GB2389507A

GB2389507A - Self propelled sprayer

Info

Publication number: GB2389507A
Application number: GB0313834A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Geoffrey Wilson
Original assignee: VALE ENGINEERING Ltd
Current assignee: VALE ENGINEERING Ltd
Priority date: 2002-06-15
Filing date: 2003-06-16
Publication date: 2003-12-17
Also published as: GB0213780D0; GB0313834D0

Abstract

A self propelled sprayer 1 comprising a wheeled chassis 4 with driven wheels 3 and a vehicle body consisting of one or more hollow body portions on a lightweight mounting frame 13 such as to serve as fluid storage compartments 15,17,18,19 for a treatment fluid, together comprising a treatment fluid reservoir, one or more spray nozzles 40 to spray fluid on the ground in the vicinity of the vehicle in fluid connection with the fluid storage compartment(s), and a pump for pumping fluid from the said fluid storage compartment(s) to the nozzle(s) 40. The vehicle body may consist essentially only of the hollow body portion that forms the reservoir.

Description

SELF PROPELLED SPRAYER

The invention relates to a self propelled sprayer for spraying fluids onto a 5 ground surface.

The invention in particular relates to the spraying of fluids containing chemicals for particular chemical treatments to be applied to the ground surface, for example for spraying with pesticides and herbicides, spraying of 10 saline or other solutions to deal with frost and icing etc. The invention is concerned w lath situations where chemicals have to be sprayed precisely over relatively small areas of ground for example in urban environments to keep selected areas of roads, paths or other public areas free of unwanted vegetation, ice etc. The invention Is therefore on a different scale to, and is 15 not concerned with machines for spraying on an agricultural scale of crop areas and the like.

Spraying liquids are by their nature bulky and unwieldy. Any operator who is going to spray an area of reasonable size will therefore be presented with a 20 primary problem of transporting a suitably large reservoir of liquid. A hand held sprayer may be considered, in which a liquid reservoir is carried, for example as part of a backpack. Clearly, the amount of liquid which can be carried by a user of such apparatus Is severely limited, and accordingly larger reservoirs are often provided comprising containers carried on wheeled 25 vehicles, and in particular self propelled wheeled vehicles which can be driven by the user.

An example of the latter is described in UK Patent Application No. 2352383.

In this application, a so-called quad bike is described which is driven and

propelled by an operator sitting thereon. Spraying apparatus is mounted on the front of the bike, and a large liquid reservoir tank is mounted above the ehcle to the rear of the driver's position. Such spraying apparatus has not proved universally popular. The additional apparatus can malce the vehicle tend to be top heavy and unstable, and the vehicle is in any case not always suitable for the urban and other non- agricultural environments in which the present invention is frequently intended to operate.

It is an object of the invention to provide a self propelled sprayer which 10 mitigates some or all of the above disadvantages.

It is a particular object of the invention to provide a self propelled sprayer which offers a good spraying fluid storage capacity in compact, stable and convenient manner.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention in its broadest aspect there is provided a self propelled sprayer comprising a wheeled chassis having mounted thereon drive means to drive the wheels, and a vehicle body comprising one or more hollow body portions such as to serve as fluid storage 20 compartments, the self propelled sprayer further comprising one or more spray nozzles to spray liquid on the ground in the vicinity of the vehicle in fluid connection with the fluid storage compartment(s), and a pump for pumping fluid from the said fluid storage compartment(s) to the nozzle(s) in use.

25 A self propelled sprayer in accordance with the invention thus differs from prior art sprayers in one particularly significant material detail. Instead of

mounting storage tanks on a vehicle body, the storage tank(s) are the vehicle body. Ideally in accordance with the invention the vehicle body consists essentially only of the said hollow body portion(s) on a lightweight mounting

fame to ensure they are correctly positioned and mounted upon the chassis, save for only minor extra features for safety and/or convenience. The arrangement is much more stable and compact than vehicle-based designs such as those described in GB 2352383 where additional tanks are provided 5 mounted high up on a vehicle body. The invention offers much increased fluid storage capacity compared with other prior art designs.

