Product discharge device for an agricultural machine

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a discharge device for a product dispersion assembly, for example intended to be attached on an agricultural machine, comprising a receiving element, such as a hopper, intended to receive the product, wherein the discharge device includes a mass measurement system configured to measure the mass of the receiving element.

Claims

1. A pulverization agricultural machine comprising: an on-board dispersion assembly comprising: a discharge device comprising: a receiving element configured for receiving product; and a mass measurement system configured to measure a mass of the receiving element; a product dispersion device; and a hydraulic circuit linking the discharge device and the dispersion device for fluid communication therebetween, wherein the hydraulic circuit is configured to circulate a fluid made of the product from the discharge device or the product from the discharge device after being fluidified by water or by a pure or diluted solvent.

2. The pulverization agricultural machine according to claim 1, wherein the mass measurement system comprises a mass information transmission system configured to transmit a mass information to a user.

3. The pulverization agricultural machine according to claim 2, wherein the mass information transmission system comprises a communication interface configured to transmit a mass information to a user interface, wherein the communication interface displays the mass information.

4. The pulverization agricultural machine according to claim 1, wherein the mass measurement system comprises at least one mass sensor.

5. The pulverization agricultural machine according to claim 4, wherein the discharge device further comprises a frame, wherein the at least one mass sensor is disposed between the receiving element and the frame.

6. The pulverization agricultural machine according to claim 4, wherein the at least one mass sensor comprises a strain gauge.

7. The pulverization agricultural machine according to claim 1, wherein the mass measurement system is configured to control at least one of a triggering of an audible alarm, a triggering of a visual alarm, an opening of a closure element, and an actuation of a fluid accelerator according to a predetermined threshold value of mass information.

8. The pulverization agricultural machine according to claim 1, wherein the receiving element further comprises at least one of a smooth portion, and an anti-adhesive portion.

9. The pulverization agricultural machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge device further comprises a system for converting mass information into a volume information from a density information of the product.

10. The pulverization agricultural machine according to claim 1, wherein the discharge device further comprises a vibration system configured to transmit a vibration movement to at least one wall of the receiving element.

11. A method for filling the discharge device according to claim 1, the method comprising: determining at least one of a threshold value of a mass information and of a volume information; and filling the receiving element until reaching the threshold value.

12. The method for filling according to claim 11 further comprising the step of setting a setpoint value to the mass measurement system corresponding to the threshold value.

13. The method for filling according to claim 11 further comprising the step of filling the receiving element, the filling step comprising at least one of opening a closure element and actuating manually or automatically a fluid accelerator.

14. The pulverization agricultural machine according to claim 1, wherein the product dispersion device comprises a pulverizer.

Description

DRAWINGS

(1) In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 represents a dispersion assembly comprising a discharge device according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 represents a discharge device according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

(4) FIG. 3 represents one form of the mass measurement system according to the teachings of the present disclosure; and

(5) FIG. 4 represents another form of the mass measurement system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

(6) The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

(8) FIG. 1 represents a dispersion assembly 1 comprising a discharge device 3 and a dispersion device. The discharge device 3 and the dispersion device are in fluid communication with each other.

(9) The dispersion assembly comprises a hydraulic circuit 5 arranged to hydraulically connect the discharge device 3 and the dispersion device. A fluid is intended to circulate in the hydraulic circuit 5. By fluid, is meant the product or a product fluidified by water or by a pure or diluted solvent. The hydraulic circuit comprises a plurality of interconnected conduits 4.

(10) The dispersion assembly is arranged to be attached for example on an agricultural machine. By agricultural machine, is meant any type of movable agricultural machine of the tractor-drawn, tractor-mounted or self-propelled type, and more particularly any type of pulverization agricultural machine.

(11) The discharge device 3 comprises a receiving element 6 comprising a wall 8 delimiting a housing 7 for receiving the product. The receiving element 6 is constituted by a hopper. The receiving housing 7 comprises an introduction opening 9 by which the product is intended to be inserted into the discharge device 3. The receiving housing 7 further comprises an outlet opening 11 by which the product is intended to join the pulverizer.

