DE102018203755A1 - Method for flushing a drain section of an agricultural spray device by means of a carrier liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for rinsing a drain section (52) of an agricultural spray device by means of a carrier liquid (TF), in particular water (TF), the drain section (53) at least one spray nozzle (14) for dispensing a spray liquid (20) and at least one with the spray nozzle (14) fluidly connected mixing chamber (44) of a mixing unit (30) for mixing the spray liquid (20), wherein in the mixing chamber (44) at least a first supply line (46, 46 ') of a respective first actuatable valve ( 54, 54 ') for metering the carrier liquid (TF) and at least second feed lines (48, 50, 52) of a respective second actuatable valve (56, 58, 60) for metering a respective active agent (A, B, C) open, comprising the steps of: - receiving an input signal which signals an interruption and / or a termination of the dispensing operation of the spray liquid (20), - dispensing a first closing signal m closing all open second valves (56, 58, 60); - possibly outputting (104) an opening signal for opening at least a first valve (54, 54 '), if all first valves (54, 54') are closed; and - outputting a second firing signal in a defined time interval after the first closing signal for time-delayed closing of all opened first valves (54, 54 ').

Description

The invention relates to a method for rinsing a drain section of an agricultural spray device by means of a carrier liquid, in particular water and such a spray device according to the preamble of the independent claims. The subject of the present invention is also a control device and a computer program.

State of the art

In today's agricultural crop protection measures, the spray mixture consisting of at least one active agent, in particular a drug liquid, such as pesticides, and a carrier liquid, in particular water, must be premixed in a field before the actual application. At the end of the application, the tank providing the respective agent generally has to be completely emptied and cleaned on the field. Reacting to the nature of the field and the actual local need for pesticides is therefore hardly possible. The complete mixed spray mixture is therefore completely applied to the field.

Systems are also known in which the active substance liquids are carried undiluted in a separate tank and are mixed with the carrier liquid when applied to the field only when necessary. For this mixing process, it is necessary to be able to dose the active substance liquid with the carrier liquid as needed. This dosing is also referred to as direct injection and requires a complex structure of a spray device, which must provide necessary valves and the like.

The still unpublished DE 10 2017 220 028 discloses a mixing valve for direct injection directly in front of the spray nozzle. Such mixing valves are suitable for mixing different pesticides with the carrier liquid (water) and make it possible to react during the passage on the nature of the field and to adjust the composition of the spray mixture as needed. Here, the spray mixture consisting of PSM and water is fed via a nozzle line of a spray nozzle and discharged over this.

If spray mixture is discharged through such a mixing valve, residual amounts of the spray mixture remain in the nozzle line and in the nozzle after completion or interruption of the injection process. It is possible that the PSM contained in the spray mixture react with each other and lead to clogging of the nozzle line or the nozzle. Furthermore, it is possible that deposits of PSM occur in the nozzle line and in the nozzle. These deposits can also lead to blockages or to change the nozzle geometry.

Disclosure of the invention

• - Empfangen eines Eingangssignals, welches eine Unterbrechung und/oder einen Abbruch des Ausbringvorgangs der Spritzflüssigkeit signalisiert;
• - Ausgeben eines ersten Schließsignals zum Schließen aller geöffneten zweiten Ventile;
• - ggf. Ausgeben eines Öffnungssignals zum Öffnen zumindest eines ersten Ventils, falls alle ersten Ventile geschlossen sind; und
• - Ausgeben eines zweiten Schießsignals in einem definierten Zeitintervall nach dem ersten Schließsignal zum zeitversetzten bzw. verzögerten Schließen aller geöffneten ersten Ventile, um den Spülvorgang zu beenden.

The present invention is a method for rinsing a drain section of an agricultural spray device by means of a carrier liquid, in particular water, wherein the drain section comprises at least one spray nozzle for dispensing a spray liquid and at least one mixing chamber fluidically connected to the spray nozzle of a mixing unit for mixing the spray liquid the mixing chamber at least a first supply line of a respective first actuatable valve for metering or feeding the carrier liquid into the mixing chamber and at least second supply lines of a respective second actuatable valve for metering or feeding each of an active agent into the mixing chamber, with the steps:

• - Receiving an input signal which signals an interruption and / or a termination of Ausbringvorgangs the spray liquid;
• Outputting a first closing signal for closing all opened second valves;
• - If necessary, outputting an opening signal for opening at least a first valve, if all first valves are closed; and
• Outputting a second firing signal in a defined time interval after the first closing signal for time-delayed or delayed closing of all opened first valves to end the flushing process.

The subject matter of the present invention is furthermore a control device which is set up to carry out all the steps of a method described above.

