Tank assembly for sprayer and sprayer comprising at least one such assembly

Abstract

Tank device for sprayer and sprayer comprising at least one such device The present invention relates to a tank device for sprayer, said device comprising, on the one hand, a tank (1) having an internal space for receiving a liquid product to be spread, a bottom (1b) and at least one side wall (1c) rising from the bottom (1b) and, on the other hand, at least one upper access opening (2), of the manhole type, provided in the upper part of the tank (1) and at least one functional component (3a, 3d, 3e) located in the internal space of the lower part of the tank (1), the upper access opening (2) having an orifice and a closing device (2b).It is characterized in that it further comprises at least one lower access opening (4) provided in the tank (1) at a level lower than that of the upper access opening (2) and allowing access, from outside the tank, to the or at least one of the functional component(s) located in the lower part of the tank. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Tank device for sprayer and sprayer comprising at least one such device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural sprayers and more particularly to the main tanks of such sprayers. It relates to a tank device for a sprayer and a sprayer comprising at least one such tank device.

[0002] It is known that a sprayer generally comprises a tank, considered to be the main tank, a pump, a spray boom, and a control system. The sprayer also generally has a rinsing tank to dilute any remaining liquid in the main tank and a water reservoir allowing the operator / user to clean their hands in the fields.

[0003] The main tank is used for preparing, storing, mixing, and transporting the liquid to be applied in the field. The tank's volume is a crucial characteristic, as the sprayer's operating time depends on the volume of liquid it carries. Its shape must meet several requirements, including having accessible filling and draining ports to provide the user with good working conditions, ensuring complete emptying, and having an air intake to compensate for the vacuum created by drawing in the liquid. The liquid to be applied is most often a mixture of water and active ingredients such as chemicals or plant protection products. In the case of fertilizer application, the liquid in the tank is liquid nitrogen. In this case, the liquid fertilizer is undiluted with water. Furthermore, a gauge located inside the main tank indicates the quantity of liquid present.

[0004] The pump draws the liquid from the main tank and delivers it under pressure to the spreading boom. The control system ensures that the correct dose is applied based on various parameters (forward speed, spraying pressure, for example).

[0005] In addition, specific functional components are installed in the main tank to perform the functions of suction, draining, stirring, and rinsing in the upper and lower parts of the main tank. In principle, the components for rinsing, tank return, and air intake are located in the upper part of the main tank, and the components for suction, draining, and stirring are located in the lower part. A pesticide inlet is also generally provided in the upper or lower part of the main tank.

[0006] The main tank further comprises at least one access opening of the manhole type located in the upper part of the main tank, generally at its highest point, i.e., the highest point relative to the bottom of the main tank. This access opening has dimensions allowing the entire body of a person to pass through it. An operator can therefore enter the main tank completely, for example, to access functional components or to install these components within the internal space of the main tank.

[0007] However, if access to the functional components and / or their assembly in the upper part of the main tank is possible from this access opening, access to these components and / or their assembly in the lower part of the tank is less easy, more delicate, or even impossible, or even dangerous during troubleshooting or maintenance since the main tank is then already contaminated by plant protection products.

[0008] On the other hand, while it is possible to use a specific elongated tool designed to access and replace the component's fastening system to avoid entering a tank already contaminated by a defective component, reaching a distant target with such an elongated tool is not an easy operation. Indeed, the tank's volume can reach up to 11,000 liters, and therefore the distance between the top opening and the component to be replaced can exceed 2.5 meters.

[0009] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of these drawbacks.

[0010] For this purpose, the tank device, according to the present invention, for sprayer, said a device comprising, on the one hand, a tank having an internal space suitable and intended to receive a liquid product to be spread, a bottom and at least one side wall rising from the bottom and, on the other hand, at least one access opening, called the upper access opening, of the manhole type, provided in the upper part of the tank and at least one functional component located in the internal space of the lower part of the tank, the upper access opening having an orifice and a closing device, is characterized in that it further comprises at least one lower access opening provided in the tank at a level lower than that of the upper access opening and allowing access, from outside the tank, to the or at least one of the functional component(s) located in the lower part of the tank.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a sprayer comprising at least one tank, in particular a main tank, characterized in that the or at least one of the tank(s) consists of a tank device according to the present invention.

