Device for subcortical injection of a substance

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for subcutaneous injection of a substance into a plant, said device comprising an injection head comprising (i) a needle holder (4) holding (ii) a substantially straight needle (5) defining a longitudinal axis (A) of the device, said needle (5) being penetrated by a channel in its centre, said channel opening at at least one hole in the side wall of the needle (5) so that the hole is not located at the end of the needle intended to penetrate the plant, and (iii) a guide (3) having a cavity in which the needle holder (4) and the needle (5) can move along the longitudinal axis (A) of the device (1), said cavity also having an opening to allow the needle (5) to pass so that it can be inserted under the bark of the plant; and a striking mechanism (10) capable of striking the needle holder (4) with a power of less than 10 Joules in order to facilitate the insertion of the needle (5) under the bark of the plant.

Description

[0001] This patent application claims priority to French patent application FR 2114202, filed on December 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of injection, and more specifically, to an apparatus for subcutaneous injection of substances into plants. Background Technology

[0003] In the field of phytotherapy, the application of substances such as insecticides, antibiotics, fungicides, nutrient solutions, or even growth regulators to plants is well-known, especially in the context of dealing with insect infestations, bacterial or fungal infections, nutrient deficiencies, or growth problems.

[0004] This application can be done by injecting the substance directly into the plant, that is, under the bark (i.e., under the cortex) and as close as possible to the internal plant tissue, also known as the xylem, which includes fibers and the vascular system for transporting sap. This vascular system then ensures the substance is transported to the target organs (covering everything from the trunk to the leaves and fruits).

[0005] Such injection-based applications are particularly known from international application WO / 2020 / 208189, which discloses an apparatus for injecting a substance under the bark of a plant, the apparatus comprising: a body; a needle; a canister; an actuator for inserting the needle and / or injecting the substance; a force sensor for measuring the force exerted by the apparatus on the plant, the insertion force of the needle in the bark, and / or the pressure of the volume of the substance present in the canister; and a microcontroller for activating and regulating the actuator based on the force measured by the sensor.

[0006] It has now been revealed that the device described in international application WO / 2020 / 208189A1 may encounter difficulties when injecting substances into trees with particularly hard wood. Furthermore, the device can sometimes be difficult for the user to operate due to its weight and the force required for insertion. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The inventors have demonstrated that, using an impactor, as long as the energy provided is only slightly above 1.0 joules, needles can be inserted into all types of trees without difficulty, while eliminating the need for considerable force (which can occur when the device uses an actuator to insert the needle) and preventing additional damage to the bark or cambium. This energy requirement is relatively low and quite unexpected, considering that commercially available impactors provide approximately 10 joules of energy for electromechanical impactors and up to 30 joules for electro-pneumatic impactors.

[0008] Furthermore, the inventors have developed a new device in which the injection head is integral with the main body of the device and has a gap of about one centimeter along the longitudinal axis of the device, corresponding to the axis of needle insertion into the bark. Therefore, the device becomes particularly compact and easy for the user to operate, while also proving to be very effective and reliable in use.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention relates to an injection device that can inject substances into the hardest plant bark, while being more compact, stronger and easier to use.

[0010] For this purpose, the present invention relates to an injection device, preferably for subcortical injection of a substance into a plant, comprising:

[0011] ·main body,

[0012] • Injection head, which includes:

[0013] - A needle holder that holds a substantially straight needle and defines the longitudinal axis of the device, the needle being penetrated at its center by a channel that opens at at least one hole in the sidewall (i.e., periphery) of the needle, such that the hole is not located at the end of the needle intended to penetrate the plant;

[0014] - A guide having a cavity in which the needle holder and the needle can move along the longitudinal axis of the device, the cavity having an opening to allow the needle to pass through and insert into the bark of the plant;

[0015] • A container for holding the substance to be injected, which is connected to the needle channel via a needle holder;

[0016] • The first actuator acts on the container to pressurize the substance stored within and allows it to be injected into the plant via a channel through a needle.

[0017] • A tool for supporting the device on a plant, the tool being positionable along the longitudinal axis of the device and near the needle; preferably, the tool having an orifice allowing the needle to pass through.

[0018] • A second actuator that can act on a support tool to allow the needle to be withdrawn after it has been inserted into the plant.

