Urban pruning tool set for use with mechanized tree pruning equipment.

Description

1 / 9 “URBAN PRUNING TOOL SET FOR USE IN MECHANIZED TREE PRUNING EQUIPMENT” TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention describes a system consisting of hydraulic motors and actuators, a saber-type saw, hydraulic pliers and a hydraulic gripper, with a structure made of aluminum and high-strength structural steel, and a system that allows for quick tool changes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Tree pruning services are mostly performed manually, with the operator positioned inside an elevating basket, manipulating a cutting tool, usually a manual hydraulic saw. This conventional method of work exposes the operator to a number of risks, especially when the service is performed near power lines, where there is direct contact with high-voltage cables and vegetation.

[003] This proximity, in addition to being a critical factor for safety, limits the efficiency of the operation, since the operator is subject to environmental conditions and unforeseen events that can increase the risk of accidents, such as falling branches or failures in personal protective equipment (PPE).

[004] Traditional pruning methodology, despite being widely used, lacks technological innovations that could offer greater safety and versatility in operations. With the use of interchangeable cutting tools, such as saw blades, shears, circular saws, and clamps, there is a clear opportunity to modernize the sector, allowing different types of cuts and operations to be performed with a single platform. A multi-purpose approach increases Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 22 / 40 2 / 9 operational efficiency, since tool changes can be made as needed for the service, avoiding interruptions and increasing productivity.

[005] Additionally, the introduction of remote operating systems, controlled via radio, brings considerable benefits with regard to safety. Removing the operator from the direct risk zone, keeping him at a safe distance from power lines and vegetation, significantly reduces the number of work accidents associated with electric shocks, falls or other incidents. Furthermore, remote operation allows for more precise and adaptable control of pruning tools, reducing the worker's physical strain and increasing continuous operating time, without sacrificing the quality or safety of the service.

[006] In summary, the integration of interchangeable pruning tools with remote control systems represents an evolution in the state of the art for the pruning services sector, offering a solution that combines safety, efficiency and versatility in a context where traditional manual methods are becoming obsolete in the face of productivity and workplace safety demands.

[007] Patent document BR102018015016, entitled “SYSTEM FOR MECHANIZED PRUNING IN URBAN AREAS”, published on February 4, 2020, in the name of COMPANHIA PAULISTA DE FORÇA E LUZ — CPFL, I2 INSTITUTO DE INOVAÇÃO, TECNOLOGIA E PESQUISA APLICADA LTDA and TECAR TECNOLOGIA EM CARGAS EIRELI, refers to equipment, installed on an urban cargo vehicle, that performs urban tree pruning more easily and quickly, equipped with electric field sensors that assist the activity in situations of Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 23 / 40 3 / 9 branches near power distribution lines; a dynamic balancing system that controls the vehicle's stability; and a battery system, which, together with the truck's diesel engine, forms a hybrid power supply system for the pruning tool. The tool is controlled by a single operator who performs maneuvers via remote control, on the ground and with absolute safety. However, document BR102018015016 does not describe the tool composition of the present invention, as well as the circular saw and the articulated saber saw.

[008] Patent document BR102015012722, entitled “REMOTE-CONTROLLED ROBOTIC EQUIPMENT FOR TREE TRIMMING NEAR ENERGIZED POWER LINES”, published on July 4, 2017, in the name of INSTITUTO DE TECNOLOGIA PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO - LACTEC, discloses a remote-controlled robotic equipment for tree trimming near energized power lines which, according to its characteristics, provides the formation of a remote-controlled robotic equipment in an electromechanical structure mounted on a truck based on a robotic arm (A) with support, positioner, manipulator, end effector, a collector, and an integrated waste shredder for robotic tree trimming near energized power lines, with a view to enabling, in an extremely practical, safe and precise way, a complete optimization of the set of procedures for the maintenance of overhead power distribution networks,More specifically, in the pruning of trees adjacent to the conductors of energized urban power distribution lines, combined with complete ergonomics and elimination of exposure for technicians. Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, p. 24 / 40 4 / 9 However, document BR102015012722 does not describe the tool composition of the present invention, nor the circular saw and the articulated saber saw.