[0012] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0013] [Fig. 1] is a side view of a tank device, according to the present invention, for trailed sprayer, in a particular embodiment in which the lower access opening is provided in one of the side walls above the bottom of the tank,

[0014] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of a tank device according to the present invention in Another embodiment in which the lower access opening is provided in the part of the bottom of the tank forming its lowest point,

[0015] [Fig.3] shows, in profile view, the removable closing element of the opening lower access shown in [Fig.2],

[0016] [Fig.4] is a larger-scale view of the part of the bottom of the tank shown on [Fig.2] with the lower access opening in the closed position of the removable locking element,

[0017] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the removable closure element shown on the [Fig.3],

[0018] [Fig.6] is a rear view of a tank device, according to the present invention, for mounted sprayer, in a particular embodiment in which the lower access opening is provided in the rear side wall above the bottom of the tank.

[0019] The accompanying figures show a tank device, according to the present invention, for a sprayer, said device comprising, on the one hand, a tank 1 having an internal space la suitable and intended to receive a liquid product to be spread, a bottom 1b and at least one side wall le rising from the bottom 1b and, on the other hand, at least one access opening 2, referred to as the upper access opening 2, of the manhole type, provided in the upper part of the tank 1 and at least one functional component 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f located in the internal space la of the lower part of the tank 1. The or each upper access opening 2 has an orifice 2a and a closing device 2b.

[0020] The upper access opening 2, of the manhole type, is understood to be an access opening 2 having an orifice 2a suitable for and intended to allow the passage through its orifice 2a of the body of a person (at least of average height). Through this access opening 2, the person can access and thus fully enter the internal space of the tank 1 to access the functional component(s). From inside the tank 1, the person, having passed through the upper access opening 2, can assemble or even disassemble one or more of the functional component(s) in the tank 1. For the assembly and / or disassembly of one or more of the functional component(s), the person inside the tank 1 can be assisted by a person outside.

[0021] This tank assembly is intended to be mounted on a sprayer used in agriculture. Figure 6 shows a rather compact tank 1 suitable for a A mounted sprayer. Tank 1 is fixed to a chassis (not shown) which supports the three-point hitch of a tractor-type vehicle. Tank 1 of [Fig. 1] is suitable for a trailed sprayer. Tank 1 is mounted on a longitudinal chassis C with a drawbar for attachment to the rear of a tractor. In [Fig. 1], one of the horizontal side members has been obscured to show or better visualize the bottom 1b of tank 1. A trailed sprayer allows for a larger tank 1 volume. Tank 1 generally has a more elongated shape and a larger volume. In another embodiment, the sprayer may be a self-propelled sprayer, and the tank device according to the invention may be present / mounted on such a self-propelled sprayer. The main tank 1, as is generally the case, may be mounted on a rolling chassis.With a self-propelled sprayer, a high daily work rate is possible since the tank 1 has a large capacity and the spreading boom is wide.

[0022] Regardless of the type of sprayer, whether mounted, trailed, or self-propelled, it generally comprises a liquid reservoir (the tank), a pump, a spray boom, and a control system. In the following description, the tank device according to the present invention can then form the main tank 1 (or the liquid reservoir). In light of the foregoing, according to the present invention, a suitable drilling / hole intended to allow the attachment of a functional component is not to be considered an access opening, whether it be a lower access opening 4, 5 according to the present invention or an upper access opening 2. The drilling is, for example, a small opening made in the tank 1 to receive, for example, a mixing nozzle. In the case of such a drilling, sealing is achieved by means of a bulkhead fitting.It consists of a male threaded fitting passing through the wall of tank 1, equipped with a shoulder, a flat gasket ensuring a watertight seal, and a flat nut securing the assembly. The functional component can be installed on the bulkhead fitting that provides the seal.

[0023] In accordance with the present invention, such a tank device further comprises at least one lower access opening 4, 5 provided in the tank 1 at a level lower than that of the upper access opening 2 and allowing access, from outside the tank 1, to the or at least one of the functional component(s) 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f located in the lower part of the tank 1. Thanks to this additional opening, the functional components located in the lower part of the tank 1 are more easily accessible, and above all without needing to enter the tank 1 completely through the upper access opening 2. One or at least one of the lower access openings 4, 5 is provided in (or placed on) tank 1 so as to be accessible when the sprayer is fully equipped with the spreading booms, pump, various tanks, etc. Access to the internal space of the Access to tank 1, and more specifically to its functional components, is preferably done with the spray boom folded from the sprayer's transport configuration, particularly when tank 1 is empty and rinsed. Access to the internal space is also possible when the spray boom is unfolded.