(12) The discharge device 3 comprises a vibration system 13 configured to transmit a vibration movement to at least one wall 8 of the receiving housing 7. According to one form of the receiving housing 7, the latter comprises a truncated-cone shaped wall, substantially in a funnel-like shape. According to another form of the receiving housing 7, the latter comprises four planar walls converging toward the outlet opening 11. Thus, the product flows more easily along the wall 8 of the receiving housing 7. Furthermore, the discharge device 3 according to the present disclosure allows limiting the risks of contamination of a user, for example during a maintenance operation, the product residue on the wall 8 of the discharge device 3 being lesser. Thus, the work rate is increased.

(13) By product, is meant any type of agricultural products, for example crop protection products, inputs or biostimulants, in the liquid or solid state and more particularly pulverulent products such as powders or granules.

(14) The discharge device 3 comprises a closure element 15 arranged to obstruct the outlet opening 11. The closure element 15 comprises a valve 17.

(15) The wall 8 of the discharge device 3 converges toward the outlet opening 11. Thus, the wall 8 constitutes a ramp for guiding the product. Thus, the receiving housing 7 has a funnel-like shape.

(16) The introduction opening 9 has a larger size than the outlet opening 11. Thus, it is easier for the user to pour the product into the discharge device 3 and the risks of product wastes are therefore limited, and may even be eliminated.

(17) The discharge device 3 comprises a system 19 for flushing the product containers intended to be emptied in the receiving housing 7 thus inhibiting waste of product. The flushing system 19 comprises a nozzle 19a and a control element 19b. The control element 19b of the flushing system 19 comprises a valve 19c.

(18) The discharge device 3 comprises a system 21 for cleaning the wall 8 of the receiving housing 7. Thus, the wall 8 of the receiving housing 7 can be cleaned in order to allow inhibiting contamination of the user. The cleaning system 21 comprises a water exit ramp 21a and a control element 21b. The control element 21b comprises a valve 21c.

(19) The vibration system 13 is secured to the wall 8. The vibration movement is transmitted mechanically to the wall. The vibration system 13 may be disposed directly against the wall 8. The vibration system 13 may also be disposed on base 23 fastened to the wall 8.

(20) The vibration system 13 comprises a control element 25. Thus, the user can activate the vibration system 13 when needed. The control element 25 of the vibration system 13 comprises a valve 27.

(21) According to one form, the vibration system 13 is arranged to operate on hydraulic energy. The vibration system 13 may then operate thanks to a hydraulic circuit for example with oil, independent of the hydraulic circuit 5.

(22) According to another form, the vibration system 13 is arranged to operate with a hydraulic source based on a mixture of the product with water, as represented in FIG. 1. The discharge device comprises a portion of a hydraulic circuit 12 fluidly connecting the vibration system 13 and the receiving housing 7. The portion of the hydraulic circuit 12 is in fluid communication with the hydraulic circuit 5. Thus, the energy source used for the operation of the vibration system is the product-based fluid. The operation of the dispersion assembly is facilitated.

(23) According to an alternative to the forms described hereinabove, the vibration system 13 is arranged to operate on electrical energy. The control element 25 of the vibration system 13 then comprises a switch. The vibration system 13 is arranged to operate at an electrical voltage to be chosen among 380 Vac, 220 Vac, 24 Vdc, 12 Vdc.

(24) According to an alternative to the forms described hereinabove, the vibration system 13 is arranged to operate on pneumatic energy.

(25) The vibration system 13 comprises a vibrator 29. By vibrator 29, is meant any type of mechanism producing a vibration movement, for example an unbalance vibrator, a ball vibrator, a roller vibrator, a piston vibrator, a striker vibrator or an electromagnetic vibrator.

(26) According to one form of the present disclosure, the vibrator 29 comprises a shaft configured to be driven in rotation, for example a turbine, comprising an offset mass, for example an imbalance. Thus, the shaft is unbalanced, which causes a vibration movement.

