Fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks that has a semi-circular structure with an annular morphology, having a hollow interior and being made up of extendable sections and non-extendable sections that are assembled together alternately and arranged radially and equally spaced apart on the body of the structure, allowing it to be adjusted to the thickness of stems or trunks where fumigation will be carried out. The fumigation device has toothed discs mounted on a shaft in an alternating sequence, one with the teeth pointing upwards and the next one with the teeth pointing downwards, facilitating upward and downward displacement. The device has video cameras that allow the presence of insects on the tree to be monitored, and it allows the device to be programmed, activated and controlled with a smart device by means of a control module, to carry out automated fumigation.

Description

[0001] DISPLACEMENT FUMIGATION DEVICE

[0002] VERTICAL AND ADJUSTABLE TO THE THICKNESS OF STEMS AND TRUNKS

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention belongs to the technical group of vegetation care and fumigation, specifically, to the fumigation of trees, especially in the care of vegetation in wooded areas, since it provides a fumigation device with vertical movement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Tree care is of utmost importance, since the presence of pests such as insects, mainly mosquitoes, affect the growth and health of trees. In addition to the importance of fumigating trees for their healthy growth, it is also important that the fumigation activity be a process that does not harm the health of the people who carry out these processes, since the pre-existing fumigation technique is very risky for health, tedious and very "expensive" since it requires many man-machine hours to carry out an efficient fumigation process.

[0007] A search was conducted for the state of the art of fumigation devices, where it was found that different ones have been developed, as mentioned in China utility model document number CN 218218915 (U) , published on January 6, 2023 with the title "FUMIGATION DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING FOREST PESTS AND DISEASES" , which describes a fumigation apparatus for preventing and combating plant and insect diseases in the forestry sector . The in-line storage device includes a base , which is fixedly connected to the top of a box in the base . The top of the box is provided with a connecting housing, at the upper end of which is located an air outlet duct . On one side of the base is fixedly connected a slide bar , the other end of which is fixedly connected to a sliding bar connection plate .The upper part of the base is provided with a drive motor, the output of which is fixedly connected to a worm screw. A threaded block is threadedly connected to the worm screw. The threaded block slides on the slide bar. One end of the threaded block is fixedly connected to a fixing base. The upper part of the fixing base is provided with an air discharge cover. By arranging the drive motor, the worm screw, the slide bar and the threaded block, the height of the air discharge cover can be adjusted from top to bottom automatically, which facilitates the rapid delivery of gaseous medicines to different height positions, thereby increasing the asphyxia efficiency of the entire equipment.

[0008] The Argentine patent application document number AR 47003 (A) published on January 4, 2006 with the title "METHOD OF WEED CONTROL WITH A SELECTIVE HERBICIDE APPLICATOR DEVICE" was also found, said document describes a selective herbicide applicator, which moistens only the weeds without affecting the crop, it has a powerful resource to differentiate the weeds existing in the crops. For this purpose, it uses electronic components and photoelectric properties of semiconductor components widely available in the market. This potential that the machine produces to the unwanted plant prior to moistening its foliar area with herbicide gives it great potential to kill weeds without affecting the crop or productive pastures at all. Its experimentation at the field level has shown excellent results.It applies a predetermined dose because it has the quality of being able to regulate the lethal dose per plant and release herbicide every time it detects an unwanted plant. The integration of all these technological resources results in the originality of this one. In addition, since it applies herbicide only to weeds, the consumption of the agrochemical per unit of crop surface is reduced 10 to 15 times on average compared to a conventional application (spraying the entire cultivated area). It stands out for not affecting the environment, since it does not apply massive spraying (a general technique currently used). In this sense, its outstanding characteristic is that it moistens the weed plant by contact with a felt that acts like a brush and is very resistant to wear due to friction. Since the method of application of the chemical product is not by spraying, there will never be drift caused by the wind.This feature is very important in practical use, since it doesn't matter whether there is wind on the farm at the time of application. Its simple and practical construction promises significant success due to its usefulness.