[0019] The injection device according to the present invention is characterized in that:

[0020] 1) The support tool also serves as a protective sleeve for the end of the needle;

[0021] 2) When the needle is inserted into the plant, the second actuator can also retract the support tool; and

[0022] 3) It also includes an impact mechanism that can strike the needle holder with a power of less than 10 joules, thereby allowing the needle to be inserted into the plant.

[0023] This minimal impact force is sufficient to insert a needle into the xylem of even the hardest plants through impact, while simultaneously preserving the plant's integrity.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the needle holder and needle are integral with the body of the device, and the needle holder and needle have a gap of 2 to 15 mm with the body along the longitudinal axis of the device, preferably between 3 and 10 mm, or more preferably between 4 and 8 mm, typically around 5 mm.

[0025] In fact, the inventors have determined that the combination of the needle holder and the needle moving back and forth along the longitudinal axis by only a few millimeters and the low impact force is sufficient to ensure good insertion by striking the needle into the plant bark, while ensuring that the device is compact and lightweight, making it easy for the user to use.

[0026] This connection between the needle / needle holder assembly and the device body is ensured by a guide. This guide now also constitutes a stop, which allows for limiting the movement of the injection head relative to the body according to a previously defined gap interval.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for treating plants by subcutaneous injection of a substance, the method comprising the following steps:

[0028] - Apply the device described above to the bark of the plant.

[0029] – Activate the device to insert a needle into the xylem of the plant, then allow the substance to be injected subcorically, and

[0030] - The needle is pulled out of the xylem of the plant by activating the second actuator of the device.

[0031] Finally, the present invention relates to the use of the device as described above, with the aim of allowing the injection of substances into the bark of plants. Attached Figure Description

[0032] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional side view of the injection device according to the present invention;

[0033] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the injection head; and

[0034] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the needle holder.

[0035] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the needle holder.

[0036] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional side view of the injection head before the device is started;

[0037] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional side view of the injection head at the start of the insertion step;

[0038] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional side view of the injection head during the insertion step;

[0039] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional side view of the injection head at the end of the insertion step. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The substance to be injected can be of several types and belongs to the families of antimicrobial agents (e.g., insecticides, antibiotics, antifungals, and / or antiparasitic agents), nutrients, or even growth regulators or even plant defense stimulants. Now, and for the purposes of the device according to the invention, the substance to be injected will be a phytosanitary substance.

[0041] As for the impact mechanism, it preferably has a power greater than 1.0 joules, more preferably between 1.2 and 8 joules, and particularly preferably between 1.2 and 4 joules.

[0042] This impact mechanism can be an electromechanical or electro-pneumatic system.

[0043] In addition, the impact mechanism can also be a direct or indirect impact system.

[0044] For example, the impact mechanism can be a rotating impactor system. However, in such a system, the needle and needle holder do not rotate along the longitudinal axis. In fact, as determined by European Patent EP 3332630 B1, the orientation of the needle's cutting edge relative to the direction of the plant fibers is important for injection efficiency, especially in limiting damage to the plant when inserting the needle.

[0045] Typically, this impact mechanism relies on a user-operable activation device, such as a trigger. This activation method allows for the initiation of insertion and also provides a safety lock. In this case, the activation device will cause the device to shut down as long as it is not permanently activated.

[0046] Regarding the support tool, it is advantageous that it is associated with a guide along the longitudinal axis of the device. This guide ensures the support tool is held and centered along the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0047] Preferably, the support tool includes a support end piece capable of contacting the bark of the plant. When the bark is smooth (e.g., sycamore), the support end piece can be flat, and when the bark has cracks (e.g., pine), it can be three-dimensional, particularly conical. This support end piece can be made of any suitable material, particularly plastics, especially polyamides such as nylon. In fact, nylon is an abrasion-resistant material and therefore will not wear down or will only experience slight abrasion when rubbed against the plant's bark.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the injection device further includes a first force sensor capable of measuring the force exerted by the support tool against the bark of the plant and at least one microcontroller, the at least one microcontroller being capable of:

[0049] 1) Once a minimum force corresponding to the activation value is detected, the second actuator is activated to retract the support tool and allow the needle to insert into the bark of the plant. Advantageously, the activation value is at least 2 daN. Preferably, activation of the second actuator enables the support tool to retract at a speed of at least 10 mm / s, typically on the order of 20 mm / s.

