Agricultural sprayer and method for removing or installing a pump in such an agricultural sprayer

Abstract

The present invention relates to an agricultural sprayer comprising a chassis (1) extending along the longitudinal axis (X) of the sprayer, a pump assembly including a pump (2) and a pump support (3) removably attached to the chassis (1) in an operational position of the pump (2), characterised in that it comprises a lifting space (4) arranged vertically through the chassis (1) and a lifting system including a lifting apparatus (5) attached to the chassis (1) and / or to a tank (C) of the agricultural sprayer and at least one fastening point (60) rigidly connected to the pump assembly, the lifting apparatus (5) being detachably connected to the fastening point(s) (60) and being capable of and intended for, in the actuated state, lowering or raising the pump assembly in the lifting space (4).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Agricultural sprayer and a method of removing or mounting a pump in such an agricultural sprayer

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of agricultural machinery, more particularly the field of agricultural sprayers. It relates to an agricultural sprayer and a method for removing or mounting a pump in such an agricultural sprayer.

[0002] Agricultural sprayers are used to spread a treatment mixture in the form of droplets on plants. To this end, they comprise various components connected to each other by a water circuit. These components include a main tank containing the mixture and spray nozzles designed to distribute the mixture over the plants to be treated. Spraying therefore involves pumping the mixture using a pump and conveying it under pressure to the nozzles, which are moved above the plants to be treated.

[0003] There are several categories of agricultural sprayers depending on the type of boom and chassis and the position or type of tank. The sprayer is in the mounted category when the tractor supports its entire weight. The sprayer is then attached to the tractor's three-point hitch. The sprayer is trailed when its entire weight rests on the ground via wheels; the sprayer's drawbar can then be connected to the tractor's towing eye or tow hook. When the sprayer is motorized, it is part of the self-propelled sprayer category.

[0004] Such an agricultural sprayer comprises a frame supporting the main tank, a spray boom and a pump assembly comprising the pump and a pump support. The frame is generally of a welded design to withstand the stresses imposed by the tank and the boom, it extends in a substantially horizontal plane. The frame is composed, for example, of two horizontal side members (U-shaped profiles) connected to each other by cross members. The pump is an essential component of the sprayer since it allows a determined quantity of liquid to be delivered per unit of time and under a defined pressure. It also allows the tank to be filled with liquid and the liquid to be mixed in the tank. Generally, the pump is fixed to the front of the chassis to be easily driven by a cardan transmission connected to the PTO shaft by the tractor. It extends in the vertical median plane of the sprayer chassis. When the sprayer is equipped with a diaphragm piston pump, annual inspection and maintenance of the pump's moving parts are recommended. To check the condition of the rubber diaphragms, disassembly of the pump is necessary. This is why the pump, generally mounted on a pump support, is fixed to the chassis in a removable manner to allow its removal. Maintenance of the pump or its replacement when it is defective can then be carried out.

[0005] Before removing the pump, especially the pump assembly, it is necessary to functionally disconnect the pump, i.e., to remove the suction and discharge pipes as well as the device driving the pump by the tractor. This operation is complex and very restrictive since the pipes to be disconnected are not always accessible due to the protective covers and since the space around the pump is not clear. The intervention time for removal and assembly is several hours. Moreover, the duration of the assembly operation is generally longer and more complicated. Indeed, it is necessary on the one hand to ensure precise positioning of the pump or the pump assembly on the chassis to be able to refit the fixing screws and on the other hand to connect the various pipes to the pump in a narrow space with limited accessibility.The uncleared space around the pump makes it difficult to move and handle the pump during both removal and installation. Furthermore, the pump's weight, which is around 40 to 90 kg, makes it even more difficult to handle by one person.

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing an agricultural sprayer which makes it easier to remove and install the pump in the sprayer, while significantly reducing the time taken for these operations.

