Device for dispensing liquids and in particular fertilizers, pesticides and the like

Abstract

Device (1) for dispensing liquids, and in particular fertilizers, pesticides and the like, comprising a connection for attaching this device (1) to a machine, a tubular body (6) for guiding the liquid, and a first outlet device (4) through which the liquid can be discharged, wherein the outlet device (4) can be fixed at different positions in a longitudinal direction (L) of the tubular body (6) such that a position of the outlet device (4) relative to the tubular body (6) can be selected, wherein at least one opening (62) is arranged in a circumferential wall of the tubular body (6) through which the liquid can flow to the outlet device (4), characterized in that the opening (62) can be arranged at a certain height of the tubular body (6).so that the position of the outlet device (4) can also be determined by the height position of this opening (62) and the device (1) is used in a vertical orientation and the outlet device (4) is not attached to the end of the tubular body (6), but rests on an outer circumference of the tubular body (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for applying liquids, and in particular fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and the like. The present invention is thus particularly relevant to the agricultural sector. It has long been known in the art that liquids such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are applied mechanically. It is known that corresponding application machines have booms on which pipes are suspended and / or trailed, these pipes having an outlet opening at one end through which the respective liquid can be applied to a target area, such as a field. These pipes are sometimes also referred to as trailing pipes.

[0002] These conveying units must be relatively robust, as application and discharge typically take place in relatively rough terrain. Damage to these conveying devices can occur, for example, due to uneven ground and the like.

[0003] Another problem arises because, depending on the specific material being treated, such as a plant species, the liquid must be applied to different areas. For example, a pesticide might need to be applied to a stem or to the leaves of the plant. Application methods known from the prior art do not allow for such variability in the application position.

[0004] Such devices for dispensing liquids are known, for example, from GB 733 236 A, DE 601 11 635 T2, EP 1 418 378 A1, EP 3 090 630 A1 and US 2017 / 0 049 043 A1.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a device for dispensing such liquids, which is also adaptable to different plant genera. This objective is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A device according to the invention for dispensing liquids, and in particular fertilizers, pesticides, and the like, has a connection for attaching this device to a machine. In addition, the device has a tubular body for guiding the liquid, as well as an outlet device through which the liquid can be discharged.

[0007] According to the invention, the outlet device can be fixed at different positions along the longitudinal direction of the tubular body, such that a position of the outlet device relative to the tubular body can be selected. Since this device is generally used in a substantially vertical orientation, the height at which the outlet device is arranged can also be determined by this position determination. In contrast, devices known in the prior art usually have an opening at one end, so that the discharge height is already determined by the length of the device. Therefore, the invention proposes that the outlet device is not necessarily attached at the end, but rather, in particular, rests against an outer circumference of the tubular body.

[0008] The machine in question may be, in particular, an agricultural machine. Preferably, the connection is designed in such a way that it can be detached from the machine, for example, to replace the device in question with another device.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, this machine can have a support on which a plurality of the devices described herein can be arranged. This support can preferably extend transversely to one direction of travel of the machine. In a further advantageous embodiment, it is therefore possible for the ends of the device to be brought relatively close to the soil to be worked or treated, or to a plant to be treated.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, another, particularly flexible, body is arranged between the connection and the tubular body, which also serves to guide the fluid. This flexible body can, for example, be designed as a hose, which is preferably arranged both at the connection and at the tubular body. It is possible that this flexible body is attached to the connection, particularly, but not exclusively, by means of a connection mechanism such as a pipe clamp. Alternatively, this flexible body can also be arranged on the tubular body by means of another connection mechanism, particularly a pipe clamp.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the flexible body can be designed as a hose with a spring device arranged on its outer circumference. This spring device can provide the desired flexibility of the flexible body. In yet another preferred embodiment, the connection is a bayonet-type fitting that can be attached to the outlet, particularly manually. This allows for quick and easy replacement of the individual dispensing devices or discharge units.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, at least one opening is arranged in a circumferential wall of the tubular body through which the liquid can escape. In particular, in this case, the liquid can escape towards the outlet device. Thus, it is possible for the user to create an opening at a specific height, for example by drilling a hole, and to position the outlet device against this opening. By selecting the height of this opening, the position of the outlet device can also be determined, and therefore the height or height range at which the liquid is dispensed.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the outlet device can be attached to the tubular body by means of a clamping and / or clip mechanism. For example, the outlet device can be clamped directly to the opening in the circumferential wall of the tubular body. In this way, the liquid can enter the outlet device through the opening in the circumferential body or tubular body. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet device can be attached to the tubular body in a sealing manner.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, the outlet device has a first support, wherein this first support comprises at least a first support part and a second support part, which can be attached to one another and to the tubular body. Preferably, these first and second support parts are designed such that they can accommodate the tubular body between them. Advantageously, a connecting device is also provided to join the two support parts together. For example, one or two screw connections can be provided by means of which the two support parts can be fastened around the tubular body. By tightening this screw connection, the outlet device can be attached to the tubular body.