(27) According to one form, the vibrator 29 comprises a casing including a piston, arranged to be displaced by compressed air or through electromagnetism. The rapid back-and-forth movements of the piston cause linear percussions and therefore a vibration movement.

(28) As represented in FIG. 2, the discharge device 3 further comprises a damping system 31 arranged to dampen the vibration movement of the vibration system 13. The vibration system comprises a damper 36.

(29) The damping system 31 comprises a support 33 of the discharge device comprising a first portion 33a secured to the discharge device 3, and a second portion 33b, connected to a frame 35 of the discharge device 3.

(30) According to one form, the frame 35 is secured to the chassis (e.g., at 34) of the agricultural machine.

(31) According to another form, the frame 35 is movable relative to the chassis (e.g., at 34) of the agricultural machine between a retracted position and a deployed position in which the introduction opening 9 of the receiving housing 7 is intended to be accessible to a user.

(32) According to another form, the frame 35 is independent of the chassis (e.g., at 34) of the agricultural machine. Thus, the bulk of the discharge device 3 is compatible with the bulk of the dispersion device.

(33) The damper 36 comprises several elastic elements 37a, 37b which may be of the spring or elastic pad type. The elastic elements 37a, 37b are disposed between the first portion 33a and the second portion 33b of the support 33. Each of the elastic elements 37a, 37b comprise a first end 39a, 39b, secured to the first portion 33a of the support 33, and a second end 41a, 41b, secured to the second portion 33b of the support 33.

(34) The discharge device further comprises a mass measurement system 43 configured to measure the mass of the receiving element 6. Thus, the user can provide better management of the amount of product inserted into the discharge device 3. Indeed, the user is therefore informed of the precise amount of inserted product. Thus, the economic and environmental impacts are limited.

(35) The mass measurement system 43 is configured to measure the mass of the receiving element 6 and of the product contained in the receiving element 6. Thus, the user is informed of the mass of product contained in the discharge device and therefore provides more efficient management of the work rate.

(36) The mass measurement system 43 comprises a mass information transmission system configured to transmit a mass information to the user. The mass information is a value expressed in a mass unit, for example in kilograms.

(37) According to one form, the mass information transmission system comprises a visual interface. The visual interface may comprise visual markers each corresponding to a predetermined mass information, such as a graduation of the mass information. The visual interface further comprises a movable indicator, such as a needle, configured to occupy a plurality of positions, each position corresponding to a mass information. The movable indicator is disposed facing the plurality of visual markers. Thus, the user can establish a correspondence between the position adopted by the movable indicator and the closest visual marker to this position in order to determine the mass of product introduced into the receiving element.

(38) According to another form, the mass information transmission system comprises a communication interface configured to transmit a mass information to a user interface, intended to display the mass information. Thus, the information is easily accessible to the user.

(39) According to one form, the communication interface is configured to transmit the mass information to the user interface via an electrical signal.

(40) According to another form, the communication interface is configured to transmit the mass information to the user interface via a wireless communication protocol, for example a wireless communication protocol of a type compliant with the standard IEEE 802.11/WIFI or of a type compliant with the UMTS network standard or of a type compliant with any other network standard.

(41) According to one form, the mass information transmission system comprises the user interface, configured to display a mass information. Thus, the user interface is integrated in the mass measurement system.

(42) According to one form, the user interface is fixedly disposed proximate to the discharge device or to the controls of the agricultural machine.

(43) According to another form, the user interface is disposed on a mobile apparatus dependent on the agricultural machine, such as a remote control comprising a display window.

(44) According to another form, the communication interface is configured to interact with an external user interface. The user interface may be made in particular as a Web interface hosted on a server and remotely or locally accessible via a terminal such as a stationary computer or via a portable terminal such as a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone.

(45) The mass measurement system further comprises a control unit arranged to transmit a mass information to the communication interface.

(46) The mass measurement system comprises three mass sensors 45a, 45b, 45c. The mass sensors 45a, 45b, 45c are disposed between the support 33 and the frame 35 in the form represented in FIG. 2.

