet, said means of re- flow control being configured to allow the supply of the secondary conduit section (8) and, in the closed position of said other liquid outlet, said flow control means being configured to prevent the supply of the secondary conduit section (8), said spray bar (1) being configured to spray liquid through said first spray nozzle (7) and / or through at least one nozzle (10) of said group of spray nozzles (9).

2. Spray bar (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the flow control means comprises two controllable valves, a first controllable valve (61) being arranged at the interface between the intake pipe (5) and the secondary pipe section (8) and a second controllable valve (62) being arranged at the interface between the intake pipe (5) and the first spray nozzle (7), the first outlet of the flow control means corresponding to the outlet of the first valve (61) and the second outlet of the flow control means corresponding to the outlet of the second valve (62).

3. A spray bar (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the group of spray nozzles (9) comprises at least two spray nozzles (10) connected together by the secondary conduit section (8), said secondary conduit section (8) being configured to convey liquid from the flow control means to each nozzle (10) of said group of spray nozzles (9).

4. Spray bar (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a plurality of controllable valves (11) is arranged in said secondary conduit section (8), each valve (11) of said plurality of valves being associated with one of the nozzles (10) of the group of nozzles (9) and each valve (11) being movable between a closed position in which it is configured to prevent the conveyance of said liquid from the flow regulating member to the nozzle (10) with which it is associated and an open position in which it is configured to allow the conveyance of said liquid from the flow regulating member to the nozzle (10) with which it is associated.

5. A spray bar (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the spray nozzles (10) of the group of spray nozzles (9) are equidistant from each other.

6. Spray bar (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spray nozzles (10) of the spray nozzle group (9) are spaced 5 to 25 cm apart.

7. Spray bar (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spray nozzle (7) and / or at least one spray nozzle (10) of the group of spray nozzles (9) is inclined relative to the main conduit (2).

8. Spray bar (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of nozzle holders (3), each nozzle holder (3) being connected to said main conduit (2).

9. Spray bar (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the nozzle holders (3) of the plurality of nozzle holders (3) are equidistant from each other.

10. Spray bar (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the nozzle holders (3) of the plurality of nozzle holders (3) are spaced 25 cm, or 33 cm or 50 cm.

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