WO2004071157A2

WO2004071157A2 - Continuous circulation spray device

Info

Publication number: WO2004071157A2
Application number: PCT/FR2004/000302
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Pierre Vequaud
Original assignee: Blanchard Sas
Priority date: 2003-02-10
Filing date: 2004-02-10
Publication date: 2004-08-26
Also published as: WO2004071157A3; FR2850884B1; FR2850884A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a spray device which is intended to be conveyed by a mobile apparatus. The inventive device is of the type that comprises at least one tank (1) which is intended to house a liquid product to be sprayed and at least one spray boom section (82) which is connected to the aforementioned tank (1) by means of at least one supply pipe (821). According to the invention, the spray boom section(s) (82) is (are) provided with at least one spray nozzle support (87) comprising an integrated check valve system. The invention is characterised in that the above-mentioned supply pipe (821) is connected to a return pipe (822) which returns the liquid to the tank (1), and in that said return pipe is intended to direct a flow of liquid through the nozzle support(s) (87) such that the position of the check valve of the nozzle support or of each of the nozzle supports (87) is controlled by the pressure in the return pipe (822).

Description

Continuous circulation spray device.

The field of the invention is that of agricultural machinery. More specifically, the invention relates to a spraying device, with one or more sections of booms, carried by a mobile machine. The invention relates in particular to the means of feeding, of starting the spray nozzles and of rinsing the circuits.

In the field of the invention, there are essentially three types of circuit known below:

- conventional circulation spraying devices (Figures 1 and 2);

- spraying devices with semi-continuous circulation (Figures 3 and 4);

- continuous circulation spraying devices (Figures 5, 6 and 7). In all types of circuits, including that which is the subject of the present invention, the liquid is withdrawn from a tank (1) by a pump (2), a control valve (3) allows part of the flow to escape to the tank for ensure mixing and direct to the sections only the chosen flow.

It is noted that the diagrams which follow present devices with two sections of ramps; in practice, their number is not limited and is generally between two and nine.

In conventional circulation spraying devices (Figures 1 and 2), the regulated flow rate arrives on a set of valves 4 with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or other actuation. Each valve corresponds to a ramp 5 and allows its individual opening / closing. The commissioning of all the ramps can be ensured by the simultaneous action of all the valves 4 or by an additional valve called the general stop. If a valve 4 is open, the liquid reaches the various nozzles 6, the nozzle holders of which incorporate a system of diaphragm valve and spring known as a "drip valve". Under the action of the pressure of the circuit, the valve opens and allows the supply of the nozzle corresponding.

When valve 4 is closed, the pressure drops and the valve closes under the action of its spring, thus avoiding the emptying of the pipe between valve 4 and the various nozzles 6. This technical solution, although the most common, has some drawbacks.

Firstly, when the valves 4 are closed, the liquid contained in the circuit from the regulating valve 3 to the various nozzles 6 becomes trapped and can only be eliminated by the spraying orifice of the nozzles. For example, the volume concerned on a 24-meter ramp

(very common width) can reach approximately 20 liters and corresponds to a potential working surface of approximately 0.1 to 0.4 hectare. Most of the equipment currently sold is equipped with an additional tank, known as a "rinsing tank", filled with clear water and allowing the device to be rinsed during the treatment operation, directly on the field to be treated.

However, this operation generates a double dose treatment on the aforementioned surface and therefore a significant danger for the culture. As a result, it is very rarely practiced, users preferring to carry out rinsing at a fixed station. In this case, the danger is for the environment. Secondly, taking into account the different types of nozzles that can be used, the operating pressures can be very variable (1 to 8 bars in general). Also, to take the minimum pressure into account, the "drip valves" are generally set between 0.5 and 0.8 bar. If their operation can be described as correct at low pressure (up to 2 bars), it becomes more difficult to obtain a clear closure as the pressure rises.

In addition, the sprayed liquids can consist of a "suspension" if a boom is kept closed for a certain time. Deposition may then exist in the pipes between the valves 4 and the nozzles 6 due to the immobility of the liquid, which is not desirable for the proper functioning of the device. In spraying devices with semi-continuous circulation (Figures 3 and 4), the operation is close to that of the conventional circuit, except that the end of section 5 is connected to a return pipe 8 by means of a normally open valve 9 and a restrictor 10. The pipes 8 are grouped in a manifold 11 and a pipe 12 leads back to the tank.

