GB2229074A - Spraying the underside of crops - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for spraying in relation to row crops provides downwardly extending support elements or drop legs 22 carrying spray means in the region of their lower ends. The support elements extend downwardly between crop rows 28 and are moved lengthwise of the crop rows while spraying proceeds. The spray means deliver spray 24 generally upwardly and/or horizontally with respect to the ground so as to treat crop material in the rows. The support elements are mounted so as to float freely and permit lateral movement to follow lateral and other row and crop contours. The support elements may be mounted on a boom. The boom may also be provided with downwardly directed spraying means for simultaneous or sequential use. The boom is adapted to fold so as to produce a generally Z-shaped folded configuration. For lodged crop, the spray nozzles on the support elements may be replaced by rotary wheel elements having projecting spoke elements which penetrate the crop and themselves carry spray means to distribute spray from within the crop. <IMAGE>

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CROP SPRAYING This invention relates to a method and apparatus for crop spraying. In the growing of agricultural and horticultural crops, treatment of same by spraying, for example to protect the crop against pests and diseases, is now an important part of the crop growing programme.

However, conventional field spraying equipment is subject to significant shortcomings due to the fact that the spray only reaches the portion of the foliage directly in the path of the spray. Thus, where a crop has dense foliage, as in the case of a potato crop, the applied spray does not reach the lower leaves beneath the top leaf cover.

As potato crops are highly susceptible to fungal attack, this inability to properly spray the crop is of considerable significance.

In GB 1,574,308 (Claxton) there is disclosed a band sprayer having a structure somewhat similar to that disclosed in some embodiments of the present invention, but which is confined.in use to spraying downwards directly onto the ground, for example after the drilling of seeds and for spraying around the roots and stems of young sugar beet plants to remove weeds. The disclosure in this specification is entirely concerned with herbicide application, and provides no teaching in relation to the treatment of well-established crops such as potatoes where there is a problem in relation to proper coverage of the crop leaf structure. If the Claxton apparatus were used for spraying in established crops it would in any case cause excessive crop damage due to tangling of the crop with the laterally fixed drop legs.

GB 635,424 (Wright) and US 3,785,564 (Baldocchi) both disclose spraying apparatus for spraying below growing plants, but in both cases the disclosure is of a miniature spraying vehicle which is drawn or self-propelled and passes under the growing foliage to effect spraying. Such an approach is inevitably usable only on a small scale and provides no assistance in relation to rapid spraying of large acreages as is necessary for potato crops for example.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for spraying offering improvements in relation to one or more of the matters discussed herein, or generally.

According to the invention there is provided a method and apparatus for spraying as claimed in the accompanying claims.

In a preferred embodiment, a spraying device is provided which provides full spray cover for the crop being sprayed. A spray boom of the apparatus is more rigid than previously proposed booms. Attached to the boom are a number of support elements or drop legs disposed so as to correspond to, for example, the ridges which a potato crop is grown on. The support elements are trailed from the spraying boom. Each support element takes the form of a hinged or arm which is attached to the boom at one end and is allowed to rest on the bottom of the valley between the potato ridges. The support elements serve to mount spraying devices which, in use, coat the under-side of the potato crop. Each support element may have a separator which allows the support element to pass through the potato foliage without causing damage.The trailing support element, or arm, is in contact with the uneven surface of the soil. This causes vibration of the support element.

The vibration assists the leaf separator in its row-opening function. In the preferred embodiment, spraying can be effected even in windy conditions, as the micro-environment provided by the potato leaf cover reduces the wind drifting effect on the spray. In the event of too much movement of the support elements being caused in use, a damping device may be provided. Each support element may have more than one spray jet to produce greater spray cover.

The boom supporting the support elements may be arranged to fold, with the support elements thereon, to enable a relatively narrow transport width of the apparatus to be provided for use on public highways. The apparatus may well be usable in applications other than in relation to potato crops.