It will be understood that references herein to a vehicle body, in particular in relation to a vehicle body consisting essentially only of hollow body portions IC, and a mounting frame, are references to the body portion of the vehicle intended to seat in a association with the chassis and give bodily structure thereto. It will of course be understood that in addition to this body portion the vehicle may comprise additional standard vehicle iinctional units,which will be familiar to the skilled person, for example attached to or in association 1> with the vehicle body. These might include without limitation control features (steering attachments and the like), structures providing a driving position (seats or the like, driving compartments or cages), structures or mountings for units to be attached to the body to give it additional functionality, such as lights, audible alarms etc. 2() It will be further understood that references herein in a preferred embodiment to a vehicle body consisting essentially only of hollow body portions on a lightweight mounting frame do not exclude the provision on or in association ith such a frame or otherwise with the chassis of these additional structural 25 features or mounting means therefor. In particular, where the vehicle is designed to be operated by a driver mounted directory thereupon, the frame and/or chassis may include extending members to surrounding define a driver compartment as a safety feature, for example in the form of one or more roll bars to confer protection to a driver should the vehicle roll over in use.

The vehicle body may comprise a single hollow body portion serving as a smgle fluid storage reservoir. In a preferred embodiment the hollow body portion is compartmentalized and/or modular to define a plurality of fluid storage compartments comprising one or more such fluid storage 5 compartments for a treatment liquid, wherein if a plurality of such compartments are provided these are preferably fluidly linked for example by fluid connection hose into a single treatment fluid reservoir, and preferably also at least one extra fluid storage compartment fluidly isolated from the compartment(s) making up the treatment fluid reservoir for the storage of 10 clean water for washing etc. The or each reservoir, and preferably the or each fluid storage compartment, is provided with at least one aperture for filling and cleaning purposes, which is provided u ith an openable closure, for example a screw cap or the like. The 15 closure may be lockable.

The self propelled sprayer may include one or more nozzle arrangements suitable for different applications, which will be familiar from prior art spray

devices. For example the self propelled sprayer includes one or more fluid supply manifolds disposed about the vehicle, and in particular generally below the chassis thereof, in fluid communication with the treatment fluid reservoir, each such manifold being provided with, and in particular serving as a nozzle 25 holder for. a plurality of nozzles, and in particular a plurality of generally downwardly directed nozzles to enable treatment of the ground generally below the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, sheet or other skirting is provided extending generally downwardly from the sides of the vehicle

chassis towards the ground surface, such as in use to prevent lateral drift of fluid sprayed from such manifolds towards the ground beneath the vehicle.

Additionally or alternatively the vehicle incorporates one or more spray s nozzles directed at least partially laterally for example generally diagonally, away from the vehicle sides and/or ends, and in particular positioned outside any skirt as above described where present, to enable the spraying of liquid on the ground generally in the vicinity of but away from the footprint of the vehicle. In particular, such nozzles are disposed generally about the sides of 10 the vehicles and diagonally directed at a fixed or adjustable angle and direction to enable spraying of kerb sides and the like.

\4eans may be provided to adjust the angle and/or height of any nozzles mounted on the vehicle.

Additionally or alternatively, the self propelled sprayer may be provided with one or more user-operated and directed spray booms in or adapted for fluid connection with a treatment fluid reservoir, preferably via a flexible fluid line, and provided with one or more nozzle apertures, preferably generally at a 20 distal end of the boom, to allow treatment fluid to be directed by the user at a desired site.

The vehicle preferably includes control means for controlling the vehicle, and in particular the speed and direction thereof, for actuating the pump andlor 25 controlling pump pressure, and for selective operation of the nozzles, for example by selective opening and closing of valves associated therewith, and where applicable for variation of position and/or direction of spray therefrom.

