IT201600111767A1 - INTELLIGENT SELECTIVE MIXING SYSTEM OF THE FITOIATRIC PRODUCT AND OF MEASURING QUANTITY FOR SPRAYING MACHINES - Google Patents

Description

INTELLIGENT SELECTIVE MIXING SYSTEM DEL

PLANT PRODUCT AND DOSING PRODUCT OF THE QUANTITY PER

SPRAYING MACHINES

The present invention generally relates to an intelligent system for the selective mixing of the phytoiatric product and for dosing the quantity for spraying machines for orchards, vineyards or other plants.

More specifically, the invention refers to an intelligent system capable of mixing in real time the quantity of phytoiatric product with clean water and dosing the spraying of the mixture thus created according to the area (plants) to be treated. , through a process electronically controlled by dedicated software that makes use of previously acquired and processed data.

The invention also relates to the hydraulic circuit solution (hydraulic systems) and the electronic system present on a spraying machine, which, thanks to the hydraulic circuitry and advanced software, is able to automatically manage the mixing phases of the phytoiatric product. with clean water, selective spraying, and washing the systems at the end of the treatment.

In traditional spraying machines the phytoiatric products are diluted with water, in more or less high concentrations, in the tank of the spraying machine before the spraying phase, and then they are distributed on the crops to be treated.

According to the type of treatment to be performed, the agronomist defines the most suitable phytoiatric product. In particular, the technical data sheets of phytoiatric products show the basic dilution reference values according to the type of crop to be treated and, within the limits defined by the product data sheet, the agronomist defines in detail the concentration and quantity of the mixture. phytoiatric to be diluted in water during each specific treatment.

The basic parameters of reference, used for the definition of the treatment, are the vegetative state of the crop and the aggressiveness or progress of the disease against which you want to intervene.

The reference parameters vary with the variation of the vegetative phase of the plant, with the variation of external factors, such as the trend of the weather (trend of seasonal temperatures, rainfall), and, in sufficiently large crops, the position of the areas to be treated. (sun exposure or higher humidity, ridges and depressions in the soil, etc.).

By using traditional sprayers, plants with different vegetative states, located in different areas, subject to a different state of the disease, receive the same quantity and concentration of sprayed product with the determination of different problems, such as, for example, product waste. sprayed and lower treatment efficiency, with a consequent reduction in yield / production quality.

Current spraying machines on the market do not implement an advanced system for regulating the quantity of the active ingredient to be sprayed or, better, the quantity is based only on the real quantity of sprayed phytoiatric mixture, which can only vary by varying the distribution parameters (speed of advancement tractor, pressure, type and number of nozzles).

The aim of the present invention is therefore to provide a spraying machine which, like traditional spraying machines, allows the quantity of sprayed mixture to be varied by varying the distribution parameters. Another purpose of the invention is to create a spraying machine, which also allows the concentration of the phytoiatric mixture to be varied according to the real needs of the area of plants to be treated.

These and other purposes are achieved by an intelligent system for selective mixing of the phytoiatric product and for dosing the quantity for spraying machines for orchards, vineyards or other plants, according to the attached claim 1.

Other detailed technical characteristics are present in the subsequent claims.

Advantageously, the intelligent system of spraying and selective distribution, which is the object of the present invention, provides for the realization of four distinct phases:

1. preventive acquisition of a series of data relating to the plants to be treated, such as the mapping of the area to be treated (georeferencing), the detection of the vegetative state of the crop, the meteorological trend and the forecast of weather conditions;

2. processing of the acquired data, with the association of the concentration and quantity of suitable / specific phytosanitary mixture for each plant by the agronomist technician;

3. determination of the final report that will be the basis of the subsequent processing process present on the new sprayer machine, using programmable logic hardware and dedicated software;

4. process of mixing the plant protection product with clean water, directly during the treatment, instead of a pre-mixing phase in the tank of the spraying machine (as currently in use), and selective dosing of the spraying with respect to each individual plant.

In particular, with regard to phase 4., the invention provides for the preparation of the product to be sprayed through a hydraulic dosing pump electronically managed by a dedicated software developed for this specific application.

The clean water placed in a first tank is taken by the spraying pump and, at the same time, the metering pump takes the concentrated product from a second tank and manages the concentration of the product actually sprayed, determining the phytoiatric mixture to be sprayed.

