Spray system with improved rinsing function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spraying system comprising a main tank (R1), a primary pump (P1), and a recovery pump (P2), treatment assemblies (T1, T2) comprising a plurality of spray nozzles (8) and a recovery panel (1), each recovery panel comprising a recovery wall (10), a recovery tray (2), and a bottom orifice (2b), the system comprising a primary pumping circuit (C1) which admits either treatment product or rinsing product depending on the position (E1, E2) of a first selector valve (V1), a recovery circuit (C2) connecting the bottom orifices to the main tank via the recovery pump, the system further comprising a reverse-flow rinsing circuit (C4) configured to circulate rinsing product to the bottom orifices, in order to fill the recovery trays from below and cause them to overflow. Abstract figure: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Spraying system with improved rinsing function. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of product spraying systems used in agricultural operations, particularly vineyards or orchards. These spraying systems are used to apply products, such as plant protection products or liquid fertilizers, to target vegetation, e.g., tree foliage, shrub foliage, vine foliage, etc. PRIOR TECHNOLOGY

[0002] In this field, there are agricultural spraying systems for agricultural machinery, particularly viticulture or arboriculture, comprising recovery panels arranged face to face, two by two, framing a row of vegetation, e.g. a row of vines.

[0003] These recovery panels are associated with a plurality of spray nozzles through which treatment liquid, such as plant protection product or liquid fertilizer, is sprayed onto plants to be treated, arranged between two facing recovery panels. Some of these systems use air diffusers designed to produce an airflow that carries or blows the treatment liquid towards the plants to be treated.

[0004] Each of these recovery panels includes a recovery tray forming the base of the panel and having an upward-facing recovery opening through which the recovery tray collects excess treatment liquid sprayed onto the plants to be treated, particularly by the spray nozzles facing it. The treatment liquid thus recovered by the recovery tray can be drawn up and sprayed again onto the plants to be treated, for example by means of a pump connected to the recovery tray via a suction circuit.

[0005] An example of such a system is known from document FR3110814.

[0006] When treatment liquid is sprayed on the plants to be treated, plant debris, such as leaf residues, flower caps or twigs, may be torn from the plants to be treated and accumulate in the collection tray.

[0007] This accumulation of plant waste is problematic because it limits the volume of treatment liquid that can be recovered in the collection tank, which can lead to the tank overflowing. It can also impede suction. the recovered treatment liquid to be sprayed again, which can also lead to the overflow of the recovery tank.

[0008] Furthermore, it is observed that the collection tray also accumulates viscous or even pasty liquid residues of previously used plant protection products and / or treatment products. Therefore, there remains a need to be able to remove not only solid waste such as leaves but also the viscous or pasty residues of previously used treatment products, which cannot be removed by an airflow. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In this context, the present invention relates to a spraying system comprising a reverse flow rinsing function, the system comprising a main tank, optionally a rinsing tank, a primary pump, and a recovery pump, the system comprising treatment units, each treatment unit comprising a plurality of spray nozzles and a recovery panel, each recovery panel comprising a recovery wall, a recovery tray, and a bottom tray orifice, the system comprising a primary pumping circuit which admits either treatment product or rinsing product depending on the position of a first selection valve, and a dispensing circuit to the nozzles, the system comprising a recovery circuit connecting the bottom tray orifices to the main tank via the recovery pump,characterized in that the system further comprises a reverse flow rinsing circuit configured to circulate rinsing product via at least one non-return valve to the lower tank openings, in order to fill the recovery tanks from below and cause them to overflow.

[0010] Thanks to these arrangements, a reverse flow is generated which makes it possible to get rid of waste, residues and other items which may have accumulated in the recovery bin, and which thus fall to the ground, carried away by the overflow flow.

[0011] The existing primary pump and a specific reverse rinsing circuit are cleverly used to clean the recovery tanks without the need to do so manually.

[0012] As will be seen in more detail later, the recovery tank includes one or more solid element retention devices, grid and / or filter type devices.

