Fruit tree branch shaping device
The fruit tree branch shaping device, composed of bent iron or steel wire with S-shaped segments, addresses inefficiencies in existing methods by offering easy installation, robust support, and adaptability, enhancing cultivation efficiency and fruit quality.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422399713.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-09-30
AI Technical Summary
The existing fruit tree branch shaping methods rely on unstandard manual experience, high labor intensity, poor material durability, high cost, flexibility and adaptability, making it difficult to achieve efficient and low-cost fruit branch management.
The fruit tree branch shaper made of iron wire or steel wire bend is designed with multiple branch units and extension sections, with open and closed ends, which can be adjusted according to the thickness of the branches and the growth stage, and is fixed to the fruit tree trunk or ground anchorage, supporting multifunctionality and expansion.
It realizes fruit tree branch management with simple structure, convenient operation, good shape effect, strong adaptability, low cost, high durability and good environmental protection, improves fruit tree cultivation efficiency and fruit quality, and reduces labor intensity and production costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN223094307U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to horticultural auxiliary tools, in particular to a fruit tree branch shaper. Background Art
[0002] Fruit tree cultivation is an important part of agricultural production and is of great significance for increasing agricultural output value and farmers' income. In the process of fruit tree cultivation, the shaping management of branches is a key link to improve fruit quality and yield. Traditional fruit tree branch shaping methods mainly include manual binding, using fixed clamps made of plastic or metal, etc. These methods have certain limitations:
[0003] Manual binding: This method depends on the experience and skills of horticultural workers, and the shaping effect varies from person to person, making it difficult to achieve standardized management. At the same time, frequent manual operations increase labor intensity and costs, and the efficiency is low.
[0004] Plastic fixed clamps: Although they can provide a certain shaping effect, the plastic material is prone to aging, has poor durability, and is not easily degraded in the natural environment, causing a certain burden on the environment.
[0005] Metal fixed clamps: Although they have good durability, the metal material is often relatively heavy, not easy to operate and adjust, and the cost is high, which is not conducive to large-scale popularization and use.
[0006] In addition, existing shaping tools often lack flexibility and adaptability, and it is difficult to meet the branch shaping requirements of different fruit tree varieties and different growth stages. Therefore, developing a fruit tree branch shaper with a simple structure, low cost, convenient operation, and strong adaptability has important practical significance for improving the efficiency of fruit tree cultivation and fruit quality. Summary of the Utility Model
[0007] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a fruit tree branch shaper with a simple structure, convenient operation, and good shaping effect, so as to improve the efficiency and effect of fruit tree branch shaping, and promote the healthy growth of fruit trees and the improvement of fruit quality.
[0008] To achieve the above purpose, the utility model provides the following technical solutions:
[0009] A fruit tree branch shaper is bent from iron wire or steel wire, and is characterized in that it includes a plurality of branch separating units arranged in a linear array. Each branch separating unit includes a left vertical segment, an S-shaped segment connected to the left vertical segment, a right vertical segment connected to the S-shaped segment, and a horizontal segment connected to the right vertical segment; the horizontal segment of each branch separating unit is connected to the left vertical segment of the adjacent branch separating unit.
[0010] Furthermore, the horizontal section and the S-shaped section form a left opening and a right opening, and the left vertical section and the S-shaped section form an upper open end and a lower closed end communicating with the right opening; the right vertical section and the S-shaped section form a lower open end and an upper closed end communicating with the left opening; the left opening, the right opening, the upper open end and the lower open end allow fruit tree branches to penetrate, and the lower closed end and the upper closed end restrict the fruit tree branches from passing through.
[0011] Furthermore, the upper open end is narrower than the lower closed end, and the lower open end is narrower than the upper closed end.
[0012] Furthermore, the widths of the left opening and the right opening are equal.
[0013] Furthermore, the opening widths of the upper open end and the lower open end are equal.
[0014] Furthermore, the left vertical section or the right vertical section of the branch separating unit at both ends extends to form an extension section.
[0015] Furthermore, the extension section is bent into a "7" shape, a "U" shape, an inverted "V" shape, a "C" shape, a hook shape or a ring structure in any direction as needed.
