FR2646841A1 - Device making it possible automatically to stop the filling of a container - Google Patents

Abstract

Device making it possible automatically to stop the filling of a container when a predetermined volume has been introduced therein. The device, intended particularly for automating the filling of vessels used in agriculture, combines a liquid-metering element equipped with electronic meter with predetermination and a manually opened automatic valve, retained magnetically and freed by an emission of current at the time of coincidence between the number of litres of liquid which has passed into the device and that displayed beforehand on the preselection switch. The device is characterised by its compact size, the low pressure loss it causes in the pipework where it is incorporated and its independent powering by means of cells or batteries.

Description

DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY STOPPING FILLING
OF A CONTAINER.

 The present invention relates to a device for automatically stopping the filling of a container when a predetermined volume has been introduced therein.

 I1 is particularly the filling of sprayer tanks used in agriculture or other, the device measuring the volume introduced and automatically closing a valve when the predetermined volume is passed.

 It combines an element for measuring the volume of liquid and an automatic valve with manual reset, the assembly being preferably autonomous from the point of view of electrical supply, the latter being ensured by batteries and / or a storage battery.

 Traditionally, the volume of water introduced into the sprayer tanks is measured with a float gauge which offers often insufficient precision due to mechanical reasons (tank not horizontal) and / or the small volumes to be used compared to the total capacity. of the tank.

 The second factor takes on all the more importance as the spraying techniques, while improving, lead the operator to use increasingly reduced volumes of solutions per unit of surface treated.

 The device according to the invention makes it possible to introduce into a tank any predetermined volume - not exceeding its capacity - measured with precision, by automatically stopping the filling when it is reached, without operator supervision.

 The device is placed in series on the suction pipe for the filling liquid - water or fertilizing solution - without providing a pressure drop capable of significantly reducing the flow rate of the suction pump generally located on the sprayer.

 The device is made of materials that are chemically compatible with fertilizing or other solutions commonly used in agriculture.

 Volume measurement element: it is composed of a mad turbine (1) on its axis, driven in rotation by the current of liquid to be measured by a detector (2) which emits an electrical pulse at each turn or fraction of turbine tower.

The parameters, inclination of the blades and number of pulses per revolution are preferably chosen so that each pulse corresponds to one liter of liquid passing through the device.
The electrical pulses from the detector are counted by a predetermined electronic counter (3) which generates a current pulse when the coincidence is reached between the number of liters displayed by the counter (3) and that previously displayed on the predetermined switch ( 4).

 This current pulse acts on an electromagnetic component acting on the automatic valve.

 Automatic valve: this is an automatic closing device consisting of a ball (5) placed in the liquid stream and which, being applied to a seat (6) causes the circuit to close.

This ball (5) subjected to the action of a spring (7) which is added to the hydrodynamic thrust of the liquid current is retained in the open position glass with the lever (8) by an electromagnetic assembly (9) constituted by an electromagnet provided a permanent magnet whose field retains a pole piece (10)
When the current pulse from the electronic pulse counter (3) excites the electromagnet coil (9) the field of the permanent magnet is canceled and the pole piece (10) is released which brings the ball (5) to be pressed against the seat (6) causing the hydraulic cir cuit to close, therefore stopping the filling.

 The extension of the lever (8) provided with a handle (11) allows the ball (5) to be replaced manually in the open position. It remains there thanks to the action of the electromagnet (9) allowing a new use of the device.

 According to a preferred embodiment the device has a tubular shape, provided at each end with connectors (12) compatible with those which are fitted to most sprayers.

 The section of the elements constituting the device is chosen to be sufficient so that the pressure drop introduced by its presence in the piping is negligible.

 The device can be used at a fixed position, next to the water supply source or in fertilizing solution. Its small footprint also allows it to be attached to the sprayer.

 The accompanying drawing illustrates the invention.

 Figure 1 shows in section the device according to the invention.

 The device shown in Figure 1> includes the turbine (1) the detector associated with it (2) whose pulses are counted by the electronic pulse counter (3).

 The automatic closing valve is located upstream, the direction of circulation of the liquid in the device being represented by the arrow. It includes the ball (5) shown in the open position and which can be applied on the seat (6). The ball (5) is retained thanks to the; er (8) by the pole piece (IO) maintained -on the electromagnet (9) thanks to the permanent magnet which is incorporated therein. The lever (8) oscillates thanks to a ball (12) which pivots on an O-ring (13) which seals the hydraulic system. The movements of the lever (8) are transmitted to the ball (5) thanks to the rod (15) which is provided with a yoke, as well as the rod (14) which connects the other end of the lever (8) å the pole piece (10).

Claims (6)

 1 - Device for automatically stopping the filling of a container when a predetermined volume has been introduced into it, characterized in that it combines, under a small footprint, a liquid flow meter "and an automatic valve with manual reset and magnetic retainer.  2 - Device according to claim 1 characterized in its réa lisation'i in tubular form having a low pressure drop allowing it to be used in a suction circuit.  3 - Device according to the preceding claims characterized in its use of a predetermined electronic counter powered independently and allowing the display by a switch the volume expressed in liters to be introduced into a tank.  4 - Device according to the preceding claims characterized in its use1 to maintain an open valve of an electromagnet polarized by a permanent magnet whose magnetic action ceases by emission of a current.  5 - Device according to the preceding claims characterized ence that the valve once closed is returned to the open state by manual action on a lever.  6 - Device according to the preceding claims characterized in that the lever controlling ia valve position comprises a ball oscillating on an O-ring ensuring the tightness of the hydraulic circuit and the freedom of movement necessary for its movement.