Hydraulic tool for tree pruning

Abstract

The present patent is described as a hydraulic tool for pruning trees close to live electricity lines that, according to its features, enables the formation of a hydraulic tool (1) having its own specific mechanical structure connected to an electrically insulated hydraulic arm and a rotating system with a range of 360°, said structure being based on a lower claw module (2) with articulated rods / claws (2B) and a rotating hydraulic actuator (2E), an intermediate pruning module (3) with an articulated pruning blade (3C), and an upper hydraulic saw module (4) with an articulated chainsaw (4C) and a belt transmission system (4D), with the aim of fully optimizing maintenance operations on overhead power distribution networks by pruning / cutting / sawing trees adjacent to conductors of live electricity distribution lines, eliminating the risk to which technicians are exposed during said routine operations.

Description

DESCRIPTIVE REPORT Utility Model Patent Application for 'HYDRAULIC TOOL FOR TREE PRUNING'

[0001] This patent relates to the technical field of hydraulic tools for the distribution of electrical energy in general, more specifically to a hydraulic tool for pruning trees which, according to its general characteristics, has as its basic principle to provide the formation of a hydraulic tool in its own specific mechanical structure coupled to an electrically insulated hydraulic arm and a 360° rotation system and based on a lower gripper module with articulated rods and a rotary hydraulic actuator, an intermediate pruning shear module with an articulated blade and an upper hydraulic saw module with an articulated chain saw and transmission system, with a view to enabling, in an extremely practical, safe and economical manner, complete optimization of routine maintenance procedures for overhead electrical energy distribution networks.primarily in pruning / cutting / sawing trees adjacent to the conductors of energized electrical power distribution lines, eliminating the exposure of technicians during these routine procedures and, based on a hydraulic tool with great resistance, safety and versatility.,

[0002] With a specific design and format and easy access for better adaptation and user safety, practical handling and functionality features, very affordable costs and, due to its general characteristics and dimensions, easily adaptable to a wide range of trees, energized electrical networks, locations and users in general, regardless of the characteristics they may present.

[0003] Trees located close to the electrical power conductors of overhead power distribution networks are one of the main causes of interruptions in the supply of electrical power to consumers and the constant need for maintenance, as falls and / or breaks of trees or parts thereof in the overhead power distribution network can cause the cutting of electrical power conductors, the fall of poles, fatigue of accessories and, consequently, a lack of electrical power.

[0004] Electricity distribution companies or their service providers are responsible for carrying out all tree pruning activities whenever the operating conditions of the power grids are threatened. It is important to note that the more frequent this pruning is performed, the fewer interruptions will occur in the power distribution network. However, the costs of pruning these trees to ensure minimum reliability of overhead power distribution networks are very high.

[0005] It should also be noted that tree pruning procedures along overhead power distribution networks are a service performed manually with high operational risks, especially for technicians from power utilities or service providers, as it involves working at height, risk of electric shock, handling of tools and precision in actions, among others.

[0006] Currently, tree pruning procedures widely recognized by the current state of the art are based on manual pruning tools of the hydraulic or combustion type, and all of these tools must be insulated to avoid hazards to the electrician. These tools include: for pruning smaller diameter branches - shears; for pruning high branches - pruning shears such as pruning shears on rods of varying lengths operated by a cord; for pruning of branches with larger diameters - hand saws; and for pruning urban trees - chainsaws with fixed support.

[0007] It should be noted that procedures for pruning trees in urban areas must follow the following regulations: branches located below conductors and within the minimum safety distance from primary high-voltage networks must be removed by a "dead line" team using mechanical tools or power pruners and ladders; branches growing from the bottom up towards primary high-voltage networks, provided they are not touching the conductors, must be pruned by a "dead line" team using mechanical tools or power pruners and ladders; and branches located over the primary high-voltage network and touching the conductors must only be pruned with the network de-energized, tested, grounded, and signaled by "live line" teams.

[0008] Given this scenario, especially those related to the high risk factors to which workers are exposed and the importance of carrying out these procedures for the full functioning of overhead electricity distribution networks, it has become essential for electricity concessionaires and service providers when carrying out these tree pruning procedures along the conductors of overhead electricity distribution networks, to structure a device or equipment that, through its structural design, is capable of providing a new concept to optimize the execution of these tree pruning procedures along overhead electricity networks by technicians of electricity concessionaires or their service providers.