[0016] Furthermore, the whole fruit tree branch shaper is located below the main branch of the fruit tree to be shaped. One end of the extension section is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the fruit tree trunk or the main branch of the fruit tree through a tie rope, a cable tie, a thin iron wire or a rubber band, and the extension section at the other end is fixedly connected to the distal end of the main branch of the fruit tree or a wooden stake anchored on the ground through a tie rope, a cable tie, a thin iron wire or a rubber band.
[0017] Furthermore, two or more fruit tree branch shapers are fixedly connected end to end to form a longer fruit tree branch shaper.
[0018] Furthermore, the opening widths of the upper open end and the lower open end are narrowed or closed as needed after the fruit tree branches penetrate.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model are as follows:
[0020] 1. Simple structure: The fruit tree branch shaper of the present utility model is bent from iron wire or steel wire, with a simple structure, which is easy to mass-produce and promote the use.
[0021] 2. Convenient operation: The linear array design of the branch separating unit makes the shaper easy to install and adjust, without complex operation skills, and ordinary users can quickly get started.
[0022] 3. Good shaping effect: The design of the S-shaped section provides good support and shaping functions for the branches, which can effectively guide the branches to grow in a predetermined direction, improving the lighting conditions and quality of the fruits.
[0023] 4. Strong adaptability: Through the linear array design of the branch-clipping units, branches at any position can find the nearest branch-clipping unit, which can adapt to fruit tree branches of different species and different growth stages, and has good versatility and flexibility.
[0024] 5. Low cost: Compared with traditional plastic or metal fixing clamps, the shaper made of iron wire or steel wire has obvious cost advantages and is more economical and affordable.
[0025] 6. High durability: The iron wire or steel wire material has high strength and durability, is not easily damaged, has a long service life, and reduces the replacement frequency and maintenance cost.
[0026] 7. Environmental protection: The iron wire or steel wire material is easy to recycle and reuse, has little impact on the environment, and meets the requirements of sustainable development.
[0027] 8. Easy to adjust: The design of the open end and the closed end allows users to adjust according to the thickness of the branches and the shaping requirements, enabling the shaper to fit tightly to the branches and improving the shaping accuracy.
[0028] 9. Versatility: The design of the extension section enables the shaper to be fixed at different positions, increasing the diversity of usage scenarios. For example, it can be fixed on the main trunk, main branches of fruit trees or ground anchors.
[0029] 10. Easy to expand: Two or more branch shapers allow users to fix and connect the head and tail according to needs to adapt to the shaping requirements of branches of different lengths.
[0030] In summary, the fruit tree branch shaper of the present utility model shows significant advantages in terms of structural design, operation convenience, shaping effect, adaptability, cost-effectiveness, durability, environmental protection, adjustment flexibility, versatility, and easy expansion, and can effectively improve the efficiency of fruit tree cultivation and the quality of fruits. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0031] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present utility model.
[0032] Reference numerals in the figure: 1 - branch-clipping unit; 2 - extension section; 11 - left vertical section; 12 - S-shaped section; 13 - right vertical section; 14 - horizontal section; 15 - upper open end; 16 - lower closed end; 17 - left opening; 18 - right opening; 19 - lower open end; 20 - upper closed end. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0033] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model.
[0034] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "connected", and "communicated" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific situations.
[0035] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation manners of the present utility model. Those familiar with this technology can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts belong to the scope protected by the present utility model.
[0036] As Figure 1 shown, a fruit tree branch shaper is bent from iron wire or steel wire and includes 10 branch separating units 1 arranged in a linear array. For the convenience of display, an omission drawing method is adopted, and only 5 branch separating units 1 are shown; each of the branch separating units 1 includes a left vertical segment 11, an S-shaped segment 12 connected to the left vertical segment 11, a right vertical segment 13 connected to the S-shaped segment 12, and a horizontal segment 14 connected to the right vertical segment 13; the horizontal segment 14 of each branch separating unit 1 is connected to the left vertical segment 11 of the adjacent branch separating unit 1.
