Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
  • A01M7/00—Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
  • A01M7/005—Special arrangements or adaptations of the spraying or distributing parts, e.g. adaptations or mounting of the spray booms, mounting of the nozzles, protection shields
  • A01M7/0053—Mounting of the spraybooms

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the general technical field of spreading products and in particular to the field of spraying treatment products of the phytosanitary type.
• the invention relates to a product spreading ramp (hereinafter: ramp) for an agricultural product spreading device (hereinafter: agricultural implement), equipped with a suspension device through which the ramp is intended to be linked to the frame of the agricultural apparatus, said suspension device comprising a connecting rod connecting said ramp to said frame, this connecting rod being connected to said frame via a first axis joint directed in the direction of advance during the work, and at the ramp by means of a second articulation axis also directed in the direction of advance during the work, said suspension device comprising springs intended to act against the pivoting of the ramp around the second articulation, and dampers for damping said pivoting of the ramp around said second articulation.
• Such a suspension device fitted to a spray boom is known from document FR 2 813 212.
• This prior document indeed describes a suspension device which comprises a connecting rod connecting the ramp to the frame of an agricultural spreading device. products of the agricultural sprayer type.
• This connecting rod is connected to the chassis by means of a first articulation of axis directed in the direction of advance during the work, and to the ramp by means of a second articulation axis also directed in the direction of advance during work.
• This known suspension device also comprises springs for acting against the pivoting of the ramp around the second articulation, and dampers for damping this movement of the ramp around this second articulation.
• These springs and dampers extend between the ramp and a rudder which is secured to the connecting rod during work by means of a first hydraulic cylinder.
• a second hydraulic cylinder is also provided between the frame and the connecting rod, which allows, during work, either to block the pivoting of the connecting rod around the first joint, or to dampen these pivoting movements.
• the behavior of the ramp is not optimal on a rough terrain or slope.
• the operator is obliged to correct Manually orienting the ramp with the first hydraulic cylinder called for this purpose "die cylinder", if the inclination of the ground under the wheels of the agricultural sprayer or its carrier does not match the slope of the ground.
• the ramp under the effect of gravity, can not be oriented parallel to the inclination of the ground when the agricultural sprayer or its carrier vehicle works in the sloping slope.
• the object of the present invention is to improve this known suspension device and to propose a suspension device which makes it possible to improve the behavior of the ramp, in particular to orient it appropriately, whatever the state and the configuration of the ground on which the farm implement or its carrier vehicle is moving.
• said suspension device further comprises additional springs acting between the ramp and the frame of the agricultural machine and that the center of gravity of the ramp is substantially in the vicinity of the second joint, preferably somewhat below the second joint.
• FIG. 1 represents a general view of an agricultural apparatus equipped with a ramp provided with a suspension device according to the invention
• FIG. 2 shows a rear view of said suspension device and of the ramp when the agricultural apparatus is moving on flat ground
• FIG. 1 represents an exemplary embodiment of a ramp (1) for an agricultural implement (2) equipped with a suspension device (3) according to the invention.
• the purpose of the suspension device (3) is to suspend the ramp (1) from the frame (4) of the agricultural apparatus (2) such as a sprayer, for example by allowing the ramp ( 1) according to the configuration of the terrain on which the agricultural machine is moving (2).
• This ramp (1) is intended in particular to spread, as uniformly as possible, fertilizers, treatment products of the phytosanitary type, or other types of products to be spread on the soil (S) or on crops.
• the agricultural implement (2) is moved during the work in a direction and a direction of advance indicated by the arrow (A).
• the ramp (1) is shown only partially in the figures.
• the suspension device (3) has the particular role of absorbing and attenuating the movements of the tractor to prevent their direct and integral transmission to the ramp (1) so that it can have an optimal behavior in the field .
• the suspension device (3) comprises a link rod (6) connecting the ramp (1) to the chassis (4) of the agricultural apparatus (2).
• the connecting rod (6) is connected to the frame (4) by means of a first articulation (7) of substantially horizontal axis and substantially directed in the direction of advance (A) at work.
• the ramp (1) is connected to the connecting rod (6) by means of a second articulation (8) of axis also substantially horizontal and also directed substantially in the direction of advance (A) at job.