[0009] In a broad analysis of the literature with the aim of establishing the current state of the art regarding hydraulic tools for pruning trees, primarily pruning trees close to energized electrical networks, the object of this patent, some were described prior art documents relating to tree pruning equipment, however none of these prior art documents proved to be relevant in relation to the specific object claimed which integrates in a single tool a claw module, a pruning shear module and a saw module and in which the saw module and the pruning shear module are coupled to the claw module as the main module that couples to the end of the hydraulic arm, with the rotation system being based on a rotary hydraulic actuator.

[0010] Therefore, a brief description of the two patent documents included in the current state of the art is required, which, despite presenting the same concept as the present patent application, have a structure that is quite different from it: BR102010019261-8 - "Modular Device for Tree Pruning", filed on September 24, 2020, its structure being coupled to any aerial basket comprising a rotating assembly with hydraulic motor and gears, a saber cutting assembly and a claw assembly; and BR102015012722-1 - "Robotic Equipment" Remote Controlled Tree Pruning System near the Energized Power Grid", filed on June 1, 2015, its structure being coupled to a tool alignment manipulator comprising a cutting saw through rotation and a pruning shears through pressure, in addition to the pruning shears being able to use a claw to prevent branches from falling freely, so that to move the saber it is necessary to move in combination with the rotations of the manipulator.

[0010] Thus, the patent in question is characterized by bringing together components and processes in a differentiated design, which will meet the various requirements that the nature of the use demands, that is, pruning trees close to energized electrical networks. This design guarantees a hydraulic tool with great efficiency, functionality, resistance, durability, safety, versatility, practicality, precision, ergonomics and economy due to the excellent technical qualities added, which provides advantages and improvements in the routine maintenance procedures of electrical energy distribution networks, primarily in the energized situation, and whose general characteristics differ from other forms and models known by the current state of the art.

[0011] This patent consists of the use of a modern, efficient, safe and functional hydraulic tool for pruning trees close to the energized electrical network formed by a set of correctly incorporated electromechanical solutions, composing a complete and differentiated hydraulic tool with an exclusive design and its own characteristics, which incorporates its own and specific mechanical structure, of high durability and resistance, parallelepipedal shape and containing perfectly integrated and symmetrically arranged between them a lower claw module with articulated rods and rotary hydraulic actuator as a direct fixing element around points of the trees; an intermediate pruning shear module with articulated blade as an element for pruning / cutting parts of the trees;and an upper hydraulic saw module with articulated chain saw and transmission system as a sawing / cutting element for tree parts, in order to enable the formation of a single, complete and safe set, whose internal and external shapes and arrangements allow perfect adaptation to a wide range of trees and energized electrical networks in general, being specially designed for these purposes.;

[0012] Thus, the general design of the present hydraulic tool for pruning trees close to the energized electrical network, which is the subject of the present patent, is based entirely on its simple and robust with a minimum of necessary components and extremely simplified, safe and optimized operation, combined with very practical manufacturing and maintenance procedures, in order to generate a practical and efficient hydraulic tool coupled to an electrically isolated hydraulic arm through the lower gripper module with a rotation system structured by a rotary hydraulic actuator that allows 360° rotation which, in turn, is coupled by overlapping to a pruning shear module with an articulated cutting blade and a hydraulic saw module with a cutting chain saber, both driven by hydraulic cylinders, which perform the pruning / cutting procedures of trees close to the energized electrical network.

[0013] This hydraulic tool is based on the application of components and processes in a differentiated design, without, however, reaching a high degree of sophistication and complexity, making it possible to solve some of the main drawbacks of other forms and models known by the current state of the art and used in tree pruning procedures close to the energized electrical network, which are located in a working range in which the forms and / or models present difficulties of use and application, low efficiency and performance, frequent accidents, great deterioration and fragility, low versatility, low precision, high insecurity, low yield, high losses, laborious application, no ergonomics, negligible performance, high cost, high overall volume and weight, complex handling, high maintenance, obstructed access, great waste of time and complex manufacturing.

[0014] The objectives, advantages and other important characteristics of the patent in question may be more easily understood when read in conjunction with the attached figures.

[0015] Figure IA represents an anterior perspective view of the hydraulic tree pruning tool.

[0016] Figure 1B is a side perspective view of the hydraulic tree pruning tool.

[0017] Figure 1C is a rear perspective view of the hydraulic tree pruning tool.

[0018] Figure 1D represents a top view of the hydraulic tree pruning tool.

[0019] Figure IE is a bottom view of the hydraulic tree pruning tool.

