PLANT TREATMENT PRODUCT SPRAYING DEVICE

Abstract

A spraying device (1) for treatment products, in particular plant protection products, comprising at least one spray boom (2, 2') equipped with a plurality of spaced nozzles (3), and a frame (4) supporting said at least one boom, characterized in that said at least one boom (2, 2') is capable of rotation about its longitudinal axis, in a continuous oscillation, preferably with an adjustable angle of oscillation and an adjustable oscillation speed, the angle of oscillation and the oscillation speed being in particular controlled by the speed of movement of the spraying device intended to be moved along plants. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR SPRAYING TREATMENT PRODUCTS FOR PLANTS

[0001] The invention relates to a device for spraying treatment products, in particular for spraying phytopharmaceutical products on plants.

[0002] The invention will be more particularly described with regard to a device for treating vines, without however being limited thereto. It applies to shrubs, trees, and in general to all plants, and more particularly to plants grown in rows, to fruit hedges.

[0003] As is known, the devices use booms equipped with spray nozzles that deliver sprayed jets in droplets. Increasingly, these devices are also equipped with airflow generation systems that assist in transporting the droplets; they correspond to the so-called air-jet technique. However, these latter devices actually create a lot of drift: a significant portion of the treatment products is not deposited on the plants and is not transported to their core, and droplets can easily be transferred to the surroundings outside the areas to be treated, which has a negative impact on the environment.

[0004] To overcome the drawback of drift, patent application FR2969902 proposed a device provided with recovery panels, also called confined panels, and suction means in order to recover and recycle the product that has not reached the plant. However, such a device is bulky and relatively expensive, and does not provide a solution to the problem of the penetration of plant protection products into the heart of plants.

[0005] More recently, patent application FR4075567 proposed a system with air flow generating means, which are not intended to transfer the droplets to the plant but to create a continuous air gap laterally to the spray jets, so as to constitute a containment curtain preventing the treatment product from crossing, which contributes to a relatively effective limitation of drift. Nevertheless, such a system remains complex to manufacture, and still requires air flow generating turbines. Here again, such a system does not ensure treatment at the heart of the plant.

[0006] The invention therefore aims to propose a solution which does not have the aforementioned drawbacks, and allows penetration and positioning of phytopharmaceutical products in the heart of the plant, while limiting drift as much as possible.

[0007] According to the invention, the device for spraying treatment products, in particular phytopharmaceutical products, comprises at least one spray bar provided with a plurality of spaced nozzles (preferably pairs of spaced nozzles, and / or preferably with an adjustable orientation angle), and a frame supporting said at least one boom. The device is such that said at least one boom is capable of being movable in rotation around its longitudinal axis (the longitudinal axis of the boom), according to a continuous oscillation (in particular during spraying), preferably according to an oscillation angle which is adjustable (preferably according to an angle of at most 180°) and according to an oscillation speed which is adjustable, the oscillation angle and the oscillation speed being in particular controlled by the speed of movement of the spraying device intended to be moved along plants.

[0008] Unexpectedly, the mobility of the boom by oscillating in rotation relative to its longitudinal axis, and this continuously, allows the treatment product to be sprayed according to a multitude of projection angles and to be introduced to the heart of the plant. There is no need to surround the entire spraying device with pressurized air blowing means, as in the state of the art. In addition, drift is minimized during spraying due to the absence of pressurized air blowing all around the device.

[0009] Furthermore, this spraying device is of relatively simple design to manufacture and adaptable to any existing sprayer, leading to a low selling price compared to existing devices. Indeed, the spraying device of the invention is in particular independent of the treatment product tank and the feed pump, the product feed pipe connected to the tank only needs to be connected to the spray bar of the spraying device. Consequently, the spraying device of the invention also requires reduced maintenance.

[0010] In the remainder of the description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “upper”, “lower”, “high”, “low”, are understood to describe an element of the spraying device in the context of a normal installation of the device, that is to say relating to a vertical concept relative to a horizontal ground and above which the spraying device would be arranged or suspended.

