IE55142B1 - Nozzle closing device equipped with a nozzle attachment means for a spraying or spreading rack - Google Patents

Description

The present Invention relates to a nozzle quick-closing device, ealled an "anti-drip" device, which can be mounted on racks comprising a plurality of spraying or spreading nozzles which are fed via a pipe connected to a tank containing in liquid form the product to be distributed and incorporating a pump ensuring the circulation ofthis liquid, and a nozzle attachment means.

In the spreading or spraying of fertilizer, pesticides, etc., an important problem is that it is difficult to obtain immediate closure of the nozzles when the operator wishes to cut off the supply to the nozzles. It is known that uniform distribution of the treatment products is of great importance, on the one hand to ensure minimum distribution guaranteeing the desired effectiveness, and on the other hand to prevent over dosage which would cause burns and other damage (retarded growth) to agricultural crops. Several solutions have already been proposed by various manufacturers of agricultural equipment. Thus, a known device is equipped with a flap-valve having a calibrated spring, which is activated as soon as the pressure of the product to be spread becomes lower than the pressure of the spring. However, in most cases, the flap-valves are activated with a certain delay in relation to control by the operator.

Other devices work by means of a compressed-air valve closure control. Thus, some anti-drip devices which are known comprise two leak-proof chambers delimited by a - 2 - SS143 flexible diaphragm, one of the two chambers receiving the product to be spread, whilst the other is filled with a fluid which, brought to high pressure, prevents the liquid to be spread from passing into the nozzle by shutting off an orifice by means of the said diaphragm. See FR-A-2151711 which mentions a nozzle quick-closing device corresponding to the preamble of claim 1, and FR-A-2290254.

However, the disadvantage of this device is that it is very complicated and expensive, because of the need )0 to ensure chambers which are leak-proof at high pressures and to provide a diaphragm resistant to the aggressive action of the various products to be sprayed. The state of the art solution also involves diverting the stream of liquid practically at rightangles, thus causing considerable \5 pressure losses.

Finally, the document DE-C-1035435 makes known an auxiliary closing device for drilling valves which make it possible to gain access to a duct under pressure, without thereby cutting off the 30 gas or liquid pressure prevailing in the pipe or emptying the pipe in question.

This device consists essentially of a finger provided with a bore which is surrounded, at least over the length corresponding to the orifice to be shut off, by a 25 rubber cap which can be put under pressure to ensure that the passage orifice is closed.

For the device to operate, it is necessary to mount the said finger on the body of the valve and screw it into a tapping by hand to ensure leak-proofing at the end of the 3D finger before the shutting-off action is started as a re- - 3 - SS142 suit of pressurizing» 5 c This document differs from the present invention in that its purpose* that is to say its use, is completely different. The document mentioned is not aimed at a rapid shut-off system (anti-drip system) for spraying nozzles and eannot be transferred "to spraying racks which can have ranges up to 36 meters, inc’orpoating two spraying nozzles per linear meter, and which are connected in series and fed by means of a feeder pipe with continuous closed-circuit circulation.

The construction obtained in DE - C - 1035435 results from the function to be performed, namely leak-proofing, but also retractability of the auxiliary device.

The object Of the present invention is, therefore, to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages by providing a new anti-drip device which is at least as effective as the state of the art solutions, but which is of very simple design, is easy to construct and is robust so as to withstand all the stresses to which the devices of this type are subjected in agricultural and other uses.

According to the present invention, there is provided a nozzle quick-closing device adapted to stop the feeding of a nozzle used in liquid spraying or spreading racks, comprising a rigid main duct fed at one end by a feed pipe connected to a liquid-containing tank and equipped at the other end with said nozzle, and also a flexible obturator which may shut off the passage of main duct, 25 characterized in that a rigid secondary duct crosses the main duct, said both ducts communicating with one another, and in that the flexible obturator consists of a flexible hose which may be inflated by means of a fluid under pressure, and which is located in the secondary duct so as to shut off the main duct when inflated.

The device of the invention makes it possible to shut off the spraying nozles effectively by performing the function of a valve. It can be used 1n all devices for spreading liquid by means of a spraying nozzle and is not limited to the agricultural spheres, but other uses, for example in forestry, weed-killing on roads or verges, etc., can be envisaged.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device consists of a piece with two communicating ducts substantially perpendicular to one another. The main duet is designed to engage into the feed pipe, on the one hand, and to receive the spraying nozzle, on the other hand, the secondary duct being sheathed with a flexible hose passing right through the duct without shutting it off, whilst being engaged in a leak-proof manner in a secondary duct and fed with a fluid under pressure so as to shut off the main duct.