[0020] Figure 1F is a left side view of the hydraulic tree pruning tool.

[0021] Figure 1G is a right side view of the hydraulic tree pruning tool.

[0022] Figure 1H is a front view of the hydraulic tree pruning tool.

[0023] Figure II represents a bottom view of the intermediate pruning module of the hydraulic tool for pruning trees close to the energized electrical network.

[0025] As can be inferred from the attached figures that illustrate and form part of this descriptive report of the patent for "Hydraulic Tool for Pruning Trees", figure (1 A) shows the same in general terms, comprising a complete hydraulic tool (1) with its own characteristics, incorporating a specific mechanical structure of high durability and resistance, parallelepiped shape, internal and external shapes and arrangements that adapt to a wide range of trees and energized electrical networks in general, and containing perfectly integrated and symmetrically arranged among themselves: a lower grip module (2) in the form of a parallelepiped, arranged horizontally and symmetrically along the entire length of the lower part of the hydraulic tool (1) and comprising a hollow parallelepiped support structure (2A) arranged horizontally and symmetrically along the entire length of the lower gripper module (2); two curvilinear articulated rods / claws (2B) with a central curvilinear recess and arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically spaced along the internal lateral ends of the support structure (2A) and passing through the anterior ends of the same; a rectilinear interconnecting arm (2C) arranged horizontally, perpendicularly and symmetrically interconnecting the postero-inner end of the left articulated rod / claw (2B) and the internal lateral part of the right articulated rod / claw (2B) in the internal part of the support structure (2A) for synchronizing the opening and closing between the two rods / claws;a hydraulic cylinder (2D) arranged horizontally, perpendicularly and symmetrically interconnecting the postero-interior ends of the articulated rods / claws (2B) in the internal part of the support structure (2A) for moving the two rods / claws (2B; and a cylindrical rotary hydraulic actuator (2E) for 360° rotation and arranged horizontally, perpendicularly and symmetrically centered on the rear face of the support structure (2A) for rotating / turning the hydraulic tool (1) in the hydraulic arm by 360°; a parallelepipedal intermediate trimmer module (3), arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically on the upper face of the lower gripper module (2), in the central part of the hydraulic tool (1), and comprising a hollow parallelepipedal support structure (3A) arranged horizontally and symmetrically along the entire length of the intermediate trimmer module (3) and parallel to the anterosuperior face of the support structure (2A);an articulated support (3B) similar to a "L" lying down and arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically on the inside of the left anterolateral end of the support structure (3A); a pointed rectangular pruning blade (3C) arranged horizontally and symmetrically aligned on the anterior end of the articulated support (3B) by means of removable fasteners and passing through the anterior end of the support structure (3 A) for rotational movement and pressing action; and a hydraulic cylinder (3D) arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically connecting the posterior end of; articulated support (3B) and the direct postero-interior end of the support structure (3A) on the inside of the support structure (2) for actuating the blade on the articulated support (3B) and, consequently, on the pruning shear blade (3C); and a parallelepiped upper hydraulic saw module (4), arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically on the upper face of the intermediate pruning shear module (3), on the upper part of the hydraulic tool (1), and comprising a hollow parallelepiped support structure (4A) arranged horizontally and symmetrically along the entire length of the intermediate pruning shear module (3) and parallel to the upper face of the support structure (3A); a hydraulic motor (4B) arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically on the inside of the left postero-lateral end of the support structure (4A) for moving the articulated chain bar (4C);an articulated chain guide (4C) that is straight and arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically under and along the entire length of the inner part of the front end of the support structure (4A); a belt transmission system (4D) that is arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically over the entire length of the left side end of the support structure (4A), connecting the hydraulic motor (4B) to the rear end of the articulated chain guide (4C) for increasing the rotation of the articulated chain guide (4C); a parallelepiped sealing box (4E) that is arranged horizontally and symmetrically over and around the entire length of the belt transmission system (4D) on the upper face of the support structure (4A) for protecting the belt transmission system (4D);a hydraulic cylinder (4F) arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically in the internal part of the support structure (4A) and interconnected to the rear end of the articulated chain bar (4E) for moving the articulated chain bar assembly (4C); and a bar chain lubrication system arranged under the lower face of the support structure and adjacent to the articulated chain bar (4E) and having an oil reservoir and a gear pump for lubrication by the hydraulic oil of the hydraulic motor (4B).;

[0024] The hydraulic tool for pruning trees close to the energized electrical network has its application based on its connection to an isolated hydraulic arm by means of the lower gripper module (2) as the main module, so that, in the case of using only one of the other two modules for cutting, the trimmer module (3) and the hydraulic saw module (4) are coupled directly onto the lower gripper module (2); and if all three modules are used together, the trimmer module (3) is coupled directly onto the lower gripper module (2) and the hydraulic saw module (4) is coupled to the trimmer module (3); these couplings are carried out using fixing joints.

