Device for protecting row-planted crops from climate hazards

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for protecting row-planted crops from harsh weather is disclosed, comprising a support (2) for dragging means (9) of a protective tarpaulin (4) between a stowed position and a deployed position of the protective tarpaulin. According to the invention, said dragging means (9) comprise an unfolding and folding mechanism (10) having a first end (7) engaged to a movement actuation means (11) and a free second end (8), and means attached to said tarpaulin, said second end (8) being movable away from said first end (7) of the mechanism (10) when said actuation means urge the free second end (8). The mechanism is able to unfold the protective tarpaulin (4) in a direction parallel to and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the row-planted crop, and to fold the protective tarpaulin when the free second end (8) is brought close to the first end (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agriculture, and more particularly to a device for protecting row-planted crops from the effects of severe weather, such as vines, market garden crops, or fruit crops such as berries or other fruits. Background Technology

[0002] The growth of row-planted crops depends on external weather conditions. However, in recent years, crops have frequently suffered from increasingly severe and intense weather, often leading to sharp declines in yield or even crop loss. Therefore, farmers are increasingly aware of the need for effective protection against severe weather.

[0003] Some solutions for protecting row-planted crops from hail or frost are known, such as solutions using flame or resistance heaters or hail nets. These solutions provide protection against only a single type of severe weather, and some have drawbacks related to carbon dioxide emissions, while others are difficult to implement.

[0004] Document CN 218417667 U describes a solution for providing crop protection against hail, disclosing a device for deploying hail nets over rows of vegetables. The net is supported by a mechanism that allows it to move longitudinally using a device that enables extension between a position where the net contracts near the support post of the device and a position where the net extends along the crop row. This device is easier to use than the solution described above, but is specifically designed for hail protection applications. Furthermore, because this solution only allows the net to deploy in one direction, the device is limited to a width equal to the width of the row of crops, otherwise it would be incompatible with farm mechanization (where machinery needs to be able to pass between crop rows). Therefore, the protection provided to the crops by this device is greatly limited by the cultivated land area. However, to cope with different types of severe weather, wider protection for rows of crops is often required.

[0005] Furthermore, document FR 3056077 A discloses another solution: a device for deploying a protective tarpaulin along a row of vines to restrict all the vines in that row downwards to the roots of their rhizomes at the deployed position. The solution described in the aforementioned document has a very complex construction, employing traction cables and rails extending along the length of the row, or rotating longitudinal rods extending along the length of the row, meaning that components of the device are permanently installed within the row of vines. This installation greatly intrudes into the row-grown crop and makes it difficult to mechanize crop cultivation, while also being difficult to implement.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the above-mentioned literature and to provide an original solution for a device for protecting row crops, which allows protection of row crops from a variety of types of severe weather, and which has a simple construction and can be easily integrated into the land. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This objective is achieved by the present invention, which provides a device for protecting row-planted crops, such as protecting row-planted crops from severe weather. The device includes a support member for at least one means of dragging a protective tarpaulin between a retracted and an extended position. The at least one dragging means includes an unfolding and retracting mechanism and at least one means attached to the tarpaulin. The unfolding and retracting mechanism has a first end engaged with at least one movable actuating device and a free second end. When the at least one actuating device pushes the free second end to move it away from the first end of the mechanism, the mechanism is capable of unfolding the protective tarpaulin in two mutually perpendicular directions in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the support member and unfolding it upwards in a direction parallel to the direction of the support member. Furthermore, when the at least one actuating device brings the free second end closer to the first end, the mechanism is capable of retracting the protective tarpaulin.

[0008] The object of the present invention is also achieved by means of a device for protecting row-planted crops from severe weather, the device comprising a support for dragging a protective tarpaulin between a stowed position and an unfolded position, characterized in that the dragging device comprises an unfolding and stowing mechanism and means attached to the tarpaulin, the unfolding and stowing mechanism having a first end engaged with a moving actuation device and a free second end, the mechanism being capable of unfolding the protective tarpaulin in a direction parallel to and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the row-planted crops when the actuation device pushes the free second end away from the first end of the mechanism, and stowing the protective tarpaulin when the second end is brought close to the first end.