[0011] According to one characteristic, said at least one boom is capable, in combination with its continuous oscillating rotational movement, of being movable in pivoting in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, by pivoting the supporting frame. When the spraying device is designed in its use so that the spraying boom(s) are in a vertical position, the booms are therefore capable of pivoting in continuous oscillation around their vertical longitudinal axis and of pivoting further around a horizontal axis by pivoting the supporting frame relative to its longitudinal and horizontal development axis; the booms, while oscillating, then also make a rocking movement in a vertical plane parallel to a line of plants in spray position of the device.

[0012] According to another characteristic, said at least one spraying boom is capable of being movable in translation relative to the supporting chassis, preferably is capable of being movable in translation during spraying while maintaining a constant distance from the target (plant) intended to be treated.

[0013] Advantageously, the spraying device comprises presence and distance detection means capable of detecting the presence or absence of a target intended to be treated, and of measuring the separation distance of said at least one boom from the target to be treated, and means for controlling in real time the translational movement of said at least one spraying boom so as to maintain a constant distance between the boom and the target intended to be treated. In this case, the absence of detected vegetation closes the diffusion of the nozzles concerned. In addition, the spraying device is then capable of adapting to the profile of the terrain on which the vehicle carrying the device is traveling so that the distance separating the nozzles from the plant is constantly the same to treat the plant homogeneously along its entire line.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the spraying device comprises two spraying booms spaced apart and carried by the supporting frame, in particular the two spraying booms extending perpendicular to the frame (which is of longitudinal body) so that said spraying device has a general shape of an inverted U. The spraying device thus makes it possible to spray at the same time the two opposite lateral faces of a plant in line, or two facing faces of two parallel rows of plants (called two half-rows). The two spraying booms have their oscillating movement around their longitudinal axis which is either synchronous or asynchronous.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the chassis body comprises two opposite and parallel arms, at the distal ends of each of which is fixed a spray bar extending perpendicularly (or substantially perpendicularly) to the associated arm, preferably the arms being non-aligned so that the two spray bars are fixed at two diagonally opposite points relative to the center of the chassis body. Advantageously, the arms are movable relative to the chassis by a translation mechanism, preferably by a rack and pinion system. Advantageously, the translation mechanism, preferably by a rack and pinion system, is capable of translating at least one spray bar relative to the chassis.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the spraying device comprises rotation means such as an electric motor or a jack, which are coupled to said at least one spraying ramp for its oscillating movement around its axis. gitudinal.

[0017] According to an advantageous characteristic, the spraying device comprises air mixing elements which are coupled to the spraying booms, in particular the air mixing elements being mechanical structural elements which are preferably removably fixed to said at least one boom. These air mixing elements contribute even better to the deposition of the product at the heart of the plants, because they allow, during the advancement of the spraying device, to mix the air opposite the plant and to make the leaves twirl during spraying. In an exemplary embodiment, an air mixing element forms a plate which extends along the entire length of a spraying boom and laterally to the nozzles, preferably the air mixing element comprising a concave surface, the concavity of which is turned towards the spraying boom.In another embodiment, the air mixing elements form a pair of spaced flanges arranged in a localized manner at the height of one or more grouped nozzles, each flange extending laterally on either side of one or more grouped nozzles; the air mixing elements form two (fixed) fans on either side of one or more grouped nozzles on the boom; during the movement of a boom, the flanges or fans disturb and mix the air, stirring the leaves of the plants. The air mixing elements may be angularly adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis of the boom.

[0018] According to yet another characteristic, the carrier chassis is equipped with stabilizing means, in particular a gyroscope, in order to remain in a horizontal (or substantially horizontal) plane whatever the movement of the vehicle which is intended to carry the spraying device for its use, preferably the stabilizing means, which can be driven by motors, also constituting means for pivoting the carrier chassis relative to its extension plane, on the one hand, around an axis parallel to the length of the chassis (to the longitudinal axis of the chassis and therefore parallel to the arms) so as to provide a pivoting of the chassis from front to back (and vice versa) relative to the direction of advance of a vehicle carrying the spraying device in the position of use, and on the other hand, around an axis perpendicular to the length of the chassis (or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chassis and therefore to the arms),so as to provide a pivoting from left to right (and vice versa) relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle carrying the spraying device in the position of use. The pivoting of the chassis causes the pivoting of said at least one boom.