[0050] 2) Once the supporting force falls below a threshold known as the impact value, the impact mechanism is activated. This reduction in supporting force is caused by the activation of a second actuator, which does not occur simultaneously with the needle insertion into the tree. In fact, this movement causes the support tool to move away from the bark surface a distance that increases the risk of needle twisting. Advantageously, this impact value is less than 250 N, preferably 150 N. Advantageously, the microcontroller reduces the speed of the second actuator, thereby reducing the retraction speed of the support tool. Typically, the reduction in the retraction speed of the support tool is at least 2 times, preferably 4 times.

[0051] As for the impact mechanism itself, it preferably has a power between 1.2 and 4 joules, and more preferably between 1.2 and 2 joules.

[0052] Advantageously, microcontrollers allow:

[0053] 3) Once the supporting force falls below the limit value, the second actuator is deactivated. This deactivation helps limit the risk of needle damage. Preferably, this limit value is less than 50 N. Advantageously, the microcontroller increases the power of the impact mechanism. Typically, the power of the impact mechanism is increased by more than or equal to 50%, preferably more than or equal to 100%.

[0054] As for the impact mechanism, it preferably has a power between 2 and 8 joules, and particularly preferably has a power between 2 and 4 joules.

[0055] Also advantageous is that microcontrollers allow:

[0056] 4) Once the support force is below the limit value for more than 5 seconds, preferably more than 2 seconds, the impact mechanism should be stopped.

[0057] The coupling formed by the first force sensor and the microcontroller constitutes the essential element for optimally inserting the needle into the xylem of the plant and thus optimally operating the device.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the injection device further includes a first position sensor associated with a second actuator, the first position sensor being capable of measuring the depth to which the needle is inserted into the bark of the plant.

[0059] Advantageously, by combining the information transmitted by the first position sensor, the microcontroller allows:

[0060] 1) Once the needle has reached the target depth in the plant, the second actuator and impact mechanism are deactivated. Advantageously, the microcontroller then allows activation of the first actuator, which can act on the can to pressurize the substance stored in the can and allows the substance to be injected into the plant through the needle.

[0061] For example, for large trees like chestnut, horse chestnut, or pine, the target depth is 45 millimeters; for fruit trees like apple trees, the target depth is 38 millimeters; or for thin, hard trees like cherry trees, the target depth is even 25 millimeters.

[0062] Advantageously, the microcontroller allows the impact mechanism to be deactivated after the applied force has fallen below the limit for more than 5 seconds, preferably more than 2 seconds:

[0063] 2) Once the needle is inserted into the plant, the first actuator is activated, which acts on the can to pressurize the substance stored in the can, thereby initiating the injection of the substance into the plant through the needle.

[0064] 3) For plants where needles are inserted, the user is notified that the insertion sequence has failed if the maximum depth has not been reached. This information can be provided via light and / or sound indicators.

[0065] In reality, injecting material below the limit depth carries the risk of damaging the cambium base, as the injection pressure can cause the bark to peel off. For example, the limit for such depth is 33 mm for large trees like chestnuts, horse chestnuts, or pines; 29 mm for fruit trees like apples; or even as low as 18 mm for thin, hard trees like cherry trees.

[0066] The microcontroller can then activate a second actuator to pull the needle out of the bark, allowing a new insertion / injection sequence to be activated at another location in the bark.

[0067] Regarding the needle itself, its diameter is between 1 and 3 millimeters, preferably between 1.5 and 2 millimeters. In fact, after the needle pierces the plant bark and causes damage during injection, the small diameter promotes plant healing.

[0068] Regarding the length of the needle, it is between 2 and 20 cm, preferably between 2 and 10 cm, and even more preferably between 3 and 7 cm. As for the shape of the needle, it can be cylindrical.

[0069] As for the at least one hole present on the side wall of the needle, since the hole is not located at the end intended to penetrate the plant, the hole can be located less than 1 cm from the end, or even less than 5 mm from the end, especially less than 4 mm from the end, less than 3 mm from the end.

[0070] Now, needles can include several distal pores that form as many outlets as possible to the channel and allow substances to spread within the plant.

[0071] The needle is ideally held in place, especially because the support tool described below is ideally held in place and provides good resistance when the needle is inserted into the bark of the plant by impact.

