SPRAYING DEVICE FOR APPLYING SPRAYING LIQUID, AGRICULTURAL FIELD SPRAYER AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A SPRAYING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a spraying device for applying spray liquid, particularly on agricultural land. The invention also relates to an agricultural field sprayer and a method for operating a spraying device.

[0002] Spraying devices are used as so-called field sprayers or crop protection sprayers for the application of spray liquids, in particular liquid carrier liquids (e.g., water) and / or active ingredient concentrates dissolved and / or mixed in carrier liquids, such as fertilizers, crop protection agents, or the like. Such field sprayers with a spray boom arrangement oriented transversely to the direction of travel and moved over a crop are already known in a wide variety of designs, for example, as self-propelled field sprayers, towed by a tractor, or mounted on a tractor.

[0003] Document DE 10 2017 220 028 A1 discloses a spraying device for dispensing liquids, in particular for agricultural purposes, comprising at least one spray nozzle for spraying the liquid and at least one mixing device having at least one mixing chamber, wherein at least one first inlet for a carrier liquid, at least second inlets for different active ingredient liquids, and at least one outlet connected to the spray nozzle open into the mixing chamber. Furthermore, it is disclosed that each of the inlets is assigned an actuatable valve, and a device that actuates the valves during intended use such that a constant volume flow results in the outlet, regardless of the actuation of the valves / wiring of the inlets.

[0004] The document EP 3 539 375 A1 discloses a distribution system for an agricultural field sprayer with at least one storage container for providing the respective spray liquid, wherein the spray liquid is conveyed by means of a pump with variably changeable pressure from the storage container along a liquid line, whereby each spray nozzle is supplied with spray liquid.

[0005] The document DE 10 2018 208 156 A1 discloses a spray nozzle unit for applying a spray liquid, in particular for agricultural purposes, comprising at least one spray nozzle, each with an upstream pulse-modulated, in particular pulse-width-modulated valve, by means of which an application rate of the spray liquid from the spray nozzle can be controlled; at least two supply lines, by means of which at least one liquid can be guided to the at least one spray nozzle; and a pressure control unit assigned to each of the supply lines, by means of which a delivery pressure of the respective liquid at the at least one spray nozzle can be regulated to a regulated pressure in order to control a droplet spectrum of the applied spray liquid.

[0006] A field sprayer with a spraying device was disclosed, for example, in EP 0 463 007 B1. The spraying device comprises a spray boom with a plurality of pointed nozzles, as well as a storage container for each spray concentrate and for a dilution liquid, in particular water. In addition, the spraying device comprises pumps, in particular reciprocating piston pumps, for the metered injection of spray concentrate into a mixing chamber supplied with dilution liquid via a pressurised water pump. It is also provided that during operation, a computing and control unit controls the pumps depending on changes in the driving speed of the field sprayer, taking into account the amount of spray concentrate to be applied per unit area, so that the application of the spray concentrate per unit area applied by the spray nozzles remains as constant as possible.

[0007] However, such pumps do not allow for precise dosing of spray concentrates, as they dose or deliver a volume defined by the pump design per revolution or stroke. Thus, small quantities of spray concentrate, in particular, cannot be delivered or dosed precisely enough using such pumps, as the volume delivered per stroke can sometimes be too large. Furthermore, such pumps are subject to significant wear and tear and require correspondingly costly drive motors and control systems to vary the speed.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a spraying device for applying spray liquid, in particular on agricultural land, in which an exact dosage of liquid is possible using simple means.

[0009] This object is achieved by a spraying device having the features of independent claim 1, by an agricultural field sprayer having the features of claim 14, and by a method for operating a spraying device having the features of method claim 16. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims and the following description with partial reference to the figures.

[0010] The invention relates to a spraying device for applying spray liquid, in particular on agricultural land (e.g., arable land). The spraying device comprises at least one storage tank for at least one spray liquid, as well as at least one receiving element for receiving and conveying the spray liquid.

[0011] The spraying device also comprises a pressure generating element for generating a delivery pressure for conveying the spray liquid from the storage tank to the receiving element, as well as one or more valve units arranged between the storage tank and the receiving element.

[0012] In addition, the spraying device comprises a spray boom arrangement with spray nozzles for distributing the spray liquid, in particular on agricultural land.

[0013] In order to provide a spraying device for dispensing spray liquid, in which an exact dosage of spray liquid is possible using simple means, the invention provides that the opening and closing times of the one and / or more valve units are automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined amount of liquid by means of a control device.

[0014] According to the invention, it is therefore particularly provided that the one and / or more valve units are switched intermittently between an open and a closed position by means of pulse width modulation, wherein it can be provided in particular that the times, ie the duration of the open position (according to the present invention opening time - spray liquid can flow through the valve unit) and the closed position (according to the present invention closing time) are controlled and / or regulated by means of a control device as a function of a defined amount of liquid (e.g. liters per minute).

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment variant, it can be provided in particular that the opening and closing times of the one and / or more valve units can be automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined amount of liquid by means of a control device, wherein the control device alternates between an open position and a closed position of the one and / or more valve units at intervals and continuously as a function of the opening and closing times.

[0016] As a result of the measures according to the invention, precise dosing is no longer carried out by pumps, as is known from the prior art, but rather by valve units whose opening and closing times can be controlled and / or regulated by means of so-called pulse width modulation (PWM) in such a way as to obtain a precise amount of liquid (e.g., spray liquid quantity), in particular to obtain a significantly more precise amount of liquid than, for example, piston pumps and centrifugal pumps. Thus, even the smallest amounts of liquid can be precisely dosed.