[0019] Advantageously, the nozzles are grouped in pairs of nozzles, in particular the nozzles of a pair being oriented in different directions, in particular at an angle of the order of 40°, preferably the opening and closing of the nozzles being a function of the detection of the presence and distance of a target intended to be treated.

[0020] Advantageously, said at least one spraying boom is removable relative to the supporting frame, in particular is interchangeable with another tool capable of cooperating with the plant, such as for weeding or removing suckers or cutting, or detecting in particular to collect information on the plants.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of a spray boom, the latter has a profile adapted to form one or more longitudinal chutes at the rear of the spray nozzles, and preferably comprises at the distal (lower) end a recovery surface into which the chute(s) open, the chute(s) forming channels for recovering the sprayed treatment product and not reaching the plant.

[0022] Advantageously, the spraying device comprises, in particular in a manner integrated into the carrier chassis, means for measuring the forward speed of the vehicle intended to carry said spraying device, and / or an anemometer, and / or means for measuring the pressure and / or the pH and / or the temperature of the product sent into said at least one spraying boom.

[0023] According to a particular use, the spraying device is used to treat any hedge or row of plants, in particular vines, by spraying the two opposite vertical sides of a row, or the two vertical sides opposite an inter-row (generally called the “two half-rows”).

[0024] The invention also relates to a vehicle which carries at least one aforementioned spraying device of the invention, the vehicle being in particular a land vehicle, in particular a quad or a tractor such as an inter-row tractor or a straddle tractor, or being an aerial vehicle such as a drone. No drone today is capable of spraying plant protection products in vertical planes. However, the spraying device being relatively light (less than 15 kg), it can advantageously be carried (suspended) by a drone; certainly, the drone makes it possible to treat plants at height without difficulty, but above all the drone provided with the spraying device of the invention now makes it possible to treat vertical sections of plants. The spraying device carried by the drone thus makes it possible to be positioned at the same height as the plants, and not above them, generating spraying at the heart of the plant and minimizing drift.

[0025] The present invention is now described using examples which are solely illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the attached illustrations, in which: - [Fig.l] or [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a spraying device according to the invention. - [Fig.2] or [Fig.2] illustrates a perspective view of a variant of the device spraying of [Fig.l]. - [Fig.3] or [Fig.3] is a side view of the spraying device of the [Fig.l]. - [Fig.4a] or [Fig.4a] represents a perspective view of a variant of the spraying device of [Fig.l] according to a different structural embodiment of spray bar, the bars being further arranged so that the nozzles spray in opposite directions; - [Fig.4b] or [Fig.4b] is a detail view of a ramp of [Fig.4a]. - [Fig.5] or [Fig.5] shows a top view of the chassis alone of the pul device verification of figures 1 and 2, with its case open. - [Fig.6] or [Fig.6] illustrates an example of the production of a carrier assembly of two spray devices arranged side by side.

[0026] The spraying device 1 of the invention illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 4a and 6 is intended for spraying treatment products of the phytopharmaceutical type on plants. The spraying device 1 of the invention makes it possible to deposit the product right to the heart of the plant, and to minimize drift.

[0027] In the examples illustrated, the spraying device 1 is intended to treat plants growing tall and arranged in line(s) or rows, such as for example vines or fruit hedges, the treatment product being intended to be sprayed on each side of a row. In [Fig.6] two lines of plants L1 and L2 are shown diagrammatically in front view, which are intended to be treated by two spraying devices 1 of the invention mounted on a support S which is installed on a motorized vehicle V, shown diagrammatically by the dotted outline in the figure with its wheels R. The spraying devices 1 are coupled by being arranged side by side perpendicular to the lines L1 and L2. They form two straddle carriers above and around the lines L1 and L2 respectively.

