Spraying bar segment, spraying bar and agricultural spraying machine for spraying product on plant target

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a lance section (10) of a lance (1) for spraying a product on a plant target (5), the lance section (10) of the lance (1) comprising:-at least one spraying element (101) configured for a fluid supply of the product and generating a product jet (200) spread along a spraying centre axis (201) towards the plant target (5); -two diffusers (301a, 301b), each configured to be supplied by a gaseous fluid, such as air, and each configured to generate, at the outlets of the diffusers (301a, 301b), a diffusive airflow (400a, 400b) dispersed in the direction of the diffusive airflow towards the plant target (5), said spraying element being located between the two diffusers (301a, 301b). The lance section (10) of the lance (1) is configured such that each diffusive airflow (400) intersects the spray centre axis (201). The invention also relates to a boom and an agricultural sprayer integrated with such a boom, as well as to a method for using such a boom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of spraying systems for treating products, in particular systems for spraying plant protection (phytosanitary, plant disease control) products on plant targets such as hedges. More specifically, the present invention relates to spraying boom segments intended to be carried by agricultural sprayers. The present invention has a particularly advantageous application in the spraying of grape hedges (vines) sprays, but is not limited to this application. Background Art

[0002] There are a variety of solutions for spraying products onto plant targets.

[0003] The first type of spraying system uses atomizing jets. This system consists of a nozzle that supplies the product to be sprayed under pressure, thus ensuring that the product is broken up into droplets. The jet of sprayed product is directed towards the vegetation to be treated in the form of small droplets. These small droplets reach the plant target by their own speed. However, this system does not allow the droplets to be distributed over the entire surface of the plant target, in particular deep in the trellises and on the undersides of leaves.

[0004] The second type of spraying system is known as a pneumatic spraying system, which does not have a nozzle for decomposing the product, but instead comprises a ventilation device adapted to generate a high-speed airflow at the point where the plant protection product arrives, which is then decomposed and distributed in the airflow due to the strong depression generated by the airflow velocity. The high-speed airflow thus promotes rapid transport and penetration of the droplets in the vegetation. However, if there is no vegetation or the vegetation is sparse, the plant protection product will be sprayed very far, thereby polluting the environment. In practice, recovery baffles are usually required to limit environmental pollution.

[0005] The third system is known as the jet spraying system, which consists of a ventilation device that generates a large air flow in combination with a nozzle. In this case, the nozzle ensures that the sprayed product is broken up into droplets, which are directed toward the air flow, which thus ensures that the droplets are quickly transported to the plants to be treated. The disadvantage of this system is that the product is not evenly distributed over the entire surface of the plant target, in particular the back of the leaves, and that it pollutes the environment if the plant target is missing.

[0006] There are also backpack spraying systems such as those described in document EP2679092. In such systems, the nozzle is manually directed to spray vegetation. However, manual operation of the nozzle may result in uncontrolled, and therefore inaccurate, spraying distances.

[0007] Document FR3074016 (which is supplemented by document FR3074014) describes a jet-type spraying system in which the airflow brings the propulsion air to the nozzle. Here, the nozzle comprises, on the one hand, a diffuser for directing the propulsion air to the plant target and, on the other hand, a spray nozzle or an ejector nozzle for decomposing and diffusing the plant protection product in the propulsion air. The nozzle in this document not only ensures the formation of the propulsion airflow, but also decomposes the product introduced into the propulsion airflow so that it is distributed to the plants to be treated. The nozzle is mounted on a nozzle carrier, such as a spray bar, which may also include openings suitable for generating air curtains upstream and downstream on both sides of the nozzle, at a certain distance from the propulsion airflow and without interacting with the propulsion airflow, in order to separate the leaves and / or recover the plant protection product droplets that may bounce off the leaves. However, due to the large amount of airflow involved, a large amount of electricity is required to generate it.

[0008] Although various solutions have been proposed, there is still a need to improve the effectiveness of spraying products on plant targets.

[0009] This is just one of the purposes of the present invention.

[0010] By reading the following description and the accompanying drawings, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent. Of course, additional advantages may also be combined. Summary of the invention

[0011] To achieve this object, according to an embodiment, a spray bar section of a spray bar (spray bar) for spraying a product on a plant target such as a grape trellis is proposed. In the following, it may be referred to as a spray bar section, which includes at least one spray element, such as a nozzle, which is configured for fluid supply of the product, preferably supply under pressure, and generates a jet of product, preferably a jet in the form of droplets, which is spread along a spraying center axis toward the plant target. The spray bar section also includes two diffusers, each of which is configured to be supplied with a gaseous fluid such as air, and each of which is configured to generate a diffused airflow at the diffuser outlet that is spread toward the plant target along the diffused airflow direction. The spray element is located between the two diffusers.

[0012] According to an example, the boom sections are configured such that each diffusion airflow has a first portion spreading along its diffusion airflow direction and intersecting the spraying central axis, and each diffusion airflow has a second portion extending the first portion beyond the intersection with the spraying central axis.

[0013] Therefore, according to this example, each diffuse airflow has:

[0014] - a first part, called the carrier air flow section, which converges in the direction of the spraying center axis and at the same time guides the product jet, this carrier air flow section intersecting the spraying center axis upstream of the plant target;

[0015] - A second part, called the collision part, extends the first part beyond the intersection with the spraying center axis, during which the two air-carrying airflow parts collide with each other, thereby generating turbulence and generating a turbulent airflow. The turbulent airflow spreads toward the plant target and spreads inside it.

[0016] The product jet is centered on the spraying axis, gradually absorbing the droplets in the air-carrying part and completely absorbing them in the collision part.

[0017] Thus, the proposed boom section allows the product jet to be directed and absorbed upstream of the plant target by squeezing, thanks to the carrier air flow portion converging towards the spraying center axis, and thanks to the collision portion, a turbulence is generated, which slows down and spreads the droplets more evenly by positioning them on different surfaces of the plant target. As a result, the plant protection product can be deposited (placed) more easily on both sides of the leaves that are moved by the turbulence, regardless of the orientation of the leaves in space, and the penetration of the droplets into the center of the plant target, reaching the fruits and the branches that support the fruits, can also be promoted by this movement. This solution thus significantly improves the spraying effect of the product on the plant target, whether it is a grape crop, a tree crop or a vegetable crop.

[0018] Furthermore, during the development of the invention, it has been shown that the proposed solution can avoid significant product displacement in the case of small areas to be treated in the plant target, and even in the case of local lack of plant targets, such as the case of local lack of several plants in a vine trellis. The convergent carrier air flow section firstly allows to guide the droplets sprayed by the spray element and then absorb them by squeezing the product jet, while at the same time limiting the influence of disturbances caused by the travel speed of the boom sections or wind. Then, in the collision section, the two diffuse air flows generate turbulence and merge into a turbulent air flow, which preferably starts upstream of the plant target and slows down the speed of the diffuse air flow and thus the average speed of the droplets in the direction of the spraying center axis, and on the other hand, it moves the leaves of the plant target, separating them, thus promoting the penetration and placement of the product on different surfaces in the plant target. The deceleration of the droplets in the collision section and in the direction of the spraying center axis thus limits their range outside the theoretical area where the plant target is present.

[0019] In the proposed boom section, the diffuser airflow does not act like an independent air curtain capable of recovering droplets that may bounce off the plant targets. Nor does the diffuser airflow act like an independent air curtain that separates the blades upstream of the spraying axis in order to facilitate the passage of the product jet. On the contrary, during the development of the invention, it was found that it is the convergence of the diffuser airflow with the product jet that improves the deposition of the product droplets on the different surfaces of the plant targets and avoids the spraying of product droplets at a distance from the plant targets when the plant targets are interrupted or too low in density. If the diffuser airflow acts like a simple water curtain, separating the blades without intercepting and slowing down the product jet, then, as soon as the plant mat is interrupted or too sparse, the product droplets will be sprayed far beyond the plant target trellis in the direction of the spraying axis, taking into account the speed and direction of the product jet and / or the application of the diffuser airflow. As a result, the spread of the product cannot be controlled and will cause harm to the environment.

[0020] Depending on the type of trellis to be treated, for example a narrow grape trellis or a wide grape trellis, the recommended minimum spray distance between the spray element and the plant target may be different. Therefore, each type of trellis may require an adjustment of the geometry of the boom section diffuser according to the type of trellis to be treated, so that during conventional treatment operations the collision portion of the diffused airflow may start upstream of the plant target. Therefore, it is best to configure the diffuser before the treatment operation so that the collision portion starts at a distance less than the recommended minimum spray distance and therefore, in theory, upstream of the plant target. The distance between the spray element and the collision portion may also not be adjustable, but in this case its length should be adapted to the different type of plant target to be treated.