[0037] The horizontal segment 14 and the S-shaped segment 12 form a left opening 17 and a right opening 18, and the left vertical segment 11 and the S-shaped segment 12 form an upper open end 15 and a lower closed end 16 communicating with the right opening 18; the right vertical segment 13 and the S-shaped segment 12 form a lower open end 19 and an upper closed end 20 communicating with the left opening 17; the left opening 17, the right opening 18, the upper open end 15, and the lower open end 19 allow fruit tree branches to pass through, and the lower closed end 16 and the upper closed end 20 restrict the fruit tree branches from passing through. The upper open end 15 is narrower than the lower closed end 16, and the lower open end 19 is narrower than the upper closed end 20.
[0038] The whole fruit tree branch shaper is located below the main branch of the fruit tree to be shaped. The extension section 2 at one end is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the fruit tree trunk or the main branch of the fruit tree through a tying rope, a cable tie, a thin iron wire or a rubber band, and the extension section 2 at the other end is fixedly connected to the distal end of the main branch of the fruit tree or a wooden stake anchored on the ground through a tying rope, a cable tie, a thin iron wire or a rubber band.
[0039] The apple inverted pendant branch pruning and planting method using a branch separating device mainly includes the following steps:
[0040] A) Trunk determination in the first year: After the young tree is planted for 1 meter, the trunk is determined, and the main trunk of the apple young tree seedling is subjected to multiple girdlings, and the distance between two adjacent girdlings is kept at 8-10 cm.
[0041] B) Head removal in the second year: 8-10 main branches grow in the current year, 3 main branches are retained, the main branches are obliquely pulled at 60°, and the rest are cut off. The 3 retained main branches are the "first main branches", and the main branches are pruned, and at the same time, the tree head of the main trunk is removed; after ensuring that the length of the main branch is retained at 50±5 cm, bud notches are made to grow the current-year branches, which are the "second main branches".
[0042] C) Oblique pulling: Use the shaper to vertically pull down the "second main branch";
[0043] D) One notch and one cut in the third year: Around March 20th, make a horizontal notch on the cortex 2-4 cm above the bud of the "second main branch" with a small saw blade, and make a notch every 2-3 buds. It is advisable to make the bud notches around the bud formation period; around May 15th, make a circumcision at 10 cm away from the "first main branch" on the "second main branch" with a small saw blade. The circumcision part between the circumcision and the "first main branch" helps to form branches in the third year;
[0044] E) Removal: By the fourth year, new branches grow from the circumcision part, which are the "third main branches". At this time, fruits are borne on the "second main branch" and buds sprout on the "third main branch". Perform the one-notch and one-cut operation in step d on the "third main branch". After picking, remove the "second main branch". At the same time, the circumcision part of the "third main branch" helps to form branches in the next year. After the new branches grow from the circumcision part and the length of the new branches is greater than 40 cm, use the shaper to fix them and vertically pull them down.
[0045] Repeat in sequence to ensure that the growth cycle interval between the new branches with buds or flowers and the main branches with fruits is 1 year.
[0046] Installation position of the shaper: The whole shaper is installed below the main branch of the fruit tree to be shaped.
[0047] Fixing method of the shaper: One end extension section 2 of the shaper is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the main trunk or main branch of the fruit tree through a tether, a cable tie, a thin iron wire or a rubber band. The other end extension section 2 is also connected to the distal end of the main branch of the fruit tree or a wooden stake anchored to the ground through an appropriate fixing method to ensure the stability of the shaper.
[0048] Branch guiding: Utilize the upper open end 15 and the lower open end 19 of the branch separating unit 1 to guide the fruit tree branches to pass through and be shaped along the S-shaped section 12, ultimately achieving a drooping effect.
[0049] Branch fixing: Restrict the branches from passing through by the lower closed end 16 or the upper closed end 20 to ensure that the branches are stable at the predetermined position during the shaping process.
[0050] Using this fruit tree branch shaper and the corresponding pruning and planting methods can achieve the following beneficial effects:
[0051] 1. Improve fruit quality: By maintaining the apple drooping branches, all the fruits are located on the drooping branches, reducing the shading of the branches at the top of the tree, increasing the light exposure of the fruits, thereby improving the coloring and sugar content of the fruits and making the fruit shape more regular.
