Valve assembly for a plant treatment apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve assembly for a plant treatment apparatus (10). The plant treatment apparatus (10) has a liquid supply device (36), in particular a hot water supply device. The liquid (30) can be applied to or onto plants via the valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a first line system (40) and a second line system (42). The first line system (40) has a first inlet for supplying the liquid (30), in particular for connection to the liquid supply device (36), and the second line system (42) has a first outlet for discharging the liquid (30), in particular for connection to the liquid supply device (36). Moreover, the valve assembly comprises a valve block (46) having at least one distribution line which is connected to the first line system (40) and the second line system (42), so that the liquid can flow from the first line system (40) into the second line system (42). At least one nozzle device for applying the liquid to or onto the plants is provided on the distribution line, wherein the nozzle device comprises a nozzle (28) and a valve seat associated with the nozzle (28) for a valve (44) for controlling the liquid outflow from the nozzle (28).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Valve assembly for a plant treatment device

[0003] The invention relates to a valve assembly for a plant treatment device.

[0004] Crops are typically planted on large areas of land using agricultural machinery and harvested once they reach maturity. Between sowing and harvesting, the plant is in the growth phase and requires nutrients, which it absorbs from the soil. To ensure maximum nutrient supply during this phase, unwanted plants, also known as weeds, are removed as a measure to prevent them from further removing nutrients from the soil that the crop would otherwise lack.

[0005] Plant treatment devices are known from the prior art with which liquids, such as plant treatment agents or heated water, can be sprayed onto weeds. Such a plant treatment device comprises a liquid supply device for providing the liquid and a valve assembly for applying the liquid to the agricultural area. The valve assembly has nozzles that can be opened and closed via valves. The valve assembly is guided over the agricultural area, with the liquid being sprayed onto the weeds via the nozzles.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved valve assembly for such a plant treatment device.

[0007] This object is achieved by a valve assembly for a plant treatment device, wherein the

[0008] Plant treatment device has a liquid supply device, in particular a hot water supply device. The liquid can be delivered to or on plants through the valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a first line system and a second line system. The first line system has a first inlet for supplying the liquid, in particular for connection to the liquid supply device, and the second line system has a first outlet for discharging the liquid, in particular for connection to the liquid supply device. Furthermore, the valve assembly comprises a valve block with at least one distribution line, which is connected to the first line system and the second line system, such that the liquid can flow from the first line system into the second line system.At least one nozzle device for delivering the liquid to or against the plants is provided on the distribution line. The nozzle device includes a nozzle and a valve seat associated with the nozzle for a valve for controlling the liquid discharge from the nozzle.

[0009] The first and second line systems can be connected to the liquid supply device of a plant treatment device, wherein the liquid supply device provides, in particular, heated water. The first line system serves to supply liquid, in particular water, from the liquid supply unit to the nozzles provided on the at least one distribution line. The second line system serves to discharge or return liquid not sprayed by the nozzles, in particular water, from the nozzle devices to the liquid supply device via the at least one distribution line.

[0010] As already mentioned, the liquid is heated in the liquid supply device. After heating, the liquid is pumped into the first line system. From there, it flows through the valve block with at least one distribution line to the second line system. This line then pumps the liquid back to the liquid supply device, creating a cycle. In the liquid supply device, the liquid is heated again to the final temperature if a temperature loss has occurred.

[0011] The valve block has at least one distribution line and is located between the first line system and the second line system and is connected to them so that fluid can flow from the first line system through the valve block to the second line system.

[0012] At least one nozzle and a valve controller associated with the nozzle are arranged in the distribution line. The valve controller actuates the valve as needed, allowing fluid to be ejected from the distribution line via the nozzle.

[0013] This design advantageously allows for the creation of a modular valve block. Here, the valves can be positioned wherever needed, as required. It is also conceivable to use a blind plug instead of a nozzle with the associated valve control if only a specific number of nozzles are to be arranged, or if the nozzles are to be arranged at a specific distance from each other.

[0014] The applied liquid is preferably water, especially highly heated water. This also provides an ecologically sustainable form of weed control that protects the crop and its environment from pesticides.

[0015] The liquid supply device, in particular the hot water supply device, heats the liquid, in particular water, from an initial temperature to a final temperature. The initial temperature of the liquid is usually the ambient temperature or another temperature at which the liquid is supplied. Alternatively, the initial temperature can be above or below the ambient temperature, for example, if insulation is present. The final temperature is preferably between 90 and 105°C.