[0021] In another aspect, the invention relates to a spray bar, hereinafter referred to as a spray bar, comprising at least one spray bar segment as described above and at least one fluid source for generating a spray bar airflow. The spray bar further comprises at least one attachment sleeve for fluidly connecting the fluid source to the at least one spray bar segment, the at least one attachment sleeve and the at least one spray bar segment forming a circulation duct for the spray bar airflow in the spray bar. The sleeve extends in a preferential direction. The pivot axis is perpendicular to this direction.

[0022] According to an example, the boom section comprises at least one connecting sleeve connected to the spray body, which is configured so that the boom airflow circulates from the inlet of one of the spray body and the connecting sleeve to the outlet of the other of the spray body and the connecting sleeve along the direction of the boom airflow.

[0023] According to a non-limiting example, the fluid source is a fan. Preferably, the fluid source is an axial flow fan installed at the end of the circulation duct of the spray boom airflow of the spray boom. It can also be configured to be installed in the cylindrical part of the circulation duct of the spray boom airflow.

[0024] In another aspect, the invention relates to an agricultural sprayer, self-propelled or trailed, and equipped with at least one spray boom as described above.

[0025] According to a non-limiting example, an agricultural sprayer comprises at least two spray bars, each of which has a fan, whose airflow rate can be adjusted independently of the airflow rate of the other spray bar. Therefore, the spray bar airflow delivered to each spray bar can be adjusted independently. The diffused airflow delivered by the diffuser of each spray bar can also be adjusted, for example, according to the position of the spray bar section relative to the plant target. In addition, compared with the solution of a single fan supplying airflow to multiple spray bars, on the one hand, the proposed solution avoids the pressure drop of the air delivered between the fan and the spray bar, and on the other hand, considering the length and shape of the pipeline required for delivering the spray bar airflow, avoids the generation of different pressure drops towards each spray bar. In addition, the proposed solution facilitates the replacement of the spray bar, for example, by a spray bar with a different number of spray bar sections, a spray bar with a different inner diameter of the nozzle, or a spray bar with a distance setting different from the recommended minimum spraying distance, and in addition, the spray elements of the two spray bar sections of these spray bars can have different distances. According to the example, the fan is an axial flow fan, which is mounted at the end of the spray bar on the spray bar axis by means of an attachment sleeve. The spray bar mainly extends along the spray bar axis. The axial fan can also be integrated directly into the cylindrical part of the circulation duct of the boom air flow of the boom.

[0026] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for spraying a product onto a plant target using at least one spray boom section as described above or an agricultural sprayer as described above. The method comprises the following steps:

[0027] - supplying the spray element with product under pressure, thereby generating a product jet which is spread along a spraying axis towards the plant target;

[0028] - supplying a gaseous fluid such as air to two diffusers located on both sides of the spray element, thereby generating a diffuse airflow at the outlet of each diffuser, which is spread towards the plant target along the diffuse airflow direction.

[0029] Preferably, both diffusers are supplied simultaneously.In the direction of movement of the spray boom relative to the plant target, one diffuser may be located upstream of the spray element and the other diffuser may be located downstream of the spray element.

[0030] Each diffuser is oriented to diffuse the diffused airflows converging toward the spraying center axis, and preferably, the two diffused airflows merge upstream of the plant target. Preferably, the distance at which the two diffused airflows merge is less than the recommended minimum spraying distance.

[0031] The first part - called the carrier air flow - converges towards the spray center axis and guides the product jet at the same time, and the second part - called the collision part - extends the first part beyond the confluence of the two diverging air flows.

[0032] The diffuser air streams converge together, each forming a carrier air stream, guiding the product jet over their first portion until they meet at the start of the collision portion upstream of the plant target. The diffuser air stream is configured to accompany the product jet, in its first portion, up to the plant target and, at the same time, gradually squeeze the product jet, thereby generating turbulence in the collision portion, which slows down the overall spreading of the droplets on the spraying axis and distributes and arranges the droplets on different surfaces of the plant target. Thus, the collision between the diffuser air stream and the product jet can quickly transport the droplets towards the plant target over the first portion of the droplet path, thereby avoiding the droplets from drying out, and then, over the second portion of the droplet path, spatially redirect the droplets by turbulence, thereby greatly slowing down their speed, avoiding their spreading outside the plant target, and promoting their application on all surfaces of the plant target.

[0033] Each diffused air stream, considered perpendicular to the direction of advance of the boom, needs to have a width at least as wide as the product jet squeezed there at the intersection with the spraying center axis in order to absorb the droplets in the collision section. These widths are measured in a plane perpendicular to the spraying center axis, which is located at the collision zone. Usually, the distance of this zone relative to the spray element is less than the recommended minimum spraying distance between the spray element and the plant target. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The objects, goals, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through a detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 An example of an agricultural sprayer is shown, which includes a plurality of spray booms for spraying a product on a vegetation target;

[0036] Figure 2 A spray bar according to an example of the invention is shown, which is equipped with three spray bar sections;

[0037] Figure 3A and 3B A perspective view and a top view of a boom section are shown, respectively, with a product jet and a diffused airflow emitted by the main body of the boom section in the target direction of the plant;

[0038] Figure 3C The dispersion of the product jet and the diffuser airflow is schematically illustrated in a front cross-sectional view;

[0039] Figure 4 Show Figure 2a perspective view of a detailed example of a boom section of a spray boom as shown;

[0040] Figure 5 Show Figure 4 a cutaway perspective view of a boom section shown;

[0041] Figures 6A to 6C is with Figure 4 a cutaway perspective view of a similar boom section showing an example of a diffuser airflow flow adjustment component in greater detail;

[0042] Fig. 7A and 7B yes Figures 6A to 6C A perspective view of a boom section is shown showing an example of the angular orientation of the airflow diffuser in more detail;

[0043] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a spray bar according to a second embodiment of an air flow duct of the spray bar.

[0044] The accompanying drawings are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. They are schematic diagrams of principles, intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily in proportion to actual applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Before starting to describe the embodiments of the present invention in detail, the following are optional features that may be used in combination or in substitution:

[0046] The diffuser is oriented so that each diffused airflow has a first portion spreading along its diffused airflow direction and intersecting the spraying central axis, and each diffused airflow has a second portion extending the first portion beyond the intersection with the spraying central axis.

[0047] According to an example, the spray bar section is configured so that the spray center axis intersects the collision portion at a distance Db from the spray element that is less than 0.8 m, preferably less than 0.4 m. The distance is preferably measured along the spray center axis at the outlet of the spray element.

[0048] According to an example, the boom sections are configured such that a first diffuser diffuses the diffuser airflow upstream of the spray element and a second diffuser diffuses the diffuser airflow downstream of the spray element, both in the travel direction of the spray boom.

[0049] According to an example, the spray bar segment comprises a body on which the spray element and the diffuser are both rotatably mounted so as to be orientable about a common rotation axis about which the spray element and the diffuser rotate integrally with each other. This rotation axis is referred to as the pivot axis.

[0050] According to an example, the pivot axis is perpendicular to the spraying center axis along which the product jet is spread.

[0051] The configuration of this pivot axis allows the product jet to be precisely directed and at the same time adapted to the size of the hedge to be treated. This solves the problem of how to treat the hedge more efficiently. This is particularly advantageous for boom sections that are carried by a self-propelled or towed machine. Such a self-propelled or towed machine can treat longer hedges in a short time. In this sense, it is very different in method and purpose from backpack tools that allow the user to manually spray the product onto the selected hedge. These backpack tools often require the user to make a sweeping motion to treat all surfaces of the hedge.

[0052] According to an example, the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to a direction of the spray body extending from the body inlet to the body outlet.

[0053] According to an example, the pivot axis is configured such that the two diffusers can be rotated such that the diffused air flow sweeps an angular sector area contained in a plane, preferably a vertical plane.

[0054] According to an example, preferably the pivot axis is parallel to the preferred direction of travel of the agricultural sprayer.

[0055] This rotation can, for example, orient the spray center axis in a plane that includes the spray center axis and is perpendicular to the pivot axis, for example, upwards or downwards when the spray bar is arranged vertically, and at the same time maintain the relative positioning of the spray element and the diffuser. This rotational arrangement can orient the product jet according to the position of the plant target relative to the spray bar section. Taking into account the size of the hedge to be treated and the number of spray bar sections of the bar, this arrangement can also adjust the spray bar sections of the same spray bar so that the entire plant target is covered. Preferably, the pivot axes of each spray bar section of the same spray bar are parallel and preferably horizontal.

[0056] According to an example, the spray bar segment comprises a support extending from one diffuser to the other diffuser and carrying the spray element.The spray center axis is thus associated with the direction of the diffused air flow defined by the diffusers.

[0057] According to an example, the spray element is at an equal distance from each diffuser.