[009] Patent document CN106629523, entitled “A KIND OF HIGH-ALTITUDE OPERATION VEHICLE AND ITS SELF-STABILIZATION CONTROL METHOD WITH SELF-STABILIZATION SYSTEM”, published on May 10, 2017, in the name of XUZHOU HANDLER SPECIAL VEHICLE CO LTD, discloses a type of vehicle for operating work at height (electrical power, gardening, industry, traffic) and its self-stabilization control method with a self-stabilization system. The operating vehicle includes a body assembly, cantilever support, arm support assembly, hydraulic leg, and self-stabilization control system. The stabilization control system includes a counterweight device, control box, horizontal displacement sensor of the hydraulic leg, oscillating range of the cantilever support angular transducer, and pressure sensor of the boom lifting cylinder.However, document CN106629523 also does not describe the tool composition of the present invention, as well as the circular saw and the articulated saber saw. SUMMARY

[0010] There are major advantages to using a mechanized pruning system, among which the following stand out: Increased productivity in the process, as it reduces the number of workers involved and improves the quality of service through the application of standard procedures that can be performed with less direct human intervention; minimizing exposure to the risk of accidents; reduction of operational costs; Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 25 / 40 5 / 9 Improvement in environmental quality through standardization of pruning (reduction in the number of customer complaints to the energy concessionaire); and cutting branches near energized lines at night. Machines that prune trees in various ways, using different cutting devices (circular saw, chainsaw, cutting bar and pliers) in both urban and rural areas, have existed for a long time. However, among the machines currently available on the market, none adequately cut branches around the power grid, nor does it enable (safe) night pruning.

[0011] In this sense, the mechanized pruning system of the present invention comprises a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic actuator and a set of attachable tools including: A forestry saw blade assembly powered by a high-torque geared hydraulic motor, with an aircraft-grade aluminum frame; a forestry saw blade assembly consisting of an independent articulation system driven by a hydraulic actuator, and rotation via a high-torque hydraulic motor; A hydraulic gripper assembly made of aircraft-grade aluminum, operated by two hydraulic actuators; A hydraulic pliers made of high-strength steel, consisting of a cutting blade independent of the structure that can be replaced due to wear, used for smaller diameter branches; and

[0012] a circular saw set made of high-strength steel, consisting of a circular saw of Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 26 / 40 6 / 9 inch diameter of 300mm, driven by a hydraulic motor via transmission belts to increase cutting speed, where the circuit connection is made through hydraulic hoses properly sized for the flow and pressure of the circuit, and all tools have quick coupling and a modular coupling system, where the cutting assembly configuration can be varied according to the needs of the operation.

[0013] Additionally, the articulated saber saw disclosed in the present invention works in conjunction with the hydraulic gripper. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The objectives and advantages of the present invention will become clearer through the detailed description and non-limiting drawings presented at the end of this document.

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates the saber-type saw that can be attached to the system of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates the exploded view of the system described in the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates the hydraulic gripper that can be coupled to the system of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 illustrates the circular saw that can be attached to the system of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 illustrates the hydraulic clamp that can be coupled to the system of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 illustrates the quick-connect points between the hydraulic distributor and the pruning tools. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention consists of a hydraulic motor and actuator, a chainsaw-type cutting blade, Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 27 / 40 The 7 / 9 cutting blade and claw, and the entire structure, are made of aluminum and steel.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a forestry saw set powered by a high torque gear hydraulic motor with a flow rate of 16 liters per minute and a working pressure of 120 bar, with an aeronautical aluminum structure, support (1), manufactured in aeronautical aluminum, gear hydraulic motor (2), saw (3) and cutting chain (4).

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a forestry saw set consisting of an independent articulation system driven by a hydraulic actuator, and rotation via a high torque hydraulic motor of 16 liters per minute and working pressure of 120 bar, saw (3), cutting chain (4), support (1), made of aeronautical aluminum, gear hydraulic motor (2) and hydraulic actuator (5).

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a hydraulic gripper assembly made of aeronautical aluminum, actuated by means of two hydraulic actuators, lower actuator (6), upper actuator (7), upper gripper (8), lower gripper (9) and support (10).