[0009] And finally, Spanish patent number ES 2609732 (Bl), which describes a spraying machine for tree crops, comprising a supporting structure in which means for detecting the leaf mass to be treated are arranged and applicator elements for distributing the product to be applied, characterized in that the structure is of adjustable height between working and transport positions, and because the applicator elements are arranged at different heights, on either side of the structure, directed outwards, in opposite directions to those on either side, mounted on horizontal arms with an adjustable axial position, depending on the characteristics of the leaf mass obtained by the means for detecting said mass, consisting of at least one sensor.

[0010] As can be seen, the aforementioned documents do not affect the novelty of the invention as indicated by the authority, since structurally they are totally different, since they do not describe a ring-shaped device that adjusts to the thickness of stems and trunks of trees. The device proposed in the present invention has sections that allow the diameter of the device to be increased according to the thickness of a stem or trunk of a tree and allow the fumigation of any section of the trunk.

[0011] In addition to this, a significant advantage of the fumigation device with vertical movement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks that is the subject of the present invention compared to the cited documents is that none of them has a camera that allows identifying concentrations of insects along the tree, in addition to having mechanisms that allow vertical movement by means of toothed discs and fumigation nozzles that disperse a liquid for fumigation mixed with insecticides, pesticides or other chemical products intended to control pests.

[0012] Finally, another technical feature not mentioned in the cited documents is that they do not describe having a control module that allows the automated operation of the device or that it is controlled by means of an intelligent device. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, which solves the aforementioned problems.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, which allows to make the process of fumigation of trees more efficient, taking advantage of resources of time, space and resources in general.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, which has a semicircular structure with an annular morphology, being hollow inside.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fumigation device with vertical movement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, the structure being made up of extensible sections and inextensible sections that are assembled together in an alternating manner and arranged radially equidistant in the body of the structure, allowing it to be adjusted to the thickness of stems or trunks where the fumigation is to be carried out.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, which has toothed discs mounted on an axis which is connected to the axis of a motor to allow the device to ascend or descend according to the fumigation requirement.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, in which the toothed discs are arranged in an alternating sequence, so that one has the teeth facing upwards and the next with the teeth facing downwards, and so on, facilitating vertical displacement.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, which has video cameras that allow monitoring the presence of insects in the tree, as well as being able to see in real time what is happening.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, which has a control module consisting of a microcontroller, a power supply and a wireless communication unit, allowing programming, activation and control by means of an intelligent device that is connected to the wireless communication unit, to carry out automated fumigation.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] The characteristic details of this novel fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks are clearly shown in the following description and in the accompanying figures, as well as an illustration of the former, and following the same reference signs to indicate the parts shown. However, said figures are shown as an example and should not be considered as limiting for the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, where the inextensible section with the fastening mechanisms can be seen.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, where the fumigation mechanism and the container can be seen.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a front view of the fumigation mechanism and the container of the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, where the inextensible section with the detailed fastening mechanisms was seen.

[0026] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the toothed discs of the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks.

[0027] Figure 5 shows a detailed perspective view of the fumigation mechanism and the container of the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks.

[0028] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, where the fumigation mechanism and the container are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] For a better understanding of the present invention, the parts that make up the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks that is the subject of the present invention are listed below:

[0030] 1. Structure

[0031] 2. Extendable sections

[0032] 3. Non-extensible sections

[0033] 4. Clamping mechanism

[0034] 5. Cavity

[0035] 6. Axis

[0036] 7. Toothed discs

[0037] 8. Fumigation mechanism

[0038] 9. Suction element

[0039] 10. Container

[0040] 11. Filler neck

[0041] 12. Cover

[0042] 13. Spray nozzle

[0043] 14. Camera

[0044] 15. Switch

[0045] With reference to the figures, the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks that is the subject of the present invention is made up of a structure (1) which exhibits a semicircular configuration with an annular morphology, being hollow inside; said structure (1) is made up of extensible sections (2) and inextensible sections (3) that are assembled together in an alternating manner and arranged radially equidistant in the body of the structure (1), as can be seen in figures 1 and 2.