[0058] According to an example, the spray rod segment is configured so that each diffuse airflow intersects with the spray axis in two adjacent areas or in the same area, preferably at the same point. Therefore, the diffuse airflows intersect each other on the spray axis. This embodiment can increase the range of the product jet without changing or at least not significantly changing its direction. If the two diffuse airflows have the same flow rate and incident angle at the intersection point, the advantage will be more significant. Optionally, the spray rod segment is configured so that each diffuse airflow intersects with the spray axis in two different areas separated from each other. This embodiment can further limit the dispersion speed of the droplets in the direction of the spray axis, and pre-deviate the path of the droplets by orienting the first diffuse airflow that intersects with the spray axis before the collision portion absorbs the droplets.

[0059] According to an example, a boom section comprises a body. The body forms a tubular portion on the boom section, the tubular portion having at least one inlet configured to receive the boom airflow and at least one diffuser supply opening for generating a diffused airflow. Preferably, the tubular portion further comprises at least one outlet configured to discharge the portion of the boom airflow not dispersed by the diffuser. The boom section may comprise a segment sleeve, which retracts the portion of the boom airflow not dispersed by the diffuser, thereby connecting it to another boom section.

[0060] The diffusers are located on both sides of the main body. Preferably, they are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the main body. Preferably, the diffusers are symmetrical parts so as to play functions alternately. This can reduce the number of serial numbers required to produce the same spraying rod section, thereby reducing manufacturing, logistics and after-sales costs.

[0061] According to an example, at least one diffuser has a proximal end and a distal end, and the diffuser can be rotatably mounted on the main body by means of the proximal end, and the distal end forms at least one outlet for the diffused airflow. In addition, the diffuser also has an external end plate, and the wall portion of the external end plate guides the diffused airflow when the diffused airflow passes through the diffuser. The external end plate can be curved, which helps to bring the distal end closer to the main body. Firstly, this can facilitate the installation of the diffuser on the main body and ensure that the external end plate is installed from the outside while limiting the pressure drop in the diffuser. Secondly, this can make the spray rod section compact, which can limit the risk of damage when encountering vegetation or obstacles.

[0062] According to an example, at least one diffuser has:

[0063] - a proximal chamber extending from the proximal end of the diffuser and in fluid communication with one of the supply openings of the body;

[0064] - A distal chamber extending from the proximal chamber to the diffuser airflow outlet.

[0065] At least the distal chamber has a plurality of channels, which are configured to separate the diffused airflow flowing in the diffuser into several diffused airflow parts, thereby limiting the interaction and turbulence in the diffused airflow passing through the diffuser. Each channel forms a part of the diffused airflow, at least one of the plurality of parts of the first airflow-carrying part is intended to intersect with the spraying center axis, and the remaining parts are oriented along a preferred direction, preferably, they are not parallel to each other or to the spraying center axis, and are basically fan-shaped, so as to form a barrier to the spray jet at least laterally. At least two adjacent channels guide their respective diffused airflow parts along non-parallel preferred directions. However, this can form a carrier airflow part with a uniform airflow velocity and limit the energy loss caused by the internal turbulence of the diffused airflow.

[0066] According to the example, the distal chamber has a central channel and two peripheral channels, which form a diffuse airflow portion of the diffuse airflow, extending from each channel, the central diffuse airflow portion from the central channel at least intersects with the spraying center axis, all diffuse airflow portions form a diffuse airflow as a whole and constitute a lateral barrier to the product jet.

[0067] According to an example, the body is rigid. More specifically, it is rigid enough that it cannot be deformed manually.

[0068] According to an example, the body consists of two symmetrical parts. The advantage of assembling in two parts is that the installation of the diffuser and the spray element is facilitated.

[0069] According to an example, the spray bar segment is equipped with a spray support for positioning a replacement spray element provided on the main body.

[0070] According to an example, the spray bar segment comprises a diffuser airflow adjustment device at the diffuser outlet. Preferably, the adjustment device comprises at least one flap (loose-leaf plate) which is movably mounted inside the main body and is configured so that the portion of the spray bar airflow present inside the main body and reaching at least one diffuser through the supply opening can be changed according to its position in the main body. According to an example, the flap is configured to limit the portion of the spray bar airflow that is offset in the direction of the supply opening by the influence of the supply opening. According to an example, the flap has a blocking position in which it prevents the spray bar airflow present inside the main body from reaching at least one diffuser. Preferably, each diffuser of the spray bar segment comprises a flap.

[0071] According to an example, the spray boom section comprises an adjustment component which can be operated by a user from outside the main body and is configured to change the position of at least one flap. Preferably, the position of the flaps associated with all diffusers of the spray boom section is changed by one single adjustment component.

[0072] According to an example, the spray bar segment comprises a main body, which forms a tubular portion at the spray bar segment, the tubular portion having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, during which the spray bar airflow circulates, and the tubular portion also has at least one diffuser supply opening for generating a diffused airflow. In addition, the spray bar segment is also configured to support a main conduit for supplying the product to the spray element, the main conduit passing through at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the main body. Alternatively, the main supply conduit is accommodated inside a cavity formed on the outer surface of the main body. In this case, preferably, the main conduit is not formed protruding from the outer surface of the main body. The advantage of these embodiments is that the conduits inside the spray bar segment can be protected. Therefore, the risk of the conduits being pulled out or even perforated due to contact with plants or other obstacles can be avoided.

[0073] Of course, the features related to the presence and arrangement of the main supply duct can obviously be used and required independently of the features related to the portion of the air flow intersecting the spraying center axis and the features related to the pivot axis.

[0074] Optionally, the spray bar section is configured so that the conduit is connected to the spray element while passing outside the tubular portion of the main body. This allows access to the supply connector of the spray element and checks for leaks.

[0075] According to an example, a spray boom section includes a body and may also include a connecting sleeve connected to the body, airflow circulates from an inlet of one of the body and the connecting sleeve to an outlet of the other, and part of the boom airflow is deflected to the diffuser. The connecting sleeve is then connected to another boom section and determines the distance between two nozzles on the same boom. The connecting sleeve may be rigid or flexible.

[0076] According to an example, the product jet has a solid or annular cross section in a plane section perpendicular to the spraying axis. The product jet can also have a circular, elliptical or polygonal profile in a plane section perpendicular to the spraying axis, depending on the nozzle of the type of spray element used. The cross section of the product jet obtained by cutting in a plane perpendicular to the spraying axis - if there is no carrier air flow section - usually increases along the spraying axis while moving away from the spraying element at least on a part of this axis, preferably at least 1 meter. Spraying is carried out, for example, in the form of droplets. The diffuser air flow is configured to intersect and absorb the droplets of the product jet along the carrier air flow section, and in the worst case absorb them in the collision section.

[0077] According to an example, the spray bar segment has a hollow body, which forms a single component. The sleeve is movably fluidically connected to the body. According to an alternative example, the spray bar segment comprises two parts, each of which forms a part of the sleeve and a part of the spray body, respectively, and the cooperation of these two parts determines the circulation duct of the spray bar airflow and simultaneously forms the sleeve and the spray body. According to an example, each part forms a half-shell structure. Preferably, the two parts are identical. This can reduce the number of serial numbers required to produce the same spray body, thereby reducing manufacturing and logistics costs.

[0078] According to an example, the connecting sleeve is flexible, preferably the connecting sleeve is flexible enough to be deformed under the weight of at least three boom sections and preferably under the weight of at least one boom section. Typically, the sleeve is flexible enough to be deformed under its own weight when it has a length greater than 0.5 meters. Thus, when the boom encounters an obstacle, it can be deformed, greatly reducing the risk of breakage. In addition, the flexibility of the sleeve allows the boom to maintain a substantially vertical orientation regardless of the inclination of the terrain, thereby allowing a more precise spraying of the plant target.

[0079] According to an example, in use, the boom extends mainly in a vertical direction.

[0080] According to an example, the boom comprises at least two, preferably at least three boom sections, which are connected to each other via connecting sleeves and arranged in sequence so that the boom airflow portion supplying the first boom section passes through the first boom section to the last boom section and supplies different diffusers while passing.

[0081] According to an example, each spraying boom section is mounted on the spraying boom in a movable manner. This makes it easier to adapt the configuration of the spraying boom (e.g. the number and arrangement of the spraying boom sections on the same spraying boom) according to the plant target and the amount of treatment to be sprayed. In addition, in the event of a failure of a certain spraying boom section, it can be replaced more easily without having to replace the entire spraying boom.

[0082] According to the example, the spray element generates a jet of product in the form of droplets. According to the example, the spray element generally emits a jet of product which is designed to expand, in the absence of a diffuser air flow, over an angular range of about 80 to 90 degrees in the vertical direction if the spray bar is arranged vertically. This will therefore result in the product jet sweeping across the plant mat over a determined width, which is determined jointly by the angular range and the distance between the spray element outlet and the plant target to be treated. In practice, in order to cover the entire plant target, it is necessary to superimpose several nozzles, thus requiring the positioning of at least two nozzles, more often three or four, or even more, depending on the type of treatment of the vine-growing area or the type of trellis to be treated.