[0017] The spraying device according to the invention is preferably a component of an agricultural field sprayer. The field sprayer can be designed as a self-propelled sprayer, as a field sprayer pulled by a towing vehicle (e.g., tractor), or as a field sprayer mounted on a towing vehicle (e.g., by means of a three-point hitch). According to a preferred embodiment, the field sprayer can have a chassis with a frame construction and a spraying device, as described in this document. In addition, a running gear can be assigned to the chassis. Furthermore, it can expediently be provided, in particular, that the storage tank, the receiving element, the pump, and the spray boom arrangement are attached and / or mounted on the chassis.

[0018] The spray boom assembly comprises or is, in particular, a spray boom with a plurality of spray nozzles arranged at a distance from one another (e.g., 25 cm and / or 50 cm) for distributing the spray liquid. Distributing may, in particular, include atomization, spraying, and / or the like.

[0019] In a working position, the spray boom arrangement can extend across a large working width (e.g., up to 24 meters, 30 meters, or more) transversely to the direction of travel of the field sprayer. The spray nozzles can also be arranged all together or in groups at regular intervals on the spray boom arrangement. The spray nozzles can also be connected to the receiving element by means of at least one fluid line (e.g., spray line, connecting line, main line, and / or the like). The fluid line or line system can also serve as the receiving element. The fluid line can also form a ring line with the receiving element and / or the storage tank.

[0020] According to a further development of the invention, the spray boom arrangement and / or the spray nozzles can be divided or split into partial widths, wherein the partial widths can, for example, have working widths of a maximum of 1 meter, 3 meters, 5 meters, or 6 meters. Furthermore, each partial width can be connected to the receiving element via a preferably separate fluid line.

[0021] According to a further development of the invention, it can also be provided that the receiving element is integrated in a distribution unit (e.g. in the form of a mixing chamber) and / or that a distribution unit is arranged downstream of the receiving element (i.e. with respect to the liquid flow).

[0022] The distribution unit serves in particular to distribute the spray liquid to a plurality of liquid lines, in particular according to the number of sections.

[0023] The storage tank may comprise a filling opening for filling the storage tank and an outlet for dispensing spray liquid towards the one or more distribution units.

[0024] The spraying device comprises, in particular, a pressure-generating element, which can be, for example, an element (e.g., a compressor or the like) that applies pressure (e.g., overpressure) to the storage tank. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure-generating element can be a pump that delivers spray fluid from the storage tank to the receiving element at a delivery pressure.

[0025] The pressure-generating element is, in particular, designed and assigned to the spraying device in such a way that a pressure gradient is established downstream from the storage tank. This means that the pressure-generating element is, in particular, designed and assigned to the spraying device in such a way that a delivery pressure (i.e., of the spray liquid) upstream of the one valve unit and / or upstream of the multiple valve units is greater than or equal to a delivery pressure downstream of the one valve unit and / or downstream of the multiple valve units and / or in the receiving element.

[0026] In order to further improve the dosage of the liquid quantity, it can be provided that the spray liquid is continuously conveyed from the storage tank to the receiving element at a largely constant delivery pressure, whereby the constant delivery pressure for this purpose can be generated, for example, by means of a pump and / or by means of a compressor that, for example, pressurizes the storage tank.

[0027] The pump can preferably be a piston pump or centrifugal pump, which is designed to deliver the spray liquid from the reservoir to the receiving element at a largely constant delivery pressure. The pump and / or compressor can comprise a motor drive (e.g., hydraulic motor, electric motor, or the like) to vary the delivery pressure, which is preferably designed to operate the pump and / or compressor at different speeds. The motor drive can also be a component of and / or signal-connected to a control device.

[0028] The pressure-generating element is, in particular, designed and / or operable by means of a control device in such a way that different delivery pressures can be defined based on a rotational speed of the pressure-generating element, wherein the delivery pressures can, for example, be in a range between 0.5 bar and 8 bar. In turn, this delivery pressure can also be used to deliver the spray liquid in the direction of the spray nozzles attached to the spray boom, in particular from the receiving element in the direction of the spray nozzles attached to the spray boom.

[0029] In order to change a desired amount of liquid, according to a further embodiment variant, it can be provided that the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units are automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a delivery pressure (ie delivery pressure of the spray liquid) by means of the control device.

[0030] In particular, it can be expediently provided that the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units are automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined liquid quantity and a delivery pressure by means of a control device.

[0031] It should be noted that pulse-width modulation or a valve unit controllable with variable pulse-width modulation refers, in particular, to valve units that can be controlled using pulse-width modulation (PWM), pulse duration modulation, pulse length modulation, an undershoot method, or pulse width modulation. All of these control types are summarized below under the term pulse-width modulation or PWM.

[0032] In particular, the one or more valve units can be a valve such as a solenoid valve. The valve unit can also be a motor-driven element, such as a stepper motor or similar motor element. Various actuators would also be conceivable as a valve unit, such as a cylinder. The valve unit is designed in such a way that it can be used to convey the respective liquid or the volume flow in the spray device in defined or definable pulse widths. For this purpose, the valve unit can be controlled and / or regulated accordingly by means of a control device, i.e. its opening and closing times can be controlled and / or regulated.

[0033] Insofar as the valve unit controlled by means of a variably variable pulse width modulation is assigned to the liquid line, the volume flow along the liquid line in particular can be directly controlled or influenced by means of the one or more valve units.

[0034] The one or more valve units can be controlled and / or regulated at a fixed or variable frequency by means of a control device. The frequency can be greater than or equal to 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 50 Hz, or 200 Hz.