[0007] The agricultural sprayer, according to the present invention, which comprises a frame extending along the longitudinal axis of the sprayer, a pump assembly comprising a pump and a pump support removably fixed to the chassis in an operational position of the pump, is characterized in that it further comprises a lifting space arranged vertically through the chassis and a lifting system comprising, on the one hand, a lifting device fixed to the chassis and / or to a tank of the agricultural sprayer and, on the other hand, at least one attachment point secured to the pump assembly, the lifting device being connected, in a detachable manner, to the attachment point(s) and being capable and intended, in the actuated state, to lower or raise the pump assembly into the lifting space.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a method for removing or mounting a pump in an agricultural sprayer according to the present invention, characterized in that it consists of carrying out the following steps:

[0009] in a pump assembly removal sequence:

[0010] - possibly, position on the ground, in the axis of the lifting space, a receiving element, for example a pallet,

[0011] - unlock the pump support from the chassis and / or the tank and functionally disconnect the pump,

[0012] - control the actuation of the lifting device to lower the pump assembly to a low position in which the pump assembly rests on the ground, if applicable on the receiving element,

[0013] - detach the attachment point(s) from the lifting device,

[0014] in a sequence of mounting the pump assembly from the lower position or a position close to it:

[0015] - attach the attachment point(s) to the lifting device,

[0016] - control the lifting device to lift the pump assembly to the operational position,

[0017] - if necessary, center the pump support in the functional position,

[0018] - fix the pump bracket on the frame to lock it in the functional position and functionally connect the pump.

[0019] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given as a non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0020] [Fig. 1] is a partial perspective view of a trailed agricultural sprayer, according to the present invention, attached to the rear of a tractor vehicle,

[0021] [Fig. 2] is a bottom view of the chassis at the lifting apparatus and pump assembly of the agricultural sprayer shown in Fig. 1,

[0022] [Fig. 3] is a cross-sectional view of the agricultural sprayer shown in Fig. 1 at the pump assembly and lifting apparatus, in a mid-height position, between the high position and the low position, of the pump assembly as it is moved vertically by the lifting apparatus in the lifting space,

[0023] [Fig. 4] shows the agricultural sprayer partially shown in Figure 1, in a phase where the pump assembly has been lowered by the lifting apparatus into the low position in which the pump assembly rests on a handling pallet placed on the ground, before its detachment from the lifting apparatus,

[0024] [Fig. 5] shows a pump assembly of an agricultural sprayer according to the present invention detached from the lifting apparatus and in one embodiment the hydraulically driven pump equipped with a hooking element in a particular shape.

[0025] The figures show an agricultural sprayer, according to the present invention, comprising a chassis 1 extending along the longitudinal axis X of the sprayer, a pump assembly comprising a pump 2 and a pump support 3 removably fixed on the chassis 1 in an operative position of the pump 2. In Figure 1, such a sprayer and a tractor T can be seen partially represented. It is a trailed sprayer whose drawbar is connected to a towing hook present on the tractor T, the drawbar being for this purpose equipped with a towing ring. The trailed sprayer can also be hitched to the towing pin or to the two towing arms of the tractor T. To support the large volume of liquid that may be present in the tank, the chassis 1 of the trailed sprayer rests on the ground by means of wheels, the wheels are not shown in the figures.

[0026] It can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, in particular in Figure 2, that the pump support 3 is fixed to the frame 1, for example by means of fixing screws 9, to lock it in the functional position. The pump support 3 is described in more detail below. The pump support 3 can be attached in this way, but it can also be integrated into the pump 2, for example in the lower part of the pump 2.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a partial view of the trailed sprayer connected to the rear of the tractor T. The drive of the pump 2 is mechanical via a cardan transmission T1 connected to the power take-off shaft of the tractor T. The power take-off shaft of the tractor T extends in the median plane of the tractor T, thus the pump 2 is arranged on the chassis 1 of the sprayer so that the input shaft of the pump 2 intended to receive the cardan transmission is in alignment with the power take-off shaft, when the tractor T and the sprayer are aligned. The pump 2 is therefore also centered on the median vertical plane of the agricultural sprayer. The pump 2 is therefore advantageously provided or mounted at the front of the chassis 1. Figure 5 shows a pump assembly in which the pump 2 is hydraulically driven. The pump 2 is intended to be connected to a hydraulic supply 7.In Figure 5, two hydraulic pipes can be seen that can be connected either to the hydraulic circuit of the tractor T or to a stand-alone hydraulic unit on the agricultural sprayer. In the case of a hydraulically driven pump 2, positioning the pump at the rear of the chassis 1 is possible, as well as at the front of the chassis 1 of the agricultural sprayer.