[0083] According to an example, the sprayer is configured so that the spraying center axis intersects the diffused airflow at a distance Db from the intersection to the spraying element, where Db≤Dr, Dr being the minimum spraying distance recommended by the manufacturer, measured between the spraying element and the plant target along the spraying center axis.

[0084] The terms "substantially", "approximately", "around" mean "approximately 10% and preferably 5% deviation", or when it refers to an angular orientation, "approximately 10° deviation". Thus, a direction substantially normal to a plane means a direction at 90±10° to the plane.

[0085] Now, refer to Figures 1 to 7B The first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Figure 8 The second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0086] Figure 1 A rear view of an agricultural sprayer 4 in operation is shown. The agricultural sprayer 4 comprises a carrying structure 41, which is equipped with moving components, such as wheels or tracks. The agricultural sprayer 4 comprises at least two arms 42, which extend on both sides of the carrying structure 41. Each arm 42 supports two spraying bars 1, which are intended to spray a plant protection product, such as Bordeaux liquid, on a plant target 5, such as a hedge trellis 51. The Bordeaux liquid is stored in a tank 14 and is moved by Figure 1 The spray bars 1 are conveyed to the spraying bars 1 by a piping system not shown in the figure. The spraying bars 1 have sufficient spacing between them to be able to move along the vegetation target 5 in the preferred direction of travel 45 while spraying the product on two opposite surfaces 52a, 52b of the vegetation target 5. The manufacturer configures them to spray the product with a recommended minimum spraying distance Dr from the point of emission of the product jet, which distance Dr ensures that all spraying elements of the spraying bar completely sweep the vegetation target. In practice, the spraying bars are configured so that this minimum distance can be observed under normal operating conditions (for example, except for the case of improper driving of a towing vehicle).

[0087] certainly, Figure 1 The agricultural sprayer shown is only a non-limiting example. The invention can be extended to agricultural sprayers comprising only a single spray bar 1 on each arm or comprising more than two spray bars 1. It can also be extended to agricultural sprayers requiring a horizontal arrangement of the spray bar (e.g. for treating vegetable crops) or an inclined arrangement of the spray bar relative to the horizontal (e.g. for treating hedges).

[0088] Spraying bar 1 Figure 2 shown.

[0089] The spray bar 1 extends from a proximal end 11 to a distal end 12. In the example shown, the proximal end 11 is provided with fixing means 111 for fixing the spray bar to an arm 42 of an agricultural sprayer 4. The spray bar 1 comprises three spray bar sections 10, each of which comprises a spray body 100 for supporting spraying means, such as a spray element 101 configured to emit a product jet and two diffusers 301a, 301b for diffusing the air flow. Figures 3A to 7B The spraying body 100 will be described in detail. The spraying body 100 associated with its spraying device is configured to spray a product to a given area of ​​the plant target 5.

[0090] like Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the spray element releases a product jet 200 in the form of droplets. In the selected example, the spray element is a nozzle 101 and is supplied with a product under pressure. The nozzle comprises a nozzle in a known manner, which, in combination with the product pressure applied, generates a droplet jet, which is directed in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle and whose shape is related to the geometry of the nozzle. This spray element can also consist of a simple liquid outlet, which breaks up the liquid into droplets by a specific air flow, or the spray element consists of an electronically controlled nozzle, which releases the product jet in a pulsed manner, for example. For the sake of simplicity, in the following description, the spray element at the source of the product jet will be collectively referred to as a nozzle 101, regardless of which type it is.

[0091] The boom section 10 also includes a connecting sleeve 710 for connecting two boom sections together, or a boom plug 712, which is used when the boom section is located at the end 12 of the boom. As for the size of the connecting sleeve 710, they are not necessarily of equal length, and their length can be adjusted to suit the arrangement of the spray body according to the plant target to be treated.

[0092] The boom section at the end 11 of the boom is connected to an attachment sleeve 711. The sleeve 711 is arranged in sequence with the boom section 10 to form a circulation duct for the boom airflow.

[0093] Preferably, the connecting sleeve 710 and the attachment sleeve 711 are made of a flexible material, such as a fabric or PVC tarpaulin with a waterproof coating. The connection between these sleeves 710, 711 and the spray body 100 also needs to be tight enough to limit the loss of the spray boom airflow in the circulation pipeline, for example, by making this connection easy to disassemble through a locking ring 720. The softness of the sleeve allows the spray boom to deform when it comes into contact with a rigid obstacle, thereby avoiding serious damage. However, the sleeve can be made of a rigid material, which makes it easier to operate when the spray boom is assembled or installed on an agricultural sprayer, and it is also easier to position it in a horizontal or inclined position, because it is difficult to withstand deformation caused by the weight of the spray boom in these positions. The spray boom is fluidly connected to a spray boom airflow source, and preferably - in the example shown - includes a spray boom airflow source, such as a fan 3. Preferably, the fan is an axial flow fan driven by a motor. The fan 3 is configured to generate a boom airflow inside the circulation duct of the boom 1, and the pressure and flow rate of the boom airflow are determined by the characteristics of the axial flow fan and the aerodynamics of the circulation duct. The fan 3 is housed inside a box that is fluidly connected to the attachment sleeve 711 of the boom 1. The fan 3 can also be axially mounted inside the circulation duct of the boom 1, and is preferably mounted inside the attachment sleeve 711.

[0094] Function and structure of the spray body 100

[0095] Now, refer to Figures 3A to 7B The function and structure of the part of the boom section 10 that ensures spraying will be described in detail without mentioning the attachment sleeves, connecting sleeves or boom plugs of the boom section, which play the role of connecting and / or conveying the boom airflow between the parts of the boom section that ensure the spraying function.

[0096] The boom section 10 comprises a spray body 100 which functions as a supporting structure for the spray device, in particular for supporting the nozzle 101 , the diffusers 301a , 301b and the supply and adjustment devices for the diffuser airflows 400a , 400b and the product jet 200 associated therewith.

[0097] The nozzle 101 is configured so that the product jet 200 is spread along a spraying axis 201 toward the plant target 5, in particular Figures 3A to 5 As shown in , the spray center axis 201 indicates the average spreading direction of the product jet, regardless of whether the product jet simultaneously expands away from its source.

[0098] exist Figure 3A and 3BIn the example shown, the central axis of spraying is substantially perpendicular to the preferred direction of travel 45. However, the orientation of the central axis of spraying towards the plant target may be different, at an angle other than 90 degrees to the preferred direction of travel, and this orientation is determined by the user before using the boom by making appropriate adjustments to the boom or to boom sections that are independent of each other.

[0099] Two diffusers 301a, 301b connected to the spraying body 100 are supplied with gas, usually air, of the boom airflow 350 from the boom blower. Each diffuser 301a, 301b is configured to generate a diffused airflow 400a, 400b at an outlet 309a, 309b of the diffuser 301a, 301b, which spreads toward the plant target 5 and converges toward the spraying center axis 201.

[0100] The boom section 10 is configured to spray the product at a recommended minimum spray distance Dr between the product outlet of the spray pipe and the plant target. This distance Dr is only Figure 1 and 3B It is shown in , which is the distance between a plane Pp through which the nozzle outlet passes and which is perpendicular to the spraying center axis and a plane Pr parallel to Pp. The recommended minimum spraying distance Dr is therefore indicative and is usually provided by the manufacturer of the spray boom to spread the product on the plant targets, ensuring a complete sweep of the plant targets. In most cases, the distance between the plant targets and the nozzle along the spraying center axis is greater than Dr, in order to ensure a proper sweep of the surface to be sprayed and at the same time take into account possible guidance deviations. Figure 1 and 3B In this example, the spraying center axis 201 is almost perpendicular to the plant target 5, and in fact, the plane Pp and the plane Pr are almost parallel to the plant target to be treated. As mentioned above, the spraying center axis can be adjusted in angle upstream or downstream of the plant target with reference to the preferred direction of travel. In the following, we will also see that the spraying center axis can also be adjusted in angle relative to the direction of the spraying boom airflow 350 of the spraying boom. In fact, the planes Pp and the planes Pr are not systematically positioned parallel to the plant target, and they can also have different positions in different spraying boom sections. These planes and distances Dr are determined relative to the spraying center axis 200 of each spraying element 101.

[0101] The nozzle 101 is located between the two diffusers 301a, 301b and is preferably along the preferred direction of travel 45 of the agricultural sprayer 4. The preferred direction of travel 45 is as shown in FIG. Figure 1 , 3AAs shown in FIG. 3B , in this example, diffuser 301b diffuses diffused airflow 400b upstream of product jet 200, and diffuser 301a diffuses diffused airflow 400a downstream of product jet 200. Therefore, the convergence of diffused airflow 400a and diffused airflow 400b can guide and squeeze the product jet until the diffused airflows collide, thereby absorbing droplets of the product jet into the diffused airflow.