[0025] In the lower gripper module (2), the two articulated rods (2B) are subsequently interconnected by a hydraulic cylinder (2D) that performs the movement operations of the two articulated rods (2B) and by an interconnection arm (2C) that ensures the synchronization of the opening and closing operations of the two articulated rods (2B). As well as a rotary hydraulic actuator (2E) that allows the hydraulic tool (1) to rotate 360° in the hydraulic arm to which it is interconnected, in order to ensure the best alignment of the hydraulic tool (1) for pruning trees.

[0026] In the intermediate pruning shears module (3), trees and their branches are cut by applying a sickle to the articulated support (3B) using the hydraulic cylinder (3D), so that the pruning shears blade (3C) rotates and, for cutting, presses the branch against the structure of the hydraulic tool (1), i.e., the intermediate pruning shears module (3) was designed to perform cutting by applying a sickle to the pruning shears blade (3C) using the hydraulic cylinder (3D).

[0029] In the intermediate trimmer module (3), the trimmer blade (3C) is fixed to the articulated support (3B) using removable fasteners, so that, if necessary, due to wear or breakage, the trimmer blade (3C) can be replaced in a practical, quick and safe manner.

[0027] In the hydraulic saw module (4), to move the chain of the articulated chain guide (4C), the gear hydraulic motor (4B) with a belt transmission system (4D) is used to increase the rotation of the chain, and to move the articulated chain guide assembly (4C), the hydraulic cylinder (4F) is used. In addition, the lubrication system of the articulated chain guide (4C) uses the hydraulic oil of the hydraulic motor (4B) itself for the lubrication, that is, when driven by the hydraulic motor (4B) through belts and pulleys, it pumps oil directly to the chain of the articulated chain guide (4C).

[0028] The hydraulic tool for pruning trees near live power lines has fully integrated components, meaning nothing can come loose, break, or bend. This achieves high performance and efficiency, combined with long-lasting durability and absolute safety. Once fully integrated with each other and with the electrically insulated hydraulic arm, the components are secured and cohesive, preventing them from coming loose during use. The assembly is fully available for maintenance procedures on overhead power lines, primarily when pruning / cutting trees near live power lines. This means the hydraulic tool (1) can be used without any concerns, particularly regarding the durability and safety of its components, as well as the safety of utility technicians.

[0029] The hydraulic tool for pruning trees near the energized power grid has the following specific advantages: versatile coupling capacity at the free end of an electrically insulated hydraulic arm, generating safety and robustness; high resistance to the effects of weather conditions near energized power grids, generating strength and durability; complete maintenance of the structural integrity of the power distribution grid even under extreme conditions, with no contact with the energized power grid; high articulation / rotation capacity for the necessary maintenance position near the trees, generating versatility in operation; high maintenance capacity of the three operating modules in the execution of services, generating efficiency in the execution of services; and complete electrical isolation near energized power grids during the execution of services, generating safety for operators.

[0030] From everything that has been explained, it is a hydraulic tool that will be well received by electricity concessionaires and their providers of maintenance services for electrical networks in general, as the hydraulic tool for pruning trees The use of the equipment near the energized electrical grid offers numerous advantages, such as: great safety, reliability, and agility in application; great yield and performance in its application due to its general design; high comfort, convenience, and safety for technicians; extremely high resistance and overall durability, combined with low or no wear and tear on the entire assembly; fully affordable costs, which allows for an excellent cost / benefit ratio; practical and safe use by a wide range of technicians; large reach range; very low and practical general maintenance; perfect and direct adaptation to the most diverse types of trees and energized electrical grids; high operational precision; high operational efficiency; capacity to support the most diverse types of trees; high resistance to inclement weather;and the certainty of having a hydraulic tool (1) that fully complies with current legislation and standards and the basic conditions necessary for its application as a whole.;