• the suspension device (3) according to the invention is thus of the "pendulum" type.
• said ramp (1) has a central section (9) with, on either side, an arm (IA, IB) each made of one or more intermediate sections (10A, 10B) and a section external (not shown), these sections (10A, 10B) being, in known manner, respectively connected to each other by means of joints. Only a portion of the intermediate sections (10A, 10B) are shown in Figures 1 and 2. The outer sections are not shown in the figures. Each section (9, 10A, 10B) is intended to carry spreading means such as spray nozzles for example in the case of an agricultural sprayer, for spreading products on the soil (S) or crops.
• the intermediate sections (10A, 10B) and the outer sections are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the median vertical plane (11) of the ramp (1).
• the center of gravity (28) of the ramp (1) is substantially in the median vertical plane (11).
• the arms (IA, IB) of the ramp (1) are deployed so as to cover a wide band of terrain: the ramp (1) thus extends transversely to the direction of advance (A) at work and substantially parallel to the ground (S).
• the arms (IA, IB) are folded in a known manner so as to reduce the size of the ramp (1) and in particular to respect the size allowed to circulate on public roads.
• the outer section and the intermediate section (s) (10A, 10B) of each arm (IA, IB) of the ramp (1) are folded substantially vertically, respectively unfolded substantially horizontally, via a respective actuator (13A, 13B) and a resilient system (14A, 14B) around the hinges connecting them to one another.
• the actuators (13A, 13B) are for example hydraulic cylinders. Each actuator (13A, 13B) extends between the central section (9) and the respective adjacent intermediate section (10A, 10B). The corresponding outer section and, where appropriate, the additional intermediate section (s) (10A, 10B) are, for their part, folded, respectively unfolded thanks to the elastic system (14A, 14B). corresponding.
• Each elastic system (14A, 14B) comprises for this purpose a traction member (15A, 15B) connected to a tension spring (16A, 16B).
• the spring (16A, 16B) is connected at one of its ends to the connecting rod (6) at a corresponding attachment point (17A, 17B).
• said spring (16A, 16B) is connected to a corresponding arm (IA, IB) of the ramp (1).
• the spring (16A, 16B) is connected to the corresponding traction member (15A, 15B) acting on the additional intermediate section (s) (10A, 10B) and the respective outer section.
• the first function of the springs (16A, 16B) is to unfold and refold this (these) intermediate section (s) (10A, 10B) additional (s) and the respective outer section.
• the traction member (15A, 15B) is preferably a cable.
• the tendency is to use agricultural implements (2) with an increasing working width and to work at ever higher speeds.
• the faster we move the greater the risk of deforming or breaking parts of the agricultural machine (2) under the effect of high stresses that can then be generated.
• the increase of the working speeds and the dimensions of the ramps (1) imposes a solid construction and an adequate suspension device (3).
• the suspension device (3) of the ramp (1) of an agricultural implement (2) is therefore an essential component to ensure a good distribution of the product to be spread and to prevent deterioration which would cause wastes of time and costs. maintenance and repair that could be high.
• the suspension device (3) uses the elastic systems (14A, 14B), and in particular their springs (16A, 16B), whose second function is to act on the against the pivoting of the ramp (1) around the second articulation (8) by absorbing and restoring the energy which gives an oscillatory movement to the ramp (1).
• the suspension device (3) also comprises dampers (18A, 18B) which extend between the central section (9) and the connecting rod (6) and which make it possible to dampen the movements of the ramp (1) around of the second articulation (8).
• the dampers (18A, 18B) reduce the duration of the oscillations by braking the amplitude of these oscillations, they dissipate the energy.
• the dampers (18A, 18B) suppress the oscillation movement given by the springs (16A, 16B).
• each spring (16A, 16B) is hooked on the connecting rod (6) by means of a hooking point (17A, 17B).
• This attachment point (17A, 17B) is preferably in the vicinity of the second articulation (8) and substantially in the vicinity of the median vertical plane of the connecting rod (6), but does not coincide with said second articulation (8). ) so that the springs (16A, 16B) act with a certain lever arm on said second hinge (8).
• the springs (16A, 16B) advantageously extend substantially horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance (A).
