• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    SPRAY ASSEMBLY MOUNTED ON BOOM FRAME, E, SPRAYER A lance spray assembly, just like for an agricultural sprayer, has a feed tube and a spray tube with a continuous tubular body. The tubular body has at least one facial feed opening therein between the opening ends along a second axis at an angle to a first axis of the tubular body. A saddle fitting is coupled to the spray tube which defines a first passageway that extends along the first axis to receive the tubular body and defines a second passageway that extends along the second axis in register with at least one face feed opening and receiving spray material from at least one feed tube. At least one spray nozzle is coupled to the tubular body of the at least one tube in communication with the first and second passageways.
    公开号:BR102016009848B1
    申请号:R102016009848-3
    申请日:2016-05-02
    公开日:2021-06-22
    发明作者:Michael J. Mellin
    申请人:Deere & Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [001] The present invention relates to agricultural sprayers for applying liquid or solid materials, including agricultural sprayers with one or more lances extending to spray assemblies across a field. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION
    [002] In various configurations, it may be useful to apply (eg, distribute or disperse) several materials in a relatively controlled manner. For example, in agricultural contexts it may be useful to apply pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer or select locations in a field in order to control pest activity, kill weeds and stimulate crop growth, respectively. The material for application can take a variety of forms, including liquid or solid form. The liquid for the application can be provided in different containers, such as liquid reservoirs, which may or may not be refillable by users. Various spray systems (eg a nozzle attached to the end of a telescopic or folding boom) can be used.
    [003] Modern agricultural sprayers are usually self-propelled vehicles or towed implements. To extend the spray range achieved as the sprayer crosses a field, the sprayer can be equipped with large fixed or retractable booms that support the material transport and delivery components. For example, pipe or other pipeline can be run from a centrally arranged supply tank or trailer out along the boom. The solution is then pumped from the pressure supply tank to the outer end(s) of the boom(s). When the boom(s) span long distances, sections of pipe or other conduit can be coupled in series. This can be achieved by using unions or other couplers attached to the ends of the pipe sections by various means (eg wires, welding, etc.)
    [004] It may also be useful to distribute material along the length of the boom in evenly spaced (or other) locations, for example to conform to the spacing between rows of the crop. As such, it is often desired to provide spray nozzles or other establishments in addition to or instead of at the joints between coupling spray flume sections, in order to keep the pipe sections from being excessively numerous or short in length. . Therefore, the spray tube sections may have spaced apart openings where nozzle assemblies are attached to the tube. Since the spacing and rotational orientation of the openings can be adjusted in accordance with the crop row spacing or other predetermined spacing and placement, the openings of a pipe section may need to be properly aligned with the openings of the coupling tube or pipes. Assembly of mating parts by threaded or welded connections and the like complicates the alignment of this spacing and orientation.
    [005] In addition, it may also be useful to provide various flow control components to assist in proper flow through the spray tubes. For example, it is known along with flow valves and aspirators to spray pipes. Vacuum cleaners, for example, can be mounted, by threaded or soldered connection, on one or both ends of a spray tube to improve the inlet air flow to the spray tube. Unfortunately, these flow components can increase the number of joints in the assembly, and thus further complicate properly locating the various spray means or nozzles through mating spray boom tubes.
    [006] In addition, when manufacturing sprayers of various configurations (eg lance length, flow capacity, etc.), factors such as those noted above can significantly increase manufacturing complexity and may require Tube sets inventory numerous spraying (eg one or more for each model sprayer) or require each equipment to be effectively built to order. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [007] A lance sprayer is described for applying various wet or dry materials, including for applying pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers in agricultural environments.
    [008] According to one aspect of the invention, in a sprayer having a lance frame, a spray assembly is mounted on the lance frame. The spray assembly may include at least one supply tube operatively coupled to a supply of spray material and may also include at least one spray tube. Each spray tube may have a unitary tubular body extending along a first geometric axis between opposite ends. The tubular body may have at least one feed opening therein between the opening ends of about a second axis at an angle to the first axis. At least one saddle fitting can be fitted to the tubular body of the at least one spray tube. The at least one saddle fitting may define a first passageway extending along the first geometric axis and receiving the tubular body. The tubular body may also define a second passageway that extends along the second axis in alignment with the at least one face feed opening and receive spray material from the at least one feed tube. At least one nozzle can be coupled to the tubular body of the at least one tube in communication with the first and second passageways.