The spraying system preferably incorporates valve means such that at least each of the different systems above described and more preferably different nozzles or groups of nozzles within each system, can be selectively and separately operated for selective spraying of different areas. Preferably, ji control means are provided suitably located for ease of user operation to effect such selective operation, for example as part of or adjacent to any control means for the vehicle.

The vehicle Is driven by the drive means. The drive means may be controlled 1() by a user/dnver in any suitable manner, for example by wired or wireless remote control, either from a remote site or by a user in the vicinity of the vehicle. However, in a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is driven by a user mounted upon the vehicle.

15 Preferably therefore, the chassis has further mounted thereon a seat or the like to provide a driving position for a driver of the self propelled sprayer, and a driving console incorporating driving controls to control speed and direction of the vehicle accessible from the driving position. Preferably, pump controls andior valve controls and/or nozzle directional controls are also provided on 2) such a console to allow the pump to be operated andlor nozzles or groups of nozzles to be selectively opened and closed and/or directed by the driver from the driving position.

The drive means is driven by any suitable power source, which is preferably 5 mounted upon the vehicle chassis or otherwise incorporated into the vehicle.

Suitable power sources will include electrical power sources, and in particular rechargeable batteries, and internal combustion engines.

TO pump is also preferably driven by the vehicle power source. For example the pump may be directly driven by an electrical vehicle power source. Where the vehicle power source is an internal combustion engine, the pump may be driven by an associated electrical power source, such as directly through an 5 alternator thereof or via a battery. This will usually lead to a simple arrangement. However, alternatively, a separate power source might be provided to drive the pump, for example in the form of a separate rechargeable battery. 10 The wheeled chassis may take any suitable form. For stability, the chassis is preferably provided with at least three wheels, and most preferably with four wheels. The wheels are preferably equipped with pneumatic tyres. The vehicle may use road going wheels and tyres or be adapted for all-terrain use.

1.' The hollow body portions making up the fluid storage compartments are fabricated from a suitable lightweight, robust material with reasonable resistance to the chemicals making up likely treatment fluids. Metallic or plastic materials may be considered. Particularly preferred are mouldable thermoplastic materials, such as rotational moulded, blow moulded or 2) Injection moulded polyalkanes or the like.

Materials from which the fluid storage compartments, and in particular those which will make up the treatment fluid reservoir, are fabricated are preferably selected to be inherently chemically resistant to envisage treatment fluids 25 and/or are provided with surface coatings or linings to afford or enhance such resistance. The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to Figures I to 3 of the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure I is a front perspective view of a self propelled sprayer which is an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view from above of the sprayer of Figure 1; Figure 3 is schematic representation of the fluid arrangement of the self propelled sprayer of figures 1 and 2.

The Figures show a vehicle (1) provided with four wheels (3) mounted in two pairs upon a chassis (4). At least one pair of wheels is driven by a 1) conventional internal combustion engine (not shown).

A driving position for a driver of the vehicle (1) is provided in the form of a seat (5) in conventional manner. The vehicle is driven from the driving position, again in conventional manner, using the control console (7) and 1: handle bars (9) which are provided with a thumb throttle (10) associated with hand grips ( 1 1). To that extent, the vehicle is generally similar to prior art all-

terrain vehicles of the type commonly known, for example, as quad bikes.

Where the vehicle differs is that the body is itself the fluid reservoir. The 20 1oody comprises several hollow mouldings of rotation moulded medium density polyethylene. The body of the vehicle consists of a body mounting frame (13) connected directly the chassis and providing mounting sites to support and locate a forward hollowed polyethylene chamber (IS), and rear left (17), centre (19), and right (18) hollow polyethylene chambers.