The solution of the present invention allows to: - always operate with clean water inside the spraying machine;

- vary in real time and in a continuous and selective way the concentration of the phytosanitary mixture that will be sprayed on each single plant in a continuous and selective way (as the concentrations and their variation are defined by phase 3. and are associated with the position of the machine sprayer in the treatment phase, through its satellite detection during the working march);

- spray only the necessary quantity of phytosanitary mixture and, therefore, avoid having residues of the mixture in the tank as in traditional spraying machines at the end of the treatment;

- vary the type of treatment, replacing the phytosanitary product, without being bound to the quantity of mixture present in the traditional main tank (saving time and money) of traditional machines.

A first tank of the spraying machine is then filled with clean water only, while a second small tank is filled with the concentrate of the phytoiatric product in a "creamy" solution.

A first spraying pump (hydraulic pump coupled to the cardan shaft) takes clean water from the first tank and a metering pump, managed by the dedicated software, takes the right amount of phytoiatric product in a "creamy" solution from the second tank and injects it into the hydraulic circuit leading to the atomising nozzles.

Then, the acquisition of all operating data (levels, flow rates, pressures) allows the software to manage the right dosage of the product and to verify the execution of the treatment within the pre-set terms.

The spraying machine equipped in this way is very advanced in terms of the arrangement of new mechanical devices, but above all in terms of new electronic systems for processing, managing and controlling the selective spraying phase, which are controlled by an advanced software, also managed by the operator. , by means of an interface panel placed in the cab of the tractor that pulls the aforementioned machine.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the following description, relating to a preferred, exemplary and indicative, but not limiting, embodiment of the intelligent system for selective mixing and dosing of the quantity of phytoiatric product for spraying machines, and from the drawings annexes, also provided by way of example and preferred, but not limiting, in which:

- Figure 1, shows a top view of a spraying machine pulled by a tractor, which uses the intelligent system of selective mixing and dosing of the quantity of phytoiatric product, according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an exemplary functional diagram of the mixing circuit belonging to the intelligent mixing and dosing system, according to the present invention;

- figure 3, shows an exemplary functional diagram of the management phases, with dedicated software, of the selective mixing of the concentrated product with clean water, implemented by the intelligent system, according to the present invention;

- Figure 4 shows an exemplary functional diagram of the selective dosing and spraying circuit of the intelligent mixing and dosing system, according to the invention;

- Figure 5 shows an exemplary functional diagram of the management phases, with dedicated software, of the quantity of product dispensed during the selective spraying activity for each plant, implemented by the intelligent mixing and dosing system, according to the invention;

- figure 6 shows an exemplary functional diagram of the management phases, with dedicated software, of the activity of the fans used during selective spraying for each plant and of the entrainment air speed, implemented by the intelligent mixing and dosing system, according to the present invention;

- Figure 7 shows an exemplary functional diagram of the washing circuit of the hydraulic system used in the intelligent mixing and dosing system, according to the present invention.

With reference to the aforementioned figures, the spraying machine (10) is towed by a tractor (1) and is composed of a tank of clean water only (11), a small tank (12), which is filled with the concentrate. of the phytoiatric product in a "creamy" solution, and a series of spraying panels (5); the machine (10), thanks to the operation of an acquisition sensor (50) of its relative position (GPS), located on the tractor (1), operates between two rows of plants (2), where various sensors (60) are placed for the acquisition of data relating to the vegetative state of plants (2).

In the spraying phase, the machine (10) uses a first hydraulic pump (3), coupled to the cardan shaft, to draw clean water from the first tank (11), while a second metering pump (4) - managed by the dedicated software - takes the right amount of phytoiatric product from the second tank (12) and injects it into the mixing hydraulic circuit (20), which leads to the nozzles (8) positioned in the spraying panels (5), in turn controlled by a control circuit (30) the dosage and quantity / quality of spraying; all under the command and control of the operator through a "touch screen" display (80) installed inside the tractor cab (1).

More specifically, the mixing hydraulic circuit (20) is composed, in addition to the tank of clean water only (11), of the small tank (12) containing the concentrate of the phytoiatric product in a "creamy" solution and of the hydraulic pumps (3, 4), respectively for water intake and concentrate dosing.

Using the aforementioned hydraulic pumps (3, 4), mixing takes place by taking clean water from the line (21), which is brought into a circuit controlled by a flow meter (25) of the clean water and, simultaneously, the phytoiatric product is taken in a "creamy" solution, which passes inside a line (22) of the concentrated product, the quantity of which is controlled by the flow meter (24) of the phytoiatric product in a "creamy" solution (concentrated) ; the phytoiatric mixture thus generated is then fed into the control circuit (30) of the spraying through the line (23) of the mixed product.

