Optimized sprayer

Abstract

Optimized sprayer for applying plant protection products to crops, consisting of: - a support frame which can be connected to a motorizing device (T) to be moved and driven in the desired output direction; - a turbine unit (3) connectable to the aforementioned motorizing device (T) for the purpose of drawing in air and generating an airflow. This turbine unit (3) is connected to a set of nozzles (51, 52, 53) which atomize the mixture with the airflow coming from the turbine unit (3); - a first tank (40) connected to the turbine unit (3) containing a fluid that forms or is intended to form the liquid to be atomized; - a pump (2) connectable to the aforementioned motorizing means (T) for propulsion, which is connected at the inlet to the tank (40) and at the outlet to the aforementioned nozzle set (51, 52, 53); characterized in that the spraying device (1) is equipped with airflow generators (50) connected to the turbine unit (5) and comprising an air duct (50) consisting of two straight and parallel segments connected at both ends by pipe bends, forming an elongated ring, wherein this air duct (50) is provided with a slotted air outlet (55) extending over the entire ring and having a corresponding edge, so that a continuous pipe air curtain is generated, wherein the aforementioned spraying devices (51, 52, 53) are provided with a nozzle set at the circumference of the air curtain, so that the air curtain laterally delimits the mixture applied via the spraying devices (51, 52, 53).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an optimized sprayer. This sprayer is an over-row sprayer, frequently used in trellis systems to apply crop protection products in a targeted manner and to completely treat at least the two rows through which the tractor passes. Thanks to this system, not only can the application time be reduced by half, but—with the additional use of a recycle system—it also enables significant savings in crop protection products and limits drift. As explained below, the efficiency of the recycle system can vary depending on the vegetative vigor of the crop rows to be treated.

[0002] The use of the term sprayer in this description also refers to similar devices such as sprayers.

[0003] The purpose of semi-mounted, trailed, and self-propelled sprayers is generally to atomize the crop protection product into fine particles that are applied to the plant tissue. They are generally equipped with at least one tank filled with a mixture of water and crop protection product; the tank is connected to a pump that forces the mixture through the nozzle set at appropriate pressure, thus atomizing it over the plants.

[0004] A sprayer usually has the following components: - supporting frame; - at least one tank containing the mixture to be applied; - a pump with appropriate liquid lines through which the mixture is taken from the tank and transported to the spray nozzles with the necessary pressure; - Spraying devices, commonly known as nozzles, which divide the mixture into small particles (atomization) in order to apply it to the plants by air flow; - possible additional tank for cleaning the entire spray system; - possible tank with clean water available to the user as needed; - Control and adjustment devices with dual function: regulation of the optimal amount of plant protection product to be applied and limitation of drift

[0005] Drift refers to the amount of pesticide that doesn't reach the plant due to wind or inaccurate spraying. This is particularly important when other crops or, in the worst case, residential areas are nearby.

[0006] To minimize drift into the environment, sprayers with recovery systems, also known as "tunnel sprayers," have recently become increasingly popular. These systems are capable of at least partially recovering the applied chemicals that are not absorbed by the plants. The control of drift and the release of pesticides into the soil and air vary depending on the growing season.

[0007] Just as with conventional sprayers, the majority of plant protection product losses occur during the early stages of growth, when the plant still has few leaves, the percentage of product that can be recovered decreases as the plant grows. In any case, the use of this type of sprayer not only guarantees environmental benefits but also ensures more effective protection and a partial reduction in production costs thanks to savings on plant protection products.

[0008] However, with regard to this general assessment of the methods, it should be noted that the analysis of the benefits of recovery systems is extremely complex and theoretical due to the numerous variable factors that may arise during their use.

[0009] Therefore, in certain situations - e.g., in cases of strong leaf growth or a particular development and location of the crops - the use of sprayers equipped with recovery systems such as "panels" may be less advantageous, while the best possible method in this case could be a "conventional" spray boom without screens for drift recovery.