[0028] The terms used in this application relating to a “horizontal” or “vertical” orientation correspond to an orientation in a configuration of the agricultural sprayer resting or moving on essentially horizontal ground.

[0029] An agricultural sprayer is a machine designed to apply liquid in the form of droplets to a specific target. The liquid is, for example, clear water or a treatment spray to be spread on plants. For this purpose, it may comprise various known elements connected to each other by a water circuit. These elements include a main tank C containing the spray and spray nozzles intended to distribute the spray on the plants to be treated. The pump 2 allows the spray mixture to be pumped into the main tank C and conveyed under pressure to the nozzles which are moved above the ground or plants to be treated when the agricultural sprayer is moved across a field.

[0030] According to the present invention, such an agricultural sprayer further comprises a lifting space 4 arranged vertically through the chassis 1 and a lifting system comprising, on the one hand, a lifting apparatus 5 fixed to the chassis 1 and / or to a tank of the agricultural sprayer and, on the other hand, at least one attachment point 60 secured to the pump assembly. The lifting apparatus 5 is detachably connected to the attachment point(s) 60 and is suitable and intended, in the actuated state, to lower or raise the pump assembly into the lifting space 4. The tank C may be the main tank of the sprayer.

[0031] The term "attachment point 60" means a part of a hooking element 6. Such a hooking element 6 is securely attached to the pump assembly, i.e. to the pump 2 and / or to the pump support. The lifting system may comprise at least one such hooking element 6 connected to the lifting apparatus 5. The hooking element 6 is arranged on the pump assembly so as to be able to hold the pump assembly in a horizontal position during removal. Furthermore, such a hooking element 6 is connected to the lifting apparatus 5, in a detachable manner, to be able to detach or unhook the pump assembly from the lifting apparatus 5. The position and distribution of the hooking points 60 is such that the pump assembly remains substantially in a horizontal plane during removal. The attachment element 6, respectively the attachment point 60, is a permanent or temporary fixing point, allowing the pump assembly to be attached or suspended there.The attachment point(s) 6 is(are) positioned so as to prevent the pump assembly from tilting during removal or installation.

[0032] The lifting apparatus 5 may be provided to be operated manually, for example by means of a crank 54, as will be seen later and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. In a form not illustrated, the lifting apparatus 5 may be provided to be operated with motorized assistance, for example electric, hydraulic or pneumatic.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the lifting apparatus 5 is suitable and intended to lower the pump assembly from a high position at a level corresponding to that of the operational position to a low position under the chassis 1. Conversely, the lifting apparatus 5 is suitable and intended to lift the pump assembly from the low position to the high position, preferably with automatic guidance and centering of the pump support 3 in the operational position. Figure 4 illustrates the pump assembly in its low position under the chassis. The pump assembly is placed on a receiving element 8. The pump assembly is hooked to the lifting apparatus 5 in the position shown.

[0034] The low position is a position allowing the pump assembly to be placed on the ground for the purpose of carrying out the maintenance or replacement operation of the pump 2. Preferably, the pump 2 or the pump assembly moves from the high position to the low position by a substantially vertical translation.

[0035] Preferably, the low position under the chassis 1 is provided to be able to carry out the removal of the pump assembly by a transverse movement under the chassis 1, that is to say transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the agricultural sprayer or towards the side of the sprayer. Preferably, the level of the low position can correspond to the level of the ground S or of a receiving element 8 such as a handling pallet placed on the ground S, that is to say at the level of the upper surface 80 of such a pallet on which the pump assembly can rest (figure 1, 3, 4) lowered from the high position. Such a pallet loaded by the pump assembly can be easily moved by sliding on the ground S by a single operator, preferably using handling equipment such as a pallet truck.