[0015] Advantageously, the tubular body has a circular cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, one of the two support parts, and preferably both support parts, can have a recess that is also circular, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, or semicircular, into which components of the tubular body can be inserted.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the tubular body is made of a plastic. It is particularly preferred that the tubular body be flexible.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the two support parts, and preferably both support parts, are made of a plastic.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the outlet device has at least one nozzle assembly, preferably this nozzle assembly being detachably arranged on the first support of the outlet device. The outlet device can thus have a recess into which a nozzle assembly can be inserted. This nozzle assembly can also be arranged on a support, and this support can in turn be inserted into the outlet device. Preferably, the nozzle assembly is inserted into a recess.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, sealing devices are provided to seal the nozzle assembly against the first support of the outlet assembly. For example, the nozzle assembly can have a sealing element, such as, but not exclusively, an O-ring, by means of which the nozzle assembly can be sealed against the outlet assembly.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, the nozzle assembly is a nozzle assembly that enables uniform application. In particular, the nozzle assembly allows the liquid to be spread or dispensed with a predetermined direction of dispersion along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body. For example, a dispersion angle of at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, preferably at least 30°, and particularly preferably at least 40° can be achieved. In this way, a high degree of dispersion along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, and particularly preferably also along the vertical axis of the crop being treated, is possible.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, the discharge device has at least two nozzle assemblies arranged on the first support and / or the discharge device. These two nozzle assemblies can radiate in different directions, for example, in two different directions perpendicular to the vertical or vertical direction. Thus, for example, the two nozzle assemblies can disperse the liquid to the left and right relative to the direction of travel of an application machine.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment, the nozzle devices thus radiate in different directions.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, a channel is provided in the first support for guiding the medium or liquid. Preferably, this channel extends in a radial direction with respect to the tubular body in an assembled state, or in a direction perpendicular to the tubular body or its longitudinal direction.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment, this channel provides a flow connection to an opening located in the circumferential wall of the tubular body.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment, at least two branches extend from said channel towards the respective nozzle devices. Preferably, a sealing device is provided to seal said channel against the wall of the tubular body. This sealing device can also be an O-ring.

[0026] It is possible that this sealing device is a component of the nozzle assembly, for example an O-ring that can be inserted into a groove of the nozzle assembly. Furthermore, the nozzle assembly is preferably insertable into the first support in a direction that extends parallel to a plane defined or defined by the sealing device.