[0009] In other words, the present invention provides a device for protecting row-planted crops, particularly row-planted crops, from severe weather. This device includes supports for driving a protective tarpaulin to unfold and subsequently retract it, wherein all components are part of the device, making it self-supporting. In fact, because the towing mechanism includes a free end capable of dragging the protective tarpaulin, it is unnecessary to mount the towing mechanism between multiple supports as in the prior art (which requires traction cables to extend between them). The free end refers to the cantilever-type end of the mechanism, where it is not held by a support device. This solution allows for a simple, modular protective device that can be installed in the crop without additional devices or independently of adjacent protective devices. Furthermore, the device of the present invention allows the protective tarpaulin to unfold in two directions: a first longitudinal direction parallel to the direction of the crop row, and a second transverse direction perpendicular to the first direction and located in a plane substantially parallel to the soil surface of the planted row crop. In other words, the device according to the invention allows the protective tarpaulin to unfold in two mutually perpendicular directions in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the support and upward in a direction parallel to the direction of the support. This unfolding in two directions allows for the use of a device with small dimensions in the folded position to cover a large area not only along the length of the row crop but also along the width of the row crop in its unfolded position. This enables the use of fewer protective devices to cover a given area of ​​cultivated land while providing better protection for the row crop from various types of severe weather.

[0010] Therefore, the device has a small footprint when folded, allowing access for agricultural machinery that can operate on rows of crops without obstruction. When deployed, the device protects large areas of crops from various types of severe weather, such as frost, hail, scorching (due to heat, UV radiation, etc.), high temperatures, rain, and wind, while also reducing carbon emissions and pesticide use.

[0011] This modularly constructed device can cover large surfaces in its deployed position; for example, it can provide protection between 5 m and 15 m in length and 0.7 m and 2 m in width. It also has the advantage of being able to be installed occasionally as needed by farmers, while being easy to implement (in terms of transportation and installation) and maintain. The retracted dimensions of the device allow it to be very concealed and therefore easily integrated into the land. For example, it can have a length of 0.4 m and a width of 0.2 m in its retracted position.

[0012] The device may include two unfolding and retracting mechanisms arranged on both sides of the support member, the free end of the first mechanism being able to move in the opposite direction to the free end of the second mechanism.

[0013] Each of the first ends of the two (expanding and retracting) mechanisms can be engaged with an actuation device shared by the two mechanisms.

[0014] The unfolding and retracting mechanism may include a pantographe comprising multiple modules, each module being formed by two arms hinged together around a central hinge, the modules being pivotally engaged together at the ends of the arms around the hinge.

[0015] At least one end of the take-up and take-down rack includes two rods located at the ends of at least two arms and attached to an actuation device (e.g., a first worm gear) and an electric motor for actuating the rotation of the worm gear.

[0016] The device may include multiple ribs, two ribs being engaged together by pivoting about a hinge belonging to one of these ribs, each rib being mounted to be hinged about the hinge of the module at one of its ends, while its opposite end is free, and each of these ribs being mounted to pivot about the hinge of the module at the end opposite to the end of the rib that connects the rib to the hinge.

[0017] The free end of the rib may include an attachment device for the protective tarpaulin.

[0018] The device of the present invention may include fabric lifting arms that can be mounted as hinges around a rib.

[0019] The at least one actuating device (or more than one actuating device) can cause two rods at the first end of the mechanism to translate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support. This translation allows the deployment and retraction mechanism to extend and retract in two other directions perpendicular to the first direction.

[0020] The device of the present invention may include at least one (e.g., multiple) means for translating the deployment and retraction mechanism in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support. This allows the deployment and retraction mechanism to be positioned below the operating height and then raised, so that the deployment and retraction mechanism can protect the crop in its deployed position.

[0021] The deployment mechanism and the protective tarpaulin can be housed inside a casing located in the upper part of the support. This allows them to be protected when in the retracted position.

[0022] The casing can be equipped with solar panels. This allows the operation of the device of the present invention to be electrically autonomous. In another variant, electrical autonomy is ensured by batteries.

[0023] The device of this invention may include measuring sensors coupled to an automated device. This allows the mechanism for dragging the protective tarpaulin to automatically retract and unfold. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will be better understood by reading the remainder of the specification with reference to the following figures: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the protective device of the present invention in its retracted position; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the protective device of the present invention in its unfolded position; Figure 3 This is a side view of the unfolding mechanism; Figure 4 This is a front view of the unfolding mechanism; Figure 5 It is a 3D diagram of the unfolding mechanism; Figures 6a to 6e The protective device of the present invention, arranged in rows of vines, is shown in various positions when it is deployed; Figure 7 A bottom view showing the device of the present invention in its unfolded position is presented.