[0016] Furthermore, the liquid supply device can include a cold water supply device. This serves to continuously, i.e., evenly supply liquid to the hot-temperature system to compensate for the pressure loss in the hot-temperature system. The cold-temperature system can be any type of tank in which, in particular, water can be stored or held. For example, it can be a tank that has a certain resistance to liquids other than water.

[0017] However, the liquid is not limited to water. It can include all common agricultural liquids and weed control agents.

[0018] Preferably, several nozzle devices are provided on at least one distribution line. Each nozzle device has a nozzle and a valve seat. The large number of nozzle devices in the distribution line allows for different combinations of nozzle devices to be created when equipping the distribution line. In particular, only a selection of the nozzle devices can be used, and unused nozzle devices are deactivated, for example, by providing a blind plug.

[0019] Furthermore, the distribution line runs transversely to a longitudinal axis of the valve assembly, which in particular runs in a direction of movement in which the plant treatment device, in particular the valve assembly, is moved over a subsurface. This allows multiple valves to be arranged side by side with respect to the direction of movement in order to spray the largest possible area with liquid. Preferably, multiple distribution lines are provided, each of which is connected to the first line system and the second line system, wherein each distribution line has at least one nozzle device. This has the advantage that a larger area can be sprayed with the liquid.

[0020] Preferably, the distribution lines are arranged essentially parallel to each other. This allows for an advantageous design that can effectively cover larger areas.

[0021] For example, the nozzle devices of the distribution lines, especially those of distribution lines arranged directly one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis, are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Thus, the plants can be sprayed multiple times by the nozzle devices arranged one behind the other during one movement in the direction of movement.

[0022] Preferably, the nozzle devices of distribution lines arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction are offset transversely to the longitudinal axis. This arrangement also allows gaps between the nozzles to be covered.

[0023] Preferably, the first line system has a second outflow port, and the second line system has a second inflow port. The second outflow port is configured for connection to a first inflow port, and the second inflow port is configured for connection to a first outflow port. The second outflow port and the second inflow port are configured such that the first port and the first inflow port of a second valve assembly can be connected to them. This offers the advantage that multiple valve assemblies can be assembled one behind the other, in particular requiring only one common fluid supply device.

[0024] Preferably, the first line system and the second line system extend across the entire valve assembly, particularly in the direction of the longitudinal axis. This allows the distribution lines to be easily supplied with fluid. Furthermore, additional modules can be easily connected. The distribution lines are preferably evenly distributed along the longitudinal axis.

[0025] Furthermore, the valve assembly may include mounting means for connecting the valve assembly to a second valve assembly. This can create a mechanical connection between the modules.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one nozzle device has a nozzle seat in which a nozzle is inserted. This allows the use of nozzles of different designs, depending on the application conditions.

[0027] Preferably, the nozzle has a liquid discharge path extending substantially in one plane. The plane extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve assembly, in particular perpendicular to a direction of movement of the valve assembly.

[0028] Preferably, a valve for controlling the fluid discharge from the associated nozzle is provided on at least one valve seat. The valve is, in particular, a solenoid valve.

[0029] Furthermore, pressure regulating devices are provided on the first line system, the second line system, and / or the at least one distribution line, which provide a substantially equal pressure to the nozzle devices. This ensures that each plant to be sprayed receives the same amount of heated liquid.

[0030] Shut-off devices are preferably provided at the first outlet, the first inlet, the second outlet and / or the second inlet. These can be used to interrupt the liquid supply or discharge if necessary, for example in the event of a leak. To achieve the object, a plant treatment device for applying a liquid, in particular a heated liquid, to plants is further provided. The plant treatment device has at least one valve assembly as described above and a liquid supply device, in particular a

[0031] Hot water supply device. The hot water supply device is connected to the first inlet and the first outlet, so that the hot water supply device, the first conduit system, the second conduit system, and the at least one distribution line form a liquid circuit through which the liquid can circulate.

[0032] Furthermore, the hot water supply device comprises a heating device, in particular a flow heater, and a pump. The pump moves the liquid in the liquid circuit and maintains a substantially constant pressure in the liquid circuit.