[0102] The boom section 10 is configured so that each of the diffused air streams 400a, 400b has:

[0103] - first portions 402a, 402b, called carrier airflow portions, which converge towards each other and towards the spraying axis 201. The two first portions 402a, 402b guide the product jet 200 until their intersection, upstream of the plane Pr. They constrain the product jet 200 at their intersection. This constraint can also be described as squeezing. In fact, under the action of the two first portions 402a, 402b, the outer envelope, for example a cone, formed by the product jet 200 is deformed. Each diffuse airflow 400a, 400b in these portions is configured to force the direction of the droplets of the product jet 200 to deviate from the direction of the diffuse airflow. Typically, each diffuse airflow 400a, 400b in these portions has a sufficient airflow velocity to force the direction of the droplets of the product jet 200 to deviate from the direction of the diffuse airflow. Therefore, in this first portion, the two diffuse airflows absorb the droplets of the product jet 200 and carry them towards the plant target 5;

[0104] A second portion 403a, 403b, called collision portion, is situated outside the intersection of the two first portions 402a, 402b of the diffuse airflow 400a, 400b.

[0105] To reproduce these features, a person skilled in the art need only adjust the range and respective directions of the two air streams to create this intersection effortlessly.

[0106] Therefore, the boom section 10 can guide the product jet 200, deliver it as close to the plant target 5 as possible, and slow down the speed of the droplets by the collision of the diffuser airflows 402a, 402b upstream of the plane Pr (theoretically, before reaching the plant target 5), and disperse it more evenly in space, thereby distributing it on different surfaces of the plant target 5. In addition, if the plant targets are sparse or discontinuous, such collision can prevent the product from being deviated, because in the collision part, the average speed of the droplets projected on the spraying center axis 201 is weakened and is not enough to make the droplets cross a distance far beyond the trellis. Therefore, the present invention can rationalize the consumption of the product and prevent it from being spread out of the plant target 5 in an uncontrolled manner.

[0107] Furthermore, the previously converging guidance of the two diffuse air flows 400a, 400b for the product jet 200 in the carrier air flow sections 402a, 402b can limit the influence of disturbances caused by the wind or the travel speed of the sections 10 of the boom 1.

[0108] The spray module 100 is configured so that the converging dispersion of each diffused airflow 400a, 400b intersects the spraying center axis 201 at a distance Db measured along the spraying center axis 201, located on a plane Pb parallel to the plane Pp, and the distance is less than Dr, so that the collision portion of the turbulent airflows 403a and 403b sweeps across the plant target 5. Preferably, Db is less than or equal to 0.8 meters, and more preferably, less than or equal to 0.4 meters.

[0109] Figure 3C The diffused airflow 400a, 400b and the product jet 200 are shown along the spraying axis 201. Figure 3B Schematic elevation view of a simplified example of dispersion in three planes (planes Pp and Pb defined previously, and an intermediate dispersion plane Pf parallel to planes Pp and Pb) shown. For simplicity, the shapes of the diffuser airflows 400a and 400b intersecting the same plane are presented in the form of rectangles to illustrate the example of a flat air jet with fan-shaped dispersion, and the shape of the product jet is presented in the form of circles to simulate the example of a conical jet, each circle representing the theoretical intersection of the product jet with the relevant plane without considering the presence of the diffuser airflow.

[0110] On plane Pp, the product jet initially diffuses along the spraying axis inside a circle 200p with a diameter of Xp. The diffused airflow intersects plane Pp at a distance from the product jet 200p and is inscribed in an elongated rectangle 400ap, 400bp, the width Hp of which is much greater than Xp. Here, the two diffused airflows do not intersect the product jet.

[0111] On the median plane Pf, the product jet intersects this plane within a circle 200f of diameter Xf, which is always centered on the spraying median axis 201. The two diffuse air streams with converging orientation are thus closer to the spraying median axis. In this example, they are inscribed in a rectangle 400af, 400bf, the dimension Hf of which is greater than the dimension Hp during the emission of the product jet, while Hp is always greater than the diameter Xf of the product jet. However, here, the first wave of droplets of the product jet already encounters the diffuse air stream, and the distance between the two diffuse air streams is less than the diameter Xf of the product jet in the absence of the diffuse air stream.

[0112] On plane Pb, two diffuse air flows merge in rectangles 400ab and 400bb, gradually squeezing and absorbing the entire product jet. In the absence of diffuse air flow, the product jet is inscribed in a circle 200b with a diameter of Xb. Here, the size Hb of the diffuse air flow is greater than the theoretical diameter Xb of the jet beam so as to absorb the droplets of the product jet. The two diffuse air flows associated with the product jet droplets merge to generate a turbulent collision air flow.

[0113] like Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the boom section 10 is configured so that the diffuser airflows 400a, 400b intersect the spraying center axis 201 in two adjacent areas or in the same area. This embodiment makes it possible to increase the range of the product jet 200 without changing or at least not significantly changing the direction of the product jet 200. This advantage is more obvious if the two diffuser jets 400a, 400b have the same flow rate and angle of incidence.

[0114] Optionally, the boom section 10 is configured to make the diffused airflow intersect the spraying central axis 201 in two non-connected and mutually separated areas. This effect is achieved by giving different convergence angles between each diffuser 301a, 301b and the spraying central axis 201. Therefore, the intersection point of the diffused airflow 400a, 400b is not located on the spraying central axis. On the basis of the slowing down of the product jet speed caused by turbulence, the speed can be further slowed down by deviating the main path of the product jet.

[0115] Boom Section 10

[0116] Now, refer to Figure 4 and 5 The boom section 10 will be described in detail.

[0117] The boom section 10 comprises a spray body 100, a nozzle 101 and diffusers 301a, 301b. Preferably, the spray body 100 is rigid, i.e. cannot be deformed manually, in order to support a spray device associated with the boom section 10. Also preferably, the spray body 100 is tubular. It comprises a body inlet 351 and a body outlet 352 and can be passed through by the boom airflow 350. The tubular portion 103 extends from the body inlet 351 to the body outlet 352. The inlet 351 is configured for fluid attachment to an attachment sleeve 711, e.g., by means of a locking ring 720, if the sleeve is flexible and connected to the blower of the boom, or also by means of a locking ring 720, if the sleeve is flexible, which sleeves are not shown in the figure, to a connection sleeve 710 of another boom section. The same is true for the body outlet 352, which can be fluidly attached to the connecting sleeve 710, and if it is the last boom section of the boom, to the boom plug 712. As a result, the boom airflow 350 generated by the fan 3 is dispersed in the tubular portion 103 of the spray body 100, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated duct for the boom airflow through the boom 1. This compact assembly makes it easy to configure the number of boom sections and the distance between each boom section, while also increasing the robustness and reliability of the boom.

[0118] Diffusers 301a, 301b

[0119] The spray body 100 has two openings 304a, 304b passing through the wall of the tubular portion 103, respectively associated with one of the diffusers 301a, 301b.

[0120] Each diffuser 301a, 301b has an inlet fluidly connected to the associated opening 304a, 304b, and a guide portion, the shape of which can guide part of the boom airflow 350 from the opening 304a, 304b to the outlet 309a, 309b of the diffuser 301a, 301b. Preferably, the guide portion is tubular, which can more effectively guide the diffused airflow.

[0121] The diffusers 301a, 301b are located on both sides of the nozzle 101 relative to the middle plane including the spraying center axis 201 and the direction 350 of the boom airflow. Preferably, the diffusers 301a, 301b are equidistant from the nozzle 101.

[0122] Preferably, the diffusers 301a, 301b are identical and formed from a single component. Therefore, the same component can alternately perform the function of a diffuser. This can reduce the number of serial numbers required to produce identical boom sections, thereby reducing manufacturing and logistics costs.

[0123] The diffuser 301a, 301b has at least one fixing boss 310 comprising an orifice 320 for fixing to the spray body 100 by means of a screw 330, the orifice 320 allowing the diffuser to be fixed to the body at an angle with a certain degree of pivoting freedom about a pivot axis 340.

[0124] Figures 6A to 6C Another embodiment of a diffuser is shown. It consists of two parts and comprises a diffuser body 303 and an end plate 302 associated therewith. The advantage of such an end plate 302 is that the diffuser can be mounted without the need for an external boss protruding from the diffuser.

[0125] According to a non-limiting example, the diffusers 301a, 301b have:

[0126] - a proximal chamber extending from the inlet of the diffuser and in fluid communication with one of the openings 304a, 304b of the spray body 100;

[0127] - A distal chamber extending from the proximal chamber to the diffuse airflow outlets 309a, 309b.