[0025] In the various figures, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, their descriptions are not systematically repeated. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the context of this invention, the term "upward" should be understood as referring to the direction away from the ground and along the local vertical direction when the protective device is installed, i.e., when the support is anchored in the ground.

[0027] Figure 1The protective device 1 of the present invention is illustrated schematically, for example, a protective device for protecting against severe weather, shown in a retracted position. The device includes a support member 2 comprising a hollow cylindrical rod 2.1 having a longitudinal axis z-z'. The rod 2.1 is engaged at its lower end to a base 5 for anchoring the support member 2 in the ground, and at its upper end to a housing 3 enclosing the head of the protective device, the head including at least one device 9 for dragging a protective tarpaulin 4. The at least one dragging device includes an unfolding and retracting mechanism 10 and a means attached to the protective tarpaulin 4, the unfolding and retracting mechanism having a first end 7 engaged to at least one moving actuation device 11 and a free second end 8, the at least one dragging device shown in a retracted position. The protective tarpaulin 4 is attached to the unfolding device 10 by means of an attachment means, as will be explained below. The housing 3 includes a cover 6 in its upper portion.

[0028] The support member 2 also includes at least one device 11 for actuating the movement of the deployment device 10, such as multiple devices. In the example shown, the actuation device 11 includes an electric motor 12 and a device for connecting to a first worm gear 14 associated with the deployment mechanism 10. The electric motor 12 also includes at least one device for connecting to a second worm gear 16 that allows vertical movement of the head of the protective device 1, such as multiple devices.

[0029] The following will refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Explain the structure and operation of the deployment mechanism 10. The deployment mechanism 10 is formed by a plurality of rigid arms that are hinged together and mounted to be able to pivot about hinges, each hinge allowing the arm to rotate about the central axis of the hinge.

[0030] More precisely, a scissor-type hinge mechanism or a take-up / take-down frame is used to achieve longitudinal movement or movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the crop row. The take-up / take-down frame includes multiple modules A, which are hinged together at their ends. Each module A includes two rigid arms A1, A2 of the same length, which are pivotally hinged at their center about a hinge x1. Each arm A1, A2 is pivotally engaged at its end to the two arms A1, A2 of the adjacent module A by means of hinges x2, x4. The multiple modules A thus joined together form the take-up / take-down frame. The take-up / take-down frame is moved by engaging rods 7.1 and 7.2 located at the first end 7 of the deploying mechanism 10 to an actuation device 11, which in the illustrated example is represented by a first worm gear 14 and an electric motor 12 for actuating the rotation of the worm gear 14.

[0031] Lateral movement, or movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the row, or movement in one of two mutually perpendicular directions in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the support, is achieved using ribs B1 and B2 mounted to hinge relative to each other around hinge x3. More specifically, rib B1 is a rigid arm whose length is approximately twice the length of the arm forming rib B2. Ribs B1 and B2 are mounted to hinge around the end of each module A of the take-up rack. Rib B1 is mounted to pivot about hinge x2, and rib B2 is mounted to pivot about hinge x4 of module A. Ribs B1 and B2 are mounted to pivot relative to each other around hinge x3. Figure 3 Using attachment device 4.1 () Figure 7 The protective tarpaulin is attached to rib B1, particularly to the free end of the rib, so that the tarpaulin moves laterally with the rib during deployment, giving the protective tarpaulin the shape of a deux pentes in its deployed position.

[0032] Each module A of the unfolding mechanism 10's take-up and take-down rack is also equipped with two fabric lifting elements E1 and E2 ( Figure 4 These two fabric lifting elements are also constructed by means of a hinged rigid arm mounted on rib B1 via hinge x6. Fabric lifting elements E1 and E2 are raised relative to each other by pivoting along the axis of the hinge x5 through which they are joined, thereby allowing the fabric forming the protective tarpaulin 4 to rise, thus preventing the protective tarpaulin from being clamped by the elements A1 and A2 of the take-up and take-down rack when it is deployed, or giving the protective tarpaulin the shape formed by rib B1.