In another preferred embodiment, modifications are included to assist the centralising of the support elements with respect to the crop rows. This arises from difficulties in forming potato ridges with exactly correctly positioned row centres. Considerable variations can occur in this respect, depending on tractor driver ability, prevailing soil conditions, and field gradients.

To meet the problems caused by wandering of the crop rows in a lateral direction, this preferred embodiment has free floating self-aligning support elements, or arms, which centre-themselves with respect to the bottom of the valley between successive potato ridges. Instead of the support elements being fixed directly to the boom, they are mounted on a carriage which can move laterally with respect to the boom to produce the self-alignment function. The boom has one or more rails on which the carriage is mounted for rolling movement. The support elements and the carriages may be interconnected so that the support elements achieve lateral movement in unison or with a variable degree of independence.

In a further preferred embodiment, attention is given to the problems of providing a sufficiently narrow transport width for the apparatus, having regard to the need to transport the apparatus to and from its place of work, via public highways. There is also a need for the folding of the boom to be able to be effected by the tractor driver form his in-cab working position, without descending from the cab.

In this preferred embodiment, the boom has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape to provide additional stiffness. Previously proposed boom constructions would have inadequate stiffness and would twist in use.

A further factor in relation to this aspect of the invention concerns the need to avoid interaction of the support elements, or arms, in the transport position of the apparatus. In this preferred embodiment, a boom span of 12 metres can be folded within the rear profile of a tractor.

Moreover, the support elements, attached to the lower side of the generally triangular cross-sectional shape do not interlock, as between those on one section of the boom, and those on a neighbouring section. The support elements are freely suspended from the boom and fold flat against it when it is raised for transport. The boom is formed with multiple sections which can be readily folded. The nearest section of the boom to the sub-frame which mounts on the hitch links of the agricultural tractor, is hinged so that when it is in its transport position, it lies over the rear of the sub-frame, along with the other attached sections.

All sections can be folded independently of one another, enabling differing boom widths to be achieved.

Construction of the boom and sub-frame may be of steel or aluminium or suitable alloy, and may be formed as a space frame or monocoque construction. A section through the boom may be triangular, or it may be found convenient to construct a section with more or less faces which are straight or curved. Safety break-away hinging may be provided either in each section of the boom, or in the subframe. The boom may also be provided with spray jets of the kind for spraying downwards from the boom, for use on land, or in the air.

The boom may be provided with an air collector to deflect the air flow that occurs when the booms are being passed over a crop, to deflect air flow generally downwardly towards the crop. This assits in retaining the fine spray droplets within the foliage cover, so as to inhibit drift to other crops or neighbouring fields.

In a still further preferred embodiment, attention is given to the need to centralise the support elements, or arms, with respect to the rows, and to the need to provide sufficient response to crop density, and to avoid crop damage. An additional factor considered is problems arising from boom tilt on uneven ground. Such tilt leads to the distance between the tip of the support elements, or arms, and the soil surface varying to an extent which affects the performance of the spray means on the support arms. Also, there is a need to provide improved means for folding the support arms for transport.

In this preferred embodiment, a universal coupling has been provided between the support arms and the carriages which permit them to move laterally with rspect to the boom. By the use of springs and adjustment chains, a multi-directional device is provided which can be adjusted to suit prevailing conditions. This feature also assists when folding the apparatus for transport, adjusting for crop density, and has added extra performance in allowing the support elements to move away from obstacles on the ground, or constituted by lodged crops. The support elements are thus able to weave in a lateral direction without affecting the spray performance, and damage to crops is reduced. In this embodiment, control of boom height and tilt has been achieved by providing sensors on the boom which are in contact with the soil surface.The sensors switch electrically operated actuators to level the boom so that the drop legs are positioned correctly in relation to the soil surface. A general height control facility is also incorporated in the system and is operated by utilising a parallel linkage between the sprayer main chassis and the boom. The linkage is actuated by an electrically driven actuator which can be controlled by either manual or automatic sensing. Provision is also made for the height control to be integrated with the tilt control,thus making the adjustment of the boom automatic when spraying, thereby leaving the driver free to control the tractor.

