FR2584570A1 - Multi use apparatus intended for agriculture using compressed air for spray treatment and other operations such as cutting - Google Patents

Abstract

The multi-use unit is designed to provide localised plant-protective treatments, intended for wine-growing and tree-growing regions, and the pneumatic cutting associated with the use of any tool functioning using compressed air. It is composed of two vessels which, by a virtue of a particular circuit which connects them, make it possible to mix and to diffuse, using the same components, the liquid or the air, intended for automatic winding-up devices modified in order to function efficiently during the "treatment" phase. These winding-up devices are placed on supports having multidirectional locking devices. They make it possible to feed, in a to-and-fro fashion, one or more work stations, from a gear system specially designed for this purpose. A control panel placed on the frame makes it possible to group together all the pressure-adjustment and feeding operations of the "air and treatment" circuits.

Description

DESCRIPTION
The VERSATILE HANDSET presented in this dawmanile, combines the twin or independent use of air pressure and the dispensing of a liquid, thanks to the transfer of pressure from approved containers.

This combination of air under pressure and a liquid allowing various treatment operations in agriculture, viticulture and arboriculture, all combined in a single device.

 Today, various types of devices exist in the commercial circuits, making it possible, separately, and from different materials, to carry out: either phyto-sanitary treatments or pneumatic pruning.

 It should however be noted that these various terrestrial or aerial methods for the treatments only rarely allow specific localized operations to be carried out, in particular with the appearance of new prophylaxis in viticulture and arboriculture.

These new treatment methods (chemical stripping, localized weeding, chemical leaching, etc.) are encountering first-rate difficulties, in general, and in particular in regions of rugged relief, making their applications impossible from a self-propelled vehicle. .Only, the solution of treatment by backpacks being possible.

Very often, mechanical methods are a major factor in wasting product (around 60%) by unnecessary dispersion and polluting for the environment.

This patent brings together in a single device, the association of two types of work:
1 / Localized spraying for chemical treatments
in agriculture in general, market gardening, viticulture, arboricul
ture.

2 / The pneumatic pruning of the vine or trees as well as
the possibility of using pneumatic accessories
necessary for certain exotic pickings or all
use of tools operating with confined air.

Different factors come into play particularly in this COMBINATION
VERSATILE, know:
ECONOMICS - AUTONOMY - QUALITY of the VIII.

A / SAVINGS:
- Versatility of the device
- Precise use of the quantities of product required -
saire, without unnecessary waste.

- Fuel savings, in the work phase, the COMBINATION
POI.YVAI.ENT operating without any energy source.

- Simplicity of components making maintenance pra
tick zero.

B / AUTONOMY:
- Total.

 - Allows one or more simultaneous workstations.

C / QUALITY OF LIFE:
- Absolute silence during use.

 - No pollution of the environment.

- Crande ease of use by removing ef
strong due to back loads from
use of backpack devices.

PRESENTATION OF THE VERSATILE HANDSET.

They are two associated tanks as for their principle of use, resting on a chassis provided with autostatic reels d * - serving several types of work operations.

1 / CHASSIS (Fig 1)
Composed of a carrying cradle (1) with a "three point" hitch
allowing its transport behind any type of tractor
conventional or winemaker. The lower part of the eye
sis being equipped with wheels (2) thus allowing the displa
cerent on the ground, VERSATILE COMBINATION, this one if uncoupled.

The "AIR and LIQUID" tanks placed vertically side by side
side, are fixed to the chassis by their feet. Tests
with horizontally positioned tanks allow
variant presentation of the model.

The front part of the cradle, or supporting frame, has
a support (3) intended to receive a spacer coapressor
by PTO, or by internal combustion engine.

On the side parts and located at the rear of the chassis, a
or several supports (4) allow the reception of
automatic winders, intended to supply air or
liquidates the receiving harness (es). These supports are
designed and placed at a well defined and varying distance
depending on the model, to allow a rotation of 3 hours
of the reel, without it being bothered by
tanks. The support is of telescopic type adjustable in
height and direction. The combination of these two movements
elements for optimum use, whatever
work positions or terrain configuration.

A control panel located at the rear of this chassis,
brings together the different accessories and circuits needed
res to the operation of the VERSATILE HANDSET.

2 / LIQUID TANK (Fig 2 "A")
Vertically positioned, approved type, fitted with a
safety valve, its interior so coated with a layer
of protection ensuring him a better behavior to the
corrosion caused by the use of phyto-sani products
keep quiet, in the "treatment" work phase. His food
in liquid product is carried out by a filling valve
ge located on its upper part. Its lower part
is fitted with an outlet connected to a protected pipe
managed by a valve (101) and extended by a ho filter
rizontal0e) intended to avoid any risk of obstruction to
destination of the sockets located on the control panel.