[0027] In addition, an initial section of this channel can also be designed in such a way that it is geometrically adapted to the shape of the tubular body, for example to the curvature of its circumferential wall.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, the openings in the circumferential wall of the tubular body are adapted to a cross-section of the channel. In this way, changes in the flow cross-section between the opening in the tubular body and the channel can be prevented.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment, the outlet device can be attached to an opening arranged on one of the circumferential shapes of the tubular body. In this way, as mentioned above, the flow connection for the liquid is established.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the tubular body has a second outlet device or outlet opening for the liquid, particularly at its end. This allows the liquid to be discharged not only via the outlet device, but also directly or indirectly through an end opening of the tubular body. It would also be possible to provide a second outlet device, which is particularly mounted at the end of the tubular body. This allows the liquid to be discharged at several heights along the longitudinal direction of the tubular body. Furthermore, openings in the circumferential wall and an end opening of the tubular body could be coordinated to ensure that the desired proportions of liquid can exit the tubular body.

[0031] In addition, the dispensing device can also have several outlet devices of the type described above, which are arranged in particular on the same tubular body, but especially at different heights of the same.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, the outlet device has at least a curved outer surface in some sections. This curved outer surface allows the outlet device to be guided more easily through the material being acted upon during use, and reduces the risk of jamming. Thus, the outlet device as a whole can preferably have an egg-shaped structure.

[0033] Preferably, the outlet device is designed such that it is symmetrical in a state mounted in the tubular body, in particular symmetrical with respect to a plane which extends in the longitudinal direction of the tubular body.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the tubular body is arranged on a holding device. It is conceivable that the tubular body is inserted into a section of this holding device, and in particular into a sleeve-like section of this holding device. The tubular body can be held and / or fastened to the sleeve-like section, for example, by means of retaining devices such as set screws. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the tubular body is cast together with the sleeve-like section or even formed integrally with it.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, this holding device is pivotably arranged on a second support. This support can be a component of the device described here, but it could also be a support formed by part of another machine, such as a machine frame.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment, the holding device can be detached from the second support in a pivoted position relative to the second support. Preferably, this pivoted position differs from the pivoted position used during operation. This would allow the operator to pivot the holding device into this position relative to the second support and then detach it. Preferably, in other pivoted positions of the holding device relative to the second support, and particularly in pivoted positions adopted during operation, detachment of the holding device from the second support is not possible.

[0037] For example, a projection could be formed on the holding device or the second support, which interacts with a recess formed on the second support or the holding device. This projection could engage behind the second support in a variety of pivot positions and be guided through the recess in only one pivot position, whereby the holding device could then be released from the second support in this position.

[0038] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings: It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic detailed representation of a device for dispensing liquids; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the in Fig. 1 device shown; Fig. 3 - 5 three representations of a fastening device.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a partial sectional view of a device 1 according to the invention. This device has a tubular body 6, which serves to convey a liquid, such as a pesticide. This tubular body 6 has a lateral opening 62 through which a flowable medium can enter an outlet device designated as 4 in its entirety. The reference numeral L indicates a longitudinal direction of the tubular body.

[0040] The outlet device, described in more detail below, features a spring assembly 18 which can, for example, preload a check valve. This ensures that fluid can only escape from the outlet device above a certain pressure.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the in Fig. The device shown in Figure 1 depicts a clamping mechanism that allows the outlet device 4 to be clamped to the tubular body 6. For this purpose, the clamping mechanism comprises a first clamping element 42a and a second clamping element 42b. These can be arranged around the tubular body 6 and screwed together, thus securing the outlet device 4 to the tubular body 6. The first clamping element 42a has a recess 38 and the second clamping element 42b has a recess 36, which together at least partially surround the tubular body 6. Reference numeral 32 indicates seats for screw elements that can be inserted from the outside to screw the two clamping elements 42a and 42b together.

[0042] Reference numeral 34 designates a pressure section that, in an assembled state, presses against the tubular body 6. Reference numeral 64 designates a sealing device by means of which a sealing effect can be established between the clamping element 42a and the tubular body 6. Reference numeral 54 designates a support that serves to receive a nozzle assembly 46 and a nozzle auxiliary section 52. Reference numeral 56 designates a seat into which the nozzle assembly 46 can be inserted.