• - zumindest einer Spritzdüse zum Ausbringen der Spritzflüssigkeit;
• - zumindest einer Mischeinheit mit zumindest einer mit der Spritzdüse fluidisch verbundenen Mischkammer zum Anmischen der Spritzflüssigkeit, wobei in die Mischkammer zumindest eine erste Zulaufleitung von jeweils einem ersten betätigbaren Ventil zum Dosieren der Trägerflüssigkeit in die Mischkammer und zumindest zweite Zulaufleitungen von jeweils einem zweiten betätigbaren Ventil zum Dosieren jeweils eines Wirkmittels in die Mischkammer münden; und
• - einer vorangehend beschriebenen Steuereinrichtung, um den Spülvorgang zu steuern.

The subject of the present invention is also an agricultural spraying device for dispensing a spraying liquid, comprising:

• - At least one spray nozzle for dispensing the spray liquid;
• - At least one mixing unit with at least one fluidically connected to the spray nozzle mixing chamber for mixing the spray liquid, wherein in the mixing chamber at least a first supply line of a respective first actuatable valve for metering the carrier liquid into the mixing chamber and at least second supply lines of a respective second operable valve Dosing each an active agent open into the mixing chamber; and
• - A previously described control device to control the flushing process.

Finally, the subject matter of the present invention is a computer program which is set up to carry out all the steps of a previously described method as well as a machine-readable storage medium with the computer program stored thereon.

The method is intended for agricultural purposes. An agricultural purpose in the context of the present invention may be understood as a purpose which is directed to the economical cultivation of crops.

The agricultural spray device may in particular be part of an agricultural field sprayer or a plant protection device or be designed as an agricultural field sprayer or a plant protection device. The spraying device can be arranged and / or arranged on or on a mobile unit. The mobile unit may be designed as a land vehicle and / or aircraft and / or trailers. The mobile unit may in particular be an agricultural working machine, for example a tractor, a tractor, a self-propelled or autonomous field sprayer or a self-propelled or autonomous robot. The spray device may also be mounted on a hydraulic device of the agricultural machine. It is also conceivable that the spraying device is constructed on a loading surface of the agricultural machine. Alternatively, the spray device may be attached to the agricultural machine.

The application of the spray liquid can take place on an agricultural area or an agricultural area. This can be understood as a field or a cultivated area for plants or even a plot of such a cultivated area. The agricultural area can thus be arable land, a grassland or a pasture. The plants may include, for example, crops whose fruit is used for agriculture (for example as food, feed or as an energy crop) as well as weeds, weeds and grass weeds. The plants can be part of the agricultural area.

The spray liquid has at least one active agent. However, the spray liquid may also have two or more active agents. The active agent may be a spraying agent, i. have a preparation or pesticide, in particular a pesticide concentrate. Accordingly, the active agent may, for example, comprise a herbicide, fungicide or an insecticide (pesticide). However, the active agent may also comprise a fertilizer, in particular a fertilizer concentrate. The active agent may accordingly have a liquid fertilizer and / or a growth regulator. The active agent can be used as a liquid, i. in the form of granules or pellets or as a pre-dissolved solid, for example in the form of pre-dissolved granules or pellets.

The spray liquid further comprises a carrier liquid. In the context of the present invention, a carrier liquid can be understood as meaning a liquid which is designed to mix with the active agent in order to enable or to improve the dispensing or dispensing of the active agent, for example the crop protection agent or the fertilizer. It is also conceivable that a present as a solid or granules active agent is suspended in the carrier liquid. It is also conceivable that a non-soluble in the carrier liquid active agent is emulsified in the carrier liquid. The carrier liquid is preferably water.

Accordingly, the spray liquid can be formed, for example, as: liquid, suspension, emulsion, solution or a combination thereof. The spray liquid is preferably formed as a water-diluted plant protection or water-diluted fertilizer. The spray liquid can be a spray mixture.

The drain section may further comprise a discharge line for the spray liquid, by means of which the mixing chamber and the spray nozzle are connected. Here, the mixing unit and the spray nozzle are directly fluidly connected to each other. The discharge section is therefore a section through which the mixed spray liquid flows. The term "immediate" here means in particular that no further valves or conveyor units are arranged in the drain line.

The valves are part of the mixing unit. That is, in other words, that the mixing unit has the valves. Accordingly, the mixing unit can be designed as a mixing valve. Here, the valves can be connected by means of the supply lines directly fluidly with the mixing chamber. Here too, the term "immediate" means in particular that no further valves or delivery units are arranged in the supply lines. The supply lines can also have common line sections.