The transport of the liquid cannot be carried out by gravity
it was necessary to provide for its push, by pressure
air, hence the idea of communication and air transfer in
from the second tank, by means of a circuit which
is described in paragraph 4 "Operating circuit
is lying,"
A pipe inside the tank (403) placed on the inlet port
air, protected by a t1X valve) and a non-return valve
tower 1405), ensures an important abso operation
lument nécéssaire for the treatments: melan mixing
eage of products added to water. This operation con
table can be particularly vigorous in its pre
first phase, thus allowing the pressurization of the li
quide, It is interesting to note that this air transfer
is extended by continuous mixing, the intensity of which is
controlled by a setting located on the control panel.

During the whole treatment operation, we are witnessing a
air transfer, as the level of
liquid in the tank. Two elbow fittings extending by
a small shut-off valve (106) is located on the
upper and lower part, connected by a trans tube
parent acting as a liquid level gauge (407).

This tank, in addition to its use in the "treatment" phase, can
also be paired with the "air" tank, as explained in para
graph three (3rd case).

 The tank feet are attached to the supporting frame.

3 / AIR TANK (Fig 2 "B")
Positioned vertically on the chassis, type approved,
handling of a safety valve and a pressure gauge
of air.

Once pressurized, this tank performs three functions:
First case: Air reserve necessary for the use of
of the "AIR" sockets, located on the switchboard
control (Fig / A 3), supplying power
necessary for the operation of any ac
pneumatic céssoire.

Second case: Thanks to the transfer circuit described in para
graph 6 (Operating circuits), it
allows the pressurization of the tank "Li
quide ", thus ensuring the displacement of this
last towards the "TREATMENT" sockets, located
on the control panel (Fig 3, / A 7), as well
that the brewing-mixing of liqui
of being in the second tank.

Third case: Allows by the transfer circuit described in
paragraph 5 (Operating circuits),
ensure total pressurization of the cu
ve "Liquid", the latter is Ju-bnttalors
with it, doubling, depending on the model,
operating autonomy in tire work
polished.

The pressurized air supply outlet is provided with
inlet, a closing valve (204 | allowing an intervention
tion in the event of an incident.

 The tank feet are attached to the supporting frame.

4 / CONTROL PANEL (Fig 3 / A)
In the form of a housing. It protects and connects the different cir
piping cooked (A ', B' C ') to the accessories allowing the
pressure regulation (oiler purifier (3CR) and sim purifier
ple (305). It includes the "AIR" (303) and "TREATMENT" (307) sockets
the circuit valves (3O4 / 305), a filling connection (301), and
a button 3 ensuring pneumatic height adjustment,
automatic winders. Finally, a connection socket for "public works" type accessories (398) -
It is from this table that all the operations are carried out
rations for operating and adjusting the COMBINE POLY +
VALENT, as well as the connection to / to the automatic reels
intended to supply the workstation (s).

The sockets and valves corresponding to the different circuits are
identified by distinct shades.

5 / OPERATING CIRCUITS (Fig 3)
AIR circuit (Fig 3 / B). The AIK tank is pressurized by a
socket (401) located on the control panel, and connected by
piping (A ') to an oil purifier (402) which provides
the pressure adjustment at the "AIR (303) outputs intended for supplying
lie the automatic winder (s) (54).

A connection located at the filling outlet
(≈), extended by an opening or closing valve (40Jper-
ment to direct or neutralize the pressure, at destination
of circuit B 'supplying the "Liquid" tank. Following this
valve is placed a simple purifier (405) ensuring the
pressure regulation for the "Liquid" tank.

When this circuit (B ') is opened, the air passing through
the mixing tube (405) internal to the tank, ensures the
in pressure, making this tank complementary to the tank
"AIR".

The return circuit corresponds to that used by the li
quide (C ') up to the control panel or a valve
opening or closing (4C'6) neutralizes the arrival of
tination of "Treatment" sockets (4021. From this van
ne, the air is channeled to the oiler purifier (4oLj and
joins circuit A 'to the "AIR" sockets.

 Liquid circuit (Fig 3 / C). The AIR tank being under pressure.

The valve (4oq) of circuit B 'closed. filling the
Liquid tank and the addition of additive products produced,
1 simple purifier (4O5? Open to the maximum, proceed to the-
opening of the valve (404).

The pressure will follow circuit B 'to the arm tube
sage (403) operating a sudden supply of air into the liqui
of and thus causing a very significant turbulence which
will ensure mixing and mixing of water and products
addition which could have been deposited in the lower part
tank.

Once this has been done, the upper part of
the tank, will gradually be under pressure that we con
will table by reducing this by the purifier (405). This pres
continuous sion will then ensure a permanent bubbling of the li
quide and its transport towards the control panel
by circuit C 'to the opening or closing valve
(406) which will neutralize the arrival at the purifier
It is therefore in the direction of the "TREATMENT" sockets (307) that the
liquid will come out under pressure.

