Distribution system of phytosanitary treatments

Abstract

The distribution system (1) of phytosanitary treatments comprises: - a plurality of dispensing members (2) adapted to dispense at least one phytosanitary liquid; - one distribution line (3, 4) connected to the dispensing members (2) in a fluid-operated manner and adapted to feed the latter with the phytosanitary liquid to be distributed, the phytosanitary liquid comprising water and at least one phytosanitary agent; - a first feeding line (5), communicating with the distribution line (3, 4) in a fluid-operated manner and connectable to at least one first water source (7); a second feeding line (6), communicating with the distribution line (3, 4) in a fluid-operated manner and connectable to at least a second phytosanitary agent source (8); wherein the dispensing members (2) are adapted to dispense the phytosanitary liquid, in liquid form, by sprinkling and are arranged spaced apart from each other and in a fixed position, elevated above the ground (17), so as to distribute the phytosanitary liquid, by gravity, in an area below them.

Description

[0001] DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OF PHYTOSANITARY TREATMENTS Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a distribution system of phytosanitary treatments.

[0003] Background Art

[0004] There are a number of known distribution systems of phytosanitary treatments used in agriculture to protect crops, for example from external agents such as insects, fungi, and the like.

[0005] Generally, known systems involve the use of a dispensing lance connected in a fluid-operated maimer to an atomizer and / or to a nebulizer that allows a liquid for phytosanitary treatment to be sprayed into the environment in the form of a spray, fine mist, very fine mist, and / or aerosol.

[0006] These systems are also designed to be conveyed manually or by a special vehicle to allow large areas to be treated quickly.

[0007] This type of systems does, however, have some drawbacks.

[0008] In particular, known systems require one or more operators to travel long distances to cover the entire area requiring phytosanitary treatment.

[0009] As a result, these systems make treatment dispensing operations very long, complex, and costly.

[0010] In addition, the liquid sprayed by known systems is very volatile.

[0011] As a result, a significant amount of liquid is dispersed into the atmosphere without reaching the desired areas, further increasing the costs and time required to carry out the treatment operations.

[0012] Furthermore, the liquids dispersed in this way are highly polluting and harmful to the environment.

[0013] Description of the Invention

[0014] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a distribution system of phytosanitary treatments that allows reducing the time required to carry out the treatment process compared to the systems of known type.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to devise a distribution system of phytosanitary treatments that allows reducing liquid waste compared to the systems of known type.An additional object of the present invention is to devise a distribution system of phytosanitary treatments that allows reducing the environmental pollution compared to the systems of known type.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to devise a distribution system of phytosanitary treatments that allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use, as well as affordable solution.

[0017] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present system having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0018] The aforementioned objects are achieved by the present process having the characteristics of claim 10.

[0019] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a distribution system of phytosanitary treatments, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view from above of the system according to the invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the system according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a component of the system according to the invention.

[0023] Embodiments of the Invention

[0024] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a distribution system of phytosanitary treatments.

[0025] The distribution system 1 of phytosanitary treatments comprises a plurality of dispensing members 2 adapted to dispense at least one phytosanitary liquid. According to the invention, the dispensing members 2 are adapted to dispense the phytosanitary liquid, in the liquid form, in a sprinkling maimer, and are arranged at a distance from each other and in a fixed position, elevated above the ground 17, so as to distribute the phytosanitary liquid, by gravity, in an area below them.

[0026] In particular, the term “sprinkling” means that the phytosanitary liquiddispensed falls by gravity.

[0027] In other words, the phytosanitary liquid is dispensed in liquid form and not in the form of spray, fine mist, very fine mist, aerosol, or the like.

[0028] More specifically, the drops of phytosanitary liquid dispensed have a diameter substantially greater than 300 micrometers.

[0029] In other words, the phytosanitary liquid dispensed is neither sprayed or nebulized.

[0030] According to the invention, the dispensing members 2 are arranged spaced apart from each other and in a fixed position, elevated above the ground 17, so as to distribute the phytosanitary liquid, by gravity, in an area below them.