[0028] In the remainder of the description, the orthogonal reference system X, Y, Z is considered, with the horizontal X axis corresponding to the direction of arrangement in line of the plants (which also corresponds to the direction of advancement of the vehicle), the horizontal Y axis of direction orthogonal to the X axis, and the vertical Z axis.

[0029] The spraying device 1 comprises at least one spraying boom 2, here two spaced spraying booms 2 and 2', a plurality of spraying nozzles 3 carried by the booms, a frame 4 carrying the booms 2 and 2', said booms 2 and 2' being capable of being pivotally movable relative to the carrying frame 4 during spraying, and preferably also capable of being translationally movable to adapt to the distance relative to the plant. As described later, the booms 2 and 2' are at least pivotally movable during spraying, according to a continuous oscillation around their longitudinal axis. The booms can also be pivotally movable according to a rocking movement parallel to the lines of plants.

[0030] In the configuration of Figures 1, 2 and 6, the spraying device 1 has two spraying booms 2 and 2' arranged so that their spraying nozzles 3 are opposite each other; the spraying device 1 makes it possible to treat the two opposite sides of the same row of plants at the same time. In the configuration of [Fig.4a], the spraying device 1 comprises two spraying booms 2 and 2' arranged so that their spraying nozzles 3 are oriented in opposite directions; the vehicle carrying the spraying device is then intended to move between two rows of plants, the spraying device 1 treating the two opposite sides of the two rows of plants.

[0031] In the variant of Figures 2 and 4a, the spraying device 1 further comprises, associated with the booms 2 and 2', structural elements 10, 11, 12 and 13, called air mixing elements, which are capable of swirling the sprayed product. The air mixing elements 10 to 13, described later, are mechanical elements of the structure of each boom 2, 2', which make it possible to agitate the volume of air surrounding them and facing the plant, so as to lift the foliage and transport the product sprayed by the nozzles 3 to the heart of the plant.

[0032] For use in treating plants growing tall and intended to be treated laterally, the boom(s) 2 and 2' extend vertically in the position of use (along the Z axis). The supporting frame 4 is intended to be arranged in a horizontal plane. The boom(s) 2 and 2' are perpendicular to the frame 4. In order to treat two opposite sides of one or two rows of plants at the same time, the spraying device 1 comprises the two spray booms 2 and 2' which form, with the supporting frame 4, an assembly in the general shape of an inverted U intended to span the row or be inserted between two rows.

[0033] The supporting frame 4 comprises a housing 40, at least one arm, preferably two opposite arms 41 and 42 extending out of the housing and extending horizontally (parallel to the Y axis in the position of use of the device), and preferably a mechanism 5 for translating the arms 41 and 42, part of which is housed inside the housing 40. The two arms 41 are capable of carrying the two ramps 2 and 2' respectively. Each ramp 2 and 2' is arranged at the distal end 43, 44 of each of the respective arms 41 and 42, outside the housing 40.

[0034] The carrier frame 4 is designed to be compact and is lightweight. Preferably, it does not exceed a weight of 15 kg. The housing 40 has dimensions particularly adapted to the width of the row or hedge to be treated. The housing 40 is made of aluminum and / or plastic material such as polyoxymethylene (POM plastic). The carrier frame 4 is capable of being mounted on any existing agricultural vehicle chassis; in particular, it comprises a fixing member 40' of the known and usual type. The compact and lightweight design of the carrier frame 4 allows it to be transported by a drone. The length of the arms 41 and 42 is adapted to the width of the rows of plants. The length of the arms is, for example, between 50 cm and 150 cm. If the width of a row of plants is too great, the configuration of [Fig.4a] according to an arrangement of the booms 2 and 2' in opposite spraying makes it possible to adapt to rows whose width is greater than the maximum separation distance of the two booms 2 and 2'. As for the length of the booms, this is, for example, 100 cm; extensions can be attached to increase the length and adapt to the height of the plant.

[0035] The installation of the spraying device 1 on a land vehicle such as a tractor or a quad bike can advantageously be carried out at the front of the vehicle, unlike air-jet spraying devices which require proximity of the turbine and the diffusion nozzles, and therefore an arrangement at the rear of the vehicle. Installation at the front of the vehicle also allows the driver of the vehicle a view of the whole.