[0010] To date, various aspects have been taken into account to prevent drift, such as: droplet size (avoiding fine droplets), spraying technique (“face-to-face”) and the spraying system (optimization to avoid losses).

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to improve the existing standards with a technology that combines the advantages of face-to-face application with the advantages of application with recovery panels and to provide a sprayer that, on the one hand, limits drift and, on the other hand, is characterized by high user-friendliness and performance.

[0012] The sprayer is based on a controlled face-to-face application in a “confined space” which, thanks to the Coanda effect created by the nozzle shape, “virtually limits” the application area.

[0013] The innovative features of the optimized sprayer that constitutes this invention include the following: - the shape and arrangement of the spray devices allows for higher yields and at the same time drastically reduces drift; - the sprayer also offers the possibility of using application maps indicating the areas to be treated and the quantities of product to be applied; - the application can be controlled by sensors depending on the vegetation present on the sides (right and left) of the rows of plants; - the application variables can be monitored remotely; - the sprayer can be equipped with an automatic control system with specific software, PLC and possibly touch screen to adjust the position of the spray booms as well as the height and distance between the panels; - it is possible to locate the device and analyze its working hours; - the sprayer can be equipped with an ISOBUS system; - scheduled maintenance of moving and functional elements can be provided.

[0014] These additional advantages and features of the present invention will be more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description and the accompanying drawings, which are given for convenience only and are not to be considered exhaustive, in which: - the Fig. 1-5 represent a possible embodiment of the present invention: Fig. 1 is a perspective front view with some parts removed to better highlight others; Fig. 2 is a perspective rear view with some parts removed to better highlight others; Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show a front, a rear and a side view, for which some parts have been removed to better highlight others; - the Fig. Figure 6 shows a possible configuration example for a support frame for the spraying devices inserted in an elongated ring of air flow generators that generate a continuous tubular air curtain; the letters AE of the Fig. 6 show a first side view (A), a first partially rotated view (B), a front view (C), a second partially rotated view (D) and a second side view (E), respectively; - on the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shows a further possible embodiment of the invention, each shown in a perspective front view ( Fig. 7) and a perspective rear view ( Fig. 8) exists; - Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of the possible configuration of a spray device realized according to the invention.

[0015] A sprayer optimized in accordance with this invention can be used for applying crop protection products to crops in general, for example to row crops.

[0016] In the standard configuration, the sprayer (1) consists of: - a support frame (10) which can be connected to a motorising means (T) in order to be moved and driven in the desired application direction; - a turbine unit (3) connectable to the aforementioned motor means (T) for driving the device, for sucking in air and generating an air flow. This turbine unit (3) is connected to a set of nozzles (51, 52, 53) that atomize the mixture with the air flow coming from the turbine unit (3); - a first tank (40) connected to the turbine unit (3) containing a fluid which forms or is intended to form the liquid to be atomized; - a pump (2) connectable to the above-mentioned motor means (T) for driving, said pump being connected at the inlet to the tank (40) and at the outlet to the above-mentioned set of nozzles (51, 52, 53).

[0017] Advantageously, this spraying device (1) is provided with air flow generators (50) connected to the turbine unit (5) and comprising an air duct (50) made up of two straight and parallel segments connected at both ends by pipe bends so as to form an elongated ring, said air duct (50) being provided with a slot-shaped air outlet (55) extending over the entire ring and having a corresponding edge so as to produce a continuous tubular air curtain, the above-mentioned spraying devices (51, 52, 53) being provided with a set of nozzles on the periphery of the air curtain so that the air curtain laterally delimits the mixture applied via the spraying devices (51, 52, 53).

[0018] The air flow generators (50) are connected to the turbine unit (3) via a plurality of lines designated by the number (78) to create an air curtain via the annular slot (55) as a boundary for the jet of the nozzles (51, 52, 53) located within the elongated ring created by the air curtain. The nozzles (51, 52, 53) can be arranged in a central position, for example, along the vertical axis passing through the center of the air flow generators (50).