The mixing unit is preferably arranged in the region of the spray nozzle. The mixing unit can thus be arranged as a final mixing unit in front of the spray nozzle. Preferably, each spray nozzle is a separate one Is assigned to mixing unit. In other words, that a mixing unit is arranged upstream of each spray nozzle.

The mixing unit can have three second supply lines for three different, in particular prediluted active agents. Thus, the mixing unit can have at least four supply lines in total. The mixing chamber may also have three second supply lines for three different, in particular pre-diluted active agents. Thus, the mixing chamber can have at least four supply lines in total. The active agents can be passed in this case in any combination with each other and with the carrier liquid in the mixing chamber and mixed there.

The mixing chamber may have a static mixer or be designed as a static mixer. As a result, the mixing of the active agent is improved with the carrier liquid and achieved an optimal application result. Preferably, the active agents are already prediluted in order to increase the total discharge.

Each valve may be preceded by a conveyor unit for conveying the respective liquid. This is not intended to mean that each valve must be preceded by its own delivery unit. Rather, this means that several valves can also be preceded by a common delivery unit. It is important, however, that each valve, a supply unit, whether in conjunction or alone, is connected upstream to provide the desired delivery pressure to the respective valve. Thus, in particular in each case a delivery unit upstream of the valves with a common supply line. In particular, it is provided that the conveyor units are identical. By ensuring the same delivery pressure is achieved that the valves each provide the same flow volume. This applies both to the feed lines of the active agent and to the at least one feed line for the carrier liquid. As a result, the total volume flow is maintained when, for example, one valve is closed and another valve is opened.

In the context of the present invention, a line can be understood to mean a line arrangement with branches or also a section of the corresponding line. The line may be formed as a fluidic connection line, for example. In the form of a tube, tube, channel or a tube.

The delivery unit is designed to convey or direct a liquid and / or a granulate under pressure, in particular to meter it. Accordingly, the delivery unit, for example, in each case one / a / one or more pumps, feed pumps, metering pumps, accumulators, screw conveyors, valves, diaphragms, etc. include.

The input signal may have been output by manual operation or due to an automated process.

By the first closing signal all opened second valves, i. all valves through which an active agent flows at this time, closed.

It is then checked whether at least a first valve is open, i. by at least a first valve at this time, the carrier liquid flows. If not, at least a first valve is opened by the opening signal. It is also conceivable that all first valves are opened flat-rate, i. regardless of whether at least a first valve is already open or not.

Finally, in a defined time interval after the first closing signal, i. delayed or delayed to the first closing signal, all open at this time first valves closed. The first valves do not all have to be closed at the same time.

By means of the method according to the invention, it is now possible to switch the individual valves contained in a mixing unit or a mixing valve in such a way that, when interrupting or completing the spraying operation, that in the discharge section, i. in the mixing chamber, the spray nozzle and possibly the drain line still existing spray liquid displaced by the carrier liquid and the drain section is thus flushed or cleaned. The advantage of the invention is that due to the corresponding switching sequence of the valves in the discharge section, substantially only or substantially all of the carrier liquid or water is always present when no spray liquid is applied. This ensures that in the entire process section between the individual agents no reaction can take place, which may lead to deposits and blockages.

It is particularly advantageous if the time interval is selected such that the drainage section is flushed, at least for the most part, in particular completely, with the carrier liquid until the opened first valves are closed. In other words, that the time interval or the time interval between the closing of the second valves and the closing of the first valve or between the opening of the first valve and the closing of the first valve is at least so great that the spray liquid contained in the drain section is displaced by the inflowing carrier liquid or the inflowing water. After closing of the first valve, therefore, only water is present in the discharge section. The time interval can be selected depending on the length of the drainage section to be flushed and the volume flow of the carrier liquid or of the water.

It is also advantageous if the valves are each formed the same. This results in a high number of identical parts, which ensures easy installation and a cost-effective provision of the spray device. In addition, this ensures that due to the same design of the valves, the valves each have the same flow resistance and also provide the same flow cross-sections available.

It is also advantageous if the mixing unit has two first supply lines for the carrier liquid. Due to the fact that two first supply lines for the carrier liquid are also present, it is also possible to meter the carrier liquid by switching on and off the two valves assigned to the first supply lines. As a result, the variety of variants when flushing the drain section is increased.

It is advantageous if the valves are actuated by means of an electrically controllable actuator. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the actuators are actuated by means of a pulse width modulation control. By the pulse width modulation control is achieved that intermediate positions of the valves can be reached, so that, for example, a flow cross-section is not fully, but still partially released by the respective valve. As a result, a further influencing of the volume flow of the carrier liquid for rinsing the drain section is possible.