    [009] According to another aspect, the disclosure provides a sprayer with a lance frame and at least one spray assembly mounted on the lance frame. Each spray assembly may include at least one supply tube operatively coupled to a supply of spray material and may also include at least one spray tube. Each spray tube may have a unitary tubular body extending along a first geometric axis between opposite ends. The tubular body may have at least one feed opening therein between the opening ends of about a second axis at an angle to the first axis. At least one saddle fitting can be fitted to the tubular body of the at least one spray tube. The at least one saddle fitting may define a first passageway extending along the first geometric axis and receiving the tubular body. The tubular body may also define a second passageway that extends along the second axis in alignment with the at least one face feed opening and receive spray material from the at least one feed tube. At least one nozzle can be coupled to the tubular body of the at least one tube in communication with the first and second passageways.
    [0010] Details of one or more implementations of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the invention below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the invention, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF INVENTION OF DRAWINGS
    [0011] In the attached drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example sprayer having retractable agricultural spray lances for applying material during the spraying operation; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a section of an assembly lance thereof; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the spray assembly thereof; FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an attachment of the spray assembly to area 4-4 of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of a saddle fitting assembly for coupling a spray tube to a feed tube; FIG. 6 is a top view thereof; FIG. 7 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6; FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a nozzle arrangement in area 9-9 of FIG. 3; FIG. 10 is a top view of the same as assembled; FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the end of line 11-11 of FIG. 9; FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a suction nozzle arrangement and area 9-9 of FIG. 3; FIG. 13 is an exploded assembly view thereof; and FIG. 14 is a front sectional view of the same ter along line 14-14 of FIG. 12.
    [0012] As a reference, numbers in the drawings indicate as components, parts or features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [0013] The following describes one or more examples of described sprayer implementations, as shown in the attached figures of the drawings described briefly above.
    [0014] As noted above, in various configurations it may be useful to apply (e.g. distribute or disperse) various materials in a relatively controlled manner. For example, in agricultural environments it may be useful to apply material (eg liquid or solid herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides and so on) to an agricultural field. Self-propelled or towed agricultural sprayers can use long lances to support lengths of spray tube that deliver material to spray nozzles spaced along the spray tube(s). The boom supported spray tubes allow material to be applied in wide strips transverse to the sprayer's direction of travel. While an agricultural spray lance is shown and described here, the invention may also apply to certain non-agricultural applications, such as various irrigation systems, as well as in certain applications used in the petroleum (oil and gas) industry.
    [0015] In certain embodiments, it may be useful to reduce the number of, or eliminate, joints in or between the spray tubes. In addition to a simple count partial reduction, as well as reducing or avoiding leakage points, using long, uncut tube lengths can better facilitate the manufacture and assembly of spray tube assemblies. Reducing or eliminating splicing coupling spray tubes reduces or eliminates the need to align the characteristics of each of the spout coupling tubes during the bonding process, which can be time-consuming and labor intensive. Aligning the two sections of pipe connected in the middle with a T-connection, which in some cases can be threaded, increases the difficulty of manufacture. This alignment is critical for aligning the nozzles on the t-set ether side and creating a uniform spray pattern. With a continuous tube problem is alleviated or eliminated.
    [0016] For example, an expansion section may have a set of spray tubes in which a single continuous length of tube is used to convey material to the pipelines. In this case, multiple nozzles can be connected to the spray tube at a plurality of spaced apart openings formed in alignment along the length of the spray tube. No secondary alignment procedure is necessary, as would be necessary, for example, if two spray tubes are mated in the middle such that the length of tube to the left of the joint would have to be rotationally oriented to coincide with the length of tube to Union law. This would bring apparent complications to any thread or solder connection in the union of the mating tubes.
    [0017] Along these lines, it can also be useful to improve the connection of the spray tube to the supply feed tube. For example, a spray tube assembly may have a saddle coupling fitting. The saddle fitting can have a split saddle configuration that fits along a continuous length of tube, rather than being inserted between the mating tube sections. Each saddle fitting may define a first passageway extending along the axis of the spray tube and a second passageway extending along a second axis in alignment with a corresponding opening in the spray tube. A feed tube, or connector for a feed tube, can then be attached to the saddle fitting and communicate with the opening via the second through path.