[0072] To facilitate the placement and replacement of needles within the needle holder, the needle holder includes a frame. Indiscriminately, this frame can be an integral part of the needle holder (i.e., forming only a part with it), or it can consist of separate parts fixed to the needle holder. In the latter case, the needle frame and the needle holder are interconnected in a watertight manner (with additional seals if necessary) and by a reversible fastening mechanism (e.g., threaded connection, socket, or any form of quick-release).

[0073] When the frame forms an integral part of the needle holder, the needle is reversibly associated with the needle holder (e.g., locking screw, spring ring, threaded connection, etc.). When the frame can now be separated from the needle holder, the needle can be reversibly or irreversibly associated with the frame (e.g., adhesive, soldering, tin soldering, etc.).

[0074] The length of the needle and frame combination can be between 5 mm and 35 mm, especially between 15 mm and 25 mm, and even more so at a length of 20 mm.

[0075] The guide, now used as a stop, may be associated with a return mechanism, typically in the form of a spring. After the needle holder has advanced along the longitudinal axis of the device following impact by the impact mechanism, this return mechanism allows the needle holder to return toward the impact mechanism for a new impact. The inventors have now shown that such a return mechanism is not necessary, and that the force applied to the plant when the needle is inserted is sufficient to cause the needle holder to quickly return against the impact mechanism.

[0076] Advantageously, the guide element used as a stop is detachable.

[0077] Preferably, the guide is pivotally mounted relative to the body about a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. This allows the user to change needles and / or needle holders in a simpler and faster manner.

[0078] Preferably, the pivoting of the guide also allows access to the container of the substance to be injected. The container can then be refilled or replaced, provided it is advantageously movably mounted.

[0079] Regarding the jar, it is connected to the needle holder via a conduit, and thus to the needle and the needle channel, which is advantageously in the form of a flexible tube.

[0080] The container is preferably in the form of a portable container, especially a syringe.

[0081] Regarding the first actuator, which is capable of acting on the can to pressurize the substance stored in the can and to inject the substance into the plant via a channel through a needle, the first actuator would ideally take the form of a lifting device.

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the injection device further includes a second force sensor capable of measuring the pressure of the substance stored in the container and at least one microcontroller, which allows:

[0083] 1) Based on the force function measured by the second force sensor, the compression of the volume of the substance present in the can is adjusted by the first actuator, and thus the injection of the substance into the plant is adjusted.

[0084] 2) If the pressure becomes too high, deactivate the first actuator, thereby interrupting the injection. Such excessive pressure is equivalent to a force greater than or equal to 100 daN, preferably greater than or equal to 200 daN. This excessive pressure may be caused by, for example, a region in the plant that is too hard or blockage of the needle hole. There is then a risk of damaging the plant due to separation of the cambium base, which would cause irreversible damage over a large area and could potentially damage the canister or even the device, which is unacceptable during treatment.

[0085] 3) The injection is interrupted because the boost pressure is too low, deactivating the first actuator. This excessively low pressure is equivalent to a force of 5 daN or less. For example, this excessively low boost pressure may be caused by internal damage to the device. This poses a risk of ineffective injection, especially the unnecessary dissemination of phytosanitary products into the external environment.

[0086] In the last two cases of injection sequence interruption, the microcontroller can also notify the user of the interruption. This information can be provided via light and / or sound indicators. The microcontroller can then activate a second actuator to withdraw the needle from the xylem of the tree, thereby activating a new insertion / injection sequence at another location in the bark.

[0087] The device according to the invention may further include a second position sensor associated with the first actuator, enabling notification to the user and potentially to the device regarding the amount of substance introduced into the device. Based on the information provided by the second position sensor, the microcontroller can interrupt the injection phase once the required amount of substance has been injected into the device, or record the actual amount of substance introduced if the injection is interrupted for one of the aforementioned reasons.

[0088] The volume of the injected substance can be adjusted depending on the plant to be treated (e.g., as specified by the user).

[0089] The device is powered by an electrical supply, which can be either connected to mains power or a battery.

[0090] The device may optionally include a memory containing operating parameters of the device and parameters to be used depending on the plant to be injected.

[0091] Ideally, the device according to the invention includes an operation indicator, such as an indicator light (LED).

[0092] Advantageously, the device according to the invention includes a gripping mechanism, such as a handle, to make it easier for the user to hold the device.

[0093] The device according to the invention may also include a carrying device, such as a strap to reduce the weight of the device for the user.