[0024] The lower or upper part of the tank 1 is to be understood as being determined with respect to the height of the tank 1 between its highest and lowest points. The boundary between the lower and upper parts can be considered as a level corresponding to half or substantially half of said height of the tank 1. The boundary is made, for example, along a horizontal plane. It is understood that the upper part extends above and / or from this boundary and the lower part extends below and / or from this boundary. However, if at least one of these latter parts does not correspond respectively to the upper or lower half of the tank 1, the present invention may provide that the upper and lower parts of the tank 1 are separated by an intermediate or median part of a certain height.The bottom 1b of the tank 1 may extend, entirely or at least in part, horizontally or be, entirely or at least in part, inclined or sloped with respect to a (reference) plane or a surface that may be horizontal.

[0025] Such a lower access opening 4, 5, located near one or more of the functional components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f—that is, at a distance significantly shorter than that separating them from the upper access opening(s) 2—allows access, or easier access, to the functional component(s) present in the lower part of the tank 1 that are not, or are difficult to access, through the upper access opening(s) 2. Access to these functional components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f can be achieved directly by a person using their hand by passing at least their arm through the corresponding lower access opening 4, 5. Access can also be achieved indirectly through a tool intended to be manipulated by the person. This could be, for example, a specific elongated tool that passes through the lower access opening 4, 5.The tool is then designed to access, for example, the component's fastening system or to bring and fix the functional component 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f to its designated location in tank 1. Of course, access to the inside of tank 1, by passing through such a lower access opening 4, 5 from outside tank 1, can also be achieved by a robot or other device designed to automatically perform tasks, for example, the arm of a robot programmed to access the lower half of tank 1. Such a robot operation can be planned at the factory during the manufacturing of tank 1 and the assembly of the functional component(s) within it.

[0026] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 6, the access opening 4, 5 The lower part comprises an orifice 4a, 5a and a closure device 4b, 5b, 4c, 5c, 4d, 5d. The closure device 4b, 5b, 4c, 5c, 4d, 5d may include a closure element 4b, 5b, preferably removable, locking means 4c, 5c and sealing means 4d, 5d. The closure device 4b, 5b, 4c, 5c, 4d, 5d allows, in a closed position, the orifice 4a, 5a to be hermetically sealed while resisting the pressure exerted by the liquid product and, in an open position, the orifice 4a, 5a to be opened so as to create access to the internal space a.

[0027] It should be noted that the sealing of the closure device 2b of a conventionally used upper access opening 2 of the type found in the upper access opening is only intended to prevent splashing and not to withstand the pressure of water or liquid present in the tank 1. Indeed, the upper access opening 2 generally extends to the highest point of the tank 1, where the liquid pressure is lower, or even zero or non-existent. The closure device 2b may be a screw-on cover or one with a quick-release, quarter-turn fastener. Alternatively, the closure device 2b of the upper access opening 2 may be configured to be pressure-tight and liquid-tight.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions (or size) of the orifice 4a, 5a of the lower access opening 4, 5 are smaller than those of the orifice 2a of the upper access opening 2. Indeed, the smaller the dimensions of the orifice 4a, 5a, the easier it will be to achieve the sealing described above. In another embodiment, the dimensions of the lower access opening 4, 5 are similar or identical to those of the orifice 2a of the upper access opening 2. If orifice 4a, 5a has dimensions substantially identical to those of orifice 2a, the replacement of one of the functional components in the lower part of tank 1 is facilitated since the person will be able to partially enter tank 1. The person will be able to pass at least the head and both upper limbs (arm, forearm, hand) to both manipulate and see the manipulations to be carried out.According to yet another embodiment, the dimensions of the lower access opening 4, 5 are greater than those of the orifice 2a of the access opening.

[0029] Preferably, the present invention may provide that the lower access opening 4, 5, that is to say the or at least one of the lower access opening(s) 4, 5, is located in the lower part of the tank 1, preferably near the bottom 1b of the tank 1. This feature allows easier access to the functional components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f located in the lower part of the tank 1.