Further advantages and preferred features and combinations of features emerge in particular from the previously described and from the claims.

• 1 eine vorteilhafte Spritzvorrichtung in einer vereinfachten Darstellung,
• 2 eine schematische Detailansicht einer Mischeinheit der Spritzvorrichtung,
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Mischeinheit der Spritzvorrichtung, und
• 4 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Spülen eines Ablaufabschnitts.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show this

• 1 an advantageous spraying device in a simplified representation,
• 2 a schematic detail view of a mixing unit of the spray device,
• 3 a schematic representation of another mixing unit of the spray device, and
• 4 a flowchart of a method for purging a flow section.

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and similar acting, wherein a repeated description of the elements is omitted.

1 shows in a simplified representation of an agricultural spray device 10 which, on a trained as a tractor vehicle 12 is arranged. The sprayer 10 has a variety of spray nozzles 14 on, with the spray nozzles 14 over a crossbeam 16 are arranged distributed side by side. The vehicle 12 pulls the crossbeam 16 and the spray nozzles 14 behind them, so that the spray nozzles 14 above a ground 18 lie down on the floor 18 and optionally plants located thereon a spray liquid 20 or a plant protection product 20 to apply. The vehicle 12 also carries several tanks 22 . 24 . 26 and 28 , being in the tanks 22 . 24 and 26 each a liquid agent A . B respectively C , and in the tank 28 a carrier liquid TF , in particular in the form of water is kept in stock. The tanks 22 to 28 are with the spray nozzles 14 by one or more mixing units 30 which will be discussed in more detail below. To promote the respective liquid A . B . C . TF is every tank 22 - 28 a conveyor unit 32 . 34 . 36 and 38 assigned, by means of which the respective liquid A . B . C . TF removable and the mixing unit described below 30 can be fed. While in the following embodiment, three different drug agent tanks 22 . 24 and 26 however, it will be understood that the sprayer 10 may also have more or less active agent tanks.

The sprayer 10 also has a control device 40 for controlling the mixing unit 30 on.

2 shows in a schematic representation of the mixing unit 30 , The mixing unit 30 has a mixing chamber 44 on, in which the different liquids A . B . C . TF mixed together or mixed or mixed. The mixing unit 30 has a first supply line 46 for supplying the carrier liquid TF or the water TF and three second supply lines 48 . 50 . 52 for the supply of active ingredients A . B . C on. The mixing unit 30 further comprises a first actuatable or electrically controllable valve 54 for dosing the water TF into the mixing chamber 44 and three second actuatable or electrically controllable valves 56 . 58 . 60 for dosing the active ingredients A . B . C into the mixing chamber 44 on. Furthermore, mixing chamber 44 via a drain line 62 with the spray nozzle 14 fluidly connected. The mixing chamber 44 , the drain line 62 and the spray nozzle 14 form a sequence section here 53 from which is rinsed or flushed by means of the method according to the invention.

Accordingly, the supply lines 46 - 52 one valve each 54 - 60 assigned, which the flow cross-section of the respective supply line 46 - 52 close, release or partially release. These are the valves 54 -60 electrically controlled trained. In particular, the valves 54 - 60 one actuator each 64 - 70 for moving an adjustable valve element, which is movable against the force of a return spring. The valves 54 - 60 are in the 2 simplified drawn. The valve 54 is between the conveyor unit 38 and the mixing chamber 44 switched, the valve 56 between the conveyor unit 32 and the mixing chamber 44 , the valve 58 between the conveyor unit 34 and the mixing chamber 44 and the valve 60 is between the conveyor unit 36 and the mixing chamber 44 connected.

Through the valve 54 is thus the carrier liquid TF or water TF or the volume flow of the water TF into the mixing chamber 44 adjustable while with the valves 56 . 58 . 60 each the active agent A . B . C are adjustable. The active agents are expediently already prediluted with the carrier fluid TF in the tanks 22 . 24 . 26 stored or are provided via a suitable premix system.

These are the valves 54 - 60 formed the same, and by driving the actuators 64 - 70 by a control unit 40 so combined with each other that at the drain line 62 or the spray nozzle 14 a desired volume flow of the mixed spray liquid 20 is present.

A variant of in 2 shown embodiment of the mixing unit 30 is in 3 shown. Here, the in. Differs 3 shown variant of the embodiment in 2 in that the mixing unit 30 another first supply line 46 ' and another first valve 54 ' with an actuator 64 ' for the supply of the carrier liquid TF or the water TF into the mixing chamber 44 having.