[0036] The supporting frame 4 is advantageously equipped with stabilizing means 45 such as a gyroscope in order to remain in a horizontal plane regardless of the movement of the vehicle on which the spraying device 1 is intended to be installed. By remaining flat above the plants, the supporting frame 4 does not risk getting caught in the plants at high speed of the vehicle. The stabilizing means 45 are located outside, in the upper part and in the center of the housing 40. The fixing member 40' for carrying the entire spraying device 1, can overlap the stabilizing means 45.

[0037] The arms 41 and 42 are parallel to the Y axis. The two arms 41 and 42 can be perfectly aligned and facing each other. However, preferably, the two arms 41 and 42 are facing each other and offset in alignment; they are offset laterally and in opposite directions relative to the median longitudinal axis of the housing 40 as seen in Figures 2 and 5. The two arms 41 and 42 are diagonally opposite relative to the center of the housing 40. Thus, the booms 2 and 2' are not perfectly facing each other but are diagonally opposite relative to the center of the supporting frame 4. This diagonal arrangement within the framework of an inverted U-shape of the spraying device provides an offset of the booms in the X direction of movement, which allows better entry of the spraying device into the row of plants and better maneuverability.

[0038] Advantageously, an arm or the arms 41 and 42 are capable of being movable parallel to the Y axis in order to modify the distance separating the arm or each of the arms from the housing 40, in order to adapt the spacing distance of a ramp 2 or of the two ramps 2 and 2' from the plant. The translation mechanism 5 of each arm 41, 42 is preferably capable of carrying out a synchronous and simultaneous movement of the two arms in order to bring them closer to the plant or to move away from it by the same distance. on either side of the plant. The translation mechanism 5 comprises, for example, at least one motor 50, preferably electric, capable of moving the two arms 41 and 42. Said at least one motor 50 is here placed outside the housing 40 (on top) and cooperates through the housing with at least one of the two arms. Alternatively, instead of the motor, the translation mechanism of the arms could be at least one cylinder, preferably electric. In order to make the translation of the arms 41 and 42 synchronous, the translation mechanism 5 comprises ([Fig.5]) a rack and pinion system 50'. The rack and pinion system 50' comprises two facing racks 51 and 52 which are respectively secured to the inner edges of the respective arms 41 and 42, and a pinion 53 (diagrammatically referenced in [Fig.5]) interfacing and cooperating with the two opposite racks 51 and 52.The preferably electric motor 50 drives one of the racks 51 to translate the associated arm 41 to one lateral side or the other of the housing 40 so as to bring the associated ramp 2 closer or further away, the pinion 53 making it possible to translate the opposite arm 42 concomitantly in a direction opposite to that of movement of the motorized arm 41. Alternatively, the translation mechanism 5 could comprise two separate actuating members for each of the two arms 41 and 42, or an additional and independent actuating system, allowing independent movement of each arm and independent adaptation of the separation distance between each arm and the plant. Furthermore, friction pads may be provided to manage the mechanical play and friction of the arms relative to the walls of the housing.

[0039] The translation mechanism 5 of the arms 41 and 42 is controlled by control means which are preferably coupled to a software interface accessible on a display screen such as a tablet or a smartphone.

[0040] Generally speaking, all of the components of the spraying device 1 that are capable of being actuated, and the management of the associated parameters, are actuated by data processing and control means, preferably centralized in a housing, and controlled remotely, preferably by Bluetooth, by a software interface accessible on a display screen. In particular, all of the movements of the components, the synchronization of the movements or their asynchronous function, the variation in the speed of the oscillation of the ramps, the variation in the oscillation angle, the opening and closing of the diffusion nozzles, the management of sensors, the management of solenoid valves, etc. are managed.