[0030] Preferably, the orifice 4a, 5a of the lower access opening 4, 5 has a circular, rectangular or square shape, or any other shape allowing the creation of an opening enabling such access in the internal space of the tank 1 in order to reach or raise / bring, easily or facilitated, the or at least one of the functional component(s) 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f present in tank 1.

[0031] In a first embodiment of the location of the lower access opening(s) 4, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 6, the lower access opening 4 may be provided in the side wall(s) of the tank 1 above the bottom 1b of the tank 1. Figure 1 shows a rectangular lower access opening 4. Alternatively, the tank 1 may include a lower access opening 4 provided in each of the side walls. Alternatively, the tank 1 may include a lower access opening 4 provided in the left side wall (the one visible in Figure 1) and a lower access opening 4 provided in the right side wall of the tank 1. In Figure 6, the lower access opening 4 is circular and is located on the rear face of the tank 1.It could be located on the front face, but this is difficult to access when the sprayer is attached to the rear of the tractor. Alternatively, when the spreading boom is folded back against the tank 1, the lower access opening 4 can be provided in one of the side faces. Note that the term "side" of the tank 1 can be used in the present invention instead of the term "face".

[0032] In a first embodiment of the location of the lower access opening 5, as can be seen in Figures 2, 4, the lower access opening 5 can be provided in the bottom 1b of the tank 1, preferably in the part of the bottom 1b forming the lowest point of the tank 1.

[0033] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, if the lower access opening 5 is provided in the lower part of the bottom 1b, which forms the lowest point of the tank 1, the tank can be configured to act as or form a sump. In this case, the closing element 5b of the lower access opening 5 may have a cavity 51b opening outwards so as to communicate, when the closing element 5b is closed, with the internal space la of the tank 1 through the orifice 5a of the lower access opening 5 and to receive the liquid product. In the case of a lower access opening 5 forming a sump, access to the components fixed in the lower part of the tank 1 will be from below. This embodiment is more suitable for a trailed sprayer, as the operator will access the sump by passing under the frame supporting the tank 1.The chassis is then designed to allow dismantling of the sump and more specifically of the closing element 5b.

[0034] In this latter case, the opening 4a, 5a of the lower access opening 4, 5 may be surrounded by a locking edge, referred to as the first locking edge 40a, 50a, preferably flat. Furthermore, the closing element 4b, 5b may be removable and may include a locking edge, referred to as the second locking edge 40b, 50b, preferably flat (Figures 2, 4, 5). The first and second edges 40a, 50a, 40b, 50b of lockings can then be immobilized relative to each other by means of locking means 4c, 5c in the closed position.

[0035] The sealing means 4d, 5d may consist of at least one sealing gasket, preferably flat or toroidal, interposed and pressed between the first and second peripheral edges 40a, 50a, 40b, 50b (see in particular figures 4, 5).

[0036] Preferably, the closing element 5b of the access opening 5 of the sump type can be a welded mechanical structure in order to optimize dead volumes.

[0037] Referring to figures 2, 4, 5 and 6, it can be seen that the closing element 4b, 5b can be suitable and intended to support and / or functionally receive one or more of the functional component(s) 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f located in the lower half of the tank 1. Thus, more particularly in the case where the lower access opening 5 acts as a sump, the closing element 5b can support, and / or receive in its cavity 51b, for example, five functional components 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f: namely a suction inlet 3b, an agitation inlet 3c, a drain valve 3d, an incorporation inlet 3e, a float 3f of a level gauge 30f. The incorporation inlet 3e allows the entry into the internal space of tank 1 of an active product, for example a chemical or phytosanitary product.The active ingredient is intended to be mixed with another liquid, such as water, from tank 1 to prepare the spray solution for plant protection applications. For this purpose, the sprayer may be equipped with a mixing chamber to facilitate the preparation of the spray mixture. The active ingredient is poured into this mixing chamber and drawn in by the water circulating through a venturi (the passage of a pressurized water jet through a constriction creates a vacuum that draws in the active ingredient) and sent to the main tank 1. Tank 1 must be kept agitated to promote the dispersion of the active ingredient during mixing, transport, and application to maintain the homogeneity of the spray mixture. Continuous agitation of the liquid is required. Agitation is achieved using one or more agitators 3a or a mixing bar 30a comprising several agitators 3a.The suction inlet 3b, via a pump (not shown), draws the product from tank 1 and discharges it into a spreading boom. Tank 1 is equipped with a drain valve 3d, which, as is generally the case, can be positioned at its lowest point to allow for emptying. Furthermore, a sprayer can also be used to fertilize crops with liquid fertilizer. Tank 1 is then intended to hold liquid fertilizer in its pure form (undiluted with water), for example, liquid nitrogen.