[0013] The leaves retained by the retention devices and other residues of plant protection products not drained by the normal recovery are thus evacuated by the overflow flow, and the retention devices (grid and filter) are cleaned in passing by the flow circulating in the opposite direction to the normal recovery direction.

[0014] For rinsing, and in particular for reverse flow rinsing proposed here, the primary pump is supplied by the rinsing circuit and not by the product present in the main tank.

[0015] Furthermore, it is noted that the rinsing tank is optional, since the rinsing liquid can be supplied by a water supply if available.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the reverse flow rinsing circuit is activated by means of a hydraulic distribution device.

[0017] The term "hydraulic distribution device" should be understood as a device which selectively directs the output of the primary pump to one of the user circuits, for example the dispensing circuit, the return circuit(s) to the main tank, or the reverse rinsing circuit of particular interest here.

[0018] In other words, the hydraulic distribution device directs the output of the primary pump, depending on the circumstances and operating modes, to the dispensing circuit and the nozzles, or to the lower orifices of the tank via the check valve(s), or to a return to the main tank.

[0019] The hydraulic distribution device may include one or more 2-way valves and / or one or more 3-way valves. The valves in question may be manually operated or motorized.

[0020] According to one embodiment, an individual pipe is provided for each recovery tank, and a non-return valve for each individual pipe.

[0021] This advantageous arrangement allows for the separation of the reverse flushing paths. Each individual pipe is supplied independently of the others by the reverse flushing flow, thus avoiding a communicating vessels effect between the different recovery tanks. This ensures proper operation on sloping ground, particularly in situations of lateral slope where the different recovery tanks are not at the same height relative to the horizontal.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the recovery pump comprises as many inlets as recovery tanks, each of the inlets being supplied by an individual pipe.

[0023] Wherefore, the separation function between the individual pipes is carried out up to the inlet of the recovery pump. Thus, the individual tank pipes do not communicate with each other, either in the reverse rinsing circuit or in the conventional recovery circuit.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the recovery tank includes a stop grid and a suction filter, the stop grid being arranged above the filter, in the upper part of the tank, and the suction filter being arranged near the lower opening of the tank (i.e. at the drainage tapping point), in the lower part of the tank.

[0025] Some waste is stopped by the grid, other finer waste is stopped by the filter.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the recovery tank includes a drain system, either manual or motorized.

[0027] This drain system allows the contents of the collection tray to be purged, for example after the reverse flow rinsing sequence. This additional purging makes it possible to remove, for example, non-floating waste that would not have been carried away by the overflow.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the hydraulic distribution device includes at least two 2-way valves.

[0029] A first 2-way valve opens the passage to the dispensing circuit and to the spray nozzles. A second 2-way valve opens the passage to the reverse rinsing circuit. The first and second 2-way valves are controlled independently of each other.

[0030] According to other embodiments, the hydraulic distribution device may include one or more 3-way valves, or even a 4-way valve.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the first selection valve is a 3-way valve.

[0032] Said 3-way valve allows the primary pump supply to be selected either from the main tank which contains the treatment product under nominal conditions, or from the rinsing tank or alternatively from a water supply.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the spraying system further includes a control unit configured to operate the first selection valve and the hydraulic distribution device.

[0034] In the case of motorized valves, the control unit electrically activates one or the other of the available valves to direct the outgoing flow from the primary pump to the desired circuit, depending on the current operating mode. The reverse flushing sequence can thus be carried out by automatic control means.

[0035] According to one embodiment, for each treatment unit, the plurality of spray nozzles and the recovery panel form an integrated unit. According to an alternative arrangement, the recovery panel does not contain the nozzles, which are carried by a separate nozzle bar / column.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a spraying and rinsing process in a spraying system comprising a main tank, optionally a rinsing tank, a primary pump, and a recovery pump, the system comprising treatment panels, each treatment panel comprising a plurality of spray nozzles, a recovery wall, a recovery tray, and a bottom tray opening, The system comprising a primary pumping circuit which admits either treatment product or rinsing product depending on the position of a first selection valve, and a dispensing circuit to the nozzles; the system comprising a recovery circuit connecting the lower orifices of the tanks to the main tank via the recovery pump; the system comprising a spray valve, a reverse rinsing valve and recirculation valves to the main tank, wherein the spraying system further comprises a control unit; the process comprising:

[0037] - select the flushing inlet to supply the primary pumping circuit,

[0038] - stop or keep the recovery pump stopped,

[0039] - close the spray valve,

[0040] - close the recirculation valve(s) to the main tank,

[0041] - open the reverse flushing valve,

[0042] - activate the primary pump,

[0043] - wait for a predefined time delay,

[0044] following which the reverse rinsing sequence is completed. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and referring to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects and on which:

[0046] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation for elevation of two treatment units, each with a recovery panel and spray nozzles, the two treatment units framing a row of vines;

[0047] Figure 2 shows an example of a hydraulic diagram of the spraying and rinsing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 3 shows another example of a hydraulic diagram of the spraying and rinsing system according to a generic embodiment of the present invention:

[0049] Fig. 4 illustrates in perspective a treatment assembly with recovery panel and spray nozzles;

[0050] Fig. 5 represents a schematic cross-sectional view of a recovery tank;

[0051] Figure 6 shows yet another example of a hydraulic diagram of the system spraying and rinsing according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Fig. 7 illustrates a variant of the hydraulic recovery circuit;

[0053] Figure 8 shows a functional schematic diagram illustrating the functions of the unit order;

[0054] Figure 9 shows an example of a sequence according to the proposed process.

[0055] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to enable implementation of the invention; although not limiting, said figures serve in particular to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The invention relates to a system for spraying product in liquid form, the product being intended to be projected in the form of droplets onto target vegetation, for example shrub foliage or vineyard foliage.

[0057] The target vegetation VG can typically be a vineyard or an orchard, without this constituting a limitation to the possible applications of the present invention.

[0058] The spraying system can be attached to a straddle tractor or a conventional tractor. In another application, the spraying system is attached to a trailed agricultural implement. The spraying system can also be mounted, semi-mounted, self-propelled, or even configured as an autonomous robot.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the spraying system can comprise a plurality of treatment units, generally arranged in pairs, each pair being intended to treat one row of vegetation. For example, the system can comprise two treatment units to treat one row of vegetation, or four treatment units to treat two rows of vegetation, or six treatment units to treat three rows of vegetation, and so on.

[0060] In the operating configuration, the treatment units extend substantially vertically to a height ideally corresponding to the foliage height of the vegetation to be treated. The product spray direction extends substantially horizontally.

[0061] In treatment configuration, as seen in [Fig.1], two treatment sets T1, T2 frame a row of vegetation VG or in other words a row of vegetation is interposed between two treatment sets located opposite each other, and which spray the treatment product towards the vegetation and also towards the other treatment set.

[0062] Each treatment unit comprises a plurality of spray nozzles 8 and a recovery panel 1. The spray nozzles 8 are arranged one after the other in a vertical direction in a spraying configuration, with an inter-nozzle spacing of approximately 20 centimeters, for example. Depending on the type of vegetation to be treated, the number of nozzles can range, for example, from 3 to 10.

[0063] Each recovery panel 1 comprising a recovery wall 10 over which runs excess product which has been sprayed by the nozzles of the other treatment set of the pair, and which has not been intercepted by vegetation leaves.

[0064] The height of the recovery panel is denoted Hl; it is preferably consistent with the total height of the jets produced by the spray nozzles of the opposing treatment unit. For example, Hl can be between 80 cm and 200 cm.

[0065] The width of the recovery panel is noted LL For example L1 can be between 25 cm and 50 cm.

[0066] According to one possible configuration, for the treatment unit located to the left of the treated row, the recovery panel 10 is located behind the nozzles, in reference to the normal forward direction of treatment, whereas for the treatment unit located to the right of the treated row, the recovery panel is located in front of the nozzles so that each recovery panel faces the column of nozzles placed opposite on the opposite side.