[0041] Preferably, the spraying device 1 comprises presence and distance detection means shown diagrammatically by the reference 6 on the booms 2 and 2' (Figures 1 and 4a), which are capable of detecting the absence or presence of plants and of measuring the separation distance of each boom from the plant. The presence and distance detection means 6 are capable of communicating the measured data to the means data processing and control which will control in response the translation mechanism 5 of the arms 41 and 42, and the opening or closing of the diffusion nozzles 3. This makes it possible to manage the diffusion distance in relation to the plant as well as the diffusion of the phytopharmaceutical product, only in the event of the presence of a detected plant. Any type of presence and distance detection means can be used, such as an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, a feeler. The presence and distance detection means 6 will be arranged in a suitable manner on the spray boom to cooperate with the desired part of the plant such as the leaves, the trunk or the foot.Preferably, the presence and distance detection means 6 are operational in real time, so that the data processing and control means monitor in real time the position of each boom 2, 2' relative to the plant, so that the boom-plant distance is maintained even if the vehicle deviates from its trajectory, for example due to uneven terrain or a driving error.

[0042] The ramps 2 and 2' are preferably removably fixed to the supporting frame 4. The ramps 2 and 2' are in particular removably fixed to the arms 41 and 42. The removably fixing of a ramp on an arm is done for example by screwing or by clipping two forms of mutual cooperation with which the free distal end 20 of the ramp and the distal end 43, 44 of the respective arm 41, 42 are respectively provided.

[0043] The removable attachment of a boom makes it easier to handle it independently, for example for cleaning it, or for any maintenance operation. In addition, the removability of one or more booms makes it possible to keep the same support frame 4 and to provide a versatile device with functions other than those of treatment. The boom(s) can be interchanged with one or more tools adapted to the required function, in particular a weeding tool such as by spraying at the base of the vines, or a disbudding tool such as by spraying on the base of the vine stocks, or a tool for trimming vegetation, or even a tool with on-board cameras for the management and / or analysis of the foliage of the plant or wood in order to map possible diseases.

[0044] Advantageously, the booms 2 and 2' are therefore capable of being mobile in rotation during spraying. The booms 2 and 2' are above all mobile in rotation about their longitudinal axis (parallel to the Z axis) by oscillating relative to their longitudinal axis. As shown diagrammatically by the arrows F1 in Figures 1 and 3, the spray booms 2 and 2' oscillate about their longitudinal axis, and this continuously, during spraying and according to an oscillation angle of at most 180°, preferably over a range from 0 to 45°. The rotation according to a continuous oscillating movement of the booms 2 and 2' during spraying allows the penetration of the treatment product into the heart of the plant. The spraying device 1 comprises rotation means 7 for each of the booms 2 and 2', such as a preferably electric motor or an electric cylinder. Preferably, the motor 7 or the cylinder is arranged at the upper distal end 20 of each of the booms; it is preferably invisible and protected. The arrangement of the rotation means 7 will be adapted so that each boom can be removably attached to an arm.

[0045] The rotation means 7 are remotely controlled. Their rotation speed can vary. The oscillation angle can vary. Preferably, the oscillation speed is controlled by the movement speed of the vehicle V.

[0046] Preferably, each of the ramps 2 and 2' are opposite each other by being arranged diagonally, which further promotes penetration into the heart of the plant. Preferably, they have their oscillation in the opposite direction in a synchronous or asynchronous mode, in particular depending on the density and shape of the vegetation.

[0047] Preferably, concomitantly with the rotation of the booms around their longitudinal axis during spraying, each of the booms 2, 2' is movable in pivoting around a horizontal axis parallel to the Y axis and according to a continuous rocking movement as illustrated by the arrow F2 and the dotted lines in [Fig. 3], the rocking movement being intended to be in a vertical plane (X, Z) parallel to one or more lines of plants L1 and L2 in the spraying position of the device (and therefore parallel to the direction of advance of the device). The pivoting of the booms 2 and 2' around an axis parallel to the Y axis is obtained by the pivoting of the entire supporting frame 4. The pivoting of the supporting frame 4 is carried out via the stabilizing means 45 such as a gyroscope, which also constitute pivoting means.Thus, the pivoting carrier frame 4 causes the booms to pivot like a pendulum parallel to the plant line (back and forth in the direction of movement of the device / vehicle carrying the device), and this pendulum movement combined with the oscillating rotational movement of each boom around their axis, provides optimal penetration of the treatment product by depositing more than 80% of it on the stomata at the back of the leaves.