    [0018] Furthermore, it can be useful to reduce or eliminate complications with the alignment of other components of the spray tube assembly. For example, vacuum cleaners may need to be aligned with nozzles or other features in the assembly. Using a single spray tube helps, but the vacuum may still need to be lined up with the tube spray nozzles, which can be time-consuming and laborious in a similar way for central mating spray tube sections t-accessories . Thus, a set of spray tubes can include an insert vacuum. For example, the vacuum can have an elongated body configured to fit within the spray tube. A head can extend out of the spray tube, for example through an open end of the spray tube. The head can have an opening in communication with an internal passageway extending from the head to the body, by an air inlet member, as well as, optionally, by another spray nozzle. A simple adjustment screw, detent, or other attachment can be used to correct the rotational orientation of the vacuum.
    [0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, the spray tube assembly system described can be implemented with respect to an agricultural sprayer 20, which can be self-propelled or in the form of a dragged or towed implement pulled by a tractor. The sprayer 20 features a chassis frame 22 supported off the ground by large diameter, engaging ground wheels 24. The frame 22 supports an engine compartment 26, an operator's cab 28, a supply tank 30 and an assembly of 32 boom. Various hydraulic components as well as a mixture of solution and spray pump and control equipment can be transported aboard the frame of the chassis 22, as well.
    [0020] Referring also to FIG. 2, in general, as is understood in the art, lance 32 may be a generally rigid frame of tubular or solid frame frames. For example, the boom may have upper and lower carriers 34, 36 interconnected with numerous supports 38 forming a tethered arrangement. Boom 32 can include multiple sections, such as downsize by moving outward, that are coupled together to extend full lengths to lengths close to or over 100 feet. For clarity, fig. 1 shows the sprayer 20 with only the innermost boom section 40 extending on either side of the sprayer 20. The boom sections can be interlocked, and the innermost boom sections 40 can be connected to the chassis frame 22, by hinge means 42 which facilitate folding of the lance assembly 32 into a position suitable for transporting and unfolding the lance assembly 32 into an operating position as shown in FIG. 1. Hydraulic cylinders or other actuators can provide the driving force to articulate the boom sections between operating and transport positions. The lance assembly 32 can support the conduits on both sides of the spray device 20 that are in communication with the supply tank 30 through a variety of supply and return hoses (not shown), which in the case of liquid material , feeding and returning liquid to and from supply tank 30 as required. As will be described in detail, the conduits can convey liquid to spray nozzles spaced apart along the length of the lance assembly 32.
    [0021] Referring now also to Fig. 3, more specifically, the conduits to a lance section 40 may include one or more feed tubes 50, one or more spray tubes 52, one or more control valves 54, and one or more spray nozzles 56. For example, each inner lance section (as shown in FIG. 2) may include two feed tubes 50A and 50B, of the same or varying length, that are joined end-to-end. and delivering material from supply tank 30 to three spray tubes 52A, 52B and 52C, of the same or varying length. In the illustrated example, spray 52A inner tube may have five equally spaced spray nozzles 56, spray 52B secondary pipe may have seven equally spaced spray nozzles 56, and sprayer 52C outer tube may have six equally spaced spray nozzles. . Spray tubes 52A-C may also be spaced end-to-end apart by a length in accordance with the spacing between spray nozzles 56. Spray tube 52A may be coupled to spray tube feed tube 50A, 52C can be coupled to feed tube 50B, and spray tube 52B can be coupled to one or both feed tubes 50A-B. Each of the feed tubes 50A-B and the spray tubes 52A-C can be formed as a unitary tubular body (i.e., not an assembly), for example, formed as a continuous extruded body with no seams or breaks or a body manufactured with seams/breaks joined to be essentially continuous.
    [0022] Spray tubes 52A-C can be coupled to supply tubes 50A-B by coupling assemblies 60 to which control valves 54 are mounted. As shown in FIG. 4, splicing assemblies 60 may include splicing coupler 62 coupling the ends of supply tubes 50A-B. Various techniques can be used to securely connect the splice coupler 62 to the supply tubes 50A-B. However, a watertight connection can be achieved using tube clamps 64 with spilled or slipped collars 66 that fit in and matt against flanged or non-flanged ends of supply tubes 50A-B. O-rings, gaskets or other seals can also be used. Tube clamp 64 can have a flexible strap 68 and threaded retaining fastener 70, as well as to provide clamping force on collar 66. This arrangement has the additional advantage of allowing initial rotation adjustment of feed tubes 50A- B with respect to coupler union 62 for purposes of alignment with other union couplers 62 or spray tubes 52A-C, while still providing a tight connection.