[0031] In particular, the dispensing members 2 are mounted inside a crop, preferably along the rows of the crop, to wet the vegetation below with the phytosanitary liquid.

[0032] According to the invention, the system 1 comprises at least one distribution line 3, 4 connected to the dispensing members 2 in a fluid-operated maimer and adapted to feed the members with the phytosanitary liquid to be distributed. In particular, the phytosanitary liquid comprises water and at least one phytosanitary agent.

[0033] Preferably, the phytosanitary liquid is a mixture or a solution comprising at least water and at least one phytosanitary agent.

[0034] Advantageously, the water and phytosanitary agent are mixed inside the distribution line 3, 4 to form the phytosanitary liquid to be spread through the dispensing members 2.

[0035] In other words, the water and phytosanitary agent are mixed inside the distribution line 3, 4 before it reaches the dispensing members 2.

[0036] According to the invention, the system 1 comprises at least a first feeding line 5, communicating with the distribution line 3, 4 in a fluid-operated manner and connectable to at least a first water source 7.

[0037] In this way, the first line 5 is adapted to transfer water from the first source 7 to the distribution line 3, 4.

[0038] In particular, the first line 5 is connected, in a fluid-operated manner, between the distribution line 3, 4 and the first source 7.Advantageously, the system 1 comprises a pressure regulator 23 arranged along the first line 5.

[0039] Preferably, the system 1 comprises the first source 7.

[0040] It cannot be ruled out that the first source 7 may be a pre-existing water source used to feed sprinkling means 9, e.g. such as those introduced later in this disclosure.

[0041] According to the invention, the system 1 comprises at least one second feeding line 6, communicating with the distribution line 3, 4 in a fluid-operated maimer and connectable to at least a second source 8 of the phytosanitary agent.

[0042] In this way, the second line 6 is adapted to transfer the phytosanitary agent from the second source 8 to the distribution line 3, 4.

[0043] In particular, the second line 6 is connected, in a fluid-operated manner, between the distribution line 3, 4 and the second source 8.

[0044] Preferably, the system 1 comprises the second source 8.

[0045] In particular, the second source 8 comprises an atomizer and / or a tank containing at least the phytosanitary agent.

[0046] In particular, the system 1 comprises at least two check valves 10 arranged along the first and the second lines 5, 6, respectively.

[0047] Conveniently, the system 1 comprises at least one connecting element 11 located between the distribution line 3, 4, the first line 5 and the second line 6, connecting them to each other in a fluid-operated manner.

[0048] In this way, the water coming from the first line 5 and the phytosanitary agent coming from the second line 6 are fed into the distribution line 3, 4.

[0049] Conveniently, the system 1 comprises a safety filter 12 arranged along the distribution line 3, 4, preferably along the collector stretch 4.

[0050] Usefully, the system 1 comprises a meter 13 arranged along the distribution line 3, 4, preferably along the collector stretch 4, and configured to detect the amount of phytosanitary liquid flowing along the distribution line 3, 4.

[0051] Usefully, the system 1 comprises one or more check valves 10 arranged along the first and / or the second lines 5, 6.

[0052] In particular, the system 1 comprises a check valve 10 along the first line 5 and a check valve along the second line 6.Preferably, at least one of either the first or the second sources 7, 8 comprises means for pumping water and / or the phytosanitary agent along the first and the second lines 5, 6, respectively.

[0053] It cannot, however, be ruled out that the system 1 may comprise the pumping means.

[0054] Usefully, the system 1 comprises at least one hydraulic connector 14, 15 adapted to connect and disconnect the second line 6 to / from the second source 8.

[0055] In particular, the hydraulic connector 14, 15 comprises at least a first coupling portion 14, made on the second line 6, and a second coupling portion 15, made on the second source and couplable to the first coupling portion 14 in a removable maimer, so as to connect and disconnect the second line 6 to / from the second source 8 in a fluid-operated manner.

[0056] In this way, any second source 8 provided with the second coupling portion 15 is connectable to the second source 8 in a fluid-operated manner.