[0048] Furthermore, the ramps 2 and 2' of the example of [Fig.4a] have a different configuration from that of Figures 1 and 2. Each ramp 2 and 2' is profiled to have means 21 for recovering product falling back into the air after spraying and depositing along the ramps. The ramps 2 and 2' have a profile adapted to form one or more longitudinal chutes 22 at the rear of the nozzles 3. The chute or chutes 22 extend along the length of the ramps and have at the lower end a recovery surface 23 for the treatment product having flowed into the chutes 22. The product received in the recovery surface 23 can be returned via a pipe 24 and a pump not shown in the product supply and distribution circuit at the rear of the boom. Each boom is for example an aluminum profile whose profile contributes to its mechanical rigidity and provides the chute(s). The chute(s) are located on the front face of the profile, while on the rear face runs a treatment product supply pipe which cooperates with each nozzle arranged on the front face.

[0049] Regarding the spray nozzles 3: - they are distributed along the length of each ramp 2, 2' in stages; - preferably, each stage or level of nozzles comprises two nozzles with adjustable diffusion angles, in particular between 0° and 90°; - the nozzles can be those on the market whose diffusion angle is generally fixed at 45° or 60°; - preferably, the two nozzles of a stage are oriented at different angles relative to the median plane (X;Y) of a ramp, in particular they are oriented between them at 40° ([Fig.4b]); - the nozzles preferably include an anti-drip system.

[0050] The supply pipes are not shown here for the sake of simplicity. They are routed from a tank filled with treatment product installed on the vehicle and run to each ramp 2 and 2'. Each ramp may comprise a solenoid valve 8 (Figures 4a and 4b) for automatically opening and closing the product inlet. In particular, the solenoid valve 8 is controlled by the data processing and control means as a function of the data delivered by the presence and distance detection means 6.

[0051] Furthermore, the carrier chassis 4 may comprise means for measuring the forward speed of the vehicle intended to carry said spraying device 1, and / or an anemometer, and / or means for measuring the pressure and / or the pH and / or the temperature of the product to be sent into the spraying booms.

[0052] Finally, in the examples illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the spraying device 1 comprises air mixing elements 10, 11, 12 and 13. Each figure illustrates a design variant of the air mixing elements. The air mixing elements 10 to 13 are preferably removably attached to the respective booms 2 and 2'. The air mixing elements 10 to 13 are preferably arranged at least at the nozzles 3, extending forward and laterally. Due to the movement of the booms 2 and 2', the air mixing elements 10 to 13 generate a mixing of the air around them and opposite where the vegetation is located, which sets the foliage in motion, making it possible to deposit the treatment product even better in the center of the plant.

[0053] The air mixing elements 10 and 11 of the example of [Fig.2] extend respec tively over the entire length of the ramps 2 and 2'. Each air mixing element 10, 11 extends only on one side of the respective ramp 2, 2' and therefore of the nozzles 3. Each air mixing element 10, 11 which extends laterally with respect to the nozzles 3, has a concave surface, the concavity 10', 11' of which is turned towards the associated spray ramp 2, respectively 2'.

[0054] In the example of [Fig.4a], the air mixing elements are associated with the ramps 2 and 2', in pairs 12 and 13 extending laterally on each side of the nozzles 3 and in a limited manner in height. A pair of air mixing elements 12 and 13 forms two spaced and parallel flanges. Preferably, each mixing element 12, 13 diverges outwards with respect to the longitudinal median axis of a ramp. Each mixing element 12, 13 preferably has a front periphery 12', 13' with a convex curved line. During the movement of the ramps 2 and 2', the mixing elements 12 and 13 play a fan-like role.

[0055] Alternatively, in addition to or as a replacement for the mechanical air mixing elements, the spraying device may comprise attached air mixing means of the fan type which are arranged to mix the air opposite the spraying ramps 2 and 2'. For example, such attached air mixing means may be arranged at the lower end of the ramps and directed towards the upper end of the ramps.