[0067] In the lower part of the recovery panel is a recovery tray 2.

[0068] The recovery tray 2 collects the treatment product which runs off from the recovery panel 10. The recovery panel 10 may include vertical ridges or grooves to invite the runoff towards the tray even if the system is inclined (e.g. uphill or downhill).

[0069] Each collection tank 2 includes a bottom tank port 2b. A collection pipe 11 is connected to this bottom tank port 2b. The collection pipe 11 is connected at its other end to a second pump called the recovery pump, denoted P2. The recovery circuit C2 connects the bottom tank ports to the main tank via the recovery pump P2.

[0070] The collection tray includes a stop grid 4 and a suction filter 5. The grid, the filter and the walls of the collection tray together define an internal volume of the tray denoted 24.

[0071] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the stop grid 4 is arranged above the filter 5, in the upper part of the tank. The suction filter 5 is arranged near the lower opening of the tank, namely at the drain connection point, in the lower part of the tank. The suction filter 5 protects the recovery pump from the ingestion of unwanted particles that could damage it.

[0072] The stop grid 4 is removable, which allows for mechanical cleaning of the grid e.g. with a brush.

[0073] The collection tray 2 includes a drain system 6. According to the illustrated example, the drain system consists of a screw-on plug 60. Generally, the drain system 6 can be manual. In a variant not shown, the drain system is motorized, e.g., controlled via an actuator.

[0074] The reader may refer to document FR3110814 for further description of the recovery tray.

[0075] According to the illustrated example, in particular in [Fig.4], the spray nozzles 8 and the recovery panel 10 form an integrated assembly.

[0076] According to an alternative arrangement not illustrated, the recovery panel may not contain the nozzles, the nozzles then being carried by a separate nozzle ramp / column in an anterior or posterior position (relative to the direction of travel), so that each recovery panel faces the nozzle column placed opposite it on the opposite side.

[0077] Referring to [Fig. 2], the spraying system comprises a main tank, labeled RI, and a primary pump, labeled PI. To spray treatment products, the primary pump PI draws treatment product from the main tank RI and delivers it via a dispensing circuit, which will be detailed later, to the spray nozzles.

[0078] The RI tank is generally large; it is assumed to be known per se and therefore not described in detail here. Similarly, the primary pump is assumed to be known and therefore not described in detail here.

[0079] The PI primary pump is also used for rinsing pipes and nozzles. After the end of a spraying campaign, the circuits that have been used are generally rinsed with water.

[0080] For this purpose, according to the example illustrated in the figures, a 3-way valve V1 is provided which allows selection of the liquid to be admitted by the primary pump, i.e. either the treatment product or the rinsing water.

[0081] In a generic way, the spraying system includes a primary pumping circuit Cl with selection, which admits either treatment product (position El of the 3-way valve VI), or rinsing product (position E2 of the 3-way valve VI).

[0082] The 3-way valve, denoted V1, is referred to herein as the first selection valve. The first selection valve may be a manually operated valve with a control lever operated manually by an operator, or it may be a motorized valve whose position is controlled by a motor or a cylinder which is itself actuated via an electronic control unit.

[0083] The spraying system optionally includes a rinsing tank R2 which provides the rinsing water. In addition to, or instead of, the rinsing tank, the rinsing liquid can be obtained from a water supply tap 46.

[0084] The spraying system includes a dispensing circuit C3 supplying the nozzles 8. According to the example illustrated in [Fig. 2], when the 2-way valve V2 is open, the primary pumping circuit Cl pushes treatment liquid into the dispensing circuit C3, which generally supplies all the spray nozzles. It can a selection device 35 is provided to selectively feed one or more pairs of processing sets, as known per se and not described in detail here.

[0085] When the 2-way valve V2 is open, the hydraulic distribution device is in position SI.

[0086] The spraying system further includes one or more return circuits to the main tank. A 3-way return valve (V3) to the tank is provided for the mixing function. In addition, a 2-way return valve (V4) to the tank is provided for the tank cleaning function.

