Improvements in cutting tools for remote pruning with a support device for guiding branches.

Abstract

Improvements in a cutting tool for remote pruning with a support device for guiding branches. This is a patent for invention for a cutting tool (10), especially used for urban pruning adjacent to electrical and data communication networks, as well as third-party property; said cutting tool (10) is made of high-strength steel and is fixed to the end of the boom (lg) of a crane (gd) and houses a chainsaw bar (20) operated sequentially, i.e., automatic advance and return, by a remote radio drive system (sa) under the command of a single operator (op) who performs the maneuvers remotely on the ground and coordinates the drive of the cutting chain (21) of the bar (20); said tool (10) may receive a support device (50) for guiding the cut branch (gh) to a safe location.

Description

safe. IMPROVEMENTS IN CUTTING TOOL FOR REMOTE PRUNING WITH SUPPORT DEVICE FOR GUIDING BRANCHES. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] This invention patent relates to improvements in a remote pruning cutting tool with a support device for guiding branches where, notably, said remote pruning cutting tool is especially used for urban pruning adjacent to electrical and data communication networks where, notably, said cutting tool presents innovative characteristics that allow precise remote operation for urban pruning, enabling the maintenance of the supply of electrical energy without interruptions; said tool also includes a support device that allows the safe guidance of the cut branch, acting as an auxiliary element in situations where there is a risk of damage to the electrical network and / or property of third parties, thus guaranteeing the safety of all agents involved. HISTORY OF THE INVENTION

[002] It is known that urban afforestation offers numerous benefits such as improving the quality of life through the psychological and physical well-being of passers-by and residents, in addition to the fact that wooded areas beautify roads, not to mention the enormous contribution to reducing air pollution, intercepting rainwater, providing shade and stabilizing temperature and humidity, as well as reducing noise.

[003] Similarly, urban tree planting requires periodic maintenance through pruning not only for the harmonious configuration of trees in squares and urban centers, but also because said pruning contributes to better visual security measures, whether through guards or cameras.

[004] It is also known that cutting some trees / shrubs that are in poor condition or 'diseased' poses a risk of falling. Therefore, pruning in these cases is called 'correction or maintenance' and should be carried out in the case of diseased, dry and rotten branches, in crown deviations, for the balance of the tree and mechanical damage. Petition 870200056200, dated 06 / 05 / 2020, p. 14 / 31 2Π

[005] To carry out urban tree pruning, it is necessary to use appropriate tools and pruning techniques so that the cutting procedures are safe for both the team and passersby, as well as maintaining the integrity of electrical networks.

[006] In general, for urban pruning, tools such as hacksaws, pruning shears and short pruning shears are used, as well as equipment that uses cylinders, blades or even chainsaw bars.

[007] As an example, the use of a chainsaw for urban pruning is carried out by an operator seated in an aerial basket that is articulated by a hydraulic arm installed on a truck. The effectiveness of urban pruning with a chainsaw depends exclusively on the operator's skill, becoming inefficient and even problematic if the operator does not have sufficient experience.

[008] Another relevant issue lies in the fact that urban pruning using a chainsaw operated by a person seated in an aerial basket does not provide any means of positioning the branches to be cut, making the pruning imprecise and carried out inadequately, a fact that can influence the disfigurement of the crown of the pruned tree and, consequently, the risk of it falling.

[009] Another major drawback is that the accident rate related to urban tree pruning is currently high, mainly because the aerial baskets adapted to transport operators to the tree canopies have a restricted area for operator mobility, posing a risk to the entire team, especially when the angle of inclination is greater for pruning the tree canopy.

[010] Thus, equipment that allows remote pruning is already known in the market; that is, it is equipment installed at the end of an articulated and telescopic mechanical arm, which, in turn, has its other end anchored to a special platform mounted on a medium to large vehicle, such as a truck. This equipment has three cutting tools: a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, and hydraulic shears, which are interchangeable and installed on the aforementioned arm. These cutting tools are associated with proximity sensors and Petition 870200056200, dated 06 / 05 / 2020, page 15 / 31 3Phs remotely activated / controlled with the aid of a camera, thus allowing the operator to remotely view the branch cutting.