Advantageously, the leak-proof connection of the flexible hose in the secondary duet is ensured by means of a flexible tube or sheath secured at at least one end between an Inner rigid tube and an outer semi-rigid sheath crimped by means of a double-cone coupling, the flexible - 5 - SSi 48 tube op sheath passing right through the duct and the rigid tube being designed to receive, at its free end projecting from the device, the pipe supplying fluid under pressure.

When the flexible hose is inflated under the action of a fluid under pressure, it shuts off the passage of the liquid from the- main duct towards the nozzle.

When the pressure is reduced, it resumes its initial shape and the liquid can flow towards the nozzle. lo The rigid tubes can have instantaneous connections to allow, for example, the feeding and interconnection of several devices in series.

It will be noted that the device of the present invention is simpte and inexpensive, since it can make use of elements already present on the market, such as universal and instantaneous coupling produced by various companies.

ZC The said fluid under pressure is preferably compressed air. The flexible tube advantageously consists of a flexible plastic or a rubber resistant to the aggressive products.

However, it is necessary to use a flexible sheath which maintains all its charactistics of flexibility and leak-proofing after being used many times in the generally aggressive medium constituted by the products to be sprayed or spread.

It has been noted that, generally, to achieve an effective anti-drip effect, such a flexible sheath for nozzles operating at approximately three bars must be in- 25 - 6 - ®5l 42 flated by a pressure at least three bars greater than the pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or spread.

In general, a compressed-air pressure of the order of seven bars Is adopted.

The present Invention will be described 1n more detail by means of the attached Figures In which; - Figure 1 shows, 1n half-section, a closing device according to the Invention; (ο - Figure 2 shows, on an enlarged scale, a special nozzle attachment means; - Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the device according to the Invention, and - Figure 4 shows a third embodiment. %o According to Figure 1, the device consists essentially of a cross-shaped piece 1. The main duct 2 has ends 3, 4, one of which 1s designed to be connected to the feed pipe (not shown) by means of a collar and the other of which 1s equipped with the distribution device which 1s usually a spraying nozzle or delivery tube. Advantageously, a nozzle available 1n the trade, for example a single-jet nozzle or a four-jet nozzle, can be used.

In the Figure, a nozzle body 21 containing a single nozzle 22 1s fastened to the device of the Invention by means of a quick-action connection, for example a so-called "bayonet" connection.

According to Figure 1, the device also Incorporates a secondary duct S, Into which a flexible sheath or tube 6 passing through the main duct 2 Is Introduced. The outside diameter of the flexible tube d 1s slightly less than 15 --7--.

SSI 42 the diameter of the duct 5, to allow the liquid to be sprayed to pass between the tube ό and the inner wall of . the duct 2.

A rigid tube 7,, for example made of brass, which 5 is supplied with compressed air is introduced at the two ends of the flexible tube 6. In the same places, a semirigid tube 8 is slipped over the flexible tube 6 so as to engage up against the shoulder 9 in the double-cone coupling 1. A ring 10 of biconical cross-section and fitted iO on the semi-rigid tube is wedged between the end 11 of the double-cone coupling and the inner wall of the hollow nut 13. Because of the design of the clamping surfaces, the ring 10 compresses the semi-rigid, tube 8 and the tube 6 against the rigid tube 7. Thus, no leakage of liquid can occur between the flexible tube 6 and the semi-rigid tube 8. Since the nut 13 also lays the semi-rigid tube 8 up against the shoulder 9 of the double-cone coupling, the semi-rigid material of the tube 8 forms a seal there, thus preventing the liquid to be sprayed from passing 20 outwards.

It will therefore be seen that the design of the nozzle-closing device of the present invention is simple and that it can consist of elements which are mass-produced and easily available on the market.

The device can consist of a rigid synthetic material moulded under pressure. It can also consist of a rigid material, for example brass, for the double-cone couplings and of a synthetic material for the main duct, the connections to the rack and the fastening of the nozzles. The 55142 -βίκο elements made of separate materials can be joined together by screwing; a synthetic material can also be molded over the brass element.

With reference to Figure 2, it will be noted that 5 the end 4 of the device of the invention Is shown on an enlarged scale. This end incorporates the main duct 2, the wall 23 of which is provided with a peripheral notch 25.

The nozzle 22 1$ solid with the fastening element 27 joined to the element 26 by screws or rivets; the two elements are \0 kept apart by a metal washer supporting a spring 24 which allows pins to engage 1n the said notch 25. The nozzle attached to the closing device Is positioned correctly by means of grooves arranged longitudinally in the upper part of the wall 23 of the main duct 2. The element 26 1s \5 provided with pins or other guide means allowing the assembly 26, 27, 22 to be positioned correctly.