[0094] The device advantageously includes a visual interface, such as a control screen, possibly a touchscreen, through which the user can select control parameters (impact power, rotation speed, force measurement, actuator motor strength, etc.). The visual interface also alerts the user to battery level, the volume of material in the container, etc. Furthermore, the visual interface warns the user of any malfunctions in the device (e.g., excessive force detected, hose leak, etc.).

[0095] The device also includes a means to protect the external body, such as a protective pad to protect the device in the event of a fall.

[0096] The device includes a common USB connector and other connectors for data transmission. The transmission can also be performed via a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0097] Regarding the method of treating plants by injection using the above-described device, the insertion step is preferably performed when the power of the impact mechanism is greater than 1.0 joules, typically between 1.2 and 8 joules, and more preferably between 1.2 and 4 joules.

[0098] Finally, regarding the use of the device described above to allow subcutaneous injection of the substance, the power of the impact mechanism is preferably greater than 1.0 joules, typically between 1.2 and 8 joules, and more preferably between 1.2 and 4 joules.

[0099] The invention can be better understood by reading the following description, which is given by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0100] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, the injection device 1 is kept horizontal and pointed towards its target. The front of the injection device 1 corresponds to the injection head, and the rear of the device allows the user to hold the injection head, especially to apply support to the bark of the plant before injection.

[0101] refer to Figure 1 The injection device 1 includes a body 2 (also called a base or frame) which corresponds to a machined part to serve as a support for the various components of the device. The body may be perforated at different locations to make it as lightweight as possible.

[0102] At the front end of the injection device 1, a locking / unlocking system 13 (e.g., a latch equipped with a hook) is attached to a socket corresponding to the stop 3 of the injection head for locking or securing the installation of the needle holder 4 / needle 5 assembly.

[0103] The stop 3 is in the form of a protruding cylinder, and a cavity is machined into the stop, which is in the opposite form to the needle holder 4. A hole is also machined in the center of the cylinder, which connects to the cavity and forms an opening through which the needle 5 can pass.

[0104] Needle 5 defines the longitudinal axis A of injection device 1.

[0105] In the opposite form, when the stop 3 is fixed or fastened to the body 2 of the injection device 1, the possible structure of the needle holder 4 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. In this needle holder, the needle frame is an integral part of the needle holder and is in the form of a hollow cylinder, for example, having a length of 20 mm and a diameter of 5 mm, in which a drilled hole is machined, forming the housing of the needle 5. Once the needle 5 is placed in the frame, the channel of the needle 5 leads to another channel machined within the needle holder 4, which is connected to the canister 8 of the device 1 via a hose 12. This other channel also includes a device for securing the needle 5, which takes the form of a screw that abuts against the needle 5, the screw being pierced at its center to allow material from the hose 12 to pass toward the needle channel 5.

[0106] Figure 4 Another possible configuration of the needle holder 4 is shown. In this alternative needle holder 4, the mounting of the needle 5 always corresponds to a hollow cylinder with a drilled hole in which the needle 5 is secured (e.g., by adhesive). The frame is now housed in the body of the needle holder 4 in a complementary shape, featuring an O-ring interface for waterproofing to allow assembly of the needle holder 4. The frame is secured in the needle holder 5 by a flat-head screw. Once the needle 5 / needle holder mounting assembly is in place, the channel of the needle 5 leads to another channel machined within the needle holder 4, which is connected to the canister 8 of the device 1 via a hose 12.

[0107] The guide 3 of the injection head is also pivotally mounted relative to the main body 2 of the injection device 1 about a transverse axis B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Therefore, when the user unlocks the locking system 13 of the guide 3, the guide 3 tilts about the transverse axis B under the action of gravity. The detection contact of the guide 3 on the main body 2 is disconnected, thereby fixing the injection device 1.

[0108] The user can then fill the container 8 located on top of the device 1 and along the longitudinal axis A with a substance, or more simply, replace the container when it is removable.

[0109] Once the guide 3 is locked in place on the device 1, the fixing system is locked, and the connection between the hose 12 and the tank 8 is formed by a connection machined inside the guide 3 at the upper part of the guide 3, which allows for a waterproof connection between the outlet of the tank 8 and the inlet of the hose 12.