(47) According to another form represented in FIG. 3, at least one mass sensor 43d of the bending type is combined with an axis of rotation 35a disposed between the support 33 and the frame 35. In this case, the receiving element 6 is rotatable relative to the frame 35. In order to provide a good accuracy of the measurement, it is desired that the distance between the sensor and the center of gravity of the product introduced into the receiving housing 7 is constant, and that frictions on the axis of rotation 35a are negligible.

(48) According to another form represented in FIG. 4, the mass measurement system 43 comprises one single mass sensor 43e of the single-point load type between the support 33 and the frame 35 thereby having the advantage of allowing offsetting the sensor with respect to the center of gravity of the receiving housing 7.

(49) According to another form which is not represented, the mass measurement system 43 comprises a strain gauge. The strain gauge is formed in the frame 35. The support 33 is then disposed directly on the frame 35 at the level of the strain gauge.

(50) According to one form, the mass measurement system 43 is configured to control the triggering of an audible or visual alarm when the mass information is higher and/or lower than a predetermined threshold value. Thanks to these arrangements, the user is further notified by an alarm if the amount of product introduced into the discharge device 3 is smaller or larger than a predetermined threshold amount.

(51) The receiving element 6 comprises at least one smooth portion or having anti-adhesive properties. The receiving element may also comprise an anti-adhesive coating, such as a varnishing or a Teflon coating. In one form, the receiving element is made of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or of a plastic, for example thermoplastic, material. The plastic material may have anti-adhesive properties.

(52) The discharge device 3 may further comprise a system for measuring the filling of the receiving element. Thus, the user can deduce the density of the product inserted into the receiving element. Thus, the user is provided with several parameters enabling him to control the amount of product introduced into the receiving element 6. The filling measurement system also comprises a filling information transmission system configured to transmit a filling information to the user.

(53) According to one form of the present disclosure, the filling information transmission system comprises a visual interface. Thus, the user can control more accurately the amount of product introduced into the receiving element. The wall 8 comprises a transparent portion (not shown) extending between the introduction opening 9 and the outlet opening 11. The visual interface of the filling information transmission system comprises the transparent portion. The visual interface may further comprise a plurality of visual markers each corresponding to a filling information of the receiving element 6, such as a graduation of filling information. Thus, the user can control more accurately the amount of product introduced into the receiving element 6.

(54) According to another form of the present disclosure, the receiving element 6 comprises a filling detector disposed between the introduction opening 9 and the outlet opening 11. Thanks to this arrangement, the measurement of the filling of the receiving element 6 is carried out electronically. The margin of error in the measurement of the amount of product inserted into the discharge device 3 is thus reduced.

(55) For example, the filling detector comprises a presence sensor or a light sensor.

(56) According to another form of the present disclosure compatible with the features mentioned in the previous forms, the filling information transmission system comprises a communication interface configured to transmit a filling information to a user interface, intended to display the filling information. Thus, the filling information is easily accessible to the user.

(57) According to one form, the communication interface is configured to transmit the filling information to the user interface via an electrical signal.

(58) According to one form, the communication interface is configured to transmit the filling information to the user interface via a wireless communication protocol, for example a wireless communication protocol of a type compliant with the standard IEEE 802.11/WIFI or of a type compliant with the UMTS network standard or of a type compliant with any other network standard.

(59) In the same manner as for the mass measurement system, the user interface may be fixedly disposed proximate to the discharge device or to the controls of the agricultural machine, or on a mobile apparatus dependent on the agricultural machine, such as a remote control comprising a display window or on an external user interface. The external user interface may be made in particular as a Web interface hosted on a server and remotely or locally accessible via a terminal such as a stationary computer or via a portable terminal such as a laptop, a tablet or a smartphone.

(60) The filling measurement system may further comprise a control unit arranged to transmit a filling measurement information to the communication interface.

(61) According to one form, the filling information transmission system and the mass information transmission system are configured to transmit a filling measurement information and respectively a mass information to the same user interface. Thanks to these arrangements, the mass information and the filling information are displayed on the same interface. Reading the information is thus facilitated.