In this case, each valve 4 simultaneously supplies the set of nozzles constituting the ramp and the corresponding restrictor 10. The valves 9 make it possible to put the system out of service to return to conventional operation, this in the case of work at high flow rate per hectare where the pump cannot generate a sufficient flow rate to supply the return calibrators 10 in addition to the nozzles.

Compared to the conventional solution, this system has some advantages.

In fact, at a flow rate equal to the level of the nozzles, the additional flow of restrictors 10 generates a higher circulation speed in the pipes, thus limiting the risks of deposition.

In addition, the adjustment using the valve 3, of a pressure lower than the setting of the "non-drip valves" integrated into the nozzle holders makes it possible to drain towards the tank all the liquid contained in all the pipes using pure water from the "rinsing tank" and therefore dilute this volume to spread it without risk on the crop.

Several drawbacks remain, however.

First, the effectiveness of "drip valves" is no better than with the conventional system. In addition, in the event of a ramp section being stopped, circulation is also stopped in the restrictor 10, the risks of deposition therefore always exist.

Furthermore, the operation of "purging" of the circuit described above remains long and delicate (compared to the systems described below). In so-called continuous circulation spraying devices (Figures 5, 6 and 7), the liquid coming from the pump is dispersed towards the ramps by the manifold 13 then the pipes 5 at the end of which a pipe 8 directs a return flow to the restrictors 15, the manifold 14 and the tank 1.

The spraying is closed at each jet holder, the above-mentioned "non-drip valves" being replaced by valves with various actuations, the most common being pneumatic actuation.

In this case, an air compressor 18 generates a pressure transmitted by the pipe 19 to valves 20 generally with electrical actuation, then to the pipes 21 (one per section). The valves of the nozzle holders being normally closed by the action of springs, if the valve 20 of a manifold is open, the air pressure actuates the valve to open it.

When the spraying of a boom section is stopped (FIG. 6), the pipe 5 of the section remains supplied, as well as the pipe 8, the restrictor 15 and the manifold 14 in the direction of return to the tank. So there is a continuous circulation there hence the name.

This system solves the problems cited on conventional traffic. All the liquid contained in the various pipes is recyclable in the tank for dilution

The non-drip valve springs are much more powerful and their efficiency is undeniable in the usual pressure range.

The circulation being really continuous, the risks of deposition are almost nonexistent.

However, it may be necessary, for the same reason as in semi-continuous traffic, to deactivate the systems. For this, a valve downstream of the manifold 14 can be added.

There is also a variant (illustrated in FIG. 7) of the system with an electrically actuated valve 16 and a single restrictor 17 replacing the restrictors 15, the valve 16 allowing circulation only if all of the sections of the ramp are closed. In the latter two cases, it should be noted that the traffic is not really continuous, the risks of deposition remain.

The invention particularly aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

More specifically, the invention aims to provide a spraying device which allows continuous circulation of the treatment liquid, whatever the conditions of use.

In this sense, the invention aims in particular to provide a spraying device which allows continuous circulation even when the spray rates per hectare are high and / or when a single boom is closed.

The invention also aims to provide such a spraying device in which the control of the nozzle holder valves can be obtained without external energy supply.

The invention also aims to provide such a spray device which is simple in design and easy to implement.

The invention also aims to provide such a spraying device which avoids or at least considerably limits the risks of deposition of suspensions in the circuit of the treatment liquid.

Another objective of the invention is to conserve the advantages obtained with the so-called continuous circulation devices of the prior art, namely:

- allow the recycling of all the liquid contained in the circuit, with a view to its dilution in the tank;

- ensure proper operation of the nozzle valves, for all pressure values of the range of current use; - allow quick and easy purging of the treatment liquid circuit.

These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a spraying device intended to be conveyed by a mobile machine, of the type comprising at least one tank intended to contain a product. liquid to be sprayed, at least one boom section spray connected to said tank by at least one supply pipe, said boom section or sections being provided with at least one spray nozzle holder integrating a valve system, characterized in that said supply pipe is connected to a return line for said liquid to said tank, and in that said return line is intended to direct a flow of liquid through said one or more nozzle holders so that the position of said valve of said nozzle holder or of each of said nozzle holder is controlled by the pressure prevailing in said return line.