According to the invention, the control device 40 Now after receiving an input signal, which is an interruption and / or termination of the Ausbringvorgangs the spray liquid 20 signals, first, a first closing signal to close all open second valves 56 . 58 . 60 out. Subsequently, the controller gives 40 optionally an opening signal for opening at least one of the first valves 54 . 54 ' off, if or if all first valves 54 . 54 ' are closed. Finally, the controller gives 40 a second firing signal in a defined time interval after the first closing signal to time all open first valves 54 . 54 ' close and thus complete the flushing process of the drain section. 4 shows a flowchart of a method 100 for rinsing a drain section 53 an agricultural sprayer 10 by means of a carrier liquid TF , especially water TF , The procedure 100 includes a step of receiving 102 an input signal which an interruption and / or a termination of the Ausbringvorgangs the spray liquid 20 signaled. The method further includes a step of outputting 104 a first closing signal for closing all opened second valves 56 . 58 . 60 , The method includes a step of optionally outputting 106 an opening signal for opening at least a first valve 54 . 54 ' if all first valves 54 . 54 ' are closed. The procedure 100 Finally, a step of outputting a second firing signal in a defined time interval after the first closing signal for the time-delayed closing of all opened first valves 54 . 54 ' to stop the flushing process.

If an exemplary embodiment comprises a "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, then this is to be read so that the embodiment according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment either only first feature or only the second feature.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102017220028 [0004]

Claims (15)

Method (100) for flushing a drain section (53) of an agricultural spray device (10) by means of a carrier liquid (TF), in particular water (TF), wherein the drain section (53) at least one spray nozzle (14) for discharging a spray liquid (20) and at least one with the spray nozzle (14) fluidly connected mixing chamber (44) of a mixing unit (30) for mixing the spray liquid (20), wherein in the mixing chamber (44) at least a first supply line (46, 46 ') each of a first operable Valve (54, 54 ') for dosing the carrier liquid (TF) and at least second feed lines (48, 50, 52) of a respective second actuatable valve (56, 58, 60) for dosing a respective active agent (A, B, C) lead, with the steps: - Receiving (102) of an input signal, which signals in particular an interruption and / or a termination of the Ausbringvorgangs the spray liquid (20); - outputting (104) a first closing signal for closing all open second valves (56, 58, 60); - If necessary, outputting (106) an opening signal for opening at least a first valve (54, 54 '), if all the first valves (54, 54') are closed; and - Outputting (108) a second firing signal in a defined time interval after the first closing signal for the time-delayed closing of all opened first valves (54, 54 ') to end the flushing operation. Method (100) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the time interval is selected such that the drain section (53) until the closing of the opened first valves (54, 54 ') at least for the most part, in particular completely flushed with the carrier liquid (TF). Method (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the drain section (53) further comprises a drain line (62) for the spray liquid (20), by means of which the mixing chamber (44) and the spray nozzle (14), in particular directly fluidly connected. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each spray nozzle (14) is associated with a separate mixing unit (30). Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves (54, 54 ', 56, 58, 60) by means of the feed lines (46, 46', 48, 50, 52) directly fluidly with the mixing chamber (44 ) are connected. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves (54, 54 ', 56, 58, 60) are part of the mixing unit (30), in particular wherein the mixing unit (30) is designed as a mixing valve (30) , Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves (54, 54 ', 56, 58, 60) are each of identical design. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves (54, 54 ', 56, 58, 60) are actuated by means of an electrically controllable actuator (64, 64', 66, 68, 70). Method (100) according to Claim 9 , characterized in that the actuators (64, 64 ', 66, 68, 70) are actuated by means of a pulse width modulation drive. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each valve (54, 54 ', 56, 58, 60) has a delivery unit (32, 34, 36, 38) for conveying the respective liquid (TF, A, B , C) is connected upstream. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixing unit (30) has three second supply lines (48, 50, 52) for three different, in particular prediluted active agents (A, B, C). Control device (40) which is adapted to perform all the steps of a method (100) according to one of the preceding claims. An agricultural spraying device (10) for dispensing a spraying liquid (20), comprising: - at least one spraying nozzle (14) for discharging the spraying liquid (20); - At least one mixing unit (30) with at least one of the spray nozzle (20) fluidly connected mixing chamber (44) for mixing the spray liquid (20), wherein in the mixing chamber (44) at least a first supply line (46, 46 ') of one first actuatable valve (54, 54 ') for metering the carrier liquid (TF) and at least second feed lines (48, 50, 52) of a respective second actuatable valve (56, 58, 60) for metering in each case an active agent (A, B, C); and - a control device (40) according to Claim 12 , Computer program adapted to perform all steps of a method according to one of Claims 1 to 11 perform. Machine-readable storage medium with a computer program stored thereon Claim 14 ,

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