[0019] The air flow generated by the turbine unit (3) is conducted via the line (7) to the air flow generators (50) and nozzles (51, 52, 53); from there, a portion of it is passed on to the air flow generators (50) via the lines (78), while the remaining portion is used for atomizing the mixture via the nozzles (51, 52, 53).

[0020] Thanks to this air curtain, drift can be avoided or drastically reduced.

[0021] The air flow generators (50) may be of the same type as those described in patent EP3726980B1, which is why they are not explained in further detail here.

[0022] In order to highlight some aspects of the present invention more clearly, reference will be made to the drawing of Fig. 9. In the accompanying drawing, which only sketches the components of the invention, the spray device (1) described here consists of the parts listed below, which are described in more detail below: - a support frame (10) which can be connected to a motorising means (T) in order to be moved and driven in the desired application direction; - a turbine unit (3) connectable to the aforementioned motor means (T) for driving the device, for sucking in air and generating an air flow. This turbine unit (3) is connected to a set of nozzles (51, 52, 53) that atomize the mixture with the air flow coming from the turbine unit (3); - a first tank (40) connected to the turbine unit (3) containing a fluid which forms or is intended to form the liquid to be atomized; - a pump (2) connectable to the above-mentioned motor means (T) for driving, said pump being connected at the inlet to the tank (40) and at the outlet to the above-mentioned set of nozzles (51, 52, 53); - a central unit (UC) with a memory (M) and a database of the areas to be treated with the plant protection products, which is connected to a GPS device, said central unit (UC) being connected to said pump (2) or said turbine unit (3) and / or said nozzle set (51, 52, 53) in order to control the application of the plant protection products according to the data contained in the memory (M) and the position detected by the GPS device.

[0023] The support frame of the sprayer (1) is on Fig. 9 not shown; it may consist of a semi-trailer frame for tractors or, as in Fig. 1-5 and 7-8, consists of a trailer frame (10) provided with wheels (11). The sprayer (1) is thus supported by a carrying frame coupled to a suitable motor means (T). This can be equipped with an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a combination of two different types of motors. The motor means serves, on the one hand, to move the sprayer (1) in the direction desired for application and, on the other hand, to drive its moving parts (pumps, fan wheels, etc.). The atomizer (1) can also be designed as a semi-trailer device, i.e. it is not attached but positioned on a means of transport.

[0024] The turbine unit (3) may be equipped with one or more impellers and connected to the motor (T) for drive (e.g., via the power take-off shaft of a tractor or generator) to draw in air and generate an air flow. This air flow is directed to a set of nozzles (51, 52, 53) that atomize the mixture with the air flow coming from the turbine unit (3).

[0025] With further reference to Fig. 9, the spraying device (1) comprises at least a first tank (40) connected to the turbine unit (3) and containing a fluid which forms or is intended to form the liquid to be atomised; the spraying device (1) could thus be provided with a first tank (40) containing the mixture to be applied to the crops or water which is mixed with a plant protection product contained in a possible second tank (41) by means of an agitator (4) specially designed for this purpose.

[0026] The sprayer (1) is equipped with a pump (2), which can also be connected to the motorization means (T) for drive: it is connected to the tank (40) at the inlet and to the spraying devices (51, 52, 53) at the outlet. The connection between the pump and the spraying devices can be made via a line that runs via the agitator (4) and / or the turbine unit (3) and / or a regulator (5) described below. Advantageously, the sprayer (1) is equipped with a central unit (UC), which can consist of one or more electronic boards on which internal software and a memory (M) with a database of the areas to be treated with plant protection products are located. The central unit (UC) is equipped with or connected to a GPS device. Furthermore, the central unit (UC) is connected to the pump (2) orthe turbine unit (3) and / or the nozzle set (51, 52, 53): in this way, the application of the plant protection products can be controlled according to the data contained in the memory (M) and the position detected by the GPS device.