Thus, thanks to the invention, a spraying device is obtained in which the circulation of fluid is continuous in all circumstances, including in the case of large spraying rates.

Indeed, it is the pressure prevailing in the circuit, whatever its value, which directly controls the state of the circuit at the level of the valves of the nozzles.

Another result obtained by the invention is that the change of state of the nozzles is not obtained, unlike the solutions of the prior art, by the actuation of electric and / or pneumatic valves.

The device according to the invention therefore overcomes the implementation of a control circuit using another energy than that provided by the pressure of the treatment liquid. Significant gains can therefore be envisaged, particularly in terms of:

- the cost of producing and mounting the device;

- efficiency and reliability;

- maintenance, the device being simpler and more reliable. According to a first embodiment, said valve system of said nozzle holder or of each of said nozzle holder comprises means for spraying said liquid when the pressure in said return line is lower than the pressure in said supply line .

According to a second embodiment, said valve system of said nozzle holder or of each of said nozzle holder comprises means for spraying said liquid when the pressure in said pipe return is at least equal to the pressure in said supply line.

Such an arrangement allows the mounting of the control valves, corresponding to each boom, on the machine which carries the spraying device. According to either of these embodiments, at least one control valve is mounted on said return pipe, so that said valve system of said nozzle holder or of each of said nozzle holders is in position spraying when said control valve is in the closed position, and in the closed position when said control valve is in the open position.

In this case and according to the first embodiment, said supply line is advantageously connected to said return line via said control valve.

According to a preferred solution, said nozzle (s) preferably comprise at least one supply duct and at least one spray duct capable of communicating with said supply duct, said valve system comprising closure means capable of block or free the passage between said supply duct and said spray duct. According to an advantageous solution of the first embodiment, said at least one nozzle holder also comprises at least one chamber capable of being traversed by the flow of liquid circulating in said return line so that the difference between the pressure prevailing in said chamber and that prevailing in said supply duct causes said shutter means to move between their spraying position and their closed position, or vice versa.

According to an advantageous solution of the second embodiment, said at least one nozzle holder also includes at least one chamber capable of being traversed by said return pipe, and in that control means are coupled to said closure means and mounted in said room of such so that said control means cause said shutter means to move as a function of the pressure prevailing in said chamber.

According to one or other of these embodiments, said shutter means are preferably mounted movable in translation along the axis of said spray duct.

According to a first variant of the sealing means, these comprise a membrane. According to another variant, the shutter means comprise a shutter finger.

According to a first variant of the control means, these comprise a membrane, this control membrane preferably having a surface greater than that of said closure membrane.

According to a second variant of the control means, these comprise a disc capable of sliding in said chamber. According to an advantageous solution, said shutter means are coupled to elastic return means tending to bring said shutter means back to their closed position.

Depending on the operating mode of the nozzle holders, these return means will exercise distinct functions as will be explained in more detail below.

According to another characteristic, at least one flow restrictor is mounted on said return pipe.

Thus and according to the second embodiment indicated above, said supply line and said return line are advantageously connected via said flow restrictor.

Such a restrictor mounted in this way ensures proper operation of the device, this by maintaining in the return line a pressure substantially equivalent to that of the spraying pressure when the corresponding control valve is in the closed position, or a almost zero pressure when the corresponding control valve is in open position.

According to a preferred solution, the device comprises at least two sprayer boom sections each comprising a control valve. The closure can thus be obtained in the ramps independently of each other.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of two preferred embodiments and of several of their variants, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting examples, and of the appended drawings among which :

- Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views of a spraying device according to the prior art, implementing a conventional circuit, respectively in spraying mode and in closing mode; - Figures 3 and 4 are schematic views of a spraying device according to the prior art, implementing a semi-continuous circuit, respectively in spraying mode and in closing mode;

- Figures 5 and 6 are schematic views of a spraying device according to the prior art, implementing a so-called continuous circuit, respectively in spraying mode and in closing mode;

- Figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device shown in Figures 5 and 6; - Figures 8 and 9 are schematic views of a spraying device according to the invention, respectively in spraying mode and in closing mode;

- Figures 10 and 11 are sectional views of a first embodiment of a nozzle holder of a spraying device according to the invention, respectively in the closed position and in the position spray;