[0038] It is understood that, due to their suction and drainage functions, the functional components 3b, 3d, forming respectively the suction inlet and the drainage valve, are preferably located at the bottom of the cavity 51b of the closing element 5b forming the sump (see in particular figures 4 and 5). Other functional components, such as the mixing inlet 3e, may be provided in the upper part of the tank 1 and their accessibility and / or their assembly would in this case be made possible from the upper access opening 2 although a lower access opening 4 could be provided to also allow access to at least one functional component mounted in the upper part of the tank 1.

[0039] As shown in [Fig. 2], the agitation inlet 3c can be adapted and intended to be connected to a stirring manifold 30a. The stirring manifold 30a can be fixed in the tank 1, extending into the lower part of the tank 1. The stirring manifold 30a can be fixed, for example, to the bottom 1b. Grouping the agitators 3a on such a stirring manifold 30a requires compromises regarding their placement, but this eliminates the need for the bulkhead fittings (and connectors) currently used to mount each agitator 3a (see [Fig. 1]) in the tank 1 and thus simplifies the management of sealing the multiple holes. Indeed, each agitator 3a is currently mounted in the tank at the level of a hole made in the wall of the tank delimiting at least part of its internal space la, via a fitting having a sealing type gasket and being screwed into the wall of the tank.Such an agitator 3a mounted in such a bore is illustrated in [Fig. 1] and can be provided in a tank 1 according to the present invention, particularly in the case where the latter does not have such a stirring ramp 30a as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Each agitator 3a, isolated or grouped on a stirring ramp 30a, forms a projection (or stirring) nozzle allowing a liquid product to be projected into the internal space of the tank 1.

[0040] More specifically, as can be seen in [Fig. 2], the mixing manifold 30a may include a conduit 31a to which the agitators 3a of the mixing manifold 30a are connected. The conduit 31a is connected (fluidically) to the agitation inlet 3c and supplies each agitator 3a with the pressurized liquid product flowing through the conduit 31a. The agitator manifold 30a (or mixing manifold) can be attached to the tank 1 using fastening means such as screws.

[0041] If we refer to [Fig.6], we can see that a closing element 4b of a lower lateral access opening 4, provided in the or one of the lateral wall(s) of the tank 1 above the bottom 1b of the tank 1, can support, for example, an incorporation inlet 3e.

[0042] Thus, in the case where the present invention provides for grouping the agitators 3a on a mixing manifold 30a and the removable closing element 5b supports an agitation inlet 3c connected to the mixing manifold 30a, the only connection to be made in the internal space of the tank 1 can be that between the agitation inlet 3c and the conduit 31a of the mixing manifold 30a. The other connections, for example for Incorporation, suction or drainage can be carried out outside the removable closing element 5b.

[0043] The level gauge 30f can be inserted into the internal space of the tank 1, up to its lower part, through the upper access opening 2, so that the float 3f is positioned in the cavity 51b of the closing element 5b when it is closed (Figures 2 and 5). The level gauge 30f allows the quantity of liquid present in the tank 1 to be measured. Thus, the operator prepares precisely the required volume of spray solution in the tank 1 to minimize the residual volume at the end of application. The level gauge 30f can consist of a float 3f connected by a cable, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 5.

[0044] The present invention may provide the user with several types of closure elements 4b, 5b for a lower access opening 4, 5, for example a closure element 5 as illustrated in [Fig.3], having different shapes and / or supporting and / or receiving different functional components, but all being suitable for closing the orifice 4a, 5a of the corresponding lower access opening 4, 5.

[0045] Thus, thanks to this or these lower access opening(s) 4, 5 located near the functional components 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f of the lower part of the tank 1, their assembly and / or replacement is greatly facilitated and above all with a reduced risk of direct and indirect exposure to plant protection products for the operator, since he can access these components directly without needing to enter the tank 1 entirely, as is the case with conventional tanks, by passing through the upper access opening(s) 2.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a sprayer comprising at least one tank 1, in particular a main tank 1.