[0128] At least the distal chamber has a plurality of channels 308aa, 308ab, 308ac, 308ba, 308bb, 308bc—such as Figure 4 and 5 As shown, they are configured to separate the diffused airflow flowing into the diffusers 301a, 301b into a plurality of diffused airflow portions, and the directions of the channels 308ab and 308bb converge relative to the spraying center axis 201. These channels refer to Figure 4 and 5. The diffused airflow portion generated at a uniform speed by each channel 308aa, 308ab, 308ac, 308ba, 308bb, 308bc can limit the formation of wind shear and turbulence at the outlet of the diffuser even if there is a pressure drop, so that the spray bar airflow 350 from the spray body 100 is partially offset into each diffuser so as to guide it toward the plant target. These portions 308aa, 308ab, 308ac, 308ba, 308bb, 308bc form airflow-carrying portions 402a, 402b. Preferably, the channel generates diffused airflow portions with non-parallel directions at the outlet of each diffuser, and these portions have an elongated shape so that the diffused airflow from the proximal chamber is projected at the outlet of the diffuser to form a fan-shaped air blade. Each diffused airflow portion can be organized in non-parallel planes so as to form a diffused airflow curved toward the spraying center axis at the outlet of the diffuser, and this curvature can be seen in a plane perpendicular to the spraying center axis. In the absence of channels, the air velocity profile at the diffuser outlet may be quite different, thereby generating significant turbulence in the carrier air flow portions 402a, 402b, which turbulence is unnecessary at this stage.

[0129] Thus, the distal chamber has a central channel and two peripheral channels extending from the proximal chamber to form a carrier air flow in the form of a fan, flat or curved air blade.

[0130] Therefore, each diffuser air stream acts like an air barrier for the product jet. Taking into account the recommended minimum spraying distance, the collision parts generated by the diffuser air streams from different boom sections and associated with the product jet reach the plant target and at least connect continuously, thereby sweeping the entire surface of the plant target.

[0131] Of course, it is obvious that all features relating to the channel can be used and claimed independently of the features relating to the air flow forming the air flow portion intersecting the spraying center axis and the features relating to the pivot axis.

[0132] Flow adjustment of diffuser airflow

[0133] Figures 6A to 6C A partial structural view of a boom section 10 is shown and means for adjusting the flow rate of an air flow 350 drawn in the tubular portion 103 of the spray body 100 towards the diffusers 301a, 301b are illustrated.

[0134] The spray body 100 includes pipe wall portions 106a, 106b in its tubular portion 103, which divide the distribution of the spray bar airflow 350 in the tubular portion 103 into three portions 104a, 104b and 104c. The spray bar airflow portion passing through the portions 104a, 104b is directed to the corresponding openings 304a, 304b of the spray body 100, and the spray bar airflow portion passing through the portion 104c reaches the body outlet 352.

[0135] Alternatively, the spray body 100 may comprise only one wall 106 dividing the distribution of the boom airflow 350 into two parts 104 and 104c, the part 104 being intended to supply the two openings 304a, 304b of the spray body 100 and the part 104c communicating with the body outlet 352.

[0136] This adjustment device comprises at least one flap 507, which is movably mounted inside the spray body 100 and is configured so that the boom airflow portion 350 passing through the portions 104a, 104b to the diffusers 301a, 301b can be varied according to its position in the spray body 100. Preferably, the adjustment device comprises two flaps, one for each diffuser 301a, 301b.

[0137] Each flap 507 provides access to:

[0138] - an open position, in which it directs most of the boom airflow 350 to the parts 104a, 104b of the spray body 100 and limits or even prevents the boom airflow 350 from passing through the part 104c and thus not flowing to the boom section 10 located downstream of the boom 1. This position is Fig. 6A In this example, the flap 507 is away from the interior surface 103 of the body 100, thereby allowing access to the fixed portions 104a, 104b of the conduits leading to the openings 304a, 304b;

[0139] - A blocked position, in which most or even all of the boom airflow 350 passes through the portion 104c and hardly any of the boom airflow portions pass through the portions 104a, 104b not supplied by the associated diffusers 301a, 301b. Figure 6B The flap 507 is closely attached to the inner surface 103 of the spray body 100 .

[0140] Figure 6C An intermediate position of the flap 507 is shown which allows for an even distribution of the boom airflow between the diffusers 301a , 301b and the downstream located boom sections 10 which are supplied by the boom airflow portion 350 entering the portion 104c and reaching the body outlet 352 .

[0141] Thus, the adjustment device can be used to adjust the airflow rate that carries the droplets toward the plant target for each boom section 10. It can also adjust the flow rate at the outlet 309a, 309b of the diffuser 301a, 301b of the boom 1, although each boom section 10 has a different pressure drop depending on its position in the boom 1 relative to the fan 3.

[0142] The position of the flap 507 can be controlled by the user operating the adjuster 508 on the spray body 100 from the outside of the spray boom section 10. These movable flaps are connected to the adjuster 508, for example, by a connecting rod not shown in the figure. Advantageously, the position of the adjuster 508 can be intuitively displayed based on the opening angle scale 505 of the flap 507. Usually, the scale 505 is in the form of a scale, and the knob of the adjuster 508 is formed by sliding along the scale. Preferably, a single adjuster 508 changes the position of the flaps 507 of the diffusers 301a, 301b of the spray body 100 at the same time.

[0143] Supply pipeline for product to be sprayed

[0144] The boom section 10 comprises a main conduit 600 for supplying the product to be sprayed. The spray pipe 101 is supplied with product by a bypass conduit 603 which is in turn fluidically connected to the main conduit 600 via a connector 605. The main conduit 600 has an upstream portion 601 located upstream of the point of connection between the main conduit 600 and the bypass conduit 603 in relation to the product flow in the spray pipe section 10 of the spray boom 1, and a downstream portion 602 located downstream of this point of connection. Figure 4 and 5 In the advantageous example shown in , the main duct 600 is substantially housed inside the air duct of the boom and thus also inside the sleeves 710, 711. Preferably, only part of the main duct 603 passes through the air duct of the boom at the spray body 100 of the boom section 10 in order to supply the nozzle 101 via the bypass duct 603. This makes it possible to protect the main duct 600 in particular from UV radiation and from being hit or pulled out by obstacles such as plants encountered when the boom 1 is moved. For example, the outer surface of the body 100 has an offset portion or cavity 109 - in particular in Figure 510, so as to maintain the main duct 600 outside the spray body 100 and at the same time within the overall volume of the spray body 100. This housing can also be formed by a sheath located inside the body 100, the cross section of the sheath can be closed or not closed, and the sheath protrudes from the inner surface 103 of the body 100, for example. Therefore, the main duct 600 does not protrude from the outer surface of the body 100. This can further reduce the risk of the main duct 600 being hooked and pulled out. In fact, the main duct 600 only has a junction outside the air flow duct, more specifically, outside the spray body 100 of the boom section 10. This makes it easier to access the bypass duct 603 and check any possible leaks at the junction of the main duct 600, especially leaks on the connector 605.

[0145] Optionally, the main pipe 600 may also be fixed on the outer surface of the spray body 100 .

[0146] The main duct 600 and the bypass duct 603 may be flexible, ie elastically deformable by manual operation, for example for their assembly in the boom section 10 of the boom 1 .

[0147] The bypass conduit 603 is connected to the main conduit 600 to the spout 101 by a connection outside the wall of the body 100, in the present case a "T"-shaped connector 605. The connection between the end of the bypass conduit 603 and the spout 101 can be ensured by any conventional connection. Preferably, an anti-drip drain valve 800 is provided, which can also serve as a spout support. It thus connects the bypass conduit 603 to the spout and comprises a component 604 that acts as a tap, a drain and an anti-drip device at the same time.

[0148] Pivoting of the diffuser

[0149] according to Fig. 7A and 7B In the advantageous embodiment shown, the diffusers 301a, 301b are movably mounted on the spray body 100. For example, they are pivotally mounted on a base 112 formed by the spray body 100. This pivoting makes it possible to adjust the dispersing direction of the diffuser airflow 400a, 400b at the outlet of the diffuser to adapt to the type of plant target 5. Preferably, this pivoting is performed about a pivot axis 340 that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the boom airflow 350 through the boom section of the spray boom 1. In other words, as can be clearly seen from the above explanations and the accompanying drawings, this pivoting is performed about a pivot axis 340 that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the boom airflow 350 through the spray body 100. The pivot axis 340 is substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the spray body 100 extends from its inlet 351 to its outlet 352.

[0150] Therefore, when the boom is used vertically along a fence, the diffused airflow from the diffuser outlet can be preferably directed to the bottom or top of the plant target 5. Preferably, the angular sector area that this pivoting can sweep across can be between -45° and +45°, more preferably between -20° and +20°.

[0151] The pivot axis 340 is configured to allow the two diffusers 301a, 301b to rotate so that the diffused airflow 400a, 400b sweeps an angular sector area that is contained within a plane, preferably a vertical plane.