[0057] Preferably, the coupling portions 14, 15 can be manually coupled and uncoupled by an operator.

[0058] In particular, the hydraulic connector 14, 15 is of the quick-connect and / or quick-release type connector.

[0059] In particular, the pumping means are configured to pump water and / or the phytosanitary agent under pressure along the respective lines 5, 6.

[0060] It cannot be ruled out that the pumping means may comprise different pumping groups, wherein one group is dedicated to pumping water and the other group is dedicated to pumping the phytosanitary agent.

[0061] Advantageously, one or more of the dispensing members 2 are adapted to distribute the phytosanitary liquid in a substantially circular manner around a substantially vertical direction of reference A.

[0062] In this way, the dispensing member 2 is configured to distribute the phytosanitary liquid within a distribution radius, e.g. adjustable, centered around the direction of reference A.

[0063] Preferably, the dispensing member 2 is configured to distribute the phytosanitary liquid 360° around the direction of reference A.Conveniently, the dispensing member 2 is substantially centered at the direction of reference A.

[0064] Usefully, the dispensing member 2 is of the pulsed dispenser type.

[0065] In particular, the dispensing member 2 comprises at least one regulating element 24 which receives the phytosanitary liquid at input, preferably from the distribution line 3, 4 (in particular from the distribution stretch 3 introduced later in this disclosure).

[0066] Furthermore, the regulating element 24 is configured to dispense the phytosanitary liquid at output at a substantially constant reference flow rate value.

[0067] More specifically, the dispensing member 2 comprises at least one storage element 25 connected to the outlet of the regulating element 24 in a fluid-operated maimer to receive the phytosanitary liquid at the reference flow rate value.

[0068] Furthermore, the storage element 25 is configured to increase the pressure of the phytosanitary liquid.

[0069] More specifically, the dispensing member 2 comprises at least one valve element 26 connected to the storage element 25 in a fluid-operated manner and configured to dispense the phytosanitary liquid at the outlet, preferably to the outside, when the pressure of the liquid itself inside the storage element 25 achieves and / or exceeds a predefined pressure.

[0070] Usefully, the dispensing member 2 comprises at least one nozzle 27.

[0071] In particular, the nozzle 27 is connected to the outlet of the valve element 26 to dispense the phytosanitary liquid to the outside.

[0072] Usefully, the system 1 comprises a plurality of vertical supports 16 arranged spaced apart from each other and on which one or more of the dispensing members 2 are mounted.

[0073] In this way, the supports 16 allow the dispensing members 2 to be fixed in a position elevated above the ground 17 and spaced apart from each other.

[0074] Preferably, the supports 16 are anchored to the ground 17.

[0075] Usefully, the supports 16 are aligned in one or more directions of extension, e.g. transversely and / or parallel to each other.It cannot be ruled out e.g. that the supports 16 may be arranged in a matrix. It cannot be ruled out that the supports 16 may be pre-existing supports used to at least partly support sprinkling means 9, e.g. such as those introduced later in this disclosure.

[0076] Conveniently, the distribution line 3, 4 comprises a plurality of distribution stretches 3 along each of which one or more of the dispensing members 2 are connected in a fluid-operated maimer.

[0077] In this way, each of the distribution stretches 3 feeds one or more of the dispensing members 2 with the phytosanitary liquid.

[0078] In particular, the dispensing member 2 is fed by a single distribution line 3, 4 (in particular by a single distribution stretch 3).

[0079] In other words, a single distribution line 3, 4 (particularly from a single distribution stretch 3) reaches the dispensing member 2, inside which only the phytosanitary liquid flows.

[0080] Preferably, the distribution stretches 3 extend along respective rows of a crop. Optionally, the distribution stretches 3 extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0081] Advantageously, the distribution line 3, 4 comprises at least one collector stretch 4 along which the distribution stretches 3 are connected in a fluid-operated manner.

[0082] Furthermore, the collector stretch 4 feeds each of the distribution stretches with the phytosanitary liquid.