The main body of the vehicle, that is the part of the body in direct association faith the chassis, thus consists essentially only of the hollow mouldings (15.17,19) mounted on the lightweight frame (13). Of course it will be understood that although the main vehicle body is fabricated solely from these

components this does not preclude other standard vehicle features from being provided in association with the chassis, such as in the example the driving seat (S) steering console (7) and the like. Also, in a preferred embodiment not shown in the drawings for clarity a roll bar is supplied extending upwardly 5 from the chassis around and over the driving position to confer protection to a driver in the event that the vehicle rolls.

The chambers (15, 17, 18) form a reservoir for containing the liquid to be sprayed, which may be for example a pesticide, a saline or other solution for 1) cie-icing pavements etc. The chambers (15, 17, 18) are fluidly linked to form a single reservoir by means of the linking hoses (20). The centre chamber (19) Is fluidly isolated from this reservoir so as to be suitable for the storage of clean waters for example for cleaning purposes. Each chamber is provided with a screw top cap (22) to assist with filling, cleaning, and also to allow 1 5 observation of fluid levels. Additionally for this purpose transparent portions may be provided in each chamber and/or fill gauges incorporated therein and displaying on the control console (7) to provide an indication of fluid levels within the reservoirs.

20 The reservoir made up by the chambers (15, 17, 18) is fluidly connected to a fluid pump (see Figure 3) mounted on the chassis underneath the vehicle body which is used to drive fluid from the reservoir to the various spraying nozzles.

Talc pump is driven electrically by the battery power source already provided to power the internal combustion engine which drives the vehicle. From the 25 pump, fluid connection is made to the various nozzle systems described below for spraying.

in a first system nozzle holders (25) are mounted below the vehicle chassis.

Each of these nozzle holders is provided with a plurality of generally

downwardly directed nozzle outlets, and serves as a fluid supply manifold for -I these outlets. These are so disposed as to allow the area generally below the vehicle to be sprayed generally evenly with liquid from the reservoir. To prevent lateral drift of such liquid, which might be undesirable in many situations, for example to prevent pesticide from drifting into an area of wanted vegetation, PVC skirts (27) hang down from the body mounting frame (13) A second spray system is provided by the diagonally mounted nozzles (30).

10 These nozzles are again in fluid communication with the pump but are seated beyond the skirt so as to be suitable for directing spray to the sides of the vehicle beyond its overall foot print. This can be useful for example for spraying herb side areas. The nozzles (3) comprise a nozzle outlet in a nozzle housing which is adjustable to vary the direction of spray. For other 15 applications, height adjustment might also be incorporated.

A third spray system is optionally provided. This is in the form of the forward mounting (35), again in fluid communication with the pump, to which can be attached an optionally provided conventional spraying lance assembly (36).

20 This lance is also shown in Figure 1, and consists of a connector (37) to effect connection to the outlet (35), a flexible fluid hose (38), a lance (39), a nozzle (40), and a handle (41) incorporating manual controls.

Operation of the whole system is from the control console (7) which 25 incorporates a steering column, electronic controls for the pumps and the D valves, and gauges and the like relating to vehicle and pump condition, controls to direct the diagonal nozzles etc.

The fluid arrangement is shown schematically in Figure 3. The three fluid reservoir tanks (15, 17, 18) are shown linked by fluid lines (20). A fluid line 145) feeds a pump (47) driven by the electrical system of the vehicle. The pump (47) feeds four separate outlet lines (51, 54) each closable by a valve (la to 54a). The first supply (Sl) weds the manifolds which spray generally below the vehicle. The second supply (52) feeds the diagonally directed nozzles on the right side of the vehicle. The third supply (53) and fourth supply (54) respectively feed to diagonally directed nozzles or sets of nozzles on the left side of the vehicle. One nozzle or set is positioned low down to 1(, spray the bottom edge of a road side curve, and the second is positioned higher up to spray further up the road side herb. An additional feed (not shown) supplies the mounting (35) for the hand held lance. This does not need a valve associated with the pumping system since operation of this supply is via the trigger on the lance.