[0046] One of the inextensible sections (3) is divided into two preferably equal parts, allowing with this configuration to open and close the structure (1) of the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks reason for the present invention, in order to place it in the trunk of a tree to be fumigated; To ensure the position of the device in the trunk, the divided inextensible section (3) has on its front face at least one fastening mechanism (4) that allows the two parts of the inextensible section (3) that is divided to be held together. The fastening mechanisms (4) can be mechanical locks, velcro, clasps, magnetic mechanisms, clamps, tongue and groove mechanisms or the combination of the above.

[0047] The extendable sections (2) of the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks of the present invention, are configured to adjust to the thickness of a stem or trunk of a tree, extending or contracting as necessary, and in this way allowing the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks of the present invention to adapt to the thickness of the trunk of the tree to be fumigated.

[0048] The extensible sections (2) are composed of flexible materials such as aluminum-reinforced polyester or flexible PVC or a combination of the above; the surface of said extensible ducts (2) can be smooth or corrugated with flexible folds (accordion-like) along its periphery; thus allowing the extensible sections (2) to have the capacity for extension and contraction.

[0049] The inextensible sections (3) that are not divided, have a cavity (5) in their rear face, which is preferably rectangular. As illustrated in figure 4, a preferably cylindrical shaft (6) is located in the center of each cavity (5), arranged horizontally inside it. A plurality of toothed discs (7) are assembled to each of the shafts (6) preferably covering the entirety of each cavity (5); the toothed discs (7) are arranged in an alternating sequence, so that one has the teeth facing upwards and the next with the teeth facing downwards, and so on. The assembly of the toothed discs (7) on each shaft (6) is carried out by means of various coupling mechanisms, which may include mechanical couplings, keys, threading mechanisms, pressure fixing methods or the combination of the above, according to the design needs and transmission of movement to the toothed discs ( 7 ).

[0050] Each shaft (6) is connected to the shaft of a motor (not shown) that is located inside the structure (1) on one side of each of the cavities (5) of the inextensible sections (3); each motor (not shown) rotates in both directions, such that each motor (not shown) transmits the rotational movement to each shaft (6) which in turn rotate the toothed discs (7) thereby allowing the teeth to fit into the trunk of the tree to be fumigated and thus making the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, the subject of the present invention, ascend or descend according to the requirements of the fumigation process.On the surface of the external front face of two of the inextensible sections (3), preferably those facing each other, a fumigation mechanism (8) is located in each of said sections, this configuration allows the weight to be distributed in a balanced manner in the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks that is the subject of the present invention, to facilitate the action of ascending or descending the trunk of the tree to be fumigated. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the fumigation mechanisms (8) have the shape of rectangular projections on which a container (10) is hermetically assembled on its outer surface, which is preferably transparent, which allows the storage of liquid for fumigation mixed with insecticides, pesticides or other chemical products intended to control pests in the trees to be fumigated.A filling mouth (11) is placed on the surface of the container (10), preferably on the upper part and is configured to introduce the liquid for fumigation mixed with insecticides, pesticides or other chemical products intended to control pests in the trees to be fumigated, and to prevent said mixed liquid for fumigation from being contaminated or spilled, a lid (12) is placed on each filling mouth (11).

[0051] Each spraying mechanism (8) houses a hydraulic pump (not shown) which is connected to a suction element (9) protruding from the surface of the spraying mechanism (8) which is inside the container (10). At least one spraying nozzle (13) is installed on the upper surface of each inextensible section (3), preferably two spraying nozzles (13) are placed for each section, one distributed at each end.The spray nozzles (13) are internally connected to the hydraulic pumps (not shown) by means of ducts (not shown) that are housed within the structure (1); this configuration allows the suction element (9) to suck the liquid for fumigation mixed with insecticides, pesticides or other chemical products that is inside the container (10), and then by means of the hydraulic pump (not shown) pump it internally from the structure (1) through the ducts (not shown) to each of the spray nozzles (13), which disperse the liquid for fumigation mixed with insecticides, pesticides or other chemical products intended to control pests in the trees to be sprayed.