[0110] like Figures 5 to 8As shown, the user first places the support tool 6, more specifically the support end piece 15, on the longitudinal axis A of the plant's bark. The support end piece 15 has a shape adapted to the type of bark, being particularly flat for smooth bark. The support end piece 15 may also be machined with holes for the needle 5 to pass through. The support tool 6 is associated with a force sensor 16, which measures the supporting force exerted by the support tool 6 on the plant's bark.

[0111] Once the first force sensor 16 detects the minimum force corresponding to the activation value, the microcontroller activates the second actuator 7 to retract the support tool 6 (at a speed of 20 mm / s) and enable the needle 5 to be inserted into the bark of the plant.

[0112] Then needle 5 gradually pierces the bark of the plant. Now, if the speed at which needle 5 inserts into the plant is slower than the speed at which the second actuator 7 retracts the support tool 6, this will result in a reduction in the force detected by the first force sensor 16.

[0113] When the detected force is below a threshold typically set at 150N (referred to as the impact value), the microcontroller activates the impact mechanism 10 (details of which are not specified). Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the impact mechanism 10 impacts the needle holder 4 along the longitudinal axis A of the device 1, causing the needle holder 4 to move back and forth within the guide 3, which allows the needle 5 to be inserted into the bark of the plant.

[0114] During this back-and-forth motion, the applied force brings the needle holder 4 back to the impact mechanism 10. This impact of the impact mechanism 10 is generated by a mechanical or pneumatic transmission. The impactor is driven by a piston, the reciprocating motion of which is kinematically controlled or driven by compressed air.

[0115] Therefore, in this impact mechanism 10, the impactor strikes a chisel that moves freely within its housing, and then the chisel strikes the needle holder 4 along the longitudinal axis A. This mechanism is an indirect impact system.

[0116] Alternatively, the chisel no longer translates freely within its housing, but instead comes into contact with the needle holder 4. The impact energy generated by the impactor in contact with the chisel is then optimally transferred to the needle holder 4. This is a more efficient indirect impact system.

[0117] When the impact mechanism 10 is a direct impact system, the impactor directly impacts the needle holder 4 along the longitudinal axis A. The impact energy generated by the contact between the impactor and the needle holder 4 is greater.

[0118] Therefore, direct impact systems are more effective than indirect impact systems.

[0119] In these impact systems, the impact energy generated by the impactor in contact with the chisel or needle holder 4 is transferred to the bark of the plant through the impact needle 5 during insertion.

[0120] In the various tests conducted, the power of the impact mechanism 10 was typically between 1.2 and 2 joules. Simultaneously, the microcontroller reduced the speed of the second actuator 7 (typically 5 mm / s), thereby reducing the retraction speed of the support tool 6 and limiting the risk of twisting the needle 5.

[0121] If the applied force becomes greater than the impact value again, the microcontroller deactivates the impact mechanism 10 and returns the retraction speed of the tool 6 to its initial speed via the second actuator 7. Now, in some cases, although the impact mechanism 10 is triggered, the applied force continues to decrease after it has already fallen below the impact value. From that point on, a limit value (typically 50 N) is defined; below this limit value, the microcontroller deactivates the second actuator 7 while increasing the power of the impact mechanism 10 (typically between 2 and 4 Joules).

[0122] This sequence allows for improved insertion of needle 5, and stops insertion once the applied force returns above the limit.

[0123] Once the needle 5 has been inserted into the target depth in the xylem of the plant, which is identified by the first position sensor, the microcontroller can activate the injection of the substance.

[0124] To this end, under the control of force sensor 17, actuator 9 acts on canister 8 to measure the pressure of the substance to be injected into the xylem of the plant. The substance then passes through canister 8, enters tubing 12, reaches needle 5 via needle holder 4, and is then injected into the plant.

[0125] Once the required volume of material has been injected, as determined by the second position sensor associated with the first actuator 9, the actuator 7 acts on the support tool 6 to advance the support tool 6 against the bark of the plant along the longitudinal axis A until the needle 5 is completely exposed from the bark of the plant.

[0126] For this purpose, the support tool 6 includes a housing at its lower portion along the longitudinal axis A for accommodating the rod of the actuator 7. Preferably, the lower housing of the support tool 6 is magnetized, such that the rod of the actuator 7 is non-permanently magnetically connected to the support tool 6. This configuration allows the rod of the actuator 7 and the support tool 6 to be easily and tool-free detached.