- Figures 12 and 13 are sectional views of a second embodiment of a nozzle holder of a spraying device according to the invention, respectively in the closed position and in the spraying position;

- Figures 14a and 14b are views of a variant of the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, respectively in the closed position and in the spraying position;

- Figures 15 and 16 are views of another variant of the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, respectively in the closed position and in the spray position;

- Figures 17 and 18 are schematic views of a second embodiment according to the invention adapted to the nozzle holders of Figures 12 to 16, respectively in spraying mode and closing mode.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, in a spraying device, the treatment liquid withdrawn from a tank 1 by a pump 2 with a view to being directed to a distributor 81, a regulating valve 3 letting part of the flow escape the tank 1 to ensure mixing of the liquid contained in the tank and direct towards the ramp sections 82 only at predetermined flow rate.

According to the present embodiment, the ramp sections 82 are supplied by supply pipes 821 connected, via control valves 83, to return lines 822 which pass through the nozzle holders 87 so that the position of the valve integrated in the nozzle holders is controlled by the pressure prevailing in the return pipe, as will be explained in more detail below.

The control valves 83 are remotely controllable, for example using an electrical signal.

Note that the distributor 81 is shown here compactly. In reality and depending on the case, it can also consist of a pipe nurse supplying all the ramps.

This remark also applies to the return collector 85. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a first embodiment of the nozzle holders 87. As illustrated, these nozzle holders comprise a supply duct

871 capable of communicating with a spray duct 872 opening at its other end through a spray orifice via the orifice 8721.

The passage between this supply duct 871 and this spray duct 872 is capable of being closed off or released by a membrane 873 mounted on a part 874 mounted movable in translation along the axis of the spray duct.

This part 874 is guided in translation in a control head 875 having a chamber 8751 intended to be traversed by the flow of liquid flowing in the return line 822 connected to the control head 875 via the bores 8752.

Thus, when the valve 83 connecting the supply line 821 and the return line 822 is open (FIG. 9), the liquid pressure which prevails in the chamber 8751 forces the membrane 873 to occupy a position in which the supply line is closed. spraying, as illustrated in figure 10.

The liquid is then redirected to the tank 1 via the flow restrictors 84, the manifold 85 and the pipe 86.

Conversely, when the valve 83 is closed (FIG. 8), the pressure of the liquid in the chamber 8751 is zero. The pressure in the supply duct therefore forces the membrane 873 to occupy the position illustrated in FIG. 11 in which it allows the passage of the liquid towards the spray duct 872.

Note that the part 874 is coupled to a spring 8741 which tends to bring the membrane 873 into the closed position, this spring 8741 intervening mainly when the circuit is no longer supplied with liquid, the tank being empty.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a second embodiment of the nozzle holders 87.

Similar to the first embodiment, these nozzle holders include:

- a supply duct 871;

- a spray duct 872;

- a membrane 873 carried by a part 874;

a control head 875 having a chamber 8751 intended to be traversed by the flow of liquid circulating in the return pipe 822. According to this embodiment, the part 874 is integrally coupled, by means of an axis 8742 to a support 8761 of a control membrane 876, the surface of which is greater than that of the membrane 873. It is noted that a spring 8741 is also associated with the part 874, this spring tending to return the membrane to the closed position .

The circuit corresponding to this embodiment of nozzle holder is illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. As it clearly appears, the supply pipes 821 and the return pipes 822 are connected by restrictors 84, control valves 83 being in this case mounted on the return pipe 822, downstream of the nozzle holders 87 and upstream of the manifold 85, this for each ramp section.

In spraying mode, the valves 83 are closed and the pressure in the pipe opens the drip valves integrated into the nozzle holders 87, thus allowing the spraying of the liquid.

In closing mode (Figure 9), the valves 83 are open. The pressure present in the supply lines 821 is transmitted in the lines 822 and kept equivalent to that of the spraying mode thanks to the adjustable restrictors 84. In spraying function (valves 83 closed), the circuit pressure is therefore in communication with the chamber 8751. Due to the difference in surface area between the membrane 873 and the control membrane 876, the two membranes move back and free the passage towards spraying, as illustrated in FIG. 13. In closing function , (valves 83 open), the pressure in the return line of 822 is zero and the valves are closed by the action of spring 8741.