[0035] Pulse width modulation is defined, in particular, by a duty cycle. This duty cycle can be defined by a ratio between the pulse duration t (time duration) and the period duration T (oscillation duration). In this context, the pulse duration t can also be referred to as the on-time, which, according to the present invention, corresponds to the opening time (i.e., the time during which spray fluid can flow through).

[0036] The duty cycle is preferably specified as a percentage value (%). The duty cycle is thus defined by t / T. This means that if the ratio t = 0, the switching element is permanently fully closed (closing time 100%). Whereas if the ratio t = T, the switching element is permanently fully open (opening time 100%).

[0037] To vary the fluid quantity, i.e., for example, to vary the duty cycle, and thus to control and / or regulate the opening and closing times by means of the pulse width modulation controlling one or more valve units, both the pulse duration t and the period duration T can be varied. This can be done automatically using a control program stored in a computer unit of the control device. According to another embodiment, the duty cycle can also be varied manually by an operator.

[0038] Depending on the respective duty cycle and / or frequency, the output quantity can be increased or decreased or at least kept largely constant, whereby the following generally applies: the higher the duty cycle, the higher the output quantity, as the opening time is thus increased, and the lower the duty cycle, the lower the quantity of liquid pumped, as the closing time is thus increased.

[0039] It is possible that in order to change the amount of liquid, one valve unit, two valve units, three valve units or more valve units can be controlled and / or regulated by means of the control device to change the opening and closing times with different frequencies and / or different duty cycles.

[0040] In a variant according to the invention, the receiving element is formed by an additional tank, preferably forming a mixing chamber.

[0041] According to an alternative or supplementary embodiment, the receiving element can also be formed by a conduit system. The conduit system (e.g., comprising a fluid line) can have a minimum length of 1 meter, which can, in particular, improve the mixing of different spray fluids. The conduit system can, in particular, be connected to a spray boom arrangement with spray nozzles for distributing the spray fluid. In particular, the conduit system is arranged downstream of the valve units and upstream of the spray nozzles.

[0042] It is possible that the piping system (e.g. the liquid line) forms a ring line.

[0043] According to a further development, at least one pressure measuring device (e.g., a pressure sensor) for detecting the delivery pressure of the spray liquid can be assigned to the spraying device. It can be advantageously provided that the pressure measuring device is arranged downstream of the pressure-generating element (e.g., the pump) and upstream of the one or more valve units (each with respect to the liquid flow).

[0044] In order to be able to define the fluid pressure even more precisely, according to a further embodiment variant it can also be provided that a pressure control valve is arranged downstream of the pressure generating element formed by a pump.

[0045] According to a further development, it can be provided that, in order to define the amount of liquid, the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units are carried out by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a quantity of liquid in liters per minute (l / min); it would also be conceivable to control and / or regulate the opening and closing times in liters per hectare (l / ha).

[0046] According to one embodiment, a definition of the liquid quantity can provide that the control and / or regulation of the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units takes place by pulse width modulation, taking into account a travel speed of the agricultural field sprayer and / or a working width of the spray boom arrangement. This means that the required liquid quantity can thus be defined by a working width of the spray boom arrangement and a travel speed of the agricultural field sprayer. Different quantities of spray liquid can thus also be applied at different positions of the spray boom arrangement, particularly when negotiating curves.

[0047] To achieve different liquid quantities, it is also possible according to a further development for two valve units or three valve units or more valve units to be arranged between the storage tank and the receiving element, wherein their liquid quantity ranges can each be the same and / or different. For example, three valve units with different liquid quantity ranges can be provided, wherein a first valve unit has a liquid quantity range of 0.1 to 1 liter / minute, a second valve unit has a liquid quantity range of 1 to 5 liters / minute, and a third valve unit has a liquid quantity range of 5 to 8 liters / minute, although other liquid quantity ranges would also be conceivable or imaginable. It would also be conceivable, for example, that when using three valve units, two valve units have an identical liquid quantity range.

[0048] To achieve different liquid quantities, according to a further development of the invention, it is also possible for two, three, or more valve units to be arranged between the storage tank and the receiving element, each of which is controlled and / or regulated with a different pulse width modulation. In particular, it can be provided, for example, that the two, three, or more valve units are each controlled and / or regulated by the control device at the same frequency and with different duty cycles.

[0049] In order to further improve the dosing of the amount of liquid, it is provided in the first variant according to the invention, which comprises the additional tank, that at least one flow measuring device (e.g. flow sensor) is arranged downstream of the one or more valve units, and that the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units are automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation by means of the control device as a function of a quantity of liquid detected by means of the flow measuring device.

[0050] Alternatively, a second variant of the invention provides that a fill level measuring device (e.g., submersible probe, float switch, or the like) is assigned to the at least one storage tank and / or the receiving element (e.g., the mixing chamber), and that the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units are automatically controlled and / or regulated by the control device using pulse width modulation as a function of a fill level detected by the fill level measuring device. This, in turn, allows the amount of liquid to be deduced based on changing fill levels.

[0051] To achieve even greater precision in metering the fluid quantity, two or more valve units can be arranged in series, whose opening and closing times can be automatically controlled and / or regulated by a control device using pulse-width modulation as a function of a defined fluid quantity. This means that two or more valve units can be arranged in series (e.g., connected).

[0052] To increase the adaptability of the spray liquid to different conditions, it is possible for the spraying device to comprise two or more storage tanks for two or more, in particular different, spray liquids. At least one pressure generating element is functionally assigned to the two or more storage tanks, and one or more valve units are arranged downstream, the opening and closing times of which are automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined liquid quantity using a control device.

[0053] In order to be able to define which spray liquid is to be distributed from which tank, it is possible for the two or more storage tanks, in particular downstream of their outlets, to be assigned a switching element to release the spray liquid in the direction of one or more valve units.