    [0023] A third leg of the pair may be mating 62 to a connecting tube 72, in the same or similar manner, which couples to the associated spray tube 52A-C and effectively provides a valve housing for the associated control valve 54. In the illustrated example, the connecting tube 72 has a small bypass tube 74 which connects to an assembly flange 76 to which the control valve 54 is mounted. Control valve 54 can be any suitable architecture or mode of operation. In the illustrated example, the control valve 54 is an electrically actuated ball valve with electrical lines 78 leading to the vehicle's electrical system and under the control of the onboard spray control hardware of the sprayer 20. The interior of the connector tube 72 may contain, or be formed with, a valve seat (not shown) to cooperate with the valve head (not shown) to allow the control valve 54 to selectively vary and impede the flow of the supply tubes 50A-B to the associated spray tube(s) 52A-C. So, for example, the spray assembly can be selectively controlled to provide uniform flow through each boom section, including through each spray tube within each boom section. Alternatively, the flow can be varied, or completely turned off, for a given lance section or lance sections, or one or more spray tubes within sections of one or more boom sections.
    [0024] In the illustrated example, there is a coupling assembly 60 and the control valve 54 arrangement mounted at each end of the supply tubes 50A-B. However, instead of four separate assemblies there are three, with the central assembly being shared by, and coupled to, the ends of both feed tubes 50A-B, as described above and shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The connection assemblies, with the free ends of the supply tubes 50A-B, can have the same configuration, in which case the respective inner and outer ends are closed by an end cap or plug member.
    [0025] Referring now also to Figs. 5-8, the tube connector 72 is connectable to the associated spray tube 52A-C via a fitting saddle 80. In the illustrated example, the connection is a threaded connection with an externally threaded adapter 82 that threads into the internal thread of the ends. of the connector tube 72 and the saddle fitting 80. the fitting 80 itself may be a unitary piece, or, as shown in the illustrated example, it may have a multi-component system, of split construction, e.g. two perpendicular intersecting planes and extending along a long central geometric axis "a" of the tubular body of the associated spray tube 52A-C (see FIG. 6).
    [0026] As illustrated, the saddle fitting 80 is divided along what would be a horizontal plane, as seen in FIG. 8. A first (lower) fitting portion 84 may form part of a first passageway 86 that receives the tubular body of the associated spray tube 52A-C. A second (upper) fitting portion 88 may form the complementary portion of the first passageway 86. But the entire portion 84 and 88 may have cupped, or semi-cylindrical channels configured to fit against the cylindrical tubular body, as illustrated. The assembly parts 84 and 88 may also have assembly flanges with threaded mounting bolt holes, which are used to securely attach the seat insert 80 to the spray tube 52A-C. The second insert 88 may also form a second passageway 90 which opens over and extends along a second geometric axis "B" (see FIG. 6). The second passageway 90 may have a cylindrical configuration. The second geometric axis B, and thus the second passageway 90, may extend in any suitable angular orientation about the first geometric axis A, such as 90 degrees, in the illustrated example. Likewise, the second geometric axis B, and thus the second passageway 90, may extend in any angular orientation with respect to a geometric axis perpendicular to the first and second geometric axis B, such as 90 degrees, in the illustrated example. The illustrated example, therefore, can be seen as a certain angle or "T" saddle fitting. As noted above, the fitting saddle 80 may have wires, such as internal threads within the second passageway 90, which are threaded to engage with threads from the adapter 82 to mate with the connector tube 72 and thus the associated supply tube. 50A-B.