[0033] The operation of the mechanism 10 used to unfold and retract the protective tarpaulin 4 will now be explained. In the closed position of the unfolding frame, the distance between the axes of hinges x2 and x4 is at its maximum, and the unfolding frame is longitudinally compressed. During the unfolding phase, the axes of hinges x2 and x4 move closer together by axially translating the drive rods 7.1 and 7.2 towards each other. This means that the length of the unfolding frame (composed of modules A) increases by pivoting the arms A1 and A2 about the axis of hinge x1. Thus, through periodic symmetry, in each module A, the axes of hinges x2 and x4 of the unfolding frame move closer together, causing the upper and lower parts of each module A to move longitudinally and simultaneously apart. This causes the device to extend as a whole in the longitudinal direction. The ribs B1 to which the canvas is attached open by the movement of axes x2 and x4 towards each other. Axis x3 (which engages two ribs B1 and B2) removes the free end of rib B1, allowing the canvas to extend laterally, thus giving the protective tarpaulin a gable roof shape. Fabric risers E1 and E2 are lowered by pivoting about the axis of hinge x5, allowing the fabric of the protective tarpaulin to take the roof shape formed by rib B1 when the rack is deployed. Therefore, in the fully deployed position of the rack, the distance between these axes X2 and X4 is at its minimum, and the rack then extends horizontally in the plane formed by the longitudinal direction Y-Y' and the transverse direction X-X'. Figure 2 ).

[0034] When it is desired to retract the protective tarpaulin, the first worm gear 14 actuates the axial translation of two rods 7.1 and 7.2 (parallel to the axis z-z' of support member 2), which causes the axes of hinges x2 and x4 of the retraction frame to move apart. The length of the retraction frame (composed of module A) is reduced by pivoting elements A1 and A2 about the axis of hinge x1. Through periodic symmetry, the distance between all pairs of axes x2 and x4 of the retraction frame increases, and the upper and lower parts of the retraction frame move longitudinally and simultaneously toward each other. This shortens the longitudinal length of the device. The ribs B1 to which the fabric is attached also collapse and fold. Each upper rib B1 folds up and allows the fabric to narrow laterally. Fabric lifting elements E1 and E2 rise by hinges about axis x5, thereby allowing the fabric to rise and preventing the fabric from being caught by elements A1 and A2 of the retraction frame.

[0035] Figures 6a to 6e The various stages of operation of the protection device 1 of the present invention are shown. Figure 6a Three protective devices 1 of the present invention are shown, installed at specific distances from each other in a retracted position within multiple rows of vines. It can be seen that they are very compact and well-concealed, and designed to allow machinery to pass through the vines. For example, the height of the devices in the fully retracted position is between approximately 0.8 m and 3 m, and this height is chosen such that the upper part of the device does not exceed the leaf wall of the vine.

[0036] Figure 6b This demonstrates the first stage of the unfolding of the protective tarpaulin 4, more precisely, the upward vertical movement of the head of the device (i.e., the assembly formed by the protective tarpaulin 4 and the unfolding mechanism 10). Figure 2 (in the Z direction). This movement is achieved by actuating the rotation of the second worm gear 16 housed in the rod 2.1 of the support 2 (e.g., by means of an electric motor 12). The components of the device are thus positioned above each row of vines, and the protective tarpaulin 4 can be unfolded.

[0037] Figure 6c This shows the beginning of the protective tarpaulin 4 unfolding longitudinally on both sides of the support member 2. Figure 6d It shows the intermediate stages of the unfolding process, and Figure 6e The diagram shows the end of the protective tarpaulin 4, which extends along the row of vines and laterally between two rows. The total length of the protective structure is between 5 m and 15 m. The total width is between 0.7 m and 2 m to allow for adjustments based on row spacing, depending on the specific density of the crop. The height of the roof formed by the unfolded protective tarpaulin can be 1.5 m. The gable roof shape can protect the crop from rain, UV radiation, and hail within an angle of incidence of up to 40°, while allowing work to be done on the crop below.

[0038] The protective tarpaulin 4 is made of a single piece of fabric or multiple pieces of fabric joined together by stitching, optionally with spaces left at the joints to reduce the extent to which the protective tarpaulin is caught by the wind. The fabric of the protective tarpaulin may be woven for waterproofing and / or reinforced with stronger fibers to resist harsh weather. The color can vary depending on the chosen application, for example, light colors, or even metallic fabrics to reflect UV radiation.

[0039] Protective tarpaulin 4 is folded up by going through the same stages, but in the reverse order.

[0040] Figure 7 A bottom view of the unfolded tarpaulin is shown, the unfolding mechanism of which, according to a variant, includes a mechanism in which each module A includes a double unfolding frame (including two parallel hinged arms A1, A2) and its attachment device 4.1 to rib B1.

[0041] The device of the present invention may include sensors for measuring meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, wind, etc.), which communicate with a system unit controlling the automatic deployment or retraction of the device 10. In another variation, the system unit includes means for remote communication with a user, who can then remotely control the deployment or retraction of the device 10. In yet another variation, the deployment and retraction device 10 is equipped with manual controls.