• the springs (16A, 16B) are advantageously positioned so that their respective line of action passes near the second articulation (8).
• springs (16A, 16B) act with substantially equal and opposite forces on the connecting rod (6).
• the position of the springs (16A, 16B) is symmetrical with respect to the median vertical plane (11) of the ramp (1). They allow the automatic refocusing of the ramp (1) relative to the second articulation (8) since they act against the pivoting of the ramp (1) around said second articulation (8).
• These springs (16A, 16B) are relatively stiff, because they must also pull on the intermediate section (s) (10) additional (s) and the corresponding outer section to stiffen during work.
• the degree of freedom, in pivoting, of the ramp (1) around the second articulation (8) is advantageously relatively limited, the springs (16A, 16B) allow displacements of small amplitude.
• the dampers (18A, 18B) are arranged between the ramp (1), and more particularly the central section (9) thereof, and the connecting rod (6).
• the connecting rod (6) comprises, on both sides, of its median plane a wing (19A, 19B) at the end of which is attached the shock absorber (18A, 18B) corresponding.
• Said median plane of the connecting rod (6) being substantially coincident with the median plane (11) of the ramp (1), when the agricultural machine (2) is on a horizontal ground.
• the two wings (19A, 19B) are symmetrical. In this way, the dampers (18A, 18B) are located substantially symmetrically with respect to the median plane (11) of the ramp (1).
• each wing (19A, 19B) is intended to slide on a portion (4A, 4B) of the frame (4) with a certain friction during the pivoting of said connecting rod (6) around the first articulation (7).
• the pivoting movements around the first articulation (7) are, in turn, dampened by friction of the connecting rod (6) on the frame (4).
• each wing (19A, 19B) which is in contact with the frame (4), is equipped with friction pads (20A, 20B) via which said wing (19A, 19B) rubs on the corresponding part (4 A, 4B) of the frame (4).
• the pivoting around the first articulation (7) is thus damped by the damping device (19A-4A, 19B-4B).
• This damping device (19A-4A, 19B-4B) acts between the connecting rod (6) and the frame (4).
• the suspension device (3) also comprises additional springs (21A, 21B) acting between the ramp (1) and the chassis (4).
• the additional springs (21A, 21B) extend substantially symmetrically on either side of the median plane (11) of said ramp (1).
• an additional spring (21A, 21B) extends on each side of said median plane (11).
• the additional springs (2 IA, 21B) are two in number.
• the springs (16A, 16B) also extend substantially symmetrically on either side of the median vertical plane (11).
• Each spring (16A, 16B) is connected to one of the respective arms (IA, IB) of the ramp (1).
• the center of gravity (28) of the ramp (1) is disposed substantially on the median vertical plane (11). In addition, it is substantially in the vicinity of the second articulation (8) and preferably somewhat below the latter.
• the additional springs (2 IA, 21B) are advantageously arranged lower than the first articulation (7) and extend substantially symmetrically with respect to the first articulation (7) by acting with a certain lever relative to this first articulation (7).
• the additional springs (2 AI, 21B) are essentially upright in the direction of advance (A) at work. In the example shown, they are arranged between the ramp (1) and a corresponding extension (22 A, 22B) of the chassis (4).
• said additional springs (2 IA, 21B) are advantageously mounted so as to converge at a point (P2) (not shown) situated at a considerable distance below the surface of the ground (S).
• These additional springs (2 IA, 21B) are advantageously traction springs. They also have great flexibility, that is to say that their characteristic is relatively flat. Their deformation in length is important because they have a low stiffness.
• each additional spring (21A, 21B) to the corresponding extension (22A, 22B) of the frame (4) is carried out using a screw / nut system (25A, 25B). ) which allows the adjustment of said intensity.
• This adjustment allows to modify the behavior of the ramp (1) if necessary, but is also necessary when the ramp (1) is replaced by a ramp of another length (for example when replacing a ramp of 12 meters by a ramp of 15 meters).
• the force exerted by the additional springs (2 IA, 21B) is adjustable on the ramp (1).
• connection points of the dampers (18A, 18B) is adjustable in order to adapt the damping to the working conditions.
• the wings (19A, 19B) of the connecting rod (6) for this purpose also has several possible connection points for said dampers (18A, 18B). It is thus possible to act on the sensitivity of the suspension device (3) and, consequently, on the dynamic reaction of the ramp (1).