    [0027] When mounted on the associated spray tube 52A-C, the second through path 90 aligns with a feed opening 92 formed in the arcuate, circumferential face of the tubular body of the spray tube 52A-C. The face feed opening 92 will be disposed about the second geometric axis B in alignment or registration with the second passageway 90. One or more seals or gaskets, such as the O-ring 94, may be disposed over the feed opening 92 between the tubular body, the spray tube 52A-C and the fitting saddle 80. In addition, recesses or grooves, such as the O-ring groove 96, may be formed in one or both of the fitting saddle 80 and the tube. sprayer 52A-C to locate and seat the sealing o-ring 94, or other(s) around the feed opening 92. the o-ring 94 may also fit over an inner tube section 98 of the seat-in saddle 80, which may be formed as a unitary part of the insert 88, such as a cylindrical shape sized to fit within the associated feed opening 92 to thereby aid in the alignment of the saddle insert 80 and the transfer of material to the associated spray tube 52. in the illustrated example, there is a fitting saddle 80, feed opening 92, and O-ring 94 for each spray tube arrangement 52A-C.
    [0028] Referring also to FIG. 9-11, each spray tube 52A-C may mount one or more of the spray nozzles 56. The spray tubes 52A-C may be formed with one or more nozzle face openings 100 that open about a third axis "C" " (see FIG. 11), the angular position with respect to the first geometric axis a which is defined, or dependent on, of the second geometric axis B of the inlet opening 92. In other words, the angular orientations of each opening of feed 92 and nozzle opening 100 are coordinated so that a suitable angle around the first geometric axis a can be achieved between feed tubes 50A-B and spray nozzles 56 for a desired spray angle and assembly arrangement. . In practice, this may mean that each feed opening 92 is formed in spray tube 52A-C and then used to clock the angular orientation of each nozzle opening 100, or vice versa. By way of example, a spray tube can be fixed or otherwise made in a fixed rotational orientation so that a hole can be cut into the spray tube using a suitable technique (eg drilling, drilling, cutting laser, etc.) to the feed opening 92. Then the spray tube can be repositioned (e.g. rotated a number of degrees) and re-fixed so that a hole for the nozzle opening 100 can be cut into the spray tube.
    [0029] Spray tubes 52A-C can carry each multiple spray nozzle 56, and thus can each be formed with multiple nozzle openings 100. While it is possible for spacing and angular orientation of one or more individual nozzle openings 100 (and thus individual spray nozzles 56) to vary from the others, or the feed opening 92, nozzle openings 100 (and thus the spray nozzles 56) can be aligned along the length of spray tubes 52A-C at equally spaced intervals. Thus, all the nozzle openings 100 can be timed with the same angle relative to the feed opening 92. The amount and spacing between the nozzle openings 100 can be configured according to the characteristics of the spray nozzles 56 or a parameter field or application of use. For example, the nozzle openings 100 may be spaced apart according to a crop line of field dimension spacing to be sprayed by the sprayer 20. In the illustrated example, in each spray tube 52A-C, the nozzle openings 100 (and thus the spray nozzles 56) are aligned and approximately 150-180 degrees apart from the feed openings 92 and 15-20 inches apart. In the illustrated example, the spray tubes 52A-C are positioned so that the spacing between adjacent spray nozzles 56 remains consistent across the spray tubes 52A-C (e.g., the outer spray nozzle 56 of 52A. The spray nozzle and the innermost spray nozzle 56 of the spray tube 52B are spaced apart from approximately the same as adjacent spray nozzles 56 on the respective spray tubes 56A-B). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, in the illustrated example, the spray tubes 52A-C are of different lengths, with the spray tube 52A having five spray nozzles 56, the spray tube 52B carrying seven spray nozzles 56 and the spray tube 52C carrying six spray nozzles 56. Respective spray tubes 52A-C may thus have a corresponding number of nozzle openings 100. As a commercially viable example, a 120 foot lance, with a 15 inch spacing between adjacent nozzle openings 100 would have 97 spray nozzles 56.
    [0030] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, spray nozzles 56 may include a swivel tube clamp 110 with a short tube section 112 configured to fit within the associated nozzle opening 100 to aid in alignment of, and transfer of material into, the nozzles. spray 56. A groove 114 around tube section 112 may contain an o-ring 116 or other seal to seal nozzle opening 100 when clamp tube 110 is secured to associated spray tube 52A-C. The clamp tube 110 mounts the remainder of the nozzle 56, including a nozzle body 118 having an internal flow passage 120 leading to one or more spray outlets 122. Otherwise, the spray nozzles 56 may be of any construction. suitable known wet or dry spray nozzle, such as any one of a number of spray nozzles commercially available from Hypro, LLC of New Brighton, Minnesota, including any one of a number of fixed position nozzles or movable spray head, or width of pulse modulated spray nozzles for use with agricultural sprayers. For example, in the illustrated example, the spray nozzles 56 have a 5-way indexing turret style head 130 having five spray outlets 122 which can be equipped with any of a number of spray nozzles (not shown) to particular directional effect or transmitted spray characteristics. A diaphragm valve (not shown) mounted in a backbox 132 regulates an ambient air vent (not shown) through a vent passage 134 (see FIG. 14) that communicates with the flow passage 120 to prevent the flow of spraying material when the pump is off.