[0052] The spray nozzles (13) are removable and can be selected from the conical type, flat fan, flat jet, hollow cone, disc, double jet, circular, foam, adjustable or a combination of the above; the selection of the type of spray nozzle (13) to be used is made according to the type of fumigation liquid used for a specific type of pest.

[0053] At least one video camera (14) is placed on the upper surface of each inextensible section (3), preferably in the center between the fumigation nozzles (13), which allows monitoring the presence of insects in the tree, for example, mosquitoes, which makes the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks start automatically with the fumigation process; a second function of the video cameras (14) is to be able to see in real time what is happening, and remotely control the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks that is the reason for the present invention, either to ascend or descend the device, as well as the activation of the fumigation mechanism (8) to start with the dispersion of the liquid for fumigation mixed with insecticides, pesticides or other chemical products intended to control pests in the trees to be fumigated.

[0054] A control module (not illustrated) is housed inside the inextensible section (3) that is not divided and that does not have a fumigation mechanism (8), said control module is made up of a microcontroller (not illustrated), a power supply (not illustrated) and a wireless communication unit (not illustrated) and are interconnected with each other and by means of wiring that is inside the structure (1) with the motors (not illustrated), the hydraulic pump (not illustrated) of the fumigation mechanism (8) and the cameras (14); in such a way that the fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, the subject of the present invention, is programmed, activated and controlled by means of an intelligent device that is connected to the wireless communication unit (not illustrated) of the control module (not illustrated), to carry out an automated fumigation.

[0055] The wireless communication unit (not shown) can be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), or UWB (Ultra Wide Band). The power source (not shown) is preferably a rechargeable battery.

[0056] A charging port (not illustrated) which is preferably a USB type C connector is placed on the surface of any of the inextensible sections (3), said charging port (not illustrated) is connected to the power supply (not illustrated) in order to charge it and thus energize the microcontroller (not illustrated), the wireless communication unit (not illustrated) and the motors (not illustrated), the hydraulic pump (not illustrated) of the spraying mechanism (8) and the cameras (14), for use.

[0057] An on / off switch (15) is installed on the surface of the inextensible section (3) where the control module (not illustrated) is located and is connected to it, in order to allow the fumigation device to be switched on and off with vertical movement and adjusted to the thickness of the stems and trunks that is the subject of the present invention.

[0058] Each extendable section (2) and inextendable section (3) is removable, which allows maintenance to be done on the internal components in a more efficient manner, and if necessary only one section can be changed in order to have the fumigation device with vertical movement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, the subject of this invention, available as soon as possible in order to continue with the fumigation work.