[0054] It is possible for the spraying device to comprise two or more valve units, wherein, depending on the required quantity of liquid, the spray liquid is metered with one valve unit or with two valve units or with more valve units.

[0055] It is possible for the spraying device to comprise two or more valve units, wherein at least one valve unit is not controlled and / or regulated by pulse width modulation.

[0056] In order to harmonize the liquid flow of the spray liquid after the one or more valve units, at least one throttle element can be arranged downstream of the one and / or more valve units, in particular downstream.

[0057] The spray system can in particular form a so-called direct feed system for spray liquids and / or include such a system.

[0058] The spray liquid can, for example, be a carrier liquid (e.g., water) and / or an active ingredient concentrate (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, etc.). The spray liquid can also be a mixture of a carrier liquid and an active ingredient concentrate.

[0059] It is possible for the spraying device to have two or more storage tanks, whereby a carrier liquid can be carried in one of the storage tanks and an active ingredient concentrate can be carried in another storage tank, and whereby the carrier liquid and the active ingredient concentrate can be mixed in the receiving element (e.g. the mixing chamber), whereby the respective quantities of carrier liquid and active ingredient concentrate can be maintained very precisely by using valve units with pulse width modulation.

[0060] It is possible for spray nozzles to be arranged on the spray boom assembly, preferably those that can be controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation. These spray nozzles, in turn, are not followed by a receiving element, and these spray nozzles are designed to atomize the spray liquid, preferably to distribute the spray liquid in a desired spray pattern over an agricultural area.

[0061] The control device comprises, for example, a computer unit, an on-board computer, and / or the like, and also includes a control and / or regulating circuit, in particular a hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or electrical control and / or regulating circuit, wherein the control and / or regulating circuit is expediently designed for hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or electrical signal and / or command transmission. This signal and / or command transmission can also be wireless (e.g., via WLAN).

[0062] In the context of the invention, the term "control device" encompasses, in particular, the entirety of the components for signal and / or command transmission. Accordingly, this also includes computer units, CPUs, and / or the like. Data processing devices integrated into the respective sensors, sensor units, or sensor arrangements are also included. It should also be noted that the sensors, measuring devices, detection devices, etc., can each be used as feedback for a control and / or regulating variable.

[0063] It should also be noted that the terms "control" and "regulation," or "control device" and "regulation device," can refer to electronic and / or pneumatic and / or hydraulic controls or regulators, which, depending on their design, can perform control and / or regulation tasks. Even if the term "control" is used herein, it can also appropriately include "regulation." Likewise, the use of the term "regulation" can also encompass "control."

[0064] To avoid repetition, features disclosed in connection with the spraying device should also apply to and be claimable for an agricultural distribution machine and according to the method. The aforementioned aspects and inventive features and embodiments, particularly with regard to the spraying device, thus also apply to the agricultural field sprayer and the method. The same applies conversely, so that all aspects, inventive features and embodiments disclosed in connection with the agricultural field sprayer or the method are accordingly also disclosed for the spraying device and are accordingly claimable.

[0065] To achieve the objects, the invention further comprises an agricultural field sprayer. The agricultural field sprayer preferably comprises a chassis having a frame construction and a spraying device as disclosed herein, a spraying device according to one of claims 1 to 13.

[0066] The chassis may also have a running gear, or a running gear may be assigned to the chassis.

[0067] The agricultural field sprayer can be designed as a self-propelled sprayer, a sprayer that is towed by a towing vehicle (e.g., a tractor), or a sprayer that is attached to a towing vehicle (e.g., via a three-point hitch). According to a preferred embodiment, the field sprayer can have a chassis with a running gear and a spraying device, wherein the storage tank, the receiving element, and the spray boom arrangement can be attached and / or mounted on the chassis (e.g., the frame structure).

[0068] To achieve these objectives, the invention further comprises a method for operating a spraying device. The spraying device has at least one storage tank for at least one spraying liquid, at least one receiving element for receiving and / or conveying the spraying liquid, a pressure generating element for generating a delivery pressure for conveying the spraying liquid from the storage tank to the receiving element, one or more valve units arranged between the at least one storage tank and the receiving element, and a spray boom arrangement with spray nozzles for distributing the spraying liquid.

[0069] The method is characterized by an automated control and / or regulation of the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units by means of pulse width modulation PWM as a function of a defined amount of liquid by means of a control device.

[0070] According to the method, it is possible that the opening and / or closing times of the one or more valve units are controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation by means of the control device, preferably depending on a delivery pressure and / or a liquid quantity detected by means of a flow measuring device arranged downstream of the one or more valve units and / or a fill level detected by means of a fill level measuring device assigned to the storage tank and / or the receiving element.

[0071] The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another as desired. Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are shown enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration. They show: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an agricultural field sprayer with a chassis having a frame construction and a spraying device. Figure 2A shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a spraying device according to the invention, with a storage tank, a valve unit, and a receiving element designed as an additional tank. Figure 2B shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a spraying device according to the invention, with a storage tank, a valve unit, and a receiving element designed as a line system. Figure 3A shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a spraying device according to the invention, with a storage tank, three valve units, and a receiving element designed as an additional tank, wherein the valve units are each designed to meter different amounts of liquid. Figure 3B shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a spraying device according to the invention.with a storage tank, three valve units and a receiving element designed as a line system, wherein the valve units are each designed to meter different amounts of liquid, Figure 4A shows a schematic representation of an embodiment variant of a spray device according to the invention, with two storage tanks, three valve units, a receiving element designed as an additional tank and a spray bar arrangement formed by three partial widths, Figure 4B shows a schematic representation of an embodiment variant of a spray device according to the invention, with two storage tanks, three valve units, a receiving element designed as a distribution unit and a spray bar arrangement formed by three partial widths, Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment variant of a spray device according to the invention, with several storage tanks, several receiving elements and a spray bar arrangement formed by four partial widths.