[0027] The dashed lines (8) in Fig. 9 represent the connection between the central unit (UC) and the components connected to it; it can be either wired or wireless.

[0028] The dot-dash line (6) represents the connection for the drive transmission from the tractor (T) to the pump (2), the turbine unit (3), the agitator (4), and the controller (5). The connection (6) can be made using suitable devices depending on the drive power used; if the drive is via the PTO of a tractor (T), a mechanical coupling must be implemented, e.g., via a cardan shaft. With an electric drive power, the connection (6) can be made via cables, etc.

[0029] The solid line (7) indicates pipes or lines that transport fluids such as air, water, pesticides, or mixtures thereof. Sections (70) and (71) indicate two lines connecting the tanks (40) and (41) to the main line (7).

[0030] One possible embodiment consists in equipping the agitators (4) with a dosing pump (4) which mixes the above-mentioned substances with water or another fluid according to pre-set percentages: the dosing pump (4) may have a first inlet (42) connected to the pump (2), a second inlet (43) connected to the second tank (41) and an outlet (44) connected to the set of nozzles (51, 52, 53); in this case, the dosing pump (4) may be equipped with a motor powered by the driving force generated by the water pressure of the pump (2), which is driven by an electric motor which regulates the flow rate based on the set dose.

[0031] The agitators can produce the mixture, for example, with water from the first tank (40) and plant protection product from the second tank (41); alternatively, the water can be supplied to the agitators (4) via the pump (2), which takes it from the first tank (40) to mix it with the plant protection product supplied from the second tank (41) to the agitator (4).

[0032] The data stored in the memory (M) of the central unit (UC) relate to the cultivation characteristics of the areas to be treated, including the crop type, the application time, the type and number of crop protection treatments to be carried out or already carried out, and the specific location of the sprayer (1) within the area to be treated. This means that different fields on a farm can be divided according to the crop types present, in order to ensure the most accurate application possible, taking into account a series of parameters, such as the application time, the type and number of crop protection treatments to be carried out or already carried out, and the specific location of a particular group of plants, for example the row of plants in which the sprayer is located.

[0033] The overview modules (S) and (K) each represent a screen (S) and a keyboard (K), which can be connected to the central unit (UC). This allows the display of a previously performed treatment, as well as the setting of differentiated applications – via keyboard or touchscreen – taking into account the most optimal routes for the sprayer, as described above.

[0034] The central unit (UC) can also be connected to a wind sensor (V) to adjust the application according to the data recorded by the sensor (V) and predefined setting parameters for the wind characteristics.

[0035] An advantageous embodiment of the central unit (UC) further comprises the possibility of connecting it to a communications network (W)—for example, the Internet—to enable remote control and modification of the data and programs contained in the memory (M). It is practically possible to remotely review and use the data contained in the memory, modify the internal software or application parameters, etc. Furthermore, data on previously performed treatments can be stored in the memory (M) and related to the corresponding areas on which they were carried out. This data can also be accessed—also remotely—via the network (W).

[0036] A further feature of the sprayer (1) is that the application can be differentiated not only based on the different fields, but also on the vertical growth of the plants. In this case, it can be advantageous to design the sprayers (51, 52, 53) so that they can be adjusted and configured to apply the crop protection product at different heights, with the mixture being passed through a controller (5) connected to the central unit (UC), which differentiates the release of the crop protection product by the sprayers (51, 52, 53) based on the height or the data / programs contained in the memory (M). In the example representation, there are three sprayers (51, 52, 53) on each side, with the stylized drawing (A) showing a plant being sprayed with crop protection product by the nozzles of the three sprayers from three different heights.

[0037] The central unit (UC) is therefore equipped with a memory (M) containing, for each area to be treated, an application map for the corresponding liquid quantity and an application map for controlling the aforementioned turbine unit (3). These application maps contain the data regarding the quantity of mixture to be applied and the mixing ratio for each field or area to be treated, taking into account all the variables mentioned above.