[0036] In a first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the lifting system may comprise at least two attachment points 60 secured to the upper part of the pump 2. The at least two attachment points 60 are arranged symmetrically and at equal distance from the center of gravity of the pump assembly. In this case, the lifting system may, for example, comprise two attachment elements 6 each consisting of a ring, a part of each attachment element 6 of which forms one of the two points attachment points 60. In a variant, the two attachment points 60 may be secured to the upper part of the pump 2 by being arranged asymmetrically. According to an exemplary embodiment not shown, the two attachment elements 6 may be connected to each other by a tube. Preferably, the tube may extend horizontally and may be provided with an attachment point.

[0037] In a second embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the lifting system may comprise a single attachment point 60 secured to the upper part of the pump 2 just above the center of gravity of the pump assembly. In this case, the lifting system may, for example, comprise a attachment element 6 consisting of two rings 61 of generally triangular or V-shaped shape meeting at their apex at a point forming the single attachment point 60. The two rings 61 may be fixed by their base (or the end of the branches of the V) on the upper part of the pump 2, preferably symmetrically and at an equal distance from the center of gravity of the pump assembly. For example, the single attachment point (60) is produced from two attachment elements (6) fixed by their base on the upper part of the pump (2) symmetrically and at an equal distance from the center of gravity of the pump assembly.

[0038] Preferably, in the case of a plurality of attachment points 60, these can be arranged symmetrically on the pump 2 with respect to the median axis, parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the sprayer / chassis / pump 2. Thus, the pump assembly is balanced

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the lifting device 5, the latter, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, may comprise:

[0040] - a supporting structure 50 fixed to the chassis 1 and / or to the tank(s) of the agricultural sprayer, and

[0041] - a lifting mechanism detachably connected to the attachment point(s) 60 and being suitable and intended, in the actuated state, to lower or raise the pump assembly into the lifting space 4.

[0042] Preferably, the lifting mechanism, as seen in Figures 1 to 4, may comprise:

[0043] - a winding device 51 fixed to the supporting structure 50,

[0044] - a lifting element 52 wound in the winding device 51 and having a hooking end,

[0045] - a connecting interface 53 extending above the pump assembly connecting the attachment end to the attachment point(s) 60, and

[0046] - means 54 for actuating the winding device 51.

[0047] It is understood that the connecting interface 53 allows the suspension of the pump assembly, when it is disassembled and functionally disconnected, at the (hooking) end of the lifting element 52.

[0048] It is also understood that the lifting mechanism can thus be of the winch or hoist type.

[0049] The winding device 51 is a mechanical device which may preferably comprise, on the one hand, a rotating drum or a cylindrical-shaped element around which the lifting element 52 is wound and, on the other hand, a gearing mechanism which may consist of pulleys and / or a motor, for example a motor, preferably a rotary, electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor.

[0050] The lifting element 52 may consist of, for example, a cable, a belt, a strap, or a rope. It may be formed by one or more strands, each strand being formed by a cable, a belt, a strap, or a rope. The lifting element 52 is strong enough to carry (when lowering) or pull (when lifting) the pump assembly.

[0051] The connecting interface 53 may comprise, for example, at least one hook, or at least one sling, connected to the lifting element 52, in particular at one of the ends. Such a sling, as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, may comprise at least one loop. It can be seen in particular in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 that the loop is connected to two ring-shaped attachment elements 6 by passing through the eye of each ring.