[0083] In particular, the collector stretch 4 receives the phytosanitary liquid and distributes it at inlet to the distribution stretches 3.

[0084] Preferably, the collector stretch 4 extends substantially transversely, preferably orthogonally, with respect to the distribution stretches 3.

[0085] Usefully, the collector stretch 4 is laid under the ground 17.

[0086] Advantageously, at least one part of each of the distribution stretches 3 is mounted along a plurality of supports 16 and extends suspended above the ground 17.

[0087] Conveniently, the system 1 comprises at least one venting member 18 connected to the distribution line 3, 4 in a fluid-operated manner, preferably tothe collector stretch 4, and adapted to expel an amount of air present inside the distribution line itself.

[0088] Usefully, the system 1 comprises a plurality of venting members 18 connected along the distribution line 3, 4 and spaced apart from each other.

[0089] Advantageously, the system 1 comprises sprinkling means 9 comprising a plurality of sprinkling members 19 arranged spaced apart from each other and in a fixed position.

[0090] Usefully, the sprinkling members 19 are arranged elevated above the ground 17, so as to distribute water in an area below them.

[0091] In particular, the sprinkling members 19 are arranged at a lower height to the ground 17 than the dispensing members 2.

[0092] Preferably, the sprinkling members 19 are of the drip dispenser type.

[0093] Conveniently, the sprinkling means 9 comprise at least one sprinkling line 20, 21 connected in a fluid-operated maimer between the sprinkling members 19 and the first source 7.

[0094] In this way, the sprinkling line 20, 21 is adapted to feed the sprinkling members 19 with water coming from the first source 7.

[0095] Conveniently, the sprinkling line 20, 21 and the distribution line 3, 4 are connected to the same first source 7.

[0096] In particular, the sprinkling line 20, 21 comprises a plurality of sprinkling stretches 20 along each of which one or more of the sprinkling members 19 are connected in a fluid-operated manner.

[0097] In this way, each of the sprinkling stretches 20 feeds one or more of the sprinkling members 19.

[0098] In particular, the sprinkling stretch 20 defines a drip wing.

[0099] Preferably, the sprinkling stretches 20 extend along respective rows of a crop. Optionally, the sprinkling stretches 20 extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0100] Preferably, each sprinkling stretch 20 extends along the same supports 16 of a corresponding distribution stretch 3. In this way, each sprinkling stretch 20 extends substantially parallel to a corresponding distribution stretch 3.

[0101] Appropriately, the sprinkling line 20, 21 comprises at least one common stretch21 along which the sprinkling stretches 20 are connected in a fluid-operated manner.

[0102] Furthermore, the common stretch 21 feeds each of the sprinkling stretches with the water coming from the first source 7.

[0103] In particular, the common stretch 21 receives the water and distributes it to the sprinkling stretches 20.

[0104] Preferably, the common stretch 21 extends substantially transversely, preferably orthogonally, with respect to the sprinkling stretches 20.

[0105] Usefully, the common stretch 21 is laid under the ground 17.

[0106] Advantageously, at least one part of each of the sprinkling stretches 20 is mounted along a plurality of supports 16 and extends suspended above the ground 17.

[0107] Usefully, the system 1 comprises a control unit 22 configured to automatically and / or semi-automatically control the system itself.

[0108] In particular, the control unit 22 is configured to automatically open and / or close the check valves 10 and / or to detect and / or store the amount of liquid detected by the meter 13.

[0109] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to an installation process of a distribution system 1 of phytosanitary treatments, comprising at least one step of supplying at least one system 1.

[0110] Preferably, one or more of the characteristics of the system 1 described above are also considered valid for the system 1 described with reference to the installation process and vice versa.

[0111] Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that one or more of the characteristics of one or more components described and / or introduced with reference to the system 1 are also considered valid for the same components described and / or introduced subsequently with reference to the installation process and vice versa.