    [0031] The arrangement described above thus provides a sealed flow path leading from the spray material supply tank 30 on board the sprayer 20 to the spray nozzles 56. Specifically, a flow path is created from from supply tank 30 through any suitable flexible or rigid connecting pipe, hoses or other lines coupled to coupling assembly 60 mounted on the innermost end of supply pipe 50A. The flow path continues through the feed tube 50A to the middle coupling set 60 and through the feed tube 50B to the outermost coupling set 60. The flow path moves from the feed tubes 50A-B to spray tubes 52A-C through coupling assemblies 60, including union coupler 62 and connector tube 72, depending on the state of the associated control valve 54. Thereafter, flow continues without interruption through the opening of feed 92 from each spray tube 52A-C to the associated nozzle openings 100 and into the nozzle body 120 flow passage and the spray outlets 122 of the spray nozzles 56. return lines (not shown) coupled to the assemblies from coupling or supply and/or spray tubes back spray excess material to 30 supply tank as needed.
    [0032] Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, the innermost and/or outer spray nozzle 56 of each spray tube 52A-C may be mounted on an insert vacuum 140. Each vacuum cleaner 140 may have a narrow, elongated body 142 configured to fit through. an open end, and within, the associated spray tube 52A-C. A head portion 144, which in the illustrated example has a wider diameter than body 142 and the inside diameter of spray tube 52A-C, is sized and configured to contact the end of associated spray tube 52A-C, of so that it protrudes outside the associated spray tube 52A-C. One or more O-rings 146 (two shown) or other seals or gaskets may fit into grooves 148 formed in the outside diameter of vacuum cleaner body 142. One or more fasteners (e.g., threaded connectors, rivets, crushes, retainers and so on), such as an adjustment screw 150 can be used to secure the rotational and axial position of the associated vacuum cleaner 140 relative to spray tube 52A-C. Adjustment screw 150 can, for example, fit through a simple hole 152 in spray tube 52A-C and line into a pocket 154 in vacuum cleaner body 142.
    [0033] The vacuum cleaner 140 may have a face opening 160, which in the illustrated example provides a mouthpiece opening which is in communication with an internal passageway 162 extending from the face opening 160 and through the head of the suction 144 and body 142. Inner passage 162 may have a converging section 164, which limits, or decreases in size, opening toward head 144. In the illustrated example, internal passageway 162 follows a curve in such a manner. that an end section 166 of the internal passageway 162 leading from the face opening 160 in the vacuum head 144 extends radially at an angle of, for example, approximately 90 degrees, the converging section 164. spray nozzle 56, which can be opened to ambient air through the check valve, is mounted on the opening face 160 (e.g., in a manner as described above), the internal passageway 162 can be in communication with the a. r ambient through the passage vent 134 when the non-return valve is open. As understood in the art, the convergence point 166 increases the velocity of fluid flow and creates a pressure drop within the aspirator 140, i.e., an area of low pressure within the converging section that may be less than atmospheric pressure. . This low pressure can draw air into the vacuum head 144 and work to evacuate the air from within the spray tube 52A-C out through the spray nozzle 56. In this mode, the spray tube 52A-C is aspirated to relieving air trapped within the stream, which stream would otherwise impede the flow to the spray nozzles 56.
    [0034] The sprayer working regime described, described above, largely in the context of the illustrated example, offers manufacturing and assembly improvements not anticipated in existing sprayers. This invention effectively decouples or eliminates the coordination of the action of connecting the spray tubes and/or feed tubes and the placement of the spray/feed tube tubes, and therefore significantly reduces assembly complexity. The use of unitary supply and spray tubes reduces or eliminates the need to align the characteristics of each of the coupling tubes during the joining process. Secondary alignment procedures, of the kind required with threaded or welded mating tube connections, are no longer necessary. Holes can be formed within the tubular unitary body in angular orientation and a necessary spacing. The saddle fitting then fits over the continuous length of the tube, rather than being inserted between the coupling tube sections, to couple the spray tube to a feed tube.