[0052] The actuation of the winding device 51 has the effect of unwinding or winding, around a horizontal winding / unwinding axis 510, the lifting element 52 and of moving vertically, by a movement respectively lowering or lifting, the connecting interface 53 in the lifting space 4. The actuating means may be constituted, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, by a manually actuable crank. The crank 54 may be more particularly designed to be able to be actuated by an operator located on one of the sides of the agricultural sprayer. Such a crank may include an eccentric gripping part allowing the operator to exert a force imparting a rotational movement of the crank 54 around its axis. Such a crank 54 may then, during its rotation, actuate the rotating drum of the winding device 51, in particular by means of the gear mechanism. The actuating means may also be, in a form not illustrated, an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator.

[0053] Preferably, the winding / unwinding axis 510 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X. Preferably, the winding / unwinding axis 510 extends just above the center of gravity of the pump assembly. Alternatively, the winding / unwinding axis 510 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0054] Preferably, the winding device 51 is located just above the lifting space 4. The winding device 51 extends above the pump 2. Preferably, the hooking end of the lifting element 52 is located just above the center of gravity of the pump assembly. The lifting element 52 has a sufficient length to allow the pump 2 to be placed on the ground S.

[0055] In a preferred form of the chassis 1, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the latter may comprise two horizontal side members 10 spaced apart from each other so that the lifting space 4 extends vertically through the chassis 1 passing between the two side members 10. Each side member 10 may have a generally square or rectangular cross-section and comprise a lower face 100 and two opposite side faces 101, 102, internal and external, perpendicular to the lower face 100. In addition, the pump support 3 may be fixed in a removable manner on the side members 10, preferably on their internal side face 101, by abutting against the lower face 100 of each side member 10.

[0056] Preferably, particularly in the case where the lifting mechanism is manual, it may be self-braking (or include a self-braking system) making it possible to block / stop and / or maintain the pump assembly in position when the operator releases the force exerted on the actuating means such as the crank. Preferably, the lifting mechanism, particularly the winding device and / or the gearing mechanism, is designed to be compact.

[0057] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the supporting structure 50 may consist of a jib and comprise:

[0058] - two uprights 500 securely fixed to the chassis 1, preferably on either side of the lifting space 4,

[0059] - a horizontal crosspiece 501 supported by the two uprights 500. Preferably, the crosspiece 501 extends just above the lifting space 4.

[0060] The supporting structure 50 may include other uprights or crosspieces, in particular to further strengthen or stiffen the structure. The supporting structure 50 also makes it possible to support a ladder and / or a platform providing access to the tank and in particular to the upper opening provided on the tank C.

[0061] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the lifting apparatus 5, if applicable the winding device 51, can be fixed to the crossbar 501, preferably at a central point of the crossbar 501. Advantageously, the lifting apparatus 5, more particularly its winding device 51, is placed vertically above the center of gravity of the pump, more particularly of the pump assembly.

[0062] In a preferred form of the pump support 3, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 5, it may comprise a support plate 30 on which the pump 2 can be fixed and two fixing and stop parts 31 which can project laterally from the support plate 30. Each fixing and stop part 31 may comprise a vertical fixing wing 310 and a horizontal stop wing 311. Preferably, the vertical fixing wing 310 is removably fixed on the internal lateral face 101 of one of the side members 10 and the horizontal stop wing 311 abuts against the lower face 100 of the side member 10. The support plate 30 extends horizontally in the lifting space 4, preferably between the two side members 10. In an alternative and simplified form, the pump support 3 comprises the support plate 30 provided on either side with a vertical fixing wing 310 for its fixing on the side members 10, in particular on the respective lateral face 101. The fixing and stop parts 31 shown in the figures have a width less than the support plate 30. The stop wings 311 provide the supports for the pump assembly on the ground or on the receiving element 8. In an alternative, the width of the fixing and stop parts 31 is identical to that of the support plate 30.

[0063] Preferably, each fixing and abutment part 31 may further comprise a guide and centering wing 312 for automatically centering the pump support 3 in the functional position of the pump 2 when it is stopped (or put into abutment). The guide and centering wing 312 is parallel to the fixing wing 310 and comprises a V-shaped guide and centering groove 313. The external lateral face 102 of each spar 10 may comprise a centering finger 12 engaged in the bottom of the guide and centering groove 313.