(62) According to one form, the user interface of the filling information transmission system and the user interface of the mass information transmission system are independent. Thus, the mass measurement system and the filling measurement system can operate independently of each other.

(63) The control unit of the filling measurement system is arranged to provide information on the volume of product inserted into the receiving element. The discharge device comprises a system of conversion between a mass information and a volume information, thanks to a density information set by the user.

(64) The mass information is a value expressed in a mass unit, for example in kilograms. The volume information is a value expressed in a volume unit, for example in liters. The hydraulic circuit 5 comprises a tank 47. The pulverizer is arranged to collect the fluid in the tank 47 before dispersing it.

(65) The hydraulic circuit 5 further comprises a fluid accelerator 49 disposed downstream of the discharge device 3 and more particularly, downstream of the closure element 15 of the discharge device 3. The fluid accelerator 49 comprises a Venturi system 51. By Venturi system, is meant a conduit having a section with a determined size comprising a portion having a section with a smaller size, so as to form a fluid pressure differential and therefore cause an acceleration of the fluid.

(66) The tank 47 is disposed downstream of the fluid accelerator 49. The product inserted into the discharge device 3 then passes at first via the fluid accelerator 49 before reaching the tank 47.

(67) The hydraulic circuit 5 comprises a pump 53 disposed downstream of the tank 47. The pump 53 is connected downstream of the closure element of the receiving housing 7 and upstream of the fluid accelerator 49. The solvent is disposed in the tank 47. The pump 53 is configured to convey the solvent from the tank 47 downstream of the closure element 15 in order to fluidify the product.

(68) The vibration system 13 is linked to the pump 53, downstream of the latter. The vibration system 13 is connected to the hydraulic circuit 5 between the closure element 15 and the fluid accelerator 49. Thus, when the vibration system 13 is operating, the pump 53 propels the fluid in the vibration system 13 from the tank 47. The unbalanced turbine is thus driven in rotation. A vibration movement is then generated and the vibration system 13 transmits this movement mechanically to the wall 8 of the discharge device 3.

(69) The flushing and cleaning systems 19, 21 are hydraulically connected downstream of the pump 47.

(70) A method for dispersing an agricultural product is described below.

(71) In a first step, the filling of a discharge device 3 is carried out. First of all, at least one threshold value of a mass information and/or of a volume information is determined, then the receiving element 6 is filled until reaching the threshold value.

(72) Optionally, the threshold value is set to the mass measurement system 43 as a setpoint value.

(73) Afterwards, the closure element 15 is opened and/or the fluid accelerator is actuated manually or automatically.

(74) For example, a product packed in 20 kilograms bags is provided. For an amount of product to be pulverized equal to 70 kilograms, the closure element 15 is opened, three bags of product are poured continuously, then the closure element 15 is closed, a threshold value of 10 kilograms is set to the mass measurement system 43, when the 10 kilograms threshold value is reached, the closure element is opened manually, or the mass measurement system 43 controls the opening of the closure element 15 in an automatic manner.

(75) In a first step, the user operates the pump 53 which allows accelerating the fluid in the fluid accelerator 49. By Venturi effect, the latter creates a depression downstream of the closure element 15. In a second step, the user opens the closure element 15 to enable the flow of the product up to the fluid accelerator. In a third step, the user actuates the vibrator 29 by means of the valve 27 in order to facilitate the flow of the product along the wall 8 of the receiving housing 7.

(76) In a fourth step, the user empties the product container in the discharge device 3. The product is then fluidified under the action of the fluid accelerator 49 downstream of the closure element 15 and transported toward the tank 47.

(77) In a fifth step, when the incorporation of the different products is completed, the user modifies the hydraulic circuit 5 so that the pump 53 no longer aspirates in the tank 47 but rather in another tank of clean water, not represented.

(78) In a sixth step, the user actuates the water exit ramp 21a via the valve 21c as well as the flushing nozzle 19a via the valve 19c, in order to clean the wall 8 of the cleaning system 21.

(79) Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the described and represented forms, given only but as illustrative and non-limiting examples.

(80) The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.