[0033] The valve assembly is connected to a control unit that activates the valve control as needed, allowing fluid to be ejected through the nozzles. This control unit is connected to a camera system that, for example, records various information about a plant and uses this information to determine whether it is a weed. If this is the case, it is desirable to spray the weed with hot fluid to destroy it.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic structure of the plant treatment device with the valve assembly;

[0035] Figure 2A shows a schematic structure of the valve assembly in front view;

[0036] Figure 2B shows a schematic structure of the valve assembly in perspective

[0037] View; Figure 1 shows a plant treatment device 10. The plant treatment device 10 is located, for example, on agricultural work machines, such as tractors (not shown), and moves at a certain speed across an agricultural field 12. Crops 14 are sown on this agricultural field 12, which grow over months and are harvested when they reach the correct degree of ripeness. Weeds 16, particularly weeds, naturally grow between these crops and take nutrients away from the crops 14 in the immediate vicinity, as a result of which the crop 14 receives fewer nutrients and consequently produces a lower harvest yield.

[0038] The plant treatment device 10 comprises a plant detection device 18, a liquid supply device, in particular a hot water supply device 36 and a treatment module 20.

[0039] The plant recognition device 18 has a camera module 22, which in this embodiment has two cameras 24. The two cameras 24 collect information about the individual plant being recorded. The camera module 22 is connected to an electronic control unit 26 via signal transmission. The connection can be either wired or wireless.

[0040] The plant recognition device 18 is housed in a housing 34. This serves to protect the components of the plant recognition device 18 from external environmental influences and thereby achieve a longer service life. To ensure that images can still be taken using the at least one camera module 22, a translucent area (not shown here) is located in the housing 34. The at least one camera can take images through this area. Likewise, the at least one lighting means 32 can illuminate the at least one individual plant 14, 16 for the image through the translucent area. The hot water supply device 36 provides a heated liquid 30, in particular water. The liquid is first conveyed from a storage means (not shown), for example a tank, to a device (not shown) for heating the liquid 30.The device for heating the liquid is, for example, an electric heating element and is located in the hot water supply device 36. The hot water supply device 36 is connected to the treatment module 20 by means of the piping system 38.

[0041] The piping system 38 comprises a first piping system, hereinafter referred to as the supply line 40, and a second piping system, hereinafter referred to as the discharge line 42. The heated liquid 30 is conveyed via the supply line 40 to the treatment module 20 with its nozzles 28, and the heated liquid 30 is conveyed back to the hot water supply device 36 via the discharge line 42. Should an undesirable drop in temperature occur in the heated liquid, it is reheated to a predefined, in particular set, temperature. The liquid can thus circulate from the hot water supply device 36 via the supply line 40, the treatment module 20, and the discharge line 40 back to the hot water supply device 36.

[0042] The treatment module 20 consists of several nozzles 28 and a line system 38. The treatment module 20 is connected to the electronic control unit via signaling (dashed line). The nozzles 28 of the treatment module 20 are arranged in a plurality of nozzles, for example six, in parallel, i.e., side by side, in the direction of travel FR. Furthermore, such rows of nozzles can be arranged in a plurality of nozzles, for example four rows, in series, i.e., one behind the other, in the direction of travel FR. This allows the agricultural machine to move across the agricultural field 12 at a defined speed, and with appropriate nozzle design, it can be ensured that the weed plant 16 can be sprayed multiple times and thus destroyed. Figures 2A and 2B show a treatment module 20. Each treatment module 20 has a supply line 40 and a discharge line 42, which are aligned parallel to the direction of travel FR.Between each supply line 40 and discharge line 42 there is a valve block 46 with a distribution channel (not shown), through which the heated liquid 30 flows from the supply line 40 to the discharge line 42. Six valve controls 44 are mounted on the valve block 46, each valve control 44 opening a nozzle 28 (not shown here) as needed to spray the heated liquid 30 onto the weed plant 16.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2B, four valve blocks 46 are arranged one behind the other, thereby achieving greater flexibility in weed control. Furthermore, if desired, several treatment modules 20 can be arranged one behind the other. For this purpose, additional connections are provided at the end of the respective pipelines for the supply line 40 and the discharge line 42. Furthermore, pins are formed on one side of the base plate of the treatment module 20 in the direction of travel FR and holes are formed on the opposite side so that the treatment modules are mechanically coupled to one another when lined up next to one another.

[0044] In addition, shut-off valves are provided on the supply line 40 and the discharge line 42 so that the supply of the heated liquid 30 to the treatment module 20 can be turned off, for example in the event of a leak or a defect.

[0045] If the electronic control unit 26 detects an individual plant as a weed plant 16, its position is stored. If a nozzle 28 of the treatment module 20 is then located on or in the immediate vicinity of the stored position of the weed plant 16, this nozzle is activated and sprays the weed plant 16 with the heated liquid 30.