The leak-proofing of the device is ensured by means of an 0-r1ng gasket 28 which prevents the liquid to be sprayed from passing round the nozzle attachment 20 means. To make it possible to move aside the fastening pins so that the nozzle 22 can be detached, for example so as to replace it, the spring 24 will be accessible thus ensuring detachment by hand and/or by means of a specially designed tool.

The advantage of this device is that it makes it possible to substitute one nozzle for another very quickly.

The closing device of the present invention has the advantage, in comparison with known devices, that it does not require a chamber and does not essentially alter - 9 - SSi 4S the direction of the liquid to be sprayed or spread, and this substantially reduces the pressure losses in the spray-liquid circuit, lessens the wear of the device and, above all, reduces the fouling resulting from the depositing of f> materials in suspension, in emulsion or in solution in the liquid.

By providing a suitable compressed-air supply circuit, the operator can control remotely the closure of each sprayer separately or two or three sprayers or 1° more than one rack section, all at the same time.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the flexible tube 6 intended for shutting off the main duct 2 has one end in the form of a pocket which terminates at the bottom of the duct S shut off by, for example, a plug or 15 in the form of a blind end.

With reference to Figure 4, it will be seen that the spray liquid undergoes a change in direction where it follows the main duct 2. The secondary duct 5 ends in the said duct 2 at the location of the angle formed by the two branches of the main duct. Closure is ensured by means of the flexible tube 6, the end of which is in the form of a pocket and which terminates in the main duct 2 ending in the nozzle.

Because of the simple design and easy method of 25 assembling the elements, any replacement of a worn element is inexpensive.

As a result of its design, the closing device of the invention also has the advantage that it is possible to maintain continuous circulation and recycling of the spray - 10 - SS14S liquid 1n the rack towards the tank and then again from the tank towards the rack, even when spraying 1s Interrupted completely or partially. In this way, the formation of deposits In the ducts through which the liquid passes 5 1s further reduced.

In contrast to known devices, the nozzle attachment device described makes it possible, according to the Invention, to ensure complete protection of the nozzle support because of the special end 4 of the nozzle-closing 10 dev1ce

Claims (5)

1. Nozzle quick-closing device adapted to stop the feeding of a nozzle used in liquid spraying or spreading racks, comprising a rigid main duct fed at one end by a feed pipe connected to a 5 liquid-containing tank and equipped at the other end with said nozzle, and also a flexible obturator which may shut off the passage of main duct, characterized in that a rigid secondary duct crosses the main duct, said both ducts consnunicating with one another, and in that the flexible obturator consists of a flexible hose which may be inflated by 10 means of a fluid under pressure, and which is located in the secondary duct so as to shut off the main duct when inflated.

2. Device according to claim 1, comprising a piece with two communicating ducts substantially perpendicular to one another,, the main duct of which is adapted to engage into the feed pipe, on the one 15 hand, and to receive the spraying nozzle, on the other hand, the obturator passing right through the main duct without shutting it off, whilst being engaged in a leak-proof manner in the secondary duct, and being fed with a fluid under pressure to shut off the passage way of the main duct. / %0

3. Device according to claim 1, comprising a piece having a main duct for the passage of the liquid, the main duct having a change in direction, wherein the secondary duct ends in the main duct at the angle formed by its two branches, and wherein the flexible obturator engaged in a leak-proof manner in the secondary duct ends in the form 25 of a pocket in one of the branches of the duct to shut off the latter when it is fed with a fluid under pressure.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the leak-proof connection of the flexible hose in the secondary duct is ensured by the fact that the flexible tube is secured at at least one 30 end between an inner rigid tube and an outer semi-rigid sheath crimped by a double-cone coupling, the flexible tube passing right through the duct and the rigid tube being designed to receive, at its free end projecting from the device, the pipe supplying fluid under pressure. - 12 - 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle is mounted on the main duct by means of a four-jet device. 6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the nozzle is mounted on the main duct by means of a single-jet nozzle body 5 fastened to the closing device by means of a quick-action connection. 7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, on the nozzle side, the wall of the main duct is provided with a peripheral notch allowing a pin to engage under the action of a spring so as to attach the support assembly for the nozzle. 8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the nozzle is positioned correctly by means of grooves in the wall of the main duct and guide means provided in the support element for the nozzle and engaging in the said grooves. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the 15 flexible tube consists of a flexible corrosion-resistant plastic or a rubber. 10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said fluid under pressure is provided in use by compressed air. 11. Device according to claim 10 wherein the compressed air is at a 20 pressure of the order of 7 bars. 12. A nozzle quick-closing device substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. Dated this 29th day of February 1984. By: TOMKINS & CO., Signed:

5. , Dartmouth Road, DUBLIN 6.