[0152] Preferably, the pivot axis 340 is parallel to the preferred direction of travel 45 of the agricultural sprayer 4 .

[0153] When the boom section comprises a sleeve 700, the sleeve extends in a preferential direction perpendicular to the pivot axis.

[0154] According to an example, the connection sleeve 700 is connected to the spray body 100 , and the airflow circulates from the inlet of one of the spray body 100 and the connection sleeve 700 to the outlet of the other of the body 100 and the connection sleeve 700 in the direction of the boom airflow 350 .

[0155] Preferably, the nozzle 101 rotates integrally with the two diffusers 301a, 301b about this axis. The angular orientation of the nozzle 101 is controlled by the angular orientation of the diffusers 301a, 301b. Therefore, the relative orientation of the product jet 200 and the diffused airflow 400a, 400b can remain unchanged regardless of the angular pivoting applied to the diffusers 301a, 301b. To this end, the nozzle 101 can be located on a support member 120, such as a rigid rod, at a distance from the spray body 100 of the boom section 10. The support member 120 connects the two diffusers 301a, 301b together. Therefore, a pivoting applied to one of the two diffusers will automatically cause the other diffuser and the nozzle 101 to pivot with the same amplitude.

[0156] The pivot axis 340 is configured to allow the spray element 101 to rotate so that the product jet 200 is tilted in a plane perpendicular to the spraying central axis 201 along which the product jet 200 is dispersed. The pivot axis 340 is perpendicular to the spraying central axis 201 along which the product jet 200 is dispersed.

[0157] The pivot axis 340 is thus configured to allow the spraying element 101 to rotate so that the spraying center axis 201 sweeps an angular sector that is contained in a plane, preferably a vertical plane that is preferably perpendicular to the preferred direction of travel 45 of the agricultural sprayer 4 .

[0158] In order to accurately control the angular position of the diffusers 301a, 301b, one of the main body 100 and the movable components 120, 301a, 301b, 101 has an angle mark 121, which moves correspondingly to the rotation angle scale 110 carried by the other one of the main body 100 and the movable components 120, 301a, 301b, 101.

[0159] exist Fig. 7A In the example shown, the angular orientation of the diffuser corresponds to an angle of -18° in order to direct the diffused air flow and the product jet 200 to the bottom of the plant target 5. Figure 7B In the example shown, the angular orientation of the diffuser corresponds to an angle of +18°, so as to direct the diffused air flow and the product jet 200 to the top of the plant target 5 .

[0160] Of course, features related to the rotation of the diffusers 301a, 301b and / or the spray element 101 may be used and claimed independently of features related to the airflow forming the airflow portion intersecting the spray central axis.

[0161] This allows large areas of plants to be precisely treated while taking up very little space.

[0162] In addition to being able to precisely cover the vegetation surface to be treated, the spray direction of each nozzle can be configured to reflect the geometry of the plant hedge to be treated through all nozzles on the boom. For example, the proposed boom section can treat the sides, bottom and top of the hedge at the same time and adapt to the height of the hedge at the same time.

[0163] Structure of spray boom, spray boom and agricultural sprayer

[0164] As described above, the two boom sections 10 of the boom 1 are connected to each other via a connecting sleeve 710 of one of the boom sections 10, preferably the connecting sleeve 710 is flexible. The first boom section is connected to the fan via an attachment sleeve 711, which can also be flexible. Thus, the boom is not completely rigid and can easily deform when encountering obstacles. Typically, the boom can deform under its own weight at least at the flexible sleeves 710, 711. Thus, it can constantly adapt to changes in the terrain and can maintain a substantially vertical orientation despite an inclined terrain.

[0165] Finally, the boom 1 does not require an additional support structure to support the boom sections 10, the boom sections 10 can be formed by a simple connection between each other on the connecting sleeves 710 or the attachment sleeves 711. Therefore, the boom sections 10 are supported by the sleeves 710, 711 only.

[0166] The spray boom 1 comprises at least one spray boom section 10, preferably at least two spray boom sections 10, which are connected by a connecting sleeve 710 and arranged in sequence so that the diffuser airflow portion supplied to the first spray boom section 10 passes through the spray boom 1 to supply the second spray boom section 10 downstream of the spray boom 1. Of course, the features related to the arrangement of the spray pipe sections 10 arranged in sequence and the arrangement of the fan can obviously be used and claimed independently of the features related to the airflow forming the airflow portion intersecting the spraying center axis and the features related to the pivot axis.

[0167] Each spray body 100 of the boom section 10 is detachably mounted on the boom by means of a locking ring 720 and an external connection between the exterior of the spray body 100 and the main pipe 600. The length of the sleeves 710, 711 is then adapted to the length of the main pipe 600, which makes it easier to adapt the configuration of the boom (e.g. the number and arrangement of boom sections on the same boom) according to the plant target and the treatment volume to be sprayed. In addition, if a boom section fails, its components can be easily replaced without having to replace the entire boom.

[0168] The outer wall of the body 100 may also include a cavity or support for fixing a second nozzle 101', which may be a replacement nozzle, or a nozzle of a different caliber, or even a nozzle of a different type (e.g., anti-drift), so that it is easier to replace the nozzle 101 when the boom is blocked or moved from one area to another area with different treatment conditions. In addition, the evolution of laws and regulations requires the use of specific nozzles according to the situation, for example, anti-drift nozzles are required for residential or near water flow. The pre-arrangement of these nozzles at the same level as the boom sections greatly facilitates the replacement of nozzles, especially to check whether all nozzles on each boom section have been replaced.

[0169] The agricultural sprayer with integrated spray boom 1 can be self-propelled or towed. It can include one or more spray booms 1, such as Figure 4 The one shown in comprises four spray booms. Preferably, each spray boom 1 is connected to a fan 3, the airflow rate of which can be adjusted independently of the other spray booms 1. Therefore, the flow / pressure parameters of the spray boom airflow delivered by each spray boom 1 can be adjusted independently. Then, the diffused airflow delivered by the diffuser 301a, 301b of each spray boom section 10 can be adjusted within the spray boom, for example according to the position of the spray boom relative to the plant target 5. This can further improve the deposition effect of the product on the plant target 5. In addition, compared to a solution comprising a single fan supplying multiple spray booms, the proposed solution avoids different pressure drops towards each spray boom, taking into account the length and shape of the pipes required to deliver the spray boom airflow.

[0170] Preferably, at the outlet 309a, 309b of the diffuser 301a, 301b, the velocity of each diffused airflow can deliver the product droplets to the plant target very quickly, and the product droplets have no time to dry during diffusion and application. Preferably, the airflow velocity at the outlet 309 of the diffuser 301 is about 40-50 m / s.

[0171] Preferably, the nozzle 101 emits a product jet that is designed to expand at least in a plane including the spraying center axis and the boom airflow direction of the spray boom. The angular range of this expansion is between about 80 and 90 degrees. Taking into account the recommended minimum spraying distance, this will result in sweeping the plant target over the minimum width defined by this angular range. The airflow-carrying portion is configured to guide the product jet and make the width of the diffused airflow always greater than the width of the product jet at any position along the spraying center axis and in a plane perpendicular to the spraying center axis. To this end, in order to cover the entire plant target, multiple nozzles 101 need to be evenly distributed on the same spray boom 1. In practice, at least two nozzles are positioned, and the most common situation is three or four, or even more, depending on the size of the plant target 5.

[0172] Preferably, the boom sections 10 of the boom 1 are arranged so that the different jets carried cover at least 60%, preferably at least 75%, and more preferably the entire height of a row of trellises 51. Preferably, the jets collectively form a continuous jet beam that gradually sweeps across the plant target 5 depending on the speed of travel of the boom relative to the plant target 5. The angular orientation of the diffusers 301a, 301b can adjust the size of the jet beam, and thus adjust the coverage of the plant target 5, depending on the number of nozzle sections 10 of the boom 1.

[0173] The product is delivered to each boom section 10 under pressure, micronized into droplets, which are then carried by the diffused air flow and directed to the vegetation. Typically, the product pressure inside the main pipeline is between 1 and 15 bar, depending on the type of nozzle used.

[0174] Therefore, the proposed boom 1 has a modular design. Each boom section 10 includes an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, a flow adjustment capability, and a diffused airflow direction capability. Each boom section bar 10 is connected to another boom section upstream or downstream of the boom, for example, through a flexible sleeve.

[0175] In this embodiment, the spray body 100 of the boom section 10 is formed as a single component. Figure 8In the alternative embodiment shown, the boom 1 has only a single boom section 10, but comprises a plurality of spray elements 301a, 301b, 101 as described above. The boom section 10 also comprises a rigid spray body 100a, 100b, which is in two longitudinal parts and forms an air duct during assembly. This embodiment makes it easier to assemble the nozzle, diffuser and main duct as a whole, these elements retaining the features described above. This embodiment is more suitable for horizontal or inclined positions of the boom to avoid excessive deformation of the boom due to its own weight.