[0052] 2. Increase yield: The improved pruning and planting methods promote the transformation of the vegetative growth of the apple tree into reproductive growth, contribute to the fruiting of the apple tree, overcome the phenomenon of alternate bearing in the traditional sense, and achieve annual yield increase.
[0053] 3. Prolong the tree life: Through the concept of intergenerational growth and effective branch management, the life of the apple tree is prolonged, exceeding about twenty years in the traditional sense and reaching more than thirty years.
[0054] 4. Reduce fertilizer use: Due to the optimization of the tree structure and the effective management of the growth cycle, the fertilizer usage is saved by an average of 50%, reducing the production cost.
[0055] 5. Simplify the management process: The design of this shaper is simple and easy to learn, labor-saving, easy to install and adjust, making the management process of the fruit tree more efficient and simple.
[0056] 6. Improve operation flexibility: The adjustable design of the shaper allows adjustment according to the different growth stages and branch characteristics of the fruit tree, improving the operation flexibility and adaptability.
[0057] 7. Enhance durability: Due to the use of iron wire or steel wire materials, the shaper has sufficient strength and durability, is not easily damaged, and has a long service life.
[0058] 8. Environmentally friendly: The recyclability and durability of the materials reduce the impact on the environment, meeting the requirements of sustainable development.
[0059] 9. Easy to expand: The design of the shaper allows multiple shapers to be connected end to end to form a longer shaper to meet the shaping needs of branches of different lengths.
[0060] 10. Promote standardized management: By means of standardized shaping and pruning steps, the standardization level of fruit tree cultivation is improved, which helps to achieve large-scale and commercial production.
[0061] In another preferred embodiment, the widths of the left opening 17 and the right opening 18 are equal. The opening widths of the upper open end 15 and the lower open end 19 are equal. The equal-width openings simplify the processing process because there is no need to set different specifications or procedures for each opening separately, thus improving production efficiency. The unified dimensions reduce the complexity in the processing process and lower the manufacturing cost. During the manufacturing process, the consistent dimensions reduce the errors caused by different specifications and improve the consistency and reliability of the product. For the end user, the equal-width openings mean that each part of the shaper is consistent in function, which simplifies the user's understanding and use.
[0062] In another preferred embodiment, the left vertical section 11 or the right vertical section 13 of the branch separating unit 1 at both ends extends to form an extension section 2. The extension section 2 provides additional length, enabling the shaper to be more firmly fixed to the fruit tree, whether by means of a rope, a cable tie, a thin iron wire or a rubber band. The extension section 2 enables the shaper to adapt to tree trunks or branches of different thicknesses, improving the versatility and applicability of the shaper. Through the extension section 2, it is easier to install the shaper at an appropriate position on the fruit tree without additional adjustment or tools. The extension section 2 can be bent or adjusted as needed to adapt to different installation environments and the growth conditions of the fruit tree. If necessary, multiple shapers can be connected together through the extension section 2 to cover longer branches or larger areas.
[0063] In another preferred embodiment, the extension section 2 is bent into a "7" shape, a "U" shape, an inverted "V" shape, a "C" shape, a hook shape or a ring shape in any direction as needed. Different bent shapes can meet different fixing requirements and provide stable support whether at different positions on the tree trunk or at the fixing points on the ground. The plasticity of the extension section 2 allows the user to customize a personalized installation plan according to the specific layout and spatial conditions of the fruit tree. By forming stable geometric shapes such as a "U" shape or a "C" shape, the extension section 2 can provide additional stability. The user can easily bend the extension section 2 into the required shape according to the actual situation without additional tools or complicated operations. Whether on young fruit trees or adult fruit trees, the diversity of the extension section 2 can ensure the effective use of the shaper and adapt to fruit trees at different growth stages.