[0031] All these attributes allow us to classify the hydraulic tool for pruning trees near the blacked-out power grid as a totally versatile, efficient, practical and safe means for the procedures of a wide range of pruning / cutting / sawing of the most diverse types of trees, near the most diverse types of energized power grids, in the most diverse types of locations and by the most diverse technicians, regardless of the general characteristics that these may present, being still of great ease of application and handling, combined with great performance and excellent general characteristics; however, it is not limited at any time to the representations described herein, and must be understood in its broad scope of claims, that is, not being limited to the specific form revealed, and that other similar forms are understood as fully included within the claimed scope.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Hydraulic tool for pruning trees, characterized by being comprised of a hydraulic tool (1) that incorporates a parallelepipedal-shaped mechanical-type structure and containing integrated and symmetrically arranged among themselves: a parallelepipedal lower gripper module (2), arranged horizontally and symmetrically along the entire length of the lower part of the hydraulic tool (1) and comprising a hollow parallelepipedal support structure (2A) and arranged horizontally and symmetrically along the entire length of the lower gripper module (2); two curvilinear articulated rods / claws (2B) with a central curvilinear recess and arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically spaced along the internal lateral ends of the support structure (2A) and passing through the front ends of the latter;a rectilinear interconnecting arm (2C) arranged horizontally, perpendicularly and symmetrically interconnecting the postero-interior end of the left articulated rod / claw (2B) and the internal lateral part of the right articulated rod / claw (2B) in the internal part of the support structure (2 A) for synchronizing the two rods / claws; a hydraulic cylinder (2D) arranged horizontally, perpendicularly and symmetrically interconnecting the postero-interior ends of the articulated rods / claws (2B) for moving the two rods / claws (2B); and a cylindrical rotary hydraulic actuator (2E) for 360° rotation and arranged horizontally, perpendicularly and symmetrically centered on the rear face of the support structure (2A) for rotating / spinning the hydraulic arm by 360°;an intermediate trimmer module (3) parallelepiped, arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically on the upper face of the lower gripper module (2), in the central part of the hydraulic tool (1), and comprising a hollow parallelepiped support structure (3A) arranged horizontally and symmetrically along the entire length of the trimmer module; intermediate (3) and parallel to the anterosuperior face of the support structure (2A); an articulated support (3B) similar to an "L" lying down and arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically on the inner part of the left anterolateral end of the support structure (3A); an articulated rectangular pointed pruning shear blade (3C) arranged horizontally and symmetrically aligned on the anterior end of the articulated support (3B) by means of removable fasteners and passing through the anterior end of the support structure (3 A) for rotational movement and pressure action; and a hydraulic cylinder (3D) arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically interconnecting the posterior end of the articulated support (3B) and the direct posterointerior end of the support structure (3A) on the inner part of the support structure (2) for acting force on the articulated support (3B) and the pruning shear blade (3C);and a parallelepiped upper hydraulic saw module (4), arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically on the upper face of the intermediate trimmer module (3), in the upper part of the hydraulic tool (1), and comprising a hollow parallelepiped support structure (4A) arranged horizontally and symmetrically over the entire length of the intermediate trimmer module (3) and parallel to the upper face of the support structure (3A); a hydraulic motor (4B) arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically on the inside of the left posterolateral end of the support structure (4A); a rectilinear articulated chain bar (4C) arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically under and along the entire length of the inside of the front end of the support structure (4A);a belt transmission system (4D) arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically over the entire length of the left side end of the support structure (4A), connecting the hydraulic motor (4B) to the rear end of the articulated chain bar (4C) for increasing rotation; a parallelepiped sealing box (4E) arranged horizontally and symmetrically; over and around the entire length of the belt transmission system (4D) on the upper face of the support structure (4A); a hydraulic cylinder (4F) arranged horizontally, parallel and symmetrically on the inside of the support structure (4A) and interconnected to the rear end of the articulated chain guide bar (4E) for moving the articulated chain guide bar assembly (4C); and a guide bar chain lubrication system arranged under the lower face of the support structure and adjacent to the articulated chain guide bar (4E) and having an oil reservoir and a gear pump for lubrication by the hydraulic oil itself of the hydraulic motor (4B).

2. Hydraulic tool for pruning trees, according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the case of using only one of the other two modules for cutting, the pruning shears module (3) and the hydraulic saw module (4) are coupled directly to the lower gripper module (2); and in the case of using the three modules together, the pruning shears module (3) are coupled directly to the lower gripper module (2) and the hydraulic saw module (4) is coupled to the pruning shears module (3); these couplings being carried out by means of fastening unions.

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