Note that the operation of this spring differs significantly from that described in the first embodiment. Indeed, the spring 8741 here exercises an essential function at each closure since it alone ensures the displacement of the shutter means towards their shutter position.

Figures 14a and 14b illustrate a first variant of this second embodiment. As it appears, the sealing means of the spray duct 872 are, according to this variant, constituted by a sealing finger

877.

This closure finger has at its end directed towards the conduit 872 a frustoconical surface 8771 intended to penetrate the conduit 872. In the vicinity of its other end, the closure finger is coupled to a spring 8741 (which has the function of ensure the closure of the valve in the absence of pressure in the chamber 8751) and carries a membrane 876 acting similarly to the previous embodiment.

According to yet another variant illustrated by FIGS. 15 and 16, the valve control means comprise a disc 878 capable of sliding in the chamber 8751.

Claims

1. Spraying device intended to be transported by a mobile machine, of the type comprising at least one tank (1) intended to contain a liquid product to be sprayed, at least one spraying boom section (82) connected to said tank (1 ) by at least one supply pipe (821), said boom section or sections (82) being provided with at least one spray nozzle holder (87) integrating a valve system, characterized in that said pipe d the feed (821) is connected to a return line (822) of said liquid to said tank (1), and in that said return line (822) is intended to direct a flow of liquid through said one or more holders nozzle (87) such that the position of said valve of said nozzle holder or each of said nozzle holder (87) is controlled by the pressure prevailing in said return line (822).

2. Spray device according to claim 1, characterized in that said valve system of said nozzle holder or of each of said nozzle holder (87) comprises means for spraying said liquid when the pressure in said return line ( 822) is less than the pressure in said supply line (821).

3. Spray device according to claim 1, characterized in that said valve system of said nozzle holder or of each of said nozzle holder (87) comprises means for spraying said liquid when the pressure in said return line is at least equal to the pressure in said supply line.

4. Spray device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one control valve is mounted on said return pipe (822), so that said valve system of said nozzle holder or each of said nozzle holder (87) is in the spraying position when said control valve (83) is in the closed position, and in the closed position when said control valve (83) is in the open position.

5. Spraying device according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in that said supply line (821) is connected to said return line (822) via said control valve (83).

6. Spray device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said one or more nozzle holders (87) comprise at least one supply duct (871) and at least one spray duct (872) capable of communicating with said supply conduit (871), said valve system comprising closure means capable of closing or freeing the passage between said supply conduit (871) and said spraying conduit (872).

7. Spray device according to one of claims 2 and 3 and according to claim 6, characterized in that said one or more nozzle holders (87) also comprise at least one chamber (8751) capable of being traversed by the flow of liquid circulating in said return pipe (822) so that the difference between the pressure prevailing in said chamber (8751) and that prevailing in said supply duct (871) causes said shutter means to move between their position and their closed position, or vice versa.

8. Spraying device according to one of claims 4 and 5 and according to claim 6, characterized in that said one or said nozzle holders (87) also comprise at least one chamber (8751) capable of being traversed by the flow. liquid flowing in said return line (822), and in that control means, are coupled to said closure means and mounted in said chamber (8751) so that said control means cause said means to move obturation as a function of the pressure prevailing in said chamber.

9. Spray device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said shutter means are mounted movable in translation along the axis of said spray duct (872).

10. Spray device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that said sealing means comprise a membrane (873).

11. Spray device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that said shutter means comprise a shutter finger (877).

12. Spray device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that said control means comprise a membrane (876).

13. A spraying device according to claims 10 and 12, characterized in that said control membrane (876) has a surface greater than that of said closure membrane (873).

14. Sealing device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that said control means comprise a disc (878) capable of sliding in said chamber 15. Spraying device according to any one of claims 6 at

14, characterized in that said closure means are coupled to elastic return means (8741) tending to return said closure means to their closed position.

16. Spray device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one flow restrictor (84) is mounted on said return pipe (822).

17. Spraying device according to claims 4 and 16, characterized in that said supply line (821) and said return line (822) are connected via said flow restrictor (84).

18. Spray device according to any one of claims 4 to

17, characterized in that it comprises at least two sprayer boom sections (82) each comprising a control valve (83).