    权利要求:
    Claims (10)
    [0001]
    1. A sprayer (20) having a lance frame (32) and a spray assembly mounted to the lance frame (32), the spray assembly comprising: at least one feed tube (50, 50A, 50B) operatively coupled to a supply of spray material; at least one spray tube (52, 52A, 52B) having a unitary tubular body extending along a first geometric axis (A) between opposite ends, the tubular body having at least one feed opening therein (92 ) between the opening ends around a second geometric axis (B) at an angle to the first geometric axis (A); at least one saddle fitting (80) mounted to the tubular body of the at least one spray tube (52, 52A, 52B), the at least one saddle fitting (80) defining a first extending passageway (86) along the first axis (A) and receiving the tubular body and defining a second passageway (90) extending along the second axis (B) in register with the at least one face feed opening. (92) and receiving spray material from the at least one feed tube (50, 50A, 50B); and at least one nozzle (56) coupled to the tubular body of the at least one spray tube (52, 52A, 52B) in communication with the first and second passageways (86, 90), characterized in that it further comprises a vacuum cleaner (140) received, at least in part, within an open end of the tubular body of the at least one spray tube (52, 52A, 52B).
    [0002]
    2. A sprayer (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one nozzle (56) is mounted on the tubular body of the at least one spray tube (52, 52A, 52B) in at least one opening of face nozzle (100) which opens on a third geometric axis (C) having an angular position about the first geometric axis (A) dependent on an angular position of the second geometric axis (B).
    [0003]
    3. A sprayer (20) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that there is a plurality of nozzles (56) mounted on the tubular body of at least one spray tube (52, 52A, 52B) in a plurality of facial nozzle openings (100) in the tubular body spaced along the first geometric axis (A).
    [0004]
    4. A sprayer (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one feed tube (50, 50A, 50B) has a continuous tubular body having a face opening aligned around the second axis geometric (B) and coupled with the second passageway (90) of at least one saddle socket (80).
    [0005]
    5. Sprayer (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it additionally includes a connecting tube (72) which extends along the second geometric axis (B) and is coupled to the tubular bodies of the fur. at least one feed tube (50, 50A, 50B) and the at least one spray tube (52, 52A, 52B).
    [0006]
    6. A sprayer (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the vacuum cleaner (140) has an elongated body (142) disposed inside the tubular body of the at least one spray tube (52, 52A , 52B) and a head (144) extending outside the tubular body of the at least one spray tube (52, 52A, 52B), and wherein the head (144) has a face opening (160) in communication with an internal passageway (162) extending from the head (144) to the elongate body.
    [0007]
    7. A sprayer (20) according to claim 6, characterized in that the internal passageway (162) has a converging section (164) narrowing in a direction towards the head (144) of the vacuum cleaner (140).
    [0008]
    8. A sprayer (20) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the internal passageway (162) follows a curve so that an end section (166) of the internal passageway (162) ) leading from the facial opening (160) in the head (144) to extend at an angle to the converging section (164).
    [0009]
    9. A sprayer (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the saddle fitting (80) is divided along the first geometric axis (A) so that the first passageway (86) ) is defined by a first insert piece (84) which couples to a second insert (88).
    [0010]
    10. A sprayer (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it additionally includes at least one seal (94) arranged around the at least one face feed opening (92) between the at least one saddle fitting (80) and the tubular body of the at least one spray tube (52, 52A, 52B).
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    EP3090630A1|2016-11-09|
    AU2016202697A1|2016-11-24|
    EP3090630B1|2018-06-20|
    BR102016009848A2|2016-11-08|
    AU2016202697B2|2019-11-07|
    US10420333B2|2019-09-24|
    US20160324137A1|2016-11-10|
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    法律状态:
    2016-11-08| B03A| Publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention [chapter 3.1 patent gazette]|
    2019-09-17| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-06-01| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-06-22| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 02/05/2016, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US14/703,578|US10420333B2|2015-05-04|2015-05-04|Spray assembly for boom sprayer|
    US14/703,578|2015-05-04|
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