• said agricultural implement (2) is of the sprayer type carried by a tractor.
• the frame (4) of the agricultural implement (2) is designed to be connected to a three-point hitch of the tractor.
• the agricultural apparatus (2) also comprises a tank (23) for containing a treatment liquid. In the light of Figure 1, we see that said tank (23) is carried by the frame (4).
• the agricultural apparatus (2) further comprises pumping means (not shown) of the treatment liquid contained in said tank (23) to send it under pressure to said spray nozzles. Said treatment liquid is thus deposited in fine droplets on the plants or on the soil (S) to be treated.
• Such nozzles being widely known, they have not been shown in the figures and they will not be described further.
• the frame (4) is designed so that the ramp (1) can be moved in height relative to the ground (S).
• the frame (4) is, in known manner, made in two parts (26, 27): a carriage (26) to which the ramp (1) is connected by means of the suspension device (3) , and a frame (27) intended to be connected to the tractor.
• the carriage (26) can be moved in translation on the frame (27) under the action of actuator means also known but not shown: manual winch, hydraulic jack, etc.
• the spray height can be chosen according to the working conditions, in particular to adapt it to the size of the plants to be treated.
• the frame (4) is not subject to large oscillations and the ramp (1) is relatively stable and remains substantially parallel to the ground (S).
• the elastic systems (14A, 14B) act with equal and opposite forces on the connecting rod (6) which is therefore substantially vertical.
• the ramp (1) thus remains at a constant distance from the ground (S) and therefore the plants to be treated.
• the agricultural apparatus (2) undergoes many movements and vibrations that could affect the ramp (1) in various movements likely to disturb the good distribution of the products to be spread: vertical movements that would change the height of the spreading means fixed on said ramp (1), and horizontal movements back and forth.
• the vertical movements are the most troublesome because they modify the spreading surface of the products dispersed on the soil (S) and thus cause sometimes an underdosing, sometimes an overdosing.
• the suspension device (3) of the invention must filter or at least greatly reduce the transmission of these harmful movements on the ramp (1).
• the suspension device (3) comprises, for this purpose, in addition to the two dampers (18A, 18B), an additional damper (24) located between the frame (4) and the ramp (1). This additional damper (24) which damps the movements of the ramp (1) essentially around the first articulation (7).
• FIG 3 shows the ramp (1) and the suspension device (3) when the agricultural machine (2) works on a sloping ground.
• the ramp (1 ) automatically takes a position substantially parallel to the surface of the ground (S) and its behavior is similar to that described above if this terrain in slope also has irregularities (bumps, hollows, ruts, etc.).
• the suspension device (3) according to the invention which has just been described, is suitable both for work on flat terrain and on sloping ground, and this regardless of the configuration of the ground surface (S ). Indeed, the ramp (1) is maintained substantially parallel to the ground (S) and the sudden oscillations that can be subjected to the frame (3) during work, are filtered and strongly attenuated, regardless of the conditions of use.
• the invention also relates to an agricultural device for spreading products of the trailed or self-propelled type comprising a spreading ramp of products (1) according to the invention.
• said tractor or said self-propelled vehicle is indicated by (4).
• the agricultural implement (2) is dragged by a tractor and rolls on the ground (S) with its own rolling chassis, it is said rolling frame which is marked by (4).
• the invention is more particularly applicable to agricultural sprayers, but can also be applied to fertilizer spreaders or the like.

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• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Insects & Arthropods (AREA)
• Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
• Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
• Zoology (AREA)
• Environmental Sciences (AREA)
• Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
• Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
• Fertilizing (AREA)
• Soil Working Implements (AREA)
• Agricultural Machines (AREA)

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• 2006
  • 2006-02-08 FR FR0650450A patent/FR2896949B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2007
  • 2007-02-06 EP EP07731580A patent/EP1983824A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2007-02-06 WO PCT/FR2007/050754 patent/WO2007090989A2/fr active Application Filing
  • 2007-02-06 CN CN200780004830XA patent/CN101378654B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2007-02-06 BR BRPI0707595A patent/BRPI0707595B1/pt active IP Right Grant

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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