[011] Although the equipment enables remote pruning, said cutting tools are not integrated into equipment that allows control of the pruning sweep as envisioned in the patent application. State of the Art Analysis

[012] Research conducted in specialized databases revealed documents relating to a cutting tool for remote pruning, such as that presented in document no. BR20.2016.010720-8, which comprises a robust and powerful hydraulic shear adaptable to lifting arms and has two degrees of articulation, actuated by three hydraulic pistons and integrates a hitch structure, axial and angular articulation structure and a jaw structure, each of which is actuated by a hydraulic piston. The hitch structure consists of a short 'U' profile segment, equipped with a rod support for coupling the hydraulic piston and an axle tunnel. The articulation structure has, on one face, a robust 'U' bearing and, on the opposite face, a bearing disc centered by a pivot axis to engage with the jaw structure that rotates axially clockwise or counterclockwise.

[013] Similarly, other documents were found, such as nos. CN205546650, CN205336958, CN103798063 and CN102090278, which reveal a gathering rod or a protective element with a saw inside. However, it is a fact that in all the aforementioned documents the devices present a high level of constructive complexity, which differs fundamentally from the cutting tool now required.

[014] Thus, it is a fact that the documents cited in the paragraphs above, despite belonging to the same field of application, do not present the characteristics of the object now improved, thus guaranteeing that it meets the legal requirements for patentability. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[015] It is therefore the objective of the present invention to present a cutting tool for remote pruning, especially for urban pruning adjacent to electrical networks and Petition 870200056200, dated 06 / 05 / 2020, page 16 / 31 4 / 7 data communication. More precisely, the cutting tool features innovative characteristics that enable total control of the tree canopy sweep, allowing for 'heavy' pruning with branch cutting and 'light' pruning through the exclusive cutting of twigs. The control is perfect and suitable for pruning the tree canopy according to its physical characteristics, also considering the electrical network and other overhead cables.

[016] The objective of this invention is to present a tool capable of including a fully automated and remote drive system, via radio, under the command of a single operator who performs the maneuvers remotely on the ground with absolute safety, in addition to guaranteeing economic advantage with the drastic reduction in the cost of pruning operations.

[017] Another objective of this invention is to provide a tool with a cutting system that, when remotely activated, imposes rotation on the cutting chain housed in a bar, which in turn is installed near the central portion of the cutting tool. Said cutting system has hydraulic actuation consisting of a high-efficiency volumetric hydraulic motor connected to the cutting chain and, simultaneously, a linear hydraulic actuator that allows the bar to advance covering the entire angle of attack, this bar automatically returning to the rest position, at which point the motor is automatically switched off, awaiting the start of the next cut. This cutting system ensures total control of the sweep.

[018] It is also an objective of this invention to present a cutting tool with a rotary distributor fixed to the housing and responsible for rotating the entire system continuously both to the right and to the left, that is, it rotates indefinitely to both sides. This allows the head to be positioned in any position where pruning is desired, thus being essential for carrying out pruning suitable for preserving the vegetative integrity of the tree and / or shrub, the electrical network and the property of third parties.

[019] Another objective of the invention is to present a cutting tool capable of receiving a support device that allows the fixing and guiding of the cut branch in situations where there is a risk of damage to the electrical network or data communication network. Petition 870200056200, dated 06 / 05 / 2020, p. 17 / 31 5 / 7 and / or third-party assets. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[020] To complement the present description in order to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the present invention and in accordance with a preferred practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached to the description, where, in an exemplary, though not limiting, manner, its operation is represented: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the use of the innovative cutting tool through remote ground maneuvers; Figure IA represents an exploded perspective view of the elements that make up the cutting tool and support device in question; Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the assembled cutting tool and support device; Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the cutting tool and support device assembled; Figure 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the assembled cutting tool and support device; Figure 5 shows a side view of the cutting tool illustrating the jaw in the closed position used for heavy pruning of 'branches'; Figure 5A represents a side view of the cutting tool, illustrating the jaw in the open position for light pruning of 'branches'; Figures 6, 6A, and 6B illustrate side views of the support device, showing, respectively, the branch approach position, the maximum opening position, and the closed position. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[021] With reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention patent refers to IMPROVEMENTS IN CUTTING TOOL FOR REMOTE PRUNING WITH SUPPORT DEVICE FOR GUIDING BRANCHES, more precisely it is a cutting tool (10), especially used for urban pruning adjacent to electrical networks and data communication networks, as well as third-party property. Petition 870200056200, dated 06 / 05 / 2020, p. 18 / 31 6 / 7