[0046] As the treatment module 20 continues to move due to the speed of the agricultural machine, the nozzle 28 of the next nozzle row is activated as soon as it is located above or near the weed plant 16, and the heated liquid 30 is again sprayed onto the weed plant 16. This continues until all nozzle rows of the treatment module 20 have moved over the detected weed plant 16.

[0047] If it is a larger weed, several nozzles 28 of the valve block 46 are activated.

[0048] The shape of the heated liquid 30, which is sprayed via the nozzles 28 onto the weed plant 16, is a flat jet in triangular shape.

[0049] A pump (not shown) is integrated into or connected to the liquid supply device, in particular the hot water supply device 36, by means of which a constant pressure is generated in the line system 38.

[0050] The electronic control unit 26 adjusts the exposure time or intensity of the illumination means 32 according to the existing environmental influences so that images of high quality and thus with high information content are taken.

[0051] List of reference symbols

[0052] 10 Plant detection device

[0053] 12 agricultural arable land

[0054] 14 crops

[0055] 16 weed plant

[0056] 18 Plant detection device

[0057] 20 treatment modules

[0058] 22 Camera module

[0059] 24 cameras / s

[0060] 26 Electronic control unit

[0061] 28 nozzles

[0062] 30 heated liquid

[0063] 32 lighting devices

[0064] 34 housings

[0065] 36 Hot water supply device

[0066] 38 piping system

[0067] 40 supply line

[0068] 42 Derivation

[0069] 44 Valve control

[0070] 46 Valve block

[0071] FR direction of travel

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Valve assembly for a plant treatment device, wherein the plant treatment device has a liquid supply device, in particular a hot water supply device, wherein the liquid can be applied to or on plants through the valve assembly, comprising: - A first line system and a second line system, wherein the first line system has a first inlet for supplying the liquid, in particular for connection to the liquid supply device, and the second line system has a first outlet for discharging the liquid, in particular for connection to the liquid supply device, - a valve block with at least one distribution line connected to the first line system and the second line system so that the liquid can flow from the first line system into the second line system, - wherein at least one nozzle device for applying the liquid to or on the plants is provided on the distribution line, wherein the nozzle device comprises a nozzle and a valve seat associated with the nozzle for a valve for controlling the liquid outlet from the nozzle.

2. Valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of nozzle devices are provided on at least one distribution line, each nozzle device having a nozzle and a valve seat.

3. Valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the distribution line runs transversely to a longitudinal axis of the valve assembly, which runs in particular in a direction of movement in which the plant treatment device, in particular the valve assembly, is moved over a subsoil.

4. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of distribution lines are provided, each of which is connected to the first line system and the second line system, each distribution line having at least one nozzle device.

5. Valve assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the distribution lines are arranged substantially parallel to each other 6. Valve assembly according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the nozzle devices of the distribution lines are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

7. Valve assembly according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the nozzle devices of distribution lines arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction are arranged offset transversely to the longitudinal axis.

8. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first line system has a second outflow and the second line system has a second inflow, wherein the second outflow is designed to be connected to a first inflow and the second inflow is designed to be connected to a first outflow.

9. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first line system and the second line system extend, in particular in the direction of the longitudinal axis, over the entire valve assembly.

10. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that mounting means for connecting to a second valve assembly are provided on the valve assembly. 11.Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one nozzle device has a nozzle seat in which a nozzle is inserted.

12. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle has a liquid ejection extending substantially in a plane, wherein the plane extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve assembly, in particular perpendicular to a direction of movement of the valve assembly.

13. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a valve for controlling the liquid ejection from the associated nozzle is provided on at least one valve seat, wherein the valve is in particular a solenoid valve.

14. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that pressure regulating devices are provided on the first line system, on the second line system and / or on the at least one distribution line, by means of which a substantially equal pressure is provided at the nozzle devices.

15. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that shut-off devices are provided at the first outflow, the first inflow, the second outflow and / or the second inflow.

16. Plant treatment device for applying a liquid, in particular a heated liquid, to plants, wherein the plant treatment device has at least one valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims and a hot water supply device, wherein the hot water supply device is connected to the first inlet and the first Drain is connected so that the hot water supply device, the first pipe system, the second pipe system and the at least one distribution pipe form a liquid circuit through which the liquid can circulate.

17. Plant treatment device according to claim 16, characterized in that the hot water supply device comprises a heating device, in particular a continuous-flow heater, and a pump, wherein the pump moves the liquid in the liquid circuit and provides a substantially constant pressure in the liquid circuit.

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