6 / AUTOMATIC REELS AND SUPPORTS (Fig 4 / A)
Although existing in commercial circuits, these devices
reils / specially designed for air supply, have
we need a change in the internal spring
so that they can be used to transport the liquid
to the workstation (s), the stage load
claiming to this accessory being totally different
to carry a weight in liquid. After various tests,
an appropriate calibration of a spring, brings all satisfaction
for both use cases.

The 3600 rotation of the reels, allowing work
directional it was necessary to equip the foot with
the reel of a support provided with a stopper preventing the winding-
feed pipe, which quickly, without this
device, would cause the deterioration and rupture of this
pipe.

The reel support consists of a female tube
the (4 / fig 1) integral with the chassis, allowing to receive
a second tube (504. A locking device (504) as
surf, in the manual version, the height adjustment of 1 '
reel, this operation being carried out automatically
from the control panel, by a button, in the
pneumatic adjustment version, constituting a variant
possible manufacturing. A ring (SOSJ adapted to the foot of
1 reel gives it a total rotation on its axis
but can be locked (fo) in any direction
chosen to supply the workstation (s).

7 / HARNESS (Fig 4 / B)
-Its point setting necessitated a search for balance
linking simplicity of implementation and removal
maximum tensile forces.

It consists of a lap belt (60) connected in
its dorsal part by Y-shaped straps (602), the
two upper branches returning from the front, connects
der to the ventral part of the belt. A loop of at
telage connects the hose from the reel to the
rear part of the belt, this position (603) providing the
maximum traction force, combined with minimum effort.

Tests have shown us that a position located below
above this point makes work progress much more
annoying. The connection of the supply hose to the pos
your work is done by a connection to one or more
several outlets, connected to one or more rising tubes
along the central part of the dorsal straps ($ 6},
and leading to the highest part of separation of
suspenders, at a junction point (605) ensuring repair
side workstations and, through this posi
special tion, to avoid any risk of snagging
ge to inter-row obstacles (stakes etc ...) 8 / O AND ACCESSORIES.

A wide variety of pneumatic tools and accessories are
usable from the VERSATILE HANDSET:
Secateurs, chainsaws, vibrators for harvesting, kits
sandblasting, pneumatic tools, jackhammers, etc ...

In the "Treatments" version, all spraying systems and
other applications from liquids.

Claims (11)

 1 / Multipurpose device for agriculture in general using compressed air for chemical treatment by spraying and other related operations such as pruning, characterized in that it consists  - a compressed air tank (2B) resting on a chassis (1) and having a "three point" type hitch that can be coupled to a self-propelled vehicle intended for its movement, or resting on a transport platform  - a second tank (2A) which can jointly perform phytosanitary treatment operations, or contain compressed air, and in this case, work in twinning with the first tank to supply at least one pneumatic tool  - a connection circuit for the transfer of compressed air, from the first tank (2B) to the second (2A).  2 / Multipurpose device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first tank (2B) is intended to supply the second (2A), by an adjustable compressed air circuit, this second tank (2A) being filled with a liquid, the compressed air used to transfer it to a spray or sprinkler system.  3 / Multipurpose device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second tank (2B, 2A) can be filled with compressed air which, by transfer allow to supply a pneumatic tool.  4 / Multipurpose device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transfer means consist of a circuit allowing the distribution of a liquid or compressed air, by flexible ducting on an automatic reel (14) to a fixed distribution means on a portable harness.  5 / Multipurpose device according to claim 4, characterized in that the harness to which the dispensing means is fixed is composed of a ventral belt (601) connected by its dorsal part to a system of straps (602) in the form of Y, the upper part of these going down towards the ventral part of the belt to connect to it.  6 / multipurpose device according to claim 5, characterized in that the dispensing means is composed by an automatic connector, positioned on the dorsal part (603) of the harness belt, and extended along the dorsal part of the straps, towards a point (605) located as high as possible thereof, by one or more pipes used to supply one or more other workstations.  7 / Multipurpose device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the arrival of air in the tank "Liquid" (2A) takes place in the vicinity of the tank bottom so that the air under pressure, performs a mixing-mixing of the additives brought to the water contained in the tank.  8 / Multipurpose device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a control panel which is characterized by the grouping, distribution and adjustment of the various pneumatic and liquid circuits.  9 / multipurpose device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the automatic reel it comprises allows a development allowing the transport of liquid products to workstations, this reel (14) being provided with a device allowing its directional adjustment as well as in height, a support provided with a particular device avoiding the winding of the supply pipe at the inlet of the automatic reel (14), thus avoiding any risk of rupture of the pipe and a pneumatic cylinder allowing its adjustment in height.  10 / A method using the device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it consists in associating, on a transportable support, a compressed air storage tank, and in distributing a liquid to be sprayed, to destination of at least one harness worn by a person, and connected to spraying means.  11 / A method according to claim 10, characterized by its use in the fields applicable to viticulture, arboriculture, market gardening and crops or crops in general, as well as to liquid phytosanitary applications.