[0038] The turbine unit (3) can be tangential and equipped with devices that allow a differentiated discharge height.

[0039] It is also advantageous if the described spraying device (1) can also differentiate the application in relation to the foliage density of the plant to be treated. The representation of Fig.9 shows a function block (SF) for recording the foliage density, which transmits the values ​​to the central unit (UC) for the corresponding adjustment of the application values.

[0040] Thus, when the sprayers (51, 52, 53) are arranged in pairs or multiples of pairs, the treatment practically affects two opposite sections on the left and right sides of the rows of plants, respectively. Thanks to the sensors (SF), which measure the foliage density of the left and right sides of the treated row of plants, the amount of plant protection product to be applied can be determined.

[0041] The sprayer (1) can be connected to a network (W) to enable remote monitoring of the delivery variables.

[0042] The central unit (UC) can be equipped with dedicated PLC software and a touchscreen (S) for adjusting the position of the spray booms as well as the height and distance between the panels.

[0043] In addition, a GPS device can be provided for locating the sprayer and monitoring operating times, which is connected to the central unit (UC), which must have appropriate internal software.

[0044] The sprayer can also be equipped with an international standard communication protocol, such as ISOBUS. Thanks to the international standard communication protocol ISOBUS, various agricultural implements and equipment can communicate with each other using a common language.

[0045] In addition, software for monitoring the scheduled maintenance of the moving and functional elements can also be installed in the central unit (UC).

[0046] The present invention is of course not limited to the above descriptions and explanations, i.e. the details of the embodiment may vary with regard to shape, dimensions, arrangement of the components and type of materials used, without this going beyond the scope of the invention, while maintaining the protection granted by this patent.

[0047] The invention thus relates to an optimised spraying device equipped with air flow generators (50) connected to the turbine unit (5) and comprising an air duct (50) made up of two straight and parallel segments connected at both ends by pipe bends, so that the air duct (50) forms an elongated ring, the air duct being provided with a slot-shaped air outlet extending over the entire ring and having a corresponding edge, so that a continuous tubular air curtain is created; the spraying device is equipped with spraying devices (51, 52, 53) provided with a set of nozzles on the periphery of the air curtain, so that the air curtain laterally delimits the mixture applied via said spraying devices (51, 52, 53). QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3726980B1

[0021]