Since the mixing takes place selectively, i.e. in real time with respect to the pre-set need of the plant (2) to be treated and the recognition of the same occurs during the treatment thanks to the GPS sensor (50) present on the tractor (1), the mixing is managed by the electronic system through the dedicated software, which, on the basis of the processed data, activates the dosing pump (4) of the concentrated phytoiatric product, measures the flow of clean water through the flow meter (25) and decides the quantity of phytoiatric product in a "creamy" solution (concentrated) to be introduced into the line (23) of the mixed product ready for selective spraying, checking it with a flow meter (24) of the concentrated product.

In the spraying phase, the freshly mixed phytoiatric mixture (14) to be sprayed passes through the mixed product line (23) passing the valves (31, 32) to reach the nozzles (8) located in the spray panels (5) under constant control flow meters (33) and pressure (35) to the nozzles (8).

The system control software (having as a starting point the pre-set quantity of phytoiatric mixture (14) to be sprayed) manages the flow rate of the phytoiatric mixture exiting through the nozzles (8).

The parameters, such as the quantity of phytoiatric mixture (14) to be sprayed, the pressure at the nozzles (8), the quantity of clean water withdrawn (11), the quantity of phytoiatric product in "creamy" solution injected (12), are monitored in real time with the flow meters (33) and pressure (35) to the nozzles (8), in order to have a continuous control of the treatment.

Since the treatment (spraying) takes place with the support of fans (9) designed to achieve a uniform distribution of the phytoiatric mixture (14) over the entire vegetative mass, both external and internal of the two sides of the two rows, the control software of the system, having as basic data the quantity of product and the vegetative development, manages the speed of the fans (9), through a special sensor (36), and, consequently, the speed of the distribution air of the phytoiatric mixture (14 ).

All the quantities necessary for the correct functioning of the system (level in the tank (11) and in the tank (12) of phytoiatric product in a "creamy" solution, delivery pressure at the nozzles (8), speed of advancement of the tractor (1), speed rotation of the fans (9)) are acquired by suitable sensors positioned in the spraying machine (10).

The data are crossed with each other and in the event of inconsistencies or values that are not within the norm or values that do not allow normal treatment activity (such as, for example, a minimum level in the tank of clean water (11) or an inconsistency in the measurement of the flow rates of the phytoiatric mixture (14)) a specific alarm is generated which warns the operator of the anomaly that has occurred.

The acquisition of all operating data (levels, flow rates, pressures) allows the software to manage the right dosage of the product and to verify the execution of the treatment within the pre-set terms.

At the end of the spraying treatment, the hydraulic systems and / or circuits (20, 30) of the spraying machine (10) are cleaned with a sequence of washing cycles, through a relative hydraulic washing circuit (40), which include the :

a) washing the dosing pump: starting the dosing pump with the suction selection valve (31) on the clean water circuit and the dosage / drain selection valve (32) on the drain and the drain valve on the nozzles (8) open , the metering pump (4) is washed with clean water; washing control is managed automatically, subject to operator control, by the control system of the spraying machine (10), via the "touch screen" display (80) installed inside the tractor cabin (1);

b) concentrated tank washing: the mixing / washing pump (41), during the treatment, keeps the concentrated product stirred, since the mixing / washing selection valve (42) is in the mixing position; at the end of the treatment, the remaining concentrated product can be emptied and recovered, by acting on the concentrate / washing selection valve (43), through the drain valve (44) of the concentrate tank (12). By starting the mixing / washing pump (41) with the mixing / washing selection valve (42) in the washing position and with the drain valve (44) of the concentrate tank (12) closed, the washing circuit is activated, in so that the clean water taken from the tank (11) is introduced, through the line (47), into the tank (12) of the concentrated phytoiatric product. Once a certain quantity has been reached, this water is recirculated, through the recirculation line (48), into the tank (12) by positioning the mixing / washing selection valve (42) on the mixing position. At the end of the mixing sequence, the mixing / washing pump (41) is stopped and the washing water is discharged through the drain valve (44) of the tank (12); the tank (12) of the concentrated phytoiatric product is then rinsed by activating the mixing / washing pump (41) with the mixing / washing selection valve (42) in the washing position and with the drain valve (44) of the tank ( 12) in the open position; the concentrate / washing selection valve (43) is also connected to the dosing pump (4) of the concentrated product and from here to the line of the mixing circuit (20), by means of suitable drain valves (45, 46) used for the washing the metering pump (4);

c) washing of the nozzles (8): the washing of the control circuit (pump, control unit, nozzles) takes place simply by activating the delivery of pressure and flow to the nozzles (8), through a regulator (34), with water only clean, without using the concentrated product injection system.