The four separate valves (51a to 54a) are operated electronically from the control console (7). Separate control is possible, allowing selective operation of each fluid feed, and selective spraying options. The arrangement in the example is relatively simple, but will suffice for many purposes. If an ability 2() to exercise e\ en greater selective control over which nozzles are functioning is desired, additional \alves and more complex arrangements of fluid supply may readily be provided. The pump (47) conveniently incorporates some pressure control means, and may also include, for example' filtration and like devices. As a result, the invention provides a self propelled and in particular self driven eh'cle which is effective as a sprayer for the non-agricultural applications cnvsaged, and which is more stable and compact and offers improved storage capacity over similar prior art vehicles.

Claims

1. A self propelled sprayer comprising a wheeled chassis having mounted c thereon drive means to drive the wheels, and a vehicle body comprising one or more hollow body portions such as to serve as fluid storage compartments for a treatment fluid' together comprising a treatment fluid reservoir, the self propelled sprayer further comprising one or more spray nozzles to spray fluid on the ground in the vicinity of the vehicle in fluid 1(, connection with the fluid storage compartment(s), and a pump for pumping fluid from the said fluid storage compartment(s) to the nozzle(s).

2. A self propelled sprayer in accordance with claim 1 wherein the vehicle 15 body consists essentially only of the said hollow body portion(s) on a lightweight mounting frame to ensure they are correctly positioned and mounted upon the chassis.

3. A self propelled sprayer in accordance with claim I or claim 2 wherein 2) the hollow body is compartmentalized and/or modular to define a plurality of fluid storage compartments comprising one or more such fluid storage compartments for a treatment liquid together constituting the treatment fluid reservoir, and at least one extra fluid storage compartment fluidly isolated from the compartment(s) making up the 5 treatment fluid reservoir for the storage of clean water for washing etc.

4. A self propelled sprayer in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the or each fluid storage compartment, is provided with at least one

aperture for filling and cleaning purposes, which is provided with an openable closure.

5. A sel f propelled sprayer in accordance with any preceding claim s including one or more fluid supply manifolds disposed about the vehicle, and in particular generally below the chassis thereof, in fluid communication with the treatment fluid reservoir, each such manifold being provided with, and in particular serving as a nozzle holder for, a plurality of nozzles, and in particular a plurality of generally downwardly 10 directed nozzles to enable treatment of the ground generally below the vehicle.

6. A self propelled sprayer in accordance with claim 5 wherein sheet or other skirting is provided extending generally downwardly from the sides 15 of the vehicle chassis towards the ground surface, such as in use to prevent lateral drift of fluid sprayed from such manifolds towards the ground beneath the vehicle.

7. A self propelled sprayer in accordance with claim or 6 further 20 comprising one or more spray nozzles directed at least partially laterally for example generally diagonally, away from the vehicle sides and/or ends to enable the spraying of liquid on the ground generally in the vicinity of but away from the footprint of the vehicle.

25

8. A self propelled sprayer in accordance with claim 7 wherein the additional spray nozzles are disposed generally about the sides of the vehicles and diagonally directed at a fixed or adjustable angle and direction to enable spraying of herb sides and the like.

9. A self propelled sprayer in accordance with one of claims 5 to 8 further comprising with one or more user-operated and directed spray booms in or adapted for fluid connection with a treatment fluid reservoir and provided with one or more nozzle apertures generally at a distal end of s the boom, to allow treatment fluid to be directed by the user at a desired site. 1(). A self propelled sprayer in accordance with one of claims 5 to 9 further comprising valve means such that different nozzles or groups of nozzles 10 can be selectively and separately operated for selective spraying of different areas.

I 1. A self propelled sprayer in accordance with any preceding claim adapted to be driven by a user mounted upon the vehicle in that the chassis has 1> further mounted thereon a seat or the like to provide a driving position for a driver of the self propelled sprayer, and a driving console incorporating driving controls to control speed and direction of the vehicle accessible from the driving position.

20 12. A self propelled sprayer substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.