Claims

[1] Optimised sprayer for applying plant protection products to crops, consisting of: - a support frame which can be connected to a motorisation means (T) in order to be moved and driven in the desired application direction; - a turbine unit (3) connectable to the aforementioned motor means (T) for driving the device, for sucking in air and generating an air flow. This turbine unit (3) is connected to a set of nozzles (51, 52, 53) that atomize the mixture with the air flow coming from the turbine unit (3); - a first tank (40) connected to the turbine unit (3) containing a fluid which forms or is intended to form the liquid to be atomized; - a pump (2) connectable to the above-mentioned motor means (T) for driving, said pump being connected at the inlet to the tank (40) and at the outlet to the above-mentioned nozzle set (51, 52, 53); characterized byin that the spraying device (1) is equipped with air flow generators (50) which are connected to the turbine unit (5) and comprise an air duct (50) made up of two straight and parallel segments which are connected at both ends to pipe bends so as to form an elongated ring, said air duct (50) being provided with a slot-shaped air outlet (55) which runs over the entire ring and has a corresponding edge so as to produce a continuous tubular air curtain, the above-mentioned spraying devices (51, 52, 53) being provided with a set of nozzles on the periphery of the air curtain so that the air curtain laterally delimits the mixture applied via the spraying devices (51, 52, 53). [2] Optimized spray device according to claim 1, characterized by that the above-mentioned support frame can be connected to a tractor and towed by it. [3] Optimized spray device according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized byin that it comprises a central unit (UC) with a memory (M) and a database of the areas to be treated with the plant protection products, which is connected to a GPS device, said central unit (UC) being connected to said pump (2) or to said turbine unit (3) and / or to said set of nozzles (51, 52, 53) in order to control the application of the plant protection products according to the data contained in the memory (M) and the position detected by the GPS device, the data contained in the memory (M) of said central unit (UC) relating to the cultivation characteristics of the areas to be treated and concerning the type of crop, the time of application, the type and number of plant protection treatments to be carried out or already carried out, and the specific location within the area to be treated where the sprayer (1) is located. [4] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized byin that it comprises at least a first tank (40) for water, and a second tank (41) for the plant protection product, which must be diluted into a mixture to be applied to the crops, which is carried out by means of agitators (4) directly connected to the above-mentioned central unit (UC) in order to dose the correct percentage of plant protection product based on the data present in the memory (M) and the position detected by the above-mentioned GPS device. [5] Optimized spray device according to claim 4, characterized byin that the above-mentioned agitators (4) consist of at least one dosing pump (4) which can mix the above-mentioned substances with water or another fluid according to pre-adjustable percentages; this dosing pump (4) has a first inlet connected to the above-mentioned pump (2), a second inlet connected to the said second tank (41) and an outlet connected to the said set of nozzles (51, 52, 53), the dosing pump (4) being equipped with a motor which is fed by the driving force generated by the water pressure of the said pump (2). [6] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims from 3 to 5, characterized by that the above-mentioned central unit (UC) is connected to a screen (S) and / or a keyboard (K). [7] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims from 3 to 6, characterized bythat said central unit (UC) is connected to a wind sensor (V) in order to adapt the application according to the data acquired by the above-mentioned sensor (V) and the predetermined setting parameters for the wind characteristics. [8] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims from 3 to 7, characterized by that said central unit (UC) is connected to a communications network (W) to enable remote control and modification of the data and programs contained in said memory (M). [9] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims from 3 to 8, characterized by that the said memory (M) stores the data of treatments already carried out and relates them to the corresponding areas on which they were carried out. [10] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims from 3 to 9, characterized byin that the above-mentioned spraying devices (51, 52, 53) are arranged and configured so that the crop protection agent can be applied at different heights, for which purpose the mixture is passed through a controller (5) for the said nozzle set (51, 52, 53), which is connected to the central unit (UC) in order to differentiate the delivery of the crop protection agent via the above-mentioned nozzle set (51, 52, 53) based on the height or data / programs contained in the memory (M). [11] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims from 3 to 10, characterized by that the above-mentioned reservoir (M) contains, for each area to be treated, an application map for the corresponding quantity of liquid and an application map for the control of the above-mentioned turbine unit (3). [12] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims from 3 to 11, characterized bythat the above-mentioned turbine unit (3) is tangential and is equipped with devices allowing a differentiated discharge height. [13] Optimised spraying device according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the above-mentioned spraying devices (51, 52, 53) are arranged in pairs or a multiple of pairs in order to treat two opposite sections on the left and right sides of the rows of plants with plant protection agent, the essential feature of the spraying device being that it is equipped with sensors (SF) which detect the foliage density on the left and right sides of the treated row of plants in order to determine the amount of plant protection agent to be dispensed. [14] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that it can be connected to a network (W) to monitor the delivery variables even remotely. [15] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is equipped with a central unit (UC) with dedicated PLC software and a touch screen (S) for adjusting the position of the spray booms as well as the height and distance between the panels. [16] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is equipped with a GPS device and a central unit (UC) with appropriate software for locating the sprayer and monitoring its operating times. [17] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is equipped with an international standard communication protocol of the ISOBUS type. [18] Optimized spray device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized bythat it has a central unit (UC) on which software is installed to monitor the scheduled maintenance of the moving and functional elements. [19] Optimized spray device according to claim 1 or any one of claims 3 to 18, characterized by that the above-mentioned support frame is designed for a semi-mounted device.

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