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates a hydraulic pliers made of high-strength steel, consisting of a cutting blade independent of the structure that can be replaced due to wear, operated by means of a high-pressure hydraulic actuator (250 bar), used for smaller diameter branches, structure (11), blade support (12), hydraulic actuator (13), cutting blade (14) and claws (15).

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates a circular saw assembly made of high-strength steel, consisting of Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 28 / 40 8 / 9 a circular saw with a diameter of 300mm, driven by a hydraulic motor with a flow rate of 16 liters per minute at a working pressure of 120 bar, the power transmission is transmitted through transmission belts to increase the cutting rotation. Additionally, Figure 5 describes the structure of the tool (16), a circular saw (17) and a hydraulic motor (18).

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates the coupling point (16) and the quick coupling (20)

[0028] All tools have quick coupling (20) and a modular coupling system, where the cutting assembly configuration can be varied according to the operation requirements.

[0029] The system is powered by a hydraulic pump that moves all the oil in the circuit, and the respective functions of the tools are activated by directional valves.

[0030] The circuit connection is made using hydraulic hoses that are properly sized for the flow rate and pressure of the circuit.

[0031] The low weight and quick coupling system (20) allows for tool changes in a very short time.

[0032] Additionally, the system is activated remotely via a radio control (transmitter) by the operator. The receiver, located next to the directional valve block, sends the command signal to the corresponding element of the directional valve block, which will activate the specified function.

[0033] The present invention is lightweight and compact, where a single operator can perform the tool change with Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 29 / 40 9 / 9 agility and security.

[0034] Although the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to those particular embodiments. Instead, it is intended to cover all possible alternatives, modifications and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, pp. 30 / 40

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Mechanized pruning system characterized in that it comprises: a hydraulic motor; a hydraulic actuator; a set of attachable tools including: a forestry saw set driven by a high-torque gear hydraulic motor, with support (1), gear hydraulic motor (2), saw (3) and cutting chain (4); a forestry saw set composed of an independent articulation system driven by a hydraulic actuator, and rotation via a high-torque hydraulic motor, saw (3), cutting chain (4), support (1), gear hydraulic motor (2) and hydraulic actuator (5); a hydraulic grapple set, driven by two hydraulic actuators, lower actuator (6), upper actuator (7), upper grapple (8), lower grapple (9) and support (10);A hydraulic pliers made of high-strength steel, consisting of a cutting blade independent of the structure that can be replaced due to wear, operated by means of a high-pressure hydraulic actuator (250 bar), used for smaller diameter branches, structure (11), blade support (12), hydraulic actuator (13), cutting blade (14) and claws (15); and a circular saw set with structure (16), consisting of a circular saw (17), driven by a hydraulic motor (18) via transmission belts to increase the cutting rotation, where the circuit connection is made through Petition 870240109181, of 12 / 20 / 2024, page 31 / 40 2 / 3 hydraulic hoses properly sized for the flow and pressure of the circuit, and all tools have quick coupling and a modular coupling system, where the configuration of the cutting set can be varied according to the needs of the operation.

2. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuation of the attachable tools is carried out by means of a hydraulic pump, in which the movement of oil in the hydraulic circuit actuates the functions of each tool by means of directional valves.

3. System, according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connection of the hydraulic circuit is made by hydraulic hoses sized according to the flow rate and pressure required for the operation of the system.

4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the system is activated remotely via radio control.

5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the receiver, after actuation of the transmitter, sends the command signal to the corresponding element of the directional valve block and actuates the articulated arm.

6. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the system structure is made of aluminum and steel.

7. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the articulated saber saw works in conjunction with the hydraulic grapple. Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, page 32 / 40 3 / 3 8. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said high-torque gear hydraulic motor has a flow rate of 16 liters per minute and a working pressure of 120 bar.

9. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said hydraulic pliers are manufactured from high-strength steel.

10. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said circular saw assembly has a structure (16) made of high-strength steel.

11. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said circular saw (17) has a diameter of 300 mm.

12. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said support (1) and said hydraulic gripper are preferably made of aeronautical aluminum.

13. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said hydraulic pliers are manufactured from high-strength steel. Petition 870240109181, dated 12 / 20 / 2024, pp. 33 / 40

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