[0072] The Figures 1 to 5 The embodiments shown correspond at least partially, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals, and for their explanation, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures in order to avoid repetition. The embodiments shown merely represent examples of how the spraying device according to the invention, the agricultural field sprayer according to the invention, and the method according to the invention can be designed and constructed and do not represent a final limitation.

[0073] It should be noted in advance that, insofar as not described, the connections arranged between the components of the spray device can be formed by any type of fluid conveying or forwarding fluid lines, e.g. by hose lines, pipes and / or similar line and connection systems.

[0074] It should also be noted that the flow direction in the embodiments of the Figures 2 to 5 of the spray liquid from one of the storage tanks 52; 52a; 52b; 52c in the direction of the spray nozzles, even if this is not expressly described.

[0075] Figure 1shows a perspective view of a variant of an agricultural field sprayer 10 with a chassis 14 having a frame construction. The chassis 14 also has a running gear 12. The field sprayer 10 is designed as a self-propelled field sprayer 10 and comprises a cab 16 with an operating station for an operator and a drive device 18 (e.g. engine). In the rear area, the field sprayer 10 comprises a spray boom arrangement 22 which is in a working position and extends across a large working width (e.g. 24 meters or more) transversely to the direction of travel 20, the spray boom arrangement 22 being height-adjustable relative to the chassis 14.

[0076] The spray boom arrangement 22 is formed by or as a spray boom.

[0077] A spraying device 50 according to the invention is also mounted on the chassis 14, wherein in the Figure 1of which only a storage tank 52 and the spray boom arrangement 22 are shown.

[0078] The Figures 2A and 2B each show, in schematic representations, simple embodiments of spraying devices 50 according to the invention. The spraying devices 50 each comprise a storage tank 52 for at least one spray liquid (e.g. water, crop protection agent, fertilizer and / or the like).

[0079] The spraying device 50 comprises a receiving element, which is arranged according to the Figure 2A as an additional tank 54 forming a mixing chamber and wherein this is designed according to the Figure 2Bformed by the line system 56 (e.g., a liquid line). The receiving element serves, in particular, to receive and / or forward the spray liquid, e.g., toward a spray bar arrangement 22, or toward spray nozzles 24 arranged on the spray bar arrangement 22 for distributing, preferably atomizing, the spray liquid.

[0080] The additional tank 54 can preferably form a mixing chamber as a receiving element into which spray liquid from one, two or more storage tanks 52; 52a; 52b; 52c (cf. Figure 4A ; 4B and 5 ) is submitted.

[0081] In order to convey the spray liquid from the storage tank 52 toward the receiving element at a constant delivery pressure, the spray device 50 comprises a pressure-generating element in the form of a pump 58 (e.g., a piston pump, centrifugal pump, or the like). This delivery pressure can also be used to convey the spray liquid toward the spray nozzles. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the delivery pressure to be generated by a compressor, which is, for example, operatively connected to the storage tank 52.

[0082] The spraying device 50 also comprises a valve unit 60, the opening and closing times of which are automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined amount of liquid by means of a control device. This can be done expediently, particularly at intervals and continuously.

[0083] To monitor the correct amount of liquid, the spray device 50 also includes a flow measuring device 62 (e.g., a flow sensor). Alternatively or in addition to a flow measuring device 62, it would also be conceivable for a fill level measuring device 64 (e.g., a submersible probe, float switch, or the like) to be assigned to the at least one storage tank 52 and / or the receiving element, in particular the additional tank 54, and for the opening and closing times of the valve unit 60 to be controlled and / or regulated based on a changing fill level in the storage tank 52 and / or the additional tank 54.

[0084] In addition, a main line 76 (e.g. in the form of a liquid line) can lead into the additional tank 54 and supply it with another spray liquid (e.g. carrier liquid).

[0085] According to the embodiments of the Figures 2 to 4a computer unit 100 and also comprises a control and / or regulating circuit, in particular a hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or electrical control and / or regulating circuit, wherein the control and / or regulating circuit is expediently designed for hydraulic and / or pneumatic and / or electrical signal and / or command transmission, wherein these signal and / or command transmission elements 102 according to the embodiments of the Figures 2 to 4 are each represented by dashed lines.

[0086] The Figures 3A and 3B show schematic representations of alternative embodiments of spray devices 50 according to the invention. The spray device 50 comprises a storage tank 52 for at least one spray liquid. In addition, the spray device 50 comprises a receiving element, which according to Figure 3A by an additional tank 54 and according to Figure 3Bis formed by a line system 56 (e.g. liquid line), wherein the line system 56 also expediently has a minimum length of 1 meter and extends between the valve units 60 and the spray nozzles 24. The receiving element serves to receive and / or forward the spray liquid, e.g. in the direction of a spray boom arrangement 22 having spray nozzles 24, for distributing it, for example, on an agricultural area (e.g. arable land and / or crop).

[0087] In order to convey the spray liquid from the storage tank 52 towards the receiving element at a constant delivery pressure, the spraying device 50 comprises a pressure generating element, in particular a pump 58.

[0088] In order to achieve the most precise dosing of the liquid quantity from the storage tank 52 to the receiving element, the spray device 50 also comprises three valve units 60. The valve units 60 are each designed in such a way that their opening and closing times can be automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined, ie required, liquid quantity by means of a control device.