[0087] Generally speaking, at the outlet of the primary pump, a hydraulic distribution system, denoted 3, is provided to direct the output flow of the primary pump to the desired circuit according to the current operating mode. The hydraulic distribution system directs the output of the primary pump PI to a single outlet among a plurality of possible outlets S1, S2, S3, S4.

[0088] According to an ingenious arrangement of the proposed system, the system further includes a reverse flow rinsing circuit denoted C4 configured to circulate rinsing product towards the lower orifices of tank 2b, in order to fill the recovery tanks 2 from below and make them overflow.

[0089] The reverse rinsing flow passes through at least one check valve 7. The check valve 7 prevents the reverse flow rinsing circuit C4 from filling with treatment product during normal treatment and recovery operations via the recovery tanks.

[0090] A two-way valve (valve designated V6, outlet designated S2) is provided, which, when open, directs the outlet of the primary pump PI to individual collection tank lines 12. It should be noted that, in this operating mode, the individual circuits are traversed in the reverse of the usual recovery flow. Dashed arrows denote the usual recovery flow, while dashed arrows denote the reverse rinsing flow. Solid arrows denote the spray flow.

[0091] Advantageously, according to the embodiment example of [Fig.2], an individual pipe 12 is provided for each recovery tank, and a non-return valve 7 for each individual pipe.

[0092] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.2], the recovery pump comprises as many inlets as recovery tanks, each supplied by an individual pipe.

[0093] According to the example illustrated in [Fig. 2], the spraying system comprises 4 treatment units T1 and T2 opposite each other and T3 and T4 opposite each other. Each recovery tank 2 is connected to a recovery pipe marked 11.

[0094] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the hydraulic distribution device 3, which allows the selection of one of the desired outlets to direct the output of the primary pump, is shown generically. In particular, outlet S1 supplies the spray circuit including the nozzles 8, outlet S2 directs the flow from the pump to the reverse flow rinsing circuit, outlet S4 directs the flow from the pump to a rinsing and / or cleaning circuit for the main tank RI, and outlet S3 directs the output flow from the primary pump to a mixing device inside the tank (with two options selectable via the 3-way valve V3).

[0095] According to other possibilities, the hydraulic distribution device 3 can be formed by one or more 3-way valves, or even include a 4-way valve.

[0096] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.6], the recovery pump P2 comprises only one inlet supplied by a manifold 74 located downstream of the check valves 75. A check valve 75 is provided on each of the pipes 11 which allow the lower orifice 2b of the tank to be connected to the recovery pump P2.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the check valves 7 and 75 are placed near the connection on the lower orifice of the tank, so that on the one hand the normal recovery flow and on the other hand the reverse rinsing flow do not pollute each other.

[0098] Figure 8 illustrates the schematic diagram of an automated version of the proposed spraying system. The control unit 9 receives instructions from a user terminal 95. The control unit 9 operates the outputs of the solenoid valves that control the hydraulic circuit supplying the primary pump PI and the recovery pump P2. The control unit 9 operates the outputs that allow selection of the position of the 3-way valves VI and V3. The control unit 9 operates the outputs that allow selection of the position of the 2-way valves V2 and V6. The control unit 9 operates the outputs that allow selection of the position of the 2-way valves V4 and V7.

[0099] In [Fig.9], the steps (noted sa to sg) of the proposed process have been illustrated, whether the latter is carried out by automatic means or by manual controls.

[0100] The proposed method comprises:

[0101] sa- select the flushing inlet E2 to supply the primary pumping circuit Cl,

[0102] sb- stop or keep stopped the recovery pump P2,

[0103] sc- close the spray valve V2,

[0104] sd- close the recirculation valve(s) to the main tank V3 and V4,

[0105] se- open the reverse flush valve V6, in order to supply circuit C4,

[0106] sf- activate the primary pump PI,

[0107] sg- wait for a predefined time delay,

[0108] following which the reverse rinsing sequence is completed.