[0064] Thus, when lifting the pump assembly, when it reaches the stop, by the stop wings 311 against the lower faces 100 of the side members, the centering fingers are inserted into the respective V-shaped guide and centering grooves 313, which has the effect of automatically guiding and centering the pump support 3 in the high and functional position of the pump 2. Locking in this position is achieved by means of the fixing screws 9 screwed into openings made in the side members 10 by passing through the fixing wings 310 which are applied against the external lateral faces 102 under the effect of the pressure exerted by the heads of the fixing screws 9 against the fixing wings 310. Disassembly is achieved by unscrewing the screws. In the disassembled state, the pump assembly is held in the upper position by being suspended from the lifting element 52 of the lifting apparatus 5.In the disassembled state, the pump assembly is then ready to be lowered, by actuation of the lifting device 5, to the lower position in order to allow the pump assembly to be removed. Thanks to the automatic centering of the pump assembly on the frame 1, the assembly sequence is made easier and therefore faster.

[0065] The present invention also relates to a method of removing or mounting a pump in an agricultural sprayer according to the present invention.

[0066] According to the present invention, the method is characterized in that it consists of carrying out the following steps:

[0067] in a pump assembly removal sequence:

[0068] - possibly, position on the ground S, in the axis of the vertical lifting space 4, a receiving element 8, for example a pallet,

[0069] - unlock the pump support 3 from the chassis 1 and / or the tank C to unlock the pump assembly and functionally disconnect the pump 2,

[0070] - controlling the actuation of the lifting device 5 to lower the pump assembly to a low position in which the pump assembly rests on the ground (S), if necessary on the receiving element 8,

[0071] - detach the attachment point(s) 60 from the lifting device 5,

[0072] in a sequence of mounting the pump assembly from the lower position or a position close to it:

[0073] - attach the attachment point(s) 60 to the lifting device 5,

[0074] - control the lifting device 5 to lift the pump assembly to the level of the operational position,

[0075] - if necessary, guide and center the pump support 3 in the functional position,

[0076] - fix the pump support 3 on the frame 1 to lock it in the functional position and functionally connect the pump 2.

[0077] Preferably, according to such a method, the upper position is reached when the pump support 3 abuts against a lower face 100 of the chassis 1, where appropriate with automatic guidance and centering of the pump support 3 in the functional position of the pump 2 upon abutment. This step is described in more detail above in a particular form with the chassis 1 having the two side members 10. To start the assembly sequence, the pump assembly is positioned approximately vertically above the lifting mechanism, in or close to the lower position, under the chassis 1 of the agricultural sprayer. By elsewhere, following the sequence of placing the pump assembly on the ground S or on the pallet, the operator will move the pump assembly transversely relative to the chassis 1 of the sprayer to be able to carry out the maintenance operation on the pump 2.

[0078] Thus such an agricultural sprayer or process has the following advantages:

[0079] - ease and speed of the operation of removing or mounting the pump assembly and in particular pump 2, more particularly when mounting the pump since the pump must in particular be centered in the median plane in order to be able to be connected to the cardan transmission T1 for its drive,

[0080] - safety of the operation,

[0081] - ergonomic handling with assistance and therefore little or no effort.

[0082] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Agricultural sprayer comprising a chassis (1) extending along the longitudinal axis (X) of the sprayer, a pump assembly comprising a pump (2) and a pump support (3) fixed, in a removable manner, on the chassis (1) in an operative position of the pump (2), characterized in that it further comprises a lifting space (4) arranged vertically through the chassis (1) and a lifting system comprising, on the one hand, a lifting apparatus (5) fixed on the chassis (1) and / or on a tank (C) of the agricultural sprayer and, on the other hand, at least one attachment point (60) secured to the pump assembly, the lifting apparatus (5) being connected, in a detachable manner, to the attachment point(s) (60) and being capable and intended, in the actuated state, to lower or raise the pump assembly in the lifting space (4).