[0042] The protective device 1 of the present invention includes means, such as batteries, for supplying power to the actuation mechanism of the unfolding and retracting device 10. These batteries may be rechargeable and, for example, retractable for insertion into the power grid or use of solar panels. Such solar panels may be advantageously mounted on the cover 6 of the housing 3. This allows it to be electrically autonomous.

[0043] When the protective device 1 of the present invention is installed in cultivated land including row crops, the protective device can be integrated with the existing trellis line 20. Figure 2 This allows it to better withstand wind. In a variant, when new crops begin to grow, new trellis lines 20 can be attached to the support members 2 of the protective device 1 of the present invention.

[0044] The protective device 1 of the present invention provides comprehensive protection, such as against several types of severe weather; it is compatible with the mechanization of row-planted crops; and it is compatible with existing trellises for row-planted crops. The device has a modular construction and a minimal visual impact within the cultivation plot.

[0045] Other variations and embodiments of the invention within the scope of the claimed invention are conceivable. Thus, instead of a take-up / take-out frame, an electric cylinder can be used to apply thrust to the free end of the mechanism for deploying the protective tarpaulin.

[0046] In another variation, additional hinge ribs may be added, which are hinged around the hinge of the retractable frame to increase the coverage width when the protective device of the present invention is deployed.

[0047] The invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but the general inventive concept is not limited thereto.

[0048] After considering the various embodiments shown in this patent application, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of many other modifications and variations.

[0049] These embodiments are given by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is determined only by the following claims.

[0050] In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the use of the indefinite article "a" does not exclude multiple.

[0051] The mere fact that various features are listed in the mutually dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these features cannot be advantageously used. Finally, any reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device (1) for protecting row-planted crops, for example, protecting row-planted crops from severe weather, the device comprising a support (2) for at least one means (9) for dragging a protective tarpaulin (4) between a stowed position and an unfolded position, characterized in that, The at least one towing device (9) includes an unfolding and retracting mechanism (10) and at least one device attached to the tarpaulin. The unfolding and retracting mechanism has a first end (7) engaged with at least one moving actuating device (11) and a free second end (8). When the at least one actuating device pushes the free second end (8) to move the free second end away from the first end (7) of the mechanism (10), the mechanism is able to unfold the protective tarpaulin (4) in two mutually perpendicular directions in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the support (2) and unfold upward in a direction parallel to the direction of the support. When the at least one actuating device brings the free second end (8) close to the first end (7), the mechanism is able to retract the protective tarpaulin.

2. The device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes two unfolding and retracting mechanisms (10) arranged on both sides of the support (2), the free end (8) of the first mechanism being able to move in the opposite direction to the free end (8) of the second mechanism (10).

3. The device as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that, Each of the first ends (7) of the two unfolding and retracting mechanisms (10) is engaged with an actuation device (11) shared by the two mechanisms.

4. The device as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The unfolding and retracting mechanism (10) includes a retracting frame comprising a plurality of modules (A), each module being formed by two arms (A1, A2) hinged together around a central hinge (x1), the modules (A) being pivotally engaged together at the ends of the arms (A1, A2) around a hinge (x2, x4).

5. The device as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The device includes multiple ribs (B1, B2), two ribs being joined together by pivoting about a hinge (x3) belonging to one of these ribs (B1), each rib (B1) being mounted to be hinged about a hinge (x2) of the module (A) at one of its ends, while its opposite end is free, and each of these ribs (B2) being mounted to pivot about a hinge (x4) of the module (A) at the end of the rib opposite to the end that connects the rib to the hinge (x3).

6. The device as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The free end of the rib (B1) includes the attachment device (4.1) of the protective tarpaulin (4).

7. The device as described in any one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that, The device includes fabric lifting arms (E1, E2) that are mounted to hinge around the ribs (B1) via hinges (x6).

8. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one actuating device (11) causes the two rods (7.1, 7.2) at the first end (7) of the mechanism (10) to translate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (z-z') of the support (2).

9. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The device includes at least one means for translating the unfolding and retracting mechanism (10) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (z-z') of the support (2).

10. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The deployment mechanism and the protective tarpaulin (4) are arranged inside the outer shell (3) located in the upper part of the support (2).

11. The device as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The outer casing (3) is equipped with a solar panel.

12. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The device includes measurement sensors that are coupled to automated equipment.

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