[022] According to the present invention, said cutting tool (10) is made of high-strength steel and fixed to the end of the boom (LG) of a crane (GD) and houses a chainsaw bar (20) operated sequentially, i.e., automatic advance and return, by a remote radio drive system (SA) under the command of a single operator (OP) who performs the maneuvers remotely on the ground and coordinates the drive of the cutting chain (21) of the bar (20). Said tool (10) may receive a support device (50) for guiding the cut branch (gh) to a safe location and is formed by a housing (11) and jaw (12), said housing (11) having a base (13) installed in a rotating system (SG), also remotely operated and responsible for continuously rotating the entire tool (10) during pruning.Said rotating system (SG) comprises a rotary distributor (30) responsible for allowing the rotator (31) to rotate freely without damaging the hydraulic hoses and connections (not shown).

[023] Said drive system (SA) drives a hydraulic motor (40) of preferably 12000 rpm volumetric efficiency and rotates the cutting chain (21) housed in the bar (20), preferably 800 mm. Immediately upon rotation of the cutting chain (21) the linear hydraulic actuator (41) is activated, which provides the advance of the bar (20) covering the angular area (a) of sweep attack (see figures 5 and 5A) comprised by the opening of the jaw (12) in relation to the housing (11), automatically returning to the rest position where the motor (40) is immediately switched off for the next cut.

[024] In a preferred constructive version, said housing (11) has an inverted 'II' section and is elongated with a tapered free end and side walls (11a) provided with multiple equidistant holes (11b), as well as having identical and parallel end members (11c), which develop on the opposite side of the tapered end and where holes are made in an aligned manner, one pair of holes (lld) being designed for mounting articulation pins (12a) of the mandible (12) and at least one of two pairs of holes (lie) and (llf) obliquely aligned for mounting adjustment pins (PR) for positioning the mandible (12). Petition 870200056200, dated 06 / 05 / 2020, p. 19 / 31 OP

[025] Said jaw (12) also has a 'U' shaped cross-section at whose base (12c) an oblong slot (12d) is made and according to the adjustment of the pins (PR) in relation to the holes (lie) and (llf) makes up two sweep positions for pruning, namely (see figures 5 to 5A): i) closed position (P1) with opening angle (β) for heavy pruning by cutting branches; ii) open position (P2) with opening angle (β') for light pruning by cutting branches.

[026] Said heavy pruning through the closed position (Pl) of the jaw (12) can be assisted by the support device (50) attached to the housing (11) by means of a bearing (60) and shaft (61), said support device (50) comprising a clamp (51) articulated on a base (52) by means of the extension or retraction of springs (53) installed on transverse shafts (70) mounted between the base (52) and clamp (51).

[027] Said clamp (51) has, near the free end of each articulated part (51a) and (51b), gears (80), also installed on transverse shafts (81) and with a direction of rotation (rl) (see figures 6 to 6A) only for the entry of the branch (gh) and with a pre-established diameter (dl) that is directly related to the weight that the supporting device (50) can withstand for the conduction. Said gears (80) are equidistant in spacing (el) and when the branch (gh) passes through, the articulated parts (51a) and (51b) of the clamp (51) open and are articulated by the retraction force of the springs (53), returning to the closed position when the branch (gh) is accommodated in the central portion of the clamp (51), especially in semicircular cutouts (51c) made in the flat faces of the articulated parts (51a) and (51b).

[028] After the branch (gh) is positioned, the support device (50) and cutting tool (10) are guided by the crane's boom (LG) to a safe location.