[0089] According to the invention, it can be provided in particular that the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units 60 can be automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined amount of liquid by means of a control device, wherein the control device alternates between an open position and a closed position of the one or more valve units 60 at intervals and continuously as a function of the opening and closing times.

[0090] The three valve units 50 each have a liquid flow range, i.e., the three valve units 60 are each designed in such a way that different liquid quantities can be dosed by means of them. This has the advantage that the three valve units 50 can each be operated within their optimal operating ranges, thus allowing their efficiency to be optimally utilized and, moreover, dosing can be carried out even more precisely. For example, a first valve unit 60 can have a liquid flow range of 0.1 to 1 liter per minute, a second valve unit 60 can have a liquid flow range of 1 to 5 liters per minute, and a third valve unit 60 can have a liquid flow range of 5 to 8 liters per minute.

[0091] To monitor the correct amount of liquid, the spray device 50 also includes a flow measuring device 62 (e.g., a flow sensor). Alternatively or in addition to a flow measuring device 62, it would also be conceivable for a fill level measuring device 64 (e.g., a submersible probe, float switch, or the like) to be assigned to the receiving element, in particular the additional tank 54, and for the opening and closing times of the valve unit 60 to be controlled and / or regulated based on a changing fill level in the additional tank 54.

[0092] Two further design variants of a spraying device 50 are shown in the schematic representation of the Figure 4A and 4B The spraying device 50 is designed in particular as a direct feed system.

[0093] The spraying device 50 comprises three storage tanks 52, in particular a first storage tank 52a, a second storage tank 52b, and a third storage tank 52c for spray liquid, preferably for different spray liquids. It can preferably be provided that a carrier liquid (e.g., water) is carried as the spray liquid in the third storage tank 52c. Furthermore, it can be provided that an active ingredient concentrate (e.g., pesticide, fertilizer, and / or the like) is carried as the spray liquid in the first storage tank 52a and the second storage tank 52b.

[0094] To enable the dispensing of spray liquid, each storage tank 52a; 52b; 52c is assigned a switching element 66, wherein the switching element 66 can preferably be a valve, shut-off valve and / or the like, and wherein the switching element 66 can be opened and closed manually, for example by an operator and / or automatically by means of the control device, wherein for this purpose the switching element 66 is in turn signal-connected and / or signal-connectable to the computer unit 100 for signal and / or command transmission.

[0095] The spray liquid of the third storage tank 52c (e.g. the carrier liquid) is conveyed by means of a pump 58 (e.g. piston pump, centrifugal pump or the like) along a connecting line 68 into a receiving element, wherein the receiving element according to the embodiment of the Figure 4A as an additional tank 54 (e.g. mixing chamber) and according to the Figure 4Bis designed as a distribution unit 72 with an integrated mixing chamber.

[0096] To monitor the amount of liquid conveyed from the third storage tank 52c to the receiving element, a flow measuring device 62 is arranged between the third storage tank 52c and the receiving element, preferably downstream of the pump 58 (with respect to a flow direction).

[0097] In the receiving element, ie in the additional tank 54 or in the mixing chamber, in particular the spray liquid of the third storage tank 52c can be mixed with the spray liquid (e.g. active ingredient concentrate) of the first storage tank 52a and / or the second storage tank 52b.

[0098] In order to convey the spray liquid from the first storage tank 52a and / or from the second storage tank 52b at a constant pressure (e.g. 5 bar) in the direction of the receiving element, the spraying device 50 also comprises a pump 58 (e.g. pressure generating element) arranged between the first storage tank 52a and the second storage tank 52b as well as the receiving element (additional tank 54).

[0099] In order to achieve the most precise dosing possible of the amount of liquid from the first storage tank 52a and / or from the second storage tank 52b to the receiving element, the spray device 50 also comprises three valve units 60. The valve units 60 are each designed in such a way that their opening and closing times can be automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined, i.e. required, amount of liquid by means of a control device.

[0100] The three valve units 50 each have a liquid quantity range, ie the three valve units 60 are each designed in such a way that different liquid quantities can be dosed by means of them.

[0101] According to the invention, it can be provided in particular that the opening and closing times of the three valve units 60 are automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined amount of liquid by means of a control device, wherein the control device alternates between an open position and a closed position of the one or more valve units 60 at intervals and continuously as a function of the opening and closing times.

[0102] To monitor the correct amount of liquid, the spray device 50 also includes a flow measuring device 62 (e.g., flow sensor). Alternatively or in addition to a flow measuring device 62, it would also be conceivable for a fill level measuring device 64 (e.g., submersible probe, float switch, or the like) to be assigned to the at least one storage tank 52 and / or the receiving element, in particular the additional tank 54, and for the opening and closing times of the valve unit 60 to be controlled and / or regulated based on a changing fill level in the storage tank 52 and / or in the additional tank 54. It would also be conceivable for appropriate sensors to be assigned to the distribution unit 72, in particular for a fill level measuring device 64 to be assigned to the mixing chamber integrated in the distribution unit 72.

[0103] According to the Figure 4AThe spray liquid thus mixed in the additional tank 54, in particular the mixture of water and plant protection liquid and / or fertilizer, can then be conveyed in turn by means of a liquid line 70 in the direction of a distributor 72.

[0104] According to the Figure 4B the spray liquids from the three storage tanks 52a; 52b; 52c can also be conveyed to a distributor 72, which distributor 72 can in turn have a mixing chamber, not shown here.

[0105] Following the distributor 72 there follows a spray bar arrangement 22 with a plurality of spray nozzles 24 arranged thereon for distributing the spray liquid. According to the Figures 4 the spray boom arrangement 24 is divided into three sections 26, but more or fewer sections 26 would also be conceivable.