In another preferred embodiment, a modification to the support elements, or arms, is provided. This is proposed for use in extreme cases where a crop has become completely lodged, or tangled. The support element is replaced by a rimless spoked wheel. The wheel has a convenient number of radial spokes which have a supply of sprayed liquid fed to them from the hub of the wheel. The fluid is distributed by a valve system to each of the spokes. At the ends of the spokes are attached a number of spray jets which are angled to spray the crop from the side. In order to avoid all the jets working all of the time, a hub valve system is provided so as to shut off the liquid when the spokes are out of the crop. In order that the spokes do not entangle the crop they are made adjustable so that the correct crop engagement angle may be achieved.This wheel spraying system and the support element or drop leg system are interchangeable.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Fig 1 shows a plan view of a tractor and sprayer, showing the support elements or spraying arms extending rearwardly from the boom of the sprayer; Fig 2 shows, diagrammatically, a support element, or spraying arm, in action, the view being from above; Fig 3 shows a side elevation view of a support element or spraying arm; Fig 4 shows a plan view of the support element or spraying arm of Fig 3; Figs 5 and 6 show a second embodiment, Fig 5 showing a plan view and Fig 6 an elevation view of a carriage assembly for mounting a modified support element or spray arm on the boom; Fig 7 shows, diagrammatically, the manner of folding the boom, this figure showing the boom in its half-folded position and attached to the tractor sprayer frarme;; Fig 8 shows the boom unit folded behind the rear of the tractor; Fig 9 shows a side elevation view of a modified spraying assembly in which a rotary wheel having radial sproke type spraying arms is employed to enter lodged crop; Fig 10 shows a plan view of the assembly of Fig 9; Fig 11 shows a modification of the embodiment of Fig 3; and Fig 12 shows a plan view of the support element assembly of Fig 11.

As shown in Figs 1 and 2, a tractor 10 is drawing spraying apparatus 12 to spray a potato crop 14 in which there are valleys 16 between successive ridges in the earthed-up crop. The tractor runs with its wheels 18 in these valleys.

The spraying apparatus 12 comprises booms 20 extending laterally over the crop rows. The booms having trailing support elements 22 which extend downwards between the crop rows to the bottom of the valleys 16 so as to effect a spraying action as indicated at 24 in Fig 1.

As shown in Fig 2, a fowardly extending separator element 26 is provided in front of each of the support elements or arms 22 to divide a path through the leaves 28 of the potato crop, thereby enabling the trailing arm 22 to pass through the foliage without causing damage. The spray nozzle 30 which produces the spray 24 is positioned in the correct location on arm 22, to spray the undersides of the foliage 18 by means of a horizontally and/or vertically directed spray pattern as indicated at 24.

In Figs 1 and 2, the lines of the crop rows themselves (ie effectively the tops of the potato ridges, below which the potatoes themselves have been planted), are indicated by reference numeral 32, whereas the valleys between the ridges and a long which the row units of the sprayer pass (ie the support elements 22), together with the tractor wheels, are indicated at 16, as already mentioned.

Figs 3 and 4 show further details of the row units 34, for each of the crop rows, each row unit comprising a support element or arm 22. For each row unit, there is provided below boom 20 a bracket 36. The support element or arm 22 is pivotally connected to the bracket. The leaf divider 26 is attached to arm 22. The pivot connection 38 on bracket 36 to arm 22 provides a degree of lost motion or float whereby the arm 22 is able to move laterally, to a certain extent, to accommodate lateral wondering of the crop rows.

A shock absorbing device 40 is provided at the trailing end of each arm 22 for engagement with the ground and comprises a spring 42 and a pivoted slider member 44.

A flexible spray feed pipe 46 delivers spray liquid to the nozzle 30 and accommodates movement of the arm 22. Tube 46 is fed from a manifold 48.