[0043] The Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Figure 5 shows the fastening mechanism with which the device can be attached to a vehicle. A second support 12 is provided, which can, for example, be screwed to a section of the vehicle. Reference numeral 20 designates a holding device that serves to hold the tubular body 6. For this purpose, this holding device has a sleeve 22, which is suitable and designed to receive the tubular body 6. The tubular body can be inserted into this sleeve and screwed to it, for example, via a screw device 23. However, it would also be possible for the tubular body to be pressed into the sleeve 22 or to engage behind it.

[0044] Reference numeral 2 designates a supply line through which a flowable medium can be supplied to the tubular body 6. Reference numeral 26 designates reinforcing webs. Reference numeral 16 designates a pivoting element for pivoting the holding device 20 relative to the second support 12.

[0045] Reference numeral 14 indicates an elongated projection that is formed in one piece on the holding device 20 and that can be guided in a predetermined pivot position through an opening or receiving groove 12a formed in the second support 12.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 shows an exploded view, again showing the second support 12, as well as a receiving groove 12a for pivotally receiving the element 16. In the Fig. In the position shown in Figure 5, the projection 14 and the receiving groove 12a run parallel to each other, so that in this position the holding device 20 can be removed from the second support. The projection 14 is preferably arranged on a circular bolt.

[0047] At the in Fig. The position shown in Figure 5 is not assumed during normal operation of the device according to the invention. However, the user can move the tubular body into the position shown in Figure 5. Fig. Swivel to the position shown in section 5 and then remove the holding device 20 from the second support 12.

[0048] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 supply line 4 Outlet device 6 tubular bodies 12 second carrier 16 swivel element 18 Spring assembly 20 Holding device 22 Sleeve 23 Screw device 26 reinforcing ribs 32 seats for screw bodies 34 Contact section 36 Recess of the second clamping part 38 Recess of the first clamping part 46 Nozzle assembly 52 Nozzle auxiliary section 54 first carrier 56 seats 62 lateral opening of the tubular body 64 Sealing device 12a Recording 42a first clamping part 42b second clamping part

Claims

Device (1) for dispensing liquids, and in particular fertilizers, pesticides and the like, comprising a connection for attaching this device (1) to a machine, a tubular body (6) for guiding the liquid, and a first outlet device (4) through which the liquid can be discharged, wherein the outlet device (4) can be fixed at different positions in a longitudinal direction (L) of the tubular body (6) such that a position of the outlet device (4) relative to the tubular body (6) can be selected, wherein at least one opening (62) is arranged in a circumferential wall of the tubular body (6) through which the liquid can flow to the outlet device (4), characterized in that the opening (62) can be arranged at a specific height of the tubular body (6).so that the position of the outlet device (4) can also be determined by the height position of this opening (62) and the device (1) is used in a vertical orientation and the outlet device (4) is not attached to the end of the tubular body (6), but rests on an outer circumference of the tubular body (6). Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet device (4) can be attached to the tubular body (6) by means of a clamping mechanism, wherein the clamping mechanism has a first clamping part (42a) and a second clamping part (42b). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet device (4) has a first support (54), wherein this first support has at least a first support part and a second support part which can be attached to each other and to the tubular body (6). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet device (4) has at least one nozzle device (46), wherein this nozzle device (46) is detachably arranged on the first support (54) of the outlet device (4). Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the outlet device (4) has at least two nozzle devices (46) which are arranged on the first support (54). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet device (4) can be attached to the opening (62) arranged in the circumferential wall of the tubular body (6). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular body (6) is made of a plastic and / or is flexible. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular body (6) has a second end outlet device for the liquid. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet device (4) has at least a sectionally curved outer surface. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular body (6) is arranged on a holding device (20) and this holding device (20) is preferably pivotably arranged on a second support (12), wherein preferably in a pivot position of the holding device (20) relative to the second support (12) it is possible to release the holding device (20) from the second support (12).

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