[0106] A spray line 74 (e.g., liquid line) leads from the distributor 72 into each of the sections 26. This makes it possible for the sections 26 to be supplied with variable quantities of spray liquid and also for the distribution of spray liquid to be interrupted with individual sections 26. To ensure that each section 26 is supplied with the correct quantity of liquid, flow measuring devices 62 can be assigned to the spray lines 74.

[0107] As also shown in the Figure 4B As can be seen, it can also be provided that the spray liquid of the third storage tank 52c is conveyed directly to the individual sections 26 by means of main lines 76, so that different spray liquids can be applied to each section 26. This is done according to the Figure 4B represented by dash-dot lines.

[0108] A further embodiment of a spraying device 50 is shown in the schematic representation of the Figure 5 out.

[0109] It should be noted that for the sake of clarity in the Figure 5 to a representation of the signal and / or command transmission elements in contrast to the Figures 2 to 4 was omitted, the elements and components in the embodiment of the Figure 5 but are also connected to a control device for signal and / or command transmission. For a better understanding, Figure 5 Accordingly, only the piping and connection systems or fluid lines carrying liquids are shown.

[0110] The spraying device 50 initially comprises a spray boom arrangement 22 which is divided into four partial widths 26, each with a plurality of spray nozzles 24.

[0111] The spraying device 50 also includes a storage tank 52, which also forms the main tank. This storage tank 52 can be used to carry a spray liquid, preferably the spray liquid that requires the largest amount.

[0112] By means of a main pump 58a, the spray liquid from the storage tank 52 is supplied via a main line 76 forming a ring line along the sections 26 or to intermediate containers 78 assigned to the sections. These intermediate containers 78 can also serve as an additional tank and / or as a mixing chamber.

[0113] In order to monitor the amount of spray liquid delivered along the main line 76, a flow measuring device 62 is also assigned to the main line 76. Furthermore, a switching element 66 is assigned to the main line 76 to activate or deactivate the delivery of spray liquid along the main line 76. It is thus also conceivable for the spray liquid to be distributed only from the storage tank 52.

[0114] The spraying device 50 is designed as a so-called direct feed system, meaning that several different spray liquids can be applied with the spraying device 50. To achieve this, the spraying device 50 further comprises at least one additional first storage tank 52a and a second storage tank 52b. The first storage tank 52a and the second storage tank 52b are each connected by a liquid line 70 to a receiving element and to an additional tank 54, respectively.

[0115] Different spray liquids are preferably carried in the first storage tank 52a and the second storage tank 52b; in particular, an active ingredient concentrate is carried in the second storage tank 52b, of which only small quantities are required. In order to achieve precise dosing of the spray liquid from the second storage tank 52b into the additional tank 54, a valve unit 60 is provided, wherein it is also provided that the opening and closing times of the one valve unit 60 are automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined quantity of liquid (e.g. required quantity of active ingredient concentrate) by means of a control device. A flow measuring device 62 can also be provided to monitor the correct quantity of spray liquid.

[0116] To convey the spray liquid from the first storage container 52a, a pump 58 can be provided to generate a delivery pressure, and downstream of this, in turn, a flow measuring device 62.

[0117] In order to prevent spray liquid from flowing back from the additional tank 54 towards the first storage tank 52a, a shut-off valve 82 or a check valve is also provided.

[0118] The spray liquid thus mixed in the additional tank 54 is then fed along a spray line 74 (e.g. liquid line) designed as a ring line, again along the section widths 26 or to intermediate containers 78 assigned to the section widths 26. The spray liquid from the storage tank 52 can now be mixed with the spray liquid from the receiving element or the additional tank 54 in the intermediate containers 78 and can then be distributed by means of the spray nozzles 24.

[0119] In order to convey the spray liquid of the additional tank 54 along the spray line 74, in particular with an at least largely constant delivery pressure, an additional pump 58b is also assigned to the spray line 74.

[0120] In order to supply the intermediate containers 78 with a precise amount of spray liquid from the additional tank 54, additional valve units 60a are provided. These can preferably have the same functionality as the valve units 60, i.e., they can also be designed such that their opening and closing times are controlled and / or regulated by pulse width modulation. However, other valve units would also be conceivable. Flow measuring devices 62 are also provided to monitor the correct amount of liquid, as well as a throttle 80 to homogenize the liquid flow.

[0121] With a spray system 50 according to the Figure 5Thus, a wide variety of spray liquids can be mixed in any desired manner, whereby the respective quantities of the spray liquid can be maintained very precisely by using valve units 60 which can be controlled and / or regulated with pulse width modulation.

[0122] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various changes may be made therein which fall within the scope of the appended claims. List of reference symbols: 10 Agricultural field sprayer 58b Auxiliary pump 12 chassis 60 valve unit 14 chassis 60a Additional valve unit 16 cabin 62 Flow measuring device 18 drive device 64 Level measuring device 20 Direction of travel 66 switching element 22 Spray boom arrangement 68 connecting line 24 Spray nozzles 70 Line, liquid line 26 Partial width 72 distributor 74 Spray line 50 Spraying device 76 Main line 52 storage tank 78 Intermediate container 52a First storage tank 80 throttle 52b Second storage tank 82 shut-off valve, check valve 52c Third storage tank 54 Additional tank 100 computer unit 102 Signal and / or command transmission elements 56 piping system 58 pump 58a Main pump