In use, the support elements 22 extend downwardly between the crop rows 32 as the apparatus travels in direction F lengthwise of the rows. The nozzles 30 spray liquid upwardly and/or horizontally with respect to the ground so as to treat the crop material in the rows. The pivot 38 permits lateral movement of the support elements 22 with respect to their mounting to follow lateral row contours.

In the embodiment of Figs 5 and 6 there is provided refined and improved means for permitting lateral floating movement of the support elements or arms 22 with respect to their mountings and the boom, to follow lateral row contours.

In this embodiment, the boom 50 is shown having a generally triangular profile as seen in lengthwise crosssection. This provides the boom with the necessary stiffness and resistence to twisting forces.

In this embodiment, the support elements have a modified shape and profile and are indentified by reference numeral 52, with their nozzles 54 located in the region of their rear ends. Each support element has a downwardly and slightly forwardly extending portion 56 leading to a horizontal rearwardly extending portion 58. Portion 56 is connected to a carriage 60 having wheels 62, 64 and 66 engaging rails 68, 70 carried by the boom 50. The wheels roll on the rails with low friction, the rail and wheel profiles avoiding a pinching action.

Carriage 60 comprises a frame 72 on which a mounting arm 74 for wheel 66 is pivotally mounted at 76, and is biased by a spring 78 acting between the frame and the arm to hold all three carriage wheels 62, 64 and 66 in engagement with their rails. Frame 72 also serves to provide a mounting for the support element 52.

Thus, carriage 60 is freely laterally shiftable in both directions along rails 68, 70 to accommodate crop row contours. The apparatus otherwise functions as in the embodiment of Figs 1 to 4.

An aerofoilshaped air deflector 79 on boom 50 intercepts the air flow A due to travel in direction F and produces a downwardly directed flow D. A trailed flexible pvc canopy 81 serves to further confine the spray. Fig 6 also shows at 83 a spray bar mounted on boom 50 and producing a downwardly directed spray 85 for simultaneous or sequential use with nozzles 54.

Turning now to the embodiment of Figs 7 and 8, Fig 7 shows the boom 80 in a semi-folded state. A sub-frame 82 provides a mounting for boom 80 on the hitch links of the tractor (not shown). A corresponding boom is mounted on the other side of sub-frame 82. This latter is not illustrated, for reasons of simplicity of illustration.

Boom 80 is pivotally connected to sub-frame 82 at locations 84, 86. The disposition of the axes of the pivots is such that these are co-axial and inclined at the angle 88 with respect to sub-frame 82, so as to incline the boom towards the back of the tractor when folded.

Boom 80 comprises boom portions 90, 92 and 94. The boom portions are pivotally interconnected by hinge assemblies having axes generally parallel to and close to the triangular edge profiles of the boom portions at 96 and 98, the hinge axes being identified by reference numerals 100 and 102.

As in the preceding embodiment, the support elements for the spraying row units are mounted on rails 104, 106.

These rails are shown, in Fig 7, for each of the boom portions, and thus the location of the spraying devices in the semi-folded condition of the boom can be judged.

Fig 8 shows the boom sections 90, 92 and 94 in fully folded transport configuration. It can be seen that the boom assembly is located well within the lateral confines of the tractor wheels 110.

It will be noted that in this embodiment the boom portions are pivotal about axes which are not mutually parallel. These axes are however parallel to or approximately parallel to the sides of the triangular section boom structure, whereby the compact boom folded configuration is achieved. It will also be noted that the axis 112 about which the inner end of boom portion 90 pivots, leans rearwardly as it extends upwards with respect to forward travel direction F.

Turning now to the embodiment of Figs 9 and 10, the boom 120 has mounted thereon carriages 122. Downwardly depending from each carriage is a support element 124, which is biased downwardly by a spring 126. In place of the nozzle or nozzles on each support element 124 there is provided a rotary wheel element 128. The wheel element has outwardly projecting spoke elements 130, each spoke element having spray means, to penetrate lodged crop 132, in a generally endwise manner. Liquid to be sprayed is delivered by a flexible conduit 134 to the hub 136 of wheel 128. The hub comprises valve means arranged to deliver the liquid only to those spoke elements 130 which have penetrated the crop 132, at any given instance.