[0176] In view of the above description, it is clear that the proposed solution can significantly improve the deposition of product droplets on plant targets, whether grape crops, tree crops or vegetable crops.

[0177] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be extended to all embodiments covered by the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the examples described above. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, multiple embodiment variations can be proposed, for example by combining the above features. In addition, the features described for one aspect of the present invention can be combined with another aspect of the present invention.

[0178] More specifically, although in the example shown the boom 1 extends mainly in a vertical direction, the invention also covers embodiments in which the boom extends mainly in a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction. This direction may in particular be horizontal.

[0179] Preferably, the fluid flow is an air flow, but other gases may well be used instead of air.

Claims

1. A spray boom section (10) of a spray boom (1) for spraying a product on a plant target (5), such as a grape trellis, the spray boom section (10) of the spray boom (1) comprising: at least one spray element (101) configured for fluid supply of a product and generating a product jet (200) which is spread along a spraying center axis (201) toward a plant target (5); Two diffusers (301a, 301b), each configured to be supplied with a gaseous fluid such as air, and each configured to generate a diffused airflow (400a, 400b) at an outlet of the diffuser (301a, 301b) that spreads toward a plant target (5) along a diffused airflow direction, the spray element being located between the two diffusers (301a, 301b), The invention is characterized in that the boom section (10) of the spray boom (1) comprises a spray body (100), the diffuser (301a, 301b) is pivotally mounted on a base (112) formed by the spray body (100), the pivoting is performed around a pivot axis (340), the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of a boom airflow (350) passing through the boom section (10) of the spray boom (1), the boom section (10) of the spray boom (1) is configured so that each diffused airflow (400a, 400b) has a first portion (402a, 402b) intersecting with a spray center axis (201), and each diffused airflow (400a, 400b) has a second portion (403a, 403b) extending the first portion (402a, 402b) beyond the intersection with the spray center axis (201).

2. The boom section (10) of the boom (1) according to the preceding claim, being configured so that the spraying center axis (201) intersects the diffuser airflow (400a, 400b) at a distance Db from the spray element (101), the distance Db being less than or equal to 0.8 m, preferably less than or equal to 0.4 m.

3. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pivot axis (340) is perpendicular to the spraying center axis (201) along which the product jet (200) spreads.

4. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spray element and diffuser (101, 301a, 301b) are rotatably mounted on the body (100) so as to be oriented around the pivot axis (340), and the spray element and diffuser (101, 301a, 301b) rotate integrally with each other around the pivot axis (340).

5. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The body (100) comprises a support (120) extending from one diffuser (301a, 301b) to the other and carrying the spray element (101).

6. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is configured so that each diffuser airflow (400a, 400b) intersects with the spraying center axis (201) in two adjacent areas or in the same area, preferably at the same point.

7. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The spray body (100) forms a tubular portion (103) having at least one inlet (351) and at least one outlet (352) between which a boom airflow (350) circulates, and at least one supply opening (304a, 304b) for supplying a diffuser (301a, 301b) for generating a diffused airflow (400a, 400b).

8. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The body (100) is configured to support a main conduit (600) for supplying a product to a spray element (101), and the spray body (100) is configured so that the main conduit (600) passes through at least one inlet (351) and at least one outlet (352) of the body (100) or is accommodated in a cavity (109) formed on an outer surface of the body (100).

9. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The main pipe (600) is accommodated in a cavity (109) formed on the outer surface of the main body (100), and the main pipe (600) does not protrude from the outer surface of the main body (100).

10. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one diffuser (301a, 301b) has a proximal end and a distal end, and the diffuser is rotatably mounted on the main body (100) via the proximal end, and the distal end forms at least one outlet (309a, 309b) for diffused airflow. The diffuser (301a, 301b) also has an external end plate (302), and when the diffused airflow passes through the diffuser (301a, 301b), the wall of the external end plate partially guides the diffused airflow. Preferably, the external end plate (302) is curved to help bring the distal end closer to the main body (100).

11. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one diffuser (301a, 301b) has: a proximal chamber extending from a proximal end of the diffuser (301a, 301b) and in fluid communication with one of the supply openings (304a, 304b) of the body (100); A distal chamber extending from the proximal chamber to the diffuse airflow outlet (309a, 309b), at least the distal chamber having a plurality of channels (308aa, 308ab, 308ac, 308ba, 308bb, 308bc), wherein the channels are configured to separate the diffuse airflow flowing in the diffuser (301a, 301b) into a plurality of portions, each channel forming a portion of the diffuse airflow, and one of the plurality of portions of the first portion (402a, 402b) is intended to intersect with the spray center axis (201).

12. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The main body (100) includes a diffusion airflow adjustment device at the outlet of the diffuser (301a, 301b), and the adjustment device includes at least one flap (507), which is movably installed inside the main body (100) and is configured so that the part of the spray bar airflow existing inside the main body (100) and reaching at least one diffuser (301a, 301b) through the supply opening (304a, 304b) can be changed according to its position in the main body (100).

13. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The body (100) includes an adjustment component that can be operated by a user from the outside of the body (100) and is configured to change the position of the at least one flap (507).

14. A boom section (10) of a boom (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one connecting sleeve (700) connected to a spray body (100) and configured so that the boom airflow (350) circulates from an inlet of one of the spray body (100) and the connecting sleeve (700) to an outlet of the other of the spray body (100) and the connecting sleeve (700) along the direction of the boom airflow.

15. A spray boom (1) comprising at least one spray boom section (10) of a spray boom (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one fluid source for generating a spray boom airflow, and at least one attachment sleeve (711) for fluidly connecting the fluid source to at least one spray boom section (10) of the spray boom (1), the at least one attachment sleeve (700) and the at least one spray boom section (10) of the spray boom (1) forming a circulation duct for the spray boom airflow in the spray boom (1).

16. Spray boom (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The fluid source is a fan (3), preferably, the fan (3) is installed inside the circulation duct of the spray bar (1).

17. A spray boom (1) according to any of the two preceding claims, comprising at least two spray boom (1) sections (10), preferably at least three spray boom (1) sections (10), which are connected to each other via a connecting sleeve (710) and arranged in sequence so that the spray boom airflow supplied to the first spray boom section (10) of the spray boom (1) partially passes through the first spray boom section (10) of the spray boom (1) until the last spray boom section (10) of the spray boom (1) and supplies different diffusers (301a, 301b) while passing.

18. Self-propelled or trailed agricultural sprayer (4) equipped with at least one spray boom (1) according to any of the three preceding claims.

19. An agricultural sprayer (4) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least two spray booms (1), each spray boom (1) having a fan (3) whose air flow can be adjusted independently of the air flow of the other spray boom (1).

20. An agricultural sprayer (4) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The fan (3) of each spray boom (1) is an axial flow fan, which is mounted at the end of the spray boom (1) on the main extension axis of the spray boom (1) by means of an attachment sleeve (711), or is directly integrated in the cylindrical part of the circulation duct of the spray boom air flow.

21. An agricultural sprayer (4) according to any one of the three preceding claims, configured so that the spraying center axis (201) intersects the diffuser airflow (400a, 400b) at a distance Db from the spraying element (101), wherein: Db≤Dr, Dr is the minimum spraying distance recommended by the manufacturer, which is measured between the spraying element (101) and the plant target (5) along the spraying center axis (201).

22. Method for spraying a product on a plant target (5) using a spray boom (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 17 or an agricultural sprayer (4) according to any one of the first four claims, wherein: supplying the product under pressure to a spray element (101) so as to generate a product jet (200) which is spread along a spraying axis (201) towards a plant target (5); Supplying a gaseous fluid such as air to two diffusers (301a, 301b) to generate a diffused airflow (400a, 400b) at an outlet of each diffuser (301a, 301b), the diffused airflow being spread toward a plant target (5) along a diffused airflow direction; Each diffuser air stream intersects the product jet (200) in a collision zone, which is preferably located upstream of the plant target (5) relative to the spraying center axis (201).

23. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein: The first parts (402a, 402b) of the diffuse airflow converge and each form a carrier airflow, which guides the product jets (200) to their intersection with the spraying center axis (201) and then generates turbulence outside their intersection with the spraying center axis (201).

24. The method according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein: The spraying center axis (201) intersects with the diffused airflow (400a, 400b) at a distance Db from the spraying element (101), wherein Db≤Dr, Dr being the minimum spraying distance recommended by the manufacturer, which is measured along the spraying center axis (201) between the spraying element (101) and the plant target.

25. A method according to any one of the three preceding claims, wherein: The two diffusers (301a, 301b) are supplied simultaneously, one diffuser (301a, 301b) being located upstream of the spray element (101) and the other diffuser (301a, 301b) being located downstream of the spray element (101) in the direction of movement of the spray bar (1).

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