2. Agricultural sprayer, according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting apparatus (5) is suitable and intended to lower the pump assembly from a high position of level corresponding to that of the functional position to a low position under the chassis (1) and, conversely, to lift the pump assembly from the low position to the high position, preferably with automatic guidance and centering of the pump support (3) in the functional position.

3. Agricultural sprayer, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lifting system comprises at least two attachment points (60) integral with the upper part of the pump (2) being arranged symmetrically and at equal distance from the center of gravity of the pump assembly.

4. Agricultural sprayer, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lifting system comprises a single attachment point (60) secured to the upper part of the pump (2) just above the center of gravity of the pump assembly.

5. Agricultural sprayer, according to claim 4, characterized in that the single attachment point (60) is made from two attachment elements (6) fixed by their base on the upper part of the pump (2) symmetrically and at an equal distance from the center of gravity of the pump assembly.

6. Agricultural sprayer, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lifting apparatus (5) comprises a supporting structure (50) fixed on the chassis (1) and / or on the or one of the tank(s) (C) of the agricultural sprayer and a lifting mechanism detachably connected to the attachment point(s) (60) and being suitable and intended, in the actuated state, to lower or raise the pump assembly in the lifting space (4), the lifting mechanism comprising a winding device (51) fixed on the supporting structure (50), a lifting element (52) wound in the winding device (51) and having a hooking end, a connecting interface (53) extending above the pump assembly by connecting the hooking end to the hooking point(s) (60) and means actuating the winding device (51).

7. Agricultural sprayer, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the chassis (1) comprises two horizontal side members (10) spaced from each other so that the lifting space (4) extends vertically through the chassis (1) passing between the two side members (10), each side member (10) having a generally square or rectangular section and comprising a lower face (100) and two opposite inner and outer side faces (101, 102) perpendicular to the lower face (100) and in that the pump support (3) is removably fixed on the side members (10), preferably on their inner side face (101), abutting against the lower face (100) of each side member (10).

8. Agricultural sprayer, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pump support (3) comprises a support plate (30) on which the pump (2) is fixed and two fixing and stop parts (31) projecting laterally from the support plate (30) and each comprising a vertical fixing wing (310) and a horizontal stop wing (311), the support plate (30) extending horizontally in the lifting space (4).

9. Agricultural sprayer, according to claim 8, characterized in that each fixing and stop part (31) further comprises a guide and centering wing (312) for automatically guiding and centering the pump support (3) in the functional position of the pump (2) when stopped, the guide and centering wing (312) being parallel to the fixing wing (310) and comprising a V-shaped guide and centering groove (313) and the external lateral face (102) of each side member (10) comprises a centering finger (12) engaged in the bottom of the guide and centering groove (313).

10. Agricultural sprayer, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the or each attachment point (60) is formed by a part of an attachment element (6) fixed to the pump assembly.

11. Method for removing or mounting a pump in an agricultural sprayer according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it consists of carrying out the following steps: in a sequence for removing the pump assembly: - possibly, position on the ground (S), in the axis of the lifting space (4), a receiving element (8), for example a pallet, - unlock the pump support (3) from the chassis (1) and / or the tank (C) and functionally disconnect the pump (2), - controlling the actuation of the lifting device (5) to lower the pump assembly to a low position in which the pump assembly rests on the ground (S), if applicable on the receiving element (8), - detach the attachment point(s) (60) from the lifting device (5), in a sequence of assembly of the pump assembly from the low position or a position close to the latter: - attach the attachment point(s) (60) to the lifting device (5), - control the lifting device (5) to lift the pump assembly to the level of the operational position, - if necessary, guide and center the pump support (3) in the functional position, - fix the pump support (3) on the frame (1) to lock it in the functional position and functionally connect the pump (2).

12. Method for removing or mounting a pump in an agricultural sprayer, according to claim 11, characterized in that the high position is reached when the pump support (3) comes into abutment against a lower face (100) of the chassis (1), where appropriate with automatic guidance and centering of the pump support (3) in the functional position of the pump (2) upon abutment.

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