As shown in Fig 9, the spoke elements 130 which are in the crop deliver a spray of the liquid in a generally horizontal and/or upwardly directed attitude so as to effect treatment of the crop, as in previous embodiments.

The spoke elements deliver the spray from lengthwise-spaced outlets or nozzles provided on the spoke elements as indicated at 138.

In use, the spoke elements 130 penetrate the crop and, as the apparatus proceeds forwards in direction F, each of the wheels 128 is generally aligned with the valley 140 between two successive crop rows 142, and the spokes 130 are driven by the crop 132 and/or light engagement with the ground.

This embodiment is particularly well adapted to cope with dense and lodged crop which would otherwise represent (so far as prior art proposals are concerned) an impossible task so far as spraying the underside of the crop leaves is concerned, at a rate which would in any way compare with the rate of area coverage by conventional spraying machines which spray the crop from above (and thus leave the underside of the leaves untreated).

Turning now to the embodiment of Figs 11 and 12, it will be seen that this is a modification of the embodiment of Figs 5 and 6. Accordingly, parts corresponding to those of Figs 5 and 6 are given corresponding reference numerals increased by 100. Thus, rail 68 in Figs 5 and 6 becomes 168, and so on. In Figs 11 and 12, the boom 50 of Figs 5 and 6 has not been shown, for simplicity of illustration.

In this embodiment, the carriage structure 160 differs significantly from that of the embodiment of Fig 5 and 6, and likewise the mounting and arrangement of the support element or arm 152.

So far as the carriage is concerned, it comprises two pairs of wheels 162, 164 and 166, 166A journalled on respective supports 172, 174, and held in engagement with the rails by a telescopic plunger tube 176 having an internal compression spring 178.

The row unit arm or support element 152 (which supports the jet or nozzle 154) is mounted on carriage 160 by downwardly-depending arms 180 to which the support element is journalled at 182. Arms 180 can turn about the axes 183 of plunger tube 176. Element 152 is located against rearwardly directed dynamic forces arising during use by two coiled tension springs 184 and associated adjustment chains 186. The spring and chain assemblies have a line of action inclined with respect to the forward travel direction F, thereby having a centralising effect on the support element, while permitting lateral swinging of the support element under dynamic forces arising during use. Carriage 160 can, as in the previous embodiment, move bodily with respect to the boom to accommodate row contours. Chains 186 provide for adjustment of the normal working position of the support element as shown in Fig 11.

This will depend upon the crop density, and other working conditions. The springs provide safety overload characteristics.

Thus the support elements or drop legs 152 are completely floatingly mounted to follow row contours and respond to crop effects in a dynamic fashion during use.

Moreover the elements 152 fold flat below the boom when the latter is raised for transport. This is permitted by pivotal movement about axes 183.

Laterally projecting inclined row guide probes or plates 188 are provided at each side of support element 152. These are position-adjustable for contact with the crop or crop ridges to exert a centralising effect on the row unit.

In operation, this embodiment has improved dynamic characteristics in terms of self-centralising action as the row units move lengthwise of the crop rows. Adjustment of the attitude of the support elements is provided and an adjuster 190 permits height adjustment of each support element itself with respect to its mounting.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS :

1 A method of spraying in relation to row crops comprising : a) providing downwardly extending support elements carrying spray means in the region of their lower ends; b) positioning said support elements in relation to at least two crop rows so that the support elements extend downwardly between the crop rows; c) moving said support elements lengthwise of said crop rows while said spray elements effect spraying; characterised in that d) said spray means deliver said spray generally upwardly and/or horizontally with a respect to the ground so as to treat crop material in said crop rows.

2 A method according to claim 1 characterised by the step of permitting lateral movement of said support elements with respect to a mounting therefor to follow lateral row contours.