All the quantities necessary for the correct functioning of the washing cycle (level in the tank (11) of clean water and in the tank (12) of concentrated phytoiatric product) are acquired by suitable sensors positioned in the circuit.

All the washing sequences described above are managed automatically by the control system (subject to the sequence activation command by an operator) and, in the event of an anomaly, this is immediately signaled.

The invention thus conceived and illustrated here is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept as claimed in the attached claims.

In addition, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements and the materials used, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the needs and the state of the art.

Where the features and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference marks, such reference marks have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and, consequently, such reference marks have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by these reference signs.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS 1. Intelligent system of selective mixing of the phytoiatric product and dosage of quantity for spraying machines of orchards, vineyards or other plants, comprising a spraying machine (10) pulled by a tractor (1) and having a first tank (11) containing only clean water, a second tank (12) filled with a concentrate of phytoiatric product and a series of spraying panels (5), said machine (10) being able to operate between two rows of plants (2) where a plurality of sensors (60) for the acquisition of data relating to said plants (2), through the use of a GPS sensor (50), placed on said tractor (1), for the acquisition of one's relative position, characterized by the fact that said machine (10) has a first hydraulic pump (3), suitable for drawing clean water from said first tank (11), and a second metering pump (4), suitable for drawing a quantity, predetermined and determined by means of a gestio of phytoiatric product from said second tank (12) and to inject it into a hydraulic mixing circuit (20), which includes a series of nozzles (8) placed on respective spraying panels (5), in turn controlled by a control and regulation circuit of the dosage and quantity of sprayed mixture, which is placed at the disposal of an operator. 2. System as in claim 1, characterized by the fact that both said clean water and said concentrated phytoiatric product are made to pass, through said hydraulic pumps (3, 4), inside respective circuits (21, 22) controlled by flow meters flow rate (24, 25) and then fed into a sprinkler circuit. 3. System as in claim 2, characterized in that said quantity of concentrated phytoiatric product to be introduced into the spraying circuit is controlled by means of a flow meter (24) of the concentrated product. 4. System as per at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, during a spraying phase, said phytoiatric product is mixed with clean water and passes through said spraying circuit passing a series of valves (31, 32) to reach said nozzles (8) located in the sprinkler panels (5), said nozzles (8) being constantly monitored by respective flow meters (33) and pressure (35), which manage, together with said management software, the flow rate of the mixture of said phytoiatric product and clean water coming out of the nozzles (8). 5. System as per at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said management software and said flow rate (33) and pressure (35) meters control in real time and continuously different parameters, such as the quantity of phytoiatric mixture ( 14) to be sprayed, the pressure at the nozzles (8), the quantity of clean water withdrawn (11) and the injected quantity of concentrated phytoiatric product. 6. System as per at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said spraying step takes place using a series of fans (9), suitable for achieving a uniform distribution of said phytoiatric mixture (14) to be sprayed on the plants (2), said management software being able to manage, through a suitable sensor (36), also the speed of said fans (9) and therefore the speed of the distribution air of said phytoiatric mixture (14) to be sprayed. 7. System as per at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a series of sensors, positioned in the spraying machine (10), are able to acquire various parameters, such as, in particular, the level of the liquid contained in said first tank ( 11), the level of liquid contained in said second tank (12), the delivery pressure to said nozzles (8), the forward speed of the tractor (1) and the rotation speed of said fans (9). 8. System as per at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at the end of said spraying phase, the hydraulic systems and / or circuits (20, 30) of the spraying machine (10) are cleaned with a sequence of cycles of washing, which comprise the steps of washing said metering pump (4), washing of said second tank (12) and washing of said nozzles (8) by activating a delivery to said nozzles (8) with only clean water. 9. System as in claim 8, characterized in that said washing phase of said metering pump (4) takes place with clean water, by means of a suction selection valve placed on the clean water circuit and a dosing / discharge selection valve ( 32) located on the drain, while said washing phase of said second tank (12) takes place through a mixing / washing pump (41) with a mixing / washing selection valve (42) in the washing position and with a drain valve (44) closed, so that the clean water drawn from said first tank (11) is introduced into said second tank (12) and, once a predetermined quantity has been reached, the water is again circulated in said second tank (12) , said second tank (12) being then rinsed by activating said mixing / washing pump (41) with the mixing / washing selection valve (42) in the washing position and with said discharge valve (44) open.