[0056] The spraying device 1 of the examples above has been described for a vertical arrangement of the spraying booms 2 and 2'. All of the characteristics described above could be applied to horizontal booms.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for spraying treatment products, in particular plant protection products, comprising at least one spraying boom (2, 2') with a longitudinal axis, provided with at least one pair of spaced and grouped nozzles (3), and a chassis (4) carrying said at least one boom, said at least one boom (2, 2') being capable of being movable in rotation around its longitudinal axis, according to a continuous oscillation, preferably according to an oscillation angle which is adjustable and according to an oscillation speed which is adjustable, the oscillation angle and the oscillation speed being in particular controlled by the speed of movement of the spraying device intended to be moved along plants, characterized in that it is free from blowing of pressurized air and in that the nozzles (3) which are grouped, are oriented in different directions in a plane orthogonal to the direction of the boom.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one ramp (2, 2') is capable, in combination with its continuous oscillating rotational movement, of being pivotally movable in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, by pivoting of the supporting frame (4).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one spraying boom (2, 2') is capable of being movable in translation relative to the supporting frame (4), preferably is capable of being movable in translation during spraying while maintaining a constant distance from the target intended to be treated.

4. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises presence and distance detection means (6) capable of detecting the presence or absence of a target intended to be treated, and of measuring the separation distance of said at least one ramp (2, 2') relative to the target to be treated, and means for controlling in real time the translational movement of said at least one spray ramp (2, 2') so as to maintain a constant distance between the ramp and the target intended to be treated.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two spray bars (2, 2') spaced apart and carried by the chassis (4), in particular the two spray bars extending perpendicular to the chassis so that said device has the general shape of an inverted U, the two spray booms (2, 2') having their oscillating movement around their longitudinal axis which is either synchronous or asynchronous.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body of the chassis comprises two opposite and parallel arms (41, 42), to the distal ends of each of which is fixed a spray bar (2, 2') extending perpendicular to the associated arm, preferably the arms being non-aligned so that the two spray bars are fixed at two points diagonally opposite to the center of the body of the chassis.

7. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arms (41, 42) are movable relative to the chassis (4) by a translation mechanism (5), preferably by a rack and pinion system (50').

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises rotation means (7) such as an electric motor or a jack, which are coupled to said at least one spray bar (2, 2') for its oscillating movement around its longitudinal axis.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises air mixing elements (10, 11; 12, 13) which are coupled to the spray bars (2, 2'), the air mixing elements being mechanical structural elements which are preferably removably fixed to said at least one bar (2, 2').

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting chassis (4) is equipped with stabilizing means (45), in particular a gyroscope, preferably the stabilizing means (45) also constituting means for pivoting the supporting chassis relative to its extension plane, on the one hand, around an axis parallel to the length of the chassis, so as to provide a pivoting of the chassis from front to back relative to the direction of advance of a vehicle carrying the spraying device in the position of use, and on the other hand, around an axis perpendicular to the length of the chassis so as to provide a pivoting from left to right relative to the direction of advance of the vehicle carrying the spraying device in the position of use.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzles (3) are grouped in pairs of nozzles, the nozzles of a pair being oriented in different directions, and at an angle of the order of 40°, preferably the opening and closing of the nozzles being a function of the detection of the presence and distance of a target intended to be treated.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one spraying boom (2, 2') is removable relative to the supporting frame (4), in particular is interchangeable with another tool capable of cooperating with the plant, such as for weeding or removing suckers or cutting or detecting.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, in particular in an integrated manner to the carrier chassis (4), means for measuring the forward speed of the vehicle intended to carry said spraying device, and / or an anemometer (46), and / or means for measuring the pressure and / or the pH and / or the temperature of the product sent into said at least one spraying boom.

14. Use of a spraying device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, for treating any hedge or row of plants, in particular vines, by spraying the two opposite vertical sides of a row, or two vertical sides opposite an inter-row.

15. Vehicle carrying a spraying device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the vehicle being in particular a land vehicle, in particular a quad or a tractor such as an inter-row tractor or a straddle tractor, or being an aerial vehicle such as a drone.

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