[029] It is understood that when the present invention is put into practice, modifications may be introduced with regard to certain details of construction and form, without departing from the fundamental principles that are clearly substantiated in the claims, it being understood that the terminology used was not intended to be limiting. Petition 870200056200, dated 06 / 05 / 2020, page 20 / 31

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1) “IMPROVEMENTS IN CUTTING TOOL FOR REMOTE PRUNING WITH SUPPORT DEVICE FOR GUIDING BRANCHES”, more precisely, it is a cutting tool (10), especially used for urban pruning adjacent to electrical and data communication networks, as well as third-party property; said cutting tool (10), made of high-strength steel, is fixed to the end of the boom (LG) of a crane (GD) and houses a saw blade (20) with a cutting chain (21) sequentially operated with automatic advance and return via a remote drive system (SA), via radio, and under the command of a single operator (OP) located on the ground; said tool (10) can receive a support device (50) for guiding the cut branch (gh) to a safe location and is formed by a housing (11) and a jaw (12);characterized by said housing (11) providing a base (13) installed in a rotating system (SG), also remotely operated and responsible for continuously rotating the entire tool (10) during pruning; said rotating system (SG) comprises a rotary distributor (30) whose rotator (31) rotates freely; the rotation of the cutting chain (21) drives the linear hydraulic actuator (41) which provides the advance of the bar (20) covering the angular area (α) of sweeping attack comprised by the opening of the jaw (12) in relation to the housing (11) automatically returning to the rest position, automatically switching off the motor (40) until the next cut; said heavy pruning through the closed position (P1) of the jaw (12) can be assisted by the support device (50) attached to the housing (11) through a bearing (60) and shaft (61). 2) “IMPROVEMENTS IN CUTTING TOOL FOR REMOTE PRUNING WITH SUPPORT DEVICE FOR GUIDING BRANCHES”, according to claim 1 and in a preferred constructive version, characterized by a housing (11) having an inverted 'U' section and being elongated with a tapered free end and side walls (11a) provided with multiple equidistant holes (11b), as well as providing identical and parallel end members (11c), which develop on the opposite side of the tapered end and where holes are made in an aligned manner, one pair of holes (11d) being designed for mounting articulation pins (12a) of the jaw (12) and at least one of two pairs of holes (11e) and (11f) aligned Petition 870260073822, dated 07 / 24 / 2026, page. 11 / 15 2 / 3 obliquely for mounting adjustment pins (PR) for positioning the jaw (12). 3) “IMPROVEMENTS IN CUTTING TOOL FOR REMOTE PRUNING WITH SUPPORT DEVICE FOR GUIDING BRANCHES”, according to claim 1 and in a preferred constructive version, characterized by a jaw (12) having a 'U' shaped cross-section in whose base (12c) an oblong slot (12d) is made and according to the adjustment of the pins (PR) in relation to the holes (11e) and (11f) composes two sweeping positions for pruning, namely: i) closed position (P1) with opening angle (β) for heavy pruning by cutting branches; ii) open position (P2) with opening angle (β') for light pruning by cutting branches. 4) “IMPROVEMENTS IN CUTTING TOOL FOR REMOTE PRUNING WITH SUPPORT DEVICE FOR GUIDING BRANCHES”, according to claims 1 and 3, characterized by the support device (50) comprising a clamp (51) articulated on a base (52) by means of the extension or retraction of springs (53) installed on transverse shafts (70) mounted between the base (52) and clamp (51) which has near the free end of each articulated part (51a) and (51b) gears (80), also installed on transverse shafts (81) and with direction of rotation (r1) only for the entry of the branch (gh) and of pre-established diameter (d1) which is directly related to the weight that the support device (50) can support for guiding;said gears (80) are equidistant in spacing (e1) and when the branch (gh) passes through the articulated parts (51a) and (51b) of the clamp (51) open and are articulated by the retraction force of the springs (53), returning to the closed position when the branch (gh) is accommodated in the central portion of the clamp (51), especially in semicircular cutouts (51c) made in the flat faces of the articulated parts (51a) and (51b).; 5) “IMPROVEMENTS IN CUTTING TOOL FOR REMOTE PRUNING WITH SUPPORT DEVICE FOR GUIDING BRANCHES”, according to claim 1 and in a preferred option, characterized by said drive system (SA) driving a hydraulic motor (40) with a volumetric output of 12000 rpm. Petition 870260073822, dated 07 / 24 / 2026, p. 12 / 15 3 / 3 6) “IMPROVEMENTS IN CUTTING TOOL FOR REMOTE PRUNING WITH SUPPORT DEVICE FOR GUIDING BRANCHES”, according to claim 1 and in a preferred option, characterized by the blade (20) having a length of 800 mm. Petition 870260073822, dated 07 / 24 / 2026, p. 13 / 15

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