[0112] Advantageously, the process comprises at least one of:

[0113] one step of connecting the first line 5 to the first source 7, the first source 7 being a pre-existing water source configured to feed pre-existing sprinkling means 9;

[0114] one step of mounting the dispensing members 2 on a plurality of supports16, the supports 16 being pre-existing supports adapted to hold, at least partly, pre-existing sprinkling means 9.

[0115] In this way, the system 1 is installed in combination with pre-existing sprinkling means 9.

[0116] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0117] In particular, the fact should be noted that the dispensing members fixed in predetermined positions allow reducing the time required to carry out the treatment process compared to the systems of known type.

[0118] Furthermore, the dispensing members distributing the phytosanitary liquid by sprinkling allow reducing liquid waste and environmental pollution compared to the systems of known type.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Distribution system (1) of phytosanitary treatments comprising:a plurality of dispensing members (2) adapted to dispense at least one phytosanitary liquid;at least one distribution line (3, 4) connected to said dispensing members (2) in a fluid-operated maimer and adapted to feed the latter with the phytosanitary liquid to be distributed, the phytosanitary liquid comprising water and at least one phytosanitary agent;at least a first feeding line (5), communicating with said distribution line (3, 4) in a fluid-operated manner and connectable to at least one first water source (7), said first line (5) being adapted to transfer water from the first source (7) to said distribution line (3, 4);at least a second feeding line (6), communicating with said distribution line (3, 4) in a fluid-operated manner and connectable to at least a second phytosanitary agent source (8), said second line (6) being adapted to transfer the phytosanitary agent from the second source (8) to said distribution line (3, 4);characterized by the fact that said dispensing members (2) are adapted to dispense the phytosanitary liquid, in liquid form, by sprinkling and are arranged spaced apart from each other and in a fixed position, elevated above the ground (17), so as to distribute the phytosanitary liquid, by gravity, in an area below them.2) System (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that one or more of said dispensing members (2) are adapted to distribute the phytosanitary liquid in a substantially circular manner around a substantially vertical direction of reference (A).3) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of vertical supports (16) arranged spaced apart from each other and on which one or more of said dispensing members (2) are mounted.4) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one hydraulic connector (14, 15) adapted toconnect and disconnect said second line (6) to / from the second source (8).5) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said distribution line (3, 4) comprises:a plurality of distribution stretches (3) along each of which one or more of said dispensing members (2) are connected in a fluid-operated maimer, each of said distribution stretches (3) feeding one or more of said dispensing members (2) with the phytosanitary liquid;at least one collector stretch (4) along which said distribution stretches (3) are connected in a fluid-operated manner, said collector stretch (4) feeding each of said distribution stretches with the phytosanitary liquid.6) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one part of each of said distribution stretches (3) is mounted along a plurality of said supports (16) and extends suspended above the ground (17).7) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises sprinkling means (9) comprising:a plurality of sprinkling members (19) arranged spaced apart from each other and in a fixed position;at least one sprinkling line (20, 21) connected in a fluid-operated manner between said sprinkling members (19) and the first source (7), said sprinkling line (20, 21) being adapted to feed said sprinkling members (19) with the water coming from the first source (7).8) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said sprinkling line (20, 21) comprises:a plurality of sprinkling stretches (20) along each of which one or more of said sprinkling members (19) are connected in a fluid-operated manner, each of said sprinkling stretches (20) feeding one or more of said sprinkling members (19);at least one common stretch (21) along which said sprinkling stretches (20) are connected in a fluid-operated manner, said common stretch (21) feeding each of said sprinkling stretches with the water coming from the first source (7).9) System (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one part of each of said sprinkling stretches (20) is mounted along a plurality of said supports (16) and extends suspended above the ground (17).10) Installation process of a distribution system of phytosanitary treatments, comprising at least one step of supplying at least one system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one of:one step of connecting said first line (5) to the first source (7), the first source (7) being a pre-existing water source configured to feed pre-existing sprinkling means (9);one step of mounting said dispensing members (2) on a plurality of said supports (16), said supports (16) being pre-existing supports adapted to hold, at least partly, pre-existing sprinkling means (9).

Images