3 A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised by the step of supporting said support elements on a boom which, in use, extends laterally with respect to the forward travel direction, the boom having further spray means adapted to direct spray downwardly in use, and the method further comprising the step of using said further spray means to spray downwardly on the same or on a different crop either simultaneously or before or after spraying with said one spray means on said support elements.

4 A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised by supporting said support elements on a boom and folding said boom for transport by folding one portion of the boom inwards towards the mounting or mid-point along the length of the boom, and folding another portion (which in use is further outwards from said mounting or mid-point than said one portion) outwards and away from said mounting or mid-point.

5 A method of spraying horticultural or agricultural crops comprising passing a boom over such crops and spraying same with spray means connected to said boom, characterised by the step of folding said boom for transport by folding one portion of the boom inwards and towards the mid-point along the length of the boom, and folding another portion (which, in use, is further outwards from said mid-point), outwards.

6 A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterised by said one spray means comprising a rotary wheel element having outwardly projecting spoke elements having spray means, said spoke elements being capable of penetrating lodged crop, the method comprising the step of causing said spoke elements to penetrate the crop in a generally downwardly extending direction and causing same to spray the crop from within the crop.

7 A method of spraying a horticultural dr agricultural crop comprising passing a boom over such crop and spraying same with spray means connected to said boom, characterised by the step of providing air deflector means carried by said boom and causing same to deflect air downwards, in use, towards a crop being sprayed.

8 A method of spraying in relation to row crops substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9 Apparatus for spraying in relation to row crops comprising a) at least two support elements which, in use, extend downwardly and carry spray means in the region of their lower ends; b) said support elements being adapted to being positioned in relation to at least two crop rows so that the support elements extend downwardly between the crop rows; c) said apparatus being mobile for movement lengthwise of said crop rows while said spray means effect said spraying; characterised in that d) said spray means are adapted to deliver spray, in use, in a generally upwardly and/or horizontal direction with respect to the ground, so as to treat crop material in said rows.

10 Apparatus according to claim 9 characterised by mounting means for said support elements permitting floating movement of same with respect to the normal working position in at least one direction and preferably both fore/aft and laterally.

11 Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10 characterised by a boom to support said support elements, the boom in use extending laterally with respect to the forward travel direction of the apparatus, and the boom having further spray means adapted to direct spray downwardly in use so that the further spray means can spray downwardly on the same or a different crop either simultaneously or before or after spraying with said one spray means on said support elements.

12 Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11 characterised by said support elements being mounted on a boom which is foldable for transport by folding one portion of it inwards and towards the mid-point along the length of the boom, and folding another portion (which, in use, is further outwards from said mid-point) outwards.

13 Apparatus according to claim 12 characterised in that said boom portions are pivotable about axes which are not mutually parallel.

14 Apparatus according to claim 12A charcterised in that said axes are parallel or approximately parallel to the sides ofd the triangular or other polygonal section boom structure.

15 Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14 characterised in that said support elements are mounted so as to automatically fold towards the boom to an unobtrusive transport position when the boom is raised for transport.

16 Apparatus for spraying horticultural or agricultural crops comprising a boom to be passed over such crops and the boom having spray means connected thereto, characterised by said boom being foldable for transport by folding one portion of it inwards and towards the mid-point along the length of the boom, and another portion (which in use is further outwards from said mid-point) being foldable outwards.

17 Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 16 characterised by said one spray means comprising a rotary wheel element having outwardly-projecting spoke elements having spray means to penetrate lodged crop, the spoke elements being capable of penetrating a crop in a generally downwardly extending direction to spray the crop from within the crop.

18 Apparatus for spraying horticultural or agricultural crops comprising a boom to pass over such crop and spray means connected to said boom, characterised by air deflector means carried by said boom to deflect air downwards in use towards a crop being sprayed.

19 Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 18 characterised by forwardly extending crop dividing means on said support elements.

20 Apparatus for spraying in relation to row crops substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.