[0109] At the beginning of the reverse flow rinsing sequence, the primary pump PI pushes rinsing fluid into the reverse flow rinsing circuit C4, and the internal volumes 24 of the collection trays gradually fill. After a while, the rinsing fluid overflows above the edge 23 of the collection tray and carries with it the waste that was on the stop grid 4.

[0110] The predefined time and determined so that the overflow above the edge 23 is sufficiently large to be able to carry away the waste and residues of the previous treatment products, which may be located between the grid and the filter.

[0111] In a generic way, the control unit 9 controls the hydraulic distribution device 3, regardless of its composition, with 2-way valves, 3-way valves or other components as already mentioned above.

[0112] The control unit 9 also controls distributors to supply hydraulic power to the primary pump PI and the recovery pump P2.

[0113] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed be apparent to a person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in light of the information just disclosed to them.

[0114] In the detailed presentation of the invention given above, the terms used shall not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiment set forth in this description, but shall be interpreted to include all equivalents which can be foreseen by a person skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims

Demands

1. Spraying system comprising a reverse flow rinsing function, the system comprising a main tank (RI), optionally a rinsing tank (R2), a primary pump (PI), and a recovery pump (P2), the system comprising treatment assemblies (T1, T2, T3, T4), each treatment assembly comprising a plurality of spray nozzles (8) and a recovery panel (1), each recovery panel comprising a recovery wall (10), a recovery tray (2), and a bottom tray orifice (2b), the system comprising a primary pumping circuit (Cl) which admits either treatment product or rinsing product depending on the position (E1, E2) of a first selector valve (VI), and a dispensing circuit (C3) to the nozzles, the system comprising a recovery circuit (C2) connecting the bottom tray orifices to the main tank via the recovery pump,characterized in that the system further comprises a reverse flow rinsing circuit (C4) configured to circulate, via at least one non-return valve (7), rinsing product towards the lower orifices of the tank, in order to fill the recovery tanks from below and cause them to overflow.

2. Spraying system according to claim 1, wherein the reverse flow rinsing circuit is activated by means of a hydraulic distribution device (3; V2,V6).

3. Spraying system according to claim 1, wherein there is provided an individual pipe (11) per recovery tank, and a non-return valve (7) per individual pipe.

4. Spraying system according to claim 3, wherein the recovery pump comprises as many inlets as recovery tanks, each of the inlets being supplied by an individual pipeline.

5. Spraying system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the recovery tray comprises a stop grid (4) and a suction filter (5), the stop grid being arranged above the filter, in the upper part of the tray, and the suction filter (5) being arranged in the vicinity of the lower tray opening (2b), in the lower part of the tray.

6. Spraying system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the recovery tank includes a drain system (6), manual or motorized.

7. Spraying system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distribution device (3) comprises at least two 2-way valves (V2,V6).

8. Spraying system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first selector valve (VI) is a 3-way valve.

9. Spraying system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a control unit (9) configured to drive the first selector valve and the hydraulic distribution device (3).

10. A spraying and rinsing process in a spraying system comprising a main tank (RI), optionally a rinsing tank (R2), a primary pump (PI), and a recovery pump (P2), the system comprising treatment panels (T1, T2), each treatment panel comprising a plurality of spray nozzles, a recovery wall, a recovery tray, and a bottom tray orifice, the system comprising a primary pumping circuit (Cl) which admits either treatment product (El) or rinsing product (E2) depending on the position of a first selection valve (VI), and a dispensing circuit to the nozzles, the system comprising a recovery circuit connecting the bottom tray orifices to the main tank via the recovery pump, the system comprising a spray valve (V2), a reverse rinsing valve (V6), and recirculation valves to the main tank (V3),in which the spraying system further comprises a control unit (9), the process comprising: - selecting the rinsing inlet (E2) to supply the primary pumping circuit (Cl) - stopping or holding the recovery pump (P2) off, - closing the spraying valve (V2), - closing the recirculation valve(s) to the main tank (V3, V4), - opening the reverse rinsing valve (V6), - activating the primary pump (PI), - waiting for a predefined time interval, following which the reverse rinsing sequence is complete.

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