[0059] In view of the foregoing in this descriptive chapter, it is reiterated that the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the particularly described modalities, so it will be understood that variations in various senses may be made. Such variations should not be considered as a deviation from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications may be obvious to one skilled in the art and must be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A fumigation device with vertical displacement and adjustable to the thickness of stems and trunks, characterized in that it comprises: a semicircular structure (1) with an annular morphology, being hollow inside; said structure (1) is formed by extensible sections (2) and, inextensible sections (3) that are assembled together in an alternating manner and arranged radially equidistant in the body of the structure (1); one of the inextensible sections (3) is divided into two parts; at least one clamping mechanism (4) is placed on the front face of the divided inextensible section (3); the inextensible sections (3) that are not divided have a cavity (5) on their rear face; an axis (6) is located in the center of each cavity (5), arranged horizontally inside; a plurality of toothed discs (7) are assembled to each of the axis (6); each axis (6) is connected to the shaft of a motor (not illustrated) that is located inside the structure (1) on one side of each of the cavities (5) of the inextensible sections (3); on the surface of the external front face of two of the inextensible sections (3) a spraying mechanism (8) is located in each of said sections; a container (10) is assembled on the outer surface of each of the spraying mechanisms (8); a filling mouth (11) is placed on the surface of the container (10); a hydraulic pump (not illustrated) is housed in each spraying mechanism (8) and is connected to a suction element (9) protruding on the surface of the spraying mechanism (8) that is inside the container (10); at least one spraying nozzle (13) is installed on the upper surface of each inextensible section (3), said spraying nozzles (13) are connected to the hydraulic pumps (not illustrated) by means of of ducts (not illustrated); at least one video camera (14) is placed on the upper surface of each inextensible section (3); a control module (not illustrated) is housed inside an inextensible section (3), said control module is made up of a microcontroller (not illustrated), a power supply (not illustrated) and a wireless communication unit (not illustrated) and are interconnected with each other and by means of wiring that is inside the structure (1) with the motors (not illustrated), the hydraulic pump (not illustrated) of the fumigation mechanism (8) and the cameras (14); a charging port (not illustrated) is placed on the surface of any of the inextensible sections (3) and is connected to the power supply (not illustrated); and, a power switch (15) is installed on the surface of the inextensible section (3) where the control module (not illustrated) is located and is connected to it.

2. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that each extensible section (2) and inextensible section (3) is removable.

3. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the parts of the inextensible section (3) that are divided are equal.

4. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the fastening mechanisms (4) are mechanical locks, sailboat, clasps, magnetic mechanisms, clamps, tongue and groove mechanisms or the combination of the above.

5. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the extendable sections (2) are composed of flexible materials.

6. The fumigation device of claim 5 characterized in that the flexible materials are polyester reinforced with aluminum or flexible PVC or a combination of the above.

7. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the surface of said extensible ducts (2) is smooth or corrugated with flexible folds along its periphery.

8. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the extendable sections (2) have the capacity to extend and contract.

9. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the cavity (5) is rectangular.

10. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the shaft (6) is cylindrical.

11. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the plurality of toothed discs cover the entirety of each cavity (5).

12. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the toothed discs (7) are arranged in an alternating sequence, so that one has the teeth facing upwards and the next has the teeth facing downwards, and so on.

13. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the assembly of the toothed discs (7) on each axis (6) is carried out by means of coupling mechanisms.

14. The fumigation device of claim 13 characterized in that the couplings are mechanical, keys, threading mechanisms, pressure fixing methods or the combination of the above.

15. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that each motor rotates in both directions.

16. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the inextensible sections (3) that They have the fumigation mechanism (8) and are located opposite each other.

17. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the fumigation mechanisms (8) have the form of rectangular projections.

18. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the assembly between the fumigation mechanism (8) and the container (10) is airtight.

19. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the containers (10) are transparent.

20. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the filling mouth (11) is placed on the upper part of the surface of the container (10).

21. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that a lid (12) is placed over each filling mouth (11).

22. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that two fumigation nozzles (13) are placed for each inextensible section (3).

23. The spraying device of claim 22 characterized in that the spraying nozzles (13) are placed one at each end of each inextensible section (3).

24. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the ducts that connect the fumigation nozzles (13) to the hydraulic pumps are housed within the structure (1).

25. The spraying device of claim 1 characterized in that the spraying nozzles (13) are removable.

26. The spraying device of claim 1 characterized in that the spraying nozzles (13) are selected from the conical, flat fan, jet type. flat, hollow cone, disc, double jet, circular, foam, adjustable or a combination of the above.

27. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the video camera (14) is placed at the center of each inextensible section (3), between the fumigation nozzles (13).

28. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the control module is housed inside the inextensible section (3) that is not divided and that does not have a fumigation mechanism (8).

29. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the wireless communication unit is Bluetooth, WiFi or UWB.

30. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the power source is preferably a rechargeable battery.

31. The fumigation device of claim 1 characterized in that the charging port is a USB connector.

32. The fumigation device of claim 31 characterized in that the USB connector is type C.

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