Claims

1. Spraying device (50) for the application of spraying liquid, in particular on agricultural land, comprising: - at least one storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) for at least one spray liquid, - at least one receiving element for receiving and transferring the spray liquid - a pressure generating member for generating a delivery pressure for delivering the spray liquid from the storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) to the receiving element, - one or more valve units (60) arranged between the storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) and the receiving element, - a spray bar arrangement (22) with spray nozzles (24) for distributing the spray liquid, wherein the opening and closing times of the one and / or the several valve units (60) can be controlled and / or regulated automatically by means of pulse width modulation dependent on a defined quantity of liquid by means of a control means, characterised in that a) the receiving element is formed by an additional tank (54), preferably forming a mixing chamber, and in that at least one flow measuring device (62) is arranged downstream of the one or more valve units (60), and in that the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units (60) can be automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of the control means by means of pulse width modulation dependent on a quantity of liquid detected by means of the flow measuring device (62), and / or b) a fill level measuring device (64) is assigned to the at least one storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) and / or the receiving element, and in that the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units (60) can be automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of the control means by means of pulse width modulation dependent on a fill level detected by means of the fill level measuring device (64).

2. Spraying device (50) according to claim 1, characterised in that the pressure generating member is an element pressurising the storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) and / or is a pump (58) conveying the spray liquid from the storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) to the receiving element with a delivery pressure, wherein the pressure generating member is preferably configured and associated with the spraying device in such a way that a delivery pressure upstream of the one valve unit (60) or upstream of the plurality of valve units (60) is greater than or equal to a delivery pressure downstream of the one valve unit (60) or the plurality of valve units (60) and / or in the receiving element.

3. Spraying device (50), according to claim 1 or 2 according to variant b), characterised in that the receiving element is formed by at least one of the following, - by an additional tank (54), preferably forming a mixing chamber, - and / or through a pipe system (56) comprising a minimum length of 1 metre.

4. Spraying device (50), according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two valve units (60), three valve units (60) or more valve units (60) are arranged between the storage tank (52) and the receiving element, their liquid quantity ranges being the same and / or different.

5. Spraying device (50), according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the opening and closing times of the one or more valve units (60) can be automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of the control means by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a delivery pressure.

6. Spraying device (50), according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two valve units (60), three valve units (60) or more valve units (60) are arranged between the supply tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) and the receiving element, wherein these are each controlled and / or regulated with different pulse width modulation.

7. Spraying device (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the one valve unit (60), the two valve units (60), the three valve units (60) or more valve units (60) can be controlled and / or regulated by means of the control means in order to change the opening and closing times with different frequencies and / or different duty cycles.

8. Spraying device (50), according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two or more valve units (60), the opening and closing times of which can be automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation dependent on a defined quantity of liquid by means of a control means, are arranged one behind the other.

9. Spraying device (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises two storage tanks (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) or more storage tanks (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) for two or more, in particular different, spray liquids, wherein at least one pressure generating member is operatively associated with these and one or more valve units (60), the opening and closing times of which can automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of a control means by means of pulse width modulation dependent on a defined quantity of liquid, are arranged downstream of these.

10. Spraying device (50) according to claim 9, characterised in that the two or more storage tanks (52; 52a; 52b; 52c), in particular downstream of their outlets, are each assigned a switching element (66) for releasing the output of the spray liquid in the direction of one or more valve units (60).

11. Spraying device (50), according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spraying device (50) comprises one valve unit (60) or two valve units (60) or more valve units (60), wherein a dosing of spraying liquid with one valve unit (60) or with two valve units (60) or more valve units (60) takes place in each case dependent on a required quantity of liquid.

12. Spraying device (50), according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that spray nozzles (24) are arranged on the spray bar arrangement (22), preferably such nozzles which can be controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation.

13. Spraying device (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the opening and closing times of the one and / or the plurality of valve units (60) can be automatically controlled and / or regulated by means of a control means by means of pulse width modulation as a function of a defined quantity of liquid, the control means being used to switch between an open position and a closed position of the one and / or the plurality of valve units (60) at intervals and continuously as a function of the opening and closing times.

14. Agricultural field sprayer (10) with a chassis (14) comprising a frame structure and a spraying device (50) according to one of claims 1 - 13.

15. Agricultural field sprayer (10) according to claim 14, characterised in that this is a self-propelled field sprayer (10) or a field sprayer (10) towed by means of a towing vehicle or a field sprayer (10) attached to a towing vehicle.

16. Method for operating a spraying device (50), having at least one storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) for at least one spraying liquid, at least one receiving element for receiving and / or conveying the spraying liquid, a pressure generating member for generating a delivery pressure for conveying the spraying liquid from the storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) to the receiving element, one or more valve units (60) arranged between the at least one storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) arranged between the at least one storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) and the receiving element, a spray bar arrangement (22) with spray nozzles (24) for distributing the spray liquid, characterised by, an automated control and / or regulation of the opening and closing times of the one and / or the several valve units (60) by means of pulse width modulation (PWM) dependent on a defined liquid quantity by means of a control means, wherein the control and / or regulation of the opening and / or closing times of the one or more valve units (60) by means of pulse width modulation by means of the control means is carried out in dependence on a defined quantity of liquid by means of a control device a) a quantity of liquid detected by means of a flow measuring device (62) arranged downstream of the one or more valve units (60), wherein the receiving element is formed by an additional tank (54), preferably forming a mixing chamber, and / or b) of a level detected by means of a level measuring device (64) assigned to the storage tank (52; 52a; 52b; 52c) and / or the receiving element.

17. Method according to claim 16, characterised in that the opening and / or closing times of the one or more valve units (60) are controlled and / or regulated by means of pulse width modulation by means of the control means, preferably dependent on a delivery pressure.