[0064] In another preferred embodiment, two or more fruit tree branch shapers are fixedly connected end to end to form a longer fruit tree branch shaper. According to the size of the fruit tree and the length of the branches, the number of connected shapers can be flexibly selected to meet different application requirements. The end-to-end connection design simplifies the installation process, and users can quickly extend the length of the shaper as needed without re-designing or adjusting the fixing structure. Whether in a small home orchard or a large commercial orchard, this expandable shaper design can provide an effective branch shaping solution. Through the modular connection method, shapers can be purchased and used according to actual needs, avoiding unnecessary investment and improving cost-effectiveness.
[0065] In another preferred embodiment, the opening widths of the upper open end 15 and the lower open end 19 are narrowed or closed as needed after the fruit tree branch is inserted. This allows users to adjust the opening widths according to the specific thickness of the branch and the shaping requirements, achieving more precise branch shaping and fixation. By narrowing or closing the opening, the branch can be fixed more tightly, reducing branch sway caused by wind or other external forces and improving the overall structural stability. Adjusting the opening width after the branch is inserted can avoid unnecessary damage to the branch during the shaping process, contributing to the healthy growth of the fruit tree. This design enables the shaper to adapt to branches of different diameters, improving the versatility and flexibility of the shaper. Users can easily adjust the opening width according to different growth stages of the fruit tree and shaping effects without replacing the shaper or using additional tools. By precisely controlling the position and shape of the branch, the lighting and ventilation conditions of the fruit can be optimized, contributing to improving the quality and yield of the fruit. In orchard management, being able to quickly adjust the shaper to adapt to different branches can improve the efficiency of horticultural work.
[0066] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A fruit tree branch shaper, which is bent from iron wire or steel wire, is characterized in that, The branch separating unit (1) includes multiple linear arrays. Each branch separating unit (1) includes a left vertical segment (11), an S-shaped segment (12) connected to the left vertical segment (11), a right vertical segment (13) connected to the S-shaped segment (12), and a horizontal segment (14) connected to the right vertical segment (13); the horizontal segment (14) of each branch separating unit (1) is connected to the left vertical segment (11) of the adjacent branch separating unit (1).
2. The fruit tree branch shaper according to claim 1, wherein, The horizontal segment (14) and the S-shaped segment (12) form a left opening (17) and a right opening (18), and the left vertical segment (11) and the S-shaped segment (12) form an upper open end (15) and a lower closed end (16) communicating with the right opening (18); the right vertical segment (13) and the S-shaped segment (12) form a lower open end (19) and an upper closed end (20) communicating with the left opening (17); the left opening (17), the right opening (18), the upper open end (15) and the lower open end (19) allow fruit tree branches to penetrate, and the lower closed end (16) and the upper closed end (20) restrict the fruit tree branches from passing through.
3. A fruit tree branch shaper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper open end (15) is narrower than the lower closed end (16), and the lower open end (19) is narrower than the upper closed end (20).
4. The fruit tree branch shaper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The widths of the left opening (17) and the right opening (18) are equal.
5. The fruit tree branch shaper according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening widths of the upper open end (15) and the lower open end (19) are equal.
6. The fruit tree branch shaper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left vertical segment (11) or the right vertical segment (13) of the branch separating units (1) at both ends extends to form an extension segment (2).
7. The fruit tree branch shaper according to claim 6, wherein The extension segment (2) is bent into a "7" shape, a "U" shape, an inverted "V" shape, a "C" shape, a hook shape or a ring structure in any direction as needed.
8. A fruit tree branch shaper according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The fruit tree branch shaper is entirely located below the main branch of the fruit tree to be shaped. The extension segment (2) at one end is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the fruit tree trunk or the main branch of the fruit tree through a tie rope, a cable tie, a thin iron wire or a rubber band, and the extension segment (2) at the other end is fixedly connected to the distal end of the fruit tree main branch or a wooden stake anchored to the ground through a tie rope, a cable tie, a thin iron wire or a rubber band.
9. A fruit tree branch shaper according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Two or more fruit tree branch shapers are fixedly connected end to end to form a longer fruit tree branch shaper.
10. A fruit tree branch shaper according to claim 2, 3 or 5, characterized in that, The opening widths of the upper open end (15) and the lower open end (19) are narrowed or closed as needed after the fruit tree branches penetrate.