[0047] According to the present invention, in such a sprayer the or at least one of the tank(s) 1, where applicable the main tank 1, consists of a tank device according to the present invention.

[0048] Such a sprayer may comprise a main tank 1, a pump, a spreading boom, and a control system (not shown). The tank device according to the present invention may then form the main tank 1, for example, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. Such a sprayer may be of the mounted, trailed, or self-propelled type, as described above.

[0049] The pump's role is to draw in, discharge, and pressurize the liquid. The pump is suitable and designed to draw in the liquid from the main tank and discharge it under pressure into the spreading boom. The control system can ensure that the correct dose is applied based on various parameters (forward speed, spraying pressure, for example). These various suction elements, The spreading and regulation methods are well known to those skilled in the art and are not described in further detail.

[0050] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Sprayer tank device, said device comprising, on the one hand, a tank (1) having an internal space (la) suitable and intended to receive a liquid product to be spread, a bottom (1b) and at least one side wall (le) rising from the bottom (1b) and, on the other hand, at least one access opening (2), referred to as the upper access opening (2), of the manhole type, provided in the upper part of the tank (1) and at least one functional component (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f) located in the internal space (la) of the lower part of the tank (1), the upper access opening (2) having an orifice (2a) and a closing device (2b), characterized in that it further comprises at least one lower access opening (4, 5) provided in the tank (1) at a level lower than that of the access opening (2) upper and allowing access, from outside the tank (1), to the or at least one of the functional component(s) (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e,3f) located in the lower part of the tank (1).

2. Tank device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower access opening (4, 5) comprises an orifice (4a, 5a) and a closure device (4b, 5b, 4c, 5c, 4d, 5d) comprising a closure element (4b, 5b), preferably removable, locking means (4c, 5c) and sealing means (4d, 5d) and in that the closure device (4b, 5b, 4c, 5c, 4d, 5d) allows, in a closed position, the orifice (4a, 5a) to be hermetically sealed while resisting the pressure exerted by the liquid product and, in an open position, the orifice (4a, 5a) to be opened so as to create access to the internal space (la).

3. Tank device, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the dimensions of the orifice (4a, 5a) of the lower access opening (4, 5) are smaller than, the same as or larger than those of the orifice (2a) of the upper access opening (2, 3).

4. Tank device, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lower access opening (4, 5) is located in the lower part of the tank (1), preferably near the bottom (1b).

5. Tank device, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the orifice (4a, 5a) of the lower access opening (4, 5) has a circular, rectangular or square shape.

6. Tank device, according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ca- characterized in that the lower access opening (4) is provided in the or one of the side wall(s) (le) of the tank (1) above the bottom (1b) of the tank (1).

7. Tank device, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower access opening(s) (5) is provided in the bottom (1b) of the tank (1), preferably in the part of the bottom (1b) forming the lowest point of the tank (1).

8. Tank device, according to claim 7, characterized in that the lower access opening (5) is provided in the part of the bottom (1b) forming the lowest point of the tank (1) and configured so as to act as a sump, the closing element (5b) of the lower access opening (5) having a cavity (51b) opening outwards so as to communicate, in the closed position of the closing element (5b), with the internal space (la) of the tank (1) through the orifice (5a) of the lower access opening (5b) and to receive the liquid product.

9. Tank device, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the orifice (4a, 5a) of the lower access opening (4, 5) is surrounded by a locking edge, called the first locking edge (40a, 50a), preferably flat, the closing element (4b, 5b) being removable and comprising a locking edge, called the second locking edge (40b, 50b), preferably flat, and in that the first and second locking edges (40a, 50a, 40b, 50b) are immobilized relative to each other by means of the locking means (4c, 5c) in the closed position.

10. Tank device, according to claim 9, characterized in that the sealing means (4d, 5d) consist of at least one sealing gasket, preferably flat or toroidal, interposed and pressed between the first and second peripheral edges (40a, 50a, 40b, 50b).

11. Tank device, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the closure element (4b, 5b) is suitable and intended to functionally support or receive the or at least one of the functional component(s) (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f).

12. Sprayer comprising at least one tank, in particular a main tank (1), characterized in that the or at least one of the tank(s) (1), where applicable the main tank (1), consists of a tank device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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