[0127] During this extraction step, the guide device 14, such as a slider, accompanies the support tool 6 along the longitudinal axis A of the device 1. Thus, two sliders are arranged along and parallel to the longitudinal axis A on either side of the lower part of the injection head, and these two sliders slide in tracks fixed inside the body 2 of the injection device 1 by means of rollers or ball bearings.

[0128] In this same extraction step, a protective device, such as a protective bellows, can be envisioned to protect the rod of actuator 7.

[0129] Once extraction is complete, the support end piece 15 can be removed from the support tool 6, allowing the user to replace the support end piece 15 without removing the support tool 6 from the slider.

Claims

1. An injection device (1) for subcortical injection of a substance into a plant, the injection device comprising: Main body (2), Injection head, the injection head comprising: The needle holder (4) holds the substantially straight needle (5) and defines the longitudinal axis (A) of the injection device. The needle (5) is penetrated at its center by a channel that opens at at least one hole in the sidewall of the needle (5) and thus the hole is not located at the end of the needle intended to penetrate the plant. The guide (3) has a cavity in which the needle holder (4) and the needle (5) are movable along the longitudinal axis (A) of the injection device (1), the cavity having an opening that allows the needle (5) to pass through and insert into the bark of the plant; A first actuator (9) is capable of acting on a container (8) to pressurize the substance stored in the container (8) and to allow the substance to be injected into the plant via a channel through a needle (5). A support tool (6) for supporting the injection device (1) on the plant, the support tool (6) being locating along the longitudinal axis of the injection device, near the needle (5), and also serving as a protective sleeve for the end of the needle (5), the support tool having an orifice allowing the needle (5) to pass through. The second actuator (7) is capable of acting on the support tool (6) by retracting the support tool (6) when the needle (5) is inserted into the plant, thereby allowing the needle (5) to be withdrawn after insertion into the plant. The injection device (1) also includes an impact mechanism (10) capable of impacting the needle holder (4) with an energy of less than 10 joules and greater than 1.0 joules, thereby allowing the needle (5) to be inserted into the plant, and The injection device further includes a first force sensor (16) and at least one microcontroller, the first force sensor being capable of measuring the force exerted by the support tool (6) against the bark of the plant, and the microcontroller being capable of: i) Once the minimum force corresponding to the activation value is detected, the second actuator (7) is activated to retract the support tool (6) and allow the needle (5) to be inserted into the bark of the plant, the activation value being at least 2 daN; ii) Once the applied force is less than a threshold called the impact value, the impact mechanism (10) is activated, the impact value being less than 250N; iii) Once the applied force becomes less than the limit value, the second actuator (7) is deactivated, the limit value being less than 50 N.

2. The injection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The impact mechanism is an electromechanical or electro-pneumatic system.

3. The injection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The needle holder (4) and the needle (5) are integral with the body (2) of the injection device, and the needle holder (4) and the needle (5) have a gap of 2 to 15 mm with the body (2) along the longitudinal axis (A) of the injection device (1).

4. The injection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support tool (6) includes a support end piece (15) that is capable of contacting the bark of the plant.

5. The injection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The injection device also includes a first position sensor and at least one microcontroller. The first position sensor is associated with a second actuator (7) and is capable of measuring the depth to which the needle (5) is inserted into the bark of the plant. The at least one microcontroller allows the second actuator (7) and the impact mechanism (10) to be deactivated once the needle (5) has been inserted into the plant to the target depth. It also activates a first actuator (9) that can act on the can (8) to pressurize the substance stored therein and inject the substance into the plant through the needle (5).

6. The injection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The impact mechanism (10) has an energy between 1.2 and 8 joules.

7. The injection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The impact mechanism (10) has an energy between 1.2 and 4 joules.

8. The injection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide (3) is pivotally mounted relative to the body (2) about a transverse axis (B) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) of the injection device.

9. The injection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The needle holder includes a frame, which is an integral part of the needle holder (4) or consists of separate parts fixed to the needle holder (4).

10. A method for treating plants by subcutaneous injection of a substance; the method comprising the following steps: The injection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is applied to the bark of a plant. Activate the injection device (1) to allow the needle (5) to be inserted into the bark of the plant, and subsequently perform a subcortical injection of the substance, and The needle (5) is withdrawn from the plant by activating the second actuator (7) of the injection device (1).

11. Use of an injection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, for allowing the injection of a substance into the bark of a plant.

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